General Safety Hazards

Faculty, staff and students must consider the following general safety hazards in their offices and houses:

1. Emergency lights should be functioning and illuminated all the time.
2. Fire doors and the emergency exits should be kept unobstructed.
3. Fire extinguishers and fire alarm console should be checked regularly. The areas in front of these items must be kept clear at all times.
4. Electrical outlets and the extension cords should not be overloaded.  The damaged electrical cords, broken switches, loose connections, or bare wires should be reported immediately to the supervisor. If it is necessary to run a cable or electrical cord across the floor, a cable cover must be used to protect the wiring and prevent tripping.
5. Cord-connected electrical appliances should have a 3-wire conductor with ground or be approved.
6. All electrical devices must be inspected and tested periodically according to the risk category and must be protectively enclosed as far as it is practical.
7. Personal appliances such as kettles, heaters, and battery chargers and others should not be allowed into the faculty and staff offices at the University. If necessary, a designated and safe room must be assigned to store and use heaters or kettles.
8. The equipments and tools must be visually inspected before plug it in. If cables or plugs were found either damaged or incorrectly fitted, the equipment must rejected and taking it out of service. Defective or inappropriate tools and equipments should not be used.
9. The top drawers of filing cabinets should not be overloaded to avoid the possible tipping of the cabinet when the drawers are opened.  It is advisable to keep file and desk drawers closed when not in use to help prevent tripping accidents.
10. Safety step stools or ladders must be used for climbing. Stand on swivel chairs or use them as step stools should be avoided.
11. Loose clothing, long sleeves, ties or inappropriate gloves should not to be worn when supervising workers or students in a laboratory or on machinery.