Town of Essex, MA - Safety Cover

Note: This handbook will be continually reviewed by the Town of Essex Safety Committee and will be revised and updated from time to time as the Committee sees fit.

The development, publication and implementation of employee work rules and guidelines are an essential element in a successful loss control program. The adoption of written safety rules is not simply a demonstration of accomplishment, but an aid to department heads and supervisors. Written guidelines should be used as precisely that - guidelines for a minimum standard of safety performance that should be met or exceeded by departmental employees in all cases.

It is the responsibility of the department head or supervisor to ensure that all employees follow the guidelines. It is equally important that the supervisors follow work rules. Employees should never feel that the work rules are only for the workers and do not apply to managerial personnel. The attitude should never be "do as I say- not as I do." The work rules serve as a basic guide for the employee as to what is expected of him or her by management.

Development of an Employee Safety Handbook is an excellent project for both the Executive Safety Committee and, where present, Departmental Safety Committees. To the extent possible, employees (including union representatives) should be included in the process of developing work rules. The more involved employees are in the initial development of work rules and guidelines, the more likely they are to abide by them once they become official.

Contained in this document are samples of work rules and guidelines for municipal employees in general as well as for specific operating departments including Public Works, School, and Maintenance. An entity may either develop a single handbook governing all departments and operations or a set of handbooks, one for each operating department.

This sample handbook should be used as a guideline for developing work rules and regulations for your own municipality or entity. Review the material carefully and make the necessary changes to reflect actual operations in your community. An effort has been made to include most departments contained within a municipal entity. However, not all possible operations or situations are covered in this sample document.

1. The Safety Committee and/or Safety Coordinator and/ or Department Head develops a sample set of safety rules that are distributed to department heads and union representatives for review and comment. In Essex, the Safety Committee consists of two representatives each from each of two unions, two non-union employees, and major managers. The Committee is appointed by the Personnel Board and union membership.

3. The Safety Committee, Safety Coordinator and Department Head(s) discuss comments and changes. Agreed upon changes are made, a final draft is prepared and distributed to department heads and union representatives for additional comments. Again, a specific time, 15-30 days, should be established for comments.

4. A final draft of the handbook is prepared incorporating all agreed to changes. At this time the new Handbook should be sent to legal counsel for review of its form and to determine whether there are any legal ramifications that should be considered. This process should take no longer than 30 days.

Safety rules/guidelines should be kept to a minimum. While the following document is somewhat lengthy in totality, it is intended to provide you with the maximum selection of items that might be included in a handbook. Materials should be shortened wherever possible to make the job of managers and supervisors easier by having fewer regulations to enforce. However, care must be taken not to "gut" the handbook so that it becomes an ineffective tool.

Each employee is responsible for ensuring that his or her actions are in keeping with good safety practices. In addition, supervisors and department heads should take note of any unsafe practices and educate employees as to how to improve safety when problems are noticed.

It is impossible to prescribe detailed standards that apply to all situations that might arise. Therefore, minimum standards are presented for the most common situations with the understanding that additional protection must be provided where special complexities and hazards exist. Although each situation must be dealt with individually, conformity with the basic provisions should be required. The following general rules apply to all departments:

· Use proper lifting techniques. Heavy objects, tools or materials should not be lifted alone. Use lifting devices or request assistance.

· Intoxication, reporting for work under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and consumption or possession of alcohol or drugs during work hours is prohibited.

· Safety glasses or full face shields shall be worn when using grinders, torches, pipe cutters, cleaning tools, jackhammers, stump chippers or any tool or device which may produce chips or flying particles. Safety glasses shall be equipped with wide shields.

· Safety helmets shall be worn in all trenches over five feet deep, around all overhead equipment, or where work is being performed overhead. If there is a possibility of a head injury, wear a hard hat.

· Barricades: Don't weigh temporary barricades with stones, chunks of concrete or other ballast material that may present a hazard if struck by a moving vehicle. Barricades should be marked with orange and white striped reflectors.

· Cones and posts: Lane delineators are usually placed near moving traffic. Therefore, they must not be made of rigid material that could endanger a worker or pedestrian if struck by a moving vehicle. Delineators are always used together with other warning devices such as signs and high-level warnings. Remember that a sufficient number of delineators must be used to clearly define a pathway for motorists approaching the worksite.

· Positioning of cones or other signal devices: A good rule of thumb for traffic control in most traffic situations is - for every one foot of land blockage, the length of the control devices in feet is equal to the speed that traffic is moving in miles per hour. Therefore, if you plan to close 10 feet of land and traffic is moving at 30 mph, multiply 10 feet, times 30 to find that you must run the devices 300 feet along the roadway. If you won't be blocking too many driveways or parking stalls, or traversing an intersection, it's best to run the devices for longer distances.

· Flashers: Flashing lights are used as night warning signals. Steady burning lights are used to delineate traffic lanes. Raised pavement markers and temporary tape are also used to delineate lanes.

· High-level warning devices: Flags and signs mounted on lightweight frames, either free standing on the pavement or set on trucks, are especially useful for short-term maintenance operations in congested, low speed situations. Their height facilitates advance warning to motorists.

On city streets, warning signs must be at least seven feet above and four feet from the edge of the right side curb. On rural roads, warning signs should be at least one foot above and six feet from the edge of the right side of the roadway. On divided roadways, post signs in the median as well as the right side.

If buildings, parked vehicles, hills, or curves block a motorist's view of the work area, give the motorist early warning. Early warning is also a good idea in congested areas where the work in progress is likely to back up traffic. Early warnings help motorists avoid sudden lane changes and panic stops.

Cover warning signs until work begins and remove them from view when they are no longer needed. Remember that the lesson learned from the story about the boy who cried "wolf" applies to traffic warnings, too.

· Make adjustments in driving techniques to accommodate the changing handling characteristics of machines such as sewer cleaning trucks and street sweepers that substantially increase or decrease their loads and change their centers of gravity depending on the quantity of load.

· Use earplugs or earmuffs in environments that are noisy, such as where jackhammers or vacuums are being used, or where many pieces of equipment are running.

· Wear the proper type of air mask or respirator in dusty environments, or use air conditioning when available. This will help prevent damage to the lungs.

· Wear the proper clothing for the job when using chemicals such as sewer grouting material, plant sprays, or insecticides. Some chemicals may require the use of respirators, rubber gloves, or special clothing. Be sure to read the label and follow the instructions.

· Make the operator aware of the dangers inherent in spraying any kind of material that vaporizes or is a fine dust. These materials include, but are not limited to, gasoline, heavy solvents, and methane gas.

· Many paint pigments and solvents are classified as hazardous materials. Read the label and avoid contact with the material. Be observant of dusts when sanding or grinding off lead-based paints.

· Keep out of the direct spray area when spraying paint. Paint being sprayed at only 30 PSI can imbed itself into the skin.

· Do not blow dust from clothes with high-pressure air. Air at 30 PSI can imbed dust and clothing fibers in the skin.

· Keep paint closed and in a ventilated area. When not in use, keep paint in a designated and approved paint storage cabinet.

· Give frequent breaks to air hammer operators to reduce the cumulative effects of vibration and noise on the worker.

· Wear safety shoes with metatarsal protection while operating air hammers. Do not guide the air hammer tool with the feet to start a drill hole.

· Vent the air compressor tank prior to removal of the hoses or disconnect the hammer after completing an operation.

· Do not allow the heads of cutting tools to mushroom. Grind the head to its original shape upon deformation. This will prevent splinters from chipping off the tool when being struck.

· Locate emergency exits from the trench no more than 25 feet apart. Ladders extending at least 3 feet past the top of the trench and tied securely are adequate.

· Take care when working adjacent to sidewalks, buildings, utility poles, trees, or similar structures. In some cases, underpinning may be necessary.

· Install shoring from the top down. Remove shoring from the bottom up. This will reduce the chances of ditch collapse during the installation/removal operation.

· Backfill the trench immediately after the shoring is removed. The trench has a greater possibility of cave-in due to the construction activity at that time.

· Use lifelines in excavations over 15 feet deep due to the danger of asphyxiates or poisonous gases collecting in the trench bottom.

2. Avoid situations that require backing. If it is necessary, in such areas as cul-de-sacs, dead ends, and steep hills, exercise extreme caution.

3. Keep the plow blades and sanders in working condition. Frostbite can be contracted rapidly as work is performed on the equipment outside.

4. Be cautious of frostbite. Severe pain followed by a feeling of warmth is a sign of frostbite. Don't be fooled by the apparent return of warmth. Return to the shop and seek medical aid from a qualified individual.

5. Watch for pedestrians when plowing. Do not exceed 25-30 mph. At speeds greater than this, the force of the thrown snow can knock down a person.

6. Check the cab of the truck for exhaust seepage. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless. If the driver feels drowsy, check the cab.

· Only qualified operators shall operate equipment. A person with a valid driver’s license must operate all equipment operated on roads. A licensed operator must accompany any other operator.

· Fire extinguishers must be kept charged and in good condition. They must be readily accessible at all times. Do not use them for hangers or shelves.

· Do not use air hoses to clean clothes, as the air may blow dirt particles into eyes and air pressure can be injurious.

· All electrical equipment must be kept charged and in good condition. They must be readily accessible at all times. Do not use them for hangers or shelves.

· Floors must be kept free of spilled oil, antifreeze, grease, water, etc. If spills cannot be cleaned up immediately, then they must be covered with an oil absorbent material, such as Speedi-Dry.

· NEVER work under a lift that does not have the safety pin/leg in position. Few people survive a vehicle dropping on them.

· All flammable (paints, thinners, etc.) must be stored in the flammable liquid storage area when not actually being used.

· Masks, respirators, rubber gloves, and facemasks shall be worn. When mixing spray materials with water or oil, rubber gloves and masks shall be worn.

· Rotary mower's safety devices shall not be removed from mower. Employee shall operate rotary mower so that discharge from mower is not directed towards any person or vehicle. Employees getting off mowers to remove items from area to be mowed shall face machine at all times.

· After graves are dug and before they are set up for service, they shall be covered with plywood, which shall be supported with planking.

· When setting up a grave, plywood, solid planking, and headers shall be placed around opening and under lowering devices.

· When placing grave markers, at least two workers should lift and place markers. No single employee shall remove stones or other material from cars or any vehicle delivering to cemetery.

· Any employee working, mixing, or applying insecticide, pesticide, and herbicide, shall be licensed. All safety requirements shall be followed. The cemetery shall furnish protective clothing and equipment.

· Each employee shall be instructed on proper and safe operation of each machine that they shall use. The town shall furnish safety equipment such as hearing protection, safety lenses and face shields, hard hats, rain gear, etc.

· Have machine at idle speed or shut off machine when getting off. When getting up on backhoe seat, have machine at idle speed and be careful not to hit levers (with rain gear on, you can get pant legs hung up on levers).

· When workers are in front of loader bucket hooking up filling bucket, have machine in reverse or neutral. All workers shall wear hard hats.

· Have supervisor assign only workers that are needed around machine. They should be in view of the operator at all times.

· When traveling over the road, put flashers on and chain-up backhoe unit. When turning, do not cut off cars with backhoe bucket.

· Safety cones and barricades are to be used around work areas. “Men Working” signs or cones are to be set 200 feet in each direction from the work area.

· Good housekeeping and safe work habits shall be in constant use. Good housekeeping means keeping your truck, job site, and yard neat, clean, and organized. Safe work habits include keeping your tools and equipment clean, well maintained, and properly stored when not in use.

· Ladders shall be used when working in a manhole or trenches. They shall have 12-inch runners and shall extend 3 feet above the ground level.

· Excavations and trenching shall comply with the Massachusetts Department of Labor and Industry's Regulations on sheathing and shoring.

· All sewer chemicals shall be locked up. Distribution of such chemicals shall be done by sewer division personnel only.

· All employees who are furnished with safety equipment and/or clothing shall be required to wear such safety equipment at all times while doing the work for which the equipment is furnished. The safety gloves, aprons, helmets, hardhats, goggles, face shields, dust masks, vest, ear protection, etc. provided are designed for the protection of all employees and must be used in designated areas. Safety shoes are highly recommended but will not be required until such time as they are provided.

· All personnel working in the sewage system shall be provided with vaccines, inoculations and tests as provided by Massachusetts law. Required inoculations shall be kept current according to the most recent Department of Public Health requirements.

· All employees who are furnished with safety equipment and/or clothing shall be required to wear such safety equipment at all times while doing the work for which the equipment is furnished. The safety gloves, aprons, helmets, hardhats, goggles, face shields, dust masks, vest, ear protection, etc. provided are designed for the protection of all employees and must be used in designated areas. Designated areas must have signs visible to all employees.

· Damaged or worn out safety equipment will be replaced, provided the worn or damaged equipment is turned in when the new equipment is issued and provided there is no evidence of abuse. If the equipment shows evidence of abuse, the employee shall be responsible for replacing the equipment.

· Safety drill on the operation of self-contained breathing equipment shall be conducted for all personnel once a month.

· If a leak is detected in the chlorine room do not enter without calling the Fire/Police Department first. Under no circumstances should anyone enter the area alone or without self-contained breathing equipment and protective clothing.

· When working on a pump or any other equipment, all switches shall be tagged and power locked out. Tags and locks shall only be removed by the person who originally tagged them.

· All employees who are furnished with safety equipment and/or clothing will be required to wear such safety equipment at all times while doing the work for which the equipment is furnished. The safety gloves, aprons, helmets, hardhats, goggles, face shields, dust masks, vest, ear protection, etc. provided are designed for the protection of all employees and must be used in designated areas. Safety shoes are highly recommended but will not be required until such time as they are provided.

· Safety harness and line must be worn when cleaning clarifiers (inside) or any other situation that calls for this precaution.

· Safety cones and barricades are to be used around work areas. “Men working” signs or cones are to be set 200 feet in each direction from the work area.

· When working at night, flashers or flares shall be used to warn public of the work area. Trenches and work areas shall be well lit.

· Hard toe boots or sturdy work boots shall be worn while working in water or mud. Rain gear shall be worn during inclement weather.

· Ladders shall be used when working in trenches. They shall have 12-inch runners and shall extend 3 feet above the ground. Ladders must be positioned no more than 25 feet apart.

times. Suitable work shoes shall be worn. Safety shoes are recommended. Sneakers, moccasins, sandals, and shorts or cut off pants shall not be worn.

· While working in watershed areas, no hand power cutting tools such as chain saws and brush cutters shall be used without a means of transportation in the immediate area.

· A safety drill on the operation of self-contained breathing equipment shall be conducted for such personnel once a month.

· Due to the unique nature of electric power distribution and service operations, a safety manual for electrical utilities such as the one listed below should be made part of this manual.

The first rule for any manual handling job is to use your head. Before you lift, attempt to estimate the weight of the object. If you are not sure, squat down and try lifting a corner. If you do not feel comfortable about the lift or it feels too heavy, don't lift it! Find some help. Ask someone else to help you or, better yet, locate a hand truck or other lifting device to aid you. Once you have decided that you can lift the object, there are several basic steps that should be followed in making a proper lift.

2. Second, contract your stomach muscles and straighten your back to keep your spine, back muscles, and ligaments in correct alignment. This will evenly distribute the load over the entire spine. Remember, a straight back does not necessarily mean a vertical back. Your back can still be straight even if you are lifting at an angle.

3. Third, bend your hips and knees by using the sit-down position and draw the object in close to your body. Bending at your hips will aid in keeping your back straight and bending your knees will allow you to lift with your legs.

5. Start the lift with a thrust of the rear foot and remember that as you lift, use smooth movements and avoid jerking.

6. Once the load has been lifted, keep the load close to your body and turn the entire body as a whole unit, including the feet. Remember don't twist!