The institution takes reasonable steps to provide a healthy, save, and secure environment for all members of the campus community.

   X    Compliance                   ___Partial Compliance                       ___Non-Compliance

Narrative

St. Petersburg College is in compliance with this standard because it has comprehensive safety, security plans that that include inspections, training, and communication to constituents.

SPC’s Safety Plan

Administrative oversight for health, safety, and security functions is assigned to the Director, Facilities Planning and Institutional Services who also serves as the College’s Safety Officer.  The Director, Security, Risk Management and Safety Operations are responsible for the day-to-day administration of the College’s Security, Risk Management and Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) programs.  Management, coordination and implementation of EHS programs and training are the responsibilities of the Environmental Specialist and the Safety/Environmental Manager.  The College has established a Collegewide Safety and Health Policy Statement and several policies and procedures have been implemented to comply with the many federal, state, and local EHS regulations.  These are documented in the Workplace Safety Committee Manual.

Safety standards for Florida community colleges include those listed in the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Educational Facilities State Requirements for Educational Facilities (SREF).  SREF references the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Standard 29 CFR 1910, Standards for General Industry and 29 CFR 1926, Standards for Construction Industry.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations are enforced state-wide by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).  The College also must comply with environmental regulations established by the Florida Department of Health and Pinellas County.

St. Petersburg College is committed to providing students and employees of the College with a safe and healthy environment.  All College employees are responsible for practicing safe work habits and are expected to refuse to perform work that cannot be performed by using commonly recognized safe procedures.  Employees are required to report all accidents, injuries, and unsafe conditions to their supervisor without fear that such reporting will result in retaliation, penalty, or other disincentive.

The following rules, procedures and documents are included in the College’s EHS process:

6Hx23-1.37    Smoking in College Facilities.  Prohibits the smoking of tobacco in an educational facility or common area.

6Hx23-1.232   Policy for Threats, Violence, Stalking and/or Use or Possession of Explosives, Destructive Devices, Firearms and/or Weapons, etc.

6Hx23-4.33,   Student and Student Organization Regulations.  Prohibits disorderly or disruptive conduct, assault, sexual harassment or misconduct, stalking, discrimination, conduct endangering safety and welfare, among others.

6Hx23-2.905   Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan – to protect college employees from occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens

6Hx23-2.903   Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) – to prevent injuries or deaths caused by the unexpected start-up or energizing of machinery or equipment

6Hx23-2.904   Respiratory Protection Program – to protect employees from respiratory hazards

P6Hx23-1.23   Procedure for Emergencies – to protect life and property when threatened by specified emergency situations

In addition, SPC uses a wide range of safety guides, manuals, and videos to assist SPC staff and students in maintaining a safe environment:

·         SPC Safety and Health Inspection Guide – provides criteria for all department heads regarding department level inspections

·         Tornado Safety Guide – procedures for response to tornado watches and warnings

·         Working in Hot Weather and Heat Stress Guides – to assist supervisors in preventing heat stress related injuries

·         First Aid Kit Requirements – specifies criteria for departmental acquisition and maintenance of first aid kits

·         Safety and Health Guide for the Artist – guide regarding safety and environmental practices for art studios, shops and laboratories

·         How to Recycle Batteries – provides procedures for proper disposal and recycling of batteries

·         Guide for Response to Suspicious Mail - Articles – guidance for handling suspicious mail and/or packages

·         Miller Fall Arrest System Procedures – specifies criteria for use of fall protection harnesses

·         Forklift Safety Manual – provides guidance for use and maintenance of forklifts

·         Fume Hood Safety Guide – guide for the safe operation and use of laboratory fume hoods

·         Laboratory Fume Hood and Biosafety Cabinet Test and Certification Program – specifies criteria for annual testing and certification and includes inventory and locations of fume hoods and biosafety cabinets

·         Hazardous Material Spill or Release Procedure – specifies procedures to follow in event of a hazardous materials spill or release

•   Mercury – Laboratory Spills/Releases – provides specific procedures for reporting and responding to mercury spills

·         Biosafety Cabinet Safety Guide – guide for the safe operation and use of laboratory biosafety cabinets

·         Safety/Environmental Training Resources – a library of 63 videos and other resources, which are made available to all departments for safety meetings and training

Safety inspections.  SPC conducts all required safety inspections within the timeframes required by regulations:

• The Annual Collegewide Sanitation Casualty and Safety Inspection (SCSI) is performed by a Loss Prevention Specialist from the Florida Community Colleges Risk Management Consortium.  The final inspection report identifies deficiencies noted, with reference to the Florida Fire Prevention Code (FFPC) and the Florida SREF rules that apply to each deficiency, and dates are established for their correction.  Copies of the report are distributed to members of the President’s Cabinet and the College’s Board of Trustees for review and approval.
• Medical surveillance (blood lead level testing) for potential exposure to lead is conducted annually to monitor employees that work at the Indoor Firing Range.
• All natural and health sciences laboratories are inspected periodically and annually to ensure compliance with biohazard and chemical waste regulations.  Air monitoring for formaldehyde is conducted periodically in the Funeral Services Embalming Lab to ensure formaldehyde exposure levels are kept well below the OSHA permissible exposure levels.
• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) investigations are conducted as needed to address IAQ concerns of employees and students.  The College uses a formal IAQ investigation procedure in responding to concerns.  When necessary, which is very rare, air sampling and monitoring is conducted by a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) to identify potential indoor air contaminants that may be contributing to IAQ concerns.
• Fire alarm systems are installed in all College facilities and are used in case of a fire or emergency (other than a bomb threat) to evacuate the buildings.  The system is inspected annually, repairs made, and checked to ensure it is operational and code compliant.
• Security Officers conduct monthly inspections of both the interior and exterior of all College buildings, the grounds and lighting.

Emergency and disaster preparedness.  Procedures for responding to emergencies are listed in the Board of Trustees Procedure P6Hx23-1.23 Procedure for Emergencies as well as in the Faculty Manual and Career Service Manual.  SPC has clearly defined procedures for the protection of life and property when threatened by any of the emergencies listed below:

• Fire/Explosion
• Medical/Rescue
• Bomb threat
• Weather related

Because this area of the country is most susceptible to hurricanes, significant focus has been placed on preparedness for this type of weather disaster.  A Facilities Services Disaster Preparedness Plan document that addresses the needs of the overall Collegewide facilities both before and after a hurricane has been developed for the College.  Individual departments Collegewide are responsible for their own emergency preparedness plans following the Disaster Preparedness Planning Guide developed by Safety/Environmental Services and distributed to each campus.  Weather Emergency Management Procedures have been developed by the President’s Cabinet.

After the 2005 hurricane season, SPC added significant budget to disaster preparedness planning, including provisions for sheltering SPC employees at SPC facilities (and at the homes of other employees, coordinated through information gathered in an institution-wide data base), and arranging for off-site computer resources to continue College operations in the event of serious damage to facilities.  All personnel attended a Hurricane procedures update briefing at the beginning of the 2006 hurricane season and the hurricane procedures update briefing was placed on the online Adjunct Orientation.  Instructions to SPC Faculty for weather-related disaster preparedness planning were updated in the Faculty Manual.

Excerpt from Excellence in Adjunct Instruction course

SPC implemented Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) procedures several years ago which are followed by all Facilities, Print Shop and laboratory employees.  A Hazard Communication Plan for appropriate employees has been developed and implemented on a limited basis.

Safety Communication.  In addition to developing and maintaining the EHS policies and procedures, EHS information and bulletins are distributed to budget supervisors Collegewide to provide updates and guidance regarding a variety of issues which may impact employees, students, and departmental operations (Mercury - Laboratory Use and Spills).  EHS information which affects all employees is also provided periodically in the Blue and White, the College’s weekly newsletter.  Safety/Environmental Services routinely responds to numerous requests for information, advice, and assistance from academic and administrative staff regarding environmental, fire, safety, and health issues.

Training:  Training for Facilities Services, Security, and some Faculty and academic support staff, on a variety of EHS related topics is also provided.

• All new Custodial, Fleet Services, Landscape, Maintenance and Security staff are scheduled to receive bloodborne pathogens (BBP) training within 10 days of hire date and Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) training within 30 days of hire date. All new employees sign and receive a copy of Bloodborne Pathogens – Exposure Control at the new employee orientation session.  Facilities employees also receive annual BBP and HAZCOM training.
• All Facilities employees that are expected to wear respiratory protection receive initial and annual training, a respirator medical evaluation, training and respirator fit testing. All respirator wearers are issued a copy of the SPC Respirator User’s Manual, which is used for training and daily reference.
• Employees assigned to work at the Indoor Firing Range receive initial and annual hazardous lead waste management training.

Training records for Facilities employees are maintained by Safety/Environmental Services.

Collegewide oversight.  Workplace Safety Committees serve a key role in determining the success of a Workplace Safety and Health Program.  Workplace Safety Committees recommend improvements to the College’s safety and health program and identify corrective measures needed to eliminate or control recognized safety and health hazards.  The requirements for organization and responsibilities of the safety committees are specified in the Workplace Safety Committee Manual, which is currently being reviewed.

Site Workplace Safety Committees (WPSC’s) have been established at the Allstate Center, Clearwater Campus, Health Education Center, Seminole Campus, St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus and the Tarpon Springs Campus.  Administrative staff, Faculty, and Career Staff are encouraged to participate on these Workplace Safety Committees.  Also, a Collegewide Workplace Safety Committee (CWWPSC) comprised of representatives from each site WPSC has been established.  The Collegewide Workplace Safety Committee is chaired by the Director, Facilities Planning and Institutional Services, who also serves as the College Safety Officer.  The CWWPSC assists in implementing a Collegewide employee safety and health program.  The committee assists in establishing procedures for operation of Site Workplace Safety Committees.  Site and CWWPSC meetings are held at least quarterly and more frequently if needed.  Workplace Safety rules and procedures are cited in the Supplement to the Faculty, Staff and Student Handbooks.

Security

St. Petersburg College complies with the standards and procedures of the Federal Campus Security Act of 1990 in providing a safe and secure environment for students, staff and visitors.  In addition, the College’s BOT has established Rules and Procedures to reinforce this federal regulation.  The BOT Rules and Procedures contain guidelines governing parking and traffic control; building and grounds security; keys; campus crime report; injury to students or College personnel and emergency action.

P6Hx23-4.371       Procedure:  Campus Crime Report.  Establishes the procedures for reporting to the Federal Government.  Deans of Students, Assistant Campus Administrators, or Assistant Provosts are responsible for reporting all appropriate crimes to the Vice President of Educational and Student Services, who is responsible for preparing the annual report.

P6Hx23-6.906       Procedure:  Physical Plant:  Building and Grounds Security:  General.  Provides for the security of buildings and grounds.

P6Hx23-6.907       Procedure:  Physical Plant:  Building Security:  Keys.  Provides a Collegewide keying system and key control procedures for effective security established on the criterion of on-site control of keys

Responsibilities.  Collegewide security officers report to the Director of Security, Risk Management & Safety Operations who coordinates and implements the College’s Security Program.  Each campus/center has a security office, where one or more College employed security officers, along with contracted security officers are assigned.  These officers are licensed and trained to patrol the sites and parking lots during the hours when students and staff are present.  They also maintain an excellent working relationship with the local police departments.

In 2006, the College consolidated its Dispatch Services at the College’s new EpiCenter Services building.  Centralizing dispatch allows for a more simplified method of notification for those students, Staff and Faculty requesting assistance or reporting an incident.  State of the art dispatch software will allow for more effective and efficient efforts by security officers; it will enable administrators to effectively increase response times, number of calls and the like.

Building security is the responsibility of the Director of Security, Risk Management and Safety Operations, in concert with the Site Supervisor for each site.  Security personnel open most College buildings in the morning and secure them again each night.  Weekend security is provided through a contract officer assigned to each campus for a specific purpose.

Training.  The security staff receives annual training in excess of 24 hours.  Included in this training is emergency response, interview techniques, report writing, NIMS or the National Incident Management System to name a few.  Officers also receive in service training to update them on procedural changes and developments.

Evaluation.  The Security Department conducts monthly safety assessments and inventories of all campus buildings and their grounds and include landscape issues, lighting, trip and fall hazards, and access control and perimeter security.  The collected data is reviewed by the Risk Management Services Specialist and the Director for any trends or undesirable occurrences and corrective action taken.  Corrective action can include immediate correction by the officer, completing a work order or notifying the appropriate agency to rectify the issue.

Crime statistics are prepared bi-annually, based on data received from current accident/incident reports, and distributed to the President’s Cabinet.  These statistics are summarized in the Annual Crime Report submitted to the State in compliance with the Federal Campus Security Act of 1990.  A complete list of reportable crimes can be found at the United State Department of Education Web site.

As one aspect of continuous improvement the College plans to have a professional assessment of its security services conducted by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators state sanctioned representative body, the Florida Association of Campus Safety and Security Administers.  FACSSA will send three security directors or security chiefs to complete a security assessment of all SPC campuses.  Assessed topics include security policies and procedures, budget, training, parking and traffic code and enforcement, review of required protocols, general campus environment among others.

Communication.  Through its Collegewide Security Department, St. Petersburg College has established security awareness and crime prevention for the benefit of students and staff.  One such program is Securalert, which attempts to enhance student and staff awareness of safety and crime prevention through the distribution of posters, news articles and bulletins.  It also sponsors programs featuring expert speakers on such subjects as personal safety and victimization, rape, crime prevention, and asset protection.  In addition, The College’s Supplement to the Faculty, Staff and Student Handbooks contains information regarding security policies and practices.  It is updated annually, distributed and readily available to students and staff.  Complying with the Federal Campus Security Act of 1990, Crime statistics also are published in the Supplement to the Faculty, Staff, and Student Handbook and on the College Web site so that students and staff are aware of the number of crimes that occur at the College.  Considering that more than 60,000 students pass through SPC campuses yearly, the College compares favorably with colleges nationwide.