3.14| Safety, Health and Environmental Quality

A. Purpose
The health and safety of every staff member, student, and visitor is important to the University. The University strives to create an environment that is safe by eliminating or mitigating conditions that could result in injuries or illnesses. The University is committed to the principle that a safety culture will benefit all staff, increase productivity, minimize lost work time, and help realize the University’s mission, goals and objectives.

Sampoerna University complies with all relevant institutional, industrial, and governmental regulations and policies regarding safety, health and the environment. These policies are designed to promote a safer, more secure, and healthful learning and work environment for the University community and its guests. These policies outline the procedures for managing the health and safety of the SU community. The Safety, Health and Environment Plan (SHEP) is reviewed annually by the Committee on Administrative Affairs. This committee provides recommendations for updates and revisions; other updates and revisions are made whenever relevant governmental or regulatory bodies make changes.

 

B. Scope
This policy applies to all workplaces that are owned, operated, or under the direct control of Sampoerna University.

 

C. Policy Statement

1. Emergency Notification
All students, faculty and staff subscribe to the Emergency Notification System (ENS) and receive email and message alerts in the event of campus-wide emergencies or incidents. These same notifications are also posted on the SU website and distributed via social media channels. All students, faculty and staff are responsible for ensuring that their contact information is up-to-date and accurate. In addition, emergencies requiring the evacuation of SU campus facilities are broadcast over a campus-wide public address system.

 

2. Procedures for Investigating Incidents
All incidents are followed up with an incident report by General Administration (GA) that documents the incident, provides information to evaluate the initial response, and helps determine if further action is needed. Incident reports may be initiated by faculty or staff.

 

3. Faculty and Staff Responsibilities
Faculty and/or staff are responsible for overseeing safety training for students and enforcement of safety policies and procedures in classrooms and labs. Faculty and staff lead safety training courses during course orientations, as appropriate. In the event of an injury, students are not to be transported directly to a medical facility or home by faculty or staff. They should immediately alert GA to arrange for safe and appropriate transportation.

 

4. Student Responsibilities
Safety instruction is an important part of SU’s educational program, especially in courses involving laboratories. Students are responsible for adhering to institutional policies and procedures governing student conduct and campus health and safety. Students need to report any health, safety, or security concerns.

 

5. Safety Resources
Safety resources, appropriate for the University’s operations, include sharps disposal, material safety data sheets, biological pathogen disposal kits, eye protection, hand protection, hearing protection, and eyewash and safety shower station. The University is serviced by overhead sprinklers to assist with fire mitigation. Evacuation maps and first aid kits are also available on each floor. The campus is served by a health clinic staffed by para-professional and professional medical personnel. GA is responsible for reviewing these resources on an annual basis to ensure they are in good working order and appropriate.

 

6. Campus Security Officers
Campus security officers are present on every floor of Sampoerna University. They report to GA and have responsibilities for all parts of campus and external activities managed/controlled by the University. The major responsibility of campus security officers is to monitor and ensure the safety and welfare of faculty, staff, students, and visitors. When there are infractions of local or national laws and/or University policies, campus security officers are authorized to take appropriate action. They will notify local police for more serious incidents that pose a direct threat to lives and/or property. The performance, duties and contracts for campus security officers is reviewed annually by GA and the Committee for Administrative Affairs.

 

7. Responding to Fire Alerts and Events
The campus has an active fire control detection and suppression system. Signs of active fire (smoke, gas odors, and/or increased room temperatures) automatically activates the fire alarm. In addition, there are manual station alarms located throughout the campus that can be activated by breaking glass and pulling the alarm. During orientation each semester, all faculty, staff, and students are notified of the location of fire extinguishers, fire hoses, emergency exits, and manual alarm systems across campus and how to use them. Safety Captains designated for areas across campus will get specific training regarding the use of fire extinguishers and/or hoses, how to assess a fire hazard and the process for notifying campus and emergency officials.

If a minor fire appears controllable, GA should be immediately notified. The individual or local Safety Captain should then promptly direct the charge of the fire extinguisher or water from the fire hose toward the base of the flame. Fire hoses should never be used to suppress fires if there is a presence of electricity in the fire area. If the fire appears uncontrollable and poses a threat to health and safety, General Affairs should be immediately notified to request that the building evacuation alarm be sounded (if the automatic system has not previously sounded). All rooms should then be evacuated, closing all doors to confine the fire and reduce oxygen. Doors must not be locked upon exit. Once the building evacuation alarm is sounded, the nearest Safety Captain will be mobilized to assist with evacuating their areas by directing people to safety exits. Additional help will be provided to disabled individuals that require assistance. If a smoke event exists, the Safety Captain will remind everyone to stay as close to the floor as possible during evacuation. Evacuees will muster at three designated safety muster points located in outside areas clear of hazards. Individuals will not return to the buildings until an “all clear” has been given by Emergency Responders or University officials. Additional safety considerations in the event of fire include:

• If an individual becomes trapped in a building during a fire and there is an available window, place an article of clothing (shirt, coat, etc.) outside the window to alert rescue crews. If no window is available, remain near the floor for less toxic air. Shout periodically to draw the attention of emergency personnel.
• If possible, use a cell phone to share your location with University officials or emergency responders. Do not panic. Report to your designated campus assembly point following any evacuation.
• Stay at the muster point until an accurate headcount can be conducted.

 

8. Earthquakes
When an earthquake is detected, take cover under a desk, table, or doorway; of stand close to the wall in a hallway. Stay away from windows or objects that could break or shatter. Wait approximately two minutes after tremors stop OR until the building evacuation order is given and then evacuate to campus muster points located outside away from hazards.

 

9. Flooding
Significant flooding on campus is most frequently caused by torrential rain or a main water failure. Flood emergencies can strike without warning. Understanding what to do and what not to do is critical for personal safety on and off-campus. It is critical to take action in the event of a flood warning. If you are in a flood-prone area, seek higher ground immediately. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that develops over a period of minutes to hours. It is even possible to have a flash flood in areas that do not receive immediate rain. Members of the University community should take the following precautions during a flood event:

• Stay informed by listening to the radio and television. Monitor information and updates on the internet and social media;
• If you live in a flood prone area, immediately seek higher ground;
• If you are ordered to evacuate by government officials, do so immediately. When you leave, secure your home. Disconnect utilities and appliances if you have time;
• Be aware of electrical hazards. Avoid entering a room if water covers the electrical outlets or submerged power cords. Immediately exit if you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises. Keep away from any water that may contain electricity; and
• Avoid floodwaters. If you become trapped by moving water, seek higher ground and call 112 if possible. Drive carefully through flooded roadways and around barricades. Water may be deeper than it appears, concealing hazards such as sharp objects, washed-out road surfaces, electrical wires, and chemicals, among others. A vehicle trapped in swiftly moving water can be swept away in seconds by as little as 30 to 45 cm of water.

If there is a flooding emergency on-campus, the GA department will respond by mobilizing responders to mitigate damage and protect the safety of the University community. GA will also be responsible for providing timely updates to the University Executive regarding the conditions of the University and the surrounding area. If necessary, the University Executive may suspend classes, close the campus and evacuate until conditions improve. GA will also be responsible for making recommendations to the University Executive regarding when to return to normal operations in the event of a closure. In the event of impending flooding and as time and circumstances allow, GA will mobilize staff to move endangered high-value materials to higher ground and/or upper floors within their respective buildings. GA will also operate building systems to mitigate structural damage.

 

10. Medical Emergencies
Student illnesses or minor medical emergencies should be reported to the nearest faculty or staff member. Minor medical issues will be resolved by utilizing first aid kits or a referral to the health clinic for care. No medical care will be administered by faculty or staff (unless a major event that requires life-saving attempts at resuscitation). In the event of a serious or life-threatening medical emergency, faculty or staff may provide life-saving activities (i.e. CPR) and immediately call 112.

 

11. Behavioral Disturbances
A behavioral disturbance can be either verbal or physical. Everyone is to assist in making the campus a safe place by being alert to suspicious situations and promptly reporting them. Individuals who are victims of or witnesses to an on-campus offense should avoid placing themselves at greater risk. They should report any suspicious behavior or offense to a faculty or staff member as soon as possible and report the incident to GA.

If you observe a criminal act, notify GA immediately. If you observe someone threatening others with a weapon, explosive, or other dangerous devices that could potentially threaten lives, notify GA immediately. GA will notify security to secure the situation and notify local police. If there is a direct exit away from the event, use it. Do not enter hallways and do not pull the fire alarms. If a direct exit is not immediately available, follow lockdown in place procedures. Move to a classroom or office, lock the doors, turn off the lights, and stay away from doors and windows. When security and/or police officials arrive, follow all instructions. Remain in lockdown until security or campus officials provide an all-clear signal.

 

12. Weapons and Firearms
Fireworks, firearms, ammunition and other weapons or materials which endanger health and safety are strictly prohibited. The possession or use of these items at SU will result in disciplinary action. Such incidents that also violate local and/or national laws may also result in arrest and prosecution.

 

13. Environmental Hazards
a. Blood Spills
If you see blood on the floor or other surface, notify a faculty or staff member. Do not attempt to clean up the blood yourself or allow others to do so. If you are exposed to another person’s blood or other bodily fluids:

• For a skin exposure or blood that comes into contact with an open wound, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water;
• For a blood splash to the eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse copiously with distilled water; and
• Report any blood exposure to faculty or staff.

b. Other Hazardous Materials
Other hazardous materials or substances can be in the form of chemical spills, gas leaks or other substances. If you see or smell a substance that you feel may be hazardous, stay away from the substance and direct others away from the immediate area. Do not touch or attempt to clean up an unidentified substance. Notify faculty or staff of the incident for further action as needed.

Individuals exposed to any hazardous materials in laboratory areas should immediately notify faculty or staff on duty. If needed, they will be directed to use the Eyewash and Safety Shower located in the lab area.