By adoption of the following health and safety regulations the board of trustees of Community Colleges of Spokane expresses its firm commitment to the safety and health of its students and employees. The board further recognizes the importance of students and employees developing safe work habits, particularly in the areas of equipment and machinery operation, and in the handling of potentially hazardous chemical substances. This chapter shall apply to all students, college [personnel] and visitors and shall pertain to all campuses and sites under the direct or indirect control of the district.

Adoption of these health and safety rules by the board of trustees is based on the following standards:

(1) The possibility of accidental injury to an individual exists at all times and in all places and no place of work or any human activity is exempt from the possibility of accidents.

(2) All community college safety programs are for the benefit of the Community Colleges of Spokane and the individual students enrolled within the institution(s). There is no conflict of interests between the students and the college in the area of an accident prevention program; through accident prevention, everyone benefits.

(3) Accident prevention requires both organization and education, consisting largely of the desire to provide and maintain an environment free of hazards through institution of a common-sense safety program and the determination to carry out the program effectively.

(4) Effective accident prevention includes instructor leadership, student cooperation, effective organization, thorough training, and good supervision.

Students attending Community Colleges of Spokane shall, to the best of their ability, make it their individual responsibility to keep themselves and their fellow students free from accidents. In the interest of accident prevention, students shall obey the approved district safety rules and procedures including those outlined below, as well as other, more specific safety rules, as outlined by their instructors:

(1) Students shall consider the benefits of accident prevention to themselves, to others, and to their work, and shall act accordingly, conducting their work to avoid accidents through observation of safe work practices.

(2) Students shall study and observe all safe practices governing their specific area of work or class assignment, and shall make a concerted effort to understand their job and area of assignment.

(3) Students shall ascertain emergency procedures from their instructor or supervisor.

(4) Students shall remain alert for any unsafe condition(s) or practice(s), immediately reporting any observed to their instructor or supervisor.

(5) Students shall promptly report any accident in which they are injured, regardless of the degree of severity, to their instructor or supervisor.

(6) Students shall not engage in practical jokes or horseplay while attending class or while on the job.

(7) Students shall not report to class or a work-study position while under the influence of intoxicants or drugs, nor shall such items be used or consumed while on the premises of the Community Colleges of Spokane or representing the Community Colleges of Spokane at an offsite location.

(8) Students who receive their instructor or supervisor's permission to operate a state vehicle shall comply with existing fleet policies and procedures of Community Colleges of Spokane.

(9) Students shall comply with existing smoking regulations of the Community Colleges of Spokane.

Nothing contained in this chapter shall prohibit an instructor or supervisor from immediately prohibiting an unsafe practice which is not specifically outlined in this chapter.

Any violation of sound health and safety practices not specifically enumerated in this chapter shall not be permitted, and the instructor or supervisor in charge may prohibit such practices.

For reasons of health, sanitation, and safety, no person shall be permitted to bring or leave any dog, cat, or any other pet or animal in any college building, nor leave such pet or animal unattended on any district property. This section does not apply to persons with a disability who require the services and assistance of a guide dog and/or trained service animal as defined by law.

Violations of these rules and regulations based on health and safety standards within this chapter shall be cause for disciplinary action under the provisions of chapter 132Q-[02] WAC. Disciplinary proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with chapter 132Q-[02] WAC.

If any section or part of a section of this chapter shall for any cause be unconstitutional or unlawful, such holdings shall not affect the rest of this chapter or any other sections hereof.

No college personnel, student or member of the public shall carry, transport within a vehicle or otherwise possess any weapon explosive device, hazardous chemicals or any other hazardous weapon such as knives or substance on any college campus or other district property except for use in an authorized college activity with express authorization from the chief executive of the campus or an authorized designee.

Candles and other open flames, including lighting and burning of incense, are prohibited in any building owned or operated by Community Colleges of Spokane. Open flames create a fire hazard, and scented candles and incense can be an irritant to other individuals. Exceptions may be made if the candle or flame is associated with instructional equipment under appropriate faculty supervision or for decorative/food preparation purposes as part of an approved college function and with appropriate equipment. The facilities department obtains necessary permits from the city of Spokane fire department for such uses.