SAFETy: safety handbook

Welcome to PayneCrest Electric, Inc. At PayneCrest, people are our most important asset. The safety and well being of all our employees is our greatest concern.

It is the policy of PayneCrest to provide the safest possible working conditions in the construction industry. No safety program can be effective without the participation of every employee.

In the interest of employee safety, PayneCrest has adopted the following Minimum Safe Work Requirements, which are outlined in this handbook. These Safe Work Requirements are expected to be complied with on all jobsites. Some jobsites may have more stringent requirements due to the hazards involved, or to meet the ownerâs requirements (PayneCrest reserves the right to modify these requirements when necessary).

Any employee who fails to abide by these and any other safety requirements will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Although management is primarily responsible for safety, each employee must be willing to do his/her share to guarantee a safe jobsite.

Minimum Safe Work Requirements
1 All accidents and incidents, resulting in personal injury or property damage, no matter how minor they may seem at the time, must be reported to your supervisor immediately.
2 Only medical facilities approved by PayneCrest are to be used.
3 PayneCrest has designated selected occupational medicine clinics for the treatment of all non-emergency injuries. These clinics are more experienced in the treatment of work related injuries and are better equipped to handle the types of injuries that are more common to our industry. These clinics have been contacted by PayneCrest and are familiar with our needs and requirements.
4 Alcoholic beverages and controlled substances are strictly prohibited on all jobsites; this includes designated parking areas. Reporting to work under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances or the abuse of prescription or over the counter drugs is strictly prohibited.
5 Weapons, firearms, fighting, threatening others, gambling and horseplay will not be tolerated.
6 Stealing, destruction or willful abuse of company or private property is illegal and will result in disciplinary and possibly legal action being taken.
7 Please report any unsafe condition, practice or equipment to your supervisor immediately so that it can be corrected or the equipment can be removed from service.
8 If you feel a task is unsafe, for any reason, or you have not been properly trained, consult your supervisor.
9 Know the locations of first aid kits and fire extinguishers. Also, you need to know the location of emergency exits and emergency equipment, such as, emergency showers and eyewashes.
10 Hot work permits, confined space entry permits and any other required permits must be completed before the task to be performed is begun, and all requirements must be strictly adhered to.
11 Good housekeeping is part of everyoneâs job. Do not leave tools, equipment or scrap where they can become a hazard.
12 It is each employeeâs responsibility to comply with all applicable OSHA, state and local requirements and regulations. If in doubt, consult your supervisor.
13 No employee is to leave the jobsite without first notifying their supervisor.

Personal Protective Equipment
1 Hard hats and safety glasses are required to be worn at all times, on all jobsites; no exceptions.
2 Sturdy work shoes are required to be worn at all times. Tennis shoes are not allowed.
3 Wear clothes suited for the job. No loose clothing, loose hair or dangling jewelry. Shirts with sleeves and long pants are required to be worn at all times.
4 Work gloves should be worn when handling materials, although, care must be taken when working around machinery or moving parts to prevent gloves from becoming snagged.
5 Full body harnesses with shock absorbing lanyards are required to be worn at all times when working on or near an un-guarded edge six feet or more above the lower level. Anchorage points must be sound and capable of withstanding anticipated forces in the event of a fall.
6 Do not tie a knot in your lanyard. Doing so may decrease the strength of the lanyard by 50%.
7 Inspect lanyards and any other fall protection equipment; before use. Do not use any equipment that you feel may be defective or unusually worn. Remember. This is the last thing between you and the ground.
8 When personal protective equipment is required to be used to perform a task, or your supervisor orders it, it must be used the entire time.
9 All personal protective equipment is to be used in the proper manner. If you are unsure how to use any personal protective equipment, consult your supervisor.
10 Seat belts must be worn when riding in company vehicles or in vehicles used for company business.

Tools, Machinery and Equipment
1 Before using any tool, machinery or equipment, including hand tools, electric tools, ladders, scaffolds or hoisting equipment, make sure that you have been instructed on how to use the equipment safely. If unsure, donât let your ego get in the way of your good sense, check with your supervisor.
2 Make sure all guards and protective devices are on all equipment before use. Removing, tampering with, or modifying guards or protective devices is prohibited.
3 Hand tools must be kept in good working condition at all times. Any defective hand tools, and this includes your personal tools, are not allowed on the jobsite.

Ladders
1 Inspect ladders before use. Make sure they are not damaged in any way.
2 All defective ladders are to be removed from the jobsite, tagged ãDo Not Useä or destroyed.
3 Ladders must only be used for their intended purpose.
4 Extension ladders must extend at least three feet above the landing and be tied off or manually held.
5 All ladders must be equipped with rubber non-slip safety feet.
6 Stepladders must only be used in the open position.
7 When climbing a ladder, face the ladder and have one hand on the ladder at all times.
8 Do not stand on the top or top step of stepladders. If your ladder is too short, get a taller ladder.

Scaffolding
1 All scaffolds must be erected under the supervision of a competent person.
2 Scaffolds must be erected on firm and adequate footings.
3 All damaged or defective scaffolds must be reported to your supervisor immediately.
4 Scaffolds must be equipped with toeboards if workers are required to work or pass under the scaffold.
5 When required to work on scaffolds near power lines you must maintain the minimum approach distance from the power lines. Donât forget, keep yourself and the materials and equipment that you use out of this zone.
6 All scaffolds over ten feet in height must have guardrails.
7 Scaffolds must be secured against tipping as required.
8 Scaffolds must be fully planked.
9 Never ride on a rolling scaffold.

General Work Rules
1 Be sure you know what is behind your vehicle before backing up. Get out and look if you have to.
2 Operators only on moving equipment. All passengers must be in passenger seats.
3 Inspect all construction vehicles and equipment daily, before use.
4 Be sure electrical devices and power tools are properly grounded or double insulated. All electric tools and cords must be protected by GFCI ground fault protection at all times.
5 Every tool is designed for a specific use. Using tools in a manner for which they were not designed is asking for trouble and will not be tolerated.

Manual Handling of Equipment and Materials
1 Learn to lift in the proper manner; bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs. Get help with heavy and/or bulky items.
2 Inspect the load to be lifted for sharp or rough areas and wet and greasy spots. Wear gloves when necessary.
3 Inspect the route over which the load is to be carried. Remember that your grip will weaken over a long distance.
4 Use mechanical lifting devices whenever possible.
5 Don’t throw anything from a height; even if you are sure no one is below.
6 All lifting and rigging equipment must be inspected prior to use.
7 Defective equipment must be removed from service immediately.
8 Rigging and lifting equipment must not be loaded in excess of the manufacturerâs recommended safe working loads.
9 Loads are not to be lifted over workers or vehicles at any time.
10 Do not ride on or get underneath suspended loads.
11 When storing equipment and materials, make sure the safe load limits of floors, roofs, etc., are not exceeded.
12 Keep aisles, passageways and emergency exits clear at all times.
13 Do not store materials or equipment within six feet of any hoistways, floor openings or unguarded edges.
14 Secure stored materials to prevent them from sliding, collapsing, spreading or tilting.

First Aid and Medical Attention
1 First aid kits are located in the construction trailer and in various locations around the jobsite.
2 If you require medical attention, beyond the jobsite first aid kit, you will be directed to the designated medical facility that is listed on the emergency procedures poster on the jobsite.
3 Make sure that you are familiar with the emergency procedures including phone numbers.
4 Give first aid to an injured person if you are trained to do so.
5 Never move a seriously injured person. The best thing you can do for that person is to call for help.

EMPLOYEE ACCESS TO MEDICAL RECORDS  
Per OSHA standard 1926.33, PayneCrest maintains the required medical records on all its employees. Whenever an employee or designated individual requests access to a record, PayneCrest shall assure that access is provided in a reasonable time. These records are available for viewing, upon request, by contacting the main office during regular business hours.

OSHA INSPECTION PROCEDURE
Generally an OSHA inspection will be an unannounced event. If OSHA arrives at your jobsite you should take the following steps:
1 Be polite.
2 The compliance officer must present his credentials.
3 Explain to him that company policy requires the Safety Director to be present for an OSHA inspection.
4 Do not refuse to let the compliance officer on the jobsite.
5 Escort the compliance officer to the job trailer and notify your supervisor who will contact the Safety Director. If possible, try to avoid any work areas.
6 When the Safety Director arrives, he will escort the compliance officer on the inspection.
7 Another contractor or the owner may allow OSHA onto the jobsite. If this happens, we cannot prevent the inspection of work areas. The highest ranking PayneCrest employee available shall accompany OSHA on their tour of the site and take notes about anything said or any photographs taken. The Safety Director should then be called as soon as possible.

PAYNECREST HAZARDOUS COMMUNICATION PROGRAM
The purpose of a Hazardous Communication program or HazCom is to ensure that any employee who may come in contact with a hazardous chemical is aware of the potential dangers of the material, knows what precautions to take and knows what to do if an accident occurs. 

There are seven parts to the OSHA Hazardous Communication standard.
1 A written Hazardous Communication program.
2 A jobsite chemical inventory of all hazardous chemicals on the jobsite.
3 A Material Safety Data Sheet or MSDS for every chemical on the list.
4 A chemical labeling program.
5 A training program with documentation that all employees on site have received HazCom training.
6 A procedure for instructing workers on the hazards of non-routine tasks that they may be performing.
7 A procedure for communicating with other contractors.

Material Safety Data Sheets
The chemical manufacturer writes the Material Safety Data Sheet, or MSDS, for the chemicals they produce or import. The MSDS communicates detailed information on the recommended safe use and handling procedures for that chemical.

MSDS’ are required to contain the following categories of information:
1 Date of preparation/revision.
2 Identification - what the product or chemical is.
3 Manufacturerâs name, address and phone number.
4 Hazardous Ingredients - how much of this material can I be safely exposed to and what are the effects of overexposure.
5 Emergency and First Aid Procedures.
6 Recommended Control Measures.
7 Physical Hazards.
8 Health Hazards.
9 Safe Handling Precautions.

Hazardous Chemical Labeling  
The HazCom standard requires that all chemical containers in the workplace have a label. The label must have the name of the chemical and an appropriate warning. The warning must be in symbols or words. All suppliers must also include their name and address so that they may be contacted for any additional information.
There are three types of labels in use. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Diamond Label and the Hazardous Material Identification System (HMIS) Square Label. These two labels use colors, symbols and numbers to indicate the degree of the hazard. The third type is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) which uses words in its warnings.
The diamond label system was developed to aid firemen in the identification of potential hazards in emergencies. The square label system was developed to communicate hazards to workers. Both may be found in the workplace and both use the same colors and numbering system. PayneCrest supplies every worker with a wallet-size HMIS guide.
The color codes are as follows:
Blue - Health Hazard ö what is the toxicity of the chemical?
Red - Flammability - how easily can these materials be ignited under normal conditions?
Yellow - Reactivity - how likely is the material to react by itself or when exposed to another material?
White - Special Protection ö the NFPA diamond label identifies a specific hazard, such as, if the material is water reactive or acidic while the HMIS square label identifies the personal protective equipment that must be used.
The numbers in the colored field shows the severity of the hazard. The numbers range from 0 (minimal) to 4 (severe).
In the blue field (Health) the numbers would indicate the following hazards:
0 - Minimal Hazard - little or no damage, even with heavy exposure.
1 - Slight Hazard - irritation or minor injury that can be treated.
2 - Moderate Hazard - may cause a permanent minor injury.
3 - Serious Hazard - short term exposure may cause a serious injury and needs quick medical attention.
4 - Severe Hazard - short-term exposure may cause death or serious injury, even with medical attention.
These hazards and the flammability and reactivity hazard ratings can be found on the ãHazardous Chemical Labelingä poster posted on all jobsites.
The ANSI labeling system consists of Precautionary Labeling. In this system you must read the label to find the hazards. The following information will be written on the label:
1
Statement of hazards.
2
Precautionary measures.
3
Instructions on exposure.
4
Instructions for handling spills and leaks.
5
Instructions for handling and storage.
6
A signal word
•
Caution is a minimal hazard.
• Warning is a moderate hazard.
• Danger is the highest hazard.          
Hazards Of Non-Routine Tasks
Your supervisor will explain to you the procedures to be followed and the protection to be used when performing work that is unusual in that it is only performed rarely.
Your supervisor will also inform you of any hazards presented by other contractors.
Communication with Other Contractors
PayneCrest provides itâs MSDSâ to the general contractor and makes them available to the other contractors on site. PayneCrest will also inform all parties concerned of any non-routine tasks that we will be performing that may affect their workers.
If there is any information that you do not understand concerning the PayneCrest Hazardous Communication Program, if you would like more information, or you notice an absence of labeling, MSDSâ or personal protective equipment on the jobsite, notify your supervisor immediately or call the Safety Director at  (314) 989-9900.
LOCKOUT/TAGOUT
Effective hazardous energy control procedures are required to protect employees while performing work in, on or around equipment, machines or hazardous processes where the unexpected start up, energization, or release of stored energy could occur and cause injury to these employees. Hazards being guarded against include being caught in, crushed, struck by, or thrown from moving equipment or contacting live electrical parts.
PayneCrest will employ its own lockout/tagout procedure, or when required, the procedure of the owner. Each new or transferred employee working in the immediate vicinity will be instructed in the purpose and use of this procedure. If you have any questions concerning the lock/tagout procedure in use please consult your supervisor.
AERIAL LIFTS 
PayneCrest has adopted the following minimum safe work requirements for work on or around aerial lifts (boom lifts, articulating lifts, scissors lifts, etc.):
1
Only employees who are properly qualified by training, knowledge and experience will be allowed to operate aerial lifts.
2
When using aerial lifts (except scissors type) employees must wear a harness with a shock absorbing lanyard attached to the designated attachment point on the basket or platform.
3
Aerial lifts are to be thoroughly inspected when they are first delivered to the jobsite.
4
Aerial lifts are to be inspected daily, before use.
5
If any defects or malfunctions are detected during an inspection, or develop during use, do not use the lift and immediately report the lift to your supervisor. Remove the lift from service.
6
Employees must stand on the floor of the basket and must not sit or climb on the railing or use planks, ladders or other devices to raise the work surface.
7
Boom and basket load limits will not be exceeded.
8
The lower level controls are only to be used in an emergency.
9
The access gate and/or chains are to remain closed, hooked or latched at all times.
10
Aerial lifts are not to be field modified.
11
The path of travel must be level and free of obstructions.
12
Aerial lifts are not to be used during storms or high winds.
13
The proper distance from electrical lines and apparatus must be maintained at all times.
14
When lifts are not in use the engine is to be shut off, the basket or platform is to be lowered and the parking brake is to be engaged or the wheels chocked.
15
The area beneath the aerial lift will be barricaded, as necessary, to prevent personnel from walking underneath work areas.
16
Be extremely careful to avoid striking objects or being struck by moving equipment, machinery, materials, etc. (lockout/tagout moving equipment as required).
17
Check all clearances before moving the lift or raising or lowering the platform.
18
Do not operate lifts on soft or uneven ground unless they are designed to be operated in these conditions.
19
Aerial lifts are not designed to be used for hoisting materials.
20
Ensure that there is good ventilation when using gas or diesel powered lifts.
21
Fuel and gas cylinders are not to be carried in baskets or on platforms.
22
Never tie yourself, or the basket, off to adjacent structures while working from the lift.
23
Never exit an aerial work platform, while elevated, unless the platform has been positioned within one foot of a safe and secure elevated structure. Be sure to allow for vertical movement when personnel enter or exit the basket. Always tie off to the structure before untying and exiting from the lift.
Remember: These are the minimum requirements set by PayneCrest. The individual jobsite may have stricter requirements.

SAFETY DISCIPLINARY POLICY
In order to help ensure a safe jobsite for our employees, our co-workers, the ownerâs employees and the public, PayneCrest has instituted a company wide disciplinary policy for the enforcement of safety rules.
First violation.  
•
Immediate correction.
•
Verbal warning issued by supervisor
Second violation of similar safety rules (within 2 years)
•
Immediate correction.
•
Written warning issued by Safety Director.
•
Employee(s) retrained as necessary.
Third violation of similar safety rules (within two years)
•
Immediate dismissal.
Three verbal warnings for violation of dissimilar safety rules (within two years).
•
Written warning issued by Safety Director.
•
Employee trained as necessary.
Three written warnings for dissimilar safety violations (within two years).
•
Immediate dismissal.
It is the policy of PayneCrest to dispute unemployment benefit claims filed by workers dismissed for safety violations.
It is important to PayneCrest that you understand the information provided to you in this Employee Safety Handbook. IF THERE IS ANY INFORMATION THAT YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND OR IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION, NOTIFY YOUR SUPERVISOR OR CONTACT THE SAFETY DIRECTOR AT (314) 989-9900.
PAYNECREST WILL DO EVERYTHING IN ITS POWER TO MAINTAIN A SAFE JOBSITE. YOUR COOPERATION IS NOT ONLY APPRECIATED, IT IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.
  Employee Safety Handbook  
And
Hazardous Communication Program