Health and Safety Policy

Management of York Power & Lighting Inc. is vitally interest in the health and safety of its employees. Protection of employees from injury or occupational disease is a major continuing objective. York Power & Lighting Inc. will make every effort to provide a safe, healthy work environment.  All supervisors and workers must be dedicated to the continuing objective of reducing risk of injury.

York Power & Lighting Inc. as employer, is ultimately responsible for worker health and safety. As President of York Power & Lighting Inc., I give you my personal promise that every reasonable precaution will be taken for the protection of workers.

Supervisors will be held accountable for the health and safety of workers under their supervision. Supervisors are responsible to ensure that machinery and equipment are safe and that workers work in compliance with established safe work practices and procedures. Workers must receive adequate training in the specific work tasks to protect their health and safety.

Every worker must protect his or her own health and safety by working in compliance with the law and with safe work practices and procedures established by the company.

It is in the best interest of all parties to consider health and safety in every activity. Commitment to health and safety must for an integral part of this organization, from the president to the workers.

Bob Dudman

President

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES

This Safety book contains useful information that will assist employees to ensure safe work practices are consistently followed on every job site. Employees are encouraged to regularly familiarize themselves with its contents.

Duties of a Constructor

A constructor shall ensure that:

·         The measures and procedures prescribed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations are carried out on a construction project;

·         All employers and persons performing work on the project are working compliance with the Act and the regulations;

·         The health and safety or workers on the project is protect

Duties of the Employer

The Employer shall ensure that:

·         A Health and Safety Policy and a program to implement and maintain that policy are prepared and reviewed annually;

·         A copy of the Occupational Health and Safety Policy is posted at a conspicuous location in the workplace;

·         The protective equipment, materials and devised are prescribed are provided;

·         The above mentioned, are provided by him and maintained in good condition;

·         The measures and procedures prescribed; are carried out in the workplace;

·         The equipment, materials and protective devices provided by him are used a prescribed;

·         Appoint a competent person to supervise;

·         They have taken every reasonable precaution in the circumstances for the protection of worker

Duties of a Supervisor

Supervisor shall ensure that a worker and sub-trades;

·         Works in the manner and with the protective devises measurers and procedures required by the Act and the regulations; and

·         Uses or wears the equipment, protective devices or clothing that his employer requires to be used or worn;

·         Are advised of the existence of a potential or actual danger to their health and safety;

·         Where so prescribed, is provided with written instructions as to the measures and procedures to be taken for their protection

A supervisor shall;

·         Take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker

Duties of a Consultant and Suppliers

Consultants and suppliers are required to:

·         Comply with the Occupational Health & Safety Act and Regulations;

·         Ensure that any device, equipment, machine, material, or things supplied is in safe condition and is documented;

·         Ensure that no person is endangered as a result of his or her activites;

·         Ensure where the service involces providing information, that the information provided is accurate and complete;

·         To take every reasonable precaution to protect the safety of the other workers, public and themselves

Duties of Workers
Workers shall;

·         Work in compliance with the provisions of the Act and the regulations;

·         Use or wear the equipment, protective devices or clothing that the employer requires to be used or work;

·         Report to the employer or supervisor any problem with equipment which may endanger personnel;

·         Report to the employer or supervisor any contravention of the Act and regulations or hazard on the site

No worker shall;

·         Remove or make ineffective any protective devices or guards, without providing adequate temporary protective devises and when the need for removing or making ineffective the protective device has ceased, the protective device shall be replaced immediately;

·         Use or operate equipment, machine, device or thing or work in a manner that may endanger himself or any other worker or

·         Take part in any horseplay or unmannerly conduct (e.g. fighting, running, rough or boisterous conduct)

Health and Safety Representatives

Where construction projects exceed a total number of five workers, however, less than twenty workers, a Health and Safety Representative required. This worker must not exercise managerial functions. These representatives are chosen by their co-workers or placed by their trade union to work with management in promoting a safer working environment for all workers.

The powers of the Health and Safety Representative may be found in the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Safe Work Practices

Safe work practices are general guidelines for the performance of a particular type of work or activity.

The purpose of safe work practices is to establish uniform methods of working, to improve the safety for our employees, and to eliminate unnecessary risk to plant, equipment, personnel, and the environment.

These practices are intended to be the minimum required. All practices must be compared to Provincial Occupational Health & Safety Rules and Regulations and must meet or exceed these standards at all times.

Safe work practices will be reviewed annually.

Aerial Devices

·         All workers shall be trained before using vehicle mounted aerial devices;

·         The vehicle shall never be moved if the aerial device is not stowed;

·         During service calls, it is to be the responsibility of the service person to determine if the nature of the works requires a second person to assure safe performance of the work;

·         While aloft, the worker shall not climb from the device to another position;

·         While aloft, a safety harness shall be worn at all times;

·         A hand line long enough to reach the ground when the device is fully extended shall be carried in the device;

·         A 20 – pound (9.0kg) or two 10-pound (4.5kg) multi-purpose fire extinguisher(s) shall be kept in the vehicle;

·         The wheel chocks shall be used at all stops;

·         All checklists shall be completed daily;

·         Where a vehicle is impending traffic, proper traffic control procedures shall be in place.

Fires/Fire Extinguishers

Fires

R     Rescue

       When you discover a fire, rescuing people in immediate danger is top priority

A     Alarm

       Sound the alarm and call your emergency response number with the precise location of the fire

C     Confine

       Close all doors, windows and chutes. Stuff towels under doors to prevent smoke from spreading

E      Extinguish

        Extinguish a small fire with the appropriate fire extinguisher or smother it.

Fire Extinguishers

·         Portable extinguishers are classified according to their ability to handle specific types of fires. Fire extinguishers shall be readily accessible, properly maintained, regularly inspected and promptly refilled after use. All inspections and maintenance shall be logged;

·         Workers shall familiarize themselves with the location and correct use of fire extinguishers at their workplace. All extinguisher sites shall be clearly identified.

Guards on machinery and Equipment

·         Machines or equipment having exposed moving parts shall be equipped with guards which prevent contact with moving parts, or prevent access to the danger zone during operation;

·         Guards shall be of a fixed or hinged design, constructed, installed and maintained so that they are capable of effectively performing the functions for which they are intended.

Housekeeping

·         Work locations. Vehicles and buildings shall be kept clean and orderly at all times;

·         All major pathways and work areas shall be kept clean and free of obstructions at all times;

·         Scrap materials shall be stored in piles away from work areas and removed from the work area on a daily basis or as required by constructor;

·         Remove all protruding nails from wasted materials and areas that may endanger other workers;

·         All materials are to be stored in an organized manner in the designated storage areas as provided by the constructor and in such a manner that they do not pose any danger to workers or damage to the materials;

·         Heavy loads are to be placed in areas which are capable of supporting the load;

·         Materials must be stored in such a manner which they will not tip, collapse or fall;

·         Objects or material are not to be projecting from loads in a dangerous manner;

·         Materials must not block access/egress routes around the work area

Ladders

The following are a listing of safety precautions that should be followed at all times when using ladders

·         Visually inspect ladders prior to using them. Ladders with weakened, broken, bent or missing steps, broken or bent side rails or otherwise defective must not be used. They are to be removed from the site;

·         Ladders should be set up on a firm level surface.  If the base is to rest on soft un-compacted or rough soil, a mud sill should be used;

·         Always maintain three point contact when climbing a ladder (e.g. two hands and one foot);

·         When ascending or descending, workers should always face the ladder;

·         Only one worker shall be on a the ladder at any time;

·         Ladders must not be erected on boxes, carts, tables, scaffold platforms or on vehicles;

·         Metal ladders, or ladders with metal reinforcing, must not be used near energized electrical conductors;

·         Workers on a ladder should not straddle the space between the ladder and another object;

·         Visually inspect the ladder prior to use and ensure that all components are in good repair;

·         If the ladder cannot be set on firm footing, have a co-worker hold the ladder in place for you;

·         Landing areas at both ends of the ladder must be clear of debris and materials;

·         Ladder must be tied off at the top to prevent movement and extending 1m (3ft) beyond the upper landing;

·         Set up ladders on an angle such that the horizontal distance between the top support and the base is not less than one-quarter or greater than one-third the vertical distance between these points;

·         Landing areas at both ends of the ladder must be clear of debris and materials which create trip hazards;

·         Obtain assistance before attempting the set up along awkward ladder into position;

·         When a brief task must be performed on a step ladder, the height of the ladder should be such that the worker stands no higher than the second step from the top;

·         Ladders should not be used horizontally as substitutes for scaffold planks, runways or other service for which they have not been designed;

·         Prior to using any ladder, ensure that your boots are free of mud, snow, grease or other slippery materials;

·         The body must be kept between the side rails – do not over extend or over reach;

·         Never carry materials, tools, objects, etc. up the ladder as three-point contact cannot be maintained

Lifting and Carrying

Most lifting accidents are due to improper lifting methods, as well as trying to lift more than an acceptable weight for one worker.

·         Workers shall know their physical limitations and the approximate weight of materials they are trying to lift;

·         Obtain assistance in lifting heavy objects whenever the task may be more than can be safely handled;

·         Before any manual lifting is done, the use of power equipment or mechanical lifting devices should be considered;

·         Bulky loads should be carried in such a way as to permit an unobstructed view ahead;

·         Ensure a good grip and lift gradually;

·         The back should be kept close to vertical or straight and the lifting done with the leg muscles;

·         Avoid bending;

·         Avoid twisting, turn your feet not your hips or shoulders;

·         Pipes, conduits, reinforcing rods and other conductive materials should not be carried on the shoulders near exposed level electrical equipment or conductors

Extension Cords

·         Defective cords shall not be used;

·         All extension cords shall be of the outdoor type, rated for 600 volts and have an insulated grounding conductor;

·         Extension cords shall be protected during use;

·         Never use cords without a ground pin;

·         Never remove ground pin;

·         Inspect the cord for wear, exposed wires, cuts and cracks prior to each use

Power and Hand Tools

General

·         Use the proper tool for the job;

·         Remember to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment when using power and/or hand held tools

Skill Saws

·         Do not remove or block guards and do not use saws that have damaged or missing guards. Check to see if the guard is working properly before using the saw;

·         If the blade becomes worn warped or otherwise damaged, replace it before using the saw again;

·         Unplug saws (and all electrical tools) when they are not in use;

·         Examine cords and plugs, daily for cuts and damage to insulation. Do not use the saw if the cord or plug is damaged;

·         Use saw horse or bench to support your material when cutting, free hand cuts with skill saws and/or using your legs, feet to support your piece, could result in a serious accident and should NOT be done

Hammers

·         Do not use hammers with a cracked or damaged handles;

·         Ensure the head is not cracked, chipped or broken;

·         Ensure the head is not loose and is properly secured (wedge is effectively in place);

·         Uses eye protection when required

Chain Saws

·         Ensure kickback guard is in place;

·         Hold the chain saw firmly when starting and hold with both hands when using it;

·         Ensure the chain stops automatically when not engaged;

·         Do not leave the saw running when not in use;

·         Never drip start your chain saw, rather ensure that it is securely held in place while starting it;

·         Fueling of the saw shall be done in a well-ventilated area. The saw shall be off.

·         Use proper personal protection equipment

Hand Held Power Circular Saws

·         Approved safety equipment including safety glasses or face shield should be worn;

·         The power supply shall be disconnected before making any adjustments to the saw or changing the blade;

·         Both hands shall be used to hold the saw while ripping;

·         Ensure all cords are clear of the cutting area before starting to cut;

·         Before the saw is set down, the operator shall ensure that the retracting guard has fully returned to its down position

Tigger Torches

·         Tigger torches shall be used only for preheating of pipe etc. prior to welding;

·         When a torch is used, an adequate fire extinguisher shall be present;

·         Torches shall not be used for heating of work areas or thawing of lines and equipment;

·         Ensure propane bottles are properly shut off when torch is not in use

Trenching/Excavation

·         Were personnel are required to enter a trench or excavation, proper means of access and egress must be provided and it must be properly sloped, shored or trench boxes used where required;

·         Trim off loose material from sides of trench;

·         Keep spill piles back from edge of trench;

·         When a worker is in a trench, a competent worker must be stationed on the surface to alert the workers in the trench if any unsafe conditions develop

Barriers

·         A 1.1M (4: barrier shall be erected where a worker may fall more than 2.4M (8”) into a non-slopped excavation;

·         Barriers removed temporarily for the purpose of doing work must be replaced immediately after work is completed and/or before you leave the area

Vehicles

·         Circle check your vehicle at the beginning of you shift. Complete required checklist reports;

·         Obey all rules while on public streets and job sites;

·         Obey speed limits at all times;

·         Travel at a safe distance behind other vehicles;

·         Ensure the area behind your vehicle is clear before and during backing up;

·         Use a competent signalperson when your view is obstructed;

·         Do not allow riders on any moving vehicles;

·         Observe vehicle load rating capacities;

·         Turn the ignition off and set the emergency brake when the vehicle is left unattended

Signalpersons

From time to time, operators of mobile equipment and lifting devices require the assistance of a signalperson to assist them with the safe operation of their equipment or vehicle.

The person performing the signaling tasks must always ensure the following:

·         That they remain in full view of the operator at all times;

·         They are clear of the vehicle and/or load and its intended path;

·         Signalpersons are not to perform any other tasks while signaling;

·         Use a high visibility vest when signaling

Guardrails

·         Guardrails removed temporarily for the purpose of doing work must be replaced immediately after work is completed and/or before you leave the area;

·         Where there is a possibility of a worker falling from one level to another, guardrails must be provided

·         Guardrails consist of a top rail, mid rail and toe board shall be provided at all floor openings and edges or roof edges where a worker may have access

Personal Conduct

Personal conduct while employed by the company is of prime importance.  We expect that while employed for York Power & Lighting Inc., you will help maintain our reputation of having work crews who are conscientious and practice good personal conduct, at all times.

The following is a guideline to be used by all workers or sub-trades employed by the company:

·         Ensure that you are familiar with and abide by our Company Policy and Safety Guidelines;

·         Understand and abide by Health and Safety Guidelines and procedures of the site constructor;

·         Always work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Regulations for Construction Projects, any other pertinent regulations such as WHIMS Regulations, and the USA Rule Book. etc.;

·         Workers must immediately report all accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions to their supervisor;

·         All accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions will be investigated immediately to determine the causes and to prevent any similar occurrences;

·         In the event of a workplace accident, resulting in an injury, supervisors will ensure that the injured work receives prompt treatment.  For the workers requiring medical treatment, supervisors will make arrangements;

·         First Aid is to be administered by First Aid trained personnel only;

·         Co-operate with Ministry of Labour Inspectors, Site Safety Coordinators, Worker Health and Safety Representatives, Supervisors and others who are attempting to achieve and maintain a healthy and safe workplace;

·         Always wear and use properly the personal protective equipment that is required when working on site;

·         Do not engage in horseplay or fighting;

·         Use discretion, if it does not look or feel safe, ask for your foreman’s assistance before doing it;

·         Read and follow all posted notices and warnings;

·         Shirts and long pants shall be worn at all times;

·         Intoxication or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs will not be permitted on the job.  Use of prescription drugs is permitted if used as directed by a medical physician and provided it does not affect your ability to perform work safely and efficient;

·         If you are not familiar with the use of any equipment, machinery, or tools ask your foreman for assistance;

·         Machinery or tools are not to be operated unless all the proper guards are in place and functioning properly;

·         Do not disturb fellow workers while they are setting up or operating any equipment, machinery, or work;

·         A clean work area is also a safe work area.  Always keep work areas and access ways clean and free of scrap, debris and congestion

Personal Protective Equipment

All employees, subcontractors, and their workers are to be familiar with all safety equipment and how to use it.  We expect all employees and sub-trades to maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) according to safety and hygiene standards.

The follow is a list of the personal protective equipment to be used in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Regulations for Construction Projects and the EUSA Rule Book:

Clothing Protection

·         Proper protective clothing must be work at all times (e.g. long pants and cotton shirts – not cut off T-shirts);

·         Some job requirements may vary and the need for alternative clothing (e.g. the use of a long sleeved shirt, etc.) may be necessary;

·         Dress according to climatic conditions.  Wear layers of clothing in the winter.  During the summer, exposed skin must be protected with an appropriate sunscreen;

·         Long hair must be tied back or otherwise contained

Eye and Face Protection

·         Properly fitted suitable goggles or safety glasses with side shields (CSA/ANSI approved) shall be worn while performing operations that pose a hazard to the eyes (e.g. flying particles);

·         An approved shield shall be worn when grinding, using a cope saw, chipping, etc.;

·         On live electrical equipment, use clear polycarbonate lenses (CR-39) with an ultra violet protection (UV400);

·         During bright conditions a shading of 1.7 may be worn, otherwise clear lenses should be worn

Head Protection

·         CSA certified hard hat must be worn at all times on all construction sites;

·         Hard hats shall be inspected regularly for damage and the expiry date should be observed – NOTE:  do not paint hard hats

Foot Protection

·         CSA certified Grade 1 boots (Green Path)/CSA Certified Electric Shock Resistant Soles (Omega Patch) must be worn at all times on all construction sites.

NOTE:  Work boots should be fully laced and tied.  Replace badly deteriorated work boots.

Fall Protection

·         All harnesses and lanyards shall be CSA certified;

·         Full body harnesses shall be snug fitting, made of webbing, and shall be completely inspected before using

·         Lanyards shall be 16mm (5/8”) diameter nylon or equivalent;

·         Ring on safety harness shall be in the center of the shoulder;

·         Lanyard shall be connected to a rigid support or lifeline, preferably higher than waist level, and kept as short as possible.  When the lanyard is wire, rope or nylon webbing, a shock absorber shall be used;

·         Lifelines shall be:

o   16mm (5/8”) diameter propylene or equivalent

o   Used by only one worker at a time

o   Free from any danger of chafing

o   Free of cuts, abrasions and other defects

o   Long enough to reach the ground, or be terminated, to prevent the hitch from running off

·         Ensure that the anchor points are secure and able to support the load in the event of a fall;

·         Destroyed once it has been used to prevent a fall

Hearing Protection

Workers shall wear hearing protection when exposed to noise greater than 80dB.  Continuous exposure to excessive noise from certain construction activities can lead to hearing loss.

Hearing protection is available in three general types:

·         Disposable earplugs

·         Non-disposable earplugs

·         Earmuffs (more protection than earplugs when properly fitted)

No audio headsets (Walkman style radios) shall be worn at any time on any jobsite.

Respirator Protection

·         Work areas must be ventilated to reduce the hazards from dusts, fumes, gases and/or vapors;

·         When ventilation is not practical, workers shall be provided with respirator appropriate to the hazard and shall be trained to use and maintain the respirators properly

Rubber Gloves

·         Rubber gloves shall meet CSA standards Z259.4M-1979 and shall:

o   Be stored and maintained in a serviceable condition

o   Will never be worn inside out or without leather protection

o   The type/class of rubber glove to be worn shall be appropriate for the job

o   Rubber gloves will be free of defects and it any are noted, proper replacement gloves should be obtained immediately and the defective pair discarded

o   Rubber gloves will be tested on a regular basis

Hazardous Materials

WHMIS – stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.  It is a Canada-wide system used to provide information about all chemicals used by workers on the job.  There are three essential elements to WHMIS:

·         Labels

·         MSDS’s (Material Safety Data Sheets)

·         Education and training

WHMIS is for every worker’s protection.

If you are unsure how to work safely with a hazardous chemical, do not hesitate to ask your foreman for assistance.

WHMIS symbols are found of Supplier Labels.  Read the label before using the material.  Workplace labels must be applied when materials are put in the unmarked containers.

Controlled products under WHMIS include six classes, identified by appropriate Hazard Symbols

Class A:                 Compressed gas

Class B:                 Flammable and combustible material

Class C:                 Oxidizing material

Class D:                 Poisonous and infectious material

1.       Material causing immediate and serious toxic effects ammonia

2.       Material causing other toxic effects

3.       Bio hazardous infectious

Class E:                 Corrosive Material Hydrochloric Acid

Class F:                 Dangerously Reactive Material

Gasoline and Other Highly Flammable Liquids

·         Shall not be carried in the passenger compartment of a vehicle;

·         Shall be carried and stored in approved containers, with properly fitted caps, and shall be prevented from over turning;

·         Shall only be used with adequate ventilation;

·         Shall be provided with a fire extinguisher in transporting vehicle;

·         Shall not be used as a cleaner;

·         Gasoline engines shall be shut off and allowed to cool before refueling

Propane

·         Propane is heavier than air (Specific Gravity greater than 1.00) and will settle in low areas such as trenches, manholes and sumps.  The bottles shall be checked for leaks and low lying areas shall be analyzed for buildup of gas;

·         Cylinders shall be kept upright unless designed for horizontal use;

·         Cylinders shall be stored in a well-ventilated area from heat;

·         Only approved hoses and fittings shall be used;

·         Always use soapy water or commercial leak detector when checking for leaks in propane systems

Electric Safety

Tagging and Lockout Procedures

Lockout/tagging procedures are an important requirement during any activity when a piece of equipment or system represents potential hazard to life or property;

·         The minimum procedure is that of existing codes, statutes or manufacturer’s specifications.  The most stringent of the instructions, rules or regulations apply with respect to tagging and lockout procedures;

·         Workers shall follow written job procedures for lockout/tagging as directed by their supervisor.

General Electrical

·         When work is being done on or near live exposed parts of installations, equipment or conductors the workers shall wear the proper personal protective equipment and have a written procedure in place;

·         No worker shall open or close any circuit unless he/she is thoroughly familiar and has full knowledge concerning the circuits affected and giving ample warning to other workers who may be endangered;

·         The worker shall stand on the opposite side to the hinge of a switch box when opening or closing a circuit;

·         The worker shall not use their bare fingers to determine a live wire;

·         When the worker is splicing into a de-energized circuit, finish the first joint including insulation before starting the second;

·         Do not work on conductors until you know their voltage;

·         Do not depend on the insulating cover of wires;

·         Electrical equipment and lines shall be considered as alive.  Always test, isolate and ground;

·         The worker shall never use steel rules near energized systems;

·         Equipment shall be meggered upon completion of work before re-closing;

·         Fuse pullers or rubber gloves shall be used to insert or extract fuses;

·         Whenever possible, disconnect power before working on any electrical equipment;

·         When it is absolutely necessary to work on or near live “circuits”, always place yourself in a position so that a shock or slip will not tend to bring you in contact with live parts (2nd point of contact);

·         Portable electrical tools shall be effectively grounded and protected or be on “double-insulated” construction;

·         The casing and frame of portable electric generators shall be effectively grounded;

·         When working in close proximity to overhead powerlines, maintain minimum clearances from the powerlines as dictated by the legislation for the region in which you are working

Climbing and Working Aloft

·         The worker shall not wear climbing spurs except for their specific purpose;

·         The gad on the spurs must never be less than 3.17cm (1 ¼”) measured from the inside of the gaff;

·         Workers shall never work aloft without being secured with a fall arresting device;

·         Suitable working clothing, including a long sleeved shirt or jacket fastened at the wrist, shall be worn when working aloft;

·         Tools and materials shall never be thrown from the ground to the workers working aloft.  Tool bags or hand line shall be used;

·         Never lay tools where they may fall to the ground;

·         All poles shall be inspected before climbing to ensure they are safe.  If in doubt, consult a supervisor;

·         Under no circumstances shall pike poles be used to support a pole where a worker is required to work;

·         Whenever practical, work from below existing conductors rather than above

Ground Work

·         Under no circumstances shall work be carried out on the ground that might present a hazard to the worker working aloft;

·         No work, unless absolutely necessary, shall be permitted on the ground in the immediate vicinity of the pole due to hazard of falling objects

Working on De-Energized Lines

·         Temporary grounding devices shall be placed on conductors between the work location and all possible sources of electrical energy;

·         Temporary grounding devices shall be installed with a live line tool only after potential tests have been completed to ensure that conductors being worked on are isolated;

·         Temporary grounding devices shall be places so that they may be readily visible to at least one worker at all times;

·         Temporary ground devices shall be connected to a low resistance ground being brought in contact with any isolated conductor of the circuit to be grounded. The grounding device shall be removed from all circuit conductors before disconnecting from ground

Street Light Circuits

·         All wires necessary for the operation of streetlights shall be treated as alive unless isolated and de-energized;

·         When work is to be carried out on series street lighting or airport lighting circuits the same precautions in opening switched shall be carried out as when working on any high voltage circuit

Electric Power Tools Employed Aloft

·         Electric power tools shall not be used aloft until a safe work area has been established. At no time shall tools or extension cords be used in a position above any component energized at a higher voltage level than that required to operate the tool

Pole Handling and Transportation

·         The transportation of poles shall be carried out in accordance with all existing traffic legislations;

·         Only approved methods, tools and equipment shall be used to handle poles;

·         Workers and equipment shall be positioned to minimize the danger of injury or damage when handling poles;

·         Pole piles shall be secured with proper tie downs, chains or cables;

·         Workers shall not rise on piles of poles, trailers or dollies

Ratchet Hoists and Rope Blocks

·         Metal ratchet hoists shall not be used on or near energized lines;

·         Web hoists and rope blocks shall not be considered as insulated on voltages in excess of 750 volts

Capacitors

·         Where applicable, signs designating capacitors installed shall be placed at service entrance location on poles or structures

Underground Distribution and Transmission

Working on Cables and Apparatus

·         Ensure proper cables or apparatus are identified where work is to be carried out;

·         Isolating points must be provided;

·         Temporary grounding devices are to be installed;

·         No work shall be carried out on de-energized underground cables until protective devices are in place to prevent contact with adjacent energized conductors;

·         Identification:

o   Identification of cables shall be established before cable is spiked

o   A cable spiking gun or device shall be used to ensure positive identification before a cable is cut

o   Wherever practical, the spiking gun or device shall be operated from outside the work area

Moving Energized Cables

When moving energized cables, workers shall:

·         Be competent in the moving of such cables. Any cables over 750V phase to phase shall be moved under the direction of the supervisor;

·         Proper rubber gloves shall be worn and specific procedures followed;

·         Assure no physical pressure is applied to the cable or separated connector that will cause any movement, distortion or dislocation on the connector;

·         Only one conductor shall be moved at a time;

·         All precautions shall be taken not to make contact with other cables or metal parts in the work area

Pulling Cables

·         Cables shall not be pulled into vaults or manholes containing energized apparatus until a safe work area has been established;

·         Ducts shall be fished or cables pulled in the direction that presents the least hazard. Precautions shall be taken when compressed air or other mechanical means are used;

·         Workers, except for training cables into position, are to stand outside vaults or manholes when cables are being pulled by mechanical mans and are under tension;

·         Wire rope shall not be used to pull cable in a duct already occupied by cables

Fire Equipment

·         Each crew shall be equipped with approved and maintained fire extinguisher

Exposed Live Front High Voltage Switchboards

·         Approved procedures shall be followed;

·         Sufficient illumination shall be provided to both front and back of switchboard

·         The space in rear of switchboards shall be clear and free of foreign equipment of supplies

Cables on Reels

·         Only competent works shall handle larger reels of cable;

·         Suitable-type reel jacks or reel stands shall be used for support when cable is being placed on or removed from the reel

Disciplinary Policy

Any violation of company policies may result in any of the following Disciplinary Actions:

·         A verbal or written warning

·         A written warning

·         Suspension or dismissal

Grounds for Discipline

·         Absence from work

·         Leaving work without permission

·         Lateness

·         Dishonesty

·         Sabotage

·         Fighting

·         Insubordination

·         Use of alcohol/banned substance abuse

·         Improper conduct

·         Safety infractions

·         Harassment

Employee Rights

The Right to Know

·         Every worker has the right to know about the identified hazards in his or her workplace. Information regarding every aspect of the Safety Program must be passed on to workers

The Right to Refuse

·         Every worker has the right to refuse to do work when there is reasonable grounds for believing that the act is likely to endanger that worker or the health and safety of others.

·         When a worker has refused to do a job, that job may be assigned to another worker if that worker is told:

o   That another worker has refused to do the job

o   Why they refused

o   That he/she also has the right to refuse