Personal Safety Practices

Facemasks/Cloth Face Coverings

We will provide clean, undamaged face coverings and ensure they are properly worn by employees over the nose and mouth when indoors, and when outdoors and less than six feet away from another person, including non-employees, and where required by orders from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) or local health department.  Face coverings will be provided to you by your supervisor.  You may also wear your own face covering as long as it covers both your nose and mouth.  Face shields may not be worn in lieu of face masks except in very limited circumstances.

For those employees who perform some or all of their work outdoors (grounds, maintenance, custodial, etc..), face coverings may be temporarily removed when not around others. However, face coverings must be readily accessible in the event a member of the public or another employee is approaching.

For those employees who work alone in an office face coverings may be temporarily removed when not around others. However, face coverings must be readily accessible in the event a member of the public or another employee is approaching.

Face coverings may be removed while eating and drinking at the workplace, provided employees are at least six feet apart

Employees who cannot wear face coverings due to a medical or mental health condition or disability, or who are deaf or heard of hearing or communicating with someone who is deaf or heard of hearing, ​ should contact their supervisor so that an alternative, such as a face shield can be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Wearing a face covering is primarily used to prevent COVID-19 from coming out of somebody's mouth and nose, when they talk, or when they sneeze or cough. Face coverings do not protect the wearer like medical masks or N-95 respirators and are not considered personal protective equipment (PPE). Appropriate use of facemasks or coverings is critical in minimizing risks to others near you. You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. The mask or cloth face covering is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cloth Face coverings should—

• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• be secured with ties or ear loops
• allow for breathing without restriction
• be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.
• Fabric face masks should be washed between uses with hot water and regular detergent.    Dry completely.

    How to Wear a Mask

• Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
• Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

    Removing the Mask

• Remove the mask by holding the ear loops. The front is contaminated, so remove slowly and carefully.
• If you will be re-using the mask, store it in a dedicated, well ventilated container such as a paper bag.
• Clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

    Disposable Masks

• Replace disposable masks with a new one as soon as it becomes visibly soiled, saturated or damaged.
• A disposable facemask can be worn for several hours if not wet or distorted.
• After removing facemask, visually inspect for contamination, or distortion in shape/form. If contaminated or wet the mask should be discarded.

​Social Distancing

Keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to COVID-19 and slowing its spread. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you have no symptoms. Social distancing is important for everyone, especially to help protect people who are at higher risk of getting very sick. Social distancing practices include:

• Staggering work schedules, lunch and break times, regulating maximum number of people in one place and ensuring at least 6 feet of physical distancing
• Using physical partitions to separate workstations that cannot be spaced out
• Installing plexiglass barriers at high-visited areas such as reception desks and check-in points where 6 feet of separation is difficult to maintain.
•  Redesigning work stations to ensure physical distancing (e.g., separate tables) 
• Using distance markers on the ground, such as tape to assure proper 6 foot spacing.
• Removing chairs or tape them off to ensure proper physical distancing in conference rooms, waiting areas, classrooms, computer labs, or in the Library.
• Posting maximum occupancy in common break areas, conference rooms and configure to accommodate appropriate physical distancing.
• Managing the flow of the pedestrian traffic in certain areas by appointment times or windows to limit visitors or walk ins
• Limiting visitors where feasible, and avoid congregation in common areas (e.g., lobbies)
• Avoiding contact with others whenever possible (e. g., handshakes).
• Avoiding touching surfaces that may have been touched by others when possible.
• Distancing yourself from anyone who appears to be sick.
• Avoiding gathering when entering and exiting the facility .
• Following any posted signage regarding COVID-19 social distancing practices .

Handwashing

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or touching your face. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.  Additional hand sanitizing stations have been installed throughout our facilities.  Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry . Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash your hands after touching your face .

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

We evaluate the need for PPE (such as gloves, goggles, and face shields) as required by CCR Title 8, section 3380, and provide such PPE as needed. 

PPE must not be shared, e.g., gloves, goggles and face shields.

Items that employees come in regular physical contact with, such as phones, headsets, desks, keyboards, writing materials, instruments and tools must also not be shared, to the extent feasible. Where there must be sharing, the items will be disinfected between uses.  Disinfectant spray or disinfectant wipes will be provided for this purpose.

Gloves

Custodians using cleaning chemicals and other employees in high risk areas, such as employees working in the Student Health Center should use gloves and as part of their standard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). According to the CDC, gloves are not necessary for general use and do not replace good hand hygiene. Washing your hands often is considered the best practice for common everyday tasks.

 Goggles/Face Shields

Staff do not need to wear goggles or face shields as part of general activities on campus. Good hand hygiene and avoiding touching your face are generally sufficient for non-healthcare environments.

Coughing/Sneezing Hygiene

If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Then throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.