Office Safety

Purpose
The purpose of this program is to provide guidance to office managers and office staff on the elements of safe office work. The office is like any other work environment in that it may present potential health and safety hazards. Inadequate environmental conditions, such as noise, temperature, and humidity, may cause temporary discomforts

Responsibilities ManagementProvide training for all office staff in:1-Emergency Procedures2-Electrical Safety3-Office Ergonomics4-Ensure office equipment is in safe working order5-Provide proper storage for office supplies6-Office StaffReport all safety problems immediatelyDo not attempt to repair any office equipment or systemsMaintain a neat and sanitary office environmentNoise HazardsNoise can be defined very simply as unwanted sound. Whether a sound is classified as noise or not depends mostly on personal preferences. For noise levels in offices, the most common effects are interference with speech communication, annoyance, and distraction from mental activities. Noise in the office can interfere with communications. For example, it may be difficult to talk on the telephone when other people are talking nearby. Speech is likely to interfere with communications especially if the speakers have similar voices.The annoying effect of noise can decrease performance or increase errors in some task situations. If the task requires a great deal of mental concentration, noise can be detrimental to performance. Also, there is some indication that unexpected or unpredictable noise can have more of an effect than continuous or periodic noise. The annoyance caused by noise also depends on the individual. Noise can also be distracting. A sudden noise can interrupt activity temporarily, such as when someone drops a heavy object.Reducing NoiseMany unexpected noises cannot be controlled, as when someone accidentally drops something. For many of the annoying sounds in the office environment, the following measures are useful for reducing the level of noise or its effects:Select the quietest equipment if possible. When there is a choice between two or more products, sound levels should be included as a consideration for purchase and use.Provide proper maintenance of equipment, such as lubrication and tightening of loose parts that can cause noise.Locate loud equipment in areas where its effects are less detrimental. For example, place impact printers away from areas where people must use the phone.Use barriers walls or dividers to isolate noise sources. Use of buffers or acoustically treated materials can absorb noise that might otherwise travel further. Rubber pads to insulate vibrating equipment can also help to reduce noise.Enclose equipment, such as printers, with acoustical covers or housings.Schedule noisy tasks at times when it will have less of an effect on the other tasks in the office.Electrical SafetyElectric cords should be examined on a routine basis for fraying and exposed wiring. Particular attention should be paid to connections behind furniture, since files and bookcases may be pushed tightly against electric outlets, severely bending the cord at the plug. Electrical appliances must be designed and used in accordance with UL requirements.Use of Extension CordsExtension cords shall only be used in situations where fixed wiring is not feasible.Extension cords shall be kept in good repair, free from defects in their insulation. They will not be kinked, knotted, abraded, or cut.Extension cords shall be placed so they do not present a tripping or slipping hazard.Extension cords shall not be placed through doorways having doors that can be closed, and thereby damage the cord.All extension cords shall be of the grounding type (three conductor).HousekeepingGood housekeeping is an important element of accident prevention in offices.Poor housekeeping may lead to fires, injuries to personnel, or unhealthful working conditions. Mishaps caused by dropping heavy cartons and other related office equipment and supplies could also be a source of serious injuries to personnel.Passageways in offices should be free and clear of obstructions. Proper layout, spacing, and arrangement of equipment, furniture, and machinery are essential.All aisles within the office should be clearly defined and kept free of obstructions.Chairs, files, bookcases and desks must be replaced or repaired if they become damaged. Damaged chairs can be especially hazardous. Filing cabinet drawers should always be kept closed when not in use. Heavy files should be placed in the bottom file drawers.Materials stored within supply rooms must be neatly stacked and readily reached by adequate aisles. Care should be taken to stack materials so they will not topple over. Under no circumstances will materials be stacked within 18 inches of ceiling fire sprinkler heads or Halon nozzles. Materials shall not be stored so that they project into aisles or passageways in a manner that could cause persons to trip or could hinder emergency evacuation.Computer Work StationsComplaints concerning musculoskeletal problems are frequently heard from computer operators. Most common are complaints relating to the neck, shoulders, and back. Others concern the arms and hands and occasionally the legs.Certain common characteristics of VDT jobs have been identified and associated with increased risk of musculoskeletal problems. These include:Design of the workstationNature of the taskRepetitiveness of the jobDegree of postural constraintWork paceWork/rest schedulesPersonal attributes of individual workersThe key to comfort is in maintaining the body in a relaxed, natural position. The ideal work position is to have the arms hanging relaxed from the shoulders. If a keyboard is used, arms should be bent at right angles at the elbow, with the hands held in a straight line with forearms and elbows close to the body. The head should be in line with the body and slightly forward.Display ScreensWhen work is conducted at a computer, the top of the display screen should be at, or just slightly below, eye level. This allows the eyes to view the screen at a comfortable level, without having to tilt the head or move the back muscles.Control glare at the source whenever possible; place VDTs so that they are parallel to direct sources of light such as windows and overhead lights, and use window treatments if necessary. When glare sources cannot be removed, seek appropriate screen treatments such as glare filters. Keep the screen clean.The ChairThe chair is usually the most important piece of furniture that affects user comfort in the office. The chair should be adjusted for comfort; making sure the back is supported and that the seat pan is at a height so that the thighs are horizontal and feet are flat on the floor. An ergonomically sound chair requires four degrees of freedom - seat pan tilt, backrest angle, seat height, and backrest height. Operators can then vary the chair adjustments according to the task. In general, chairs with the most easily adjustable dimensions permit the most flexibility to support people's preferred sitting postures.Armrests on chairs are recommended for most office work except where they interfere with the task. Resting arms on armrests is a very effective way to reduce arm discomforts. Armrests should be sufficiently short and low to allow workers to get close enough to their work surfaces, especially for tasks that require fixed arm postures above the work surface.Surface Working HeightThe work surface height should fit the task. The principle is to place the surface height where the work may be performed in such a manner as to keep arms low and close to the body in relation to the task. If the working height is too high, the shoulders or the upper arms have to be lifted to compensate, which may lead to painful symptoms and cramps at the level of the neck and shoulders. If, on the other hand, the working height is too low, the back must be excessively bowed, which may cause backache. Generally, work should be done at about elbow height, whether sitting or standing. Adjustable workstations should be provided so that individuals may change the stations to meet their needs. A VDT workstation without an adjustable keyboard height and without an adjustable height and distance of the screen is not suitable for continuous work.Work/Rest SchedulesOne solution for stress and fatigue is to design the computer operator's work so that tasks requiring concentrated work at the terminal are alternated with non-computer based tasks throughout the workday. Also, a short break (5-10 minutes) should be taken at least once each hour when involved in continuous work at the computer.Other SolutionsAdditional measures that will aid in reducing discomfort while working with VDTs include:Change position, stand up, or stretch whenever you start to feel tired.Use a soft touch on the keyboard and keep your shoulders, hands, and fingers relaxed.Use a document holder, positioned at about the same plane and distance as the display screen.Rest your eyes by occasionally looking off into the distance.Office LightingDifferent tasks require different levels of lighting. Areas in which intricate work is performed, for example, require greater illumination than warehouses. Lighting needs vary form time-to-time and person-to-person as well. One approach is to use adjustable task lighting that can provide needed illumination without increasing general lighting.Task lamps are very effective to supplement the general office light levels for those who require or prefer additional light. Some task lamps permit several light levels. Since the individual controls task lamps, they can accommodate personal preferences.Indoor Air QualityIndoor air quality (IAQ) is an increasingly important issue in the work environment. The study of indoor air quality and pollutant levels within office environments is a complex problem. The complexity of studying and measuring the quality of office environments arises from various factors including:Office building floor plans are frequently changing to accommodate increasingly more employees and reorganization.Office buildings frequently undergo building renovations such as installation of new carpet, modular office partitions and freestanding offices, and painting.Many of the health symptoms appearing are vague and common both to the office and home environment.In general, very little data on pollutant levels within office environments is available.Guidelines or standards for permissible personal exposure limits to pollutants within office buildings are very limited.Many times odors are associated with chemical contaminants from inside or outside the office space, or from the building fabric. This is particularly noticeable following building renovation or installation of new carpeting. Out gassing from such things as paints, adhesives, sealants, office furniture, carpeting, and vinyl wall coverings is the source of a variety of irritant compounds. In most cases, these chemical contaminants can be measured at levels above ambient (normal background) but far below any existing occupational evaluation criteria.Waste DisposalOffice personnel should carefully handle and properly dispose of hazardous materials, such as broken glass. A waste receptacle containing broken glass or other hazardous material should be labeled to warn maintenance personnel of the potential hazard.Chemical SafetyEach office employee must be made aware of all hazardous materials they may contact in their work area. The Hazard Communication Program should include:Written programMaterial safety data sheets for each hazardous substance usedSpecific safe handling, use and disposalEmployee trainingEmergency Action PlansEmergency action plans are designed to control events and minimize the affects. Through careful pre-planning, establishment of emergency action teams, training and drills, employees can be safeguarded and potential for damage to assets minimized.Emergency Action Plans include:Exits routes, meeting areas and employee accountingEmergency evacuation, incident command and notification to emergency servicesPersonal injury and property damageProtection of Company information, both hard copy and electronic mediaBomb threats and facility securityFirst Aid ResponseUse of fire extinguishersEmergency Action Team Members (for example, Supervisors, Receptionist/Telephone Operators, and key assigned members) should be trained with quarterly reviews and drills. Semiannual drills with all employees should be conducted to assure effectiveness. First Aid Kits or First Aid supplies should be available with trained First Aid Providers available.

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Electrical Safety

The Electrical Safety program is designed to prevent electrically related injuries and property damage. Only employees qualified in this program may conduct adjustment, repair or replacement of electrical components or equipment. Provide training for qualified and unqualified employees

• Conduct inspections to identify electrical safety deficiencies• Guard and correct all electrical deficiencies promptly• Ensure all new electrical installations meet codes and regulationsEmployees• Report electrical deficiencies immediately• Not work on electrical equipment unless authorized and trained• Properly inspect all electrical equipment prior to useHazard ControlEngineering Controls• All electrical distribution panels, breakers, disconnects, switches, junction boxes shall be completely enclosed• Non-electrical attachments to conduit are prohibited.Administrative Controls• Only trained and authorized employees may conduct repairs to electrical equipment.• Contractors performing electrical work must be hold a license for the rated work• All electrical control devices shall be properly labeled• Work on energized circuits is prohibited unless specifically authorized by senior facility management• All qualified employees will follow established electrical safety procedures and precautionsProtective Equipment• Qualified employees will wear electrically rated safety shoed/boots.• All tools used for electrical work shall be properly insulated• Electrical rated gloves shall be available for work on electrical equipmentElectrical EquipmentElectrical equipment shall be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. Safety of equipment shall be determined using the following considerations:• Electrical insulation.Identification of Disconnecting Means and CircuitsEach service, feeder, and branch circuit, at its disconnecting means or overcurrent device, shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose. A disconnecting means is a switch that is used to disconnect the conductors of a circuit from the source of electric current. This current to motor Number 2 can be shut off by the Number 2 circuit breaker or the Number 2 disconnect.Qualified Worker: An employee trained and authorized to conduct electrical work.Unqualified: Employees who have not been trained or authorized by management to conduct electrical work.TrainingTraining for Unqualified EmployeesTraining for Unqualified Employees is general electrical safety precautions to provide an awareness and understanding of electrical hazards.Electrical Safety Rules for Non-Qualified Workers1. Do not conduct any repairs to electrical equipment2. Report all electrical deficiencies to your supervisor.3. Do not operate equipment if you suspect and electrical problem.7. Do not overload electrical receptacles.Training for Qualified EmployeesTraining for Qualified Employees includes specific equipment procedures and requirements of:Electrical Safety, 29 CFR 1910.331 to 1910.339Personal Protective EquipmentEmployees working in areas where the potential contact with exposed electrical sources are present and likely, will be provided and shall use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE shall be used where contact with exposed electrical sources are present and likely.5. Employees shall wear non-conductive head protection wherever there is a danger of injury from electrical burns or shock from contact with exposed energized parts.6. Employee shall wear protective eye/face equipment whenever there is a danger from electrical arcs or flashes or from flying objects resulting from an electrical explosion.


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Chemical Safety

Each office employee must be made aware of all hazardous materials they may contact in their work area. The Hazard Communication Program should include:
1-Material safety data sheets for each hazardous substance used
2-Employee training

Emergency Action Plans

Emergency action plans are designed to control events and minimize the affects. Through careful pre-planning, establishment of emergency action teams, training and drills, employees can be safeguarded and potential for damage to assets minimized.

1. Emergency Action Plans include:

2. Exits routes, meeting areas and employee accounting

3. Emergency evacuation, incident command and notification to emergency services

4. Personal injury and property damage

5. Protection of Company information, both hard copy and electronic media

6. Bomb threats and facility security

7. First Aid Response

Emergency Action Team Members (for example, Supervisors, Receptionist/Telephone Operators, and key assigned members) should be trained with quarterly reviews and drills. First


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WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE?

Environmental chemistry., it isimportant to have some appreciation of environmental science as a whole.Environmental science in its broadest sense is the science of the complexinteractions that occur among the terrestrial, atmospheric, aquatic, living, andanthropological environments. biology, ecology, sociology, and government,

environmental science will be defined as the study of the earth, air, water, and living environments, and the effects of technology thereon. To a significant degree, environmental science has evolved Carry out their life cycles. A time has evolved into ecology, the study of environmental factors that affect organisms and how organisms interact with these factors and with each other. Affected irreversibly by technology. applied intelligently by those knowledgeable of environmental science, it can serve,rather than damage, this Earth upon which all living beings depend for their welfareand existence.
The Environment
Air, water, earth, life, and technology are strongly interconnected
Traditionally, environmental science has been divided among the study of the
atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the geosphere, and the biosphere. The atmosphere is
the thin layer of gases that cover Earth’s surface. of gases, the atmosphere moderates Earth’s temperature, absorbs energy and damaging
ultraviolet radiation from the sun, transports energy away from equatorial
regions, and serves as a pathway for vapor-phase movement of water in the hydrologic
cycle. The hydrosphere contains Earth’s water. Over 97% of Earth’s water is
only a relatively small percentage of the total water on Earth is actually involved
with terrestrial, atmospheric, and biological processes. Exclusive of seawater, the
water that circulates through environmental processes and cycles occurs in the
atmosphere, underground as groundwater, and as surface water in streams, rivers,
lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. The geosphere consists of the solid earth, including
soil, which supports most plant life. hydrosphere, and living things is the solid lithosphere. The lithosphere varies fromthe other spheres of the environment are concerned is its thin outer skin composedlargely of lighter silicate-based minerals and called the crust. All living entities on
Earth compose the biosphere. Living organisms and the aspects of the environment
pertaining directly to them are called biotic, and other portions of the environment
are abiotic.To a large extent, the strong interactions among living organisms and the various
spheres of the abiotic environment are best described by cycles of matter that
involve biological, chemical, and geological processes and phenomena. Such cycles
are called biogeochemical cycles,

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air pollution causes

There are many different chemical substances that contribute to air pollution. Among the many types of air pollutants are nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxides, and organic compounds that can evaporate and enter the atmosphere.

Air pollutants have sources that are both natural and human. Now, humans contribute substantially more to the air pollution problem.
Forest fires, volcanic eruptions, wind erosion, pollen dispersal, evaporation of organic compounds, and natural radioactivity are all among the natural causes of air pollution.
Usually, natural air pollution does not occur in abundance in particular locations. Though some pollution comes from these natural sources, most pollution is the result of human activity. The biggest causes are the operation of fossil fuel-burning power plants and automobiles that combust fuel. Combined, these two sources are responsible for about 90% of all air pollution in the United States.
Some cities suffer severely because of heavy industrial use of chemicals that cause air pollution. Places like Mexico City and Sao Paulo have some of the most deadly pollution levels in the world

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Air pollution

Every day, the average person inhales about 20,000 liters of air. Every time we breathe, we risk inhaling dangerous chemicals that have found their way into the air.

Air pollution includes all contaminants found in the atmosphere. Air pollution can be found both outdoors and indoors. Pollutants can be trapped inside buildings, causing indoor pollution that lasts for a long time.
The sources of air pollution are both natural and human-based. Air pollution has been a problem throughout history. Even in Ancient Rome people complained about smoke put into the atmosphere.
The effects of air pollution are diverse and numerous. Air pollution can have serious consequences for the health of human beings, and also severely affects natural ecosystems.
Because it is located in the atmosphere, air pollution is able to travel easily. As a result, air pollution is a global problem and has been the subject of global cooperation and conflict.
Some areas now suffer more than others from air pollution. Cities with large numbers of automobiles or those that use great quantities of coal often suffer most severely from problems of air pollution.

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various Type of Pollution

Sound Pollution
Noise, by definition, is unwanted sound. The natural environment contains many sources of noise - wind, volcanoes, oceans, and animal sounds are all familiar intrusions accepted at various levels. Man-made noises - from machines, automobiles, trains, planes, explosives and firecrackers, etc. - are more contentious. Both kinds of noise affect sleep, hearing, communication, as well as mental and physical health

Pollution is a noun derived from the verb pollute, meaning: to foul. It is now increasingly understood that pollution from noise is an important component of air pollution, which was previously understood as being limited to material pollution. Noise is an inescapable by-product of the industrial environment, which is increasing with advances in industrialization and urbanization. Continuous noise causes an increase in the cholesterol level resulting in permanent constriction of blood vessels, making one prone to heart attacks and strokes. Health experts are of the opinion that excessive noise can also lead to neurosis and nervous breakdown.
Noise travels through air and hence it is measured in ambient air quality level. Noise is measured in decibels. Experts believe that continuous noise levels in excess of 90 decibels can cause loss of hearing and irreversible changes in nervous systems. The World Health Organization [WHO] has fixed 45 decibels as the safe noise level for a city.

Waste and Water Pollution
When toxic substances enter lakes, streams, rivers, oceans, and other water bodies, they get dissolved or lie suspended in water or get deposited on the bed. This results in the pollution of water whereby the quality of the water deteriorates, affecting aquatic ecosystems. Pollutants can also seep down and affect the groundwater deposits.
Today, many people dump their garbage into streams, lakes, rivers, and seas, thus making water bodies the final resting place of cans, bottles, plastics, and other household products. The various substances that we use for keeping our houses clean add to water pollution as they contain harmful chemicals. In the past, people mostly used soaps made from animal and vegetable fat for all types of washing. But most of today’s cleaning products are synthetic detergents and come from the petrochemical industry. Most detergents and washing powders contain phosphates, which are used to soften the water among other things. These and other chemicals contained in washing powders affect the health of all forms of life in the water.
The effects of water pollution are not only devastating to people but also to animals, fish, and birds. Polluted water is unsuitable for drinking, recreation, agriculture, and industry. It diminishes the aesthetic quality of lakes and rivers. More seriously, contaminated water destroys aquatic life and reduces its reproductive ability. Eventually, it is a hazard to human health. Nobody can escape the effects of water pollution
Air Pollution
It is the contamination of air by the discharge of harmful substances. Air pollution can cause health problems and it can also damage the environment and property. Industries, vehicles, increase in the population, and urbanization are some of the major factors responsible for air pollution. The following industries are among those that emit a great deal of pollutants into the air: thermal power plants, cement, steel, refineries, petro chemicals, and mines.
Air pollution results from a variety of causes, not all of which are within human control. Dust storms in desert areas and smoke from forest fires and grass fires contribute to chemical and particulate pollution of the air. The source of pollution may be in one country but the impact of pollution may be felt elsewhere. Listed below are the major air pollutants and their sources.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels including petrol, diesel, and wood. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the principle greenhouse gas emitted as a result of human activities such as the burning of coal, oil, and natural gases.
Chloroflorocarbons (CFC) are gases that are released mainly from air-conditioning systems and refrigeration. Lead is present in petrol, diesel, lead batteries, paints, hair dye products, etc. Lead affects children in particular. It can cause nervous system damage and digestive problems and, in some cases, cause cancer.
Ozone occur naturally in the upper layers of the atmosphere. This important gas shields the earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. However, at the ground level, it is a pollutant with highly toxic effects. Vehicles and industries are the major source of ground-level ozone emissions. Ozone makes our eyes itch, burn, and water. It lowers our resistance to colds and pneumonia.
Nitrogen oxide (Nox) causes smog and acid rain. It is produced from burning fuels including petrol, diesel, and coal. Nitrogen oxides can make children susceptible to respiratory diseases in winters.
Suspended particulate matter (SPM) consists of solids in the air in the form of smoke, dust, and vapour that can remain suspended for extended periods and is also the main source of haze which reduces visibility. The finer of these particles, when breathed in can lodge in our lungs and cause lung damage and respiratory problems.
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a gas produced from burning coal, mainly in thermal power plants. Some industrial processes, such as production of paper and smelting of metals, produce sulphur dioxide. Sulfur dioxide can lead to lung diseases.
Chemical Pollution
There are many different sources of chemical pollution, including:
• domestic sewage
• industrial discharges
• seepage from waste sites
• atmospheric fallout
• domestic run-off
• accidents and spills at sea
• operational discharges from oil rigs
• mining discharges and
• agricultural run-off.
However, the chemicals that are probably of most concern for everyone are the persistent pollutants: those substances that enter marine food chains and are eventually passed along the chain to the marine top predators in increasing amounts.Persistent pollutants include pesticides, such as DDT, and industrial chemicals, most famously the PCBs.

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