The Safety Office (E19-207, Ext. 3-4736) is a source of safety information and advice. There is no charge for consultations and evaluations. Safety Office services include consultation on:
Public safety: Kresge, Rockwell Cage and athletic events, Commencements, Science Fair, Open House, exhibits, determining capacities and fire law requirements of halls, classrooms, etc.
Property damage and personal injury: contractors, visitors, guests, and bomb threats.
Hazards due to chemicals, fire, explosions, electricity, equipment in labs, shops, dormitories, fraternities, offices, etc.
Flammable liquids and gases: permits, licensing, and handling of propane, explosives, fuel oil, gasoline, ammunition, pyrophoric metals, hydrogen, acetylene, etc.
Building construction and renovation: review for compliance with codes for fire resistance, exit facilities, fire protection systems, emergency lighting, fire alarm systems, flammable decorations, layout of room and furniture, elevator codes, codes governing facilities for the handicapped, glazing codes, and access by fire department apparatus and personnel. This is also provided to fraternities.
Pressure vessels (fired and unfired): boilers, compressed air receivers, laboratory pressure vessels, permits for compliance with state and ASME rules, arrangements for inspection and test for insurance purposes.
Hazardous chemical waste disposal: provide pick-up and storage service for ultimate off- campus disposal of hazardous chemicals.
Fire protection: hydrants, hoses, extinguishers, sprinkler systems, dry chemical and CO2 systems fire pumps, yard mains, smoke detectors: their types, installation, maintenance and testing recommendations.
Publications: Accident Prevention Guide, OSHA bulletins, articles in Tech Talk.
Personal protective equipment: administer prescription safety glasses and safety shoe programs; advise on gloves, hard hats, shields, aprons, etc.
Equipment, apparatus and experiments: review commercial and Institute-built equipment for hazards; approve commercial equipment such as electrophoresis apparatus, power tools, welding equipment, chemical gloves, chemical containers, fan guards, battery charges, Ramsets and barricading of potentially explosive experiments and equipment.
Training and teaching: safety film presentations on laboratory safety, fire extinguisher demonstration, OSHA, lifting, etc.
Workmen's Compensation: administer program for accidental investigation reporting and initiating procedures for insurance payments to injured employees.
Liaison with Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA), Department of Public Safety, Department of Labor, Cambridge Fire Department, Cambridge and State Licensing Commissions, Department of Transportation, Department of Defense. Carries fire, compensation, vehicle and public liability insurance. Aids in preparing safety analysis reports required by government regulatory agencies.
Work procedures: reviews and makes recommendations on how workers are to accomplish tasks safely: tower climbing, entering manholes, working alone, chemical operation, explosives operation, industrial tricks, etc.
Right to Know: administers training program for employees on safe handling of hazardous material and provides Material Safety Data Sheets.
For advice on these matters and safety questions in general, please feel free to contact any member of the Safety Office Staff on Ext. 3-4736.