Spotlight on Safety
Quarterly Newsletter for Safety and Loss Prevention

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Fall 2001, Vol. 3; No. 3

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Fall...

Fall has come and gone all too fast, as we look out the window and see the white blanket of snow. Remember to drive extra careful now that snow and ice have returned and wear your seatbelt. This newsletter includes topics on security, suspicious packages/letters, emergency vehicles, snowblowers, space heater safety, and hazardous material disposal. Enjoy!

Security

Beginning with the attack on our nation and extending into our current war on terrorism, the people of America have been faced with new risks and fears that are affecting our daily lives. We should all remember that the most important dangers we face today are the very dangers we faced prior to the terrorist incidents. Getting in your car is still the most dangerous thing you do every day. Likewise, you are far more likely to get sick from the flu than from anthrax. We are all a little uneasy about some of the new risks we face, but it is important not to let your anxiety drive fear. If we let our lives be restricted by fear, we give the terrorists exactly what they want. We all have a responsibility to keep our campus safe and secure. It is important for all faculty and staff to take ownership of that responsibility. Use your anxiety to drive safety and security efforts in your respective work units.

• If you see a new person in your area, ask them, "Hello, can I help you find something?" Verify that they should be in your building. (This is a good, friendly thing to do anyway!)
• Make sure that you and your co-workers have a UND identification card. Go to the Campus Passport ID Office (Room 15, Memorial Union) if you do not have one.
• Re-think daily routines and tasks to determine whether or not they are being done safely.
• Keeps rooms that are not in use locked. Especially labs and storage areas.
• Review the access to your facility: Who has keys? Who should? Have your key inventories been done properly? Recover keys prior to persons leaving campus.
• Discuss safety and security with your co-workers and make improvements as appropriate.
• Report any unusual activity to the UND Police.

Suspicious Packages

If you have paid any attention at all to the news media in recent weeks, you are aware of the events regarding anthrax in the mail. UND Police and safety personnel are working in cooperation with federal, state, and local authorities to protect our communities from all terrorist threats, including those in the mail.

There are some simple things that you can do to minimize your risks when dealing with the mail. Follow the guidelines below to minimize your risks.

Prior to opening the mail, look at the package. Is it:

• Unexpected?
• From someone unfamiliar?
• Improperly addressed?
• Without return address?
• Inconsistent between return address and postmark?
• Stained, or showing visible residue or wires?
• Odd sized/shaped?
• Bearing excessive postage?

If any of these conditions exist, consider the package suspicious. If you have received a suspicious package or piece of mail:

• Don't open the letter or package.
• Don't handle the letter or package.
• Don't shake, bump, or sniff the letter or package.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Call UND Police, 777-3491.

UND Police will respond to all suspicious mail/package calls and will take the appropriate action. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact either the Police, or Safety & Environmental Health.

Don't Just Dump That!

On University campus, you cannot dump hazardous material down the drain, even if it's diluted. You must first call the Safety and Environmental Health Office (SEHO) for authorization. The Environmental Protection Agency has specific rules, regulations, and a list of wastes that cannot be dumped down the drain. Even some cough medicines that contain alcohol cannot be poured down. Hazardous materials can harm our environment and the processes that we use to maintain drinkable water. For instance, the silver in the photographic chemicals kills the microorganisms that make our waste treatment facilities work, and can inhibit the water treatment process.

If you have any questions as to what materials are considered hazardous or what to do if you need to dispose of them, contact the SEHO.

Pullover!

In an emergency, every second counts, so it's important to yield to police, fire and rescue vehicles on the roadways. Response time is critical in emergencies. Not yielding to an emergency vehicle can literally mean the difference between someone living or dying.

Follow these rules when encountering emergency vehicles:

• When an emergency vehicle approaches with sirens or lights, signal and pull over as far to the right as possible and then stop.
• Do not block an intersection or road. If you are already in an intersection, proceed through it, then move safely to the right and stop.
• When an emergency vehicle is at the scene of an accident with its lights flashing, pull to the right of the scene and stop, only pass at your own risk if the scene is clear. If officers are directing traffic, obey their directions.
• Do not follow an emergency vehicle. When it passes, resume normal travel and speed.
• Keep the volume on your car radios low enough to hear the emergency vehicle sirens.

Space Heaters

If you are not satisfied with the heating system in your work area, you may be tempted to utilize a space heater. When used correctly, space heaters can make a cold room comfortable. Used incorrectly, they can turn your house or office into a barbeque. Before using a space heater, contact Facilities at 7-2591 and report your heating concerns. If adjustments can be made to the building heating system, that is the proper way to "warm up".

In some instances, it may be appropriate to use a space heater. Here are some quick safety tips for space heaters:

• Choose models with automatic safety switches that turn off the unit if it is tipped over accidentally.

• Never use the stove top burners or oven as a heat source.

• Make sure the heater's element is guarded.

• Check the cord before plugging in the heater. If frayed or damaged, do not use. Avoid the use of an extension cord.

• Keep heaters away from water sources and other wet or damp places.

• Keep heaters at least three feet from draperies, blankets, sofas, and other combustible items.

• Buy a smoke detector and test it often.


Safety and Environmental Health Office
Box 9031
Grand Forks, ND 58202
Phone: (701)777-3341
Fax: (701)777-4132