9_Master Specification - Safety Reqt 013526.pdf

05-01-24

01 35 26 - 1

SECTION 01 35 26

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.1 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS: 5

1.2 DEFINITIONS: 6

1.3 SUBMITTAL REQUIRMENTS: 11

1.4 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS: 12

1.5 ACCIDENT PREVENTION PLAN (APP): 12

1.6 ACTIVITY HAZARD ANALYSES (AHAs): 18

1.7 PRECONSTRUCTION SAFETY CONFERENCE: 19

1.8 SAFETY MEETINGS: 20

1.9 “SITE SAFETY AND HEALTH OFFICER” (SSHO) and “COMPETENT PERSON” (CP): 20

1.10 TRAINING: 22

1.11 INSPECTIONS: 23

1.12 MISHAPS, OSHA 300 LOGS, AND MAN-HOURS: 24

1.13 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE): 25

1.14 PRE-CONSTRUCTION RISK ASSESSMENT 26

1.15 DUST CONTROL 28

1.16 TUBERCULOSIS SCREENING Error! Bookmark not defined.

1.17 FIRE SAFETY Error! Bookmark not defined.

1.18 ELECTRICAL Error! Bookmark not defined.

1.19 FALL PROTECTION 28

1.20 SCAFFOLDS AND OTHER WORK PLATFORMS 29

1.21 EXCAVATION AND TRENCHES Error! Bookmark not defined.

1.22 CRANES Error! Bookmark not defined.

1.23 CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY (LOCKOUT/TAGOUT) 29

01 35 26 - 2

1.24 CONFINED SPACE ENTRY 30

1.25 WELDING AND CUTTING Error! Bookmark not defined.

1.26 LADDERS 30

1.27 FLOOR & WALL OPENINGS 31

01 35 26 - 3

SPEC WRITER NOTES:

1. This section of specifications covers the requirements for safety and occupational health requirements for the protection of Contractor and Government personnel, property, and resources on Construction Projects.

2. All references to the Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Occupational Health Requirements EM 385-1-1 Manual are specific to “Major Construction” Projects administered by the Office of Construction and Facilities Management (CFM.) The use of the EM 385 manual by other offices is not required but highly recommended. Edit these specification requirements by deleting references to the EM 385 Manual when not applicable.

3. Edit these specification requirements by deleting sections or requirements that are not applicable due to the presence or absence of work operations that would necessitate those requirements.

Consultation with VA/CFM Safety and Occupational Health officers before deletion or substitution is highly recommended. For bracketed items, choose applicable items(s) or insert appropriate information.

4. Many states and municipalities have more stringent or additional requirements and this section should be modified as required to meet the most stringent requirements.

01 35 26 - 4

01 35 26 - 5

SECTION 01 35 26

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

1.1 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS:

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

B. American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP):

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

Planning

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

Construction Sites

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

Provide a Safe and Healthful Work Environment

American National Standard Construction and

Demolition Operations

Z359.0-2012..........Definitions and Nomenclature Used for Fall

Protection and Fall Arrest

Z359.1-2016..........The Fall Protection Code

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

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

Materials

D. The Facilities Guidelines Institute (FGI):

FGI Guidelines-2010Guidelines for Design and Construction of

Healthcare Facilities

E. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

10-2018..............Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers

30-2018..............Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code

51B-2019.............Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting and Other Hot Work

70-2020..............National Electrical Code

01 35 26 - 6

70B-2019.............Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment

Maintenance

70E-2018 ............Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

241-2019.............Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations

703-2024.............Standard for Fire Retardant–Treated Wood and

Fire-Retardant Coatings for Building Materials

F. The Joint Commission (TJC)

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

Manual

G. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

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

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

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

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

Industry

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

Industry

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

I. US Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Occupational Health (SOH) Requirements Publication No. EM 385-1-1, 2024 edition

1.2 DEFINITIONS:

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

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

B. OSHA “Competent Person” (CP). One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings and working

01 35 26 - 7 conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to employees, and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them (see 29 CFR 1926.32(f)).

C. Competent Person, Confined Space

The CP, Confined Space, is a person meeting the competent person requirements as defined EM 385-1-1 Appendix Q, with thorough knowledge of OSHA’s Confined Space Standard, 29 CFR 1910.146, and designated in writing to be responsible for the immediate supervision, implementation and monitoring of the confined space program, who through training, knowledge and experience in confined space entry is capable of identifying, evaluating and addressing existing and potential confined space hazards and, who has the authority to take prompt corrective measures with regard to such hazards.

D. Competent Person, Cranes and Rigging.

The CP, Cranes and Rigging, as defined in EM 385-1-1 Appendix Q, is a person meeting the competent person, who has been designated in writing to be responsible for the immediate supervision, implementation and monitoring of the Crane and Rigging Program, who through training, knowledge and experience in crane and rigging is capable of identifying, evaluating and addressing existing and potential hazards and, who has the authority to take prompt corrective measures regarding such hazards.

E. Competent Person, Excavation/Trenching.

A CP, Excavation/Trenching, is a person meeting the competent person requirements as defined in EM 385-1-1 Appendix Q and 29 CFR 1926, who has been designated in writing to be responsible for the immediate supervision, implementation and monitoring of the excavation/trenching program, who through training, knowledge and experience in excavation/trenching is capable of identifying, evaluating and addressing existing and potential hazards and, who has the authority to take prompt corrective measures with regard to such hazards.

F. Competent Person, Fall Protection The CP, Fall Protection, is a person meeting the competent person requirements as defined in EM 385-1-1 Appendix Q and in accordance

01 35 26 - 8 with ASSE/SAFE Z359.0, who has been designated in writing by the employer to be responsible for immediate supervising, implementing and monitoring of the fall protection program, who through training, knowledge and experience in fall protection and rescue systems and equipment, is capable of identifying, evaluating and addressing existing and potential fall hazards and, who has the authority to take prompt corrective measures with regard to such hazards.

G. Competent Person, Scaffolding The CP, Scaffolding is a person meeting the competent person requirements in EM 385-1-1 Appendix Q and designated in writing by the employer to be responsible for immediate supervising, implementing and monitoring of the scaffolding program. The CP for

Scaffolding has enough training, knowledge and experience in scaffolding to correctly identify, evaluate and address existing and potential hazards and has the authority to take prompt corrective measures with regard to these hazards. CP qualifications must be documented and include experience on the specific scaffolding systems/types being used, assessment of the base material that the scaffold will be erected upon, load calculations for materials and personnel, and erection and dismantling. The CP for scaffolding must have a documented, minimum of 8-hours of scaffold training to include training on the specific type of scaffold being used (e.g.

mast-climbing, adjustable, tubular frame), in accordance with EM

385-1-1 Section 22.B.02.

H. Competent Person (CP) Trainer A competent person trainer as defined in EM 385-1-1 Appendix Q, who is qualified in the material presented, and who possesses a working knowledge of applicable technical regulations, standards, equipment and systems related to the subject matter on which they are training

Competent Persons. A competent person trainer must be familiar with the typical hazards and the equipment used in the industry they are instructing. The training provided by the competent person trainer must be appropriate to that specific industry. The competent person trainer must evaluate the knowledge and skills of the competent persons as part of the training process.

01 35 26 - 9

I. High Risk Activities

High Risk Activities are activities that involve work at heights, crane and rigging, excavations and trenching, scaffolding, electrical work, and confined space entry.

J. "Qualified Person" means 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.

K. Qualified Person, Fall Protection (QP for FP) A QP for FP is a person meeting the requirements of EM 385-1-1

Appendix Q, and ASSE/SAFE Z359.0, with a recognized degree or professional certificate and with extensive knowledge, training and experience in the fall protection and rescue field who is capable of designing, analyzing, and evaluating and specifying fall protection and rescue systems.

L. USACE Property and Equipment Interpret "USACE" property and equipment specified in USACE EM 385-

1-1 as Government property and equipment.

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

N. Mishap: Mishap in this specification is defined according to the EM

385-1-1. A mishap is any unplanned, undesired event that occurs during the course of work being performed. This includes accidents, incidents, and near misses.

O. Mishap Criticality Categories

1. No impact/Near-Miss – near miss incidents that shall be investigated and reported to the VA within 24 hours.

2. Minor incident/impact – incidents that require first aid or result in minor equipment damage (less than

$5000). These incidents must be investigated and reported to the VA within 24 hours.

01 35 26 - 10

3. Moderate incident/impact – Any work-related injury or illness that results in any of the following. These incidents must be investigated and are required to be reported to the VA within 2 hours.

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

b. Restricted work;

c. Transfer to another job;

d. Medical treatment beyond first aid;

e. Loss of consciousness;

f. 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,

g. any incident that leads to major equipment damage

(greater than $5000).

4. Major incident/impact – Any mishap that leads to fatalities, hospitalizations, amputations, and losses of an eye as a result of contractors’ activities. Or any incident which leads to major property damage

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

P. Load Handling Equipment (LHE)

LHE is a term used to describe cranes, hoists and all other hoisting equipment (hoisting equipment means equipment, including crane, 01 35 26 - 11 derricks, hoists and power operated equipment used with rigging to raise, lower or horizontally move a load).

Q. 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 physician or registered personnel.

1.3 SUBMITTAL REQUIRMENTS:

A. Government approval or concurrence is required for submittals with a

"G" designation; submittals not having a "G" designation are submitted for information only.

B. Preconstruction Submittals

1. Accident Prevention Plan (APP); G

C. Reports

1. Monthly Contractor Health Safety and Environmental (HS&E)

Performance Report; G

2. Notifications and Reports;

3. Mishap Reports;

4. Near-Miss Reports;

5. LHE Inspection Reports

6. Monthly Exposure Hour Reports;

D. Work Plans

1. Standard Lift Plan; G

2. Critical Lift Plan; G

3. Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA); G

4. Confined Space Entry Permit

5. Hot Work Permit

01 35 26 - 12

6. Radiography Operation Planning Work Sheet; G

7. Portable Gauge Operations Planning Worksheet; G

E. Certificates

1. Contractor Safety Self-Evaluation Checklist

2. Crane Operators/Riggers Certifications; G

3. Certificate of Compliance

4. Mobile Cranes Inspection Certificate

5. License Certificates

6. Machinery & Mechanized Equipment Certification Form

1.4 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:

A. In addition to the detailed requirements included in the provisions of this contract, comply with the most recent edition of USACE EM 385-1-1, comply with 29 CFR 1926, comply with 29 CFR 1910 as incorporated by reference within 29 CFR 1926, 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 Resident Engineer//

Regional Safety Engineer or Contracting Officer Representative or

Government Designated Authority.

1.5 ACCIDENT PREVENTION PLAN (APP):

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

"controlling authority" for all worksite safety and health of each subcontractor(s). Contractors are responsible for informing their subcontractors of the safety provisions under the terms of the contract

01 35 26 - 13 and the penalties for noncompliance, coordinating the work to prevent one craft from interfering with or creating hazardous working conditions for other crafts, and inspecting subcontractor operations to ensure that Mishap prevention responsibilities are being carried out.

B. The APP shall be prepared as follows:

1. Written in English by a qualified person who is employed by the Prime Contractor articulating the specific work and hazards pertaining to the contract. Specifically articulating the safety requirements found within these VA contract safety specifications and the latest version of the United States Army Corps of Engineers

– Safety and Occupational Health (SOH) Requirements - EM 385-1-1

Manual. Model language and format can be found in Appendix A of the

EM 385-1-1 Manual

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

b. BACKGROUND INFORMATION. List the following:

1) Contractor;

01 35 26 - 14

2) Contract number;

3) Project name;

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

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

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

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

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

3) The names of Competent and/or Qualified Person(s) and proof of competency/qualification to meet specific OSHA or EM 385-1-1

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

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

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

6) Lines of authority;

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

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

01 35 26 - 15

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

2) Safety responsibilities of subcontractors and suppliers.

f. TRAINING.

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

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

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

4) OSHA 10-hour Construction Outreach training within the past five years is required for all workers on site and the OSHA

30-hour Construction Outreach training within the past five years is required for Trade Competent Persons (CPs)

g. SAFETY AND HEALTH INSPECTIONS.

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

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

2) Any external inspections/certifications that may be required

(e.g., contracted CSP or CSHT)

h. MISHAP INVESTIGATION & REPORTING.

1) The APP shall include identify person(s) responsible to provide the following to the Contracting Officer

Representative:

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1. Monthly HS&E Performance Report (Exposure

Hours Data);

2. Mishap investigation reports;

3. Project site injury and illness logs;

4. Near-Miss reports;

i. PLANS (PROGRAMS, PROCEDURES) REQUIRED. Based on a risk assessment of contracted activities and on mandatory OSHA and/or EM 385-1-1 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 limited to procedures for addressing the risks associated 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 (LOTO);

14) Site-Specific Fall Protection & Prevention;

15) Excavation/trenching;

16) Asbestos abatement;

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17) Lead abatement;

18) Crane Critical lift;

19) Respiratory protection;

20) Health hazard control program;

21) Radiation Safety Program;

22) Abrasive blasting;

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/ASSP A10.34-2012);

29) Sub-contractor or cross-trade coordination;

C. Submit the APP to the Contracting Officer for review for compliance with contract requirements in accordance with Section 01 33 23, SHOP

DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA AND SAMPLES 15 calendar days prior to the date of the preconstruction safety conference for acceptance. Work cannot proceed without an accepted APP.

D. Once accepted by the Contracting Officer 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 in accordance with FAR Clause 52.236-13, Accident Prevention, until the matter has been rectified.

E. Once work begins, changes to the accepted APP shall be made with the knowledge and concurrence of the Resident Engineer, Contracting Officer

Representative or Government Designated Authority. Should any severe hazard exposure, i.e. imminent danger, become evident, stop work in the area, secure the area, and develop a plan to remove the exposure and control the hazard. Notify the Resident Engineering Office and

Contracting Officer within 2 hours of discovery. Eliminate/remove the

01 35 26 - 18 hazard. In the interim, take all necessary action to restore and maintain safe working conditions to safeguard onsite personnel, visitors, the public and the environment.

1.6 ACTIVITY HAZARD ANALYSES (AHAS):

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 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 and identify the work sequences, the 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 Resident Engineer, Contracting Officer Representative or Government Designated Authority 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.

1. The names of the Competent/Qualified Person(s) required for a particular activity (for example, excavations, scaffolding, fall protection, other activities as specified by OSHA, EM 385-1-1, or other State and Local agencies) shall be identified and included in the AHA. Certification of their competency/qualification shall be submitted to the Government Designated Authority (GDA) 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

01 35 26 - 19 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 Contracting Officer for review for compliance with contract requirements in accordance with Section 01 33 23, SHOP

DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA AND SAMPLES for review at least 15 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 weekly) 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

Contracting Officer Representative or Government Designated

Authority for review for compliance.

1.7 PRECONSTRUCTION SAFETY CONFERENCE:

A. Contractor representatives who have a responsibility or significant role in implementation of the accident prevention program, as required by 29 CFR 1926.20(b)(1), on the project shall attend the pre-construction safety conference to gain a mutual understanding of its implementation. This includes the project superintendent, subcontractor superintendents, and any other assigned safety and health professionals.

B. 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

01 35 26 - 20 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.

1.8 SAFETY MEETINGS:

Conduct safety meetings to review past activities, plan for new or changed operations, review pertinent aspects of appropriate AHA (by trade), establish safe working procedures for anticipated hazards, and provide pertinent Safety and Occupational Health (SOH) training and motivation. Conduct meetings at least once a month for all supervisors on the project location. The SSHO, supervisors, foremen, or CDSOs must conduct meetings at least once a week for the trade workers. Document meeting minutes to include the date, persons in attendance, subjects discussed, and names of individual(s) who conducted the meeting.

Maintain documentation on-site and furnish copies to the Contracting

Officer on request. Notify the Contracting Officer of all scheduled meetings 7 calendar days in advance.

1.9 “SITE SAFETY AND HEALTH OFFICER” (SSHO) AND “COMPETENT

PERSON” (CP):

A. The Prime Contractor shall provide a Safety oversight team that includes a minimum of one (1) person at each project site, for each shift, to function as the Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO). The

Prime Contractor shall provide a minimum of one “Full-Time” SSHO at each project site, for each shift (with no other duties) that holds as current, a professional safety certification with at least 3 years of dedicated construction safety related experience. The SSHO shall ensure that the requirements of the VA and of 29 CFR 1926.16 are met for the project. The SSHO must be at the work site at all times, during construction activities, to implement and administer the Contractor's safety program and government-accepted Accident Prevention Plan. If the

SSHO is off-site for a period longer than 8 hours, or one shift, and not exceeding 40 hours, or 5 shifts, a pre-approved Alternate Safety

Officer shall be provided and shall fulfill the same roles and responsibilities as the primary SSHO. The Alternate Safety Officer shall have the required training, experience, and qualifications in

01 35 26 - 21 accordance with EM 385-1-1 Section 01.A.17, and all associated sub-paragraphs. When the SSHO is temporarily (not to exceed 8 hours) off-site, a Designated Representative (DR) from the Prime Contractors’ staff, as identified in the AHA may be used in lieu of an Alternate

Safety Officer and shall be on the project site, at all times, when work is being performed. Note that the DR is a collateral duty safety position, with safety duties in addition to their full-time occupation.

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

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

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

Trenches/Excavations).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Section 1.8 below.

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

01 35 26 - 22

1.10 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.

B. As a minimum the SSHO must have completed the OSHA 30-hour

Construction Safety Outreach class within the past five (5) years and:

1. Seven (7) years of construction industry safety related experience.

2. OR have a safety and health degree from an accredited university or college and five (5) years of construction industry safety related experience

3. OR hold as current, a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or a Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) certification and five (3) years of construction industry safety related experience.

C. The Alternate Safety Officer shall meet, at a minimum, the requirements of EM 385-1-1 Section 1 and have five (5) years of construction industry safety experience If the SSHO does not have a current certification, certification must be obtained within 90 days, maximum, of contract award.

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

Safety course and/or EM 385-1-1 40-hour training within the past 5 years. In addition, 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 and control associated with those high hazard work operations. Documented “repeat” deficiencies in the

01 35 26 - 23 execution of safety requirements will require retaking the requisite formal course.

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

Safety Outreach course within the past 5 years and any necessary safety training to be able to identify hazards within their work environment.

F. Submit training records associated with the above training requirements to Contracting Officer Representativefor review for compliance with contract requirements in accordance with Section 01 33 23, SHOP

DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA AND SAMPLES 15 calendar days prior to the date of the preconstruction safety conference for acceptance.

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

H. Ongoing safety training will be accomplished in the form of weekly documented safety meeting.

1.11 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 with a written report 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 Contracting Officer.

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

Technician (CSHT) shall randomly conduct a monthly site safety inspection. The CSP or CSHT shall be one that is not a part of the immediate site project team. The individual can be a corporate safety professional or independently contracted who is not an immediate member

01 35 26 - 24 of the construction project site team. The CSP or CSHT will 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 Contracting Officer Representative will be notified immediately prior to start of the inspection and invited to accompany the inspection.

3. Identified hazard and controls will be discussed to come to a mutual understanding to ensure abatement and prevent future reoccurrence.

4. A report of the inspection findings with status of abatement will be provided to the Contracting Officer within one week of the onsite inspection.

1.12 MISHAPS, OSHA 300 LOGS, AND EXPOSURE-HOURS:

A. The prime contractor shall establish and maintain a Near-Miss and

Mishap 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 and provide an initial report to the Contracting

Officer Representative as soon as practical, but no more than two hours after any Moderate or Major Mishap, High Visibility Incidents, or any weight handling and hoisting equipment mishap. No Impact/Near-Miss and

Minor Mishaps shall be reported within 24 hours or as soon as practical. Within the notification the sender shall include contractor name; contract title; type of contract; name of activity, installation or location where mishap 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 mishap (to include type of construction equipment used, PPE used, etc.). Preserve the conditions and evidence on the Mishap site until the Contracting Officer

Representative determines whether a government investigation will be conducted.

B. Conduct a mishap investigation for all Mishaps including mishaps resulting in at least $20,000 in damages without injury, to establish the root cause(s) of the mishap. The Mishap investigation shall include

01 35 26 - 25 images, 5 whys, the injured person’s firsthand account, any witness accounts, methods of procedures, related AHA to the task, and corrective action plan signed by the president, vice president, or appropriate corporate-level leadership identified in the company’s org chart for the project. Additionally, complete the VA Form 2162 (or equivalent) and provide the report to the Contracting Officer

Representative within 7 calendar days of the accident. The Contracting

Officer Representative will provide copies of any required or special forms.

C. A summation of all exposure-hours worked by the contractor and associated sub-contractors for each month will be reported to the

Contracting Officer Representative no later than the 10th day of the following month.

D. A summation of all Minor, Moderate, and Major incidents experienced on site by the contractor and associated sub-contractors for each month will be provided to the Contracting Officer Representative monthly.

The contractor and associated sub-contractors’ OSHA 300 logs will be made available to the Contracting Officer Representative upon request.

1.13 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. Any PPE above and beyond the Mandatory PPE identified below and determined by the Contracting Officer or their Representative to be necessary in the performance of the Governments duties relative to this contract, shall be provided to the Government upon written notification by the Contracting Officer and at no additional expense to the

Government. All PPE provided to the Government shall also be accompanied by any relevant or required training necessary to ensure its proper use.

C. Mandatory Minimum PPE includes:

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

Officer Representative in circumstances of work operations that have limited potential for falling object hazards such as during

01 35 26 - 26 finishing work or minor remodeling. With authorization to relax the requirement of hard hats, if a worker becomes exposed to an overhead falling object hazard, then hard hats would be required in accordance with the OSHA and/or EM 385-1-1 regulations.

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

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

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

Contracting Officer Representative in circumstances of no foot hazards.

4. Hearing protection - Use personal hearing protection at all times in designated noise hazardous areas or when performing noise hazardous tasks.

5. High-visibility Safety Apparel – appropriate brightly colored clothing that feature some type of reflective material on them, such as safety vests, shall be worn by personnel or visitors on construction sites.

1.14 PRE-CONSTRUCTION RISK ASSESSMENT

A. Control of all construction-associated hazards that affect VA medical facilities, their occupants, services and mission-essential functions and capabilities is critical in all medical center facilities. VHA

Pre-Construction Risk Assessments (PCRAs) for construction, renovation and maintenance projects are included with this contract solicitation with required mitigations of identified hazards. VHA-PCRAs will be re-validated and updated as needed based on but not limited to changes from original designs, affected individuals, areas/locations, scope, contractor means and methods, safety requirements, phasing, contractor competencies and capabilities.

B. Infection Prevention and 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 that minimize the flow of airborne

01 35 26 - 27 particles into patient areas. A detailed analysis of potential risks for infectious disease transmission affecting the care, treatment or services of patients or residents has been conducted. VHA Infection

Control Risk Assessments (ICRAs) are included with this contract solicitation with required mitigation actions/activities. VHA-ICRAs will be re-validated and updated as needed based on changes in original designs, affected individuals, area(s) or location(s), scope, contractor means and methods, infection prevention and control requirements, differing site conditions, phasing, contractor competencies and capabilities, and infectious disease outbreaks.

C. For work occurring at a VA medical facility, coordinate with the facility Safety Manager/Officer, as several aspects of this section directly relate to infection control risk assessments required in or adjacent to construction affecting occupied buildings accredited by The

Joint Commission.

D. Products and Materials:

1. Sheet Plastic: Fire retardant polyethylene, 6-mil thickness meeting local fire codes

2. Barrier Doors: Self Closing, One-hour fire-rated solid core wood in steel frame, painted

3. Dust proof one-hour fire-rated drywall

4. High Efficiency Particulate Air-Equipped filtration machine rated at

95% capture of 0.3 microns including pollen, mold spores and dust particles. HEPA filters should have ASHRAE 85 or other prefilter to extend the useful life of the HEPA. Provide both primary and secondary filtrations units. Maintenance of equipment and replacement of the HEPA filters and other filters will be in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Exhaust Hoses: Heavy duty, flexible steel reinforced; Ventilation

Blower Hose

6. Adhesive Walk-off Mats: Provide minimum size mats of 24 inches x 36 inches

7. Disinfectant: EPA-registered, Hospital-approved disinfectant or equivalent product

01 35 26 - 28

8. Portable Ceiling Access Module

1.15 DUST CONTROL

A. Contractor shall verify that dust will not be introduced into the facility through intake vents or building openings. HEPA filtration on intake vents is required where dust may be introduced.

B. Dust created from disturbance of soil such as from vehicle movement will be wetted with use of a water truck as necessary.

C. All cutting, drilling, grinding, sanding, or disturbance of materials shall be accomplished with tools equipped with either local exhaust ventilation (i.e. vacuum systems) or wet suppression controls.

1.19 FALL PROTECTION

A. The fall protection (FP) threshold height requirement is 4ft for ALL

WORK in government occupied sites, unless the OSHA 29 CFR 1926 or EM

385-1-1 requirements are more stringent, to include steel erection activities, systems-engineered activities (prefabricated) metal buildings, residential (wood) construction and scaffolding work. For work occurring at new “greenfield” sites or sites with 24/7 Contractor controlled 100% restricted access, the fall protection (FP) threshold height may be increased to 6ft unless the OSHA 29 CFR 1926 or EM 385-1-

1 requirements are more stringent.

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

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

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

01 35 26 - 29

4. Fall protection while using a ladder will be governed by the more stringent of OSHA and EM 385-1-1 requirements.

1.20 SCAFFOLDS AND OTHER WORK PLATFORMS

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

B. The fall protection (FP) threshold height requirement is 4 ft as stated in Section 1.16.

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. The Competent Person’s name and signature;

2. Dates of initial and last inspections.

E. Mast Climbing work platforms: When access ladders, including masts designed as ladders, exceed 20 ft (6 m) in height, positive fall protection shall be used.

1.23 CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY (LOCKOUT/TAGOUT)

A. All installation, maintenance, and servicing of equipment or machinery shall comply with 29 CFR 1910.147 except for specifically referenced operations in 29 CFR 1926 such as concrete & masonry equipment

[1926.702(j)], heavy machinery & equipment [1926.600(a)(3)(i)], and

01 35 26 - 30 process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals (1926.64).

Control of hazardous electrical energy during the installation, maintenance, or servicing of electrical equipment shall comply with

Section 1.15 to include NFPA 70E and other VA specific requirements discussed in the section.

1.24 CONFINED SPACE ENTRY

A. All confined space entry shall comply with 29 CFR 1926, Subpart AA except for specifically referenced operations in 29 CFR 1926 such as excavations/trenches [1926.651(g)].

B. A site-specific Confined Space Entry Plan (including permitting process) shall be developed and submitted to the // Resident Engineer

// Project Manager // and/or Facility Safety // Manager // Officer // and/or other Government Designated Authority //.

1.26 LADDERS

A. All Ladder use shall comply with 29 CFR 1926 Subpart X and EM 385-1-1.

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

C. Manufacturer safety labels shall be in place on ladders

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

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

F. Portable ladders, used as temporary access, shall extend at least 3 ft

(0.9 m) above the upper landing surface.

1. When a 3 ft (0.9-m) extension is not possible, a grasping device

(such as a grab rail) shall be provided to assist workers in mounting and dismounting the ladder.

2. In no case shall the length of the ladder be such that ladder deflection under a load would, by itself, cause the ladder to slip from its support.

G. Ladders shall be inspected for visible defects on a daily basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use. Broken or damaged ladders shall be immediately tagged "DO NOT USE," or with

01 35 26 - 31 similar wording, and withdrawn from service until restored to a condition meeting their original design.

1.27 FLOOR & WALL OPENINGS

A. All floor and wall openings shall comply with 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M and

EM 385-1-1.

B. Floor and roof holes/openings are any that measure over 2 in (51 mm) in any direction of a walking/working surface which persons may trip or fall into or where objects may fall to the level below. Skylights located in floors or roofs are considered floor or roof hole/openings.

C. All floor, roof openings or hole into which a person can accidentally walk or fall through shall be guarded either by a railing system with toe boards along all exposed sides or a load-bearing cover.