l Health and Safety, The National Safety
Council, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, American Society
of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc., and other nationally
recognized agencies.

2
GENERAL SAFETY POLICIES

Electrical Distribution and Equipment

A. Policy

It is the policy of UAB to assure that the electrical power distribution system as well as all
electrical, electromechanical, and electronic equipment remain safe and effective.

B. Purpose

To assure that regular testing and preventive maintenance are provided for the proper distribution
system and all non-clinical electrically powered equipment.

C. Interpretative Guidelines

1. All new elements of the electric power distribution shall be evaluated for safety and
performance prior to being put into service.

2. All elements of the power distribution system shall be periodically evaluated for safety and
performance, and calibrated or repaired if required.

3. Acceptance tests, scheduled service procedures and establishment of test intervals shall be the
responsibility of the Maintenance Department.

4. Tests shall be performed in accordance with written procedures based on applicable safety
standards, codes and regulations, and manufacturers' specifications.

5. Test procedures and repairs shall be documented.

6. Installation, repair, alteration, or adjustment of electrical equipment, fuse boxes, circuit
breakers, wiring, etc. must be made by properly licensed and authorized maintenance personnel
or an approved licensed contractor. All installations must comply with the appropriate sections
of the current NFPA 70 National Electrical Code®.

3
GENERAL SAFETY POLICIES

Use of Portable Space Heaters

A. Policy

It is the policy of UAB to restrict the use of portable space heaters within all areas of the
University.

B. Purpose

To eliminate the fire hazard associated with the use of various types of portable space heaters.

C. Interpretative Guidelines

1. Portable space heaters are prohibited in sleeping quarters.

2. Only electric space heaters may be used.

3. Portable space heaters used shall be limited to devices where the heating element is limited to
not more than 212°F (100°C), and to devices equipped with a safety "tip-over" switch which
disconnects power if the device tips over.

4. Space heaters must not be placed or used in a manner that will bring them closer than 12
inches to combustible materials, such as, curtains, furniture, clothes, trash, etc.

5. Only heating units labeled by an approved testing laboratory (U.L. Listed, for example) are
approved for use.

6. Space heaters must never be used in rooms with flammable liquids that could produce
explosive vapors or in rooms with flammable gases.

7. The use of extension cords with space heaters is not allowed.

8. Space heaters must never be left on over night.

9. Space heaters must be attended at all times.

4
GENERAL SAFETY POLICIES

Use of Adapters and Extension Cords

A. Policy

It is the policy of the University of Alabama at Birmingham to restrict the use of adapters and
extension cords to emergency use or specific, supervised maintenance activities only.

B. Purpose

To assure that adapters and extension cords are not misused within the University because of the
inherent hazards of fire, electrical shock and loss of power that are associated with improper
electrical connections, and to avoid tripping.

C. Interpretative Guidelines

1.Extension cords shall be used only as a temporary means to power equipment and must not be
used as a substitute for permanent wiring.

2. All extension cords shall be 16 gauge or heavier. Wire size and insulation must be adequate
for the intended purpose and carry the Underwriters Laboratory® seal of approval.

3. Only extension cords provided by Campus Maintenance are approved for use at UAB.
Requests for supplying or replacing extension cords shall be made through Campus
Maintenance.

4. Administrative personnel and staff shall be responsible for the enforcement of this policy.
Unapproved adapters or extension cords shall be removed from the UAB campus.

5. Splicing of extension cords or equipment power cords is not permitted.

6. Extension cords must be covered when in use and must be stored in a manner that does not
present a trip hazard.

7. Extension cords shall be stored in designated storage cabinets and should be clean, dry and
serviceable. Any cords that are frayed, worn or damaged should be discarded to avoid accidental
use.

8. All damaged equipment must be reported to departmental supervisors and removed from
service.




Page 1
Printed: 4/15/2005


O
CCUPATIONAL
H
EALTH AND
S
AFETY
P
OLICY
/P
ROCEDURE

Title:

U
SE AND
S
TORAGE OF
C
OMPRESSED
G
AS
C
YLINDERS

Effective Date:
5/1/2005
Reviewed:

Revised:
2/15/2005

Ref:


Approved:
Responsible OH&S Program: General Safety
Approved:





Approved:


Author(s):

G
ENERAL
S
AFETY
P
OLICY
:

U
SE AND
S
TORAGE OF
C
OMPRESSED
G
AS
C
YLINDERS


It is the policy of UAB that special precautions be taken to assure the safe use and storage of compressed
gas cylinders in all areas of campus and the Medical Center to minimize the risk of tanks falling or rolling in a
manner that could cause the sudden release of high-pressure contents creating a high-speed projectile and
the potential for injury and property damage.

This policy does not supersede existing federal, state or local applicable codes but is a supplement to clarify
specific UAB requirements for safe handling and storage of compressed gas cylinders. Some hazardous
materials may require additional precautions. This policy shall apply to all areas of the University where
compressed gas cylinders are used or stored.

1. All compressed gas cylinders are required to be clearly labeled as to the contents and any associated
hazards. Deteriorated or corroded labels must be replaced.
2. All cylinders without adequate labeling to identify contents shall be labeled as "Contents Unknown"
and returned to supplier. Color coding is not a reliable method of determining contents.
3. Large compressed gas cylinders shall be transported on wheeled carts equipped with straps or
chains to secure the cylinder to the cart. Rolling or dragging cylinders is not recommended due to the
possibility of damage to the cylinder and injury to personnel.
4. Cylinder valve protection caps shall remain in place at all times other than when cylinders are
connected for use and secured.
5. All compressed gas cylinders must be secured upright and in place to prevent falling by using
approved chains, straps, stands or carts. When delivering new cylinders, if the cylinder can not be
safety secured using an approved method the delivery personnel SHALL NOT leave the cylinder.
6. Delivery personnel may not leave tanks unsecured at any time. Tanks must not be left unsecured at
the delivery truck or on the truck lift gate, etc.
7. Cylinders not required for current use should be stored outside of the work area in a protected,
fenced, outdoor storage area. If stored indoors, cylinders should be stored in well ventilated areas
away from sources of heat and ignition. Storage rooms must meet the appropriate Life Safety Code
requirements. The area must be secured from unauthorized access with appropriate signage on the
outside to inform emergency personnel of potential hazards.
8. Cylinders shall not be stored in corridors.
Max Richard, MPH, Assistant Vice President,
Occupational Health and Safety
Randy Pewitt, MPH, Director
Chair, University Safety Committee
Max Richard
Randy Pewitt
Brooks Baker
Dennis Wells, Univ. Safety Mgr.
Terri Williams, Campus Safety Officer




Page 2
Printed: 4/15/2005


O
CCUPATIONAL
H
EALTH AND
S
AFETY
P
OLICY
/P
ROCEDURE

9. Automatic pressure regulators or reducing valves shall be used on all gas cylinders to maintain a
uniform gas supply at the correct pressure. Only regulators listed by agencies such as Underwriters
Laboratories® or Factory Mutual should be used. Use only the appropriate, designated regulator for
the specific gas to be used.
10. Regulators for oxygen or fuel gas cylinders shall be equipped with a high pressure (cylinder pressure)
and a low pressure (delivery pressure) gauge, a flow control valve, and a delivery adjustment screw.
11. Do not use oil around oxygen gauges, valves or connectors. Follow suppliers recommendations for
cleaning of the cylinder outlet fittings and openings.
12. Close the cylinder valve when the equipment is not in use or unattended overnight.
13. Cylinders containing toxic or flammable gases must be stored in an approved storage area. The use
of the smallest possible cylinder of toxic or flammable gases is recommended.
14. Cylinders containing oxidizing gases, such as oxygen and nitrous oxide, shall be stored separately
from flammable gases or liquids.
15. Empty cylinders shall be so identified and stored separately from full or partially full cylinders.
16. Compressed gas cylinders shall be used only for their intended purposes.





7
GENERAL SA