Environmental Safety
Welcome to Sojourner Recovery Services’ training on Environmental Safety. Below you will find some general information on this subject as well as agency guidelines about how we provide environmental safety. This is not intended to be a comprehensive training and further training may be required. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your supervisor or an administrator.
Purpose: The following information is provided to inform Sojourner staff about environmental/facility hazards and what steps to take should an emergency occur.
Introduction:
In the event of fire or natural disaster, the first priority will be the safety and welfare of the clients, visitors and employees. Each facility has a designated location where clients and staff are to assemble during an emergency. Staff must familiarize themselves with the locations at their particular facility.
Fire Safety
Some important tips to remember regarding fire safety:
· Keep hallways clear of furniture, surplus, and equipment.
· Know the location of all fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers, and fire exits in your work area.
· Know evacuation routes for your work area and what to do in case of a fire.
· Smoke only in designated outdoor smoking areas.
· Keep your work area clean and free of clutter.
· Learn client transportation and evacuation techniques.
Do Not
· Leave equipment standing in traffic lanes or hallways since this could obstruct the evacuation of clients, visitors and staff.
· Obstruct fire equipment or fire doors so they do not open/close properly.
· Place anything within 18” of a sprinkler head.
· Prop open emergency exit or stairwell doors for any reason.
· Tamper with electrical wiring, equipment, or fuses.
In The Event Of A Fire
1. Contact 911.
2. Activate the fire alarm.
3. Close all windows in your work area.
4. Clear all confidential information off desktops and open surfaces.
5. Evacuate the premises via the evacuation routes for your location. Clients should count off to ensure all are accounted for and proceed to the designated location and count off again.
6. The Operations Manager or his/her designate will check the building to ensure everyone has exited the building, without placing themselves in immediate danger.
7. The on-call staff should be notified as soon as possible if the emergency occurs after hours.
8. An incident report will be completed.
Fire drills occur on a monthly basis, rotating between all three (3) shifts and using different pull stations. In the event of a fire warning, you will be notified if it is a drill. A written record of all fire drills will be kept by the Operations Manager or his/her designee.
Electrical Safety
Electrical safety is everyone’s responsibility in a healthcare setting. Precautions that you can take include the following:
· Obtaining proper instructions before using any new or unfamiliar electrical equipment.
· Not using any electrical equipment or wall receptacle that appears to be damaged or in poor repair.
· Reporting all unsafe electrical problems/conditions immediately to the Safety Officer.
· Tagging and removing from service immediately any electrical equipment found to present an electrical hazard.
· Reporting all shocks immediately.
· Pulling the plug, not the cord, to remove the plug from an electrical outlet.
· Never using a three-pronged grounded plug in a two-slot outlet.
· Extension cords are not permitted. Surge protective strips are recommended as a safe alternative.
· Electrical outlet covers used on any unused outlets.
Environmental Workplace Safety
In order to avoid accidents or injuries, it is important to ensure work areas are free of hazards by:
· Keeping passageways clear of trip or fall hazards.
· Ensuring floors are kept free of any debris or moisture.
· Reporting unsafe conditions or equipment to the Safety Officer or a Safety Committee member.
· Storing all equipment and supplies properly.
· Keeping file drawers and cabinet doors closed when not in use.
· Preventing trash or clutter from accumulating.
· Refraining from using space heating devices.
· Cleaning up or reporting spills as soon as possible.
· Refraining from use of candles or other open flame or heating devices (i.e., heating pads, hot plates).
Quiz Instructions:
1. Click on the link below to access the quiz
2. Print the page
3. Complete the quiz
4. Submit the completed quiz to your supervisor