SECTION 3.2.2 - NIPDEC HSE GUIDE
1. INTRODUCTION 1 SCOPE:
The purpose of this document is to provide information to Contractors as it relates to NIPDEC’s HSE process for Contractor selection and management of Contracts. It is intended purely as a guide and does not replace any information contained in any tender or contract documentation.
NIPDEC’s obligation under OSHA, (Occupational Safety and Health Act 2004) is to ensure that its employees and Contractors carry out their work safely. To do this, NIPDEC and contractors must ensure that risks from identified hazards are controlled to an acceptable level which will not cause injury. This includes: -
The design and implementation of systems of safe work.
Undertaking hazard identification and risk control activities.
Providing proper equipment and safe use of substances.
Providing adequate instructions, training, and supervision.
2.0 CONTRACTOR SAFETY
The aim of the Contractor Safety Guideline is to provide a practical and relevant HSE system for NIPDEC’s staff overseeing the work of Contractors; to integrate Health and Safety requirements into Contractor Management and to fulfill NIPDEC’s Health and Safety Obligations to its Contractors.
Other than the information contained in this Guide, all Contractors are required to attend a NIPDEC HSE Project INDUCTION prior to commencing contract. Inductions will be arranged and delivered by the Health and Safety Officer in coordination with the Projects Department.
Any Contractor employees or sub-contractors who are employed after the initial induction are to be inducted by the principal Contractor. Records of such inductions are to be generated and forwarded to NIPDEC’s HSE Department.
3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1 NIPDEC’s PROJECT MANAGERS/ SUPERVISORS
Project Managers / Supervisors will be responsible for ensuring that the particulars contained within these guidelines are implemented when engaging the services of contractors. Specifically, Managers/Supervisors are responsible for:
assessing the competence of contractors to meet OSHA specifications
Ensuring that Contractors engaged by NIPDEC are aware of any Health and Safety hazards that may exist in the area in which they are working.
Ensuring that Contractors work safely and complete the work as specified in the Contract and Safe Work Method Statement.
Monitor the progress of the contracted work, and should the contractor deviate from the safety standards required, take steps to remedy the situation.
3.2 CONTRACTORS (INCLUDING SUB-CONTRACTORS)
Contractors must ensure NIPDEC’s induction training is undertaken by their employees or any other agents of the said contractor entering the project.
Prepare, implement, update and make available HSE management plans
Ensure that any sub-contractor provides a written Safe Work Method Statement (Job Safety Analysis) before commencing work.
Direct and monitor Compliance with applicable legislation and any Safe Method Statement (Job Safety Analysis) or procedures
Keep a register of, and other records in relation to all hazardous substances on Site.
Communicate any major HSE issues as they arise 4.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN
4.1 CONTRACT MANAGEMENT
Regardless of the status of the Contractor’s Health Safety and Environmental Management System, the successful Contractor is required to complete a Contract Health and Safety Plan or agreed equivalent, to the satisfaction of NIPDEC.
The Health and Safety Plan is an agreed approach to managing the Safety aspects of the Contract works and forms the basis for ongoing inspections and actions arising from non-conformances with the Plan.
4.2 SITE INSPECTIONS AND NON-CONFORMANCES
Depending on the nature and duration of the contract works, random inspections may be carried out by NIPDEC. Any non-conformances or risks identified during site inspections are to be rectified by the Contractor.
Significant or repeated non-conformances will be recorded and may affect the evaluation of contractor performance that will be completed at the end of the contract.
Repeated significant non-conformances may result in other action consistent with the terms of the contract.
4.3 INCIDENT NOTIFICATION AND INVESTIGATION
Any incident which results in an injury to Contractor personnel must be reported to NIPDEC’s Manager/Supervisor on site within 24 hours.
Any injury which is serious in nature, for example requiring medical attention, must be reported immediately for First Aid, and preservation of the scene if required
5.0 SERIOUS INCIDENTS
In the event of a serious incident, NIPDEC’s Site Manager must be informed immediately and the scene of the incident preserved.
Any injury which is serious in nature, e.g. requiring medical attention is to be reported immediately.
Serious incidents are not confined to, but are inclusive of the under mentioned, occurring at, or in relation to, the place of work.
that resulted in a person being killed
an amputation of a limb
the placing of a person on a life-support system’
any event or circumstance listed below that presents an immediate threat to life:
The loss of consciousness of a person caused by physical force exposure to hazardous substances, electric shock or lack of oxygen.
Major damage to equipment, building or structure.
An uncontrolled explosion or fire
An uncontrolled escape of gas, dangerous goods or steam
A spill or incident resulting in exposure to a notifiable or prohibited carcinogenic substance.
Entrapment of a person
Serious burns to a person 6.0 FIRST AID
The Contractor is expected to make arrangements for appropriate first aid resources for the duration of the contract works.
This may be achieved by completing a First Aid Risk Assessment relevant to the Contract works under consideration, or by producing evidence of an existing First Aid Assessment that covers the scope of the contract.
7.0 EVALUATION OF CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE
Contractor HSE performance will be evaluated on completion of contract, and may form part of the evaluation process for future tenders.
8.0 SPECIFIC HSE HAZARDS AND NIPDEC’S EXPECTATIONS
The following is a listing of some of the common hazards that may be associated with NIPDEC’s CONTRACT works. The listing is not exhaustive and contractors will be expected to complete their own risk assessment process.
Contractors are also expected to work in accordance with relevant Safety Legislation, Codes of practice and acceptable standards.
For all hazards, guidance from NIPDEC’s Safety Department may be requested.
8.1 CONFINED SPACE ENTRY
Confined spaces include any space which is not intended for permanent or ongoing occupancy, that has restricted means of access, and that contains or may contain a hazardous atmosphere, or some other hazardous nature.
Confined spaces are dangerous places and require particular risk control measures, including completion and issue of a “Permit to Work” certificate.
Only trained and competent personnel are to be involved in confined space entry work.
For NIPDEC contracts a CONFINED SPACE ENTRY course must have been completed within the previous 12 months. Contractors could access this Program from NIPDEC’s HSE Department.
8.2 CHEMICALS
Contractors must have a current Register off Material Safety Data Sheets relevant to chemicals used at that particular site, located at, and made available to all staff at those Contract sites, including access to Sub-contractor personnel.
Chemicals used must have been assessed as possessing the lowest risk in order to undertake the task required. All employees and sub-contractors are to be informed of the hazards associated with the chemicals used, and their safe use requirements.
Chemical containers are to be appropriately labelled and stored at all times. New chemicals to be brought on site will first be subject to a risk assessment.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are to be located in the chemical register and all employees informed of Safety requirements before use.
8.3 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & POWER TOOLS
All Electrical equipment must be tested and deemed satisfactory for purpose intended.
Residual current devices (Ground Floor Circuit Interrupters – GFCI’s) are to be used when required.
Electrical leads are to be elevated above ground level where wet ground or other hazards exists.
8.4 LIFTING EQUIPMENT
All lifting equipment used in connection with NIPDEC’s contract work, must have been inspected as evidenced by certification.
Any equipment found to be outside of test date duration will be removed from the worksite and replaced with a serviceable alternative.
8.5 MANUAL HANDLING
Contractors are to ensure that Manual Handling is minimized. Where heavy items (e.g.
40kg and above) that are unstable/difficult to hold etc, a manual handling risk assessment is to be completed and /or mechanical assistance provided.
Tasks involving periods of sustained awkward posture or repetitive movements for more often than 30 minutes at a time, or 2 hrs beyond a shift are classified as hazardous manual handling tasks, and are also subject to a risk assessment, and appropriate risk control measures.
8.6 PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
All plant and equipment must be serviceable for the purpose intended. All Operators are to have appropriate licenses or competencies.
All equipment must be inspected on a daily basis before work and maintained in good condition.
Any equipment found to be not in safe working condition will be removed from site and replaced.
8.7 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Personal protective equipment is to be individually issued and maintained in good working condition, and fit for purpose.
Helmets are to be cared for and must be replaced in instances of excessive wear and tear, and not exceeding 3 years use.
PPE not of sound working condition will be replaced by the Contractor.
8.8 PUBLIC SAFETY
Public Safety is of paramount concern to NIPDEC at all times. All machinery must be left in a safe place and condition, so as to not present a hazard to the public.
No trenches or openings are to be left unattended. All works are to be appropriately barricaded and adequate measures undertaken to prevent unauthorized access to any worksite.
8.9 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
NIPDEC mandates that for any work on roads, appropriate traffic management control measures are to be put in place.
A traffic management plan must be provided by the Contractor if the project necessities same, and appropriate traffic control signage deployed where applicable.
8.10 TRENCHING AND EXCAVATIONS
Before commencing any excavation, an underground survey or assessment must have been acquired of the area. All trenches based on magnitude, must be shored, sloped or benched to protect against collapse.
No machinery is to be parked or operated alongside a trench.
No trenches are to be left in such a manner so as to pose a risk to persons.
8.11 WORKING AT HEIGHTS
Contractors must provide adequate protection to employees against falls from heights.
Once working at height 6 feet and above, all employees must wear ‘full-bodied’
harnesses.
Harnesses and shock-absorbent lines are to be checked daily before use.
All scaffolds are to be erected by a qualified person. Ladders may only be used as a means of access/egress, and must have been properly checked and tested before use.
8.12 WORKING NEAR POWER LINES
Working near power lines carries with it, the danger of electrocution in the event of contact with the lines, or by coming close enough to cause an arc to occur. Remember electricity can jump 15’.
Planning the job and inspecting the site before work is very important. Using proper protective equipment to prevent shock and following proper procedures are of dire importance.
Machinery working near or under power lines must be properly and expertly supervised.
The Operator has to be extremely careful and not come into contact with any overhead lines. The services of a Banksman may be an option for this type of operation.
9.0 CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE MONITORING
During the implementation of any contract, the Project Manager in coordination with the Health and Safety Officer shall monitor HSE performance by:
Ensuring regular site inspections are conducted with the contractor;
Advising the contractor on newly identified hazards and risks;
Monitoring and following up on corrective actions where non-conformances are identified;
Reviewing accident and incident reports inclusive of complaints;
Regular meetings with the contractor and record any HSE performance issues.
10.0 HSE LEGISLATIVE COMPLIANCE
All Contractors and Sub-contractors are to maintain a safe workplace by complying with the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2004.
All Contractors and Sub-contractors working for NIPDEC are obligated to:
Ensure their own health and safety;
Not place at risk any other person;
Not interfere with or misuse anything provided for safety in the workplace;
Use necessary Personal Protective Equipment;
Comply with instructions given for safety and health at the workplace.
Report all injuries to NIPDEC on a timely basis 11.0 ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS
The risk level related to hazards at any workplace can be significantly increased by alcohol and other drugs. Contractors and Sub-contractors are required to ensure persons affected by alcohol or other drugs are not permitted to carry out work for NIPDEC. The consumption of alcohol or other drugs is not permitted at NIPDEC Sites. Random drug testing at all NIPDEC sites will always be an option once deemed necessary.
12.0 HOT WORK
Hot Work including welding, thermal or Oxygen cutting or heating and other related heat or spark producing operations, are not to take place in any area without a “Hot Work Permit”. Hot Work permits are to be requested by the contractor and endorsed by the Project Manager or Health and Safety Officer.
Contractors and Sub-contractors must comply with NIPDEC’s Hot Work Permit and it’s their responsibility to ensure total adherence.
Appropriate PPE, for example aprons, leather sleeves, gauntlet gloves, eye protection, welding spats (or flame proof overalls) is the appropriate wear. All welding leads and equipment must be inspected regularly and maintained in good condition.
13.0 RUBBISH AND HAZARDOUS WASTE
Contractors are to properly dispose of all rubbish from site on a timely basis. General housekeeping is of utmost importance at all times and minimizes risks.
Contaminated rubbish, including hazardous waste, is to be disposed of in accordance with Environmental laws and statutory requirements.
14.0 EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES
Emergency Evacuation Procedures are of prime importance and must be in place at all NIPDEC Projects.
Emergency Evacuations Procedures will be site specific and must be adhered to, enforced and adopted at all NIPDEC sites.
Evacuation procedures will be initiated by an alarm, upon which all personnel will:
Stop all work and leave immediately in an orderly manner;
Proceed to the muster point or assembly area until advised the emergency is over;
Do not re-enter until advised that it is safe to do so.
15.0 NON-COMPLIANCE
During the execution of a contract, should a Contractor be found in breach of HSE requirements, all work with regards to that activity shall be suspended. The Contractor shall be alerted to the matter in writing by NIPDEC’s HSE Department in coordination with the Project Manager. Work cannot recommence until NIPDEC’s HSE Department in coordination with the Project Manager, are satisfied that adequate risk controls are in place to avoid risk of injury.
Examples of HSE breaches may include non-compliance with OSHA Act 2004, not observing controls as stipulated in Job Safety Analysis or Method Statements, Poor HSE performance, including one-off instances or continuous breaches of HSE requirements.