4.4.8 Material Handling
Various materials and equipment may be handled manually during project operations. Care should be taken when lifting and handling heavy or bulky items to avoid back injuries. The following fundamentals address the proper lifting techniques that are essential in preventing back injuries:
· The size, shape, and weight of the object to be lifted must first be considered. No individual employee is permitted to lift any object that weighs over 60 pounds. Multiple employees or the use of mechanical lifting devices are required for objects over the 60-pound limit.
· The anticipated path to be taken by the lifter should be considered for the presence of slip, trip, and fall hazards.
· The feet shall be placed far enough apart for good balance and stability (typically shoulder width).
· The worker shall get as close to the load as possible. The legs shall be bent at the knees.
· The back shall be kept as straight as possible and abdominal muscles should be tightened.
· Twisting motions should be avoided when performing manual lifts.
· To lift the object, the legs are straightened from their bending position.
· A worker shall never carry a load that cannot be seen over or around.
· When placing an object down, the stance and position are identical to that for lifting. The legs are bent at the knees and the object lowered.
When two or more workers are required to handle the same object, workers shall coordinate the effort so that the load is lifted uniformly and that the weight is equally divided between the individuals carrying the load. When carrying the object, each worker, if possible, shall face the direction in which the object is being carried. In handling bulky or heavy items, the following guidelines shall be followed to avoid injury to the hands and fingers:
· A firm grip on the object is essential; leather gloves shall be used if necessary.
· The hands and object shall be free of oil, grease, and water which might prevent a firm grip, and the fingers shall be kept away from any points that could cause them to be pinched or crushed, especially when setting the object down.
· The item shall be inspected for metal slivers, jagged edges, burrs, and rough or slippery surfaces prior to being lifted.
4.4.9 Hazardous Energies (Electrical, Mechanical, Pressurized Systems)
All portable electrical equipment and extension cords must be protected with a GFCI as part of the circuit. Applicable OSHA standards for electrical power, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart "K" apply.
The handling and storage of compressed gas cylinders will comply with the requirements established in 29 CFR 1926.350. All pressure vessels shall be designed, inspected, and tested in accordance with ASME standards. All air compressors and hoses shall be inspected before use, operated, and maintained by designated, qualified personnel. All air compressors shall be equipped with a pressure gauge and relief valve and only operated at design pressures. Chicago fittings shall be secured together with tie-wire or equivalent and secured with safety lashings.
Lockout/tagout procedures will be implemented to protect the safety of personnel during servicing or maintenance of machines and equipment where the unexpected release of stored energy or the energization of these machines or equipment could cause employee injury. These procedures will comply with the requirements established in 29 CFR 1926.417. Specific Lo/To requirements shall be attached to the applicable AHA.
Subcontractors may implement their own lockout/tagout procedure if a CIH has approved its use and it is reviewed by a Home Office safety representative and determined to be adequate.
4.4.10 Building Demolition
During building demolition it is anticipated that the use of a track hoe and shear will be necessary to remove the steel rebar. Applicable OSHA standards for building demolition, 29 CFR 1926.850 Subpart "T" apply.
An engineering survey shall be made by a competent person prior to the commencement of any demolition activities. The engineering survey shall determine the condition of the framing, floors, and walls, as well as the possibility of an unplanned collapse of any portion of the structure.
Prior to commencement of any demolition activities all electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, and other service lines shall be shut-off, capped, or otherwise controlled from outside of the building. Any utility company involved shall be notified in advance of any planned demolition activities.
4.4.11 Excavations
Any excavation 5 feet deep or greater into which persons will enter and perform work must be shored sloped. Excavations less than 5 feet in depth in which a competent person, as defined in 29 CFR 1926.650, examines and determines there to be no potential for cave-in, do not require protective systems. Certain excavations and trenches are considered confined spaces which require a confined space entry permit (Refer to Section 4.4.12, Confined Space Entry).
Daily inspections of the excavation shall be made by a competent person as defined in 29 CFR 1926.650. All spoils shall be placed at least 2 feet from the edge of the excavation. Perimeter protection will be used for all unattended excavations. This perimeter protection consists of warning barricades or flagging placed at a distance not closer than 6 feet from the edge of the excavation and displays adequate warning at an elevation of 3 feet to 4 feet above grade.
Where the stability of adjacent structures (buildings, walls, footers, foundations, or other structures) is endangered by excavation operations, a registered professional engineer shall determine the measures necessary to protect employees and the structure.
Employees shall not work in excavations in which there is accumulated water unless adequate precautions have been taken to protect employees. Water removal equipment and operations shall be monitored by a competent person to verify proper operation.
All project personnel shall participate in the site-specific training session and be instructed on the following requirements:
· Before commencing intrusive activities such as excavating, drilling, etc., the existence and location of underground pipes, electrical equipment, telephone, gas lines, etc. must be determined and documented.
· Operations must be suspended, ignition sources eliminated, and the area must be ventilated if the concentration of flammable/combustible vapors reach or exceeds 10 percent of the LEL. A CGI will be used to make this determination.
· If excavating equipment is being operated in the vicinity of overhead power lines, safe working distances will be observed and/or the power lines will be de-energized.
· Personnel entry into any excavation 5 feet deep or greater is only permitted if the necessary protective systems are in place.
· Excavations greater than four feet in depth that require personnel to enter shall have sufficient means of entry and egress (stairs, ladders, ramps). Ladders will be provided and secured properly. Ladders shall extend at least 3 feet above grade. Means of entry/egress shall not require personnel to travel laterally more than 25 feet.
4.4.12 Confined Space Entry
The applicable AHA for confined work spaces will layout in detail the steps and documents necessary for entry into such areas. Procedures must be followed for confined space entry. A confined space is defined as a space large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work, has limited means for entry or exit, and is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. Confined space work may pose additional hazards such as chemical exposures, flammable/explosive atmospheres, electrocution, oxygen deficiency, etc. Only personnel properly trained shall supervise, or participate in confined space entry or serve as standby attendants.
All confined spaces are initially considered permit required. Under certain conditions, a space may be reclassified as a non-permit confined space provided the CHP approves the reclassification and the space meets the criteria outlined in the applicable AHA.
The construction manager (CM) will comply with all the requirements outlined in the policies and procedures concerning confined space entry. Additionally, all confined space entry activities will be coordinated with McGuire Air Force Base administrative and emergency response personnel.
4.4.13 Dust
The generation of dust and fugitive emissions shall be prevented when possible and controlled when necessary. Work practices shall be adjusted in a manner to minimize dust generation, such as lowering excavation rates and not letting soils free-fall from equipment buckets. Personnel shall avoid working in dust by positioning themselves upwind of intrusive activities or demolition/concrete crushing activities. Dust shall be controlled by suppression with water.
4.4.14 Workplace Reproductive Hazards
Substances that affect the ability to have healthy children are called reproductive hazards. The components of the reproductive process, which can be impacted by reproductive hazards are chromosomal replication, sexual function, ovulation, conception/fertilization, embryo implantation, placental function, fetal development, labor, delivery, and child development. Radiation (e.g., ionizing, radar, etc.), many chemicals, drugs (legal and illegal), cigarettes, stress, noise, and heat are examples of reproductive hazards. There is potential at the project-site for exposure to reproductive hazards such as ionizing radiation, lead, welding, heat, noise, and stress.
The NIOSH recommends workers take the following steps to enhance their own safety:
· Store chemicals in sealed containers when they are not in use.
· Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking.
· Avoid skin contact with chemicals.
· If chemicals contact the skin, follow directions for washing provided in the MSDS. Employers are required to provide an MSDS for all hazardous materials used in the workplace.
· Become familiar with the potential reproductive hazards used in your workplace.
· Always take measures to prevent home contamination. To prevent home contamination:
- Change out of contaminated clothing and wash with soap and water before going home
- Store street clothes in a separate area of the workplace to prevent contamination
- Wash work clothing separately from other laundry (at work if possible)
- Avoid bringing contaminated clothing or other objects home.
· Participate in all H&S education, training, and monitoring programs offered by your employer.
· Learn about proper work practices, engineering controls, and PPE (i.e., gloves, respirators, and personal protective clothing) that can be used to reduce exposures to hazardous substances.
· Follow the H&S work practices and procedures implemented by your employer to prevent exposures to reproductive hazards in the workplace.
· The H&S measures, practices, procedures, and rules contained in this HASP are in place to minimize the exposures and effects of workplace reproductive hazards.
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