Skip to content
 
Department of Public Safety  

Chapter 4: General Health and Safety Policies

Computer Workstation Requirements

Introduction

The University of North Carolina at Asheville is becoming increasingly dependent upon computers, which have the potential to increase workplace productivity and efficiency. Yet computers have often been introduced without a plan to ensure comfort, safety and knowledge of good work practices among computer workers. Studies have shown that improvements in computer workstations can increase productivity dramatically. Productivity can decrease however, if computers are introduced without self-design workstations, training and attention to conditions of work.

There are ways to solve, or at least alleviate, most of the problems associated with computers. Solutions include adjusting and controlling the physical environment, the design of the desk and chair, the placement of the screen and keyboard, the position of the document and the placement and intensity of office lighting. Alleviation of health problems utilizes ergonomic principles, which entail the planning and adapting of equipment, tasks and office procedures to promote well-being and efficiency of workers.

Scope of the Guidelines

In carrying out the Guidelines, the University will give priority to the needs of heavy users of computers. However, the University recognizes that all computer workstations should be correctly designed. Thus, the recommendations for computers and computer equipment apply not to a specified group of workers, but to all newly purchased equipment and to existing workstations on a prioritized basis. Recommendations requiring specific services for computer workers (training and vision examinations) include all workers who do constant computer work for 4 or more or hours per day. However, work conditions and individual needs vary considerably in each department or office, therefore, managers retain flexibility in determining how problems are addressed and in deciding the most appropriate means of implementing this guideline.

Definitions

  1. Computers are comprised of a typewriter-like keyboard and television-like display screen. Information is fed into a computer or memory system via the keyboard, and the image is displayed on a monitor.
  2. The following computer workload definitions have been established to provide a basis for the development and implementation of these Guidelines.
  • Heavy computer workloads shall be defined as those workloads requiring more than an average of four (4) hours of constant computer operations per workday.
  • Moderate computer workloads shall be defined as those workloads requiring more than an average of two (2) and less than four (4) hours of constant computer operation per workday.
  • Light computer workloads shall be defined as those workloads requiring less than an average of two (2) hours of constant computer operations per workday.

Responsibility

The Health and Safety Office is responsible for evaluating and monitoring the office ergonomic program including equipment and workstation design and employee requirements.

Supervisors are responsible for assessing workstations and employee's work practices to ensure compliance with computer workstation policy and guidelines as well as employee training.

Computer Guidelines

Visual Concerns

Visual problems are the most frequently reported problems by computer workers. Complaints include eye discomfort, eyestrain, burning, itching, irritation, and aching. Other less frequent symptoms include blurred vision, color fringes, and reported deterioration of visual acuity. Severe optical discomforts (eye irritations, soreness, and tiredness) may not go away within a short period of time following work and may even be present at the start of the next day's shift. Data suggests that some types of computer work produce greater levels of visual complaints than traditional office or visually demanding inside work.

Prolonged attention to visual detail with reduced eye movement in a restricted visual field can cause eyestrain and other problems. In addition, eyestrain is caused by high light levels and glare from outside light sources and/or reflections from surfaces in the environment. Finally, air temperature and humidity can lead to sore eyes.

Recommended Actions

Room lighting shall be maintained at a level that reduces eyestrain and glare. Generally room lighting should be dimmer that ordinary office illumination and should neither be less than 500 lux nor more than 700 lux as measured at the multiple use (i.e., use of the computer and paper copy) workstation. Room lighting should neither be less than 300 nor more than 500 lux as measured at the workstation where users only view computers. These levels may need to be adjusted for specific computer operations or other workstation considerations.

Directional lamps for hard copy shall be provided at worker's request where both the computer and paper copy are necessary for normal work activities.

Effective glare control can be maintained through one or more of the following measures:

  • Use recessed, indirect and baffled lighting
  • Provide windows with curtains or blinds
  • Design workstations to allow monitor orientation to avoid harsh light sources
  • If a workstation is located near a window, place the monitor at a right angle to the window
  • Locate the worker so that light comes from the side or behind the worker to avoid shining directly onto the screen and into the worker's eyes
  • Provide screen hoods at worker's request to block angular reflections and glare sources
  • Provide detachable anti-glare filters at worker's request
  • Use full spectrum lighting
  • Use furnishings with a matte, non-reflective finish
  • Paint walls in a matte, non-reflective coating
  • Insure room and task lighting is free of flicker.

Between the ages of 20 and 60, it is common for the focusing capacity of a normally sighted person to be reduced by almost 25 percent as the lens in the eye becomes less flexible. Researchers note that because of the natural deterioration of a person's eyesight, the majority of computer workers over 40 wear glasses or contact lenses. They may cause additional eye fatigue if not properly fitted, Therefore, failure to accommodate the computer worker's visual needs may result in increased eyestrain and stress. In order to maintain optimum work performance, it is recommended that computer workers obtain preplacement eye examinations. Thereafter, it is recommended that workers receive an eye examination when symptoms of eye deterioration or excessive eye fatigue occur. These examinations shall be made by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist, who is familiar with the visual problems related to computer work. At this time, eye exams shall continue to be at the worker's expense.

Musculoskeletal Issues

Musculoskeletal problems are common to many sedentary jobs. Because the body is designed for movement, a fixed position is more tiring than a dynamic one. Computer worker complaints are most often related to the neck, shoulders, back and wrists. Complaints mentioned less often involve the arms, hands, and legs. Researchers indicate musculoskeletal symptoms are more frequently reported by computer workers than workers in traditional office jobs.

According to scientific and medical information, serious musculoskeletal health symptoms are most often associated with computer jobs requiring constrained working positions for an entire work shift. In a seated position, the computer worker is subject to continuous stress on almost all postural muscles. The amount of stress is dependent upon the position of various parts of the worker's body. Holding the head to the side or forward may lead to neck and shoulder fatigue and pain. Other neck and shoulder complaints result from the use or position of the worker's arms. For example, elevation of the arms will add to neck and shoulder strain. Prolonged, constrained postures required by the job will make this condition worse.

There are several common characteristics of computer jobs that have been related to increased musculoskeletal complaints. These include the design of the computer and workstation equipment, the nature of the task, work pace, repetitiveness of the job, work and rest break schedules, and personal attributes of workers.

Recommended Actions

In order to provide a workstation which takes ergonomic principles into consideration, the worker must have flexible equipment which allows each individual to perform his or her work in a manner which alleviates musculoskeletal problems. Consequently, the following can be provided to achieve the proper flexibility in workstation design.

  1. Display screen and keyboard should be positioned in front of the worker to avoid placing the body in a position where the back and neck must be twisted in order to use the keyboard.
  2. Display screens shall be placed at a height appropriate to and determined by the worker. The top of the screen shall be no higher than worker's eye level and the bottom of the screen no lower than forty degrees below the worker's eye level. Worker distance from the screen shall be a matter of worker preference.
  3. The keyboard shall be placed so that the upper arm can hang vertically and forearm/wrist shall be close to a horizontal position.
  4. Chairs shall be flexible and easily adjustable.
    • All chairs shall be easily adjustable for seat and backrest height.
    • Backrests shall have sufficient tension to provide adequate lumbar support.
    • Backrests shall allow for the worker to lean back to a comfortable resting position.
    • Seats shall be gently rounded on the front to avoid interference with blood flow to the lower legs.
    • All chairs shall be provided with casters to provide ease of glide without hazard.
    • Poor chair design can be one of the most significant causes of musculoskeletal stresses and strains. Therefore, offices shall make every effort within budgetary constraints to comply with the provisions for the chair design when purchasing new chairs.
  5. Tables should be adjustable when needed for proper screen and keyboard heights and adequate leg room. Where appropriate, proper screen and keyboard heights may be accomplished by using writing pads.
  6. Footrests should be provided at worker's request to ensure that the worker's thighs are parallel to the floor. Improper seat height and design can restrict blood circulation.
  7. Document holders should be provided and should be adjustable to the height, distance, and angle of the screen to avoid possible glare and unnecessary worker movement which can cause neck, shoulder or back aches.
  8. Furniture should be arranged to provide adequate amount of leg room to allow freedom of motion.
  9. An adequate work area for paper work, etc., should be provided on one side of the computer. The side this work area will be on shall be determined by the worker.

Stress Concerns

Job stress as reported by computer workers is often described in terms of psychological and physical strains such as frustration, anxiety, irritability, anger, depression, stomach or gastro-intestinal disturbances, muscle and physiological tension. As is true with visual and musculoskeletal health complaints, the primary cause of job stress is lack of consideration of the relationship between the worker and the work environment, including eyestrain and musculoskeletal problems. Some of the factors which can contribute to job stress include poor working conditions, excessive noise, excessive job demands and work pace, lack of control, and lack of participation in the implementation of computer use.

Recommended Actions

In order to alleviate stress, attention shall be addressed to those areas which contribute to stressful conditions.

  1. Excessive and/or annoying noise creates stress which can have an adverse effect upon workers' health, safety and productivity.
    • Acoustic pads shall be installed under keyboards and printers at worker's request.
    • Impact printers shall be provided with acoustic covers where necessary to reduce sound levels to 65 dBA as measured at the workstations.
    • All noise sources in the surrounding environment should be controlled to ensure that the total sound level measured at the workstation does not exceed 70 dBA.
  2. Because of the heat generated by computers and other concerns which affect stress, the following are recommended:
    • Every effort shall be made to locate workstations at a reasonable distance from heating and cooling vents. Vents shall be ducted and shielded to divert airflow away from computer workers.
    • Because of the heat generated by some machines and the effect of heat on eyestrain and working conditions, office temperatures shall be kept between 68 and 74 degrees F.
    • Because cigarette smoke effects eyestrain, working conditions, and the functioning of some machines, cigarette smoking is prohibited in all academic facilities per University policy.

Combined Health Effects

Prolonged and continuous use of computers affects stress level, eyestrain and musculoskeletal problems. Occasional changes in any work will provide an opportunity to flex the body, adjust eyes to different sight conditions, and relieve the tedium of repetitious work. Breaks, therefore, alleviate or prevent visual, muscular and psychological fatigue and may improve overall performance.

Recommended Actions

Managers are directed to meet with computer workers to work out a schedule of alternative work breaks to alleviate problems with eyestrain, musculoskeletal problems and stress. Managers shall take into account the following in working out a schedule:

  • The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends breaks of fifteen minutes for every hour for jobs that require more than two (2) hours of constant viewing time, constant rapid muscular action, fixed positions for extended periods of time, or for jobs that are highly repetitive and boring.
  • To alleviate eyestrain and musculoskeletal problems, computer workers need to be given an opportunity to relax the eyes by looking at distant objects and to move the body. This will require alternative work assignments during some part of the day for heavy and moderate users.
  • Workers whose workstations do not substantially comply with these guidelines may require additional non-computer work to alleviate the problems caused by non-compliance.

Those computer workers who experience difficulty adjusting the eyes to long distances when driving home should meet with their supervisors to work out an alternative work schedule for the last one-half hour of each day of heavy computer use, allowing a period for the eyes to adjust.

Electrical Safety

All electrical cords and cables shall be installed and routed in accordance with National Electric Codes.

Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)

Greg Smith, M.D., M.P.H., Medical Epidemiology Section, N.C. Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources states in a report dated November 14, 1989, "Since VDTs closely resemble television receivers, early VDT users became concerned about possible adverse health effects due to x-ray emissions from VDTs. Subsequent studies, including VDT x-ray surveys conducted by the N.C. Division of Radiation Protection, essentially have verified that there are no significant x-ray hazards associated with VDTs used in the office work environment."

In the past some concerns have been raised about possible adverse health effect from exposure to electromagnetic radiation associated with computer use. Most frequently these concerns have centered around female computer users who have experienced problem pregnancies such as spontaneous abortion, still birth, premature birth, low birth weight and congenital defects.

A study recently completed by NIOSH and published in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded: "The use of video display terminals and exposure to the accompanying electromagnetic fields were not associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion".

The findings of this major study should be considered the most important to date in addressing concerns related to the potential for adverse reproductive outcomes as a result of working with computer's. Nevertheless, in absence of a published measurement survey which defines EMR fields generated from the back of a computer unit, we recommend that workstations be situated in a manner so that employees are not seated near (within 5 or 6 feet) or in line with the back of adjacent computers.

It is important to note that basic research and epidemiological studies continue with a view toward further clarification of computer health issues. The University will require departments to implement additional recommendations which may result from future studies.

Information and Training

Supervisors have the responsibility of ensuring that computers and associated work practices comply with these recommendations. In order to provide proper assistance to employees and information on the health problem associated with computer use, the Health and Safety Office has training available for supervisors and/or computer workers.

Managers shall cooperate to permit their employees to attend scheduled computer training sessions. Technical assistance will be provided by the Health and Safety Office. Minimum training requirement for supervisors and computer workers are as follows:

Supervisor Training

Supervisors from each workplace where computers are used receive awareness training before they undertake implementation of these recommendations.

Topics Include

Known and suspected health effects of computer work, including musculoskeletal strain, repetitive strain, repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome(including early symptoms), vision effects, possible reproductive effects and psychological stress.

Relevant ergonomic principles, including the effects of prolonged sitting in a fixed posture and the benefits of good posture and postural change.

Workstation elements which optimize posture and allow for postural change.

Room illumination and glare, including the importance of decreasing the total amount of light and/or reducing reflections in the screen, and accepted methods of glare control.

Worker Training

Computer workers receive training within the following guidelines

Initial training is conducted during paid work time by an instructor who because of education, training or experience, understands the potential hazards associated with the use of computers.

Each scheduled group for training is limited to 20 people. Additionally, employees working full time (4 hrs. or more) on a computer receive training first.

Employees working for 2 hours or more per day on a regular basis (but less than full time) are the next group to receive training. The training includes :

  1. Known and suspected health effects of computer work, including musculoskeletal strain, repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome (including early symptoms), vision effects, possible reproductive effect and psychological stress.
  2. Relevant ergonomic principles, including the effects of prolonged sitting in a fixed posture and the benefits of good posture and postural change.
  3. Workstation elements which optimize posture and allow for postural change.
  4. Hands-on instruction for making adjustments to table, chair, computer and document placement.
  5. Room illumination and glare, including the importance of decreasing the total amount of light and of reducing reflections in the screen, and accepted methods of glare control.
  6. Overview of the electromagnetic spectrum and computer emissions.
  7. Non-ionizing radiation, including international standards and guidelines for extremely low, very low, and radio frequency radiation, and commonly found computer electric and magnetic emissions in the very low and extremely low frequency ranges; fall off of emissions with distance; and possible remedies for case and screen emissions.
  8. Worker posture and work practices to minimize musculoskeletal and visual strain.
  9. Hands on training in furniture adjustment.
  10. Eye and body exercises to alleviate musculoskeletal and visual strain.
  11. Information on the need for visual examinations.

References

1989 New Jersey Department of Health, Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Program, "Guidelines for the Use and Functioning of Computers, Part I".

American Society of Safety Engineers, "Workstation Design for Current Office Environments".

Dayne H. Brown, Director, Division of Radiation Protection, Department of Environment, Health & Natural Resources.

State of New Mexico, Executive Order covering "Use of Computers by State Employees".

Office Safety and Health

Purpose

To provide a safe and healthful environment throughout the University facilities in the general office setting.

Scope

These requirements shall apply to all office work units as a minimum standard of general office safety.

General

This policy prescribes safety precautions to be observed by employees in office areas.

Floors, Doors, and Passageways

  1. Walk, don't run or slide, when crossing floors.
  2. When floors are being waxed or washed, observe signs and proceed cautiously.
  3. If water or other substance is found on the floor, remove it or report it to housekeeping at once.
  4. Pick up small objects, such as rubber bands, paper clips, pencils, etc. These objects can create tripping hazards.
  5. When approaching a hall or passageway hidden by a corner, keep to the right and go slowly in order to avoid bumping into someone who may be coming from behind the corner.
  6. Shoes with broad heels take the corners more safely.
  7. Chairs, footstools, wastebaskets, and other articles are not to be placed in aisles.
  8. Telephones, office machines and computers are to be placed so that the cord will not obstruct aisles and passageways.
  9. Approach doors with caution and open slowly. Someone may be on the other side. Stand and walk clear of exits ways. Someone coming through the other side may not know you are there. When double doors are involved, use the door on the right.
  10. Hallways are to be kept clear to prevent injury and obstructions during emergency evacuation.

 Stairways

  1.  Pause before starting down stairs. Never hurry when going either up or down stairs. Proceed deliberately and cautiously.
  2. Keep to the right with the hand on the handrail. Make sure you have completely ascended or descended the stairs before releasing your hold on the handrail.
  3. Keep your eyes on the steps ahead and refrain from doing anything which distracts attention, such as searching in your handbag for a key, turning your head to talk with a fellow employee, etc.
  4. Keep stairways free of debris and unobstructed.
  5. Defective handrails and stair treads as well as inadequate illumination are to be reported immediately for correction.

Washrooms

  1. Keep the floor free of water, soap, and other objects that can cause someone to fall.
  2. Waste towel containers are not to be used for disposing of useless glass, pins, needles, or any other articles that may cause injury to housekeeping personnel.
  3. Do not place drinking glasses, cups, or other items on towel dispensers.

Windows

  1. Employees should not lean out of windows nor are they to sit on the sill or casing of a window, even when the window is closed.
  2. Articles are not to be placed on window sills.
  3. No object is to be thrown out of a window.

Office Furniture

  1. Drawers and doors are not to be left open; someone may fall over or knock against them.
  2. Place objects on desks and tables in such a manner that they will not fall or easily be displaced.
  3. When opening desk drawers, care is to be exercised to prevent them from falling out.
  4. Place materials in cabinets so that when doors are opened the contents will not fall out.
  5. When a sheet of glass has been used to cover desk tops, counters, or cabinets, the edges and corners should be rounded and smooth. Broken or chipped glass is to be removed immediately.
  6. Chairs are to be inspected periodically to be sure there are no broken rollers, nuts, bolts, supports, etc.
  7. Office furniture is to be kept free of splinters, rough edges, loose and defective parts at all times.
  8. Office furniture is not be used as a ladder. Obtain a ladder that meets the needs of your operations.
  9. Supply cabinets, filing cabinets, and other such equipment which may become overbalanced are to be secured by bolting together, to a wall, or to a floor where possible.
  10. Do not open more than one file drawer at a time, particularly the top drawer. Distribute materials evenly through files.
  11. It is a "falling object hazard" to use top of cabinets as a "gather all". Keep them clear.

Electrical Cords and Outlets

  1. Household type extension cords are not be to used. Extension cords are not to be run through doorways or openings in the ceiling, floor or walls.
  2. Electrical cords which have become frayed and plugs that are broken are to be replaced immediately. Plugs are to be replaced with closed front type. Do not attempt to tape a broken plug.
  3. Place equipment near an outlet to avoid cords running across the floor, aisles, and through doorways. If necessary to have a cord running across a walkway, tape the cord in place or provide a cord enclosure guard to avoid creating a tripping hazard.
  4. Machines must have ground wire connections and be connected to grounded outlets. Do not alter plugs to eliminate the grounding connection.
  5. Defective outlets are to be repaired immediately. Prior to repair, such outlets are to be isolated or covered so they cannot be used.
  6. Raised outlets (pedestal type) are not to be located in aisle ways or under the desk in the foot rest region.
  7. Unused floor outlets which are flush with the floor must have a protective cover in place at all times.
  8. Portable equipment such as fans and heaters are to be equipped with three wire grounding connections. Heaters must be equipped with approved automatic cut-off devices to prevent fire if the unit is accidentally turned over.

Office Machines and Equipment

  1. Office machines, particularly data processing machines, have many hazards such as moving belts, rollers, gears, etc., which are to be adequately guarded before being placed in service. Normally guards are installed by the manufacturer as standard equipment. If not, they are to be installed locally before the machine is placed in operation.
  2. Electrically operated machines, if not double insulated, are to be equipped with a three-conductor cord and grounded. Do not modify plugs to connect them to an ungrounded circuit.
  3. Unplug all electrically operated equipment prior to attempting to clear a jam, to make an adjustment, or to alter a malfunctioning part.
  4. When changing paper on a printer connected to a computer, when changing the ribbon, adjusting the belt, or making any other adjustments to the printer, it is to be turned off.
  5. Do not remove protective guards, open protective hoods, open side doors, or remove side panels from machines while they are in operation.
  6. Ensure through periodic maintenance checks that hinges and latches which hold protective guards, hoods, doors, and panels in place are in safe working condition. If such guards are found defective have them repaired immediately.
  7. When machines have certain moving parts exposed, due to necessity, do not wear dangling jewelry and loose clothing that could become entangled in the moving parts.
  8. Do not place objects on top of machines. Vibration from the machine during operation could cause the object to fall off and hit someone.
  9. When maintenance personnel are working on equipment, do not attempt to help move the machine. Engaging in such activity could cause a muscle strain.

Note: Computer hazards are enumerated in a separate guide.

Miscellaneous Precautions

  1. Sharp or pointed objects, such as knives, pens, pencils, scissors, and envelope openers are not to be left on the edge of a desk or in any place where they may cause injury. They are to be carried in a manner to avoid accident.
  2. Handle paper in a manner that can avoid cutting the hands on the edges.
  3. Avoid possible injury to the eyes by not throwing pens, pencils, paper clips, and rubber bands.
  4. Avoid pinching or puncturing the fingers by carefully loading or clearing jammed staplers.
  5. Employees whose duties involve the handling of money should wash their hands frequently to reduce the possibility of infection.
  6. Electric fans are not to be handled while in operation. They are not to be placed on the floor in locations where they are likely to injure employees. Fans are to have blade guards with openings not larger than one-half (1/2) inch.

Emergency Response

  1. Each employee is to be familiar with the location of emergency exits and fire extinguishers. They are, also, to be familiar with the emergency information located in the work unit's safety and health plan.
  2. Each employee is to be familiar with the hazards associated with the use of printing and duplicating fluids and machine cleaning fluids.
  3. Each employee is to be familiar with the procedures for reporting on-the-job accidents and injuries. One should know where to obtain medical care.

Sanitation

Housekeeping

  1. All offices, hallways and common areas are cleaned regularly by Housekeeping.
  2. Floors in work areas are maintained, so far as practicable, in a dry condition. Where wet processes are used, drainage shall be maintained and false floors, platforms, mats, or other dry standing places shall be provided, where practicable, or appropriate waterproof footgear shall be provided.
  3. To facilitate cleaning, every floor, working place and passageway is to be kept free from protruding nails, splinters, loose boards and unnecessary holes and openings.

Waste Disposal

  1. Waste receptacles used for decaying solid or liquid waste or refuse are constructed so that they do not leak and may be thoroughly cleaned and maintained in a sanitary condition. Such a receptacle is to be equipped with a solid tight-fitting cover, unless it can be maintained in a sanitary condition without a cover. Waste receptacles for ordinary office waste are to be provided by the department. Special waste containers for hazardous chemical, radioactive, biohazardous and other such waste must meet specifications of the Health and Safety Office.
  2. All sweepings, solid or liquid wastes, refuse and garbage are removed according to a schedule developed by the Facilities Management Department in such a manner as to avoid creating a menace to health and to maintain the place of employment in a sanitary condition.

Vermin Control

  1. Every enclosed workplace is constructed, equipped and maintained, so far as reasonably practicable, so as to prevent the entrance of and harboring of rodents, insects and other vermin.
  2. The Facilities Management Department conducts a continuing extermination program to prevent the presence of vermin.

Water Supply

  1. Potable water is to be provided in all places of employment for drinking, washing of the person, cooking, washing of foods, washing of cooking or eating utensils, washing of food preparation or processing premises, and personal service rooms.
  2. Potable drinking water dispensers are to be designed, constructed and serviced so that sanitary conditions are maintained, shall be capable of being closed and shall be equipped with a tap. Open containers for drinking water from which water must be dipped or poured, whether or not they are fitted with a cover, are prohibited.
  3. A common drinking cup and other common utensils are prohibited.

Toilet Facilities

  1. Toilet facilities, in toilet rooms separate for each sex, are provided in all places of employment in accordance Table J-1, NC-OSHA CFR 29 1910.141.
  2. The number of facilities provided for each sex is based on the number of employees of that sex for whom the facilities are furnished. Where toilet rooms occupied by no more than one person at a time can be locked from the inside and contain at least one water closet, separate toilet rooms for each sex need not be provided.
  3. The requirements under #1 do not apply to mobile crews or to normally unattended work locations. Supervisors must ensure that employees have transportation immediately available to nearby toilet facilities which meet the requirements.
  4. Sewage disposal methods do not endanger the health of employees.
  5. Each water closet is to occupy a separate compartment with a door and walls or partitions between fixtures sufficiently high to assure privacy.

Washing Facilities

  1. Lavatories are made available in all places of employment. This does not apply to mobile crews or to normally unattended work locations. Supervisors must ensure that employees working at these locations have transportation readily available to nearby washing facilities.
  2. Each lavatory is to be provided with hot, cold or tepid running water.
  3. Hand soap or similar cleansing agent is to be provided.
  4. Individual hand towels or sections thereof, of cloth or paper, warm air blowers or clean individual sections of continuous cloth toweling convenient to the lavatories, is to be provided.

Showers

  1. Whenever showers are required, one shower is to be provided for each 10 employees of each sex, or numerical fraction there of, who are required to shower during the same shift.
  2. Body soap or other appropriate cleaning agents convenient to the shower is to be provided.
  3. Showers are to be provided with hot and cold running water feeding a common discharge line.
  4. Employees who use showers are to be provided with individual clean towels.

Clothes Drying Facilities

Where working clothes are provided by the employer and become wet or are washed between shifts, provisions are to be made to insure that such clothing is dry before reuse.

Consumption of Food and Beverage on Premises

  1. No employee is to be allowed to consume food or beverages in a toilet room nor in any area exposed to toxic material or infectious agents.
  2. Disposal containers constructed of smooth, corrosive resistant, easily cleanable or disposable material, are to be provided and used for the disposal of waste food.
    • Number, size and location of such receptacles are to encourage their use and not result in overfilling.
    • They are to be emptied not less frequently than once each working day, unless unused, and are to be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
    • They are to be provided with solid tight-fitting covers unless sanitary conditions can be maintained without use of a cover.
  3. No food or beverage is to be stored in toilet rooms or in an area exposed to a toxic material or infectious agents.
  4. In all places of employment where all or part of the food service is provided, the food is to be wholesome, free from spoilage and is to be processed, prepared, handled and stored in such a manner as to be protected against contamination.
    • All food service employees are to practice good personal hygiene and wear appropriate clothing such as caps, coats, aprons, etc., while on duty. No employee is to use tobacco in any form while engaged in the preparation and handling of food. The hands of all employees handling food, utensils or equipment are to be kept clean and be washed before beginning work and after each visit to the toilet.
    • No person who has a contagious or infectious disease is to be allowed to work in food service.
    • Persons handling money are not to handle food without washing hands prior to coming in contact with food or using disposable gloves.
  5. The University complies with the applicable codes in the North Carolina "Rules Governing the Sanitation of Restaurants and Other Food Handling Establishments" and/or "Rules Governing the Sanitation of Hospitals, Nursing and Rest Homes, Sanitariums, Sanitariums, and Educational and Other Institutions". Contact the Health and Safety Office for more information and guidance.

Disease Transmitted Though the Food Supply

Background

The Center for Disease Control, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a final list of infectious and communicable diseases transmitted through handling the food supply. The CDC has published two lists in conjunction with this standard. Both lists are given below:

Pathogens Often Transmitted by Food Contaminated by Infected Persons

Some pathogens are frequently transmitted by food contaminated by infected persons. The presence of any one of the following signs or symptoms in persons who handle food may indicate infection by one of these pathogens:

  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • open skin sores
  • fever
  • jaundice
  • dark urine
  • boils

The failure of food employees to wash hands (in situations such as after using the toilet, handling raw chicken, cleaning spills, or carrying garbage, for example), wear clean gloves, or use clean utensils is responsible for the food borne transmission of these pathogens. Nonfood borne routes of transmission, such as from one person to another, are also important in the spread of these pathogens. Pathogens that can cause diseases after an infected person handles food are the following:

  • Hepatitis A virus
  • Norwalk and Narwalk-like viruses
  • Salmonella typhi
  • Staphylococcus aurous
  • Shigella species
  • Streptococcus pyogenes

Pathogens Occasionally Transmitted by Food Contaminated by Infected Persons

Other pathogens are occasionally transmitted by infected persons who handle food, but usually cause disease when food is intrinsically contaminated or cross-contaminated during processing or preparation. Bacterial pathogens in this category often require a period of temperature abuse to permit their multiplication to an infectious dose before they will cause disease in consumers. Preventing food contact by persons who have an acute diarrheal illness will decrease the risk of transmitting pathogens.

General Procedures

 Since many federal, state and local agencies establish and enforce regulations governing the food industry it is very important to perform any food handling activity in the most sanitary means possible. In addition to the sanitary standards established for physical facilities, trained personnel must be responsible for the methods in which food is stored, handled and prepared. Employees who are ill or exhibit any of the symptoms given above should, in severe cases use sick or annual leave, or in minor cases be reassigned to non-food handling tasks, until symptoms are no longer present.

Animals on Campus

Purpose

This policy is intended to minimize the occurrence of offensive odors, excrement, fleas, biological agents, etc., on the campus and in campus buildings where these may result in health hazards to personnel or be detrimental to instructional or research objectives.

Application

This policy is primarily intended to apply to dogs, but is also applicable to other animals which are likely to create similar health hazards and/or nuisances.

Vaccinations

Animals must have current rabies tags as evidence of rabies vaccination.

Buildings

Animals are not permitted in any campus buildings except in the following cases:

  • Animals providing assistance to handicapped persons.
  • Animals used in research and teaching and authorized by the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs.
  • Special circumstances or events, subject to approval from the Health and Safety Office.

Campus

The laws and ordinances of the City of Asheville shall apply to the control of animals on the University campus. Animals brought onto the campus must be restrained as provided for in the City's Code of Ordinances, i.e., on a leash, inside a vehicle, or within a secure enclosure.

Impoundment

Animals on the University campus in violation of this policy are subject to being picked up and turned over to the Animal Control Officer of the City of Asheville for impoundment. Violations should be reported to Public Safety which will coordinate enforcement efforts with the City's Animal Control Officer.

Personal Security and Crime Prevention Awareness

General

The Department of Public Safety at the University of North Carolina at Asheville has the primary responsibility for promoting crime prevention and personal security awareness among all University employees. Public Safety prepares and conducts informational and education programs on crime prevention and personal safety as well as conducting facility and operational security surveys. Employees or supervisors who have security concerns or who desire to arrange programs on personal security or other aspects of crime prevention should contact the Public Safety Director.

The University also publishes annually a special publication on campus security designed to highlight campus security procedures and recommended precautions for increasing personal safety. This pull-and-save publication is distributed to faculty and staff and students, and is available at key locations on and off the main campus.

Purchase and Review by Health and Safety

Purpose

The State Workplace Safety Program requires Health and Safety Office review of hazardous materials and selected safety-related equipment and supplies. The purpose of the review is to:

  1. assure that specifications for applicable safety design features are considered when purchasing equipment and machinery;
  2. regulate the storage and use of highly toxic, carcinogenic, explosive or reactive chemicals; and
  3. assure proper design specifications for equipment used for safety, health protection, and fire prevention and protection purposes.

Items Requiring Approval Prior to Purchase

The following items require review and approval by the Health and Safety Office prior to submission of a purchase order:

  1. Compressed gases in non-returnable cylinders (except O2 and "inert" gases)*
  2. Chemical carcinogens*
  3. Mobile portable scaffolds
  4. Man lifts
  5. Biological safety cabinets
  6. Chemicals that exhibit the characteristic of a hazardous waste or are "P-listed" or "U- listed" waste*
  7. Explosives
  8. Lasers
  9. Microwave devices
  10. Industrial trucks
  11. Personal protective equipment: respirators, safety belts, eye protection, hearing protection, eye washes, safety showers, etc.
  12. Fire extinguishers, fire suppression devices, hoses, etc.
  13. Processing equipment: woodworking machinery, welders, power presses, printing presses, mechanical cutters, or metal forming machinery.
  14. Ventilation systems

* A Laboratory Safety Plan or a Chemical Safety Plan covering the use and disposal of the restricted items on file with the Health and Safety Office constitutes approval for purchase.

Unauthorized Purchases

State General Statute 143-58 provides that purchases not made in accordance with University policies will be the personal responsibility of the individual placing the order.

Last edited by gfmale@unca.edu on May 11, 2011