General SafetyGeneral Safety

Chemical Hazards Chemical Hazards

and and

Fire SafetyFire Safety

Revised August 2012

Safety Data SheetsSafety Data Sheets (SDS)(SDS)Right to KnowRight to Know (HAZCOM)(HAZCOM)

Approximately 590,000 workers, about 1 in Approximately 590,000 workers, about 1 in 4 in the North Carolina workforce are 4 in the North Carolina workforce are exposed to 1 or more chemical hazards. exposed to 1 or more chemical hazards. There are an estimated 575,000 chemical There are an estimated 575,000 chemical products in the nation and new ones being products in the nation and new ones being introduced annually. introduced annually.

Chemical exposures may cost or contribute Chemical exposures may cost or contribute to many serious health effects such as to many serious health effects such as heart ailments, kidney and lung damage, heart ailments, kidney and lung damage, sterility, cancer, burns and rashes. Some sterility, cancer, burns and rashes. Some chemicals may also be safety hazards and chemicals may also be safety hazards and have the potential to cause fires, have the potential to cause fires, explosions and other serious accidents.explosions and other serious accidents.

Purpose of Purpose of SDSSDS Chemical manufacturers and importers must Chemical manufacturers and importers must

develop Safety Data Sheets develop Safety Data Sheets (SDS)(SDS) for each for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. hazardous chemical they produce or import. Employers are responsible for obtaining or Employers are responsible for obtaining or developing a developing a SDSSDS for each hazardous chemical for each hazardous chemical used, including information regarding the specific used, including information regarding the specific chemical identity of the hazardous chemical(s) chemical identity of the hazardous chemical(s) involved and the common names.involved and the common names.

Beyond the identity information, the Beyond the identity information, the SDSSDS must must provide information on the physical and chemical provide information on the physical and chemical characteristics of the hazardous chemical, known characteristics of the hazardous chemical, known acute and chronic health effects and related health acute and chronic health effects and related health information, exposure limits, whether the chemical information, exposure limits, whether the chemical is considered to be a carcinogen, precautionary is considered to be a carcinogen, precautionary measures, emergency and first aid procedures, and measures, emergency and first aid procedures, and the identification of the organization responsible the identification of the organization responsible for preparing the sheetfor preparing the sheet..

Where to Locate Where to Locate SDSSDS

SDS rules apply to all industrial chemicals. Consumer items are exempt. Employees can refuse to work SDS rules apply to all industrial chemicals. Consumer items are exempt. Employees can refuse to work with chemicals they do not know about.with chemicals they do not know about.

SDS Books are kept in the Custodian’s office/closet, cafeteria and science labs.SDS Books are kept in the Custodian’s office/closet, cafeteria and science labs.

• Copies of the SDS for hazardous chemicals in a given work siteCopies of the SDS for hazardous chemicals in a given work site

are to be readily accessible to employees in that area. As a are to be readily accessible to employees in that area. As a

source of detailed information on hazards, they must be located close to source of detailed information on hazards, they must be located close to workers and readily available to them workers and readily available to them

during working hours.during working hours. Under no circumstance should chemicals be stored under sinks Under no circumstance should chemicals be stored under sinks

or in cabinets accessible to students.or in cabinets accessible to students.

• Lists of hazardous chemicals and the required Material Safety Data Lists of hazardous chemicals and the required Material Safety Data Sheets utilized in the science classroom will be maintained by Sheets utilized in the science classroom will be maintained by the Science Supervisor.the Science Supervisor.

• All employees are required to report workplace hazards to their supervisor All employees are required to report workplace hazards to their supervisor

and use Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) if required. Report unusual and use Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) if required. Report unusual

odors, unknown substances, and exposure to hazardous chemicals.odors, unknown substances, and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

LabelingLabelingIn the workplace, each container must be labeled, tagged or markedIn the workplace, each container must be labeled, tagged or markedwith the identity of the hazardous chemicals contained within and with the identity of the hazardous chemicals contained within and must show the hazard warnings appropriate for employee protection.must show the hazard warnings appropriate for employee protection.The hazard warning can be any type of message, picture or symbolThe hazard warning can be any type of message, picture or symbolwhich convey the hazards of the chemical(s) in the container.which convey the hazards of the chemical(s) in the container.Labels must be legible, in English (plus other languages, if desired),Labels must be legible, in English (plus other languages, if desired),and prominently displayed.and prominently displayed.

Several exemptions to individual container labels are given:Several exemptions to individual container labels are given: Employees can post signs or placards which convey the hazard Employees can post signs or placards which convey the hazard

information if there are a number of stationary containers within a information if there are a number of stationary containers within a work area which have similar contents and hazards.work area which have similar contents and hazards.

Employers are not required to label pipes or piping systemsEmployers are not required to label pipes or piping systems

Remember:Remember: If you put something in a bottle other than what it came If you put something in a bottle other than what it came in, in,

the new container must be labeled.the new container must be labeled.

Fire SafetyFire SafetyClasses of FiresClasses of Fires

Class A Fires:Class A Fires: Fires that involve ordinary Fires that involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber and different types of plastics. rubber and different types of plastics.

Class B Fires:Class B Fires: Fires that involved flammable liquids Fires that involved flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paints, such as gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paints, lacquer and gases (propane, natural gas, hydrogen, lacquer and gases (propane, natural gas, hydrogen, etc.).etc.).

Class C Fires:Class C Fires: Fires that involve energized Fires that involve energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuses and electrical equipment including wiring, fuses and panel boxes, circuit breakers, machinery and panel boxes, circuit breakers, machinery and appliances (microwaves, computers, projectors, appliances (microwaves, computers, projectors, televisions, etc.).televisions, etc.).

Class D Fires:Class D Fires: Fires that involve combustible metals Fires that involve combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium and sodium.such as magnesium, titanium and sodium.

Fire Fire ExtinguishersExtinguishers

The failure to use the appropriateThe failure to use the appropriate

type of extinguisher on the class oftype of extinguisher on the class of

fire that it is designed for could be fire that it is designed for could be

more hazardous than the fire itself.more hazardous than the fire itself.

Using a pressurized water extinguisher to Using a pressurized water extinguisher to fightfight

an electrical fire could result in the user an electrical fire could result in the user beingbeing

electrocuted and allow the fire to grow out ofelectrocuted and allow the fire to grow out of

control, thus worsening the severity of thecontrol, thus worsening the severity of the

event.event.

Types of Fire Types of Fire ExtinguishersExtinguishers

There are three types of fire extinguishersThere are three types of fire extinguishers

used by Cumberland County School System. used by Cumberland County School System.

• Pressurized Water Fire ExtinguishersPressurized Water Fire Extinguishers• CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Fire Extinguishers &CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Fire Extinguishers &• ABC Multi-Purpose / Dry Powder FireABC Multi-Purpose / Dry Powder Fire

ExtinguishersExtinguishers

Fire Extinguishers Fire Extinguishers ContinuedContinued

Fire Extinguisher have limits. Fire Extinguisher have limits.

When properly used, a portable When properly used, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives fire extinguisher can save lives and property by extinguishing and property by extinguishing small fires or containing small small fires or containing small fires until the fire department fires until the fire department arrives. Portable fire arrives. Portable fire extinguishers are not designed extinguishers are not designed nor intended to extinguish large nor intended to extinguish large or spreading fires. You must only or spreading fires. You must only use them under certain limited use them under certain limited conditionsconditions..

Fire Fire Extinguishers Extinguishers Continued Continued Key Points Key Points

The operator must know how to use the fire The operator must know how to use the fire extinguisher. During a fire emergency is not the extinguisher. During a fire emergency is not the right time to read the operating instructions.right time to read the operating instructions.

The fire extinguisher must be readily accessible, in The fire extinguisher must be readily accessible, in proper working order and fully charged.proper working order and fully charged.

The operator must have a clear path of escape that The operator must have a clear path of escape that will not be blocked by fire. Never let the fire get will not be blocked by fire. Never let the fire get between you and your path of escape. Keep your between you and your path of escape. Keep your back to the door.back to the door.

The fire extinguisher must match the class of fire The fire extinguisher must match the class of fire being fought. You must know the class of fire in being fought. You must know the class of fire in order to select the appropriate type of fire order to select the appropriate type of fire extinguisher. extinguisher.

The fire extinguisher must be large enough to The fire extinguisher must be large enough to extinguish the fire at hand. Most extinguishers will extinguish the fire at hand. Most extinguishers will discharge all of their extinguishing agent in a matter discharge all of their extinguishing agent in a matter of seconds. They are intended to be used on small, of seconds. They are intended to be used on small, confined fires. confined fires.

Fire Extinguishers Fire Extinguishers Continued Continued PASS PASS

Pull the pin.Pull the pin. This will unlock the operating This will unlock the operating lever or handle and allows you to discharge lever or handle and allows you to discharge the extinguisher.the extinguisher.

Aim the nozzle.Aim the nozzle. Point the extinguisher nozzle Point the extinguisher nozzle or hose low at the base of the fire.or hose low at the base of the fire.

Squeeze the handle or lever.Squeeze the handle or lever. This will This will discharge the extinguishing agent. discharge the extinguishing agent. Releasing the handle will stop the discharge.Releasing the handle will stop the discharge.

Sweep from side to side.Sweep from side to side. Move carefully Move carefully toward the fire. Keep the extinguisher aimed toward the fire. Keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to go out.forth until the flames appear to go out.

Fire ViolationsFire Violations No piggy backing of No piggy backing of

surge protectors. surge protectors. There There is a $200.00 fine from is a $200.00 fine from the Fire Marshal for each the Fire Marshal for each violation.violation.

Extension cords are for Extension cords are for temporary use only and temporary use only and prohibited for permanent prohibited for permanent use. use. Small brown or white Small brown or white colored home use drop colored home use drop cords are not allowed.cords are not allowed.

Space heaters are Space heaters are prohibited.prohibited.

Fire Violations Fire Violations Cont.Cont.

Hot plates are Hot plates are prohibited in the prohibited in the classroom. classroom. (Except (Except Science Labs)Science Labs)

Coffee pots and Coffee pots and microwaves are microwaves are allowed, but must be allowed, but must be plugged directly into a plugged directly into a wall outlet.wall outlet.

Coffee pots and microwaves require prior approval Coffee pots and microwaves require prior approval from your immediate Supervisor. Always use caution from your immediate Supervisor. Always use caution when using such items around students.when using such items around students.

Fire Violations Fire Violations Decorations Decorations

Artwork and teaching material must be limited Artwork and teaching material must be limited to 20% on all hall corridors and classroom to 20% on all hall corridors and classroom walls.walls.

No decorations allowed on classroom doors at No decorations allowed on classroom doors at all.all.

(Decorations can be placed on the wall next to the door)(Decorations can be placed on the wall next to the door) Combustible materials cannot be stored within Combustible materials cannot be stored within

2ft. from the ceiling (decorations and 2ft. from the ceiling (decorations and educational materials).educational materials).

All electrical decorative lighting is prohibited All electrical decorative lighting is prohibited (Christmas Lights etc.). (Christmas Lights etc.).

Curtains, draperies, furniture and other Curtains, draperies, furniture and other decorative materials suspended from walls or decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings must be flame resistant or treated with ceilings must be flame resistant or treated with a flame retardant.a flame retardant.

( a record must be kept documenting the retardant ( a record must be kept documenting the retardant chemical used, who applied the chemical and when it was chemical used, who applied the chemical and when it was applied)applied)

Fire DrillsFire Drills It is the responsibility It is the responsibility

of the principal to of the principal to conduct a fire drill conduct a fire drill during the first week during the first week of school and at least of school and at least once a month in every once a month in every building where building where children are children are assembled. This is assembled. This is required by North required by North Carolina School Law Carolina School Law 115C-288(d).115C-288(d).

Fire Drills Fire Drills ContinuedContinued Fire drills shall include all pupils and school Fire drills shall include all pupils and school

employees, and the use of various ways of employees, and the use of various ways of egress, to simulate evacuation of said buildings egress, to simulate evacuation of said buildings under various conditions.under various conditions. Doorways and escape Doorways and escape routes cannot be blocked by any items. routes cannot be blocked by any items.

((It is always good practice to evacuate the building by the It is always good practice to evacuate the building by the secondary route in case the primary route should ever be blocked secondary route in case the primary route should ever be blocked by fire)by fire)

Fire drills must be carefully planned and Fire drills must be carefully planned and directions clearly understood by the children directions clearly understood by the children and staff.and staff.

Speed is important, but of greater importance Speed is important, but of greater importance is the quiet, orderly exit and return.is the quiet, orderly exit and return.

Emergency Exit Emergency Exit and and Evacuation Evacuation PlansPlans All exit ways and exit doors All exit ways and exit doors

must be unlocked, must be unlocked, unblocked, and unblocked, and unobstructed. Emergency unobstructed. Emergency exits must be identified by exits must be identified by an illuminated sign.an illuminated sign.

Emergency Evacuation Plans Emergency Evacuation Plans must be posted in every must be posted in every classroom, office, cafeteria classroom, office, cafeteria etc., on the wall by every etc., on the wall by every door on hardwaredoor on hardware (knob, (knob, handle) handle) side.side.

General Fire Safety General Fire Safety RulesRules

If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop and roll wherever you are.and roll wherever you are.

If you discover or suspect a fire, sound If you discover or suspect a fire, sound the alarm.the alarm.

Storage of chairs, desks, books and Storage of chairs, desks, books and other items is prohibited in all exit other items is prohibited in all exit ways. Keep exits clear.ways. Keep exits clear.

Feel the door before opening it. If it’s Feel the door before opening it. If it’s hot, leave it closed and hot, leave it closed and seal cracks and vents to seal cracks and vents to keep the smoke out.keep the smoke out.

View Video: View Video: Safety Orientation for SchoolsSafety Orientation for Schools