Statement of Purpose - SMACNA) – Boston



Prepared by the Sheet Metal A/C Contractors National Association – Boston Chapter (SMACNA Boston, Inc.)COVID-19 Contractor Safety PlanPrevention, Preparedness, & ResponseDisclaimer:The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association – Boston Chapter. (SMACNA Boston, Inc.) provides no guarantees or warranties, either express or implied with respect to the accuracy and sufficiency of the data published in this document.SMACNA Boston, Inc. disclaims any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for particular purpose. SMACNA Boston, Inc. hereby disclaims all responsibility and liability for any loss or damage that may arise from the use of the plan or methods used in this plan document. Under no circumstances shall SMACNA Boston Inc. be liable for incidental or consequential damages.The data and information contained in this plan are for illustration and training purposes only. Your use of any of this information is at your own risk, and you should not use any of this sample document without first seeking legal and other professional advice. The provision of this data and information does not constitute legal advice or opinions of any kind. No lawyer-client, advisory, fiduciary or other relationship is created between SMACNA Boston, Inc. and any person accessing or otherwise using any of this plan or information. Users of this plan and information should verify its use for each individual application to allow for the differing conditions of each shop, jobsite, project or segment of each project and use their own management expertise to develop the appropriate procedures for their own use. SMACNA Boston, Inc. make no warranty regarding the results of use of the plan. Users are advised to read over the material and make appropriate revisions to meet the needs of each company. Although specific to a topic, the information may differ from current company policies and procedures, as well as local and state regulatory agencies. Revisions should be made accordingly.Contents TOC \o "1-2" \h \z \u Statement of Purpose PAGEREF _Toc39141113 \h 3Employee Responsibilities PAGEREF _Toc39141114 \h 4Reporting to Work PAGEREF _Toc39141115 \h 4Enforcement PAGEREF _Toc39141116 \h 5On the Job Prevention Guidelines PAGEREF _Toc39141117 \h 6Job Site Prevention Guidelines PAGEREF _Toc39141118 \h 7Other Site -Specific Employee Responsibilities PAGEREF _Toc39141119 \h 10Employer Responsibilities PAGEREF _Toc39141120 \h 11Administrative Requirements PAGEREF _Toc39141121 \h 11Enforcement Policy PAGEREF _Toc39141122 \h 11Employee Training PAGEREF _Toc39141123 \h 11Job Site Controls PAGEREF _Toc39141124 \h 12Job Site Prevention Guidelines PAGEREF _Toc39141125 \h 13Employee Exposure Protocol PAGEREF _Toc39141126 \h 14General Principles for Potential Exposure PAGEREF _Toc39141127 \h 14Procedure for Mitigating Potential Exposure PAGEREF _Toc39141128 \h 15Notification and Quarantine Procedures PAGEREF _Toc39141129 \h 15Sanitation Requirements PAGEREF _Toc39141130 \h 16Returning to Work PAGEREF _Toc39141131 \h 16Jobsite Exposure Situations PAGEREF _Toc39141132 \h 16Resources PAGEREF _Toc39141133 \h 18APPENDIX A: Background Materials PAGEREF _Toc39141134 \h 18APPENDIX B: Signage PAGEREF _Toc39141135 \h 18APPENDIX C: Sample Toolbox Talks PAGEREF _Toc39141136 \h 18Statement of PurposeThe purpose of this plan is to outline the steps that every employer and employee can take to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. The plan describes how to prevent worker exposure to coronavirus, protective measures to be taken on the jobsite, personal protective equipment and work practice controls to be used, cleaning and disinfecting procedures, and what to do if a worker becomes sick.****[INSERT COMPANY NAME] takes the health and safety of our employees very seriously. With the spread of the coronavirus or “COVID-19,” a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, we all must remain vigilant in mitigating the outbreak. This is particularly true for the construction industry, which has been deemed “essential” during this Declared National Emergency. In order to be safe and maintain operations, we have developed this COVID-19 Safety Plan to be implemented throughout the Company and at all of our jobsites. We will also monitor available U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), and state level guidance on the virus.This Plan is based on currently available information from the CDC, OSHA, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts guidelines and best practices and is subject to change based on further information provided by the CDC, OSHA, and other public officials. The Company may also amend this Plan based on operational needs.Note: The need to protect workers from COVID-19 should not decrease the focus on other hazards related to workplace injuries and illnesses. With COVID-19 a healthcare crisis, it is especially critical to avoid the need for workers to seek treatment at clinics, doctors’ offices and hospitals. Employee ResponsibilitiesWe are asking every one of our employees to help with our prevention efforts while at work. In order to minimize the spread of COVID-19 at our jobsites, we all must play our part. As set forth below, the Company has instituted various housekeeping, social distancing, and other best practices at our jobsites. All employees must follow these. In addition, employees are expected to report to their managers or supervisors if they are experiencing signs or symptoms of COVID-19, as described below. If you have a specific question about this Plan or COVID-19, please ask your manager or supervisor. If they cannot answer the question, please contact [ADD CONTACT NAME HERE].Reporting to WorkEmployees must familiarize themselves with the symptoms and risk factors of COVID-19: Symptoms:Coughing;Fever;Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing; andEarly symptoms such as chills, body aches, sore throat, headache, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and runny nose. High Risk Factors:Blood disorders (e.g., sickle cell disease or on blood thinners)Chronic kidney disease as defined by your doctor. Patient has been told to avoid or reduce the dose of medications because kidney disease, or is under treatment for kidney disease, including receiving dialysisChronic liver disease as defined by your doctor. (e.g., cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis) Patient has been told to avoid or reduce the dose of medications because liver disease or is under treatment for liver promised immune system (immunosuppression) (e.g., seeing a doctor for cancer and treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation, received an organ or bone marrow transplant, taking high doses of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressant medications, HIV or AIDS)Current or recent pregnancy in the last two weeksEndocrine disorders (e.g., diabetes mellitus)Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease)Lung disease including asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis or emphysema) or other chronic conditions associated with impaired lung function or that require home oxygenNeurological and neurologic and neurodevelopment conditions [including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability, moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury].If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, DO NOT GO TO WORK and call your healthcare provider right away. Likewise, if you come into close contact with someone showing these symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away.There will be ZERO Tolerance for employees reporting to work when ill. If you are exhibiting any of the symptoms below, you are to report this to your supervisor (via phone, text or email) right away, and head home from the job site or stay home if already there.If you notice a co-worker showing signs or complaining about such symptoms, he or she should be directed to their supervisor (via phone, text or email) and asked to leave the project site immediately.EnforcementEmployees need to understand the protocols listed throughout this document to keep themselves and their coworkers free of exposure. All employees will read and acknowledge these policies in order to maintain employment. All employees will read and acknowledge site-specific policies before beginning work on a new job site. Those on-site will take part in a safety stand down when required.Enforcement of company policy will be as follows:FIRST OFFENSE FOR REPORTING TO WORK SICK – REMOVAL FROM JOBSITE/SUSPENSIONFirst Offense – Verbal warningSecond Offense – Immediate one day suspensionThird Offense – Permanent removal from jobsiteTransportationCarpooling will be strictly forbidden. Individuals must report to work alone in their personal vehicle or a company provided truck.When entering a vehicle which you are not sure you were the last person to enter, make sure that you wipe down the interior and door handles with disinfectant prior to entryIf practicable, employees should use/drive the same truck or piece of equipment every shift. Self-certificationPrior to starting a shift, each employee will self-certify to their supervisor that they:Do not have a positive diagnosis of COVID-19.Have no signs of a fever or a measured temperature above 100.3 degrees or greater, a cough or trouble breathing, sore throat or gastrointestinal symptoms within the past 24 hours.Have not had "close contact" with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19. “Close contact” means living in the same household as a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, caring for a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, being within 6 feet of a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 for about 15 minutes, or coming in direct contact with secretions (e.g., sharing utensils, being coughed on) from a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, while that person was symptomatic.Have not been asked to self-isolate or quarantine by their doctor or a local public health official.Job Site Screening ProceduresAnyone entering the project site will be subject to a health screening including temperature checks. The project site shall conduct health screenings out of public view assuring to respect privacy and results shall be kept private.Employees exhibiting symptoms or unable to self-certify will be directed to leave the work site and seek medical attention and applicable testing by their healthcare provider. They are not to return to the work site until:They have not registered a temperature at or greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit without taking medication to reduce their temperature for three (3) days.There is improvement in their respiratory symptoms (cough and shortness of breath).At least seven (7) days have passed since their symptoms began.This process will be repeated daily.On the Job Prevention GuidelinesOSHA and the CDC have provided the following control and preventative guidance to all workers, regardless of exposure risk:Personal HygieneFrequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and running water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol. Do this at minimum when:Utilizing the restroomBefore and after eatingAfter blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezingBefore and after smoking.Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.Avoid close contact with people who are sick.To avoid external contamination, we recommend everyone bring food from homeBe sure to use your own water bottle, and do not shareCover coughing or sneezing with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash hands, if no tissue is available then cough into your elbowTo avoid sharing germs, please clean up after Yourself. DO NOT make others responsible for moving, unpacking and packing up your personal belongingsIf you or a family member is feeling ill, stay home!Crew HygieneTo protect workers from cross-contamination among close work crews, the company will do its best to implement the following:When possible, stagger start times to decrease density of workers.Stagger / separate stretch and flex, lunch/breaks, stand downs, and large group meetings. These should be conducted by individual crews.Maintain social distancing at all times possibleTry to limit work to a single trade or crew per floorDefine work areas or zones with physical barriers Job Site Prevention GuidelinesThe following are new work rules that every employee must follow to limit potential exposure in work areas.At each job briefing/tool box talk, employees are asked if they are experiencing any symptoms, and are sent home if they areEach jobsite should have laminated COVID-19 safety guidelines and handwashing instructionsWorkspace HygieneEach employee is responsible for ensuring their workspace remains clean with limited possibility of exposure.All surfaces should be regularly cleaned, including surfaces, door handles, laptops, etc.All common areas and meeting areas are to be regularly cleaned and disinfected at least once a day but preferably twice a dayDo not mix cleaning chemicals without proper procedures and instructions.Employees must follow jobsite protocols requiring proper use of stairs to avoid contamination of the hoist/liftWhen on a lift, employees should wear all proper PPE and not face one anotherSocial Distancing OnsiteThe CDC guidelines for distancing shall be implemented for all aspects of the work on every project. Handshaking is prohibited.Maintain at least 6 feet of distance between all personnel on site. In work conditions where social distancing is impossible to maintain, workers must have the appropriate PPELimit size of gatherings to groups of people no greater than 10.Refrain from sharing cups, pens, pencils, plan-sets, tablets, laptops, tools or any other items.Limit number of persons to a table and to an assigned break/lunch area. Break room shall be set up to maintain 6’ distancing between persons.All individual work crew meetings/tool box talks should be held outside and follow social distancingRun meetings via conference call when possible. Encourage those in the same office area to call in separately versus sitting in a room together.Field offices like jobsite trailers are locked down to all but authorized personnelWhen employees perform construction and maintenance activities within occupied homes, office buildings, and other establishments employees must sanitize the work areas upon arrival, throughout the workday, and immediately before departure. The Company will provide alcohol-based wipes or disinfectant spray for this purpose. Employees should ask other occupants to keep a personal distance of six (6) feet at a minimum. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)In addition to regular PPE for workers engaged in various tasks (fall protection, hard hats, hearing protection), employers will also require the following:All workers must wear cut-resistant gloves or the equivalent at all times on site.All workers must utilize eye protection at all times.All workers must wear a face covering at all timesIn work conditions where required social distance is not possible to achieve, perform a job hazard analysis to determine the applicable level of PPE to supplement the conditions (face masks, Tyvek suits, N95 dust masks - or other face protection in alignment with CDC recommendations, etc.).However, Employees are encouraged to limit the need for N95 respirator use by using engineering and work practice controls to minimize dust. Such controls include the use of water delivery and dust collection systems, as well as limiting exposure time.All types of PPE must be:Selected based upon the hazard to the worker.Properly fitted and periodically refitted, as applicable (e.g., respirators).Consistently and properly worn when required.Regularly inspected, maintained, and replaced, as necessary.Properly removed, cleaned, and stored or disposed of, as applicable, to avoid contamination of self, others, or the environment.-274320315595[INSERT ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS THAT MAY BE SPECIFIC TO YOUR BUSINESS/OPERATIONS/PROJECTS] Additional Jobsite Safety Precautions Include:0[INSERT ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS THAT MAY BE SPECIFIC TO YOUR BUSINESS/OPERATIONS/PROJECTS] Additional Jobsite Safety Precautions Include:Other Site -Specific Employee ResponsibilitiesEmployer ResponsibilitiesThe Company has instituted the following protective measures at all jobsites.Administrative RequirementsEvery project site and Office is to have the COVID‐19 Construction Safety & Health Guidelines Posted on the job site and distributed to each employee. Employees are requested to acknowledge receipt and confirm that they will comply with these requirements. A log of all who have confirmed is to be kept. Each site/office is to designate a site‐specific COVID‐19 officer who will be responsible for implementing, monitoring and documenting these procedures. (This person will most likely be the onsite supervisor)A written daily report / inspection are to be completed by the designated COVID‐19 officer. (Check in)Any worker that has exhibited signs of COVID‐19 or known to have contracted or exposed to COVID‐ 19 are to provide clearance by a medical professional prior to returning to the site. This clearance is to be provided to the COVID‐19 officer and site‐supervisor.Enforcement PolicyEmployees need to understand the protocols listed throughout this document to keep themselves and their coworkers free of exposure. All employees will read and acknowledge these policies in order to maintain employment. Enforcement of company policy will be as follows:First Offense – Verbal warningSecond Offense – Immediate one day suspensionThird Offense – Permanent removal from jobsiteEmployee TrainingEmployees will be trained and notified of all pertinent policies through the following methodsAll employees will read and acknowledge site-specific policies before beginning work on a new job site. Those on-site will take part in a safety stand down when required.The company will post all required notices regarding COVID-19 and employee rights OrientationIt is required that all projects implement an orientation for each worker to review in general the requirements of this program. The orientation will be for all existing employees working on site as well as any new employees that arrive to work on site.The orientation shall review at a minimum:1. The stay at home if you are sick requirements2. Possible symptoms of COVID-193. Temperature screening procedures4. Locations of wash facilities on site5. Expectations to implement social distancing for all activities on site6. Emergency response proceduresPre-Task PlanningAll activities performed on site will have a component of the pre-task planning dedicated to performing the task in consideration with the CDC guidelines specific to social distancing.SignageEach project shall have signage posted to educate employees on COVID-19 safety guidelines throughoutthe project. Signage should be places in conspicuous areas, site offices and adjacent to hygiene facilities at a minimum. See Appendix BToolbox TalksIt is the expectation that periodic toolbox talks be held as part of ongoing education and to provide updates to the workforce on the COVID-19 virus. Toolbox talks should also be held on proper personal hygiene and sanitation methods. It will be the responsibility of each contractor and subcontractor to provide and conduct these toolbox talk trainings for their workforce. See Appendix B for examples of toolbox talks to be utilized. See Appendix CJob Site ControlsIn coordination with the construction manager and owner, the company will ensure proper control of access to the project.As a general rule, any employee/contractor/visitor showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be asked to leave the jobsite and return home.Job Site VisitorsOnly those visitors required to be on site should be present. Other business must be conducted offsite whenever possible.The number of visitors to the job site, including the trailer or office, will be limited to only those necessary for the work. All visitors will be screened in advance of arriving on the job site. If the visitor answers “yes” to any of the following questions, he/she should not be permitted to access the jobsite: Have you been confirmed positive for COVID-19?Are you currently experiencing, or recently experienced, any acute respiratory illness symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath?Have you been in close contact with any persons who has been confirmed positive for COVID-19? Have you been in close contact with any persons who have traveled and are also exhibiting acute respiratory illness symptoms?Job Site DeliveriesSite deliveries performed by the company will follow the procedure below. Third party deliveries will also be made aware of company and site-specific policies prior to delivery.Site deliveries will be permitted but should be properly coordinated in line with the employer’s minimal contact and cleaning protocols. Delivery personnel should remain in their vehicles if at all possible. Employees should avoid close contact with delivery personnel and not touch or sign vendor digital signature capturing devices.All deliveries and materials are washed prior to arriving at the job siteJob Site Prevention GuidelinesBelow are hygiene policies and procedures that the company and employees will follow in order to limit an individual’s potential for exposure as well as the potential of cross-contamination among work crews.Employee HygieneThe Company understands that due to the nature of our work, access to running water for hand washing may be impracticable. In these situations, the Company will provide, if available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers and/or wipes. If possible, the company will provide a place to change clothes on siteCrew HygieneThe Company will divide crews/staff into two (2) groups where possible so that projects can continue working effectively in the event that one of the divided teams is required to quarantine.As part of the division of crews/staff, the Company will designate employees into dedicated shifts, at which point, employees will remain with their dedicated shift for the reminder of the project. If there is a legitimate reason for an employee to change shifts, the Company will have sole discretion in making that alteration. Employees should limit the use of co-workers’ tools and equipment. To the extent tools must be shared, the Company will provide alcohol-based wipes to clean tools before and after use. When cleaning tools and equipment, consult manufacturing recommendations for proper cleaning techniques and restrictions.Wash StationsAll site-specific projects with outside construction sites without ready access to an indoor bathroom MUST install Wash Stations.Install hand wash stations with hot water, if possible, and soap at fire hydrants or other water sources to be used for frequent handwashing for all onsite employeesAll onsite workers must help to maintain and keep stations cleanIf a worker notices soap or towels are running low or out, immediately notify supervisorsGarbage barrels will be placed next to the hand wash station for disposal of tissues/towelsEmployee Exposure ProtocolThere is a zero tolerance for sick workers reporting to work. Even those with mild symptoms of respiratory infection (cough, shortness of breath, sore throat) or fever should stay off work. In the event that a worker discovered to have tested positive for COVID-19 or has COVID-19 related symptoms, prompt identification and isolation of potentially infectious individuals is a critical step in protecting workers, vendors, visitors, and others at a worksite.General Principles for Potential ExposureGeneral Principles for exposure situations are bulleted belowImmediately isolate people suspected of having COVID-19. For example, move potentially infectious people to isolation rooms and close the doors. In other worksites, move potentially infectious people to a location away from workers, customers, and other visitors.Take steps to limit spread of the person’s infectious respiratory secretions, including by providing them a facemask and asking them to wear it, if they can tolerate doing so. Note: A surgical mask on a patient or other sick person should not be confused with PPE for a worker; the mask acts to contain potentially infectious respiratory secretions at the source (i.e., the person’s nose and mouth).If possible, isolate people suspected of having COVID-19 separately from those with confirmed cases of the virus to prevent further transmission, including in screening, triage, or healthcare facilities.Restrict the number of personnel entering isolation areas, including the room of a patient with suspected/confirmed COVID-19. Protect workers in close contact with the sick person by using additional engineering and administrative control, safe work practices and PPE. Keep all employee names confidential as required by law.Other employees may be sent home while a workspace is being cleaned but will return to work after cleaning unless advised otherwise by a health care provider.Other employees should be asked to contact their health provider if they have any questions.Remind other employees to continue to practice proper sanitation and monitor for flu like symptoms.Procedure for Mitigating Potential ExposureImmediately isolate the person suspected of having COVID-19. Take steps to limit spread of the person’s infectious respiratory secretions, including by providing them a facemask and asking them to wear it. Separately isolate people who believe they may have come into contact with the person. Ask all workers in close proximity to protect themselves by using additional engineering controls, safe work practices, and PPE.The individual with COVID-19 related symptoms will be ordered to leave the jobsite immediately and contact their healthcare provider.If symptoms are serious, then an ambulance or alternative mode of transportation shall be used.Any crew members with recent close contact with the exposed individual should be asked to leave the jobsite immediately and contact their healthcare provider if they develop symptomsThe area where the individual was working will be immediately cleaned and sanitized.The supervising parties shall work with the local board of health to identify any potential job site exposures, including:Other workers, vendors, inspectors, or visitors to the work site with close contact to the individualWork areas such as supply cabinets and designated work stations or roomsWork tools and equipmentCommon areas such as break rooms and tables, vending machines, and sanitary facilitiesNotification and Quarantine ProceduresAs provided by law, the identity of the worker must be kept confidential.Upon learning of a potential infection, the supervisor must immediately notify the designated COVID-19 safety officer, the site safety officer, and the owner. Should a suspected infection be confirmed, all employees in contact with the individual should be required to remain at home in self-quarantine.Sanitation RequirementsContractor shall take immediate steps to sanitize common areas and direct work places. This includes all on-site bathrooms facilities, any break facilities, and any other common areas on the job site that may have been in close contact with the infected worker.Sanitation will be conducted with personnel, equipment, and material approved for COVID-19 sanitization.Identified areas should remain isolated from workers until sanitation process has been completed and area is deemed safe for use.Returning to WorkAll impacted workers should follow CDC and DPH recommended steps concerning return to work. Workers who are considered close contacts to a COVID-19 case by public health authorities should not return for 14 days and are subject quarantine by public health.Workers who leave during the work day due to COVID-19 symptoms and develop COVID-19 as confirmed by laboratory testing or diagnosis by a healthcare provider shall not return to the site until either released from isolation by healthcare provider or public health.Jobsite Exposure SituationsBelow are some examples of potential exposure situations and the resulting actions. Employee Exhibiting COVID-19 SymptomsIf an employee exhibits COVID-19 symptoms, the employee must remain at home until he or she is symptom free for 72 hours (3 full days) without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g., cough suppressants). The Company will similarly require an employee that reports to work with symptoms to return home until they are symptom free for 72 hour (3 full days). To the extent practical, employees are required to obtain a doctor’s note clearing them to return to work.Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19An employee that tests positive for COVID-19 will be directed to self-quarantine away from work. Employees that test positive and are symptom free may return to work when at least seven (7) days have passed since the date of his or her first positive test, and have not had a subsequent illness. Employees that test positive and are directed to care for themselves at home may return to work when: (1) at least 72 hours (3 full days) have passed since recovery; and (2) at least seven (7) days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Employees that test positive and have been hospitalized may return to work when directed to do so by their medical care provider. The Company will require an employee to provide documentation clearing their return to work.Employee Has Close Contact with a Tested Positive COVID-19 IndividualEmployees that have come into close contact with a confirmed-positive COVID-19 individual (co-worker or otherwise), will be directed to self-quarantine for 14 days from the last date of close contact with the carrier. Close contact is defined as six (6) feet or less for a prolonged period of time.If the Company learns that an employee has tested positive, the Company will conduct an investigation into co-workers that may have had close contact with the confirmed-positive employee in the prior 14 days and direct those individuals that have had close contact with the confirmed-positive employee to self-quarantine for 14 days from the last date of close contact with the carrier. If an employee learns that he or she has come into close contact with a confirmed-positive individual outside of the workplace, he/she must alert a manager or supervisor of the close contact and also self-quarantine for 14 days from the last date of close contact with the carrier.ResourcesBelow are resources to be used by the company and staff in order to maintain accurate and current policies and procedures.APPENDIX A: Background MaterialsOSHA Guidance for Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19OSHA Respiratory Protection StandardsMassachusetts Construction Enforcement ProceduresMassachusetts Construction Supplemental GuidelinesAPPENDIX B: SignageDownload Massachusetts Fact SheetsDownload CDC Handwashing SignageDownload CDC Stop The Spread of Germs PosterDownload Stay Home If You’re Sick PosterAPPENDIX C: Sample Toolbox TalksCOVID-19 Toolbox TalkWhat is COVID-19?The novel coronavirus, COVID-19 is one of seven types of known human coronaviruses. COVID-19, like the MERS and SARS coronaviruses, likely evolved from a virus previously found in animals. The remaining known coronaviruses cause a significant percentage of colds in adults and children, and these are not a serious threat for otherwise healthy adults.Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath.According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), Chinese authorities identified an outbreak caused by a novel—or new—coronavirus. The virus can cause mild to severe respiratory illness. The outbreak began in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and has spread to a growing number of other countries—including the United States.How is COVID-19 Spread?COVID-19, like other viruses, can spread between people. Infected people can spread COVID-19 through their respiratory secretions, especially when they cough or sneeze. According to the CDC, spread from person-to-person is most likely among close contacts (about 6 feet). Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, like how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It is currently unclear if a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.In assessing potential hazards, employers should consider whether their workers may encounter someone infected with COVID-19 in the course of their duties. Employers should also determine if workers could be exposed to environments (e.g., worksites) or materials (e.g., laboratory samples, waste) contaminated with the virus.Depending on the work setting, employers may also rely on identification of sick individuals who have signs, symptoms, and/or a history of travel to COVID-19-affected areas that indicate potential infection with the virus, in order to help identify exposure risks for workers and implement appropriate control measures.There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with COVID-19, and investigations are ongoing.COVID-19 Prevention and Work Practice Controls:Worker ResponsibilitiesFrequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and running water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands that are visibly soiled.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.Avoid close contact with people who are sick.Employees who have symptoms (i.e., fever, cough, or shortness of breath) should notify their supervisor and stay home—DO NOT GO TO WORK.Sick employees should follow?CDC-recommended steps. Employees should not return to work until the criteria to?discontinue home isolation?are met, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.General Job Site / Office PracticesClean AND disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as workstations, keyboards, telephones, handrails, and doorknobs. Dirty surfaces can be cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfection. To disinfect, use?products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19, the cause of COVID-19, and are appropriate for the surface.Avoid using other employees’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment, when possible. If necessary, clean and disinfect them before and after use.Clean and disinfect frequently used tools and equipment on a regular basis.This includes other elements of the jobsite where possible.Employees should regularly do the same in their assigned work areas.Clean shared spaces such as trailers and break/lunchrooms at least once per day.Disinfect shared surfaces (door handles, machinery controls, etc.) on a regular basis.Avoid sharing tools with co-workers if it can be avoided. If not, disinfect before and after each use. Arrange for any portable job site toilets to be cleaned by the leasing company at least twice per week and disinfected on the inside. Any trash collected from the jobsite must be changed frequently by someone wearing gloves.In addition to regular PPE for workers engaged in various tasks (fall protection, hard hats, hearing protection), employers will also provide:Gloves: Gloves should be worn at all times while on-site. The type of glove worn should be appropriate to the task. If gloves are not typically required for the task, then any type of glove is acceptable, including latex gloves. Gloves should not be shared if at all possible.Eye protection: Eye protection should be worn at all times while on-site.CLEANING OF TOOLS TO HELP PREVENT SPREAD OF COVID-19by Milwaukee Tool, SMACNA Premier PartnerShould a tool need to be cleaned that does not have blood or visible bodily fluids on it, Milwaukee? recommends the following protocol. This protocol is subject to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control ("CDC"), OSHA, and those of State and Local health departments. Please follow applicable guidelines of these agencies.People handling tools should wash their hands or use a proper hand sanitizer before and after use to help prevent contamination.People handling tools should be properly trained and protected using necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).Clean tools with mild soap, a clean damp cloth, and, as needed, an approved diluted bleach solution only. Certain cleaning agents and solvents are harmful to plastics and other insulated parts and shouldn't be used.Milwaukee? does not recommend cleaners that have conductive or corrosive materials, especially those with ammonia. Some of these include gasoline, turpentine, lacquer thinner, paint thinner, chlorinated cleaning solvents, ammonia and household detergents containing ammonia.Never use flammable or combustible solvents around tools.?CLEANING OPTIONS:MILD SOAP & RESTIf no blood was present on the product, it can be?cleaned with mild soap and a damp cloth to remove the fluids and then left to rest for 3 days.?This is based on CDC advisement that the virus may live on plastic surfaces for up to 72 hours, which suggest that the virus would no longer be harmful after the resting period. After this, the tool can be cleaned again.*Recommended for batteriesMILD SOAP & DILUTED BLEACH SOLUTIONIf no blood was present on the product, it can be?cleaned with a mild soap and damp cloth to remove dirt and grease and then decontaminated with a diluted bleach solution, which is consistent with CDC advise. The full diluted bleach cleaning procedure can be found below.?*Not recommended for batteriesPROCEDUREClean the product surface with mild soap and water to remove dirt and grease.Dip a clean cloth into the dilute bleach solution.Wring out the cloth so it is not dripping wet.Gently wipe each handle, grasping surfaces, or outer surfaces with the cloth, using care to ensure liquids do not flow into tool.No other cleaning material should be used as the diluted bleach solution should never be mixed with ammonia or any other cleanser.Allow the surface to dry naturally.The cleaner should avoid touching their face with unwashed hands and should immediately wash their hands after this process.?A properly diluted bleach solution can be made by mixing:5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water; or4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water?NOTE:?If blood was on the product, advance cleaning is needed. Follow established Bloodborne Pathogen protocols for your business. Under OSHA requirements, anyone required to perform this type cleaning should be trained in Bloodborne Pathogens and the use of the necessary PPE for this work. ................
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