SAFETY
DOCUMENTS

LONESTAR INDUSTRIES, L.L.C.

CONTENTS

•	BASIC SAFETY POLICY, GENERAL GUIDELINES AND GENERAL SAFETY RULES
•	ACCIDENT PREVENTION PROGRAM
•	DRUG & ALCOHOL POLICY
•	EMERGENCY RESPONSE

SAFETY PROGRAMS

•	HOUSEKEEPING PROGRAM
•	LIFTING & CARRYING SAFETY
•	EYE PROTECTION POLICY
•	FALL PROTECTION POLICY
•	SCAFFOLD POLICY

LONESTAR INDUSTRIES, having received these Policies and Programs, agrees to hold harmless and indemnify LONESTAR INDUSTRIES,  for all claims or causes of action based in tort or statutory liability, expressly including those claims stemming from LONESTAR INDUSTRIES, negligent and grossly negligent acts and omissions, as well as for those claims or causes of action based in tort or statutory liability stemming from LONESTAR INDUSTRIES,  failure to comply with the training, procedures, policies, and programs referred to in the Policies and Programs.

LONESTAR INDUSTRIES, L.L.C.

BASIC SAFETY POLICY,
GUIDELINES AND GENERAL
SAFETY RULES

	POLICY

“The LONESTAR INDUSTRIES, policy is to provide a safe place of employment for its employees and to abide by accident prevention regulations established by Federal, State and Local governments and this company.  We are sincerely interested in the safety and welfare of our employees and accident prevention is essential to maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.”

A.	Any employee who has caused an accident involving property damage or injuries as a result of gross negligence, carelessness or horseplay will be suspended and/or terminated.
B.	Any employee who is discovered to be in possession of or under the influence of alcohol or narcotics ( drugs) will be IMMEDIATELY suspended and/or terminated.
C.	Any authorized violation of or deviation from LONESTAR INDUSTRIES,  safety rules and regulations may be considered just cause for, and result in, disciplinary action as follows:
1.	counseling (written warning)
2.	three day suspension without pay
3.	suspension subject to termination

I.	MEDICAL NEEDS

An injured employee will be provided immediate medical attention at a location that can accommodate the injured employee.  All injured employees will be subject to immediate drug testing.  If drug testing proves positive, Worker Compensation and unemployment benefits may be forfeited.  Treatment of work related injuries may be utilized for drug screenings associated with pre-employment, random testing and tests done during treatment of a work related injury.

I.	EMPLOYEE SAFETY GUIDELINES

A.	Reporting
1.	Any accident or injury must be reported to the Supervisor.
2.	Hazardous conditions or unsafe job practice(s) should be called to the attention of the Supervisor.
3.	Notify the Supervisor immediately if protective equipment or devices are missing or are not working properly.
B.	Work Habits
1.	Know and follow all safety procedures that apply to your job.
2.	Keep work area(s) as neat and clean as possible.
C.	Clothing and Hair
1.	Always wear proper or prescribed clothing for the job or task.
2.	Never wear loose clothing when operating a machine where there is a possibility that such clothing could become caught in a moving part.
E.	Safety
1.	Safety is more than a word or slogan, it is the way of life.
2.	Accidents don’t “just happen” most of the time.
3.	Follow all safety rules and regulations.
4.	Every accident and/or injury must be reported.
5.	Think and practice “safety” at all times.
6.	Your well-being is important to all concerned.
F.	Protective Equipment/Devices
1.	Always wear or use the protective equipment or devices that are required for the job.
2.	Before starting an unfamiliar job or task, check to see f use of protective equipment or devices is required.
3.	Never remove protective equipment of devices from area or machine except during authorized maintenance or repair.
G.	Storage of Flammable or Dangerous Items
1.	Keep flammable or dangerous articles, materials or substances in their required storage place or container until they are actually needed for use on the job.
2.	As soon as there is no further or immediate need for items that are flammable or dangerous, return them to their proper storage place or container.
H.	Handling of Flammable or Dangerous Items
1.	Use extreme care, and required protective equipment or devices, at all times when handling and/or working with flammable or dangerous items.
2.	Be certain that fire extinguishers and/or fire hoses are readily available nearby before handling or working with volatile materials.
                             3.    Never smoke or ignite an open flame in a flammable or dangerous item area.

I.	GENERAL SAFETY RULES

1.	In case of sickness or injury, no matter how slight, report at once to your Supervisor for First Aid.  Under no condition should a worker treat their own or another worker'’ injuries unless licensed or certified to do so.
2.	PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is to be worn at all required times.  If you are provided with PPE, use it and use it correctly.
3.	Guards shall never be removed except when necessary to make adjustments or repairs, and they should be replaced immediately upon completion of work requiring their removal.  Lock out/tag must be observed during repairs.  If a guard is not in proper condition, report this at once to your Supervisor.
4.	Employees must use only the tools and equipment provided by the company unless specific permission is given by an immediate Supervisor or Foreman.
5.	RUNNING in the work area is NOT PERMITTED.
6.	Horseplay, throwing objects, scuffling and practical jokes are extremely dangerous and will not be tolerated.
7.	Never distract the attention of another worker, as you might cause an injury.
8.	The consumption, use or possession of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs will not be tolerated on the job.
9.	Never stand or walk under a crane, hoist load or bucket.
10.	Use compressed air only on the job which it is intended.  Do not clean your clothes with it; do not play with it; never blow compressed air against yourself or anyone else as it can enter the body and cause serious injury (air embolism).
11.	Learn to lift the RIGHT WAY to avoid strains and injury.  Keep the load close to your body, bend your knees, keep your body straight and then push upward with your legs.  This is the easiest and safest way.
12.	Never use defective tools.  Exchange or see that defective tools are replaced or repaired.  Use the proper tool for the job.
13.	Never attempt a task or operate a machine unless you are properly trained and assigned by your Supervisor.
14.	Learn the locations of fire exits and fire extinguishers at your job sites.
15.	Don’t tamper with electrical circuits, switches or fuses.  Malfunctioning electrical tools, bad extension cords, plugs, etc. must be reported to your Supervisor immediately.
16.	Observe and obey all warning signs.

THESE RULES ARE FOR YOUR PROTECTION

ACCIDENT PREVENTION PROGRAM

A.	SAFETY POLICY

“LONESTAR INDUSTRIES policy is to provide a safe place of employment for its employees and to abide by accident prevention regulations established by Federal, State and Local governments and this company.  We are sincerely interested in the safety and welfare of our employees and accident prevention is essential to maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.”

Management is responsible to regulatory compliance and the components of this accident prevention plan.  LONESTAR INDUSTRIES will assist the company with such compliance, as appropriate.

A.	SAFETY POLICY AWARENESS

A copy of the safety policy statement will be provided to each employee and a signed receipt acknowledging this will be maintained in each employee’s company file.

B.	ANALYSIS OF IDENTIFIED OPERATIONAL & SAFETY HAZARDS

LONESTAR INDUSTRIES will complete a documented study and evaluation of reported accidents and identified hazards on an annual basis, normally during the month of  December.  The report will identify any adverse trends.  Any recommendations provided by loss control or other safety consultants will be included.  Analysis factors may include the nature of injury, the number and cost of accidents/incidents, and the cause and type of accidents/incidents.

The primary source for the analysis will be information provided on internal investigation of accident reports.  Completed internal inspections of work sites will also be utilized where appropriate.  The report will indicate what corrective actions have been taken toward recurrence prevention and abatement, and it will indicate their effectiveness.

C.	SAFETY PROGRAM RECORDKEEPING

A log of all accidents and injuries will be maintained by
 LONESTAR INDUSTRIES.  The content, form and requirements of the log will be that of OSHA No. 200, or the equivalent.  The log will be legible and understandable.  It will be reviewed at six month intervals for the trends by LONESTAR INDUSTRIES who is responsible for the safety program recordkeeping requirements.

D.	SAFETY EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Safety Training will be provided to all employees, as required, but at the minimum, annually.  At each training meeting, employees will sign an attendance roster.  This roster will have the following information, as a minimum:

1.	The date of the meeting.
2.	Subject matter covered.
3.	Name of the person conducting the meeting.
4.	Signature of the attendees.

E.	SAFETY INSPECTION

LONESTAR INDUSTRIES will conduct periodic inspections of the company operations as a function of the accident prevention program.  The inspections will be documented and have the following information as a minimum:

1.	The inspector’s name and company position.
2.	Date of the inspection.
3.	Discrepancies identified.
4.	Corrective action that is needed.
5.	Person responsible for corrective action.
6.	Estimated completion date of corrective action, if appropriate.

           LONESTAR INDUSTRIES will be responsible for maintaining inspection documentation.  A review will be conducted annually by him to evaluate the effectiveness of the inspections.

F.	ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

All reported accidents will be investigated by management or their designee.  The investigation will be documented and include action taken or action recommended to prevent a similar incident from occurring.  The documentation of the investigation will properly describe incident events and circumstances, identify true causes, and contain adequate corrective measures.  Follow-up on corrective action will be the responsibility of management or their designee.  LONESTAR INDUSTRIES shall provide management with a copy of any such investigation accomplished and will main such documentation.

G.	REVIEW OF SAFETY PROGRAM

LONESTAR INDUSTRIES will periodically review the program and procedures.  The review will be an evaluation of the effectiveness of the safety program component(s).  The results will be documented, the company advised of same and the files maintained by LONESTAR INDUSTRIES.  The evaluation will normally be completed at the end of the calendar year.

		EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGMENTOFSAFETY POLICY

“LONESTAR INDUSTRIES policy is to provide a safe place of employment for its employees and to abide by accident prevention regulations established by Federal, State and Local governments and this company.  We are sincerely interested in the safety and welfare of our employees and accident prevention is essential to maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.”

To comply with the above and to assist in accident prevention, published rules and guidelines shall be observed at all time.  It is, however, impossible to publish a rule to cover every circumstance.  Each employee must assume an individual responsibility for his/her role in overall Safety Program and safety practices are meant for the employee’s protection and not meant to hinder any work or work product.

Employees are urged to fully cooperate.  Abuse or disregard to these rules is a violation of company policy and will be treated accordingly.  Employees must help in preventing accidents which will benefit all workers and all should strive for a record of zero accidents.

LONESTAR INDUSTRIES will be assisting the company in administering our safety program
                                                                                   
                      Employee’s Signature                                             Date

                   Employee’s Printed Name

DRUG & ALCOHOL POLICY

To all LONESTAR INDUSTRIES Employees:

LONESTAR INDUSTRIES recognizes that alcoholism, the use of unauthorized drugs and other medical or behavioral conditions are highly complex illnesses which under most circumstances can be successfully treated.  It is our hope that those employees with the illnesses outlined above will request assistance from LONESTAR INDUSTRIES before these problems pose a threat to the safety and health of any person working on our premises or job sites.  Furthermore, it is the responsibility of all LONESTAR INDUSTRIES to help ensure the safety of all those working by both encouraging fellow employees to seek confidential help from these disorders and by enforcing existing policies and procedures where and when the use of alcohol and unauthorized drugs and substances are prohibited.  Those employees who ask for confidential assistance in advance will not incur jeopardy to job security by reason of requesting help.  The confidential nature of medical problems will be preserved in the same manner as all other medical records.
  
LONESTAR INDUSTRIES also realizes the importance of providing a safe, healthy work environment for all employees and visitors, to that end, the following policy has been adopted.

POLICY OBJECTIVES:

•	Assist in maintaining a safe working environment for all employees.
•	Protest company property.
•	Cooperate with all others on job sites in their efforts to contribute to safe and efficient operations.
•	Comply with contractual obligations and existing laws.

COMPANY PREMISES DEFINED:

     For the purpose of this policy, the term “Company Premises” includes all property, facilities, land platforms, buildings, structures, fixtures, installations, automobiles, and all other vehicles and equipment on all customer job sites while employed by LONESTAR INDUSTRIES.  This policy also includes any and all parking lots and work locations while in the course and scope of employment.

COMPANY POLICY STATEMENT:

The use, bringing onto company or customer property, the possession, concealment, transportation, promotion or sale of the following substances from all of the above mentioned Company Premises at any time whether or not on duty or on company business property:

Illegal drugs, unauthorized controlled substances, look-a-likes, designer and synthetic drugs (including the presence of any detectable amount in the employee while working), and any other drugs or abnormal substances which may affect an employee’s senses, motor functions, or alter a person’s perception while working.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES:  Except as specifically authorized by LONESTAR INDUSTRIES.

FIREARMS, WEAPONS EXPLOSIVES AND AMMUNITION:  Except as specifically authorized by LONESTAR INDUSTRIES.

UNAUTHORIZED ITEMS:  
•	Stolen property
•	Drug paraphernalia

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS:  Except under the following conditions:
	
         Employees shall inform LONESTAR INDUSTRIES prior to using prescribed drugs.

•	Each vial shall be in the employee’s name, in the original vial and shall have the doctor’s name and prescription number on the label.
•	Each prescription shall not be older than year of the date of issue.
•	Employee shall only possess enough medication for one normal work shift.

NOTE:  LONESTAR INDUSTRIES at all times reserves the right to have a physician determine if a prescription or medication produces hazardous effects and restrict the use of any such drug or medication accordingly on Company Premises.  This may also include restricting the employee’s work activity or presence at work site.

SEARCHES, INSPECTIONS AND URINE DRUG SCREENING:

LONESTAR INDUSTRIES reserves the right at all times and when circumstances warrant to have managerial or supervisory personnel, or authorized Search and Inspection Specialist conduct unannounced searches and inspections of employees, boxes, clothing or vehicles, for the purpose of determining if such employees or other persons are in possession, use, transportation or concealment of any of the prohibited items and substances of the Policy.  All searches and inspections conducted by outside authorized specialists will be in the presence of LONESTAR INDUSTRIES Staff supervision or designated client company representative.

NOTE:  This policy also gives an employee’s supervisor the right to conduct an on-th-spot search and inspection of any person or employee and his or her personal effects as described above if said supervisor has a “reasonable suspicion” that the person is in direct violation of any part of this policy.

LONESTAR INDUSTRIES also reserves the right, at it’s discretion, to require employees to submit to medical or physical examinations or test at any time as a condition of continued employment, including but not necessarily limited to urine drug tests (screens), blood and plasma tests or other examinations to determine the use of any illegal or unauthorized drug or substances prohibited in this Policy.

URINE DRUG SCREENING:  These unannounced tests may be utilized under the following circumstances:

•	During a required pre-employment drug screening, prior to being approved to work on any customer’s premises.
•	Periodic testing of field, site or project employees to comply with contractual agreement with customers, other contractors or with government regulations.
•	When an employee or person is found in possession of suspected illicit or unauthorized drugs and/or alcohol or when any of these items are found in an area controlled or used exclusively by designated employees.
•	Employee physicals or examinations to prove an employee is fit for duty.
•	Part of an overall search and inspection of an employee’s work or location while on company property (including the premises of customers or other contractors.)

URINE DRUG SCREEN AND/OR BLOOD AND PLASMA TESTING MAY BE ADMINISTERED UNDER THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES:

When a LONESTAR INDUSTRIES supervisor or a client company supervisor has a reasonable suspicion that an employee shows signs of possible intoxication, using or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or other articulable facts that would lead a prudent supervisor to be concerned about the employee’s physical condition while working.

When an employee suffers an occupational on-the-job injury (requiring treatment from a doctor) or following a serious accident or incident in which safety precautions were given, equipment or property was damaged, unusually careless acts were performed, or where prescribed personal protective equipment was not employed, while on company premises or the property of a customer.  The results of such testing may be used to determine eligibility for worker compensation unemployment benefits.

Searches (including urine sampling or drug screening) and inspections by authorized specialists, LONESTAR INDUSTRIES supervisors or authorized client company representatives may be conducted from time to time without prior announcement.  Urine samples may be collected at the work site without prior announcement.  Urine may be collected at the work site by authorized trained collection specialists and transported to an approved laboratory for actual testing.

Any company, may, to the extent permitted by law, conduct a search and inspection of its own employees and the employees of any of its subcontractors, provided that such company first notified LONESTAR INDUSTRIES management of such a proposed search and inspection and provided further that contractor may not search employees of LONESTAR INDUSTRIES or other contractors without the express prior authority of LONESTAR INDUSTRIES or other companies involved.

NOTICE OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR POLICY VIOLATIONS:

No employee or person search, urine drug screen, blood and plasma testing or inspection will be conducted without written consent.  However, any LONESTAR INDUSTRIES employee who refuses to submit to a search or inspection, urine drug screen, blood and plasma sampling, or is found to be in possession, use, or transporting any illegal substance, contraband or unauthorized items, will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge from employment.  Preliminary finding of a policy violation may require that the employee be suspended pending the results of a company investigation.

Under certain circumstances, disciplinary actions as defined by this policy may also include a mandatory referral to an approved medical or counseling program as a result of a first offense positive urine drug screen test on an employee’s urine.  This action may also require an indefinite suspension of regular employment until the completion of a reasonable drug and alcohol treatment or counseling program.

Any person having business with LONESTAR INDUSTRIES who refuses to submit to a search, urine drug screen, blood and plasma sampling, or is found to be in possession at LONESTAR INDUSTRIES or customer property of any of the above mentioned drugs and unauthorized items, will not be allowed to return to any LONESTAR INDUSTRIES job site, properties, land facilities, or work areas as described above.

Entry onto LONESTAR INDUSTRIES or customer property, job site, or work locations as described above constitutes consent to the recognition of LONESTAR INDUSTRIES or its authorized representatives to search, inspect, urine drug screen or receive a blood and plasma sample from the employee, inspect their personal effects, vehicles, tool boxes, desk, clothing, boats, airplanes and any other property of employees and other persons while entering, on, or departing the premises of LONESTAR INDUSTRIES or customers.

This Policy is made for the maximum safety and well-being of all LONESTAR INDUSTRIES employees and other personnel.  Your assistance and cooperation for the achievement of this goal is vitally important.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

Statement of  Policy

	No industrial, commercial, building trade, general contractor, etc. is immune from disaster.  Emergencies can arise at any time and from many causes, but the potential loss is the same – injury and damage to people, the environment, and property.  Advance planning for emergencies is the best way to minimize this potential loss.

	The safety of employees and the public must be the first concern in planning for an emergency.  Preplanning should take into account the immediate short-term needs people are likely to have (i.e., injuries) as well as the long-term needs that may result from an emergency event.

Emergency Preparedness

	In most emergencies, your role is limited.  One of the keys to handling these situations is to turn them over to people who have received special training and who have the proper equipment for the job (police department, fire department, EMS, etc.).  The most common telephone number to contact these emergency personnel is 9-1-1, but check your local listings for anything different.

	But even if you’re not part of a special emergency crew, you still have two important roles to play:  getting yourself away safely and doing what you can to expedite and clear the way for the people handling the problem.

Identifying Hazards

	The first step in emergency preparedness is being familiar with all the risks in your work area, such as:

•	Flammable liquids and the circumstances in which they could catch fire
•	Reactive chemicals and the types of reactions they could cause
•	Explosive agents and what could cause them to explode
•	Electrical hazards that could cause fires
•	Vapors and dusts that could burn or explode
•	Chemical vapors that could be toxic in the air

Work on the premise that anything that could go wrong will go wrong.  Pay attention to what you’re working with and where you’re using it.  Know what problems could arise so that you can take steps to prevent them and so you’ll know what to do if the worst happens.

Fire Prevention

	When fire occurs within a business or on a job site there is usually little time for organizing an evacuation.  Most of these types of emergencies begin as small fires and grow quickly; therefore, they must be snuffed quickly.  The first five minutes are considered the most important.  Good housekeeping, proper fire fighting equipment and common sense precautions will also help keep a small fire from spreading and becoming a disaster.

	The hazards of fire are burning, smoke, release of noxious fumes, risk of explosion, etc.  Even a small fire can easily get out of hand and prevention is the best cure.

	Fire develops from a mix of three components:

•	Fuel (paper, oil, wood, etc.)
•	Oxygen (present in the air)
•	Heat (from flame, electricity, friction or chemical reaction)

Preventing these three from getting together prevents a fire.  To protect yourself against fire hazards, use caution and common sense.

	Should a fire start, or any serious emergency, you don’t have time to experiment or go look up what you’re supposed to do.  The lights may go out, or there may be so much smoke that you can’t see anything.  So you’ve got to know what to do and where to go – and do it without thinking twice.

	If you spot fire, turn in an alarm first!  Don’t stop and decide if you can put it out, turn in the alarm!  If you can get to a fire extinguisher and safely snuff the fire, do it.  If you can’t leave quickly and in an orderly fashion, assisting others if necessary.  It is no fun being a dead hero.

Tornadoes

	Frequently, Texas has weather conditions of the type that spawn tornadoes.  Damage resulting from tornadoes is inflected quickly and with very little warning.  The damage is usually restricted to a small area, but the destruction and loss of life can be extensive.  Employees should be prepared to evacuate to emergency shelters located close to the work area.  In extreme emergencies a closet, under stairs, under a sturdy table or in a ravine or drainage ditch if caught outside.

Evacuation

	Evacuation requires that all employees leave the building or job site in an orderly fashion by way of designated emergency evacuation routes.

First-Aid

	When you witness an injury, call for medical help immediately.

	The important thing to remember in an emergency is to stay calm and act quickly.  Your quick response can literally be the difference between life and death for the victim.

	If you’re not sure what to do, don’t do anything except get help.  The wrong move can make things worse for the victim.  Keep in mind that it’s usually best to leave first-aid to people who know what to do.

HOUSEKEEPING PROGRAM

	Thousands of serious accidents and several critical illnesses occur every year due to poor housekeeping and inadequate sanitation.  Poor housekeeping and sanitation has been a primary citation issued by OSHA.  Examples of poor housekeeping are misplaced, lost, thrown away or destroyed tools, materials, and/or equipment; scrap materials and litter cluttering floors or work sites; grease or wet spots left on walkways and/or materials carelessly stored around work areas that could cause employees to slip, trip, fall, or bump themselves.  Sanitation is also a very important part of housekeeping.  Sanitation initials the labeling and providing of water and being in compliance with the standard requirements set for the toilet and lavatory facilities per job site or place of employment.

	Good housekeeping and sanitation improves attitude, efficiency and helps prevent accidental injuries or illnesses to the employees.

I.	HOUSEKEEPING	

A.	Work areas, walkways, stairs and doorways must be kept clear of materials, and other debris such as lumber with protruding nails.
B.	All tools and equipment should be returned to their proper location upon completion of their use.
C.	All walkways and work areas should be clear of running hoses, power cords, welding leads, ropes, and any other tripping hazards.
D.	During work hours clean up should be continuous to reduce potential fire and accident hazards.

II.	SANITATION

A.	Potable water means water which is approved for drinking purposes by the state or local authority having jurisdiction or water which meets the quality standards prescribed in the U. S. Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards, published in 42 CFR part 72.

1.	All places of employment or job sites shall provide an adequate supply of potable water.

While this may not cover all aspects of housekeeping and sanitation, each employee is responsible for the daily, general clean up of their respective work areas or problems that would put themselves or other employees at risk.  Bringing any such problems to the attention of a supervisor is also an appropriate action of a responsible employee.

LIFTING AND CARRYING SAFETY

INJURIES AND UNSAFE LIFTING/CARRYING:

	Most common injuries suffered form improper lifting and carrying are hernias and back injuries.  There are other parts of the body that could sustain serious injuries.  Examples of some of these injuries could be to your hands and fingers such as cuts, splinters, pinched fingers, etc.  Losing your balance or dropping a heavy object could cause feet, toes, or leg injuries.  Eyes, head, or trunk injuries could be caused by opening a wire bound box or bale, handling cable or metal strapping, etc.

	The most common unsafe lifting and carrying procedures that individuals use are improper lifting, incorrect gripping, not wearing gloves when required and carrying too heavy a load.  Twisting with the body instead of moving feet, not standing with, and/or carrying, load close to body and failing to observe proper foot or hand clearance is another.

	To avoid these injuries, whenever possible, use mechanical operated lifting devices to eliminate the need to lift materials manually.  If materials have to be manually lifted, practice safe lifting and carrying procedures.

THREE PHASES TO CORRECT LIFTING:

	The first phase – the pre-lift phase – is about preparing to lift.

1.	Size up the load.  Look for slivers, jagged edges, burrs, rough or slippery surfaces, and protruding nails.  Decide what protective clothing you need to wear (safety shoes, leather gloves, etc.)
2.	Get help if you can’t comfortably lift the load alone.
3.	Make sure there’s a clear path in which to carry the load.  Look for any slipping or tripping hazards.  Decide beforehand that if the load starts to get away from you that you will let it go; if you can’t do this, perhaps you shouldn’t be doing this task alone.

The second phase – the lifting phase – is about the correct posture for lifting.  (Having an employee demonstrate each step as you describe it, using the empty carton as a prop.)

1.	Stand close to the load with feet wide apart.
2.	Squat down, bending at the hips and knees.
3.	As you grip the load, arch your lower back inward by pulling your shoulders back and sticking your chest out.
4.	Keep the load close to your body while you lift.  The closer the load is to your body, the less pressure it exerts on your back.

The third phase – the setting down phase – addresses the best way to set down the load.  (Again, have an employee demonstrate.)

1.	Pivot your feet to guide your body around.  Never twist!
2.	When you set the load down, squat down, bending at the hips and knees, keeping your lower back arched inward.

EYE PROTECTION POLICY

	Our vision may be the most precious of our five senses.  However, within the workplace, our eyes are exposed to a variety of foreign objects, flying particles, and chemical agents.  These elements present a tremendous potential for eye injury.  In an effort to ensure that our eyes and vision may be protected, the following Eyewear Protection Policy has been adopted and will be enforced and adhered to by the employer.  The following policy regarding Eyewear Protection will be followed by all Employees.

Employees will be provided with eye/face protection equipment when machines, chemicals, radiation agents, or any other circumstances or operations present potential eye/face injury.  The eye/face protection equipment provided will meet or exceed the specified requirements of ANSI Z87.1-1968 and the Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Construction.

	Any employee whose vision requires use of corrective lenses, and is required to wear eye protection, shall be protected by eyewear of one of the following types:

A.	Eyewear whose protective lenses provide accurate optical correction.
B.	Protective eyewear than can be worn over corrective lenses – e.g. goggles that fit over the user’s corrective lenses.
C.	Protective eyewear that is capable of incorporating corrective lenses mounted behind the protective lenses.

When operating machinery that utilizes light or heavy grinding, when chipping, lathing, wood or metal cutting, sanding or machining (and many other activities), flying particles may present an eye or face hazard.  When operating this type of machinery, or performing duties that may present eye/face hazards, there are several types of eye protection that can be employed.  These include:

A.	Flexible, comfortable fitting goggles with regular or hooded ventilation;
B.	Flexible, comfortable fitting spectacles or glasses with sideshields that have either plastic or metal frames;
C.	Chipping goggles with clear lenses of either eyecup or coverspec type; and,
D.	Full face shields.

When handling chemicals or caustic agents, the following types of eye protection may be used:

A.	flexible, comfortable fitting goggles with hooded ventilation; and,
B.	A full face shield with clear plastic or mesh window.

Even though an employee may have the correct type of eye protection for the type of task required, there are still other issues to consider.  ALL eye/face protection, in an effort to achieve maximum protection MUST meet the following requirements:

A.	The eyewear must provide adequate protection against the particular hazard for which they are designed.
B.	They eyewear should be of comfortable fit when worn under operating conditions.
C.	The eyewear should fit snugly but should not restrict the wearer’s movements.
D.	The eyewear should be easily cleanable, capable of being disinfected and durable.

Regardless of which type of eye protection an employee uses, the equipment should always be kept clean and in good repair.  Any disabled equipment, either of structural or optical defect, shall be prohibited.  The employer will furnish the proper protective eyewear for the hazards involved.  Your employer will be responsible for the proper storing of eye/face wear to ensure lenses don’t get scratched or cracked and that the eye/face wear is protected against damage or breakage.  Eye/face wear will be properly inspected, maintained and cleaned by the employee.  The employer will issue each at risk employee the proper eye/face protection free of charge.  Eye/face protection that is abused, broken, lost or damaged will become the responsibility of the employee and replacement will be the employees responsibility.

FALL PROTECTION POLICY

Lonestar Industries, is dedicated to the protection of its employees from on-the-job injuries.  All employees of our company have the responsibility to work safely on the job.  The purpose of this policy is to supplement our existing safety and health program and to ensure that every employee who works for Lonestar Industries recognizes workplace fall hazards and takes the appropriate measures to address those hazards.  

Constant awareness of and respect for fall hazards, and compliance with all safety rules are considered conditions of employment.  The crew supervisor or foreman, as well as Management reserve the right to issue disciplinary warnings to employees, up to and including termination, for failure to follow the guidelines of this program.

All accidents that result in injury to workers, regardless of their nature, shall be investigated and reported.  It is an integral part of any safety program that documentation take place as soon as possible so that the cause and means of prevention can be identified to prevent a reoccurrence.  In the event that an employee falls or there is some other related, serious incident occurring, this plan shall be reviewed to determine if additional practices, procedures, or training need to be implemented to prevent similar types of falls or incidents from occurring.

Any changes to the plan will be approved by management.  This policy shall be reviewed by a qualified person as the job progresses to determine if additional practices, procedures or training needs to be implemented by the competent person to improve or provide additional fall protection.  Workers shall be notified and trained, if necessary, in the new procedures.  A copy of this policy and all approved changes shall be maintained at the job site.

TRAINING PROGRAM

Lonestar Industries shall provide a training program for each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards.  The program shall enable each employee to recognize the hazards of falling and shall train each employee in the procedures to be followed in order to minimize these hazards.
1)	Lonestar Industries shall assure that each employee has been trained, as necessary, by a competent person qualified in the following areas:
a)	The nature of fall hazards in the work area;
b)	The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, disassembling, and inspecting the fall protection systems to be used,;
c)	The use and operation of guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, warning line systems, safety monitoring systems, controlled access zones, and other protection to be used;
d)	The role of each employee in the safety monitoring system when this system is used;
e)	The limitations on the use of mechanical equipment during the performance of roofing work on low-sloped roofs;
f)	The correct procedures for the handling and storage of equipment and materials and the erection of overhead protection; and
g)	The role of employees in fall protection plans;
h)	The standards contained in this subpart.

2)	Lonestar Industries shall verify compliance by preparing a written certification record.  The written certification record shall contain the name or other identity of the employee trained, the date(s) of the training, and the signature of the person who conducted the training or the signature of the employer.  If Lonestar Industries relies on training conducted by another employer or completed prior to the effective date of this section, the certification record shall indicate the date Lonestar Industries determined the prior training was adequate rather than the date of actual training.

3)	The latest training certification shall be maintained.

RETRAINING

When Lonestar Industries has reason to believe that any affected employee who has already been trained does not have the understanding and skill required by Lonestar Industries, Lonestar Industries shall retrain each such employee.  Circumstances where training is required include, but are not limited to, situations where:
	
1)	Changes in the workplace render previous trainging obsolete; or
2)	Changes in the types of fall protection systems or equipment to be used render previous training obsolete; or
3)	Inadequacies in an affected employee’s knowledge or use of fall protection systems or equipment indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite understanding or skill.

GENERAL

Lonestar Industries shall determine if the walking/working surfaces on which its employees are to work have the strength and structural integrity to support employees safely.  Employees shall be allowed to work on those surfaces only when the surfaces have the requisite strength and structural integrity.

Each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet (1.8m) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.

Each employee who is constructing a leading edge 6 feet (1.8m) or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.  Exception:  When Lonestar Industries can demonstrate that it is unfeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, Lonestar Industries shall develop and implement an alternate fall protection plan.

Each employee on a walking/working surface 6 feet (1.8m) or more above a lower level where leading edges are under construction, but who is not engaged in the leading edge work, shall be protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system.  If a guardrail system is chosen to provide the fall protection, and a controlled access zone has already been established for leading edge work, the control line may be used in lieu of a guardrail along the edge that parallels the leading edge.

Each employee in a hoist area shall be protected from falling 6 feet (1.8m) or more to lower levels by guardrail systems or personal fall arrest systems.  If guardrail systems, (a chain, gate, or guardrail) or portions thereof, are removed to facilitate the hoisting operation (e.g., during landing of materials), an employee must lean through the access opening or out over the edge of the access opening to receive or guide equipment and materials, for example, that employees shall be protected from fall hazards by a personal fall arrest system.

Each employee on walking/working surfaces shall be protected from falling through holes (including skylights) more than 6 feet (1.8m) above lower levels, by personal fall arrest systems, covers, or guardrail systems erected around such holes.

Each employee on a walking/working surface shall be protected from objects falling through holes (including skylights) by covers.

Each employee on the face of formwork or reinforcing steel shall be protected from falling 6 feet (1.8m) or more to lower levels by personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, or positioning device systems.

Each employee on ramps, runways, and other walkways shall be protected from falling 6 feet (1.8m) or more to lower levels by guardrail systems.

Each employee at the edge of an excavation 6 feet (1.8m) or more in depth shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, fences, or barricades when the excavations are not readily seen because of plant growth or other visual barrier.

Each employee at the edge of a well, pit, shaft, and similar excavation 6 feet (1.8m) or more in depth shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, fences, barricades, or covers.

Each employee less than 6 feet (1.8m) above dangerous equipment shall be protected from falling into or onto the dangerous equipment by guardrail systems or by equipment guards.

Each employee 6 feet (1.8m) or more above dangerous equipment shall be protected from fall hazards by guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, or safety net systems.

Each employee reaching more than 10 inches (25 cm) below the level of the walking/working surface on which they are working, shall be protected from falling by a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system.

Each employee on a steep roof with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet (1.8m) or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems with toeboards, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.

Each employee engaged in the erection of precast concrete members (including, but not limited to the erection of wall panels, columns, beams, and floor and roof “tees”) and related operations such as grouting of precast concrete members, who is 6 feet (1.8m) or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems, unless otherwise provided for an alternative fall protection measure.  Exception:  When J & E Masonry can demonstrate that it is unfeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, J & E Masonry shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets the standards.

Each employee working on, at, above, or near wall openings (including those with chutes attached) where the outside bottom edge of the wall opening is 6 feet (1.8m) or more above lower levels and the inside bottom edge of the wall opening is less than 39 inches 91.0m) above the walking/working surface, shall be protected from falling by the use of a guardrail system, a safety net system, or a personal fall arrest system.

When an employee is expose to falling objects, Lonestar Industries shall have each employee wear a hard hat and shall implement one of the following measures:

1)	Erect toeboards, screens, or guardrail systems to prevent objects from falling from higher levels; or,
2)	Erect a canopy structure and keep potential falling objects far enough from the edge of the higher level so that those objects would not go over the edge if they were accidentally displaced; or,
3)	Barricade the area to which objects could fall, prohibit employees from entering the barricaded area, and keep objects that may fall far enough away from the edge of a high level so that those objects would not go over the edge if they were accidentally displaced.

Guardrail systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions:

1)	Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1.1m) plus or minus 3 inches (8cm) above the walking/working level.  When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height, provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of this paragraph.
2)	Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate structural members shall be installed between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working surface when there is no wall or parapet wall at least 21 inches (53 cm) high.

A.	Midrails, when used, shall be installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working level.
B.	Screens and mesh, when used, shall extend from the top rail to the walking/working level and along the entire opening between top rail supports.
C.	Intermediate members (such as balusters), when used between posts, shall be not more than 19 inches (48 cm) apart.
D.	Other structural members (such as additional midrails and architectural panels) shall be installed such that there are no openings in the guardrail system that are more than 19 inches (.5 m) wide.
3)	Guardrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches (5.1 cm) of the top edge, in any outward or downward direction, at any point along the top edge.
4)	When the 200 pound (890 N) test load is applied in a downward direction, the top edge of the guardrail shall not deflect to a height less than 39 inches (1.0 m) above the walking/working level.
5)	Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, and equivalent structural members shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 150 pounds (666 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the midrail or other member.
6)	Guardrail systems shall be so surfaced as to prevent injury to an employee from punctures or lacerations, and to prevent snagging of cloting.
7)	The ends of all top rails and midrails shall not overhang the terminal posts, except where such overhang does not constitute a projection hazard.
8)	Steel banding and plastic banding shall not be used as top rails or midrails.
9)	Top rails and midrails shall be at least one-quarter inch (0.6 cm) nominal diameter or thickness to prevent cuts and lacerations.  If wire rope is used for top rails, it shall be flagged at not more than 6-foot intervals with high-visibility material.
10)	When guardrail systems are used at hoisting areas, a chain, gate or removable guardrail section shall be placed across the access opening between guardrail sections when hoisting operations are not taking place.
11)	When guardrail systems are used at holes, they shall be erected on all unprotected sides or edges of the hole.
12)	When guardrail systems are used around holes used for the passage of materials, the holes shall have not more than two sides provided with removable guardrail sections to allow the passage of materials.  When the hole is not in use, it shall be closed over with a cover, or a guardrail system shall be provided along all unprotected sides or edges.
13)	When guardrail systems are used around holes which are used as points of access (such as ladderways), they shall be provided with a gate, or be so offset that a person cannot walk directly into the hole.
14)	Guardrail systems used on ramps and runways shall be erected along each unprotected side or edge.
15)	Manila, plastic or synthetic rope heing used for top rails or midrails shall be inspected as frequently as necessary to ensure that it continues to meet the strength requirements.

SAFETY MONITORING SYSTEMS
Safety monitoring systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions:

1)	Lonestar Industries shall designate a competent person to monitor the safety of other employees and the employer shall ensure that the safety monitor complies with the following requirements:
A.	The safety monitor shall be competent to recognize fall hazards;

B.	The safety monitor shall warn the employee when it appears that the employee is unaware of a fall hazard or is acting in an unsafe manner; 
C.	The safety monitor shall be on the same walking/working surface and within visual sighting distance of the employee being monitored;
D.	The safety monitor shall be close enough to communicate orally with the employee; and
E.	The safety monitor shall not have other responsibilities which could take the monitor’s attention from the monitoring function.
2)	No employee, other than an employee engaged in roofing work (on low-sloped roofs) or an employee covered by a fall protection plan, shall be allowed in an area where an employee is being protected by a safety monitoring system.
3)	Each employee working in a controlled access zone shall be directed to comply promptly with fall hazard warnings from safety monitors.

FALL PROTECTION PLAN

This option is available only to employees engaged in leading edge work, precast concrete erection work, or residential construction work who can demonstrate that it is unfeasible or it creates a greater hazard to use conventional fall protection equipment.  The fall protection plan must conform to the following provisions:
1)	The fall protection plan shall be prepared by a qualified person and developed specifically for the site where the leading edge work, precast concrete work, or residential construction work is being performed and the plan must be maintained up to date.
2)	Any changes to the fall protection plan shall be approved by a qualified person.
3)	A copy of the fall protection plan with all approved changes shall be maintained at the job site.
4)	The implementation of the fall protection plan shall be under the supervision of a competent person.
5)	The fall protection plan shall document the reasons why the use of conventional fall protection systems (guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, or safety net systems) are unfeasible or why their use would create a greater hazard. 
6)	The fall protection plan shall include a written discussion of other measures that will be taken to reduce or eliminate the fall hazard for workers who cannot be provided with protection from the conventional fall protection systems.  For example, the employer shall discuss the extent to which scaffolds, ladders, or vehicle mounted work platforms can be used to provide a safer working surface and thereby reduce the hazard of falling.
7)	The fall protection plan shall identify each location where conventional fall protection methods cannot be used.  These locations shall then be classified as controlled access zones and the employer must comply with the criteria in paragraph (g) of this section.
8)	Where no other alternative measure has been implemented, the employer shall implement a safety monitoring system in conformance with the standards.
9)	The fall protection plan must include a statement which provides the name or other method of identification for each employee who is designated to work in controlled access zones.  No other employee may enter controlled access zones.
10)	In the event an employee falls, or some other related, serious incident occurs, (e.g., a near miss) the employer shall investigate the circumstances of the fall or other incident to determine if the fall protection plan needs to be changed (e.g. new practices, procedures, or training) and shall implement those changes to prevent similar types of falls or incidents.

SCAFFOLD POLICY

MOST COMMON TYPES OF SCAFFOLDS

	A wood pole scaffold is defined as a one supported on the outer side by  poles and on the inner by a wall (single pole), on both sides by poles (double pole).  On some heavy-trade pole scaffolding, the use of 4 x 6 uprights below 32 feet is mandaged.

	A tube coupler scaffold is made of individual pieces of tubing assembled with coupling devices which connect uprights, posts, braces, bearing members and other sections.

	A tubular frame scaffold is a metal frame scaffold, made up from prefabricated tubular sections.  These include:  posts, horizontal bearers, bracing, etc.

	An outrigger scaffold is made up of bottom supported planking placed on outriggers beyond the building or structure face.  The outrigger should not extend beyond six feet from the building or structure surface.

	An adjustable multipoint suspension scaffold is one that has four or more suspension points and a continuous work platform.  It would normally be suspended by wire rope from tan overhead beam and is adjustable for height.  This is common to bricklaying operations.

	The two-point suspension scaffold is suspended by two overhead supports and permits height adjustment by means of rope, tackle or hoisting machines.  This scaffold is commonly referred to as a swing stage (swaying) scaffold, but it must be tied off to prevent swaying or swinging.  Employees must be protected with lifelines and safety belts.  The lifelines must be attached to a structure other than the scaffold or suspension.

	A single-point adjustable suspension scaffold is one that has a manual or powered suspension means supported by a single wire rope, capable of height adjustment.  Employees using this type scaffold must be protected from falls with a safety belt secured to a separately suspended lifeline.  “Spider” and “Sky Climber” are a couple of common trade names.

	A boatswain’s chair scaffold is a suspended seat designed to hold one person.  Employees again are required to be protected by a safety belt and lifeline.

	A ladder jack scaffold is one where the platform planking is supported by brackets attached to ladders.  This is a light duty scaffold where no more than two employees may occupy any given 8’ span on any scaffold.  They are limited to 20’ in height.

We have by no means covered every type of scaffold available.  Suffice it to say that working at any heights above 10’ requires the need for some form of fall protection in the form of guardrails, mid rails or a properly secured personal fall arrest system.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1)	Scaffolds shall be furnished and erected in accordance with OSHA, Part 1026, Subpart I.
2)	The footing or anchorage for scaffolds shall be sound, rigid and capable of carrying the maximum intended load without settling or displacement.  Unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose brick or concrete blocks shall not be used to support scaffolds or planks.

3)	Scaffolds and their components shall be capable of supporting without failure at least four times the maximum intended load.
4)	Scaffolds and other devices mentioned or described in this section shall be maintained in safe condition.  Scaffolds shall not be altered or moved horizontally while they are in use or occupied.
5)	Any scaffold damaged or weakened from any cause shall be immediately repaired or replaced to meet established standards or shall not be used until repairs have been completed.
6)	Scaffolds shall not be loaded in excess of the working load for which they are intended.

7)	       All planking shall be Scaffold Grade as recognized by grading rules for the species of                                                                                        
                             Wood used.  The maximum permissible spans for 2 x 9 or wider planks are shown in             
                             Table.
          Materials
						
                                                         	  Full thickness     Normal
                                                                   undressed        thickness
                                                                     lumber            lumber
                  
        Working load (p.s.f.)                 25  50  75           25  50

                  Permissible Span (ft.)               10    8    6             8    6
                     
 	Lumber sizes, when used in this policy, refer to nominal sizes except where otherwise stated.  The maximum permissible span for 1 ¼ x 9 or wider plank of full thickness is 4 feet with medium loading of 50 pounds per square foot (p.s.f.).

8)	An access ladder or equivalent safe access shall be provided and used without fail.  Cross bracing shall not be used as a means for access or egress from scaffolds.
9)	Scaffold planks shall extend over their end supports not less than 6 inches nor more than 18 inches.
10)	The poles, legs or uprights of scaffolds shall be plumb and secure, and rigidly braced to prevent swaying and displacement.
11)	Materials being hoisted onto a scaffold shall have a tag line.
12)	Hard hats shall be provided and worn by workers on a scaffold exposed to overhead hazards.
13)	Scaffolds shall be provided with a screen or debris net between the toe board and the guardrail, extending along the entire opening where persons are required to work or pass under the scaffolds or caution tape the base to deny access under the scaffolds.
14)	Employees shall not work on scaffolds during storms or high winds, unless the competent person has decided it is safe to do so.
15)	Employees shall not work on scaffolds which are covered with ice or snow, unless all ice or snow is removed and planking sanded to prevent slipping.
16)	Tools, materials or debris shall not be allowed to accumulate on a platform in quantities to cause a hazard.
17)	Scaffolds shall be secured to permanent structures, through use of anchor bolts, reveal bolts, or other equivalent means.  Window cleaners’ anchor bolts shall not be used.
18)	Special precautions shall be taken to protect scaffold members, including any wire or fiber ropes, when using a heat-producing process.
19)	Platforms planks shall be laid with their edges close together so the platform will be tight with no spaces through which tools or fragments of material can fall.  The working level must be fully decked with a minimum of 1” space permitted unless employer can prove a larger space is needed.  The maximum space allowable is 9 ½”.
20)	All planking or platforms shall be overlapped by a minimum of 12 inches.
21)	When a scaffold turns a corner, the platform planks shall be laid to prevent tipping.  The planks that meet the corner cross bar at an angle shall be laid first, extending over the diagonal bearer far enough to have a good a good safe bearing, but not far enough to involve any danger from tipping.  The planking running in the opposite direction at right angles shall be laid so as to extend over and rest on the first layer of planking.
22)	When erecting new platforms to the next level, the old platform shall be completed and left undisturbed until the new bearers are set and braced.
23)	When dismantling scaffolds the scaffold will be dismantled from the top down.  Completely dismantle one level, then dismantle the next.  Never remove all the railings, then all the planking, etc.
24)	All wood platforms shall not be covered with opaque finishes except to mark the ends for identification purposes.
25)	Fall Protection:  Each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above a lower level shall be protected from falling to that lower level.  The following subparagraphs, by type of scaffold, establish the types of fall protection to be provided to employees.
A.	Each employee on a boatswains’ chair, catenary scaffold, float scaffold, needle beam scaffold, or ladder jack scaffold shall be protected by a personal fall arrest system;
B.	Each employee on a single-point (swing stage) or two-point adjustable suspension scaffold shall be protected by both a personal fall arrest system and guardrail system;
C.	Each employee on a crawling board (chicken ladder) shall be protected by a personal fall arrest system, a guardrail system 9with minimum 200 pound top rail capacity), or by a ¾” (1.9 cm) diameter grab line or handhold security fastened each crawling board;
D.	Each employee on a self-contained adjustable scaffold shall be protected by a guardrail system (with 200 pound top rail capacity) when the platform is supported by the frame structure, and by both a personal fall arrest system and a guardrail system (with minimum 200 pound top rail capacity) when the platform is supported by ropes;
E.	Each employee on a walkway located within a scaffold shall be protected by a guardrail system (with minimum 200 pound top rail capacity) installed within 9 ½” (24.1 cm) of and along at least one side of the walkway.
F.	Each employee performing overhand bricklaying operations from a supported scaffold shall be protected from falling from all open sides and ends of the scaffold (except at the side next to the wall being laid) by the use of a personal fall arrest system or guardrail systems (with minimum 200 pound top rail capacity);
G.	For all scaffolds not otherwise specified in A. through F. above, each employee shall be protected by the use of personal fall arrest systems or guardrail systems meeting previously described standards above.

NOTE:  Effective September 2, 1997, the employer shall have a competent person determine the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds.  Employers are required to provide fall protection for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds where the installation and use of such protection is feasible and does not create a greater hazard.

TUBE AND COUPLER SCAFFOLDS

1)	A LIGHT DUTY tube and coupler scaffold shall have all posts, bearers, runners, and bracing of nominal 2 inch O. D. steel tubing.  The posts shall be spaced no more than 6 feet apart by 10 feet along the length of the scaffold.  Other structural metals when used must be designed to carry an equivalent load.
2)	A MEDIUM DUTY tube and couple scaffold shall have all posts, runners, and bracing of nominal 2 inch O. D. steel tubing.  Posts spaced not more than 6 feet apart by 8 feet along the length of the scaffold shall have bearers of nominal 2 ½ inch O. D. steel tubing.  Other structural metals when used must be designed to carry an equivalent load.

3)	A HEAVY DUTY tube and coupler scaffold shall have all posts, runners, and bracing of nominal 2 inch O. d. steel tubing, with the posts spaced not more than 6 feet apart by 6 feet, 6 inches along the length of the scaffold.  Other structural metals when used must be designed to carry an equivalent load.
4)	Tube and couple scaffolds shall be limited in heights and working levels to those permitted in tables 2, 3, and 4 of this Policy.  Drawings and specification of all tube and coupler scaffolds above the limitations in Tables 2, 3, and 4 of this Policy shall be designed by a registered professional engineer and copies made available to the employer and for inspection purposes.
5)	All tube and coupler scaffolds shall be constructed and erected to support four times the maximum intended loads as set forth in Tables 2, 3, and 4 of this Policy or as set forth in the specifications by a registered professional engineer, copies which shall be made available to the employer and for inspection purposes.
6)	All tube and coupler scaffolds shall be erected by competent and experienced personnel.
7)	Posts shall be accurately spaced, erected on suitable bases and maintained plumb.
8)	Runners shall be erected along the length of the scaffold located on both the inside and the outside posts at even height.  Runners shall be interlocked to form continuous lengths and coupled to each post.  The bottom runners shall be located as close to the base as possible.  Runners shall be placed not more than 6 feet inches on centers.
9)	Bearers shall be installed transversely between posts and shall be securely coupled to the posts bearing on the runner coupler.  When coupled directly to the runners, the coupler must be kept as close to the posts as possible.
10)	Bearers shall be at least 4 inches but not more than 12 inches longer than the post spacing or runner spacing.  Bearers may be cantilevered for use as brackets to carry not more than two planks.
11)	Cross bracing shall be installed across the width of the scaffold at least every third set of posts horizontally and every fourth runner vertically.  Such bracing shall extend diagonally from the inner and outer runners upward to the next outer and inner runners.
12)	Longitudinal diagonal bracing shall be installed at approximately a 45 degree angle from near the base of the first outer post upward to the extreme top of the scaffold.  Where the longitudinal length of the scaffold permits, such bracing shall be duplicated beginning at every fifth post.  In a similar manner longitudinal diagonal bracing shall also be installed from the last post extending back and upward toward the first post.  Where conditions preclude the attachment of this bracing to the posts, it may be attached to the runners.
13)	The entire scaffold shall be tied to and securely braced against the building at intervals not to exceed 30 feet horizontally and 26 feet vertically.
14)	Guardrails not less than 2 x 4 lumber or the equivalent and not less than 36” or more than 42” inches high, with a mid rail, not less than 2 x 4 lumber or equivalent, split between the top rail and toe board, but no less than 19” high and toe boards consisting of 2 x 4 lumber, shall be installed at all open sides and ends of all scaffolds more than 10 feet above the ground or floor.  Wire mesh shall be installed in accordance with Paragraph # 13, General Requirements, of this Policy.
15)	Cross bracing is acceptable in place of a mid rail when the crossing point of two braces is between 20” (0.5 m) and 30” (0.8 m) above the work platform or as a top rail when the crossing point of two braces is between 38” (0.97 m) and 48” (1.3 m) above the work platform.  The end points at each upright shall be no more than 48” (1.3 m) apart.

TABLE 2

Tube and Coupler Scaffolds – LIGHT DUTY

   Uniformly distributed load           Not to exceed 25 p.s.f.
   Post spacing (longitudinal)                10 feet 0 inches
   Post spacing (transverse)                     6 feet 0 inches

         WORKING          ADDITIONAL             MAXIMUM
           LEVELS         PLANKED LEVELS          HEIGHT

                 1                                8                            125 feet
                 2                                4                            125 feet
                 3                                0                              91 feet

TABLE 3

Tube and Coupler Scaffolds – MEDIUM DUTY

    Uniform distributed load                         Not to exceed 75 p.s.f.

    Post spacing (longitudinal)                                     8 feet

      Post spacing (transverse)                                      6 feet

       WORKING          ADDITIONAL               MAXIMUM
          LEVELS        PLANKED LEVELS           HEIGHT

              1                               6                                125 FEET

              2                               0                                  78 FEET

TABLE 4

Tube and Coupler Scaffolds – HEAVY DUTY

     Uniformly distributed load                      not to exceed 75 p.s.f.

      Post spacing (longitudinal)                        6 feet 6 inches
        
       Post spacing (transverse)                                6 feet

           WORKING          ADDITIONAL               MAXIMUM
              LEVELS        PLANKED LEVELS           HEIGHT

                  1                               6                                125 feet

TUBULAR WELDED FRAME SCAFFOLDS

1)	Metal tubular frame scaffolds, including accessories such as braces, brackets, trusses, screw legs, ladders, etc., shall be designed and proved to safely support four times the maximum intended load.
2)	Spacing of panels or frames shall be consistent with the loads imposed.

3)	Scaffolds shall be properly braced by cross bracing or diagonal braces, or both, for securing vertical members together laterally, and the cross braces shall be of such length as will automatically square and align vertical members so that the erected scaffold is always plumb, square and rigid.  All brace connections shall be made secure.
4)	The frames shall be placed one on top of the other with coupling or stacking pins to provide proper vertical alignment of the legs.  One section must be completely finished before starting the next level including all guardrails.
5)	Where uplift may occur, panels shall be locked together vertically by pins or other equivalent suitable means.
6)	Guardrails and wire mesh will be installed as required in Paragraph #14 of Tube and Coupler Scaffolds, above.
7)	All tubular metal scaffolds shall be constructed and erected to support four times the maximum intended loads.
8)	To prevent movement, the scaffold shall be secured to the building or structure at intervals not to exceed 30 feet horizontally and 26 feet vertically.
9)	Maximum permissible spans of planking shall be in conformity with Table 1 of this Policy.
10)	Drawings and specifications for all frame scaffold over 125 feet in height above the base plates shall be designed by a registered professional engineer and copies made available to the employer and for inspection purposes.
11)	All tubular welded frame scaffolds shall be erected by qualified and experienced personnel.
12)	Frames and accessories for scaffolds shall be maintained in good repair and every defect, unsafe condition, or noncompliance with this section shall be immediately corrected before further use of the scaffold.  Any broken, bent, excessively rusted, altered or otherwise structurally damaged frames or accessories shall not be used.
13)	Periodic inspections shall be made of all welded frames and accessories, and any maintenance, including painting or minor corrections authorized by the manufacturer, shall be made before further use.

TRAINING

1)	Employees who work on scaffolds must be trained in the following areas:
A.	Nature of any electrical, fall & falling object hazards.
B.	Correct procedures for dealing with these hazards.
C.	The proper use of the scaffold, and handling of materials.
D.	The maximum intended load and scaffold capacity.
E.	Any pertinent requirements of the scaffold standard that would assist employees in performing their duties effectively and safely.

2)	Employees involved in erection and dismantling of scaffolds must be trained in the following areas:
A.	Nature of scaffold hazards
B.	Correct procedures to be followed.
C.	Design criteria and maximum intended loads.
D.	Any pertinent requirements of the scaffold standard that would assist employees in performing their duties effectively and safely.

These general requirements are not to be construed as the total application of the OSHA Scaffold Standard, Part 1026, Subpart I.

GUARDRAILS!!!

Any height over 10 feet on a scaffold must employ guardrails!!!

•	There must be a top rail, a mid rail and a toe board.
•	The top guardrail has to be 39 inches to 45 inches from the deck.

•	The mid rail must split the distance from the top rail and the deck, but be no lower than 21 inches.
•	The bottom rail or toe board must be at least 3 ½ inches n width and be able to withstand a 50 pound outward force.
•	A ¾ inch wire rope may be used for a top and mid rail, but it must be flagged with caution tape or the equivalent every 6 feet.
•	Schedule 40 plumber’s pipe may be used for top and mid rails.
•	Cross bracing may be used as a mid rail or top rail if the crossing point of the two braces is between 20” & 30” and 38” & 48” above the work platform, respectively.
•	All guardrail systems must be able to withstand, without failure, a force applied in any downward or horizontal direction at any point of at least 200 pounds.  They must be smooth (no splinters or snags) and have no projecting members (nails, untrimmed ends, etc.).