Occupational and Environmental Safety

Some College employees, in the course of their employment with the College, could possibly be exposed to blood or body fluid. Special training for those employees is available through the College's Human Resource Department.

If you have been exposed to blood or body fluids, do the following immediately:

1. Wash the affected area with soap and water.
2. Dial 911 from any campus telephone, or dial 483-1800 from a non-college phone.
3. If you are on Main Campus or West Campus, LCC Police will make arrangements to transport you to a medical facility for treatment.
4. If you are off campus, go to the nearest medical facility for treatment.

The College's Safety Officer will conduct an investigation of the incident.

Michigan Right-to-Know laws are designed to provide information to all employees about chemicals used in their workplace. Every College employee is required to complete the College's Right-to-Know on-line training as part of their employment orientation.

Information regarding chemicals at the College is maintained by LCC Police. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) can be obtained from www.hazard.com.

In case of exposure to a chemical substance:

1. Remain calm. Get the chemical product flushed off immediately. Unless directed to do otherwise by the label directions, use large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes to flush the affected area.
2. Contact LCC Police by dialing 911.
3. Inform the dispatcher of your location, the chemical to which you were exposed, and whether you are having any physical reaction, such as burns or difficulty breathing.

Preventing the Spread Of Contagious Diseases

A common sense approach:

Wash your hands often.

Clean surface areas where you and others work frequently.

Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

Do not share food or beverages.

Used tissues should be immediately placed in the waste basket so that the contents do not come in contact with surface areas.

Avoid close contact with contagious people and stay home if you are sick.

Proper nutrition, adequate exercise and sleep also help protect you from contracting disease.

Communicable Diseases

From time to time, faculty or staff may be asked questions regarding possible exposure to a communicable disease in a classroom or office setting, or may become aware that an individual has or is suspected of having a communicable disease. Should this occur, follow the following guidelines:

1. Confidentiality is important. Do not spread rumors or speak out of turn about any individual who may have a communicable disease.
2. Contact LCC Police and request to speak with the Safety Officer. If the Safety Officer is not available, request to speak with a Police Officer. Provide as much detail of the situation as you can to the Officer.
3. LCC Police will contact the appropriate outside agencies (typically the local county health department) to ensure the proper authorities are aware of the situation.
4. If the appropriate outside agency provides any direction as to precautions to be taken by any persons exposed to a person believed to be carrying a communicable disease, LCC Police will coordinate the implementation of those precautions.

Staying safe during COVID-19

Learn more about the college's work to keep everyone safe, and your role in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

FIRE EMERGENCIES

In case of a fire emergency, contact LCC Dispatch by dialing ext. 1800 or 911 from any campus phone. LCC Dispatch will then contact the Fire Department. Employees are not required to fight fires and should evacuate the building immediately in the event of a fire. Employees such as BERT members, may use fire extinguishers to fight small fires only if they have been trained in the proper use of a fire extinguisher and are confident in their ability to cope with the hazards of a fire. In such cases, firefighting efforts must be terminated when it becomes obvious that there is danger or harm from smoke, heat, or flames.

When the fire alarm goes off, stop what you are doing! Everyone needs to leave the building until provided an ALL CLEAR (never assume it is an accidental alarm.) If the fire alarm does not work, or the building is not equipped with one, dial 911 and notify all occupants verbally of the emergency and the need to evacuate.

FIRE EVACUATION PROCEDURES

Evacuate via the nearest stairwell or street/grade level exit. Hazardous equipment or processes should be shut down before evacuating unless doing so presents a greater hazard. If possible, close doors when exiting. During a fire emergency, those who may not be familiar with LCC, such as contractors and visitors, may need to be reminded regarding the requirement to evacuate. If you are able, please help those who are unfamiliar with LCC and those individuals with disabilities who may need assistance. 

FIRE SAFETY TRAINING

BERT members are trained in fire extinguisher use and how to aid in the evacuation of their assigned buildings. BERT Member are trained in fire extinguisher use annually by the Public Service careers department. Additionally, annual evacuation training is assigned to all employees through our TMS/LMS system prior to the start of each fall semester. 

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Fire extinguishers must conform to the following guidelines which are specified by MIOSHA General Industry Safety and Health Standard Part 8. Portable Fire Extinguishers (R 408.108): 

• Portable fire extinguishers suitable to the conditions and hazards involved shall be provided and maintained in an effective operating condition.
• Portable fire extinguishers shall be located where they will be readily seen and accessible along normal paths of travel. In a location where a visual obstruction cannot be avoided, a sign, color symbol or other means shall be used to indicate the location
• Portable fire extinguishers shall be maintained at least once annually and a record kept.
• Monthly inspections are conducted by visually inspecting for broken seals, damage, and low gauge pressure, depending on type of extinguisher. A tag affixed to the extinguisher is initialed by the inspector after each inspection.
• Employees designated to fight fires must receive training in the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with initial stage firefighting.

FIRE PREVENTION

Proper housekeeping including the prompt removal of wastes and keeping the work space free of unnecessary combustible materials will help to prevent or reduce the severity of fires. Keep trash, empty boxes, dirty rags, cleaning supplies, etc. out of exits, storage areas, and stairways. Immediately report any problems to Housekeeping.

Limited quantities of flammable liquids may be stored in laboratories and shops. Flammable liquid storage cabinets are required where large amounts are present.

Any storage of combustible materials such as cardboard boxes, etc. should be kept to a minimum.

Electrical wiring should be maintained in good condition. Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis. Periodically check and have any damaged electrical cords replaced. Do not overload wall outlets. Turn off and/or unplug equipment that is not being used. Always use three-pronged appliances.