General Safety Rules
- Report all safety problems immediately.
- Do not attempt to repair any office equipment or systems.
- Maintain a neat and sanitary office environment.
Electrical Safety
- Electrical cords should be examined on a routine basis for fraying and exposed wiring. Particular attention should be paid to connections behind furniture because files and bookcases may be pushed tightly against electrical outlets, severely bending the cords at the plugs.
- Electrical appliances must be designed and used in accordance with UL requirements.
Use of Extension Cords
- Extension cords are for temporary use only and are not to be used as replacements for permanent wiring.
- 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 that they do not present a tripping or slipping hazard.
- Extension cords shall not be placed through the doorways of doors that can be closed, which could damage the cords.
- All extension cords shall be of the grounding type (three-conductor type).
Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is an important element of accident prevention in offices. Poor housekeeping may lead to fires, injuries to personnel or unhealthy working conditions. Mishaps caused by the fall of heavy cartons, 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 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 reachable by adequate aisles. Care should be taken to stack materials so that 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 tripping or hinder emergency evacuation.
