Confined Space
A confined space is a space large enough and so configured that an individual can bodily enter and perform assigned work, has limited or restricted means for entry or exit, and is not designed for continuous personnel occupancy. A confined or enclosed space includes, but is not limited to, tanks, vessels, storage bins, boilers, ventilation or exhaust ducts, sewers, underground utility vaults, and tunnels. General Safety has developed a program to protect individuals from the hazards of entry into confined spaces at Georgia Tech.
This describes the requirements and responsibilities for anyone entering a confined space.
This form is completed before work is performed in a permit-required confined space.
Contractor Safety
Contractor safety is vital to Georgia Tech. General Safety has developed a contractor safety agreement program to ensure and promote the safety of contractors while working at Georgia Tech. This form must be signed by all contractors/subcontractors prior to working at Georgia Tech.
A form to be completed by all contractors or subcontractors prior to working at GT
A description of hiring manager and contractor/subcontractor responsibilities when working at GT.
Electrical Safety
GT launched its first written Electrical Safety Program in December 2014 to provide detailed safety guidance for all GT Employees that work around or with electrical equipment. EHS is working with Facilities Management to develop the required Electrical Safety Training programs that match the needs of the different classes of employees. The writing of the program was a collaborative effort between EHS, Facilities Management, and external consulting Engineers and Safety Professionals. The program was written to meet the requirements of the National Electric Code, NFPA 70E, and several sections of 29 CFR 1910. Revisions to the program will be made during in annual review process.
A description of requirements and responsibilities when performing electrical work.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science of fitting the occupation to the worker. People vary enormously in height, weight, physical strength, ability to handle information and in many other ways. Ergonomics uses information about human abilities, attributes, and limitations to ensure that our equipment, work, and workplaces allow for these variations. The study of ergonomics is to reduce hazards such Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), the most common disorder being Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. General Safety offers ergonomic assessments to faculty and staff at Georgia Tech with recommendations for improvement. For your convenience, a list of guidelines on how to improve and ensure your workstation is ergonomically correct is below. Email the EHS General Safety Office for more information.
Description of good ergonomic work practices
Checklist to assess ergonomics of a work station
Excavation and Trenching
An excavation is any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth surface formed by removal of earth. A trench is a cut in the earth that is deeper than its width, but is not wider than 15 feet. Both excavations and trenches are equally dangerous and require workers to be properly protected. General Safety has developed an excavation permit that must be filled out completely prior to performing any trenching or excavation work. The General Safety program lists specifies practices and guidelines for the safety of Georgia Tech employees while performing excavation and trenching.
Excavation & Trenching Procedure
Document detailing the requirements relating to open excavations made in the earth's surface, including trenches
A form to be completed prior to performing trenching or excavation work
Fall Protection and Roof Top Work
Georgia Tech complies with OSHA Fall Protection standard CFR 1926, Subpart M, Fall Protection. General Safety has developed a program describing requirements and responsibilities regarding fall protection anytime there is a fall hazard of 4 feet or more. The purpose of this procedure is to specify practices and training for the safety of Georgia Tech employees while working on elevated surfaces and ladders. Georgia Tech employees who work at heights of four (4) feet or greater are required to attend training on fall protection. Additionally, those employees working on aerial platforms, scissors lifts, or other elevated platform equipment must receive training on the use of such equipment.
Fall Protection Equipment Inspection Sheet
A form to be completed prior to using fall protection equipment
A document describing requirements and responsibilities regarding fall protection, anytime there is a fall hazard of 4 feet or more
Ladder Safety
Ladders present unique opportunities for unsafe acts and unsafe conditions. Employees who use ladders must be trained in proper selection, inspection, use and storage. Improper use of ladders has cause a large percentage of accidents in the workplace are of accidents. Use caution on ladders. General Safety has developed a ladder safety procedure in consideration to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.25, 1910.26, and 1910.27. The purpose of this program is to establish the minimum requirements for the safe and proper use of ladders (including wooden, metal, and fiberglass ladders) and the minimum requirements for the care and use of portable and fixed ladders in order to ensure safety under normal conditions of use at Georgia Tech.
Document describing requirements and responsibilities when using ladders
Form to be completed periodically to ensure ladder is in good condition
Lockout/Tagout
Lockout/Tagout is the process of controlling hazardous energy through locking and/or tagging the energy isolating device once the energy is in the shutdown position .Locking out the energy isolating device, in accordance with an established procedure, ensures that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed. Tagging out is a prominent warning device, such as a tag and a means of attachment, which can be securely fastened to an energy isolating device in accordance with an established procedure, to indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed. General Safety has developed a program to ensure that employees and contractors at Georgia Tech are protected from accidental or unexpected activation of mechanical & electrical equipment and/or pressurized power sources during inspection, maintenance, or construction activities.
Document describing requirements and responsibilities when performing work that necessitates LOTO
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment is a third line of defense that is designed to protect workers from serious workplace injuries or illnesses resulting from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Besides face shields, safety glasses, hard hats, and safety shoes, protective equipment includes a variety of devices and garments such as goggles, coveralls, gloves, vests, earplugs, and respirators. General Safety has developed a PPE program to protect the health and welfare of Georgia Tech employees in areas where there may be a risk of injury or exposure to hazardous substances or conditions employees who work in areas where physical hazards or the potential for physical hazards exist.
Document detailing the requirements and responsibilities of using the proper PPE for the job