Minutes 10-12-98
MINUTES OF THE SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN THE
FIRE/POLICE TRAINING ROOM, CITY HALL
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1998 AT 10:00 A.M.
PRESENT
Mark Bobich Utilities Administration & EWTP
Bob Borden Fire Rescue
David Egnor Police
Tom Fitzgerald Utilities WWTP
Tony Frazier Finance/Warehouse
Chris Gamble Golf Course
Barbara Madden City Clerk’s Office
Chuck Magazine, Vice Chair Risk Management
Hugh McCaffreyCommunications
Sharon Tierney ITS
ABSENT
A. D. Henehan, Jr. Library
Bob Lee Public Works
Dorothy Mack Human Resources
Wally Majors, ChairmanLeisure Services
Michael Rumpf Planning
Norman Turner Parks
I. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Magazine informed members that Chairman Majors would not be attending
today’s meeting. Vice Chair Magazine called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m.
II. ROLL CALL
The Recording Secretary called the roll. A quorum was declared present.
III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
Vice Chair Magazine asked if there were any additions, deletions, or corrections to be
made to the minutes of the September 14, 1998 meeting.
MEETING MINUTES
SAFETY COMMITTEE
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 12, 1998
Motion
Mr. Bobich moved that the Minutes of the September 14, 1998 meeting be approved.
Motion seconded by Assistant Fire Marshal Borden. Motion unanimously carried.
IV. SAFETY COMMITTEE EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM –
Video – Hazard Communication
After reviewing the training video, discussion ensued regarding the availability of MSDS
sheets. Vice Chair Magazine stated that whenever there is a contractor on site using
chemicals, the MSDS sheet should be available for inspection. Vice Chair Magazine
inquired if the warehouse maintained copies of all MSDS sheets for all supplies
received at the warehouse. Mr. Frazier stated there is a large book, which contains the
MSDS sheets, although Mr. Frazier was not certain how often the book was updated.
Vice Chair Magazine stated it was possible to purchase computer programs that could
maintain all MSDS sheets. Mr. Bobich stated his department has a Compact Disk that
contains a listing of approximately 200,000 chemicals and the contents of their MSDS
sheets.
Assistant Fire Marshal Borden noted that Title 3 requires that the Fire Department be
supplied with MSDS sheets. Assistant Fire Marshal Borden stated that the MSDS
sheets really were not necessary and the Fire Department only had to know the name
of the chemical. The Fire Department has a similar program as the one mentioned by
Mr. Bobich. Discussion ensued if this information should be made available to all City
departments through the network.
Mark Bobich, Tony Frazier, Bob Borden and Sharon Tierney were requested to review
the probability of a program that lists all chemicals being made could be available
through the City’s computer network. It was requested that a report be given at the next
meeting.
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. Fire Drills
Assistant Fire Marshal Borden said there was nothing new to report.
Sgt. Egnor stated that there was a recent bomb evacuation this past month at the Police
Department and City Hall. Vice Chairman Magazine stated that this particular drill
should go on record and asked Sgt. Egnor to give a detailed account of how this
transpired. Sgt. Egnor stated that during a traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle was
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BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 12, 1998
arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. During a search of the
vehicle, the arresting officer discovered a “bong”. The arresting officer recognized the
“bong” as an explosive device and brought it to the Police Department for disposal. The
“bong” was placed in the booking area. Sgt. Egnor described the contents of the “bong.”
In order to explode, the short fuse needed to be ignited. It was determined that the
booking area should be evacuated and the Sheriff’s Department bomb squad was
called, as well as the Fire Department. After calling the Fire Department to alert them
that there was a small explosive device in the Police Department, the alarms in the
Police Department and City Hall went off.
Sgt. Egnor stated that police protocol was that the “bong” should have been left at the
scene and the supervisor should have been called who would in turn have called the
Sheriff’s bomb squad. This policy is set forth in Policy 542. Vice Chairman Magazine
stated it was poor judgment on the part of the officer to transport an explosive device in
a vehicle to the Police Department. Hugh McCaffrey also stated that the
Communications Department should also have been notified. Unfortunately only one
alarm was pulled on the east side of the building. No one notified the occupants of the
West Wing to evacuate.
1. Facilities Fire Alarm Systems
Vice Chairman Magazine referred members to the Memorandum from Bill DeBeck,
Facilities Manager in their packets. Mr. DeBeck is still in the process of negotiating with
a bidder for repairs to the alarm systems in Fire Station #3, the Pistol Range and Public
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Works. The Library was to have been connected and tested by September 18 to
ENTERGY’s Central Station. Assistant Fire Marshal Borden stated that during the fire
drill that recently was held at the Library, the fire alarm system functioned properly, but
there was a misunderstanding regarding the panel at the time of the drill. However, this
alarm is not connected to any answering device.
Vice Chairman Magazine stated there were no plans to install an alarm system in the
Civic Center and inquired if the building was going to be replaced. Also, Vice Chairman
Magazine noted that the Facilities Management budget for 1998/99 has funds to hire a
consultant to begin designing a Citywide computerized, standardized fire alarm system,
which would be funded in future budgets. Vice Chairman Magazine requested that
Assistant Fire Marshal Borden confer with Mr. DeBeck to insure that the Fire
Department is kept informed on the recommendations of the consultant. Assistant Fire
Marshal Borden requested to go on record that for more than one year Facilities
Management has been aware that the Civic Center’s minimum requirement of an
intercom system to announce the need to evacuate in the event of an emergency is
lacking. There is absolutely nothing in place to deal with this requirement. Vice Chair
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MEETING MINUTES
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BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 12, 1998
Magazine inquired when the last fire drill took place at the Civic Center. Assistant Fire
Marshal Borden could not remember the last time a fire drill was held at the Civic
Center.
Also, Mr. Bobich stated that at the East Water Plant during the renovation of the
buildings, there is no alarm system in place. Mr. Fitzgerald noted that although the
West Water Plant has a working fire alarm system, the need still exists that the County
be called. Assistant Fire Marshal Borden stated that during a recent fire drill at the
Hester Center, everything appeared to be functioning and the drill went properly.
Assistant Fire Marshal Borden stated that he and Mr. DeBeck met with two or three
different companies that were planning to make a bid but the firms were concerned
about the insurance liability. Vice Chair Magazine stated that these companies were
requested to furnish $1 million in general liability insurance and if a company could not
comply with this request, they would not be suitable to perform the work. Assistant
Fire Marshal Borden stated he would follow through on the consultant issue with Mr.
DeBeck.
It was mentioned that there would be a new Senior Center opening in the spring that will
be in need of an alarm system.
Ms. Tierney noted that there are fire extinguishers throughout City Hall, but feels
training should take place to educate employees on the proper use of the extinguishers.
Most employees do not know how to operate a fire extinguisher. Assistant Fire Marshal
Borden stated that in the past the Fire Department has given classes on the proper
operation of fire extinguishers. This usually was done by request and classes were
scheduled. Assistant Fire Marshal Borden stated that a memo could be circulated to all
departments to set up training dates and times to educate employees on the proper use
of fire extinguishers. Vice Chair Magazine stated he would include this information in
the Safety Newsletter. Also, Assistant Fire Marshal Borden said he would prepare
information for inclusion in the newsletter regarding what types of fire extinguishers
should be used to extinguish what types of fires.
“Fire
Assistant Fire Marshal Borden noted that this past week was designated
Prevention Week”
and that the Fire Department sponsored a contest for fourth graders
The theme of the contest was “Fire
in the local schools to prepare a fire escape plan.
Drills – the Great Escape”.
A prize will be given to the winner. The winner will
automatically be entered in a national contest.
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MEETING MINUTES
SAFETY COMMITTEE
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 12, 1998
B. City Hall Parking Garage & Parking Lot
Vice Chair Magazine stated that the lighting in the lower level of the garage has been
greatly improved. The flooring is being repaired and should be completed within 60
days. The lighting in the City Hall parking lot has not been completed to date.
C. Safety Newsletter
The City of West Palm Beach’s Safety Newsletter is available for anyone who may want
a copy. Vice Chair Magazine stated he is continually looking for articles for our
Newsletter.
D. “Proud to be a Safe Worker” Awards
None to report.
E. Departmental Inspections & Safety Meetings
These were included in the agenda packet. Vice Chair Magazine stated that
departments must perform safety inspections and copies of the minutes of monthly
safety meetings must be sent to Risk Management.
F. Safe Driver Program
1. Defensive Driver Course
Vice Chair Magazine stated that the Fire Department would be taking the course again.
The Police Department has not completed the course to date. Chief Gage informed
Vice Chair Magazine that a majority of the COP’s have completed the “55 Alive Course”
and he will be furnishing certificates evidencing this training.
2. “A Safety First City” Stickers
Vice Chair Magazine will be placing an order for the stickers.
G. Parking at EWTP
Mr. Bobich presented a site plan for review by members showing the planned
construction of the East Water Treatment Plant and pointed out various improvements
that will be made. Mr. Bobich demonstrated on the plan where employees are currently
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BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 12, 1998
parking and where they will park after completion of the construction. Mr. Bobich
pointed out the south parking area will be paved for employee parking and proper
drainage will be in place. Vice Chair Magazine pointed out the area at the Plant where
it is planned that only City vehicles would be permitted to park, and employee vehicles
will not be allowed in this area. Signs will be posted indicating access only by City
vehicles. Vice Chairman Magazine requested the site plan be included with the minutes
as a permanent record.
H. City Hall Main Entrance Accessibility
Vice Chairman Magazine will be taking measurements in the near future.
VI. New Business
Vice Chairman Magazine distributed the draft of the City’s Administrative Policy for the
Incident Review Board (formerly the Accident Review Board). Vice Chairman Magazine
noted there was one major change to the policy and members were referred to Item 2.
(Authority), which states that “the IRB shall review incidents from all
departments/division. All incidents involving emergency responses will be reviewed by
the IRB following the departmental review.” Vice Chair Magazine stated the reasoning
behind this policy is due to the inability of the Police Department furnishing Risk
Management with a list of preventable or non-preventable incidents. Vice Chair
Magazine gave examples of “non-preventable incidents” that the Fire Department filed
with Risk Management, which in fact were “preventable”.
Vice Chairman Magazine requested that members review the new policy for approval at
the next Safety Committee Meeting. Vice Chairman Magazine informed members that
when an incident is reviewed by the IRB, it is reviewed from a safety standpoint.
Assistant Fire Marshal Borden questioned why an incident would be examined twice,
first by the department and then by the IRB. Discussion followed on what incidents
should be reviewed by departments and by the IRB.
VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Safety Council of Palm Beach County
Members were referred to the programs being offered during the month of October,
which was included in their agenda packets.
B. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
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MEETING MINUTES
SAFETY COMMITTEE
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 12, 1998
Monday,
Please note that the next Regularly Scheduled Meeting will be
th
November 16, 1998 at 10:00 a.m.
(not November 9).
Mr. Bobich requested that he be notified of the rescheduling of the safety seminar that
was cancelled during Hurricane Georges, which was being sponsored by a safety
equipment company. Vice Chair Magazine stated as soon as he receives information
on the rescheduling of this seminar, he will notify all members to determine who would
be interested in attending.
C. Other items
Mr. Bobich stated that an employee became ill as a result of bleach being left in a toilet
bowl. The fumes overcame the employee. It was recommended that Bob Lee be
notified of the incident by e-mail.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Motion
Upon motion by David Egnor and seconded by Assistant Fire Marshal Borden, the
meeting properly adjourned at 11:15 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________
Barbara M. Madden
Recording Secretary
(one tape)
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