Lock out/Tag out is the OSHA-created method for Control of Hazardous Energy. It is a procedure that is necessary to disable machinery or equipment in order to prevent the release of hazardous energy while employees perform maintenance activities. It requires that hazardous power sources be “isolated and rendered inoperative” before any repair procedure is started. The “Lock out” is the practice of locking the device or the power source with the hasp, and placing it in such a position that no hazardous power sources can be turned on. The “Tag out” is the practice of attaching a tag to the locked device indicating the person servicing the equipment and that the equipment should not be turned on.

Lock out/Tag out Rule::

Hazardous Energy:

Energy sources including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal or other sources in machines and equipment that can be hazardous to workers. During the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment, the unexpected startup or release of stored energy could cause injury to employees. 

Potential Exposures:

• When performing maintenance on water heaters, washers and dryers, elevators, air handler units or any other piece of machinery that has electrical or mechanical power.

Prevention:

• Lock out/Tag out boxes should be purchased and mounted in the following areas:
  • Electrical Rooms
  • Mechanical Rooms
  • House Laundry Room
  • Elevator Equipment Room
  • Maintenance Shop
• Before performing service on any piece of equipment, you must:
  • Locate the circuit breaker for the machine you are performing service on and flip it to the OFF position.
  • Turn the power off on the machine that is to be serviced.
  • Place the Lock Out on the circuit breaker or electrical panel door.
  • Make sure YOUR name is on the Tag out attached to the Lock Out.
  • Verify that all hazardous energy is contained.
• When the service is complete:
  • Ensure that all wires are connected properly
  • Ensure that the machine is properly re-assembled and all panels are closed
  • Remove the lock out/tag out from the machine or circuit breaker
  • Return the circuit to the ON position
  • Return the machine to the ON position
  • Ensure the machine is operating correctly
  • Log the use of the Lock out/Tag out on the property’s Lock out/Tag out Log

In the event of an injury due to exposure to hazardous energy:

• Follow the guidelines for the incident found in the Emergency Binder.
• If you feel you may have incurred an injury of any kind, report it immediately to your supervisor.
• Be very clear on whether you require immediate medical attention, imminent medical attention or request additional accommodations to prevent injury in the future.
• Report the incident to the Risk Management Team.
• Inform the staff of the incident and make corrections to procedures or errors to ensure that this incident does recur.

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Bending and lifting refers to the work required to view objects at ground level or move objects from one place to another, when, if done improperly, can cause a serious injury.

Potential Exposures:

• Unpacking and transporting hotel supplies.
• Working in cramped, cluttered storage spaces.
• Repairing or cleaning items that are at ground level or require displacement.
• Transporting guest luggage.
• Working at a high pace.
• Working alone on a task that requires more than one person.

Prevention:

• In order to prevent a twisting and lifting maneuver when stocking shelves, you must be sure to be fully “squared off” when lifting the supplies up and then turn to be fully “squared off” with the shelves you are placing the supplies on. “Squared off” indicates a stand where the feet and upper body are fully facing the item to be lifted or placed. 
• Keep items centered and close to your body while transporting.
• No items should be lifted if they are too heavy for the person stocking the shelves. The employee should either get assistance from another staff member or lift the items in smaller sections.
• No items should be placed on shelves that are higher than shoulder height.
• When bending to look at something at ground level or to prepare to lift an item, always bend at the knees; never bend at the waist.
• Keep your manager informed of any issues that may result in missing a time limit deadline.
• Always ask for help if time is an issue and you feel you are unable to complete the task by yourself.
• Work with suppliers to use smaller packing portions.
• Realize that even moving a small object incorrectly can cause an injury.
• Transport items in smaller quantities, allowing for more trips to be made.
• Keep storage rooms cleaned and organized at all times.

In the event of an injury due to bending or lifting:

• Follow the guidelines for the incident found in the Emergency Binder.
• If you feel you may have incurred an injury of any kind, report it immediately to your supervisor.
• Be very clear on whether you require immediate medical attention, imminent medical attention or request additional accommodations to prevent injury in the future.   
• Report the incident to the Risk Management Team.
• Inform the staff of the incident and make corrections to procedures or errors to ensure that this incident does recur.

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An incident report is a report that is required to document the exact details of any unusual event that occurs in a facility. The Incident Report should be filled out as soon as possible, following the event, when the details are fresh in the minds of the witnesses, so that the information is as accurate as possible.

Incident

• Any occurrence outside of the normal daily routine that disrupts the routine of the facility for any reason.

Potential Incidents:

• Guest Injury
• Staff Member Injury
• Fire, Flood or Death
• Fire Alarm
• Power Outage
• Crime discovered and/or reported
• Major Asset Malfunction
• Threatening situation for any guest, staff member or the facility

                   *_{These examples are not all-inclusive.  Use your best judgement and err on the side of reporting the incident if there is any question.}

Incident Recording:

• Remain Calm
• Determine which, if any, authorities should be called out or notified
• Follow the appropriate procedures outlined in the Emergency Binder
• Notify the Manager on Duty
• Once the incident is resolved or removed from your (the witness’s) responsibility, locate a blank Incident Report and fill it out completely. Be thorough and detailed.
• Incident recording must never be purposefully altered to mask any property or staff liabilities.

Incident Reporting:

• Within 24 hours, submit the Incident Report to the Risk Management team at your Management Company.
• If there is absolutely no reason for any involved parties to desire legal or medical attention due to the incident, then there is no further reporting necessary.
• If there is a chance that an involved party may seek legal or medical advice, but have not at the time of the incident, you should report the incident to the insurance company as a “Report Only.”
• If any involved party has already declared intent or has moved forward with seeking legal or medical attention, then you must file the incident report to the insurance company as a “Claim.”

Incident Resolution:

• Once an incident has been recorded and reported to the Risk Management department and/or the insurance company, they will be able to advice you on any compensation you may offer at the property level.
• It is imperative that no compensation is offered until you have been advised by the Risk Management personnel and/or the insurance company as this could be construed as admission of guilt when no determination of fault has been made. It is ultimately up to the insurance company to determine if any compensation is due to the affected parties. 

In the event of an incident:

• Follow the guidelines for the incident found in the Emergency Binder.
• If you feel you may have incurred an injury of any kind, report it immediately to your supervisor.
• Be very clear on whether you require immediate medical attention, imminent medical attention or request additional accommodations to prevent injury in the future.   
• Report the incident to the Risk Management Team.
• Inform the staff of the incident and make corrections to procedures or errors to ensure that this incident does recur.

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Grounds maintenance includes all work performed on the property landscaping or golf course, that requires the use of hand tools, power equipment and physical strength and therefore has a greater potential for incurring an injury.

Potential Exposures:

• Use of any power equipment
• Bending, lifting, shoveling or digging
• Repetitive and physically demanding motions
• Refueling gas powered equipment
• Repairing equipment
• Overexposure to heat or cold
• Using the wrong equipment for the job
• Hands and feet being in the way of moving parts
• Smoking while operating or being around gasoline-powered equipment.

Prevention:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Remove potentially hazardous rocks and debris.  Take precaution for differing terrains, weather and other workers.  Pedestrians and bystanders should be at least 30 feet away from power equipment in use.
• Before digging, request all utility companies to mark the grounds for underground lines.
• Only use equipment that is specifically designated for the task you are performing.
• Inspect equipment for damage or missing components before using.
• Dress in work clothes appropriate for the weather and for the type of work being performed. Ensure clothing is fitted correctly and includes proper protective gear.
• In extreme weather work in pairs, take frequent breaks and hydrate.
• When climbing on or off of equipment or ladders, maintain a 3-point body contact at all times.
• Before making repairs or refueling or walking away from any machine, make sure the engine is off and cooled completely.
• Use all fire precautions and preventions in the presence of fuel and while refueling equipment.
• Tools should never be left on the ground where they can cause injuries to anyone who steps on them.
• Never smoke within 30 feet of any gasoline, power equipment, chemicals or mulch.
• Keep chemical products in their original container, properly labeled and properly stored.
• Follow all procedures as outlined in the Safety Review Musculoskeletal Disorders for preventing personal injury during repetitive tasks or tasks requiring physical strength, bending or lifting, or preventing slips, trips and falls.

In the event of an injury due to grounds maintenance:

• Follow the guidelines for the incident found in the Emergency Binder.
• If you feel you may have incurred an injury of any kind, report it immediately to your supervisor.
• Be very clear on whether you require immediate medical attention, imminent medical attention or request additional accommodations to prevent injury in the future.   
• Report the incident to the Risk Management Team.
• Inform the staff of the incident and make corrections to procedures or errors to ensure that this incident does recur.

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Slips, trips and falls represent about 17% of the time-loss injuries claimed against workers’ compensation boards. Slips happen where the friction or traction between the footwear and the walking surface is compromised. Trips happen when your foot collides with an object unexpectedly, causing a loss of balance. About 2/3 of all falls happen at ground level, caused by slipping or tripping, and the remaining 1/3 will happen from an elevation.

Potential Exposures:

• Wet or oily surfaces
• Spills
• Hazardous weather conditions
• Loose or tattered rugs or mats
• Transition between flooring surfaces that have different degrees of traction
• Uneven walking surfaces
• Poorly installed or damaged thresholds

• Obstructed view while walking
• Poor lighting
• Misplaced or disorganized items
• Warped or damaged carpeting
• Cords and cables
• Drawers or cupboards left open

Prevention:

• Place a Caution Sign immediately by any wet or oily surface.
• Clean floors regularly to remove debris and spills.
• Ensure all halls, stairs and common areas are clear of obstacles.
• In inclement weather, place caution signs in any location that is hazardous.
• Tack or replace all mats, rugs and carpets that do not lay flat.
• Repair or replace raised thresholds.
• Never push carts, caddies or racks or carry items that will obstruct a clear view of the intended direction.
• Ensure all burned bulbs are reported and replaced quickly.
• Secure or cover any permanent cables.
• Keep cords in use close out of the walking paths of others.
• Regularly organize and clear storage closets of clutter.
• Always close drawers and cupboards before walking away.
• For housekeeping inspections, open all drawers and cupboards from the back of the room to the front as you exit.
• Identify any and all slip or trip hazards at your property and report them to management immediately and repeatedly until repairs are made.
• Wear non-slip shoes.
• Take proper time to complete tasks, adjusting your pace for each walking surface.
• Pay attention to the path in front of you and make wide turns around corners.
• Walk with the feet pointed slightly outward.

In the event of an injury due to a slip, trip or fall:

• Follow the guidelines for the incident found in the Emergency Binder.
• If you feel you may have incurred an injury of any kind, report it immediately to your supervisor.
• Be very clear on whether you require immediate medical attention, imminent medical attention or request additional accommodations to prevent injury in the future.   
• Report the incident to the Risk Management Team.
• Inform the staff of the incident and make corrections to procedures or errors to ensure that this incident does recur.

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The Right to Know Station is the designated place in your facility for maintaining the hazardous communication standard Safety Data sheets on all chemicals used at your facility.

Safety Data Sheet:

·        The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires chemical manufacturers, distributors, or importers to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets or MSDSs) to communicate the hazards of hazardous chemical products. Each sheet is broken down into required sections as outline below by OSHA:

• Section 1, Identificationincludes product identifier; manufacturer or distributor name, address, phone number; emergency phone number; recommended use; restrictions on use.
• Section 2, Hazard(s) identificationincludes all hazards regarding the chemical; required label elements.
• Section 3, Composition/information on ingredientsincludes information on chemical ingredients; trade secret claims.
• Section 4, First-aid measuresincludes important symptoms/ effects, acute, delayed; required treatment.
• Section 5, Fire-fighting measureslists suitable extinguishing techniques, equipment; chemical hazards from fire.
• Section 6, Accidental release measureslists emergency procedures; protective equipment; proper methods of containment and cleanup.
• Section 7, Handling and storagelists precautions for safe handling and storage, including incompatibilities.
• Section 8, Exposure controls/personal protectionlists OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs); Threshold Limit Values (TLVs); appropriate engineering controls; personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Section 9, Physical and chemical propertieslists the chemical’s characteristics.
• Section 10, Stability and reactivitylists chemical stability and possibility of hazardous reactions.
• Section 11, Toxicological informationincludes routes of exposure; related symptoms, acute and chronic effects; numerical measures of toxicity.
• Section 12, Ecological information
• Section 13, Disposal considerations
• Section 14, Transport information
• Section 15, Regulatory information
• Section 16, Other information,includes the date of preparation or last revision.

Potential Exposures:

• Any chemical used at the facility has the potential to cause a reaction or injury to an employee if not properly handled.

Prevention:

• An annual review of the Right to Know Station must be conducted.
• Every chemical on the property must have a current and corresponding Safety Data sheet in every Right to Know binder.

Proper Disposal of Contaminated Materials:

• If a non-caustic chemical has been improperly labeled, is not permitted by your company, or has been mixed with another chemical, it must be disposed of.
  • Pour the contents of the bottle into the utility sink.
  • Rinse the bottle out with water.
  • Throw the bottle in the garbage.
• If a caustic chemical has been improperly labeled, is not permitted by your company, or has been mixed with another chemical, it must also be disposed of.
  • Follow the directions for disposal found in Section 13 of the SDS sheet

In the event of a reaction or injury due to a chemical::

• Consult the Safety Data Sheet for the chemical that was used. Section 4 of the SDS lists symptoms of exposure and required first aid treatment.
• Follow the guidelines for the incident found in the Emergency Binder.
• If you feel you may have incurred an injury of any kind, report it immediately to your supervisor.
• Be very clear on whether you require immediate medical attention, imminent medical attention or request additional accommodations to prevent injury in the future.   
• Report the incident to the Risk Management Team.
• Inform the staff of the incident and make corrections to procedures or errors to ensure that this incident does recur.

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Flammable and Combustible Liquids are liquids that can ignite and burn. Proper storage and treatment of these liquids will prevent fires in the hotel.

Potential Exposures:

• Electricity
• Smoking
• Friction of Equipment
• Overheated Materials
• Hot Surfaces and Burned Flames
• Sparks and Embers
• Static Discharges
• Lightning

Properties:

• The vapor burns, not the liquid.
• The flash point is the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off vapors that can be ignited. The lower the flashpoint, the greater the hazard.
• Flammable liquid vapors are heavier than air and tend to settle on the floor or flow along the ground.
• Liquids that have a flash point below room temperature are more hazardous than others because they give off flammable vapors whenever they are exposed to air.

Prevention:

• Purchase in smaller quantities and only store the minimum amount needed
• Do not mix these liquids. Label piping and containers carefully to prevent mixing.
• Store flammable liquids in closed metal containers, preferably in a specially designed, UL-approved, flammable liquid storage cabinet.
• Smoking prohibition signs should be posted in areas where flammables are stored and smoking should never be allowed in the area where these liquids are used.
• Electrical equipment that is expected to power on, in the proximity of these liquids, must be used with special safeguards, such as explosion-proof wiring.
• Never store or use these liquids around equipment that sparks, burns or uses a flame.
• Protect your lungs, skin, eyes and mouth when using a flammable or combustible liquid as the fumes can be severely irritating and dangerous.
• Reduce the risk of static electricity spark by grounding or bonding the containers.
• If a fire is ignited, be sure to only use a Class B Fire Extinguisher, as water will cause these fires to spread.
• Before disposing of an empty container, ensure that it is filled with water and tightly closed.

In the event of a fire or injury due to flammable or combustible liquids:

• Follow the guidelines for the incident found in the Emergency Binder.
• If you feel you may have incurred an injury of any kind, report it immediately to your supervisor.
• In the event of a containable fire, use a Class B Fire Extinguisher.
• Be very clear on whether you require immediate medical attention, imminent medical attention or request additional accommodations to prevent injury in the future.
• Report the incident to the Risk Management Team.
• Inform the staff of the incident and make corrections to procedures or errors to ensure that this incident does recur.

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Reaching and Ladder related injuries have increased 50% over the last ten years and account for nearly 15% of all occupational injuries. According to OSHA, these injuries are 100% preventable, if employees follow safe practices.

Potential Exposures:

• Selecting the wrong ladder
• Using worn or damaged ladders
• Using or placing ladders incorrectly
• Unsafe distances and angles between employee and target

Prevention:

• Adhere to the ladder’s maximum weight guidelines
• Use a ladder of appropriate height for the job. Do not place the ladder on an unstable object and do not stand on the top rung of the ladder.
• Inspect ladders on a regular basis and before each use. Repair or replace the ladder prior to using.  Never use a ladder that is damaged in any way.
• A-frame ladders should not be leaned against a wall and should always have the extenders and spreaders are locked.
• Non self-supporting ladders should be positioned at such an angle that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is about 1 ⁄4 the working length of the ladder.
• Never place a ladder behind a door that is not locked, blocked or guarded.
• Ensure non-slip feet are secure. If non-slip feet are not provided, a partner should be holding the ladder.  Stake the ladder to the ground whenever possible.
• When possible, station tools or pull tools to the working level rather than carrying them up the ladder.
• Do not reach for items while standing on a ladder. Climb down, reposition and climb back up.
• Maintain three points of contact at all times, where three of your four limbs are in contact with the ladder at all times.
• Use a ladder, step stool or tool extender when contact with an object is more than an arm’s length away. Do not climb on slipper or unstable surfaces and do not extend arms and back beyond normal reach. 
• Remove clutter and objects that are in the way, rather than reaching over or around.

In the event of an injury due to reaching or falling:

• Follow the guidelines for the incident found in the Emergency Binder.
• If you feel you may have incurred an injury of any kind, report it immediately to your supervisor.
• Be very clear on whether you require immediate medical attention, imminent medical attention or request additional accommodations to prevent injury in the future.
• Inspect the equipment surrounding you for any damages that should warrant its’ disposal.
• Report the incident to the Risk Management Team.
• Inform the staff of the incident and make corrections to procedures or errors to ensure that this incident does recur.

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Emergency Procedures are the company guidelines on how to handles any reasonably foreseeable threat at your place of business, as outlined in the property’s Emergency Binder .

The Emergency Binder should consist of the following:

• Emergency Contact List: verified and updated
• Emergency Shut Off locations for Electricity, Gas and Water
• Procedures required by the company for emergency situations
• Guidelines for Crisis Communication
• Documentation forms for each possible emergency situation

Prevention:

• Every New Hire should be required to read the Emergency Binder and sign a form acknowledging that they have read it and are aware of its location.
• All staff members should be required to re-read the Emergency Binder one time a year and sign a form acknowledging that they have read it and are aware of its location.
• The hotel safety designee, with the supervision of the General Manager should ensure that the Emergency Contact Information is up to date at all times.
• The hotel safety designee, with the supervision of the General Manager, should ensure that the most recent company version is placed in every copy of the Emergency Binder.
• A complete and updated Emergency Binder should be kept at the front desk. 
• If copies of this are stored in other locations at the hotel, it is the responsibility of the safety designee, and General Manager, to ensure that all copies are updated regularly and at the same time.
• Every staff member must know where the Emergency Binder(s) is (are) located.

In the event of an Emergency Situation at your hotel:

• Clear and correct communication during and after an emergency is key to minimizing the damage to your staff, your hotel and your guests.
• Be honest and clear with every person involved in the emergency situation.
• Emergency situations should not be discussed, in any way, with any persons, including media persons, who are not directly affected or involved in helping with the emergency.
• As time permits, and within 24 hours, all corresponding documentation must be completed. Forms for each emergency situation should be found in the Emergency Binder.
• As time permits, and within 24 hours, every emergency situation must be reported to the corporate office and to the property’s risk management insurance carrier, regardless of whether a claim is determined to be immediately necessary.
• If you feel you may have incurred an injury of any kind, or feel emotionally upset in any way, report it immediately to your supervisor.
• Be very clear on whether you require immediate medical attention, imminent medical attention or request additional accommodations to prevent injury in the future.   
• Inform the staff of the incident and make corrections to procedures or errors to ensure that this incident does recur.

Reminders:

• Regular, monthly safety reviews and inspections are key to keeping your hotel safe.
• Keep your management informed of any possible threats or breaches in safety protocols.
• Make sure the staff is educated and reminded of all emergency procedures.

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Hands and eyes are used for almost every job performed in the hospitality industry. With the sense of urgency always on high, it is very common to suffer injuries that can be prevented with proper procedures and forethought.

Traumatic Injuries:

• Traumatic injuries will occur when an object causes punctures, pinches, crushes or tears.

Contact Injuries:

• Contact injuries occur when the hands or eyes are exposed to solvents, acids, cleaning chemicals, flammable liquids, or contaminated substances that can cause burns or irritation.

Repetitive Motion Injuries:

• Repetitive Motion injuries will occur when a task is repeated for long periods of time.

Potential Exposures:

• Handling or mishandling knives or sharp objects.
• Handling or mishandling chemicals or contaminated materials.
• Repetitive motions with hands.
• Long periods of reading or working without timely breaks.

Prevention:

• When handling any sharp objects, such as broken glass, food-prep knives or utility knives, wear cut-proof gloves.
• Act with a plan and with awareness of your surroundings.
• Never place your hands into an area that you cannot see or are not looking at directly.
• Never use your hands to compact trash. Always use the small trash can.
• Wear protective equipment appropriate for the job you are performing. Always were eye goggles and gloves when handling caustic chemicals or contaminated materials.  Before removing the gloves, always wash them with soap and water and remove one at a time by peeling back the wrist cuffs over each glove.  Then wash hands with soap and water before removing the eye goggles.
• Ensure that sprayers have the proper settings for foaming or distance.
• Do not ignore warning signs that your hands or eyes may be irritated by certain chemicals or substances.
• Take breaks to avoid carelessness or eye strain.
• Change grip or hand position frequently during repetitive tasks, if possible.

In the event of injury to the hands or eyes:

• Follow the guidelines for the incident found in the Emergency Binder.
• If you feel you may have incurred an injury of any kind, report it immediately to your supervisor.
• If you have suffered an injury to the hands, wash your hands immediately with soap and water.
• If you have suffered an injury to the eyes, rinse them thoroughly with the eye wash solution.
• Be very clear on whether you require immediate medical attention, imminent medical attention or request additional accommodations to prevent injury in the future.   
• Report the incident to the Risk Management Team.
• Inform the staff of the incident and make corrections to procedures or errors to ensure that this incident does recur.

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