Department of the Interior
Departmental Manual
Effective Date: 3/12/99
Series: Safety Management
Part 485: Safety and Occupational Health Program
Chapter 23: Public Safety and Health
Originating Office: Office of Managing Risk and Public Safety
485 DM 23
23.1 Purpose. To specify the minimum Safety and Occupational Health Program (Program) requirements for protecting the visiting public from recognized hazards related to Departmental facilities or operations.
23.2 References.
A. Applicable Federal, State and local regulations.
B. American National Standard A117.1.
C. 36 CFR 1190-1192, Federal Accessibility Standards, Minimum Guidelines and Requirements.
23.3 Requirements. Each bureau will establish a public safety program that minimizes the potential for injury, illness, death and/or property damage to the public while they are visiting Departmental facilities or in the proximity of Departmental operations. The program will include the following, as a minimum:
A. Inspecting workplaces/facilities for public related hazards.
B. Planning each job with the public in mind.
C. Designing, constructing, operating and maintaining facilities to eliminate or control hazards, with special consideration for the physically impaired.
D. Planning for the control and protection of the public during potential emergencies.
E. Providing, at bureau staffed facilities, first-aid treatment, assistance in activating the nearest emergency medical system (911), or initial transportation, if necessary, to medical assistance.
F. Special training, such as hazard recognition, first-aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), for employees responsible for the safety and health of the public.
G. Providing educational materials, such as instructions, signs, and programs to alert the public of potential dangers related to Departmental facilities and operations.
H. Investigating and reporting of public-related accidents.
I. Participating in and supporting agencies and organizations whose purpose(s) relates to public safety, such as the National Safety Council, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the National Water Safety Congress.
J. Enforcing bureau safety requirements, including those directed at the public which have been published in the Code of Federal Regulations.
3/12/99 #3253
Replaces 6/10/91 #485A-1