36C24419R0037-015.pdf

VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) Medical Center Requirements

1.0 GENERAL INTENTION:

A. This section pertains to station policy for construction projects performed at the VA Pittsburgh Health Care System. Safety and health concerns are taken seriously. Both our staff and yours are expected to strictly adhere to the regulations and requirements. This is exceedingly important, since we must be primarily concerned for the safety of our patients. In this regard, OSHA Standards may protect worker safety and health, but they have minimal benefit for protecting the safety and health of our patients, due primarily to their differing medical conditions. Review this information as orientation with your personnel performing work on site is a condition of this contract. Where the requirements as outlined in this and other specification sections are differing, the more stringent and beneficial to the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System shall apply.

2.0 REQUIREMENTS

A. Security

1. Secure all construction areas, especially mechanical and electrical rooms against entry of unauthorized individuals including patients.

2. Notify the Contractor Officer’s Representative (COR) for permission to work after hours and weekends.

Standard work hours for the medical center are Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

3. All contractors will wear and display VA contractor badges provided by the VA Police Department.

4. Only a limited number of keys will be issued to the contractor.

5. If the Contractor loses a key, all areas that are required to be keyed for the security of the medical center, will be re-keyed at the Contractor's expense at a charge of $50 per key and $50 per change. Any and all new keys required to be issued for security of the medical center will be completed at the Contractor's expense.

6. Ensure all doors leading to and from the construction areas are locked always to prevent access to the area from unauthorized persons.

7. The COR is responsible for ensuring that all Contractors comply with physical security policies. COR will ensure contractor gets required security badge. A compliant ID badge must be worn by Contractors always while on VA premises.

8. Contractor may not have access to the VA network or any VA sensitive information under this contract.

9. All Contractor and subcontractor’s employee’s s must receive Privacy training annually using one of the following methods:

a) Complete “VA Privacy Training for Personnel without Access to VA Computer Systems or Direct Access to or Use to VA Sensitive Information” training by using VA’s TMS system (https://www.tms.va.gov/). Contractors may use the TMS Managed Self Enrollment method to complete the training in Talent Management System (TMS).

b) Complete the hard copy version of “VA Privacy Training for Personnel without Access to VA Computer Systems or Direct Access to or Use to VA Sensitive Information”. Signed training documents must be submitted to the COR.

c) Training must be completed prior to the performance of the contract and annually thereafter.

Proof of training completion must be verified and tracked by the COR.

B. Patient Privacy

1. Before entering a patient care room, receive permission and instructions from the nurse in charge.

Respect the privacy of all patients. Remember, the patients at VAPHS are veterans who have served to protect our country.

C. General Safety

1. Follow all federal, state and local safety and health regulations.

2. Maintain safety in the construction site/area in accordance with the provisions of the contract, which includes the OSHA Regulations, National Electrical Codes. NFPA 70, National Electric Code and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. Work in a safe manner and take all proper precautions while performing your work. Extra precautions shall be taken when working around persons occupying the building during construction.

3. Provide Personal Preventive Equipment (PPE) for your employees.

4. Post appropriate signs in specific hazardous areas. Contractor to post construction warning signs at each entrance to area.

5. Keep tools, ladders, etc. away from patients to prevent injuries.

6. For Tuberculosis - Review of all contract worker Tuberculosis (TB) screening requirements and options (reference VHA Directive 2011-036 Safety and Health during Construction). Contractor is required to annual certify all Contractors working on VAPHS have documented screening for latent Tuberculosis within the last 12 months and every 12 months thereafter while working at VAPHS. If screening for latent Tuberculosis is positive, clearance from a physician is required prior to working at VAPHS. The Contractor shall also be notified that anyone failing to meet these requirements is not permitted to work onsite and/or may be removed at any time without notice until these requirements are met. Provide evidence to respective COR.

7. For Influenza - Per VHA Directive 1192, all Contractors working at VAPHS are required to show documentation of annual seasonal Influenza vaccination. Provide evidence to respective COR.

D. Security and Privacy Requirements

1. The COR is responsible for ensuring that all Contractors comply with physical security policies. COR will ensure Contractor gets required security badge. A compliant ID badge must be worn by Contractors always while on VA premises.

2. Contractor may not have access to the VA network or any VA sensitive information under this contract.

3. All Contractors must receive Privacy training annually using one of the following methods:

a) Complete “VA Privacy Training for Personnel without Access to VA Computer Systems or Direct Access to or Use to VA Sensitive Information” training by using VA’s TMS system (https://www.tms.va.gov/). Contractors may use the TMS Managed Self Enrollment method to complete the training in Talent Management System (TMS).

b) Complete the hard copy version of “VA Privacy Training for Personnel without Access to VA Computer Systems or Direct Access to or Use to VA Sensitive Information”. Signed training documents must be submitted to the COR.

c) Training must be completed prior to the performance of the contract and annually thereafter.

Proof of training completion must be verified and tracked by the COR.

E. Safety Inspections:

1. The professional Occupational Safety & Health staff at this facility will perform Safety inspections of all contract operations. Written reports of unsafe practices or conditions will be reported to the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer for immediate attention and resolution.

2. VAPHS inspectors will perform continuous inspections of the work site in accordance with contract requirements. All deficiencies noted by the VAPHS inspectors will be reported to COR for contractor correction.

3. Review of the Contract Workers Safety Information (Attachment A) as well as any other location-specific information which should be disseminated to all contractor personnel who will work onsite.

F. Fire Alarms:

1. The fire alarm system connects all buildings at this facility, and is activated by various heat, duct, manual pull stations, and smoke sensors. Manual pull stations are provided at each entrance. Please survey the area in which you are working to locate the manual pull stations.

2. If in the event of a fire alarm sounding, staff to remain in their area, unless medical center personnel (Safety, Nursing or Engineering) instructs otherwise or unless a fire situation is in your area, in which case you should immediately evacuate.

3. Any work involving the fire protection systems will require written permission to proceed from the COR.

Do not tamper with or otherwise disturb any fire alarm system components without prior written permission.

G. Hazardous Materials:

1. Many of the operations may involve the use of hazardous materials. Prior to bringing hazardous materials on site, all Material Safety Data Sheets will be submitted through the COR for evaluation by the facilities Industrial Hygienist/Safety Representative.

2. Storage of hazardous materials within buildings will be minimal with only enough on hand to perform daily work tasks. Flammable materials will either be removed from buildings at the end of the work shift or stored in approved flammable storage containers.

3. Care must be taken to assure adequate ventilation to remove vapors of hazardous materials in use. Many of the patients being cared for in the facility are susceptible to environmental contaminants, even when odors seem minimal. Isolate those areas where vapors are produced and ventilate to the most extent possible to reduce the number of complaints.

4. When chemicals become odorous, the COR and Safety Office should be contacted immediately, i.e., adhesive remover used to remove glue, so employees in adjacent areas can be notified.

H. Airborne Dust Control During Construction:

1. In order to protect patients, visitors, staff, and contractors from safety and health hazards associated with construction activities, this policy is established for the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) and for all VAPHS-affiliated/owned/leased property where construction activities are undertaken.

2. Generation of dust is of major concern within the medical center. Where operations involve the generation of dust, all efforts will be directed at eliminating airborne generated dust associated with construction.

3. The Infection Control staff will work to assist the COR in identifying and specifying all infectious control requirements that will be in effect and required during the construction activities. This includes completion of an anticipated Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) permit. ICRA permit must be signed by all parties and posted at each entrance to the construction site before any work can commence.

4. Contractor is required to have a permanent manometer installed at the entrance of each construction site to validate to VAPHS that the contractor is maintaining negative pressure of the Contractors’ construction site to the medical center. Manometer is required to have real time continuous display. Display required to alarm visually when out of compliance. Display will provide data storage with download capability for the contractor to validate compliance to COR with ICRA approved permit. Contractor is required to provide power and data to this manometer as part of the contract.

5. All employees of contractor and subcontractors are required to have Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) 8-hour Certification Class. The ICRA 8-hour course is an awareness training class covering basic procedures and policies to reduce infection contamination, communication and documentation necessary for the topic and the various responsibilities to ensure facility construction meets the organization’s contamination protocols. Contractor will submit these certificates of compliance within 30 days of project commencement for each employee and employee of all subcontractors.

6. Contractor and subcontractors that are building the infection control barriers must have an ICRA 24-hour certificate course. The ICRA 24-hour course is a best practices class covering the proper methods to erect, maintain and dismantle ICRA barriers. Contractor to submit employee compliance to COR before any Infection Control barrier is built or within 30 days of project commencement (whichever is first).

7. No plastic will be used in separating construction area from Medical Center. Plastic barriers may be temporarily used when originally installed permanent ICRA barriers to protect the medical center from the impacts of the installation of the permanent barrier.

8. The Infection Control staff will work to assist the COR in identifying and specifying all infectious control requirements that will be in effect and required during the construction activities. This includes completion of an anticipated Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) permit.

9. Pre-Construction. A meeting of the COR, safety, infection control, contractor (including sub-contractors), and other identified parties performing the construction activities must be held prior to beginning of any work (or work phase) onsite. This meeting will be held to review the construction activity plans and how they address the concerns identified during the development of the construction project and contract documents. Pre-Construction meetings will be held once for small projects or projects involving only one phase as well as more than once for projects employing multiple phases of work. General items for discussion during the Pre-Construction meeting(s) are identified on the Pre- Construction Meeting Checklist (Attachment B). The meeting will also discuss the following information at a minimum as well as ensure that everyone present is familiar with their role in keeping the medical center safe:

a) Identification of the contractor site superintendent who works for the prime contractor. Provide evidence of superintendent’s OSHA 30-hour certification prior to work commencement. OSHA 10 certification required for all staff of contractor and subcontractors. Provide evidence of certificate to COR prior to work commencement.

b) Identification of the contractor’s Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) and all other project competent person(s) (CP) as defined in VA Master Specification 01 35 26 and 29 CFR 1926.

c) Identification of current applicable local, state, and federal safety and environmental regulations that are in effect and applicable during the construction activities; e.g., Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), etc.

d) Identification of current applicable local and national VA safety and environmental regulations.

e) Review of the Contract Workers Safety Information (Attachment A) as well as any other location-specific information which should be disseminated to all contractor personnel who will work onsite.

f) Review of the Pre-Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA) requirements for construction activities and completion of the permit for the project and/or project phase. The general contractor, or in the case of work performed by VA staff the work supervisor, is responsible for identifying all potential construction risks as outlined in the PCRA permit (Attachment C). This effective planning will ensure minimal impact to the medical center.

g) Review of the Infectious Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) policy requirements for construction activities and completion of the permit for the project and/or project phase. The COR/RE/PM in conjunction with the infectious control staff, director or manager of the unit(s) affected, and the contractor are responsible for identifying and reviewing all potential construction risks and requirements as outlined in the ICRA permit (Attachment D).

h) Review of the medical center’s Hot Work Policy and permit process (Attachment E).

i) Review of the medical center’s Confined Space Policy (reference EC-042).

j) Review of the medical center’s Firewall/Smoke Wall Penetration Policy and permit process (reference EC-061).

k) Review of the medical center’s Fire Alarm/Fire Sprinkler Impairment, Utility Outage and Lock- Out/Tag-Out Policies and processes as applicable (reference FMS-007, FMS-014, and FMS-010 respectively).

l) Review of the medical center’s current contract staff credentialing and badging requirements, and what steps must be taken before contract staff are permitted to work onsite (reference FMS-039).

m) Review of the medical center’s current contract staff information safety and security requirements (Attachment F).

n) Review of any additional policies/guidelines as applicable to the contract.

I. Contact with Asbestos Containing Materials:

1. Due to the age of our buildings, many contain asbestos containing materials (ACM). Primary ACM uses in the medical center include floor tile, mastic, and piping and HVAC insulation. The medical center has performed a comprehensive asbestos survey and has identified accessible ACM. Some areas contain damaged asbestos and should not be accessed without prior abatement.

2. The most common type of ACM insulation you may encounter includes thermal system insulation (TSI) and vinyl asbestos tile floor (VAT). ACM TSI is generally covered with a cloth wrap or lagging and the asbestos substrate generally appear white in color. DO NOT SAND, DRILL, GOUGE, OR OTHERWISE DISTURB THIS TYPE OF INSULATION. Contractors disturbing or releasing asbestos containing materials will be liable for all damages and cleanup costs.

3. Where disturbance of asbestos is likely, it has been addressed in the contract for removal. If contact with the presence of asbestos is presented, stop all work in the immediate area and immediately contact the COR and the Industrial Hygienist/Safety Office to make necessary arrangements for removal.

4. In some areas, asbestos insulation has been identified on elbows between fiberglass piping insulation as patching materials among the fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass insulation used in this facility is usually yellow or pink in color, wrapped either by cloth or paper lagging.

5. To protect and ensure all your employees are aware that asbestos containing materials have been used in the construction of this facility, you are required to have them review this section and complete the awareness statement included as Attachment A. Once this documentation has been signed by all employees, forward to the COR for documentation.

6. A complete assessment of asbestos materials and conditions are available for viewing by contacting the

COR. Prior to performing work above any ceiling or starting in a new area, consult with the COR concerning existing conditions of ACM.

7. Some of the areas in the facility are identified as restricted areas due to condition of ACM. These are readily labeled. DO NOT ENTER THESE AREAS unless first contacting the COR. Entry requirements to these areas are awareness of the hazards, proper protective clothing (coveralls and respirators), and personal monitoring in accordance with OSHA requirements.

8. Submit contractor asbestos awareness statements for all persons working on the site prior to commencing work.

J. Environmental Protection: (See Environmental Compliance: PG-18-17 at https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/index.asp)

1. It will help to be educated of the seriousness, which the environmental protection requirements of each contract are regarded. Adherence to these requirements is subject to continuing scrutiny from the community and backed by severe penalties, such as fines and incarceration. These environmental requirements will be strictly enforced.

2. No hazardous materials will be disposed of on Government property during and after completion of the project. All waste will be hauled off-site or disposed of in contractor-owned and operated waste removal containers.

3. A copy of all waste manifests for special or hazardous wastes will be forwarded to the COR and the Industrial Hygienist. Environmental requirements will be strictly enforced.

K. Permit Required Confined Spaces:

1. Contractors performing work on this facility will follow all requirements outlined in OSHA Standards for working in confined spaces. There are numerous “permit required” confined spaces on this facility.

These spaces have been identified as a confined space. Some spaces have been posted, but most of them have not due to their configuration.

2. Confined spaces are areas, which are large enough to be entered, have limited egress/exit potential, and are not designed for permanent human occupancy. If you encounter any space, which meets this definition, if it is a suspected confined space, please contact the COR and the Industrial Hygienist/Safety Office for a determination.

3. Contractors performing work in confined spaces are responsible for compliance with all applicable standards and regulations.

L. Housekeeping:

1. Protect patients and VA personnel in occupied areas from the hazards of dust, noise, construction debris and material associated with a construction environment. Keep work area clear, clean and free of loose debris, construction materials and partially installed work which would create a safety hazard or interfere with VA personnel duties and traffic.

2. Wet mop occupied areas clean and remove any accumulation of dust/debris from cutting or drilling from any surface at the end of each workday. Contractor to provide mops and buckets to keep area within their work site clean and areas outside their work site that are affected by traffic from the site.

3. Make every effort to keep dust and noise to a minimum always. Take special precautions to protect VA equipment from damage including excessive dust.

4. Maintain clear access to mechanical, electrical devices, equipment and main corridors. This will ensure access to existing systems in the event of an emergency.

5. Clean area of all construction debris and dust upon completion of demolition and/or renovation at the end of each workday.

6. During construction operations, keep existing finishes protected from damage. Cover and protect all carpets during construction. Any carpets or surfaces damaged because of construction activities will be replaced by the contractor and at the contractor’s expense.

M. Hot Work Permits:

1. Any hot work operations including cutting, welding, thermal welding, brazing, soldering, grinding, thermal spraying, thawing pipes or any other similar activity, will require a Hot Work Permit to be obtained by the Contractor from the Safety Officer. The Contractor will be responsible for conforming to all Medical Center regulations, policies and procedures concerning Hot Work Permits as outlined below:

a) Prior to the performance of hot work, a request for a Hot Work Permit will be made to the Safety Department. (Attachment E).

b) The COR and a representative from the Safety Office will inspect the area and ensure that the requirements of NFPA 241 and OSHA standards have been satisfied. The Hot Work Permit will be granted and will be posted in the immediate area of the work.

c) The Hot Work Permit will apply only to the location identified on the permit. If additional areas involve hot work, additional permits must be requested.

d) Upon completion of all hot work, the COR will be notified by the responsible individual to perform a re-inspection of the area.

e) Do not use any of the extinguishers in the medical center for standby purpose while conducting hot work. Contractors are required to supply their own Class ABC extinguishers. Medical center extinguishers are only to be used in the event of a fire.

N. Utility Shutdowns

1. Contractor shall submit a request to interrupt any such services to COR, in writing, two weeks in advance of proposed interruption. Request shall state reason, date, exact time of, and approximate duration of such interruption. This requirement supersedes the General Requirements 01 00 00 Section 1.6 K.2

O. Penetration Permits

1. Contractor to complete Penetration Permit prior to commencement of any penetrations in fire rated construction barriers. Close openings in smoke barriers and fire-rated construction to maintain fire ratings. Seal penetrations with listed through-penetration firestop materials in accordance with Section 07 84 00, Fire stopping.

P. Emergency Medical Services: Emergency medical services for stabilization purposes are available for contractors at this facility. For medical emergencies, dial 911 when inside any building at the University Drive and Heinz divisions. Report the nature of the emergency and location. The operator will dispatch in-house personnel or coordinate an outside emergency assistance based on the nature of the emergency.

Q. Use of Government Owned Material and Equipment: Use of Government owned material and equipment is prohibited. This includes flatbeds, etc. for delivery of materials.

R. Superintendent

1. Prime Contractor’s Superintendent must be employed by the Contractor and must have full authority to act for the contractor. (FAR 52.236-6).

2. The prime contractor shall, at Notice to Proceed, designate a single site superintendent who is empowered to act on behalf of the contractor while work is being completed. The site superintendent must be employed by the prime contractor and may not be an employee of a sub-contractor. At all times during the performance of this contract, including always when any contractor or sub-contractor staff are on-site, the superintendent shall be onsite to supervise and direct staff work. At all times during the performance of this contract whether staff is onsite working, the Superintendent must be available by telephone. At the commencement of the contract and prior to beginning any construction, the contractor will supply the COR with the name and telephone number for the superintendent. If work is found being performed without the superintendent present as noted above the COR will instruct all contractor and sub-contractor personnel to stop work and immediately leave the site until the superintendent returns. Any lost time, production, or costs associated with this shall be the responsibility of the contractor and will be done at no additional cost to the VA.

3. Each contract must have a designated Contractor Superintendent

4. Communications: always during the performance of this contract, the Contractor’s Superintendent must be available by cell phone. At the beginning of the contract and prior to commencement of any construction, Contractor to provide the COR with the cell number for the superintendent.

S. Parking: There will be no on-site Contractor parking. There will be no contractor staging outside of construction area. Contractor's Trailers: Not authorized. Contractor is only authorized one dumpster location, regardless of how may projects they have onsite, which will be assigned by COR after Notice to Proceed.

T. Traffic:

1. Traffic hazards are minimal at this facility. Drivers should be particularly concerned with pedestrian traffic.

2. Seat belt use is mandatory on the station.

3. Federal police officers maintain a 24-hour patrol of the area.

4. No parking/driving on sidewalks and/or grass unless authorized.

U. Smoking: No smoking is permitted on any VAPHS campus.

V. Road Closures: For any work requiring closure of a road or parking lot, the contractor will submit a request for closure in writing at least 5 days in advance for approval by the COR and the Fire Department. Contractor requiring road closures will complete a permit and forward to the COR for authorization by the Fire Department.

Permits will be issued for no longer than 1 week. Multiple permits will authorize work lasting longer than 1 week.

W. Delivery of Materials: All materials to be delivered to VA loading docks will be coordinated by the contractor.

VA personnel will not receive any contractor material and the contractor will meet all deliveries at the dock to ensure receipt, custody, and removal of items from the dock so not to impact hospital function. If contractor is not present on the site to receive materials in a timely manner, the delivery will be refused and sent away to free the dock space. Extension of construction time will not be granted for refusal to receive contractor materials.

X. All material, equipment, etc. rendered inoperable by the new construction shall be removed and disposed off-site by the contractor.

Y. Contractor is responsible to maintain and repair any existing construction that is damaged by Contractor’s construction activities. Reference FAR 52.236-9

Z. Fluorescent (PCB Containing) Fixtures: All fluorescent lighting fixtures being removed as part of this project are to have their ballasts removed and turned over to the VAMC Environmental Protection Specialist for disposal. All other components of the lighting fixture are to be disposed of by the Contractor.

AA. Water Source Connection: Contractors shall supply and install a backflow prevention device at all connection points to a VA supplied water source. Backflow prevention device shall be a Reduce Pressure Watts Series 009 or approved equivalent.

BB. Phasing: Contractor shall submit a schedule of approximate phasing dates on which the Contractor intends to accomplish work in each specific area of site, building or portion thereof. Contractor shall notify the COR two weeks in advance of the proposed date of starting work in each specific area of site, building or portion thereof.

Arrange such phasing dates to insure accomplishment of this work in successive phases. The Medical Center Director, COR and the Contractor, prior to any work being completed, must mutually agree to this phasing schedule. Failure to comply with the dates agreed to on the phasing schedule without approved justification may result in a contract modification that benefits the government.

CC. Recycling: It is the contractors’ responsibility to recycle as much of the construction by-products as possible.

This would include but not be limited to steel, copper, etc. The contractor will keep a manifest of the items recycled and approximate amounts. The contractor will also make every effort to use recycled materials during the construction of the project. This will be monitored through the submittal process, but will require that the contractor manifest all recycled materials used during the project.

DD. Recycled content products shall be used in execution of this contract wherever such products are available.

EE. The contractor shall keep a record of all recycled content products used in execution of this contract. The record shall identify recycled content products used in execution of the work with approximate quantities.

FF. Contractor shall also keep a record of all wastes and by products recycled because of the execution of this contract. The record shall identify products recycled along with approximate quantities.

GG. Contractor shall submit copies of record reflecting all recycled products used in the contract with each application for progress payment. The record shall include the types and quantities of products used. Negative reports are required.

HH. Crane Safety: A critical lift plan is required for

1. The lift exceeds 50% of the rated capacity of the crane.

2. The lift is in proximity of a high voltage line.

3. The equipment being hoisted has a long-lead time, which would cause business interruption if damage occurred.

4. Two cranes are to be used.

5. Lift over an occupied building

a) If a lift is to be performed over an occupied building, a registered structural engineer contracted by the general contractor shall review and certify that the building can withstand the impact of the load being dropped on the building due to a crane or rigging failure. If the structural engineer cannot determine if the building can withstand the impact of a dropped load, or if the structural engineer determines that the building cannot withstand the impact of a dropped load, either the building areas that would be affected shall be evacuated during the lift, or the lift shall be scheduled when there will be no personnel in those areas of the building. The decision between evacuating the building or scheduling the lift for off-hours will be made by the owner’s representative.

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION:

A. Contractors shall abide by the facilities Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) policies and procedures. Contractors shall use recycled content products and bio-based materials when possible and provide an estimate of the percentage of materials with recycled content that will be used on the awarded projects.

Contractors are required to certify that all personnel and subcontractors have received Resource Conservation and Recovery ACT (RCRA) training. Contractors shall recycle all possible recyclable materials and report the total quantity of recycled and total quantity or waste removed during the projects. Reporting frequency will be set by the Contracting Officer.

B. Hazardous Material Storage & Use

1. The contractor shall establish hazardous material (HM) storage and distribution system when HM is to be used. All HM required to support the contract shall be reported to the Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) Coordinator using the Contractor HM Identification Form. The Contractor HM Identification Form will be provided to the Contractor at or prior to the Pre-Construction meeting.

Additional HM needed by the contractor shall be identified to the Contracting Officer's Representative for approval by the HMP.

2. The contractor planning to use HM for the work must register with the GEMS prior to start of work to support the installation’s compliance with Executive Order 12856, Federal Compliance with Right-to- Know Laws and Pollution Prevention Requirements.

3. The contractor shall maintain Contractor HM Identification Form for HM on the job site for inspection/verification.

4. Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will verify that the HM identified to (GEMS) Coordinator is the only HM in use on the job site.

5. Contractors shall provide the (GEMS) Coordinator:

a) A list of each material and quantity of material for all proposed HM. Hazardous Material (HM) shall mean any item that is:

b) A health hazard or physical hazard as defined in 29 CFR, 19 10.1200(c).

c) Regulated in its disposal by EPA less than 40 CFR.

d) Hazardous as defined by DOT regulations less than 49 CFR.

e) Hazardous as defined by the Dangerous Goods Regulations of the International Air Transport Association.

f) A safety data sheet (SDS) for each item on the list.

g) The contractor shall establish his/her own HM storage and issue location that complies with federal, state and local environmental regulations. Materials issued shall be tracked for quantities used. Unused materials shall be inventoried and removed from the VAMC Facilities prior to close out of the contract or expiration date of the HM. Reports of materials delivered, used and removed from the installation shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer monthly and prior to contract close out.

h) The contractor shall comply with all federal, state and local environmental standards.

i) The Facility (GEMS) coordinator shall be notified and accompany the Contracting Officer, Facility Engineer and other responsible parties i.e., COR, etc., on all project close out inspection to ensure all used/unused HM was removed from the installation.

C. Hazardous Waste (HW) Requirements:

1. General: This section includes the handling of all hazardous waste (HW) as generated by the contractor or government hazardous waste encountered by the contractor during this contract.

2. Non-Hazardous Waste: The contractor is responsible for the disposal of all non-hazardous waste.

3. Contractor Hazardous Waste: This shall include any hazardous waste that is a result of the use of hazardous materials (HM) and through leakage or spills. Pennsylvania regulations define any spills or leakage of oils (fuel) as hazardous waste. Contractor shall be fully responsible for the use, reporting and disposal of this material or waste, in accordance with all Federal, State and local regulations. The contractor shall provide a copy of his/her registration with the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the Northwest region/Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ID number;

hazardous waste transporter’s name and copy of their license or permit to transport hazardous waste; and the Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) name and copy of their license, permit, or interim status from EPA to receive hazardous waste.

4. Notification Requirements: The contractor shall notify the COR before the start of work, if they will be generating HW and when generation of HW will commence. This should be annotated on the PCRA plan as part of the review and approval process by COR.

5. While the EPA and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania permit the use of accumulation sites (Ref: 40 CFR 262.34) local authorization is required prior to establishing such a site. This approval is obtained from the Green Environmental Management System Office after a favorable joint review conducted by the (GEMS) Coordinator, The Safety Manager, The COR, and the Contracting Officer.

4.0 DOMESTIC WATER AND MEDICAL GAS SAFETY PLAN

A. Contractor to establish and maintain a site-specific water safety plan for their construction site. Prior to work commencement, contractor to prepare a plan detailing project specific water controls to ensure construction work is not impacting the medical center. Contractor to submit a plan to COR and Environmental Engineer for approval before work may commence in accordance with the Master Specifications: Section 01 33 23, shop drawings, product data, and samples. The water distribution systems of the Heinz and University Drive VA facilities are Public Water Systems permitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). All work associated with the water distribution systems shall comply with all requirements of the PADEP permits.

B. Plumbing contractor competency.

1. Only journeyman plumbers or master plumbers with plumbing license are authorized to work on any plumbing and medical gas system at VAPHS. Contractor to submit experience to COR for approval prior to plumber performing any work under this contract. Master plumbing level of 8 years or more are required to work at VAPHS. For Medical Gas systems, contractor working on VAPHS system must have current medical gas certification.

2. All employees performing plumbing work shall be licensed and certified in accordance with the International Plumbing Code (Master & Journeyman). Provide each employee’s appropriate licenses and certifications in accordance with the International Plumbing Code (Master & Journeyman). Provide additional qualifications or continuing education.

3. Must have current knowledge of all applicable codes required.

C. Flushing and Disinfection Program

1. It is the policy of VAPHS to ensure quality water is available for use after new construction is completed or following interruption to the potable water distribution systems. VAPHS water systems are permitted by the state of Pennsylvania and are required to adhere to the regulations contained in 25 PA Code 109 (Safe Drinking Water Act).

2. After successful disinfection, contractor will ensure each fixture is flushed twice per week while the area is under construction and prior to turnover to medical center. Each fixture will be flushed at a minimum of 5 minutes at normal flow both hot (through the bypass) and cold. Contractor shall validate flushing via spreadsheet indicating date, time, and duration of flush for each fixture in the construction site. Each event shall be signed by person performing the flush. Flushing sheets must be submitted to COR who will review with Environmental Engineer.

3. Prior to contractor turning over the construction site to VAPHS, contractor will ensure that the quality of potable water meets Safe Drinking Water Act standards by disinfecting all new piping in accordance with AWWA Standard C651. This validation will be documented in a spreadsheet for each fixture with date of test and signature of person performing test. Testing will occur at each fixture indicating initial biocide readings, hold times, biocide readings after required hold, and biocide reading after final flushing to ensure it is within safe drinking water standards. Contractor performing the disinfection shall be a certified water technologist, or perform the work under direct supervision of a certified water technologist.

4. Contractor will submit the disinfection plan to COR for preapproval prior to commencement. The Environmental Engineer shall provide written approval to the COR once the plan is shown to adhere to AWWA C651 standards.

5. Contractor to provide to COR independent Safe Water Drinking test results provided by a PA Department of Environmental Protection accredited laboratory for microbiological parameters. The test will not be conducted with only the minimum requirement of AWWA C651 due to the requirement for repeat testing if positivity is indicated. Testing shall be conducted for Total Coliform and E. coli due to regulatory requirements; results shall be provided prior to turn over of space to medical center.

D. Contractor to ensure new piping meets VA requirements for piping systems.

1. The maximum length of dead ends shall be no greater than two pipe diameters from the branch, riser or main that it is connected to. Ideally the existing tee or fitting should be removed if the piping has no future use.

2. Dead ends that terminate with a valve and a cap, plug, or flange shall be gate valves. A means to eliminate trapped fluid between the valve and the cap, plug, or flange shall be provided.

E. Contractor to ensure abandoned existing piping in the defined construction area is demolished and removed the following requirements are met with piping that remains.

1. The maximum length of dead ends shall be no greater than two pipe diameters from the branch, riser or main that it is connected to. Ideally the existing tee or fitting should be removed if the piping has no future use.

2. Dead ends that terminate with a valve and a cap, plug, or flange shall be gate valves. A means to eliminate trapped fluid between the valve and the cap, plug, or flange shall be provided.

5.0 HVAC REQUIREMENTS

1. Infection Control Risk Assessment reviewed the risk on patients for shutting down air handler units.

These risks are based upon air-handler shutdowns for any amount of time reduces the effectiveness of the HVAC system and thus can compromise patients. Any requests for air handler shutdown must comply with the current Infection Control Risk assessment as stated in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1

Duration of shut-down

Hour-by-hour Risk Risk Level Category

Recommendations for action

<1 hour

Basic risk

Air-handler shutdown for any amount of time reduces the effectiveness of the HVAC system.

All impacted areas should have contingency plans (Including high risk areas [e.g. negative and positive pressure rooms] and be prepared to use them.)

IV+ (Depending on area)

1. Notification of affected area

2. If OR involved, scheduling outside of scheduled OR time, advance notification of Surgery Service Line

3. If SPS involved, scheduling outside of hours of operation, movement of any sterile items out of SPS areas affected

4. If patient care areas involved, movement of negative-pressure isolation patients out of affected area (risk of airborne organism dissemination with loss of negative pressure control/air changes)

5. Monitoring of temperature for integrity of supplies/equipment

6. Avoidance of activities that require negative pressure (cleaning of soiled equipment) in affected areas

≤4 hours

Intermediate Risk

Air quality approaches that of outside air (Risk for immunosuppressed patients/patients that would not be allowed outside.)

II-IV+ (depending on patient type and patient level of care)

1. All above listed

2. Movement of severely immunosuppressed patients* to an area with appropriate environmental control as soon as possible.

3. Prepare for unit evacuation (unplanned outages)

4. Clinical discretion by responsible providers should be used to determine risk for patients staying in place vs. risk during transfer

5. Sterile supplies must be covered or moved, a plan must be in place to closely (every 15 minutes) monitor temperature/humidity and move if temperature is likely to go out of range.

*Immunosuppressed patients:

1. Solid organ or stem cell/bone marrow transplant patients

2. Absolute neutrophil count <500

3. Active chemotherapy

4. Active Leukemia/Lymphoma

>4, ≤8 hours Serious Risk

Concern for air-quality inappropriate to all persons, including temperature, viable, non-viable, odor clearance and “stuffiness” – Ref

OSHA

I-II (depending on patient, care-level employee, duration)

1. All above listed

2. Critical care units must be evacuated

3. Clinical discretion by responsible providers should be used to determine risk for patients staying in place vs. risk during transfer

>8 hours Critical Risk

Concern for air-quality inappropriate to all persons, including temperature, viable, non-viable, odor clearance and “stuffiness” – Ref

OSHA

I-II (depending on patient, care-level employee, duration)

1. All above listed

2. All units should be evacuated

3. All sterile supplies should be moved, otherwise a plan must be in place to rapidly move them if temperature/humidity monitored at least every 15 minutes goes out of range.

2. Contractor requesting air handler shuts downs must notify COR in a minimum of five weeks in advance of the unit requiring shut down so appropriate planning with COR and medical center can occur.

Shutdowns of air handler units will require relocation of patients and in some cases of an entire unit.

Relocations of this magnitude will extensive planning to ensure access to care and the safety of VAPHS patients.

3. Due to severity of these shutdowns, the contractor should ensure these outages are identified on the PCRA and ICRA plans that are approved in advance of construction commencement. This effective planning will ensure safety and an outage with minimal impact to the medical center.

ATTACHMENT A

Contract Worker's Safety Information Contract Reference No.:

The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System is a full service medical center with inpatients, outpatients, visitors, and staff who can be affected by what you do while working here. Many of these patients may have health problems that make them more susceptible to materials used or generated in your work.

In the event of a fire, remember RACE. Rescue persons in immediate danger, pull the fire Alarm and contain the fire by closing any doors. If it is safe to do so, and you have been trained, try to extinguish the fire with a portable fire extinguisher. If you do not hear the alarm sound, call ext. 333 to report the location. Know the location of the fire alarm and extinguisher in your work area.

Keep all dust and odors within the construction or maintenance site. All Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for materials must be posted. Provide MSDS to the Contracting Officer’s Representative

(COR).

A. Asbestos

1. Assume that any sprayed-on fireproofing and thermal insulation contains asbestos.

Ceiling tiles provide the barrier between the asbestos in the interstitial and the occupied areas below. Interior walls provide a similar barrier to asbestos fireproofing on vertical columns.

2. Ceiling tiles cannot be moved or displaced without proper containment and personal protective equipment. Wall penetrations cannot be made without proper containment and personal protective equipment. Immediately report all disturbances of asbestos-containing materials to your supervisor and the COR.

B. Hazardous Waste

1. The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System indicates waste that is hazardous with different colored bags:

a) RED for infectious or biohazardous waste.

b) YELLOW for chemo waste.

c) CLEAR & BLACK for general waste.

d) Signs on containers also indicate whether the contents are biohazardous, radioactive or cytotoxic.

e) Do not touch the contents of any of these containers

C. Hazardous Spills

1. Locate the MSDS and contact the Facility Management Service at extension 412-360-

6138 during normal business hours for assistance. Alternately you can contact the VA’s Industrial Hygienist at 412-360-3705 during normal business hours. In the event of no answer, or after hours contact the VA Operator at 412-688-6000 for assistance.

D. Utility Shutdown

1. You must notify your supervisor and COR for approval: (advance approval is required for all utility shutdowns in accordance with your contract requirements)

a) Prior to lock out/tag out of any utility system.

b) If a utility failure occurs.

c) Prior to restoring the system.

E. Smoking

1. Smoking is not allowed on any VAPSH campus.

F. Patient Care Areas

1. Before entering a patient care room, receive permission and instructions from the nurse in charge. Respect the privacy of all patients. Remember, the patients at VAPHS are veterans who have served to protect our country.

ATTACHMENT B

Pre-Construction Meeting Checklist for Contractor, Contracting Officer, and Contracting Officer Representative

A. Which bid alternatives were accepted? Verify that there is an agreement between the contractor and the VA regarding which of the alternates were accepted.

B. Labor Disputes (FAR 52.222-1) C. Monthly Progress Payments (FAR 52.232-5) D. Differing Site Conditions (FAR 52.236-2) E. Superintendence by the Contractor (FAR 52.236-6). Superintendent must be employed by the contractor and must have full authority to act for the contractor.

F. Completion of Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) Matrix of Precautions for construction.

Completion of IC Permit and issuance (or procedures). All smoke and/or dust barriers will be in place and approved by infection control and safety prior to beginning any demolition or construction work. (Attachment C).

G. Cleaning Up (FAR 52.236-12).

H. Accident Prevention (FAR 52.236-13).

I. Specifications and Drawings for Construction (FAR 52.236-21).

J. Specifications govern over drawings.

K. Work done without approved submittals shall be at contractor's risk.

L. Changes (APR 1984). No oral order shall be considered as a change.

M. Inspection of Construction (FAR 52.246-12).

N. Specifications and Drawings for Construction (VAAR 852.236-71). Drawings are not to be scaled.

O. Daily Report of Workers and Materials (VAAR 852.236-80). Weekly pay statement.

Documentation required for apprentices.

P. Schedule of Work Progress (VAAR 852.236-84).

Q. Workman's Compensation (VAAR 852.236-86).

R. Hauling Demolition Material. Loads must be covered. Trucks must be equipped with a tailgate.

S. Receiving of Contractor Shipments by Government Employees.

T. Asbestos removal.

U. Use of Government Ladders. Under no condition is the contractor authorized to use government ladders.

V. No smoking in any building on station, except for designated smoking shelter.

W. Material Safety Data…