7430 - RISK REDUCTION PROGRAM

Southern Local School District

Administrative Guidelines

7430 - RISK REDUCTION PROGRAM

The desired outcomes of the District's safety program are:

	A.	regularly-scheduled inspections by the local health department of building and grounds to identify/correct potential hazardous conditions;
	B.	quality tools, implements, machines, and vehicles that meet safety standards in normal usage;
	C.	equipment that is in compliance with State safety standards in all respects;
	D.	regularly-scheduled equipment servicing and maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation;
	E.	provision of approved protective devices to minimize personal injuries.

Responsibility

The teacher shall be responsible for compliance with the Public Employment Risk Reduction Program (PERRP) and for maintaining communication with the Division of Safety and Hygiene (614-575-1190) and the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Ohio OSHA). Each principal is to assist by developing and administering such measures and practices as are necessary to adequately monitor safety conditions in the school and to prevent accidents. Each school's plan is to be submitted initially and as revised to the principal for review and approval by July 1st.

The plan should be in accordance with recommendations provided by the State and should include the following:

	A.	A hazard inspection of all areas in which employees work or participate (See Form 7410 F4). If a hazard is identified, the maintenance person shall select the appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for the employee, communicate the selection to the employee, and ensure the employee wears the PPE after receiving the proper instruction. (See Form 7430 F4).
	B.	Fire and Tornado: (see AG 8420 and AG 8420A)

		1.	Fire drills are to be conducted monthly.
		2.	Fire exits are to be inspected daily to ensure each is ready for prompt and orderly egress.
		3.	Fire extinguishers are to be inspected annually and tagged when inspected. The principal shall be notified when fire extinguishers have been discharged and need to be recharged or replaced.
		4.	The system for giving fire and tornado alarms are to be checked at least biannually to ensure that each is functioning properly.

Protective Devices and/or Clothing

		1.	Personal Protective Equipment (PPE's) shall be used by all students, teachers, and visitors when participating in or observing courses involving the use of hazardous substances and/or participating in activities in which there is a reasonably-foreseeable exposure to bodily fluids.
		2.	For purposes of these guidelines hazardous substances are those likely to cause physical injury to the eye, face, head, foot, or hand. This includes materials which are flammable, toxic, or corrosive to living tissue, irritating, strongly sensitizing, radioactive, or those which generate pressure through heat, decomposition, or other means.
		3.	Activities requiring protective devices and/or clothing include:

			a.	working with hot molten metals
			b.	milling, sawing, turning, shaping, cutting, grinding, or stamping any solid material
			c.	heat treating, tempering, or kiln firing of any metal or material
			d.	gas or electric arc welding
			e.	working with hot liquids, solids or chemicals which are flammable, toxic, corrosive to living tissue, irritating, sensitizing, radioactive, or which generate pressure through heat, decomposition, or other means

Safety Education

		1.	Students in Kindergarten through sixth grade are provided instruction in first aid and in personal-safety assault prevention.
		2.	Tools and equipment shall be used for instructional purposes only, and the teacher shall be fully responsible for ensuring that each is used safely and is kept in proper working order, including any safety features.
		3.	Applicable courses of study shall include instruction in accident and fire prevention and in safety education.
		4.	All personnel who are required to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be properly trained so they can confirm they understand how to wear, use, maintain, and dispose of the PPE. Each employee must complete Form 7430 F4 prior to completion of the training. Such training shall be provided upon employment or at the beginning of the school year prior to the employee being exposed to the hazard.
		5.	The goals of the District safety program for students shall be that each has developed:

			a.	a positive attitude toward maintaining good personal health and well-being;
			b.	knowledge in the proper use of tools and machinery;
			c.	an awareness of potential safety hazards in structures, equipment, and use of tools and equipment;
			d.	pride in practicing safe workmanship;
			e.	a work ethic that includes a willingness to assist in preventing hazards to self and co-workers;
			f.	a commitment to maintaining a healthy, productive work environment.

Revised 10/93
Revised 3/97