Under the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, employers are required to furnish each employee a place of employment that is free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause serious physical harm.
Workplace inspections are one method to identify hazards. Building managers are a critical link in this effort. Per National Training Center regulation 420-2, paragraph 2-5, “Each building manager will serve as the evacuation coordinator per Army regulation 420-1. This individual will execute fire prevention measures in their assigned building(s) or facility and provide written reports to the fire chief (via the Fire Prevention Bureau) including inspections and emergency evacuation plans.”
The following is a list of 10 areas of concern and deficiencies related to building safety hazards and inspections.
1. Monthly inspections are not performed and documented. Using NTC Form 420-2, conduct monthly inspections of your assigned building or facility. Pay strict attention to exits, electrical hazards, extinguisher serviceability, cleanliness and general safety. Annotate all work orders on NTC 420-2. A copy of your monthly inspection findings must be forwarded to Tina Rhodes at tina.rhodes@cbifederalservices.com. She can also be contacted at 380-6845.
2. Work orders for repairs are not initiated in a timely manner. Initiate timely action for repairs and maintenance at your facility. Call High Desert Support Services work order desk at 380-3539 during normal duty hours or 380-3596 after hours, holidays and weekends.
3. Building managers are not inspecting/documenting fire extinguisher inspections. Building managers are responsible for the monthly inspection of each fire extinguisher. Document the inspection of the extinguisher and ensure the extinguisher is properly maintained. The cost of servicing is the responsibility of the respective unit or organization. Service can be provided by contract agreement at building 886 (phone number is 380-2208) or any certified fire extinguisher company of your choice.
4. Trash and refuse stations are not maintained properly. Make sure trash and refuse pickup stations are maintained 15 feet away from structures. Maintain trash and refuse pickup stations in a clean and sanitary condition. Make sure trash and refuse containers are of the proper type and are adequate in number for the requirements of the occupants of the building or facility. When your dumpster is overflowing and for recycle pickup, call FCGS at 380-4226 or email fcgsservice@fcgslv.com at building 684.
5. Portable space heaters must be approved by Fire Prevention. Portable liquid fuel or gas-fired heaters are not authorized for use at Fort Irwin government facilities. All space heaters must be approved for use by the Fire Prevention Bureau, which can be contacted at 380-6845.
6. Daisy chaining is not authorized. Attaching one extension cord to another or one surge protector to another is not authorized.
7. Work orders not properly submitted/documented. You must be authorized and on a signature card to call in work orders. Call Tina Crothers for more information at 380-3547.
8. Lighting. Street lights are the responsibility of Southern California Edison. Outages can be reported to Residential Communities Initiative at 386-4663. If workplace lighting outages exist, call High Desert Support Service for repair at 380-3539. Housing lighting outages can be reported to the Villages of Fort Irwin service request line at (855) 646-6420.
9. Housekeeping. All areas shall be policed daily to reduce fire hazards. Trash and litter will not be permitted to accumulate openly in appreciable quantities. Exit passageways and corridors shall be kept clear and unobstructed at all times.
10. Exit signage not properly maintained. Ensure all exit signage is inspected and maintained in accordance with NTC regulation 420-2, paragraph 5-2.