Scheduled Reporting
by the Environment of Care Committee

The EOC Committee reports to various authorities within the Institute.

Sample Reports...

NYSPI The Safety Committee Hal Seligson, Chairman

Annual Report to the Governing Body

Safety Committee Membership:

• An annual written summary of the Safety Committee Program Representation and Attendance was presented to Committee Members for review. It was pointed out that it is critical that all members attend or provide alternate staff for each monthly meeting.

Product Recalls:

• A safety alert was issued for the IVAC Spacer Saver Volumetric PumpModel 599. Alert recommended calibration procedure to be performed. Calibration was completed by a representative of Physio-Control Corp.
• A battery used with Heartstart Defribrillators, was recalled by vendor due to having a reduced amount of useful life and capacity. It was replaced with a new battery.

Infection Control:

• Quarterly reports from Infection Control were reviewed and entered into the records.
• Safety needles/syringes put into use.
• Latex gloves were withdrawn from use by Housekeeping staff in most applications to avoid possible "Latex allergy."

Safety & Security Staffing

• Safety & Security Officer staffing is down to fourteen officers at this time. Requests to fill have been submitted to the Personnel Department for processing. Staffing studies are underway for meeting Safety & Security needs in new building and for "move-in" transition period. Interviews are underway.

Hazardous Materials

• A sub-committee of research scientists was established to review lab chemical safety practices and make recommendations for improvements

Education and Training:

• The annual Safety Refresher Training Program was well attended & very successful. Sandra Rosenblum compiled a list and notified employees who had not attended the Annual Safety and Infection Control Training. Future dates available for training.
• Chief Herriott and Dr. Rosenblum conducted the Fire Safety and Infection Control Training for off-site employees at the Washington Heights Inwood Clinic.
• Systems were put in place to maximize safety training for all new employees at the time they begin working at PI, regardless of funding source.
• New computer-based system for access to policy & procedure and training manuals under development.

Emergency Preparedness

• Disaster drills were held at main campus. Chief Herriott reported the drills went well with minor incidents to report.

Accidents

• There were few accidents during this period. None were of major significance. No trends noted. Retraining of some staff provided.
• Detailed analysis to follow.

Incidents

• Two minor fire/smoke conditions handled appropriately. NYC Fire Department inspector's report of hazardous chemical in laboratory resulted in massive (over)response by NYC Fire, Police, Environmental Protection and Bomb Squad. Incident handled appropriately by NYSPI staff. No adverse outcome.
• Detailed analysis to follow.

Medical Equipment

• The renewal of contract for medical equipment maintenance was approved.

Life Safety

• A medical emergency was called on 8/20/97 and responded to by Clinical staff and Safety Officers. The safety officers did not bring the crash cart. Chief Herriott took action to ensure all Safety Officers are aware they must bring the crash cart at all "Medical and cardiac arrest" emergencies. (Documentation on file).

• Safety & Security Officers continue to make rounds and perform Fire Watches. Problems are reported as required.
• We are reviewing systems for improving monthly fire extinguisher inspection process.

Utility Management

• The Nynex lntellipath Telephone System switch-over consisting of approximately 1300 Rolm and private Nynex lines was completed in June. All emergency and safety-related lines functional at switch-over.
• Testing of emergency generators perform as required. Results satisfactory.
• Engineering staff participated in intense training for operation of systems in new building.