Contractors Safety Handbook page 3

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SAFETY

Hazard Communication

The Contractor will provide a chemical list to the University inclusive of all chemicals that will be brought onto LU property and indicate the largest quantity of each chemical that will be on-site at any given time.
Additionally, the Contractor will supply a current Material Safety Data Sheet (updated within the last 2 years) for each chemical on the list.
The Contractor will ensure that all of their employees have been trained in how to read an MSDS and interpret the information to determine the chemical hazards, handling procedures, required personal protective equipment and storage requirements for all chemicals that they will be working with while on LU property.
Contractor chemicals will be kept in suitable primary and secondary containers with legible, accurate and complete labeling information using either the HMIS or the NFPA format.
The LU Contact will apprise contractors of the chemicals which are property of the University that are in the working area.
The location of MSDS information for University owned chemicals will be made known to the Contractor by the LU Contact.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All personal protective equipment will be supplied at the expense of the Contractor to each of their employees.
The Contractor is responsible for enforcing the use of required PPE.
Head protection is required while working:
- Within designated construction sites at LU
- In facilities within barricaded areas
- Where there are low-hanging obstructions and/or overhead work is being performed.
Hard hats must be:
- Plastic
- Unaltered
- Unpainted
- Meet ANSI requirements
All hard hats will identify the name of the Contractor for whom the employee is working.
Suspension system must be fully intact.
Eye protection in the form of safety glasses is required at all times while within a designated construction site at LU and/or while the Contractor is working on LU premises.
Dark-tinted glasses are not permissible while performing inside work.
Employees requiring prescription lenses will be required by the Contractor to maintain ANSI-approved frames, lenses and side-shields.
Face shields are to be worn in addition to safety glasses while Contractor employees are performing:
- Grinding
- Chemical handling
- Welding activities
Face shields must attach directly to the hard hat being worn and/or be specifically designed for the work being performed as in welding.
Foot protection is required at all times while Contractor and their employees are working on LU premises.
Protective footwear must be rated for the work being performed (i.e. EH designation for electrical work) and be in sound condition.
Hearing protection is required while working in or around areas where the noise level exceeds acceptable limits per the OSHA standard.
Hand protection of an adequate type and size will be used by Contractor employees while performing tasks that have the potential to cut, puncture, burn (thermal or chemical), or bruise.
Di-electrically tested rubber gloves are to be used on all power line work and where there is the potential for contacting energized circuits:
- Concrete breaking
- Drilling
- Excavating, etc.
DO NOT wear gloves while using equipment where the gloves could become entangled such as in a:
- Saw
- Lathe
- Drill, etc.
Clothing for all Contractor employees must be worn such that loose, frayed or over-sized materials are not at risk of becoming entangled in the work to be performed.
Work shirts will have short, finished sleeves, be tucked-in and worn.
Contractor employees working on a construction site will have work pants that extend below the ankle.
Prohibited clothing while on construction sites and when performing construction work within LU facilities:
- Shorts
- Muscle shirts
- Tank tops
- Sandals
Protective clothing must be provided as necessary to the employee by the Contractor to include but not be limited to:
- Welding sleeves,
- Welding chaps,
- Chemically resistant coveralls, etc.
Some Contractors may be providing services to facilities that have “clean areas” with required gowning procedures including:
- Coveralls
- Gowns
- Masks
- Other protective gear
All designated gowning requirements will be strictly observed by all Contractors.
LU will make gowning available for Contractors working in “clean areas”.

Respiratory Protection

The University recommends use of a respirator by all Contractors employees when working on roofs with laboratory fume hood exhaust stacks less than 8 ft. tall, or when working on existing fume hood fans.
Additionally, Contractors are responsible for ensuring that their employees are following all respiratory protective equipment requirements per the MSDS for the materials that they are working with on-site.

Equipment Integrity and Inspections

The Contractor is responsible for supplying and repairing the tools, equipment and extension cords that they need.
All tools and equipment are to conform to all OSHA standards and be operated as designed by the manufacturer.
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) must be used with all corded equipment, power tools must be double insulated and have approved grounding plugs.
Power tools must be operated and stored with the guards or shields with which they were designed.
Contractor must inspect all tools and equipment for integrity and safety of use.
Defective tools will not be used on any LU job site.
LU reserves the right to inspect and decommission any tools or equipment found to be unsuitable for operation on their premises.
Gas powered tools will not be used inside a LU facility unless authorized by the LU Contact in charge of overseeing the project.

Demolition and Deconstruction

Contractors hired by LU to engage in this highly specialized activity will be trained and qualified in demolition procedures
These will be the only Contractors that will engage in demolition activities
LU reserves the right to dismiss any non-designated Contractor found engaging in demolition activities
Contractors who oversee and perform demolition activities will coordinate a thorough needs and risk assessment in conjunction with the LU Contact
A written plan will be prepared by the Contractor and submitted to the LU Contact detailing the following:
- Hazards of the operation (including any remediation for asbestos and/or lead)
- Safety equipment to be used in addition to normally required PPE
- Methodology that assures the protection of nearby people and property during the demolition and/or deconstruction process
The plan for barricading the site from unauthorized personnel and managing the demolition hazards will be reviewed before work begins
The Contractor must receive approval from the LU Contact prior to beginning the demolition work
Contractors will follow the new LEED process for recycling of demolition materials, details to be provided by the LU Contact.

Excavation Activities

The Contractor will satisfy all of the requirements below by way of completed form and visual inspection from the LU Contact:

Code of Virginia (§ 56-265.17) requires that all excavators notify appropriate utility companies prior to excavation (see LU Contact for the Excavation Permit)
The Contractor performing excavation will contact VA 811 (simply dial “8-1-1”) a minimum of 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) before any excavation or earth penetration activities are scheduled to be performed; failure to do this will make the Contractor liable for any and all costs associated with a utility disruption
The Contractor will follow all Digsafe rules and is encouraged to photograph markings before digging in order to document the marked conditions
Photography will be pre-approved by the LU Contact and be limited to the purposes of ensuring safety during the excavation process
All excavations will be maintained by the Contractor with appropriate sloping based on soil type, as well as have suitable placement of the spoils pile or with the proper use of approved trench boxes
Before any employee enters a trench, all sloping and shoring provisions will be met
For any excavation four feet or greater in depth, ladder means of access and egress will be no more than 25 feet walking in any direction
If there is any concern of air quality posing hazards due to lack of oxygen or presence of hazardous gases, then entering the space will be treated as a confined space entry

Forklifts and Lifts

If any Contractor uses a LU forklift/lift, it must be:
- Approved by the LU Contact in charge of the project prior to its use
- Inspected by the Contractor
- Subject to the terms outlined in the Indemnification Agreement
If any Contractor’s forklift/lift is brought on-site, it is required to be in proper operating condition as per the applicable OSHA Standard and the manufacturer’s requirements
Lift trucks must be equipped with seat belts and horns
Backup alarms are required
All Contractors who operate a forklift/lift must be trained and authorized in its use
Any employee found operating a forklift/lift without a license and/or the ability to document licensure and training current within the last three years will be reassigned
Upon reassignment, the individual will be replaced by the Contractor with an employee that is trained an authorized to perform forklift/lift operations as assigned

Fall Protection

The duty to have fall protection differs between general industry and the construction industry
Contractors at LU are required to observe the standards which apply to the work they have been contracted to perform
Construction sites on University premises will provide a means of fall protection for all fall hazards of six feet or more
Throughout LU; where Contractors are performing work within a fully commissioned building, workers will be protected from fall hazards of four feet or more
Contractors will meet the requirements to have fall protection in either working environment by using the most effective means of guarding the fall hazard:
- Guardrail system
- Safety net system
- Personal fall arrest system
- Positioning device system
- Warning line system
Any system used must be designed to address the fall hazard effectively and meet the OSHA requirements outlined for the specific type of fall protection system
The use of Body Belts is prohibited on LU property in accordance with the OSHA provision of January 1, 1998 to the Fall Protection Standard
All equipment required for the fall protection system of choice will be provided by the Contractor
Worn, damaged, defective or otherwise compromised equipment will be identified daily through visual inspections and replaced immediately at the Contractor’s expense

Scaffold Erection

The Contractor is responsible for having a scaffold erection supervised by a “competent” person that will be required to:
- Plan and inspect the assembly process
- Assess that the load rating requirements for the work to be performed are met by the structure
- Evaluate the need for and feasibility of fall protection during the scaffold erection process
- Inspect the completed scaffold prior to use
All scaffold assemblies regardless of type must meet all OSHA requirements
Scaffold must be inspected on a daily basis prior to use by the Contractor and/or their designated “competent” person
The scaffold will not be used until repaired if it is found that any ground supporting the scaffold or any component of the scaffold itself has suffered a loss of structural or supportive integrity since it was last used
Scaffold that is discovered to be unsafe between inspections and/or while in use must be dismounted, tagged and repaired prior to continued use
Scaffolding greater than six feet in height must be equipped with:
- Handrails
- Midrails
- Toe boards
- Deckboards
Scaffold planks must extend a minimum of six inches but less than eighteen inches over the end supports
All scaffold boards are to be cleated on each end of the scaffold and be of OSHA marked scaffold-grade lumber
Contractor is responsible for ensuring that the load rating is not exceeded at any point while the scaffold is in use
Contractor must provide an access ladder or the equivalent for all scaffolds
Climbing the side of scaffolding is not permitted

Cranes and Hoists

Contractor will provide evidence and documentation of training for individual employees assigned to work on crane and hoist equipment
Contractor will comply with the manufacturer’s specifications and limitations applicable to the operation of equipment
If specific information is not available pertaining to the work to be performed, then the Contractor will be responsible for hiring a qualified engineer competent in this field to determine equipment limitations
Either means of determining equipment limitations will be documented and maintained on file for reference
Likewise, attachments used with cranes will not exceed the capacity, rating, or scope of use recommended by the manufacturer.
All machinery and equipment will be inspected prior to each use, and during use, to make sure it is in safe operating condition by a competent person designated by the Contractor
Any deficiencies will be repaired, or defective parts replaced, before continued use
Hand signals to crane and derrick operators will be taken directly from the ANSI standard for the type of crane in use and an illustration of the signals will be posted by the Contractor at the job site
Rated load capacities, recommended operating speeds, special hazard warnings, and instruction, will be posted on all equipment and instructions/warnings will be visible to the operator from the equipment control station
Adequate clearance will be taped off and maintained between moving/rotating structures of the crane and fixed objects
All employees on-site will be kept clear of suspended loads or those about to be suspended

Ladders and Stepladders

Fiberglass ladders and stepladders are the recommended and preferred choice for use on LU property
Regardless of material choice, the Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all ladders and stepladders are:
- Inspected before each use
- Removed from the site if unsafe
- Used as intended by the manufacturer in areas where there is no risk for contact with electrical hazards
Additionally, the Contractor will provide that all ladders and stepladders are of the necessary load rating and height required to reach work to be performed without using the top three rungs of a straight/extension ladder or the top two steps of a stepladder
All ladders and stepladders will have solid footing when placed in position for work
Straight/extension ladders will be positioned such that the top three rungs (36 inches) are above and tied to the supporting surface at a 4:1 rise to run ratio
Stepladders will be fully opened with braces locked into place prior to mounting

Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices

The Contractor will provide that only qualified electricians will be authorized to work on electrical tools, equipment or circuitry
LU reserves the right to immediately discharge any employee that is not a qualified electrician if found working on electrical equipment or processes
All electrical work and installations will conform to the highest and most stringent requirements of:
- National Electric Code
- OSHA
- ANSI standards
Additionally, the Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all employees follow the basic premises of electrical safety including, but not limited to, the following:
- All cords, cables, wires, tools, equipment and lighting will be fully insulated, free from any damage and hung/installed either temporarily and/or permanently in a means that meets the intended use and protects components from future damage
All temporary and/or permanent panel boxes will have covers installed at all times, have breaker spaces that are covered and be fully labeled
Any panel box found in need of parts, labeling and/or repairs will be addressed immediately by the Contractor directly if within the scope of their work or by notifying the LU Contact
Any tool, cord or equipment found to be defective, damaged or missing a grounding plug will be immediately destroyed by cutting the male plug end from the cord
Any employee having the need to work on corded or hard-wired tools or equipment within the scope of their qualifications will first de-energize the tool/equipment to eliminate the risk of an unanticipated release of energy following all requirements outlined in the OSHA standard for the control of hazardous energy

Control of Hazardous Energy Lockout Tagout

All hazardous energy sources with:
- electrical,
- chemical,
- thermal,
- pneumatic,
- hydraulic,
- and mechanical potential must be:
  - locked and tagged out,
  - released of stored energy,
  - and tested for safety prior to performing work activities such as but not limited to:
    - installing,
    - erecting,
    - maintaining,
    - inspecting,
    - or troubleshooting
  - Contractors must work with University personnel and fellow contractors when de-energizing equipment
  - Contractor is responsible for providing their own locking and tagging devices
  - Individual locks must be used to secure energy-isolating devices:
    - circuit breaker
    - disconnect
    - valve
    - blind, etc.
  - Group lockout may be used in accordance with the OSHA standard
  - Locks must be individually keyed for each contractor employee
  - Proper identification including the employee’s name and company name will be affixed to the lock by a “Danger – Do Not Operate” tag
  - All Contractor employees working on a process or piece of equipment must affix their individual locks to the energy-isolating device
  - Locks may be removed only by the individuals applying them
  - Energy control must be verified before working on equipment or processes
  - An attempt to start the equipment or the use of measurement instruments are examples of verification
  - All lockout devices are to be removed promptly by the lock owners after work has been completed and all required notifications are made to affected employees
  - In the event a Contractor’s employee lock must be removed because the employee is not available to remove the lock, then this lock removal will be coordinated through the Department of Risk Management, the LU Contact and the Contractor
  - Contractors found to be removing locks/tags that belong to someone else are subject to immediate dismissal from the project

Welding, Cutting, Brazing and Hot Work Permits

Contractor will supervise welding operations, combustion-type temporary heating units, and similar sources of fire ignition
Strict adherence to LU Hot Works Policy is required and can be obtained from the LU Contact
Contractor will maintain a 35 foot clearance from combustibles in the area that has hot work taking place
Contractor will assign a fire watch to minimize the risk for slag passing through floors, walls and/or ceiling penetrations starting fires in other areas or in concealed, combustible spaces
Prior to authorizing hot work, the LU Contact and/or their designee is responsible for inspecting that authorized personnel will be performing the work and that the necessary pre-work preparation has been performed
Contractor is responsible for ensuring that no hot work takes place without this inspection/authorization
A Hot Work Permit is made out for each separate job and specific location
A permit will not be made out for a general location (i.e. miscellaneous jobs-#8)
Multi-shift work requires the re-authorization of the permit no less than once per day
The original copy of the permit is to be sent to the LU Contact who will forward a copy to the LU Fire Marshal

Compressed Gas Cylinders

Contractor is responsible for working with LU Contact to assure that cylinders are stored in an approved location with a minimum of 20 feet separating oxygen cylinders from fuel gas cylinders and combustibles
All cylinders will be clearly labeled for content and “No Smoking” signage will be posted in all designated storage areas
Valve protections caps will be secured in place when cylinders are not in use
Cylinders will be secured either in designated storage place or to an approved carrier

Confined Space Entry

Contractors and their employees will work with the LU Contact PRIOR TO THEIR ARRIVAL to determine if any spaces they will enter during the course of their work are PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACES as defined and regulated by VOSHA
In the event that Contractors are required to perform work in a confined space, the following procedures must be followed:
- The Contractor is to be informed that the workplace (in which they will be performing work) contains confined spaces
- Confined space entry is allowed only through compliance with OSHA Standard 1910.146 and the LU Confined Space Program, which is available for review upon request from your LU Contact
- Contractor will assume responsibility for maintaining safety until the vessel is returned to LU supervision
- The LU contact will apprise the Contractor of the elements, including the hazards identified and/or our experience with work performed within the space, and the reason(s) LU has classified this space as a confined space
- The Contractor is to be apprised of any precautions and/or procedures that LU has implemented for the protection of employees in or near confined spaces where the Contractor’s personnel will be working, including specific lockout procedures and air monitoring
- Entry operations are to be coordinated with the Contractor and the LU Contact when both LU employees and Contractor personnel will be working in or near confined spaces, as required by the standard
- Once the entry operations have been planned and coordinated, the Contractor is responsible for supplying all permits and equipment required to perform the entry safely and in accordance with the regulation
- Communication between the Contractor and the LU Contact will immediately follow the conclusion of the entry operation regarding how the confined space program was followed and any hazards confronted or created during entry operations
- Original copies of the Confined Space Permit will be made using the forms provided by the LU Contact and be returned completed to the LU Training and Compliance Office to be maintained on-file for a period no less than one year or until the construction project is completed, whichever is longer
This will allow LU to continuously improve upon confined space entry procedures.

Barrier Tape

Any use of barrier tape shall be kept to an absolute minimum and must block off only the immediate work area where the hazard may exist
Yellow “Caution” tape is used as a caution to warn employees of potential hazards such as construction in progress, minor slip or minor fall hazards, etc.
Yellow caution tape may be crossed only after fully understanding the potential hazards
Red “Danger” tape is used to warn of serious danger such as:
- blasting,
- chemical release,
- work overhead,
- structural integrity concerns, etc.
Red “Danger” barricade tape shall never be crossed under any circumstance
On the rare occasion that a passerby must pass through that area and has the agreement of the Contractor and/or the LU Contact overseeing the job, the red tape should be taken down to allow passage only after the passerby has donned the required personal protective equipment and only while said passerby is going through the area
Barrier tape must be replaced immediately
Any use of red or yellow barrier tape, must include a sign posted on the tape in the most conspicuous place specifying the hazard that exists and the contact person
More than one sign may be necessary
The sign is not required if safety attendants are also required, such as with blasting operations or floor openings
All barrier tape will be promptly removed and disposed of when the hazard no longer exists