Annual Safety Agreement

Everyone is responsible for safety. Violations of the safe work practices shall be subject to disciplinary action. Project managers, job superintendents, supervisors and foremen are responsible for enforcing safe work practices and issuing safety violations. Employees who disregard policy, procedures and safety regulations, putting themselves and others in danger, shall be immediately notified and corrective actions shall be taken. Employees may be suspended without pay, for the rest of the day. If an offense is severe, egregious, or willfully puts others in immediate danger, discipline may result in termination.

The use of drugs and alcohol in the workplace is prohibited and can lead to accidents and endanger others. NAC may test employees for drugs or alcohol when there is reasonable suspicion, post-accident testing, or for client requirements. Employees will be notified, and testing shall be administered by a certified facility. Employees should inform their supervisor if taking prescription medications that may affect driving ability, or otherwise increase risk of injury.

Employees shall identify emergency exit routes on job-sites, and be aware of meeting locations for severe weather and site evacuations. Employees shall always heed alarm warnings, and meet at designated locations to ensure supervisors can account for all people. Identify fire extinguisher locations, first aid kits, and AEDs to improve response times. Also, know who is first aid trained.

Use of NAC vehicles is a privilege. Employees must follow all traffic laws, maintain a valid driver’s license, and a good driving record. Avoid using your phone while driving, and use hands-free system if you must. Any problems with a vehicle shall be reported to the fleet manager. Employees are responsible for paying parking tickets, and other moving violations. Do not transport non-NAC people unless approved, and keep vehicles clean. If you get in an accident, complete the accident form located in the glove box, and contact the fleet manager in the office.

Everyone has a right to a safe work environment, free of unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that disrupts or interferes with work, performance, or creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile environment. Anyone accused of harassment will undergo an investigation which may lead to disciplinary actions. To report harassment, speak to your supervisor, HR, or senior management.

If you are injured on the job, report the injury immediately to your supervisor and to the Safety Coordinator. After seeking necessary medical treatment, provide all paperwork regarding workability to NAC. If you receive work restrictions, NAC will seek to get you back to work. If you receive treatment outside of the UCWCP network, NAC may ask you to see an in-network doctor familiar with occupational hazards and job descriptions for a second opinion. NOTE: If your injury is severe or life-threatening, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. If your injury is not severe, NAC will find a clinic within the UCWCP network that is convenient for you, such as the Minnesota Occupational Health clinic (651)968-5300.

Construction sites are ever changing, and safety planning is essential in preventing incidents and injuries. Ensure good housekeeping, effective barricades, and regular inspections on each job-site. Ensure tools and equipment are in good working order, and all necessary safety guards and devices are in use. NAC may require the use of Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA), Pre-task Planning, and Site-specific Safety Plans on the jobsite, and expects your cooperation for a safe and successful project.

Fall protection is required when exposed to unguarded fall hazards greater than 6 feet high. Employees have three options: 1) Use guardrails that can withstand 200 lbs downward and outward pressure without failing, and have midrail. 2) Wear personal fall arrest system (PFAS) fall harness, shock absorbing lanyard or self-retracting lifeline, and an anchorage point capable of supporting 5000 lbs of force. The equipment used shall be exclusive for fall protection, and employees shall be trained on the inspection and proper use of equipment, and shall always have a rescue plan in the event of a fall while wearing PFAS. 3) Warning line system of cones, or stanchions, flagged every 6 feet. Warning lines must be set 15 feet from the unguarded edge/ fall hazard.

For Service Professionals: OSHA’s 2016 update to Walking/Working Surfaces states if a task is infrequent and temporary, such as service maintenance or repair (not construction), a warning line can be set at 6 feet from the edge. Working closer than 6 feet from an unguarded edge/fall hazard requires conventional fall protection like PFAS or guardrails. Note: If you are working 15 feet or more from the edge, while implementing a work rule stating "no employee shall get closer than 15 feet without additional fall protection," then no fall protection is technically required under this new standard. BUT, If service work is frequent or continual (or on a construction site), employees MUST use fall protection.

Skylights + Holes: All holes 2” or larger shall be covered, secured and marked "hole" or "cover". They must be capable of withstanding 2x the anticipated load. Skylights are not guaranteed to withstand the force of a fall, and shall be treated as open holes. Employees shall use guardrails, covers, warning lines or PFAS around skylights.

Inspect hand and power tools before use to ensure they are in good condition, and that guards are in place. If a tool is damaged, tag-it “do not use” and describe problem. Send the tool back to the shop for assessment and replacement. All employees shall be trained on the safe operation of tools and equipment, and shall follow manufacturer instructions. If training is required, contact your supervisor. Safety glasses shall be worn while working with tools. Face shields shall also be worn when there is a risk of flying particles.

Employees shall wear hi-visibility vests while working around heavy equipment. Always maintain a safe distance, never walk behind equipment, and never assume an operator sees you. When backing up, or when sight is limited, operators should use a spotter. All operators shall follow manufacturer instructions and be familiar with operating the machine.

All employees should be trained on the hazards and safe use of scaffolding. Scaffolding must be inspected before use. Utilize a tag to indicate if scaffolding is safe to use. Mobile scaffolding should have brakes set when in use. Scaffolding must support 4x the maximum load, footings should be stable, it should be plumb and level, and planking shall be secure and extend 6-12” beyond support. Access using a ladder or designated entry, but never climb on the cross braces. If scaffolding is 4h:1w, it should be secured to prevent falling.

NAC is responsible for ensuring subcontractors are meeting the same safety standards as our own employees. While on the job-site, communicate safety requirements, training, and announcements with NAC subcontractors, so they know what is required of them. If lending equipment to contractors, NAC has an equipment release form to fill out, which ensures inspections occur before and after use. Also, all equipment must be used safely, according to manufacturer instructions. If issues arise, contact your supervisor or PM.

Before you dig, call 811 or gopherstateonecall.org, to locate all public utilities on-site such as electrical, sewer, water, gas, and fiber optics. Additional locates on private property will likely be required as well. Once locates are identified, document locations with photographs, and provide additional markers using distinctly different paint or flags as necessary, but never adjust the utility’s locate markers. The competent person shall inspect trenches/excavations daily and be able to anticipate hazards and have the authority to make changes. No person shall enter an unsafe trench/excavation with cracks, fissures, or with standing water due to risk of cave-ins. Trenches and excavations 4 feet or deeper require a ladder for access within 25 feet, and test for hazardous air using 4-gas monitor when hazards are anticipated. Keep all spoils 2 feet back from the edge, and keep heavy equipment and loads at a safe distance. 5 feet or deeper, shield, shore, or slope according to soil type before employees may enter to prevent cave-ins. Determine soil type with a visual test (what is it made of dry/sandy, wet/clay, etc. Also consider nearby structures) and physical test (compress soil into a ball and push your thumb it, minimal dent is type A, major dent type C) and slope accordingly: Type A 1 : 3/4 slope, Type B 1:1 slope, Type C 1 : 1.5.

NAC does not abate asbestos. If you suspect asbestos, stop work, inform the site contact and your supervisor to begin testing and abatement. Always respect abatement crew barricades. Asbestos is fibrous rock used in high-heat/strength applications. It is often found in tiles, insulation, thermal system insulations, glues/pucks, and gaskets. It is not hazardous unless it is disturbed and becomes airborne.

You may encounter lead on the jobsite in paint, pipes, welding/cutting, electrical conduits and old wiring. Use engineering controls such as wet cutting and vacuum attachments to reduce airborne lead. Use PPE to prevent contact and protect clothes. Never dry scrape or use heat guns on lead containing material.

Employees shall utilize engineering controls, such as wet cutting, and vacuum attachments, safe work practices, and isolation to help prevent exposure to silica and protect health. Increase ventilation, use of HEPA filters, do not dry sweep or use compressed air for cleaning to minimize visible and respirable dust. Crystalline silica is a type of quartz rock found in many hard materials such as concrete, drywall, and bricks/tiles. Silica particles become respirable when workers chip, cut, drill, crush or grind objects that contain crystalline silica, and when inhaled, these particles get trapped in the lungs and can cause lung cancer over time.

NAC seeks to reduce our impact on the environment, and improve housekeeping on jobsites through recycling and reducing waste. Identify disposal methods on each job, and develop a plan to regularly clean and dispose of recyclables and waste. Certain waste must be documented to ensure proper disposal. If a hazardous material spill occurs, Stop the source of the spill, Call 911 if a public safety hazard is created, Contain the spill, Report the spill to NAC, Clean it up using a spill clean up kit or response service. Block all wastewater drains, bodies of water, and drainage areas to prevent spills into our waterways and protect our community and environment.

Confined spaces are large enough to enter, not meant for continuous occupancy, and have a limited means of entry. When there are also hazards likely to seriously harm or kill an entrant, it becomes a permit required confined space (PRCS). All PRCS’s require a permit to be completed prior to entry, to document and ensure all hazards are identified and eliminated, and that a rescue plan is discussed. Always test the air prior to entering a confined space to make sure it is safe to breath. Wear 4-gas monitor during entry, and ensure an Attendant is stationed outside the space, communicating with Authorized Entrants. Mechanical means of non-entry rescue is required when vertical entry is deeper than 5 feet.

All cords on job-sites shall be double insulated, or have GFCI. Inspect cords daily, and avoid damaging cords. All temporary electrical must be at least 8 feet up or be protected in a junction box. Turtle boxes shall be tested daily. If equipment is damage, mark out of service. Qualified persons shall not work on or near live electrical parts unless they are de-energized, guarded by insulation, or implement work practices/other effective means to protect against harm. Qualified persons shall heed all warnings, take the necessary precautions such as donning appropriately rated arc flash suit, wear shock resistant /arc flash gloves, and maintain a safe working distance. NAC has a live electrical work permit to complete when shut-down is not feasible.

Hot work is any work that produces sparks or slags that can ignite a fire, and requires taking precautions to prevent fires. Remove all flammable materials or cover with a fire blanket. Have a fire watch during hot work and 30 minutes after, and have a fire extinguisher within 10 feet of operations. Complete hot work permits, and follow the facility requirements. Extended fire watches may be required for up to 3 hours after hot work is completed. When welding, ensure all equipment and cables are in good condition, and wear welding PPE.

Prior working on piping systems, employees shall take appropriate precautions to prevent unintended release of contents and avoid safety hazards. Trace the line to ensure all valves are shut and locked/tagged out when needed. Take additional precautions such as flushing the line, monitoring the contents, and completing any required permits prior to breaking. If leaks detected during pressure tests cannot be easily resolved, a supervisor should investigate the cause to identify if there are quality concerns, which can result in hazardous situations.

Employees shall utilize lockout/tagout to prevent the release of hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance activities, or when machine guards or safety devices are removed or bypassed, or when they are in harm’s way. Each employee working on equipment shall have their own lock with one key. Never remove someone else’s lock. Multiple people working on the same equipment shall use separate locks. >>Steps for lockout/tagout: 1) Notify affected workers. 2) Identify energy sources and shutoffs. 3) Shut down equipment. 4) Isolate equipment from energy sources. 5) Apply locks and tags. 6) Release stored energy (springs, hydraulics, pressure, heat, gravity, etc) and use physical blocks if needed. 7) Verify that shutdown/isolation was effective at preventing release of hazards.

Always use the precautionary principle and assume all blood and other potentially infectious material contain bloodborne pathogens. Protect against transmission of infectious material by using gloves, shields, and protective equipment. Dispose of all potentially infectious material properly, and wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Ensure all jobsites have first aid kits available.

Extreme temperatures can pose a health hazard and precautions should be taken to avoid illness caused by exposure to extreme temperatures. Heat illness can be prevented by staying hydrated, having cool down break areas, following work/rest cycles, and alternating work schedules to do heavy work in the cooler parts of the day. Recognize the signs of heat stress and seek medical attention if someone becomes ill, is very dizzy, or is unresponsive. Hypothermia and frost-bite can be prevented by wearing appropriate layers in the cold, wearing hats and gloves, drinking warm fluids, and also having heated break areas. If someone shows signs of hot or cold stress, warm up the body by applying cold or hot packs to the neck, groin, and armpits to help control the body temperature.

Ensure all chemicals are labeled, and consult the hazard information on the Safety Data Sheets (SDS). NAC’s SDS book can be found on our website’s employee page. Any time you are doing a non-routine task involving harzardous substances review the SDS, or contact the safety coordinator. Wear appropriate PPE as needed, and follow storage requirements. If a spill occurs, stop the source, prevent contamination of groundwater by blocking drains, and proceed to cleanup according to SDS instructions. Document the size of spills and additional details. Inform your supervisor and Safety Coordinator of any spills.

All NAC employees shall wear PPE that is appropriate for the job hazards. High-visibility vests are required when working around heavy equipment, roadways, in low light, and on construction sites. Employees shall wear safety glasses when exposed to flying particles, dust, debris, and on construction sites. Face shields shall be work when grinding, with safety glasses worn underneath. Hard hats are required on construction sites, when overhead hazards, or when bumping your head is a risk. NAC provides cut resistant gloves that should be worn when cut hazards are present. Cut resistant sleeves are available upon request and should be used during demolition of ductwork, or other sharp objects. Hearing protection should be worn when noises exceed 90 dB, or when loud short duration noises are present. All equipment shall be inspected before use, kept clean and sanitary, and be replaced when needed. Additional PPE is available for specialty work. If you need something, contact your supervisor.

NAC provides respiratory protection to employees when needed. Employees may use respirators voluntarily after reviewing OSHA’s appendix B, which states: follow manufacturer instructions, know mask limitations, maintain good hygiene, and store properly. Dust mask style N95 respirators are available for voluntary use. Half face cartridge respirators are also available for voluntary use after users complete a medical questionnaire to ensure they can safely wear a respirator. Any time you are required to wear a respirator due to presence of hazards or requirement by employer, users must be clean-shaven, and complete the medical questionnaire AND an annual fit test. Note: Respirators should be a last resort, and elimination, isolation or engineering controls should be prioritized to control hazards. Particulate respirators do not protect against chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, etc. so specialty cartridges must be used.

Equipment used for material handling shall be inspected before use to ensure it is good condition, and be used according to manufacturer instructions. Annual inspections may be required for equipment, such as for hoists and material lifts. If equipment is damaged, take it out of service and return to the shop for inspections. Always seek to use mechanical lifting aids when possible for items over 100 pounds, ensuring you never stand under an elevated load

Ergonomics is another component of material handling, and using safe lifting techniques is essential in preventing musculoskeletal injuries. Always warm up muscles prior to a heavy work and stay hydrated. When lifting items more than 50 pounds, use a partner or groups, and have a plan prior to lifting. Lift with your legs, keep object close to the body, have a good grip, and don’t twist while lifting. For overhead work, reduce shoulder strain by using larger ladders, use chainfalls, and opt for lighter equipment when possible.

In addition to the crane company’s pick plan, NAC uses a Crane Lift Form to improve communication during crane lifts, and increase safety awareness. Certified rigging signal person shall signal crane, and fall protection shall be used if exposed to falls greater than 6 feet. Hoists and rigging equipment must be inspected and used properly to prevent serious injuries or fatalities. If equipment is damage, take it out of service and do not use. Never exceed load capacity ratings for equipment, and always elevate load slightly to check center of gravity. Ensure the rigging method is effective for the load. Never exceed lifting capacities, and use a tagline to keep a safe distance and prevent being struck-by elevated loads. Ensure all hoists are in good condition and are on a suitable support structure with a safe working load limit exceeding the weight of the load and equipment.

You must be trained and authorized to operate a forklift. A hands-on evaluation is required every three years. Inspect forklifts prior to use, before each shift. If you operate a new type of forklift, always familiarize yourself with the lift, review the load capacity ratings and information plate, and complete a thorough inspection and test run. Always inspect the area in which your working for hazards. Always wear your seatbelt, never attempt to jump out if forklift tips. Give pedestrians the right of way, use your horn on blind intersections, use spotters and drive backwards when view is obstructed. Never exceed load capacities, carry loads uphill on inclines, and carry loads as low as possible. Pedestrians should never assume a forklift sees them, and should give forklifts the right of way. If pedestrians approach lifts, be sure to lower loads and set brakes before signaling pedestrian over. Forklifts pose many hazards that can kill.

Ensure all chemicals are stored according to manufacturer instructions, and do not create an additional hazard. Create a staging area on job-sites and maintain good housekeeping. Clean up spills immediately, and never block exit routes, fire extinguishers, eyewashes or electrical boxes. Store flammable material separate from combustibles, and ensure to maintain at least 18” from the ceiling. Stack pipes and other materials in a manner that prevents rolling or falling when removing one item.

Compressed air should not be used for cleaning silica containing dust. Always wear safety glasses. Never exceed 30 PSI by using pressure regulators on nozzles. Never point at others or the body. If blown against the skin, compressed air can break the skin and enter the bloodstream where it can reach the heart and cause severe illness or death. Misuse of compressed air can lead to internal rupturing of lungs, stomach or blood vessels.

Store compressed gas cylinders upright, secured, with protective cap on, and protected against damage. Never carry in the cab of vehicle during transport, as leaks can displace oxygen causing asphyxiation. Separate Oxygen from acetylene and other flammables by a 5 foot, 30 minute firewall, or by 20 feet. Cylinders in use must be on carts, secured, with regulators in place, or protective caps on. Only use a cylinder wrench on cylinders, and never use oil, hammers, or standard wrench. Do not lift with a magnet or sling, but palletize to lift, or use a cylinder cradle. Keep away from flames, sparks and slag, and ensure all equipment for welding or cutting is in good condition. Never use as a ground for welding.

Prior to cutting or core drilling, conduct a risk assessment, identifying and document utility locations, pull required facility permits, identify adjacent areas affected by activity, and take appropriate precautions to mitigate risk. When core drilling through a floor, block off the area with danger tape and cones beneath the drop zone to contain any falling debris use a spotter to protect the public. Dust associated with cutting and drilling may contain silica dust, and engineering controls - wet cutting methods and vacuum attachments – shall be used to prevent exposure to hazardous dust. Isolation methods may also be required. Cover all holes with secured plywood to prevent falls and falling objects, and label “hole”.

Employees working with pressure washers should wear safety glasses, and use 15o - 40o nozzles to prevent injury caused by high pressure water entering the skin. Employees performing pressure washing on coils shall utilize fall protection when working within 15 feet of the roof edge, or exposed to falls greater than 6 feet. Ensure GFCI’s are in place on electrical cords to prevent shock.

Conduct all spray painting in a well ventilated area or a ventilated spray-painting booth. Do not smoke, or use open flame or hot work around spray painting areas. Keep a fire extinguisher close. If respirators are needed, contact the safety coordinator to undergo a medical questionnaire and fit-test as required by the Respiratory Protection program.

When working in hospitals or other specialty work environments, ensure you know site requirements. Minimize dust and debris with good housekeeping, containment or isolation procedures, and use engineering controls. Contact the your supervisor or safety coordinator for more information on control methods.