Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)

490 10
th
St., 3
rd
Floor
Atlanta, GA 30318-0465

Phone: (404) 894-4635
Fax: (404) 894-5042
Website: www.ehs.gatech.edu

24 24- -Hour Emergency Contact Number Hour Emergency Contact Number
(404) 216 (404) 216- -5237 5237
SAFETY BROCHURE
Office Safety Tips

Electrical Hazards
Electrical equipment used in an office is po-
tentially hazardous. It can cause serious shock
and burn injuries if improperly used or if
equipment is poorly maintained.
Follow these tips to reduce exposure to elec-
trical hazards:
Electrical appliances can be fire hazards.
Be sure to turn off all appliances
at the end of the day.
Use only grounded appliances
plugged into grounded (3-
prong) outlets.
If electrical equipment malfunctions or
gives off a strange odor, disconnect it im-
mediately.
Promptly disconnect and replace cracked,
frayed, or broken electrical cords.
Keep extension cords clear of doorways
and other areas where they can be
stepped on or chafed.
Dont fasten extension cords with staples,
hang from nails, or suspend by wire.
Dont use equipment with worn or frayed
cords and cables.
Plugs should fit securely into outlets, but
never force a plug into an outlet if it does-
nt fit.
Check for outlets that have loose-fitting
plugs, which can overheat and lead to fire.
Ensure that all appliances are
certified by an independent test-
ing laboratory.
Maintain at least 3 feet of clearance in
front of all electrical panels.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of
general industry accidents and can result in
back injuries, sprains and strains, contusions,
and fractures.
Here are some good slip, trip, and fall preven-
tion tips:
Always use a ladder or stepstool to retrieve
anything above shoulder level.
Never use a substitute for a ladder, such as
a chair or boxes.
Remove obstacles from hallways and other
high-traffic areas.
Clean up all spills immediately.
Be sure to secure all mats and rugs.
Close file cabinets when not in use. Open
drawers create a tripping hazard.
Do not lean back in chairs.








Secure electrical cords and wires away
from walkways.

Georgia Tech EHS
General Safety Contacts:
Aleece Foxx - Safety Manager
(404) 385-0263

Office Ergonomics
Safe Lifting
Fire Hazards
Electrical Hazards
Slips, Trips, and Falls



Office Ergonomics
Workstation Arrangement
Have sufficient desk area which allows you to
position your keyboard, mouse, display, docu-
ment holder and other items in the way that
works best for you.
Organize your desk to reflect the way you use
work materials and equipment.
Vary your tasks and take periodic breaks.
Chair
Adjust your chair so that:
Your thighs are horizontal and
there is support for your lower
back.
Your feet rest flat on the floor
when you are seated and using
your keyboard. Change your
seating position occasionally
during the work day.
Keyboard and Mouse
Keyboard should be positioned so your arms
are relaxed and comfortable.
Your shoulders should be in a relaxed position.
Your wrists should be
extended straight.
Place the mouse close to
the keyboard.
Display
Position the screen to minimize glare and re-
flections.
An anti-glare filter on the front of the screen
may be helpful.
Top of the screen should be adjusted to
slightly below eye level.
Position your-
self and the dis-
play to achieve
comfortable
viewing distance
(20-24 inches).

Safe Lifting
Although a typical office job may not involve
lifting large or especially heavy objects, its im-
portant to follow the principles of safe lifting.
Take a balanced stance, feet placed shoulder
width apart.
If lifting from the floor, squat close to the
load.
Keep you back in its neutral or straight posi-
tion. Tuck in your chin so your head and
neck continue the straight line.
Grip the object with your whole hands,
rather than only with your fingers.
Bring the object close to your body, holding
your elbows close to keep the load and your
body weight centered.
Lift by straightening your legs, letting your
leg muscles, not your back muscles, do the
work.
Tighten stomach muscles to help support
the back and maintain a neutral back posi-
tion as you lift.
Never twist when lifting. When turning a
load, turn your whole body - feet first.
Never carry a load that blocks your vision.
To set the load down, use the same body
mechanics designed for lifting.
DO NOT attempt to lift heavy objects by
yourself. Call for help from a coworker or
break the object down into smaller parts.

Fire Hazards
The first step in fire safety is prevention. Here are
some tips:
Smoke only where permitted.
Keep passageways and exits free from storage
and waste.
Promptly remove waste paper, packaging, old
rags, and other fire hazards.
Designate an employee to ensure that appliances
are switched off each night.
Turn off computers and monitors each night.
Make sure there is plenty of air circulation space
around heat producing equipment, such as copi-
ers, printers, etc.
Do not overload power outlets.
Make sure that fire and smoke
doors that should be kept shut
are not propped open.
Make sure that escape stairs and
exit doors are not locked or
blocked.
Post evacuation routes and have
at least one evacuation drill per
year.

Portable Space Heaters
The following are mandatory requirements for space
heaters within any GT managed facilities:
Must be ceramic type devices.
Must have individual thermostats.
Must automatically shut the fan off if the air-
flow becomes blocked.
Must have safety shut off devices if the heater is
tipped over.
Must be UL listed.
Use of extension cords with space heaters is
STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Keep space heaters a minimum of 3 feet (on all
sides) away from combustible materials.
Place space heaters in areas that do not hamper air-
flow from the back or front of the unit.
Heaters must be turned off when unattended.