SECTION II:       ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

 

 

COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING FEDERAL AND STATE SAFETY AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

 

The environmental health and safety program of Community Colleges of Spokane is in compliance with such standards and systems as are prescribed for places of employment by the Washington State Director of Labor and Industries through the Division of Safety, and with legislation passed by the Washington State Legislature of 1973, which enacted the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act of 1973 (WISHA).

 

Chapter 296-24 Washington Administrative Code (WAC) covers all employees of Community Colleges of Spokane and specifically outlines management and employee responsibilities for developing an accident prevention program containing equitable management and employee participation.

 

Per WAC 296-24-020 and 073, management's responsibilities include:

 

·         establish, supervise and enforce a safe and healthful working environment

·         establish, supervise and enforce an effective accident-prevention program, (tailored to the specific I institutional needs, according to existing operations and hazards)

·         provide training programs to improve the skill and competency of all employees in the field of occupational safety and health

·         maintain a system for recording, reporting and investigating occupational injuries and illnesses, as prescribed by Chapter 296-27 WAC

·         furnish to each employee a place of employment free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause serious injury or death to said employees

·         furnish and use safety devices and safeguards, and adopt and use practices, means, methods, operations, and processes which are reasonably adequate to render such employment and place of employment safe

·         do every other thing reasonably necessary to protect the life and safety of employees

·         shall not require any employee to go or be in any employment or place of employment which is not safe

 

The hazardous materials management portion of the CCS environmental health and safety program has been implemented according to existing local, state and federal regulations.  Some of the specific regulations include:

 

·         Dangerous Waste Regulations, Chapter 173-303, Washington State Department of Ecology

·         Hazard Communication, Chapter 296-62 WAC, Part C, WAC 296-62-054

·         Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, Chapter 296-62  WAC, Part P, WAC 296-62-300

·         Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories, Chapter 296-62 WAC, Part Q, WAC  296-62-400

·         Federal Clean Air Act and the Clean Air Washington Act of 1991

 

In addition, the environmental health and safety program of Community Colleges of Spokane may surpass these requirements and standards when necessary for the safety and well-being of employees, students and visitors.