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The following articles from
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Employee, be prepared

Earthquake survival information

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Work Loads-Issues

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Laborer's International
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Custodial Workers Resource - Safety

lift with your knees not your back, keep object close to body
This page contains a list of safety tips for custodians, maintenance workers and other service workers.
Millions of workers continue to be killed, injured, and made ill each year as a result of their working conditions.
Worker's Memorial Day is April 28th
"Remember the Dead, Fight for the Living"

***Safety Tips***

  • Read labels on all chemical products and do not mix chemicals.
    for example: do not mix bleach with ammonia...
  • Let someone know when you are going to do ladder work.
    Do not climb when you are alone in the building.
  • Ladder: Be certain of stability. Make sure it is level and the base doesn't slide.
  • Ladder: Be sure shoes and rungs are free of grease or mud.
  • Ladder: Don't lean too far out.
  • Ladder: Make sure someone else is in the building, in your area or nearby. "Buddy system".
    Bad case senario: A Friday evening...falling from tall ladder...injured horribly...not able to move and not being discovered until the following Monday.
  • Lifting: 1. Squat close.
  • Lifting: 2. Bend knees.
  • Lifting: 3. Hold object closely to body.
  • Lifting: 4. Keep back straight.
  • Lifting: 5. Use knees and legs.
  • Lifting: Use same method (above) to set object down.
  • Lifting: Team lift if object is too heavy. Know your limits and get
    help if you need it.
  • Report all injuries.Tell your employer asap. Have all necessary injury forms available and be sure to fill these out. After an injury go to a doctor as soon as possible. If there are witnesses get their names.
  • Clean and cover wounds. Do you know about blood borne pathogens? Find out.
  • Asbestos - avoid exposure Get information, training should be provided. Some more info on Resource page.
  • Make sure subs know to use safety gear. Make sure these
    items are available and easy to find.
  • Make sure all shut-offs for power, water and gas are noted
    and that emergency numbers are easy to find.
  • Chemical savvy...know at least the basics such as do-not-mix-bleach-and-ammonia. Read labels. Have available Material Safety Data Sheets.
    Here's the link...MSDS!
  • Wear proper attire....some clothing and accessories tips: don't let warm summer weather lure you into wearing sandals. Wear ear plugs when vacuuming, mowing etc. Have items such as safety glasses, visor, dust masks, respirator, disposable gloves...
  • Cleaning science/chemistry classrooms: Avoid using cleansers and or water on counter tops, hoods and sinks in areas where chemicals have been used. Basic trash, dust and sweep is safest. Countertops and sinks should be the responsibility of the instructor. Anyone have a written policy on this for their school or district? I'd like to get some feedback on this. Thanks.
  • Safety tips for doing exterior building security - walking around the site checking doors, windows, etc.. Buddy system is a good idea if at all possible. Carry a good flashlight. Tell others before you go out or log into a logbook with time. Carry a cell phone or radio. Be aware of obstacles. Take a different route each time. Start your security outside at slightly different time each night. Be alert. Carry yourself in a confidnet manner. Have small notepad and pen to jot down hazards, incidents, etc. Don't hesitate to call police if necessary. Use good judgement. Avoid confrontations. Remember that no job is worth your safety or your life. Really check doors and windows carefully for your safety as well as for staff working at night.

    The following from Agha:
  • Get training, before using power equipment.
  • Check extension cords, if they are frayed or damaged.
  • Maintenance workers use lockout/ tagout procedures
  • When using power equipment in wet places, make sure the outlets have a GFI, system.

    Other:
  • Be aware of asbestos hazards in your buildings. See this site for more information. Asbestos.net
Check put the Earthquake Safety and Tips Page


More tips to come! check back again...please send me your tips!

Let me know if you would like to have your name and where-from info included.


Careful Now!Don't Slip!!

Comments/Questions/Suggestions?

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Affiliate, "The Janitorial Store", has great informational and training materials. I recommend:
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Janitorial Safety Employee Program
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The Office Cleaning Training Video is a 40 minute DVD
Visit this link to see this and the other janitorial-custodial resources available at The Janitorial Store.




© by hobbyscience, 1999-2010
Page Created:01/03/01
Last Update:02/5/10

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