Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page. Here you will find question that are most commonly asked by our fellow county employees. The questions have been arranged in categories and we will continue to add to the list as the questions come up. Please click on the questions to read the answer:
Safety Training
Q1. Is Drivers Awareness Training (DAT) required every year?
Answer:
Drivers Awareness Training is a once and done class. However we would recommend a refresher every two years.
Note: DAT is required after a person is deemed to have a preventable accident .
Q2. Can I operate a County vehicle before attending Driver’s Training?
Answer: Yes, once your department head or designee has approved and signed your "Authorization to Drive form" (Form 30)your driving privilege has been authorized. . Your department must submitted the signed Authorization to Drive form to the Safety Office. However, you its recommend that you attend the County’s Driver’s Awareness Training course within the first six months of employment.
Q3. Do I have to take Repetitive Motion Injury Prevention training before I get an "Ergonomic Assessment"?
Answer:
Not sure if every department has the same procedure but we encourage everyone to take the course before things start to become an issue; sooner the better. We wont stop you from attending the course (as long as your registered).
Q4. How often are safety classes scheduled?
Answer:
The main three classes;
- Repetitive Motion Injury Prevention (RMIP)
- Drivers Awareness Training (DAT)
- Employee Workplace Violence Preparedness (EWVP)
Each class is scheduled every month and available in person or online. In person classes have limited seats. However online classes has a capacity of 200. just make sure you have a phone and a PC available.
Q5. Should I take Employee Workplace Violence Preparedness class again?
Answer:
Well that's up to you. It is considered a once and done class. We do change the training as new information is available or strategies change. We recommend you attend every two years.
Industrial Hygiene / Infectious Disease
Q1. What is the protocol for someone who says they have TB? Is there someone we should call?
Answer: There is a difference between TB active and TB positive. If they tested positive on a TB skin test they are not contagious and you conduct business as usual. If they are TB active, they could POSSIBLY be contagious and you should contact Disease Control. http://www.rivco-diseasecontrol.org/Home.aspx
Q2. The water at our facility is cloudy, brown, green, stinks, etc. Can Safety come out and test it?
Answer: If you are concerned about the condition of your water, you should contact your local municipality. If there is an issue, they test water free of charge.
Q3. The A/C in our building stopped working and it is hot, can I go home?
Answer: Cal-OSHA sets no indoor temperature guidelines at the moment. You are only permitted to go home if your department management grants permission. In most cases administration will relocated staff to other facilities. If you choose to leave work without being granted permission by management, then you may be required to use your personal leave time. For more information: http://www.rivcocob.org/boardpolicies/policy-h/POLICY-H19.pdf
Q4. We think mold is in our building and it is making us sick, is there a law that states how much mold it bad?
Answer: Mold is everywhere and not all mold is toxic. In most cases there is more mold outdoors than indoors. When mold becomes a real health hazard, it is usually visible. If it not visible, it is probably not a hazard. Currently, Title 8 sets no guidelines for mold.
Q5. We found a needle on the floor with blood on it, should we call HAZMAT to pick it up or can we put it regular waste?
Answer:
For departments that do not generate bio-waste on a regular basis, the best recourse for this to purchase a “Mail back sharps container”. This program allows you to purchase sharps containers of various sizes with pre-purchased postage. Once the container is filled, you mail it back to the vendor and they dispose of it properly. Below are some examples of vendors who provide such services. Several such vendors exist and we endorse no one over the other. https://www.sharpsassure.com/ ; https://store.stericycle.com/store/medical-waste-mailback/
Remember: NEVER HANDLE A USED NEEDLE WITH THE NAKED HAND! WHETHER BLOOD IS VISIBLE OR NOT, ALWAYS WEAR A GLOVE AND IF POSSIBLE USE A HAND TOOL LIKE A SMALL SHOVEL TO DROP THE NEEDLE IN THE RECEPTACLE. WASH HANDS IMMEDIATELY!
Q6. What is the policy on using household bleach as a cleaning agent in the workplace?
Answer: Although no formal policy exists, bleach is toxic, and if used incorrectly (e.g. inadequate ventilation, user error, undiluted, etc.) could create hazards. When cleaning nonporous surfaces, it is better to use unscented disinfecting wipes. These wipes kill viruses and bacteria just as well (and in some instances better) as pure bleach and do not emit a strong odor. Remember to read product instructions prior to use.
Department of Transportation
Q1. Is it mandatory that I have an Authorization to Drive form on file with the Safety Office in order to drive a County or private vehicle on County business?
Answer:
Yes, you can find the form in our forms section or click this link:
http://safety.rc-hr.com/safety/SafetyCenter/Forms.aspx