Health, Safety, Security and Environment

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1 Document owner and change code Document Owner Aaron Perronne Title HSSE Manager Mark X Change Code Description X N/A First Issue A Typographical/Grammatical correction; formatting change; text clarification-no action required B Change requiring minor adjustment to process and/or records; users to be informed-no retraining required C Major change to the process and/or records; retraining of involved personnel to be conducted Table of Contents Document Owner and Change Code Objective General Sound Design Selection Assignment of Personnel Training Fall Protection Guidelines for Scaffold Erection 4 9. Guidelines for Scaffold Use Scaffold Types Inspections Page 1 of 11

2 1 OBJECTIVE This procedure outlines the safety requirements for scaffolds and platforms used on sites. 2 GENERAL In all cases, site rules enforced by the customer shall be adhered to unless they are less strict than the rules outlined in this policy. Attention should be paid to the specific tagging and inspection systems at each customer job location. 3 SOUND DESIGN Scaffold and components should be capable of supporting its own weight and at least four (4) times the maximum intended load (MIL) applied or transmitted to the scaffold and components. Suspension ropes should be capable of supporting six (6) times the MIL. Guardrails should be able to withstand at least 200 pounds of pressure on the top rail and 100 pounds on the mid rail. On complex systems, the services of an engineer may be needed to determine the loads at particular points. 4 SELECTION Review the written requirements (blueprints, work orders, etc.) to determine where scaf-folds should be used and what type of scaffolding is needed. Determine the special features of the structure in relationship to the scaffold: distinctive site conditions, experience of erection and working personnel, length and kind of work tasks, weight of loads, exposures of people working on or near the scaffolding, needed fall protection, material hoists, rescue equipment (particularly for suspended scaffolds), weather and environmental conditions, availability of scaffolding and components, etc. Consider, that scaffolds are generally rated light, medium, and heavy duty. Light-duty scaffolds can support a limited number of employees and handtools. Medium-duty must be capable of safely holding workers, hand tools and the weight of construction materials being installed. Heavy duty scaffolds are needed when the scaffold must sustain workers, tools and the weight of stored materials. Assure that all scaffolds meet governmental and voluntary Choose a scaffold supplier, rental agency and/or erector that is thoroughly knowledgeable in the equipment needed and its safe use. Obtain the owner's manual prepared by the scaffolding manufacturer stating equipment limitations, special warnings, intended use and maintenance Page 2 of 11

3 5 ASSIGNMENT OF PERSONNEL A competent person will oversee scaffold selection, erection, use, movement, alteration, dismantling maintenance and inspection. Only trained and experienced personnel will be authorized to work on scaffolding. They must be knowledgeable in the equipment needed and its safe use. 6 TRAINING Since most scaffold accidents are equipment and operationally related, all employees using scaffolds will receive training. Training will focus on proper erection, handling, use, inspection and care of scaffolds. Training must also include the installation of fall protection, electrical hazards, load capacity, primarily guardrails and the proper selection, use and care of fall arrest equipment. All training will be conducted by a qualified person which may include an outside consultant. Competent persons should receive additional training including inspection and selection of scaffolds, recognition of site conditions, hazard recognition, protection of exposed personnel/public, oversight responsibilities, repair/replacement options and requirements of standards. Site management personnel should also be familiar with correct scaffolding procedures to determine needs and identify deficiencies. Estimating/purchasing personnel should be aware of selection and fall protection equipment policies regarding scaffolds. Basic safety information must be provided prior to use. Retraining is required in at least the following situations: Where changes at the worksite present a hazard about which an employee has not been previously trained; or where changes in the types of scaffolds, fall protection, falling object protection, or other equipment present a hazard about which an employee has not been previously trained; or where inadequacies in an affected employee's work involving scaffolds indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite proficiency. Refresher training will be conducted annually employees who have a scaffold related incident shall be retrained before returning to work. Note: Obtain the owner's manual prepared by the scaffolding manufacturer stating equipment limitations, special warnings, intended use and maintenance 7 FALL PROTECTION While erecting, dismantling or making alterations on scaffolds, workers need to be protected by guardrails or fall arrest equipment. Page 3 of 11

4 Note: A significant number of scaffold related falls occur during these activities, because the work is being performed on incomplete structures. Guardrails should be installed on all scaffold platforms in accordance with required standards and are to consist of at least top rails, midrails and toeboards. Top rail height should be between 38 inches and 45 inches. Supervision must assure that guardrails removed, (for example, to offload materials), are replaced quickly. Workers exposed during the removal period should be protected by fall arrest equipment. Hard hats are to be worn as protection from falling objects. Mesh, screens, intermediate vertical members or solid panels should be used to safeguard employees and the public at lower levels. Ground level safety can be further provided by erection of canopies; prohibiting by barricades, signs and policy, entry into the fall hazard area; and proper placement of materials, tools and equipment from exposed edges. It is essential for workers on suspended scaffolds to use fall arrest systems as fall protection in the event of failure of the scaffold or its components. This system will consist of a full body harness, shock absorber lanyard, rope grab, independent vertical life line and an independent life line anchorage. Rope grabs contain a cam device that locks on a lifeline when there is a hard tug or pull on the lanyard. Care must be taken to assure rope grabs are properly connected to lifelines for the cam to work correctly. Rope grabs should be placed at the highest point on the lifeline to reduce the fall distance and unintentional disengagement. Independent vertical lifelines (not scaffold suspension lines) of fiber rope should be used for each person working on the suspended scaffold. In the presence of heat, wire rope lifelines should be used with lanyards containing shock absorbers. Vertical lifelines need to extend from the anchorage point to ground or a safe landing place above the ground. It is important to remember that fall protection is only as good as its anchorage. The anchorage points are independent points on structures where lifelines are securely attached. These points must be able to support at least 5,400 pounds for a fall up to six feet or 3,000 pounds for a fall of two feet or less. 8 GUIDELINES FOR SCAFFOLD ERECTION A competent person (skill, experience and training) shall supervise the erection process to assure the safe installation according to manufacturer's specifications and regulatory Know the voltage of energized power lines, identify heat sources (steam pipes), anticipate the presence of a hazardous atmosphere, etc. before erecting scaffolds and keep a safe distance. Assure fall protection equipment is available prior to beginning erection and use as appropriate. Page 4 of 11

5 Have scaffolding material delivered as close to the erection site as possible to minimize the need for manual handling. Arrange components in order of erection. Assure material hoisting/rigging equipment is available to aid in lifting components to erection point and, thus eliminate the need to climb with components and reduce occurrences of sprains/strains. Examine all scaffold components prior to erection. Return, tagout of service "Do not use" and/or destroy defective components as appropriate. Restrict the intermixing of manufactured scaffolding components, unless the components fit together properly without force; the use of dissimilar metals will not result in a reaction reducing strength; and design load capacities are maintained. Lay full planking/platform units at all working and rest levels. Spacing between planks should be no more than 1" wide with an absolute maximum of 9-1/2". Generally, scaffold platforms and walkways should be at least 18" wide. In most cases, the platform edge should not be more than 14" from the structure. The platform unit should extend over the support not less than 6" and maximum of 18". Use of cleats, hooks and other restraining devices are recommended. When platform unites are abutted together or overlapped to make a long platform, each end should rest on a separate support or equivalent support. Any overlaps should be at least 12". Wood preservatives, fire retardant finishes and slip resistant finishes can be applied to platform units, however no coating should obscure the top and bottom of wooden surfaces, which would hinder inspection. Provide suitable access to and between scaffolds. Access can be provided by portable ladders, hook-on ladders, attachable ladders, stairway-type ladders, integral prefabricated scaffold rungs, direct passage from another scaffold, structure or personnel hoist, ramps, runways or other means. Crossbraces shall not be used for access. Ladders should be designed according to standard, secured against displacement and have their bottom steps of ladders be more than 2 ft. from the supporting level. Rest platforms should be provided at least every 4th elevation (24 feet). When direct access is used, spacing between scaffold and other surface should be no more than 14" horizontally, and 2 ft. vertically 9 GUIDELINES FOR SCAFFOLD USE Assure scaffolds and components are not loaded over their rated and maximum intended capacities. Prevent/restrict movement of scaffolds with employees on them. Maintain a safe distance from energized power lines. Prohibit work on scaffolds until removal of snow, ice or slippery material. Page 5 of 11

6 Use tag lines when hoisting materials near scaffolds to prevent contact. Protect any suspension ropes from contact with heat producing sources (welding, cutting, etc.), acids, corrosive substances etc. Prohibit scaffold use during storms and high winds. Remove debris and unnecessary materials from scaffold platforms. Prohibit use of ladders and other devices to increase working heights on platforms. Alteration & Dismantling Assure that scaffolds are altered, moved and dismantled under the oversight of a competent person. Make alteration and dismantling planned activities and perform with the same care as with erection. Tag any incomplete scaffold out of service. Maintenance and Storage Maintain scaffolds in good repair. Only replacement components from the original manufacturer shall be used. Intermixing of scaffold components from different manufacturers shall be avoided. Fabricated scaffolds should be repaired under the guidance and specifications of the manufacturer. Job built scaffolds shall not be repaired without the supervision of a competent person. Store all scaffold parts in an organized manner in a dry and protected environment. Examine all parts and clean, repair or dispose of as necessary. Requirements Scaffolds are to be erected, moved, altered and dismantled by competent and experienced personnel or under the supervision of competent persons. If a non-qualified employee modifies scaffold, they are subject to discipline including termination of employment. On scaffolds of ten feet above the ground or floor, handrails, midrails and toeboards are to be installed and scaffolds completely decked. o Guardrails shall be 2" x 4", or the equivalent, approximately 42 inches high with a midrail. o Supports shall be at intervals not to exceed eight feet. o Toeboards shall be minimum of four inches in height. o All planking shall be Scaffold Grade or equivalent. Page 6 of 11

7 If for some reason a platform or scaffold cannot be equipped with standard handrails or completely decked, then safety harnesses must be worn and the employee be properly tied off. When scaffold heights exceed three times the smallest base dimension (or 26 feet), it must be secured to the building or structure at the second lift and every other lift thereafter. Running scaffold is to be anchored every 30 feet horizontally at the heights established in the preceding sentence. "Outriggers" or guidelines may be used where it is impractical to secure scaffold to a building or structure. The footing or anchorage for scaffolds shall be sound, rigid and capable of carrying four times the maximum intended load without settling or displacement. Unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose bricks or concrete blocks will not be used to support scaffolds. Mudsills 12" x 12" and base plates are recommended. When using leveling jacks, 3/4 of its length must remain inside the scaffold leg. Scaffolds are to be capable of supporting at least four times the maximum intended load. The poles, legs or uprights of scaffolds shall be plumb and securely and rigidly braced to prevent swaying and displacement. Every person on a scaffold building crew shall be provided and use a safety harness and lanyard of use during erection and dismantling operations. Do not stack brick, tile, block or similar material higher than 24" on the scaffold deck. A safe access ladder extending 36" above the landing or equivalent safe access shall be provided. Manila rope and No. 9 wire is not acceptable handrail material for scaffold or elevated platforms. Scaffolds shall not be moved or dismantled without first removing all loose tools, materials and equipment resting on the scaffold deck. All scaffolds shall rest on a suitable footing and shall stand level. Movable scaffolds shall have the casters or wheels locked to prevent movement. Unstable objects such as loose brick or concrete blocks shall not be used to support scaffolds or planks. Never work on a scaffold in high winds or storms. Do not climb bracing of scaffold. Scaffolds shall never be altered or moved while they are in use or occupied. Overhead protection shall be provided for men on a scaffold exposed to overhead hazards. When practical, the area beneath shall be barricaded and "Men Working Overhead" signs posted in all approach directions. Page 7 of 11

8 10 SCAFFOLD TYPES Rolling Scaffolds All wheels are to be locked while employees are on a scaffold. No one is to ride on a scaffold that is being moved. Rolling scaffolds shall be used only on level, smooth surfaces or the wheels must be contained in wood or channel iron runners. All casters used with scaffolding shall be rubber tired and provided with a positive locking device to hold the scaffold in position. The 8" caster has a rated capacity of 500 pounds. When casters are used, however, this capacity should not be the load limiting factor of the scaffold. Adjusting screws shall be installed only between baseplate and vertical frame section. They shall never be used together with casters. Adjusting crews shall not be extended more than 12" with 3/4 of its length remaining in the scaffold at all times. Scaffold Planking Scaffold planks are to be painted 12" on each end to denote use for scaffold decking only. (A 2" x10" or 2" x 12" scaffold grade material only will be used.) Nails are not to be driven into scaffold planks. Scaffold planks are not to extend over their end supports more than 18" or less than 6" (except cleated). An overhand of 12" is preferable. All planking on platforms shall be overlapped (minimum 12") or secured from movement. Do not use cleated boards with cleats turned up. Suspended Scaffolds (Swinging Stages, Floats, Etc.) Employees are required to use a safety harness with a shock absorbing lanyard and are to be tied to a structure other than the scaffold or to a life line (minimum 3/4" manila, ½" nylon life line having a minimum breaking strength of 5,400 pounds). Each individual will have a separate life line and an arresting device. On multi-tiered platforms, the persons on the lower sections will tie off to the platform itself. Wire or fiber rope used for scaffold suspension shall be capable of supporting at least six times the intended load. It, and all attachment hardware, must be inspected before each use. Post a copy of Suspended Powered Safety Rules on job when such equipment is used. Page 8 of 11

9 Boatswain Chairs The chair seat must not be less than 12" x 24" and one inch thickness. The seat shall be reinforced on the underside by cleats securely fastened to prevent the board from splitting. The fiber rope seat slings shall be of 5/8" diameter, weaved through the four seat holes so as to cross each other on the underside of the seat. Seat slings shall be at least 3/4 inch wire rope when an employee is cutting, welding or burning. Employees are to be protected by a body harness as previously discussed in this section on suspended scaffolds. The object to which the tackle is anchored shall be securely installed, and all hardware shall be inspected before each use. Pole Scaffold All poles should be plumb and bare on a foundation of size and strength to spread the load from the pole to prevent settlement. Diagonal bracing shall be provided. Platform planks shall be laid tight. Where planking is lapped, each plank should lap its end supports at least twelve inches. Scaffolds should be guyed or tied to the building or structure at intervals not greater than twenty five feet vertically and horizontally. Guardrails should include: Top rail - 2 x 4 (or equivalent) 42 inches high Midrail - 2 x 4 (or equivalent) Toeboard - 4 inches high (or equivalent) Install guardrails in scaffolds over six feet high. Scaffolds over 60' high must be designed by a qualified engineer. Tube and Coupler Scaffolds Post must be accurately spaced, plumb and erected on stable bases. Runners should be placed not more than 6'-6" on center. Scaffolds should be tied and securely braced against the building at intervals not to exceed 30' horizontally and 26' vertically. Longitudinal diagonal bracing on the inner and outer rows of poles should bangles. Light duty tube and coupler scaffolds should have all posts, bearers, runners and bracing of nominal 2" O.D. steel tubing. Posts should be spaced no more than six feet apart by ten feet along the length of scaffold. Page 9 of 11

10 11 INSPECTIONS will be inspected by a competent person daily before use and especially after changing weather conditions and prolonged interruptions of work. The competent will look for items such as a solid foundation, stable condition, complete working/rest platforms, suitable anchorage points, required guardrails, loose connections, tie-off points, damaged component, proper access, use of fall protection, etc. A tag will be attached stating the time/date of inspections. No employee or person shall use a scaffold until it is declared safe for use by the competent person assigning his/her name to a daily inspection form. Retain Inspection forms in files for 30 days after last listed inspection date. found to be defective must be removed from service and tagged Do not use (See Tagging System). Before erecting and during dismantling, inspect all scaffold components. Those found with defects must be discarded immediately. Handrails, midrails, cross bracing and steel tubing shall be inspected for nicks, especially near center span, and indications where a welding arc has struck. Scaffold components shall be straight and free from bends, kinks, dents and severe rusting. Scaffold frame weld zones shall be inspected for cracks and ends of tubing for splitting or cracking. Manufactured decking shall be inspected for loose bolt or rivet connections and bent, kinked, or dented frame. Plywood surface should be checked for softening due to rot or wear, and peeling or laminated layers at edges. Safety planks should be checked out for rot, cracks and other damage. Also, inspect the rod or bolt and cleat. Each quick-connecting device, whether spring, threaded connection or toggle pin arrangement, should be inspected to see that it operates properly. Casters, if used, should be inspected for smooth rolling surfaces, free turning, free acting swivel and to be sure that the locking mechanism is in good working order. Any scaffold over 25' high shall have the access ladder turned inside the framing, and alternate sides of landing. (At no time will a person be required to climb the outside of a scaffold over 25' high.) If welding is performed from a suspended platform, precautions must be taken to insulate any wire rope attachment points. Design drawings must be made prior to erection and kept on site for any scaffold over 125' high. (They must be made by a licensed professional engineer competent in this field.) Page 10 of 11

11 Scaffold Tagging System When such a system exists, Mechanical Systems, Inc. will utilize the customer s tagging system for the scaffolds erected on their sites. If no customer tagging system exists, Mechanical Systems, Inc. shall utilize a tagging system samples are included on the next page. Green Tag Access with no limitation Yellow Tag Access with hazards and/or limitations (fall protection may be required) Red Tag Access prohibited Page 11 of 11