FALLING ICE OR SNOW, from roof over doors
If dangerous snow or ice accumulates over a door, recruit a staff member to stand guard and alert people of the problem until signage is posted, then call Joseph x5487 and let him know about it. (Call your building coordinator if you’re working at a branch library.)
If you do not reach Joseph in person–
Main Library:
Front doors: There are large yellow plastic folding signs in the back of closet 201A that should be placed outside on the patio so that people approaching the building are alerted to the problem. There are also laminated 8.5″x11″ signs in the wall pocket in 201A that should be taped to the glass on the inside of the exterior doors. Once this has been done, call Facilities Services x5472 (or, if FS is closed call public safety x5911) and alert them to the situation, letting them know that you’ve posted signage.
Back door: use the portable directional signs that are stored in the loading dock and the staff room to post signs outside. Use the spare signs in 201A to post signs on the inside doors. If large icicles have formed over either door post a sign encouraging people to use the other exit.
These procedures would also be appropriate for any immediate safety hazard that you become aware of. It is very important that any and all of us react to a hazard and keep ourselves, coworkers, and the public, safe from harm. Don’t assume somebody else will notice and deal with it, please be proactive and follow up until you’re sure that somebody is working to resolve the situation and you’re not needed. There are “caution, wet floor” signs in the basement near the custodial supplies.
There is a known issue with snow and ice falling from the roof over the front door. If the weather conditions are just right, the snow melts and compacts and then slides off under the snow guards and over the gutter. Another, but less common problem, is icicles forming in the scuppers over the back doors.
WATER LEAKS/INCURSIONS
Reporting a leak, how to:
When a water leak is noticed and it is minor and not causing damage to collections or equipment, report it to Joseph Watson x5487. If you don’t reach Joseph, leave him a message about the leak and then contact Facilities Services directly at x5472. If FS is closed (evenings and weekends) call the Office of Public Safety and ask them to reach FS on-call personnel if deemed necessary. Describe the situation giving them all details as needed and realistically indicating the severity of the situation. If placing a basket under the leak until regular FS staff can come during normal working hours will suffice, please do so but inform PS so that they can have the night watch guard check on the leak.
If the water leak is severe and if collections or equipment are at risk, please notify FS or PS as above immediately, making it clear that the situation is dire and FS staff are needed to shut off the water or divert the flow ASAP. Then take actions as necessary to protect items from damage referring to the Emergency Manual section on Flooding and Water Damage for specific procedures.