COMPLIANCE IS MANDATORY

Ames Health and Safety Manual

Chapter 43 - Office Safety

43.1 Overview

This chapter defines safety requirements for offices.

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43.2 References

1. NASA Procurement Regulation, Part 1, Subpart 52 and Part 14.
2. Occupational Safety and Health Act, 1970.
3. Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 1910 and 1926

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43.3 Office Safety

The following safety precautions shall be observed at all work locations.

43.3.1 Electrical

• Extension cords must not be used in lieu of permanent wiring.
• Use only Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or other testing laboratory-approved electrical devices.
• Do not overload electrical outlet circuits.
• Limit extension cords to one unit per outlets.
• Extension cords, where allowed, must be of the three-pronged grounded variety, and suitable for the conditions of use and location.
• Do not use electrical devices outside or in a wet environment unless protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFIC) devices.
• All cords shall be protected against kinks, crimps, or other damage. They shall not run through doorways where they could be damaged by a closing door.

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43.3.2 Electrical Appliances

Listed below are appliances that must not be plugged into an extension cord or power strip because the current load may exceed the temperature rating of the extension cord/power strip and create a fire hazard.

Plugging these appliances directly into a wall receptacle increases the likelihood of immediately opening a circuit breaker in the event of a short circuit or ground fault and significantly reduces the fire hazard potential.

Electrical appliances with current loads >5 amps shall be plugged directly into a wall receptacle.

*Use only personal space heaters equipped with tip-over protection. Keep combustible materials away from operating space heaters.

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43.3.3 File Cabinet

• The heaviest items stored in each cabinet should be located in the lowest drawers to prevent toppling or ergonomic injury.
• A loaded cabinet should be limited to one open drawer at a time.
• Cabinets and furniture that could cause injury or impede egress shall be secured against tipping.
• Items that could cause an injury if they fell shall not be stored unsecured above shoulder height.

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43.3.4 Fire Extinguishers

Employees shall not attempt to fight fires with portable fire extinguishers unless they are qualified by training to do so. Fire extinguisher training is provided on a regular basis. Registration for this class can be accomplished by contacting the Safety, Health and Medical Services Division, X4-5062.

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43.3.5 Ergonomics

• Use the correct tool, procedure, and posture for lifting heavy items.
• Configure workstations (e.g., computer) to maintain good posture any body component.

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43.3.6 Sharp Surfaces

• Sharp surfaces on equipment and furniture (e.g., file cabinet edges, wood splinter, ect.) should be removed or protect to eliminated injury potential.
• Cutting knives (e.g., utility knife, etc.) should be stored with the cap on or blade retracted.

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43.3.7 Emergency Exits and Egress Routes

• Emergency exits must never be blocked.
• Emergency exit lights shall not be obscured.

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43.3.8 Office Doors

Emergency procedures require that office doors should be closed on the way out of the building in the event of a building evacuation. Door stops or �hold open� devices shall be removed to allow office doors to close and latch shut.

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43.3.9 Building Alarms

Employees must understand the meaning of alarms in all buildings and areas they work in or visit on a regular basis, and must be aware of the appropriate response to each alarm. Refer to the Building Emergency Action Plan (BEAP) for additional information on building alarms.

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43.3.10 Ladders

Ladders must be used, stored, and inspected as specified in Chapter 14, Shop Safety.

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