SF 30 RFP AMEND NO. P00001 951700-20-R-0013.pdf

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUISITION NUMBER 5. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

FACILITY CODE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended. is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER

NUMBER IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15C. DATE SIGNED

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

PAGE OF PAGES

6. ISSUED BY CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X)

CODE

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

Previous edition unusable

Solicitation 951700-20-R-0013 P00001

Antenna Maintenance Solicitation for USAGM Philippines Transmitting Station

A. Changes to the Performance Work Statement PWS / Statement of Work SOW

Under Section 2 of the PWS/SOW titled Standard Services, the second sentence is edited to read, “The Contractor shall meet all of the standards of performance identified in the contract and must follow and adhere to the directives given in the PTS Safety Plan (see Attachment 11)”

Under Section 11.1, the sentence is edited to read, “Please refer to 2.3.4 and Attachment 11.”

Under Section L, A.1, the sentence should read, “A completed solicitation, in which the SF-1449 cover page (Blocks 12, 17, 19-24, and 30 as appropriate), and Price Proposal Table (to be filled out in a separate sheet) and 52.212-3 have been filled out.

B. Attachments 1, 4 & 11 have been added at the end of this amendment.

C. Attachment 5 will only be provided by request to Samuel Byun at sbyun@usagm.gov and Tisa Harvin at tharvin@usagm.gov.

D. Here are some questions raised as of 07-09-2020.

D.1 Question: Scope of Work, 9, Can the government clarify the time frame for the transition period, paragraph 9 reflects from date of award to full start of performance within 10 days of award? This seems unrealistic since in paragraph 5.4.1 all employee documents need to be turned into government and it is anticipated that security checks will take 21 days to perform.

D.1 Response: USAGM acknowledges and understands that start of performance may be delayed pending receipt of security clearances provided all employee documents are submitted within 10 days of award. USAGM also suggests hiring qualified personnel with the incumbent contractor even though the new contractor does not have to.

D.2 Question: Attachment 1, Can the government provide an updated attachment 1, Government Furnished Property listing with the quantity listed for each item?

D.2 Response: It is provided via this amendment.

D.3 Question: Attachments 4 and 5, The attachments were blank in with a statement PDF document provided separately but they were not posted on Beta.SAM.gov. Can the government provide these documents?, mailto:sbyun@usagm.gov mailto:tharvin@usagm.gov

D.3 Response: Due to the sensitive nature of information in Attachment 5, it was not included on Beta.SAM.gov ’s posting, USAGM will provide these only to interested offerors when requested to Samuel Byun at sbyun@usagm.gov and Tisa Harvin at Tharvin@usagm.gov

D.4 Question: Site Visit, Is the government able to provide site photos of the work areas outlined in this RFP or is there a video available since COVID-19 travel restrictions hindered travel to the Philippines to attend the site visit?

D.4 Response: No, sufficient details are provided in Attachment 5.

D.5 Question: Section L, A.1, can the Government confirm that the reference to “52.213-3” should instead be “52.212-3”?

D.5 Response: The office of contracts made a typo. Indeed, it should be 52.212-3.

D.6 Question: Section L, A.1, regarding “A completed solicitation,” and “52.212-3 filled out,” does the Government intend for offerors to include within their proposal the entirely of the Representations and Certifications section, and paste that portion of the solicitation into their proposal? If so, will the Government exempt that section from the page count?

D.6 Response: The office of contracts won’t count the entire Reps and Certs to be filled out under 52.212-3 to count against the number of page count. It will exempt that section from page count.

D.7 Question: Section L, Specific Instructions, 1, can the Government confirm that the 30-page limit is for the entire proposal, to include both files?

D.7 Response: Please response D.6. The entire Reps and Certs will not count against the 30-page limit.

D.8 Question: Section L, Specific Instructions, 1, will the Government allow a cover page, Table of Contents, Table of Figures, and Glossary that do not count against the page count?

D.8 Response: USAGM agrees to allow these documents to be included and they will not count against the page count.

D.9 Question Section L, Specific Instructions, 1, is it acceptable for the file containing the Price Proposal to include a cover page?

D.9 Response: It is acceptable. Again, cover pages will not count against the page count.

mailto:sbyun@usagm.gov mailto:Tharvin@usagm.gov

D.10 Question: Scope of Work, 4, Deliverables, and Attachment 10, Deliverables, to ensure a level playing field for all bidders, will the Government allow a longer period than 10 days after award for providing an initial list of personnel and qualifications for personnel?

D.10 Response: USAGM will allow a maximum of 24 days after award if the contractor HQ/HR might be delayed coming to the Philippines due to quarantine mandates, etc…Otherwise, it will be 10 days after award.

D.11 Question: Scope of Work, 5.4, to ensure a level playing field for all bidders, will the Government allow a longer period than 10 days after award for providing the list of security data for each employee?

D.11 Response: USAGM will allow a maximum of 24 days after award if the contractor HQ/HR might be delayed coming to the Philippines due to quarantine mandates, etc… Otherwise, it will be 10 days after award.

D.12, Question: Scope of Work, 9, Transition Plan, will the Government confirm that bidders are instructed to include a detailed transition plan submitted as part of the proposal? If so, would the Government modify the instructions for proposal content?

D.12 Response: Yes, the bidders are instructed to include a detailed transition plan as part of the proposal. If a bidder has reached the page number count and needs additional pages, the office of contracts will issue an amendment to allow additional page count via an amendment for all bidders to be on the same page.

D.13 Question: Scope of Work, 9, Transition Plan, to provide a level playing field, and in consideration of the logistics involved in establishing contract performance in the Philippines, will the Government consider changing the requirement that “Full contractor performance is expected to begin within 10 days of contract award”?

D.13 Response: USAGM acknowledges and understands that full contractor performance may be slightly delayed, but makes a suggestion to retain qualified staff from the incumbent staff although it is not a mandatory requirement.

ASSIGNED GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

RIGGING SERVICES

Item Quantity Item Quantity Transit 2 Tool Bag 3 ENERPAC Pump Set 6 Radio 6 Cylinder, 15 tons 10 Hot Stick 1 Cylinder, 30 tons 6 Caution Signs 4 Pipe Wrench, 18" 3 Grounding Cable 2 Hammer (sledge) 2 Wrench Box, 15”/16” x 1 1 Trolley 2 Bolt Cutter 4 Kernmantle rope, ½” x 1500’ (load line) 8 Screw Driver sets 2 Kernmantle rope, ½” x 1200’ (load line) Ball Peen Hammer 1 Prusik rope, ¼” x 1200’ (tag line) 1 Hacksaw 3 Bosun Chair 4 Wrench, Adjustable, 10” 4 Rigging Blocks 10 Binocular 1 Capstan Hoist with bracket 2 Positioning Lanyard 10 Wire Grip 8 Shock Absorber Y Lanyard 10 Rope Grab 10 Safety Hat 10 Cable Grab 10 Safety Harness 10 Cable Puller 1

MACHINING SERVICES

Punching machine, floor mounted (Rotex) 1 Bench grinder Set 3 Punch & Die, hand operated set 1 Calipers of different types and sizes, digital.

Drill press set 2 Grinder, portable electric. 2 Shear cutter, motorized hand operated 2 Micrometer of different sizes. 1 Crimping tool set 3 Bench vise. 6 Electric Drill, portable 2 Extractor set with different sizes. 2 Wrenches of different sizes MM & English 2 Screw driver sets of different kinds and sizes.

Saw, motorized. 2 Indexing heads. 1 Ball hummers. 1 Hydraulic press, floor mounted 1 Drill, cordless 1 Clamping sets. 4 Band saw 1 Reamers and Tap & Die sets 1 Shear, floor mounted, foot operated 1 Tool boxes for tools 3 Welding gun for plastic. 1 Hoist (chain block) 12

Attachment 1 p 1 out 2

NURSING SERVICES

Item Quantity Stethoscope, Littman 1 Sphygmomanometer: 1 ANEROD Clock Type, BPDL 237 1 Omron Digital B/P HEM 7111 1 Digital Sphygmomanometer 1 One Touch Ultra Sugar Test with strips 1 THERMOSCAN 5-ear Thermometer, Braun 1 ACCUTREND GCT w/o strip 1 HEARTSTART Defibrillator 1 Ophthalmoscope/Otoscope 1 Weighing Scale, Digital 1 Trauma First aid Kit 2 Misc. first aid medical instrument 1 Consumable supplies (over the counter medicines, gloves, ice bag, needle holder, straight scissor, kidney basin, stainless basin, hot water bag, jar steel, etc.)

As-Available Government Furnished Property – The Government shall make the below listed property available to the Contractor on an “as-needed / as-available basis” for performance under the contract. This property shall be under Government control, except when issued to the Contractor. Unless otherwise specified, these items shall be returned to the Government prior to the end of each working day. All requests for "Government-furnished property" shall be approved by the COR. All Government-furnished property is in good operating condition.

RIGGING SERVICES

Item Quantity Item Quantity Lathe Machine 2 Bender 1 Milling Machine 1 Jig Saw 2 Stand Drilling Machine 2 Sander 1 Portable Electric Drill 2 REDI MIG Machine 255 (w/accessories) 1 Stand Band Saw 1 Welding Machine (w/accessories) 1 Portable Band Saw 2 Bend Grinder with Stand 1 Heavy Duty Mobile Band Saw 1 Oxygen/Acetylene torch Set 1 Drill Press 1

MACHINING SERVICES

Item Quantity

Lathe Machine with accessories 2 Milling Machine with accessories 2 Sander, floor mount, combination of belt and disc 1 Welding Machine, combination of Tig weld and Arc weld 1 Welding outfit, Oxy-Acetylene set 1

Consumables – For all Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE), the Government shall provide all components, single parts and sub-assemblies, replacement parts including GFE-related tools as well as routine maintenance expendables such as spark plugs, filter elements, flushing oil, engine oil, fuel filters, gasket, O-rings, seal rings, lubrication rings, bolts, nuts, screws, fuses, cable assemblies, brake pads, exhaust pipes, manifolds and bearing components. The Government shall also provide all types of fuel (diesel and unleaded gas), fuel containers, additive (2T oil), lubrication supplies, batteries, and chargers necessary for all types of GFE.

Attachement 1 page 2 out of 2

Attachment 11

U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM)

PHILIPPINES TRANSMITTING STATION

STATION SAFETY PLAN

Revised November 15, 2019

ACTING Station Manager Date {Signed} Derek Gifford

Station Safety Officer Date {Signed} Perfecto Sanchez, Jr.

PTS Safety Plan 2019

PHILIPPINES TRANSMITTING STATION SAFETY PLAN

1. General

The Philippines Transmitting Station policy on safety emphasizes that employee safety will take precedence over all other Station priorities. The Station's safety program shall be designed to encourage safe practices, eliminate work hazards and health risks, encourage employee participation in recognizing and correcting unsafe conditions or work habits and prevent accidents by employees, contractors, and visitors.

2. Administrative Provisions

The safety plan’s administrative provisions shall describe the purpose, policy, and scope of the Station Safety Plan and include the distribution scheme for the plan. The administrative provisions shall also address the station’s policies for the periodic review of the Station Safety Plan, the formation of the Station Safety Committee, and the reporting of accidents and unsafe conditions.

2.1 Purpose

The purpose of the Philippines Transmitting Station Safety Plan is to protect life and wellbeing of the agency personnel working or visiting the station, and to provide guidelines for dealing with accidents. It describes the process for identifying the physical and health hazards that could harm workers, procedures to prevent accidents, and steps to take when accidents occur.

2.2 Policy

It is the policy of the Philippine Transmitting Station to:

(a) Encourage safe working practices.

(b) Eliminate hazards and health risks in the workplace.

(c) Encourage employees to participate in the Station Safety Program.

(d) Prevent accidents to employees, contractors and visitors.

2.3 Scope

The Philippines Transmitting Station occupies approximately 2,500 acres of land in the central part of the Luzon Island in the Philippines. The station operates 39 curtain antennas, 139 antenna towers, and 4 switch bays. The broadcasting operation includes 12 transmitters with over 30 miles of transmission and electrical high voltage lines. The station operates approximately 20 vehicles and a variety of heavy-duty equipment. For backup power the station operates 9 MW power plant and stores up to 60,000 gallons of diesel fuel. Operation includes fuels dispensing station with 2,000 gallon diesel tank and 3,000 gallons fuel tank.

2.4 Safety Committees and Safety Plan review

The Station Safety Committee is composed of the Station Safety Officer (SSO), Safety Inspection Officer (SIO), Station Fire Marshall (SFM), Unit Safety Officers (USO), and selected employees who deal with safety related areas. The committee, as a body, is responsible for the following:

(a) Facilitates the implementation of the station’s safety program and procedures.

(b) Meets quarterly (minimum) or more frequent if necessary.

(c) Reviews and discusses the quarterly inspection report, required corrective actions, and other safety issues that the Committee members deem necessary.

Station Safety Officer (SSO) chairs the Safety Committee, approves safety related submissions and reports to headquarters, and bears overall responsibility for the implementation of the Station Safety Plan.

The station manager serves as the SSO, the duties include:

(a) Serves as the focal point for liaison with local and Washington-based safety agencies and personnel.

(b) The SSO is responsible for establishing, maintaining and reviewing emergency procedures.

Safety Inspection Officer (SIO) assists the SSO with the implementation of the station safety plan, and reviews and inspects the safety posture at all station-controlled facilities in Tinang.

(a) Reviews and compiles quarterly unit safety inspections, prior to submitting to the SSO.

(b) Periodically completes walk-through inspections of all station facilities and recommends improvements to the safety committee and/or Unit Safety Officers.

(c) Investigates safety violations and accidents, and recommends remedial actions to the SSO.

(d) Enacts, monitors, and scrutinizes quarterly drills using the emergency notification system.

(e) Serves as the SSO during the absence of the incumbent, and may otherwise be assigned to chair safety committee meetings.

Unit Safety Officers (USO). The ranking LES Supervisor in each section (TX, FAC, ADM) are appointed as USOs, and are responsible for all aspects of safety within their respective units and areas. As such, they shall ensure the following:

(a) Responsible for the establishment, annual review, and implementation of the unit’s training program. Safety training shall be job related, and refresher courses shall be administered per industry standard.

(b) Oversees Unit Employee performance and ensures adherence to all fire prevention measures in the conduction of their normal duties.

(c) Ensure unit employees are aware of safety procedures and practices, and perform their duties within the guidelines of established Unit and Station policies and procedures.

(d) Ensure all safety equipment and Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) are used to its fullest extent. Such equipment shall be inspected regularly, maintained per system guidance, and replaced as required.

(e) Regularly reviews the Station Safety Plan and provides updates to the Safety Committee as necessary.

(f) Complete a quarterly unit safety inspection (February, May, August, and November) and submit to the SSO by the last day of the applicable month. If there are any noted discrepancies the Unit Supervisor will so indicate in the report and provide details of corrective action taken.

(g) Monitor and report on unit performance in response to station alarms and drills.

Safety Committee Objectives and Functions:

a.) Plan and execute station policies and requirements related to loss control, including safety, occupational health, and the environment. Review and update the plan annually.

b.) Integrate safety and occupational health into the station’s management system, including the delegation of activities and functions as appropriate.

c.) Monitor the progress of units in meeting established objectives.

d.) Review annual mishap statistics and utilize this data to establish/ modify program goals and objectives.

e.) Plan and implement safety training programs for employees.

3.0 Specific items to be addressed

The Station Safety Plan shall specifically address each of the items contained below. In addressing these items, the Station Safety Plan shall address regulatory compliance in terms equipment, procedures, and training.

3.1 Control of Electrical and Other Hazardous Energy

Danger Notices

Permanent danger notices shall be affixed to equipment having exposed electrical terminals. Temporarily danger notices shall be displayed on equipment undergoing tests, or otherwise in any condition involving special risks. For larger systems, the hazardous area shall also be roped off. The notice and roping shall not be removed until the work has been completed, and the person in charge has accepted the equipment as safe. Danger notices must be clear and legible, must be in the appropriate languages (English and Tagalog), and must be inspected periodically. Where appropriate, they should utilize internationally recognized colors and symbols. It is mandatory that danger notices be displayed on all high voltage equipment that has been isolated and grounded for repair. This is in addition to other precautions taken.

Upon completion of the work, the person that placed the danger notices should remove them.

Transmitters: It is necessary to draw attention to certain special precautions when working on high power transmitters.

(a) Precautions when energizing a transmitter: The operator/technician responsible for the transmitter must satisfy several conditions: That no personnel are at work on the equipment or antenna system, check that any work that has been in progress is completed; and that no tools, test equipment, or drop lamps are left in or around the transmitter, and that all testing apparatus has been removed from the transmitter.

(b) Faults in Interlocks: In case of a breakdown in the interlocks or other protective systems, the transmitter must remain off until corrected. In case of a prolonged breakdown, the Supervisory Telecommunications Engineer or the Shift Supervisor should use his/her judgment to operate the transmitter on with the interlocks out of action and the area appropriately tagged, warning personnel of interlocks being interrupted. A note will be placed in the DOL in capitalized letters stating that interlocks are defeated for the particular transmitter, and will be logged this way until repair is accomplished. In such case, suitable danger notices must be displayed. Safety interlocks on equipment shall not be disabled or bypassed. The Supervisory Telecommunications Engineer or Supervisory Radio Technician, LES-11 should always be consulted before any interlock can be bypassed.

(c) Grounding Sticks: Grounding sticks will be used to assure that capacitors are discharged, to safeguard that circuits that have been isolated are not carrying induced RF voltages, and that circuits already isolated cannot inadvertently be re-energized. Grounding sticks must be bolted and securely connected to ground by heavy braided wire, and must be periodically inspected for continuity. The ground connection must be visible for inspection at all times, and must be checked before the grounding stick is used. Insure that the braided wire ground connection is uncoiled on the grounding stick handle. No clip-on grounding sticks will be allowed. All applicable plant SOPs and SMPs should be adhered to.

(d) Transmitting equipment that has a peak voltage of 70 volts to ground does not need special precautions, other than standard safety awareness; equipment with peak voltages between 70 and 350 volts shall have protective covers that cannot be removed deliberately; equipment with peak voltages between 350 and 1000 volts shall have enclosures protected by interlocks; equipment with peak voltages exceeding 1000 volts shall have grounding switches which operate only if access into the equipment is at all possible. Work on any equipment shall be accomplished only if safety devices are enabled.

(e) Handling of transmitting tubes and vacuum capacitors: Great care must be taken in the handling of vacuum capacitors having glass or ceramic envelopes so as not to strike or scratch the envelope or damage the capacitor in any way. Improper handling may result to the implosion of the glass envelope, or in the case of ceramic insulators, beryllium poisoning, in handling cracked or broken pieces of the ceramic.

(f) When dealing with capacitors, or capacitive circuits, which may retain a dangerous charge after the power supply has been disconnected, certain precautions are necessary. Capacitors charged with a dangerous voltage, either during normal use or when tested with a high voltage insulation tester, must not be handled until the capacitor has been discharged using proper grounding procedures. High voltage capacitors removed from a circuit should be discharged, and the terminals short-circuited by use of a heavy wire strapped across its bushings. That shorting wire should remain in position until the capacitor is put back in service. All such capacitors in storage should have discharge wires until put into service.

(g) In the event that a transmitter is taken out of service due to internal arcing or high VSWR, inspect the out-of-service transmitter for any signs of damage or fire as soon as possible. If any signs of fire are noted, remove all power from the transmitter and use a CO2 or other rated fire extinguisher to control and extinguish the flames.

(h) During test or maintenance if work has to be done on live circuits and/or equipment, it must be done only by staff members with appropriate qualifications. A minimum of two people must be present during any test or maintenance procedure.

Power: Before working on any power vault that employs 4160 volts, refer to current SMPs and SOPs for proper guidance. There will be no exception to the rule that all equipment operating with high voltage supplies must be off and grounded before any maintenance work is done.

(a) All equipment utilizing high voltage supplies must be isolated from the primary voltage source before work is commenced. This will be accomplished by disconnecting the primary breaker, tagging and locking out the breaker (or removal if possible) with the input line to the equipment grounded. There is no exception to this rule. Lock out/tag out procedures are provided in each unit’s SOPs.

(b) Precautions must be taken to avoid the risk of circuits being inadvertently re-energized.

(c) Power Transformers: Circuit breakers on 4160 VAC or higher voltage circuits must be removed before any work can commence on said circuit. On power transformers of lower voltage, the circuit breaker controlling the primary circuit must first be opened and then the circuit breaker or isolator in the secondary must be opened before any work is done on associated circuits.

(d) Lock out/Tag out: The use of lock out devices is required, the key being retained by the persons responsible for carrying out the work. To avoid risk from static charges, the high voltage winding should be grounded as well as isolated. A minimum of two people must be present during work.

(e) Power Cables: Before work starts on any power cable, the cable shall be isolated from all sources of supply and tested to ensure that they are dead. Exercise care not to ground a conductor until it has been isolated.

(f) Electric motors and generators: Work on motors, generators, and motor-generators, shall not be carried out until all supplies have been switched off, breakers opened, and all moving equipment is stationary.

(g) Isolating and grounding equipment: It is essential that the equipment should be isolated at all points from any live system before any work is done on it; the importance of first switching off the supply then isolating and grounding the equipment should be stressed. Automatic safety devices must not be relied upon in these respects; the safety of personnel must not be dependent upon the operation of electrical relays for the removal of dangerous voltages. Cubicles must not be entered unless the interlock switch has been opened and the ground switch closed. If a circuit has been disconnected, there shall be a positive means (i.e., lock) to safeguard that the circuit is not inadvertently energized while the work is still in progress.

(h) De-energizing Circuits: Whenever working on an electrical device or apparatus, those devices should be de-energized to prevent the possibility of shock or short circuits through tools. In the case of 4,160 VAC, which is the highest voltage in the distribution system, the circuit shall be de-energized before work starts. In lower voltage circuits, 220 or 120 VAC, they should be de-energized under most working circumstances. Taking voltage readings or checking the operation of a magnetic starter can be done while the circuit is hot. Changing out equipment, terminations, splices, or replacing wires, calls for de-energizing. No circuits are to be worked on "Hot" unless absolutely necessary, and only by a qualified technician with another standing by for safety.

(i) When de-energizing the circuit, the circuit breaker will be opened and "racked out" to ensure against the accidental closing of the breaker. Place a clearance tag on the breaker control switch.

After the buss has been exposed, a voltage detector will be used to confirm the circuit is de-energized. The voltage detector must be tested on a known live circuit to verify it is operating.

When using grounding probes be sure that probes allow a safe distance between you and the circuit to be grounded. A distance of no less than four feet should be maintained. In other circuits, the disconnect switch shall be opened and locked out, fuses pulled, and clearance tags applied.

Where the circuit is fed by a molded case circuit breaker, remove the breaker, or disconnect the conductors and place a clearance tag over the breaker. Rack out any motor control devices that can be racked out, and place clearance tags when appropriate.

Electrical Appliances

(a) All electrical appliances except those designed with a two-conductor cord must be equipped with three-conductor flexible leads connected to the A.C. supply by three-pin plugs and sockets. Many cases of electric shock are caused by defective leads, plugs, and sockets. It is important that these be frequently inspected and tested. All exposed metal work on appliances must be securely connected to the safety ground pin of the three-pin plug and the plug and its lead should be examined periodically to ensure that the safety ground connections are in good order.

(b) In no case will the ground pin of the 3-pin plugs be cut off to plug into a 2-pin socket. If it is necessary to use a 2-pin socket, obtain the proper adapter with ground lead.

(c) Electrical appliances shall not be operated with any protective covers removed. They shall be disconnected when not in use.

(d) Fusing of electrical appliances must be of suitable ratings for the currents used. Fuses should be inserted in the hot wire only; where a line transformer is used, fuses should be inserted in both leads on the secondary side. If a fuse blows, the cause should be ascertained and the fault cleared before the fuse is replaced. Never go to a higher value fuse.

(e) The use of drop lamps and other portable electrical appliances operated directly from standard utility sockets is not be permitted outdoors during rain or dampness, indoors in damp situations or other circumstances where failure of the insulation is particularly dangerous.

(f) Fluorescent Tubes: If the occasion arises where this item must be handled; handle it with care.

Wear goggles and gloves if necessary to avoid flying glass. Certain types of fluorescent tubes contain small quantities of beryllium compound, which may be dangerous if inhaled, or enter the body through the skin. Fluorescent tubes contain mercury and have unusual disposal requirements. Defective tubes shall be turned to the warehouse and disposed of properly.

Electric Shock

(a) All staff will become familiar with the proper method of dealing with electric shock. Review of the application of artificial respiration and external heart massage will be given from time to time to all staff. Equipment suitable to assist in treating a person in shock will be kept in the Tinang Master Control Rooms, Tinang clinic and Facilities Building Hallway. If the injured person is still in contact with a live conductor, the supply must be turned off before touching that person.

The body must be carefully moved clear of the live conductor. This must be done with a dry length of wood or similar insulating material strong enough to push or pull firmly on the body.

All staff should be familiar with the location of “Rescue Sticks” at the Station.

(b) In all cases of serious electric shock, the person should be made to rest where he is while his condition is being assessed. Apply appropriate first aid method (CPR or AED) as necessary. If his burns or condition is more than minor, he should be taken immediately to the hospital.

Administer emergency oxygen when necessary.

(c) Shock hazards should be repaired when discovered, i.e., frayed or exposed conductors on electrical tools. Also, always connect the ground (green) conductor to the plug, careful not to negate the conductor by leaving it disconnected.

Fuel, Gas and Other Flammable Substances

(a) For loading or unloading of fuels (diesel or gasoline) attach a static ground strap to the vehicle, trailer, or container, before dispensing. Static electricity arcing from a charged vehicle to a fuel-dispensing nozzle can ignite a spontaneous fire. There is also the risk of RF potentials developing from transmitter systems. Always touch the fuel dispensing nozzle to the metal rim of the tank inlet before starting the flow of fuel. Stop all grass mowing activities near the area at approximately 50 feet radius before loading and unloading of fuel to make sure that no sparks will ignite the fuel.

(b) Compressed Gas Cylinders: There are oxygen, acetylene, chlorine, nitrogen, argon and Freon gases used at the Tinang site. Many of these cylinder store gases are extremely high pressures.

All gas cylinders, full or empty shall be stored with their respect safety caps in place and in an upright position and held securely in place with a cable or chain to prevent them from falling.

Acetylene or other flammable gases such as Liquid Propane should not be stored near Oxygen cylinders for extended periods.

(c) Welding, Cutting or Grinding: When welding with oxygen/acetylene, T.I.G., or electric arc there is always the danger of explosions, fire, or personnel injury if proper procedures are not followed.

No welding, cutting or grinding will be performed on containers holding flammable liquids.

(d) All oxygen acetylene welding equipment are equipped with backflow preventers installed on both hoses. Whenever using the oxygen-acetylene welding and cutting setup, care shall be taken to prevent burning into the hoses, which could cause a serious explosion and fire. An inspection shall be made of the equipment to ensure that all the equipment is operable and in good working order. Oxygen/acetylene equipment shall not be used if the hoses are found frayed or cracked.

The pressure regulators and gauges shall be inspected, and if there is any discrepancy in their operation they shall be replaced. Additionally, end of workday procedures will include valving off each tank of the oxygen and acetylene set so as not to keep their respective regulators and hoses pressurized.

Protective Devices

(a) An important responsibility of all staff is being familiar with the workings of all protective devices and the means of isolating and grounding, and being aware of all the sources of electrical supply to any equipment being worked on.

(b) The protective covers of cables, ducts, and other equipment shall be kept in their proper position except when they must be removed for inspections, adjustments, or maintenance work. If a cover must be taken off for a long period of time for maintenance work, or for temporary wiring, a warning notice must be displayed. Cleaning of electrical equipment shall not be done unless all power supplies have been disconnected.

3.2 Fall Protection

(a) When working at heights above the ground, secure tools and other loose objects from falling.

When adequate safety railings or adequately guarded work areas are not available. Proper training in the use of fall protection devices is mandatory prior to going aloft.

(b) When workers are exposed to fall hazards while working at elevations of not less than 6 feet, or over water, fall protection is required. OSHA requires that fall protection be provided at elevations of 4 feet (1.2m) in general industry workplaces, and 6 feet (1.8m) in the construction industry.

(c) Body harnesses shall be used to minimize stress forces on workers’ body in the event of fall, while providing sufficient freedom of movement to allow work to be performed. Do not use body harness to hoist materials.

(d) Lifeline/Lanyards must have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) and be protected against being cut or abraded.

(e) Scaffolding, also called scaffold or staging, shall be used to support a work crew and materials to aid in the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings, and all other man-made structures when ladders or body harness are not suitable for the task. Erecting, inspection, and dismantling of support scaffold must comply to rules set forth in OSHA 3150 of U.S. Department of Labor.

(f) Employees working near excavations, wells, pits, and shafts six feet or deeper must be protected from falling by guardrails, fences, barricades, covers, or other visual barriers.

Harness Induced Pathology (HIP)

(a) Harness induced pathology describes a potential danger that may be experienced when an individual spends extended periods of time hanging in a rigging harness or in a boatswain's chair.

Harness induced pathology comes about as a result of toxins accumulating in the extremities as a result of constricted blood flow. The onset of harness induced pathology will be accelerated if the individual loses consciousness.

(b) What to do about harness induced pathology: The most important consideration with respect to harness induced pathology is to know that the condition exists. The chief symptom of harness induced pathology occurs when an individual discovers that his/her legs have gone to sleep after spending extended periods of time in a rigging harness or in a boatswain's chair. Should this happen, one needs to restore circulation immediately.

Some suggestions that may help alleviate the onset of harness induced pathology:

(a) Make sure that your harness fits and is adjusted properly. A properly fitting harness will suspend you in a comfortable position, will facilitate blood flow, and will allow you to work without undue fatigue. The new harnesses that were purchased for the stations, use aircraft buckles. The

Chris Arellano Added clause (b-c-d-e-f) aircraft buckles enable you to adjust your harness for a proper fit and then leave the settings intact. You can get into and out of the harness using the aircraft buckles and not have to readjust the fit settings.

(b) Use a stirrup to facilitate working comfort and to insure circulation. The purpose of the stirrup is to allow you (the climber) to stand up and restore circulation to your legs. If you do not have a stirrup with you when working aloft, a positioning belt, webbing sling, or prussic loop will suffice. Whatever you do, you need to be able to stand up and restore circulation to your legs.

(c) If in doubt, come on down. If your legs go to sleep and a stirrup or platform is unavailable for you to stand on, lower yourself to the ground immediately and restore circulation to your legs.

(d) Be ready to assist a co-worker, if necessary. If the person working aloft loses consciousness, the situation can become life threatening. The other people at the site need to be familiar with their partner rescue drills. Antenna crews should be aware of the need to retrieve and lower the unconscious person to the ground quickly.

3.2.1 Walking and Working Surfaces

Good housekeeping is a must. Oily and wet floors, scattered tools and materials, disorderly working areas, etc., are not only an eyesore but they are accidents waiting to happen.

Always pay attention to danger notices and warning signs, especially instructions about particular types of apparatus or installations. Personnel should read and understand all applicable plant SMPs and SOPs relating to safety before working on Station equipment or facilities.

Ladders: They must be properly maintained to ensure that they are in good mechanical condition. Faulty ladders must immediately be taken out of service for repairs.

(a) When in use they must be firmly erected and secured against slipping or lateral movement. The safest angle between a ladder and the floor is 65 to 70 degrees.

(b) Ladders must never be ascended to the last rung. Long ladders must be ascended carefully and slowly to prevent oscillation.

(c) Ladders erected on passageways must be especially secured and clearly marked. Don't use a ladder in place of proper scaffolding, and when using a ladder or scaffolding, place signs around the work area to alert passersby that work is going on overhead.

(d) Metal ladders must not be used where there is a possibility that they may come into contact with a live conductor; use fiberglass ladders instead. Persons using ladders of any kind must take particular care to avoid contact with such conductors.

(e) The rope, pulley, and latches should always be in good condition on extension ladders.

(f) When working from a ladder never reach out more than an arm's length. Reposition the ladder as you progress along with your work.

3.2.2 Antenna Safety (Fall Protection)

The following must be followed when working on the antennas and related equipment:

(a) Ground Support Team Leader: Safety regulations require the presence of at least one (1) qualified "ground man" on the ground and a minimum of two (2) qualified Riggers working together aloft on towers, antennas and any other locations that are more than 40 feet above the ground level. A Ground Support Team Leader shall be designated for all such climbs, who is responsible for oversight of climber safety, the maintenance activity, and supervising any rescue activities.

(b) Plan your climb; Climb your plan. Prior to any climbing activity higher than 40’, the Ground

Support Team Leader for the day shall host a discussion with those going aloft. At the minimum, this Climbing Plan meeting shall cover the purpose of the intended climb, determine the tools required for going aloft, possible contingency activities, and the estimated duration of the climb.

If conditions change on the ground or aloft that were not already covered by this meeting (an accident, change in weather, maintenance abnormality, etc.), the team leader shall call a halt to the climbing activity so that applicable parties may reassess the climbing plan.

(c) Inspect all ropes (wire rope, cable, manila and nylon rope) for abrasions, cuts, kinks, and other detrimental faults before each use. It is essential before lifting or rigging to know the weight of the load, and the breaking strength of all ropes or cables used

(d) During and after times of earthquake or severe weather conditions, no climbing of towers by riggers shall be done until authorized by the Facilities Supervisor. Care should be taken to avoid climbing in winds approaching 25mph or in gusty conditions.

(e) When working aloft, climbers shall possess and utilize a hands-free 2-way radio system. The intention of this policy is to maintain working communications between those working aloft AND with ground support personnel.

(f) Safety belts and straps are designed for specific purpose. Use them knowingly, with respect and care and they will function as designed. Always wear belts and straps while working on elevated devices. Defective belts and straps must be turned in to the stockroom for disposal.

(g) Chain blocks and other hoisting devices should never be overloaded or excessive side stress or strain applied to the ratchet or chain. Know the hoists capacity or limitation and the weight of the object of the load being lifted.

(h) Extreme caution is necessary by all personnel to assure that all safety clearances are obtained and necessary procedures are followed before working on antenna components. An employee will never work on antenna without first completing all safety procedures.

(i) All antenna tuning house doors will be kept locked at all times except when actual maintenance activities are in progress. Keys will be kept in the control room under the control of the Transmitter Shift Supervisor. When it is necessary to enter any of the tuning houses, the warning sign will be posted and removed only by the person placing same after all doors are locked and the keys returned to the control room.

(j) Antennas and switches will be serviced only after maintenance personnel obtain permission from the Transmitter Shift Supervisor, and transmitter has been tagged out with warning signs posted on the TCU. Signs will identify where work is in progress, and the name of the individual in

Transfered clause (b-c-d-e) frorm 3.2 Fall Protection.

charge of the work crew. Signs will be removed and transmitter operated only after the person posting the sign removes them.

(k) Installation of RF grounding and shorting sticks, clamps and cables are absolutely required on antenna systems when maintenance activities require work on the affected antenna or transmission lines.

(l) Electrical safety rubber gloves are "not to be used" by personnel for work on active RF circuits.

(m) Safety type helmets are required for use by all climbers and ground support staff during work activities in the antenna field.

3.3 Material Handling Equipment

Motor Vehicles: Personnel required to drive government-owned vehicles (GOVs) must have valid and appropriate license, completed the Smith Defensive Driving training, medical clearance and be familiar with vehicle safety and driving regulations.

(a) All vehicles are equipped with warning devices, first aid kits, towing devices and small tools. It is the responsibility of the driver to insure that these items are always in good working condition, and used properly when necessary.

(b) If working on a vehicle or any engine driven equipment, the ignition key should be removed, or the battery disconnected from the starter. The fuel should also be shut off to prevent starting.

(c) Seat belts are provided in all station vehicles for use by all passengers at all times. Philippine and U.S. Government regulations state that they must be used at all times when driving or riding in a vehicle.

(d) Only fully qualified operators will be allowed to operate tractors, mowers, the road roller, bulldozers, tar kettles, cement mixers, lift-trucks, and other equipment. Inexperienced personnel, LES or contract, are not authorized to operate this equipment unless tested and certified by a responsible supervisor.

(e) There will be no passengers or helpers allowed to sit, stand, or ride on the tractor.

(f) On tractor towed utility trailers, personnel are allowed to ride on the trailers provided they are sitting, and the tractor speed does not exceed 15 miles per hour.

(g) While operating mowers, care should be taken to ensure mowers are only engaged on areas to be cut. Care should also be taken to prevent damage to mower blades by not driving over rocks, tree roots, drainage abutments, etc.

(h) When operating the forklift, care shall be taken to lift loads that do not exceed the capacity of the lift. The load shall be in its lowest position when moving it. The forklift shall not be operated off-road as it is designed for hard surface operation only. The forklift is to be used only for its designed purpose and passengers are not allowed to ride on a forklift.

(i) Heavy equipment shall not be operated if there are any discrepancies in the operating equipment.

The equipment shall be removed from service until properly repaired.

Use of the Overhead Crane. The overhead crane is a valuable tool, but it can be very dangerous if used improperly. Whenever someone is using the crane, the operator shall follow hand signals from an individual directing the job. If the operator can observe the crane hook and helper, he/she may operate it without a guide. Care should be taken when moving a load. Some loads, by their very nature, have a tendency to swing. These loads require the additional use of a tag line to prevent swinging. Personnel shall never place themselves under elevated loads.

Loads shall never be raised over a running engine, especially the generator end. When moving a load, have an assistant walk ahead of the load and clear the way. Always keep a load as close to the ground as possible. Never leave a load on the crane unattended. Do not lift heavy bulky objects alone. Use the crane or other lifting device, and always use appropriate chains, slings, or cables, to get the job done safely. When lifting an object by hand, lift with your back straight, and use your legs to lift the load.

Compressed Air Equipment: Compressed air is a convenience if used properly. At no time should there be more pressure than is needed to do the job. There is danger in a concentrated stream of compressed air, and directing such a stream at any person is strictly forbidden. Any frivolous behavior with compressed air equipment will not be tolerated.

(a) Compressed air hoses must be firmly connected before any pressure is applied.

(b) Repairs and adjustments to compressors and compressed air lines will be done only by the Air Conditioning Technician.

(c) All frayed or damaged hoses, worn connections, improper operating valves, or sediment bowls, shall be promptly reported for replacement or repair.

(d) Care should be taken when using compressed air for cleaning. Particles can be blown into the eyes or skin by a blast of air. Always use goggles when cleaning with compressed air. Safety air guns are installed where air is to be used for cleaning.

(e) Compressed air is not to be used for cleaning your body, and under no circumstances will horseplay be allowed when working with air.

(f) Ensure that all air is relieved from an…