Safety Program

WORKPLACE SAFETY PROGRAM

Table of Contents

Section I - Management Commitment and Involvement	1
Section II - Safety and Health Training	2
Section III - Safety Meetings	3
Section IV - Safety Committee	4
Section V - Safety Inspections	5
Section VI - First Aid Procedures	6
Section VII - Accident Investigations	7
Section VIII - Workplace Safety Rules Section IX - On Property Safety	8 14

ATTACHMENTS Tour Guide Procedures ClassGate Operation, Tour Back Up & Guest Relations ClassAnimal Emergency Procedures ClassHuman First Aid Procedures Class 

Section I.

Management Commitment and Involvement Policy Statement

 The management of Big Cat Rescue is committed to providing employees with a safe and healthful workplace.  It is the policy of this organization that employees report unsafe conditions and do not perform work tasks if the work is considered unsafe.  Employees must report all accidents, injuries, and unsafe conditions to their supervisors.  No such report will result in retaliation, penalty, or other disincentive. Employee recommendations to improve safety and health conditions will be given thorough consideration by the management team.  Management will give top priority to and provide the financial resources for the correction of unsafe conditions.  Violation of workplace safety rules may result in disciplinary action.  This action may include verbal or written reprimands and may result in termination of employment. The primary responsibility for the coordination, implementation, and maintenance of our Workplace Safety Program has been assigned to the following individual who, in addition to any other title held, will be our Safety Program Coordinator: Name:Title: Operations ManagerTelephone: Because we work with dangerous animals, safety is of absolutely paramount concern.  But we must not let our focus on the animals allow us to fail to be aware of the safety issues that arise in any workplace, such as use of tools, equipment, ladders and safety issues inherent in the office environment.  This manual is intended to cover these as well as some of the animal care safety issues that are covered in detail in our training programs. This policy statement serves to express management’s commitment to and involvement in providing our employees a safe and healthful workplace.  This Workplace Safety Program will be incorporated as the standard of practice for this organization.  Compliance with the safety rules will be required of all employees as a condition of employment. If at any time you feel that a safety issue you have raised to anyone other than myself has not been promptly or properly addressed, I want you to know that it is part of our policy and the commitment you make in signing this document that you will bring it directly to my attention. Carole Baskin, Founder and CEO I have received a copy of this Workplace Safety Program and in signing below I acknowledge that I:

• have read it completely
• have understood the contents or have had an opportunity to ask questions and if I have asked questions I have received answers that I understood
• understand that compliance with these rules and others that I may be informed about from time to time is a condition of employment, and
• agree to abide by the safety rules of Big Cat Rescue.

  ___________________________________  ______________Employee Signature                                        Date  ___________________________________Print Name Legibly 

Section II.

Safety and Health Training

Safety and Health Orientation

 Workplace safety and health orientation begins on the first day of initial employment or job transfer.  Each employee will be given a personal copy of this Workplace Safety Program containing our workplace safety rules, policies and procedures.  Supervisors will answer the employee’s questions to ensure knowledge and understanding of safety rules, policies, and job-specific procedures described in this manual. Supervisors will instruct all employees that compliance with the safety rules described in the workplace safety manual is required. 

Job Specific Training

• Supervisors will initially train employees on how to perform assigned job tasks safely.
• Supervisors will carefully review with each employee the specific safety rules, policies, and procedures that are applicable and that are described in the workplace safety manual.
• Supervisors will give employees verbal instructions and specific directions on how to do the work safely.
• Supervisors will observe employees performing the work.  If necessary, the supervisor will provide a demonstration using safe work practices, or remedial instruction to correct training deficiencies before an employee is permitted to do the work without supervision.
• All employees will receive safe operating instructions on seldom-used or new equipment before using the equipment.
• Supervisors will review safe work practices with employees before permitting the performance of new, non-routine, or specialized procedures.

Periodic Retraining of Employees

 All employees will be retrained when changes are made to the workplace safety manual. Individual employees will be retrained after the occurrence of a work related injury caused by an unsafe act or work practice, and when a supervisor observes an employee displaying unsafe acts, practices, or behaviors.   

Section III.

Safety Meetings

The Safety Coordinator will conduct a monthly safety meeting with the employees covering one or more topics. In addition to the safety topic, supervisors may discuss other items such as recent accidents and injuries, results of safety inspections, and revisions of safety policies and procedures.  Safety Meetings may be part of the monthly Volunteer Meeting so Volunteers obtain the benefit of them as well. The Safety Coordinator will follow the below plan of action to ensure successful safety meetings are conducted. 

1. Preparing for the Meeting

• The Safety Coordinator in the course of his duties as Operations Manager will observe and inspect the various areas and work practices and note any unsafe acts being performed or unsafe conditions that need to be corrected.
• If any unsafe acts or conditions are discovered during the inspections, the Safety Coordinator will select an unsafe act or condition to be used as a Safety Meeting topic for the benefit of all.  A Safety Meeting can help identify and eliminate hazards before accidents occur.

1. Conduct the Meeting

• The Safety Coordinator will discuss one topic per meeting unless he feels there are more than one that require attention.
• Allow employees to discuss why the situation occurs if it has occurred.
• Reach an agreement with employees on how to eliminate or control the situation if it has occurred.

1. Keep a Record of the Meeting

• Documentation will be maintained of each employee safety meeting.  It should contain the subject(s) discussed as well as an attendance sheet.

Section IV.

Safety Committee

Safety Committee Organization

 A Safety Committee has been established as a management tool to recommend improvements to our Workplace Safety Program and to identify corrective measures needed to eliminate or control recognized safety and health hazards.  The Safety Committee shall be composed of all of the members of the Volunteer Committee. Responsibilities The Safety Committee will be responsible for:

• Assisting management in communicating procedures for evaluating the effectiveness of control measures used to protect employees from safety and health hazards in the workplace.
• Assisting management in reviewing and updating workplace safety rules based on accident investigation findings, any inspection findings, and employee reports of unsafe conditions or work practices; and accepting and addressing anonymous complaints and suggestions from employees.
• Assisting management in updating the Workplace Safety Program by evaluating employee injury and accident records, identifying trends and patterns, and formulating corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
• Assisting management in evaluating employee accident and illness prevention programs, and promoting safety and health awareness and co-worker participation through continuous improvements to the Workplace Safety Program.
• Participating in safety training and for assisting management in monitoring workplace safety education and training to ensure that it is in place, that it is effective, and that it is documented.

Meetings

 Safety issues will be addressed at the meetings of the Volunteer Committee and the discussions reflected in the notes of the meeting.  If any employee has raised a safety concern to be addressed by the committee, the employee shall be given a response in writing.  If the discussion results in any change in rules or procedures, the Workplace Safety Program shall be revised to reflect these changes and all employees given copies of the revised pages to place in their personal copies of the program.   

Section V.

Safety Inspections and Preventative Maintenance

Inspections provide an opportunity to survey the work place to detect potential hazards and correct them before an accident occurs.  Typically, inspections are made to identify physical hazards at the work site, however, the work practices of employees will also be observed during the inspections.  Supervisors and the Safety Coordinator will observe employees to determine if they are performing their jobs in accordance with safe job procedures.  They will also inspect equipment and tools regularly to determine if maintenance is required to keep them in safe operating condition, and arrange for such maintenance if it is determined to be necessary. 

Continuous Monitoring

 Safety is the responsibility of each and every employee.  Continuous, informal inspections should be conducted by employees, supervisors, and maintenance personnel as part of their regular job responsibilities.  These are the personnel who are most familiar with work site operations and machinery.  Our employees are a valuable source of information on work place hazards and we look to them for assistance in formulating practical workplace controls. Supervisors must continually monitor their work areas.  On a daily basis they will check that:

• Employees are following safe work procedures
• Machinery and tools are in good condition
• Machine guards are in position
• Material is stored properly
• Aisles, walkways, and exit passageways are clear and accessible

Section VI.

First Aid Procedures

Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance: 911Walk In Clinic: Fast Track Walk-In ClinicPhone: 813-925-1903Address: 11969 Sheldon Rd., Tampa, FL  33626South of Citrus Park Drive on WestwindHospital Emergency Room: Town & Country HospitalPhone: 813-882-7130Address: 6001 Webb Road, Tampa, FL 33615Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222Fire Department: 911Police: 911 Please Note:In all cases requiring emergency medical treatment, immediately call, or have a co-worker call, to request medical assistance. Minor First Aid TreatmentIf you sustain an injury or are involved in an accident requiring minor first aid treatment: 

• Inform your supervisor.
• Administer first aid treatment to the injury or wound.
• If a first aid kit is used, indicate usage on the accident investigation report.
• Access to a first aid kit is not intended to be a substitute for medical attention.
• Provide details for the completion of the accident investigation report.

Non-Emergency Medical Treatment

For non-emergency work-related injuries requiring professional medical assistance. 

• Inform your supervisor.
• Proceed to the posted medical facility.  Your supervisor will assist with transportation, if necessary.
• Provide details for the completion of the accident investigation report.
• Management will report the injury to the insurance company within 24 hours.  Travelers 800-832-7839.

Emergency Medical Treatment

If you sustain a severe injury requiring emergency treatment: 

• Call for help and seek assistance from a co-worker.
• Request assistance and transportation to the local hospital emergency room or call 911 for an ambulance as appropriate.
• Provide details for the completion of the accident investigation report.
• Management will report the injury to the insurance within 24 hours.  Travelers 800-832-7839.

First Aid Training

Each employee will read the Human First Aid Procedures Class attached to this Safety Program and take the class as soon as possible. 

Section VII.

Accident Investigation

Accident Investigation Procedures

 The supervisor at the location where the accident occurred will perform an accident investigation.  The safety coordinator is responsible for seeing that the accident investigation reports are being filled out completely and that the recommendations generated as a result of the investigation are being addressed.  Supervisors will investigate all accidents resulting in an employee injury using the following investigation procedures. 

• Review the equipment, operations, and processes to gain an understanding of the accident situation.
• Identify and interview each witness and any other person who might provide clues to the accident’s causes.
• Investigate causal conditions and unsafe acts; make conclusions based on existing facts.
• Complete the accident investigation report.
• Provide recommendations for corrective actions.
• Implement temporary control measures to prevent any further injuries to employees.
• Indicate the need for additional or remedial safety training.

  Accident investigation reports must be completed and submitted to the safety coordinator within 24 hours of the accident. 

Accident Record Keeping Procedures

 The safety coordinator will control and maintain all employee accident and injury records.  Records are maintained for a minimum of three (3) years and include: 

• Accident Investigation Reports.
• Worker’s Compensation First Report of Injury or Illness form.

Section VIII.

Workplace Safety Rules

The safety rules contained on these pages have been prepared to protect you in your daily work.  Employees are to follow these rules, review them often and use good common sense in carrying out assigned duties. 

General Employee Work Rules

Housekeeping

• Do not place trash in walkways and passageways.
• Do not kick objects out of your pathway; pick them up or push them aside and out of the way.
• Do not throw matches, cigarettes or other smoking materials into trash bins.
• Do not store or leave items on stairways.
• Do not block or obstruct stairwells, exits or accesses to safety and emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers or fire alarms.

Ladder and Step Ladder Safety

• Do not use ladders that have loose rungs, cracked or split side rails, missing rubber foot pads or are otherwise visibly damaged.
• Keep ladder rungs clean of grease.  Remove build up of material such as plaster, dirt or mud.
• Secure the ladder in place firmly; have another employee hold it when possible.
• Face the ladder when climbing up or down.

Performing Work from a Ladder

• One person shall be on the ladder at a time.
• Face the ladder and do not lean backwards or sideways from the ladder.
• Do not stand on the top two rungs of any ladder.
• Do not use a ladder that wobbles or that leans to the left or right.
• Do not try to ‘walk’ a ladder by rocking it.  Climb down the ladder and then move it.

Office Personnel

Office Safety

• Store sharp objects such as pens, pencils, letter openers, or scissors in drawers or with the points down in a container.
• Carry pencils, scissors and other sharp objects with the points down.
• Do not jump from ramps, platforms, ladders, or step stools.
• Do not run on stairs or take more than one step at a time.
• Use the handrails when ascending or descending stairs or ramps.
• Obey all posted safety and danger signs.

Furniture Use

• Open one file cabinet drawer at a time.
• Close drawers and doors immediately after use.
• Use the handle when closing doors, drawers, and files.
• Put heavy files in the bottom drawers of file cabinets.
• Do not tilt the chair you are sitting in on its two back legs.
• Do not stand on furniture to reach high places.  Use a ladder or step stool to retrieve or store items that are located above your head.

Handling Supplies

• Do not block your view by carrying large bulky items; use a dolly or hand truck or get assistance from a fellow employee.
• Cut in the direction away from your body when using knives or cutters.

Equipment Use

• Use a staple remover, not your fingers, for removing staples.
• Turn off and unplug machines before adjusting, lubricating, or cleaning them.
• Do not use fans that have excessive vibration, frayed cords, or missing guards.
• Turn the power switch of the equipment to ‘off’ when it is not being used.

General Labor Personnel

Housekeeping

• Do not leave loose tools or other items on a ledge or lying around the floor.  Return tools to their storage places after use.
• Keep walking surfaces of elevated working platforms, such as scaffolds and equipment, clear of tools and materials that are being used.
• Do not use gasoline for cleaning purposes.
• Sweep up scraps and debris from wallboard installation such as screws, mesh and tape by using a broom and dust pan.

Lifting Safety

• Plan the move before lifting; remove obstructions from your chosen pathway.
• Test the weight of the load before lifting by pushing the load along its resting surface.
• If the load is too heavy or bulky, use lifting and carrying aids such as hand trucks, dollies, pallet jacks and carts or get assistance from a co-worker.
• If assistance is required to perform a lift, coordinate and communicate your movements with those of your co-worker.
• Never lift anything if your hands are greasy or wet.
• Wear protective gloves approved by your supervisor when lifting objects with sharp corners or jagged edges.
• Do not lift an object from the floor to a level above your waist in one motion.  Set the load down on a table or bench and then adjust your grip before lifting it higher.

Job Site Safety

• Do not walk under partially demolished walls or floors.
• Stop working outdoors and seek shelter during lightning storms.
• Do not begin working until barricades, warning signs or other protective devices have been installed to isolate the work area.
• Do not throw away or toss debris outside barricaded areas.
• Stay clear of all trucks, forklifts, cranes, and other heavy equipment when in operation.
• Do not approach any heavy equipment until the operator has seen you and has signaled to you that it is safe to approach.
• Keep shirts on to avoid dehydration and sunburn.

 Electrical Safety

• Assume all electrical wires as live wires.
• Do not wear watches, rings, or other metallic objects which could act as conductors of electricity around electrical circuits.
• Wear the dielectric gloves when working on electric current.

Electrical Powered Tools

• Do not use power equipment or tools on which you have not been trained.
• Do not carry plugged in equipment or tools with your finger on the switch.
• Do not leave tools that are ‘on’ unattended.
• Do not handle or operate electrical tools when your hands are wet or when you are standing on wet floors.
• Do not operate a power hand tool or portable appliance:
  • That has frayed, worn, cut, improperly spliced, or damaged cord.
  • That has two-pronged adapter or a two-conductor extension cord.
  • If a prong from the three pronged power plug is missing or has been removed.
• Disconnect the tool from the outlet by pulling on the plug, not the cord.
• Turn the tool off before plugging or unplugging it.
• Turn off the electrical tool and unplug it from the outlet before attempting repairs or service work.  Tag the tool “Out of Service.”
• Do not stand in water or on wet surfaces when operating power hand tools or portable electrical appliances.
• Never operate electrical equipment barefooted.  Wear rubber soled or insulated work boots.
• Do not operate a power hand tool or portable appliance while holding a part of the metal casing or while holding the extension cord in your hand.
• Hold all portable power tools by the plastic handgrips or other nonconductive areas designed for gripping purposes.
• Do not use electrical tools if its housing is cracked.
• Do not use electrical tools while working on a metal ladder unless the ladder has rubber feet.

Electrical Cords

• Keep power cords away from the path of drills and wire soldering and cutting equipment.
• Do not use cords that have splices, exposed wires or cracked or frayed ends.
• Do not remove the ground prong from electrical cords.
• Do not use any adapter such as a cheater plug that eliminates the ground.
• Do not plug multiple electrical cords into a single outlet.

Power Saws

• Wear safety goggles, protective gloves, a dust mask, and hearing protection when operating a power saw.
• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry.
• Clean any residue from the blade or cutting head before making a new cut with the power saw.
• Do not use a power saw that has cracked, broken, or loose guards or other visible damage.
• Keep your hands away from the exposed blade.
• Operate the saw at full cutting speed, with a sharp blade, to prevent kickbacks.
• Do not alter the anti kickback device or blade guard.
• Do not perform cutting operations with the power saw while standing on a wet or slippery floor.
• When using the power saw, do not reach across the cutting operation.
• Cut away from your body and below shoulder level when you are using a power saw.
• If the saw becomes jammed, turn the power switch off before pulling out the incomplete cut.

Pneumatic Tools

• Do not point a compressed air hose at bystanders or use it to clean your clothing.
• Do not use tools that have handles with burrs or cracks.
• Do not use compressors if their belt guards are missing.  Replace belt guards before use.
• Turn the tool off and allow it to come to a complete stop before leaving it unattended.
• Disconnect the tool from the air line before making any adjustments or repairs to the tool.
• Engage positive locks on hoses and attachments before use.
• Shut off pressure valve and disconnect air line when not in use.
• Tag damaged of defective pneumatic tools “Out of Service” to prevent usage of the tool by other employees.

Hand Tool Safety

• Use tied off containers to keep tools from falling off of elevated work platforms.
• Do not use a tool if its handle has splinters, burrs, cracks, splits or if the head of the tools is loose.
• Do not use tools while your hands are oily, greasy or wet.
• When handing a tool to another person, direct sharp points and cutting edges away from yourself and the other person.
• Do not carry sharp pointed hand tools such as screwdrivers in your pocket unless the tool or your pocket is sheathed.
• Do not perform ‘makeshift’ repairs to tools.
• Do not throw tools from one location to another, from one employee to another, from scaffolds or other elevated platforms.
• Do not carry tools in your hand when climbing.  Carry tools in tool belts or hoist the tools to the work area with a hand line.
• Transport hand tools only in toolboxes or tool belts.  Do not carry tools in your clothing.
• When you are performing electrical work, use the tools with the blue rubber sleeves covering the handle, these are insulated.

Saws

• Keep control of saws by releasing downward pressure at the end of the stroke.
• Keep your hands and fingers away from the saw blade while you are using the saw.
• When using a hand saw, hold your panel firmly against the worktable.
• Do not use a saw that has dull saw blades.
• Do not carry a saw by the blade.
• Oil saw blades after each use of the saw.

Snips

• Wear safety glasses or safety goggles when using snips to cut materials such as lath or corner beads.
• Wear your work gloves when cutting materials with snips.
• Do not use straight cut snips to cut curves.
• Keep the blade aligned by tightening the nuts and bolts on the snips.
• Do not use snips as a hammer, screwdriver, or pry bar.
• Engage the locking clip on the snips after use.

Toolboxes/ Chest/ Cabinet

• Tape over or file off sharp edges on toolboxes, chests, or cabinets.
• Do not stand on toolbox, chest, or cabinet to gain extra height.
• Lock the wheels on large toolboxes, chest, and cabinets to prevent from rolling.
• Push large toolboxes, chest and cabinets; do not pull.
• Do not open more than 1 drawer of a toolbox at a time.
• Close and lock all drawers and doors before moving the toolbox to a new location.
• Do not use toolbox or chest as a workbench.
• Do not move a toolbox, chest or cabinet if it has loose parts or parts on the top.

Knives/ Sharp Instruments

• When handling knife blades and other cutting tools, direct sharp points and edges away from you.
• Always cut in the direction away from your body when using knives.
• Carry all sharp tools in a sheath or holster.  Stores knives in knife blocks or in sheaths after using them.
• Use the knife that has been sharpened; do not use knives that have dull blades.
• Do not use knives as screwdrivers.
• Do not pick up knives by their blades.
• Carry knives with tips pointed towards the floor.

Forklift Safety Rules

• Do not exceed the lift capacity of the forklift.  Read the lift capacity plate on the forklift if you are unsure.
• Follow the manufacturer guidelines concerning changes in the lift capacity before adding an attachment, such as wedges, to a forklift.
• Lift the load an inch or two to test for stability: if the rear wheels are not in firm contact with the floor, take a lighter load or use a forklift with a higher lift capacity.
• Do not raise or lower a load while you are en-route.  Wait until you are in the loading area and have stopped before raising or lowering the load.
• After picking up a load, adjust the forks so that the load is tilted slightly backward for added stability.
• Drive with the load at a ground clearance height of 4-6 inches at the tips and 2 inches at the heels in order to clear most uneven surfaces and debris.
• Drive at a walking pace and apply brakes slowly to stop when driving on slippery surfaces such as icy or wet floors.
• Do not drive over objects in your pathway.
• Steer wide when making turns.
• Do not drive up to anyone standing or working in front of a fixed object such as a wall.
• Do not drive along the edge of an unguarded elevated surface such as a loading dock or staging platform.
• Obey all traffic rules and signs.
• Sound horn when approaching blind corners, doorways, or aisles to alert other operators and pedestrians.
• Do not exceed a safe working speed of five miles per hour.  Slow down in congested areas.
• Stay a minimum distance of three truck lengths from other operating mobile equipment.
• Drive in reverse and use a signal person when your vision is blocked by the load.
• Look in the direction that you are driving; proceed when you have a clear path.
• Drive loaded forklifts forward up ramps.
• Raise the forks an additional two inches to avoid hitting or scraping the ramp surface as you approach the ramp.
• Drive loaded forklifts in reverse when driving down a ramp.
• Drive unloaded forklifts in reverse going up a ramp and forward going down a ramp.
• Do not attempt to turn around on a ramp.
• Do not use ‘reverse’ to brake.
• Lower the mast completely, turn off the engine and set the parking brake before leaving your forklift.

Loading Docks

• Keep the forklift clear of the dock edge while vehicles are backing up to the dock.
• Do not begin loading or unloading until the supply truck has come to a complete stop, the engine has been turned off, the dock lock has been engaged and the wheels have been locked.
• Attach the bridge or dock plate before driving the forklift into the truck.
• Do not drive the forklift into a truck bed that has soft or loose decking or other unstable flooring.
• Drive straight across the bridge plates when entering or exiting the trailer.
• Use dock lights or headlights when working in a dark trailer.

Warehouse Safety

General

• When manually stocking shelves, position the materials to be shelved slightly in front of you so you do not have to twist when lifting and stacking materials.
• Visually inspect for sharp objects or other hazards before putting hands, legs or other body parts into containers such as garbage cans, boxes, bags, or sinks.
• Remove or bend nails and staples from crates before unpacking.
• When cutting shrink-wrap with a blade, always cut away from you and your co-workers.
• Do not try to kick objects out of pathways.  Push or carry them out of the way.
• Do not let items overhang from shelves into walkways.
• Move slowly when approaching blind corners.
• Remove one object at a time from shelves.
• Place items on shelves so that they lie flat and do not lean against each other.

Hand Truck Operations

• Tip the load slightly forward so that the tongue of the hand truck goes under the load.
• Push the tongue of the hand truck all the way under the load to be moved.
• Keep the center of gravity of the load as low as possible by placing heavier objects below the lighter objects.
• When loading hand trucks, keep your feet clear of the wheels.
• Push the load so that the weight will be carried by the axle and not the handles.
• Place the load so that it will not slip, shift or fall.  Use straps, if provided, to secure the load.
• If your view is obstructed, use a spotter to assist in guiding the load.
• For extremely bulky or pressurized items such as gas cylinders, strap or chain the items to the hand truck.
• Do not walk backward with the hand truck, unless going up stairs or ramps.
• When going down an incline, keep the hand truck in front of you so that it can be controlled at all times.
• Move hand trucks at a walking pace.
• Store hand trucks with the tongue under a pallet, shelf, or table.
• Do not exceed the manufacturer’s load rated capacity.  Read the capacity plate on the hand truck if you are unsure.

Pallet Jack Use

• Only employer authorized personnel may operate pallet jacks.
• Do not exceed the manufacturer’s load rated capacity.  Read the lift capacity plate on the pallet jack if you are unsure.
• Do not ride on pallet jacks.
• Start and stop gradually to prevent the load from slipping.
• Pull manual pallet jacks; push when going down an incline or passing close to walls or obstacles.
• If your view is obstructed, use a spotter to assist in guiding the load.
• Stop the pallet jack if anyone gets in your way.
• Do not place your feet under the pallet jack when it is moving.
• Keep your feet and other body parts clear of pallet before releasing the load.

Storeroom/ Stockroom

• Use long handled snips when cutting strapping bands away from a shipping container.
• Wear safety glasses when cutting strapping bands, uncrating materials and driving nails.
• Stand to the side of the strapping band when cutting it.
• Do not use pallets or skids that are cracked or split or have other visible damage.
• Stack heavy or bulky storage containers on middle and lower shelves of the storage rack.
• Do not lift slippery or wet objects; use a hand truck.
• Follow the safe handling instructions listed on the label of the container or listed on the corresponding Material Safety Data Sheet when handling each chemical stored in the stockroom.
• Do not smoke while handling chemicals labeled flammable.
• Do not store chemicals labeled flammable near sources of ignition such as space heaters and sparking tools.
• Do not handle or load any containers of chemicals if their containers are cracked or leaking.
• Do not leave pallet jack unattended with the load suspended.
• Obey all safety and danger signs posted in the workplace.

Carts

• Do not exceed the rated load capacity noted on the manufacturer’s label on the cart.
• Use a spotter to help guide carts around corners and through narrow aisles.
• Do not stand on a cart or use it as a work platform.

Section IX.

On Property Safety

General:

• At no time, under any circumstances, will any part of your person come into direct contact with any animal at Big Cat Rescue unless under direct instruction and supervision of at least two of the following: The Founder, the President, the Operations Manager or the Attending Veterinarian.
• An approved radio must be carried on your person at all times while on the property.  You are responsible for keeping the radio in good working order.
• No running or horseplay on the property.
• Smoking is permitted in designated “smoking areas” only.
• Absolutely no alcohol or drugs are allowed on the property at any time.  No person shall enter the premises for eight hours after having consumed any alcoholic beverage or narcotics.  Any person believed to be impaired due to alcohol or drugs will be removed from the property.

 Property Access:

• Do not operate the front gate nor allow access to the property to anyone with out proper training.  If you do not recognize someone on the property, as a volunteer or staff member, politely ask if you can help him or her.  Explain that they must be escorted by a volunteer or staff member.  Lead them to the guest sign in and alert a Coordinator, Staff or Committee Member.
• No person shall enter the property without having completed a “Release & Hold Harmless Agreement”.
• If you have been entrusted with the gate code or keys, do not share these with anyone.
• Make sure the gate is completely shut behind you as you enter and exit the property.
• Employee parking is located in between the Food Prep and the cell tower for Keepers and between the white fence and the mobile home in the parking lot for Partners.
• Easy Street is a privately owned road (not by Big Cat Rescue) and the people that live on the road are not affiliated with Big Cat Rescue.  It is very important that we respect these people and drive no faster than 10 mph as well as yield to outbound traffic.

 Safety Classes:

• Follow all rules in the Tour Guide Procedures Class and Gate Operation, Tour Back Up & Guest Relations Class attached to this Safety Program.  Take these volunteer classes as soon as possible after employment.
• If you also volunteer at Big Cat Rescue, it is your responsibility to take the appropriate volunteer classes related to activities you engage in as a Volunteer and follow the rules contained therein and any other rules provided to you verbally or in writing separately from those classes.