Safety plan - Government Construction Experts



Reitmeyer and Associates, Inc.

13706 Research #308

Austin, TX 78750

800-580-1995, fax 707-929-1766

SAFETY COMPLIANCE PLAN

Prepared by:

Matthew Mees

Construction Quality Control and Project Management.

Concurred By: Douglas Reitmeyer

Contract Manager

Repair HVAC System

88th RRC, Skaggs Reserve Center

W912EK-08-C-0072

Reitmeyer and Associates, Inc.’s Safety Policy

It is Reitmeyer and Associates, Inc.’s desire that all employees recognize the value of practicing and adhering to this safety program. Furthermore, it is our desire to cooperate with all agencies concerned with safety programs, in an effort to eliminate injuries to employees who come under their jurisdiction.

Any questions regarding safety should be immediately addressed to the Project Manager, Matthew Mees, or to the Corporate Safety Officer, Doug Reitmeyer, by calling 800-580-1995.

The Management

INDEX

I. Company Policy 2

II. Initial Mobilization 4

III. Isolation of Work Zones/Traffic Control 6

IV. Accident Response and Reporting 7

V. Weekly Safety Meetings 9

VI. Training 10

VII. Inspections 11

VIII. Purchasing 12

IX. Fire Prevention 13

X. Sanitation/Housekeeping 15

XI. Personal Protective Equipment 14

XII. Hand and Power Tools 20

XIII. Safe Access and Fall Protection 26

XIV. Floor and Wall Openings 27

XV. Welding, Cutting and Grounding of Machinery 29

XVI. Lockout/Tagout Program 33

XVII. Working in Confined Spaces 37

Appendix A (Confined Space Classification Table)

Appendix B (Example of Confined Space Entry Permit)

Appendix C (Confined Space Entry Checklist)

XVIII. OSHA Compliance 40

I. SAFETY/COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

COMPANY POLICY

Safe Job performance required

Good safety is more than the following of plans, rules and controls. It requires an attitude of concern about your job and any conditions that could cause personal or equipment damage. Accidents are the leading cause of death among all persons between the ages of 1 to 36. Do not add to this statistic. Accidents cause physical suffering; they cost the injured employee and the company money. Safe production on the job is the cheapest and most efficient production, and it is the only kind of production that we want.

Follow these rules:

1. Hard hats shall be worn by all employees while on the jobsite.

2. Eye protection (safety goggles) shall be worn on all jobs where impact tools are required or on any work site where flying particles might strike the eye.

3. Every employee must personally contribute to good housekeeping. This includes clearing debris from your work area. Clean up your own mess!

4. Fighting, intoxication, substance abuse, and failure to comply with safety rules could lead to disciplinary action including termination. At no time while on duty may employees use or be under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, intoxicants, or similar mind-altering substances.

5. All workers are required to report immediately to their supervisor or foreman any injury, no matter how slight.

6. Suitable work shoes, in good repair, shall be worn at all times. No tennis shoes will be allowed on the work site!

7. Unsafe tools, frayed or defective electrical cords, and unguarded machinery will be reported to the foreman as soon as possible.

8. Do not repair, lubricate, clean or fuel equipment while it is running.

9. Assume all electrical wires are hot until you are absolutely positive they are not.

10. Tools will not be left on overhead working surfaces.

11. Correct any unsafe conditions immediately; report to the superintendent/foreman conditions you are not able to correct.

12. Be sure you thoroughly understand the task you are to perform and know how to use the equipment you are asked to operate. Operate only the equipment you are authorized to use!

13. Do not hoist two or more separately rigged loads (tandem or xmastree lifting), regardless of weight.

14. Do not create hazards for the next man that comes along.

15. All persons shall be physically, medically, and emotionally qualified for performing the duties to which they are assigned.

16. Operators of any equipment or vehicle shall be able to read and understand the signs, signals, and operating instructions in use.

Warning

Failure on your part to comply with the safety rules could lead to immediate disciplinary action.

Think safety!

II. SAFETY/COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

INITIAL MOBILIZATION

All requirements of the Reitmeyer and Associates, Inc. safety program and the project accident prevention plan are to be implemented by the Project Safety Officer and will be in compliance with all OSHA, Federal, State, and Local regulations as well as comply with the September 3, 1996 version of EM 385-1-1.

1. For this project the Project Safety Officer is Michael Maupins. When this project mobilizes, the Project Safety Officer is to establish a safety center for each work zone of the project.

The center is to be made of plywood or other suitable material on which the following items are mounted:

First-Aid Kit

Eye Wash Station

Fire Extinguisher

List of Emergency Numbers

The project safety officer is to contact the Austin office to coordinate ordering all safety equipment, including ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI’s). Reitmeyer & Associates has a standard list of equipment used at all projects. If your project requires additional items or amounts, coordinate these needs with Reitmeyer & Associates. This equipment is signed out to the project just as any other tools and is expected to be returned to Reitmeyer & Associates upon completion of the project. If the GFCI’s are loaned to subcontractors, they are required to sign for them and to return them on a daily basis. Any loan of equipment is considered temporary.

Even when subcontractors are required to furnish their own personal protective equipment (PPE), an adequate supply of PPE will also be maintained by Reitmeyer and Associates, Inc.. This equipment is to be made available to the subcontractors workforce only on occasions when employees fail to bring their own. The Project Safety Officer is responsible for the issuance and recollection of loaned PPE.

2. The Project Safety Officer is to develop an emergency plan of action for the project. This plan shall include directions for exiting the work areas in case of an emergency and a designated assembly point outside the work area. Personnel will be appointed to assist in emergency operations. This plan must be posted at the project site and is to be discussed periodically at weekly safety meetings.

3. Prior to mobilization, arrangements are to be made with local medical facilities for the provision of medical services in case of injuries.

4. The project’s Hazard Communication notebook must be placed in a location accessible to all interested parties at the project.

5. If hazardous materials are stored in the lay-down area, a place for keeping the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for these items must be provided near the entrance of the lay-down area. These are required by emergency personnel, (especially the Fire Department). Additionally, copies of all MSDS’s are to be provided to the government.

III. SAFETY/COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

ISOLATION OF WORK ZONES/TRAFFIC CONTROL

ISOLATION OF WORK ZONES:

It is the responsibility of the Project Safety Officer to ensure that all work zones are isolated as much as possible from unauthorized personnel and to enforce this isolation.

Signs and barricades are to be put in place to alert other personnel of the dangers of the construction.

If other personnel require access to, from, or through a construction area, alternate routes are to be provided. Keep the number of personnel within a construction zone to a minimum.

Reitmeyer & Associates and subcontractor personnel are not allowed to enter unauthorized areas of the facility. The Project Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring that all personnel are aware of this requirement.

TRAFFIC CONTROL:

Vehicles operated by the contractor will travel in the established designated areas.

IV. SAFETY/COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

ACCIDENT RESPONSE AND REPORTING

Should an employee be injured, the first concern is to provide proper response. The first ten minutes can be critical in determining the severity of an injury.

If the injury can be treated using first-aid, this will be done. If medical treatment is required, the Emergency System (911) will be accessed and the employee will be transported or directed to be transported by to the nearest hospital.

In case of a serious injury, the emergency action plan will be implemented and emergency medical services will be contacted.

If the employee was sent to a doctor for treatment, a release will be obtained by the employee from the doctor on the date of treatment stating either 1) employee is not fit for duty, 2) employee is fit for light duty, or 3) employee is fit for duty. A copy of this release must be provided with the accident report. The injured employee will be encouraged to return to work as soon as possible. If assignment to restricted duty (number 2 above) would allow the employee to return sooner, the Project Safety Officer will coordinate with the Superintendent to assign such duties.

The Project Safety Officer will monitor employees who are away from work due to injury. As soon as the employee is able to return to work, the Superintendent is to notify the Corporate Safety Officer so that workers' compensation can be stopped. If any employee is terminated for some reason prior to returning to work, the Corporate Safety Officer will continue monitoring the individual until such time the person is able to return to the work force.

Reporting:

The primary purpose of the accident report is to obtain information that point to specific causes and to corrective actions that could eliminate or minimize recurrences. Fault finding is not the purpose of an investigation.

All accidents - personal or property - are to be investigated by the Project Safety Officer. The Project Safety Officer is responsible for the completion of required reports. The forms are contained in the blue accident reporting package. Additional packages are available from the Austin office.

Investigations and reports are to be completed as promptly as possible after the occurrence of the accident, but always within 24 hours. In addition, all lost time injuries and property damage accidents (excluding on-the-road vehicle accidents) in which the property damage exceeds $2,000.00 will be reported to Sally Duncan, Contracting Officer at 309-794-5312.

Any accident causing serious injury or death is to be reported to the Corporate Safety Officer immediately.

The determination of which reports are required depends upon the nature and severity of the accident. The forms are directed to different agencies as required by law. Be sure to complete all required forms and send them to the Corporate Safety Officer within three days of the accident. The initial report can be faxed to the Austin office if the hard copies are included in the next weekly package. In addition to the following reporting, a record will be maintained of all first-aid treatments not otherwise reportable.

First report of injury: This form is completed for the purpose of filing a workers' compensation claim. It is to be completed for any accident that requires medical treatment. Be sure and complete the form specifically for the state in which the project is located.

Exception: overseas projects use a different form for this purpose.

OSHA 300 log: The OSHA 300 log is maintained for each calendar year at each project. Only OSHA recordable injuries are listed on this log. (see the safety program for a detailed explanation of what constitutes a "recordable injury"). The Project Safety Officer is responsible for maintaining this log. Instructions for completing this log are found in the Reitmeyer and Associates, Inc. safety program. The totaled OSHA 300 log from the previous year must be posted at the project at least during the month of February.

OSHA 301: This form is used by OSHA and the department of labor for tracking accidents. An OSHA 301 form is to be completed for each injury listed on the OSHA 300 log. This form should be filled out by the Supervisor with the most knowledge of the accident and reviewed by the Project Safety Officer. A copy of this form must be maintained at the project and the original sent to the Corporate Safety Officer.

Manager's accident investigation report: This report is to be completed on all property and personal accidents by the Project Safety Officer.

V. SAFETY/COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

WEEKLY SAFETY MEETINGS

On the first work day of every week, the Project Safety Officer is to conduct a weekly safety meeting. All workers and supervisory personnel, both Reitmeyer and Associates, Inc. and subcontractor, are required to attend. Each person attending must sign the attendance roster in his/her own signature.

The topics addressed in these meetings are to be planned by the Project Safety Officer and shall be pertinent to the activities occurring at the project. The hazard analysis section of the accident prevention plan contains safety controls that are to be implemented with each phase of work.

Recording the minutes of these meetings will be the responsibility of the Project Safety Officer.

A copy of the weekly safety meeting minutes is to be sent to the corporate office via the weekly field package. Also, a copy is to be maintained at the project site. A copy of the meeting minutes will be included in the daily QC report.

Subcontractors and foremen will conduct daily tool box meetings to review safety issues prior to each day's work. These are to be documented on the daily report.

Reitmeyer and Associates, Inc. will also provide pertinent safety information to the subcontractors in the preparatory inspections. This would include providing each subcontractor a copy of the hazard Analysis plan, coordinating hazard communication training, requirements for all personnel to attend weekly safety meetings, PPE requirements, accident reporting and record requirements, and other requirements of the safety program.

Reitmeyer and Associates, Inc.’s supervisors and management team will conduct monthly safety meetings to incorporate and assess any safety procedures.

It is the Project Safety Office’s responsibility to maintain a high level of compliance with the safety program.

VI. SAFETY/COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

TRAINING

All new employees and all subcontractors must be provided with a copy of Reitmeyer and Associates, Inc.’s company safety policy.

All new employees must receive training in the following areas prior to beginning work:

1. Company safety policy

2. Safe working procedures

3. Hazard communication program

4. Emergency action plan

5. Ladder training, when applicable

6. Electrical safety training, when applicable

7. Machine safety requirements, when applicable

All new supervisory employees must receive additional training in:

1. Hazard analysis

2. Accident investigation

3. Record keeping

4. Training methods

The Project Safety Officer is responsible for seeing that all training is properly conducted. Even if other personnel actually perform the training.

At least one to every 25 workers are to have current certifications/training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid. A 16 unit first aid kit will be available for every one to 25 workers.

VII. SAFETY/COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

INSPECTIONS

1. Housekeeping

The Project Safety Officer and the Project Superintendent are jointly responsible for enforcement of good housekeeping at the project.

The project is to be inspected daily for housekeeping. Subcontractors are required to maintain good housekeeping procedures on a daily basis.

2. Equipment

All equipment used at the project is to be inspected prior to its use. The "safety inspection checklist" form is to be used for documenting such inspections. The Project Safety Officer, the Project Superintendent, or the subcontractor can perform the required inspection.

All machines used on the project are to be checked daily, prior to use, to ensure that they are in good working condition.

Any defective equipment or machines are to be tagged and removed from service. Subcontractors are required to provide equipment and machinery that is in good condition.

All electrical equipment is to be used in conjunction with a GFCI device. All temporary electrical wiring is to be equipped with a GFCI device. Extension cords are to be inspected weekly and tagged by placing colored tape on the cord to indicate that it is in satisfactory condition for that week. This includes subcontractor furnished extension cords as well as Reitmeyer and Associates, Inc.’s.

3. Ladders/scaffolds

Ladders and scaffolds are to be inspected as per the Reitmeyer and Associates, Inc. safety program. This includes Reitmeyer and Associates, Inc. and subcontractor furnished equipment. Such inspections are to be documented as required in the Reitmeyer and Associates, Inc. safety program.

Any defective ladders found on the project site - including subcontractor's - are to be tagged and removed from the work area.

VIII. SAFETY /COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

PURCHASING

The purchase of all safety equipment/supplies is to be coordinated with Doug Reitmeyer.

Any equipment purchased is to be complete with all safeguarding devices as an integral part of the equipment.

MSDS’s are to be obtained with all orders of materials for which an MSDS is required. Since this includes almost every material used at a project, request an MSDS for every material purchased. Let the manufacturer be responsible for determining if an MSDS is not needed. If you have problems getting MSDS for ordered materials, contact the manufacturer.

Every material purchased must be properly labeled identifying the name and address of the manufacturer, the identity of the hazardous components, the flammability rating, and other pertinent information. Labels must be maintained on all containers. If materials are divided into smaller portions at the project, labels must be placed on the new containers.

Materials purchased by subcontractors and brought onto the job site must also comply with the labeling regulations. MSDS’s must be obtained on materials furnished by subcontractors as well.

Copies of all MSDS's obtained at the site are to be sent to the corporate office for placement in the master file.

See the hazard communication program for additional information regarding MSDS's.

IX. SAFETY/COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

FIRE PREVENTION

All work zones are to be established as “No Smoking” areas. Signage is to be posted notifying all personnel that the area is designated “No Smoking”.

Fire extinguishers of the ABC type are to be available in all work areas within 100 feet of each worker. Fire extinguishers are to be within arm’s reach during any “hot” work such as welding or flame torching. Other fire extinguishers as required are to be in place.

No flammable materials will be stored on this project site. Subcontractors will be required to remove such materials daily.

Rags soaked with flammable materials must be kept in separate, closed containers. Such containers must be removed from the project at the close of work each day.

All contractor and subcontractor personnel are required to use proper safety equipment such as hard hats, gloves, goggles, clothing, shoes, etc. Additionally the personnel are required to comply with all safety regulations at all times on the project work site. All such materials must be in good working order and shall be utilized properly at all times.

X. SAFETY/COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

SANITATION/HOUSEKEEPING

SANITATION

Drinkable water will be provided on all work sites. Portable drinking water dispensers shall be designed to ensure sanitary conditions, shall be capable of being closed, and shall have a tap. A community cup is not allowed!

Any nonpotable water on the work site will be labeled as such.

Employees shall not consume food or beverage in work areas or around toxic or hazardous substances. Receptacles will be provided for the disposal of waste food and containers. These containers shall be covered if sanitary conditions warrant. Areas will be cleaned of debris at least daily.

Chemical toilets will be provided on sites where sanitary sewers are not available. A minimum of one per site will be provided. Such facility will be provided with a lock and serviced on a routine basis.

The number of toilets will be based on the number of employees as follows:

Number of Employees Minimum Number of Facilities

20 or less one

20-200 1/40 workers

200 or more 1/50 workers

HOUSEKEEPING

Daily jobsite cleanup is required

Nails must be removed from scrap lumber

All stairways, passageways, gangways, and access ways must be kept free of material, supplies and obstructions at all times.

XI. SAFETY/COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Personal protective equipment can be effective only if the equipment is selected based on its intended use, employees are trained in its use, and the equipment is properly tested, maintained, and worn. Each employee will be given a copy of the company policy statement regarding safety prior to starting work at each project. The Project Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring that all personnel wear required PPE.

Construction site offices, stairways, passageways, and working areas will be sufficiently lighted, with either artificial or natural light, while work is in progress to allow the safe performance of all work.

Head Protection

Hard hats shall be worn by everyone on the jobsite at all times. Hats should be OSHA approved with straps or clips to avoid loss of the hat.

Class A hats should be used in most work areas. Class C hats can be worn where there is no danger from electrical hazards or potential falls. Do not wear metal hats.

Headbands should be cleaned periodically without using chemicals.

Hats should be inspected weekly for signs of deterioration, cracking, or other damage that might weaken its protective properties.

Helmets should not be stored or carried on the rear window shelf of an automobile as the extreme heat may adversely affect the degree of protection.

Each hard hat area will be clearly designated with the appropriate signage, warnings, and barricades.

Eye and Face Protection

Eye and face protective equipment is required by OSHA where there is a reasonable probability of preventable injury when such equipment is used. Suitable eye protectors must be used where machines or operations present the hazard of flying objects, glare, liquids, injurious radiation, or a combination of these hazards. Typical operations requiring goggles or other protection include grinding, cutting, chipping, heating rivets, cutting concrete, and welding.

Protectors must fit properly and provide adequate protection for the job assignment.

Eye/face protective devices should be fit properly, and be maintained properly. Slack, worn-out or twisted headbands do not hold the eye protector in proper position. These should be changed out when the band’s elasticity is reduced to the point of not functioning properly. Whenever lenses become pitted or scratched they should be replaced. Eyewear should be disinfected before being reissued to another person.

Employees who wear corrective lenses will, when required by job assignment to use a protective device, use a type that can be worn over the corrective lenses.

Eye wash first aid stations should be available in close proximity to the work area. Instructions should be posted close by.

Hearing Protection

Exposure to high noise levels can cause hearing loss or impairment. Prevention is the only way to avoid hearing damage. Whenever it is not feasible to reduce the noise levels or duration of exposure, ear protective devices will be worn.

The Project Safety Officer will monitor noise levels and is responsible for determining when hearing protection and what level of protection is required.

Clothing Protection

A minimum of a T-shirt and long pants are to be worn at all times any personnel are on the jobsite. No shorts are to be worn by any personnel associated with the project as well as any visitor to the jobsite. Also, steel-toed boots or other protective footwear shall be worn by all persons exposed to hazards to the feet.

Respiratory Protection

For work tasks located inside the remote manholes, air quality sampling shall be performed prior to the commencement of the work activities. At this time, it is not anticipated that respiratory protection will be required; however, the following respiratory protection program will be enforced if air sampling determines the use of respirators necessary.

In the control of those occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors, the primary objective shall be to prevent atmospheric contamination. This shall be accomplished as far as feasible by accepted engineering control measures (for example, enclosure or confinement) of the operation, general and local ventilation, and substitution of less toxic materials. When effective engineering controls are not feasible, or while they are being instituted, appropriate respirators shall be used.

Respirators shall be provided by the employer when such equipment is necessary to protect the health of the employee. The employer shall provide the respirators which are applicable and suitable for the purpose intended. The employer shall be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a respiratory protection program.

Reitmeyer and Associates, Inc. has established the following respiratory program.

1) Policy Statement: A respiratory protection program is established so as to coordinate the use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment as determined necessary to reduce employee exposure to toxic chemical agents and allow employees to work safely in hazardous work environments.

2) Designation of Program Administration: Management will designate individuals to be responsible for the implementation of the respiratory program as necessary. These people will have the authority to make decisions and implement changes in the respiratory program as it pertains to their area of responsibility.

3) The designees shall be responsible for the following:

a) Supervision of respirator selection procedure

b) Establishment of training sessions about respiratory equipment for employees.

c) Establishment of a continuing program of cleaning and inspection of equipment.

d) Designation of proper storage areas for respiratory equipment.

e) Establishment of issuance and accounting procedures for uses of respiratory equipment.

f) Establishment of medical screening program/procedures for employees assigned to wear respiratory equipment.

g) Establishment of a periodic inspection schedule of those workplace/conditions requiring respiratory equipment to determine exposure and/or changing situations.

h) A continuing evaluation of the above aspects to assure their continued functioning and effectiveness.

4) Selection Procedure: Respirators shall be selected on the basis of hazards to which the worker is exposed. Chemical and physical properties of the contaminant, as well as the toxicity and concentration of a hazardous material, and the amount of oxygen present must be considered in selecting the proper respirators. The nature and extent of the hazard, work rate, mobility, work requirements and conditions as well as the limitations and characteristics of the available respirators also are selection factors.

Proper selection of respirators shall be made according to the guidance of American National Standard Practices for Respiratory Protection and the Material Safety Data Sheet on the contaminant.

5) Training and Fit Testing: Every user shall be instructed and trained in selection and use of respiratory protection and their limitations. Training shall include the following:

a) Instruction in the nature of the hazard, whether acute, chronic, or both, and an honest appraisal, in terms the worker can understand, of what may happen if the respirator is not used.

b) Discussion of why this is the proper type of respirator for a particular purpose.

c) Discussion of the respirator’s capabilities and limitations.

d) Instruction, training, and actual use of the respirator, and close, frequent supervision to ensure that it continues to be used properly.

e) Explanation of how maintenance and storage of the respirator is carried out.

f) Other special training as needed for special use.

6) Fit testing shall include the following:

a) Training shall provide the employee an opportunity to handle the respirator, have it fitted properly, test its face piece-to face seal, wear it in normal air for a long familiarity period, and finally, to wear it in a test environment.

b) Every respiratory wearer shall receive fitting instructions including demonstrations and practice in how to adjust it, and how to determine if it fits properly.

c) Conditions that can seriously affect the fit of a face piece include the following:

∃ Growth of beard

∃ Sideburns

∃ A skull cap

∃ Temple pieces on glasses

∃ Dentures

d) To assure proper protection, the face piece fit shall be checked by the wearers each time they put on the respirator.

7) Respirator Cleaning: Routinely used respirators shall be collected, cleaned, and disinfected as frequent as necessary to ensure that proper protection is provided. Those respirators used by more than one employee shall be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use. Cleaning shall include:

a) Remove component parts

b) Wash and rinse assemblies

c) Air dry

d) Visually inspect during cleaning

e) Reassemble and test

f) Place in proper storage

8) Respiratory Storage: Respirators shall be stored in a convenient, clean, and sanitary location. Protection shall be against dust, sunlight, heat, extreme cold, excessive moisture, or damaging chemicals.

9) Inspection and Maintenance: All respirators shall be inspected routinely before and after each use. Inspection shall include the following:

a) Tightness of connections

b) Check of face piece, valves, tubing, and canisters

c) Rubber parts shall be inspected for pliability and signs of deterioration.

Replacement or repairs by experienced persons shall be done with parts designed for that specific respirator.

10) Program Evaluation: There shall be regular inspection and evaluation to determine the continued effectiveness of the program. Respirator protection is not better than the respirator in use, even though it is worn conscientiously. Frequent, random inspections shall be conducted by a qualified individual to assure that respirators are properly selected, used, cleaned and maintained.

11) Medical Requirements: Persons should not be assigned to tasks requiring use of respirators unless it has been determined that they are physically able to perform the work and use the equipment. A local physician shall determine what health and physical conditions are pertinent. The respirator user’s medical status should be reviewed periodically.

12) Use of Approved Respirators: Approved or accepted respirators shall be used when they are available. The respirator furnished shall provide adequate respiratory protection against the particular hazard for which it is designed in accordance with standards established by competent authorities. The US Department of Interior, Bureau of Mines and the US Department of Agriculture are such authorities.

13) Air Quality Standards: Compressed air used for supplied air respirators must be of high purity. Breathable air may be supplied to respirators from cylinders or air compressors. Containers of breathable gas must be clearly marked. Compressors must be constructed and situated to avoid any entry of contaminated air into the system and must be equipped with suitable in-line air-purifying absorbent beds and filters installed to assure air quality. If an oil lubricated compressor is used, it must have a high temperature or carbon monoxide alarm, or both.

XII. SAFETY/COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

HAND AND POWER TOOLS

General:

Maintenance: Hand tools, power tools, and jacks shall be maintained in safe operating condition and used only for the purpose for which they were designed. Damaged and defective tools shall be repaired or removed from service.

Storage: Tools shall not be left in scaffolds or elevated work spaces, and containers shall be provided for hand tools on the jobsite.

Guarding: Tools designed to accommodate guards shall be operated with such guards in place. Belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, sprockets, spindles, drums, and other types of moving drives shall be isolated or guarded as set forth in the current edition of ANSI B15.1, “Safety Code for Mechanical Power Transmission Apparatus.”

Grounding: Electric-powered tools shall be the double-insulated type or effectively grounded.

Switches: On-off switches controlling the operation of hand-held powered tools shall conform to the following requirements:

1) Hand-held powered platen sanders, grinders with 2-inch or less diameter wheels, routers, planers, laminate trimmers, nibblers, shears, scroll saws, and jigsaws with blade shanks 0.25-inch wide or less may be equipped with only a positive on-off control.

2) Hand-held powered drills, tappers, fastener drives, horizontal, vertical, and angle grinders with wheels exceeding 2 inches in diameter, disk sanders, belt sanders, reciprocating saws, and similar tools shall be equipped with a momentary contact on-off control. They may have a lock-on control provided the power can be shut off by a single motion of the same finger(s) that turns it on.

3) Jackhammers, with exception of concrete vibrators, and similar pneumatic-powered Hand tools and other hand-held power tools including chain saws, circular saws, percussion shall be equipped with a constant pressure switch that shuts off power when pressure is released.

Personal Protective Equipment: Hand tool and power tool operators shall be provided with and use respective type(s) of personal protective equipment as set forth in the section on Personal Protective Equipment.

Hazardous Conditions: Only non-sparking tools shall be used in locations where sources of ignition may cause an explosion or fire. Gasoline-powered tools shall not be used underground or in locations where toxic exhaust gases can accumulate. Impact tools including drift pins, wedges, and chisels shall be kept in a dressed condition or equipped with non-mushrooming heads. Employees shall not work under areas where hand-held tools are being used unless the tools are equipped with restraining straps, or appropriate decking, planking, and netting are provided for employee protection.

Pneumatic Tools:

Impact Tools: Pneumatic tools shall be operated with safety clips or retainers installed to prevent tools from being accidentally discharged from the chuck.

Air Hoses: All connections, couplings, and splices in air lines exceeding 0.5-inch inside diameter shall be equipped with clips and wire rope or chain lashings. The clips and lashings will be installed in a manner that prevents whipping of the hose line should the connection coupling or splice fail. A safety device at the source of supply or branch line which will automatically reduce pressure in case of a line failure may be substituted provided the device is demonstrated as effective in preventing whipping.

Operating Pressures: The manufacturer’s safe operating pressure for hoses, pipes, valves, and fittings shall not be exceeded. Defective hoses, valves, and fittings shall be removed from service.

Compressed Air: Compressed air shall not be directed to any part of the body. Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning purposes except when reduced to less than 30 lb/in.2 and the operator protected by personal protective equipment as set forth in the section on Personal Protective Equipment. The 30 lb/in.2 requirement does not apply to sandblasting, green cutting removal of mill scale cleaning concrete forms, and similar cleaning operations.

Care of Air Hoses: Air hoses shall not be used for hoisting or lowering tools. Hoses shall not be laid on ladders, steps, scaffolds, or walkways in a manner creating a tripping hazard.

Airless Spray Guns: Airless spray guns of the type which atomize paints and fluids at pressures of 1,000 lb/in.2 or more shall be equipped with automatic or visible manual safety devices which will prevent pulling of the trigger and prevent release of the paint or fluid until the safety device is manually released. In lieu of the above, a diffuser nut to prevent high-pressure release when the nozzle tip is removed and a nozzle tip guard to prevent the tip from contacting the operator or other equivalent protection shall be provided.

Nailers: Pneumatically driven nailers, staplers, and similar equipment provided with automatic fastener feed, which operate at more than 100 lb/in.2, shall have a safety device on the muzzle to prevent the ejection of the fasteners unless the muzzle is in contact with the work surface.

Grinding Tools:

Requirement: The installation, guarding, use, and care of grinding tools shall comply with the standards set forth in the current ANSI B7.1, “Safety Code for the Use, Care, and Protection of Abrasive Wheels.” Grinding tools shall not be used without the safety guards, protective flanges, and tool rests installed and maintained in proper adjustment.

Abrasive Wheels: Abrasive wheels and scratch brush wheels shall not be operated in excess of their rated safe speed. Cracked or defective abrasive wheels shall be removed from service immediately.

Woodworking Tools:

Requirement: The installation, guarding, use, and care of power-operated woodworking tools shall comply with the standards set forth in ANSI 01.1, “Safety Code for Woodworking Machinery”, current edition.

Switches: Switches shall be located to enable the operator to cut off the power without leaving his operating position. Fixed power-driven tools shall be provided with a disconnect switch that can be locked in the off position.

Automatic Feed: Whenever the nature of the work will permit, automatic feeding devices shall be installed on fixed power-driven woodworking tools. Feeder attachments shall have the feed rolls and/or other moving parts guarded to protect the operator.

Electrical Equipment: When automatic restarting would create a hazard, electrically-driven equipment shall be controlled with a device which will prevent automatic restarting following a power failure.

Push Sticks: A push stick, block, or similar safe means shall be used for all operations close to high-speed cutting edges.

Planers and Joiners: Planers and joiners shall be equipped with cylindrical cutting heads and fully guarded.

Bandsaws: Bandsaw blades shall be fully enclosed except at the point of operation.

Cleanup: Work areas shall be kept clean and brush provided at each machine to remove sawdust, chips, and shavings.

Power Saws:

Circular Saws: Bench-type circular saws shall be equipped with spreaders, anti-kickback devices, and guards that automatically enclose the exposed cutting edges. Portable hand-held circular saws shall be equipped with guards above and below the baseplate or shoe. The upper guard shall cover the saw to the depth of the teeth, except for the minimum arc required to permit the base to be tilted for bevel cuts. The lower guard shall cover the saw to the depth of the teeth, except for the minimum arc required to allow proper retraction and contact with the work. As the blade is withdrawn, the lower guard shall automatically and instantly return to the covering position.

Operating Speeds: The operating speed shall be permanently marked on all circular saws over 20 inches in diameter or operating speeds over 10,000 peripheral feet per minute. Only blades designed for use at the marked operating speed shall be used. When the saw is re-tensioned for a different speed, the marking shall be changed to indicate the new speed.

Radial Arm Saws: Radial arm saws and swing cutoff saws shall be equipped with 1) limit stops which prevent the leading edge of the blade from traveling beyond the edge of the table, 2) hoods and/or guards that protect the operator from flying material, direct the sawdust toward the back of the blade, and enclose all parts of the blade not in contact with the material being cut, and 3) automatic brakes or automatic return devices.

Unattended: Power saws shall not be left running unattended.

Sawdust Collectors: Bench type circular saws and radial saws used for protection work shall be equipped with enclosed-type sawdust collectors.

Cleanup: Scrap and sawdust shall not be permitted to accumulate; the shop area shall be cleaned up at the end of each shift.

Defective Blades: Cracked, bent, or otherwise defective blades shall be removed from service.

Hydraulic-Powered Tools:

Safe Operating Pressures: The manufacturer’s safe operating pressure for hoses, valves, pipes, filters, and fittings shall not be exceeded.

Hydraulic Fluid: Fluid in hydraulic-powered tools shall be fire resistant type approved by a recognized authority, such as Underwriters’ Laboratories or Factory Mutual.

Stationary Hydraulic-Powered Presses: Presses shall be provided with guards that adequately contain flying particles forcibly expelled from the material being compressed.

Powder-Actuated Tools:

Requirement: Powder-actuated tools shall be designed, maintained, and used in accordance with the standards set forth in the current edition of ANSI A10.3, “Safety Requirements for Powder-Actuated Fastening Systems”, and the requirements of this subsection.

Operator Qualification: Powder-actuated tools shall be operated and serviced only by persons who have been trained and certified in the safe use of such tools. Operators must possess an operator’s card issued by a firm or person authorized to issue such cards, usually the equipment manufacturer or sales representative.

Unauthorized Use: Safeguards shall be taken to prevent the possession or use of these tools and their charges by unauthorized persons.

Flammable Atmospheres: Powder-actuated tools shall not be used in explosive or flammable atmospheres.

Studs and Fasteners: Only powder charges, studs, or fasteners specified by the manufacturer for the specified tool shall be used.

Power Loads: Cased or caseless power loads shall be coded to identify power load levels by case color and power load color as specified. In the event of a misfire, the operator shall hold the tool firmly against the work surface for a period of 30 seconds and then follow the explicit instructions set forth in the manufacturer’s instruction manual.

Safety Features: Tools shall be designed to operate only when pressed against the work surface with a force at least 5 pounds greater than the weight of the tool. They shall be constructed so the tool cannot fire when dropped or during loading or preparation to fire.

Materials: Driving into soft or easily penetrated material is prohibited unless the material is backed to prevent complete penetration. Tools shall not be used on very hard or brittle materials such as cast iron, glazed tile, surface hardened steel, glass block, live rock, face brick, or hollow tile.

Use: Tools shall not be loaded until just prior to firing. Loaded tools shall not be left unattended. Tools shall not be pointed at any person, and all parts of the body shall be kept clear of the muzzle.

Testing: Tools shall be tested each day before loading to ensure that the safety devices are in proper working order; the test shall be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended test procedures.

High-Velocity Tools: High-velocity tools shall be used only for those applications where low-velocity tools will not meet the job requirements.

Storage: Powder-actuated tools and power loads shall be locked in a container and stored in a safe place when not in use and shall be accessible only to authorized personnel.

Hand-Powered Winches and Hoists:

Rated Capacity: Hand-powered winches and hoists shall be used within the manufacturer’s rated capacity, and the capacity shall be legibly marked on the winch or hoist.

Cranks: The use of hand cranks is prohibited unless the winch or hoist is equipped with positive self-locking dogs or of the wormgear type. Hand-wheels shall not have projected spokes or knobs.

Lever and Ratchet, Screw, and Hydraulic Jacks:

Capacity: The manufacturer’s rated capacity shall be legibly marked on all jacks and shall not be exceeded.

Overtravel: Jacks, of any type, shall have a positive stop to prevent overtravel.

Footing and Blocking: Jacks shall be set on a stable and firm footing, and cribbed or blocked where necessary to prevent settlement or dislodgement. Where there is a possibility of slippage, a wood block shall be placed between the jack and the load.

Standard Sources:

Detailed requirements for Hand tools, power tools, and jacks can be found in the following OSHA standards.

∃ Construction

29 CFR 1926.300 General Requirements

29 CFR 1926.301 Hand tools

29 CFR 1926.302 Power-Operated Hand tools

29 CFR 1926.303 Abrasive Wheels and Tools

29 CFR 1926.304 Woodworking Tools

29 CFR 1926.305 Jacks

∃ General Industry

29 CFR 1910.212 General Requirements for all Machines

29 CFR 1910.244 Other Portable Tools and Equipment

XIII. SAFETY/COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

SAFE ACCESS AND FALL PROTECTION

Body belts, safety straps, and/or fall protection devices shall be worn and used in accordance with OSHA 1926.951 during construction requiring personnel to be 6 feet, or greater, above ground level. Employees shall be protected from falling at all times.

The Project Safety Officer will coordinate with the appropriate personnel to ensure that a positive fall protection system is in place on each project prior to work in elevated areas.

In jobs involving potential fall hazards, safety belts, lifelines, body harnesses, an/or lanyards

must be used.

XIV. SAFETY/COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

FLOOR AND WALL OPENINGS

Floor and Roof Openings:

Requirement: Floor and roof openings, including skylights, into which persons can fall shall be covered with material and bracing of sufficient strength to support the load which may be imposed; or they shall be protected by a securely-anchored enclosure meeting the requirements of this subsection. All floor and roof openings shall be conspicuously labeled.

Protective Enclosure: All uncovered floor or roof openings shall be enclosed on open sides with a standard guardrail and toeboard.

Stairway and Ladderway Openings: Stairway and ladderway floor openings shall be guarded by a standard guardrail and toeboard on exposed sides except the entrance. Entrances to stairways or ladderways shall be offset or provided with a gate to prevent persons from walking directly into the opening.

Hatchways and Chute Openings: Hatchways and chute floor openings shall be guarded by one of the following:

1) Hinged covers of sufficient strength to carry anticipated loads and a standard guardrail with one exposed or open side guarded by a removable standard guardrail.

2) A removable standard guardrail or self-closing gate installed on not more than one side, and fixed standard guardrails and toeboards on all other exposed sides. The removable guardrails shall be kept in place when the opening is not in use. Chute openings into which debris is manually dumped shall be guarded by a standard guardrail on the side which employees stand to dump debris.

3) Removable standard guardrails, secured to the floor on all open or exposed sides, installed to permit removal of only a section or side(s) sufficiently large to perform the work. When the hatchway is not in use, the guardrail shall be immediately replaced and secured.

Doors and Gates: Where door or gates open directly on a stairway, a platform shall be provided and the swing of the door or gate shall not reduce the effective length of the platform to less than 20 inches.

Wall Openings:

Requirement: Wall openings, from which there is a drop of more than 4 feet and the bottom of the opening is less than 3 feet above the working surface, shall be guarded with a standard guardrail or guardrail components to afford protection to a height of 42 inches above the working surface. A standard toeboard shall be provided where the bottom of the wall opening is less than 4 inches above the working surface.

Extension Platforms: Extension platforms, outside of wall openings, erected to provide access for materials, equipment, or personnel, shall be protected on exposed side by a standard guardrail and toeboard.

Open Floors, Roofs, and Platforms:

Requirement: The perimeters of all floors, platforms, etc., 6 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level, shall be guarded by the installation of standard guardrails or equivalent guarding unless or until they are permanently enclosed to a height of 3 feet or more above the floor or working surface. Standard toeboards shall be provided when there is a hazard to persons or property from falling objects. The perimeters of roofs shall be protected by guardrails or other protective devices.

Hazardous Locations: In locations where a hazardous condition exists, such as projecting reinforcing steel, moving equipment, or hazardous materials, standard guardrails shall be provided regardless of height.

Protection from Falling Objects: When employees are required to work under an open-sided wall opening or platform where a hazard from falling objects exists, the contractor shall install appropriate and effective protection such as enclosed guardrails or nets.

Removal of Guardrails: The guardrails shall only be removed concurrent with the erection of the permanent wall, and the openings kept as small as possible considering the nature of the work and the safety of the employees.

Standard Sources:

Detailed requirements for floor and wall openings can be found in the following OSHA standards.

General Industry

29 CFR 1026.23 Guarding Floor and Wall Openings and Holes.

XV. SAFETY/COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

WELDING, CUTTING, AND GROUNDING OF MACHINERY

General:

Applicable Standards: All welding and cutting apparatus, equipment, and operations shall be in accordance with the standards and recommendations set forth in the current edition of ANSI Z49.1 “Safety in Welding and Cutting”, and the requirements of this section.

Daily Inspection: Welding apparatus and equipment shall be inspected daily prior to use. Defective apparatus and equipment shall be removed from service, replaced, or repaired and reinspected before being used again.

Fire Extinguishers: Fire extinguishers rated 2A20B:C units or larger shall be immediately available wherever welding or cutting is being carried out.

Fire Protection: The following precautions shall be taken, as applicable, when welding or cutting:

1) Flammable Material - Welding shall, whenever possible, be confined to areas free of combustible materials. When this is not possible, all combustible material shall be removed or protected from fire, sparks, and slag.

2) Fire Guards - When welding, cutting, or heating where such normal fire prevention precautions are not considered adequate, fire guards shall be assigned to the operation. They shall be on duty during the operations and for a sufficient period of time following the completion of the work to ensure that no possibility of fire exists. Fire guards shall be provided with necessary fire protection equipment and instructed in its use.

3) Tests - Before welding, cutting, or heating any material covered by a preservative coating whose flammability is unknown, a test shall be made to determine its flammability.

4) Shafts - Noncombustible barriers shall be installed below welding or burning operations in or over a shaft or raise.

5) Flammable and Combustible Liquids - No welding, cutting, or burning shall be done in areas containing flammable and/or combustible liquids, vapors, or dusts.

Goggles and Protective Clothing: Welders and helpers shall wear protective clothing and eye protection as specified in the section on Personal Protective Equipment. Further, other persons shall be protected from exposure to welding rays, flashes, sparks, molten metal, and slag. Welding screens shall be installed in repair shops and other areas where welding is done.

Preservative Coatings: When preservative coatings are highly flammable, they shall be removed from the area to be heated in order to prevent ignition. The following precautions shall be taken when coatings are determined to be toxic:

1) Enclosed spaces - Welding and cutting in enclosed space will conform to requirements of the section on Working in Confined Spaces. Additionally, all coated surfaces shall be stripped of the coating for a distance of at least 4 inches on each side of the cut or weld.

2) Open air - Employees in open air shall be protected bye either an air line respirator, an appropriate respirator meeting the requirements of the section on Personal Protection Equipment., or adequate local ventilation.

Ventilation: Ventilation and protection of employees welding, cutting, or heating in confined spaces shall conform to requirements contained or referenced in the section on Working in Confined Spaces. Employees welding, cutting, heating, brazing, or using fluxes, coatings, and filler materials containing the following materials shall be protected in accordance with the section on Personal Protection Equipment.

∃ Cadmium

∃ Fluorides

∃ Mercury

∃ Chlorinated hydrocarbons

∃ Stainless Steel

∃ Zinc or galvanized materials

∃ Beryllium

∃ Lead

∃ Other materials or compounds determined to be toxic by the manufacturer or a national recognized source referenced in 29 CFR Part 1910.

Flammable Liquid Containers: When it is necessary to cut or weld closed containers which contain flammable liquids, the containers shall be thoroughly steam cleaned and then filled with water prior to cutting or welding.

Gas Welding and Cutting:

Equipment: Gas welding and cutting equipment shall be as listed by Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc., or by Factory Mutual.

Gas Cylinders: Gas cylinders shall be constructed, transported, handled, stored, used and maintained in accordance with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

Regulators: Pressure-reducing regulators shall be used only for the gas for which they were designed. Except for cracking the valve slightly to remove dust or dirt, gas shall not be released from a cylinder under pressure without attaching the pressure-reducing regulator to the cylinder valve. Acetyl regulators shall not be adjusted to permit a discharge greater than 15 lb/in.2 (gauge).

Torches: Torch valves shall be closed and the gas supply shut off when work is suspended. Torch valves shall be checked for leaks at the beginning of each shift. Torches shall be lit by friction lighters or other approved devices and not by matches or from hot work.

Check Valves: All oxygen, acetylene, or other fuel gas oxygen combinations used in cutting or welding shall have reverse flow check valves installed at the inlet side of the torch.

Welding Hose: Only properly marked and identified hose in good condition and specifically manufactured for oxyacetylene service shall be used for gas welding and cutting. Hose which has been subjected to flashback or which indicates evidence of severe wear or damage shall be removed from service. Containers used for storage of fuel gas hose shall be ventilated.

Compressed Gas:

Standards: Air receivers shall be constructed in accordance with the ASME code for Unfired Pressure Vessels. All safety valves used shall be constructed, installed, and maintained in accordance with the ASME code for Unfired Pressure Vessels.

Access and guarding: Compressed and related equipment shall be located to provide safe access to all parts of the equipment for operation, maintenance, and repairs. Safety appliances, such as valves, indicating devices, and controlling devices, shall be constructed, located, and installed so that they cannot be readily rendered inoperative by any means, inlcuding the elements. Air hose, pipes, valves, filters, and other fittings shall be pressure rated by the manufacturer and this pressure shall not be exceeded. Defective hose sahll be removed from service. Hose shall not be laid over ladders, steps, scaffolds, or walkways to create a tripping hazard.

Arc Welding and Cutting:

Applicable Standards: Electric arc welding apparatus shall comply with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, “Electric Arc Welding Machine Standards”, and shall be installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with ANSI Z49.1 “Safety in Welding and Cutting.”

Power Circuits: Power circuits for electric arc welding equipment shall be installed and maintained in accordance with applicable provisions of the current National Electric Code.

Grounding: Frames of all electric welding machines operated from power circuits shall be effectively grounded in accordance with current NEC Standards. The ground for electric welding circuits shall be both mechanically and electrically adequate. Pipelines containing flammable gasses or liquids, electrical conduits, chains, wire rope, cranes, hoists, or similar devices shall not be used for a ground.

Cables: Splices or repaired insulation shall not be permitted within 10 feet of the electrode holder. Cables shall be positioned so as not to create obstructions on walkways, scaffolds, stairs, or ladders.

Gasoline-Driven Arc Welders: Gasoline-driven arc welders shall not be used in confined spaces, or underground in tunnels, shafts, conduits, etc.

Inert-Gas Metal-Arc Welding:

Chlorinated Solvents: Application of chlorinated solvents shall not be done within 200 feet of the exposed arc. Surfaces prepared with chlorinated solvents shall be thoroughly dry before welding is permitted on such surfaces.

Arc Protection: Employees exposed to the arc shall be required to wear goggles with filter lenses. When two or more welders are exposed to each other’s arc, filter lens goggles of suitable type shall be worn under the welding helmets. Hand shields designed to dissipate radiant energy shall be used when either the helmet is lifted or the shield is removed.

Radiation: Welders and persons exposed to radiation shall wear protective clothing completely covering the skin to prevent harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.

Standard Sources:

Detailed requirements for welding and cutting operations can be found in the following OSHA standards.

∃ Construction

29 CFR 1923.350 Gas Welding and Cutting

29 CFR 1926.351 Arc Welding and Cutting

29 CFR 1926.352 Fire Prevention

29 CFR 1926.353 Ventilation and Protection in Welding, Cutting and Heating

29 CFR 1926.354 Welding, Cutting, and Heating in Way of Preservative Coatings.

∃ General Industry

29 CFR 1940.252 Welding, Cutting, Brazing.

XVI. SAFETY/COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

LOCKOUT/TAGOUT PROGRAM

Purpose:

This policy (standard) covers the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment in which the unexpected energization or start up of the machines and equipment, or release of stored energy could cause injury to employees.

This policy (standard) shall apply to the control of energy during servicing and/or maintenance of machines and equipment; or when an employee is required to bypass a guard or other safety device; or when an employee is required to place part of his/her body into an area of the machine or equipment where work is actually performed on the material being processed (point of operation); or where an associated danger zone exists during a machine operating cycle.

Note: Minor tool changes, adjustments and servicing which takes place during normal operations are not covered in this policy if these operations are routine, repetitive, and integral to the use of equipment, provided that the work being performed utilizes alternative measures which provide effective protection.

Note: Work on cords and plugs for electrical equipment do not apply to this policy, as long as the equipment will not cycle or release energy unexpectedly and if the cord or plug is under the exclusive control of the servicing employee.

Note: Where feasible, an energy isolating device shall be provided on all machinery not presently so equipped.

Reference: OSHA 1910.147

Definitions:

Affected Employee: An employee who is assigned to operate machinery or equipment, or employees in the area of the machinery or equipment to be serviced, maintained or repaired.

Authorized Employee: A person who locks or implements a tagout system procedure to effect service, maintenance or repair on said machinery or equipment. The authorized employee may or may not be the employee actually performing the service, maintenance or repair operations.

Capable of Being Locked Out: An energy isolating device which is designed with hasp or other attachment where a hasp and/or lock can be affixed. Lockouts may also be achieved if a locking mechanism is an integral part of the machine or equipment.

Energized: Connected to an energy source or containing residual or stored energy.

Energy Isolating Device: A mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy.

Energy Source: To any source of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, or other energy.

Hot Tap: Refer to applicable OSHA Standards for details.

Lockout Device: A device that utilizes a positive means to hold an energy isolating device in the safe position and prevent the energizing of the machine or equipment.

Normal Production Operations: The utilization of a machine or equipment to perform an intended function.

Service and/or Maintenance: Workplace activities that could expose an employee to the unexpected release of energy involving a machine or equipment.

Setting Up: To any work performed to prepare a machine or equipment for the performance of normal production operations.

Tagout: The placement of a tagout device or an energy isolating device to indicate that the energy isolating device and machinery/equipment being controlled may not be operated until removed.

Tagout Device: A prominent warning device, such as a tag with means of attachment to an energy isolating device, indicating that the energy isolating device and machinery/equipment shall not be operated until removed.

Key Elements:

Standardized Lockout/Tagout equipment shall be purchased. This equipment shall be identifiable to the authorized employee implementing the procedure.

The initial Lockout/Tagout training shall be completed by the Safety Department for all new

and existing employees.

A log of all operation requiring Lockout/Tagout procedures shall be maintained by the Project Superintendent.

The machinery/equipment to be serviced, maintained or repaired shall be identified.

The authorized employee shall notify all affected employees of the operations to be performed and any precautionary measures to be taken.

The authorized employee shall affix the Lockout/Tagout device to the energy isolating device. At this time, other safety devices shall be installed that further provide protection of the employee(s) to be preforming service, maintenance, or repairs on the identified machine or equipment.

The authorized employee shall test the equipment or machinery to assure that all energy has been terminated or released.

Service, maintenance or repair operations commence.

To assure procedure effectiveness, the Manager/Supervisor shall make periodic inspections during service, maintenance, or repair operations.

** If the work on a given machine or equipment is to be transferred or completed by another shift, the identifiable Lockout/Tagout devices shall be replaced with the devices of the employee performing the work.

** If the work on a given machine or equipment is to be performed by more than one authorized employee, the Lockout /Tagout devices of all the authorized employee shall be affixed to the isolating device.

Once the work has been completed, the work shall be inspected and the area cleaned of unnecessary materials. Upon inspection, the additional safety devices should be removed.

Prior to removing the Lockout/Tagout device form the energy isolating devise, the authorized employee shall inform the affected employees that the machine or equipment is to be restored to operation.

The Lockout/Tagout device is removed.

The machine or equipment shall be tested as the final part of the manager/supervisor inspection.

The machine or equipment may be released to the affected (operating) employee and the completion of work is to be logged.

XVII. WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES

The hazards encountered and associated with entering and working in confined spaces are capable of causing bodily injury, illness, and death to the worker. Accidents occur among workers because of failure to recognize that a confined space is a potential hazard. It should therefore be considered that the most unfavorable situation exists in every case and that the danger of explosion, poisoning, and asphyxiation will be present at the onset of entry. As a result, every effort should be made to design a work plan which eliminates confined space entry. In a situation where confined space entry is unavoidable, the procedures and controls outlined below MUST be strictly adhered to. Failure to comply will be regarded as a serious health and safety violation, resulting in instant dismissal of the offending employees.

The recommended standard is outlined in the NIOSH publication, “Working in Confined Spaces”, copies of which are available to all employees. This is a lengthy and complex document which describes in detail the regulatory requirements, and should be regarded as the definitive document.

Qualified Person

All confined space entry will be conducted under the direct supervision of an employee capable (by education and/or specialized training) of anticipating, recognizing, and evaluating employee exposure to hazardous substances or other unsafe conditions in a confined space. This person shall be capable of specifying necessary control and/or protective action to insure worker safety.

Under no circumstances will any person enter a confined space without authorization from the qualified person.

Confined Space

Refers to a space which, by design, has limited openings for entry and exit; unfavorable natural ventilation which could contain or produce dangerous air contaminants, and which is not intended for continuous employee occupancy. Confined spaces include but are not limited to storage tanks, compartments of ships, process vessels, pits, silos, vats, degreasers, reaction vessels, boilers, ventilation and exhaust ducts, sewers, tunnels, underground utility vaults, and pipelines.

Confined Space, Class “A”

A confined space that presents a situation that is immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH). These include but are not limited to oxygen deficiency ( ................
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