FOREWORD

Every year, there are many accidents involving property loss and human injuries. Though many injured recover and resume to work, a few are unlucky and sustained permanent disability or even die. Safety is of utmost importance. Major safety topics are featured in this booklet for the PolyU community along with precautions for common accidents. If you need further advice, please contact the Health, Safety and Environment Ofce and we are delighted to render any assistance whenever possible.

Read it carefully - Follow the advice

CONTENTS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 IMPORTANCE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY SAFETY SIGNS FIRE SAFETY BASIC ELECTRICAL SAFETY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES LABORATORY SAFETY MACHINERY SAFE USE OF LASER POINTER SAFE USE OF MICROWAVE OVEN MANUAL HANDLING OPERATIONS WORKING WITH DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT GOOD HANDWASHING 3 6 7 11 13 14 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24

1. THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY

The University Commitment
The University is committed to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all members of staff at work, of students in the course of study and of the general public using the University premises. The measures taken as part of this commitment are designed to achieve high health and safety standards over and above compliance with relevant statutory requirements. To this end, everyone in this university has a duty to uphold certain standards of health and safety. In addition to those standards set by the Government, we have internal requirements set in the Health and Safety Guide.

Your Responsibility for Health and Safety

In general, it is the responsibility of all staff and students to : 1. be actively involved in implementing the health and safety measures; take reasonable care at work for their health and safety and all other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions; not to interfere with or misuse, intentionally or recklessly, anything provided in the interests of health and safety; and report problems relating to health and safety matters.

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Safety Safety Process Precaution

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The more you learn about health and safety, the best you can help in making a difference between a safe working environment and a hazardous one.

You and your supervisor are partners!

Together, you can put the policy into practice where you work. And when you do, youll help protect yourself and your colleagues. Remember! Accident is preventable! Its your duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and others while working or studying. This means that you are responsible for: What you do--------------- your actions, and What you dont do-------- your omissions. Follow the basic safety rules in this handbook!

Accident is preventable

2. SAFETY SIGNS
TYPE OF SIGN MEANING OF SIGN Prohibition signs indicate that certain behaviour is not allowed. They are red bordered circular signs with a red cross bar running from top left to bottom right. Warning signs give warning of a specied hazard. They are black bordered, triangular signs. Warning Mandatory signs indicate that a specic course of action is to be taken. They are circular with a blue background. Mandatory Safe condition signs provide information about safe conditions. They are square or oblong with a green background. Safe condition Fire exit Eye wash First aid post EXAMPLES No smoking No admittance No naked ame

Prohibition

Danger, re risk Danger, high voltage Danger, highly inammable Eye protection Ear protection Head protection

3. FIRE SAFETY
In case of re:
Do not panic. Sound the re alarm by activating the break-glass alarm switch in the corridor. If time permits, phone the Campus Security Control Centre by dialing 27667999 (Emergency line). Switch off power/fuel supply to machinery and plant. Close doors. Do not use the lifts, use the stairs and leave the building as quickly as possible. Do not return for valuables or for any reason until area is declared safe by the remen and Facilities Management Ofce.

Never take chances with re - even a small one can spread quickly and smoke is often more deadly than ames. WHEN IN DOUBT - GET OUT

Upon hearing the re alarm :

Leave the building as quickly as possible and go via the stairs to the ground level or to podium level and assemble in the open air. Urge and assist other people in the building to leave if necessary.

Tackle the re:

Only tackle the re if you are absolutely sure that danger is not imminent. Fire hose reels and/or portable re extinguishers can usually be found in corridors or lobbies. Position yourself between the re exit and the re, so you can escape easily.

Action on being caught in smoke:

If you are caught in smoke on your way out, crawl to escape. (The air is better near the oor). If you cant get out and are trapped in a smoke-lled room. 1. Close the door. 2. Open windows or break sealed windows. 3. Sit by the window. 4. Call and signal for help, but DONT JUMP.

Dont put yourself at risk

Fire ghting equipment i. Fire extinguishers

TYPE OF EXTINGUISHERS Carbon Dioxide Type of Fire involving Paper, Textiles, Wood, Plastics Flammable liquids, Solvents, Oil, Grease Electrical Appliances, Motors, Electrical switches Operation 1. 2. 3. 4. Water Dry Powder Clean Agent Foam

Bring the extinguisher to the re ground and keep a safe distance Remove the safety pin and hold the hose/horn (if any) Squeeze the lever Action as follows Direct stream at the base of ames Direct the powder at the base of ames Discharge as close to the base of ames as possible Allow foam to fall lightly on re

Dischar ge as close to the base of flames as possible (- means not suitable)

ii. Fire blanket

A re blanket is best used on small res within a container and when the clothing of a person is on re. Take the blanket out from the case and drape it over the ames to seal off air.

iii. Hose Reel

The hose reels are permanently connected to the re water tank through pipework. If the hose reel is required. Break glass of the re alarm call point. Open isolating/control valve before running out hose. Turn on water at nozzle and direct jet at base of re.

Hose reels are not suitable for electrical res.

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4. BASIC ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Hazards
Electric shock may result in injury or even death. Electric arc or spark may ignite combustible or explosive material. Overheating may cause damage to equipment, short circuits or burns. Short circuits may cause electrical explosions and res. Improper use of electrical appliances may cause injury and lost of property.

BE CAREFUL Your rst shock could be your last

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Precautions
Do not touch an electrical appliance when you are wet or when you are standing on a wet oor. Study operation manual; follow instructions and use equipment as it is designed to. Do not overload sockets; do not operate too many appliances from the same socket using adaptors. Use standard extension board for appliances, no adaptor should be inserted into any extension board. Keep appliance clean, dry and in good working order; always disconnect appliance before cleaning. Inspect cords, wires and plugs regularly and replace any that is worn or frayed. Do not attempt to install or repair power points, plugs, tools unless you are authorized and competent. Alert your supervisor if you spot any sub-standard electrical equipment or wiring. Consult competent person or your supervisor if you are not certain. Switch off the appliances when they are not in use.

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5. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
Hazardous substances have the potential of causing injury or illness in given environments or situations. They are dangerous because of their ammability, toxicity, corrosity and many other factors. There are a number of ways that you can minimize the potential dangers of hazardous substances, if you : read and heed the labels on all containers; cooperate with engineering and administrative controls; use the proper personal protective equipment; be aware of the reactivity of various chemicals; know and use safe handling, storage, processing, and disposal procedures; identify any hazardous substances in your workplace and know their possible health effects, and know the special rst aid procedures related to chemical exposures.

Take precautions, not chances.

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6. LABORATORY SAFETY
Common hazards in a laboratory can be chemicals, biological agents such as bacteria and viruses, high-power lasers, irradiating apparatus such as X-ray machines, and radioactive substances.

i. General Aspects
To work in a laboratory, rst have a good understanding of the hazards involved. As a laboratory worker, observe the safety rules that have been established to help create a safe and healthy working environment. As every laboratory is unique, you should consult the person-in-charge of the laboratory about the safety rules specic to the laboratory you work in. To access to comprehensive laboratory safety information on the Webpage of the Health, Safety and Environment Ofce (HSEO). For research personnel working with one of the major hazards mentioned above, you should also go through the self-learning laboratory safety course on the HSEO webpage and register with HSEO before commencement of work.

LABORATORY

ii. Radioactive Substances

The use of radioactive substances on the campus is strictly controlled by law. Only trained and registered users are allowed to handle par ticular radioactive substances at particular locations as specified in the corresponding licences.

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 Undergraduate students, who may handle certain radioactive substances during the laboratory classes, are exempted from registration provided that they are working under close supervision of their supervisors or instructors (who are registered users) at all times.

iii. Irradiating Apparatus

The use of irradiating apparatus like X-ray machines on the campus is also strictly controlled by law. Each irradiating apparatus should be licenced and only trained and registered users are allowed to operate the apparatus at particular locations as specied in the corresponding licences. Undergraduate students, who may operate irradiating apparatus during the laboratory classes, are exempted from registration provided that they are working under close supervision of their supervisors or instructors (who are re registered users) at all times.

IV. High Power Laser Equipment

Laser equipment can emit intense, monochromatic and coherent radiatio nt radiation ion esser extent, xtent, of an intensity that may impose hazards to the eye, and to a lesser exte enic liquid, id, to the skin. Other hazards such as electrical shock, cr yogenic liquid and laser generated air contaminants are also common in laser work. r All high power (Class 3B and 4) laser equipment on the camp must be campus mpus registered with the Health, Safety & Environment Ofce (HSEO) (HSEO). O). To be used at particular locations as specied in the corresponding registers onding registers. Only trained and registered users are allowed to operate high power laser equipment. The equipment must also be safely operated in compliance with Guidelines for Safe Use of Laser Equipment of PolyU.

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7. MACHINERY
Machinery can be dangerous if not used correctly. Only operate machine, for the job it is intended to do, after you have been trained and given permission to use it. Follow exactly the safe way of using the machine. Do not take short cuts to save time. Make sure that you know where all the controls are and what they are used for. When using any machine, know how to stop it in an emergency. Make sure that effective guards are in place and working properly. If you think that any moving part could cause injury, ask your supervisor if there should be a guard. Always follow the systems set up for maintaining, adjusting or cleaning machines. Make sure that no one else can switch a machine on again while you are working on it. Use Tag-and-Lock when necessary. Dont wear dangling chains or loose clothing which could get caught in moving parts. Keep long hair tucked under a cap or tied back. Stop machine and inform your supervisor at once if you think a machine is not working correctly or is unsafe. Always turn off machines when they are not used.

Guards are there to protect you - not the machine

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8. SAFE USE OF LASER POINTER

Laser pointers are commonly used in the lecture theatres and classroom. The primary hazard is injury to the eye. Do not purchase or use a laser pointer if it does not have a proper label on it identifying its class. Use Class 2, 2M or 3R laser pointer only. Do not look directly into the laser beam or view a laser pointer using an optical instrument such as binocular or a microscope. Do not point a laser pointer at anyone or at any reective surfaces. Remove the battery from the laser pointer when it is not in use.

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9. SAFE USE OF MICROWAVE OVEN

Microwaves are produced inside the oven by an electron tube called a magnetron. The microwaves are reected within the metal interior of the oven where they are absorbed by food. Microwaves cause water molecules in food to vibrate, producing heat that cooks the food. That is why foods high in water content, like fresh vegetables, can be cooked more quickly than other foods. The microwave energy is changed to heat as it is absorbed by food, and does not make food radioactive or contaminated. For safely use of microwave oven, you should : Properly position the microwave oven without blocking its ventilation openings. Use utensils suitable for use in a microwave oven (metal objects including foils or dishes with metal glazes should not be put into the oven). Clean the interior of the oven regularly. Center the object to be heated in the chamber. Do not heat any liquid in a sealed container. Do not operate the oven : 1. when it is empty. 2. if the door does not close rmly. 3. if the door grid is damaged or the holes enlarged. 4. if the door hinges are loose. 5. if the door seals are distorted or not tight. Check the mechanical integrity of the door, door seals and viewing screen regularly. If defects are found, contact the supplier for repair or maintenance.

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10. MANUAL HANDLING OPERATIONS

It has been recognised that the manual handling of loads at work contributes signicantly to the number of workplace injuries. Generally, injuries resulting from manual handling could be : Disc injuries Ligament/Tendon injuries Muscular/Nerve injuries Hernias Fractures, abrasion and cuts Manual handling operation is now subject to requirements under the Occupational Safety and Health Regulation in Hong Kong.

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The basic lifting rule is to think before you act. Essential steps are: Examine object for size, shape and weight. Determine where to go and how to hold it. Check for grease, oil, sharp edges. Be extra careful of awkward shapes in difcult situation. Ensure unobstructed path to avoid tripping. Star t close to the object. Have a rm footing with feet spread on either side of the load. Keep back straight - bend knees. Grasp object rmly. Be sure grip will not slip. Breath-in - inated lungs help to support the spine. Lift with legs - slowly straighten the legs. After legs are straight bring back to vertical position. Hold object rmly close to body. Always lift smoothly. Avoid jerky motions. Turn with feet instead of twisting the back. Clear path of obstructions and tripping hazards. Know where and how the object will be let down.

Think before you act and save your back

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11. WORKING WITH DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT

There is growing in number of people who use the computer very frequently in their job. Computer displays as well as microlm viewers are typical examples of display screen equipment, or DSE for short. A workstation nowadays is often associated with a DSE unit, chair, desk, footrest, printer and other peripheral items. Proper work practices and setup of the computer workstation can help with the prevention of repetitive motion injuries associated with computer workstations. Work with DSE is subject to the requirements under Occupational Safety and Health (Display Screen Equipment) Regulation in Hong Kong. For prolonged use of DSE at work, please consult your supervisor and seek advice from HSEO to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal problems. Many ergonomic improvements can be made through simple changes such as seat and monitor height adjustment. Further information on the proper use of DSE is also available on HSEO webpage.

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12. ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE

The University strives to provide a clean and healthy environment to our staff and students. We have taken measures to minimise the risk of the spread of communicable diseases on campus. Concerted efforts are made by various action departments of PolyU for maintaining a clean and hygienic environment on campus at all times. Areas include air, water, asbestos, hazardous and infectious waste, etc. Specically, PolyU has also set up groups to tackle public health problems when the larger community of Hong Kong is at increased risk. For examples, task forces on SARS and avian u have been established to handle contingency in high-risk periods. Your cooperation and participation are required.

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13. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Protective equipment and clothing, such as respirator, eye protectors, ear protectors, gloves, overalls, safety shoes or boots, are used as the last line of defense against hazards.

Make sure you :

Always wear personal protective equipment when required. Know how to use them correctly, how to maintain, store and look after them. If in doubt, ASK! Ask your supervisor to replace anything that doesnt t properly or any defective item. Suitable personal protective equipment is provided to protect you.

Wear it and care for it

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14. GOOD HANDWASHING

Handwashing, when done correctly, is an important personal hygiene practice to prevent contracting and spreading communicable diseases.

When should we wash our hands?

Before touching the eyes, nose and mouth Before eating or handling food After using the toilet When hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions, e.g. after coughing or sneezing After touching public installations or equipment, such as escalator handrails, elevator control panels or door knobs

Steps for good handwashing

Wet hands under running water. Apply liquid soap and rub hands together to make a soapy lather. Away from the running water, rub the palms, backs of hands, between ngers, backs of ngers, thumbs, nger tips and wrists. Do this for at least 20 seconds. Rinse hands thoroughly under running water. Dry hands thoroughly with either a clean cotton towel, a paper towel, or a hand dryer.

Design and editorial work are administered by Health, Safety and Environment Office. For any comments and suggestions, please email to hosafety@inet.polyu.edu.hk or call 3400 8396.

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