SECTION III: BASIC ELEMENTS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL

HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAM

B) SELF-INSPECTION

PURPOSE

Community Colleges of Spokane has elected to utilize a system of self-inspection to identify and correct/eliminate exposure to physical hazards within the work place (refer to WAC 296-24-073 for "Safe Place Standards requirements").

PROCEDURES

1. Conduct of a facility self-inspection:

· Frequency of facility self-inspections is established on a case-specific basis, according to the facility occupancy, usage and associated hazards.

§ A Building Self-Inspection Safety Survey (Facility/General) is conducted annually by Environmental Health and Safety Committee members/building safety representatives, according to their assignment, by the safety officer, to a specific facility. As appropriate to the facility, the safety survey may also utilize the self-inspection form for gyms/sports centers, kitchen areas, science laboratories, and/or shops. The completed survey is routed as indicated on the form.

· In addition to the self-inspection safety survey referenced above, areas determined to have a higher potential for safety hazards are to be inspected more frequently, with frequency of inspection determined by the responsible faculty/staff and their administrator. Areas which may require this additional self-inspection include:

· shops

· science laboratories

· any other area where it is determined there is a higher than normal hazard potential (e.g., where hazardous chemicals are in frequent use and/or where processes include the frequent use of hazardous machinery and equipment)

§ Documentation of the additional self-inspection is to occur utilizing the existing CCS Building Self-Inspection Safety Survey forms (shops and science laboratories). Some areas may require development of a more site-specific self-inspection checklist. Form development may be accomplished by the CCS employee responsible for the specific area (e.g., faculty member or supervisor).

· Self-inspection safety surveys are to be arranged, whenever possible, to occur at a time convenient to the facility or area occupants such that disruption of the educational process will be avoided.

· In addition to the formal self-inspection safety surveys referenced above, informal surveys and inspections of their areas are to be routinely conducted by individuals responsible for a specific area where hazards are known to exist (e.g., shop, laboratory, etc.) as a part of their normal work responsibilities (frequency dependent upon specific need, according to hazard level of the area). Documentation and retention of these "informal" self-inspections are recommended, but not mandated.

· Staff of the CCS Environmental Health and Safety Office will conduct a facility or area safety survey upon request, according to the urgency of the need and their work schedules and time availability.

2. Corrective action following a facility self-inspection:

Any items noted as "unsatisfactory" on the Building Self-Inspection Safety Survey require evaluation and appropriate follow-up action. It is important that the individual documenting the survey indicate on the form the assignment of responsibility for evaluation and correction of hazards and discrepancies noted during the self-inspection:

· dean or associate dean

· instructor

· Building Improvement Request submitted to Buildings and Grounds

· Hazardous Condition Report completed and routed

3. Inspection of Hazardous Waste Areas:

Two forms are utilized for inspection of hazardous waste areas, as noted below:

· Hazardous Waste Collection Site Inspection Report: This form is completed weekly by the CCS safety professional at the primary hazardous waste collection sites at each college campus.

· Hazardous Waste Satellite Accumulation Area Weekly Inspection (shop area): This form is completed weekly by the individual assigned the responsibility in each CCS area designated as a hazardous waste satellite accumulation site.

4. Fume Hood Inspection and Test:

The Fume Hood Inspection and Test Report form is completed annually by the CCS safety professional (or his/her designate) for each fume hood situated within CCS facilities.

5. As needed inspections or surveys:

As appropriate, staff of the CCS Environmental Health and Safety Office (475-7041) to respond to the need for industrial hygiene surveys. Examples include analysis of sound levels for possible employee over-exposure; conduct of indoor air quality surveys in response to reports of occupational illness on the part of a CCS employee(s); ergonomic assessment of a computer workstation, etc..