Washington State University
SAFETY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

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Safety Precautions for Office Workers

University personnel are responsible for using safety precautions while in offices. This section provides and overview of common office safety problems and precautions. For detailed information on a given topic refer to cross-referenced sections.

See S45.65.

See S70.12.

Make sure that wastebaskets are emptied regularly.

Keep aisles, exits and stairs free of obstructions.

Remove tripping hazards from all walkways. Examples of hazards include briefcases, electric cords, wastebaskets, and fans.

Immediately clean up liquids spilled in traveled areas.

Report worn stair treads, broken floor tiles or broken handrails to the Facilities Operations dispatcher; telephone 335-9000.

During winter months, wear footwear with traction soles when running errands to other buildings, or traveling to and from work.

Use a step ladder, not a chair or table, when reaching for something on a high shelf.

Prior to use, make sure that the ladder is in good condition.

Make sure the ladder is tall enough. Do not use the top two steps on ladders over 5 feet high.

Use regular letter openers or retractable blade box cutters instead of knives, exacto knives, razor blades, or scissors.

Retract the blade when not in use.

Keep fire doors closed in order to contain smoke and gases in the event of fire. Make sure that fire doors with automatic closing devices close completely. See also S60.40.

See also S60.40. See S60.48 for evacuation of disabled persons.

Know the unit's fire survival plan. The fire survival plan, including evacuation routes, is posted on the unit's safety bulletin board.

Practice the prescribed evacuation routes during regular fire drills.

See also S60.30.

Know locations of nearby fire extinguishers.

Know the proper uses of each class of fire extinguisher.

Periodically check the gauge to ensure that the extinguisher is operational. Report discharged or otherwise inoperable fire extinguishers to the Facilities Operations dispatcher; telephone 335-9000.

See S20.40.

Know the locations of the unit's first aid kits.

Know who in the unit has been trained in first aid. Employees with first aid training are listed on the unit's first aid kits.

Restock the unit's first aid kits as necessary.

Keep long hair and loose clothing away from moving parts.

Turn off the power or unplug the electrical connection when changing an element, ribbon, or cartridge.

To improve the stability of a filing cabinet, place heavier materials in the lower drawers.

Open only one drawer at a time to avoid destabilizing the cabinet.

Use the handles, not the drawer, when opening file drawers.

Keep drawers shut to eliminate tripping hazards.

Do not place loose items on top of filing cabinets.

Keep the blade down when not using the paper cutter.

Do not use a cutter unless a finger guard is firmly attached.

Do not place fans in aisles and doorways.

Do not remove protective guards from fans.

Ensure that fan guards have openings no larger than one-half inch.

See also S45.10.

Extension cords must have three wires, three prongs and at least 16 gauge wire.

Do not exceed the rated capacity for the extension cord.

Replace worn or frayed cords.

Prevent tripping hazards by keeping electrical cords out of aisles and doorways.

Report broken or missing outlet or switch covers to the Facilities Operations dispatcher; telephone 335-9000.

When additional electrical outlets are required, departmental personnel should request that Facilities Operations review electrical wiring in the office area.

If a multiple outlet strip can be safely used without overloading circuits, obtain a multiple outlet strip meeting the following specifications:

• Minimum of 16 gauge wire.


• Groundwire with an extra prong on the plug (3 wires, 3 prongs).


• Breaker protected.

Do not use electrical adapter cubes.

Facilities Operations and the WSU Fire Marshal discourage the use of portable space heaters in University interior spaces. When a space heater is necessary, the department is to obtain a type of space heater approved by the WSU Fire Marshal. Refer to S60.73.