If a Sweet Briar College elevator fails to operate properly while you are a passenger, you should do the following:

1.      First of all, donÕt panic.

2.      If the elevator stops due to power failure, an emergency light will come on at the panel.  You will not be in the dark.  However, there is no climate control on this elevator.  It can be very warm, or cold, if you are in there for more than a few minutes.

3.      If fire occurs in the building and the elevator is in use, the elevator will automatically descend to the bottom floor and open.  Passengers should exit immediately.  If fire breaks out anywhere in the building, DO NOT use the elevator as a means of exiting the building.

4.      If the elevator stops unexpectedly and fails to open, look for the alarm button on the panel and press it.  It will sound an alarm that lets others in the building know that you need help.

5.      If you hear an elevator alarm go off in the building, assume the person inside the elevator DOES NOT know the emergency procedure and call either SBC Department of Safety (381-6144) and report the alarm is going off, or call the Physical Plant Department at 381-6110 and report the alarm.  Go to the elevator door and let the person inside know you have called for help.  If possible, offer to stay close by until help arrives.

6.      Emergency assistance is available 24 hrs./day, 7 days/week.

Sweet Briar College

Physical Plant Safety Procedures

Purpose – Physical Plant strives to reduce accidents and injuries in the workplace by engineering out hazards when possible, training workers in safe procedures and providing personal protective equipment when necessary.

Preventive Maintenance – Physical Plant personnel perform periodic preventive maintenance inspections that include attention to equipment or conditions that could affect the safety of staff or students.  All air handling and mechanical equipment are inspected periodically.  The swimming pool located in the gym is inspected and maintained regularly.  The energy management system is monitored daily.  During the heating season, boilers are checked daily.  Exit lights and emergency lights are checked regularly.

First Aid Kits – First aid kits are located throughout the College.  Kits are readily available for all laboratory personnel.

Americans With Disabilities Act – The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against disabled persons in public activities, services, or programs, Compliance with the ADA regulations pertaining to buildings is handled by the Physical Plant Department.  The Physical Plant Department is in the process of modifying buildings, restrooms, sidewalks, etc.  to provide access to disabled persons.

Building Codes – To ensure compliance with building codes, plans for capital outlay projects and major renovations are reviewed by independent engineers and the Fire MarshalÕs Office. 

Personal Protective Equipment – Procedures for the use of personnel protective equipment (PPE) are in place.  PPE is required to protect workers from workplace hazards and contaminants when engineering and administrative controls are inadequate.  Personnel are trained in the proper use and maintenance of PPE.  Personal safety equipment, except safety shoes and prescription safety glasses, is supplied by the College at no cost to employees.  Employees are expected to wear assigned PPE and are subject to disciplinary action for not wearing the equipment.  The following types of PPE are available to workers at the College:

¤       Protective eye and face equipment is required where there is a reasonable probability of injury to the eyes.  Tasks include using hand and power tools, handling toxic or corrosive chemicals, grinding, welding and machine operations.

¤       Protective helmets are worn whenever there is possible danger of head injury.  Hard hats are worn to protect workers from falling objects such as tools, bricks, boards, equipment, building materials and scaffolds.

¤       Proper safety shoes are required in areas where there is a reasonable probability of falling objects or slipping.  Safety shoes with steel toes are worn by employees routinely exposed to objects weighting more that 15 pounds.  Slip resistant shoes are required in areas that have a high potential for slippage, e.g., kitchens.

¤       Hearing protective devices such as earplugs, canal caps and earmuffs are worn by employees exposed to noise levels above 90 dBTWA.

¤       Employees exposed to an elevated fall hazard higher than 10 feet are provided with safety belts or harnesses securely attached to a lifeline or part of the structure.

¤       Protective clothing is worn to protect workers from potential harm to the body from exposure associated with hazardous work.  Employees who handle corrosive or toxic chemicals are issued suitable protective clothing.

¤       Employees are protected by suitable gloves when it is necessary to protect the worker from rough, sharp edged objects, temperature extremes, toxic or corrosive chemicals, infectious agents and energized electrical equipment.

Tools and Equipment – Accident prevention begins with the proper inspection, use and storage of tools and equipment.  A program is in place to ensure that tools and equipment are used safely.  Emphasis is placed on selecting the right tool for the job, using tools correctly and safely, keeping them in good condition and proper storage.  Power tools are in place for safely using ladders, scaffolds, woodworking machines and providing proper guarding on machines.

Forklift Trucks – A program has been developed to ensure that forklift trucks are operated safely.  Only qualified operators who have received training in safe operations are permitted to operate forklift trucks on campus.  Training is conducted by an experienced driver.

Pressure Equipment – All pressure vessels such as boilers are inspected yearly by a licensed state inspector.  Records are maintained by the Physical Plant Department.  Compressed gas cylinders are stored in compliance with OSHA regulations.  Flammable and oxidizing cylinders are separated by 20 feet or a 5-foot high wall that has a half-hour fire rating.  Cylinders are secured by chains or wire cage while in storage.  Empty cylinders are separated from full cylinders.  Periodic inspections are conducted by the safety office to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations.

Vehicles – All vehicles are inspected routinely by the Physical Plant Department to ensure safe operation.  A safety checklist is prepared for mechanics to ensure that proper routine maintenance is performed.  Defensive driving courses for campus personnel who operate College vehicles are conducted.  All vehicles on campus have safety belts and drivers are required to wear them.

Contractors – Contractors are expected to abide by applicable OSHA, EPA, and State  regulations while on campus.  Contractors must take steps to protect the health and safety of employees, students and visitors while performing their work.  Prior to a contractor beginning work, a pre-contract performance conference may be held with representatives from the Physical Plant Department.  Special safety conditions or restrictions concerning the job are discussed as well as an evaluation of the safety program of the contractor.

WorkerÕs Compensation Procedures

Employees of the College are required to immediately report any work related accidents and injuries to their immediate Supervisor or Department Head.  The Supervisor or Department Head mush complete an EmployerÕs First Report of Accident form, and forward to the Benefits Office the day of the incident.

Immediate first aid may be provided by the CollegeÕs Health Center; however, an employee who needs additional medical treatment must contact one of the practices listed on the approved Panel of Physicians.  Updated lists are available on the Bulletin Board outside of the Human Resources Office in Fletcher, and will be provided regularly to Department Heads and Supervisors.  Questions concerning workerÕs compensation may be addressed to the Benefits Office at campus extension 6323.