This program contains requirements for practical and useful safety guidelines in the daily housekeeping habits and rules encountered at the University of New Mexico.

This program is designed to help reduce disabling injuries and lost work-time. This program contains practical and useful safety guidelines to serve as habits and rules, which will help to achieve a safer attitude and a safer work environment.

Accident – Any unforeseen or unexpected event that may or may not result in injury or damage to people, property or the environment.

3. GENERAL WORK HABITS

• To reduce accidents, we need to report to work physically and mentally rested, prepared to perform our job safely and properly.
• Report any unsafe conditions and unsafe acts to your supervisor or to SHEA as soon as possible.
• Short cuts should be avoided.
• Keep alert at all times especially while performing your duty(s). Personal concerns or emotions may impair your ability to perform your job safely. Assistance with these concerns and emotions can be obtained from Counseling, Assistance and Referral Service (CARS) at 272-6868.
• Report any injury or near miss to your supervisor as soon as possible.
• If you are taking prescribed drugs, some which may have side effects, inform your supervisor BEFORE beginning the day’s work.

Good housekeeping and general upkeep are an essential part of every job.

• Work areas, aisles, walkways, stairways and equipment shall be kept clear of loose materials, extra tools, unnecessary equipment, and scraps.
• Approved storage areas shall be kept orderly.
• A safe access to work area(s) shall be maintained at all times.
• Materials such as lumber and pipe shall be stored in an orderly and secure manner.
• Custodial equipment such as finish buffers, stripping buffers or vacuum cleaners shall be in good working order and stored when not being used.
• All electrical cords shall be UL approved and in good condition. Any unapproved or damaged cord(s) shall be taken out of service immediately (see 29 CFR Part 1910.303, Subpart S – Electrical).
• Spills such as grease, water, or oil shall be isolated (with flags or barricades) immediately, and cleaned up as soon as possible; a delay could result in an accident. Never block aisles, traffic lanes, fire exits, emergency equipment or pull stations with equipment or materials.
• Keep mechanical or electrical rooms clear at all times; do not use them for storage areas.
• Dispose of flammable and combustible scrap materials in approved containers. These containers must be emptied daily.
• Discard oily or greasy rags promptly.
• Wear a pair of gloves before you start any cleanup of broken glass. Discard all cracked and broken glass items immediately. Place the broken glass in a stiff cardboard box; use a pan and brush to pick up the large pieces of broken glass. A dampened paper towel can help to pick up glass slivers.
• Do not allow trash to accumulate so that the container is overflowing or too heavy to lift.
• Do not place lamps, asbestos containing materials, batteries, fluorescent tubes or liquids into trash receptacles. SHEA can assist with proper disposal techniques.
• When handling trash, always be aware of broken glass, sharp objects and needles.
• Remember to use proper lifting and/or bending techniques when working with heavy or bulky items. Use a dolly or other approved lifting device with all large and/or heavy item(s).

Supervisors must train all persons in the proper use of all equipment and familiarize people with the area(s) prior to any job assignment(s). Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs can assist supervisors with training as needed.