General Safety

Animals on Campus Policy

There are several campus playgrounds located around the University's apartments. These playgrounds are intended for use by the children living in UND Housing. All playground activities must be supervised by, and are the sole responsibility of, parents or guardians of the children occupying University apartments. When bringing a child or children to a playground, be sure to observe the following guidelines:

• Encourage children to share playground equipment by "taking turns."
• Be aware of the "toys" your children bring into the play area. Sticks, matches, glass, knives, or weapons are not allowed.
• Do not allow children to climb on trees, roofs, dumpsters, etc.
• Report any damaged equipment or hazardous conditions to your Resident Manager.
• Threatening actions, fighting, name-calling, or inappropriate language are not acceptable playground behavior.
• Teach your children that dumpsters, autos, roadways, and parking lots are "OFF LIMITS" as play areas.
• Be aware of the noise levels that your children or their playgroup is producing. Remember that others are trying to relax, study, or sleep.
• Rocks, mud balls, clay balls, sand, etc. should not be thrown.

Consequences for not abiding by these policies may include the temporary loss or permanent loss of playground privileges and/or being billed for broken or damaged equipment.

The Facilities Department Family Housing Maintenance Crew is responsible for maintaining all University apartment playgrounds. The maintenance crew performs a thorough inspection of each playground in the fall and spring of the year. Ongoing visual inspections are performed throughout the active seasons. Each apartment resident manager will perform ongoing visual inspections of the playground equipment and report any hazards to the Family Housing Maintenance Crew, 701.777.2591.

All persons who enter publicly accessible buildings or grounds owned or controlled by the University are required to wear clothing at least consisting of shoes, pants or skirt, and shirt or the equivalent of such clothing combinations as a precaution against health, safety, and sanitation issues.

Exemptions may apply to this requirement as they pertain to University-approved functions. Refer to the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) section J-1 of the Safety and Loss Control Manual for more information on clothing requirements for specific areas and activities.

Construction and renovation activities at the University can be performed by either outside contractors or University workers. Examples of activities that could be classified as construction include building renovations, excavation and trenching operations, painting, masonry, and certain activities associated with building systems such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical supply.

Construction work can be particularly hazardous. The use of personal protective equipment, fall protection, fire safety, electrical safety, and other precautions are essential for safe construction work. Refer to other chapters in this manual for more information on specific hazards.

The following rules apply to construction sites:

• Heed all warning signs that have been posted.
• Do not walk, stand, or work under suspended loads. If you raise the load, be sure to crib, block, or otherwise secure the load as soon as possible.
• Avoid placing unusual strain on equipment or materials.
• Be prepared for unexpected hazards. BE ALERT!
• Fatigue is a serious risk on the job. If you are tired, slow down, get help, or switch to a task that doesn't require as much precision. Never let too little sleep jeopardize your safety.
• If you are not sure what to do or how to do it, ask. Never go ahead on a job unless you know what you are doing, what the risks are, and how to protect yourself.
• Think of safety as one of your most important job responsibilities. Before starting each job, plan it out. Think about tools, materials, and protective equipment you will need and the procedures you will follow.
• Keep your work area clear of potential hazards such as items that you could trip over or bump into, materials that could catch fire, or chemicals that could spill.
• Never ignore a safety hazard. Either fix it or report it.
• Report all incidents and near misses to your supervisor and the Office of Safety.
• Know what to do in an emergency. There isn't time to review procedures when an emergency situation occurs. If you are unsure, ask your supervisor before you begin the job.
• Use common sense and have a good attitude.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI ) are required on all construction sites. Please see the Electrical Safety section of this manual

Barriers and Guards 

Barriers and guards are required to ensure safety against existing hazards. They must be used as necessary to protect the University community from known physical hazards. If you discover a hazard that cannot be removed or sufficiently protected, notify persons working in the area and contact Office of Safety immediately.

Types of Barriers and Guards

Standard types of barriers and guards include the following:

• Guardrails and handholds
• Sawhorses
• Fences
• Tape
• Toe-boards
• Cones
• Other physical barriers and solid separators (dust barriers, hazard barriers, temporary walkways, etc.)

Barriers and guards must be designed to protect all persons, including those with disabilities. For example, barriers should extend to the ground for those visually impaired.

Signs that state DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION must be used in conjunction with barriers or guards. Remember to make signs legible, visible, and brief.

Areas that Need Barriers or Guards

Any area that poses a physical threat to workers and/or pedestrians requires a barrier or guard. Areas that typically require permanent or temporary protection include the following:

• Stairways
• Hatches
• Chutes
• Open manholes
• Elevated platforms
• Areas with moving machinery
• Excavation sites
• Construction sites
• Temporary wall or floor openings

Using Barriers and Guards

The following list provides guidelines for using barriers and guards:

• When possible, reroute pedestrian and vehicular traffic to completely avoid a construction site.
• Construction sites must be marked/guarded as appropriate to protect workers and the public. Barrier fencing is required for activities that would be dangerous to the public whenever potentially hazardous activities occur in a readily accessible area. Circumstances such as location, ready access by students, or access by young children will vary from work site to the next, thus requiring varying levels of protection. Marking/guarding requirements must be determined beforehand and included in project specifications. Consult the Office of Safety as necessary to ensure adequate guarding is planned.
• Guard any permanent ground opening into which a person could fall with a guardrail, load-bearing cover, or other physical barrier.
• Ensure that temporary floor openings, such as pits and open manholes, are secured with fencing or protected with a rigid barrier. If it is not possible to protect the opening, have someone constantly attend it.
• In situations in which persons may pass below walking or working surfaces, toe-boards must be used to prevent injuries from falling objects. Toe-boards must also be used if moving machinery is below the walking or working surface.
• Enclosed stairways with four or more steps must have at least one railing. Open stairways with four or more steps must have two railings.
• Wall openings that are more than 30 inches high x 18 inches wide and with a bottom ledge of less than 39 inches from the walking/working surface must be guarded whenever the floor/level below is greater than four feet (6 feet for construction activities) or when above dangerous equipment.
• Mark and guard any unattended excavation that is deeper than 12 inches.
• Mark and/or guard potholes and sidewalk damage as appropriate to minimize the tripping hazard to pedestrians.

Plan Review

In those structures to be altered or renovated, or when a new structure is to be built, it is the responsibility of the Director of Facilities to insure that unsafe conditions are eliminated. Prior to beginning construction on the building to be altered or renovated, or any new construction, all applicable codes and safety precautions must be addressed. Plans will be reviewed by Facilities and the Office of Safety. The Office of Safety has the authority to conduct periodic inspections to ensure compliance with applicable safety codes and to see that appropriate safety precautions are being followed.

For further information, contact the Director of Facilities, 701-777-2591, or Office of Safety at 701-777-3341.

The following alcohol/drug policy statements are University wide policies. Some University departments may have more stringent policies due to the nature of the occupation. Consult your supervisor to determine what alcohol/drug policy you are to follow.

Medication Use

Be careful to follow all directions on usage/dosage for prescription and non-prescription medications. Adhere to all warning labels on medications. Never take any prescription medication, whether internally or externally, that has been prescribed to another person.

Notify a supervisor, professor, or department head if one's ability to perform work safely becomes affected by taking any prescription or non-prescription medication, whether internally or externally.

Safety-related work practices must be used to prevent electric shock or other injuries that may result from contact with an energized circuit.

Electrical equipment needs to be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

Live components should be deenergized before work begins unless it introduces additional hazards or is not feasible to do so. There may be situations in which trained personnel may choose not to deenergize a circuit. These situations could include, but are not limited to, interruption of life support equipment, deactivation of alarm systems, shutdown of ventilation equipment in hazardous locations or removal of illumination for an area.

Where there is a threat of electrocution/injury, procedures must be established and followed for work on energized circuits.Keep work areas clean and dry. Cluttered work areas invite accidents and injuries.

Preventive maintenance plays a key role in electrical safety and the prevention of electrical accidents.

Some common conditions to be aware of are:

• flickering lights
• warm switches or receptacles
• burning odors
• loose connections
• frayed, cracked or broken wires
• tripped circuit breakers
• wet or damp locations

If you must reset a circuit breaker, use your left hand and stand to the right of the panel. If a circuit breaker continues to trip, immediately report it to the Facilities department.

Special procedures should be followed whenever work is done near unprotected energized equipment and circuits, especially overhead power lines. Individuals working in such areas should be trained with the proper electrical safety procedures.

For further information on electrical safety, please contact Office of Safety.

Electrical Safety-GFCI

A Ground-Fault-Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a device to protect against electrical shock if someone would come in contact with a live (Hot) wire and a path to ground which would result in a current through their body. The GFCI operates by sensing the difference between the currents in the Hot and Neutral conductors. Under normal conditions, these should be equal. If working correctly, the electricity will flow from Hot to Neutral. However, if someone touches the Hot and a Ground, such as a plumbing fixture or if they are standing in water when they touch the hot, these currents will not be equal, creating a ground fault. This might occur if a short circuit developed inside an ungrounded appliance or if someone was working on a live circuit and accidentally touched a live wire. The GFCI will trip in a fraction of a second at currents well below those that are considered dangerous.

The environment in which electrical equipment is to be used must be considered. GFCI are required in the following work locations:

• Construction sites.
• Areas near water.
• Any additional areas as required in the National Electric Code.

Note: A GFCI is NOT a substitute for a fuse or circuit breaker as these devices are still required to protect equipment and property from overloads or short circuits that can result in fire or other damage.

If you have any questions or concerns related to GFCI's, please contact Office of Safety.

The Office of Safety provides a number of resources and policies on grounds maintenance.

Grounds Maintenance

Please review the following requirements to ensure that you comply with environmental regulations and safe handling procedures for the storage and disposal of hazardous waste. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Office of Safety at 701-777-3341.

Training

Environmental regulations require those who generate or handle hazardous waste be trained. Training must take place within six months of date of hire or student involvement with hazardous waste and annually thereafter. Training is offered by Office of Safety.

Container Labeling: All hazardous waste containers must be labeled at the time that waste is first placed in the container. Labels must include the following information.

1. the words "Hazardous Waste"
2. the chemical name of the contents in words not abbreviations or formulas
3. the associated hazards of the waste (ex. corrosive, flammable, etc.)
4. the date that the container becomes full.

Container Closure

 Hazardous waste containers must be closed at all times during storage, except when waste is being added or removed. Use screw top cap containers. Keep containers closed. Regulations do not permit open funnels in waste containers except when adding waste to the container. Evaporation is not an acceptable disposal method for hazardous chemical waste.

Storage

For safety and environmental reasons, hazardous waste must be stored in a designated Satellite Accumulation Area (ex. cabinet under the hood, or other approved designated area). These areas must be inspected weekly for container leakage and results documented. Containers must be removed from the Satellite Accumulation Area within three days after the waste container becomes filled. Please plan ahead to allow time for the Office of Safety to pick up the waste. Closed, properly labeled containers, up to 55-gallon capacity, that are partially filled may remain in a Satellite Accumulation Area indefinitely.

Waste Pick Up 

The Office of Safety picks up and disposes of waste containers. To have a waste container picked up, complete a copy of the "Waste Disposal Form/Manifest" and send it to the Office of Safety, Stop 9031. Upon receipt of the form, the Office of Safety will arrange to pick up the hazardous waste container. It may take several days to arrange a waste pick up.

The Office of Safety provides a number of resources for Industrial Safety and policies on general safety practices.

Industrial Safety

Procedures and standards for securing University computers and data are outlined in UND IT Security Policy as well as North Dakota University System (NDUS) Procedures and State Board of Higher Education Policies for Information Technology.

Contact

For questions, concerns, or additional information, contact the UND IT Security Officer at itsecurity@UND.edu, UND Tech Support, or your local IT support personnel.

Protect Your Computer

• Use updated antivirus/antispyware software. Antivirus/Antispyware software protects your computer from viruses and spyware that can destroy your data, slow your computer's performance, cause a crash, or even allow spammers to send email through your computer. Antivirus/Antispyware software works by scanning your computer, web browsing activity, and your incoming email, and then warning you and/or deleting the malicious item. You need to make sure to keep your Antivirus/Antispyware software up to date with the latest signature files in order for it to be effective. Visit UIT's Approved Anti-Virus Software for more information.
• Keep your operating system up-to-date. Operating systems should be set to automatically retrieve and install patches for you. Doing this will help to make sure your computer is not vulnerable to an attack.
• Keep your software up-to-date. Many software programs will automatically connect and update to defend against known risks. Turn on automatic updates if that's an available option.
• Protect all devices that connect to the Internet. Computers, smart phones, and other web-enabled devices all need protection from viruses and malware.
• Enable your firewall. Firewalls help keep hackers from accessing your computer to delete information, to crash your computer, or to steal information without your permission. While antivirus software scans email and files, a firewall is like a guard, watching for outside attempts to access your system and blocking communications from and to sources you don't permit. Windows and Macintosh computers have built-in firewalls that you should verify are enabled.
• Plug and scan. USB and other external devices can be infected with viruses and malware. Use your security software to scan them.

Protect Your Data

• Don't store sensitive data on your personal devices. If your department has a file server available to you, store your data on these servers. Storing sensitive data on laptops, tablets, and smartphones is especially risky, since these devices are more likely to be lost or stolen. You should also identify and remove all unnecessary files from these devices, especially those files that contain SSN's, credit card numbers, driver's license numbers, research data, or other such confidential information.
• If you must store sensitive data on your computer or device, consider encrypting it. Talk to your local IT support personnel, or the IT Security Officer, about options (and risks) for encrypting data on your pc and mobile devices (like laptops, tablets, smartphones, and USB drives). Encryption is a method to transform your data so that it becomes unreadable by others, and only you have the key, typically a password, to make it readable again.
• Secure your accounts. Look for protection for your online accounts beyond passwords. Many account providers now offer additional ways for you verify who you are before you conduct business on that site.
• Make passwords long and strong. Combine capital and lowercase letters with numbers and symbols to create a more secure password. The longer the password, the better. Consider using a passphrase – a sentence of words (combining with numbers, symbols and uppercase letters makes them even stronger)
• Unique account, unique password. Using a different password for each of your important online accounts helps to thwart cybercriminals.
• Keep your passwords safe. Everyone can forget a password. Consider using a password safe, such as Password Safe, to securely store all of your passwords.
• Avoid suspicious links, email attachments, downloads, and websites. Links in email, tweets, posts, and online advertising are often the way cybercriminals compromise your computer. Also, many websites contain malicious downloads or links to malicious content. If it looks suspicious, even if you know the source, it's best to avoid it by not clicking or deleting. Consider using free safe-browsing tool such as McAfee SiteAdvisor or Web of Trust (WOT).
• Protect your finances. When banking and shopping, check to be sure the sites is security enabled. Look for web addresses with "https://" or "shttp://", which means the site takes extra measures to help secure your information. "http://" is not secure.

Using good judgment is the key to safely lifting objects. If the object is too heavy to lift, seek assistance or use mechanical equipment to move the object.

When lifting heavy objects, follow these guidelines to ensure your safety:

• Face and stand as close as possible to the object with feet wide apart and with good footing.
• Bend at the knees, keeping the back as straight as possible.
• Get a firm, balanced grip on the object and pull it in towards you, keeping the center of gravity of the object close to you.
• Keeping your back as straight as possible, make the lift smoothly and under control as you begin straightening your legs.
• When moving the object, keep the load evenly balanced and proceed with caution through doors and around corners.
• Avoid twisting your body while lifting, moving, or setting down an object.
• When setting the load down, squat down, bending at the hips and knees, keeping your back as straight as possible.

Removing objects from overhead storage also requires special attention. Before bringing an object down from above, test its weight by pushing up on it. If the only way you can reach an object is by standing on the tips of your toes and reaching way over your head, do not move the object. If the object is too high, use a ladder or other appropriate means to safely reach it.

Improper moving, handling, and storing of materials can lead to accidents and injuries. When moving, handling, and storing materials follow these guidelines to ensure your safety:

• Seek help when a load is so bulky it cannot be properly grasped or lifted.
• When placing blocks under a raised load, ensure that the load is not released until hands are removed from under the load.
• Blocking materials and timbers must be large and strong enough to support the load safely. Do not use materials with evidence of cracks, rounded corners, splintered pieces, or dry rot for blocking.
• Attach handles or holders to loads to reduce the chances of getting fingers pinched or smashed. For loads with sharp or rough edges, wear gloves or other hand and forearm protection. To avoid injuries to the eyes, use eye protection. Use other appropriate protective equipment as needed.
• All materials handling equipment has rated capacities that determine the maximum weight the equipment can safely handle and the conditions under which it can handle that weight. Never exceed the equipment's rated capacity.
• When picking up items with a forklift, the load must be centered on the forks and as close to the mast as possible to minimize the potential for the truck tipping or the load falling. Never overload a forklift. The load must be at the lowest position for traveling and the truck manufacturer's operational requirements must be followed. All stacked loads must be correctly piled and cross-tiered.
• Stored materials must not create a hazard. Keep storage areas free from accumulated materials that cause tripping, fires, or explosions, or that may contribute to the harboring of pests. When stacking and piling materials, it is important to be aware of such factors as the materials' height and weight, how accessible the stored materials are to the user, and the condition of the containers where the materials are being stored.
• Separately store non-compatible materials.
• Never exceed floor load ratings.
• When stacking materials, maintain eighteen inches from the plane of sprinkler heads and twenty-four inches from the ceiling in non-sprinkler areas.

Hazard signs and warning labels are intended to provide advance notification of potential hazards. When a hazard exists appropriate signage must be utilized. They can be any form of written, printed or graphic material displayed for your protection.

Some common signs that denote physical hazards and may require personal protective equipment are: eye protection, hearing protection, head protection and hardhat areas.

A "Danger" sign indicates that there is an immediate hazard. "Caution" signs are used to warn against potential hazards or to caution you in high-risk areas. A "Warning" sign is used to represent a hazard level between "Caution" and "Danger."

Never deface or obscure existing signs, container labels or hazard warnings.

If you need assistance or have questions concerning the proper interpretations of any signs or warning labels, please contact Office of Safety.

A large percentage of workplace accidents and injuries occur in offices. Like the shop or laboratory, the office requires preventive measures to ensure a safe and healthful environment. 

Office Safety

Sanitation-Food and Food Services

It is the goal of the University of North Dakota to provide assurance to the public that it is in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and guidelines. The University also intends to limit University liability and encourage support of campus services.

All food, raw or prepared, and food related services at events held on the University of North Dakota campus must be acquired through licensed food and food service providers. All food served at events must be transported, prepared, and served in a manner consistent with Chapter 33-33-04 of the North Dakota Administrative Code.

In addition to acquiring products and service through a licensed food & food service provider, events requiring temporary food service, such as outdoor fundraisers, barbecues, and promotions must contact Grand Forks Public Health Department at 701.787.8100 and follow their requirements.

Events held on the University of North Dakota campus but not open to the general public must also follow general sanitation guidelines. Individuals in charge of organizing or preparing food for such events should be familiar with food preparation sanitation guidelines. A good source for such guidelines is the USDA's "Cooking for Groups; A Volunteer’s Guide to Food Safety".

The food and food services guidelines apply to all members of the University of North Dakota community, including visitors.

Related information can be found at:

• Chapter 23-09.1 of the North Dakota Century Code Lodging Establishments and Assisted Living Facilities
• United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) program
• UND Draft Policy 1.2 – Special Events

General questions about University’s food and food services are to be directed to your supervisor/advisor. Responsibility for updates and revisions of food and food services belongs to the campus Loss Control Committee.

Recycling

The University of North Dakota recognizes the value to the community and to the nation to recycle resources. It is also committed to protecting natural resources and preventing pollution. The recycling program collects materials such as paper, cardboard, scrap metals, aluminum, glass, and plastic. Yard waste is composted. Through waste audits and funding availability, a determination is made for which items are recyclable materials. Pickup service is contracted with local recycling companies.

The University community can collect and place recyclables into conveniently located receptacles within the buildings. Containers are labeled and specifications are displayed.

Special arrangements can be made for unexpected large quantities. Please call Facilities to make arrangements or contact your Building Services Technician. If at all possible, purge recyclable paper periodically to avoid especially large loads.

For further information about the recycling program, contact the Recycling Coordinator by calling Facilities.

Waste/Refuse Handling

General waste or refuse includes, but is not limited to:

• Food waste
• Metal products
• Paper
• Cardboard
• Plastic
• Textile products
• Wood
• Yard debris

These materials may be solid, liquid, or contained gaseous material that are discarded by being disposed of in the normal trash or recycled.

This information covers general waste/refuse handling procedures. It does not apply to hazardous or chemical wastes, radioactive waste, pharmaceutical waste, infectious waste, or any other specialty waste. For the procedures relating to the proper disposal of hazardous wastes, please refer to The Management and Disposal of Hazardous and Chemical Wastes guidebook.

Departments generating waste are responsible for:

1. Placing the waste in the proper waste or recycling receptacle.
2. Ensuring waste storage areas are clean and orderly at all times.
3. Supporting recycling efforts whenever possible.
4. Contacting the Office of Safety as necessary regarding the correct disposal or recycling option for a particular waste.

Indoor Waste/Refuse

All internal waste handling must be completed as follows:

1. Proper sized waste containers must be supplied in all areas.
2. Do not place waste receptacles in areas where they could interfere with the path of travel, an exit, or in areas where storage is not allowed.
3. Whenever possible, deposit recyclable materials in the appropriate provided containers.
4. Properly place all waste in the supplied waste container. Do not place waste on the ground.
5. Both waste and recycling receptacles must be supplied with a plastic bag, as appropriate, and removed on a routine schedule.

Outdoor Waste/Refuse

All external waste handling must be completed as follows:

1. Covers on all outside waste containers should be closed at all times.
2. Waste must not extend above the top of the container thus preventing the lid from closing completely.
3. Keep the area around waste containers clean of all refuse at all times.
4. It is not permissible to forage through any dumpster or other waste container on campus.

The University of North Dakota has two swimming pools, one located in the Hyslop Sports Center and the other in the University's Gallery Apartment Complex. Specific rules for using these pools are posted within each pool facility. It is each person's responsibility to follow these rules. Specific rules for using the pool in the Gallery Apartment Complex can also be found in the University of North Dakota Apartment Policy Handbook.

The Athletic and Housing departments are responsible, respectively, for the operation of the Hyslop Sports Center pool and the Gallery Apartment pool in compliance with all applicable standards.

The thermal (heat or cold) stress of any given working situation is the combination of all of those factors which result in heat gains or losses relative to the body or which prevent the body's temperature regulating mechanisms from working efficiently.

Heat Stress

People may suffer from heat stress during hot, humid conditions. To prevent heat stress, employees should limit strenuous physical activity during the hottest portion of the day, wear a brimmed hat when in the sun, take frequent breaks, and drink plenty of fluids.

Heat stress occurs in two forms: heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is usually caused by strenuous physical activity and hot, humid conditions. Because heat exhaustion is the body's response to insufficient water and salt, it should be treated as quickly as possible.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include the following:

• Exhaustion and restlessness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Cold, clammy, moist skin
• Pale face
• Cramps in abdomen and lower limbs
• Fast, shallow breathing
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Falling body temperature
• Fainting

Take the following steps to administer first aid for heat exhaustion:

1. Have the victim lie down in a cool or shaded place.
2. If the victim is conscious, have the victim slowly sip cool water, not cold water. If the victim is unconscious or is conscious but does not improve, seek medical aid as soon as possible.
3. If the victim is sweating profusely, have the victim sip cool water that contains one teaspoon of table salt per pint of water.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is usually caused by exposure to extreme heat and humidity and/or a feverish illness. Heat stoke occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature by sweating. Heat stroke is extremely dangerous and may be fatal if not treated immediately.

The signs and symptoms of heat stroke include the following:

• Hot, dry skin
• Headache
• Dizziness
• High temperature
• Strong pulse
• Noisy breathing
• Unconsciousness

Immediately take the following steps to administer first aid for heat stroke:

1. If possible, move the victim to a cool place.
2. Seek medical attention immediately.
3. Remove the victim's clothing.
4. If the victim is conscious, place the victim in a half-sitting position and support the head and shoulders. If unconscious, place the victim on the side with the head facing sideways.
5. Fan the victim and sponge the body with cool water.

Cold Stress

When your body temperature drops even a few degrees below normal (which is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), you can begin to shiver uncontrollably, become weak, drowsy, disorientated, unconscious, even fatally ill. This loss of body heat is known as "cold stress" or hypothermia. It is important that persons who work outdoors or in cold indoor environments (e.g. coal storage bunker, warehouses, etc.) learn about how to protect against hypothermia. The following guidelines can help you keep your body warm and avoid the dangerous consequences of hypothermia:

• Dress in Layers

Outdoors, indoors, in mild weather or in cold, it pays to dress in layers. Layering your clothes allows you to adjust what you're wearing to suit the temperature conditions. In cold weather, wear cotton, polypropylene, or lightweight wool next to the skin, and wool layers over your undergarments. In warm weather, stick to loose fitting, cotton clothing. For outdoor activities, choose outer garments made of waterproof, wind resistant fabrics such as nylon. And, since a great deal of body heat is lost through the head, always wear a hat for added protection.

• Keep Dry

Water chills your body far more rapidly than air or wind. Even in the heat of the summer, falling into a 40-degree lake can be fatal in a matter of minutes. Always take along a dry set of clothing whenever you are working outdoors. Wear waterproof boots in damp or snowy weather, and always pack rain gear.

• Take a Companion

The effects of hypothermia can be gradual and often go unnoticed until it's too late. If you know you'll be outdoors for an extended period of time, take along a companion. (At the very least, let someone know where you'll be and at what time you expect to return.) Ask your companion to check you frequently for overexposure to the cold—do the same for your companion. Check for shivering, slurred speech, mental confusion, drowsiness, and weakness. If either of you shows any of the above signs, get indoors as soon as possible and warm up.

• Warmth and Understanding

The key ingredients to preventing loss of body heat are staying warm, and understanding what you can do to protect against conditions that can cause hypothermia. Hypothermia can be fatal, but it can be prevented.

University employees are provided training necessary to perform their assigned duties in a safe, competent, and responsible manner. This is accomplished by:

• New employees attending the "New Employee Orientation".
• Position specific training, as a follow-on to the New Employee Orientation.
• Additional training required by law, regulation, or department requirements based on the employee's assigned duties, for example, annual refresher training.
• Additional training as requested by the employee, supervisor, or department.

Training is documented by the use of "Sign In" sheets. After the training is completed, the original sheet is retained by the employee's department and a copy is forwarded to the Office of Safety.

The Office of Safety provides a number of resources for Vehicle Safety and policies on general safety practices.

Vehicle Safety

Lighting, or the lack of it, can be a safety hazard. The University of North Dakota follows the American National Standards Institute's (ANSI) recommendations for illuminance values in offices, industrial areas, and classrooms. If you feel the lighting in your work area is not appropriate, contact Facilities at 701-777-2591.

The use of temporary lighting, ordinary incandescent bulbs suspended from electrical cords, can be an electrical problem. Cords and lights that are suspended in this way must be designed for this purpose. All electric cords for temporary lighting must be heavy-duty and insulation must be maintained in a safe condition. To prevent accidental contact with bulbs, the bulbs must be guarded, unless the construction of the reflector is such that the bulbs are deeply recessed.

Every exit sign should be suitably illuminated by a reliable light source giving a value of at least 5 foot candles on the illuminated surface.