A. 
Safety Rules.
1. 
The City of Belle accepts its responsibility for the safety of its employees and in the fulfillment of that responsibility strives to promote safe working conditions and safe work practices throughout its operation. In realizing its obligations, the City has prepared this portion of your handbook for guidance of all employees. It is your responsibility as an employee to know and observe the rules. Your cooperation in observing the safe work practices is the most valuable and effective safeguard against accidents.
The City of Belle in its concern for the safety and welfare of every City employee insists that you learn the safe way to perform your job. Remember: One (1) of the best safety devices known is a careful and alert worker.
It is impractical to formulate safe practices for all situations; and since the welfare of the employees is a responsibility of the supervisors, each supervisor is authorized to require safety practices not specifically mentioned in this safety manual.
Compliance with all recognized safe work practices is required of all City employees.
Any State and OSHA standards applicable to the City's operation shall be considered as part of this safety manual and will be applicable to the City's operations.
2. 
Department supervisors.
a. 
Each person should list all jobs performed by the personnel in his/her department.
b. 
Review the job and list the steps normally required for the job.
c. 
Note the hazards encountered in the performance of each job.
d. 
Note the types of injuries normally incurred in these job performances.
e. 
Note what necessary measures are required to prevent injury.
f. 
Note what instructions should be given to the person or persons in the performance of their tasks.
3. 
General safety rules and regulations.
a. 
Supervisors are responsible for the enforcement of safety rules and regulations in their respective departments. They must be conversant with all rules and regulations applicable to the work under their control and be sure all employees in their charge are instructed in and understand the rules.
b. 
Protective equipment must be worn when required. The supervisor must see that the employees use the proper safety equipment.
c. 
All injuries must be reported to your supervisor at once (on the day they occur). Get first aid for minor injuries. It is to your advantage to avoid infection.
d. 
Avoid wearing loose fitting and ragged clothing.
e. 
Do not take dangerous shortcuts. They can be "shortcuts" to the hospital.
f. 
Report dangerous equipment, defective equipment or unsafe practices to your supervisor.
g. 
Obey warning signs and tags. Their purpose is to point out dangerous hazards.
h. 
Never use compressed air to blow dirt from clothing. Do not blow compressed air at any person.
i. 
Never push or lift more than you can manage safely. Beware of your lifting position.
j. 
Do not jump on or off moving vehicles.
k. 
No one is permitted to ride on equipment except those authorized in his or her regular line of duty.
l. 
Horns on moving equipment are to be used as a warning. If you drive such a vehicle, use these warning devices; if you are on foot heed them.
m. 
Never operate any equipment unless you are familiar with its operation and have been authorized to do so. Before starting it, be sure everybody is clear.
n. 
All electrical wiring shall be regarded as dangerous. No unauthorized person shall tamper with wiring or equipment.
o. 
Stand and work clear of overhead loads.
p. 
Lockout and block-out equipment before working on equipment that may start, fall or roll.
q. 
Do not use defective ladders or tools.
r. 
Good housekeeping is necessary to safety.
4. 
Water and Sewer Department.
a. 
Wear protective eye goggles or safety glasses while operating the jackhammer or using a grinder.
b. 
Wear rubber gloves while using the sewer machine, bottle washer or sewer tape.
c. 
Stay clear of all moving parts on sewer equipment.
d. 
Shut motor off before working on sewer equipment.
e. 
Check manhole for safety before entering it.
f. 
Wear hard hat while in ditch.
g. 
Shore ditch if it is over six (6) feet deep, providing it appears to be dangerous.
h. 
Stay clear of falling rock, dirt, etc., while backhoe is loading truck.
i. 
Use safety cones while working in street or the side of the street.
j. 
Refrain from smoking while filling trucks or equipment with gas.
k. 
If equipment appears to be dangerous, consult the supervisor before using.
l. 
Abstain from horseplay.
m. 
Keep tools properly repaired and cleaned to prevent injury when using them.
n. 
Keep all gas or flammable material in a safe storage area where no smoking is allowed.
o. 
Use safety shields on equipment when necessary.
p. 
Do pre-trip inspections on all equipment.
q. 
Obey all traffic laws when operating equipment.
r. 
Keep eye rinse near when working with chemicals.
s. 
Use barricades when needed.
5. 
Street and Recycling Department.
a. 
Wear protective gloves when heating oil truck.
b. 
Obey all traffic rules and regulations when operating equipment.
c. 
Use safety cones or barricades while working in street or side of the street.
d. 
Wear protective flame color while directing traffic.
e. 
Keep grass cut in ditches and sides of road.
f. 
Replace slash guards when necessary.
g. 
Sharpen or replace grass cutter blades or grader blades when necessary.
h. 
Refrain from smoking while filling trucks or equipment with gas.
i. 
If equipment appears to be dangerous, consult the supervisor before using.
j. 
Abstain from horseplay.
k. 
Use tarp to cover dump truck when hauling sand or gravel.
l. 
Do pre-trip inspections of lights, signals, mud flaps, etc.
m. 
Keep fire extinguishers on all equipment.
n. 
Keep street and signs repaired to prevent accident claims.
6. 
Policy for use of barricades and other safety supplies. The City of Belle has the following items to be used when doing water, sewer or street work where the public is involved:
a. 
Wooden barricades painted safety orange and black of various lengths.
b. 
Eighteen (18) inch cones of safety orange.
c. 
Caution tape in yellow with black lettering.
The above items are to be placed at places of excavation work, and water or sewer line work or maintenance. All barricades, etc., will be placed in a manner of highest visibility to the public. These items are to be used at any time when there is work being done that would affect public safety and the safety of the employees.
7. 
Parks and Recreation Department. Overall safety in park work involves two (2) factors:
a. 
The safety of the employees, and
b. 
The safety of park users.
Both safety concerns complement each other, and by improving, can add to the safety of the other.
(1) 
Inspect tools before using to make sure they are in safe working order.
(2) 
Check ground conditions before mowing.
(3) 
Wear protective clothing, earplugs and goggles when operating weed eater or lawn mower.
(4) 
Watch for and remove hazards.
(5) 
Plan any new construction with safety in mind.
(6) 
Always stay clear of equipment that could throw objects.
(7) 
Avoid work in area where bystanders may be hurt by your task.
(8) 
Use care with gas and oil and avoid smoking at that time.
(9) 
Avoid steep slopes and slippery ground with mowers.
(10) 
Be familiar with the equipment you must operate.
(11) 
Periodically check all playground equipment for potential hazards so as to prevent breakage and falls.
(12) 
Remove items that may trip someone or cause injury in some way.
(13) 
Keep tools, buckets, etc., picked up.
(14) 
Periodically re-evaluate cleaning procedures.
(15) 
Keep storage area clean.
(16) 
Avoid poison ivy, oak, etc.
(17) 
Use all safety devices on power tools.
(18) 
Watch for power lines and other obstructions.
(19) 
Always place ladders on firm footing.
(20) 
If more than one (1) is working, carefully coordinate work.
(21) 
Periodically inspect bleachers for needed repair.
(22) 
Wear gloves when picking up trash or glass.
(23) 
Wear safety vest when working near roads or other equipment.
(24) 
Make sure fencing does not have any breaks with sharp edges.
(25) 
Keep ball fields free of holes and rocks to prevent player injury.
8. 
Administrative Department.
a. 
Keep all cords taped to prevent falls.
b. 
Use stepladder to reach high files.
c. 
Never open two (2) file drawers at the same time.
d. 
Power down and unplug computer equipment when there is threat of lightning.
e. 
Store important, non-replaceable documents in fire-proof file cabinet.
B. 
Personal Protective Equipment Policy.
1. 
The City of Belle considers the safety and health of its employees to be of the utmost importance. Reflecting this concern, we adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations relating to personal protective equipment.
2. 
All employees working on or visiting areas where hazardous activities are occurring (i.e., construction, operations and maintenance) shall be provided with and required to wear personal protective equipment as directed by this policy.
3. 
All employees working in or entering a hazardous environment will wear personal protective equipment required by the City. Failure to comply with safety rules is grounds for disciplinary action.
a. 
An example of the protective equipment provided for your use and required to be used is as follows: helmets, safety glasses, goggles, ear plugs, safety vests, gloves, seat belts, etc.
b. 
This list is not to be considered all-inclusive.
4. 
Department heads are responsible for administration of this policy as it pertains to employees and work areas under their jurisdiction.
5. 
Employees are responsible for observing safe operating procedures pertinent to their duties and being familiar with and complying with this policy.
6. 
All employees will be aware of hazards associated with each job and protect themselves as necessary.