EMERGENCY RESPONSE

The TWU Safety Office has developed a brochure on EMERGENCY PROCEDURES.

Emergencies can arise at an time and from many causes but the potential loss is the same-people and property. Advanced planning for emergencies is the only way to minimize this potential loss.

The brochure will provide valuable information to help you make the most reasonable decision to help you protect yourself and others if an emergency occurs.

******This is an example of what you will find in the brochure.*******

Make sure your work area has the following:

Flashlight (with extra batteries), radio (weather radio preferably), first aid kit.

Know of a place in your work area that does not have any windows. You may have to go there for "Shelter-in Place."

******This is an example of what you will find in the brochure.*******

*Copies of the Emergency Procedures Brochure are located at the Safety Office.

SAFETY TRAINING

Safety Training is a very important function in the workplace. It gives you (the employee) an opportunity become knowledgable about a variety of functions and processes that take place in your work area. Please see the SAFETY TRAINING website at for more information on the types of training available.

Contact the Safety Office to register for a course.

INJURY/ILLNESS

Because there is always potential for injuries while on the job, become familiar with TWU Guidelines for reporting an injury or an on-the-job illness to the Human Resource Office.  There are certain reporting forms that need to be completed in a timely manner.  Contact the Human Resource Department for proper reporting forms.

TWU has experienced a tremendous reduction in the injury rate. A total of 22 injuries were recorded for the last Academic year. This should be applauded. The University was awarded a SILVER AWARD by the State Office of Risk Management for the effort to reduce our injures by more than 30% to less than 50%. This comes from a sense of awareness on your part. Being mindful of your well-being is important to your family as well as your co-workers.

CHEMICAL HYGIENE/HAZARDOUS WASTE

There are specific guidelines in the University Chemical Hygiene Plan and the Hazardous Waste Disposal Plan that prohibit the improper disposal of hazardous chemical waste.  "Certain Waste should not be poured down the drain." It contaminates the city water supply. Supervisors and lab directors are responsible for monitoring waste disposal practices. See Chemical Hygiene for more information on the Chemical Hygiene Plan and Hazardous Waste for more information on the Hazardous Waste Management practices.

FIRE SAFETY

The University has definite guidelines regarding fire safety issues.  

Microwaves and coffee makers are the only approved cooking devices for most facilities.

Burning candles or incense is prohibited.

The use of any open-flame device is prohibited with the exception of laboratories where necessary or instruction.  Use of open-flamed devices in laboratories must be properly supervised. 

Doors into fire egress corridors must not be propped open.

Hallways must remain clear and should not be used for storage.

Stairwells must remain clear and doors should remain closed.

Lighted exit signs should work properly.

Residence Hall rooms are randomly checked for Fire Safety Inspections

Comply with Fire Drills

Thank you for assistance in ensuring that the University remains in compliance with the  State Fire Marshall's Orders.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

(EMERGENCY  + EVACUATION CHAIR)

In response to the Emergency Response Plan, the University has purchased and hung Emergency Evacuation + Chairs in every building  that has more than one floor at the Denton, Dallas and Houston Campuses.   These chairs are used to assist persons that may have a permanent or temporary  disability. These chairs are generally hung in designated floors  the stairwells.  Please become familiar with the location of the chair in the building that you work in. Take advantage of the Fire Safety courses for the most updated information.

Driver Authorization

All persons needing to drive a state vehicle are required to obtain authorization to do so. Please see the Facilities Management website for more information. This generally takes two weeks to process so request authorization early. Authorization is in effect until termination of services to the University.

Hazardous Communcations/Material Safety Data Sheet

The Safety Office has updated the safety website to include a direct link to over 250,000 material safety data sheets. See Material Safety Data Sheet for information on understanding how to read a MSDS and connect to the direct link. Some employees may need to make this a shortcut on their desktop. The Safety Office may not be available to assist in providing you a MSDS at the time it's needed.

Please contact the Safety Office at 81-2924 or vbyrd@twu.edu for your safety question or concerns.

THINK SAFETY FIRST