ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual for Contractors Department of Occupational Safety and Health 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 1
District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority ROCIP CONSTRUCTION SAFETY STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS Part 1 Overview of DC Water Contractor Safety Standards and Requirements I. DC Water Contractor Safety and Health Policy II. III. Contractor Safety Requirements Accountability and Responsibilities A. DC Water Construction Management Team B. General (Prime) Contractor C. All Contractors D. Insurance Administrator Risk Services E. Insurance Carrier IV. Overview of DC Water Safety Standards and Requirements A. Purpose B. Applicability C. General Safety and Health Rules D. Use of Personal Protective Equipment E. Trenching and Excavation Safety F. Confined Space Entry (Reserved for Site Specific Requirements) G. Fall Protection H. Lockout/Tagout I. General Electrical Safety J. Use and Storage of Hazardous Materials and Chemicals K. Vehicle on DC Water Property or Projects L. Ladder Safety M. Hand and Power Tools N. Fire Prevention and Housekeeping O. Traffic Safety in Construction Area P. Use of Scaffolds Q. Cranes and Rigging R. Boom and Scissor Lifts S. Welding and Cutting T. First Aid and CPR Program U. Placement of Aboveground Storage Tanks (AST s) 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 2
V. Asbestos and Lead Abatement Projects W. Employee/Certification for Reviewing DC Water s Overview of Safety Standards and Requirements Part 2 In-Depth View of DC Water s Contractor Safety Requirements Overview and Guidance for Specific Aspects of Contractor Safety Programs A. Formal Safety Plan B. Overview of Contractor Safety Training Requirements C. Ensuring Compliance with Safety Policies and Procedures D. Hazard Identification and Correction E. Fall Protection F. Electrical Safety and Lockout/Tagout Program G. Site Vehicle Operations H. Traffic Control and Flaggers I. Housekeeping J. Personal Protective Equipment K. Tools and Equipment L. Excavation and Trenching M. Concrete and Masonry Work N. Cranes O. Rigging P. Scaffolds Q. Steel Erection R. Roofing S. Fire Prevention and Emergency Action Plan T. Hazard Communication Program U. Confined Spaces V. Respiratory Protection Part 3 Administrative Items Related to the DC Water ROCIP 1. Quarterly Contractor Safety Meetings 2. Reporting OSHA Injury Summary 3. Return to Work Policy (Reserved) 4. Accident Investigation & Reporting Procedures 5. ROCIP Contractors Insurance Manual 6. Insurance Carrier 7. Accident Report Requirements 8. Sample Accident Report 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 3
Part 4 Rolling Owner Control Insurance Program (ROCIP) Substance Abuse Testing Program 1. Introduction 2. General Provisions 3. Types of Testing to be Conducted 4. Testing Procedures 5. Instructions for Use of the Optional Reasonable Suspicion Checklist Appendix A 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 4
Part 1 Overview of DC Water s Contractor Safety Standards and Requirements I. DC WATER CONTRACTOR SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY The DC Water and Sewer Authority is committed to providing a safe, healthful and secure work environment for all persons directly involved in our construction activities. We are also committed to providing protection to the public from the hazards associated with on-site and off-site construction activities. It is the intent of DC Water management to require all contractors to foster, and promote the mission of an Injury Free Workplace. This calls for the elimination of unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, and the elimination of near miss incidents, which can be accomplished through: Teamwork between DC Water, the General Contractors and all sub-contractors. Personal commitment of everyone on the site to the success of this project. Ownership of the work product by the workers. Pursuant to this goal, all workers on this project have the following responsibilities: To conduct their work in a safe manner. To immediately correct any unsafe act and/or condition pertaining to their work. To take prompt corrective action and ensure that work activities proceed in a safe manner. All contractors and sub-tier contractor are required to implement measures to create a universal awareness, which promotes safe practices at the work site, and strives towards the achievement of Zero Incidents. All contractors are required to ensure that they and their employees, Subcontractors, suppliers, vendors, and visitors, while on the job site and in the conduct of contracts, comply with the provisions of this manual. Non-compliance with safety requirements shall be treated the same as non-compliance with any contract item. Non-compliance may result in work stoppage, employee dismissal and willful or repeated non-compliance may result in Contractor dismissal. All workers employed on DC Water projects will conduct their work in a safe manner consistent with good construction safety practices in addition to all written requirements. Each General Contractor that performs work on our projects shall prepare and submit, for review and comment, their own project-specific safety plan. This plan shall be tailored to the specific work to be performed on the project by their work force and their subcontractor s work force. The safety plan shall be in conformance with DC Water s contract documents, the requirements and standards of all applicable governing regulatory agencies, and comply with the DC Water recommended guideline. This project-specific Safety Plan shall be reviewed and approved by DC Water Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) personnel prior to initiation of work at the job site. The contractors shall not be permitted to start work until all comments submitted after the review of the safety plan are adequately addressed and complies with the DC Water specification and recommendations. 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 5
New Employee Orientation - Every new or reassigned employee shall be provided instruction in the general safety requirements of their job before working on a DC Water job site. The DC Water Overview of Safety Standards and Requirements shall also be reviewed with the employee. The contractor shall submit a signed copy of the Employee/Supervisor Certification Form for verifying review by the employee and the supervisor of DC Water s safety standards and requirements. (Page 33) In addition to Employee Orientation, visitors, delivery drivers, and vendors shall be provided a brief overview of General Safety Requirements, which at a minimum is to include emergency warnings signals, evacuation and emergency procedures, badge requirements, driving policies, and relevant contact information. This Project will operate under what is termed a Rolling Owner Controlled Insurance Program (ROCIP). The ROCIP will result in a single insurance program written for the duration of the project, providing at minimum Workers Compensation, Commercial General Liability, Umbrella/Excess Liability coverage to all enrolled contractors. The Owner, General Contractors, all sub-contractors, the ROCIP Insurance Carrier(s), and Aon Risk Services will team-up to ensure that strong safety measures are incorporated by all workers into each work task. Safety and loss prevention must be an integral part of each job. Full participation, cooperation and support are necessary and required to ensure the safety and health of all persons and property involved in the project. II. CONTRACTOR SAFETY REQUIREMENTS All construction activities shall be conducted in accordance with each contractor s Safety Plan, which shall incorporate the DC Water Safety and Health Program and applicable Federal Standards and District of Columbia regulations for construction safety and related work. Including, but not limited to: Federal OSHA and other regulatory agencies, ANSI standards, manufacturers recommended guidelines and any applicable local safety and fire requirements. Those contractors whose safety practices and guidelines exceed current Federal OSHA, ANSI, manufacturers and DC Water construction safety standards may abide by their more stringent internal requirements. However, the minimum federal or local regulations must always be complied with. When a conflict exists between the standards listed in this manual, a contractor s safety program or OSHA regulations, the standard or regulation affording the greatest level of safety and protection for the worker shall take precedence. The contractor shall submit a job hazard analysis (JHA) for any jobs identified by DC Water as potentially high hazard activities. A (JHA) shall be developed for all job tasks. Each day before starting work or when the work changes, the foremen will discuss all job hazards and how to eliminate them. All JHA s are to be submitted to DC Water Safety prior to the start of a new operation and are subject to random Safety Audits to ensure workers have been instructed as to the hazards of the work they are performing and what the associated controls are to protect them from the hazards. 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 6
These standards are not all-inclusive - other elements may be added, or may be conveyed individually to contractors to whom they may expressly apply. There are other essential elements that the contractor, by nature of the specific type of work being performed, must integrate within their own safety program. The communication of the safety program elements will be achieved through new employee orientation, weekly toolbox, contractor safety meetings, contractor/owner safety meetings, subcontractor safety management meetings, and the completion and the continuous evaluation of the worksite for safety enhancements. Site safety signs, posters, barricades, danger tape, and employee incentive programs are important in order to enhance safety awareness and safety communication. Each contractor and/or project shall establish a safety suggestion box so employees may anonymously submit suggestions for site safety improvements. The safety suggestions will be addressed in the scheduled safety meetings with action items listed within the meeting notes, by the contractor/subcontractor safety representative. The contractor shall submit a copy of all employees safety suggestions and solutions by the contractor to DC Water Monthly. III. ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES It is imperative that site management and job supervisor exercise positive leadership in orienting and motivating their employees toward performing their jobs effectively, efficiently, and with a high regard for safety. A. DC WATER CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT TEAM The key function of the DC Water Construction Management Team, as it relates to construction safety and health, is noting awareness of contractor compliance with the contract documents including applicable OSHA and District of Columbia safety and health regulations, and DC Water specifications which pertain to safety and health. The DC Water Construction Management Team s role in achieving construction safety and health objectives is limited to providing support for the safety program and general oversight of site safety issues. Contractors shall be responsible for initiating, maintaining and supervising the safety and health of persons and property in connection with their work. The provision or omission of safety and/or health services by DC Water and their representatives to the contractors shall not be deemed to transfer responsibility for safety to DC Water, or their acceptance or assumption of responsibility, in whole or in part, for safety on the project site or in connection with the work. B. GENERAL (or Prime) CONTRACTOR The General Contractor will have the overall responsibility for ensuring that all contractors and their employees incorporate safety and health standards into all design and construction phases of the project, and that this attitude is reflected in all agreements and contracts, and by all contractors, subcontractors, supervisors, employees, vendors, visitors and security guards, and anyone else connected with the project. 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 7
The General Contractor will also: 1.Keep DC Water and the Project Manager informed of events, potential safety risks, project safety statistics and progress pertaining to safety issues. 2.Develop site specific safety plans and confirm that the safety plans adequately comply with DC Water recommended formal safety plan outline in Part 2. The site specific safety plan must include: occupational safety, emergency response plan, employee orientation and training, security, potential hazards, accident investigations, documentation for site audits, equipment inspections and disciplinary programs. 3.Confirm contractor's safety education and orientation requirements are consistently met. 4.Document weekly safety briefings for construction personnel. 5.Conduct all-hands safety meetings once per month, to include all sub tier contractor employees. Document the meeting subject, date and names of attendee by contractor and subcontractor. Submit documentation of the all-hands safety meeting to the construction manager. (Monthly Report) 6.Conduct weekly on-site safety inspections including a review of safety training, hazard correction and accident records. Submit documentation of all inspection and corrective action taken by the contractor to DC Water weekly; also include a summary of this information in the monthly report. 7.Review and timely abate the results of safety inspections to include recommendations made for correction of hazards and prevention of accidents, and follow-up measures taken to ensure compliance. 8.Monitor and document compliance by contractors with mandatory safety and health laws, regulations, standards and codes. 9.Maintain records of all accidents experienced by contractors and subcontractors in assigned project area of responsibility in accordance with the OSHA and ROCIP requirements. Copies of records shall be forwarded to DC Water s Risk Management Office and insurer within 12 hours. Submit a monthly report by the fifth day of the following month for the preceding month; for example: (the monthly report for January is due on or before February 5 etc.) to DC Water Department of Occupational Safety and Health. 10. The monthly report must include the following information: A summary of all safety inspection reports and documentation that support all safety deficiencies has been corrected Accident/incidents investigation reports Toolbox talks with sign-in sheets Documentation of the all-hands safety meeting with subcontractors. Copies of all employees safety suggestions and solutions by the contractor Near Miss Reports 11. In conjunction with engineering and scheduling personnel, develop and implement specific safety and health procedures and effective safe work practices. 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 8
12. Provide protection of the public on or adjacent to construction sites as recommended by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI A10.34). 13. The general or prime contractor shall provide a safety professional with a minimum of five years of construction experience and a resume must be provided and accepted by DC Water Safety Director prior to the project start. A competent safety representative must be on the project site at all times. The competent safety representative at minimum must meet the requirements of competent person as defined by OSHA for all phases of construction, a minimum of 3 years of experience in construction, and have a designation of Construction Safety and Health Technician (CSHT). (See Appendix) A. General or Prime Contractors with 1-20 workers either direct hires or sub tiers will provide a onsite safety manager whose primary duty is worker safety but who may also perform other duties. B. General or Prime Contractors with 21 or more workers either direct hires or sub tiers will provide a onsite safety manager whose only duty is worker safety. C. A resume for the above safety manager must be provided and accepted by DC Water Safety. 14. Worksite with Non-English speaking workers shall have a person (s), fluent in the language(s) spoken and English to translate as needed, on site at all times when work is being performed. 15. The contractor shall establish a safety and health deficiency tracking system that list and monitors the status of safety and health deficiencies in chronological order. This list shall be posted on the project safety board and in a file on site. The information shall be updated daily and provide the following: Date and time of the deficiency identified Description of deficiency Name of person responsible for correcting deficiency Projected resolution date Date actually resolved 16. The General Contractor s Safety Program should consist of: a) Establishing a firm and positive accident prevention policy that includes: a management statement, the supplying and requiring the use of safety equipment like hard hats, ladders, first aid materials, and safety devices on equipment. b) Ensure that capable, responsible and appropriately trained supervisors and the onsite competent safety representative make regular inspections of all excavations, forms, scaffolds, stairs, ladders, structures, machinery, and equipment at frequent intervals; take immediate corrective measures to eliminate hazards directly under the control of the employer, or report violations of OSHA regulations and unsafe practices to the responsible employer. c) Assurance that the site supervisors assume responsibility for accidents, and complete a written report for each reported accident and that each report suggest a feasible means of avoiding future accidents of a similar nature. d) Monthly, or more frequent, meetings of all supervisors shall be held under direction of the superintendent for a discussion of safety concerns, near miss incidents and accidents that have occurred. Have something specific ready for 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 9
discussion, such as safety regulations, or any changes in equipment and methods that are to be adopted for safety reasons. e) Display safety posters and warning signs. (Each contractor and/or subs must post at their work location a copy of OSHA s poster informing employees of their rights and responsibilities as defined within the OSHA regulations. Additionally, each project shall post at least three signs within their defined work area indicating how many consecutive no lost time work days have passed, without an OSHA recordable injury. f) Consider the advisability of establishing various forms of safety competition, including suitable rewards or recognition to individuals and crews with good records. This must be done without discouraging workers and supervisors from accurately reporting incidents in a timely manner. g) Require supervisors to give individual safety instructions and orders, as needed, to new workers and those found to be working in an unsafe manner. h) Ensure the job site supervisors conduct "toolbox" or "tail-gate" safety meetings with their crews once a week on the job, to emphasize some particular safety concerns that require special attention. i) Complete and update the OSHA 300 Log as required by OSHA. j) Encourage safety suggestions from all workers and, if the suggestion cannot be followed promptly, explain why to the worker. Give each worker a copy of important safety rules that they are expected to follow. k) Arrange for frequent and regular field safety inspections. 17. Participate in the Return to Work (Modified Duty) Program as described by DC Water s Risk Management Department. 18. The contractor shall respond in writing to DC Water Department of Safety and Health as to the corrective action (s) for all non compliance safety observations reported by DC Water/ROCIP Safety Consultant within five (5) business days. 19. The contractor and subcontractors will be expected to immediately abate imminent danger safety hazards. (For Example: Fall Protection, Struck By, Caught Between, Electrical, Excavation, Confined Space Entry, etc.) C. ALL CONTRACTORS SHALL: 1. As a condition of their contract, assume responsibility for the safety and health of their employees and require the same of subcontractors and their employees, and other persons on the work site. 2. Assign an onsite Competent Person as a safety representative whose duties include the protection of persons and property and the administration of the Contractor's safety program. The competent safety representative must meet the requirements of competent person as defined by OSHA for all phases of construction, must be able to recognize hazards, must have the authority to take corrective actions, must have a minimum of 3 years of experience in construction, and have a designation of Construction Safety and Health Technician (CSHT). 3. Investigate accidents and near miss incidents to determine root cause and develop/implement corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence. Accident investigation reports are to be completed and turned into the Prime / General Contractor within 12 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 10
hours of the occurrence. Copies of such reports shall be forwarded to DC Water s Risk Management Office and Aon. In the event of an accident or near miss, DC Water is to be notified immediately, the scene is to be protected and maintained until DC Water Safety has had an opportunity to conduct their own investigation, and potential witnesses are to retained and be available for interviews from DC Water for a reasonable amount of time. 4. Comply with all applicable OSHA and District of Columbia laws, regulations, ordinances, conditions of contract, rules or orders of any public authority having jurisdiction relating to safety of persons or property. 5. Ensure that all employees, subcontractors and their employees, are briefed on the all the applicable safety regulations and requirements for the work to be performed. Contractors shall, in accordance with law, adopt procedures providing that any employee who disregards these rules or other applicable safety and health regulations shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action or discharge. 6. Have their safety representative participate in the weekly safety walk-through meetings and progress meetings. 7. Ensure that: i. Prior to the performance of any work, each employee involved in the construction knows and understands each of the safety and security rules that apply to the job site in which he/she is performing for the project. ii. iii. iv. Personal protective equipment (inclusive of mandatory ANSI approved hard hat and eye protection with appropriate foot wear) shall be used on site at all times, worn properly, and maintained in proper condition. Appropriate footwear, no tennis shoes and/or leather sole shoes on site. Employers are to have appropriate types and quantities of Personal Protective Equipment needed to address the anticipated hazards. These supplies are to be on hand and available to the workers Employees shall not engage in practical jokes and/or horseplay. An employee is not to undertake any work that he or she is not properly qualified, trained or equipped to do. In this regard, each employee shall be required to attend safety training or (toolbox/tail-gate) meetings weekly and sign an attendance sheet. OSHA 10 and 30 Hours training does not qualify for site or task specific training that is required prior to a worker starting a project task. Workers must have the appropriate specific training to recognize and prevent hazards in the specific tasks that they are asked to perform. v. It is the Employer s responsibility to ensure that the workers have received the appropriate training, that they understand the training, and that they are in compliance with the training. Additional training and/or disciplinary action is to be provided to the worker as necessary. vi. All site personnel shall be made aware there is a Zero Tolerance for the use of intoxicating substances or illegal drugs on the site. Employees reporting for work while under the influence of intoxicating or illegal drugs will not be allowed to 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 11
assume their duties. Employees reporting for work while under the influence of prescription or over the counter medications that impair their ability to work safely will also not be allowed to assume their duties and may be subject to disciplinary action or even dismissal. See Part 4 ROCIP Substance Abuse Testing Program. vii. viii. ix. Each contractor is to provide training and documentation to site management that their employees have been provided with information and training on the Hazard Communication Standard and site hazardous material storage and use conditions. In addition, each contractor is responsible for making provisions to provide copies of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and provide information on measures that need to be taken for personnel protection to all affected employees and workers within the vicinity of the hazardous substance. Contractors are responsible for daily clean up of working areas and the removal of trash and construction debris. If not removed in a timely manner, it may be removed by others, and the deficient contractor will be responsible for the associated costs. Each employee must always know where he or she is in relation to work in progress, and avoid hazardous situations around equipment or construction. Employees must advise supervisory personnel of their work location. They should not work alone in an isolated area until arrangements have been made for periodic contact with another employee or supervision. If an employee is to be working alone, a written plan is to be developed that addresses the intervals for checking in, the means for checking in or emergency communications, testing of communication methods, and any additional training that may be required depending on the location and task. This written plan is to be available to DC Water Safety and be with the affected worker while he is alone. x. Each contractor is to provide training and documentation to site management that their employees have been provided with information and training on the site Fire Prevention Plan. 8. ROCIP enrolled contractors will participate in the Modified Duty - Return to Work Program as developed by Aon and DC Water s Risk Management Department. D. INSURANCE ADMINISTRATOR (IA) The (IA) in coordination with the Department of Occupational Safety and Health will provide a professional construction safety consultant to the project to provide site safety program administration oversight and exposure control oversight. The safety professional will report directly to DC Water s Department of Occupational Safety and Health and work hand in hand with the project manager, general contractors and subcontractors management and safety representatives. The (IA) safety professional does not assume the responsibility for the development, implementation, design, or ongoing management activities involved with the site safety program. Services provided to the construction site through the safety professional include: 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 12
1. Development of the site safety manual listing the minimum recommended requirements for the project safety management plans. 2. Review and approves the General Contractor s written Safety Plan to determine compliance with applicable codes and ROCIP s safety requirements. 3. Review construction specification drawing and plans for compliance with applicable codes and safety standards. 4. Attendance and participation in the pre-construction and weekly progress meetings with the General Contractor and subs to assure safety is designed into all phases of construction. 5. Assistance in the implementation of the site orientation for all employees who work and/or visit the site. 6. Physical site surveys and observations of the construction work at hand to determine regulatory agency and ROCIP safety guidelines program compliance. 7. Review the General Contractors and subcontractors accident investigations reports to ensure the root cause of the incident is determined and corrective measures are taken to prevent re-occurrence. 8. Provide technical expertise to DC Water regarding, the General Contractors and subcontractors construction safety management standards and manufacturers guidelines interpretation. 9. Organize and trend the project loss history on a monthly basis to provide DC Water s Department of Occupational Safety and Health and Risk Management with the necessary statistics to monitor goals, compare with like construction projects, and measure program performance. 10. Provide DC Water and the General Contractor with written reports outlining any contractor safety program deficiencies and unsafe acts and conditions noted and abated during the physical site tours. 11. Update the written DC Water Construction Safety Standards Manual as needed. 12. Assist the contractors in the development of suggested modified duty work and prompt the use of the Return to Work Program. 13. Supervise and direct the safety services provided through the insurance carrier so as to provide the project with a focused and comprehensive approach to safety management. E. INSURANCE CARRIER(IC) The Insurance Carrier will provide, at a minimum, monthly site safety service visits to the ROCIP project. The servicing consultant will report directly to (IA) and will provide written reports on the unsafe acts and conditions noted during the on-site survey of the construction activities. 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 13
The observations and recommendations as a result of the site safety survey visit will be discussed with the appropriate personnel from DC Water s Construction Management Team, DC Water s DOSH, the Contractor, etc. Additional services provided through the (IC) that may include: 1. Assistance with accident investigations to identify root causes and corrective actions. 2. Quarterly written reports summarizing safety consultations, claims and loss prevention activities. 3. Attendance/participation at the pre-construction & safety toolbox meetings. 4. Technical review and interpretation of standards/regulations. 5. Attendance/participation in safety training sessions when requested. 6. Accident, claim and near miss trending. 7. Provide status reports to management listing safety compliance records of project status for contractors, subcontractors, and other project participants and/or statistical comparisons of contractors to national averages and to each other and/or claims cost and loss ratio comparisons of contractors. 8. Industrial Hygiene surveys and sampling for occupational health issues. IV. OVERVIEW OF DC WATER S SAFETY STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS A. PURPOSE The purpose of this Section is to assist all contractors and subcontractors in establishing basic safety and health rules for this ROCIP Project. Strict enforcement of and compliance with Federal and District of Columbia Safety and Health rules and manufacturers guidelines will aid in keeping personnel injuries, occupational illnesses, and equipment and property damage to a minimum. B. APPLICABILITY The rules listed below apply to all onsite contractors, subcontractors and vendors on site for these contractors, including employees with supervisory and non-supervisory assignments. The General Contractor and their subcontractors are to promote accident prevention through indoctrination, safety and health training and on-the-job application shall use this Overview of Safety Standards and Requirements. All contractors and subcontractors employees on the ROCIP project shall receive New Hire Orientation to better understand the Overview of Safety Standards and Requirements. As a minimum requirement, superintendents, supervisors, safety representative and all employees must learn and abide by the general rules plus the safety and health rules that 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 14
are applicable to their particular trade, task or occupation. incorporated into pre-work indoctrination. These rules should be Individual trade safety and health rules apply not only to supervisors and to the workers, but also to helpers, assistants, apprentices, and to anyone else who might be in the work area. Supervisors shall ensure that new workers or visitors are made aware of and abide by the safety and health rules that are in effect. C. GENERAL SAFETY & HEALTH RULES 1. All persons shall follow this Overview of Safety Standards and Requirements and render every possible aid to ensure safe operations. 2. Failure to abide by the Overview of Safety Standards and Requirements may result in removal of personnel and the contractor from the DC Water project. 3. Immediately report any unsafe conditions, accidents, injuries or illness to your supervisor or superintendent. 4. If employees are unsure of the safe method to do your job, STOP and ask your supervisor. Unawareness is no excuse for a safety violation. 5. No one shall be knowingly permitted to work while the employee's ability or alertness is impaired by fatigue, illness, and prescription or over the counter drugs. Employees who are suspected of being under the influence of illegal or intoxicating substances, impaired by fatigue or an illness, shall be prohibited from working. 6. DC Water ROCIP projects have a Zero Tolerance for the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job site. 7. Horseplay, scuffling, fighting and other acts that tend to have an adverse influence on the safety or well being of the employees are prohibited. 8. All work shall be well planned and supervised to prevent injuries in the handling of materials and in working together with equipment. 9. Keep your work area clean, free of debris, electrical cords and other hazards. 10. Immediately clean up spilled liquids. If a hazardous material or chemical is spilled the appropriate protective measures must be taken and the DC Water s Department of Occupational Safety and Health immediately advised of the spill condition. 11. Always notify all other individuals in your area who might be endangered by the work you are doing. 12. Do not operate equipment that you are not familiar with. Do not attempt to use such equipment until you are fully trained and authorized. 13. You are responsible for ensuring all safety guards are operable and in place. If they are not, STOP working and tell your supervisor. 14. Never bring firearms, weapons, illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages on the project 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 15
site. 15. Lockout and Tag-out system identifies equipment that is NOT to be operated, energized or used. All lockout and tag-out notices and procedures must be observed and obeyed. All lockout and tag-out must be coordinated with the appropriate DC WATER personnel. 16. Danger taped areas or areas enclosed with barricades, signs and fencing (or protective barriers) are considered danger zones and shall be respected as such. Admittance to or passage through such areas is prohibited without permission except to those employees working within the barricaded area 17. When lifting heavy objects, mechanical means should be used, otherwise, buddy-up with a partner and share the load. When manually lifting, use the large muscles of the leg instead of the smaller muscles of the back shall be used 18. Do not block exits, fire doors, aisles, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, emergency equipment, electrical panels, or traffic lanes. 19. Do not leave tools, materials, or other objects on the floor that might cause others to trip and fall. 20. Do not run on the job site or in the shop, yard or office area. 21. Do not distract others while working. If conversation is necessary, make sure eye contact is made prior to communicating. 22. Employees shall not enter manholes, underground vaults, chambers, tanks, silos, or other similar places that may have limited ventilation, unless it has been determined that it is safe to enter and or is being properly ventilated. (Follow the established confined space entry requirements.) 23. Employees shall ensure that all protective guards and other protective devices are in proper place and adjusted when operating equipment. Report deficiencies promptly to the foreman or superintendent. 24. Materials, tools, or other objects shall not be thrown from buildings or structures until proper precautions and barricading has been erected to protect others from the falling objects. 25. Employees shall cleanse thoroughly after handling hazardous substances, and follow special instructions from authorized sources. 26. Gasoline or other flammable liquids shall not be used for cleaning purposes, or improperly stored on the jobsite. 27. Hot work permit is mandatory for all burning, welding, or other source of ignition for all DC Water ROCIP projects. 28. Any damage to scaffolds, false work, or other supporting structures shall be immediately reported to the supervisor and repaired before use. 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 16
29. No driving or operating of equipment while talking on the radio, cell phone and or texting. 30. No talking or texting on the cell phone while walking around or operating equipment in the construction site. D. USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 1. Use the correct PPE for each job assignment. If you don t know or have equipment ask your supervisor for assistance. 2. PPE shall be maintained in good condition and cleaned regularly. 3. PPE shall be stored properly when not in use to protect it from damage. 4. Damaged or broken PPE must be returned to your foreman for replacement. 5. The outer garment shall be a brightly colored safety vest (such as orange or lime green) or equivalent shirt / jacket that is visible in all levels of light. If used at night or in low light it must be equipped with reflective material. 6. ANSI approved hard hats must be worn on job sites at all times. 7. ANSI approved safety glasses must be worn at all times when on the site. Additional eye protection may be required when working with chemicals, welding, grinding, torch cutting or any other task that creates a significant eye injury hazard. 8. Face shields with safety glasses are required when grinding or working with hazardous chemicals; using chop saws, chain saws, masonry saws or other similar equipment. 9. Employees must wear safety work shoes in the yard and on the job site. The shoes must have complete leather uppers and skid resistant soles and be in good condition. Steel toe protection is recommended. 10. Athletic style shoes, tennis shoes, open toe shoes, sandals, plastic or vinyl shoes or shoes with decorative metal accessories are not to be worn on construction jobsites. 11. Hearing protectors must be worn when working with loud equipment such as cut off saws, chain saws, air hammers or grinders. 12. Be sure the protective clothing you wear will not hamper or restrict freedom of movement due to improper fit. 13. Long pants of heavy-duty material must be worn. No shorts or sweat pants are allowed. 14. Do not wear loose, torn or frayed clothing; dangling ties, finger rings, dangling earrings, jewelry items, or long hair unless contained in a hair net, while operating any machine, which could cause entanglement. 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 17
15. If required, wear NIOSH approved respirators when applying adhesives, paint, welding, grinding or working with chemicals. Read the MSDS to find out which type of respirators is required. Facial hair may not be permitted in certain circumstances. (The contractor and subcontractor supervisors shall manage their own programs.) 16. Ten foot rule: Any personnel within 10 feet of a worker who is required to wear PPE above the minimum (hard hat, safety glasses, and work shoes) shall also wear the higher level of PPE. 17. Hand Protection: appropriate gloves shall be worn when handling objects or substances that could cut, tear burn or otherwise injure the hand. 18. Personal protective equipment that has been altered without documented manufacturer s approval shall be destroyed. E. TRENCHING AND EXCAVATION SAFETY 1. Compliance with OSHA s Excavation Safety Requirements as defined in OSHA 29 CFR 1926.650 Excavations is a must on all projects for DC Water. Failure to comply with the required excavation requirements may result in stopping the contractor s work and/or termination of the contract. 2. Contractors planning to excavate as part of their project shall provide to DC Water s Department of Occupational Safety and Health, the name of their assigned and onsite Competent Person prior to the start of the excavation. (If the competent person changes DC Water shall be informed immediately.) This individual shall have authority (as defined by OSHA) for all work performed during the excavation including the ability to recognize hazards, the authority stop the work if necessary and take corrective actions. 3. All excavations and trenches 5 feet deep (or in unstable soil at lesser depths) or greater must be properly shored, sloped, or benched to protect workers from the hazards of moving earth. Contractors must be prepared to provide to inspector of DC WATER or regulators officials the appropriate tabulated data for the protective system being used. A. The determination and design of the supporting system shall be based on careful consideration of: the depth of cut, anticipated changes in the soil due to air, sun, and freezing temperatures. The ground movement caused by vehicle vibration and earth pressures on the sides. 4. All excavation work must be performed to avoid underground utilities. Underground utilities must be marked out in conformance with local requirements. The contractor must exercise due diligence in identifying aboveground utilities. All marks are to be maintained throughout excavation. Prior to start of work, marks and existing conditions are to be documented. 5. Do not work under loads handled by lifting or digging equipment. 6. Ladders shall be provided and used for access to trenches and excavations 4 deep or greater. 7. Keep all spoils 2 from the edge of the excavation, regardless of the depth. 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 18
8. Trenches shall be properly barricaded, protected and posted to warn and prevent someone from falling into the excavation. 9. The competent person on the jobsite must inspect all trenches and excavations daily, before work, after rain storms or other changes in conditions to look for signs of shifting earth such as tension cracking. Employees are not to enter the trench unless it has been verified to be safe by the competent person. 10. Air monitoring and additional precautions are to be taken in trenches or excavations that have a potential to have hazardous atmospheres. 11. Appropriate traffic control measures may also be required for excavations dug in roadways or sidewalks. Protective measures shall comply with the District of Columbia s Department Of Transportation (D DOT) requirements. F. CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PROGRAM This section reserved for site-specific entry and review during the pre-construction meeting. OSHA Confined Space procedures must be followed. G. FALL PROTECTION 1. Fall protection, such as standard railings or a safety harness and lanyard, shall be used at all times, when working 6 feet or more above the level below, or in accordance with OSHA. (Six-foot tie-off is mandatory.) 2. Floor and wall openings, unfinished balconies, elevator shafts and similar areas must be properly protected and/or covered, secured, and appropriately marked to prevent someone from falling into the structure. 3. Properly remove do not cut or disassemble existing railing systems for any reason, railing systems removed shall be replaced with an equally protective system. Removed rails must be replaced with a protective barrier to ensure no one can fall into the existing opening. Always seek permission from the respective DC Water operation supervisors if railings are removed. Always replace these items when finished with your task. 4. All safety harnesses shall be the full body type with a shock-absorbing lanyard attached to a substantial anchorage capable of supporting 5000 lbs. Lanyards shall be attached at the wearer s upper back. Body belts are not to be worn as fall protection. 5. Read and obey all manufacturers instructions relating to your fall arrest system maintaining, storing, and using. 6. Inspect all components of your harness and lanyard prior to each use and after a fall. Defective equipment is not to be used. Lanyards must be destroyed after a fall and never reused. 7. Safety harnesses and lanyards should limit free fall distance to less than 4 feet and prevent contact with any level or objects below you. 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 19
8. Never use any part of a fall arrest system, such as a harness or lanyard, to hoist materials or for any other purpose. 9. Safety harnesses and shock absorbing lanyards are required to be worn at all times while in boom lifts. 10. Prior to starting any operation that requires the use of a personal fall arrest system, a written plan must be developed to plan for a potential rescue and provide first aid to an employee that has fallen. The plan must also address the additional hazards that an employee may be exposed to by being suspended for any period of time. 11. Any worker that may be exposed to a fall hazard must be trained to recognize the hazards of the specific task that they are being asked to perform and how the hazards will be controlled, whether it be, guard rails or personal fall arrest systems. H. LOCKOUT/TAGOUT (LOTO) 1. All machinery and electrical equipment shall be locked out and tagged prior to repair, cleaning, or adjustment unless power is necessary to perform the work. If so, other precautions, specified by your foreman, will be taken. 2. All LOTO must be coordinated with the appropriate DC Water Staff. 3. Use your own lock and key. No one else should have a key for your lock. Destroy all duplicate keys. 4. Maintain control of your key at all times to prevent unauthorized use. 5. Never remove another employee s lock or energize tagged equipment. 6. If multiple employees are working on the same equipment, each employee should install their own lock. 7. Notify all affected employees that a lock-out/tag-out is required and the reasons for it. 8. If the equipment is operating, shut it down by the normal stopping procedure (depress stop button, open toggle switch, etc.). 9. Operate the switch, valve or other energy isolating devices so that the energy source(s) (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, etc.) is disconnected or isolated from the equipment. 10. Stored energy, such as that in capacitors, springs, elevated machine members, rotating flywheels, hydraulic systems, and air, gas or water pressure, etc. must also be dissipated or restrained by methods such as grounding, repositioning, blocking, bleeding down, etc. 11. Lock-out all energy isolation devices with an individual lock. 12. After ensuring that no employees are exposed and as a check of having 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 20
disconnected the energy sources, operate the push button or other normal operating controls to make certain the equipment will not operate. Caution: Return operating controls to neutral position after the test. 13. The equipment is now locked-out. Install red lock-out tag on operating controls. 14. After repair is complete and the equipment is ready for testing or normal operation, check the equipment to see that all cover plates and safety devices have been reinstalled. 15. When the equipment is clear, remove all locks and tags. The energy isolating devices may be operated to restore energy to the equipment. 16. All employees responsible for Lockout/Tagout must be appropriated trained and be evaluated performing the Lockout/Tagouts that they are responsible for on at least an annual basis. 17. For additional information on DC Water s Lockout/Tagout Program contact the DC WATER Construction Safety Specialist. I. GENERAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY 1. All temporary and permanent electrical work, installation and safe work practices shall conform to the current addition of NFPA 70 E. 2. Only trained, qualified (Provide DC Water s Department of Occupational Safety and Health Director your requirements for defining an employee qualified to work with electrical equipment or circuits prior to the project start up.) and authorized employees are allowed to make electrical repairs or work on electrical equipment or installations. 3. All electrical equipment and systems shall be treated as energized until tested or otherwise proven to be de-energized. Always check your tester on a known circuit to make sure it is working. Assured equipment ground conductor programs shall be utilized for all temporary electrical installations. 4. All energized equipment and installations will be de-energized prior to the commencement of any work. If the equipment or installation must be energized for test or other purposes, special precautions will be taken to protect against the hazards of electric shock. 5. All equipment shall be locked out to protect against accidental or inadvertent operation when such operation could cause injury to personnel. Do not attempt to operate any switch, valve, or other energy-isolating device bearing a lock. 6. Safety grounds shall always be used where there is a danger of shock from back feeding or other hazards. 7. Polyester clothing or other flammable types of clothing shall not be worn near electrical circuits. Cotton clothing is much less likely to ignite from arc blast. Employees working on live circuits shall be provided fire resistant clothing and additional PPE based on an arc blast analysis. 2012 ROCIP Construction Safety & Health Manual DC Water- DOSH 21