SOW Final.docx

27 September 2024

CONTRACTOR STATEMENT OF WORK

VA MEDICAL CENTER PROVIDENCE, RI

Project Number: 650-25-103 OSHA Fall Protection – Roof Guardrail Systems

1.0 GENERAL:

Provide and install multiple non-penetrating guardrail system(s) which provides roof workplace fall protection that are OSHA compliant. In addition, an OSHA compliant safety ladder is also required. Services shall include providing Site walkdowns and layout drawings. Purchasing material and installation, including all labor, transportation, materials, apparatus, fabrication, tools, equipment and permits necessary to construct and install. The purpose of the roof guardrail systems and safety ladder are to allow for safe access to roof equipment. The work is located on the Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) campus, 830 Chalkstone Ave, Providence, RI 02908.

2. PROJECT SCOPE OF WORK:

After award, but prior to the start of any field work, the contractor shall contact the VA Project Manager to review proposed methods and plans for completion of work and to review interim life safety procedures, hot work permits, crane permit, and the contractor’s site-specific safety plan. Field work shall not commence until these plans have been submitted, accepted and/or approved as detailed below.

2.1 The proposed work shall include but not limited to the following:

· Perform Site walkdowns to obtain field measurements and review layout of roof guardrail systems and safety ladder.

· Furnish and install multiple non-penetrating guardrail system(s) which provides roof workplace fall protection at the locations indicated.

· Contractors proposed guardrail system is to be tested and independently certified to be in accordance with OSHA fall protection for guardrail regulations, sections 29 CFR 1910.29, 29 CFR 1926.500, 29 CFR 1926.502 and 29 CFR 1926.503.

· Marked up Site images are included and attached as outlined below and are intended for general idea of layout. Contractor is responsible to field verify all measurements and installation requirements. Where guardrails are indicated to fit to other construction and or rooftop equipment, check actual dimensions of other construction by accurate field measurements before fabrication.

· Guardrails are to provide ample area around equipment for maintenance to be conducted.

· Guardrails and safety ladder are to be provided as follows.

· Building 1

· Ambulatory Care roof (includes roof access ladder (safety ladder)) (approximately 112 linear feet of guardrails)

· D-wing 2nd floor roof (approximately 194 linear feet of guardrails)

· D-wing 3rd floor roof (approximately 153 linear feet of guardrails)

· Hemodialysis addition (approximately 219 linear feet of guardrails)

· Hemodialysis addition mechanical space roof (approximately 76 linear feet of guardrails)

· E wing elevator roof (approximately 64 linear feet of guardrails)

· Clean Core addition (2A) roof (approximately 66 linear feet of guardrails)

· Building 32 (approximately 86 linear feet of guardrails)

· Building 35 (approximately 362 linear feet of guardrails)

· Provide base mover, two-wheeled steel cart to transport one base unit.

· The guardrails shall meet all applicable local, state, and federal building codes.

· The guardrails shall meet OSHA requirements including 29 CFR.

· Contractor shall provide as built layout drawings and letter stating that the Guardrails and safety ladder are OSHA compliant.

· Existing safety ladder shall be removed and disposed of. New Safety ladder shall be mounted to wall at the existing ladder location (D Wing 2nd floor).

· Contractor shall verify all dimensions in field prior to fabrication.

· Roof hatch guardrail are to be provided as follows.

· Hemodialysis addition to roof of mechanical space.

· Building 32 (2 ea). Existing is not sturdy. Remove and replace.

· Garage to roof.

· 9th floor elevator room to roof.

· E Wing elevator roof.

2.2 Performance Requirements

A. Roof Edge Fall Protection: Provide non-penetrating guardrail system.

a. Approved Product: SafetyRail 2000 or approved equivalent

b. Standards: System shall have top and mid rail in accordance with OSHA Standards - 29 CFR 1910.29 (b)(1)(2).

c. Structural Performance of top rails and supports:

1. Capable of withstanding a concentrated load of 200 pounds (90.6 kg), applied to the top rail at any point and in any direction.

2. Capable of withstanding a uniform load of 50 pounds per linear foot (74.3 kg/m) applied to the top rail horizontally with a simultaneous load of 100 pounds per linear foot (148.6 kg/m) applied vertically downward.

3. Guardrail need not provide for both concentrated and uniform loads to be applied concurrently.

d. Height: 42 inches (1067 mm), minimum.

e. Railings: 1-5/8 inch (41 mm) O.D. hot rolled pickled electric weld tubing, free of sharp edges and snag points. Factory finished powder coat yellow paint over hot dipped galvanized steel.

f. Mounting Bases: Class 30 gray iron material cast with four receiver posts. Factory finished powder coat yellow paint.

g. Provide EPDM rubber pads on bottom of bases. Approved Product: BUR Pad or equivalent (with VA Approval).

h. Receiver Posts: Shall have a positive locking system into slots that allow rails to be mounted in any direction. Friction locking systems are not allowed. Receiver posts shall have drain holes.

i. Base Mover: Provide two-wheeled steel cart to transport one base unit. Approved Product: EZ Mover

j. Accessories: or equivalent (with VA Approval)

i. Toe Board Brackets: Provide brackets and hardware as manufactured by BlueWater Mfg. Inc.

ii. Step-Rail: Variable height railing enables a continuous run of SafetyRail 2000 when the roof steps up or down.

iii. Adjustable Mid-Rail: Railing to fit over duct work for continuous run of SafetyRail 2000.

iv. LP Outrigger: Supports placed under ducting or conduit to continue run of SafetyRail 2000 when rail section cannot be used.

v. Hardware: Securing pins shall be 1010 carbon steel, zinc plated and yellow chromate dipped. Pins shall consist of collared pin and lanyard that connects to lynch pin.

B. Safety ladder

a. Safety ladder shall be a fixed ladder with walkthrough handrails and safety cage meeting all OSHA requirements.

b. Safety ladder is approximately 12 feet in length and Contractor is responsible to field verify all measurements and installation requirements.

c. Safety ladder shall be provided with a self-closing safety gate.

d. Safety ladder shall be made of steel and powder coated yellow.

C. Roof hatch guardrail fall protection.

a. Roof hatches guardrail will be non-roof membrane penetrating.

b. OSHA compliant.

c. Roof hatch guardrail shall be provided with a self-closing safety gate.

d. Roof hatch guardrail shall be made of steel and powder coated yellow.

e. Installed such as being a sturdy hand hold when climbing in or out of hatch.

f. Ensure any hatch penetration during the installation are properly sealed with roofer’s caulk.

3.0 SUBMITTALS

Prior to commencing any work, the Contractor shall submit for review and approval the following:

· Layout drawing verifying existing conditions of site.

· Shop Drawings: Layout of railings components with dimensions, plans, elevations, sections, details, and finishes of components. Show member sizes and part identification, fasteners, anchors, fittings, and evidence of compliance with structural performance requirements.

· Preparation instructions and recommendations.

· Storage and handling requirements and recommendations.

· Installation methods.

· Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all materials to be used in the construction of the work.

Manufacturer's Certificates:

· Certify that Railings and Base Castings are made in USA. Provide steel mill and foundry certificates for verification prior to shipment.

· Manufacturer must be American Welding Society Welding Certified for Welding Standards AWS D1.1 and AWS D1.3. Third party qualification documentation required prior to shipment.

· Submit design data to verify compliance design loads specified in Performance Requirements Article. Design data shall be signed and sealed by the qualified professional engineer responsible for their preparation.

· Provide manufacturer’s certifications that the ultimate strength of the fall protection system is equal to or greater than those specified.

Upon completion of construction work and before submitting invoice for final payment, provide to the VAMC Providence, RI the following:

· As-built layout drawings

· Certification from the Contractor/Installer that the system installed is OSHA compliant.

4.0 CODE REQUIREMENTS

· American National Standards Institute (ANSI): ANSI A14.3 - American National Standards for Ladders - Fixed - Safety Requirements.

· American Welding Society: AWS D1.1 - Structural Welding Code - Steel.

· American Welding Society: AWS D1.3 - Structural Welding Code - Sheet Steel.

· Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): 29 CFR 1910.23 - Fixed Ladders.

· Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): 29 CFR 1926.500 - Scope, Application, and Definitions Applicable to this Subpart.

· Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): 29 CFR 1926.502 - Fall Protection Systems Criteria and Practices.

International Code Council (ICC):

· ICC-ES AC273 - Handrails and Guards

· International Building Code (IBC)

5.0 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

A site visit will be held with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to examine all areas in question regarding conditions that may affect proper execution of the work. All interested Contractors are encouraged to be in attendance of this scheduled site visit. The awarded Contractor shall be responsible for confirming all existing conditions for this project, as no claims for extra costs will be granted due to the lack of knowledge regarding the existing conditions unless agreed to in advance with the Government. Further detail regarding the site visit date, time, and meeting location will be listed on page one of the posted Request for Proposal (RFP).

6.0 WARRANTIES

Contractor/Installer Warranty: The Contractor/Installer shall supply the Government with a separate workmanship warranty. In the event any work is found to be within the Contractor/Installer warranty term, defective or otherwise not in accordance with the Contract Documents, the Contractor/Installer shall repair that defect at no cost to the government. The Contractor’s/Installer’s warranty obligation shall run directly to the Government, and a copy shall be sent to the manufacturer.

The installed unit shall carry a limited warranty of five (5) years against defective material and workmanship.

The Government will notify the manufacturer and the Contractor/Installer of any defects as they occur during the time period when both warranties are in effect, such defects shall be repaired at no additional cost to the government.

7.0 PROPOSED SCHEDULE:

Work hours for this project are 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday.

Work shall commence upon receipt of a Notice to Proceed from the government and shall be completed within 120 calendar days after receipt of Notice to Proceed.

8.0 WORK LOCATION AND RESTRICTIONS:

The work site location is at 830 Chalkstone Ave in Providence, RI

All work shall be performed between the hours of 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM Monday through Friday, federal holidays excepted, unless other times are arranged in advance and approved in writing by the Project Manager. When the contractor’s work interferes with regular functions of the Hospital, such as when work produces excessive noise, odors, dust, utility service interruptions, impedes access and/or egress, or other interferences with normal operations that cannot be contained within the area of work, the contractor shall perform said work at other than normal hours and as directed by the Project Manager.

9.0 PARKING:

Parking is rigidly controlled throughout the Medical Center. Parking of privately-owned vehicles by contractor personnel is prohibited on the hospital campus and is only allowed at the Davis Park location off Chalkstone Avenue. Parking in designated patient parking areas is strictly prohibited. Parking on grass is also prohibited. Parking for equipment necessary to perform the work will be authorized in advance of starting the project. Parking passes will be issued by the VA Police. Parking by contractors will be regulated in accordance with Providence VA Medical Center Policy Memorandum 07B-3 entitled Registration of Privately Owned Vehicles at Attachment F.

10.0 STORAGE OF EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS:

The contractor shall arrange with the Project Manager for allocation of required workspace and for the storage of equipment and material to be used for this project. Storage space is very limited. There are no exclusive areas within the campus that can be given to the contractor for their storage needs. Additionally, no space will be made available for the placement of a contractor trailer for this project. The Contractor should schedule delivery of materials to limit the amount of storage space and time.

11.0 DEBRIS REMOVAL

The Contractor/Installer shall be required to remove waste materials and debris daily from the campus. All waste material and debris shall be removed off the site by the contractor and shall be disposed of in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations.

12.0 SITE UTILITIES:

The Contractor/Installer should note this scope of work does not detail all existing structures, utilities, or components that may potentially interfere with the contract work required. The contractor shall note any obstruction, utility, or condition that may hinder or interfere with the execution of this contract and the contractor shall make provisions in their contract price to resolve such interferences and other conditions that may hinder the proper completion of the work. All proposed utility relocations, reallocations, and shutdowns shall be approved by the Project Manager prior to commencing such work. The contractor shall verify all existing utility installations and take appropriate action prior to working around any potential utility installation.

In the event a shutdown, restriction, or interruption of any utility services is required, a written request must be submitted (at least 15 calendar days in advance) and approved by the VA Project Manager. All utility shutdowns must be reviewed and approved by the VA.

13.0 INFECTION CONTROL:

All work shall be performed in accordance with the Construction Specifications for Infection Control of the Providence VA Medical Center, which is attached (Attachment B). For purposes of this project, the work shall be considered Class __I_ and shall be accomplished using the controls indicated in the specifications and on the Infection Control Construction Permit attached. No work shall proceed until an Infection Control Construction Permit has been completed and signed and all protective measures required by the permit are in place.

14.0 PROJECT SAFETY:

Contractor shall comply with the Contractor Safety Manual of the Providence VAMC, dated January 2009 (Attachment A). The US Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Health Requirements Manual, EM 385-1-1, is incorporated by reference and the contractor shall comply with the requirements of this manual. In the event of a conflict between the requirements of EM 385-1-1 and the Providence VAMC Contractor Safety Manual, the more stringent requirements shall apply.

All employees of the general contractor and its subcontractors who perform any activity or serve any function on the project site shall have completed the 10-hour or 30-hour OSHA Construction Safety course and other relevant competency training. Contractor shall submit training records of all such employees for approval before the start of work.

The contractor shall identify in writing to the government’s Contracting Officer and Project Manager/Engineer a “Competent Person” as defined by 29 CFR 1926 (OSHA Construction Industry regulations). The designated competent person shall be on the project site whenever the general contractor or its subcontractors are present on the project site.

All employees of the general contractor and its subcontractors are required to attend a 1-hour VA safety briefing before the employee commences any work activities on VA property.

Obtain a Crane Permit when use of a crane is intended. Comply with requirements of Providence VA Medical Center Facilities Management Service SOP Policy Memo 138-16 at Attachment G.

Contractor shall submit a site-specific Safety Plan that provide project-and site-specific activity hazard analyses and accident prevention plans. The Contractor’s site-specific Safety plan shall be submitted to the VA for information purposes. The Safety Plan shall conform to the requirements of FAR 52.236-13 and shall include, as a minimum, provisions for the following:

· Site access and control to restrict access by unauthorized persons and allow for separation of VA staff, patients and visitors from construction personnel.

· Site security to restrict unauthorized entry by contractor personnel into areas of building 1 determined by the VA to be non-accessible; and to address the need for identification badges to be worn by construction personnel; key control; and loading/unloading of materials and wastes.

· The contractor’s substance abuse policy and training requirements

· Contractor’s plan for site safety and health inspections

· Contractor’s plan for safety and health training

· Contractor’s site-specific fall protection program

· Contractor’s site-specific electrical safety plan

· Contractor’s requirements for use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

· Contractor’s accident reporting and investigation program. The contractor shall submit a written incident report to the VA Project Manager within 24 hours after any accident, injury, occupational illness, or other safety-related incident occurs, regardless of how minor the nature of the incident.

· Contractor’s emergency action plan and fire prevention and protection plan, to include training of contractor personnel in the provisions of these plans.

· Contractor’s minimum safely training requirements for its personnel and the personnel of its sub-contractors.

· Contractor’s requirements for sub-contractor conformance to the site-specific Safety Plan

· Identity of the Contractor’s designated “Competent Person” as defined by 29 CFR 1926 (OSHA Construction Industry Regulations). The contractor shall provide a Competent Person who shall be on the project site whenever the general contractor or its subcontractors are present on the project site.

· Contractor’s protocol for inspections by regulatory agencies.

15.0 INTERIM LIFE SAFETY PROTECTION MEASURES:

Contractor shall participate with the VA in the preparation of an interim life safety measures and fire protection Plan (Attachment E) that will be implemented during construction of this project. At a minimum, contractor shall comply with the following requirements of an interim life safety measures and fire protection plan:

· Ensure exits provide free and unobstructed egress for all building occupants. If required by contractor’s operations, establish and mark alternate means of egress for all building occupants.

· Contractor shall maintain escape facilities from the work area for construction workers at all times. Means of egress in construction areas will be inspected daily.

· Ensure free and unobstructed access to all areas of the project site for emergency services and for emergency forces.

· Ensure that means of egress and existing fire alarm, detection, and suppression systems are not impaired by contractor’s operations.

· Do not impair means of egress, automatic sprinklers, smoke and heat detection, and fire alarm systems, except for portions immediately under construction, and temporarily for connections. Provide fire watch in accordance with NFPA standards for impairments more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period. Request approval of impairments from the Project Manager in writing a minimum of 72 hours in advance.

· When required, a fire watch shall be by a qualified person provided by the contractor who shall maintain constant observation of the affected area and have no other duties. The person providing the fire watch shall be trained in fire prevention and in the use of fire extinguishers, occupant hose lines, occupant fire protection system, in sounding the building fire alarm and in notifying the local fire department, and in understanding the particular fire safety situation for the project.

· Provide written procedures and guidelines for construction personnel and post in the immediate areas of construction detailing what to do and who to call in the event of fire or emergency.

· Provide signs to identify exit access, exits, and exit discharges as needed for interim life safety measures that are required for the contractor’s work.

· Maintain the construction area to minimize the potential for fire or safety hazards resulting from storage of construction material, construction waste and debris during construction operations.

· All temporary construction shall be built of noncombustible/fire retardant materials and shall be smoke tight.

· Ensure that all penetrations made in fire resistance assemblies of the existing hospital building, to include smoke barriers, fire separation assemblies, and fire walls, are properly fire stopped within 4 hours after making the penetration.

16.0 MATERIAL & WORKMANSHIP QUALITY:

All materials and workmanship shall comply with all codes, standards, and recommendations of all Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). All work shall be done in a first class manner according to the best trade practices and to the satisfaction of the Project Manager.

Any damage during installation will need to be repaired prior to acceptance. This includes damage to the paint finish which could contribute to rusting. Repairs will need to be conducted to the satisfaction of the Project Manager.

17.0 SECURITY:

All contractor personnel shall obtain a short-term identification badge issued by the Project Manager. Such badge shall be worn by the individual and prominently displayed at all times while on VA property. No employee of the contractor shall enter the project site without a valid identification badge issued by the VA. In order to obtain a short-term identification badge, contractor personnel shall present to the Project Manager a valid (non-expired) photo identification issued by a US federal, state or local government agency.

All contractor personnel are subject to inspection of personal effects when entering or leaving the project site.

18.0 UTILITY SERVICES

Utilities Services: Utilities Services: Although this project does not include any work associated with existing utilities, the contractor shall locate, protect and maintain existing utilities for the duration of the project. The contractor shall provide all temporary facilities, labor, materials, equipment, and connections to assure utility services are uninterrupted during the project.

19.0 ATTACHMENTS:

A – Providence VA Medical Center Construction Safety Manual B – Infection Control Procedures C – Infection Control Construction Permit D – Interim Life Safety Measures (ILSM) Plan E – Registration of Privately Owned Vehicles F – Cranes G – Photos of Existing Site Conditions

ATTACHMENT A

Providence VA Medical Center Construction Safety Manual

INTRODUCTION

All contractors, Project Managers, and employees engaged in construction activities at the PVAMC must be aware of the construction safety requirements outlined in this manual.

The implementation of construction safety programs will minimize the potential for injuries and illnesses to our patients, employees and visitors from unsafe construction activities conducted by contractors and VA employees, including operations and maintenance crews, permanent construction crews and temporary purchase and hire staff.

It is the policy of the VHA to protect patients, staff, visitors and contractors from safety and health hazards associated with construction activity on VA/VHA property and leased property at which VA-funded construction is occurring.

Construction activities are defined as those that include VHA projects performed by employees or contractors and enhanced use lease projects within structures fully managed by VHA or within the purview of VHA authority.

Safety is a philosophy and a practice that identifies and eliminates job site hazards throughout the lifecycle of a project and discourages work practices and equipment that place individuals at risk of injury.

This manual outlines programs and procedures to maintain a healthy environment of care for our patients and a safe and healthy worksite for employees, visitors and contractors during construction activities.

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Standard Safety and Security Rules

The following are some reasons for which an employee of a contractor may be temporarily or permanently removed from Medical Center premises:

Possession or use of alcoholic beverages or regulated drugs not prescribed by a physician Possession of explosives, firearms, ammunition, and other weapons Deliberate violation of safety or security rules Illegal dumping, handling, or disposal of hazardous materials Destruction or removal, without written permission, of any property belonging to Providence VAMC, the property owner, employee, or other contractors or employees

· Failure to follow the directions or instructions of a VA Police Officer, VA Project Manager or VA Project Manager

· Failure to wear in a visible manner a facility issued identification badge Intimidating, threatening, harassing, impeding or interfering with an inspector, security officer, or Providence VAMC employee or designated representative Using emergency exits other than for emergencies Misuse of fire prevention and protection equipment Unauthorized removal or destruction of a safety barricade, handrail, guardrail, warning sign, fall protection, or other warning devices intended to protect PVAMC’s students, faculty, employees, neighbors or property.

For additional information on safety guidelines that are related to security issues, you may refer to the Providence VAMC Police Department

1.2 Safety Permits and Procedures

The following operations may present a hazard to PVAMC employees, visitors, patients, neighbors or property. Therefore, you must obtain written approval through the Providence VAMC Project Manager before:

Working on fire protection/detection systems

· Penetrating any smoke/fire barrier wall Performing burning, welding, cutting, soldering, or other hot work Performing any work above an existing finished ceiling Obstructing an exit door or any exit path within any building Obstructing access to the hospital by emergency services Working on electrical, steam, chilled water systems or other energized systems Moving emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, first aid kits, etc.) provided by PVAMC Installing a temporary electrical service Working with hazardous chemicals (including solvents and paints) Generating hazardous wastes (including waste oil) Using powder actuated tools Using a gas, diesel, or LP (propane) powered engine indoors Operating a power vehicle or self-propelled work platform Excavation/trenching Using radioactive sources or conducting field radiography (x-ray) Working with asbestos-containing materials Working on security systems Working with compressed air/gases Using a laser Working on a fume or biological hood Working on a solvent storage cabinet Working on heating, ventilation, or air conditioning equipment Working on a roof Lifting or hoisting with cranes, derricks, hoists or helicopter Performing blasting operations Special Rules for Operations Involving Utilities:

Only Providence VAMC Facilities Operations may shut down or start up operating utilities.

You must notify your Project Manager, who will coordinate with Providence VAMC Facilities Operations, in advance of the need for such shutdowns or startups.

Special Rules for Lockout/Tagout of Machinery, Pipes, etc.:

If you intend to service or maintain machinery that could hurt someone if it were to unexpectedly start up, you must inform the Providence VAMC Project Manager of the Lockout/Tagout procedures you intend to follow.

See Section 3.3 on Lockout/Tagout generally.

1.3 Housekeeping

You must maintain good housekeeping. You must keep work areas neat, clean, orderly and free of excess trash and debris and never block walkways, stairs, exits, or create a tripping hazard. Cover and/or place guardrails around open holes, trenches, or excavations into which PVAMC’s visitors, patients, or employees may fall. Poor housekeeping at a job site may lead to an increased potential for safety hazards and an increased incidence of accidents and chemical spills.

1.4 Accident, Incident, Injury, or Illness

After notifying the appropriate emergency agency (e.g., 9-1-1), work related accidents, incidents, injuries, and illnesses must be immediately reported to the Providence VAMC Project Manager or representative. The Contractor is responsible for notifying OSHA for any incidents that are reportable to that agency.

2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

2.1 Hazardous Waste Management

Hazardous waste generated by a Contractor as part of its work must be properly identified, stored and disposed of in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal laws. The Contractor must coordinate with its Providence VAMC representative to provide a list of hazardous waste(s) to be generated during the project, and to determine the location(s) available for hazardous waste storage. The Contractor must also ensure, at a minimum, proper labeling, adequate secondary containment, segregation of incompatible materials and routine inspection of storage areas as required by law. In addition, all hazardous waste containers shall be constructed of a material that is compatible with the waste, shall be in sound condition, and shall be kept securely closed at all times in accordance with applicable regulations.

Containers and/or tanks used to store hazardous wastes must be managed in accordance with applicable regulations and must be inspected daily.

The Contractor is responsible for completing all disposal documents, which may include, but are not limited to, waste profiles, waste analytical samples and hazardous waste manifests. Providence VAMC shall be designated as the Generator on all documents and shall be provided with copies of all waste analyses, land disposal restriction forms and related documentation. Copies of all disposal documents shall be submitted to the Project Manager for review at least 5 days prior to shipment. The Project Manager or an EH&S representative will sign the manifests as the Generator. At the time of shipment, the Contractor shall provide the bottom three copies of the manifest to the Project Manager or the PVAMC EH&S representative for distribution to the appropriate agencies.

Contractor employees must be appropriately trained in hazardous waste procedures. In the event a Contractor encounters previously unidentified material that is reasonably believed to be radioactive, volatile, corrosive, flammable, explosive, biomedical, infectious, toxic, hazardous, asbestos containing or oil-based, the Contractor shall immediately stop work in the affected area and report the condition to the Project Manager. At no time shall such material be disposed of in chutes, dumpsters, drains, pipes or any other waste container. The Contractor agrees to cooperate with the Project Manager and any consultants engaged by the Project Manager to perform services with respect to the analysis, detection, removal, containment, treatment and disposal of such regulated materials.

2.2 Transport of Hazardous Materials

All transportation of hazardous materials while on Providence VAMC property shall be conducted in accordance with USDOT Hazardous Materials Regulations for proper packaging, marking/labeling, handling, documentation, etc. At no time should hazardous materials be transported via public or private roads at Providence VAMC in a manner that could result in an unsafe condition for personnel or the environment.

2.3 Spill Prevention and Control

Providence VAMC’s Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Program establishes Medical Center-wide procedures for the prevention and detection of spills and/or releases of oil or hazardous materials, including the following:

Based on the inventory of oil and hazardous chemicals that will be brought on-site, the Contractor shall have available equipment (e.g., secondary containment pallets, absorbent pads, absorbent booms, speedi-dry) that is suitable and sufficient to control a potential spill/release.

The Contractor is responsible for identifying conveyances to the environment (e.g., sumps, storm/floor drains, etc.) and adequately minimizing spill potential to these areas.

The Contractor is responsible for the proper storage of all flammable and combustible chemicals that are brought and/or stored on site to complete the work of this contract. Such storage may require the use of safety containers, safety cabinets, and/or secondary containment. The Contractor shall also ensure that any incompatible chemicals are safely segregated. The Contractor is responsible for maintaining and securing all chemical containers and all chemical storage areas. This requires selecting locations and methods to minimize exposure to rainfall, surface water, and the ground surface or subsurface. Enclosures, shelters, and secondary containment should be used where appropriate.

The Contractor must use appropriate protective procedures such as double containment, employee training, overflow protection, and other measures as part of activities involving the use, storage, or handling of petroleum products or hazardous materials on Providence VAMC Property.

The Contractor must ensure that his/her employees are adequately trained in spill procedures outlined below. The Medical Center’s SPCC Program also establishes reporting requirements in the event of a spill or release of oil or hazardous materials. In the event of a release or spill, the Contractor must follow all of the reporting requirements of the SPCC Program as specified below:

(1) The Contractor shall extinguish all sources of ignition and isolate incompatibles or reactive chemical substances.

(2) The Contractor shall determine if the spill/release is incidental or non-incidental.

(3) For incidental spills/releases:

The Contractor shall attempt to stop or contain the spill/release at the source provided that doing so does not endanger anyone.

The Contractor shall prevent discharge of materials to environmental receptors including drains, sumps, soil, etc.

The Contractor shall immediately notify the Project Manager of all incidental spills/releases.

The Contractor is responsible for the proper collection, storage and disposal of waste materials in compliance with EPA and R.I. DEM regulations and in cooperation with the Project Manager.

(4) For non-incidental spills/release:

The Contractor shall immediately report the spill/release to the Medical Center’s Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Department who will advise you on the need for initiating contact with spill response vendors.

The Contractor shall follow the steps for incidental spill/releases identified in item (3) above, provided that it is safe to do so.

PVAMC’s EH&S Department will coordinate ALL reporting to outside agencies and will conduct follow-up written notifications if necessary.

The Contractor will conduct an incident analysis and coordinate with the Project Manager and the PVAMC EH&S Department on any actions that are required to prevent recurrence.

If it is deemed necessary to engage a professional spill cleanup company, the PVAMC EH&S Department will coordinate the cleanup through the Project Manager.

2.4 Pest Control

If a Contractor or his/her employees see evidence of cockroaches, mice, ants or other pests during the course of their work, they must notify the Project Manager immediately. The Contractor shall not use any insecticide products on Medical Center property unless such activities are part of your contracted work and you are specifically trained to do so.

2.5 Air Emissions

Combustion Units [Combustion units include, but are not limited to, boilers, heaters, emergency generators and kilns.] 1 “Incidental” spills meet ALL of the following criteria: 1) personnel are familiar with the hazards associated with the spilled material; 2) containment/response does not pose potential health and safety hazards (e.g. fire, explosion or chemical exposure); 3) a small quantity (less than 10 gallons) of material is spilled/release which DOES NOT reach the environment or pose potential health and hazardous; and 4) spilled/release material can be readily absorbed, neutralized, or otherwise controlled at the time of release by employees in the immediate area or by maintenance personnel.

“Non-incidental” spills include 1) major spills/release (e.g. greater than 10 gallons) that do not reach the environment or 2) any amount of spilled material that escapes to the environment (including drains, sumps, soil, etc.).

All Contractors must immediately report the following to the Project Manager:

Any maintenance or repairs to a combustion unit that could result in a change in maximum heat input value or overall emissions (e.g. burner replacement or fuel conversions) Any conditions discovered which could have resulted in an increase on air pollutant emissions.

CFC Containing Units [CFC containing units include those containing any ozone depleting refrigerants including, but not limited to, Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC).] Contractors shall immediately notify the Project Manager whenever they become aware of any unintentional or intentional release of CFCs above de-minimis levels as established by EPA regulators.

Contractors shall provide the following documentation to the Project Manager:

EPA certifications for any reclaimers to which CFC products evacuated from Providence VAMC systems are to be sent.

Certifications for any CFC recycle/recovery equipment to be used at PVAMC Technician Certifications Service records for all units containing greater that 50 pounds of refrigerant. Records must include the date and type of service and the type and quantity of refrigerant added.

Contractors shall immediately notify and provide documentation to the Project Manager whenever:

A leak rate equals or exceeds 35% per year for commercial/industrial processes A leak rate equals or exceeds 15% per year for comfort cooling processes A release occurs of >100 pounds in a 24 hour period for CFC-12, CFC-113 ad R-500. Halon Service providers shall immediately notify the Project Manager whenever it becomes aware of any unintentional or intentional release of halon.

2.6 Stormwater and Wastewater

Stormwater Projects that disrupt over one (1) acre of land must adhere to the EPA’s Phase II stormwater requirements.

These projects are required to obtain a NPDES permit and implement best management practices. The Contractor is responsible for obtaining such permits before the start of work.

Wastewater Providence VAMC’s wastewater discharge is regulated by Narragansett Bay Commission (NBC). The discharge of any wastewater must adhere to these permit requirements. These include but are not limited to:

No discharge of mercury, silver or other metal-bearing wastewater No discharge of highly corrosive substances (5 < pH > 10.5) No discharge of flammable materials that could create a hazard for Providence VAMC personnel these are the only references that will be noted in the policy. or NBC treatment works personnel.

1.0 The Contractor must identify all wastewater streams for the Project Manager and obtain approval for drain discharge.

2.7 Biological/Chemical/Radioactivity Hazards

Some Providence VAMC operations involve the use of biological, chemical, or radioactive material that can be hazardous to PVAMC’s visitors, patients, or employees if not handled safely. Areas where work with biological, chemical, or radioactive materials is being performed will be marked with appropriate signs.

Do not enter these areas and do not handle hazardous biological, chemical, or radioactive material unless it is part of your contracted work and you are specifically trained to do so.

2.8 Asbestos Containing Materials

Providence VAMC will have determined, before work is begun, the presence, location, and quantity of asbestos-containing or potentially asbestos-containing materials that would be specifically impacted by the work of your contract. The Providence VAMC Project Manager will provide a specific asbestos audit report for those work areas in question. The contractor shall not disturb asbestos-containing materials unless such activities are part of your contracted work and you are specifically trained to do so. Asbestos abatement contractors should coordinate with the Project Manager and the Medical Center’s EH&S Department for specific requirements for asbestos abatement work.

The Contractor shall not disturb, damage or otherwise handle any suspect asbestos containing material. It is recommended that the following suspect materials be assumed to contain asbestos:

Cement Pipes, High Temperature Gaskets, Electrical Wiring Insulation Cement Wallboard, Lab Hoods/Benches/Gloves, Chalkboards Cement Wallboard, Fire Blankets/Curtains/Doors, Roofing Shingles and Felt Flooring, Backing, Elevator Equipment Panels, Base Flashing Construction Mastics, Elevator Brake Shoes, Thermal Paper Products Acoustical Plaster, HVAC Duct Insulation, Caulking/Putties Decorative Plaster, Boiler Insulation Adhesives Textured Paints/Coatings, Breeching, Insulation, Wallboard Ceiling Tiles and Lay-in Panels, Pipe Insulation, Joint Compound Spray-applied Insulation, Cooling Towers, Vinyl Wall Coverings Blown-in Insulation, Electrical Cloth, Asphalt Floor Tile Fireproofing Materials, Heating and Electrical Ducts, Vinyl Sheet Flooring Taping Compounds, Electrical Panel Partitions, Vinyl Floor Tile Packing Materials (wall/floor penetrations), Ductwork, Flexible Fabric, Connectors, Spackling Compounds The Contractor shall not sweep, dust, vacuum or mop dust or debris that is the product of a suspect asbestos containing material. The Contractor shall also not pick up or throw away any suspect asbestos-containing waste or trash. If it material that is suspected to be asbestos-containing is disturbed and becomes airborne, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Project Manager.

If it is part of the Contractor’s work, stripping of floor finishes shall be done using low abrasion pads at speeds lower than 300 rpm and wet methods shall be used. The Contractor shall take care not to overstrip floors and shall stop stripping immediately upon removal of the old surface coat. Sanding of flooring material is strictly prohibited unless it is part of your contracted work and you are specifically trained to do so.

Any suspect asbestos containing material that is observed by the Contractor to be crushed, ripped, broken or in any way damaged should be reported to the Project Manager immediately.

Contractors must, within 24 hours, convey to the Providence VAMC Project Manager any information they newly discover concerning the presence, location and quantity of asbestos-containing or potentially asbestos-containing materials.

2.9 Lead Paint

Unless the Providence VAMC Project Manager provides a specific lead-paint inspection, Contractor’s should assume that any painted surface they come in contact with is coated with lead-based paint.

Therefore, Contractor’s should not perform any intrusive, dust-generating work on painted surfaces (e.g.

drilling, cutting, brazing, scraping, demolition), unless the surface has confirmed to be non-lead or unless such work is part of your contracted work and you are specifically trained to do so.

Any painted surfaces that have loose, flaking, and chipping or otherwise non-intact paint should not be impacted by the Contractor and should be reported to the Project Manager immediately.

Lead paint abatement contractors should coordinate with the Project Manager and the Medical Center’s EH&S Department for specific requirements for lead abatement work. Refer to the section of this manual on Hazardous Waste for guidelines on the proper disposal of lead containing paint.

3.0 OSHA SAFETY ISSUES

3.1 Hazardous Materials and Hazard Communication

Hazardous Materials

Do not handle or use hazardous materials without training by your company’s representative.

No solvents, paints, or similar flammable, toxic, or irritating materials may be used in areas occupied by Providence VAMC employees, visitors, or patients unless specifically approved in writing by the Providence VAMC Project Manager.

Maintain adequate ventilation when paints or solvents are used.

Use flammable solvents and materials with extreme caution.

Store flammable paints and solvents in approved flammable liquid storage cabinets if inside buildings.

Hazard Communication The Contractor shall submit an inventory of all hazardous chemicals that are brought on-site with accompanying Material Safety Data Sheets to the Project Manager. The Contractor shall also ensure that all containers that are brought on site for the storage of hazardous chemicals (e.g., gas, paint, etc.) are labeled and inspected in accordance with all applicable regulations. The Contractor shall remove all hazardous chemicals that it brings on-site when work involving a specific hazardous chemical is complete.

The Contractor may request and review Material Safety Data Sheets for any chemicals that are encountered on Medical Center property during the performance of its work.

3.2 Confined Space Entry

Background Providence VAMC has developed and implemented a Confined Space Entry Program to protect all Medical Center employees who are required to enter confined spaces. PVAMC’s complete written program is available for review upon request to the Project Manager.

This Medical Center-wide program defines a “Confined Space” and an “Enclosed Space” in accordance with 29CFR §§ 1910.146 and 1910.269, respectively. Entrance into any of these spaces by a Contractor requires adherence with all applicable regulations as well as with certain Medical Center protocols as defined further below.

As part of the Confined Space Entry Program, the Medical Center performed hazard assessments, developed inventories and posted all confined and enclosed spaces at the point of entry. These postings include information on the classification of the space (e.g., “Permit Required”, “Non-permit Required”), the confined space ID number, the location, the known hazards, and the minimum personal protective equipment needed for entry. Where available the Medical Center’s experience with the confined space is also included on the signage. The Medical Center Confined Space Inventory and hazard assessment forms are available for review.

Requirements The Contractor is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining his/her own Confined Space Entry Program, including provisions for emergency rescue in accordance with OSHA regulations as it applies to the work of this contract.

If during the course of its work, the Contractor encounters a confined space that has not been previously identified by the Medical Center, it must immediately bring the space to the attention of the Project Manager and delay entry until Providence VAMC has examined the space.

When both Medical Center personnel and Contractor personnel are working in or near confined spaces, the Contractor shall coordinate all operation with the affected Medical Center personnel before entry.

Advance notification is always required. Whether you enter a confined space with a PVAMC employee or not, the Contractor’s entry attendant must always first inform the Providence VAMC Project Coordinator before you enter a confined space.

The Contractor shall provide the Project Coordinator with:

The exact location of the confined space and confined space ID number;

The time of entry and approximate entry duration; and The names of authorized attendants and entrants.

After the entry: If you have entered a “permit-required” confined space, you must, after the entry is concluded, notify Providence…