Campus Connection Fall Qtr I 2011

E H S

ealthafety

Published quarterly by the Ohio University Environmental H ealth

and Safety DepartmentnvironmentalIn this issue: EHS Relocates

Keeping out Critters

Tailgating

OU Gets StormReady

Campus Fire Safety Month

Ergonomics

From the VP’s Desk

EHS Relocates to Facilities

T he consolidation between Risk Management and Safety Depart-ment and Environmental Health and safety continued further this past summer with the relocation of the Environmental Health and Safety Department from Hudson Health Clinic to the Facilities and Auxiliaries Management Building at 1 Riverside Drive. Towards the end of July, EHS packed its boxes and headed to their new home in the east wing of Facilities and Auxiliaries where Culinary Services is now located. “We are confident the only change anyone will see is an improvement in service,” said Joe Adams, assistant vice president of Risk Management and Safety. An improvement in efficiency is guaranteed now that the consolidated branches of EHS and Risk Manage-ment and Safety can promote joint planning and implementation with offices within walking distance. With the exception of OUPD, the many branches of Risk Management and

Safety including Risk Management, Emergency Management, Radiation Safety and EHS can enjoy cohesion with the new location.

The relocation also creates possi-bility for future expansion to further the safety of students and staff at Ohio University. Otherwise, not much else has changed. Risk Management and Safety and EHS will continue their streak of excellence in providing the best services to ensure your safety. All contact info remains the same and staff will be more than happy to assist any concerns over the moving process. ■

Joe Adams, Associate Vice President Risk Management and Safety

As we pre-pare move into the new academic year, we must focus on key safety areas that affect the entire university community espe-cially our new students. Fire Safety, Electrical Safety, Food Safety, Emergency Man-agement and Pest Control are just a few of the areas where RMS can help our students. We have published a brochure titled “Environ-mental Health and Safety in Residence Halls.” These are available at the Risk Management and Safety (RMS) Office in the Univer-sity Service Center or from Residence Life. The informa-tion in this brochure is also very applicable to all of our homes and places of work. Copies of this brochure are available to anyone. Safety and security work hand in hand to ensure a

(continued on page 2)

&EHS Gets a Twitter!

www.ohio.edu/riskandsafety

Keeping out Critters

FThe Benefit of Window Screens

Tailgating ootball is America’s past time. But that doesn’t mean that your “passed time” before the game should elicit food illnesses. According to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) some of the most important things to keep in mind while preparing tailgate food is to avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked food and to keep food at correct temperatures throughout the day. There are some basic points to keep in mind during tailgaiting events. ● Keep cold perishable food(raw hamburger patties, hotdogs,sausages, chicken) in an insulatedcooler stocked with several inchesof ice or frozen gel packs. ● Keep a thermometer in thecooler and routinely check to makesure it stays at 40°F or below. ● Make sure raw meat is packedsecurely in the cooler to avoidcross-contamination. ● Other perishable foods likepasta or potato salad, lunchmeat,cooked meat, etc. should also bekept in a separate cooler, awayfrom raw meats.

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A s the weather begins to get colder, some furry friends and unpleasant bugs may attempt to seek shelter in the comforts of your warm room or home. To reduce the chances of a morning greeting with one of these unwelcomed guests, window screens can do a lot in pre-venting the intrudence of animals and insects. Most insects or vermon enter through cracks or openings in

ventilation. Therefore, by obstruct-ing this passage, the occurence of critters will massively decrease. Some key points to remember are: ●Always keep windows or doors shut. ●If you see a window open, shut it. ●Invest in a sturdy screen and keep up with repairs. ●Repair or replace any damanged screens. ■

risk free environment for all OU users. Safety is defined as “freedom from unintentional harm or risk,” while security is defined as “freedom from intentional harm or risk.” You can help us and yourself in this ef-fort through a simple task called “situational awareness.” As you walk down the street, do you know how many people are behind you; do you ever look behind you? Do you see the shady looking person in the door-way; do you cross the road to avoid them? Do you walk the long route to your car to avoid the unlit sidewalk? Do you always walk with someone; do you have your cell phone immediately available? Do you see the missing bricks in the sidewalk ahead, and do you then walk around them? Do you see the wet floor and take the time to clean it up before someone slips? Always look around, pay attention to, and know your immediate per-sonal environment. Know the 3W’s of your environment; Who, Where, and Why. This simple task will reap tremendous results in keeping you mishap free. Together we can continue to make OHIO a safe and healthy place to work, live and learn… ■

Joe Adams, Associate Vice President Risk Management and Safety(740) 593-1667adamsj3@ohio.edu

From the VP’s Desk (continued from page 1)

T he tornado event that occurred Septem-ber 19, 2010 changed the way many folks in Athens County think about tornado warnings. Here on cam-pus, we revisited and updated the procedures that we have in place for tornado warnings (http://www.ohio.edu/riskandsafety/docs/emergency/Campus_Emer-gency_Guide.pdf#tornado). After the event was over, one of the things identified as an improvement project was to make the Ohio University Athens Campus a StormReady Campus. To achieve this recognition, Emergency Programs and the Meteorological Club along with their advisor Dr. Ryan Fogt, Assistant Professor and Scalia Lab Director, partnered to ensure that the campus met the necessary requirements.

What is StormReady?Ninety percent of all presi-dentially declared disasters are weather related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $14 billion in damage. StormReady, a program started in 1999 in Tulsa, OK, helps arm America’s communities with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property–before and during the event.

StormReady helps community leaders and emergency managers strengthen local safety programs.• StormReady focuses on improving communication and preparedness• StormReady prepares communities for all severe weather • StormReady provides communities with detailed and clear guidance to improve their warning and pre-paredness programs

StormReady does not mean Storm ProofStormReady communities are better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through advanced planning, education and awareness. Plan-

ning before dangerous weather ar-rives results in fewer fatalities and less property damage. No commu-nity is storm proof, but StormReady can help communities save lives.

Being recognized as a StormReady campus helps us to keep moving forward in our preparedness and response efforts. We will continue

to improve upon our practices and collaborate on campus and with our community partners to meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff on our campus. ■

Q&A

Ohio University gets StormReadyAre You Ready for Rumble?

Q: What is the difference between StormReady and FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program?A: StormReady is a volunteer program separate from FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program; how-ever, the two programs compliment each other by focusing on communication, mitigation and commu-nity preparedness to save lives.

Q: Will it cost my community anything?A: There is no fee for StormReady recognition, however your community may need to upgrade its emergency preparedness infrastructure to qualify for StormReady status.

Information from National Weather Service: http://www.stormready.noaa.gov/faq.htm

“Some 90% of all presidentially declared disasters are weather related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $14

billion in damage.”

T he Risk Management and Safety Department is pleased to announce the changes they have made to their department. The changes include the addition of the Workers’ Compensation Depart-ment, Occupational Health, and the Return to Work Programs. The new offices are located in the Univer-sity Service Center at 49 Factory Street (Former Facilities amd Auxiliary Building). The staff includes Marilyn McVey, Workers’ Compensation Coordinator and Sue Tuttle, RN in Oc-cupational Health and Return to Work. For questions pertaining to workers’ compensation, Marilyn can be reached at 740-597-1994, 137 University Service Center. For questions regarding Occupational Health and non-work related return to work clearance, Sue can be reached at 740-597-9035, 134 A University Service Center. The Risk Management and Safety Department looks forward to providing you with quality cus-tomer service in a timely manner.

For additional information on staff and services at Risk Management and Safety, visit our website at:

http://www.ohio.edu/riskandsafety

Ohio Orange: 18 StormReady counties

Purple Plus: StormReady supporter, Cincinnati Reds, Great American Ballpark

Ohio University: One of only 3 Ohio univer-sities that are StormReady

Department Changes

Ergonomics

Don’t let posture get you down!

● Hot take-out food should beeaten within 2 hours or 1 hour iftemperatures reach 90°F or above.● Hot foods like soup, chili, orstew should be kept in an insu-lated container. If it stays closed, the food should stay hot for sev-eral hours.● If you realize it will be impos-sible to keep the food hot earlier in the day, take the time to re-frigerate the food (following the tips referring to cold perishable foods) and reheat the food to 165°F. ● If using a grill, pack a foodthermometer. Chicken browns very quickly on the outside, therefore, it is important to mea-sure the temperatureon the inside to prevent raw meat bacteria.● Bring clean utensils for prepar-ing and serving food, remember-ing to bring extra for raw meat items that need to be cooked to avoid cross-contamination.● Also bring water for washingdishes and disposable cloths forcleaning. ■

(“Tailgating” continued from pg. 2)

Ergonomics. No, it is not the class you dreaded in high school, but rather an essential tool for the office; a way of life to reduce stress on the body in the work place. It all comes down to pos-ture. Ergonom-ics comes from the Greek roots “ergon” meaning work, and “no-moi,” meaning natural laws. The body is not meant to sit slouched in a chair all day with the neck crained to read the minuscule numbers on some important report. Ergonomics focuses on reducing the force and stress on the body, therefore reducing injury. Exam-ples of ergonomic risk factors are found in jobs requiring repetitive, forceful, or prolonged exertions of the hands; frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, pull-ing, or carrying of heavy objects; and prolonged awkward postures. According to ergo-nomics.org, ergonomics can be summed up in three basic principles: ▪ All work activities should permit the worker to adopt several differ-ent, but equally healthy and safe postures. ▪ Where muscular

force has to be exerted it should be done by the largest appropriate muscle groups available. ▪ Work activities should be performed with the joints at about mid-point of their range of move-ment. This applies particularly to

the head, trunk, and upper limbs. The first stop to practic-ing good ergo-nomics, however, is obser-

vation. You can’t put the skills and tools into effect unless you observe the subtleties and nuances of your own posture, joint, and muscle functions. Only then, can you put good practices to use and alter your functioning in order to adhere to these

healthy habits. There are simple stretches that can be done easily at the work-place to prevent such injuries from taking place. Taking a stretch break every 20 to 30 minutes can reduce the risk of leaving with a sore neck and putting strain on the body that can lead to health problems later down the road.■ (Stretching continued on page 3)

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8Stretching Techniques

1) Side Neck Stretch: To stretch the muscles along theside of your neck, face forward and look straight ahead.Tilt your head toward one side, gently push-ing your ear toward your shoulder. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds. Lift your head into a normal, upright posi-tion. Relax. Repeat three to five times on each side.

2) Head Turn: To stretch the muscles along the side and back of your neck and at the top of your back, start facing forward. Slowly turn your head and look to oneside until your chin is parallel with your shoulder. Be sure to keep your shoulders straight ahead. Hold for five to 10 seconds. Return to your starting position and relax. Repeat twice on each side. Mayoclinic.com

3) Shoulder Shrug: The shoulder shrug targets tight neck, shoulder and upper back muscles. Slowly bring your shoulders up toward your ears. Hold for three to five seconds, then roll your shoulders back and down. Relax. Repeat five to 10 times.

7) Arm and Shoulder Stretch: Press your hands awayfrom your body to stretch your arms and shoulders.Lace your fingers together and turn your palms facingout. Straighten your arms in front of you. Hold for 10to 20 seconds. Relax. Repeat two to three times.

4) Chin Tuck: The chin tuck also loosens stiff neck and shoulder muscles. Start facing straight ahead. Keeping your back straight, pull your chin toward your chest until you feel a stretch along the back of your neck. Hold for five to 10 seconds. Relax and return to your starting position. Repeat two to three times.

5) Finger Stretch: Separate and straighten your fingers until you feel a stretch, keeping your hand in alignment with your wrist (left). Hold for 10 seconds. Next, bend the end and middle knuckles of your fingers (right), keeping your hand and wrist in the same position. Hold for 10 seconds. Relax and repeat.

6) Back Stretch: Reach behind your head and place your hand on your upper back, keeping your arm closeto your ear. Gently hold your elbow with your opposite hand. Pull your elbow toward the back of your headand reach your hand toward the middle of your back until you feel a gentle stretch. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds. Relax. Repeat on other side.

8) Chest Stretch: Lace your fingers together behind your head, bringing your elbows back as far as possible.Squeeze your shoulder blades together until you feel your muscles stretching. Hold for 20 seconds. Relax. Repeat.

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TCampus Fire Safety Month: What You Can Do to Help

Tip-a-day 2011

Campus Fire Safety Recent Tweets

Follow @campusfirewatch

● Always know two ways out● Smoke alarms save lives● Cooking and drinking is as danger-ous as driving and drinking● Keep boxes off the top of stoves or in them● Smoke alarms can only save your life when working; don’t take out the batteries● When the alarm sounds, GET OUT. ● You neve know when it’s real● Don’t overload your outlets or ex-tension chords● Use the stairs, not the elevators● After parties, look for cigarette butts in the cushions. #1 killer of fatal fires - cigarettes ● Most fatal fires happen at night

Electrical SafetyT ips

here’s a reason Govenenor Kasich has declared the continua-tion of Campus Fire Safety month for September 2011; nearly 143 people across the country have died in campus related fires. College students don’t ex-actly have the reputation of being entirely responsible, and with the year to year relocation to new residences, some fire codes may slip through the cracks. That’s why it’s important that Campus Fire Safety month is recognized again as a month-long venture in exploring the facts about on and off-campus housing fires, and providing valuable tools and edu-cation to students and staff about preventative measures to ensure the safety of all inhabitants. In the 2009-2010 school year, five students have lost their lives in off-campus housing fires, and three students have already died in Minnesota and in Maryland in the first semester. Remaining educated and vigi-lant about safe living and fire haz-ards is crucial to prevent irrepara-ble damages and tragedies such as those experienced Maryland and Minnesota. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) provides in-formation about fire safety on their website www.nfpa.org, or through brochures accessible through Ohio University’s Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS).

As part of a campus-wide pledge towards safe living by exhibit-ing fire preventative practices, it is important that you are familiar with the codes and regulations of on and off-campus living. For your safety, and the safety of others, codes should be adhered to at all times. For residential housing, this includes never tam-

pering with the newly installed microwave T-sen-sors, which were installed last year,

and detect fires before they start to prevent catastrophic results. (Con-tinued on page 4)

While extension cords can be useful in many circumstances, they can also be dangerous as one of the leading causes of dormitory fires. Following these few short guidelines can prevent devastating housing fires.

● Check school rules before us-ing electrical appliances in your room.

● Use a surge protector for your computer and plug the pro-tector directly into your outlet.

● Never place power cords across traffic paths or under carpets or furniture.

● Never tack or nail cords.

Following these few steps will help ensure your safety. Fore more information on extension cords, please visit the 2011 win-ter edition of Campus Connec-tion for a full feature on their usage. ■

www.ohio.edu/riskandsafety

Campus Fire Safety Month

● Each college building will have an evacuation plan. Learn it and actively participate in fire drills. False alarms are NO joke.

● When living in off-campus housing, you need to plan at least two fire evacuation routes. Prac-tice this plan twice a year. Make sure to review the plan with over-night guests.

● Learn the location of all ways out of your building. Make sure all windows and doors open eas-ily, and if not, let your RA know so that can be fixed.

● When the fire alarm or smoke alarm goes off, get out of your building quickly and stay out.

● Burn candles only if your school permits their use. Ohio University Residential Hous-ing does NOT permit the usage of candles.

● A candle is an open flame and should be placed away from anything flammable.

● Never leave a lit candle unattended. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.

● During a power outage, use flashlights.

● Cook only where it is permit-ted. ● Stay in the kitchen when cooking food on the stovetop. ● Cook only when alert and not sleepy or drowsy, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. ● To put out a small pan fire, place the lid over the plan and immediately turn the burner off. Keep the pan covered until completely cool. ● If a fire starts in the micro-wave, keep the door closed and unplug the unit. The new Safe-T-Sensors should prevent this from happening. ● Check with the school or local fire department to make sure barbecue grills are allowed before usage.

SmokingFire Sprinklers Candles● When choosing your dorm or off-campus housing, look for housing that is fully “sprin-klered.” Fire sprinklers can contain and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take for the fire department to arrive.

● Never hang anything from sprinkler pipes or nozzles.

SAFE T SENSORWhen the Safe-T-Sensor detects smoke, it will start beeping and the LED light will flash. The power to the microwave is then automatically shut off. All Safe-T-Sensors are the property of Ohio University and are inventoried quarterly.

* If a Safe-T-Sensor is missing dur-ing an inspection, you will be billed for the replacement cost of $65.00.

Any tampering with the safe T sen-sor that results in a fire alarm, Athens Fire Department run, or an actualfire will result in Judiciary Review and/or prosecution under the Ohio Revised Code 2909.7*

If there is a problem with the safe T sensor, call Environmental Health & Safety at 740-593-1666.

Escape Tips Cooking

● Smoke only where it is permitted, perferably outside and a few feet away from the building.

● Use sturdy, non-tip ashtrays.

● Don’t smoke in bed or after you’ve been drinking.

Discarding the tattered parchment and quills of the past, Ohio University’s Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS) has jumped from the dark ages into a new realm of social media. EHS now has its own Twitter account to better serve students and staff by providing more infor-mation, making newsletters and the website more accessible, and answering your questions.

Beyond Twitter’s usefulness in supplying important information fast and easily, it will also bridge communication boundaries that couldn’t be previously explored. Watch for facts and statistics concerning you and follow us at @OU_EHS. Let’s make your experience at Ohio University a richer experience by helping in any way possible and exploring ways that can bring us closer to you. ■

EHS Gets Tech-Saavy With New Twitter Account

Follow us @OU_EHS

Environmental Health and Safety Department

142 University Service Center, 49 Factory Street, Athens, Ohio

45701Tel: (740) 593-1666

EHS Staff

Visit our website at ohio.edu/riskandsafety and follow @OU_EHS on Twitter

Douglas MillerFire Safety Coordinator

Nathan RathEnvironmental SafetyCoordinator

David SchleterLab Safety Coordinator

Alan WattsRadiation Safety Officer

Editor in chief- Raquel Harrah

Joe AdamsAssistant Vice President Risk Management and Safety

Brent AukerFire Protection Engineer

Crystal BrooksRadiation Safety Technician

Jeff CampbellAssistant Director, EHSOccupational Safety Officer

Cliff HamiltonHazardous MaterialsCoordinator

Susan HopkinsAdministrative Coordinator

Chad KellerEnvironmental HealthCoordinator

Giving updates about risk management, radiation safety, occupational safety, fire safe-

ty, and pest control.

Facilities Management would like to make faculty and staff aware of certain things as we enter into autumn. Ohio Univer-sity grounds department works diligently to remove leaves and debris from sidewalks and com-mon spaces. Grounds employ-ees attempt to inconvenience campus as little as possible; however, the equipment used in this process is loud, dusty, and may be operated on the greens, in roadways, or on sidewalks. Please be aware and avoid leaf gathering areas wherever pos-sible. Please be aware that sidewalks and parking lots may be covered with leaves and wet. Walk and drive cautiously through these areas.

Thank you in advance for your patience as we continue striving to keep OU clean and beauti-ful. If you have any questions, please contact Facilities Work Center at 593-2911. -Facilities Management

Grounds Work and Leaf Removal

Click here to follow EHS: http://twitter.com/#!/OU_EHS