ISM Building Services Inc. is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for our employees, our Client's and sub-contractor personnel, as well as the general public.

Employees at every level accept responsibility for personal use of procedures and equipment provided for their protection and encouragement of same among co-workers and people working under their direction. This active participation will help to prevent losses to people, equipment and material, and damage to the environment.

Management and employees are fully committed to using a "practice what we preach" approach for safety within our company. Company management fully cooperates with all employees in pursuing occupational health and safety.

All Employees and subcontractors are expected to be familiar with, and work within the Company's Health and Safety Program, the Provincial Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, as well as regulations and guidelines pertaining to their work.

No part of our business is more important than safety. Our goal on every project is zero incidents. By working together in all parts of this program, we can achieve this goal.

* The safety information in this policy does not take precedence over applicable government legislation, with which all employees should be familiar.

Management Leadership & Organizational Commitment

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to assign responsibility and have accountability for Safety throughout the company.

Policy

Responsibility can be defined as an individual’s obligation to carry out assigned duties. For our Safety Program to achieve the desired results, everyone in the organization must know their responsibilities. While our Health and Safety Policy contains a general reference to responsibilities, management has set out specific responsibilities for themselves and everyone in the company.

Managers

1. To provide information, instructions, and assistance to all supervisory staff and workers in order to protect the health and safety of all our employees.

2. To understand and enforce our accident prevention measures as well as the OH&S legislation.

3. To provide all supervisory staff and employees with an understanding of our company safety program as well as relevant OH&S legislation.

4. To provide all supervisory staff and employees with proper, well maintained tools and equipment, plus any other special personal protective equipment which may be required.

5. To provide ongoing Safety education and approved first aid training as required.

6. To monitor and review the safety manual and practices therein, and the execution of such in the everyday work of the company.

7. To ensure corrective action and proper follow-up are carried out.

8. To investigate all accidents and report any injuries to WCB.

9. To visit worksites at least monthly to ensure the continuous implementation of our companies Health and Safety program.

Supervisor/Foreman

1. To know and implement the company’s safety policy, safety manual and OH&S legislation.

2. To ensure that all employees are educated to work in a safe manner while using all protective equipment and procedures required by our company and by legislation to protect their health and safety.

3. To advise all employees of any potential or actual hazards and how to isolate, prevent or remove them.

4. To arrange for medical treatment as required, in the case of injury or illness including transportation to a doctor or hospital as necessary.

5. To report all accidents and near misses immediately, to investigate all fully, and to advise management on how to prevent such happenings in the future.

6. To carry out monthly inspections of the workplace as well as pre-job Hazard Assessments to ensure a safe and healthy environment, and ensure that corrective measures and proper follow-up are executed.

Employees/Sub-contractors

1. To read, understand and comply with this company’s safety policy, safe work practices, procedures and rules.

2. To wear the safety equipment, personal protective equipment and clothing required by regulations and this company.

3. To notify the supervisor of any unsafe conditions or acts that may be of danger to him/herself of other workers.

4. To report all accidents, near misses and injuries to the supervisor as soon as possible.

5. To take every reasonable precaution to protect the safety of him/herself and other workers.

6. To refuse any work that appears to be unsafe.

Health & Safety Documentation Schedule


	Every Job	Monthly	Quarterly	Upon Hiring	Every time used	Yearly	When Required
Pre-task Hazard Assessment	X
Fall Protection Checklist			X
Fall Protection Plan					X
Vehicle Inspection Report			X
Trailer Inspection Report			X
New Employee Orientation Checklist				X
Safety Meeting							X
Worksite Inspection Report							X
Safety Activity Summary						X

Section 2: Hazard Assessment Program

Purpose

The purpose of a hazard assessment program is to identify all hazardous tasks that are performed in the work place. Once hazards have been recognized, plans to control the hazards are developed and monitored to ensure the control methods are effective and implemented in a timely fashion.

Policy

An initial hazard assessment will be completed prior to any hazardous or potentially hazardous work takes place. When a several day task is performed in one location, the original PTHA may be sufficient if the hazards have not changed. If need be additional hazards can be added if reviewed by all parties on PTHA.

Steps involved in conducting a hazard Assessment

-Assemble hazard assessment team, may include Managers, supervisors, workers

-Examine entire work area and discuss potential hazards (environment, material, equipment and people)

-Record all hazards that need attention on the hazard assessment checklist.

-Review the findings with managers/supervisors/workers and solicit their input to develop control measures.

-On the PTHA check the applicable items that pertain to the job.

-Take corrective action and make recommendations for the control of hazards (i.e. Safe Work Practices and Safe Job Procedures, Rules, Administrative and Engineering Controls, and Personal Protective Equipment, etc.)

-Monitor and follow up to ensure corrective action is taken.

Strategies for Controlling Hazards

Once hazards are recognized you must eliminate the hazards or install control measures. There are a number of options to control risk; these options include the following “Five Approaches”. Once options are examined a corrective action will be shall be decided upon.

Elimination: The ultimate control measure is to eliminate the hazard. i.e.

-Remove a fire hazard by using non-combustible material instead of combustible.

-Eliminate manual handling task by use of a mechanical lifting device.

-Remove or repair defective tools or equipment.

Substitution: Substituting a chemical or piece of equipment for a less hazardous one.

-Replacing a worker with a machine

-Replacing ineffective PPE with more effective PPE

Administrative controls: Involves Practices, procedures, checklists, and training. i.e.

-Establish procedures and safe work practices and ensure they are strictly enforced.

-Measure workers performance.

-Establish hiring practices.

Engineering controls: Engineering designs to eliminate hazards. i.e.

-install additional lighting.

-install equipment guards.

-Install monitoring and warning devices.

Personal Protective Equipment: When Elimination, Substitution, Engineering, or Administrative controls fail to provide adequate protection PPE should be considered as a last line of defense. When PPE is used as a control measure the supervisor must consider the following.

-Determine where and when PPE is to be used.

-Train employees on the use of PPE

-Fit test employees.

-Develop a policy and enforce its use.

Section 3A: Safe Work Practices

General Housekeeping

Purpose

This procedure will work towards the prevention of worksite hazards such as slips, trips and falls. Good housekeeping will also assist in reducing fire hazards and environmental conditions such as spills or leaks.

Policy

It is the policy of ISM Building Services Inc. that all employees practice good housekeeping skills throughout the entire job to help ensure the safety of personnel and property.

Procedure

General Considerations

· All spills and leaks must be reported to the worksite supervisor and cleaned up immediately thereafter. If this is impractical, signs and barricades must be posted until the hazard can be removed.

· Material which is to be stacked will be cross-tied or otherwise secured so it will not fall over.

· Aisle ways and walking surfaces shall be kept clear of materials and equipment as much as is practical.

· At the end of each shift, ensure that tools are cleaned and properly stored, scrap and waste materials are disposed of, and the equipment and work location is in clean and orderly condition.

· Only approved solvents are to be used for cleaning purposes. Gasoline must not be used as a cleaning agent.

· Garbage is to be collected and disposed of on a regular basis at an approved landfill site.

· Oilfield waste is to be stored in approved containers and disposed of as required at an approved disposal facility.

· Oily rags, filers, etc. are to be collected separately from other wastes in approved metal containers and disposed of in compliance with current regulatory requirements.

· Fire extinguishers must be stored in their specific location except during routine maintenance or in case of fire.

· Floors and walkways are to be kept clean and free of debris.

* The information presented in this publication is intended for general use and may not apply to every circumstance. It is not a definitive guide to government regulations and does not relieve persons using this publication from their responsibilities under applicable legislation.

Lockout/Tagout

Purpose

To protect workers from injuries associated in working with electrical systems.

Policy

It is the policy of ISM Building Services Inc. that personnel working with electrical equipment will be protected from the inadvertent operation of that equipment. To accomplish this, the equipment must be locked out and tagged prior to commencing work.

Procedure

· Switch off all appropriate devices (MCC, Distribution Panel, Disconnect).

· Lock and tag Electrical Supply devices in the “OFF” position.

· Test to be sure the equipment cannot be operated at the local STOP-START switch.

· Test to be sure electrical equipment is de-energized.

· After completion of task, remove padlocks and tags.

Confined Space Entry

Purpose

The purpose of this practice is to prevent injury to personnel by ensuring an assessment of all known hazards; good planning, precautions and communications are done prior to and during the confined space entry.

Policy

It is the policy of ISM Building Services Inc. that personnel will facilitate and use proper protection including Confined Space Entry Procedures, Safe Work Permit Systems (if applicable), PPE, and Site Specific Entry Program (if applicable).

Definition

A confined space means an enclosed or partially enclosed space having restricted access and egress and which, due to its design, construction, location, atmosphere, the materials or substances in it, or other conditions, is or may become hazardous to a worker entering it, or does not have an easy means of escape for, or rescue of, a worker entering it.

Examples:

§ Tanks, vessels, towers, heaters, silos, bins, hoppers, tank cars, ventilation or exhaust ducts, sewers, underground utility tunnels or pipes, scale pits, sumps, vessel skirts, etc.

§ An excavation is considered a confined space under certain circumstances, for example if there is limited access or egress, the quality of the atmosphere cannot be guaranteed, or it is more than 1.6 m deep.

§ A dyked area is considered a confined space if it is more than 1.5 m deep and the atmosphere cannot be guaranteed.

§ Tower or vessel skirts, under trailers with skirts, false ceilings, because of restricted access and egress must be considered as confined space.

§ Others, such as pipe racks, utilidors, compressor fan housings and/or hoardings.

What Constitutes Vessel Entry?

Entry into vessel is deemed to have occurred as soon as the plane of the vessel entry flange has been broken by a part of the body.

Procedure

Cleaning

· All confined spaces must be made clean prior to entry, according to the nature of the product and residue, using the most practical method.

· If steam is used as a cleaning medium, cleaning contractors must ensure appropriate respiratory and other protective gear, and ensure the confined space is cooled to ambient temperature and adequate oxygen levels are present.

· If steam or inert gases are used for purging, ensure an adequate oxygen level is present before entering.

· Pyrophoric and other products capable of spontaneous combustion require special handling methods. Please refer to site-specific procedures and MSDS’s for handling these materials.

Isolation and Lockout

· Electrical equipment controlling or connected in any way to the confined space or peripheral equipment shall be tagged and locked out.

· Lines that could allow fluids to enter the confined space shall be disconnected, capped, blind flanged, or double-blocked and bled.

· Where connecting lines cannot be removed and capped or blind flanged, “slip” or “pancake” blinds rated for full line operating pressure must be used. If a full-rated ASME blind cannot be accomplished, a safe process must be developed in close cooperation with site engineers. The ASME size and rating, as well as the MAWP (maximum allowable working pressure) must be permanently marked on the handle in such a manner that the information is visible when the blind is installed. Blinds that do not meet engineering standards and have not been marked accordingly shall not be used.

· Disconnecting or blanking shall be performed as close to the confined space as practical. It is acceptable to include a reboiler, exchanger, etc., as part of the package for the Confined Space, providing that the entire system is tested in accordance with the following:

§ Explosive gases or vapors: continuous monitoring is required where the atmosphere cannot be guaranteed. When gases lighter than air could be present, continuous monitoring of high points is required. When gases heavier than air could be present, continuous monitoring of low points is required.

§ Excess or insufficient oxygen: a continuous oxygen monitor is required where the atmosphere cannot be guaranteed.

§ Toxic or otherwise hazardous vapors or gases such as hydrogen sulphide or benzene: must be monitored, as required, to ensure conditions on the permit have not changed.

· Rotating equipment (e.g. fan blades, agitators) must be immobilized and secured against accidental movement.

· Where monitoring is not continuous, confined spaces shall be re-tested after work breaks and shift changes before re-entry.

· Confined spaces shall be ventilated to prevent accumulation of harmful substances.

Temporary Heating Devices

· Heaters that are required to maintain a suitable thermal environment inside the confined space shall be located outside the space with the hot air supply ducted into the space (see Manufacturer’s instructions for setup and venting).

· Direct-fired heaters, which discharge exhaust gases with the heated air SHALL NOT be used to heat, confined spaces while they are occupied. If direct heaters are used, personnel must confirm the working atmosphere prior to entry.

· A reassessment of the amount of ventilation required must be made when heating confined spaces that may evolve additional toxic, explosive, or flammable materials at elevated temperatures.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where the oxygen content or toxic vapors exceed recommended limits for respirators, self-contained breathing apparatus shall be used. Breathing apparatus is also required as standby equipment outside the confined space, to be used by personnel responding to emergency.

Emergency and Rescue

· A Loss Prevention rescue preplan must be completed prior to a confined space entry. Rescue plans will be kept on file at the facility. New plans will be developed only where a suitable plan does not already exist.

· A designated and competent confined space entry watch person must be in attendance at the entrance during all phases of any confined space entry.

Communication

· A system of communication must be established and maintained, between the confined space entry watch person and the person(s) in the confined space. This method must include at least two of the following:

§ Simple voice

§ Visual contact

§ Radio equipment

§ Alarm horn

§ Telephone system

§ Rope attached to worker

· A system of communication must be established and maintained between the confined space entry watch person and the facility safety personnel.

Electrically Operated Equipment

· Preference should always be given to the use of pneumatic portable tools and explosion-proof lamps. 12-volt lighting systems are preferred.

· Electrical equipment must be tested for ground continuity prior to use in a confined space.

· AC electrical equipment, which is used within the confined space, shall be used in conjunction with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFI). GFI’s are to be located outside confined spaces.

Static Electricity

Consideration must be given to inclusion of static relief procedures where there is a potential of generating static electricity. Some specific conditions that may lead to static are:

· The use of high-pressure steam, nitrogen, air hoses discharging to atmosphere, or vacuum hoses.

· The use of sandblasting equipment.

· The types of clothing worn.

Unsupervised Entry Points

Entry points, which are unsupervised, must be flagged off indicating, “DO NOT ENTER” or, where practical, man ways are closed with the minimum of one bolt securing.

Exceptions

· Where deviations from the conditions outlined in this code are necessary, the deviations and how they will be managed to ensure safe entry must be written in one of the following methods:

§ Detailed procedure,

§ Identified on the Confined Space Permit and signed by all applicable facility staff and leadership.

· A Confined Space Entry permit WILL NOT be issued where immediate danger to life and health (IDLH) atmosphere exists.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Plant Operator(s) overseeing the confined space is responsible for:

· Reviewing the need for a confined space entry.

· Ensuring that the Confined Space has been properly prepared for entry.

· Issuing the Confined Space Entry Permit, ensuring that all conditions are adequate for safe entry.

· Assisting operations/contractor in filling out the Rescue Preplan.

· Ensuring that everyone involved in the confined space understand the hazards involved in the work envelope.

· Maintaining the safe conditions on which the permit is based.

· Suspending the permit if these conditions cannot be maintained.

· Making certain that the confined space is evacuated if the permit is suspended.

· Ensuring a new work permit is issued once every 12 hours or extending a work permit for night shifts.

· Ensuring a new entry log is issued and signed for each shift.

· Ensuring atmospheric testing is done by qualified gas tester (minimum “Pre-entry Course”) and ensuring he/she co-signs the permits.

· Ensuring that a qualified person is assigned to monitor continuous air monitoring devices, where specified.

· Detailing on a vessel diagram: entry/exit points, ventilation points, blinding points, and Nitrogen vent points, if applicable.

· Filing Confined Space Permit when complete.

· Ensuring all workers are adequately trained and qualified.

· Approving the means of isolating the confined space.

· Approving the means of ventilating the confined space.

· Ensuring tests and measurements are taken to determine the presence of, or change in, the concentration of harmful substances or oxygen deficiencies.

· Ensuring emergency and rescue plan is in place and communicated.

· Ensuring information on the availability and proper use of PPE is communicated.

· Identifying other hazards that may be present or introduced in the confined space and which may compromise the safety of workers.

· Defining the maximum number of workers who will be allowed access for the purpose of executing work within the confined space at any one time.

· Ensuring that workers entering the confined space are familiar with the layout of the confined space.

· Ensuring that pre-job meetings with all workers have taken place.

The person accepting the permit (Lead Worker in control of the work) is responsible for:

· Notifying Unit Operator in the event of job delays or changing conditions. The work site must be re-inspected and tested by the permit issuer before the job can be allowed to resume.

· Ensuring the preparation and precautions are acceptable, understood, and agreed to, before endorsing and accepting a Confined Space Permit.

· Ensuring all safety equipment is in good working condition.

· Establishing an escape plan agreed to by Plant Operator and Lead Worker.

· Defining appropriate tools to be used for the job.

· Ensuring that any person entering the confined space:

1.) Is aware of his/her responsibilities under this code.

2.) Is qualified to use all the personal protective equipment required.

3.) Is aware of the conditions of the confined space entry, e.g. hazards, communications, escape plan.

· Renewing permits, obtaining new permit when required and returning permit to issuer when permit expires or job is complete.

The person(s) entering the confined space is responsible for:

· Understanding and following the conditions detailed in the permit.

· Reporting changing conditions to the Plant Operator and confined space entry watch.

· Reporting conditions and practices that will not allow him to follow the conditions of the permit.

· Using appropriate tools for the job and ensuring they are in good condition.

· Reporting defective or damaged tools.

· Using the supplied SABA or SCBA and PPE properly.

· Tracking personal certification date(s) and notifying the employer of impending expiration.

The Confined Space Entry Watch is responsible for:

· Ensuring that no other job is undertaken which will take his/her attention away from the person(s) in the confined space.

· Maintaining adequate communications with the person(s) inside the confined space and with the facility safety personnel.

· Communicating any change in working conditions to the person(s) in the confined space and to the facility safety personnel.

· Monitoring any life support systems that may be used during the confined space entry.

· Filling in the entry log and ensuring conditions of the confined space permit have not changed.

· Ensuring unsupervised entry points are flagged off indicating, “DO NOT ENTER” or man ways are closed with minimum of one bolt securing, where practical.

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION

It is mandatory, to ensure safety, that all personnel associated with the confined space entry are trained and competent, commensurate with the duties assigned in the confined space activity. ISM’s management is required to establish individual training requirements, to meet the needs of the activity, including:

· Confined Space Entry

· Confined Space Entry Rescue

UNFORSEEN HAZARDS

Sometimes when the job is already in progress, unforeseen hazards such as sludge or groundwater seepage can become apparent. If unforeseen hazards arise, the job and permit will be suspended and a new permit will be required, once the newly found hazards have been adequately addressed. A review of MSDS sheets should be completed to identify hazards.

Hoisting Operations

Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to protect workers from injuries associated with lifting operations.

Policy

It is the policy of ISM Building Services Inc. that lifts involving mechanical assistance must be planned to ensure the proper use of equipment and rigging.

Procedure

General Considerations

Ensure barricades and warning signs are in place.
Determine the weight, shape and size of the load for proper sling selection.
Determine the maximum height and final position of the load to be raised.
Determine the centre of gravity of the load so proper length of slings can be determined.
Ensure potential hazards are identified within the work area.
Communicate with all personnel involved of potential hazards.
Ensure clear communications with equipment operators are in place.
Ensure tag lines are utilized and constructed of non-conductive material.
Ensure atmospheric conditions are monitored such as temperature, humidity and wind may affect the operator.
Ensure you are conversant with proper hand signals.
Ensure ground is firm and level.

Working at Elevations

Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to outline the requirements to perform elevated work, thereby ensuring the safety and health of the worker, as well as other potentially exposed personnel.

Policy

It is the policy of ISM Building Services Inc. that personnel will use the proper fall protection devices as outlined below for any work performed at an elevation of 1.84 meters or higher. Certain jobs at any elevation with increased fall risks may require the use of fall protection devices as well. This will be determined on the job by the worksite supervisor.

Definition

Work performed at an elevation of 6 feet (1.84 meters) or more above a surface, including edges of excavations and pits. This distance is measured from floor or grade to the level at which the worker is standing. Work on flat roofs and other flat fixed surfaces is not considered elevated work unless the employees are:

· Within 6 feet (1.84 meters) or less of an edge or opening or

· Within 10 feet (3.1 meters) or less of an edge or opening if using mechanical equipment.

Procedure

Persons performing elevated work are to be provided with one or more of the following types of fall protection:

1. Fixed work platforms or scaffold equipment with guard rails

2. Vehicles with mounted elevating and rotating work platforms shall have their platforms securely attached to the vehicles. Brakes are set prior to persons occupying the platforms unless the vehicle is specifically designed to travel with the platform occupied, in which case the platform must be in the lowest operating position. Personnel occupying the platform use securely attached safety harnesses.

3. Straight ladders equipped with safety shoes and tie-off ropes, which are secured to appropriate structures.

4. Harnesses with lanyards that are attached to a secure object, lifeline, or horizontally fixed line.

5. Safety nets that are properly secured.

6. For work assignments on flat or low pitched roof type structures with a ground-to-eave height greater than 6 feet (1.84 meters), or a slope greater than or equal to 4 inches rise in 12 inches employees are protected from falling from all unprotected sides and edges of the roof as follows:

By use of a motion-stopping safety system.
By the use of a highly visible warning line system erected not less than 6 feet (1.84 meters) from the roof edge.
By the use of a person who monitors the safety of all employees in a roofing crew and remains in sight of and in voice contact with each employee.

7. Appropriate fall protection equipment is provided for personnel while in transit to and from the elevated work site.

8. Elevated work will not be performed within 23 feet (7 meters) or the energized overhead power lines.

9. All open sided surfaces that qualify as elevated work locations are effectively barricaded or other fall protection measures are provided.

10. When a safety harness and lanyard are used as the sole means of protection, the lanyard is attached to a firm support close enough to a worker that a fall would be as close to vertical as possible and a maximum of 6 feet (1.84 meters).

11. Lanyards used as personal fall protection are a maximum length of 6 feet (1.84 meters) and a minimum size of ½ inch nylon or equivalent. They must also employ a shock absorbing device.

12. When performing elevated work and the possibility of falling tools and material exists, the worker shall consider:

Roping off surrounding area or placing caution tape or signs as appropriate.
Ensuring that the roped off area is large enough to prevent material or tools from falling outside this area.
Using a hand line to raise or lower any tools, equipment and/or materials.
Equipment or tools that must be raised and/or lowered must be controlled. Materials or tools are not be dropped from or thrown to any elevated levels.

13. Personal protective equipment, including equipment used to raise personnel to elevated work sites such as ladders, scaffolds and mobile equipment; equipment such as safety harnesses, lifelines and shock absorbing lanyards, is inspected and properly maintained. Defective equipment is identified and promptly removed from service.

Working in a Cold Environment

Purpose

Working in cold environments can be not only hazardous to your health but also life threatening. Uncomfortably cold working conditions can lead to lower work efficiency and higher accident rates. Cold impairs the performance of complex mental tasks. Manual tasks are also impaired because the sensitivity and dexterity of fingers are reduced in the cold. At even lower temperatures, the cold affects the deeper muscles resulting in reduced muscular strength and stiffened joints. Mental alertness is reduced due to cold-related discomfort. For all these reasons accidents are more likely to occur in very cold working conditions. The risk of cold injury can be minimized by proper equipment design, safe work practices and appropriate clothing

Policy

It is the policy of ISM Building Services Inc. that work in cold environments will be carried out in such a fashion that injury due to cold will be minimized.

Procedures

General Considerations

· Clothing should be selected to suit the temperature, weather conditions (e.g., wind speed, rain), the level and duration of activity, and job design.

· For continuous work in temperatures below the freezing point, heated warming shelters such as tents, cabins or rest rooms should be available.

· The work should be paced to avoid excessive sweating. If such work is necessary, proper rest periods in a warm area are necessary and employees should change into dry clothes.

· Almost 50 percent of body heat is lost through the head. A liner under a hard hat can reduce excessive heat loss.

· Procedures for providing first aid and obtaining medical care should be clearly outlined.

· Eat properly and frequently. Working in the cold requires more energy than in warm weather because the body is working to keep the body warm. It requires more effort to work when wearing bulky clothing and winter boots especially when walking through snow.

Heat Stress

Purpose

This Safe Work practice defines heat stress and provides methods of treating the condition.

Heat Stress is the total heat load imposed on the body by:

Environmental heat
Heat generated by doing physical work
Work wear

Exposure to excessive heat can result in:

Heat Cramps
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Stroke

There is no specific PPE to avoid heat stress. Wear standard work wear and always consider what clothing is appropriate for the work being performed, such as:

Loose fitting work wear in humid areas
Reflective work wear in areas of high radiant heat

Policy

It is the policy of ISM Building Services. that when work is to be performed under high heat conditions a thorough assessment will be done beforehand which will address the problem and provide solutions.

Definitions

Heat Cramps – Heat cramps are intermittent muscle spasms resulting from hard physical work in a hot environment. They usually occur after:

Excessive sweating
The end of a work shift

Heat exhaustion – Heat exhaustion can occur during or after a work shift. Symptoms are:

Pale, cool/clammy skin
Normal or below normal body temperature
Profuse sweating
Weakness and/or dizziness
Nausea
Headache

In extreme cases, heat exhaustion may result in vomiting and unconsciousness.

Heat Stroke – This form of heat stress is the most serious. It is important to control body temperature to avoid possible:

· Delirium and convulsions

· Coma or even death

Symptoms are:

· Decreased sweating

· Increased body temperature

· Hot, dry, flushed skin

First Aid

Heat Cramps

1. Move the victim to a cool place.

2. Place victim in the recovery position until medical help arrives.

Heat Exhaustion

1. Move the victim to a cool place.

2. If the victim is unconscious, attempt to revive the victim, and administer cool water.

3. The victim may experience any/all of the following symptoms:

Excessive sweating
Cramps
Diarrhea
Vomiting

4. Place the victim in the recovery position until medical help arrives.

Heat Stroke

It is important to reduce the victim’s body temperature as quickly as possible:

1. Remove clothing.

2. Wrap the victim in a wet, cold sheet or immerse them in cool water.

3. Place the victim in the recovery position.

4. Direct a current of air towards the victim, either by hand or with a fan.

5. Continue treatment until body temperature is lowered to 38 degrees Celsius. If the victim is wrapped in a sheet, keep the sheet wet by pouring water over it as required.

6. When the body temperature has dropped to 38 degrees Celsius, move the victim to a cool place and cover with a dry sheet.

Keep the victim in the recovery position and repeat steps 2 to 5 until medical help arrives.

Procedure

Prevention of heat stress

Management must ensure facilities have adequate ventilation in the work area to reduce temperature. Other preventative measures are:

Use radiant heat shielding to reduce the heat load
Provide an adequate supply of drinking water
Schedule work in teams to shorten the duration of heavy work for individual employees
Ensure workers wear appropriate protective clothing to protect against hot surfaces

Use of Cleaning Solvents & Flammables

Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to protect the worker from hazards that may be created from the use of these liquids.

Policy

It is the policy of ISM Building Services Inc. that personnel must be aware of all solvents/flammables used on the job, and be sure that all workers who use these materials have been instructed in their proper use and any hazard they pose.

Procedure

General

Whenever possible, solvents should be non-flammable and non-toxic.
Use non-flammable solvents for general cleaning.
When flammable liquids are used, make sure that no hot work is permitted in the area.
Store flammables and solvents in special storage areas.
Check toxic hazards of all solvents before use. (Review material safety data sheets MSDS).
Provide adequate ventilation where all solvents and flammables are used.
Use goggles or face shields to protect the face and eyes from splashes or sprays.
Use rubber gloves to protect hands.
Wear protective clothing to protect from contamination of workers clothes.
When breathing hazards exist, use the proper respiratory protection.
Never leave solvents in tubs or vats, return them to their proper storage drums.
Ensure that proper containers are used for transportation, storage and field use of solvents/flammables.
Ensure all WHMIS requirements are met if controlled products are used.

Use of Compressed Air

Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to ensure the safe use of compressed air in order to minimize the potential exposure to personnel.

Policy

It is the policy of ISM Building Services Inc. that personnel will be protected from the hazards related to the use of compressed air.

Procedure

General

Air powered tools range from impact wrenches to jack hammers. If not used properly, these tools can become a hazard rather than making the job easier.
Compressed air must never be used to blow debris or to clean dirt from any worker’s clothes.
Ensure that the air pressure has been turned off and the pressure is relieved before disconnecting the hose or changing tools.
All hose connections must be equipped with a “whip check” device.
Wear personal protective equipment such as eye protection and face shields, and ensure other workers in the area are made aware of or have restricted access to the hazard area.
Hoses must be checked on a regular basis for cuts, bulges, or other damage. Ensure that defective hoses are repaired or replaced.
A proper regulator and relief device must be on the system to ensure that correct desired pressures are maintained.
The correct air supply hoses must be used for the specific tool / equipment being used.
The equipment must be used and properly maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
All diesel air compressors must be equipped with a positive air shut off if working in within the oilfield sector
Shut-off equipment while re-fuelling.
Do not use an air tool for any purpose other than what it is intended for.

Use of Flagging & Barricades

Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to specify situations where flagging and or barricades will be necessary to ensure safety on the jobsite.

Policy

It is the policy of ISM Building Services Inc. that hazards created by our work must be identified to surrounding workers.

Procedure

· A work area that has the potential to harm others must be sectioned off from workers whom are not involved in the work before the work begins.

· The area shall be flagged off with yellow caution tape which can be affixed to any combination of permanent structure or portable barricades.

· The ISM’s representative on duty as “watchman” will inform anyone who wishes to enter the area of the possible dangers which exist.

· The flagging and or barricades must be removed when the job has been completed.