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Version 5.0 08/21 CITY OF SURREY EMPLOYEE SAFETY HANDBOOK Revised: August 2015

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Page 1: Employee Safety Handbook - SurreyAn employee may refuse to work if continuing to do so would endanger the health and safety of the employee, fellow employees or others. The worker

Version 5.0 08/21

CITY OF SURREY

EMPLOYEE SAFETY HANDBOOK

Revised: August 2015

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SAFETY LIVES HERE THINK SAFE, WORKSAFE

“Safety is everybody’s business.

Our safety culture is built on encouraging safe behaviors” Sam Chauhan

This is a living document and ongoing improvements will be made to improve the health & safety of all employees, volunteers and contractors. Updated document will be posted as revised on the City of Surrey intranet under Health & Safety.

This document does not replace the Workers’ Compensation Act or WorkSafe BC OH&S regulation.

Fire Department Employees shall be governed by this policy where appropriate. Fire Department specific operational guidelines and safety policies may vary and be exempt from some of the content in this document.

For information on: City Occupational Health & Safety programs, safety issues and questions

Call: Sam Chauhan

Manager, Occupational Health & Safety 604-591-4658 778-846-0673

Scott McMillan

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist 604-591-4329 778-846-0562

Linda Gildersleve

Occupational Health & Safety Assistant 604-591-4131

Original: June 2003; V2 - April 2008; V3 - June 2014; V4 -November 2014; V5- August 2015

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Occupational Health and Safety Policy 1

Roles and Responsibilities 1

Managers

Supervisors 2

All Employees 2

Contractor 2

Occupational Health & Safety Division 3

Joint Occupational Health & Safety & Committees 3

Refusal of Unsafe Work 6

General Rules 6

Bullying & Harassment 8 Discipline for Safety Violations 8

Hazard / Incident Reporting Protocol 9

Work Related Injuries 10

First-Aid 12

Incident / Injury Reporting 13

Office and Clerical Work 13

Violence in the Workplace ...... 14

Dealing With Conflict 15

Drugs and Alcohol 17

Smoking 17

Working Alone 18

Equipment Guards 20

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 20

Head

Footwear

Leg Protection

Shirts

Pants

High Visibility Apparel

Buoyancy Equipment

Eye Protection

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Respirators

Other Personal Protective Equipment

Biohazardous Materials –Bloodborne Pathogens 25

Protecting the Public . 29

Proper Lifting Techniques 30

Mobile Equipment ..... 33

Confined Space ........ 34

Ladder Safety 35

Fire Protection 36

Extinguishers

Evacuation

Housekeeping

Housekeeping .. 37

Electrical Safety 38

Respirable Silica Exposure Control 38

De-Energization & Lockout – Hazardous Energy Control Program 39

General Excavation Safety 40

Fall Protection .. 42

Cold Stress 42 Heat Stress 45 Asbestos- Building Management 47

Page 5: Employee Safety Handbook - SurreyAn employee may refuse to work if continuing to do so would endanger the health and safety of the employee, fellow employees or others. The worker

CITY OF SURREY

SAFETY & HEALTH PHILOSOPHYAND RESPONSIBILITIES The City of Surrey supports the objective of providing a safe and healthy working environment for city employees and clientele. In order to achieve this objective, it is important that each employee understand his or her role and responsibility as it pertains to safety.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

The City of Surrey, in conjunction with Council’s “Safe City” initiative, is committed to providing a safe and health work environment for its employees, volunteers, and contractors. A safe workplace environment contributes to a safe public environment. The City will comply with statutory requirements, codes of practice and industry standards including those prescribed by the Workers’ Compensation Act and the Workers’ Compensation Board (WorkSafeBC) Occupational Health & Safety Regulation.

ROLES and RESPONSIBILITIES

The City Manager will ensure that a comprehensive health & safety program is established and maintained in accordance with Workers’ Compensation Act and WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation requirements. Managers Responsibilities It is every Manager’s responsibility to: Provide a safe and healthy workplace; Maintain facilities and equipment to ensure that hazards are guarded against or eliminated; Ensure that all work related injuries are reported to WorkSafeBC (through Occupational Health & Safety Division); Ensure employees receive appropriate and adequate training, instruction, and supervision; Initiate, maintain and publicize occupational health & safety policies and programs; Support supervisors, safety advisors, and workers in their health and safety activities; Take action as and when required to improve or eliminate unsafe conditions, Provide personal protective equipment where required; Provide adequate first aid facilities and services; and Enforce health & safety requirements

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Supervisors Responsibilities (includes Battalion Chief & Captain)

It is every Supervisor’s responsibility to:

Know the City’s health & safety policies and his/her responsibilities concerning them; Follow safe work procedures and set a good example; Ensure all workers receive adequate instruction and training in safe work procedures; Provide safety orientation to new employees; Ensure that equipment and materials are properly handled, stored, and maintained; Train workers for all tasks assigned to them, and check that their own work is being done safely; Ensure that only authorized, adequately trained workers operate machinery and equipment; Ensure workers follow safe work procedures; Enforce health & safety requirements; Ensure accident investigations are completed and recommended corrective; Take actions to prevent the recurrence of accidents; Be knowledgeable about WCB OH&S Reg. applicable to the work being supervised; Ensure that equipment and facilities are properly maintained; and Consult & cooperate with the Joint Occupational Health & Safety committees Employee Responsibilities

It is every employee’s responsibility to:

Know and follow health and safety requirements affecting your job; Ask for training if you don’t know how to do something safely, before you begin work; Work safely, and encourage your co-workers to do the same; Immediately report any work related injury to his/her supervisor; Not remain on the work site while his/her ability to work is in any way impaired; Report unsafe acts and conditions; Correct unsafe conditions immediately whenever it is possible to do so; Actively participate in the City’s health & safety program; Not engage in horseplay; Take the initiative. Make suggestions to improve health & Safety Use or wear personal protective equipment as required by WCB OH&S Reg. and/or City Procedures; Take reasonable care to protect your health & safety and the health and safety of other persons who may be affected by your act’s or omissions at work; and Ask for training instruction if you are planning on using equipment you are not

familiar with

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Contractors Responsibilities

Ensure their own and other workers’ safety by working in accordance with the Workers’ Compensation Act and WorkSafeBC Occupational Health & Safety Regulation. The contractors must ensure that all Workers' Compensation Board safety rules and regulations are observed during performance of their agreement with the City, not only by the Contractor, but by all sub-contractors, workers, material personnel and others engaged by the Contractor in the performance of their Agreement. A Contractor working for the City of Surrey is required to have an Occupational Health & Safety Program and must designate a qualified safety coordinator for multi-employer worksites. Contractors are required to work safely, promote and use safe work practices, promote safe working conditions, report unsafe acts and conditions to the Prime Contractor and advise the City of Surrey when they have had a serious workplace incident/accident. In addition, all Contractors working for the City must adhere to the information contained in the City’s Contractor health & safety expectations document. This document can be obtained from Purchasing or Occupational Health & Safety Section. Occupational Health & Safety Division (OHS)

Occupational Health and Safety programs are governed by the BC Workers' Compensation Board Regulations. The administration of the Health & Safety Program is the direct responsibility of the Manger, Occupational Health and Safety, City of Surrey. OHS will plan and co-ordinate the City’s occupational health & safety program to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and to promote a safe and healthy workplace. OHS will act in a resource and advisory capacity with respect to occupational safety to managers, supervisors, workers, and the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees (provide assistance regarding the interpretation of WCB requirements). JOINT OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEES

The City of Surrey has two main Joint Occupational Health & Safety (JOHS) Committees - one that includes representatives from CUPE and one that includes representatives from the Firefighter’s union. Both committees are “joint” committees in that they have equal representation from both union and management personnel. These committees are a requirement under the Workers' Compensation Board's Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. The purpose of the Committees is to: Assist in creating a safe workplace; Identify and resolve safety and health issues in the workplace; Recommend actions which will improve the effectiveness of the Occupational Health and Safety Program; Promote and ensure compliance to the WCB Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

Any safety concerns that employees may have should first be brought to the attention of their immediate supervisor. If the safety issue cannot be resolved at this level, the issue may be brought to the attention of their Manager and their Safety Committee representative.

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In addition to the two Joint Committees there are three sub committees that operate to deal with issues that occur in their respective areas. These are: 1. City Hall Sub-Committee 2. RCMP Sub-Committee 3. Community and Recreation Services Sub-Committee All committees meet monthly. Names of the committee members are posted in each facility.

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City of Surrey Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committees August 2015

City-Wide Joint Committee Dan Nielsen Parks Operations 502-6335 Tasha Yakemchuk Park Operations 502-6379 Perry Fulop Kevin Clifford Jeff Welch

Community & Recreation Civic Facilities Engineering Operations

502-6307 590-7261 591-4243

Allyson Fennell Community & Recreation 501-5803 Aman Cheema Engineering Operations 719-6335 Tom Wiebe Civic Facilities 590-7258

Jean Kilby

President - CUPE 402 [email protected]

813-5566

Advisory Sam Chauhan, Manager, Occupational Health & Safety 591-4658 Scott McMillan, Occupational Health & Safety Specialist 591-4329

Fire Department Joint Committee Woznikoski, Brian A/C Fire Hall #1 543-6708 Dan Kehler Fire Hall #5 514-7770 Dave Burns Fire Hall #1 603-8661 Cam Hunter (On-Call rep) 543-6700

Advisory

Sam Chauhan, Manager, Occupational Health & Safety 591-4658

City Hall Joint Committee Scott McMillan Human Resources 591-4329 Lee-Anne Pitcairn Planning & Development 591-4509 Farhad Alizadeh Civic Facilities 590-7297 Eleanor Enns Engineering 598-5527 Aman Randhawa Finance/IT 592-7005 Jean Kilby

Joshua Jensen, Oliver Young

CUPE 402 813-5566 By-Law

Civic Facilities 591-4468 598-5822

Advisory

Sam Chauhan, Manager, Occupational Health & Safety 591-4329

R.C.M.P. Joint Committee Theresa Magnien Cathie Matthews

RCMP Main RCMP Main

604 507-5985 604 599-7610

Carrie Chattell Blair Berkner Amber Tessier Lorene Thiessen

District 4 District 3 Main Main

604-599-7710 604-599-7828 604-599-7686 604-599-7731

Advisory Scott McMillan, Occupational Health & Safety Specialist 591-4329

Community & Recreation Services Joint Committee Cris Gain Arena, Building Standards 591-4792 Layna Neilson SSLC Skate Instructors 501-5560 Perry Fulop Jim Tyler

Aquatics, Newton Seniors, Guildford

502-6307 501-5035

Allyson Fennell Arenas 501-5803 Jenn Farrell Guildford, Aquatics 592-2603 Corrinne Garrett Avalene Bitschy

SSLC, Aquatics Newton

501-5966 501-5536

Linda Nawrocki SSLC 501-5961 South Surrey, Aquatics 502-6223 Traci Rennie SSLC 501-5955 Lynsey Nielsen Chuck Bailey 591-4642 Seun Wong Seniors, Cloverdale 598-7986

Advisory

Scott McMillan, Occupational Health & Safety Specialist 591-4329

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REFUSAL OF UNSAFE WORK

An employee may refuse to work if continuing to do so would endanger the health and safety of the employee, fellow employees or others. The worker must immediately report the circumstances of the unsafe condition to his or her supervisor or manager. If the unsafe condition is not remedied or the issue is not resolved the Manager, Occupational Health & Safety Advisor must be contacted. GENERAL RULES 1. Personal protective equipment, as determined by the City, through consultation with the Joint Health and Safety Committee must be worn when and where required. 2. Report ALL injuries to your supervisor immediately. 3. Report any unsafe conditions, including someone under the influence or hazards, which may allow an injury to occur to you or to a fellow worker. 4. Report any property damage, regardless of how minor. 5. Horseplay, gambling and the use of alcohol or narcotics will not be tolerated. 6. No Smoking within 7.5M of a City owned buildings door exits, windows and vents.

7. Always use the correct posture when lifting and get assistance if the weight is excessive.

8. Report any unsafe conditions, including someone under the influence or hazards, which may allow an injury to occur to you, a fellow worker, or others on the worksite. 9. Report any property damage, regardless of how minor.

10. Restricted and controlled products will be labeled, used and stored in accordance with

the associated regulations, e.g. WHMIS. Follow all procedural instructions when using or handling hazardous materials/controlled products and ensure that all containers of hazardous/controlled product materials are properly labelled and stored in designated areas.

11. Obey all posted signs and notices. Do not venture into areas that you are not authorized to enter.

12. Do not work within the limits of approach to high voltage equipment.

13. If working at heights greater than 10 feet a Fall Protection system must be in place. The appropriate Fall Protection equipment must be worn at all times.

A common sense approach usually resolves the issue.

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14. Housekeeping (Orderliness and good housekeeping are basic requirements and must be maintained at all times): a) Aisles are to be kept clear at all times. b) Individual work areas are to be kept clean and tidy. c) All materials, tools, products and equipment are to be kept in their designated areas. d) Liquid spills are to be cleaned up immediately to prevent slips and falls.

e) Accumulation of oily rags, combustible refuse or similar fire hazards will not be tolerated. 15. Fire Prevention: a) Become familiar with Surroundings and emergency exit. b) Ensure aisles and exits are not blocked at any time. c) Anytime a fire extinguisher is used, report it immediately to your supervisor, so that it can be recharged. 15. Equipment Operation (Any equipment, which could create a hazard, must be maintained in good condition):

a) Equipment must not be repaired, adjusted or operated unless by a "competent person" who understand the safe operating procedures.

b) Always be aware of the use and location of the "EMERGENCY STOP" button, if equipment is so equipped, before using the equipment. c) Loose clothing, jewelry and long hair must be secured to prevent becoming entangled with equipment. d) The Operator must check all safety devices on equipment before operation. e) All equipment must be turned off and the appropriate "lock-out" procedure followed, prior to repairs, cleaning, adjustment or lubrication. f) Personal Cell phones, Radio/Walkman/I-pod Head phones, are not allowed to be worn or used during regular work operations. g) All ladders must be of an approved type and length. Unacceptable ladders must be removed immediately from the premises. h) All vehicles and equipment on City property must be kept in safe mechanical condition at all times, and be operated only by persons with a valid driver’s license and/or proper training and qualifications. 16. Ground Disturbance –Every time you dig in the ground, with a shovel or mechanized

equipment, you run the risk of loss of life or damage to property if you hit any of the many buried cables, conduits, gas or oil pipelines and/or other underground facilities that serve our city, BC One Call Must be called and a ticket obtained prior to commencing any ground disturbance activities

17. Always be aware of the location of the Health and Safety Bulletin Board. WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation and Workers’ Compensation Act are available from Occupational Health and Safety or http://www2.worksafebc.com/Publications/OHSRegulation/Guidelines.asp

Each individual Department is required to develop specific health and safety rules and regulations for its own specific hazardous situations. Please consult with your supervisor should you have any doubts or questions about a certain operation.

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BULLYING & HARASSMENT

Do not engage in the bullying and harassment of others. Bullying includes any inappropriate conduct or comment made by an individual that he/she knew or reasonably ought to have known would cause another individual to be humiliated or intimidated. Note: Bullying does not include any legitimate job related actions performed in good faith by supervisors and management employees such as work direction or assignment, performance appraisals, attendance monitoring and implementation of disciplinary and other corrective actions.

Please refer to the City of Surrey Respectful Workplace Policy and Investigation Procedures. This policy is located on the intranet and available from Human Resources Department. All staff are encouraged to attend the City of Surrey Respectful Workplace training. DISCIPLINE FOR SAFETY VIOLATIONS

Occupational Health and Safety Policies, Programs, Standard Operating Guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures and Workplace Procedures, such as, but not limited to, wearing personal protective equipment and confined space entry, fall protection, lock-out, construction, excavation safe work procedures are designed to protect employees and those around them from injury.

Employees are responsible for understanding and following all safety rules and procedures and for performing their duties in a safe manner. Those employees who ignore or violate Occupational Health and Safety Policies, Standard Operating Procedures or Workplace Procedures may be subject to disciplinary measures. Workers and their supervisors shall be held accountable for violations of health and safety rules, regulations, and procedures. Disciplinary action, where necessary, will be dictated by the City of Surrey Policy and will be based on the merits of the specific case.

The above is not restricted to just those Occupational Health and Safety Standards, Standard Operating Procedures and Workplace Procedures that the employer has prepared in written form; it is also applicable to general safe work practices which all employees can reasonably be expected to know.

Prior to disciplinary measures being taken, management is advised to consult with Labour Relations.

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HAZARD / INCIDENT REPORTING PROTOCOL All employee accidents, injuries or exposures to potential hazards that occur while at work, regardless of how minor or insignificant they seem initially, must be reported without delay to a manager/supervisor. The following represents the protocol for reporting and addressing Health & Safety issues in the workplace (i.e., incidents, hazards and concerns): 1) Employee identifies an incident, perceived hazard or has a workplace health and safety

concern. 2) Employee must inform their immediate supervisor of the incident, issue or concern and

the background or reason(s) behind it.

Injury reports should be submitted in writing to their immediate supervisors using the Incident Report form available in the Admin office or by the lunchroom bulletin board. If you have trouble locating a form, please contact your supervisor or an H&S Committee representative.

Perceived hazards can be reported verbally or in writing to immediate supervisors

In the event an employee requires immediate First-aid assistance, please contact a First Aid attendant in your work area. First Aid attendants have obtained and maintain Level I,II, or III certification and can assist you with medical emergencies.

3) Supervisor must investigate to substantiate the issue, conditions or incident reported. Once a hazard or safety issue has been identified or recognized there has to be some evaluation of the risk presented. The supervisor must then work with senior management to address the issue (i.e., prevent the same incident from happening again) by applying the hierarchy of controls:

a) Elimination (e.g., controlling the hazard at the source) b) Substitution (e.g., replacing one substance or activity with a less

hazardous or harmful one)

c) Engineering (e.g., installing guards on machinery to provide extra protection)

d) Administration (e.g., Policies and procedures for safe work practices) e) Personal Protective Equipment (e.g., Respirators, earplugs, safety glasses,

etc.)

4) Supervisor informs concerned employee of resolution or response to the issue raised.

5) If the employee disagrees with the resolution (or feels the issue has not been adequately addressed), the employee may then involve a Health and Safety committee representative or Manager, Occupational Health & Safety.

6) An OHS professional gets involved only when a division/department cannot resolve their OHS issues internally.

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WORK RELATED INJURIES

INFORMATION ON ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR MAINTAINING A SAFE WORKPLACE

ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS

The WorkSafeBC requires that all work-related accidents, injuries or exposures be investigated. Accident investigations are conducted, to find the root cause and to prevent the same incident from happening again. The WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation further requires that accident investigations must be carried out by persons “knowledgeable of the type of work involved and, if feasible, include the participation of one worker representative and one employer representative,” e.g. supervisor/manager. Where the incident results in, or could have resulted in, major property damage and/or injuries, the Manager, Occupational Health & Safety, Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee representative(s), and in some cases the WorkSafeBC, will become involved in the investigation. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that accident investigations are completed for all injuries/incidents and that recommendations to prevent a recurrence of the incident are developed and implemented.

REPORTING A WORK-RELATED INJURY

All employee accidents, injuries or exposures that occur while at work must be reported without delay to a manager/supervisor, and to Employee Health & Safety using a City of Surrey Incident report and/or WCB report of injury form 6A. The employee must also report to the first-aid attendant if warranted. Fire Department employees shall follow OG 1.01.07.01 and fill out a Fire Department accident injury report form

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To Report An Injury or Exposure: Obtain and complete a WCB report of Injury Form 6A from your supervisor or the First-Aid Attendant in your area. Complete ALL the questions and be sure to include the following information:

1. Did you report to First Aid? 2. Did you see a doctor? 3. Will you miss work beyond the day of injury because of this incident?

Once completed, submit the form to your supervisor for review and signature.

If you do not return to work following the incident, or if you are incapable of completing the form: Have a witness, a co-worker, or your immediate supervisor at the time of the injury complete a City of Surrey incident form for you.

If you see a physician, chiropractor, physiotherapist, etc., or go to a clinic, or if the incident results in time loss beyond the initial day of injury: Notify Occupational Health & Safety Division immediately at 591-4131. This will help avoid a delay in processing your claim.

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FIRST AID

If you experience a work related injury that requires first-aid, report to the First-Aid Attendant in your area. Names of First-Aid Attendants, how to contact them, and locations of First-Aid Rooms (where required) must be posted in each facility. There are specific work sites throughout the City that are required by the WCB to have a designated First Aid Attendant. These are:

City Hall Lee-Anne Pitcairn 604 -591-4509 Karen Sadler 604 -591-4454 Aman Randhawa 604 -592-7005

Main Works Yard Mike Annesley 604 -590-7226 Jeff Welch 604 -591-4243 Steve Broad 604 -590-7265

RCMP Dial 1234, or call OCC shift manager (7751) to page Occupational First Aid Attendant on shift.

In addition, the WCB requires that the majority of outside workers have Level 1 First Aid certification. Fire Department employees have a First Responder 3 license. First Aid Treatment

Requirements

A list of First Aid Attendants should be posted on the Safety Board.

When the City of Surrey supplies first aid kits to a work area, the area employees must be aware of their location, contents and the kit instructions. Employees must learn to use this equipment so they can render treatment for minor injuries.

Call a physician if an injury is serious.

It is the responsibility of the employees assigned a first aid kit to inspect the contents monthly and replace expended items.

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Incident/Injury Reporting

Immediately report all work related injuries/illness, near misses and unsafe

acts, conditions, and procedures to his/her supervisor.

Complete the City of Surrey Employees Accident/Incident investigation

WCB Claim Form with Supervisor.

Report to First Aid and to his/her supervisor if he/she has to leave the workplace due to a work-related injury or illness

Advise his/her supervisor immediately when he/she:

1. Misses work beyond the day of the injury due to an injury that occurred at work, and

2. Sees a physician or other medical practitioner, e.g. chiropractor, the hospital or a clinic for treatment of a work-related injury.

OFFICE AND CLERICAL WORK - GENERAL

Do not leave chairs, wastebaskets, cords, or other articles where someone could trip over them. Cords must be secured or taped down.

Do not leave desk or file drawers, cabinet doors, or slides open if unattended. Open only one drawer in a file cabinet section at a time.

Do not use sharp pins for fastening paper together. Use staples, clips or other approved fasteners.

Do not put broken glass or other sharp objects, or burning or smoking items in wastebaskets unless properly protected.

Use an approved ladder or another safe support to reach material on a high shelf or the like. Do not stand on boxes, crates, or chairs.

City of Surrey must use CSA approved electrical office equipment and all electrical office equipment must be grounded with a double-insulated or approved grounding plug.

Illumination (lighting)

City of Surrey will provide adequate lighting in all working areas while considering the type of work and accepted standards of light requirements.

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VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE

Employees who are at risk of potential violence must contact their manager to ensure they receive instruction and adequate training. In the event that employees from the City of Surrey find themselves in a situation where a member of the public is threatening them or they anticipate that they could be the victim of physical violence, the employee will be expected to follow the procedures as outlined. Threats and Physical Violence

1. The employee is to withdraw from the situation quietly and immediately report the

incident to their Manager and in the event that an act of physical violence has occurred the incident must be reported to the RCMP.

2. The manager is to ensure that the employee completes a City of Surrey Employer

Accident/Incident Investigation WCB claim form. 3. The employees’ Manager and Senior Advisor, Occupational Health & Safety is to

review the situation and determine appropriate follow-up. Anticipated Violence

1. In the event that an employee anticipates that an act of violence may occur, their

Manager is to be notified immediately and the employee is to request their assistance or take some other course of action that will assist the employee.

* If you have been involved in a Violence In the Workplace event it is recommended

that you see your doctor.

Note: Manager can contact Occupational Health & Safety for training and education information.

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DEALING WITH CONFLICT

The City of Surrey recognizes the potential for violent acts or threats directed against staff by persons other than our employees. Every effort has been made to identify the sources of such action.

There is no sure way to tell whether someone will become violent; however, there are often warning signs before violence occurs. These warning signs do not mean that the individual will actually become violent, but they should be recognized as warning signs of potentially violent acts:

Written, oral, or implied threats or intimidation

Fascination with weaponry or acts of violence

Expressions of hopelessness or heightened anxiety

Expressed intention to hurt self or others

Apparent lack of concern for the safety of others

Externalization of blame

Irrational beliefs and ideas

Displays of excessive or unwarranted anger

Feelings of victimization

Inability to take criticism Do's and don'ts for dealing with potentially violent individuals Employees at all levels can improve their ability to distinguish between different, difficult, and dangerous individuals. Become familiar with the do's and don'ts on the next page for dealing with those who may become violent.

Practice and learn the following techniques — this is not a list to pull out and use once you are in a potentially violent situation. Workers are required to report all incidents of violence or threats to their supervisors.

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Do’s Do project calmness. Move and speak slowly, quietly, and confidently.

Do listen attentively and encourage the person to talk.

Do let the speaker know that you are interested in what he or she is saying.

Do maintain a relaxed yet attentive posture.

Do acknowledge the person’s feelings and indicate that you can see she/he is upset.

Do ask for small, specific favors such as asking the person to move to a quieter area.

Do establish ground rules. State in a non-threatening manner the consequences of violent or threatening behavior.

Do employ delaying tactics that give the person time to calm down. For example, offer a glass of water.

Do be reassuring and point out choices.

Do help the person break down big problems into smaller, more manageable problems.

Do accept criticism. When a complaint might be true, use statements such as, “You’re probably right” or “It was my fault.”

If the criticism seems unwarranted, ask clarifying questions.

Do arrange yourself so that your exit is not blocked.

Do make sure there are three to six feet between you and the other person.

Have code words to ask for assistance.

At the end of any incident make notes of what transpired and pass on to your supervisor.

Don’t Don’t make sudden movements that may seem threatening.

Don’t speak rapidly, raise your volume, or use an accusatory tone.

Don’t reject all demands.

Don’t make physical contact, jab your finger at the other person, or use long periods of eye contact.

Don’t pose in challenging stances: directly opposite someone, hands on hips, or with arms crossed.

Don’t challenge, threaten, or dare the individual. Never belittle the other person.

Don’t criticize or act impatient.

Don’t attempt to bargain with a threatening individual.

Don’t try to make the situation seem less serious than it is.

Don’t make false statements or promises you cannot keep.

Don’t try to impart a lot of technical or complicated information when emotions are high.

Don’t take sides or agree with distortions.

Don’t invade the individual’s personal space.

NOTE: Procedures should be used in conjunction with Violence In the Workplace

training.

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DRUGS AND ALCOHOL A person must not enter or remain at any workplace while the person's ability to work is affected by alcohol, a drug or other substance so as to endanger the person or anyone else. (Zero tolerance)

Note: workers need to consider the effects of prescription and non-prescription drugs, and fatigue, as potential sources of impairment. There is a need for disclosure of potential impairment from any source, and for adequate supervision of work to ensure reported or observed impairment is effectively managed.

SMOKING The employer must control the exposure of workers at any workplace to environmental tobacco smoke by:

Prohibiting smoking in the workplace

Prohibiting smoking in City vehicles.

Do not smoke or strike an open flame where dangerous gases might be present- such as in oil rooms or acetylene storage, in battery charging areas, or near flammable liquids.

Absence of "No Smoking" signs is no excuse for smoking in dangerous places.

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WORKING ALONE (Guidelines available from Occupational Health & Safety)

The City has developed “Working Alone or in Isolation Guidelines” for checking the well-being of a worker assigned to work alone or in isolation under conditions which present a risk of disabling injury, if the worker might not be able to secure assistance in the event of injury or other misfortune.

The procedure for checking a worker's well being must include the time interval between checks and the procedure to follow in case the worker cannot be contacted, including provisions for emergency rescue.

Employees must follow policy and procedures regarding Working Alone.

Examples of Positions That May Require Working Alone or in Isolation

Park attendants on afternoon shift who have to close facilities

Park operators on weekends and evenings

Pool and arena service workers

Garage or field service mechanics

Parking control officers who work in underground parking or deserted parking lots

City of Surrey employees performing janitorial and maintenance duties on the afternoon

and night shifts in vacant facilities

Fire prevention officers conducting arson investigations

Cemetery caretakers

City of Surrey custodial guards and security guards

Public works technicians checking alarms after hours

Residential caretakers

On call public-works workers

Water samplers

Building inspectors

Property by-law enforcement officers

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SAMPLE- WORKING ALONE OR ISOLATION - Check-in Procedure

The worker will report-in from the location where the “working alone” will begin to the following contact: Radio room Fire Dispatch (604-591-4431, 604-591-4432) Supervisor Other:_______________________________________________________

INFORMATION:

The worker will advise of the following: Job information: Task being performed Phone number to contact the worker Location of the job How long the job will last When the next check-in will be The name of immediate supervisor This information needs to be documented on a log sheet by the Contact person.

RISK:

Special Risk: Hazards always present which could cause a disabling injury with no immediate assistance available in the work area. Worker deems the 2-hour call-in is not sufficient for the hazard level; it is the responsibility of the worker to inform Contact person that he/she will report in on a more frequent basis until they have left the hazardous area. ie) Confined Space – 20 min call-in.

High Risk: Hazards always present which could cause a disabling injury with no immediate assistance available in the work area. The worker will report-in every 2 hours thereafter, throughout the working period. Workers are responsible to notify Contact person of their location at each report due time. Coffee and lunch breaks will be included for high-risk areas. If the worker deems the 2-hour call-in is not sufficient for the hazard level, it is the responsibility of the worker to inform Contact person that they he/she will report in on a more frequent basis until they have left the hazardous area.

Medium Risk: Hazards present part of the time with nearby assistance available occasionally. The worker will report-in every 3 hours thereafter, throughout the working period. Workers are responsible to notify Dispatch of their location at each report due time. Coffee and lunch breaks will be included.

Low Risk: Very few hazards present and assistance is available frequently as required. The worker will report-in every 4 hours thereafter, throughout the working period. Workers are responsible to notify their Contact person of their location at each report due time. Coffee and lunch breaks will be included.

Note: Contact person will maintain a list of telephone numbers, radio call signs and/or pager numbers for all employees who may have to work alone.

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WORKING ALONE OR ISOLATION - Check-in Procedure Check-out Procedure

When the work is finished the worker will check out by notifying the Contact person.

The contact person will document the checkout time.

If the worker does not check out at the agree-upon time, Contact person will initiate the following emergency procedures: 1. Try to call the worker using a radio, telephone, or pager (provide a five minute grace period) 2. Call the designated manager/supervisor; advise worker is “Missing in Action”. 3. Request Fire to attend to the job location.

If a worker does not check in, and realizes he/she is overdue, the worker must immediately: A. Call the Contact person and determine what level of action has been taken B. Attempt to notify whoever has been dispatched that they are safe.

EQUIPMENT GUARDS

A person must not intentionally remove, impair, or render ineffective any safeguard provided for the protection of workers, except as permitted by the Workers' Compensation Board Regulation.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Head

Safety headgear will be provided by the City and must be worn by employees at all times in any work area where there is a danger of head injury from falling, flying or thrown objects, or other harmful contacts from either above or the side.

Provided there are no hazards from falling, flying or thrown objects, or other harmful contacts, possible exceptions to the above may include meter reading, piezometer readings at the landfill, survey crews not in construction areas, water testing in land development projects where no equipment is working, cutting lawns, routine inspection of pump stations and other general horticultural work.

Safety headgear must meet the requirements of either CSA, ANSI, or Japanese Industrial Standards and must be labelled as meeting one of these standards.

Workers who are exposed to an electrical hazard must wear safety headgear that has an appropriate non-conductive rating.

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Workers who are required to wear safety headgear must use chin straps when:

Climbing or working at a height of 3m (10ft) or more, or

If exposed to high winds or other conditions that may cause loss of the headgear

(whether at a height or at ground level).

Damaged headgear or headgear with missing, mismatched, or modified components must be removed from service. Damage includes tears or cuts in the internal suspension, rings with a common center on the shell, a brittle shell, or deep gouges cut into the shell.

Footwear

All employees who are exposed to hazards that could injure their feet must wear safety footwear that is of an appropriate design and construction, and is made of a material appropriate to the protection required. Where safety footwear is required to be worn it must meet the requirements of either CSA, ANSI, or the British Safety Institution standards regarding protective footwear. The presence of the following factors shall be considered when determining the need for appropriate protection:

Slipping

Uneven terrain

Temperature extremes

Corrosive substances

Puncture hazards, etc.

The following City employees must wear approved safety footwear:

All outside workers

Arena icemen

Maintenance staff

Survey crew, permits and license inspection staff, e.g. plumbing inspectors,

electrical inspectors

Other workers as determined by their supervisor while taking into account the

potential hazards involved, including the above factors, and the work being done.

Workers shall ensure that footwear is in an appropriate condition to provide the required protection. Safety footwear must be ankle height as a minimum.

Leg Protection

Leg protective devices meeting the WCB standard PPE 1-1997 must be worn by any worker operating a chain saw. (Firefighters using a chain saw at a structural fire are exempt from this requirement). The leg protective devices must have a label permanently affixed to the outer surface indicating the standard it complies with.

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Shirts

Shirts must be worn at all times and in all areas.

Pants Short pants must not be worn by City employees while at work except by lifeguards in outdoor pools and specific staff operating summer programs in parks. However, supervisors may determine other areas where short pants may be acceptable, taking into account the work being done and the hazards involved.

High Visibility Apparel

All high-visibility apparel, including jackets, vests, coveralls and harnesses, must meet the requirements of the WCB Personal Protective Equipment Standard 2-1997.

High visibility vests will be provided to employees by the City. They must be worn whenever there is a danger arising from moving vehicles.

Workers that direct traffic must wear a high visibility vest and wrist bands with a minimum 5cm wide fluorescent strip around the circumference. Wristbands are not required when directing traffic in an emergency or on a temporary basis and not as part of their normal duties.

Fire Service Directive

Surrey Fire Service employees are expected to wear the correct level of protection on City highways and roadways when responding, and conducting emergency work. Emergency work may include motor vehicle incidents, structure fires, and assisting citizens.

During emergency work all crew members should wear approved personnel protective equipment (PPE) to ensure the required & regulated level of safety and visibility for the assigned duty. Fire crews need to ensure when working on roadways, the scene working area is adequately shielded with their apparatus and other traffic control tools such as road cones. If emergency work has been completed and the crew is required to wait for police or tow trucks, they are to remain in a shielded or protected area. If PPE has been removed, personnel will wear high visible traffic vest in the protected area.

Do not use traffic safety vests if fire rescue related operations are being performed. Traffic safety vests will interfere, impede and compromise safety if worn while fighting fires or wearing other required PPE.

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Buoyancy Equipment

City employees (other than certified lifeguards working at City pools) working under conditions which involve a risk of drowning must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket with enough buoyancy to keep the worker's head above water. Buoyancy equipment must be labelled and meet the requirements.

Eye Protection

Eye protection must be worn by all persons assigned to or entering areas where eye hazards are present, or performing tasks in which eye hazards are present.

Examples of such hazards include the following:

Sparks, or open flame;

Toxic, poisonous, irritating, or corrosive chemicals;

Glass, wood or metal processing, particularly grinding, welding, chipping,

Sawing and sanding;

Potential exposure to injurious radiant energy, such as welding, ultraviolet

light, and brazing; or

Any other hazardous situations as designated by the immediate supervisor.

Respirators

(Guidelines available from Occupational Health & Safety)

The City of Surrey must provide, and the employee must wear appropriate respiratory protective equipment if exposed to air contaminants (vapours, gases, dusts, fumes, silica etc.) or to an oxygen deficient environment.

Types of respirators include the following:

Air purifying respirators:

Single use

Re-usable

Breathing air respirator:

Supplied air respirator (pressure demand)

Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

When City of Surrey provides a respirator for a particular work activity you must wear it. The respirator must provide adequate protection against the anticipated hazard. Where various types of respirators are available, take care to select the proper type. If there is doubt, use the more protective device.

A respirator with a dust filter is not suitable when working with toxic fumes. Respirator users must follow manufacturer's instructions.

Employees must receive training before using a respirator.

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Employees who use respirators must be clean-shaven and be fit-tested annually to verify a proper seal.

Employees must perform a positive/negative test each time they use the respirator.

Fire Service Working In or Near Areas with Hazardous Atmospheres Operational Guideline 2.07.01 Breathing Apparatus shall be used by all personnel operating:

- In an atmosphere which is suspected of being contaminated or oxygen deficient.

- In an atmosphere which may suddenly become contaminated or oxygen deficient.

This includes all personnel operating: - In an active fire area.

- Directly above an active fire area.

- During post fire operations- in an area that may

be off gassing.

- In a potential explosive or fire area, including gas

leaks and fuel spills.

- Where products of combustion are visible in the

atmosphere, including vehicle fires

and dumpster fires--where invisible contaminants are

suspected to be present (i.e. Carbon Monoxide during

overhaul).

- Where toxic products are present, suspected to be

- Present, or may be released without warning.

- In any confined space which has not been tested to

establish respiratory safety.

Premature removal of S.C.B.A. must be avoided at all times. This is particularly significant during overhaul when smoldering materials may produce increased quantities of carbon monoxide and other toxic products. In these cases S.C.B.A. must be used or the atmosphere must have changed and must be tested.

Other Personal Protective Equipment

Other personal protective equipment is available through the worker's supervisor. Such equipment may include but is not limited to:

Hearing protection - (see City of Surrey policy and procedures)

Hand protection, e.g. gloves

Face protection, e.g. goggles/safety glasses, face shields

Such equipment must be chosen in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and City of Surrey policy and procedures.

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BIOHAZARDOUS MATERIAL- BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

(Guidelines available from Occupational Health & Safety) If City employees are exposed to blood or body fluids during the course of their work, they will reduce the risk of transmitting blood borne pathogens such as Hepatitis B and HIV by adhering to this Accidental Exposure to Blood or Body Fluids procedure.

Vaccination against hepatitis B virus must be made available at no cost to the worker, upon request, for all workers who have, or who may have, or who may have, occupational exposure to hepatitis B virus. Note to Engineering, Fire and Parks, Recreation and Culture Staff: Vaccination information is for the following positions:

Parks, Recreation and Culture Lifeguards

Building Maintenance workers

Firefighters

Parks, Recreation and Culture and Engineering outside workers

Any employee responsible for providing first aid or cleaning up of bodily fluids as a requirement of their job

The employee is responsible for contacting “WE CARE HEALTH SERVICES” and scheduling an appointment. “WE CARE” hours are from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Please call “WE CARE” at 604-596-0772 to arrange for the time of your appointment. PLACE: WE CARE HEALTH SERVICES

Suite 1108 – 7330 – 137th Street Surrey, BC V3W 1A3

TIME: Please call 604-596-0772 to schedule/confirm appointments. If you are unable to attend on the day arranged, please contact “WE CARE” to arrange another time. Fire Service Fire Service employees should reference the SFS Infectious Disease Manual found on the Fire Intranet/ Operations/Documents links section and follow the operational guidelines and reporting of Infectious disease procedures as outlined.

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Blood & Body Fluid Exposure Procedures

Have you been exposed?

You have been exposed if you have been:

Stuck or pricked with a used or dirty needle

Splashed with blood or body fluids to an open wound or non-intact skin

Punctured with a contaminated sharp like bloody glass

Splashed by blood or body fluids in the eye, nose or mouth

Bitten or scratched by another person

When an exposure occurs, you should... 1. Immediately:

For Skin Exposure/Needle Stick:

Allow immediate bleeding of the wound.

Wash thoroughly with soap and water

For Eye/Mouth Exposure:

Flush well with water for at least 10 minutes.

2. Report the exposure to your Supervisor. 3. Go immediately to the nearest hospital Emergency department to be assessed by the

doctor on duty. Let the triage nurse know that you have had a blood/body fluid exposure. Provide the doctor with as much information as you can about your exposure incident. The doctor will advise you about your risk and whether you need blood tests. You will be given advice about whether you need follow up by your family doctor.

4. Remember to complete an accident report form so that proper follow up will be done.

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Follow-up You and the source person (if known) are asked to consent to testing for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV antibodies. You will be advised of the results to guide your care.

If required, you may be given a Hepatitis B vaccine booster and/or Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIG).

The Emergency Physician will advise you of any necessary follow-up blood work.

If you are prescribed antiretroviral medication, you will need to see your family doctor. Your doctor will do more blood tests, and may need to renew your antiretroviral prescription.

Exposure Prevention You may be exposed to blood or body fluids on the job. To prevent exposure:

You must assume that all blood and body fluids are infectious.

Safe working practices and personal protective equipment must be used at all times when your work activity places you at risk for a possible exposure.

Wear gloves when providing first aid. Wear eye protection if you think you might get sprayed with blood or body fluid. Wear a mask when you think you might get blood/body fluid in your nose or mouth.

Post Exposure Hepatitis B Hepatitis B infection is preventable. You are encouraged to have a Hepatitis B vaccine as you work in an area with a high-risk of exposure to blood and/or body fluids.

If you were exposed to Hepatitis B and had not been immunized, you may also be asked to have an injection of Immune Globulin and to begin your Hepatitis B vaccine series.

Hepatitis C There is currently no preventative vaccine for Hepatitis C. If you are exposed, it is recommended you be tested at 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after the exposure.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus HIV If it is determined that risk to HIV exists, antiretroviral medication may be indicated.

Treatment within the first two (2) hours after being exposed is ideal. This drug treatment usually lasts for 28 days.

Tetanus You may require a tetanus vaccine if you have not received one in the last 10 years. The Emergency Physician will advise you.

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How do I protect my family, others and myself after an exposure?

If your exposure puts you at risk for infection, the doctor may tell you to take the following precautions.

Use protection such as a latex condom (with a spermicide) during sexual activity.

Tell your doctor and your dentist at your next visit about the exposure.

Cover any cuts or open wounds.

Do not donate blood, organs or semen.

Do not breast feed.

Do not share personal items like your toothbrush or razor.

Who pays for this? All work-related illnesses and injuries are processed through Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB). Your claim will be submitted to the WCB to cover medical costs. You must complete an accident report for claims purposes. Accepted claims are paid by WCB

What situations are NOT exposures?

Urine, vomit, feces, blood, body fluids on your clothes or shoes

Blood or body fluids on skin as long as you have no cuts, abrasions or scratches

on your skin

Blood or body fluids on your gloves only

Tips To Remember

You can’t tell if someone has a bloodborne disease. Wear gloves before caring for the patient. Use tongs to put any sharp into a sharps container Wear eye protection if you think you might get sprayed in the face with body fluids. Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth while wearing gloves. Wash your hands after removing gloves.

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PROTECTING THE PUBLIC

When employees work in public areas, they must take all necessary precautions to protect the public. Some examples include:

Warning signs

Traffic movement

Lighting

Barricading

Position City vehicles and equipment to present the least impediment or hazard to traffic and pedestrians. If possible, place the vehicles and equipment between the work area and oncoming traffic.

Vehicles and equipment left on-site overnight should:

Be locked and secured with the wheels blocked

Have the hydraulics neutralized on any backhoe buckets left on the

ground have adequate night warning signs in place.

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PROPER LIFTING TECHNIQUES

Employees must get help when lifting heavy objects to minimize the risk of a back injury.

To avoid injury:

Before lifting, examine the object for slivers, nails, sharp ends, banding etc.

Before lifting, make sure you have a firm grip with hands and body in the clear.

When lifting:

Keep your back as upright as possible

Lift with your leg muscles by bending your knees instead of using the back or stomach muscles

Avoid twisting motions when lifting or carrying objects

Keep the weight as close to you r chest as possible

Avoid lifting above shoulder height, use ladders

When carrying material, make sure you have a clear view of your path

Never jump down from one level to another while carrying a heavy load; use stairs, ramps, ladders, etc.

Use Your Head and Save Your Back!

•STAND

close to

the load

•Bend

your

knees -

not

your

back!

•Let

your

legs do

the

lifting

Get Help

with

heavy or

awkward

loads!

Use

the

right

tools!

Means

using

your

head!

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Carrying the load…

• Hold the load close so you can see over it.

• Keep the load balanced.

• Avoid twisting the body

• Watch out for pinch points -- doorways, etc.

• Face the way you will be moving.

Lever effect -- can

magnify weight by factor

of up to 10(40 lbs.)

(200 lbs.)

10 lbs.

100 lbs.

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For those Awkward Moments...

If you must lift or lower from a high place:

•Stand on a platform instead of a ladder

•Lift the load in smaller pieces if possible

• Push the load to see how heavy and stable it is.

• Slide the load as close to yourself as possible

before lifting up or down.

• Get help when needed to avoid an injury.

From hard-to-get-at places...

• Get as close to the load as possible

• Keep back straight, stomach muscles tight

• Push buttocks out behind you.

• Bend your knees

• Use leg, stomach, and buttock muscles to

lift -- not your back.

* Author: Dan Caldwell, Sulzer Orthopedics Inc.

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MOBILE EQUIPMENT

An employee must not operate mobile equipment unless the employee:

Has received adequate instruction in the safe use of the equipment

Has demonstrated to a qualified supervisor or instructor competency in operating the equipment

If operating equipment with air brakes, has a valid air brake certificate or a driver’s license with an air brake endorsement

Is familiar with the operating instructions for the equipment, and has been authorized to operate the equipment

Must operate the equipment safely, maintain full control of the equipment, and comply with the laws governing the operation of the equipment.

Note: Please review Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Use Manual located on City of Surrey Intranet- Health & Safety Page. Please contact Occupational Health & Safety or the Fleet manager for a hard copy.

Exiting Fire Apparatus

Exiting fire apparatus is a frequent cause of accidents and injuries to fire fighters on the job. Members are reminded to ensure that when you are exiting fire apparatus you should maintain three points of contact in order to prevent accidents and injuries. Work Safe recommends controlling your exit, and watching your step before exiting. Fire officers are required to be proactive towards injury prevention and discuss safe measures to Exiting Fire Apparatus with their crews.

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CONFINED SPACE (Guideline available from Occupational Health & Safety)

ONLY TRAINED EMPLOYEES ARE ALLOWED INTO CONFINED SPACE

Definition of a confined space

Is enclosed of partially enclosed

Is not designed or intended for continuous human occupancy or for ongoing work activity

Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit that may complicate the provision of first aid, evacuation, rescue or other emergency response service

Is large enough and so configured that a worker could enter, or partially enter, to perform assigned work

Where work is to be carried-out, in any confined space where a harmful atmosphere may develop, the following procedure must be followed:

1. The space must be ventilated continuously.

2. Gas detection equipment must be calibrated in an atmosphere that is known to be safe. Tests for harmful or explosive substances and oxygen deficiency must be made and recorded immediately prior to entry, after any interruptions in the work procedure and at intervals to ensure the continuing safety of the worker in the confined space.

3. If a harmful atmosphere develops, the worker will immediately evacuate the space and will not re-enter until it has been tested and found to be safe to do so.

4. A full body harness of a type that will keep the worker in a position to permit rescue will be worn.

5. A life line will be attached to the harness which is tended at all times by another person stationed outside the entrance to the confined space, who must be equipped for and capable of pulling up the injured person.

6. He must not enter the system to attempt rescue.

7. A trained and properly equipped rescue team will perform rescue.

Risk Assessments have been completed for City of Surrey Identified Confined Spaces. Please contact Occupational Health & Safety for a copy.

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LADDER SAFETY

Do not use a damaged ladder!

Ensure Ladder is resting against a firm structure and has 4 secure points of

contact. Have the lower ends of the ladder side rails rest on a firm and level base and the upper support of the side rails must be on a bearing surface strong enough to safely withstand the applied load.

Set up ladders with a 4 vertical to 1 horizontal slope Extend ladders (other than a stepladder) approximately 1 m (3 feet or 3

rungs) above a safe landing or parapet wall Tie, block, or otherwise secure the ladder to prevent it from slipping. When

using extension ladders on a smooth concrete or tile surface it is especially important to make sure that the ladder's base does not slip.

Protect ladders used in locations such as doorways or passageways from being bumped or knocked over

Do not use ladder type material hoists for roof access unless it is designed for that purpose

Climbing and performing short duration work from ladders Always face the ladder Always keep 3 point contact with the ladder (two legs and one arm) Do not stand on the top two rungs of an extension ladder or the top two steps of a stepladder in order to reach something. Prevent Electrical Shock Do not use a metal ladder or stepladder when working with electricity. A fiberglass or wooden ladder should be used instead. Be aware of overhead electrical power lines Avoid contact and stay out of arcing range Use an alternate means or location to access work areas If unsure of clearance requirements, consult with BC Hydro & Power Authority

Fire Service

Do not work with electricity

Do not have fiberglass or wooden ladders

4 vertical to 1

foot horizontal

slope

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FIRE PROTECTION

Extinguishers

Employees must be familiar with the location and operation of all fire protective equipment near their work area.

All employees should know the classes of fire, their burning characteristics, and the proper extinguishing agent for each.

CLASS "A" fires involve ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper.

- Extinguishing agents include water and multi-purpose dry chemical.

CLASS "B" fires involve oils and flammable liquids.

- Extinguishing agents include CO2 and dry chemical.

CLASS "C" fires involve electrical equipment.

- Extinguishing agents include CO2 and dry chemical.

CLASS "D" fires in combustible metals or metallic alloy elements with combustible metal components.

- Water or water-based extinguishers should never be used.

How to work most extinguishers:

If you do fight a fire, remember the word - PASS

1. Pull the pin.

2. Aim the nozzle low.

3. Squeeze the handle.

4. Sweep from side to side.

Remember most extinguishers last just a few seconds (10-15).

Evacuation

If you discover a fire:

Activate a fire alarm or

Call the Fire Department.

Fight the fire only if it is small, you are not alone and confident you can.

Evacuate via the nearest safe exit.

Do not use the elevator.

Assist challenged persons.

Proceed to the predetermined assembly area.

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HOUSEKEEPING

Keep work locations, vehicles, and the inside and outside of buildings clean and orderly at all times.

Keep permanent floors and platforms free of dangerous projections or obstructions and reasonably free from oil, grease, or water. If an operation produces slippery conditions, use mats grates, cleats, or other methods to reduce the hazard of slipping.

Keep stairways, aisles, permanent roadways, walkways and storage areas in yards clean and free of obstructions, depressions, and debris.

Store materials and supplies in an orderly manner to prevent their falling or spreading and to eliminate tripping and stumbling hazards.

Do not allow rubbish and unused clothing to accumulate in lockers.

Do not allow paper and other combustible materials to accumulate.

Do not allow weeds to grow in or around garages, supply yards, buildings, regulator stations, or other structures.

Keep combustible materials, such as oil-soaked rags, waste and shavings in approved metal containers with metal lids. Empty the containers when possible. Do not use flammable liquids such as gasoline, benzene and lacquer thinner for cleaning.

Dispense all flammable liquids from containers approved for storing and transporting them. All containers must be clearly marked to show their intended contents.

Place small flammable liquid containers on the ground while filling.

Store all flammable liquids in approved areas or buildings.

When pouring or pumping any flammable liquid from one container to another, maintain contact between the pouring and receiving containers. Do not overfill the containers to prevent sills due to expansion.

Obey the "No Smoking and "Shut Off Engine" signs strictly at fuel dispensing locations.

Unattended City vehicles must not have their engines running.

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ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Avoid electrical hazards by following the:

Primary Rules of Electrical Safety

Think ahead.

Know the system.

Limit the exposure.

Minimize exposed live metal.

Cover grounded metalwork.

Use the correct equipment and clothing.

Be aware of the risk.

Remove metal rings, bracelets, and wristwatch.

Avoid electrical contact when working in awkward positions.

RESPIRABLE SILICA

Respirable Silica Exposure Control plan is available through City of Surrey Occupational Health & Safety Division or located on the City of Surrey Health & Safety intranet. Cutting concrete without proper dust controls can generate high levels of silica containing dust. Breathing in this fine dust can cause a serious lung disease called silicosis, which is characterized by scarring and thickening of the lungs, and can ultimately result in death. Control methods are required for cutting, drilling, grinding, chipping, jack hammering and polishing of stone, concrete and asphalt.

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DE-ENERGIZATION & LOCK-OUT HAZARDOUS ENERGY CONTROL PROGRAM

(Guidelines available from Occupational Health & Safety)

Do not remove the guards from any machine or equipment except to perform maintenance, unplug or lock out the machine or equipment from the power source.

All electrical equipment must be locked out whenever cleaning, repairs, new construction, or other work on or near an isolating device or system could endanger anyone.

Lockout Procedure

Shut off machine or equipment Shut off energy source at control device in our case a breaker that is locked (switch

or valve- some machines may require more than one lock). Place and close lock on control device (lockable breaker) in the off position.

Relieve pressure, block, and pin or chain equipment if necessary. Test control to be sure energy is off.

Remove lock as soon as job is completed and notify operator if applicable.

All equipment must be stopped and locked out by anyone required to work in a

location where starting equipment could constitute a hazard to himself/herself or others.

Each person working on a machine is to use their own lock, which must be marked

with their name or individual number. Under no circumstances shall locks be loaned or borrowed.

Where work is not completed at shift change, locks must not be removed until a

person coming on shift or a supervisor has placed a lock on all control devices. Supervisors are to follow the set procedure for removal of locks left on in error.

Questions regarding lockout must be referred to supervisory staff.

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GENERAL EXCAVATION SAFETY

(Guidelines available from Occupational Health & Safety - Below are excerpts from the City of Surrey Safe Excavation Work Practices and Site Preparation Manual.)

Before a worker enters any excavation over 4 feet in depth, the excavation must be sloped, benched or a trench/shoring cage must be utilized. Only workers knowledgeable of the worksite hazards may perform work in an excavation.

Excavation Work must be in accordance with written instructions of a professional engineer or professional geoscientist if:

More than 6m (20 feet) deep

Ground slopes away from edge of excavation at an angle steeper than 3 horizontal to 1 vertical

Structure adjacent to site

Subject to vibration or hydrostatic pressure likely to result in ground movement hazardous to workers

Egress Pre-planning:

Location of overhead & underground utilities- telephone, electric, water, sewer, gas, fuel

Type of soil

Excavated material (Spoil pile 2 feet from edge of trench/excavation)

Removing nearby hazards

Traffic control

Notice of Project, 30M33 Form

First-aid & Emergency procedures

Weather

Experienced crew wearing required PPE ex. Safety vests, hardhat, boots, glasses, respirators, etc.

De-watering

Access and Egress

Overhead Utilities

When work takes place in close proximity to energized electrical conductors, special precautions and the following procedures need to be followed:

1) Planning

a) Determine what equipment will provide the work platform for the job. b) Determine the voltage of the electrical conductor. Telephone the authority (BC

Hydro) controlling the electrical system.

2) On-site Decisions a) Ensure that the minimum clearance distance can be maintained at all times. This

distance can be measured from the extreme outside dimensions of the work platform and equipment, the safety lines, cables, materials or tools handled to the nearest energized conductor. This conductor could be a wire, a transformer or any other energized component.

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Minimum Distance Voltage

751 V to 75 KV (phase to phase)

75 KV to 250 KV (phase to phase)

250 KV to 550 KV (phase to phase)

Distance

3 Meters (10 ft.)

4.6 meters (15 ft.)

6.1 meters (20ft.)

b) When minimum distance cannot be maintained : i) STOP all work

ii) Call the authority controlling the system and arrange for a meeting at the worksite to decide whether the energized electrical conductors can be:

De-energized

Effectively guarded

Displaced or re-routed

iii) Get assurance in writing which of the three actions will be taken and when. The assurance must be signed by the person controlling the electrical system. A form 30M33 is available from any WCB office for this purpose.

iv) The written assurance (WCB Form 30M33) is known to all persons in the area where equipment or materials, when moved or stored, can contact the electrical conductors.

c) When energized electrical conductors are guarded, special precautions must be taken:

i) A qualified safety monitor must be posted so that both the equipment and load and the equipment and operator are observed. The safety monitor must signal STOP to the equipment operator whenever the equipment or load is likely to contact the guarding or warning line.

ii) The equipment operator must STOP when the monitor signals the operator to STOP.

iii) All persons who are not qualified to work with high voltage must not touch or handle the electrical guarding.

iv) Equipment or loads must not contact the electrical guarding.

v) Loading and unloading should be done away from Hydro Lines.

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FALL PROTECTION (Guideline available from Occupational Health & Safety) A fall protection system must be in place when employees work at elevations greater than 3M (10 feet) or where a fall from a lesser height involves an unusual risk of injury. Fall protection systems include (in order of priority):

1) Conventional Fall Protection System – guardrails, handrails, ladder cage loops

2) Fall Restraint system – safety belts or full body harness with related equipment

3) Fall Arrest System – full body harness with related equipment

4) Control zone – safety monitor, cones, flagging

Fire Department employees performing a rescue may work without fall protection. Fire employees shall follow OG 2.04.11 CV

For all work where a fall of 25 feet or more may occur or where a safety monitor and control zone will be used, a written Fall Protection work plan must be completed before working-at-heights.

Only employees that are trained are allowed to work at heights greater than 10. Training can be coordinated thru Employee Health & Safety

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COLD STRESS When you’re cold, blood vessels in your skin, arms, and legs constrict, decreasing the blood flow to your extremities. This helps your critical organs stay warm, but you risk frostbite in your extremities. Frostbite This means that your flesh freezes. Blood vessels are damaged and the reduced blood flow can lead to gangrene. Frostbitten skin looks waxy and feels numb. Once tissue becomes hard, it’s a medical emergency. Treatment:

Get medical aid

Warm area with body heat – do not rub

Don’t thaw hands and feet unless medical aid is distant and there’s no chance of refreezing. Body parts are better thawed at a hospital.

Hypothermia This means your core temperature drops. Moderate symptoms:

Shivering

Blue lips and fingers

Slow breathing and heart rate

Disorientation and confusion

Poor coordination Severe symptoms:

Unconsciousness

Heart slowdown to the point where pulse is irregular or hard to find

No shivering

No detectable breathing

Resembles death – assume casualty is alive Treatment:

Get medical aid immediately

Carefully remove casualty to shelter. (Sudden movement can upset heart rhythm)

Keep casualty awake

Remove wet clothing and wrap casualty in warm covers

Apply direct body heat – re-warm neck, chest, abdomen, and groin, but not extremities

If conscious, give warm, sweet drinks

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Wind Chill The wind accelerates heat loss. For example, when the air temperature is -30 degrees C:

With no wind there’s little chance of skin freezing.

With 16 km/h wind (a flag will be fully extended) your skin can freeze in about a minute.

With 32 km/h wind (capable of blowing snow) your skin can freeze in 30 seconds.

Controls

To capture air as an insulator, wear several layers of clothing rather than one thick layer

Wear synthetic fabrics next to the skin to “wick” away sweat

If conditions require, wear a waterproof or wind-resistant outer layer

If your clothing gets wet at 2 degrees C or less, change into dry clothes immediately and get checked for hypothermia

Wear warm gloves

Wear hats and hoods. You may need a balaclava

Tight-fitting footwear restricts blood flow. You should be able to wear either one thick or two thin pairs of socks

If you get hot while working, open your jacket but keep your hat and gloves on Take warm, high-calorie drinks and food

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HEAT STRESS

For the most part heat injuries are preventable. The guide below will provide general information

on type of problem, causation, symptoms and treatments. Please keep it for future reference.

Remember if you are feeling any effects from over exposure to heat, it is important to take

immediate action.

For more information please contact Occupational Health & Safety or a member of the Joint

Occupational Health & Safety Committee.

Heat Stress Hazards

Cause Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Heat Rash Hot humid environment; plugged sweat glands.

Red bumpy rash with severe itching.

Change into dry clothes and avoid hot environments. Rinse skin with cool water.

Wash regularly to keep skin clean and dry.

Fainting Fluid loss and inadequate water intake.

Sudden fainting after at least two hours of work; cool moist skin; weak pulse.

GET MEDICAL ATTENTION. Assess need for CPR. Move to a cool area; loosen clothing; make person lie down; and if the person is conscious, offer sips of cool water. Fainting may also be due to other illnesses.

Reduce activity levels and/or heat exposure. Drink fluids regularly. Workers should check on each other to help spot the symptoms that often precede heat stroke.

Heat Cramps

Heavy sweating drains a person's body of salt, which cannot be replaced just by drinking water.

Painful cramps in arms, legs or stomach which occur suddenly at work or later at home. Heat cramps are serious because they can be a warning of other more dangerous heat-induced illnesses.

Move to a cool area; loosen clothing and drink cool salted water (1 tsp. salt per gallon of water) or commercial fluid replacement beverage. If the cramps are severe or don't go away, seek medical aid.

Reduce activity levels and/or heat exposure. Drink fluids regularly. Workers should check on each other to help spot the symptoms that often precede heat stroke.

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Cause Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Heat Exhaustion

Fluid loss and inadequate salt and water intake causes a person's body's cooling system to start to break down.

Heavy sweating; cool moist skin; body temperature over 38°C; weak pulse; normal or low blood pressure; person is tired and weak, and has nausea and vomiting; is very thirsty; or is panting or breathing rapidly; vision may be blurred.

GET MEDICAL AID. This condition can lead to heat stroke, which can kill. Move the person to a cool shaded area; loosen or remove excess clothing; provide cool water to drink; fan and spray with cool water.

Reduce activity levels and/or heat exposure. Drink fluids regularly. Workers should check on each other to help spot the symptoms that often precede heat stroke.

Heat Stroke

If a person's body has used up all its water and salt reserves, it will stop sweating. This can cause body temperature to rise. Heat stroke may develop suddenly or may follow from heat exhaustion.

High body temperature (over 41°C) and any one of the following: the person is weak, confused, upset or acting strangely; has hot, dry, red skin; a fast pulse; headache or dizziness. In later stages, a person may pass out and have convulsions.

CALL AMBULANCE. This condition can kill a person quickly. Remove excess clothing; fan and spray the person with cool water; offer sips of cool water if the person is conscious.

Reduce activity levels and/or heat exposure. Drink fluids regularly. Workers should check on each other to help spot the symptoms that often precede heat stroke.

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General Asbestos Management

STANDARD PROCESS FOR ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT What is Asbestos? Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant mineral fibre that was used throughout the inside and outside of buildings, including being added to materials such as cement and plaster to give them more structural strength, and may be present in buildings built as recently as 1989. How can you become exposed to asbestos? Asbestos exposure primarily occurs through inhalation of airborne asbestos fibres which can eventually lead to serious adverse health effects. Asbestos fibres can stay suspended in the air for hours and appear similar to dust. If you enter a building which has been recently renovated and asbestos has been cut, drilled, sanded, etc., without proper procedures being followed, you could be exposed. What are the health effects of asbestos exposure? Airborne asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems when inhaled. People who become ill from asbestos are usually those who are exposed to it on a regular basis, most often in a job where they work directly with the material or through substantial environmental contact. Research has shown that smoking, in conjunction with asbestos exposure, significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. The health effects of asbestos do not usually present themselves until 15-20 years after exposure. There are three main diseases associated with asbestos exposure: asbestosis (chronic lung disease), mesothelioma (cancer affecting the abdomen/chest) and lung cancer. Where is asbestos commonly found?

These products may contain asbestos, depending on the age of the building and the materials used to manufacture the product.

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Asbestos Identification and Management Program To ensure City of Surrey staff are not affected by asbestos in our buildings, an Asbestos Identification and Management Program (AIM) has been implemented city wide. The following are key elements of this program:

1) NO staff member is allowed to cut, hammer, or drill surfaces, structures, walls etc. within city

buildings older than 1990 without permission from Civic Facilities. Only qualified personal

are allowed to cut, hammer, or drill.

2) An inventory of buildings that have been assessed for asbestos containing materials;

individual AIM risk assessments are available in OH&S, Civic Facilities and on the Intranet

under Health and Safety in the AIM Program folder.

3) An Asbestos Management Committee has been established and meets once a year or more

if required. CUPE 402 has a worker safety representative on the committee.

4) Each assessed building will have a copy its individual AIM risk assessment maintained in a

yellow binder onsite.

5) Pre-job Contractor meetings must be held to ensure all contractors and their staff are aware

of the scope of work and hazards involved. Contractors must comply with WorkSafeBC

Occupational Health & Safety Regulations.

6) Project managers must advise the worksite manager of the scope of work to be performed

and contact number of the contractor.

7) All qualified workers (Civic Facilities staff or contractors) must check the Asbestos

Identification program booklet located in all City buildings (older than 1990) prior to cutting,

hammering, or drilling surfaces, structures, walls etc.

8) Asbestos Awareness Training - please look at the HR training calendar (posted on Health &

Safety page - Intranet) to participate in one of the upcoming Asbestos Awareness courses

offered.

Key Points:

The City of Surrey has implemented an Asbestos Identification Management Program (AIM) to ensure the protection of employees, contractors and public from any potential hazard related to asbestos.

To prevent fibres from being released into the air, it is essential that asbestos containing material is not cut, drilled, or damaged in anyway.

Civic Facilities must be notified prior to any task being performed that could potentially alter or damage a city structure or building.

If you have any questions please contact Sam Chauhan (604-591-4658) or Tanya Tighe (604-591-4876)

For More Information:

Visit the Health Canada Website at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/environ/asbestos-amiante-eng.php

Contact OHS about upcoming Asbestos Awareness workshops available for City of Surrey employees (604-591-4131)