01 35 26 Safety Requirements.pdf

02-01-20

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SECTION 01 35 26

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

1.1 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS:

A. Latest publications listed below form part of this Article to extent referenced. Publications are referenced in text by basic designations only.

B. American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE):

A10.1-2011...........Pre-Project & Pre-Task Safety and Health

Planning

A10.34-2012..........Protection of the Public on or Adjacent to

Construction Sites

A10.38-2013..........Basic Elements of an Employer’s Program to

Provide a Safe and Healthful Work Environment

American National Standard Construction and

Demolition Operations

C. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM):

E84-2013.............Surface Burning Characteristics of Building

Materials

D. The Facilities Guidelines Institute (FGI):

FGI Guidelines-2010Guidelines for Design and Construction of

Healthcare Facilities

E. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

10-2013..............Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers

30-2012..............Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code

51B-2014.............Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting and Other Hot Work

70-2014..............National Electrical Code

70B-2013.............Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment

Maintenance

70E-2015 ............Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

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99-2012..............Health Care Facilities Code

241-2013.............Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations

F. The Joint Commission (TJC)

TJC Manual ..........Comprehensive Accreditation and Certification

Manual

G. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

10 CFR 20 ...........Standards for Protection Against Radiation

H. U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):

29 CFR 1904 .........Reporting and Recording Injuries & Illnesses

29 CFR 1910 .........Safety and Health Regulations for General

Industry

29 CFR 1926 .........Safety and Health Regulations for Construction

Industry

CPL 2-0.124..........Multi-Employer Citation Policy

I. VHA Directive 2005-007

1.2 DEFINITIONS:

A. Critical Lift. A lift with the hoisted load exceeding 75% of the crane’s maximum capacity; lifts made out of the view of the operator

(blind picks); lifts involving two or more cranes; personnel being hoisted; and special hazards such as lifts over occupied facilities, loads lifted close to power-lines, and lifts in high winds or where other adverse environmental conditions exist; and any lift which the crane operator believes is critical.

B. OSHA “Competent Person” (CP). One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings and working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to employees, and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them (see 29

CFR 1926.32(f)).

C. "Qualified Person" means one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, 01 35 26 -3 training and experience, has successfully demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.

D. High Visibility Accident. Any mishap which may generate publicity or high visibility.

E. Accident/Incident Criticality Categories:

No impact – near miss incidents that should be investigated but are not required to be reported to the VA;

Minor incident/impact – incidents that require first aid or result in minor equipment damage (less than $5000). These incidents must be investigated but are not required to be reported to the VA;

Moderate incident/impact – Any work-related injury or illness that results in:

1. Days away from work (any time lost after day of injury/illness onset);

2. Restricted work;

3. Transfer to another job;

4. Medical treatment beyond first aid;

5. Loss of consciousness;

6. A significant injury or illness diagnosed by a physician or other licensed health care professional, even if it did not result in (1) through (5) above or,

7. any incident that leads to major equipment damage (greater than

$5000).

These incidents must be investigated and are required to be reported to the VA;

Major incident/impact – Any mishap that leads to fatalities, hospitalizations, amputations, and losses of an eye as a result of contractors’ activities. Or any incident which leads to major property damage (greater than $20,000) and/or may generate publicity or high visibility. These incidents must be investigated and are required to be

01 35 26 -4 reported to the VA as soon as practical, but not later than 2 hours after the incident.

F. Medical Treatment. Treatment administered by a physician or by registered professional personnel under the standing orders of a physician. Medical treatment does not include first aid treatment even through provided by a physician or registered personnel.

1.3 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:

A. In addition to the detailed requirements included in the provisions of this contract, comply with 29 CFR 1926, comply with 29 CFR 1910 as incorporated by reference within 29 CFR 1926, comply with ASSE A10.34, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, criteria, rules and regulations. Submit matters of interpretation of standards for resolution before starting work. Where the requirements of this specification, applicable laws, criteria, ordinances, regulations, and referenced documents vary, the most stringent requirements govern except with specific approval and acceptance by the

Government Designated Authority.

1.4 ACCIDENT PREVENTION PLAN (APP):

A. The APP (aka Construction Safety & Health Plan) shall interface with the Contractor's overall safety and health program. Include any portions of the Contractor's overall safety and health program referenced in the APP in the applicable APP element and ensure it is site-specific. The Government considers the Prime Contractor to be the

"controlling authority" for all worksite safety and health of each subcontractor(s). Contractors are responsible for informing their subcontractors of the safety provisions under the terms of the contract and the penalties for noncompliance, coordinating the work to prevent one craft from interfering with or creating hazardous working conditions for other crafts, and inspecting subcontractor operations to ensure that accident prevention responsibilities are being carried out.

B. The APP shall be prepared as follows:

1. Written in English by a qualified person who is employed by the Prime Contractor articulating the specific work and hazards pertaining to the contract (model language can be found in ASSE

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A10.33). Specifically articulating the safety requirements found within these VA contract safety specifications.

2. Address both the Prime Contractors and the subcontractors work operations.

3. State measures to be taken to control hazards associated with materials, services, or equipment provided by suppliers.

4. Address all the elements/sub-elements and in order as follows:

a. SIGNATURE SHEET. Title, signature, and phone number of the following:

1) Plan preparer (Qualified Person such as corporate safety staff person or contracted Certified Safety Professional with construction safety experience);

2) Plan approver (company/corporate officers authorized to obligate the company);

3) Plan concurrence (e.g., Chief of Operations, Corporate Chief of Safety, Corporate Industrial Hygienist, project manager or superintendent, project safety professional). Provide concurrence of other applicable corporate and project personnel (Contractor).

b. BACKGROUND INFORMATION. List the following:

1) Contractor;

2) Contract number;

3) Project name;

4) Brief project description, description of work to be performed, and location; phases of work anticipated (these will require an AHA).

c. STATEMENT OF SAFETY AND HEALTH POLICY. Provide a copy of current corporate/company Safety and Health Policy Statement, detailing commitment to providing a safe and healthful workplace for all employees. The Contractor’s written safety program goals, objectives, and accident experience goals for this contract should be provided.

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d. RESPONSIBILITIES AND LINES OF AUTHORITIES. Provide the following:

1) A statement of the employer’s ultimate responsibility for the implementation of his SOH program;

2) Identification and accountability of personnel responsible for safety at both corporate and project level. Contracts specifically requiring safety or industrial hygiene personnel shall include a copy of their resumes.

3) The names of Competent and/or Qualified Person(s) and proof of competency/qualification to meet specific OSHA

Competent/Qualified Person(s) requirements must be attached.;

4) Requirements that no work shall be performed unless a designated competent person is present on the job site;

5) Requirements for pre-task Activity Hazard Analysis (AHAs);

6) Lines of authority;

7) Policies and procedures regarding noncompliance with safety requirements (to include disciplinary actions for violation of safety requirements) should be identified;

e. SUBCONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS. If applicable, provide procedures for coordinating SOH activities with other employers on the job site:

1) Identification of subcontractors and suppliers (if known);

2) Safety responsibilities of subcontractors and suppliers.

f. TRAINING.

1) Site-specific SOH orientation training at the time of initial hire or assignment to the project for every employee before working on the project site is required.

2) Mandatory training and certifications that are applicable to this project (e.g., explosive actuated tools, crane operator, rigger, crane signal person, fall protection, electrical lockout/NFPA 70E, machine/equipment lockout, confined space, etc…) and any requirements for periodic retraining/recertification are required.

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3) Procedures for ongoing safety and health training for supervisors and employees shall be established to address changes in site hazards/conditions.

4) OSHA 10-hour training is required for all workers on site and the OSHA 30-hour training is required for Trade Competent

Persons (CPs)

g. SAFETY AND HEALTH INSPECTIONS.

1) Specific assignment of responsibilities for a minimum daily job site safety and health inspection during periods of work activity: Who will conduct (e.g., “Site Safety and Health

CP”), proof of inspector’s training/qualifications, when inspections will be conducted, procedures for documentation, deficiency tracking system, and follow-up procedures.

2) Any external inspections/certifications that may be required

(e.g., contracted CSP or CSHT)

h. ACCIDENT/INCIDENT INVESTIGATION & REPORTING. The Contractor shall conduct mishap investigations of all Moderate and Major as well as all High Visibility Incidents. The APP shall include accident/incident investigation procedure and identify person(s) responsible to provide the following to the Contracting Officer

Representative:

1) Exposure data (man-hours worked);

2) Accident investigation reports;

3) Project site injury and illness logs.

i. PLANS (PROGRAMS, PROCEDURES) REQUIRED. Based on a risk assessment of contracted activities and on mandatory OSHA compliance programs, the Contractor shall address all applicable occupational, patient, and public safety risks in site-specific compliance and accident prevention plans. These Plans shall include but are not be limited to procedures for addressing the risks associates with the following:

1) Emergency response;

2) Contingency for severe weather;

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3) Fire Prevention;

4) Prevention of alcohol and drug abuse;

5) Night operations and lighting;

6) Welding/Cutting “Hot” work;

7) Electrical Safe Work Practices (Electrical LOTO/NFPA 70E);

8) General Electrical Safety;

9) Site-Specific Fall Protection & Prevention;

10) Demolition plan (to include engineering survey);

C. Submit the APP to the Contracting Officer Representative or Government

Designated Authority for review for compliance with contract requirements.

D. Once accepted by the Contracting Officer Representative or Government

Designated Authority, the APP and attachments will be enforced as part of the contract. Disregarding the provisions of this contract or the accepted APP will be cause for stopping of work, at the discretion of the Contracting Officer in accordance with FAR Clause 52.236-13, Accident Prevention, until the matter has been rectified.

E. Once work begins, changes to the accepted APP shall be made with the knowledge and concurrence of the facility Safety Manager. Should any severe hazard exposure, i.e. imminent danger, become evident, stop work in the area, secure the area, and develop a plan to remove the exposure and control the hazard. Notify the Contracting Officer within 24 hours of discovery. Eliminate/remove the hazard. In the interim, take all necessary action to restore and maintain safe working conditions in order to safeguard onsite personnel, visitors, the public and the environment.

1.5 PRECONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE:

A. Contractor representatives who have a responsibility or significant role in implementation of the accident prevention program, as required by 29 CFR 1926.20(b)(1), on the project shall attend the preconstruction conference to gain a mutual understanding of its implementation. This includes the project superintendent, subcontractor

01 35 26 -9 superintendents, and any other assigned safety and health professionals.

1.6 “SITE SAFETY AND HEALTH OFFICER” (SSHO) AND “COMPETENT PERSON” (CP):

A. The Prime Contractor shall designate a minimum of one SSHO at each project site that will be identified as the SSHO to administer the

Contractor's safety program and government-accepted Accident Prevention

Plan. Each subcontractor shall designate a minimum of one CP in compliance with 29 CFR 1926.20 (b)(2) that will be identified as a CP to administer their individual safety programs.

B. Further, all specialized Competent Persons for the work crews will be supplied by the respective contractor as required by 29 CFR 1926 (i.e.

Asbestos, Electrical, Cranes, & Derricks, Demolition, Fall Protection, Fire Safety/Life Safety, Ladder, Rigging, Scaffolds, and

Trenches/Excavations).

C. These Competent Persons can have collateral duties as the subcontractor’s superintendent and/or work crew lead persons as well as fill more than one specialized CP role (i.e. Asbestos, Electrical, Cranes, & Derricks, Demolition, Fall Protection, Fire Safety/Life

Safety, Ladder, Rigging, Scaffolds, and Trenches/Excavations).

However, the SSHO has be a separate qualified individual from the Prime

Contractor’s Superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager with duties only as the SSHO.

D. The SSHO or an equally-qualified Designated Representative/alternate will maintain a presence on the site during construction operations in accordance with FAR Clause 52.236-6: Superintendence by the Contractor.

CPs will maintain presence during their construction activities in accordance with above mentioned clause. A listing of the designated

SSHO and all known CPs shall be submitted prior to the start of work as part of the APP with the training documentation and/or AHA as listed in

Section 1.8 below.

E. The repeated presence of uncontrolled hazards during a contractor’s work operations will result in the designated CP as being deemed incompetent and result in the required removal of the employee in accordance with FAR Clause 52.236-5: Material and Workmanship, Paragraph (c).

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1.7 TRAINING:

A. The designated Prime Contractor SSHO must meet the requirements of all applicable OSHA standards and be capable (through training, experience, and qualifications) of ensuring that the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.16 and other appropriate Federal, State and local requirements are met for the project. As a minimum the SSHO must have completed the OSHA 30-hour

Construction Safety class and have five (5) years of construction industry safety experience or three (3) years if he/she possesses a

Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or certified Construction Safety and Health Technician (CSHT) certification or have a safety and health degree from an accredited university or college.

B. All designated CPs shall have completed the OSHA 30-hour Construction

Safety course within the past 5 years.

C. In addition to the OSHA 30 Hour Construction Safety Course, all CPs with high hazard work operations such as operations involving asbestos, electrical, cranes, demolition, work at heights/fall protection, fire safety/life safety, ladder, rigging, scaffolds, and trenches/excavations shall have a specialized formal course in the hazard recognition & control associated with those high hazard work operations. Documented “repeat” deficiencies in the execution of safety requirements will require retaking the requisite formal course.

D. All other construction workers shall have the OSHA 10-hour Construction

Safety Outreach course and any necessary safety training to be able to identify hazards within their work environment.

E. Submit training records associated with the above training requirements to the Contracting Officer Representative or Government Designated

Authority for review for compliance with contract requirements.

F. Prior to any worker for the contractor or subcontractors beginning work, they shall undergo a safety briefing provided by the SSHO or his/her designated representative. As a minimum, this briefing shall include information on the site-specific hazards, construction limits, VAMC safety guidelines, means of egress, break areas, work hours, locations of restrooms, use of VAMC equipment, emergency procedures, accident reporting etc.

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1.8 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE):

A. PPE is governed in all areas by the nature of the work the employee is performing. For example, specific PPE required for performing work on electrical equipment is identified in NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical

Safety in the Workplace.

B. Mandatory PPE includes:

1. Hard Hats – unless written authorization is given by the Facility

Safety Manager or Contracting Officer Representative in circumstances of work operations that have limited potential for falling object hazards such as during finishing work or minor remodeling. With authorization to relax the requirement of hard hats, if a worker becomes exposed to an overhead falling object hazard, then hard hats would be required in accordance with the OSHA regulations.

2. Safety glasses - unless written authorization is given by the

Facility Safety Manager Contracting Officer Representative in circumstances of no eye hazards, appropriate safety glasses meeting the ANSI Z.87.1 standard must be worn by each person on site.

3. Appropriate Safety Shoes – based on the hazards present, safety shoes meeting the requirements of ASTM F2413-11 shall be worn by each person on site unless written authorization is given by the

Facility Safety Manager or Contracting Officer Representative in circumstances of no foot hazards.

1.9 TUBERCULOSIS SCREENING

A. Contractor shall provide written certification that all contract employees assigned to the work site have had a pre-placement tuberculin screening within 90 days prior to assignment to the worksite and been found have negative TB screening reactions. Contractors shall be required to show documentation of negative TB screening reactions for any additional workers who are added after the 90-day requirement before they will be allowed to work on the work site. NOTE: This can be the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and two-step skin testing or a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved blood test.

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1. Contract employees manifesting positive screening reactions to the tuberculin shall be examined according to current CDC guidelines prior to working on VHA property.

2. Subsequently, if the employee is found without evidence of active

(infectious) pulmonary TB, a statement documenting examination by a physician shall be on file with the employer (construction contractor), noting that the employee with a positive tuberculin screening test is without evidence of active (infectious) pulmonary

TB.

3. If the employee is found with evidence of active (infectious) pulmonary TB, the employee shall require treatment with a subsequent statement to the fact on file with the employer before being allowed to return to work on VHA property.

1.10 FIRE SAFETY

A. Fire Safety Plan: Establish and maintain a site-specific fire protection program in accordance with 29 CFR 1926. Prior to start of work, prepare a plan detailing project-specific fire safety measures, including periodic status reports, and submit to Contracting Officer

Representative for review for compliance with contract requirements.

This plan may be an element of the Accident Prevention Plan.

B. Site and Building Access: Maintain free and unobstructed access to facility emergency services and for fire, police and other emergency response forces in accordance with NFPA 241.

C. Existing Fire Protection: Do not impair automatic sprinklers, smoke and heat detection, and fire alarm systems, except for portions immediately under construction, and temporarily for connections.

D. Smoke Detectors: Prevent accidental operation. Remove temporary covers at end of work operations each day.

E. Fire Hazard Prevention and Safety Inspections: Inspect entire construction areas weekly.

F. Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in and adjacent to construction areas inside existing buildings and additions under construction.

G. Dispose of waste and debris in accordance with NFPA 241. Remove from buildings daily.

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1.11 ELECTRICAL

A. All electrical work shall comply with NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 70B, NFPA

70E, 29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart J – General Environmental Controls, 29

CFR Part 1910 Subpart S – Electrical, and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart K in addition to other references required by contract.

B. All qualified persons performing electrical work under this contract shall be licensed journeyman or master electricians. All apprentice electricians performing under this contract shall be deemed unqualified persons unless they are working under the immediate supervision of a licensed electrician or master electrician.

1.12 FALL PROTECTION

A. The fall protection (FP) threshold height requirement is 6 ft for ALL

WORK, unless specified differently or the OSHA 29 CFR 1926 requirements are more stringent, to include steel erection activities, systems-engineered activities (prefabricated) metal buildings, residential

(wood) construction and scaffolding work.

1. The use of a Safety Monitoring System (SMS) as a fall protection method is prohibited.

2. The use of Controlled Access Zone (CAZ) as a fall protection method is prohibited.

3. A Warning Line System (WLS) may ONLY be used on floors or flat or low-sloped roofs (between 0 - 18.4 degrees or 4:12 slope) and shall be erected around all sides of the work area (See 29 CFR 1926.502(f) for construction of WLS requirements). Working within the WLS does not require FP. No worker shall be allowed in the area between the roof or floor edge and the WLS without FP. FP is required when working outside the WLS.

4. Fall protection while using a ladder will be governed by the OSHA requirements.

1.13 SCAFFOLDS AND OTHER WORK PLATFORMS

A. All scaffolds and other work platforms construction activities shall comply with 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L.

B. The fall protection (FP) threshold height requirement is 6 ft as stated in Section 1.16.

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C. The following hierarchy and prohibitions shall be followed in selecting appropriate work platforms.

1. Scaffolds, platforms, or temporary floors shall be provided for all work except that can be performed safely from the ground or similar footing.

2. Ladders less than 20 feet may be used as work platforms only when use of small hand tools or handling of light material is involved.

3. Ladder jacks, lean-to, and prop-scaffolds are prohibited.

4. Emergency descent devices shall not be used as working platforms.

D. Contractors shall use a scaffold tagging system in which all scaffolds are tagged by the Competent Person. Tags shall be color-coded: green indicates the scaffold has been inspected and is safe to use; red indicates the scaffold is unsafe to use. Tags shall be readily visible, made of materials that will withstand the environment in which they are used, be legible and shall include:

1. The Competent Person’s name and signature;

2. Dates of initial and last inspections.

1.14 LADDERS

A. All Ladder use shall comply with 29 CFR 1926 Subpart X.

B. All portable ladders shall be of sufficient length and shall be placed so that workers will not stretch or assume a hazardous position.

C. Manufacturer safety labels shall be in place on ladders

D. Step Ladders shall not be used in the closed position

E. Top steps or cap of step ladders shall not be used as a step

G. Ladders shall be inspected for visible defects on a daily basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use. Broken or damaged ladders shall be immediately tagged "DO NOT USE," or with similar wording, and withdrawn from service until restored to a condition meeting their original design.

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