01 35 26 Safety Requirements.pdf

VA 556-21-701 EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades

Captain James A. Lovell FHCC, North Chicago, IL

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SECTION 01 35 26

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1.1 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS:

A. This Specification is edited from the VHA model specification for construction safety requirements developed by the VHA Center for

Occupational Safety and Health, which had included infection control.

Infection Control has been properly segregated to become Specification

01 35 33 Infection Control Requirements, using nomenclature and formatting propagated by Construction Specifications Institute (CSI).

Both templates were then edited to optimally communicate the requirements of all projects at the facility. Both specifications are required to be included in all construction contracts by VHA Directive

7715 Safety and Health During Construction, which is available at:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5380

B. Federal Law. The Public Buildings Amendments of 1988, 40 U.S.C. 3312

(formerly section 21 of the Public Buildings Act of 1959, 40 U.S.C.

619), require that each building constructed or altered by any federal agency shall, to the maximum extent feasible, be in compliance with nationally recognized model building codes, and with other applicable nationally recognized codes.

C. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): https://www.acquisition.gov/ as cited throughout this document.

D. National Standards. The latest edition of the nationally recognized standards herein, in effect at the time of contract award, shall be used during design and construction.

E. The publications listed below form part of this Article to extent referenced. Publications are referenced in text by basic designations only. Always use the latest editions of all publications.

F. American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP; formerly ASSE):

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

A10.6 Safety & Health Program Requirements for Demolition

Operations

A10.8 Safety Requirements for Scaffolding

A10.33 Safety and Health Program Requirements for Multi-

Employer Projects

A10.34 Protection of the Public on or Adjacent to Construction

Sites

A10.38 Basic Elements of an Employer’s Program to Provide a

Safe & Healthful Work Environment

Z117.1 Safety Requirements for Confined Spaces

Z244.1 Control of Energy Sources (Lockout/Tagout) for

Construction & Demolition Operations

Z359 Fall Protection Code

Z490.1 Criteria for Accepted Practices in Safety, Health and

Environmental Training

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Note: Always review the ASSP A10.0 Guidance Document for

Construction and demolition Operations Compendium of Standards and apply those related to the planned work.

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

E84-2013 Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

H. The Facilities Guidelines Institute (FGI):

Guidelines for the Design and Construction of Hospitals, or

Guidelines for the Design and Construction of Outpatient Clinics (as applicable)

I. International Code Council:

International Fire Code, Chapter 33 Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition

J. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

NFPA 1 Fire Code

NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers

NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems

NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of

Water-Based Fire Protection Systems

NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code

NFPA 51B Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting and

Other Hot Work

NFPA 70 National Electric Code

NFPA 70B Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment

Maintenance

NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code

NFPA 101 Life Safety Code

NFPA 241 Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and

Demolition Operations

Note: Always review the most current and complete list of NFPA

Codes and Standards and apply those related to the planned work

K. The Joint Commission (TJC)

TJC Manual Comprehensive Accreditation and Certification Manual

L. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

10 CFR 20 Standards for Protection Against Radiation

M. 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

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29 CFR 1960 ` Basic Program Elements for Federal Employee OS&H

Programs

CPL 2-00.124 Multi-Employer Citation Policy

1.2 DEFINITIONS:

A. Definitions are provided in VHA Directive 7715 take precedence over those provided here, or in Specification 01 42 16 Definitions and

Abbreviations, which is also part of this contract.

B. 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.

C. General Contractor, also referred to as Prime Contractor here, is the contractor with whom VA has a contract for this work.

D. 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)).

E. Qualified Person. One who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training and experience, has successfully demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.

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

G. 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 but less than $20,000).

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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 property damage ($20,000 or greater) and/or may generate publicity or high visibility. These incidents must be investigated and are required to be reported to the VA as soon as practical, but not later than 2 hours after the incident.

H. The following types of incidents must be investigated, and are required to be reported to VA as soon as practical, but not later than 2 hours after occurrence:

1. Any Minor, Moderate, or Major incident/impact, as defined above.

2. 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, other medical practitioners, or first responders.

1.3 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:

A. Read and comply with Specification 01 41 00 Regulatory Requirements.

B. Where specification numbers are included here by reference, but not included in the bid package, prepare and transmit a Request for

Information (RFI) to the Contracting Officer, and ask for clarification of the requirement in the context of where it was found. Note that it is expectable that VA responses, especially for Division 2 and higher, will be based on the resources maintained in the VA Technical

Information Library propagated by the VA Office of Construction and

Facilities Management (http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/).

C. In addition to the detailed requirements included in the provisions of this contract, comply with 29 CFR 1926, and with 29 CFR 1910 as incorporated by reference within 29 CFR 1926, and also comply with ASSP

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 Facility Safety Officer and Contracting Officer’s

Representative.

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 and project-specific. The Government considers the Prime

Contractor to be the "controlling authority" for the 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, and for 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.

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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 ASSP

A10.33 Safety and Health Program Requirements for Multi-Employer

Projects).

a. This submission shall only address safety and health planning for this project.

b. Specifically articulating the safety requirements found within these VA contract safety specifications of this project means that submission of a company safety manual (or similar) is not project-specific.

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

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

2. Address all the elements/sub-elements 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 shall be provided.

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

1) A statement of the employer’s ultimate responsibility for the implementation of his Safety and Occupational Health (SOH) program;

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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 employed by the General Contractor 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 (revise if and when changes are approved);

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, excavation, etc.) and any requirements for periodic retraining/ recertification are required.

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

4) OSHA 30-hour training is required for all workers on site.

The OSHA 30-hour training is also required for all Competent and or Qualified Persons for each trade, as well as all supervisory personnel. Additional documented training is elaborated throughout this specification, as well as applicable federal, state, and local codes and laws, and industry standards applicable to the work.

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.

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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 Facility Safety

Manager and Contracting Officer’s Representative:

1) Exposure data (man-hours worked);

2) Accident investigation reports;

3) Project site injury and illness logs.

Note: Listing safety data on meeting agenda’s does not replace the above-required reporting

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 project-specific risks associates with the following:

1) Emergency response;

2) Contingency for severe weather;

3) Fire Prevention;

4) Medical Support;

5) Posting of emergency telephone numbers;

6) Prevention of alcohol and drug abuse;

7) Site sanitation (housekeeping, drinking water, toilets);

8) Night operations and lighting;

9) Hazard communication program;

10) Welding/Cutting “Hot” work;

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

12) General Electrical Safety;

13) Hazardous energy control (Machine LOTO);

14) Site-Specific Fall Protection & Prevention;

15) Excavation/trenching;

16) Asbestos abatement;

17) Lead abatement;

18) Crane Critical lift;

19) Respiratory protection;

20) Health hazard control program;

21) Radiation Safety Program;

22) Abrasive blasting;

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23) Heat/Cold Stress Monitoring;

24) Crystalline Silica Monitoring (Assessment);

25) Demolition plan (to include engineering survey);

26) Formwork and shoring erection and removal;

27) Pre-Cast Concrete;

28) Public (Mandatory compliance with ANSI/ASSE A10.34-2012).

C. Submit the APP to the VA Facility Safety Manager and Contracting

Officer’s Representative for review for compliance with contract requirements 14 calendar days prior to the date of the Kick-Off conference for acceptance. The contractor shall not be allowed to mobilize without an accepted APP. Work cannot proceed without an accepted APP.

D. Once accepted by the VA Facility Safety Manager and Contracting

Officer’s Representative, 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 or delegated Construction Safety 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 only be made with the knowledge and concurrence of the VA Facility Safety Manager and

Contracting Officer’s Representative.

F. Should any severe hazard exposure (i.e. imminent danger) become evident, all personnel are empowered to make an effort to act, including stopping work in the area, securing the area, and participating in the development of 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 on-site personnel, visitors, the public, and the environment.

1.5 ACTIVITY HAZARD ANALYSES (AHA):

A. AHAs are also known as Job Hazard Analyses, Job Safety Analyses, and

Activity Safety Analyses. Before beginning each work activity involving a type of work presenting hazards not experienced in previous project operations, or location of repeated work has changed, or where a new work crew or sub-contractor is to perform the work, the

Contractor(s) performing that work activity shall prepare an AHA

(Example electronic AHA forms can be found on the US Army Corps of

Engineers web site).

B. AHAs shall define the activities being performed, list the work sequences, list all specific anticipated hazards, site conditions, equipment, materials, and the control measures to be implemented to eliminate or reduce each hazard to an acceptable level of risk.

C. Work shall not begin until the AHA for the work activity has been accepted by the Facility Safety Manager and Contracting Officer’s

Representative, and discussed with all engaged in the activity, including the Contractor, subcontractor(s), and Government on-site representatives at preparatory and or initial control phase meetings.

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1. The names of the Competent/Qualified Person(s) required for a particular activity (i.e. Excavations, scaffolding, fall protection, or other activities as specified by OSHA and/or other State and

Local agencies, shall be identified and included in the AHA.

Certification of their competency/qualification shall be submitted to the Facility Safety Manager and Contracting Officer’s

Representative for acceptance prior to the start of that work activity.

2. The AHA shall be reviewed and modified as necessary to address changing site conditions, operations, or change of competent/ qualified person(s).

a. If more than one Competent/Qualified Person is used on the AHA activity, a list of names shall be submitted as an attachment to the AHA. Those listed must be Competent/Qualified for the type of work involved in the AHA and familiar with current site safety issues.

b. If a new Competent/Qualified Person (not on the original list) is added, the list shall be updated (an administrative action not requiring an updated AHA). The new person shall acknowledge in writing that he or she has reviewed the AHA and is familiar with current site safety issues.

3. Submit AHAs to the VA Facility Safety Manager and Contracting

Officer’s Representative for review for compliance with contract requirements for review at least 14 calendar days prior to the start of each phase. Subsequent AHAs as shall be formatted as amendments to the APP. The analysis should be used during daily inspections to ensure the implementation and effectiveness of the activity's safety and health controls.

4. The AHA list will be reviewed periodically (at least monthly) at the

Contractor supervisory safety meeting and updated as necessary when procedures, scheduling, or hazards change.

5. Develop the activity hazard analyses using the project schedule as the basis for the activities performed. All activities listed on the project schedule will require an AHA. The AHAs will be developed by the contractor, supplier, or subcontractor, and provided to the prime contractor for review and approval, and then submitted to the

VA Facility Safety Manager and Contracting Officer’s Representative.

1.6 PRE-CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE:

A. In accordance with FAR Clause 52.236-26 - Preconstruction Conference, a project kickoff meeting shall be held to communicate requirements, project-specific concerns, and the project plan of execution. The

Contracting Officer’s Representative, and or the Specifications, may also call for Pre-Construction Conferences for planned portions of the work requiring collaborative planning to avoid quality and safety issues. The Prime Contractor and affected subcontractor project leads are required to attend and actively participate.

B. 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

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superintendents, and any other assigned safety and health professionals.

C. Discuss the details of the submitted APP to include incorporated plans, programs, procedures and a listing of anticipated AHAs that will be developed and implemented during the performance of the contract. This list of proposed AHAs will be reviewed at the conference and an agreement will be reached between the Contractor and the Contracting

Officer's Representative as to which phases will require an analysis.

In addition, establish a schedule for the preparation, submittal, review, and acceptance of AHAs to preclude project delays.

D. Deficiencies in the submitted APP will be brought to the attention of the Contractor within 14 days of submittal, and the Contractor shall revise the plan to correct deficiencies and re-submit it for acceptance. Do not begin work until there is an accepted APP. Delays in fulfilling corrections are never basis for a Government-caused delay. Milestone dates shall remain in force. The Contractor remains solely responsible for any costs to accelerate the work to meet the scheduled milestones.

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

A. This contract involves: (a) work of a long duration or hazardous nature, or (b) performance within a Government facility, that on the advice of VA construction safety representatives involves hazardous operations which might endanger the safety of the public, patients, and/or Government personnel or property, therefore the SSHO, and

Superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager, must be separate persons. For multiple shift operations, a SSHO must be on site throughout each shift. In no case shall subcontractor personnel be allowed to access and work on any VA site without their general contractor’s SSHO also being on site.

Following Award, and depending on the qualifications and demonstrated competency of GC site management, VA may be open to allowing the general contractor superintendent to act as the SSHO

- conditional on retaining the right for the COR, CSO, or CO to summarily and immediately revoke the privilege as a result of observed performance deficiencies. While this is not guaranteed, in no case shall VA accept assignment of site management personnel to multiple projects concurrently.

B. The Prime or General 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.

C. Further, all specialized Competent Persons for the work crews shall 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).

D. These Competent Persons may be permitted by VA to perform 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, Addendum 01

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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.

E. 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, and prior to the Kick-Off meeting, as part of the APP with the training documentation and/or AHA as listed in Section 1.8 below.

F. 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 and other

Clauses and Contract requirements.

1.8 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 completed the OSHA 30-hour

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

Contractor employees visiting the site for administrative purposes shall have completed at least the 10-hour Construction Safety Outreach course, and any necessary site-specific safety hazard training. Submit an employee roster along with legible copies of all training cards to the Contracting Officer’s Representative prior to allowing any worker to enter the site.

E. Submit training records associated with the above requirements to the

VA Facility Safety Manager and Contracting Officer’s Representative for review for compliance with contract requirements at least 14 calendar days prior to the date of the preconstruction conference for acceptance.

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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, VA safety guidelines, means of egress, break areas, work hours, locations of restrooms, use of VA equipment, emergency procedures, accident reporting, etc. Documentation shall be provided each day to the COR that all individuals have undergone contractor’s safety briefing.

G. Ongoing safety training will be accomplished in the form of a (minimum) weekly documented safety meeting. Submit records of these meetings to the COR as part of the requirements for daily reporting without fail.

1.9 INSPECTIONS:

A. The SSHO shall conduct frequent and regular safety inspections (daily) of the site and each of the subcontractors CPs shall conduct frequent and regular safety inspections (daily) of their work operations as required by 29 CFR 1926.20(b)(2). Each week, the SSHO shall conduct a formal documented inspection of the entire construction areas with the subcontractors’ “Trade Safety and Health CPs” present in their work areas. Coordinate with, and report findings and corrective actions weekly to Facility Safety Manager and Contracting Officer’s

Representative.

B. The Prime Contractor shall retain the services of an independent

Certified Safety Professional (CSP) with specialized knowledge in construction safety or a certified Construction Safety and Health

Technician (CSHT), who shall randomly conduct a monthly site safety inspection. The CSP or CSHT shall provide their certificate number on the required report for verification as necessary.

1. Results of the inspection will be documented with tracking of the identified hazards to abatement.

2. The VA Facility Safety Manager and Contracting Officer’s

Representative shall be notified directly by the CSP or CSHT at least 24 hours prior to start of the inspection, and invited to accompany the inspection.

3. Identified hazards and controls will be discussed to enable mutual understanding, ensure abatement, and prevent future (re)occurrence.

4. A report of the inspection findings with status of abatement shall be provided to the VA Facility Safety Manager and Contracting

Officer’s Representative within two business days of the on-site inspection.

1.10 ACCIDENTS, OSHA 300 LOGS, AND MAN-HOURS:

A. The prime contractor shall establish and maintain an accident reporting, recordkeeping, and analysis system to track and analyze all injuries and illnesses, high visibility incidents, and accidental property damage (both government and contractor) that occur on site.

Notify the VA Facility Safety Manager and Contracting Officer’s

Representative as soon as practical, but no more than two hours after any accident meeting the definition of a Minor, Moderate, or Major incidents, or any weight handling and hoisting equipment accident.

Within notification include contractor name; contract title; type of contract; name of activity, installation or location where accident

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occurred; date and time of accident; names of personnel injured; extent of property damage, if any; extent of injury, if known, and brief description of accident (to include type of construction equipment used, PPE used, etc.). Preserve the conditions and evidence on the accident site until the VA Facility Safety Manager and Contracting

Officer’s Representative determine whether a government investigation will be conducted.

B. Conduct an accident investigation for all Minor, Moderate, and Major incidents (as defined in paragraph DEFINITIONS), and or property damage accidents – regardless of value, to establish the root cause(s) of the accident. Complete the VA Form 2162 (or equivalent), and provide the report to the VA Facility Safety Manager and Contracting Officer’s

Representative within two business days of the accident. The Facility

Safety Manager and Contracting Officer’s Representative will provide copies of any required or special forms.

C. A summation of all man-hours worked by the contractor and associated subcontractors for each month will be reported to the Facility Safety

Manager and Contracting Officer’s Representative within the first two days of each month.

D. A summation of all Minor, Moderate, and Major incidents experienced on site by the contractor and associated subcontractors for each month will be provided to the VA Facility Safety Manager and Contracting

Officer’s Representative within the first two days of each month. The contractor and associated subcontractors’ OSHA 300 logs shall be submitted to the VA Facility Safety Manager and Contracting Officer’s

Representative prior to the preconstruction meeting, and then prior to any new subcontractor mobilizing on site.

1.11 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 VA Facility

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

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

Facility Safety Manager and Contracting Officer’s 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 regardless of craft or administrative position.

Under no circumstances shall contractor personnel wear open-toed, or athletic shoes while in a work area.

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4. Hearing protection - Use personal hearing protection at all times in designated noise hazard areas, or when performing noise-hazardous tasks. Hint: If people must raise their voices above normal tone to communicate, the environment requires hearing protection.

1.12 INFECTION CONTROL

A. Do not refer to this subject as “Infectious Control”.

B. Review and comply with the requirements enumerated throughout

Specification 01 35 33 INFECTION CONTROL REQUIREMENTS.

C. Infection Control is critical in all medical center facilities.

Interior construction activities causing disturbance of existing dust, or creating new dust, must be conducted within ventilation-controlled areas which prevent the flow of airborne particles outside of the construction area. Exterior construction activities causing disturbance of soil or other dust-creating activities must also be controlled to prevent fugitive dust from entering facility air intakes, doors, or windows. Sealing off doors and windows cannot be the proposed solution.

D. An Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) shall be prepared by the

COR and safety team. The ICRA procedure and form used by this facility is based on the template found on the American Society for Healthcare

Engineering (ASHE) website. It is an industry standard process and form which healthcare designers and constructors must become familiar with and make use of.

E. Infection Control Permits, where required, will be issued by the

Contracting Officer’s Representative in collaboration with the Facility

Safety Manager and the Facility Infection Control and Prevention

Officer – all of whom have both the authority and responsibility to inspect work areas for compliance, and revoke permits for work sites which are found noncompliant. Delays and costs associated with such revocations are solely borne by the Prime Contractor. No modification to the Contract for time or cost shall be allowed.

F. All Infection Control Permits shall be posted outside the appropriate construction area. More than one permit may be issued for a construction project if the work is located in separate areas requiring separate classes.

1.13 TUBERCULOSIS SCREENING

A. Review and comply with the requirements enumerated throughout

Specification 01 35 33 INFECTION CONTROL REQUIREMENTS.

B. Contractor shall provide written certification that all contractor 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 initial submission of documents before new workers will be allowed to work on the site.

NOTE: This can be the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) two-step skin testing or a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved blood test.

1. Contract employees manifesting positive screening reactions to the tuberculin shall be examined and cleared by a licensed physician

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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.

C. OTHER CONTAGIOUS RISKS

1. The General Contractor is responsible for all actions or inactions of their staff, and those of their subcontractors at any tier, with regard to site safety and health, and how the actions or inactions of their personnel effect the safety and health of the general public, patients, and Government employees at the job site.

2. It is imperative, and therefore required, that the General

Contractor ensure that their staff, and those of their subcontractors at any tier, conduct responsible screening of their employees prior to allowing them access to any job site, much less the clinical spaces of VA.

3. Conducting employee education, incenting desired behavior such as paid sick time, and providing on-site superintendents and safety officers basic diagnostic tools such as digital thermometers, and medical PPE (gloves, masks, etc.) are only part of responsible planning.

4. If your employee is sick, please ensure that they stay home.

1.14 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 Facility Safety

Manager and Contracting Officer’s Representative for review for compliance with contract requirements in accordance with Section 01 33

23, SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA AND SAMPLES. 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, including fire, police, and other emergency response forces in accordance with NFPA 241.

C. Separate temporary facilities, such as trailers, storage sheds, and dumpsters, from existing buildings and new construction by distances in accordance with NFPA 241. For small facilities with less than 20 feet exposing overall length, separate by no less than 10 feet.

D. DO NOT obstruct paths of egress within or outside of any building.

E. Temporary Construction Partitions:

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1. Install and maintain temporary construction partitions to provide smoke-tight separations between construction areas, or areas that are described in phasing requirements, and adjoining areas.

Construct partitions of metal studs and channels and fire-rated gypsum wall board (flame spread rating of 25 or less in accordance with ASTM E84) on both sides of fire-retardant treated wood or metal steel studs. Extend the partitions through suspended ceilings to floor slab deck or roof. Seal joints and penetrations. At door openings, install Class C, 45-minute fire/smoke rated doors with self-closing devices.

2. Install construction partitions as shown on drawings to maintain integrity of existing exit stair enclosures, exit passageways, fire-rated enclosures of hazardous areas, horizontal exits, smoke barriers, and or vertical shafts and openings enclosures.

3. Where not shown on drawings, temporary barriers shall meet or exceed the UL smoke or fire rating of the existing construction planned for demolition, prior to beginning demolition.

4. 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, FIRESTOPPING.

F. Temporary Heating and Electrical: Do not plan to or use fuel-burning temporary heating systems within the facility, adjacent to the facility, or near any air intake, window, or door to the facility. Do not operate, or allow to be operated, any heat-producing equipment near any flammable or combustible materials. Install, use, and maintain installations in accordance with 29 CFR 1926, NFPA 241 and NFPA 70.

G. Means of Egress: Do not block exit paths for occupied buildings, including paths from exits to roads. Minimize disruptions and coordinate with Facility Safety Manager and Contracting Officer’s

Representative.

H. Egress Routes for Construction Workers: Maintain free and unobstructed egress. Inspect daily. Report findings and corrective actions weekly to Facility Safety Manager and Contracting Officer’s Representative.

I. Fire Extinguishers: Provide and maintain extinguishers in construction areas and temporary storage areas in accordance with 29 CFR 1926, NFPA

241 and NFPA 10.

1. Provide at least one NFPA 10 pedestal-mounted fire extinguisher in each work and storage area.

2. Never allow extinguishers to be stored on floors, casework, tool boxes, or other noncompliant materials or systems.

J. Flammable and Combustible Liquids are not allowed within the VA buildings. Were specifically required by the contract documents, or where no feasible alternative exists, the contractor’s Competent Safety

Manager shall:

1. Submit Safety Data Sheets to the COR well in advance of the need.

2. Prepare a fire prevention plan specific to the material, and submit to the COR well in advance of the need.

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3. Plan to store all containers, rags, brushes, solvents, tools, and other items within a compliantly vented UL approved fire safe storage system.

4. Upon approval, only bring the materials on site the day they are needed, and immediately remove them on the day they are no longer needed. NEVER store any flammable or combustible materials on site unattended. Take them away each night. Only bring back what is needed.

5. Store, dispense and use liquids in accordance with 29 CFR 1926, NFPA

241 and NFPA 30.

K. Standpipes: Install and extend standpipes up with each floor in accordance with 29 CFR 1926 and NFPA 241. Do not charge wet standpipes subject to freezing until weather protected.

L. Sprinklers: Install, energize, test, and certify new automatic sprinkler work prior to removing existing sprinklers.

M. 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.

Provide fire watch for impairments more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period. In accordance with the Scope of Work and the Specifications, schedule and request interruptions well in advance (14 days) with VA

Facility Safety Manager and Contracting Officer’s Representative. All existing or temporary fire protection systems (fire alarms, sprinklers) located in construction areas shall be tested as coordinated with the

VA Facility Safety Manager and Contracting Officer’s Representative.

Parameters for the testing and results of any tests performed shall be recorded by the General Contractor (via their Fire Protection subcontractor, as well as the medical center, providing copies to the

COR.

N. Smoke Detectors: Prevent accidental operation. Remove temporary covers at end of work operations each day. Coordinate with VA Facility

Safety Manager and Contracting Officer’s Representative. Where smoke detectors must be removed or otherwise impaired, the General Contractor shall supply, install, and maintain heat detectors compatible with the facility monitoring and alarm system until all effected smoke detectors are reactivated.

O. Hot Work: Welding, cutting, and burning within any medical center facility is not allowed. Were specifically required by the contract documents, or where no feasible alternative exists, the contractor’s

Hot Work Competent Safety Manager shall prepare a compliant plan and submit it for review well in advance of the need (14 days). Perform and safeguard hot work operations in accordance with NFPA 51B and NFPA

241. The Prime Contractor’s Safety Manager, and the safety managers of each subcontractor involved with the planned work, shall prepare required Pre-Activity Hazard Analyses and Hot Work Permit, and submit it for review to the VA Facility Safety Manager and Contracting

Officer’s Representative at least five business days in advance of planned activity(s). While several subcontractor’s safety managers may be involved in the planning, ultimately the Prime (General) Contractor is responsible for all activities. Therefore, the Prime Contractor’s safety manager shall be designated as responsible project site fire prevention program manager under the hot work permit.

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P. Fire Hazard Prevention and Safety Inspections: Inspect the entire construction area(s) every day. Coordinate with, and report findings and corrective actions each day to Facility Safety Manager and

Contracting Officer’s Representative.

Q. Smoking: Smoking is prohibited throughout the entire campus, including all buildings, rooftops, parking lots, and grounds. Smoking is prohibited in and adjacent to all construction areas and additions or new structures under construction.

R. Dispose of waste and debris in accordance with NFPA 241. Remove from buildings daily for single-shift days, or at least once during each shift for multiple-shift days.

S. Where conditions warrant it, prepare and submit documentation to the

COR that personnel have been trained in the fire safety aspects of working in areas with impaired structural or compartmentalization features.

1.15 ELECTRICAL

A. Regardless of what is written or cited here, TAG-OUT alone is NEVER an acceptable control of stored or hazardous energy. Proper de-energization and LOCK-OUT must be planned and accomplished prior to commencement of work.

B. Before beginning any electrical work, an Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA) will be conducted to include Shock Hazard and Arc Flash Hazard analyses

(NFPA Tables can be used only as a last alterative and it is strongly suggested a full Arc Flash Hazard Analyses be conducted by the electrical contractor as part of their compliant work planning). Work shall not begin until the AHA for the work activity has been reviewed and accepted by the Facility Safety Manager and Contracting Officer’s

Representative and discussed with all engaged in the activity, including the Contractor, subcontractor(s), and Government on-site representatives at preparatory and initial control phase meetings.

C. Planning for energized work, or work on live equipment, shall not be planned until all possible alternatives are found to be impossible, and then only with the required reviews and approvals required of NFPA.

D. Ground-fault circuit interrupters. GFCI protection shall be provided where an employee is operating or using cord- and plug-connected tools related to construction activity supplied by 125-volt, 15-, 20-, or 30-ampere circuits.