SECTION 8

SECTION 8

PERSONAL PROTECTION PROGRAM

1. Purpose

To establish the necessary personnel protection and guidelines needed to control or eliminate hazards or exposure to illness or injury.

2. Temporary Craft Employees

SMC will provide the following personal protection equipment for each craft employee, as required, by site conditions.

Leather Work Gloves *

Hard Hat (welders require two)

Safety Glasses (non-prescription)

Face Shields (Clear, for use with or without prescription glasses)

Safety Harness

Dust Masks

Respirators

Hearing protection

Protective clothing (as required)

Other safety equipment, such as welding gloves, and safety shoes, shall be provided by the employee.

3. Full-Time Employees

Full time employees will be provided the necessary personal protection equipment as outlined above, as required.

* Gloves will be replaced when they are worn out. Return gloves to the superintendent and they will be replaced. If they are lost, you will be required to pay for them through a payroll deduction.

HEARING PROTECTION

1. Purpose

To establish a hearing conservation/loss prevention program for those employees exposed to decibels of 85 dbs or greater.

2. Responsibility

The safety coordinator shall be responsible for the implementation of this procedure. The superintendent is responsible for the administration and compliance of this procedure.

3. Program Requirements

Monitor

The superintendent shall monitor his jobsite within the first week of work. He shall monitor all areas in which work will be occurring. The areas shall be monitored at least every hour and the results logged in a permanent binder.

With the arrival of equipment (diesel welders, forklifts, cranes, etc.) or beginning of a new process (grinding, drilling, steel erection), if possible, the equipment shall be monitored at a distance of three (3) feet. This shall be entered in the logbook.

Once a week the superintendent shall randomly monitor the construction site as part of his jobsite audit and fill out the log accordingly.

Upon completion of the job, the monitoring logbook shall be given to the safety coordinator for his retention. (This log shall be retained for two (2) years.)

Note: Sound levels decrease approximately 4 decibels per 10 feet.

Testing

All employees exposed to a noise level greater than 85 decibels shall have audiogram tests performed no more than 6 months from the date of first exposure, or 12 months if a mobile testing unit is used.

A certified Audiologist or physician shall conduct all testing. The employee shall not be subjected to work place noise for a period of 14 hours before the test.

The result of the base line (first) audiogram must be filed in the employee's personnel folder.

Employees shall have an annual audiogram within 12 months from the date of the baseline audiogram. The results of this test shall be given to the employee and a copy retained in the employee's file folder.

When annual audiograms are to be done, the safety coordinator shall ensure that the physician has the employee's baseline test and most recent audiogram at the time of testing.

If there is a change in the employee's hearing, the safety coordinator may request the test be repeated. This must be done within 30 days of the test.

The results of the annual audiogram shall be given to the employee. If there is a shift in the hearing threshold, the safety coordinator shall notify the employee, in writing, of the change in his hearing.

Employee Training

Employees shall be made aware of the effects of noise on his/her hearing. This shall include both long and short-term effects.

Employees shall be informed of hearing protection, the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the amount of protection each type provides. They shall be told how to properly use, care for and fit the hearing protection.

Employees shall be informed of the purpose of the hearing test, how it will be administered and the location of the testing facility.

Employees shall be "retrained" yearly as outlined above. This shall be conducted around the same time as the annual audiogram.

Employee training shall be documented on the training sheet. A copy of the training sheet shall be placed in the employee's file and the original sent to the safety coordinator at the Memphis office.

Hearing Protection

All employees shall wear hearing protection when exposed to decibels of 85 or higher. Examples are city traffic, planes landing, and 60-75 dbs. Heavy construction equipment, grinding operations 80-95 dbs, jackhammers, pneumatic drills/100-120 dbs.

Note: Foam earplugs offer a noise reduction of 29 decibels.

Record Retention

All medical records shall be retained as per SMC standards.

The safety coordinator shall maintain all noise exposure records for two years after the completion of the job.

RESPIRATORS

1. Purpose

To establish guidelines for selection, use and training of respirators.

2. Responsibility

The safety coordinator shall be responsible for the implementation and training required by this procedure. The superintendent or his designee is responsible for compliance to this procedure.

3. Definitions

TLV (Threshold Limit Value): The concentration of a chemical/particulate in the air that can be breathed for five consecutive eight-hour days without effects.

TWA (Time Weighted Average): Exposure to a hazardous material in any eight (8) hour work shift in any 40-hour week.

PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit): The average exposure in eight (8) hours. You can work safely in higher concentrations providing your average exposure is not higher than the PEL i.e., a chemical has a PEL of 10 PPM. Work could be as follows:

4 hrs at 5 PPM, 2 hrs at 10 PPM, 2 hrs at 15 PPM, and still be within the limit (4 hrs x 5 PPM) + (2 hrs x 10 PPM) + (2 hrs x 15 PPM) = 70 PPM ÷ 8 hrs = 8.75 PPM.

Ceiling: Exposure for a set number of minutes in an eight (8) hour day.

Max Peak: The maximum exposure (PPM) allowed in a specified time for eight (8) hours, i.e., a chemical has a ceiling of 25ppm for 10 minutes and a max peak of 50ppm. You can enter an atmosphere with a concentration of between 25 and 50ppm without a respirator providing you are not exposed for more than 10 minutes in eight (8) hours.

4. General Requirements

Physicals are required for all employees who wear respirators, as defined by this procedure.

Respirators covered under this section include:

1. Dust Masks - The disposable masks shall have two straps. These masks remove particles from the air. Do not protect against oxygen deficiencies, mists, fumes, or high concentrations of particulates.

2. Cartridge Respirators - Half or full mask type. Replaceable/interchangeable cartridges. The cartridge must be selected for the particular hazard. They do not protect against oxygen deficiencies or hazards not listed on the cartridge label.

3. SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) - Full mask type with its own air supply. Supplies are either 30 or 60 minutes. Protects against oxygen deficient atmospheres, and high concentrations of mists, particles, and vapors.

Single strap disposable masks are not recognized by OSHA as a dust mask. They are acceptable for warming cold air in normal atmospheric conditions.

Only clean, oil free air shall be used in SCBA's. Oxygen shall not be used.

Cartridges shall be used only once and properly disposed of. It may be necessary to replace cartridges more than once, depending on the atmospheric conditions.

Air purification respirators are not a substitute for oxygen-depleted atmospheres.

Respirators will not protect employees from hazards absorbed through the skin.

5. Prequalification/Training

Medical

Medical examinations are required to determine an employee's physical fitness to wear a respirator, which is required to perform a job in a hazardous environment.

The physician shall be given a copy of the employee's duties and previous medical information, how frequently he must wear a respirator and what stress he might encounter.

The physician's report shall contain the following information:

Employee name

Date of examinations

Any medical reason(s) why the employee may be restricted from wearing a respirator based on the information supplied above.

A copy of the medical exam shall be put in the employee's folder and the original sent to the safety coordinator at the Memphis office.

Based on the results of the examination, the employee shall be classified as follows:

Class 1 No restrictions

Class 2 Restrictions on respirator types and tasks

Class 3 No respirator use

A copy of this report shall be given to the employee upon his request.

The employee shall be re-examined every three years to determine his fitness for continued respirator work.

The employee shall then be fitted for the respirator. This shall be done by a competent person as outlined below.

1. Employee shall select a respirator and be allowed to examine it.

2. Employee shall put on the respirator and have it properly fitted.

3. Wear it in a normal atmosphere to become familiar with the respirator.

4. Wear it in a test environment (this is a test involving a harmless irritant).

5. If an odor is detected, the face piece shall be adjusted and the test taken again or test a different respirator.

Technical

Each employee who has been fitted for a respirator shall be informed how to determine selection of a respirator and its limitations as outlined in the next three subsections.

· Respirator Selection

HAZARD	RESPIRATOR
Oxygen deficiency	SCBA
Particulate/gas/vapor or combination immediately dangerous to life/health	SCBA/Air purifying full face respirator
Particulate/gas/vapor or combination not immediately dangerous to life/health	Air purifying half mask respirator

· Limitation of Respirators

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

The wearer carries his own breathing atmosphere.

Limitations: The period over which the device will provide protection is limited by the amount of air or oxygen in the apparatus, the ambient atmospheric pressure (service life of open-circuit devices is cut in half by a doubling of the atmospheric pressure), and the type of work being performed. Some SCBA devices have a short service life (less than 15 minutes) and are suitable only for escape (self-rescue) from an irrespirable atmosphere.

Chief limitations of SCBA devices are their weight or bulk, or both, limited service life, and the training required for their maintenance and safe use.

1. Closed-Circuit SCBA: The closed circuit operation conserves oxygen and permits longer service life at reduced weight. The negative-pressure type produces a negative pressure in the respiratory-inlet covering during inhalation, and this may permit inward leakage of contaminant; whereas the positive-pressure type always maintains a positive pressure in the respiratory-inlet covering and is less apt to permit inward leakage of contaminants.

2. Open-Circuit SCBA: The demand type produces a negative pressure in the respiratory-inlet covering during inhalation, whereas the pressure-demand type maintains a positive pressure in the respiratory-inlet covering during inhalation and is less apt to permit inward leakage of contaminants.

Air-Purifying Respirators

General Limitations: air-purifying respirators do not protect against oxygen deficient atmospheres or against skin irritations by absorption through the skin of airborne contaminants.

The maximum contaminant concentration against which an air-purifying respirator will protect is determined by the design efficiency and capacity of the cartridge, canister, or filter and the face piece-to-face seal on the use. For gases and vapors, the maximum concentration for which the air-purifying element is designed is specified by the manufacturer or is listed on labels of cartridges and canisters.

Non-powered air purifying respirators will not provide the maximum design protection specified unless the face piece or mouthpiece/nose clamp is carefully fitted to the wearer's face to prevent inward leakage. The time period over which protection is provided is dependent on canister, cartridge, or filter type; concentrations of contaminant; humidity levels in the ambient atmosphere; and the wearer's respiratory rate.

The proper type of canister, cartridge, or filter must be selected for the particular atmosphere and conditions. Non-powered air purifying respirators may cause discomfort due to a noticeable resistance to inhalation. This problem is minimized in powered respirators. Respirator face pieces present special problems to individuals required to wear prescription lenses. These devices do have the advantage of being small light, and simple in operation.

Use of air purifying respirators in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health is limited to specific devices under specific conditions.

Vapor and Gas Removing Respirators

Limitations: No protection is provided against particulate contaminants. A rise in canister or cartridge temperature indicates that a gas or vapor is being removed from the inspired air.

An uncomfortably high temperature indicated a high concentration of gas or vapor and requires an immediate return to fresh air.

Use should be avoided in atmospheres where the contaminant(s) lacks sufficient warning properties (that is: odor taste, or irritation at a concentration in air at or above the permissible exposure limit). (Vapor and gas removing respirators are not approved for contaminants that lack adequate warning properties.)

Not for use in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health unless the device is a powered-type respirator with escape provisions.

1. Full Face piece Respirator: Provides protection against eye irritation in addition to respiratory protection.

2. Quarter-Mask and Half-Mask Face piece Respirator: A fabric covering (facelet) available from some manufacturers shall not be used.

3. Mouthpiece Respirator: Shall be used only for escape applications. Mouth breathing prevents detection of contaminant by odor. Nose clamp must be securely in place to prevent nasal breathing. A small lightweight device that can be donned quickly.

Particulate Removing Respirators

Limitations: Protection against nonvolatile particles only. No protection against gases and vapors.

Not for use in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health unless the device is a powered-type respirator with escape provisions.

1. Full Face piece Respirator: Provides protection against eye irritation in addition to respiratory protection.

2. Quarter-Mask and Half-Mask Face piece Respirator: A fabric covering (facelet) available from some manufacturers shall not be used unless approved for use with respirator.

3. Mouthpiece Respirator: Shall be used only for escape applications. Mouth breathing prevents detection of contaminant by odor. Nose clamp must be securely in place to prevent nasal breathing.

A small lightweight device that can be donned quickly.

· Selection of Gas Mask Canister

COLOR OF BODY	PROTECTED AGAINST
White	Acid gases
White w/½" green band near bottom	Hydrocyanic acid gases
White w/½" yellow band near bottom	Chlorine gas
Black	Organic vapor
Green	Ammonia
Green w/½" white band near bottom	Acid gas/ammonia gas
Blue	Carbon monoxide
Yellow	Acid gas/organic vapor
Yellow w/½" blue band on bottom	Hydrocyanic acid gas/chloropicrin vapor
Brown	Acid gas/organic vapor/ammonia gas
Purple	Radioactive materials except tritium and noble gas
Canister color above w/gray band near top	Particulates (dust, mist, fumes in combination w/above gases/vapors
Red/gray band near top	All of the above
Orange	Gases not identified above

Note: The primary means of identification shall be the properly worded labels. Secondary means is by color. The can shall also list the protection against PPM.

Employees shall be trained how to inspect the respirator and perform negative and positive pressure tests.

Document all training on training forms. A copy of this training sheet shall be filed in the employee file and the original sent to the Safety Coordinator at the Memphis office.

6. Operations

The superintendent is responsible for the proper selection and inspection of respirators and cartridges. This shall be done using the information obtained from the atmosphere monitor(s), and any other information available including MSDS.

The superintendent shall inform the employee of the PEL, TWA, TLV, Ceiling and Max Peak of the hazard before he/she performs his/her job. This may be done during the pre-entry meeting (if required, see the Confined Space Program).

Where respirators are used in an immediate danger to life or health atmosphere, an additional employee shall stand by with a SCBA.

Before entering a hazardous atmosphere, the respirator shall be put on. Take a few deep breaths to ensure the valves are operating correctly. An odor test shall be conducted near the face piece. After performing the odor test, a negative pressure test shall be done as indicated below:

1. Cover the air inlets. If the respirator has a hose, disconnect it and cover the end or pinch it closed.

2. Gently inhale so the face piece collapses slightly, hold your breath for 10-15 seconds, and move your head to different positions.

3. The face piece should stay collapsed while you hold your breath. If it doesn't, there is an air leak around the seal.

Before entering the hazardous atmosphere, all safety harnesses, lifelines shall be in place. All communication signals or means of communications shall be agreed upon and in working order (see the Confined Space Entry Program).

During the performance of their work, employees should conduct a positive pressure test (if possible) as outlined below.

1. Cover the exhaust valve and exhale gently into the face piece.

2. If the face piece bulges out, then there is a good seal.

If at any time the employee notices any of the following, he/she shall leave the area immediately.

1. The respirator becomes damaged.

2. Breathing becomes difficult.

3. Detect any odor, taste, or irritation.

4. Experience dizziness, nausea, weakness, coughing, or shortness of breath.

5. Vision becomes impaired.

6. Air flow stops/slows down or pressure gauge drops be low minimum level.

Note: Immediately check your respirator for leaks, damage, clogged filters, etc. Replace as required before re-entry.

An attendant is required when employees are performing work while wearing respirators. See the Confined Space Entry Program for required training and duties of the attendant.

7. Inspection

All respirators, except disposable dust masks, shall be inspected before and after each use.

The superintendent shall inspect each respirator before it is issued for the following conditions.

1. The suspension shall be checked for worn or frayed straps.

2. The face piece shall be inspected for wear or damage along the face seal.

3. Check for holes in the mask and hose(s).

4. Verify that all hardware is tight.

5. All rubber and plastic parts are flexible.

6. Valves are clean and free from obstruction. Threads for cartridges are free of damage.

7. Ensure filters and cartridges are the right kind for the atmosphere.

8. All SCBA air tanks are full and in working order.

If any damage is noted as outlined above, the respirator shall be removed from service and repaired by an experienced individual.

Upon return of the unit, the superintendent shall re-inspect the respirator as outlined above.

If no defects are found, the respirator shall be cleaned as outlined above.

Emergency respirators shall be inspected before and after each use and monthly, whether the unit was used or not. Inspection(s) shall be documented on the form found at the end of this section.

8. Cleaning and Storage

After each use, all respirators, other than the disposable masks shall be cleaned and disinfected as outlined below.

Disconnect/remove filters, screens, suspensions (hoses, if possible), and wash the respirator in a mild detergent and warm water. If scrubbing is required, use a soft brush.

Thoroughly rinse the respirator in warm water to remove all detergent residues. Any residue may damage the respirator or cause discomfort the next time it is worn.

Disinfect the unit using alcohol.

Re-rinse the respirator and allow it to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight or excessive heat. If needed, use a clean, lint free cloth to remove excess moisture. A fan may be used to increase drying.

After the unit is completely dry, it shall be re-assembled using the manufacturer's instructions.

Respirators may be stored in clear plastic bags, or in carrying cases supplied by the manufacturer.

The respirator shall be stacked or stored with the face piece and exhaust valves resting in a normal position to avoid warpage.

Emergency respirators shall be stored per the manufacturer's recommendations.

Do not store respirators in gang boxes or stack material on them. Respirators should be protected against dust, sunlight, heat, extreme cold, moisture, and chemicals.

Emergency respirators shall be stored in a lockable container.

9. Audits

The program shall be inspected annually to evaluate its effectiveness. Auditing shall include but not limited to: Documentation of training. Employees understanding, compliance and frequency of use. The program shall be revised as required by changes mandated by the governing agencies or the program's ineffectiveness.

EMERGENCY RESPIRATOR INSPECTION

Respirator Number:________________ Date:____________________

Monthly Inspection Normal Use:

YES	NO	DESCRIPTION

		Headgear is free of damage (cuts, frayed, excessive wear. All clips, fasteners and adjusters are in place.)

		Face piece is free from dirt, holes, gears, and cracks. Face piece is not bent or deformed due to improper storage.

		Rubber and plastic parts are flexible.

		Valves are not distorted, are free of dirt, cracks, tears.

		Hoses are free of holes, cuts, tears

		Clamps, screws, and other hardware are in place and secure.

		All air tanks for SCBA's are fully charged.

		Harness/suspension is free of damage (cuts, frayed, excessive wear. All clips, adjusters are in place.)

Comments:__________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Inspected By:______________________________

HAND PROTECTION

1. Scope

The scope of this procedure is to advise the superintendent, foreman and safety department personnel of the proper form of hand protection required for specific jobs.

2. Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the foreman and superintendent to ensure the employees use hand protection where necessary and the proper form is used.

Glove Type	Application

General Purpose Cloth	Hand tools, picking up trash, rebar, rope

Leather/Leather Palm	Wire rope, piping, steel, handling lumber, glass demolition work, rigging

Heat Resistant	Welding, cutting, burning, any other hot work

Chemical Resistant (See Note)	See Below

Hazardous Substance	Recommended Materials

Acids (Sulfuric, Phosphoric) > 90%	Neoprene, PVC, Barricade
Alcohol’s	Butyl Rubber
Aromatic Gas Oil	Nitrile
Aromatic Solvents (Xylene, Toluene)	Nitrile
Caustic (Sodium Hydroxide 30 - 70%)	Neoprene, Nitrile, PVC
Crude Oil	Neoprene
Epoxy Resins	Butyl Rubber
Gasoline	Nitrile, PVC, Neoprene
Petroleum Distillates	Neoprene
Process Gas Oil	Nitril, Neoprene

Note: These are some of the chemicals that employees may come in contact with. For additional applications, consult the safety department or local supplier.

PAYROLL DEDUCTION AUTHORIZATION

I, ___________________________________________________, understand that a one-time payroll deduction of __________________________________ will be made on my paycheck the week of ____________________________________. This is to cover_____________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Superintendent_____________________________________ Date________________________

Employee_________________________________ ID No._____________ Date_____________