Policy & Procedures

---

Prepared on January 1, 2012.
 

Revised on May 21, 2020.
 
 

1.0 Statement of Policy
EEL Line Corporation is committed to providing a safe workplace for all of its workers, the public, and customers. We recognize that all workers have the right to work in a safe and healthy environment, consistent with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Regulations for Construction Projects, and any other applicable legislation. Our company is committed to taking every reasonable effort to eliminate the hazards that cause accidents and injuries. Disregard or willful violations of this policy by employees at any level may be considered cause for disciplinary action in accordance with the company’s policies.

Respectfully,

Majeed Wraich
Officer
EEL Line Corporation

Table of Contents
1.0 Statement of Policy

3.0 COVID-19 Measures

3.1 On-Site Best Practices

3.2 Protecting Our Clients & Employees

3.3 Reporting Illness

3.4 Sharing Information

3.5 Posting Our Policies

3.6 Physical Distancing

3.7 On-Site Sanitation

3.8 Adjusting On-Site Production Schedules

3.9 Tracking & Monitoring Our Workforce

4.0 Health and Safety Responsibilities

4.1 Senior Management Responsibilities

4.2 Supervisors (Forepersons) Responsibilities

4.3 Workers Responsibilities

4.4 Health and Safety Representative Responsibilities

4.5 All Employees Responsibilities

5.0 WHIMS/Hazard

5.1 Policy

5.2 Objective

5.3 Standard

6.0 Emergency Response First Aid Procedure

7.0 Hazard Reporting System

7.1 Worker Responsibilities

7.2 Supervisor Responsibilities

7.3 Middle Management Responsibilities

8.0 Company Health and Safety Rules

9.0 Personal Health and Safety Rules

9.1 Confined Space:

9.2 Head Protection

9.3 Foot Protection

9.4 Skin Protection

9.5 Eye Protection

9.6 Clothing

9.7 Other Personal Protective Equipment

9.8 Non-Prescription Drugs or Alcohol

9.9 Reporting Injuries and Accidents/Incidents

9.10 Reporting Unsafe Practices and Conditions

9.11 Placement of Tools and Materials

9.12 Tools and Equipment

9.13 Electrical Safety

9.13.1 Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)

9.13.2 Verifying Grounds on Equipment

9.13.3 Arc Flash Protection

9.14 Lock-out /Tag-out

9.15 Welding Equipment and Hot Work

9.16 Fall Protection System

9.17 Heavy Lifting

9.18 Jumping

9.19 Horseplay

9.20 Guardrails or Coverings

10.0 Communication

11.0 Acknowledge Success and Make Improvements

3.0 COVID-19 Measures 

3.1 On-Site Best Practices 

The health and safety of workers is a top concern amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, all parties must place an increased focus on health and safety in order to keep job sites open. All measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 should be done in compliance with requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and associated regulations and public health directives issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health. In addition, below are a set of resources, tips, and best practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.  

In addition, below are a set of resources, tips and best practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

3.2 Protecting Our Clients & Employees 

Coronaviruses are spread through close contact, including at work. Below are some helpful tips to help prevent the spread of germs:

• Wash your hands often with soap & water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
• Sneeze & cough into your sleeve. 
• If you use a tissue, discard immediately wash your hands afterward.  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. 
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.  
• Stay home if you are sick. 
• Avoid high-touch areas, where possible, or ensure you clean your hands after. 
• Where possible, wear gloves when interacting with high-touch areas. 
• Do not touch your face with gloved hands. 
• Take care when removing gloves. 
• Ensure you wash your hands after removing them. 
• Wash your clothes as soon as you get home. 
• If you are ill: notify your supervisor immediately, complete the self-assessment & follow the instructions you get.

3.3 Reporting Illness 

The symptoms of COVID-19 are like many other illnesses, including the cold & flu. At this time, it is recommended that any worker who has any symptoms related to cold, flu, or COVID-19 should be sent home. In addition, our workers are to complete the online self-assessment or call:

• Telehealth: 1-866-797-0000 
• Their primary care provider (for example, family physician).

Please note that additional resources, policies, & procedures are being developed to provide additional support in this area. 

3.4 Sharing Information 

It is important that all parties in a workplace communicate their roles and responsibilities. Our health and safety policies are updated and will be posted for all employees to see. Using industry resources, including this one and those produced by the Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA), will improve on-site understanding.

3.5 Posting Our Policies

All employers and contractors are required to post and communicate COVID-19 policies to employees, contractors, and tradespeople. These policies should cover how the site will operate, including but not limited to: 

• The sanitization of sites.
• How employees and contractors report illnesses.
• How to ensure physical distancing.
• How work will be scheduled.

3.6 Physical Distancing

As advised by the Chief Medical Officer, public health officials, and outlined throughout government communications, physical distancing is required to control the spread of COVID-19. In order to ensure physical distancing on site, EEL Line is working with our team members to: 

• Stagger start times.
• Stagger breaks.
• Stagger lunches.
• Restrict the number of people on-site and where they are assigned to work.
• Control site movement (by limiting the potential for workers to gather, including personnel in material hoists and site trailers).
• Limit the number of people who use elevators and hoists at one time.
• Hold meetings in an outside or large space to enable physical distancing.
• Limit unnecessary on-site contact between workers and outside service providers, and 
• encourage physical distancing in these areas (for example, by removing coffee trucks from site).

3.7 On-Site Sanitation 

Coronaviruses are spread from person to person through close contact, including at work. While employers always have an obligation to maintain clean work sites, that obligation is under sharper focus during an outbreak like the current COVID-19 pandemic.

EEL Line is focused on:

• Access to soap and water (ways to properly clean hands) or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Washroom facilities.
• Sanitizing commonly touched surfaces or areas (hoists, site trailers, door handles, equipment, residential units).
• Avoiding the sharing of hand tools and power tools. If sharing is necessary, enable the sanitization of shared equipment.
• Posting signage on hygiene in English and the majority workplace language so everyone can understand how to do their part.

3.8 Adjusting On-Site Production Schedules 

Physical distancing will result in lower staffing on job sites. In order to keep sites open, EEL Line will need to adjust production schedules as the impacts of physical distancing become clear. Our scheduling will consider:

• Limiting the number of workers to a critical number by staggering work schedules.
• Sanitation of sites and workspaces.
• Site planning to facilitate appropriate physical distancing (two meters) between workers during any particular shift.
• Work-site mobility and transportation, including hoist operations.
   

3.9 Tracking & Monitoring Our Workforce 

Due to the latency period of COVID-19, it is important to track where employees have worked. If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, the local public health unit will ask employers to provide information on where the employee worked as well as the contact information of any other employee who may have been exposed. EEL Line will track information, and public health units will respond.

4.0 Health and Safety Responsibilities

4.1 Senior Management Responsibilities 

 It is our management personnel’s responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment at our workplace, and for that, they will ensure that all workers and supervisors at our work site comply with the Ontario Health & Safety Act and all its regulations. In addition to this, they will ensure to:

• Provide a safe and healthy workplace.
• Establish and maintain a health and safety program.
• Ensure that workers are properly trained.
• Report accidents and injuries to the authorities as required by law.
• Provide medical and first-aid facilities.
• Provide all the equipment, materials, and other required protective devices as per law and maintain them in good condition.
• Provide workers with health and safety information.
• Inspect projects, and meet regularly with supervisors to monitor the program and take corrective action.
• Provide all material safety data sheets and ensure that corresponding labelling is provided for all hazardous materials delivered at the project site as per WHMIS regulation.
• Provide the motivation and resources necessary to make the program work.
• Ensure that operations comply with both the law and the program.
• Demonstrate a commitment to accident prevention.
• Consider accident prevention and safety performance when evaluating employees, especially supervisors.

4.2 Supervisors (Forepersons) Responsibilities 

 All supervisors and foremen must supervise the work in progress and ensure that the work is done in compliance with all OHSA laws and our company's health and safety policies and procedures. In addition, your supervisor will:

• Ensure the job site and office shall have ready access to a first-aid kit that is adequately stocked and maintained, as required by workplace and safety board regulations.
• Make sure that the program is carried out at the work level.
• Ensure that protective equipment required by law and by the program is used and maintained properly by workers and that workers understand the reasons for its use.
• Ensure all workers are WHMIS-trained.
• Ensure all workers comply with the OHSA regulations.
• Instruct personnel in proper work practices and update instruction as needed.
• Check work practices and work areas for hazards, and take corrective action where required.
• Consult with the health and safety representative.
• Ensure that injuries are treated and reported.
• Investigate and report all accidents, and take corrective action.
• Acquaint the new worker with hazards and safe work procedures.
• Hold periodic safety talks with workers.
• Post all notices and documents as required under Ontario’s occupational health and safety acts and regulations.
• Discipline any worker that violates our health and safety policies or OHSA laws.
• Have a copy of the OHSA and associated regulations available for reference.
• Encourage immediate reporting of unsafe acts and/or conditions.
• Ensure that corrective measures or disciplinary action are taken in a timely manner.
• Organize health and safety meetings and toolbox talks.
• Take every reasonable precaution to protect workers from injury and/or illness.

4.3 Workers Responsibilities 

 All the personnel working at the project site shall:

• Work safely in accordance with the corporate health and safety policy and program, as well as the project health and safety program (including the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations for Construction Projects).
• At all times, use all the personal protective equipment required at the project site as per the needs of the work and for your safety, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations for Construction Projects.
• Inspect PPE before use and report defects or damage to the supervisor.
• Be WHIMS-trained.
• After taking appropriate immediate action, report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor.
• Report all accidents, injuries, or illnesses immediately.
• Initiate emergency response plans when necessary.
• Clean up your own work area, at least daily.
• Work in a manner that will not endanger anyone.
• Report unsafe situations.
• Help new employees recognize job hazards and follow proper procedures.
• In some cases, participate in joint health and safety committees.

4.4 Health and Safety Representative 

 Responsibilities are as follows:

• Inspect the workplace.
• Identify situations that may be a source of danger.
• Make recommendations to the employer.
• Investigate and help deal with work refusals.
• Assist in accident investigations.

4.5 All Employees Responsibilities 

In addition to the responsibilities set out above, all employees must become familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, all applicable regulations, and the requirements of the safety program. They must know exactly what their responsibilities are and have the necessary skills and training to fulfill them. They must also have sufficient authority to either carry them out personally or delegate them. 

5.0 WHIMS/Hazard 

 The use of hazardous substances should be avoided whenever possible. If not possible, alternative non-hazardous or less hazardous chemicals should be identified and used. All personnel who may be exposed to the hazardous substances shall be provided with written safety instructions and training (WHMIS) where appropriate and shall observe the precautions therein.

Key Elements:

• Labels (as shown in the example above)
• Education
• Material safety data sheets (MSDS)
• Ensure that WHMIS instruction labels are identified and observed.

Labels provided:

• Material identification
• Risks
• Precautionary and first aid measures

Numeric Rating 

4 - Serves Hazard

3 - Serious Hazard

2 - Moderate Hazard

1 - Slight Hazard

0 - Minimal Hazard

Colour Quadrants

Blue - Health

Red - Flammability

Yellow - Reactivity

White - Special Warning of PPE Code

The numeric rating shown in this example represents a chemical with: A moderate health hazard (2), a serious flammable hazard (3), and a minimal reactivity hazard (0). No special warning or PPE code is shown.

Label Example:

5.1 Policy

EEL Line Corporation is committed to identifying, removing, or controlling hazards. The hazard reporting system is a worker-oriented process. Workers are in the best position to identify the hazards in the workplace because they are the ones who perform the work. Workers act as a second set of eyes for supervisors.

5.2 Objective

Our company's objective is to eliminate the possibility of injury due to hazards that have not been identified. We need to keep the workplace a safe environment, and our workers need to be able to report any danger that may pose a risk to the employee.

5.3 Standard

It is in our best interests to make sure that our employees can recognize and assess any dangerous or hazardous situations. Common sense plays a key role in this aspect of health and safety. Being aware of the surroundings also helps to eliminate uncertainty. We encourage all of our employees to take time to walk around the workplace and get a feel for their surroundings before starting any work. Employees are to report any problem areas immediately. If areas of concern pose a threat to the health and safety of an individual, that individual must report immediately to the supervisor on site. The supervisor will assess the situation and take the necessary steps to correct the problem. If the situation requires a great deal of attention, then action must be taken.

6.0 Emergency Response First Aid Procedure 

The following reporting requirements are for your knowledge, as each one has specific recording and reporting information required. Any employee experiencing any of the following occurrences (expect critical or fatal injuries) must report as follows:

First-aid cases must be immediately reported to your supervisor or their designate, and they will record the required information in the first aid logbook.

Medical Aid/Health Care cases must be immediately reported to your supervisor, or their designate, as they will ensure prompt medical attention and, if required, transportation to a medical facility and initiate an investigation into the causes of the accident. The WSIB and the MOL will be notified by our company as required.

Lost-time injury cases are very serious, as the injured person will require time off work to recuperate. Report the injury immediately to your supervisor (if possible) so that they can arrange for prompt medical attention, transportation to a medical facility, and an investigation into the accident's causes. The WSIB and MOL will be notified by our company as required.

If you are the injured person, you are required to maintain contact with our company throughout the duration of your recovery. Critical or fatal injuries present extremely stressful conditions and must be handled quickly by trained personnel. The MOL must be notified immediately.

If you are first on the scene, the following steps should be followed:

• Send someone to immediately notify the supervisor and call 911.
• If qualified to do so, render first aid until help arrives.
• Send someone to guide the ambulance to the scene.
• Send someone to call our main office to activate our crisis response procedure.
• Stay with the injured person until the supervisor arrives.
• Turn the scene over to the supervisor once they have arrived.
• Restrict access to the accident scene (other than emergency/MOL).
• Rope off the accident area for the accident investigation.
• Notify the safety representative.

7.0 Hazard Reporting System 

7.1 Worker Responsibilities 

• Prior to beginning work, each employee will inspect the workplace.
• The employee must always be aware of their surroundings.
• It is the responsibility of the worker to report anything that they deem hazardous.
• Report any perceived hazard verbally to the site supervisor.
• Provide recommendations to the supervisor on how to eliminate or control the hazard.
• If the supervisor does not respond to your concern, you are to inform management.

7.2 Supervisor Responsibilities

• Discuss the hazards and controls with the worker, and complete the Hazard Identification Form.
• Respond to the worker’s concern by the next shift.
• Ensure that the form details the action or non-action that will be taken.
• Provide a copy of the completed Hazard Identification Form to middle management.

7.3 Middle Management Responsibilities

• Ensure action is taken to address the hazard identified.
• Initialize and date the Hazard Identification Form.

8.0 Company Health and Safety Rules 

 It is the policy of EEL Line Corporation to insist that all subcontractors, their employees, and our direct workforce understand and strictly adhere to the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and all applicable regulations. The duties and responsibilities of the supervisor, worker, and employer, as legislated in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, are of paramount importance. Below are some of the most fundamental safety rules; know them and adhere to them. Your foreman or project superintendent will inform you of any additional safety rules and procedures as the need arises.  

9.0 Personal Health and Safety Rules 

9.1 Confined Space

Confined spaces shall be identified, and a written procedure shall be established and followed for entry. A confined space is a space that is large enough and so configured that a person can bodily enter and perform assigned work but has limited or restricted means for entry or exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy. There are two classifications of confined spaces:

1. Restricted Confined Space: A confined space that does not contain or, with respect to atmospheric hazards, has the potential to contain any hazards capable of causing death or serious physical harm.
2. Permit Required confined space: A confined space that has one or more (or the potential) of the following characteristics: a hazardous atmosphere, engulfment, entrapment, asphyxiation due to internal configuration, or any other recognized serious hazard. Employees that enter restricted, confined spaces shall be appropriately trained to do so. Businesses with permit-required confined spaces must ensure that all employees who enter those spaces are appropriately trained, have proper equipment to enter those spaces, and have a rescue plan available.

9.2 Head Protection

C.S.A.-approved class “B” hardhats must be worn at all times while you are on the project.

9.3 Foot Protection

C.S.A.-approved footwear (“Green Patch”) with toe and sole protection must be worn at all times while you are on the project.

9.4 Skin Protection

Appropriate work clothing must be worn when handling and using tools and materials that may cause injuries to your skin.

9.5 Eye Protection

Face shields, goggles, or glasses must be worn by workers and must be of a design to afford suitable eye and face protection when:

• Welding, burning, or cutting with torches.
• Using abrasive wheels, portable grinders, or files.
• Chipping concrete, stone, or metal.
• Working with materials.
• Drilling or working under dusty conditions.
• Sand or water blasting.
• Waterproofing.
• Working on energized switchboards.
• Using explosive-actuated fastenings or nailing tools.
• Working with compressed air or other gases.
• When working near any of the operations listed above.

9.6 Clothing

For your protection on the job, DO NOT WEAR:

• Loose clothing or cuffs.
• Greasy or oily clothing, gloves, or boots.
• Torn or ragged clothing.
• Finger rings, bracelets, or neck chains.

9.7 Other Personal Protective Equipment

Other equipment, such as safety belts, full-body harnesses, respirators, reflective vests, floatation vests, ear protection devices, etc., must be worn when required by the Act or Regulations and your foreman.

9.8 Non-Prescription Drugs or Alcohol

Non-prescription drugs or alcohol will not be allowed on the job. Any employee found to be in possession of, or under the influence of, drugs or alcohol will not be allowed to work and is liable to be severely disciplined or terminated from employment.

9.9 Reporting Injuries and Accidents/Incidents

All injuries, accidents, or incidents, no matter how minor, must be reported immediately to your supervisor. The supervisor will conduct their investigation and report it to management.

9.10 Reporting Unsafe Practices and Conditions If you notice any unsafe practice or condition on the job, you are obligated by law and by this company to report the situation immediately to your supervisor so that corrective action can be taken.

9.11 Placement of Tools and Materials

Never place tools or materials near edges of openings or levels, as these items may fall onto someone below. Keep all tools and materials at least six feet away from edges and openings.

9.12 Tools and Equipment

EEL Line Corporation ensures that tools used by workers are in safe and proper working order. No unsafe equipment or tools are to be used on any job for any reason. Any defective or unsafe equipment must be brought to the attention of the supervisor immediately, and it is his responsibility to have such equipment returned to the shop for repair. It is a requirement that the use of all equipment and tools be operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations. Employees shall perform a visual inspection of all equipment and tools prior to use. Any equipment that may pose a hazard shall be immediately removed from service, tagged “Do Not Operate,"  and returned to the supervisor for repairs or disposal.

Guidelines for equipment and tools:

• An operator’s manual and/or instruction book for all equipment must be at the workplace, and the operator must be familiar with its contents for safe operation.
• An operator shall be trained and competent in the safe use of any powered equipment. A maintenance log must be kept at the workplace, showing repairs, dates, and identifying the machine repaired.
• Re-fueling operations for equipment must be performed outdoors.
• A load rating identification plate must be located on every machine and stamped on the appropriate component parts, indicating load capacities. No equipment, load, or tool shall pass over any individual.
• All equipment and tools must be secured in accordance with accepted practice.
• All permanent station machinery shall have a clearly marked and accessible emergency shut-off button.
• Prior to any repairs or maintenance, lock-out-tag-out procedures must be followed.
• Always remove and lock out the power source prior to making adjustments.
• Exposed moving parts shall be guarded accordingly.
• All equipment and tools shall meet the standards established by CSA, the manufacturer, and be maintained in good condition.
• No worker shall remove any protective device or guard from a machine, tool, or equipment for any reason.
• Grinding disk/wheels shall be compatible with the speed of the equipment, or the disk/wheel shall be removed and replaced.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter’s (GFCI) shall be used where electrical shock is a hazard, for work outdoors or in damp or wet conditions.
• Extension cord-connected electrical equipment shall be inspected for cracks in the outer castings or outer insulation daily. Any cords or equipment with cracks or cuts in the casing shall be removed for repairs.
• All cord-connected equipment shall be equipped with a ground pin and/or a CFGI system.

*Note: There may be some specific equipment, tools, or conditions that we may not have addressed here. Please refer to the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulations, and the manufacturer’s specifications for safe use for any questions.

9.13 Electrical Safety 

• Employees shall use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) on all portable tools and portable electrical devices used in service, maintenance, or installation activities at customer locations, or where there is the potential for exposure to damp or wet areas or the potential for damage to cords, plugs, or receptacles.
• Lockout and tagout procedures shall be followed per EEL Line control of hazardous energy sources.
• Use only non-conductive ladders (fibreglass, etc.) while performing electrical work.
• EEL Line requires the mandatory use of ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) whenever any work using electrical tools, cord sets, extension lights, etc. is being performed.
• At a minimum, technicians performing “live” work should have the following equipment: PPE, GFCI, multi-meter, insulated hand tools, double-insulated or grounded electrical tools, LOTO devices
• Conductive tools, equipment, accessories, and articles may not be used or worn if they have the potential to contact exposed, energized components.
• Jewelry is prohibited from being worn while working with live electricity.
• All portable power tools shall be of the three-wire grounded type or double-insulated.

            9.13.1 Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)

• It is the procedure of EEL Line to require the mandatory use of ground fault circuit interrupters whenever any mechanical work using electrical tools, cord sets, extension lights, etc. is being performed.
• The GFCI senses a ground fault the instant there is a current flowing to the ground and, in milliseconds, shuts off the power before an accident can happen. This broadens the margin of safety in a previously unguarded area of possible danger.
• The GFCI can be a small (hand-held type) three-prong plug-in unit for extension cord sets and cord-connected electrical tools. It plugs into existing three-prong straight blade, U-grounded outlets. Additionally, it can be inline, built into a circuit breaker or outlet.

            9.13.2 Verifying Grounds on Equipment

• All equipment will be tested for proper grounding or wire insulation loss prior to touching or starting any service work or new equipment start-up activity.

            9.13.3 Arc Flash Protection

• Employees will wear the appropriate level of PPE as determined in the EEL Line Electrical Safety Procedure as per the Hazard/Risk Classification. PPE protects the employee from arc flashes releasing energy that could cause severe injury or death. Proper PPE protects from electrical shocks or burns due to contact, clothing igniting in the extreme temperatures of an arc flash, flying debris from the explosion of components and molten metals being carried out from the explosion site due to the high temperatures experienced (35000 degrees), and the rapid expansion of air in an arc flash zone.
• All employees will follow safe work practices when exposed to circuits of 50 volts or greater while performing any work activity.
• EEL Line employees will not work on or near exposed energized components with greater than 600 volts at any time. A safe distance of greater than 10 feet will be maintained for all exposed energized components at all times.
• Employees will maintain a safe distance of 10 feet around all exposed electrical parts. Only qualified persons may work within a 4-foot boundary. All qualified persons working within the 4-foot boundary must wear arc flash protection PPE.

9.14 Lock-out /Tag-out

Prior to performing work on machines or equipment, employees shall identify all hazardous energy forms to a zero-energy state and secure them. This shall include, but is not limited to, the mandatory use of lockout/tag-out procedures when working on any electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, compressed gas, chemical, or thermal processes. Zero-energy state is defined as the elimination and/or control of hazardous energy such that it no longer represents a hazard to employees. Prior to equipment, system, or process shutdown, the authorized person will know the type and associated hazards to each energy source and the method to control the energy. Lockout or Tag-out devices shall be affixed to each energy-isolating device to prevent inadvertent energization during the procedure. The tag will show the name of the person, the date, and the reason the tag is on. Prior to starting any service or maintenance work on equipment systems or processes that have been locked or tagged out, each authorized person shall verify that the system has been effectively isolated and de-energized. Any person that will be working on the equipment or system must have their lock & tag in place and also have tried to start the equipment at the isolation devices before that person commences any work on the equipment. If the equipment to be worked on is powered by something other than electricity, such as pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, etc., all stored energy must be released from the systems. The source of energy must be locked and tagged out before work can proceed. When working in areas such as conveyances, bins, or chutes, all equipment feeding or discharging the piece of equipment must also be locked out in the same manner. The lockout procedure will also apply anywhere a guard is removed for the purpose of cleaning, removing debris, adjustment of equipment etc.

*Note: Any time a guard is removed, the equipment must be locked out.

Upon completion of the work, the areas must be inspected to ensure:

• The equipment is in running order, and all work has been completed.
• All affected workers are notified.
• All tools and materials are removed from the work area.
• The electrical panel's isolating switches are secured.
• All employees are aware of a potential start-up.
• All safety devices have been replaced. 

9.15 Welding Equipment and Hot Work

All welding operations shall conform to OHSA standards. Only qualified and competent persons shall operate or handle welding equipment. Employees shall wear appropriate personal protective equipment when welding or cutting, including, but not limited to, goggles, face shields and gloves, and long-sleeved shirts and pants.

9.16 Fall Protection System

The Fall Protection procedure is to review the basic principles and requirements in the workplace. The following systems create the Fall Protection procedures:

• Protective Cover System
• Travel Restraint System
• Fall Arrest System Fall Protection must be applied where a worker is exposed to any of the following hazards:
• Falling more than 3 meters. (10 feet)
• Falling more than 1.2 meters (4 feet) if the work area is used as a path for a wheelbarrow or similar equipment.
• Falling into operating machinery.
• Falling into water or another liquid.
• Falling into or onto a hazardous substance or object.
• Falling through an opening on a work surface.

A protective cover must be used to prevent a worker from falling through an opening on a work surface. The employee shall completely cover the opening with an identified cover that is securely fastened. The cover must be made from a material that is adequate to support all loads to which it may be subjected. The cover must be capable of supporting a live load of at least 2.4 kilopascals (50 psf) without exceeding the allowable unit stresses for the material used. A protective covering may be removed temporarily to perform work in or around the opening if a worker is adequately protected and signs are posted. 

The Travel Restraint System shall consist of a full body harness with adequate attachment points or a safety belt. The full-body harness shall be attached by a lifeline or lanyard to a fixed or temporary support. A competent worker shall inspect the system before each use. All defective components shall be removed and returned to the shop. 

The Fall Arrest System shall consist of a full body harness with adequate attachment points and a lanyard equipped with a shock absorber. The system shall be attached by a lifeline or by the lanyard to an independent fixed support or temporary support. The system shall be arranged so that a worker cannot hit the ground, an object, or a level below the work. A shock absorber shall not be used if it allows the worker to hit the ground, an object, or a level below the work. The system shall not subject a worker who falls to a peak fall arrest force greater than 8 kilo-Newton (1,800 lb. force). A competent worker shall inspect the system before each use. All defective components shall be removed and returned to the shop.

9.17 Heavy Lifting

Always seek assistance or use mechanical lifting devices when attempting to lift heavy material. Avoid awkward positions, and always lift with the legs, not your back. Your back is very susceptible to injury in a bent position.

9.18 Jumping 

No person shall jump from one level to another, and anyone discovered jumping will be reprimanded and subject to immediate termination from employment. Use proper means for access and egress.

9.19 Horseplay

Do not engage in any prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running, or boisterous conduct. 

9.20 Guardrails or Coverings

Do not remove guardrails or coverings.

10.0 Communication 

• Communication with the site supervisors.
• Communication with the workers.
• Communication by way of Toolbox Talks.

11.0 Acknowledge Success and Make Improvements 

We encourage our site supervisor to acknowledge good performance verbally in front of peers and by adding comments to employee files indicating good or bad performance.