Policy Approval Authority | President |
Responsible Division | Human Resources Services |
Responsible Officer(s) | Chief Human Resources Officer |
Contact Person | John Acardo |
Primary Audience |
Staff
|
Status | Active |
Last Review Date | 09-17-2013 |
Policy Category/Categories |
Human Resources / Employment
|
To set forth a policy on the safe operation of elevated work platforms while recording collegiate football practices and games in the Huskie Stadium. In addition, this policy will address the safe operation of aerial lifts at away games for football.
This policy applies to authorized persons assigned to perform recording duties of collegiate football games and practices inside Huskie Stadium. Authorized persons include NIU Intercollegiate Athletic (IA) and Media Services staff assigned to these recording duties. This policy will provide recommended guidance and suggested procedures for visiting workers including network camera crews as well as camera crews from other colleges and universities.
Because of the installation of robotic cameras in each end zone in Huskie Stadium and in four locations in the Chessick Performance Center (CPC), aerial lifts (scissor or bucket) will no longer be used to record football games or practices in either facility.
For purposes of this policy, competent persons shall use a variety of tools to evaluate and determine whether or not hazardous weather conditions are imminent. Such tools may include, but are not limited to:
Intercollegiate Athletics will coordinate with other universities and athletic venues to ensure that elevated camera platforms at off-site stadiums have been properly inspected and maintained for use by NIU authorized personnel.
Prior to and during use, NIU authorized personnel must visually inspect the elevated camera platform in accordance with the manufacturer’s operating manual and report any maintenance issues to the NIU competent person. A copy of the operating manual will be kept on the equipment at all times. The NIU authorized operator will also inspect the field surface to ensure it is stable enough to provide a safe base for the elevated platform.
Each NIU authorized operator has a shared responsibility for his or her own safety. Individual authorized operators always have the right to refuse to work in conditions that they do not feel are safe. Authorized operators must convey their concerns to the NIU competent person on-site. Once notified, the NIU competent person will further evaluate the potential existence for a hazardous condition. If such a condition exists, the NIU competent person will instruct NIU authorized operators to cease operations immediately until the hazard is mitigated. The NIU competent person will advise their respective contact from the university or athletic venue for further guidance and direction.
Authorized operators must be trained on the safe use of aerial lifts on an annual basis or as deemed necessary by the competent person. Authorized operators must attend training on the use of fall protection gear since such gear must be worn prior to accessing and operating aerial lifts.. Authorized operators must retain a wallet-sized, laminated copy of their training certificate (provided by Media Services) and present it immediately upon request.
Gusts and/or sustained wind speeds of 25 mph is the safety LIMIT for safe aerial lift operation unless specified otherwise in the aerial lift operator’s manual. If sustained wind or wind gusts are forecasted to be greater than 25 mph, then the competent person will ground the lift for that period. The competent person reserves the right to direct authorized personnel to descend the aerial lifts regardless of wind speed should lightning be present in the area or or the presence of other hazardous conditions be imminent.
Wind Speed, mph | Description | Land Conditions |
---|---|---|
0 | Calm | Calm. Smoke rises vertically |
1 – 3 | Light air | Wind motion visible in smoke |
4 – 7 | Light breeze | Wind felt on exposed skin, Leaves rustle |
8 – 12 | Gentle breeze | Leaves and smaller twigs in constant motion |
13 – 18 | Moderate breeze | Dust and loose paper raised. Small branches begin to move |
19 – 24 | Fresh breeze | Smaller trees sway |
25 – 31 | Strong breeze | Large branches in motion. Whistling heard in overhead wires. Umbrella use becomes difficult. |
32 – 38 | Near Gale/Moderate Gale | Whole trees in motion. Effort needed to walk against the wind. |
39 – 46 | Fresh Gale | Twigs broken from trees. Cars veer on road. |
47 – 54 | Strong Gale | Light structure damage |
Policy Library
815-753-5560
policy-library@niu.edu
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