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Contractor Health and Safety Guidelines

March 2007

Scope | Purpose | Application | Definitions

General Requirements

1.  Contractor Safety Guidelines and Responsibilities

2.  Responsibilities of Contractor Supervisor(s)

3.  Contractor Health & Safety Representative Responsibilities.

4.  Environmental Health & Safety Manager Responsibilities

5.  Pre-Constriction Meeting

6.  Safety Meetings

7.  Recordkeeping

8.  Contractor Non-Compliance

9. Specific Health and Safety Requirements

• Subpart C - General Health & Safety
• Subpart D - Noise Exposure
• Subpart E - Personal Protective Equipment
• Subpart F - Fire Protection and Prevention
• Subpart G - Signs, Signals, and Barricades
• Subpart H - Powered Industrial Trucks
• Subpart I -   Power Tools
• Subpart J - Welding and Cutting
• Subpart K- Electrical Safety
• Subpart L - Scaffolding
• Subpart M - Fall Protection
• Subpart N - Cranes, Derricks, Personnel Hoists and Lifts
• Subpart O - Motor Vehicles and Mechanized Equipment
• Subpart P - Excavations
• Subpart Q - Concrete and Masonry Construction
• Subpart R - Steel Erection
• Subpart S - Tunnels, Shafts, and Confined Spaces
• Subpart T - Demolition
• Subpart V - Power Transmission Distribution
• Subpart X - Stairways and Ladders
• Subpart Z -Toxic and Hazardous Substances

Appendix A - Project Checklist
Appendix B - Emergency and Business Phone Numbers
Appendix C - Confined Space Standard Operating Procedures
Appendix D - Hot Work Permit Policy
Appendix E - General Contractor Compliance List
Appendix F - Fall Protection Alternatives
Appendix G - OSHA Excavation Requirements
Appendix H - Breach of Contract Fines
Appendix I - OSHA General Duty Clause
Appendix J - OSHA Form 300
Appendix K - Signage
Appendix L - Stormwater
Appendix M - Top 10 OSHA Violations

Scope: In accordance with the Amherst College Environmental Health & Safety Policy, the following Contractor Health & Safety Guidelines have been designed to provide the appropriate health and safety requirements that are to be utilized when outside agencies, contractors and personnel are working at or for Amherst College. The guidelines have been established to provide contractors with a policy that meets or exceeds local, state and federal regulations, as well as nationally recognized standards when requirements by rules and regulations do not address or apply to the scope of work. These guidelines do not replace local, State or Federal regulatory requirements to which the College and/or Contractors must comply, but can be used as a resource to aid in Occupational Health and Safety and the protection of the Environment.

Purpose: To assist each project job site employer/contractor in satisfying its contractual, legal and moral incident prevention responsibilities, in a manner that maintains a healthy, safe and efficient operation throughout the project. Amherst College Contractor Environmental Health & Safety Guidelines are designed to make the contractor aware of additional environmental, health and safety requirements that the College may require over and above the minimum standards set by the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other Federal Regulatory agencies.

The Amherst College Project Manager is available for the contractor to review the specific responsibilities at the pre-construction or pre-job meeting, utilizing the "Project Checklist" form.  The contractor shall use the checklist to verify that they are aware of all of the environmental, health and safety requirements applicable to that specific job.

Application: Companies, contractors and the subcontractors associated with the alteration, construction, design, demolition, erection, maintenance and renovation of a building or any part there-of at Amherst College shall be familiar with and comply with these guidelines as indicated by contract.

The General Contractors and associated subcontractors shall contact the Amherst College Project Monitor, Shop Supervisor or Environmental Health & Safety with any questions or concerns they may have, prior to initiating work.  Non-compliance for lack of review or understanding shall not be considered acceptable by the College or applicable regulatory agencies.  Unless new requirements of the local, state and federal regulations have been implemented recently, or the use of a more stringent guideline, policy or program is utilized, the contractor must follow the requirements identified here-in. Employers/contractors that do not comply with the requirements of the Contractor Environmental Health & Safety Guidelines may be penalized monetarily with proceeds to benefit local charities or safety incentives, referenced here-in.

•  This Amherst College Policy is also available on-line @ www.amherst.edu/~ehs

Definitions

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) - an organization that develops recognized consensus standards for a wide variety of devices and procedures. Information used in this guideline that references ANSI shall be considered as a requirement of the Amherst College Guidelines.

Body Harness - a device which is secured around an employee in a manner that will distribute the fall arrest forces over at least the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest and shoulders with means for attaching it to other components of a fall arrest system.

Contractor - a person or company(s), including sub-contractors who are working for Amherst College.

Erection Plan - a plan prepared by a qualified person of the trade contractor and reviewed by the Amherst College Project Manager that outlines how and when the structural members of the project are to be constructed.

Fine - a monetary penalty that assessed against the contractor by Amherst College for a breach of the Amherst College Contractor Health & Safety Guidelines. The monies collected at the weekly or monthly health & safety meetings will be amassed into a reward / incentive program for those who work and are safe individuals or groups. Any money remaining at the completion of the project will be donated on behalf of all workers and companies employed on the project to a local charity.

General Duty Clause - an all encompassing OSHA requirement for employers to provide their employees with a healthy and safe working environment. The General Duty Clause is often used or cited when a standard for a specific job function is not found in the OSHA regulations.

Hazard Communication - As required by federal and state regulations, the Hazard Communication Standard and the Massachusetts Right-to-Know laws are notifications and training that the employer must provide to their employees regarding the labeling, signage and training for hazardous substances, including chemicals, hazardous materials and waste.

Hot Work Permit(s) - A requirement of the Massachusetts Fire Prevention Regulations (527 CMR 39) that obligates both contractors and employees of Amherst College to obtain a permit for brazing, cutting, heating, soldering and welding in or around buildings at Amherst College, or the grounds.

Personal Protective Equipment - Items that are to be worn by contractors and employees that provide protection against hazards within their working environment. Personal Protective Equipment or PPE includes guards for; eye, face, head, ears, feet and body.

Project Checklist - a check sheet, to be used at all "pre-construction" meetings to demonstrate that contractors are aware of their specific responsibilities while performing work at Amherst College. The Project Checklist should be prepared by the contractor and reviewed in attendance with the Amherst College Project Manager.

Project Manager - An employee of Amherst College who represents the owner, Amherst College. The Project Manager can, under certain circumstances be a supervisor of the college, but is most often the person for whom the title Project Manager is associated.

Underpinning - a support system like bracing or shoring that provides support to adjacent structure, underground installation, or the sides of an excavation.
 

General Requirements

1. Contractor Safety Guidelines and Responsibilities
1. The Contractor Environmental Health & Safety Guidelines should be used as a reference to assist the contractor with some of the most common health and safety concerns that they may come across before during and after alteration, construction, demolition, renovation and repair or service activities. The Amherst College Contractor Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines follows and in some cases may exceed local, state and federal regulatory requirements including 29 CFR 1910 and 1926, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for general industry and construction, as well as those implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, the Amherst College Contractor Health & Safety Document must not be considered all inclusive. The contractor shall be required to follow any new regulations or the most stringent requirements that have been implemented to date, OSHA, the EPA and/or Amherst College.
2. Amherst College has, to the best of its ability opted to comply with the OSHA "General Duty Clause" and shall expect contractors and subcontractors working for the college to adhere to our standards of environmental health & safety. The Contractor Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines are intended to be an addition to all legal and moral requirements that the contractor has for implementing the applicable health and safety measures.
3. The contractor shall review, assess and comply with all the applicable information about the college including, but not limited to; confined spaces, hazardous energy control, storm water control, and hazard communication, before the project begins.
• The contractor shall, in the presence of the Amherst College Project Manager or appropriate supervisor review the Amherst College "Project Checklist" (Appendix A) in an effort to demonstrate that the contractor is aware of their specific responsibilities, which may include;
1. Policies and procedures of the contractor
   
2. Insurance and reference information
   
3. Contractor Health & Safety contacts
   
4. Bonds
   
5. Permits and Licenses
   
6. Project schedules, etc.
4. The contractors shall meet the applicable environmental health & safety regulations to assure a healthy and safe workplace for not only their employees, but for the Amherst College faculty, staff, students and visitors as well.
5. The contractor is responsible to coordinate a pre-construction meeting with the Amherst College Project Manager or appropriate supervisor (designated by the Project Manager) before initiating work on any site to discuss the conditions and health and safety requirements outlined here-in. (See section 6 a).
6. It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to keep their knowledge of the local, state and federal requirements up to date.
7. The contractor(s) shall hold weekly environmental health & safety meetings. The meetings may be attended by the Amherst College Project Manager, the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Manager or other Amherst College designated person.
8. All projects will require the general contractor and appropriate sub-contractor to identify a health and safety representative and an environmental coordinator for stormwater control who shall be identified to the Amherst College Project Manager and Environmental Health & Safety representative.
• The Contractor Health and Safety Representative and the environmental coordinator shall be identified before the contractor begins work.
• The Environmental Health & Safety Representative for the general contractor shall review and over-see any work performed by the sub-contractor, unless the sub-contractor has employed an environmental health & safety representative of their own.
9. The contractor or sub-contractor shall have the authority to stop any and all work that could seriously injure or render ill an employee whenever imminent danger to life, limb and health exists.
10. The contractor shall require that an on-site environmental health and safety inspection of the work place be performed throughout the course of each day and over the life of the project. The inspections can be informal throughout the day, with a formal inspection conducted as necessary by the contractor's health and safety representative and/or the Amherst College Environmental Health and Safety Officer.
• Inspections should be conducted both inside and outside the project area. The inspection includes, but is not limited to;
1. Confined Space
2. Dust Control
3. Emergency Action Plans
4. First Aid and Medical Services
5. Hand and Power Tools
6. Hazard Communication/Right-To-Know
7. Hazardous Energy/Lock-Out/Tag-Out
8. Hazardous Materials and Waste
9. Machine and Equipment Guarding
10. Materials Handling and Storage
11. Means of Egress
12. Occupational Health & Safety
13. Personal Protective Equipment
14. Portable Fire Extinguishers and Sprinklers
15. Powered Platforms and Lifts
16. Storm Water Control Methods
17. Universal Waste
18. Ventilation
19. Waste Handling
11. The contractor must make sure that all tasks have been reviewed with each affected employee to assure that each person has a good understanding of the health and safety requirements and precautions that are to be used while performing the work.
12. The contractor, sub-contractor and/or their environmental health & safety representative and environmental coordinator shall make sure that all of the necessary barricades, guards and signs are in place, safety equipment is provided, water when necessary is available and personal protective equipment specifically designed for the work being performed is being used.
1. The barricades, guards and signs must comply with ANSI Standard D6.1, Uniform Manual of Traffic Control.
2. The Contractor is responsible for providing information to the Amherst College Project Manager about the barricades and signs. Amherst College may then request modifications to barricades and signs.
13. The contractor and sub-contractors shall acquire all of the necessary licenses and permits as referenced in the Amherst College Project Checklist. (Appendix A).
14. The contractor, sub-contractor and their Health & Safety Representative and Environmental Coordinator shall make sure that the Amherst College Project Manager or Environmental Health & Safety Manager has been contacted when an incident (i.e. injury or near miss) has occurred. Follow-up reports should be submitted to the Amherst College Project Manager for any incident that has occurred to an employee of the contractor or sub-contractor, as soon as possible.
15. The contractor shall inform their employees about any known or potential health & safety hazards or environmental concerns on the job site that could cause injury, illness or environmental damage. The contractor must then ensure that all appropriate personal protective equipment has been issued to the employee to prevent an unwanted incident. Personal Protective Equipment may include: eye, face, ear, foot, head and fall protection.
16. The contractor must enforce any environmental, health and safety rules that may apply. These rules may include those promulgated by the local, state and federal government or those imposed by Amherst College, as referenced here-in.
17. The contractor is responsible for advising their employees and the sub-contractors of the emergency signals for situations such as collapse hazard and fire. An evacuation route shall be identified with a specified meeting place to ensure that all occupants successfully vacated the building. A personnel accounting system, after evacuation shall be part of the evacuation plan.
18. The contractor(s) should require their health & safety representative to take at least the 10 hour OSHA Hazard Recognition Course or approved alternative and be able to provide proof of completion, upon request.
19. If the contractor(s) through their own health and safety policy or that of the College or a regulatory requirement find a health and safety obligation to be in conflict with another, then the requirement with the highest level of safety shall prevail.
20. Compliance with local, state and federal regulations is the contractual obligation of contractors working at Amherst College.
21. The contractor is responsible for advising employees of the emergency signals and the primary evacuation route, as required by OSHA. The Contractor shall have an accounting system in place to make sure that all personnel are accounted for in the event such an emergency occurs.
    • A copy of the contractors Employee Evacuation Plan shall be forwarded to the Amherst College Project Manager (Appendix A).
22. The contractor shall notify the Amherst College Project Manager of any newly identified or anticipated hazardous condition or location within the scope of the project.
23. The Contractor shall notify the Amherst College Project Manager of all hazardous and "universal" waste that will be generated on site. The contractor shall properly label, maintain and store hazardous and universal waste of in accordance with the requirements of the federal EPA.
    1. The contractor shall not pour, bury, burn, nor in any way dispose of a chemical or other hazardous substance on the Amherst College campus.

    The disposal of Hazardous and Universal Waste must be approved by the College through the office of Environmental Health and Safety.

24. All containers of hazardous chemicals, substances and waste MUST be labeled. The labels must meet the requirements of the Amherst College Hazard Communication Guidelines, located in the EH&S Health & Safety Manual.
25. The Amherst College Project Manager or EH&S Manager must be immediately informed of any hazardous material leak or spill as soon as the incident takes place.
    • If the spill involves a shipping company, the material must not be removed from the vehicle.
    • The shipping company must notify the company's hazardous material response agency for clean up and transfer, if applicable.
26. The contractor's shall not permit the drinking of alcohol or the use of drugs (other than those which are medically prescribed) at the project or on the grounds of the Amherst College campus.
• The use of over-the-counter or prescribed medications that cause drowsiness may increase the risk of injury for personnel on site.  Employees must follow restrictions that are identified by the manufacturer or the pharmacy.
• Violations of these regulations will result in the immediate dismissal of the employee or the entire company.
27. Smoking of any and all materials in buildings, trailers etc. is prohibited. Smoking is permitted outdoors only. Smoking must be done no less that 25' from an entrance to a building or the air intake.
28. An Erection Plan prepared by the contractor must be provided to the Amherst College Project Manager, before the start of work.
29. The implementation of the Erection Plan shall be under the supervision of a competent person and shall have been prepared by a qualified person. The plan shall be forwarded to the Amherst College Project Manager.
30. The general contractor is responsible for the implementation, daily inspection, and necessary repairs, of the storm water control measures at the college and all associated or attached properties of the college.  The contractor is also responsible for the construction activity to prevent sediment and other runoff from the project.  The responsibilities, which are required by the Federal EPA and Mass. Dept. of Environmental Protection include the submission of the maintenance inspection report and corrective action taken to the Amherst College Environmental Health and Safety Manager or responsible project manager.  Contractors must refer to and comply with the Amherst College Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan which can be found online at the Amherst College Environmental Health and Safety website.
31. The contractor is responsible for advising their employees of the correct procedures for waste disposal.  Notices stating these practices will be posted in the office trailer or construction office of the general contractor.
2. Responsibilities of the Contractor for Health & Safety
1. The supervisor shall:
   1. Become familiar with the environmental, health & safety requirements for the project
   2. Be responsible for carrying out the policies and procedures of the project environmental, health & safety plan
   3. Make sure that each employee has participated in and is properly trained to perform any and all jobs required of them.
   Card or license may be requested as proof of  required training
2. Have a good working knowledge of the codes, rules and regulations of their particular trade and shall follow same in order to reduce the risk of serious injury or illness.
   1. If, the supervisor has determined that a hazard has been created by implementation of specific health and safety requirements, then the supervisor can, provided a higher level of safety has been identified replace that requirement with an alternative that provides better protection for the employee.
3. Be responsible for project and site housekeeping in their immediate area
4. Require the uses of protective equipment and devices, when needed
5. Immediately remove any person not trained to perform a specific task from an assignment that may be considered unsafe for the individual and the personnel around them.
6. Attend and participate in all safety meetings.
7. Report all injuries, illnesses or incidents that take place to the contractor's safety representative and the Amherst College Project Manager.
8. Report any unsafe acts or conditions to the contractor's health and safety representative or the environmental coordinator.
9. The Amherst College Project Manager or EH&S Manager must be immediately informed of any hazardous material leak or spill as soon as the incident takes place.
   • If the spill involves a shipping company, the material must not be removed from the vehicle.
   • The shipping company must notify the company's hazardous material response agency for clean up and transfer, if applicable.
3. Contractor's and Environmental Coordinator's Responsibilities
1. Each Health and Safety Representative and Environmental Coordinator working for the General Contractor and Sub-Contractors shall
   1. Stop any and all work that they may deem poses a threat to the health and safety of the employees on a project or any part there-of.
   2. Conduct a workday health and safety inspection to prevent illness, injury and accidents from occurring on the job site.
   3. Conduct periodic inspections and report their findings and recommended corrective actions to the General Contractors Supervisor and the Amherst College Project Manager
   4. Take immediate actions to eliminate unsafe acts and/or conditions
   5. Accompany all local, State and Federal Health and Safety Inspectors who may wish to review the site or any part there-of.
   6. Notify the Amherst College Project Manager or The Amherst College Environmental Health and Safety Manager when the local, state or federal inspector shows up on site.
   7. Serve as a technical advisor to the project management team when it comes to matters of both health and safety.
   8. Ensure that all appropriate personal protective equipment has been provided and is being used by personnel working for the General Contractor or their sub-contractors.
   9. Participate in accident and incident investigations involving the employees of the General Contractor and their sub-contractors.
   10. Attend all Health and Safety Meetings scheduled by the Contractor
   11. If a health and safety officer has been deemed appropriate for the project, they shall have completed a 10 hour OSHA hazard recognition course, or similar.
   12. Verify that all appropriate paperwork, including MSDSs and the OSHA 300 Log are on site and up to date.
   13. Be responsible for overseeing the vehicles leaving the site, and in assuring that the minimum amount of soil is tracked off the construction site.
   14. Be responsible for overseeing the vehicle leaving the site, and in assuring that the minimum amount of sedimentation, including sand and soil, is tracked off the construction site.  Be responsible for not allowing vehicles to be washed out on site unless approved by the Environmental Health and Safety Manager.
   15. Be responsible for covering or otherwise stabilizing and soil piles, according to the Amherst College Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan.  (Appendix ____).
   16. The Amherst College Project Manager or EH&S Manager must be immediately informed of any hazardous material leak or spill as soon as the incident takes place.
       1. If the spill involves a shipping company, the material must not be removed from the vehicle.
       2. The shipping company must notify the company's hazardous material response agency for clean up and transfer, if applicable.
4. Environmental Health & Safety Managers Responsibilities
1. The Environmental Health and Safety Manager shall.
1. Have the right and authority to stop any and all work that they may deem poses a threat to the health and safety of the employees on a project or any part there-of.
2. Conduct a workday health and safety inspection to prevent illness, injury and accidents from occurring on the job site.
3. Conduct periodic inspections and report their findings and recommended corrective actions to the General Contractors Supervisor, who will in turn forward same to the Amherst College Project Manager
4. Take immediate actions to eliminate all unsafe acts and/or conditions
5. Accompany all local, State and Federal Health and Safety Inspectors who may wish to review the site or any part there-of.
6. Notify the Amherst College Project Manager when the local, state or federal inspector shows up on site.
7. Serve as a technical advisor to the project management team when it comes to matters of health, safety and the environment.
8. Ensure that all appropriate personal protective equipment has been provided and is being used by personnel working for the General Contractor or their sub-contractors.
9. Participate in accident and incident investigations involving the employees of the General Contractor and their sub-contractors.
10. May attend Health and Safety Meetings scheduled by the Contractor
11. Verify that employees of the Ground Contractor have taken and completed an OSHA 10 Hour Hazard Recognition Course or other similar approved course.
12. Verify that all appropriate paperwork, including MSDSs, incident injury reports, permits, violations, the OSHA 300 Log and other applicable notices are on site and up to date.
13. Shall assist Amherst College and The Project Manager with any and all health and safety guidelines, environmental concerns, rules, regulations and corrective actions necessary to help promote a health and safe working environment, and to reduce the possibility of fines and "notices of non-compliance" that may be imposed by the local, state and federal regulatory agencies.
14. Attend pre-construction meetings, as necessary.
15. Conduct weekly inspections of the storm water control methods.  If necessary, the Amherst College EH&S Manager will cease any and all construction activity until soil stabilization and runoff deficiencies have been corrected.
2. Pre-Construction Meeting
   1. The Contractor must attend a pre-construction meeting with the Amherst College Project Manager or the assigned supervisor before beginning work on any site to discuss the conditions and health and safety requirements. A job site tour shall be conducted with the following representatives in attendance:
      1. The Contractor's Representative
      2. The Contractor's Health and Safety Representative
      3. The Contractor's Environmental Coordinator
      4. Amherst College Project Manager
      5. The Amherst College Environmental Health and Safety Manager
      6. Sub-Contractor Representatives
   2. The review is designed to assist the contractors and their health, safety and environmental representatives by providing them with information in determining appropriate methods, equipment, devices and materials that will aid them in the development of their own site specific environmental, health and safety program.
   3. It is the general contractor's obligation to provide a healthy and safe working environment for his/her company and the sub-contractors working for and with them.
3. Safety Meeting
1. Health and Safety meetings will be conducted weekly.
2. The health and safety meetings shall include at least the following;
• Agenda
• Incidents and reports of incidents that have taken place since the last meeting
• A discussion and list of potential, upcoming hazardous situations such as;
  1. confined space entry
  2. cutting of pipes / tanks
  3. roof work
  4. stormwater and other environmental concerns
• Minutes of the meetings will be prepared by a recording secretary, selected by the contractor. These meetings and minutes may be incorporated into weekly project meetings with the College.
• The minutes and agenda shall be forwarded to the Amherst College Project Manager within 24 hours, after each meeting.
4. Recordkeeping
   1. The contractor shall maintain and post all records and signage required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This shall include the maintenance of an accident log referred to as the OSHA 300 (annual summary) or the OSHA 101. (Appendix C)
5. Contractor Non-Compliance
1. If the Contractor, sub-contractor, supervisor(s), Amherst College Physical Plant Project Manager, Supervisor or Environmental Health & Safety Manager find an employee, contractor or subcontractor to be acting or working in a manner that is found to be non-compliant with the requirements of the regulatory agencies of the local, state or federal government, he/she shall have the authority to order immediate correction or cessation of the non-compliant occurrence.
2. Non-compliance with the Amherst College Contractor Environmental, Health & Safety Guidelines or the before mentioned regulatory requirements can be grounds for the immediate dismissal of the contractor, sub-contractor and their employees. The severity of the infraction and possible dismissal shall be at the discretion of the Amherst College Director of Facilities Planning and Management.
3. Failure of the contractor to comply with all local, state and federal regulations or the appropriate environmental, health and safety guidelines of Amherst College could result in a notice of non-compliance and written notification to the contractor from the College. If the contractor fails to correct any noted health and safety issues, the college can exercise any or all of the following;
   1. Removal of the contractor or their sub-contractors from the project
   2. Removal of the contractor or their sub-contractors from the approved bidders list
   3. The implementation of a monetary fine, held from the contractor by Amherst College, can be used for;
      • reward/incentive programs
      • a local charity, donated on behalf of the employees and company found to be in violation. (Appendix H)
        • The above referenced fine(s) shall be independent of those imposed by a local, state or federal regulatory agency like OSHA. However, penalties proscribed by the college will not be bound to the OSHA or other regulatory citation.
6. Specific Health and Safety Requirements
1. The following health and safety requirements are taken from the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) regulations, 29 CFR 1926 and in some cases, 29 CFR 1910, when applicable. These regulations are listed as sub parts in the same order as they appear in the OSHA manual for ease of reference and continuity.
   Environmental issues such as those that regulate Hazardous and Universal Waste and Stormwater run-off are regulated by the Federal EPA and the State DEP.  Amherst College will ensure compliance in cooperation with each regulatory agency referenced above.

Subpart C:

General Health & Safety - 29 CFR 1926.2
1. In accordance with the requirements of United State Public Law, 91-596, otherwise referred to as the "General Duty Clause" each contractor/sub-contractor working for Amherst College shall furnish employees with employment which is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to the employee.
2. The contractor/sub-contractor shall comply with all applicable OSHA standards. (Appendix I)

Safety Training and Education - 29 CFR 1926.21

1. Contractors and subcontractors shall identify the necessary training required by their employees to perform work at the college and shall provide that training to help prevent incidents that could cause injury, illness or death to their employees or other persons that may be affected.
2. Amherst College can request training records, when applicable.

Recordkeeping - 29 CFR 1926.22

1. The contractor shall maintain and post all records and signage required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This shall include the maintenance of an accident log referred to as the OSHA 300 (annual summary) or the OSHA 101.

First Aid and Medical Attention - 29 CFR 1926.23

1. Before work is initiated, the General Contractor and Sub-Contractors must decide on the most appropriate means to acquire prompt medical attention. (Appendix B)
2. The contractor/sub-contractor should have access to a phone or portable radio that will allow them communication with either the Amherst College Police or the Amherst Fire and Ambulance.
   1. Emergency Number: 413-542-2111
   2. Non Emergency Number: 413-542-2291
   3. The contractor/subcontractor must have personnel trained in First Aid and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) available on each shift
   4. An adequately stocked First Aid Kit with Pocket Mask(s) must be provided and easily accessible. At least (1) per floor
      1. First Aid Kits shall be weather tight and shall be checked and re-stocked by the employer weekly, unless a breakable tab or similar has been offered to kit to ensure full stock, or when being sent out to a new project or site.
   5. Transport of a patient by private vehicle to the health services or the hospital is prohibited, unless.
      1. the patient is feeling ill, sick to their stomach or other minor abnormality.
      2. the patient has a minor cut, bruise, swelling etc.
   6. The contractor/subcontractor must complete and distribute an "Employers First Report of Injury" within 24 hours of any and all incidents. The report must be copied and sent to the Amherst College Project Manager within 24 hours of the incident.
   7. In cases of fatality or numerous injuries, the contractor must immediately contact OSHA, as required.
   8. If the injured / ill employee is returned to work by the doctor with the stipulation that light or restricted duty is required, the contractor/subcontractor shall provide work meeting the doctors criteria to the injured/ill employee.
   9. Medical and cardiac emergencies, including difficulty breathing, poisoning, seizures, drug overdoses, chest pain, etc. require the notification of an ambulance.
   10. Trauma, such as a fall, back injury, severe bruising, lacerations, and head injuries also require ambulance notification. DO NOT TRANSPORT IN A PRIVATE/COMPANY VEHICLE.

Fire Prevention and Protection - 29 CFR 1926.24

1. Contractors are responsible for fire prevention and protection at all times during the alteration, construction, demolition, renovation and repair of a project.
2. Contractors must have a way to notify the Amherst Fire Department by phone or portable radio, if applicable. Cellular phones can be used to contact the Amherst College Police at 542-2111.
3. Exterior smoking areas can be identified by the contractor, but the site chosen must be reviewed with the College Project Manager. Smoking inside any campus building is prohibited, in accordance with the requirements of the Massachusetts Fire Prevention Regulations, 527 CMR 10.
4. The contractor and sub-contractors must obtain all the necessary permits from the fire department. Permits for which a minimal fee is charged, include;
   1. storage of flammable / combustible liquids
   2. use of salamanders
   3. use of dumpsters in excess of 6 cu. yards
   4. tar kettles
5. Hot Work Permits must be obtained from the Amherst College Environmental Health & Safety Office. Permits can be long duration, but most will be hour or day projects. The Hot Work Permit and accompanying sheet outlines what is expected from the contractor, while working at Amherst College. (Appendix D & E)
   • See Amherst College Hot Work Permit
6. Good housekeeping practices are deigned to reduce the possibility of fire (intentional and accidental). The storage of combustible materials and waste inside a building egress corridor (under construction or not) is a violation of the Massachusetts State Building Code and Fire Prevention Regulations.
7. Waste receptacles for which a dumpster 6 cu. yards or greater is required must be placed with the approval of the Amherst Fire Department. The Fire Department will grant a permit, at a minimal cost. The dumpster must be "dumped" when the waste container is full.
8. No combustible material shall be stored within 10 feet of the building or structure
9. Only the State Fire Marshal approved containers can be used for the storage and dispensing of flammable liquids.
1. All containers of hazardous materials, including flammable liquids, shall be fully labeled and shall bear the appropriate warning...
1. Corrosive
2. Flammable
3. Reactive
4. Toxic
5. Hazardous Waste
10. At the discretion of the Fire Department, a Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinet may be required, if the flammable liquid storage is considered to be excessive, but necessary.
Illumination - 29 CFR 1926.26
1. Adequate illumination of egress and work areas shall be provided by the contractor and sub-contractors.

Sanitation - 29 CFR 1926.27

1. Provisions shall be made by the contractor and sub-contractors to provide not less that one toilet facility. The toilet facility should be coordinated with the Amherst College Physical Plant Project Manager.
2. Washing facilities shall be provided by the contractor and sub-contractors. Facilities shall be located next to the worksite and shall require the review of the Amherst College Project Manager.
3. Hand soap, preferably from a dispenser (not bar) shall be made available.
   An approved waterless soap is acceptable provided it contains 60-95% alcohol.
4. towels shall also be provided and must be convenient to the toilet/handwashing facilities.
5. "gray water" must be discharged into a sanitary sewer or self contained waste receptacle.
6. If showers are required, one shall be provided for every 10 employees.

Employee Emergency Action Plans - 29 CFR 1926.35

1. Contractors shall provide an Emergency Action Plan to the Amherst College Project Manager, before the project begins.
2. The plan should include;
   1. Emergency escape procedures
   2. Employee accounting procedures
   3. Rescue/medical responsibilities
   4. Fire reporting procedures
   5. Emergency telephone numbers (Appendix B)
   6. Contact persons for each contractor(s) and sub-contractors
   7. Alarm systems to be used in case of a fire or other emergency.

   8. Training requirements for the employees

Interim Life Safety Measures (ILSM) for Building Occupants

1. The contractor must provide for the health & safety of building occupants, if they are to remain in the building or part thereof, during alteration, construction, renovation or repair. Contractor plans must be reviewed with the Amherst College Project Manager and if applicable, approved by the town authority having jurisdiction. The following may be incorporated.
   1. Construction of a 1 hour fire rated wall separating construction and occupied areas of the facility.
   2. a cost to construct a rated wall or separation shall be provided to the Projects Manager after award of contract.
   3. Signage for emergency egress shall be maintained
   4. Housekeeping and removal of waste material shall be on-going and shall not be allowed to accumulate.

Subpart D:

Noise Exposure - 29 CFR 1926.52

1. When employees are exposed to sound levels exceeding the following, appropriate administrative or engineering controls shall be utilized.

    

   Duration/day(hours) 8 6 4 3 2 1 1/2 1 1/2 1/4 or less	Sound Level dBA Slow Response 90 92 95 97 100 102 110 115

Gases, vapors, fumes, dusts, mists - 29 CFR 1926.55

1. Exposure of employees to inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption, or contact with any material or substance at a concentration above those specified in the "Threshold Limit Values of Airborne Contaminants for 1970" of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, shall be avoided.
2. Administrative and Engineering controls must be implemented, whenever feasible. When these controls are not feasible, personal protective equipment suitable for the environment must be utilized.
3. The Health and Safety Representative should be consulted, before Personal Protective Equipment is selected or utilized.

DOT labels, marking & placards - 29 CFR 1926.61

1. Contractors and subcontractors shall follow the Amherst College Hazard Communication Guidelines, unless more stringent requirements apply

Subpart E:

Personal Protective Equipment - 29 CFR 1926.95
1. The contractor and sub-contractors shall provide all of the appropriate personal protective equipment required for the project. Personal protective equipment (PPE) shall include but is not limited to; eyes, face, head, hearing, protective clothing (including elemental), respiratory protection and protective shields and barriers.
2. PPE shall be maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition
3. Where employees provide their own PPE, the employer shall be responsible to assure its adequacy, proper maintenance and sanitation.
4. Specific PPE is required in all areas where a potential for injury and illness exists for that type of hazard. For example if there is a known or potential hazard overhead, head protection is required.
5. All Personal Protective Equipment must comply with  the appropriate American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard.
   1. Eye and Face Protection ANSI Z87.1-1989
   2. Respiratory Protection ANSI Z88.2-1992
   3. Head Protection  ANSI Z89.1-1986
   4. Foot Protection  ANSI Z41.1- 1991
   5. Hand Protection
      1. Meet the chemical manufacturers recommendation for the chemical or material being utilized.
6. As required by the Amherst College guidelines, the wearing of  "muscle shirts" on the campus and project site is prohibited. Tee shirts are acceptable.
7. Loose fitting clothes, long hair and/or dangling jewelry shall not be worn around moving machinery, grinding operations, welding or hazardous operations.
8. During the warm spring and summer months, contractors should wear light colored cotton shirts or tee shirts (preferably white) to help reduce the risk of heat related illness and injury.
9. Contractors and subcontractors are required to provide their employees with adequate liquid refreshment (i.e. water, Gator-Aide, Power Aid or similar).
   1. Cups (disposable) must be provided at the same location. Community drinking cups are prohibited.
10. Beverages with caffeine should be prohibited during the warmer days because it increases the risk for heat related emergencies.

Subpart F:

Fire Protection and Prevention - 29 CFR 1926.150
1. The contractor and sub-contractors are responsible for the development of a fire protection program to be followed throughout all phases of alteration, construction, demolition, renovation or repair work.
2. The fire detection and suppression system must remain operational at all times, unless approved by the Amherst College Project Manager, Police Department, Environmental Health and Safety Office and the Amherst College Insurance Carrier.  Colored plastic bags or covers supplied by the manufacturer can be used to cover smoke detectors for short duration projects.
   1. The contractor or installer of the bag or cover shall remove guard at the completion of work each day.  Failure to remove cover at the end of the day will result in a fine for non-compliance.
3. If a fire hydrant or building fire protection system must be placed out-of-service, the Amherst College Campus Police, Project Manager and EH&S Office must be notified.
   1. The fire hydrant must be bagged
   2. The EH&S Office shall notify the Amherst College Police, Amherst Fire Department and the Asst. Director of Operations.
   3. Amherst College Environmental Health & Safety shall be notified immediately.  The Sire Detection and Suppression Impairment Policy for the College will be implemented as is required by the College insurance carrier.  Failure to notify the College will result in an automatic fine.
4. Fire extinguishers rated not less than 2A 10B-C or a garden hose (if applicable) shall be provided at intervals not to exceed 50'
5. Portable fire extinguishers must be inspected periodically and maintained in accordance with the requirements of NFiPA 10.
6. All fire extinguishers must be conspicuously placed as required by the Fire Prevention Regulations and NFiPA 10.  Employees must be able to see the extinguisher or a sign indicating the location of the extinguisher.
7. Contractors and sub-contractors must insure that all employees are trained in the use of portable fire extinguishing equipment, as required.
8. Hot Work Permits are required whenever brazing, cutting, heating, soldering, welding or similar work is being conducted on campus. (Appendix D & E).
   1. Hot Work Permits can be obtained from the Physical Plant for day and long duration projects.
   2. Contact the Service Desk at 542-2254
   3. Review the Amherst College Hot Work Permit Guidelines before beginning work.
9. No combustible material will be permitted to accumulate in building egress areas or within 10' of a building / structure.
10. Dumpsters can be used at construction projects, provided a permit is obtained from the Amherst Fire Department, before work is started.
11. Storage and use of combustible and flammable liquids on site  must be reviewed with the Amherst College Project Manager and approved by the Town Authority Having Jurisdiction. Storage and use must comply with the Massachusetts Fire Prevention Regulations 527 CMR 10, 14 and 15.
12. Fire Lanes, hydrants and fire department access must be maintained throughout the duration of the project. Driveways shall be not less than 18' wide.
13. Under NO circumstances can an Exit Door to the exterior be locked to prevent egress.  If a dead bolt or slide type lock has been placed on the door, a sign indication "This door shall not be locked when building is occupied." shall be placed above the lock itself.
14. If, because of construction or demolition a door being blocked or locked is part of the required "means of egress" (i.e. EXIT door), then a sign must be posted as close as practical to the door being temporarily removed from service. The sign must indicate the closest exit with a directional arrow and letters of either green or red measuring at least 6" tall and the stroke of each letter ¾" wide.

    Subpart G:

    Signs, signals and barricades - 29 CFR 1926.200

    1. Signs and symbols that are required shall be visible at all times while work is being performed. They shall be removed or covered when the hazard no longer exists.
    2. The word Danger shall only be used where an immediate hazard exists and shall be color coded to reflect regulatory requirements.
    3. The word Caution shall be used to warn against potential hazards or to caution against unsafe practices. The Caution signs shall be color coded to reflect regulatory requirements.
    4. Exit Signs shall be Red Letters on White background or White Letters on Red background. They shall meet the requirements of the Massachusetts Building Code, 780 CMR. (OSHA requires red letters on white background)
    5. Temporary Exit Signs shall be placed throughout the building, even during new construction or renovation.  The signs can be painted on the wall, and must include arrows and shall not be less that 2' off the floor and shall be in contrasting color with the wall, either red or green.
    6. Construction sites shall be posted with legible traffic signs at points of hazard.
       The signs shall conform to ANSI D6.1-1971, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways.
       1. Signage and the potential use of flag persons shall be approved by the Amherst College Police Department.
       2. See Appendix K for signage.

    Barricades - 29 CFR 1926.202

    1. All barricades, fences, gates and the like must be reviewed with the Amherst College Project Manager.
    2. The placement of barricades is required at most project sites.
    3. The Amherst College Project Manager shall be contacted, before the site or barricade is ordered, installed or removed.

    Subpart H:

    Powered Industrial Trucks - 29 CFR 1910.144
    1. If the use of Powered Industrial Trucks (including Forklifts) is required, then the trucks shall comply with the requirements stipulated in 29 CFR 1910.147.
       1. Operator qualifications
       2. Training program requirements.
       3. Operation and use of the vehicle
       4. Maintenance and inspections
    2. Back-up alarms and other required audible / visual warning systems shall at all times be in proper working order.
    3. Any gasoline or propane powered equipment used inside or around a building shall be properly exhausted to the exterior to prevent the build up of carbon monoxide and exhaust.  It is the responsibility of the contractor to test for carbon monoxide accumulation within the building.

    Gas Cylinders - 29 CFR 1910.101

    1. The storage, transportation and use of gas cylinders shall comply with the requirements of the Dept. of Transportation (DOT), 29 CFR 1910.101 and the Massachusetts Fire Prevention Regulations, 527 CMR.
       1. Gas cylinders must be properly labeled
       2. Whenever gas cylinders are stored, transported or used, they shall be.
          1. properly secured with a chain or strap
          2. fitted with either a cap or regulator which is approved for the gas being used.
          3. stored away from electrical services such as outlets, disconnects and panels
          4. stored compatibly with other gas cylinders
          5. separated and labeled when cylinder is empty.

    Subpart I:

    Power Tools - 29 CFR 1926.302

    1. Power tools shall be used in accordance with manufacturers recommendations and shall be either double insulated or grounded
    2. Guards and other protective devices shall remain in place, unless another suitable alternative has been approved by the contractor or Amherst College Health & Safety Manager.
    3. Power Tools shall be used with appropriate electrical cords (primary and extension).
       1. grounding plugs shall not be removed to allow use of a two prong outlet
       2. Ground fault circuit interrupters are now required throughout the job site, regardless of water, location of sink or work being performed.
       3. Electrical cords should not be draped along the floor where they will become a tripping hazard.
          1. Hang below a ceiling, using a material that is non-conductive, or
          2. Run along a wall where it will not cause a tripping hazard or  be subjected to damage.
          3. Electrical cords must not run through or over ceilings, walls or doorways.
    4. All pneumatically driven nailers, staplers and other similar equipment provided with automatic fastener feed, which operate at more than 100 p.s.i. shall have a safety device on
    5. the muzzle to prevent the tool from ejecting fasteners, unless the muzzle is in contact with the work surface.

    Subpart J:

    Welding and Cutting - 29 CFR 1910.252

    1. All Hot Work activities, including brazing, cutting, heating, soldering and welding shall be done in accordance with OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.252 and the Massachusetts Prevention Regulations, 527 CMR 39. (Appendix D)
    2. Hot Work Permits must be obtained for short and long duration projects through the Amherst College Physical Plant. Contact the Service Desk at 542-2254.

    Subpart K:

    Electrical Safety - 29 CFR 1910.147
    with Lock-Out/Tag-Out

    1. Contractors and sub-contractors shall be required to have their own Hazardous Energy Control Policy, if the work they are involved in requires energy isolation.
    2. The Hazardous Energy Control Policy is used for maintenance and service activities that affect electrical, steam, pneumatic, hydraulic, solar, radioactive and mechanical forms of energy.
    3. The contractors and sub-contractors shall utilize the Amherst College Hazardous Energy Control Policy if working with Amherst College staff unless the policy of the contractors is more stringent.
    4. See the Amherst College Hazardous Energy Control Policy before work on the project has been started.
    5. The General or Electrical Contractor responsible for all temporary wiring on site that it must be effectively grounded in accordance with the National Electrical Code (articles 305 and 310). All wiring used for temporary wiring shall be non-metallic sheathed cable (NM) or the equivalent
    6. The use of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, is required by the National Electrical Code and Amherst College at all times, regardless of type of work.

    Batteries-29 CFR 1926.441

    1. Batteries of the unsealed type shall be located in enclosures with outside vents or in well ventilated areas and shall be arranged so as to prevent the escape of fumes, gases and electrolyte spray into other occupied areas.
    2. The battery storage area must be vented in such a way that the accumulation of battery gas (hydrogen) will not accumulate
    3. Personal Protective Equipment must be provided if and when work on the battery system is required.
       1. Eye, face, hand and body protection is required.
    4. Facilities for quick drenching of the eyes and body must be provided at battery handling areas.
       1. The distance to the emergency wash system must not exceed 25'
       2. The Emergency Wash Station must be installed in accordance with the Massachusetts Fire Prevention Regulations, 527 CMR 10.
       3. Disposal of batteries shall be done in accordance with Amherst College Universal Waste Policies.

    Subpart L:

    Scaffolding - 29 CFR 1926.451

    1. Scaffolding shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with the requirements of OSHA 1910.28 and 1926.451 and the Amherst College Scaffolding with Fall Protection Guidelines. Fall Protection for heights is required by Amherst College Guidelines.

    Subpart M:

    Fall Protection - 29 CFR 1926.500

    1. Contractors and subcontractors are required to utilize the appropriate fall protection specified in OSHA 1926.500.
    2. The provisions do not apply when employees are making an inspection, investigation or assessment of workplace conditions prior to the actual start of construction work or after the construction work has been completed.
    3. Contractors shall determine if the walking/working surfaces on which the employees are to work have the strength and structural integrity to support the employees safely.
    4. Any person, other than those specified in section "b" is required to have fall protection if walking / working surface is > 6' above the lower level (ground, lower roof etc.)
    5. The fall protection shall consist of one or more of the following:
       1. a guardrail system
       2. a safety net
       3. or personal fall arrest system

          exception:

          1. If the employer can demonstrate that the fall protection equipment increases the hazard or its use is infeasible, then the employer must develop a fall protection plan which meets the requirements of this section
          2. Fall Protection Alternatives (Appendix F)
          3. Hoist Areas - if a guardrail or gate must be removed from a piece of equipment providing the necessary fall protection to facilitate hoisting of material or equipment and the employee must lean through the access opening or out over the edge of the access opening to receive the equipment or material then the employee shall be protected from the fall hazard by a personal fall arrest system.
             
          4. Holes - shall be protected to prevent personnel from falling through, if the distance to the next lowest level is > 6'.
          5. Dangerous Equipment - each employee located above dangerous equipment, regardless of distance shall be protected from falling into said equipment by either a guardrail or other fall arrest system.
          6. Roofing (Low Slope) - each employee engaged in roofing activities on low sloped roofs with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by either a guardrail, safety net or personal fall arrest system, or a combination of warning line system and guardrail, warning line system and safety net, or warning line system and personal fall arrest system or warning line and safety monitoring system.

             Exception: If the roof is less than 50' wide, the use of a safety monitoring system alone (without warning line) is acceptable.

          7. Articulating elevating platform vehicles, including those used for tree trimming shall incorporate the use of fall protection, including full body harness and lanyard.
          8. The use of stilts that were used by drywall installers and tapers is no longer permitted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, unless fall protection has been incorporated to a level high enough to include the height of the stilts.
          9. Roofing (Steep Roofs) - each employee working > 6' above a lower level shall be protected from falling by a guardrail system with toeboards, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems
             1. Protection from falling objects - any employee exposed to falling objects from above shall be protected from the hazard and provided with a hard hat that meets the requirements of the ANSI standard Z89.1-1969.

    Safety Monitors

    1. under no circumstances should the number of workers supervised by the safety monitor exceed 6.
    2. shall be on the same walking / working surface and within visual sighting of the employees being monitored
    3. shall be close enough to the employees to communicate orally with the employee.
    4. The safety monitor must be easily recognizable from a distance of 200 feet.
       1. The safety monitor shall wear an orange vest, blue helmet, or similar that will distinguish them from the rest of the roofers/employees
       2. The vest or over garment should bear the title of "Safety Monitor"
    5. Under no circumstances is the safety monitor allowed to perform work other than specifically watching for employee fall hazards.
    6. The safety monitor must be the last person to leave the roof or other elevated work surface

    Guardrails Systems - 29 CFR 1926.502

    1. Guardrail systems shall comply with the following provisions:
       1. Top edge of the guardrail shall be 42", plus or minus 3" above the walking or working surface.
       2. Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate structural members shall be installed between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking / working surface when there is no wall or parapet at least 21" high.
       3. Midrails, when used, shall be installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working surface.
       4. Screens and mesh, when used, shall extend from the top rail to the walking/working surface and along the entire opening between the rail supports and shall not be secured to the rails with connectors that might cause personal injury (i.e. metal banding)
       5. Guardrails must be able to support a force of 200lbs applied within 2" of the top edge, in any outward or downward direction, at any point along the top edge.
       6. If material along the scaffold or walking/working surface is piled higher than the required toeboard, then the fence, mesh or screening shall be installed.
          1. If the mesh, fence or screening is used, the midrail can be eliminated.
       7. Toeboards are required for any elevated work surface > 6" above the lower level
          1. The toeboards must extend no less than 3 ½" above the working/walking surface.

    Safety Nets

    1. Safety nets (if utilized) must be approved by a qualified Fall Protection Specialist or Engineer.
    2. Safety nets shall be installed in accordance with the OSHA requirements, specified in 29 CFR 1926.502.
       1. See Fall Protection Alternatives Appendix F

    Personal Fall Arrest Systems

    1. Personal Fall Arrest Systems and their use shall comply with the OSHA requirements, specified in 29 CFR 1926.502.
       1. Effective January 01, 1998, the use of body belts was prohibited.
    2. Lanyards utilized as part of the Fall Arrest System must have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000lbs
    3. Self-retracting lifelines and lanyards which automatically limit the free fall distance to 2' or less shall be capable of sustaining a minimum tensile load of 3,000 lbs. Applied to the line or lanyard when fully extended.
    4. Self-retracting lifelines and lanyards that do not limit free fall distance to 2' or less shall be capable of sustaining a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 lbs.
    5. Personal Fall Arrest Systems shall:
       1. limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 lbs. When used with a body harness.
       2. be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6', nor contact the lower level.
       3. bring the employee to a complete stop and limit maximum deceleration distance an employee travels to 3.5' and
       4. Attachments to the body harness must be made in the center of the wearers back, near the shoulder.

    Positioning Devices

    1. Positioning device systems shall be;
       1. rigged in such a way that the employee can not fall more than 2'
       2. secured to an anchorage device capable of supporting at least twice the potential impact load of an employees fall or 3,000 lbs., whichever is greater.
       3. approved by an engineer or fall protection specialist for structural stability

    Warning Lines

    1. Warning line systems and their use shall conform to the requirements of OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502
    2. The warning line shall:
       1. be erected around all sides of the roof work area
       2. when mechanical equipment is not being used, the warning line shall be erected not less than 6' from the roof edge.
       3. when mechanical equipment is being utilized, the warning line shall be erected not less than 6' from the roof edge which is parallel to the direction of the mechanical equipment operation, and not less than 10' from the roof edge, which is perpendicular to the direction of the mechanical equipment operation. Points of access, material handling areas, storage areas, and hoisting areas shall be connected to the work area by an access path formed by two warning lines.
    3. The warning lines shall be flagged every 6' with high visibility material
    4. The rope, wire or chain shall be rigged and supported in such a way that the lowest point, including sag is no less than 34" from the walking or working surface and its highest point is not greater than 39" above the walking/working surface.
    5. No person shall be permitted to perform work between the warning line and the roofs edge, unless the employee is performing roofing work in that area.
    6. Permanent Fall Protection Devices shall be incorporated into the design and construction of each project.
       
    Note: For more information on Fall Protection, please refer to the Amherst College Fall Protection Safety Policy by clicking here.

    Subpart N:

    Personal Hoists and Manlifts - 29 CFR 1926.552

    1. Contractors and sub-contractors utilizing Personal Hoists and manlifts shall comply with the requirements of OSHA 29 CFR 1926.552.
    2. All cranes and derricks shall comply with the requirements of ANSI Standard B30.5.
    3. Operators shall be licensed to operate the crane or Derrick by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
    4. Cranes and Derricks shall be inspected at least annually by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor
    5. Inspections of cranes and derricks shall be made prior to each use with an all encompassing inspection performed at least monthly.
    6. Hand signals shall be used as described in ANSI B 30.5
    7. Cranes, derricks, backhoes and other hoisting or material handling equipment shall not be operated within 15' of electrical distribution or transmission lines, rated at 5kV or above, which have not been de-energized AND visibly grounded at the point of work.
    8. Contractors shall not allow employees to ride headache balls, hooks or loads being handled by the crane.
    9. All hooks, attached to material handling devices and equipment shall have a safety latch incorporated
    10. Rated load capabilities, recommended operating speeds, special hazard warning, specific hand signaling and special instructions shall be visible to the operator.
    11. Employees shall not be allowed to work under the load of material handling equipment and should be guarded to prevent access to that area.
    12. Elevated lifts, such as articulating booms, buckets and scissor lifts shall comply with the necessary fall protection requirements.
        1. Any articulating basket, boom, or bucket shall incorporate the use of a full harness and appropriate lanyard.
        2. Scissor lifts and baskets, that do not articulate, but go up and down only, are not required to have a harness and lanyard if the guardrail meets the necessary fall protection requirements.
        3. Lanyards must be attached only to approved points as designated by the manufacturer.
        4. Do NOT place other employees, contractors, or students at risk. Contractors are required to barricade or provide warning at doorways to alert persons of overhead work. The contractor must tape off or other wise barricade hazardous areas and redirect persons to the nearest alternative exit with permission of the Environmental Health and Safety Manager.

    Subpart O:

    Equipment - 29 CFR 1926.600

    1. All equipment and motor vehicles left on site shall comply with the requirements of OSHA, 29 CFR 1926.600

    Subpart P:

    Excavations - 29 CFR 1926.651

    
    1. All surface encumbrances that create a hazard to employees and other affected persons shall be removed or supported, as necessary, to safeguard persons in the area.
    2. Contractors are required to notify DIG-SAFE at 1 (888) DIGSAFE or 1 (888) 344-7233 before excavation work is initiated. (Appendix K)
    3. All trenches must have means of egress from the excavations. These means of egress include:
       1. Stairways
       2. Ladders
       3. Ramps
          1. These egress devices are required whenever the trench exceeds 5' in depth
          2. The ladders or egress cannot be spaced greater than 25' apart.
       4. Trenches must be protected from vehicular traffic by any or a combination of the following:
          1. Police Officer or Flag Person
          2. Barricades, fences or other approved protection device, in accordance with OSHA requirements.
       5. In certain instances, trenches and other excavations are considered confined spaces and as such must be inspected and entered in compliance with the Confined Space Guidelines. See Amherst College Confined Space Guidelines.
          1. The use of 4 gas monitors is required for the testing of trenches that are greater than 5' deep or are in close proximity to sewer and gas lines.
       6. Water entering a trench must be controlled and proper protection implemented before employees enter.
       7. If adjoining buildings, walls, structures or similar are endangered by excavation operations, support systems such as bracing, shoring or underpinning shall be provided for the protection of the structure and the employees entering the trench.
       8. Excavations below the level of a building or footing is prohibited, unless a structural engineer has determined that it can and has been made structurally sound.
       9. A support system, such as underpinning, shall be provided for the safety of the employees and the stability of the structure; or
          1. The excavation is in stable rock
          2. A registered professional engineer has approved the determination that the structure is sufficiently removed from the excavation so as to be unaffected by the excavation activity, or
          3. A registered professional engineer has approved the determination that such excavation work will not pose a hazard to employees.
       10. Sidewalks, paving and other similar structures shall not be undermined unless a support system or another method of protection is provided to adequately protect employees from possible collapse of the structures.
       11. If loose rock or soil poses a possible hazard to the employees, adequate protection must be incorporated into the excavation. Protection shall include scaling to remove loose material, installation of protective barricades at intervals, as necessary on the face to stop and contain falling material; or other means that provide equivalent protection.
       12. Employees shall be protected from excavated or other materials or equipment that could pose a hazard by falling or rolling into excavations. Protection shall be provided by placing and keeping materials or equipment at least 3 feet from the edge of the excavation
       13. Adequate barriers must enclose the trench or excavation to prevent unauthorized entry and demarcation. Trench covers may be required for campus access reasons at the discretion of the Amherst College Project Manager.
           1. The contractor responsible for the site shall make sure that the fencing is adequate and properly erected, without openings, before leaving the site.
           2. If the fence has fallen, collapsed or has opened up after the contractor has left, the contractor will be called back (at the discretion of the Amherst College Police and EH&S) at their expense to re-erect the fencing.
       14. Excavations shall be protected against cave-in, except when;
           1. the excavation is in stable rock
           2. the excavation is less than 5' in depth and there is no potential for cave-in.
           3. protective systems such as trench boxes, sloping and shoring have been installed that are intended to properly and adequately protect the employees in the trench. For sloping (Appendix G).
              1. If sloping is used as the method of employee protection, then it shall be done in accordance with the following requirements stipulated in the OSHA requirements, 29 CFR 1926.651 and subpart P of OSHA, appendix A-F, or as designed by a registered professional engineer.
                 1. If trench boxes or shoring is used, it shall be installed by manufacturers specifications. If deviation from the manufacturers specification must be performed, the contractor shall receive (in writing) from the manufacturer that the deviation is permissible and that the employees safety will be maintained.
                 2. If the excavation has been designed and approved by a registered professional engineer, the contractor shall provide a copy of the engineer's design to the Amherst College Project Manager.

    Subpart Q:

    Concrete/Masonry Construction - 29 CFR 1926.701

    1. Concrete and masonry construction shall be done in accordance with the Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR and the OSHA requirements 29 CFR 1926.701.

    Subpart R:

    Steel Erection - 29 CFR 1926.750

    1. Steel Erection shall be performed in a manner that complies with the requirements of the Massachusetts State Building Codes and the OSHA Requirements 29 CFR 1926.750.
    2. Fall Protection shall be incorporated in a manner that complies with 29 CFR 1926.750.
    3. Containers, buckets, bags etc. shall be required for storing bolts or rivets. When bolts, drift pins, or rivet heads are being removed, a means shall be provided that will prevent accidental displacement.
    4. Tools will be secured to prevent accidental falling.
    5. Signage indicating "DANGER" Personnel Working Overhead shall be posted in the area, on the project site.
    6. Employees shall be prevented from walking under or in the immediate area of the steel erection work being performed.
    7. When setting structural steel, each piece must be secured with not less than two (2) bolts at each connection and drawn up wrench tight before the load is released.

    Subpart S:

    Tunnels, Shafts, Confined Spaces - 29 CFR 1926.800

    1. When entering confined spaces, the contractor and sub-contractors shall follow the requirements of OSHA 1926.800 and the Amherst College Confined Space Guidelines, which meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.147.(Appendix C)

    Subpart T:

    Demolition - 29 CFR 1926.850

    1. Demolition work shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of the Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR and the OSHA requirements specified in 29 CFR 1926.850.
    2. A permit for the demolition of a building or structure must be received from the Amherst Department of Inspection Services.
    3. A permit for demolition activities must also be received from the Massachusetts State Department of Environmental Protection.
    4. All utilities, including electric, gas, sewer, steam and water shall be shut-off, capped or otherwise controlled, outside the building line before demolition work is started. In each case the appropriate utility company shall be notified.
    5. Asbestos removal must be completed before the demolition work begins, unless approval has been received from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to demolish in tact.
    6. Shingles, lead and other materials considered to be hazardous shall be removed and properly packaged before the building demolition has begun, unless approved by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

    Stairs - 29 CFR 1926.852

    1. Stairs in a building (except for those used as a means of egress) shall be entirely closed off, at all times.
    2. The stairs used as a means of egress must be properly illuminated at all times by natural or artificial means

    Chutes - 29 CFR 1926.852

    1. No material shall be dropped to any point outside the building unless the area is effectively protected.
    2. All material chutes, or sections thereof, at an angle of more than 45 degrees from the horizontal, shall be entirely closed, except for the openings equipped with closures at or about the floor level for the insertion of materials.
    3. The opening shall not exceed 48" in height measured along the wall of the chute.
    4. At stories below the top floor, such openings shall be kept closed when not in use.
    5. When materials are dumped from mechanical equipment or wheelbarrows, a securely attached toeboard or bumper, not less than 4" thick and 6" high, shall be provided at the chute opening.

    Subpart V:

    Power Transmission/Distribution - 29 CFR 1926.950

    1. Power Transmission and distribution shall conform to the requirements of the Massachusetts and National Electrical Code (NFiPA 70) and the OSHA requirements specified in 29 CFR 1926.950.
    2. Hazardous Energy Control shall be exercised in accordance with OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.146 and the Amherst College Hazardous Energy Control Guidelines.

    Subpart X:

    Stairways and Ladders - 29 CFR 1926.1050

    1. Stairways that are part of the means of egress must be properly maintained at all times.
       1. emergency lighting and EXIT signs must remain operative at all times (in accordance with the Massachusetts Sate Building Code) to allow easy and safe egress.
       2. Fire escapes (if applicable) must be properly maintained at all times , including the removal of snow and ice.
       3. If egress doors or stairways must be removed from service for construction, demolition, alteration etc., then an approved EXIT sign indicating alternative route must be posted, indicating the proper direction of travel to nearest EXIT.
    2. Ladders used at Amherst College shall be.
       1. Type I (Industrial Class) - 225 lb. Capacity
          or Type II (Commercial Class) - 250 lb. Capacity
       2. Ladders shall be maintained in good condition
          1. with all devices and parts in proper working order
          2. without paint to hide ladder deficiencies
       3. Ladders > 8' in height (including step ladders) shall be properly tied off, held in place by a spotter or otherwise secured to prevent accidental movement of the ladder or a personal injury accident.
       4. Prudent, recommended practice for using a ladder shall be followed when ascending, descending or working from the elevated equipment.
          1. The top 3 steps of a straight ladder shall not be used for ascending, descending or working
          2. The top 2 steps of a step ladder shall not be used for ascending, descending or working
          3. Ladders must be free of oil or grease
          4. Ladders cannot be placed in front of a door opening, unless.
             1. The door has been blocked, opened, locked or guarded to prevent use.
                1. If the door being blocked or locked is part of the required "means of egress" (i.e. EXIT door), as required by the building code, then a sign must be posted as close as practical to the door being temporarily removed from service. The sign must indicate the closest exit with a directional arrow and letters of either green or red measuring at least 6" tall and the stroke of each letter ¾" wide.
             2. Straight ladders, if used to gain access to elevated areas such as platforms, roofs etc., shall be raised so that at least 5 rungs extend past the level of intended discharge
             3. Straight ladders shall be placed against a wall, platform etc., with a 1:4 pitch.
             4. Ladders must not be placed upon unstable bases such as barrels, blocks or boxes
             5. Metal ladders shall not be used around electrical equipment or services. Ladders that are considered to be unsafe can be removed from service and destroyed (if appropriate) by the contractor's representative, Amherst College Project Manager, or EH&S.
             6. Ladder safety shall comply with the requirements of OSHA and Amherst College Ladder Safety Program when additional health and safety requirements are applicable.
             7. Fixed ladders installed on campus shall comply with the appropriate ANSI Standard in accordance with the Amherst College Ladder Safety Program.
             8. Job-made ladders shall comply with the ANSI Standards in accordance with Amherst College Policy and OSHA.

    Subpart Z:

    Toxic and Hazardous Substances - 29 CFR 1926.1100
    Asbestos - 29 CFR 1926.1101

    1. Asbestos abatement and other associated work shall comply with the requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Labor and Workplace Development and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

    Lead

    2. Lead abatement rules and other associated work shall comply with the requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Labor and Workplace Development and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

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