health, safety & environmental

CONTRACTOR HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL MANUAL 2.0

REVISED SUB-SECTION 4.8.12, REGARDING USE OF STAIR WAY ACCESS

REVISED SUB-SECTION 4.8.16, REGARDING LOCKING SCAFFOLDING IN PLACE

4.9 LADDERS REVISED SUB-SECTION 4.9.4, REGARDING THE USE OF METAL AND PAINTED

LADDERS

REVISED SUB-SECTION 4.9.7, REGARDING 3 POINTS OF CONTACT / “BELT BUCKLE

RULE”

4.10 ELECTRICAL REMOVED “NON-QUALIFIED” FROM TITLE

4.13 RIGGING & MATERIAL HANDLING ADDED “& MATERIAL HANDLING” TO TITLE

REVISED SUB-SECTION 4.13.3, REGARDING CRITICAL LIFTS

REVISED SUB-SECTION 4.13.4, REGARDING RIGGING EQUIPMENT LOAD TESTING

4.14 VEHICLES & MOBILE EQUIPMENT REVISED SUB-SECTION 4.14.4, REGARDING USE OF ANSI CLASS 3 HIGH

VISIBILITY VEST

REVISED SUB-SECTION 4.14.8, REGARDING UNATTENDED VEHICLES

ADDED SUB-SECTION 4.14.22, REGARDING USE OF ATVS ON NISOURCE

PROJECTS

ADDED SUB-SECTION 4.14.23, REGARDING USE OF UTVS ON NISOURCE

PROJECTS

4.15 COMPRESSED GAS REVISED SUB-SECTION 4.15.3, REGARDING COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS INSIDE

OF CONFINED SPACES / EXCAVATIONS

REVISED SUB-SECTION 4.15.6, REGARDING THE TRANSPORTATION OF

COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS

4.16 COMPRESSED AIR ADDED SUB-SECTION 4.16.5, REGARDING MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE OPERATING

PRESSURE (MAOP)

4.18 WELDING & CUTTING REVISED SUB-SECTION 4.18.1, TO INCLUDE TORCH CUTTING

REVISED SUB-SECTION 4.18.16, REGARDING MINIMUM PROTECTIVE SHADE

ADDED SUB-SECTION 4.18.29, REGARDING REMOVAL OF EPOXY COATING

4.19 CONFINED SPACES REVISED SUB-SECTION 4.19.1, REGARDING SEWER MANHOLES

ADDED SUB-SECTION 4.19.15, REGARDING PERMIT REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE

AND NOTIFICATION OF NISOURCE PROJECT / SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE

4.23 EXCAVATIONS REVISED SUB-SECTION 4.23.2, REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL & STATE

SPECIFIC DIG SAFE LAWS

ADDED SUB-SECTION 4.23.9, REGARDING TESTING FOR ATMOSPHERIC HAZARDS

4.24 HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING ADDED SUB-SECTIONS 4.24.1 – 4.24.7, REGARDING SAFE OPERATION OF

HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING EQUIPMENT

4.25 HYDRO / VACUUM EXCAVATION ADDED SUB-SECTIONS 4.25.1 – 4.25.8, REGARDING SAFE OPERATION OF HYDRO

/ VACUUM EXCAVATION EQUIPMENT

4.28 LEAD BASED PAINT REVISED SUB-SECTION 4.28.6, REGARDING MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE

REQUIREMENTS AND RECORDS

REVISED SUB-SECTION 4.28.7, REGARDING CONSTRUCTING “CATCHES” OR

CONTAINMENTS TO PREVENT LEAD BASED PAINT SCRAPINGS, DUST, OR FUMES

4.29 HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM ADDED SUB-SECTIONS 4.29.5 – 4.29.6, REGARDING USE OF ENGINEERED

CONTROLS

4.31 RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA ADDED SUB-SECTIONS 4.31.1 – 4.31.5, REGARDING SAFE OPERATIONS TO

CONTROL RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA

5.1 NISOURCE ENVIRONMENTAL & MATERIAL MANAGEMENT

PROCEDURES

REVISED SUB-SECTION 5.1.10, REGARDING NOTIFICATION OF NISOURCE

ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY SPILL RESPONSE TEAM

A3.2 CONFINED SPACE REVISED SUB-SECTION A3.2.1, REGARDING CONFINED SPACE INSIDE GENERATION

STATIONS

A4.2 COAL TRAINS / COAL CARS REVISED SUB-SECTION A4.2.8, REGARDING USE OF ANSI CLASS 3 HIGH

VISIBILITY VEST

B1.1 GENERAL ADDED SUB-SECTIONS B1.1.1 – B1.1.12, REGARDING GENERAL ELECTRICAL

SAFETY RULES

B1.2 MINIMUM APPROACH DISTANCE (MAD) REVISED SUB-SECTIONS B1.2.1 – TABLE B, REGARDING MINIMUM APPROACH

DISTANCE (MAD)

B1.3 QUALIFIED OBSERVER REVISED SUB-SECTIONS B1.3.1 – B1.3.3, REGARDING QUALIFIED OBSERVERS

B1.4 CLEARANCES & HOLD CARDS REVISED SUB-SECTIONS B1.4.1 – B1.4.4, REGARDING CLEARANCES & HOLD

CARDS

B1.5 LIVE LINE WORK REVISED SUB-SECTIONS B1.5.1 – B1.5.4, REGARDING LIVE LINE WORK

B1.6 SUBSTATION REVISED SUB-SECTIONS B1.6.1 – B1.6.10, REGARDING SUBSTATIONS

B1.7 UNDERGROUND LINES & EQUIPMENT ADDED SUB-SECTIONS B1.7.1 – B1.7.3.3, REGARDING UNDERGROUND LINES

& EQUIPMENT

B1.8 OVERHEAD LINES: STRINGING / REMOVING OPERATIONS ADDED SUB-SECTIONS B1.8.1 – B1.8.6, REGARDING OVERHEAD LINES:

STRINGING / REMOVING OPERATIONS

B1.9 FORESTRY OPERATIONS REVISED SUB-SECTIONS B1.9.1 – B1.9.7, REGARDING FORESTRY OPERATIONS

C2.2 MANHOLES, VAULTS & PITS REVISED SUB-SECTION C2.2.1, REGARDING TESTING FOR HAZARDOUS

ATMOSPHERE IN MANHOLES, VAULTS & PITS

ADDED SUB-SECTION C2.2.5, REGARDING SEWER MANHOLES TREATED AS

PERMIT REQUIRED CONFINED SPACES

C2.6 HOT WORK OPERATIONS ADDED SUB-SECTION C2.6.1 – C2.6.8, REGARDING HOT WORK OPERATIONS

C2.9 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) REVISED SUB-SECTION C2.9.1, REGARDING THE USE OF ANSI CLASS 3 HIGH

VISIBILITY VEST

Contractor HSE Manual – February 2018 Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................ 1

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS ................................................................................................................... 2

3. HSE PROGRAM COMPONENTS .................................................................................................................... 5

3.1 CONTRACTORS ....................................................................................................................................................... 5

3.2 CONTRACTOR PROJECT MANAGER/REPRESENTATIVE ............................................................................. 6

3.3 CONTRACTOR SAFETY MANAGER/REPRESENTATIVE ............................................................................... 7

3.4 CONTRACTOR GENERAL FOREMAN AND FOREMAN ...................................................................................... 8

3.5 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL ..................................................................................................................... 8

3.6 NISOURCE RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................................................................. 8

3.7 NISOURCE DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAM ................................................................................................. 9

3.8 INCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION ............................................................................................ 10

3.9 CONTRACTOR SELECTION (ISN REQUIREMENTS) ................................................................................... 10

3.10 SUBCONTRACTOR SELECTION................................................................................................................. 11

3.11 CONDUCT .............................................................................................................................................................. 11

3.12 DISCIPLINARY ACTION POLICY............................................................................................................... 11

3.13 STOP WORK AUTHORITY ........................................................................................................................ 12

3.14 EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN (EAP) ......................................................................................................... 12 3.15 JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS (JSA) ...................................................................................................................... 12

3.16 SAFETY AUDITS ............................................................................................................................................ 12

3.17 LIFE SAVING RULES ............................................................................................................................ 13

4. GENERAL SAFETY RULES 14

4.1 HAZARD COMMUNICATION (HAZCOM) ................................................................................................ 14

4.2 FIRE PREVENTION & PROTECTION ........................................................................................................... 15

4.3 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) ............................................................................................ 15

4.4 HOUSEKEEPING..................................................................................................................................................... 17

4.5 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH ........................................................................................................................ 17

4.6 SANITATION .......................................................................................................................................................... 18

4.7 FALL PROTECTION ................................................................................................................................. 18

4.8 SCAFFOLDS .................................................................................................................................................................... 18

4.9 PORTABLE LADDERS .............................................................................................................................. 20

4.10 ELECTRICAL .......................................................................................................................................................... 20

4.11 HOLD CARDS ......................................................................................................................................... 21

4.12 CRANES .......................................................................................................................................................................... 22 4.13 RIGGING & MATERIAL HANDLING ............................................................................................................... 22

4.14 VEHICLES & MOBILE EQUIPMENT ........................................................................................................... 23

4.15 COMPRESSED GAS ........................................................................................................................................ 24

4.16 COMPRESSED AIR ......................................................................................................................................... 25

4.17 HIGH-PRESSURE WATER CLEANING ............................................................................................................... 25

4.18 WELDING & CUTTING ............................................................................................................................. 26 4.19 CONFINED SPACES ................................................................................................................................. 27

4.20 BARRICADES ......................................................................................................................................................... 28

4.21 HAND & POWER TOOLS .......................................................................................................................... 29

4.22 STEEL ERECTION .................................................................................................................................... 30

4.23 EXCAVATIONS ............................................................................................................................................................... 30

4.24 HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING ................................................................................................... 31 4.25 HYDRO/VACUUM EXCAVATION ............................................................................................................. 32

4.26 CONTRACTOR TRAILER SETUP ............................................................................................................... 32

4.27 ASBESTOS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 33

4.28 LEAD BASED PAINT ................................................................................................................................ 33

4.29 HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM ...................................................................................................................... 34

4.30 REGULATED AREA ................................................................................................................................. 34

4.31 RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA ......................................................................................................... 35

Contractor HSE Manual February 2018 Table of Contents

5. ENVIRONMENTAL ........................................................................................................................................................... 36 5.1 NISOURCE ENVIRONMENTAL & MATERIAL MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES ............................................... 36

6. CONCLUSION ..................................................................................................................................................................... 39

APPENDIX A: GENERATION STATION

A1. PLANT ACCESS ................................................................................................................................................. 1

A1.1 VISITORS .................................................................................................................................................. 1

A1.2 SECURITY ........................................................................................................................................................ 1

A2. PRE-WORK PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................................ 2 A2.1 CONTRACTOR SAFETY TRAINING ............................................................................................................. 2

A2.2 NIPSCO PROJECT BRIEFING ................................................................................................................... 3

A2.3 GENERATION STATION JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS (JSA) .................................................................................. 3

A2.4 GENERATION STATION EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN ................................................................................. 4

A3. GENERATION SAFETY RULES ...................................................................................................................... 5

A3.1 GENERATION STATION HOLD CARD ........................................................................................................ 5 A3.2 CONFINED SPACE .................................................................................................................................... 6

A3.3 HOT WORK PERMITS ............................................................................................................................... 6

A3.4 RADIATION SOURCES .............................................................................................................................. 7

A3.5 FLUE GAS ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

A3.6 INORGANIC ARSENIC ..................................................................................................................................... 8

A3.7 BLASTING ............................................................................................................................................... 9

A4. COAL HANDLING ............................................................................................................................................. 9

A4.1 ELECTRICAL CLASSIFICATION .................................................................................................................. 9

A4.2 COAL TRAINS/COAL CARS ....................................................................................................................... 9

APPENDIX B: ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION

B1. ELECTRIC SAFETY RULES ........................................................................................................................... 1 B1.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................................. 1

B1.2 MINIMUM APPROACH DISTANCE (MAD) .................................................................................................. 2 B1.3 QUALIFIED OBSERVER ............................................................................................................................. 3

B1.4 CLEARANCES & HOLD CARDS .................................................................................................................. 4

B1.5 LIVE LINE WORK..................................................................................................................................... 4

B1.6 SUBSTATION ............................................................................................................................................4

B1.7 UNDERGROUND LINES & EQUIPMENT ...................................................................................................... 5 B1.8 OVERHEAD LINES: STRIKING/ REMOVING OPERATIONS ........................................................................... 6

B1.9 FORESTRY OPERATIONS ........................................................................................................................... 7

Contractor HSE Manual February 2018 Table of Contents

APPENDIX C: GAS TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION

C1. CONTRACTOR OPERATOR QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS ....................................................... 1

C1.1 NISOURCE CONTACTS .................................................................................................................................... 1

C2. GAS SAFETY RULES ....................................................................................................................................... 1

C2.1 DRILLING, STOPPING, & TAPPING .............................................................................................................. 1

C2.2 MANHOLES, VAULTS, & PITS .......................................................................................................................... 1

C2.3 PIGGING ................................................................................................................................................... 2

C2.4 JOINT TRENCH INSTALLATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 2 C2.5 PURGING MAINS OR SERVICES ................................................................................................................. 2

C2.6 HOT WORK OPERATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 2

C2.7 PRESSURE TESTING .................................................................................................................................. 3

C2.8 THERMITE WELDING ................................................................................................................................ 4

C2.9 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) .............................................................................................. 4

APPENDIX D: FORMS

D1. GENERAL FORMS

D1.1 CONTRACTOR INCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION FORM

D1.2 CONTRACTOR VIOLATION NOTIFICATION FORM

D1.3 SUBCONTRACTOR PRE-QUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE

D1.4 NISOURCE HOT WORK PERMIT

D2. GENERATION STATION FORMS

D2.1 CONTRACTOR TRUCK UNLOADING FORM

D2.2 GENERATION STATION CONTRACTOR JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS (JSA)

D2.3 NIPSCO HOT WORK PERMIT

D2.4 OPEN HOLE PERMIT

Contractor HSE Manual – February 2018 1

1. INTRODUCTION

NiSource in conjunction with Northern Indiana Public Service Company (“NIPSCO”) and Columbia Gas Companies has

developed these Contractor Health, Safety and Environmental (“HSE”) rules, regulations and policies (“Requirements”)

to act as a framework to coordinate the safety, health, and environmental efforts of all Contractors, Subcontractors,

Vendors, and visitors while performing Work for NiSource (“Contractors”) at NiSource designated Work Sites. As a

condition of doing business with NiSource, Contractor is required to understand and comply with the provisions of the

Contractor HSE Manual (“Manual”).

The Requirements set forth in this Manual apply to all persons at a NiSource Work Site including all Contractors, and all

entities defined as Contractors for the purpose of this Manual. To achieve these purposes, the Contractor shall protect

the health and safety of NiSource personnel, Contractor’s personnel, the public and other persons; protect the

environment; prevent damage to property, materials, supplies, and equipment; and avoid interrupting the normal

operational activities occurring at a Work Site. To accomplish this, all NiSource personnel, Contractors, and Contractor

personnel have the authority to stop Work and/or correct unsafe acts or conditions when necessary.

The Requirements set forth in this Manual in no way relieve any Contractor or its personnel from the applicable

Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) Standards and regulations or rulings made by government authorities or

agents. Additionally, these rules do not release Contractors from the responsibilities and conditions contained in the

Contract Documents. Contractors are responsible for compliance with all federal, state, and local authority safety

regulations, which are applicable to the Project and the Project Work Site where Work is performed. Federal Labor Law

Posters shall be posted and available for Contractor personnel in the Contractor’s modular office buildings, break rooms, or

the Work show up locations.

NiSource reserves the right to request any documentation to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Manual, OSHA

Standards and/or federal, state, and local authority safety regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, the Contract

Documents, Contractor Health and Safety programs, documentation relevant to any accident, near miss or first aid case

and proof of training. This information shall be made available for review to the NiSource Project Representative whenever

requested.

The intent of this handbook is to alert Contractors of the safety related Work practices that Contractors performing

Work pursuant to a NiSource contract or performing Work on a NiSource Work Site shall follow.

All Work, regardless of the type of Work involved, presents situations that require special awareness, attention, and good

judgment. Additional site specific requirements may be established at any time. Any additional site specific requirements

will be effectively communicated to Contractor and its personnel will be required to comply with any additional site

specific requirements.

SAFETY IS…

Safety is the foundation of all that we do. It is one of our stakeholder commitments. We are committed to being an industry

leader in safety performance. We value the safety and health of the public, our personnel and our business partners.

In addition to following the contents of the Contractor Health, Safety, and Environmental Manual, each Contractor

personnel may be required to follow additional safety requirements for Work Site location and specific safety requirements

related to the Contractor’s scope of Work.


2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

4-1 Rule – When placing an extension ladder, for every four feet of height you have to climb, move the base one foot

away from the wall.

Approved - As used in this Manual, Approved means the Contractor’s methods, tools, or equipment authorized for use

by NiSource.

Arc Flash – An incident involving the unintentional release of energy. This incident dependent on if injury is involved

shall either be classified as incident without injury or injury and its severity associated.

Bare Hand Method – Performing Work when personnel are at the electrical potential of energized equipment on which

Work is being performed, are electrically bonded thereto, and are insulated from everything that is at a different

potential.

Barricade – A temporary impediment, such as a rope, tape, fence, or other approved device, erected to limit the distance

anyone can approach into the protected area.

“Belt Buckle Rule” – The belt buckle shall never move outside the side rails of the ladder to prevent overreaching and

potential fall exposure.

Bonding – The process of electrically connecting conductive objects together to bring them to the same electric

potential.

Clearance – The notification from the dispatcher to the person requesting clearance that all necessary procedures have

been accomplished and the person in charge of the Work may now proceed with Work on lines or equipment that are

under the dispatcher’s control/supervision.

Competent Person – "One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or

performing Work in conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to personnel, and who has authorization

to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them"

Confined Space – Any space that is large enough and so configured that a person can bodily enter and perform

assigned Work, has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example: tanks, vessels, storage bins,

hoppers, vaults and pits) and is not designated for continuous employee occupancy.

Contractor - The entity that has executed the Contract Documents with NiSource to perform or furnish the Work. For

purposes of this Manual, “Contractors” also includes subcontractors, vendors and visitors who perform Work for

NiSource designated Work Sites, unless specifically referred to as Subcontractor, Vendor or Visitor.

Contractor Project Manager/Representative - This Contractor person will ensure compliance with all provisions

of the Contract Documents, including this Manual, OSHA standards, and other agency and industry safety requirements

and standards. Additional duties are listed within Section 3.2 of this Manual.

Contractor Safety Manager/ Representative – This Contractor person will ensure compliance of all the applicable

health and safety rules and regulations applicable to the Work and be in accordance with the duties listed within Section

3.3 of this Manual.

Contract Documents – shall have the same meaning set forth in the Master Services Agreement and/or Service

Authorizations between the Contractor and NiSource. To the extent there is not a Master Services Agreement in place

between Contractor and NiSource or the term Contract Documents is not defined in such documents, then Contract

Documents shall mean the Master Services Agreement and any related documents including but not limited to statements

of work, scope of services, technical specifications, this Manual and any supplemental documents that taken together set

forth the contractual obligations between the Contractor and NiSource. The Columbia companies utilize Service

Authorizations to define scope of work and requirements as a contract document in addition to the General Services

Agreement.

Cover – Approved insulated protective equipment.

Covered – The condition of any conductor(s) or equipment protected from physical contact by Contractor personnel by

means of approved insulated protective equipment.



Critical Lift – A critical lift has one or more of the following conditions:

The Load is over 75% of the crane's rated capacity for current configuration;

Lift requires the use of two or more cranes; or

Lift requires hoisting of personnel to perform work from platform/man basket.

De-energized – Disconnected from all sources of energy (i.e. electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc.).

Dead – De-energized, and tested, to ensure that it is not be capable of transmitting electricity or associated energy. This

will achieve a ZERO energy state.

Dispatcher – Refers to the NiSource transmission/distribution dispatcher who has operational control/supervision over

the line, transformer, or other applicable apparatus.

Emergency Action Plan – The purpose of an Emergency Action Plan is to protect the personnel from serious injury,

property loss, or loss of life, in the event of an actual or potential major disaster. A major disaster may include, but not

limited to, any of the following: fire, tornado, earthquake, bomb threat, or hazardous chemical spill. In the event of a

major disaster, the Emergency Action Plan describes the initial responsibilities and actions to be taken to protect all

personnel until the appropriate NiSource or municipal responders take over.

First Aid – First aid refers to medical attention that is usually administered immediately after the injury occurs and at the

location where it occurred. It often consists of a one-time, short-term treatment and requires little technology or training

to administer. First aid can include cleaning minor cuts, scrapes, or scratches; treating a minor burn; applying bandages

and dressings; the use of non-prescription medicine; draining blisters; removing debris from the eyes; massage; and

drinking fluids to relieve heat stress.

Energized (Live) Work – Work that is considered electrically energized as distinguished from “dead” or “de-

energized.”

Generation Station – A facility owned and operated by NiSource for the generation of electricity for transmission and

distribution to end-users.

Hot Work – Work involving electric or gas welding, cutting, brazing, grinding, fasteners or similar flame/spark

emitting operations.

Hot Work Supervisor – The Contractor in charge of the personnel performing Hot Work.

Injury – Any injury which requires first aid and/or medical treatment.

Insulated – A term used to describe a device or medium isolated from ground or other potential by an insulating

material.

Isolated – Physically separated electrically, mechanically, and/or other available means from all sources of energy. Such

separation may not eliminate the effects of stored energy or electrical induction.

Job Safety Analysis (JSA) - is a daily written procedure which helps integrate accepted safety and health principles and

practices into a particular task or job operation.

Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) – The closest distance a qualified electrical contractor employee may approach

before the following rules and procedures apply of Appendix B, Section B1.2.

Near Miss – An incident that could have resulted under different circumstances in a physical injury to any person or

damage to equipment, property or environment.

NiSource Hold Card System – A certification by the proper authority that a specified line or piece of equipment is de-

energized, that the proper cautionary measures have been taken and that the line and/or equipment is being turned over to

the Contractor personnel. All circuits will be considered live at all times unless fully protected in accordance with the

hold card procedure.

NiSource Project Representative – The authorized NiSource representative assigned to coordinate the work and/or

service efforts of the Contractor. Additional duties are listed within Section 3.6 of this manual.



Potential – The degree of electrification at a point in an electric circuit with respect to some other point of reference

such as earth.

Pre Job Briefing - A daily documented review of the job scope, safety requirements, responsibilities and emergency

response protocol.

Protected – The condition of a space, conductor(s), or equipment isolated from approach or physical contact

PPE - Personal Protective Equipment

Qualified Observer - (when energized Work in a bucket is performed) A Contractor employee on the ground that is

responsible for understanding, communicating with, and watching the Work as it progresses. This individual is not

assigned other duties while the bucket is in the primary zone and the person has the authority and responsibility to Stop

Work if it appears to be departing from that which was originally communicated.

Qualified Person - A Contractor employee who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional

standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve

or resolved problems related to the subject matter, the Work, or the project.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) - A publication, required by federal law, which describes the safe handling, storage, and

disposal of hazardous material. It gives details on chemical and physical dangers, safety procedures, protective

equipment and emergency response techniques. An SDS, plus the safety equipment required by the SDS, shall be

available to anyone handling the material.

Shall – means mandatory.

Should – means recommended.

Subcontractor- refers to any entity contracting directly with the Contractor and not with NiSource, to perform or furnish

any Work. For purposes of this Manual, Subcontractor is also defined as a Contractor, unless specifically referred to as

“Subcontractor”.

Vendor - refers to a direct supplier of equipment or materials to NiSource that is not the Contractor but for purposes of

this Manual, is also defined as a Contractor, unless specifically referred to as “Vendor”.

Work - Is understood to mean and include but not be limited to, any and all labor, supervision, services, materials,

machinery, equipment, tools, supplies, and facilities set forth in the Contract Documents that sets forth obligations and

responsibilities that Contractor is obligated to provide to NiSource.

Work Site – the NiSource owned or controlled location or facilities, whether it is a Generation Station, NiSource owned

or leased building, equipment, facilities, easements or right of ways where the Work is to be or is being performed in

accordance with the Contract Documents.


3. HSE PROGRAM COMPONENTS

NiSource’s goal is to achieve an accident-free work environment. Any Contractor performing Work for NiSource at a

Work Site is expected to maintain safety as the highest priority. NiSource considers no phase of the construction or

maintenance process more important than preserving the well-being of all its personnel, Contractors and customers.

The realization of this goal depends heavily upon the active participation and cooperation of Contractors’ project

managers, foremen, supervisors, personnel, and the coordination of their efforts with NiSource in implementing the

Requirements set forth herein.

NiSource considers a strong health and safety program to be an effective tool for the management of employee safety

and health protection. As such, NiSource strives to work with contractors and vendors that believe in this philosophy

and have the same corporate values, attitude and culture. Each Contractor is required to develop, implement, and

maintain a safety and health program that addresses the hazard(s) to which its personnel are or will be exposed. Each

Contractor is charged with the responsibility for conducting its operations in a manner that will provide safe working

conditions for all construction related personnel, NiSource personnel, and for the protection of property and the general

public.

The Contractor is responsible for the day-to-day routine safety management at a Work Site.

3.1 CONTRACTORS

In compliance with these provisions, the Contractor shall comply with the latest edition of the Contractor Health,

Safety, and Environmental Manual and perform the following:

3.1.1 The Contractor is responsible for identifying, addressing, correcting and controlling unsafe conditions and

job hazards to establish and maintain a work environment that is free of recognized hazards.

3.1.2 Contractors are expected to pre-plan all Work to minimize the potential for personal injury and property

damage: Develop the plan in a project specific nature, which is designed to anticipate and identify

hazards before Work begins; Know in advance what measures will be taken to eliminate hazards or

adequately control the anticipated risks for each scope of Work. This information shall include, but is not

limited to: scope of Work, sequence of activities, site specific fall protection, high angle rescue

procedures, safety control methods, training records, Competent Persons, lead abatement, asbestos

abatement, confined space, or excavations. The planning process does not stop at the pre-planning stage,

but is a continuous process of assessment and evaluation. When changes occur or new hazards are

identified during the course of the Work, the Work should be suspended while the plan is revised.

3.1.3 Ensure all subcontractors, suppliers and vendors, are informed of their obligations with regard to safety and

the Contractor safety requirements.

3.1.4 Plan and execute all Work to comply with the stated objectives and safety requirements contained in this

Safety Manual, Contract Documents, OSHA standards, federal, state, local laws and regulations, and

industry standards.

3.1.5 Contractors with forty (40) or more personnel on a single shift (including all subcontractors) shall establish

a fulltime position for a Contractor Safety Professional to perform safety management of their company

personnel including safety inspections, investigations of events and necessary training. In addition, for

every additional 100-job site personnel added, an additional Safety Management Representative shall be

required. In the event that the Contractor has less than forty (40) personnel, the Contractor shall appoint an

on-site person who, along with other concurrent duties shall serve as the Contractor’s Safety

Representative. NiSource reserves the right to request a safety supervisor for work with fewer than forty

(40) personnel, if NiSource determines that the nature of the work justifies additional safety oversight.



3.1.6 All Contractor personnel shall be required to complete a Contractor Safety Orientation conducted by either

the contractor organization or a NiSource representative depending upon the job or project. The need and

type of safety orientation will be determined by the NiSource Safety Team. For further information on the

Contractor Safety Orientation process please contact your NiSource Project Representative, or supply chain

representative, to determine who to contact on the NiSource Safety Team. At a minimum, each Contractor

shall conduct its own orientation program for its contractor personnel that shall include at a minimum a

review of (1) hazards present in the area in where Work will be performed and (2) PPE and apparel the

Contractor personnel will be required to use or wear as specified under OSHA or required by NiSource.

The contractor will review the contractor safety manual with each of their personnel prior to the start of

work. For Contractors working at a Generation Station, please refer to Appendix A: Generation Station

Section A2.1 for additional guidance.

3.1.7 The Contractor shall provide and maintain contractor personnel access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

documents pertaining to the chemical products used in the work or project and provide a chemical and

flammable material storage area as described in the Contractor Health, Safety, and Environmental

Manual. Electronic copies and on-line SDS management systems are acceptable as long as they are

accessible and readily available to all affected workers onsite.

3.1.8 Each Contractor shall immediately notify the NiSource Project Representative when a representative of

OSHA or other local, state or federal agency is present on the site. The NiSource Project Representative

will notify the appropriate NiSource Project/Site Management, including the HSE Coordinator.

3.1.9 Contractor shall be responsible for the control, availability and use of necessary safety equipment,

including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and apparel for the Contractor personnel.

3.1.10 The Contractor shall ensure personnel are instructed in known on-site hazards.

3.1.11 The Contractor shall ensure personnel are trained to perform their assignment safely.

3.1.12 The Contractor shall document that the contractor personnel has received and understood the necessary

safety awareness and regulatory compliance training to perform all work within the scope of the project

safely and compliantly. The documentation will include, at a minimum, the contractor personnel name,

date of training, and the subject matter. This documentation shall be made available upon request by

NiSource.

3.1.13 The Contractor shall ensure that their contractor personnel follows the safety and job rules of the project or

facility.

3.1.14 The Contractor shall advise NiSource of any unique hazards of the work or any other hazards found as a

result of the work.

The notification to NiSource should be documented and followed-up until the hazard is controlled

or resolved.

3.1.15 All Contractor injuries/illnesses, preventable vehicle collisions, and near misses shall be investigated by

the Contractor. The Contractor will require post-incident investigations for all Subcontractor incidents

under these same incident categories.

3.1.16 Contractors shall implement any additional measures, which the NiSource Project Representative and/or

NiSource Safety Dept. determine to be reasonably necessary in order to ensure project/public safety.

3.2 CONTRACTOR PROJECT MANAGER/REPRESENTATIVE

3.2.1 This person will ensure compliance with all provisions of the contract, including the Contractor Safety

Requirements, this Manual, OSHA, and other agency and industry safety requirements and standards.

3.2.2 Review and direct immediate action to correct all substandard safety conditions brought to his/her attention.



3.2.3 Take an active part in all supervisory safety meetings, including the discussion of observed unsafe work

practices or conditions and a review of any incidents and corrective actions.

3.2.4 Encourage, solicit and follow up on safety related suggestions from Contractor personnel.

3.2.5 Immediately provide the NiSource Project Representative with notification and copies of all OSHA

correspondence.

3.2.6 Ensure non-English speaking contractor personnel are provided with designated Contractor personnel who

can communicate in a language they understand and comprehend. This extends to all Subcontractors.

3.3 CONTRACTOR SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE

3.3.1 The Contractor Safety Representative shall have minimum requirements for full time Safety Representative

shall include a degree in Safety and health, environmental, or other related technical field with two years of

experience or a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in construction health, safety and environmental and

completion of the OSHA 500 Training Course or the equivalent. Credentials shall be submitted for review

and acceptance prior to project commencement.

3.3.2 The Contractor Safety Representative shall perform daily safety inspections of the contractor

organization’s job sites and/or projects to eliminate unsafe acts and/or conditions. The Contractor Safety

Representative will ensure that all of the Contractor’s personnel are made aware of steps to take in the

event of an incident.

3.3.3 The Contractor Safety Representative shall be responsible for auditing the JSA/JHA process to ensure that

it is being performed correctly and that all contract personnel are being briefed of the hazards, as well as

how hazards have been mitigated.

3.3.4 Provide written reports as soon as practicable to the NiSource Project Representative of any unsafe

conditions or practices, or violation of job security regarding safety issues. The reports shall describe all

corrective actions.

3.3.5 Shall provide a statistical report which is to include total man-hours worked, the number of near miss

incident(s), first aid(s), recordable(s), or lost time injuries incurred while performing Work at any Work

Site. The report shall be submitted to the NiSource Project Manager/Representative on a weekly basis for

Work performed during a (Generation) scheduled maintenance outage, and on a monthly basis for all Work

performed that is not part of a scheduled maintenance outage. Contractor shall collect and submit

Subcontractor hours and safety statistics at the same time. If a Subcontractor is performing Work for more

than one Contractor, alternative arrangements may be made for reporting.

3.3.6 Analyze all incidents and implement immediate corrective action.

3.3.7 Provide job supervisors with appropriate training materials to conduct weekly safety meetings and attend

meetings to evaluate their effectiveness.

3.3.8 Review safety meeting reports submitted by job supervisors and take necessary action to ensure that the job

supervisors hold meaningful weekly safety meetings.

3.3.9 Assist in the preparation of all incident analysis and reporting guidelines.

3.3.10 Implement safety-training programs for Contractor supervisors and personnel applicable to their specific

responsibilities.

3.3.11 Maintain a list on-site of personnel available for first aid and emergency treatment for injured Contractor

personnel.



3.3.12 Perform safety audits. All audit information shall be accessible by the NiSource Project Representative.

Contractor shall participate in periodic housekeeping and safety inspections. NiSource may request that

multiple contractors participate in job site safety observations, hazard analyses, or site “walk downs” at the

same time. NiSource participation in housekeeping and safety inspections shall in no way relieve contractor

of its obligation to maintain a comprehensive safety program including routine inspections to ensure that

safe working conditions are maintained at all times

3.3.13 Attend Project Safety meetings as directed by the NiSource Project Representative.

3.4 CONTRACTOR GENERAL FOREMAN AND FOREMAN

3.4.1 Contractor will provide competent, qualified and experienced general foremen and foremen to perform the

Work. Contractor shall ensure supervision at the general foreman level and above have successfully

completed the OSHA for 10-hour Construction or General Industry Outreach program for the applicable

1926 or 1910 Standards based upon your scope of Work prior to assignment on any NiSource Work Site.

Documentation of training shall be provided upon request to NiSource.

3.5 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

3.5.1 All Contractor personnel are responsible for their own safety and health as well as their co-personnel. The

Contractor shall ensure that each contractor personnel knows their responsibilities, including the following:

Reporting to work in a sound condition and perform all activities safely;

Observing safety rules and practices outlined in the Contractor Health, Safety, and Environmental

Manual and/or the Contractor Site Safety Plan;

Undertaking only those assignments they fully understand and are trained and qualified to perform and

for which they have had the required Operator Qualification training;

Correctly wearing and using PPE;

Immediately notifying supervision of potential hazards and conditions; and

Immediately reporting all injuries, illnesses, and Work restrictions to their supervisor.

3.6 NISOURCE RESPONSIBILITIES

3.6.1 NiSource reserves the right to obtain a copy of the Contractor's safety performance and program at any

time, including prior to commencement of the Work, during the execution, and after the Work is

completed.

3.6.2 NiSource shall inform the Contractor Project Manager of known Work Site specific hazards.

3.6.3 When required, NiSource shall review with the Contractor all applicable requirements. Examples are listed

below:

Confined Space Requirements;

Isolation of Hazardous Energy;

Emergency Action Plan;

Hazard Communication Program;

Hazardous Waste Operations;

Known Site-Specific Hazards;

Process Safety Information;

Asbestos Containing Material;

Environmental Hazards; and

Any other applicable requirements



.

3.7 NISOURCE DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAM

3.7.1 NIPSCO Drug and Alcohol Requirements

3.7.1.1 NIPSCO has adopted the Building Construction Resource Center (BCRC) Drug and Alcohol

Policy for Work in all local union jurisdictions covered by the agreement. As a result, NIPSCO

expects all Contractors performing Work for NIPSCO to provide prior to the beginning of Work,

contractor personnel qualified to current BCRC requirements. Any effort exerted by the Contractor

to qualify their personnel shall be solely at the Contractor's expense. For additional information on

the BCRC policy, go to: http://www.bcrcnet.com/.

3.7.1.2 NIPSCO has executed an Onsite Substance Abuse Testing Program through BCRC in conjunction

with the local building trades that provides for random on site drug and alcohol testing at NIPSCO

Work Sites and tracks independent verification of crafts eligibility for Work (clear status) under the

program.

3.7.1.3 Contractor personnel will be required to provide their BCRC registration number, where

applicable, as part of their credentials for admission to NIPSCO Work Sites. Contractor

employers subject to this Manual shall collect the information to verify a clear work status.

3.7.1.4 Contractors performing Work in jurisdictions not covered by the BCRC Policy shall maintain a

program that meets or exceeds the requirements of the BCRC Policy, including drug test panel;

detection limits; certification that all contractor personnel are eligible for Work or compliant with

the Policy or employers program for the entire duration of their Work assignment; includes

testing for cause (reasonable suspicion), provides for random testing within prescribed time

limits; and includes provisions for suspension and corrective follow-up any time an contractor

personnel is found to be non- compliant with the Policy requirements.

3.7.1.5 Contractors shall be responsible for ensuring the compliance with the Requirements set forth in

this Manual by any subcontractor(s) under their employ. Contractor shall certify that all of its

contractor personnel and all personnel of subcontractors performing Work for NIPSCO are in

compliance with Requirements set forth in this Manual. Additionally, NIPSCO shall require

drug and alcohol tests to be completed whenever an employee receives an injury that requires

medical attention, property damage, or any significant near miss incident where impairment

cannot be conclusively ruled out as a potential contributing factor. The post incident testing can

only be waived with the approval of the NIPSCO Project Representative.

3.7.1.6 For projects at NIPSCO that involve natural gas pipelines or liquefied natural gas facilities the

following procedures in Section 3.7.2 shall be adhered to.

3.7.2 Columbia Gas Companies Drug and Alcohol Program

3.7.2.1 For projects that involve natural gas pipelines or liquefied natural gas facilities, the Department of

Transportation (DOT) has instituted rules to control the use of drugs and alcohol in the Natural

Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipeline industry as well as at Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities.

All contractors working for Owner that have contractor personnel who work in positions covered

by the applicable regulations are required to establish an anti-drug and alcohol testing program

that complies with (l) 40 CFR Parts 199 and 40 of the DOT Regulations and/or (2) applicable

state requirements for natural gas pipelines or LNG facilities. Upon Owner’s request, a copy of

the Contractor’s policy shall be provided to the Owner or Owner’s agent prior to the

commencement of any Work. The Contractor warrants that all of its contractor personnel

performing Work for Owner are in compliance with the above referenced regulations and such

anti-drug and alcohol testing programs.

http://www.bcrcnet.com/



3.7.2.2 For Projects that involve natural gas pipelines or liquefied natural gas facilities, the DOT has

instituted rules establishing the requirements and responsibilities for the qualification of

individuals who perform covered tasks as defined within 49 CFR, Part 192. If required by Owner

or 49 CFR, Part 192 prior to October 28, 2002 and for all Projects which involved covered tasks

as defined in 49 CFR, Part 192 after October 28, 2002, Contractor shall provide and maintain a

written plan identifying its DOT Operator Qualification program that meets the requirements of

49 CFR, Part 192, Subpart N and Owner’s approval. The Contractor shall certify that all of its

contractor personnel performing Work for Owner are in compliance with the above referenced

regulations issued by DOT. Contractor shall use only qualified contractor personnel to perform

covered tasks on Owner’s facilities and provide Owner with documentation of any modifications

that are made it in written plan or its employee’s qualifications to perform those covered tasks (at

an interval of not less than once per month).

3.8 INCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION

3.8.1 In the event of a Work-related incident resulting in a Contractor injury, property damage or near miss,

Contractor shall notify its NiSource Project Representative immediately.

3.8.2 All injuries, Near Misses, illnesses, or damages to gas or electric utilities shall be documented on the

Contractor Incident Reporting and Investigation Form. See attached in Appendix D - Forms.

3.8.3 Contractor shall fully cooperate with any subsequent investigation or information requests by NiSource.

3.8.4 Contractors shall contact the NiSource Project Representative immediately with a verbal notification of an

incident, and then follow up with an initial report of incident, in writing, within 24 hours of the incident.

This shall be accomplished using page 1 of the Contractor Incident Reporting and Investigation form. Hard

copy and/or electronic formats are acceptable for submittal.

3.8.5 A copy of the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) form associated with the incident shall accompany the injury

report as well as any pictures utilized in the investigation process.

3.8.6 Contractors shall provide a completed incident investigation report within 48 hours of the incident. The

investigation shall be completed using pages 2-3 of the Contractor Incident Reporting and Investigation

form. In the event the investigation requires more time to complete due to the complexity of the incident,

Contractors shall communicate this to the NiSource Project Representative in writing. This communication

shall include the issues causing the delay and an estimated completion time and date.

3.8.7 The incident investigation report shall contain the corrective measures to be implemented by the Contractor

to prevent a recurrence. The Contractor may provide a separate document to meet this requirement. In either

case, the implementation schedule for the corrective actions shall be submitted within 48 hours as well. If

more time is needed to implement the corrective actions, the Contractor shall notify the NiSource Project

Representative in writing. This communication shall include the issues causing the delay and an estimated

completion date. In the case of delayed reporting, the Contractor shall notify the NiSource Project

Representative and the NiSource Safety Representative.

3.9 CONTRACTOR SELECTION (ISN REQUIREMENTS)

3.9.1 Contractors that are selected for pipeline construction, moderate or high risk work activities, and other

work deemed necessary by NiSource will be required to join ISNetworld (ISN)

(http://www.isnetworld.com) and obtain approval or a passing grade per NiSource requirements, prior to

contract award.

3.9.2 If a Contractor fails to attain or maintain a favorable grade to meet the minimum requirements set forth in

the current Contractor prequalification grading criteria, a variance must be issued by the Business Unit in

order for the Contractor to perform work at NiSource facilities and field operations within thirty (30) days

of confirmation of an unacceptable grade. If a Contractor cannot attain an acceptable grade or a variance

cannot be approved within the thirty day time period, the Contractor will cease work.

http://www.isnetworld.com/



3.10 SUBCONTRACTOR SELECTION

3.10.1 Subcontractors may be requested to join ISN, prior to commencement of Work, at the discretion of

NiSource, dependent upon scope of work, extent, and cost.

3.10.2 If Subcontractors are not required to join ISN, the Contractor is required to evaluate their Subcontractors.

Contractors shall utilize the attached form in Appendix D: Subcontractor Pre-Qualification Questionnaire

to complete this requirement. The Contractor shall determine the Subcontractor(s) NAICS code and the

corresponding statistics are to include the following:

Experience Modification Rate (EMR);

Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR); and

Days Away, Restrictions and Transfers (DART) Rate;

* These indicators shall be compared to the prospective Subcontractors’ last three (3) year average TRIR and

DART rates. Any subcontractor whose indicator averages exceeds 20% above their NAICS codes shall be

deemed unacceptable. An acceptable EMR is 1.50 or below.

3.10.3 Subcontractors shall submit their applicable safety programs to the Contractor for review before they begin

Work at a Work Site. The Contractor and NiSource Representative shall meet to discuss selected

Subcontractors prior to Subcontractors Work commencing.

3.10.4 Contractor shall continue to evaluate the Subcontractor annually (unless Subcontractor joins ISN and

obtains a passing grade per NiSource requirements) as well as provide documentation when requested.

3.10.5 All subcontractors will conduct documented root cause post-incident investigations on worker injuries and

illnesses, preventable vehicle collisions, and near misses and made available to the contractor.

Subcontractor incident investigations shall be evaluated, reviewed and communicated to workers on the site

or project by the contractor. Recommendations and corrective actions will be implemented.

3.11 CONDUCT

3.11.1 NiSource is committed to promoting a work environment characterized by dignity, respect, courtesy, and

equitable treatment. Every contractor is responsible for creating an atmosphere free of discrimination and

harassment.

3.11.2 Discrimination or harassment of any kind on the basis of gender, race, color, creed, religion, national origin

or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, medical

condition, military status, citizenship, genetic information, or other basis protected by applicable laws,

ordinances, and regulations is strictly forbidden and will not be tolerated by NiSource.

3.11.3 Contractors are required to comply with all applicable labor and human rights laws and regulations,

including those regarding immigration.

3.12 DISCIPLINARY ACTION POLICY

3.12.1 All Contractors shall have a written and clear disciplinary action policy that is in effect and enforced while

performing work at a Work Site.

3.12.2 All Contractors shall document that the disciplinary action policy has been explained to each employee.

3.12.3 All disciplinary action for violations occurring at a Work Site shall be reported immediately to the

NiSource Project Representative, documented, and available for review if requested.

Documentation shall include the employee’s name, identification number if applicable (Generation),

the offense, the consequence, and the date of the violation.

3.12.4 Any violation that requires removal from facility or Work Site shall be communicated to the NiSource

Project Representative and Security, if applicable, and immediately.



3.12.5 The following disciplinary action items are minimum requirements that Contractor(s) shall meet when

enforcing any disciplinary action at a Work Site:

Violation of a Life Saving Rule (LSR) may result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate

banning from all Work Sites.

3.13 STOP WORK AUTHORITY

3.13.1 Any Contractor or NiSource employee at a Work Site has the authority and responsibility to STOP WORK

for any safety related issue that may put any individual in imminent danger.

3.13.2 Do not proceed with Work in the face of uncertainty. If any Contractor personnel do not clearly

understand how to accomplish the assigned Work task safely it is their responsibility to STOP WORK

and contact their supervisor immediately.

3.13.3 In cases where a STOP WORK process was utilized to prevent exposure to a significant occupational

hazard or potential imminent danger scenario, the Contractor shall be required to perform a documented

near miss investigation to determine the root cause and communicate the results of the investigation to their

contractor personnel and NiSource.

3.14 EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN (EAP)

3.14.1 Contractors shall have a written Emergency Action Plan (EAP) including what to do in a medical

emergency, severe weather (i.e. thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes), fires, and evacuation (if applicable),

the location of the nearest medical facilities for all Work shifts (if applicable), evacuation routes, assembly

points, as well as the person(s) trained and available at the Work Site who is responsible for the

administration of First Aid/CPR.

3.14.2 The EAP shall be communicated to all contractor personnel prior to beginning any Work.

3.14.3 For Contractors working at a Generation Station please refer to Appendix A: Generation Station Section

A2.4 for additional guidance for each Generation Station.

3.15 JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS (JSA)

3.15.1 A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) shall be conducted, documented, and communicated to the Contractor

personnel daily prior to Work beginning or assigning contractor personnel to any Work, new or

repetitive.

3.15.2 Contractor’s supervisory personnel shall be responsible for reviewing the contents of the JSA with

Contractor’s personnel, subcontractors and all visitors to the project which shall identify the hazards and

explain the safety precautions and actions that will be taken before proceeding with the Work.

3.15.3 The JSA shall be completed and available at the Work Site where Work is being performed and will be

subject to audits.

3.15.4 For Contractors working at a Generation Station, please refer to Appendix A: Generation Station Section

A2.3 Generation Station Job Safety Analysis, for additional guidance.

3.15.5 Contractors working on gas distribution & transmission projects are required to complete the NiSource gas

pre-job briefing form. A contractor may use an equivalent form upon written approval from a NiSource

Safety Director.

3.16 SAFETY AUDITS

3.16.1 Contractors shall perform daily documented audits of their work tasks.



3.16.2 NiSource may perform periodic audits to verify compliance. The Contractor shall promptly correct all

violations of safety and health standards, potential hazards, and other such safety-related problems

within their area of responsibility.

3.16.3 Contractor shall be notified of noncompliance items and the Contractor shall be responsible for

implementing timely corrective actions. Unsatisfactory safety/ health conditions, slow response in

correcting safety issues or actions may result in suspension of the work. Time spent by contractor

correcting safety/ health infractions will be at contractor’s sole expense and will not entitle contractor to

any extension of time to complete the work.

3.17 LIFE SAVING RULES

The following Life Saving Rules require mandatory compliance and shall be enforced by the Contractor for all work

performed on NiSource work Sites. Contractor personnel found in violation of the Life Saving Rules will result in

immediate disciplinary action up to and including banning from all NiSource work Sites. For additional guidance

please refer to the Disciplinary Action Policy in Section 3.12 of this manual. Each reported non-compliance event

shall be thoroughly investigated.

3.17.1 Seat belts shall be worn at all times by the driver and all passengers, where provided, whenever the vehicle

or equipment is moving.

3.17.2 Contractor personnel shall not use mobile devices while driving.

3.17.3 Contractor personnel shall never enter a restricted area without permission nor walk or work under a

suspended load.

3.17.4 Contractors shall always set up work zone protection (traffic control) prior to commencing work.

3.17.5 Contractors shall never enter an excavation or trench without proper shoring, sloping, or protective system.

3.17.6 Contractors shall utilize fall protection where required and when exposed to fall hazards.

3.17.7 Contractors shall assess and address hazards and follow permit requirements prior to entry in a confined

space.

3.17.8 Contractors shall follow energy control requirements whenever hazardous energy exists.

3.17.9 Contractors shall complete and comply with any and all required safe work permits prior to start of work.

3.17.10 Contractors shall test air and wear required PPE whenever confronted with a hazardous atmosphere.

3.17.11 Contractors shall maintain minimum approach distance (MAD) by staying clear of energized parts.

3.17.12 Contractors shall wear the appropriate class rated life-protecting electrical PPE when working within the

MAD or Arc Flash Boundary.


4. GENERAL SAFETY RULES

The following General Safety Rules shall apply to all NiSource work Sites. Additional guidance for specific rules

may be found within the applicable Appendices for Generation Station, Electric Transmission & Distribution, and

Gas Transmission & Distribution.

4.1 HAZARD COMMUNICATION (HAZCOM)

4.1.1 All personnel shall be familiar with the hazards of all chemicals in their work place.

4.1.2 Contractors shall have a written Hazard Communication Program in place that is in compliance with the

requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1200.

4.1.3 An inventory of any/all hazardous chemicals being used at the Work Site shall be maintained by each

Contractor.

4.1.4 Safety Data Sheets (SDS) shall be made readily available for review for Contractor’s chemical inventory,

by request.

4.1.5 Hazardous materials shall be transported, stored, applied, handled, and identified in accordance with

federal, state, and local regulations.

4.1.6 Contractors shall ensure that all containers are properly labeled.

4.1.7 Contractors that need to bring chemicals onto a NiSource Work Site shall submit a list of proposed

chemicals for approval to the NiSource Project Representative prior to their arrival. Contractors shall have

a SDS for each of the approved chemicals they bring onto a NiSource Work Site. NiSource reserves the

right to refuse a Contractor request to use a specific chemical at a Work Site.

4.1.8 Contractors are responsible for all chemicals they bring onto a NiSource Work Site as such Contractors

shall not leave any chemicals at a NiSource Work Site once all Work is completed. If through use of a

chemical it is designated as waste please refer to Section 5.1.7 in Environmental for further information.

4.1.9 Contractors shall develop a spill contingency plan when deemed necessary by the volume of chemicals

brought onto a NiSource Work Site (i.e. chemical cleaners, petroleum products). The spill contingency plan

shall include hazard identification, risk assessment including secondary containment requirements and

response actions. The spill contingency plan must be reviewed and available for comment by the NiSource

Project Representative.

4.1.10 Chemical SDS’s for products commonly stored at a Work Site are available for review by Contractors.

Requests for a SDS should be submitted to the NiSource Project Representative.

4.1.11 Flammable liquids in quantities of less than 55 gallons shall be in UL or FM “industrial safety” cans and

identified according to contents. Other hazardous material shall be kept in approved containers. Plastic

fuel containers are not permitted.

4.1.12 Flammable liquids in quantities of 55 gallons or more shall be stored within their original, unopened

shipping containers or in drums or tanks that are labeled, grounded, and equipped with self-closing faucets.

Such containers shall be placed inside a barricaded, diked area located at least 35-feet from smoking,

welding, burning, and other sources of heat and at least 25 feet away from any other building.

4.1.13 Acids, caustics, flammables, or other hazardous materials shall not be stored, handled, applied, or used

without detailed instructions, safety precautions, and proper personal protective equipment.

4.1.14 Gasoline shall only be used as motor fuel.

4.1.15 When process lines that have been in service are disconnected, process materials should be expected to be

encountered and personnel shall protect themselves accordingly. Appropriate PPE shall be used.



4.2 FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION

4.2.1 Contractors shall ensure their surrounding Work area (including below) is free and clear of combustibles

and/or flammables prior to beginning any Hot Work or any operation that produces an open flame, or

spark.

4.2.2 Contractors are responsible for providing their own fire suppression equipment required for the protection

of personnel, equipment, materials, and property. For Work performed at Generation Stations, at no time

shall fire hoses be used except to extinguish fires by trained and authorized NiSource personnel only. If any

type of NiSource firefighting equipment is used, notify the NiSource Project Representative immediately

4.2.3 Contractors shall ensure that all fire extinguishers brought onto a Work Site have been properly inspected

and certified prior to use.

4.2.4 Contractors are responsible for training their contractor personnel on how to properly use a fire extinguisher

prior to beginning any Hot Work.

4.2.5 All flammable liquids shall be stored in an approved “safety can.” Where bulk flammable liquids are

utilized, approved flammable cabinets with grounds installed shall be used for storage.

4.2.6 Contractors shall provide adequate fire protection equipment in each of their Work areas, storage areas,

offices, and other temporary structures at the Work Site. This includes temporary structures that are in the

Contractor’s custody, control, or possession.

4.2.7 Contractor shall operate all temporary heating facilities in a safe manner at all times. Salamanders, open

fires, or other methods of heating that constitute a hazard to personnel or property shall not be used.

4.2.8 Additional information on Hot Work Permits can be referenced in Appendix A: Generation Station and

Appendix C: Gas Transmission and Distribution.

4.3 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

4.3.1 Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in accordance with the appropriate safety standards and

equipment as set by the manufacture’s specifications.

4.3.2 The Contractor shall be responsible for providing and ensuring the proper use of required PPE for its

contractor personnel.

4.3.3 NiSource requires the following minimum PPE to be worn on all Work Sites* when exiting their vehicles:

Head Protection;

Eye Protection;

Foot Protection; and

Hand Protection**

* Modified PPE requirements may be required for certain facilities, sites or locations such as generation facilities.

The Contractor will verify PPE requirements in accordance with site/local policies.

** Hand protection shall be readily accessible and in the worker’s possession to be worn when performing manual

or hazardous work tasks.

4.3.4 ANSI approved hard hats shall be worn at all times while on the Work Site. Bump caps and cowboy style

hard hats are not approved for head protection.

4.3.5 Safety glasses with side shields shall meet Z87.1 ANSI standards and are required at all times while on the

Work Site. All lenses shall be clear or yellow when work is being performed indoors. Shaded lenses in any

color are acceptable for work that is being performed outdoors during daylight hours.



4.3.6 Arc rated goggles or hoods shall be used when welding or cutting requires their use.

4.3.7 Face shields shall be worn when performing work that could potentially expose personnel to flying debris,

arc blast, or radiation exposure from Hot Work or whenever the standard eye protection is not to be

adequate.

4.3.8 Hearing protection shall be worn: 1) in areas with noise levels greater than 85 dBA Time Weighted

Average (TWA); 2) whenever there is high impact noise; or 3) as posted. In addition, hearing protection is

required at all times inside Generation Stations.

4.3.9 Industrial type safety boots shall be worn and applicable to the hazard associated i.e. impact injuries –

composite or steel toe, spills/splashes – rubber/chemical resistant, and all equipped with a substantial upper

top. Sandals, sneakers, or similar non-industrial type footwear shall not be permitted on any Work Site.

4.3.10 Clothing shall meet the following requirements:

Appropriate clothing which means long pants and minimum 4 inch sleeved shirts. Loose clothing shall

not be worn while in the proximity of machinery that is in motion;

Clothing bearing wording and/or illustrations that could be considered offensive to the general public

is prohibited;

Flame resistant (FR) clothing shall be required when performing Hot Work, working in any potential

gaseous or flammable atmosphere, or when performing work on or near any live exposed electrical

equipment which includes all energized substations; and

When tasks require the use of FR clothing, the Arc/FR rating shall be appropriate for the work being

performed and the hazard(s) protected there from.

4.3.11 Gloves are required to be worn when performing manual labor at all sites unless otherwise specifically

stated for a work task on the JSA or pre-job safety briefing or the gloves create a hazard.

4.3.12 Gloves shall be appropriate and suitable for the work being performed and the hazards associated. Proper

gloves shall be worn when a person’s hands and/or fingers are exposed to cut, laceration, puncture,

abrasion, heat, and cold hazards. Hand protection shall be worn when using hand/power tools, cutting

materials, rigging, manual material handling, handling chemicals, electrical hazards, etc.

4.3.13 Prior to wearing a respirator, users shall pass a medical evaluation and fit test. They must also complete

training as required in CFR 1910.134. Respirators shall be approved by NIOSH or MSHA. Respirator

users shall have a physician’s approval, to be fit tested, and trained per OSHA 1910.134. Personnel that

have the potential to wear a respirator must be clean shaven. Facial hair in the area of the respirator

sealing surface or which interferes with the functioning of the valves is prohibited.

4.3.14 Additional PPE may be required by each Work Site or in accordance with the Contract Documents; such

as, ANSI Class 3 high visibility reflective vests, personal flotation devices, etc. Contractors are required to

evaluate Work Site specific hazards.

4.3.15 Rings, bracelets, dangling pierced earrings, neck chains, and continuous wrist straps, including wrist

watches shall not be worn while welding. Long neckties (not tucked in), unbuttoned or loose long sleeves,

and other loose clothing or items (including unsecured hair or beards long enough to be considered a

hazard) shall not be worn on the site.

4.3.16 The applicable gas detecting and monitoring equipment shall be identified during the pre-job/ JSA and air

monitoring conducted prior to entry by anyone entering a potentially hazardous environment.

4.3.17 While operating a chainsaw from ground level, chaps, face shield and hearing protection shall be worn in

addition to standard PPE



. 4.4 HOUSEKEEPING

4.4.1 Good housekeeping affects safety, quality, and production. It is the responsibility of every Contractor at a

NiSource Work Site to keep their work site clean. The Contractor is responsible for cleanup and removal

of debris, excess material, empty product/material containers, and tools.

4.4.2 Work areas shall be cleaned as the job progresses.

4.4.3 Following the completion of Work, or upon request of NiSource, the Contractor shall clean the Work

Site(s) to the satisfaction of NiSource. Should the Contractor fail to do this, NiSource reserves the right to

remove all offending materials, tools, and debris and to deduct the cost of this operation from the contract

price/sum. NiSource accepts no responsibility for any materials and/or tools which may be removed.

4.4.4 Cords and hoses shall be routed in a manner that will not present a tripping hazard.

4.4.5 All materials, tools, and equipment shall be stored in a stable position (tied, stacked, or chocked) to prevent

rolling or falling.

4.4.6 Contractors shall maintain walkways, aisles, and staircases free and clear from any/all obstructions. If

unable to do so arrangements shall be made with the NiSource Project Representative prior to erecting

barricades and directing a new travel path.

4.4.7 Trash shall not be randomly thrown off a floor or through openings in the floor. Trash chutes, trash boxes,

or other approved means such as barricading and/or flagging shall be utilized.

4.4.8 All materials will be properly stored in an orderly manner. At no time shall construction materials,

equipment, tools etc. used by the Contractor in the performance of their Work be left near the emergency

facility entry/exits, NiSource operating equipment, or other areas designated by the NiSource Project

Representative.

4.4.9 Galleries, walkways, floors and platforms shall remain clear of all unnecessary construction materials,

equipment and tools. In the event Work locations require temporary laydown of such items on galleries,

walkways and platforms, the Contractor will ensure orderly arrangement of such as to ensure all personnel

on the Work Site have unimpeded access to facility entry/exits, operating equipment and emergency safety

equipment at all times of the Work.

4.4.10 All Work Sites shall be cleaned up and shall be free of scrap materials, trash, and equipment/components

that have been retired on an every shift basis.

4.4.11 The area surrounding tool trailers, change trailers, storage trailers, or office trailers shall not be used for

general storage unless specifically authorized by NiSource Project Representative.

4.5 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

4.5.1 Contractors shall provide readily available first aid kits in accordance with OSHA regulations for the

treatment of minor injuries for their personnel.

4.5.2 Contractors shall have representatives of their company trained and available at the Work Site for the

administration of first aid and CPR.

4.5.3 Contractors shall have blood borne pathogen kits readily available to disinfect and sanitize any area where

blood or other human body fluids have been exposed by their workforce. Contractor personnel engaged in

the cleanup shall be trained in Bloodborne Pathogens including universal precautions to prevent incidental

contact and potential exposure as well as ensuring the area is made safe during cleanup.



4.6 SANITATION

4.6.1 Contractors shall provide access to sanitation facilities for their personnel.

4.6.2 If performing Work at a NiSource Work Site where there are restrooms, locker/change rooms, and break

rooms, the NiSource restrooms, locker/change rooms, and break rooms are off limits to Contractors unless

the NiSource Project Representative has given permission, in writing, to a specific area to access.

4.6.3 Contractors shall decontaminate all equipment, tools, and clothing that have had the potential to be

contaminated by sewage, human waste, decaying animals and mold.

4.6.4 At a minimum, a decontaminating bleach solution of 1.5 cups bleach to 1 gallon water shall be used when

cleansing equipment and tools.

4.6.5 Contractors shall wear the appropriate PPE (safety glasses or goggles & face shield, rubber gloves, etc.)

any time they are working with contaminated equipment, tools and clothing or during the decontamination

process.

4.7 FALL PROTECTION

4.7.1 To be effective, fall prevention must be initiated in the construction-planning phase with a close study of

operations and situations having fall hazard potential. The basic idea is to map out effective ways to

eliminate the fall hazards and minimize the need for fall arrest equipment.

4.7.2 Fall protection is using fall arrest, fall restraint, or positioning devices to minimize the detrimental effects

should a fall occur. When fall protection equipment is utilized, worker training must be provided before

starting work to assure proper use.

4.7.3 Contractors shall use a personal fall arrest system, work-positioning equipment, or fall restraint system

when performing Work in elevated locations four (4) feet or greater.

4.7.4 Any floor or wall opening that exposes contractor personnel to a fall hazard of four (4) feet or more

shall be guarded appropriately.

4.7.5 Contractors utilizing an engineered/designed horizontal lifeline shall have the appropriate documentation.

This information shall be provided to NiSource Project Representative and/or Safety for review upon

request.

4.7.6 In controlled environments where anchorage points are available or where feasible, fall protection or

guardrails for heavy equipment, trailers, or other vehicles where the Work could contribute to a fall of four

(4) feet or greater shall be provided.

4.7.7 A rescue plan shall be in place for Contractor personnel who are exposed to fall hazards where personal

fall arrest systems are utilized and the contractor personnel cannot perform self-rescue.

4.7.8 Fall protection equipment shall be inspected before each use and shall not be used if it is in an unsafe

condition.

4.7.9 Contractors shall remove any and all fall protection equipment subjected to impact loading and investigate

the incident.

4.8 SCAFFOLDS

4.8.1 Contractor shall designate a competent employee or Subcontractor to oversee and inspect all scaffolding

and provide documentation of inspections at all access points of the scaffold.



4.8.2 Contractor shall designate a qualified employee or Subcontractor to design and oversee the installation,

erection, and use of custom scaffolding. Documentation shall be maintained at the Work Site for all

custom scaffolding.

4.8.3 Before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect a scaffold’s structural integrity, scaffolds

and scaffold components shall be inspected by a Competent Person to identify visible defects.

4.8.4 While erecting and dismantling scaffolds, each component, including decking and planking, must be

inspected for defects. Defective components must not be used.

4.8.5 Personnel shall be trained by a Qualified Person to recognize and control hazards associated with the type

of scaffold being used before being assigned work on the scaffold.

4.8.6 Contractor shall utilize a tagging system to identify the current status of the scaffolding during all phases of

erection, use, and disassembly. Inspections shall be performed by the competent Contractor Employee or

Subcontractor prior to each Work shift once authorized for use. Color coded tags represent the following:

Red tag = scaffold is not approved for use;

Yellow tag = read tag instructions/identify special warnings on tag; and

If no tag is attached, the scaffold is not to be used.

4.8.7 Tags shall be posted at all access points to alert users of any hazards.

4.8.8 Scaffolds missing any top or mid rail shall require Contractors to make provisions for fall protection.

4.8.9 Guardrail systems consisting of a top rail, mid rail and toe-board shall be installed on all open sides and

ends of supported scaffolding that is at or above a height of four (4) feet.

4.8.10 Only the scaffold erector may modify, or dismantle scaffolding.

4.8.11 Contractors shall pay special attention when performing Work aloft from scaffolding or from heights in

general to prevent falling objects or people from being exposed to falling objects. Toe-boards, barricades,

snow fencing/mesh, or canopies shall be utilized to prevent injury from falling objects.

4.8.12 Stair way access shall be considered and the preferred method of access for any scaffold in excess of 50

feet in height.

4.8.13 Scaffold access ladders shall be limited to 15 feet between rest platforms or landings. If means other than a

long uninterrupted ladder (in excess of 15 feet) cannot be utilized, a retractable fall restraint device shall be

provided when it is not possible or practical to provide other means of fall protection. Each user shall use

the restraint device when ascending or descending the ladder.

4.8.14 All scaffold ladder access points shall have swing gates installed by the scaffold erector.

4.8.15 Personnel shall wear fall-arrest equipment, properly tied off, on any scaffold platform not equipped with

standard handrails, mid-rails, or complete decking.

4.8.16 No one shall ride on a rolling scaffold when it is being moved. All tools and materials shall be removed

from or secured on the deck before moving. Rolling scaffolds shall be locked in place when in use.

4.8.17 Personnel shall not climb on or work from a scaffold handrail, mid-rail, or brace member, and shall use

proper access ladders to get onto the scaffold.

4.8.18 All scaffolds shall be erected level and plumb on a firm base.

4.8.19 A scaffold shall be tied off at the second lift and every other lift thereafter or shall be stabilized with

outriggers when its height is more than four times the smaller dimension of its base. Scaffolds shall be tied

off horizontally every 30 feet.



4.8.20 The safe working load on all scaffolds shall not be exceeded. Rolling scaffolds shall be used only on

stable, level, smooth surfaces, or the wheels shall be contained in wooden or channel iron runners.

Personnel shall not alter any scaffold member by welding, burning, cutting, drilling, or bending.

4.8.21 Adjusting screws shall not be extended more than 12 inches of thread.

4.8.22 No rigging shall be done from scaffold handrails, mid-rails, or braces.

4.8.23 Parts and sections of welded-end-frame scaffolding made by one manufacturer shall not be used with parts

and sections made by another manufacturer.

4.8.24 Suspended scaffold shall be inspected by a Competent Person before use. Fall protection shall be worn

while using suspended scaffold. Workers shall tie off their fall protection to independent lifelines or

building structure – one lifeline per person. Lifelines shall be tied and attached per approved means to

appropriate anchorage connections.

4.8.25 Obstructions within 7" of a scaffold ladder preventing the foot from fully engaging the rung shall have a

retractable lanyard installed for accessing scaffolds 7 feet or greater in height.

4.8.26 If any deviation from these safety rules occur a meeting must be held with the NiSource Project

Representative, the Scaffold Erector, as well as a Representative from each Contractor accessing the scaffold.

4.9 PORTABLE LADDERS

4.9.1 All portable ladders shall have a minimum industrial rating of I-A and be constructed of fiberglass or wood.

4.9.2 Contractors are required to inspect ladders prior to use and if any defects are found immediately remove

from service.

4.9.3 Extension ladders shall be setup utilizing the 4-1 rule and shall be tied off at the top of the ladder whenever

feasible.

4.9.4 Metal and painted ladders shall not be used. Ladders shall not be altered per manufacturer specifications

and only utilized in accordance with manufacturer recommendation.

4.9.5 If it is necessary to place a ladder in or behind a doorway, barricade the work area and post warning signs

on both sides of the door.

4.9.6 Step ladders shall always have the spreaders open and locked prior to use and no employee shall ever climb

or stand on the top of the ladder or the rung just below the top of the ladder.

4.9.7 Contractor personnel shall be instructed in utilizing the “Belt Buckle Rule” to prevent overreaching.

Additionally, if three (3) points of contact (any combination of the hands, feet, or body) cannot be

maintained a personal fall arrest system shall be utilized when performing work aloft from a ladder.

4.10 ELECTRICAL

4.10.1 Components that are to be deactivated during the course of Work on energized or de-energized equipment

or circuits shall be tagged as defined in the applicable Hold Card Procedures.

4.10.2 All 120-volt, 15-20 amp temporary electrical receptacles, or permanent power receptacles shall have

ground fault circuit interrupters at the source (GFCI) installed for personal protection.

4.10.3 All 120-volt electrical receptacles and all extension cords shall have third-wire grounding conductor

installed and intact.

4.10.4 Two-wire double insulated portable electrical tools are acceptable for use if the tool and power cord is

approved by a recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL).



4.10.5 GFCIs shall be placed as close to the power source as possible, and shall be tested using the integral test

button each time that a tool or load device is plugged in.

4.10.6 GFCIs shall not be used on temporary lighting circuits.

4.10.7 Every temporary lamp holder shall have a lamp installed and a lamp guard in place.

4.10.8 Extension cords, leads shall not be fastened with staples, welding rod, hung from nails, or other conductive

material.

4.10.9 All worn or frayed electrical cords or cables shall be removed immediately from use.

4.10.10 For additional guidance on electrical safety for a Qualified Person, please reference Appendix B: Electrical

Transmission & Distribution.

4.11 HOLD CARDS (GENERATION & ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION DISTRIBUTION)

4.11.1 NIPSCO employs a Hold Card system for the protection of personnel performing Work on utilities,

components, or equipment.

4.11.2 Contractors shall comply with the most current version of NIPSCO’s Hold Card Procedures. These safety

rules and procedures are available upon request prior to any line, equipment, or system isolation required in

the performance of the Work. The current applicable NIPSCO Hold Card procedure can be requested from

the NIPSCO Project Representative or at www.nipsco.com/contractorsafety.

4.11.3 Contractors shall understand and follow the NIPSCO Hold Card system at all times. Contractor’s

representatives, supervisors, and personnel shall understand their obligations under the NIPSCO Hold

Card System.

Equipment Hold Card Categories are divided into two (2) categories:

4.11.4 New Equipment – This is equipment that is being installed by a Contractor and NIPSCO has not begun to

operate on a regular basis.

4.11.4.1 Contractors performing Work inside Generation Stations shall follow the Construction Hold Card

procedure for new equipment.

4.11.4.2 Contractors performing Work outside of Generation Stations shall follow their lockout/tagout

program when there is new equipment being installed by the Contractor and has not yet been tied

in to NIPSCO’s existing system.

4.11.4.3 NIPSCO’s Hold Card procedure shall be used prior to performing tie-in of new equipment to

existing systems, utilities, equipment, or components of any device where exposure to hazardous

energy sources may occur.

4.11.5 Existing Equipment – This is existing equipment that NIPSCO operates on a regular basis. NIPSCO Hold

Card Procedures shall be followed by both NIPSCO and Contractor personnel after equipment is turned

over and operated by NIPSCO.

4.11.5.1 Hold cards on existing equipment are not to be operated or removed. Only NIPSCO Production

personnel are authorized to place hold cards, remove hold cards and operate the equipment they

are attached to.

4.11.5.2 Any equipment bearing hold cards shall not be removed until NIPSCO Production has cleared the

hold card from the equipment.

http://www.nipsco.com/contractorsafety



4.11.5.3 The NIPSCO Hold Card Procedure allows the use of a Contractor’s lockout system in conjunction

with the NIPSCO Hold Card system. The requirements for the use of a Contractor lockout system

are included in the NIPSCO Hold Card Procedure.

4.11.5.4 Additional information for Hold Card procedures can be found in the applicable Appendix for to

the Work.

4.12 CRANES

4.12.1 All Contractor personnel that operate mobile cranes (currently as per OSHA excludes digger derrick

equipment) shall be Certified Crane Operators (CCO) and a copy of the certification shall be provided to

the NiSource Project Representative upon request.

4.12.2 Critical lifts have been defined in the definitions section of this Manual. All lifts meeting the criteria as

defined shall have critical lift plans documented and shall be submitted to the NiSource Project

Representative for review prior to the lift.

4.12.3 The Contractor shall provide the NiSource Project Representative with a copy of the annual Crane Safety

Certification for each crane brought on the job before crane set up.

4.12.4 Crane inspections shall be conducted daily and documented by a qualified person.

4.12.5 Proof of inspection and/or written certification that material-handling equipment (i.e., equipment used to

lift materials) is safe and appropriate for the intended work is required. Operation of this equipment shall

be restricted to properly trained personnel, and proof of training shall be made available to the NiSource

designated representative if requested.

4.12.6 For cranes being used at a NiSource Work Site as a part of the Work, upon request, NiSource will provide

Contractor with any information regarding ground conditions prior to crane placement i.e. wells, vaults.

4.12.7 The swing radius of the lifting area shall be barricaded to prevent unauthorized entry. Only designated

qualified persons performing Work within the restricted lifting area shall be allowed during lifting

operations. When lifting operations have ceased only the qualified persons within the restricted area may

grant permission for non-qualified persons to enter or pass thru a restricted lifting area. This requirement

applies to all persons at a Work Site. As per OSHA 1926.1430

4.12.8 Contractors are required to monitor separation between power lines, equipment, line, and load to ensure

maintaining the minimum safe approach distance as per OSHA standard 1926.1407-1410.

4.12.9 A load should never be raised or swung over people or an occupied building.

4.12.10 Tag lines shall be used to control all loads. Tag lines shall not be wrapped around the hands or body.

4.12.11 Riding on crane hooks or “headache” balls is prohibited.

4.12.12 At least two wraps of wire rope must remain on the drum when the load hook is at its lowest point.

4.13 RIGGING & MATERIAL HANDLING

4.13.1 Contractor shall ensure only properly trained and qualified personnel perform rigging operations. Riggers

and signal persons shall meet qualification requirements as per 29 CFR 1926.1430

4.13.2 All rigging equipment brought onto a NiSource Work Site shall be of good condition and be inspected daily

prior to use and as necessary throughout the course of the shift.



4.13.3 Prior to any lift being made, Contractors are required to know the weight of the load, the center of gravity

of the load, and the capacity of the lifting device. For all critical lifts, a lift plan must be conducted and

reviewed prior to the lift.

4.13.4 All rigging equipment shall be load tested, approved, and have proper labels ensuring load capacity.

Contractor shall be knowledgeable of all weights and items being picked/suspended.

4.13.5 Contractors utilizing specialty rigging (i.e. spreader bars, slings, hooks, etc.) shall have the appropriate

documentation as to the engineer’s drawing and engineer’s seal. A copy of the documentation shall be

maintained in the Contractor’s office until the rigging leaves the Work Site.

4.13.6 All protruding nails, wires, and ragged metal edges shall be removed or hammered flush before handling.

4.13.7 Material shall be stacked, stored, or positioned so it can be reached safely by personnel and material-

handling equipment. Stored material shall never be walked on.

4.14 VEHICLES AND MOBILE EQUIPMENT

4.14.1 Vehicles and mobile power equipment shall be driven by trained Authorized Operators only. All mobile

power equipment shall be inspected prior to use.

4.14.2 All operators and passengers of vehicles or mobile equipment shall utilize seat belts if equipped, at all

times when the vehicle is in motion.

4.14.3 Cell phones are strictly prohibited while driving any vehicle or mobile equipment at a Work Site.

4.14.4 Where Work Sites are within 15 feet of any public roadway all Contractor personnel shall wear ANSI

Class 3 rated high visibility clothing.

4.14.5 In the event of a site emergency, vehicles shall be pulled off the roadway and the engine turned off.

Workers should proceed to the appropriate assembly area on foot.

4.14.6 The driver is responsible for the safety of all passengers and for the stability of the material being hauled or

handled by his equipment. Seats belts shall be worn.

4.14.7 All speed limit and other regulatory signs shall be obeyed. Pedestrians shall be given the right of way.

4.14.8 No equipment operator shall dismount any unattended equipment without first turning off the engine and/or

securing the equipment from movement. Any vehicle that is required to be left running as a power source

shall have an attendant, wheels chocked, parking brake set, and wheels turned to the curb. A 360 walk

around inspection shall be conducted before operating the vehicle/equipment.

4.14.9 When parking at any NiSource Work Site where a parking lot is provided, it is required to pull through or

back-in to the parking space unless the parking spots are diagonal. Additionally, when one or more

passengers are in the vehicle, one passenger shall get out and assist the driver while backing up.

4.14.10 All mobile equipment used at a Work Site with an obstructed view to the rear shall be equipped with a

functioning back-up alarm or utilize a spotter.

4.14.11 When a semi-trailer is left without the trailer connected, it shall have a wheel chocked in the opposite

direction and a support jack installed under the tractor connection plate (fifth wheel).

4.14.12 Personnel shall not ride in the bed of vehicles or on heavy equipment. Do not ride in/on the bucket,

running boards, or any other attachment(s) of heavy equipment or trucks. All workers shall be properly

secured with a safety belt within the designated cab of all passenger vehicles and heavy equipment with

Roll-over Protective Structures (ROPS).



4.14.13 Any haulage vehicle whose payload is loaded by means of cranes, loaders or similar equipment shall have a

cab shield and/or canopy adequate to protect the operator from shifting or falling materials. Otherwise, the

operator shall dismount from the cab and remain clear while the vehicle is being loaded.

4.14.14 Dozer blades, end-loader buckets, forklifts, forks, and like other equipment parts shall be lowered to the

ground before the operator may leave the equipment. Rigging from or use of dozer blades, end-loader

buckets, etc., is prohibited unless specifically allowed by the equipment manufacturer and load chart

information is provided.

4.14.15 Heavy equipment with rotating superstructures shall be guarded in such a manner that rotation of the

superstructure shall not present a hazard to pedestrians, infringe into any traffic lane, nor contact any

mobile and/or permanent equipment or infrastructure. Special consideration shall be used to avoid contact

with any electrical power source during its operation.

4.14.16 When performing Work on or near energized power lines, mobile equipment shall be grounded or

barricaded to prevent any inadvertent touch potential by Contractor personnel performing Work near the

equipment on the ground.

4.14.17 Contractors shall document daily inspections prior to use of all mobile equipment under their care and/or

control while at a NiSource Work Site.

4.14.18 Any equipment found to be defective shall not be used until repaired. NiSource reserves the right to

prohibit the use of any equipment found to be defective.

4.14.19 Documentation of training shall be maintained for operators of mobile equipment at the Work Site for

review by the NiSource Project Representative.

4.14.20 When commercial vehicles i.e. semi-trucks, flatbeds, box trucks, etc. are being loaded/unloaded on a

Generation site the Contractor, shall utilize the Truck Unloading Form. This form shall accompany the JSA

at the Work Site. See attached form in Appendix D – Forms.

4.14.21 Whenever any work is performed within 15-feet of the road, a proper work zone must be developed as

required in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

4.14.22 The use of ATV's is prohibited on NiSource Projects.

4.14.23 The use of UTV's (side by sides, gators, etc.) on NiSource Projects outside controlled facilities is prohibited

without written permission from the NiSource project representative. If permission is granted the following

requirements shall apply:

Operators shall have attended a UTV safety training course;

All UTV's shall be required to have Roll Over Protective Structures (ROPS);

Seat belts are required to be worn while UTV is in motion; and

All passengers in an open cab UTV will be required to wear a DOT or SNELL approved helmet.

4.15 COMPRESSED GAS

4.15.1 At a minimum an anti-flashback device shall be attached at the regulator for all oxygen or fuel-gas bottles.

This shall include individual, bulk, or cascade bottle systems. Daily inspections of the device and bottles

shall be performed by Contractor.

4.15.2 Contractor personnel shall not use acetylene in a free state at pressures higher than 15 psi.

4.15.3 No compressed gas cylinders with the exception of a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shall be

allowed inside any confined space and/or excavation.



4.15.4 Oxygen cylinders in storage shall be separated from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials (especially

oil or grease), a minimum distance of 20 feet (6.1 m) or by a noncombustible barrier at least 5 feet (1.5 m)

high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour. Additionally all cylinders placed in storage

shall have the cylinder valve closed, regulators removed, and valve protection caps installed.

4.15.5 With respect to the provisions for oxygen and gas cylinder storage in the construction industry, a cylinder is

considered to be in use only when gas is being drawn or it is reasonably anticipated that gas will be drawn

from the cylinder within 24 hours.

4.15.6 Cylinders while in use, in transit or in storage shall be secured vertically to prevent tip-over.

4.16 COMPRESSED AIR

4.16.1 Check hoses and couplings daily before use. Use only hoses designed to handle compressed air. Provide

all hose couplings with a positive locking device. Secure air hose fittings together with wire, clips, and

whip restraints.

4.16.2 Never crimp, couple, or uncouple pressurized hoses. Shut off valves and bleed down pressure.

4.16.3 When using compressed air for cleaning purposes, ensure pressure does not exceed 30 psi. Use mono-

goggles or a face shield over approved safety glasses for this application. Do not use compressed air to

clean dust or debris off your body.

4.16.4 Make sure all hoses exceeding ½-inch ID have a safety device at the source of supply or branch line to

reduce the pressure in case of a hose failure.

4.16.5 Prior to use, verify that the compressed air pressure does not exceed is the Maximum Allowable Operating

Pressure (MAOP) of the hose.

4.17 HIGH-PRESSURE WATER CLEANING

4.17.1 High-pressure water cleaning (HPWC) at pressures greater than 200 psi require special procedures and

shall be approved by the Project Manager prior to the start of work. Only an Authorized Operator shall

perform this type of work.

4.17.2 No portion of the body shall ever be placed in front of the water jet.

4.17.3 Personnel performing HPWC exposed to water spray or reflected material shall wear a raincoat, rubber

pants, safety glasses, hard hat with face shield, rubber boots, rubber gloves, and hearing protection. (These

do not protect from the jet, but do protect against other hazards encountered while doing the work.)

4.17.4 When cleaning equipment which might be contaminated with hazardous chemicals, appropriate additional

protective equipment specified by the SDS (safety data sheet) shall be worn.

4.17.5 Face Shields and boots with steel toe caps and metatarsal protection is required when tube lancing or shut-

gunning.

4.17.6 HPWC equipment must be designed and maintained to achieve a minimum safety factor of 2 to 1 against

maximum allowable working pressure.

4.17.7 Pressure must be removed from the system before tightening or loosening fittings.

4.17.8 All personnel doing HPWC must be authorized and have completed a HPWC training course provided by

their employer. All training records and content shall be made available at the request of NiSource.



4.17.9 The equipment operator nearest the high- pressure nozzle shall always have a means of immediately

reducing pressure and interrupting flow to the nozzle.

4.17.10 The operator’s end of the hose must have an automatic shut-off (dead man) valve.

4.18 WELDING & CUTTING

4.18.1 In addition to the basic PPE requirements, Contractors shall wear the additional appropriate level of PPE

when performing any welding or torch cutting operations, i.e., face-shields, hoods, goggles, gloves, and

Flame Retardant clothing.

4.18.2 Welding or cutting shall only begin once all flammables and/or combustibles have been either removed or

protected from the Work Site and surrounding. Surrounding shall mean 35 feet around the spark producing

activity. Contractors shall ensure no property damage shall occur from any errant spark that is produced

from their Work.

4.18.3 Each welder and burner is responsible for containing sparks and slag. If conditions warrant a fire watch

shall be used. The Fire watch shall have fire-extinguishing equipment available and be trained in its use

and be familiar with facilities for sounding an alarm. They shall extinguish a fire only when obviously

within the capacity of the equipment, or otherwise sound the alarm.

4.18.4 A suitable (for the task), UL-rated, fully charged portable 20-30 lb. fire extinguisher shall be provided by

the Contractor and shall be within 10 feet of any welding, burning, or open flame work. Personnel shall be

trained in the operation and use of the fire extinguisher.

4.18.5 Hoses and welding leads shall not pass through doorways. If there is no alternative, the door shall be braced

open and the hoses and leads protected from damage.

4.18.6 Welding or burning shall not be done on a closed vessel or tank previously in use unless it has been

decontaminated and approval is given by the Project Manager.

4.18.7 Welding leads, torch hose, and compressed air hose shall be bridged over, or shall be supported a minimum

of seven (7) feet above passageways. Leads and hoses shall not be hung from conduit, process piping,

sprinkler lines, etc.

4.18.8 Before using, all leads, grounds, clamps, welding machines, hoses, gauges, torches, and cylinders must be

inspected.

4.18.9 All fittings, couplings, and connections shall be “leak free”.

4.18.10 Contractor shall provide sufficient ventilation to ensure safe respirable limits while welding or cutting.

4.18.11 Areas shall be checked ½ hour after welding and burning is done to ensure that a safe condition exists.

4.18.12 Make sure that all work has a separate and adequate ground pulled from the machine to the work location.

Attach the ground connection to the work piece as close as possible.

4.18.13 Remove rod from the electrode holder when laying it down. Discard stub ends in a metal container.

4.18.14 Erect protective screens, or in some other way, shield all arcs and post warning signs in operating areas.

4.18.15 Turn welding machine off at the end of each workday.

4.18.16 Wear an approved welding hood with safety glasses underneath. Contractors shall use the appropriate

minimum protective shade in accordance with the work activity. All skin exposed to the arc must be

covered to protect against UV exposure. This includes the hands, arms, neck and face.



4.18.17 Welding leads shall be adequately insulated from the machine to the electrode holder.

4.18.18 Exhaust gas from gasoline or diesel welding machines must be piped outside of the building.

4.18.19 Before connecting regulators to cylinders, carefully “crack open” the cylinder valve to blow out any foreign

particles. Close the valve. After the regulator is connected, ensure that the second stage of the regulator is

closed. Stand to one side and open the cylinder valve slowly.

4.18.20 Open valves on all fuel gases except acetylene (propane, Mapp, natural gas, etc.) completely to backseat

valve and prevent leaking. Acetylene valves should be opened one-quarter turn only.

4.18.21 When lighting a torch, (1) open the fuel gas valve, (2) light the torch, (3) then open the oxygen valve. Use

an approved striker. Do not use matches, cigarette lighters, or cigarettes to light a torch. Reverse the order

to shut down the torch.

4.18.22 Break down all burning rigs at the end of the shift, or when the work is completed, removing all regulators

and screwing the cylinder valve protective cap down hand-tight.

4.18.23 Keep oil and grease away from oxygen regulators, hoses, and fittings. Do not store wrenches, dies, cutters,

or other grease- covered tools in the same compartment with oxygen equipment.

4.18.24 Wear approved burning goggles. Use at least a No. 3 or No. 4 filter with a safety lens on both sides of the

filter.

4.18.25 Because of the potential hazard of leakage, never leave a torch inside a vessel, tank, or other closed

container.

4.18.26 Never use oxygen in pneumatic tools, to pressurize a container, to blow out lines, or as a substitute for

compressed air or other gases.

4.18.27 Contractors shall protect and regulate the Work Site if any welding or cutting activity requires respiratory

protection. If respirators are required, Contractors shall be responsible for maintaining a respiratory

protection program in compliance with OSHA regulations.

4.18.28 Welding screens shall be used to shield all personnel in the vicinity from direct exposure to arc welding

rays.

4.18.29 Removing epoxy coating using a welding torch or heat shall be prohibited. The removal of epoxy coatings

should be accomplished by using a power wire brush and/or sanding tool. The Contractor will utilize wet

or vacuum methods to capture any dust during the removal process. The appropriate PPE to be worn

during the removal process shall be a filtering face piece respirator (dust mask) to prevent inhalation of the

coating dust.

4.19 CONFINED SPACES

4.19.1 The Contractor shall be responsible for determining the classification of permit required confined spaces

under their written confined space program. All NiSource confined spaces will be deemed permit-required

initially unless determined otherwise by atmospheric monitoring and other hazardous assessments which

are the responsibility of the Contractor. All sewer manholes shall be treated as permit required confined

spaces.

4.19.2 Contractor shall document the atmospheric monitoring results and the hazard assessment of the confined

space(s) its personnel enter. This document shall be posted at the confined space entry location(s) for all to

review. The confined space entry permit shall be completed and posted prior to entry of a confined space.



4.19.3 Contractors are responsible for providing all entry supervisory personnel, training, and entry approval

activities for confined space entry tasks. This includes rescue personnel if necessary. NiSource requires that

a rescue plan with any necessary rescue equipment and trained rescue personnel to be at the Work Site

prior to performing permit required confined space Work activities to ensure that rescue will be prompt. Due

to the location of NiSource Generation Stations and Work Sites the use of the local fire department

may not be utilized as a means of rescue as this will not allow for “prompt rescue.”

4.19.4 NiSource will not perform atmospheric monitoring for confined space entry.

4.19.5 When a permit required confined space entry is to be executed, notification to the NiSource Project

Representative and/or Safety Representative shall be done prior to entry.

4.19.6 For Confined Spaces under NiSource’s control, NiSource will inform the Contractor of any hazards

NiSource has experienced with the confined space prior to entry.

4.19.7 For Contractors that perform Work is at a Generation Station please refer to Appendix A: Generation

Station Section A3.2 for additional guidance.

4.20 BARRICADES

4.20.1 Contractors shall be responsible for placing, providing, and maintaining barricades and signage throughout

the course of their Work at a Work Site in accordance with this section.

4.20.2 Restricted or barricaded areas shall be made as small and as unrestrictive as possible while still ensuring

personnel and public safety.

4.20.3 All safety barricades that are put in place shall have the following information attached to it with the

appropriate tag or sign:

Date placed;

Contractor name;

Supervisor responsible for tape and phone number to contact him/her;

Hazard requiring the barricade; and

The tag or sign shall be covered in a plastic sleeve when necessary to prevent damage from the

weather. Barricade tags/signage shall be placed at frequent intervals to ensure all access points are

clearly identified.

NOTE: Steel plates are not considered barricades. Steel plates shall have the weight noticeably labeled on the

plate for safe rigging practices and to ensure that rated capacities are not exceeded.

4.20.4 At no times shall barricades restrict emergency exits or emergency equipment. If there is no other alternative

to perform the Work, the NiSource Project Representative shall be contacted to ensure alternative

arrangements are made before proceeding. Alternative arrangements shall be prepared in writing and

approved by the Work Site Manager before work can proceed.

4.20.5 Barricades shall not be taken down until the hazard that required its posting no longer exists.

4.20.6 Barricades shall only be taken down by the Contractor who placed it. If the Contractor fails to maintain or

remove the barricade, NiSource may remove the barricade and notify the Contractor.

4.20.7 Safety tape shall not be utilized in place of hard barricades for guarding or protecting any potential fall

hazards. Additionally when open holes in floors or grating is removed at a Generation Station the Open

Hole Permit shall be completed. (See Appendix D – Forms)

4.20.8 Barricades shall be promptly removed as soon as it is no longer needed.

4.20.9 Hard barricades shall meet the minimum requirements of 200 lbs. of any downward or outward forced

applied to it.



4.20.10 Hard barricades or color coded rope should be considered in areas presenting long term hazards or

conditions.

4.20.11 Color coded barricades:

Caution tape/rope (yellow) – Shall only be used when the hazard could result in no more than minor or

moderate injury. Shall be used when conditions require access restrictions;

Danger tape/rope (red) – Shall be used when the hazard could result in death or serious injury and the

area will not be manned. Shall be used when conditions prohibit access; and

Asbestos warning tape - Three-inch wide tape with the word “ASBESTOS” in black lettering. The tape

shall also contain the required OSHA signage with the following language printed on it listed in OSHA

1910.1001(j)(3)(ii)[A]. Same requirements apply for lead abatement, arsenic or any other regulated

areas.

4.21 HAND & POWER TOOLS

4.21.1 Contractor shall ensure all tools brought on to a Work Site have been inspected, tested, and determined to

be in safe operating condition, as per manufacturer’s requirements, prior to use at the Work Site. Continued

periodic inspections shall be made to ensure safe operating condition and proper maintenance.

4.21.2 Use tools only to do the job for which they were designed.

4.21.3 Hand and power tools shall be in good order/repair and with all required safety devices installed and

properly adjusted.

4.21.4 Keep tools that are subject to impact (chisel, star drills, caulking irons, etc.) which tend to “mushroom”,

dressed to avoid flying spalls.

4.21.5 Use tool holders when driving stakes and wedges and when holding star drills, bull pins, and similar tools.

4.21.6 Loose clothing, gloves, and long hair that is not secured, shall not be worn around rotating equipment.

Sleeves shall be kept buttoned or rolled up.

4.21.7 Power tools shall not be operated without proper training and instructions.

4.21.8 Material shall be secure when power tools are applied to it.

4.21.9 When using pneumatic tools, one approved safety valve shall be installed at the manifold supply line. All

pneumatic hoses shall be securely fastened with safety clips or retainers installed.

4.21.10 Before adjustment, servicing, or repair of electrical or pneumatic tools, electric cords shall be unplugged

and airlines shall be deactivated and bled. In some cases, this may require a lockout/tagout to prevent

accidental starting.

4.21.11 Any pneumatic hose exceeding ½-inch ID shall have a safety restraint device installed at every connection.

4.21.12 Pneumatic hose connections shall be secured by clips or ties to prevent unintentional uncoupling.

4.21.13 Machines shall be shut off and brought to a complete stop before removing waste.

4.21.14 Interlocking devices shall be in good working order and never bypassed.

4.21.15 All fuel-powered tools used inside buildings or enclosures require special considerations regarding

ventilation, noise generation, refueling, etc.

4.21.16 Power tools designed to accommodate guards shall be equipped with said guards. All guards shall be

functional.



4.21.17 Reciprocating, rotating, and moving parts of equipment shall be guarded if exposed to contact by

Contractor personnel.

4.21.18 Portable grinders shall be equipped with a 2 action constant pressure switch (“dead-man” switch) when

used at any Work Site. When pressure is taken off the switch it shall turn off the tool. No field

modifications shall be made to the switch to keep pressure on the switch (“cruise control”) while it is in

operation.

4.21.19 Before any powder actuated tool is brought onto a NiSource Work Site, proper approval through the

NiSource Job Representative shall be obtained.

4.21.20 Contractors shall ensure users of powder actuated tools are trained and licensed to operate.

4.21.21 Contractors shall test powder actuated tools daily before loading to ensure safety devices are working

properly.

4.21.22 Contractors using powder actuated tools shall were the appropriate eye, ear, and face protection.

4.21.23 Contractors using powder actuated tools shall select a powder level that will perform the work without any

excessive force than necessary.

4.22 STEEL ERECTION

4.22.1 Steel erection Contractors shall develop a Work specific erection plan that shall be provided to the

NiSource Project Representative for approval before commencement of the Work.

4.22.2 The Work-specific erection plan shall be signed and dated by the qualified person(s) responsible for its

preparation and modification.

4.22.3 In developing a Work-specific erection plan the following information shall be included in the plan:

Material deliveries, staging, storage and coordination with other trades;

Description of crane and derrick selection and placement;

Site preparation and path for overhead loads;

Securing of loose items aloft;

Critical lifts, including rigging;

Description of steel erection activities and procedures, erection of columns, beams, joists, purlins,

decking and steel grating;

Stability considerations requiring temporary bracing and guying;

Special procedures required for hazardous non-routine tasks;

Certifications for each Contractor person who has received training for performing steel erection

operations and for qualified rigger; and

Description of the procedures that will be utilized in the event of rescue or emergency response.

4.23 EXCAVATIONS

4.23.1 Contractors shall have a “Competent Person” inspect the excavation prior to each shift if persons are

expected to enter, if water has accumulated or, if any other hazard creating event has occurred. (Per OSHA

1926.651)

4.23.2 Any excavation that breaks soil into the earth shall have utility locates performed prior to excavating.

Utilize the phone number “811” to call technicians out for utility locates. Contractor shall comply with

local and state specific dig safe laws for damage prevention.

4.23.3 All soil at a NiSource Work Site shall be deemed as Type C soil and excavated accordingly.



4.23.4 All excavations shall be barricaded with the appropriate barrier tape and other protective devices as

required. Open trenches, excavations, and construction materials shall be barricaded, marked with the

appropriate signage, and caution lights during hours of restricted visibility and/or darkness. All

excavations shall be properly guarded/barricaded to protect the public from harm.

4.23.5 Excavated materials as well as tools and equipment shall be placed at least two feet back from the edge of

excavation.

4.23.6 Every excavation at 4 feet or greater shall have at least one safe means for access and egress within 25

lateral feet of the work activity.

4.23.7 All excavations shall be inspected by a competent person at 4 feet in depth or greater to determine if a

protective device shall be required. All excavations at 5 feet or greater shall utilize appropriate means of

shoring or sloping. For sloping activities, the following configurations are acceptable for Type C soil.

4.23.8 All excavations utilizing a protective device shall have readily available at the Work Site the tabulated data

used for the protective device.

4.23.9 Testing for atmospheric hazards (oxygen, flammability, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide) shall be

performed prior to entry in excavations 4 feet or greater in depth. Appropriate monitoring for potential

atmospheric contaminants should be provided. For Columbia Gas work an approved oxygen monitor

shall be worn within the breathing zone by all personnel at all times while in an excavation.

4.24 HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING

4.24.1 The public shall be kept out of the work area.

4.24.2 Suitable protection (i.e., an employee, barricade, warning signs, etc.) shall be stationed alongside sidewalks

or streets to warn pedestrians of temporary hazards during operations.

4.24.3 All holes shall be covered and barricaded when not attended.

4.24.4 The manufacturer’s safe operating procedures, instructions, precautions and limitations shall be followed

when directional drilling is utilized.

4.24.5 When drilling equipment is in use, a perimeter barricade shall be placed around the machine, including any

temporary ground rod. Only the drill rig operator is allowed inside the barricade and on the rig while in

operation.



4.24.6 The contractor shall establish emergency procedures in the event a strike occurs to an existing utility.

Procedures shall include actions to reduce the likelihood of employee injury in the event of an electric

strike; a gas line strike; a fiber optic strike; a communications line strike or a water or sewer line strike.

4.25 HYDRO/VACUUM EXCAVATION

4.25.1 The public shall be kept out of the work area.

4.25.2 Suitable protection (i.e., an employee, barricade, warning signs, etc.) shall be stationed alongside sidewalks

or streets to warn pedestrians of temporary hazards during operations.

4.25.3 All holes shall be covered and barricaded when not attended.

4.25.4 The manufacturer’s safe operating procedures, instructions, precautions and limitations shall be followed

when hydro vacuum excavation is utilized.

4.25.6 The contractor shall document safe work practices and job procedures and shall be available at the work

site.

4.25.7 Safety glasses, a face-shield and hearing protection shall be worn when operating hydro / vacuum

excavating equipment.

4.25.8 Boom position shall not encroach minimum clearance distance to energized lines.

4.26 CONTRACTOR TRAILER SETUP

4.26.1 All Contractor trailers brought to a Work Site for the duration of the Work shall be secured/tied down with

material designed for that specific purpose. Ties shall be utilized for proper tie down of the trailer.

Additionally diagonal ties shall be angled a minimum of 40 degrees from a vertical direction.

4.26.2 Before driving any stakes, locates shall be performed for underground utilities, ground mats, etc.

4.26.3 Ties shall withstand a working load of 3,125 pounds per anchor with a 50 percent overload of 4,725

pounds. The required number of diagonal ties per side per trailer length is as follows:

Trailers consisting of a maximum of 54 feet require 3 ties per side;

Trailers measuring between 54 feet and 73 feet in length require 4 ties per side; and

Trailers measuring between 73 feet and 84 feet in length require 5 ties per side.

4.26.4 All entrance/exit steps shall be secured to the frame of the trailer to prevent tipping.

4.26.5 OSHA postings shall be displayed (i.e. 5 in 1, OSHA 300 Summary, etc.).

4.26.6 An evacuation route and reporting areas map shall be displayed in each area in a highly visible manner.

4.26.7 Exits shall have an “EXIT” sign displayed in large red letters. All closets, bathrooms, etc. shall have a “NO

EXIT” sign displayed in black letters.

4.26.8 At least one fire extinguisher shall be located inside each trailer at a Work Site. Fire extinguishers are

required to be inspected on a monthly basis.

4.26.9 Emergency telephone numbers shall be posted in every trailer.

4.26.10 Breaker boxes shall meet the following requirements:

Breaker boxes cannot be blocked. An easy access to the breaker box shall be maintained;

The breaker box shall not contain any missing knockouts. Knockouts shall meet standard requirements.



Duct tape shall not be used in any breaker boxes; and

Breakers shall be labeled to their corresponding controls.

4.27 ASBESTOS

4.27.1 NiSource’s existing facilities may contain asbestos containing materials.

4.27.2 If Contractor, or any of its personnel, is required to perform Work within or immediately adjacent to any of

the structures or facilities, the possibility exists that asbestos-containing materials may be encountered

during the execution of the Work.

4.27.3 Should a Contractor or any of its personnel encounter or have reason to believe that asbestos-containing

material is present while performing Work, NiSource shall be notified immediately. This includes asbestos

containing insulation, pipe wrap, transite or any suspicious material.

4.27.4 Contractors shall take the necessary precautions to prevent disturbing insulation, especially insulation

containing asbestos adjacent to their Work at a Work Site.

4.27.5 If the Work cannot be continued without disturbing or exposing such material, Contractor shall stop Work

in the immediate vicinity and report to the NiSource Project Representative.

4.27.6 After Contractor notifies NiSource that it has reason to believe they have encountered asbestos or asbestos-

containing material, NiSource shall examine and if necessary sample to determine if the material contains

asbestos.

4.27.7 NiSource shall then notify Contractor its determination. If asbestos is not present, Contractor shall

immediately resume any Work that has been stopped.

4.27.8 Contractor shall not use any material containing asbestos or ceramic fiber at any Work Sites. Use of such

materials will require immediate removal and replacement at Contractor’s expense. If no alternate material

can be utilized, Contractor shall obtain written approval from NiSource before bringing such material or

equipment onto a Work Site.

4.27.9 Contractors performing asbestos abatement activities shall be properly licensed by the applicable State and

require the proper use of PPE and containments with the appropriate signage to regulate the area and

prevent any unauthorized persons access into the Work Site.

4.28 LEAD BASED PAINT

4.28.1 NiSource’s existing facilities may contain Lead Based Paint (LBP) containing materials.

4.28.2 If Contractor, or any of personnel, is required to perform Work on any of the structures or facilities at a

Work Site, the possibility exists that Lead Based Paint (“LBP”) containing materials may be encountered

during the execution of the Work. All painted surfaces shall be assumed to contain LBP unless otherwise

documented or sampled.

4.28.3 Should Contractor or any of its personnel encounter or have reason to believe that LBP containing

material is present while performing Work, the Contractor shall stop Work and immediately contact the

NiSource Project Representative.

4.28.4 Contractors shall take necessary precautions to prevent disturbing any painted surface, which includes

grinding, sanding, welding and/or cutting of any LBP surface.

4.28.5 Where documented evidence does not exist, samples shall be taken to determine presence or be treated as

LBP. Copies of any monitoring data shall be submitted to the NiSource Project Representative upon

receipt.



4.28.6 Contractors performing Work that has the potential to disturb surfaces coated with LBP shall have an

approved compliance plan in place prior to beginning Work. The compliance plan shall contain, at a

minimum:

Methods of exposure assessment;

Engineering and work practice controls;

Description of Work being performed;

Housekeeping activities that will be conducted and their frequency;

Training records and licensure information;

Medical surveillance requirements and records; and

Other pertinent information as required.

4.28.7 The Contractor shall ensure any hazard generated from LBP abatement does not expose nearby personnel

(NiSource personnel or other Contractors). This includes constructing “catches” or containments to

prevent LBP scrapings, dust, or fume from reaching nearby occupied work areas.

4.28.8 For Work performed at Generation Stations, Contractors shall be aware that in addition to LBP there may

be exposure in the following areas:

Work on turbine generator components may contain the presence of lead carbonate dust;

Work with sheet lead on the LP turbine or boiler feed pump turbine diaphragms or chimney seals may

result in exposure to lead; and

Contractors performing Work in these areas shall follow the procedures listed within to prevent

exposure.

4.29 HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM

4.29.1 Contractors who perform any Hot Work, i.e. welding, cutting, or grinding on stainless steel or other base

material containing chromium shall take the necessary precautions to prevent exposure in excess of

OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) of 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air.

4.29.2 Contractors shall provide air sampling data showing exposure limits for the activity are below the OSHA’s

Action Limit of 2.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air or respirators equipped with HEPA filters shall be

required.

4.29.3 If respirators are required to be worn they shall be in accordance with the Contractor’s written program for

Respiratory Protection.

4.29.4 Where there is the reason to believe that air monitoring levels shall exceed the PEL, Contractors shall be

required to regulate the Work area. For additional guidance on regulated areas see section 4.28.

4.29.5 Where there is potential or confirmed exposure to hexavalent chromium above the PEL, Contractors must

utilize engineering controls such as air movers or fume extractors (local exhaust ventilation) to reduce

exposure

4.29.6 Contractors performing work involving potential exposure to hexavalent chromium shall ensure that nearby

Contractors or personnel are not unnecessarily exposed. This may require the use of local exhaust

ventilation or prohibiting access to nearby areas that could be affected by hexavalent chromium dust or

fume.

4.30 REGULATED AREA

4.30.1 Contractors shall setup a regulated area wherever a Contractor personnel exposure to airborne

concentrations of contaminants is, or can be expected to be, in excess of the PEL.

4.30.2 Contractors shall ensure that regulated areas are demarcated from the rest of the Work Site.



4.30.3 Contractors shall limit access to regulated areas to:

Personnel who are trained for the hazard present and authorized by the employer and required by the

Work to be present in the regulated area;

Designated representative of personnel for the purpose of observing monitoring procedures; and

NiSource representatives shall meet the same requirements as the authorized personnel, i.e. training,

PPE, etc.

4.30.4 Contractors shall set up decontamination areas where the use of regulated areas are required to prevent

contaminants from being dispersed into other areas of the project site or facility.

4.31 RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA

4.31.1 The following requirements apply to contractors performing work listed on the OSHA Construction

Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard (29 CFR 1926.1153) Table 1 – Specified Exposure Control

Measures:

All engineering and work practice control measures, as well as respiratory protection requirements

specified by Table 1 must be followed at all times;

Contractors performing work involving disturbance of crystalline silica containing materials that are

not included on OSHA Table 1 must perform personnel exposure monitoring with interim protective

measures of engineering controls and at least a half face respirator with HEPA cartridges;

A respirable crystalline silica competent person must be designated and present at each job site with

the ability and authority to perform routine work site observations and stop work if necessary; and

Fugitive respirable crystalline silica dust must be prevented from leaving the work site if there are

nearby contractors, personnel, or members of the public.

4.31.2 The following requirements apply to contractors performing work subject to the OSHA General Industry

respirable crystalline silica standard (29 CFR 1910.1053) unless the Contractor has generated Objective

Data showing that there is no potential for exposure in excess of the OSHA Action Level:

Exposure assessment in accordance with 1910.1053(d);

Engineering controls such as wash downs or HEPA vacuuming to reduce exposure;

A demarcated Regulated Area must be established unless exposure monitoring shows exposure will not

exceed the OSHA PEL; and

Minimum half face respirator with HEPA cartridges unless exposure monitoring shows exposure will

not exceed the OSHA PEL.

4.31.3 Contractors performing any work involving potential exposure to respirable crystalline silica above the

OSHA Action Level must have an approved written exposure control plan including the following:

A description of the tasks in the workplace that involve exposure to respirable crystalline silica;

A description of the engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection used to limit

employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica for each task;

A description of the housekeeping measures used to limit employee exposure to respirable crystalline

silica; and

A description of the procedures used to restrict access to work areas, when necessary, to minimize the

number of personnel exposed to respirable crystalline silica and their level of exposure, including

exposures generated by other employers or sole proprietors.

4.31.4 Contractors performing any work involving potential exposure to respirable crystalline silica above the

OSHA Action Level must have received respirable crystalline silica awareness compliance training.

4.31.5 Compressed air, dry sweeping, and other housekeeping methods that generate unnecessary airborne

respirable crystalline silica dust are prohibited.

5. ENVIRONMENTAL


5.1 NISOURCE ENVIRONMENTAL & MATERIAL MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES

5.1.1 The purpose of this procedure is to minimize or eliminate the abandonment or improper disposal of any solid,

gaseous, and liquid waste materials or any mixture of these related to NiSource work. NiSource is required

by regulation to identify/analyze and properly dispose of any such materials.

5.1.2 The following procedures shall be adhered to whenever performing Work at a Work Site. Any questions

that arise regarding these procedures should be directed to the NiSource Project Representative.

5.1.3 NiSource will not allow Contractors to abandon or improperly dispose of any chemical products of any

type at a Work Site. Any Contractor that refuses to comply with this procedure shall be banned from the

Work Site.

5.1.4 Safety data sheets (SDS’s):

5.1.4.1 Any Contractor bringing any chemical products onto NiSource properties shall have safety data

sheets (SDS’s) for each material readily available at the Work Site. All containers and/or drums

of solid, liquid, or gaseous materials brought onto the Work Site shall be properly labeled.

including the contractor’s name and responsible person

5.1.5 Chemical products used to maintain Contractor vehicles or equipment:

5.1.5.1 All materials (new and/or used) used in the maintenance of Contractor owned vehicles or

equipment shall be removed from Work Site at the completion of the Work. No materials,

including used oil, may be disposed of at the Work Site or in NiSource dumpsters, waste

containers, barrels, etc.

5.1.6 Chemical products used by Contractors performing maintenance, repairs or construction of NiSource

owned or leased equipment:

5.1.6.1 Contractors shall, whenever practicable, use non-hazardous chemicals and cleaning agents when

performing maintenance, repairs or construction of NiSource owned or leased equipment. The use

of non-hazardous chemicals and cleaning agents greatly reduces disposal costs for waste materials

and eliminates special waste handling requirements.

5.1.6.2 Contractors shall also minimize the amounts of hazardous chemical cleaning products that are

brought on to the Work Site to perform their Work. If excessive amounts of materials are

determined to be present at the Work Site, the Contractor may be requested to store this material

away from the Work Site until required for use at the Work Site.

5.1.7 Waste materials generated by Contractors performing maintenance, repairs or construction of NiSource

owned or leased equipment or facilities:

5.1.7.1 The Contractor will communicate the disposal of all hazardous waste materials generated by

Contractors performing maintenance, repairs or construction on NiSource owned or leased

equipment or facilities to NiSource Environmental personnel prior to removal. It is the

responsibility of the Contractor to place the waste material in the location directed by NiSource

Environmental personnel, properly label, place them in the appropriate DOT approved shipping

container and stage this waste container in the designated storage location as directed by

NiSource Environmental personnel. Non-hazardous waste, including spoils, shall be removed

and disposed of by the contractor using the appropriate methods and processes.

5.1.8 Drum, Container and Tank Management:

5.1.8.1 The Contractor is required to properly identify drums, containers and tanks brought onto NiSource

properties. Identification shall include the name of the material, manufacturer of the material and

all safety, hazard and warning information.

5.1.8.2 Identification – The Contractor’s name, address, phone number and contact person’s name shall be

placed on all drums and tanks brought onto the Work Site.

u124176

2018-01-23 20:00:07

--------------------------------------------

I am not sure that this is the case with every project. We are trying to get out of the business of directing the disposal of all hazardous waste, particularly on larger projects. The contractors should refer to their contracts to determine their responsibility for managing hazardous waste.

5. ENVIRONMENTAL


5.1.8.3 Drums and containers that contain liquid materials shall be prevented from spilling to the

surrounding environment. Drums and containers that contain liquid material shall not be staged

near storm or process water drainage systems. Additionally, drums or containers with 55 gallons

or greater of flammable or hazardous liquids shall have secondary containments in place.

5.1.8.4 Tanks for liquid storage that are brought onto Work Site shall be provided with secondary

containment that is large enough to contain the contents of the tank with sufficient freeboard to

contain precipitation. At least once per week, or after each rainfall event, the contents of the

containment shall be inspected for evidence of leakage from the tank and records of these

inspections shall be readily available. If it is found to be free of such substances, it shall be

drained to the ground. At all other times, containment drains shall be kept closed. Tanks shall not

be placed near storm or process water drainage systems.

5.1.8.5 Contractors shall be responsible for the clean-up and costs associated of any spillage that results

from their Work on the Work Site. All spill clean-up activities shall be approved by NiSource

Environmental personnel.

5.1.9 Drains:

5.1.9.1 No materials, including hazardous chemicals, solvents, cleaning agents, acids, caustics, paints,

lubricants, etc. shall be disposed in drains or water systems.

5.1.9.2 Liquid materials should not be stored or staged near station drains or water systems. In the event

that liquid materials shall be stored or staged near station drains or water systems, adequate

secondary containment for the liquid material shall be provided.

5.1.10 Spills:

5.1.10.1 Spills of any amount of petroleum products or any objectionable substances are to be prevented;

however if any spill should occur it shall be immediately reported to NiSource and any applicable

federal, state, or local agency. NiSource shall ensure immediate action is taken to minimize the

impact of a spill, and see that appropriate cleanup action is undertaken by a spill clean-up

contractor.

5.1.10.2 In order to properly respond to and report a spill, the following steps shall be followed:

Protect yourself and others;

Take immediate corrective action to protect the environment - if it can be done safely; and

The person who discovers the spill shall immediately notify the NiSource Project

Representative and inform them of the nature of the spill. If necessary, notify local

emergency services such as fire department, law enforcement, or emergency medical services

to manage immediate hazards.

5.1.10.3 For spills that occur on a NIPSCO project and/or site the following additional requirements are as

follows:

5.1.10.3.1 The NIPSCO Project Representative or Work Site personnel at the spill location shall

then contact the Environmental Emergency Spill Response team by calling the 24-

Hour Compliance Hotline pager at (219) 648-4434 to notify them of the spill. Listen

for 2 beeps and then enter your phone number followed by a pound (#) sign to notify

team of the spill. The time, date and description of the spill event shall be documented

by the Spill Response Team Member answering the call. The individual reporting the

spill shall also keep a record of the spill. When reporting a spill or release, be prepared

to answer questions concerning:

Identification of the caller;

Location of the release;

Substance released and estimated quantity;

Surface affected by the release (i.e. dirt, asphalt, water);

Immediate action, if any, taken to minimize the release;

u124176

2018-01-23 20:14:37

--------------------------------------------

This doesn't say who they should

report to. Spills should be immediately

reported to NiSource and any

applicable federal, state, or local

agency. We say that later, but we

should reiterate it here. Also, it is not

necessarily NiSource's responsibility to

respond to the spill. In many cases,

that obligation will fall on the contractor.

The contract will guide.

5. ENVIRONMENTAL


Telephone number where the caller can be contacted; and

Is a contractor required to clean up the spill?

5.1.10.3.2 The Spill Response Team Member shall determine the appropriate cleanup measures. If

it is determined that additional resources are requested or needed to properly cleanup

the spill, the Spill Response Team Member shall arrange for a qualified contractor to

assist with the spill cleanup. The Spill Response Team Member shall be responsible

for notifying the appropriate federal, state, and/or local agencies, if required.

5.1.10.3.3 NIPSCO personnel and/or a qualified contractor shall complete proper cleanup of the

spill. The Emergency Response Team Member shall document the spill cleanup by

completing a Spill Report Form. This form shall be kept on file by the Environmental

Department.

5.1.10.3.4 A post discharge review for major spills shall be completed. If necessary, revisions or

amendments will be made to the spill protocols and/or SPCC Plan, if applicable.

5.1.10.3.5 If a spill cannot be properly contained and cleaned up by personnel at the Work Site,

NIPSCO has agreements in place with qualified and experienced contractors to provide

emergency response and cleanup assistance. These contractors will be able to provide

a timely response, and thus meet the US Coast Guard’s response time requirements.

The Contractor shall be responsible for all costs associated with spill cleanup.

5.1.11 Container Labeling:

5.1.11.1 Hazard Communication Labeling:

5.1.11.1.1 The Hazard Communication Standard requires ALL containers of hazardous material

(anything requiring a SDS) to be labeled with:

The identity of the hazardous chemical(s) (trade name, product name, chemical

name). This should be the same as that listed on the SDS;

Hazard warning/information; and

Name of manufacturer

5.1.11.1.2 No container shall be used unless it has proper labeling. This applies to containers

received from manufacturers and portable containers. Proper labeling includes the

following:

Name of material;

Name of manufacturer;

Safety, hazard and warning information for the material; and

Contractor name, address, phone no., and contact person

5.1.11.1.3 Any container on site, regardless of size, is required to have a proper label affixed

unless it meets the following:

The material is going to be used only by and is under the constant control of the

employee who transfers the material from a labeled container into a portable

container;

The transferred material will be used for a maximum of one shift;

There is no material left in the unlabeled container at the completion of the shift; and

A readable manufacturer’s label with the required hazard warning information is

present at the job site.

5. ENVIRONMENTAL


5.1.12 Environmental Labeling:

5.1.12.1 Some types of waste material require special labeling in order to comply with EPA regulations

or other state specific requirements. These materials include used oil and hazardous waste.

5.1.12.1.1 Used Oil: Any tank or container used for the storage of used oil shall be marked with

the words “USED OIL”.

5.1.12.1.2 Hazardous Waste: Any tank or container used for the storage of hazardous waste shall

be labeled with a hazardous waste label. Please contact the station Environmental

representative for information regarding the identification, labeling and storage of

hazardous waste.

5.1.13 Environmental Audits:

5.1.13.1 Unannounced audits will be performed periodically by the NiSource Environmental representative

in order to ensure that Contractors are adhering to these procedures.

5.2 ADDITIONAL NISOURCE ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

5.2.1 General Orders, Gas Standards, Project Environmental Compliance Plans, and Permits:

5.2.1.1 Although the above required procedures are critical for NiSource's Contractor expectations,

Contractors will be required to follow all of the environmental requirements identified in the

General Orders, Gas Standards, Project Environmental Compliance Plans, and permits.

5.2.2 Contract Terms

5.2.2.1 As indicated in the all contract terms, Contractors will be required to follow all federal, state,

and local environmental laws, rules, and regulations.

6. CONCLUSION

This Manual does NOT attempt to identify every potential hazard, act, incident, or injury possible to Contractor personnel.

It does not absolve any Contractor while performing Work at a Work Site in accordance with the Contract Documents of

its responsibility for the safety of its contractor personnel or member of the general public affected by its operations. It is

a tool to assist in the management of those responsibilities.

NiSource does not assume responsibility for the Contractor’s compliance with any safety standards or laws. Compliance

with these standards (such as OSHA regulations) is the sole responsibility of the Contractors performing Work at a Work

Site.

The following appendices are in addition to all previous Requirements set forth in this Contractor Safety Manual. All

Contractors are required to follow and abide by the contents within the applicable appendices as well as all applicable

federal, state, and local safety and health laws and regulations.


Contractor HSE Manual – February 2018 Appendix A – Page 1

The following rules are in addition to all previous rules set forth in this Contractor Safety Manual. These additional rules are

specifically for any Work performed on NIPSCO’s Generation Stations. All Contractors are required to follow and abide by

the contents within this appendix as well as all applicable federal, state, and local safety and health laws and regulations.

A1. PLANT ACCESS

A1.1 VISITORS

A1.1.1 It is of the utmost importance that a high degree of protection be afforded to all persons at a

Generation Station. The following guidelines are general instructions for personnel who are

responsible for the organization, direction and safe conduct while at a Generation Station.

A1.1.2 All Vendors, Visitors and Contractors shall check in with Security, complete the Visitor

Orientation video, and sign and/or swipe in with a badge.

A1.1.3 All Vendors, Visitors, and Contractors shall immediately report to their appointed

Representative.

A1.1.4 No Visitor shall be allowed to walk through the Generation Station without reporting to their

appointed representative and escorted.

A1.1.5 All Visitors wishing to enter a NIPSCO Generation Station shall have the permission of the

Generation Station management, or the NIPSCO Project Representative. Permission shall only be

given upon verification that the Visitors shall be accompanied at all times by an authorized person.

Contractor is responsible for the conduct and actions of their Visitors while at the Generation

Station.

A1.1.6 Immediately prior to entering the Generation Station, all Visitors shall be briefed concerning

careful and orderly conduct, including identification of any specific hazards they may encounter.

A1.1.7 All Visitors shall be required to comply with NiSource PPE requirements as outlined in General

Safety Rules Section 4.3.

A1.1.8 All Visitors and Contractors shall fill out the Generation Station Photograph Form by the NIPSCO

Representative and gain permission before cameras can be used at the Generation Station. Any

film or electronic data taken by recording equipment may be reviewed and/or confiscated by

NIPSCO before leaving the Generation Station.

A1.2 SECURITY

A1.2.1 Security protocols at all Generating Stations are designed to provide guidance to

security personnel in protecting all persons at the Generation Station.

A1.2.2 All security levels and conditions shall be followed at all times.

A1.2.3 Full cooperation with the plant Security personnel is required.

A1.2.4 Gambling, stealing, fighting, horseplay, damaging of property (to include graffiti), alcoholic

beverages, narcotics and weapons are forbidden on all NiSource property including Generation

Stations.

A1.2.5 Non-business use of the Generation Station paging systems is strictly forbidden.



A1.2.6 If theft of any type occurs, it shall be reported to the NIPSCO Project Representative and the

Generation Station Security Department. A Theft Loss Report shall be completed immediately.

The Theft Loss forms can be obtained at the Generation Station Security Office.

A1.2.7 Harassment/Violence on NIPSCO property will not be tolerated. This includes sexual harassment

and any other behavior (verbal, physical, visual, etc.) deemed likely to create a hostile,

intimidating or offensive environment. Personnel (contractors, security, visitors, and NIPSCO

personnel) are encouraged to report any harassment to the NIPSCO Project Representative. The

NIPSCO Project Representative shall report the incident to the appropriate authorities for follow-

up and review of the matter. All complaints will be promptly and thoroughly investigated.

Harassment may lead to immediate removal from all Work Sites, and further legal actions.

A1.2.8 Contractors shall only use the Contractor designated gates and turn styles for entry.

A1.2.9 All contractor personnel, equipment, lunch boxes, carry-in containers, vehicles, etc., are subject to

search by Generation Station security personnel. If a Contractor employee refuses the search

effort, he/she may be subject to removal or denied access to the Generation Station. Unauthorized

removal of tools, equipment or other materials is prohibited.

A1.2.10 Contractor personnel shall park in designated parking areas as directed by NIPSCO Security. If a

personal vehicle is to remain in the parking lot overnight, this shall be cleared through the security

staff. Personal vehicles left overnight or parked in unauthorized areas without prior approval are

subject to towing at the vehicle owner’s expense.

A1.2.11 If a Contractor terminates contract worker for any reason above while at the Generation Station,

NIPSCO security and the NIPSCO Project Representative shall be notified. This will ensure

NIPSCO has all available information to prevent unauthorized persons from entering all NIPSCO

property, if necessary, according to the NiSource Disciplinary Action Policy. (Section 3.12 of this

manual)

NOTE: Under no circumstances will belligerence, disrespect or other unprofessional behavior toward the security

staff be tolerated. Discipline shall be enforced up to, and including, removal from the Generation Station.

A2. PRE-WORK PROCEDURES

A2.1 CONTRACTOR SAFETY TRAINING

A2.1.1 All Contractor personnel shall attend and complete the Generation Station Contractor Safety

Orientation prior to beginning Work. Contractors shall complete this orientation annually

thereafter.

A2.1.2 Upon completion of the Generation Station Contractor Safety Orientation, Contractor personnel

shall receive an identification number, hard hat orientation sticker and a safety orientation wallet

card. The identification numbers are to be placed on the Contractor personnel hardhat and remain

unobstructed for the duration of the Project.

A2.1.3 Contractor Safety Orientation shall be completed on an annual basis and will be tracked by

calendar year. Contractors are responsible for maintaining wallet cards and hard hat orientation

stickers for verification of training. Where proof of training cannot be verified, Contractor

personnel shall be required to complete the Generating Station Contractor Safety Orientation

prior to returning to Work.


Contractor HSE Manual –February 2018 Appendix A – Page 3

A2.1.4 At a minimum, NiSource requires each Contractor to adequately train its contractor personnel

according to applicable safety standards. This training may include but is not limited to: fall

protection, fire prevention and protection, scaffolds, forklifts, excavation, ladders, confined

space entry, respiratory protection, rigging, and any other applicable safety training topic

applicable to the Work.

A2.1.5 If training topics require certificates of completion as directed by an OSHA regulation, a copy of

certificates shall be accessible to the NIPSCO Project Representative within thirty (30) days of the

training session.

A2.2 NIPSCO PROJECT BRIEFING

A2.2.1 Prior to beginning Work at a Generating Station, Contractors shall contact the NIPSCO Project

Representative in order to schedule a pre-Work meeting/project briefing.

A2.2.2 During this meeting, the NIPSCO Project Representative will review the scope of the Work and

any pre-Work documentation. Hazards associated with the Work will be discussed along with

applicable OSHA standards and the Contractor compliance plan. Contractor Representative(s)

shall attend this meeting.

A2.3 GENERATING STATION JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS (JSA)

Before Work begins in any location and before any changes are made in Work procedures or activities,

Contractor shall perform a JSA and accompanying hazard assessment utilizing NIPSCO’s JSA forms.

Contractor shall complete each subsequent JSA thereafter unless the Work scope changes at which time the

Contractor and NIPSCO shall review the Work scope change and revise the JSA. Contractor is permitted to

use its own JSA form but only in addition to NIPSCO’s form. See attached form in Appendix D – Forms.

Contractor shall comply with the following in making its JSA:

A2.3.1 Work Site(s) shall be walked down by Contractor’s designated front line supervisor, responsible for

Work Site work management for the purpose of doing a Work Site hazard assessment. This shall

be performed just prior to each shift of Work (No earlier than one hour before the start of Work).

After Contractor has completed a Work Site hazard assessment, Contractor’s front line supervisor

shall prepare in writing a description of the basic steps required to perform its Work and shall

identify any potential Work Site risks. This shall include a summary of the preventive measures

that Contractor will take to eliminate or control these potential risks.

A2.3.2 If Contractor has multiple levels of supervision and after Contractor’s designated front line

supervisor has completed its JSA of the Work Site(s), Contractor shall have its next level up of

supervision, (e.g. general foreman, superintendent) review the JSA. This review is to ensure

proper hazard assessment recognition and planning to manage any potential risks with appropriate

measures, has been taken into account.

A2.3.3 As soon as practical after the second level review by Contractor has been completed, NIPSCO’s

representative will review all JSA’s. If Work Site conditions remain the same shift-to-shift and

day-to-day, NIPSCO may waive its review of subsequent JSA’s. In addition to the format and

hazard assessment review of all JSA’s, a Work Site audit of at least one JSA shall be completed

with Contractor’s front line supervisor, along with the next level of Contractor’s management.

A2.3.4 After Contractor’s second level review had been performed and the JSA has been approved,

Contractor’s front line supervisor shall conduct the verbal portion of the JSA with all its personnel

that will be assigned Work covered by the JSA. Care shall be taken to ensure all hazards

recognized in the JSA assessment are covered during the duration of the Work being briefed by

this JSA.

A2.3.4.1 Questions shall be addressed to the Contractor’s personnel to assure understanding of

all assignments.



A2.3.4.2 After the completion of the Work Site verbal briefing, each of Contractor personnel

present shall acknowledge their understanding of the briefing by signing the JSA.

A2.3.5 During the course of the Work shift, Contractor shall conduct two audits of the Work Site. One

audit shall be conducted by Contractor’s front line supervisor as required by the JSA. The second

audit shall be conducted by Contractor’s Superintendent or General Foreman, whichever is

available. The second JSA audit shall be documented and kept on file by Contractor for review by

NIPSCO’s representative. Housekeeping shall be monitored as well as checking for any additional

risks that may have been introduced during the Work shift. Appropriate notation shall be made on

the JSA form of any new risk.

A2.3.5.1 Should a hazard that is not listed on the JSA form be recognized during the Work

shift, Contractor shall stop Work immediately; Contractor shall implement whatever

measures are necessary to make the Work Site safe before resuming Work.

A2.3.6 Contractor’s Work Site safety personnel shall be responsible for overseeing the JSA process for

their respective companies. NIPSCO’s Work Site safety personnel shall be responsible for

observing all Contractors to assure proper compliance and performance of the JSA process. This

shall include reviews and/or audits at every step of the aforementioned JSA process with coaching,

training, and improvements made where deemed necessary. Contractor’s Work Site safety

personnel shall not perform JSA’s for its front line supervisors except during the initial training.

A2.3.7 If Contractor personnel during any step of the JSA process encounter problems complying with

the requirements outlined by the JSA Contractor personnel shall stop Work and notify their

supervisor. Where Contractor personnel are failing to comply with the JSA requirements

Contractor shall take the appropriate measures which may include stopping the Work or

disciplinary action up to and including discharge of employment.

A2.4 GENERATION STATION EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

Additional guidance has been established for Contractors perform Work at NIPSCO Generating Stations.

These requirements are in addition to the established Emergency Action Plan requirements set forth in this

Section 3.14 of the Manual. These requirements outline Station Emergency Phone numbers, Primary

Evacuation Points, Sirens and PA Notifications. If alternative arrangements are made for a Work Site

specific project other than any of the information described herein, the Contractor is required to document,

communicate, and make available to all their personnel and Subcontractor personnel the Alternative

Emergency Action Plan prior to personnel beginning any Work.

A2.4.1 Station Emergency Phone Numbers

Bailly (BGS) Internal Phone: 5311 Cell: 219-787-7311

Michigan City (MCGS) Internal Phone: 5311 Cell: 219-873-7311

Schahfer (RMSGS) Internal Phone: 5311 Cell: 219-956-5311

Sugar Creek (SCGS) Internal Phone: 2150 Cell: 812-538-2150

A2.4.2 Emergency Alarms – Evacuation

BGS, MCGS, & RMSGS Steady Siren followed by Announcement

SCGS Repeating Siren followed by Announcement

A2.4.3 Emergency Alarms – Fire

BGS, MCGS, & RMSGS High-Low Siren followed by Announcement

SCGS Repeating Siren followed by Announcement

A2.4.4 Primary Evacuation Assembly Points

BGS Main Employee Parking Lot south of plant

MCGS Main Employee Parking Lot south of plant

RMSGS Main Employee Parking Lot north of plant

SCGS Administration Building Lobby



NOTE: Always report to the primary assembly point unless it is unsafe to do so or you have been instructed

otherwise. Primary and Secondary assembly points shall be discussed with your Project Representative and

agreed upon prior to start of work. During any evacuation or medical emergency please refrain from using

any elevators. Personnel shall utilize stairwells to evacuate facilities.

A2.4.5 Severe weather alerts will be announced over the Station PA system. Assembly points are as

follows:

Bailly

Basement Southwest Corner Basement Safe Hallways (old side)

1st Floor Interior Hallway Basement of Coal Handling Dumper Feeders

Michigan City

Unit 12 Safe Areas (Control Room, Sentry Room, and Basement SW corner)

Old Side Safe Areas (East and West ends of basement) Coal Handling Area (Shower Room, Basement of Dumper Feeders, Reclaim Hopper

Area)

Schahfer

1st Floor (Offices, Restrooms, & Interior Halls)

Control Rooms located on Turbine Floor

All areas below ground Sugar Creek

Control Room

Maintenance Shop

A3. GENERATING STATION SAFETY RULES

A3.1 GENERATION STATION HOLD CARD

A3.1.1 The Contractor shall comply with the restrictions and prohibitions of the NIPSCO Hold Card

procedure.

A3.1.2 It will be a NIPSCO Project Representative’s responsibility to provide a copy of this procedure to

the Contractor site representative with an explanation of the primary documents in this procedure.

A3.1.3 The Contractor shall convey to their personnel the meaning of the Hold Card, why it is placed on

equipment and, if requested by NIPSCO, provide documentation that this has occurred.

A3.1.4 Operation of energy-isolating components to bring equipment to zero energy condition and return

it to operating status will be the responsibility of NIPSCO Control Authority personnel.

A3.1.5 This procedure will allow a contractor the option of installing a Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) device in

conjunction with the application of General Order C-01. However, the NIPSCO Hold Card shall

be the first on and last off.

A3.1.6 A NIPSCO Project Representative shall coordinate Hold Card activities under this procedure with

the Contractor as follows:

The NIPSCO Project Representative shall apply for and be issued a Hold in accordance with

Section VI. A of General Order C-01, “To Hold Equipment”;

The NIPSCO Project Representative shall review the Hold Card Compartment Summary with

the Contractor Representative to ensure there is a shared understanding of the Work scope and

isolation zone;

The Contractor Representative shall sign onto the Work permit with his company name,

printed name, signature, date and time;



NOTE: When a Contractor worker is signed on to a Work permit then permanently leaves the Work Site and fails

to sign off, the Contractor Representative at the Control Authority’s approval shall make a reasonable effort to

contact the contractor worker prior to signing in the “Sign Off Signature” space of the Work permit for the absent

Contractor worker when the Work is complete using his own name, date and time.

The NIPSCO Project Representative shall provide a copy of his initialed Hold Card

Component Summary marked “Contractor Copy” and a CONTRACTOR SIGN ON/OFF

FORM, with the number “1” entered in the “Form #” space, to the Contractor Representative;

NOTE: If an additional CONTRACTOR SIGN ON/OFF FORM is needed by a Contractor Representative, it shall

be issued by the NIPSCO Project Representative. The number of the additional form issued shall be entered on the

front of the CONTRACTOR SIGN ON/OFF FORM in the “Form #” space starting with the number “2” for the

second form issued. The total number of forms issued will be entered on each form when the Work is complete, e.g.

1 of 3, 2 of 3, etc. Blank copies of the form shall not be made by the Contractor.

The Contractor Representative, when signed on to the Work permit, shall monitor the Work

of his personnel and shall maintain a CONTRACTOR SIGN ON/OFF FORM;

When testing is required, the Contractor Representative shall notify all personnel signed on

the CONTRACTOR SIGN ON/OFF FORM prior to the start of the test and upon completion

of the test. This notification shall be documented in the “Test Notification” section on the

front of the CONTRACTOR SIGN ON/OFF FORM. All personnel who may be affected by

the test shall leave the Work area and sign off the Contractor sign on/off form;

Prior to the test, the Contractor Representative shall present the Contractor Sign On/Off form

to the NIPSCO Project Representative for review, verifying that the test notification has taken

place with all contractor personnel and that the affected contract worker has signed off; and

When Work is complete, the Contractor Representative shall provide the NIPSCO Project

Representative with the CONTRACTOR SIGN ON/OFF FORM(s) showing that all

contractor personnel are signed off prior to signing off the Work permit.

A3.2 CONFINED SPACE

A3.2.1 Contractors accompanied by their Project Representative shall sign in with NIPSCO Operations

Supervisor on the confined space log located in the Generation Station control room prior to

allowing any access to a confined space. Once Work is complete the Contractor shall inform the

Operations Supervisor and sign off the confined space log.

A3.2.2 All openings to the confined space shall have confined space tape across it that is not being used

for entry.

A3.2.3 Contractors shall receive from your NIPSCO Project Representative a copy of the online confined

space evaluation form to help aid the evaluation of hazards posed to the confined space. All entry

points shall have the NIPSCO Online Evaluation and the Contractor’s Confined Space Entry

Permit near the entryway.

A3.2.4 Contractor shall provide a copy of the completed Confined Space Permit to the Shift Supervisor in

the Generation Station control room once the permit has been closed out.

A3.3 HOT WORK PERMITS

A3.3.1 Permits are required for any Hot Work. A copy of the permit can be referenced in Appendix D.

A3.3.2 Hot Work permits shall be completed by the NIPSCO Project Representative and the Contractor

Hot Work Supervisor and posted at the Work Site where the Work is being performed and prior to

the Hot Work beginning.



A3.3.3 Permit durations shall be coordinated by the NIPSCO Project Representative. The longest duration

a NIPSCO Project Representative can select is seven (7) days. If the permit is valid longer than

one (1) Work Shift this shall require the Contractor Hot Work Supervisor to revalidate that no

changes have occurred and sign off the permit daily.

A3.3.4 A NIPSCO Project Representative shall have the sole discretion of determining whether a Hot

Work Permit will be valid for one (1) shift or up to seven (7) days. If the permit is designated for

only one (1) work shift, the Contractor shall be required to provide a dedicated fire watch. A

dedicated fire watch shall have no other duties but to inspect, patrol, and prevent or minimize

damage at a work site related to Hot Work operations.

A3.3.5 Contractors shall assign trained personnel to perform fire watch duties in accordance with the Hot

Work permit. Fire watch shall maintain their duties for 30 minutes after all Hot Work activity has

ceased. This duty shall be required during any lunch or rest period as well.

A3.3.6 Contractors shall provide their own firefighting equipment as needed for the extent of their work.

A3.4 RADIATION SOURCES

At all NIPSCO Generation Stations, Cesium 137 a type of radioactive isotope is permanently mounted in

nuclear gauging device systems. Cesium 137 (Cs-137) is used under the regulation of the Nuclear

Regulatory Commission (NRC). These isotopes are used to detect plugged coal chutes or ash levels in

hoppers. The Gauge holder is equipped with an on/off lever, which when in the off position, prevents the

radiation beam from leaving the Gauge holder. However, whether the device is on or off, there is always

some “scatter” radiation present around the Gauge. This scatter radiation is at such low levels at the surface

of the device that it is nearly impossible to exceed NRC radiation dose limits. Each nuclear gauging device

is labeled with the standard radiation symbol of a purple, magenta, or black three-bladed design on yellow

background.

A3.4.1 All such activities shall be coordinated with the NIPSCO Project Representative so as to ensure all

personnel at the Generation Station know where and when the sources will be used. A radiation

tailgate shall be performed by NIPSCO / Contractor prior to Contractor commencement of Work.

A3.4.2 Contractors may self-perform the radiation tailgate provided a representative of the Contractor has

completed the Radiation Gauge User program. If there is no Gauge User available within the

Contractor to present the Radiation tailgate, arrangements shall be made with your NIPSCO

Project Representative.

A3.4.3 If you should come across a damaged nuclear gauge, you shall leave the area and contact your

NIPSCO Project Representative immediately.

A3.5 FLUE GAS

A primary component of the combustion of coal is sulfur dioxide (SO2), a gas that can present hazards to

personnel. In addition, carbon monoxide may also be present. In order to guard Contractor personnel from

the hazards of flue gas, the following shall be implemented for Work in areas in which a flue gas leak

could occur:

A3.5.1 Contractors performing Work in and around areas of known or suspected flue gas leaks shall carry

with them a suitable but calibrated and maintained gas monitor capable of providing instantaneous

readings of SO2 and CO.

If a meter is not available, contact a NIPSCO supervisor so one can be provided for you.



A3.5.2 If SO2 concentrations are greater than (>) 5 ppm but less than (<) 20 ppm, Contractors shall wear

an air-purifying respirator (APR) with the appropriate cartridges (OV/AG/P) to work in the area.

A3.5.2.1 The instantaneous monitor be calibrated to sound a constant alarm when levels of SO2

are 5 ppm and/or CO readings are 50 ppm.

A3.5.2.2 The IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health) value for SO2 is 100 ppm and the

OSHA PEL (TWA for 8 hours) is 5 ppm.

A3.5.2.3 The IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health) value for CO is 1200 ppm and

the OSHA PEL (TWA for 8 hours) is 50 ppm.

A3.5.3 Contractors discovering areas of SO2 concentrations that are greater than 20 ppm and/or CO

readings of 50 ppm shall stop Work immediately and notify their NIPSCO Project Representative.

Prior to returning to Work, the following shall be coordinated:

These areas shall be promptly marked with appropriate warning signs; and

Access to these areas shall be restricted.

A3.5.4 If SO2 concentrations are 20 ppm or greater and/or CO concentrations are greater than 50 ppm,

Contractors shall wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to enter the area.

A3.5.4.1 If a Contractor is to enter this atmosphere, an additional person shall be located outside

of the flue gas atmosphere to monitor the entrant’s condition.

A3.5.4.2 The person outside the atmosphere shall be trained and equipped for retrieval and

rescue should the entrant’s respirator fail or other emergency occurs. A third party

rescue team may be used for meeting this requirement.

A3.5.5 Contractors who perform Work in and around areas of known or suspected flue gas leaks shall be

trained on Hazard Communication, including the hazards of flue gas, recognizing the presence of

flue gas, the signs and symptoms of over exposure to flue gas and in the proper use of an

instantaneous gas monitor.

A3.5.6 Contractors directly performing Work in flue gas areas shall receive job-specific training as part of

their daily pre-job briefing.

A3.6 INORGANIC ARSENIC

A3.6.1 Contractors who perform Work in the gas path of the boiler, from the generator to the stack, shall

test for inorganic arsenic that is contained in the fly ash. The inorganic arsenic can also be released

from the internal metals during Hot Work procedures. Contractors shall take the necessary

precautions to prevent exposures in excess of OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 10

micrograms per cubic meter of air.

A3.6.2 Contractors shall provide air sampling data showing exposure limits for the activity are below

OSHA’s Action Limit (AL) of 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air or Respirators equipped with

HEPA filters shall be required.

A3.6.3 If respirators are required to be worn they shall be in accordance with the Contractor’s Respiratory

Protection written program.

A3.6.4 Where there is reason to believe that air monitoring levels shall exceed the PEL, Contractors shall

be required to regulate the Work Site. For additional guidance on regulated areas see General

Safety Rules section 4.25 of this Manual.



A3.7 BLASTING

A3.7.1 Prior to any blasting, the Contractor shall coordinate with the NIPSCO Project Representative to

ensure known scope and to ensure areas are available for blasting.

A3.7.2 Blasting areas shall be barricaded and manned by the blasting Contractor to keep individuals from

entering the blasting area.

A3.7.3 Blasting notification notices shall be posted in all elevators and at all entry points. Production

shall be notified prior to blasting.

A3.7.4 An audible alarm or warning shall be sounded to warn of the impending blast and to signal an all

clear after the blast by NIPSCO Production.

A3.7.5 Explosives shall not be stored at the Work Site without prior written approval from NIPSCO

Generation Station management.

A4. COAL HANDLING

A4.1 ELECTRICAL CLASSIFICATION

A4.1.1 Because of the presence of combustible coal dust, NIPSCO's Generation Station coal handling

systems are designated Class II, Division 2 hazardous locations as defined by the National Fire

Protection Association (NFPA) in NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code (NEC). The only

exceptions to this are open conveyors and electrical equipment rooms.

A4.1.2 All electrical equipment used in these locations shall be compliant with Class II, Division 2

specifications.

A4.2 COAL TRAINS/COAL CARS

A4.2.1 Contractors shall not walk on train tracks.

A4.2.2 Contractors, personnel, and/or visitors shall cross at existing designated pedestrian rail crossings

where provided. Additionally, vehicle crossings are not intended as pedestrian crossings unless

they are so identified and/or located, and no other pedestrian crossings exist in the area.

A4.2.3 Contractors shall follow these general procedures for crossing railroad tracks if a designated rail

crossing is not available:

Do not cross within 10 feet of the end of a parked rail car;

Do not cross between uncoupled cars;

Stop, Look, and Listen prior to proceeding across the tracks; and

Never step on the rails as they may be slippery.

A4.2.4 Contractors shall not cross a railroad track immediately in front of a moving car or locomotive,

nor pass between ends of closely set uncoupled cars.

A4.2.5 Contractors shall not crawl, inspect or work beneath cars or locomotives before necessary safety

precautions are taken, such as blocking the wheels in both directions and placing flags at each end

so as to be visible in all directions.

A4.2.6 Contractors shall never attempt climb over moving rail equipment or to cross in front of moving

equipment.



A4.2.7 Prior to performing any Work within six feet of any railroad track, permission shall be obtained

from the NIPSCO Project Representative before Work may proceed to ensure adequate provisions

are in place to protect Contractors from incident/injury.

A4.2.8 Contractors performing Work on or near (within 15 feet) operating railroad equipment shall wear

ANSI Class 3 high visibility clothing.

APPENDIX B: ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION

Contractor HSE Manual –February 2018 Appendix B – Page 1

The following rules are in addition to all previous rules set forth in this HSE Manual. These additional rules are specifically

for any Work performed on NIPSCO’s Electrical Transmission and Distribution facilities. All Contractors are required to

follow and abide by the contents within this appendix as well as all applicable federal, state, and local safety and health laws

and regulations.

B1. ELECTRIC SAFETY RULES

B1.1 GENERAL

NIPSCO’s distribution voltages operate at 12kV (12470-7200) and 4kV (4160-2400). NIPSCO’s

transmission voltages operate at 34kV, 69kV, 138kV, 345kV and 765 kV.

B1.1.1 Contractor shall not perform any Work on energized lines, facilities, or equipment without

thoroughly understanding the Work, including: the hazards, procedures, equipment, PPE,

insulating material, and required tools.

B1.1.2 Contractor apprentice personnel shall not Work alone on energized equipment or conductors

unless under the continuous supervision of a Journeyman Qualified Person.

B1.1.3 Contractors shall ensure their personnel have been trained and knowledgeable in accordance with

OSHA regulations on safety procedures and other safety job assignments for Qualified Persons to

perform Work near or on energized electrical circuits.

B1.1.4 Contractors shall conduct a (daily) Job Briefing prior to starting work. The Job Briefing shall

document the daily work scope; identifies hazards associated with the job; work procedures

required; special precautions; energy source controls and personal protective equipment.

B1.1.4.1 In addition to the above, a Job Briefing shall include: identification of NiSource Life

Saving Rules pertaining to the work scope; emergency medical information, the work

site address; the circuit (if applicable) being worked on; critical tasks and methods to

mitigate hazards are identified and Stop Work Authority was discussed and documented.

B.1.1.4.2 A new (or revised) Job Briefing shall be conducted if the work scope changes.

B1.1.5 Gloves, sleeves, blankets, line tools and protective grounds shall be tested/inspected at the

appropriate intervals.

B1.1.6 Ground personnel shall maintain a safe distance from any “Drop Zone” area when work is being

done aloft.

B1.1.7 Wood poles shall be tested prior to climbing. Diamond tagged poles shall not be climbed.

B1.1.8 A fall restricting device shall be used when climbing wood poles. No free climbing of poles or

towers are allowed. Fall protection/restricting devices shall be used.

B1.1.9 Proper PPE and appropriate insulating cover is used when setting, removing or moving poles.

B1.1.10 Containment bags shall be used to transport leaking transformers.

B1.1.11 Hand lines shall be used to raise / lower materials or supplies when working aloft.

B1.1.12 Rubber gloves, sleeves and blankets shall be stored properly when not in use.



B1.2 MINIMUM APPROACH DISTANCE (MAD)

B1.2.1 Contractors shall ensure their personnel understand the Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) as

it pertains to their Work when performing Work near or on energized conductors or equipment.

B1.2.2 When Contractors are required to encroach, reach, or take any conductive object (extended reach)

within the Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) from any energized conductor or equipment, the

employee shall be properly protected with Personal Insulating Protective Equipment (PIPE) and/or

Insulating Protective Equipment i.e., class appropriate rubber hoses, mats, etc. (Refer to Table A

below for approach distances)

B1.2.3 When performing Work on energized conductors over 50V, Contractors shall wear the appropriate

Personal Insulating Protective Equipment (PIPE). NIPSCO requires minimum Class 0 gloves from

50V to 650V and from 650V to 15kV minimum Class 2 gloves and sleeves are required. Contractors

shall put on appropriate PIPE prior to entering the Minimum Approach Distance (MAD).

B1.2.4 Contractors shall wear minimum Class 2 gloves and sleeves whenever they are within five (5) feet

(extended reach) of energized overhead primary conductors.

B1.2.5 Contractors shall install class appropriate Insulating Protective Equipment when there could be:

Contact between energized parts and any un-insulated portion of the body;

Contact with any other conductive material that places the body at a different electrical

potential than the energized part; and

Contact between energized parts and un-insulated equipment.

B1.2.6 Contractors who are not qualified electrical workers shall not encroach, reach, or take any

conductive object within the approach distances of the table listed within Table B, from any

exposed, energized conductor or equipment. This includes a crane, vehicle, or mechanical

equipment. Note: If a crane is involved the distances change and non-qualified electrical workers

shall maintain the Minimum Clearance Distance listed in Table B.

TABLE A: MAD FOR QUALIFIED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL FROM UNCOVERED

CONDUCTORS, PHASES, OR EQUIPMENT

Voltages Between Phases Phase to Ground Exposure Phase to Phase Exposure

50 – 300 V Avoid Contact Avoid Contact

301 – 750 V 1 ft. 2 in. 1 ft. 2 in.

2 – 15 kV 2 ft. 2 in. 2 ft. 3 in.

34 kV 2 ft. 7 in. 3 ft. 0 in.

69 kV 3 ft. 4 in. 4 ft. 0 in.

138 kV 3 ft. 7 in. 4 ft. 11 in.

345 kV 8 ft. 6 in. 12 ft. 6 in.

765 kV 14 ft. 11 in. 26 ft.



TABLE B: NON QUALIFIED ELECTRICAL WORKERS - MINIMUM CLEARANCE DISTANCES

Voltage

(nominal, kV, alternating current)

Minimum clearance distance (feet)

up to 50

over 50 to 200

over 200 to 350

over 350 to 500

over 500 to 750

over 750 to 1,000

over 1,000

10

15 20

25

35

45

(As established by the utility owner/operator or registered

professional engineer who is a qualified person with respect to

electrical power transmission and distribution).

NOTE: The value that follows "to" is up to and includes that value. For example, over 50 to 200 means up to and

including 200kV.

B1.3 QUALIFIED OBSERVER

B1.3.1 Contractors shall utilize a Qualified Observer whenever a Critical Task is performed. The

following are examples of Critical Tasks:

Any Work where personnel are performing Work aloft on or near energized conductors

and/or equipment above 600V using the Rubber Glove Method within the Minimum

Approach Distance. Additionally, when Contractors are performing separate tasks an

additional Qualified Observer shall be utilized to view each activity independently;

Setting a pole next to energized conductors within the Minimum Approach Distance; and

Any other task determined by the supervisor and/or NIPSCO Project Representative during

the pre-job briefing.

B1.3.2 The following are examples of Non Critical Tasks:

Routine circuit switching, if the employer can demonstrate that conditions at the Work Site

allow this Work to be performed safely;

Work performed with live-line tools if the employee is neither within reach of nor exposed to

contact with energized parts; and

Emergency repairs to the extent necessary to safeguard the general public.

B1.3.3 The duties of the Qualified Observer are as follows:

Qualified Observer must be a Qualified Electrical worker capable of identifying hazards

associated with the task as well as trained and capable of performing rescue and first aid

services;

Maintains line of site and communication with the employee who is performing Work within

the Minimum Approach Distance;

Alerts their co-worker to possible hazards, such as inadvertent contact with energized or

grounded equipment, loss of control of tools or equipment, and other inherent risks of

energized Work;

Does not perform Work on energized equipment, or enter into the Minimum Approach Distance;

Suspends energized Work within the Minimum Approach Distance if an unsafe condition is

observed; and

Shall hold no other duties while performing the role of a Qualified Observer.



B1.4 CLEARANCES & HOLD CARDS

B1.4.1 Work shall not be performed on lines and equipment under the jurisdiction of NIPSCO’s Electric

System Southlake Dispatch Center until a Clearance or De-Energize and Hold open is obtained

from the dispatcher. For all electrical utilities and equipment west of SR 421 are to call 219-647-

6253 to speak with the dispatcher. For all electrical utilities and equipment east of SR 421 are to

call 219-647-6250 to speak with the dispatcher.

B1.4.2 Work on lines and equipment not under the jurisdiction of NIPSCO’s Electric System Southlake

Dispatch Center shall be performed in accordance with General Order #8 Hold card procedure.

(Lock out tag out.)

B1.4.3 Contractors shall not take any clearance or pull a hold card unless they have been properly trained

by NIPSCO on Clearances and Hold Card procedures.

B1.4.4 Contractors who have not been trained and approved in Clearances and Hold Card procedures

shall rely on qualified NIPSCO Project Representatives to take clearance and perform hold card

procedures.

B1.5 LIVE LINE WORK

B1.5.1 Contractors shall ensure working conditions are safe before starting live line Work. This includes

maintaining Minimum Approach Distance from all primary phase conductors to neutral, grounds,

or other grounded equipment.

B1.5.2 Contractors shall inspect live line tools before and after each use. Contractors shall ensure

inspections are current and no defects are noted. If any defects are found the tool shall be removed

from service immediately.

B1.5.3 Whenever live line Work is in progress, all other Work on a structure or pole shall be stopped.

B1.5.4 Contractors shall never perform Work on more than one conductor at a time from a Work location

when using live line tools.

B1.6 SUBSTATION

B1.6.1 Contractors reporting to or performing Work at any existing substation shall notify the Substation

Area Office/Supervisor upon arrival.

B1.6.2 Any contractor shall be trained and qualified in the NIPSCO Substation Entry policy prior to

entering a substation unless accompanied by a qualified escort.

Escorts shall remain with non-qualified entrants at all times; and

Escorts shall be responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance to the NIPSCO Substation

Entry Policy of non-qualified entrants when performing their work inside an energized

substation.

B1.6.3 Contractors performing any Work inside the substation shall wear Arc Rated clothing, Hard Hats,

and Safety Glasses, in addition to the required PPE for their task. The following exceptions to

ARC Rated clothing shall apply:

Escorted non company delivery personnel;

Emergency medical first responders; and

Those entrants shall wear Tyvek or similar suits while working inside of de-energized large

transformers, large breakers or similar equipment.



B 1.6.4 If work is to be performed greater than 15 feet from an energized piece of equipment. The

following thee conditions must be satisfied for an ARC Rated clothing exception:

The de-energized work zone must be clearly barricaded and signage applied at the entrance /

exit of the de-energized barricaded work area stating that ARC Rated clothing is required

inside of the energized work zone;

The supervisor and working foremen are in agreement with the boundaries; and

The ARC Rated clothing exception must be clearly documented on the job briefing form.

Relay Houses can be deemed as an exception by placing a sign on the inside of the door stating

that ARC Rated clothing is required upon exiting that building, and having it documented on

the pre-job briefing form.

No exceptions will be made in any cases when work will be performed on energized equipment

if the use of low or high voltage gloves is required.

B1.6.5 Any electrical equipment or security concerns discovered at any Substation are to be reported to

the Electric System Southlake Dispatch Center. Substations west of SR 421 are to call 219-647-

6253. All Substations east of SR 421 are to call 219-647-6250 to report Substation electric

abnormalities.

B1.6.6 Contractors are required to contact their NIPSCO Project Representative prior to performing Work

to ensure equipment has been properly isolated and/or secured.

B1.6.7 Substation security standards require that all Substation gates be closed and locked behind those

entering and exiting the Substation unless there is an attendant stationed at the gate. Relay houses

are not to be entered unless specifically authorized to do so.

B1.6.8 Contractors entering existing Substations are required to keep a log indicating the time entered

and the purpose for being there.

B1.6.9 All buildings inside Substations are non-smoking facilities as station batteries are used within and

are a potential explosion hazard.

B1.6.10 Only approved non-conductive barricade tape or rope shall be used inside a substation to create

any soft barricade.

B1.7 UNDERGROUND LINES AND EQUIPMENT

B1.7.1 Protecting the Public

B1.7.1.1 Energized equipment accessible to the public shall be closed and locked when

unattended.

B1.7.1.2 The Public shall be kept out of the work area. Suitable protection (i.e., an employee,

barricade, warning signs, etc.) shall be stationed alongside sidewalks or streets to warn

pedestrians of temporary hazards during operations.

B1.7.1.3 Before opening any energized enclosure all unauthorized and unprotected personnel

shall leave the work area or be five (5) feet or more away.

Minimum 5 feet away from unprotected

enclosure



B1.7.2 Protective Equipment

B1.7.2.1 When opening any enclosure, (i.e., a pad mount transformer, service pedestal, etc.,) a

minimum 4 Cal Arc Rated faceshield, FR clothes and the appropriate designated class

of rubber gloves shall be worn.

B1.7.2.2 The appropriate designated class of rubber gloves shall be worn when working on or

within an extended reach (5 feet) of any unprotected energized conductor or piece of

equipment.

B1.7.2.3 When work is performed on a de-energized cable in a primary compartment, all

energized equipment shall be covered with approved protective equipment.

B1.7.2.4 When removing animals, vines, weeds or any other vegetation that has grown into an

energized URD installation, whether the equipment is opened or closed, the appropriate

designated class of rubber gloves shall be worn.

B1.7.2.5 A minimum 4 Cal ARC Rated faceshields, FR clothes and the appropriate designated

class of rubber gloves shall be worn when energized primary cables are moved or

handled.

B1.7.2.6 A minimum 4 Cal ARC Rated faceshields, FR clothes and the appropriate designated

class of rubber gloves shall be worn and approved line tools utilized when performing

any testing, switching, discharging and grounding operations. Effective 3-way

communication shall be used prior to performing any switching operations

B1.7.3 Pulling URD Conduit & Cables

B1.7.3.1 Effective 3-way communication shall be used prior to pulling rope or cable.

B1.7.3.2 All workers shall stand out of the line of fire during pulling operations while the line is

under tension.

B1.7.3.3 Workers shall not handle cable or rope within reaching distance of blocks, sheaves,

winch drums or take up reels.

B1.8 OVERHEAD LINES: STRINGING/ REMOVING OPERATIONS

B1.8.1 The Contractor shall provide sufficient means and methods to prevent property damage, public

exposure or employee injury during the stringing/removal operations.

B1.8.2 All overhead electrical conductors crossed shall be assessed for protection.

B1.8.3 Wire being strung or removed shall be prevented from falling onto, or becoming entangled with any

conductors, vehicles, roads, highways, railroad tracks, walkways, pedestrians or any other public

routes.

B1.8.4 Proper barriers and/or protective structure shall be used during the stringing and retrieval of any

overhead conductor.

B1.8.5 Appropriate PPE shall be worn when handling rope or conductors.

B1.8.6 When operating the tensioner and puller, personnel shall be isolated by matting if a platform is not

provided.


B1.9 FORESTRY OPERATIONS

B1.9.1 Contractors shall be knowledgeable of the nominal voltage of energized lines prior to performing

any Work.

B1.9.2 Contractors shall raise and lower tools by non-conductive hand lines in such a way as to avoid

touching energized conductors.

B1.9.3 Contractors shall make necessary precautions prior to cutting down a tree to prevent limbs from

falling and striking electric conductors. Clean and dry ropes shall be used to control the direction

of falling limbs or trees to control the direction of the fall when necessary.

B1.9.4 Contractors shall ensure all personnel and/or public pedestrians are cleared from the area of falling

limbs or trees prior to being dropped.

B1.9.5 Contractors shall not use axes when performing Work aloft.

B1.9.6 Line-clearance tree trimmers shall utilize Table A, in section B1.2.2 of this Appendix in

determining and maintaining the appropriate Minimum Approach Distance when necessary,

provided they are trained as Qualified Electrical Personnel. If Non-Qualified Electrical personnel

are utilized than Table B, in section B1.2.6 of this Appendix shall be followed.

B1.9.7 Contractors shall cut and remove branches that are contacting exposed energized conductors

through the use of insulating equipment.

Contractor HSE Manual February 2018 Appendix C - Page 1


The following rules are in addition to all previous rules set forth in this HSE Manual. These additional rules are specifically

for any Work performed within NiSource’s Gas Distribution facilities. All Contractors are required to follow and abide by

the contents within this appendix as well as all applicable NiSource Gas Standards, or any applicable federal, state, and local

safety and health laws and regulations.

C1. CONTRACTOR OPERATOR QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

All NiSource Contractors* who will perform any DOT Operator Qualification (OQ) Covered Task, as defined by 49

CFR, Part 192, Subpart N on any NiSource facility, shall provide and maintain a written plan identifying its DOT

Operator Qualification Program that meets the requirements of 49 CFR, Part 192, Subpart N and Owner’s approval.

Failure to meet or adhere to these requirements may cause Work to be stopped immediately and the Contract

Documents to be suspended. All terms capitalized herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meaning set forth

in the NiSource OQ Program Document.

C1.1 NISOURCE CONTACTS

C1.1.1 NiSource OQ Program Administrators

[email protected]

[email protected]

C1.1.2 NIPSCO Area Supervisor Field Services Gas

[email protected]

C2. GAS SAFETY RULES

C2.1 DRILLING, STOPPING, AND TAPPING

C2.1.1 Work on gas facilities shall incorporate procedures to shut off the escape of gas. No portion of a

pipeline, service, or main shall be cut under pressure, unless the flow of gas is shut off by the use

of line valves, line plugging equipment, stoppers, or pipe squeezers.

C2.1.2 All tools for squeezing and cutting plastic pipe shall be grounded.

C2.1.3 Only an “Operator Qualified” employee shall install, operate, and remove tapping and stopping

equipment.

C2.1.4 When an employee(s) use tapping or stopping equipment in an excavation, there shall be an

employee closely observing from outside of the excavation for the purpose of fire watch.

C2.1.5 Drilling, stopping and tapping machines shall not be used in manholes, pits, vaults, tunnels and

similar places that cannot be ventilated.

C2.1.6 Tapping fittings and equipment shall have a pressure rating equal to or greater than that of the

operating pressure of the pipe.

C2.2 MANHOLES, VAULTS, & PITS

C2.2.1 Contractors shall test the air for oxygen levels, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide and a

flammable/ hazardous atmospheres prior to entering any manhole, vault, or pit. If a hazardous

atmosphere is found, the NiSource Project Representative shall be immediately notified and entry

shall not take place until proper precautions are taken.

C2.2.2 At a minimum, at least one fifteen pound ABC fire extinguisher shall be available at the entrance

to all manholes where Work is taking place.

mailto:[email protected]





C2.2.3 A ladder shall be used for entry and egress in all manholes, pits, and vaults in excess of four (4) feet.

C2.2.4 Manholes shall be barricaded and protected to prevent accidental entry.

C2.2.5 Sewer manholes shall be treated as a permit required confined space.

C2.3 PIGGING

C2.3.1 When a pig is being pushed with air, the air pressure shall be monitored with a gauge to prevent an

uncontrolled release of the pig. A pig-catching device (trap) shall be used.

C2.3.2 While mains are being pigged, personnel shall keep hands and tools out of the trap and shall keep

clear of the area to avoid being struck by any materials leaving the trap.

C2.4 JOINT TRENCH INSTALLATIONS

C2.4.1 Power tools, such as an air hammer or rotary drill, shall not be used where there is a possibility of

contacting an energized electric cable.

C2.4.2 Whenever Work is performed in a joint trench or bell hole and the cable is not exposed, the Work

area on the bottom of the excavation shall be covered with an approved insulating barrier.

C2.4.3 Whenever an energized electrical underground cable is exposed in the Work area of a joint trench

or a bell hole, approved insulating barriers shall be used and installed by a qualified electrical

person.

C2.4.4 If an energized electrical underground cable is exposed, the water table shall be below the surface

of the insulating barrier before starting Work on the gas main or service. Any contact with electric

cable shall be avoided.

C2.4.5 All probe rods, shovels, spades, and other hand digging equipment shall be insulated when

performing Work near energized electrical underground cables.

C2.5 PURGING MAINS OR SERVICES

C2.5.1 The purging of mains or services shall be done by an “Operator Qualified” employee.

C2.5.2 When performing Work in or near potentially flammable gases and vapors, all equipment, such as

lighting, communications (including cell phones and pagers) and tools, shall be intrinsically safe.

C2.5.3 Contractors shall place a fire extinguisher upwind at each activated vent point.

C2.5.4 Smoking and all open flames are prohibited within 35 feet of where flammable gas is being

purged or vented.

C2.5.5 All vehicles and equipment in the area shall be shut off while the natural gas is being vented.

C2.6 HOT WORK OPERATIONS

C2.6.1 Hot work shall be authorized by the competent person on site for cutting and welding operations

on the site or project. Hot work is any kind of work involving electric or gas welding, cutting,

brazing, burning, or grinding activity that involves or generates sparks or open flames.



C2.6.2 Before cutting, welding or hot work is permitted, the area shall be inspected by the individual

responsible for authorizing cutting and welding operations. The atmosphere in the work area shall

be verified as non-hazardous. When hot work must be conducted in an area that is not designated

or designed for hot work operations, permission shall be documented by a competent person on

site in the form of a written permit.

C2.6.3 The required restrictions for a Hot Work Permit include verifying that:

Excavations shall be tested to determine if a hazardous atmosphere exist at sufficient locations

to assure safety prior to first time entry and conducted as often as necessary to ensure the

atmosphere remains safe. If at any time the atmosphere becomes hazardous, exit the

excavation, and re-evaluate the situation to determine if the hazard can be eliminated.

The atmosphere must be tested continuously to assure there is no accumulation of hazardous

vapors.

If any level of LEL is detected, stop work, locate the source and take action to assure

that conditions will not exceed 10% of the LEL. Continuous monitoring is required.

C2.6.4 All cutting and welding equipment shall be inspected to ensure it is in good repair. When present,

it will be verified that automatic sprinkler systems are in service.

C2.6.5 All combustible materials, flammable liquids and possible sources of ignition shall be kept at least

35 feet away from the work area, except as may be required in the performance of the work.

C2.6.6 A fire watch consisting of an attentive attendant shall be provided during and 30 minutes after the

hot work operations. The fire watch attendant shall be properly trained in use of the equipment

and sounding an alarm.

C2.6.7 The competent person shall have the sole discretion of determining free fire zones. These zones

are typically determined by the absence of potential fire hazards. Contractors shall follow normal

hot work precautions including a written permit and no fire watch is required.

C2.6.8 A final inspection of the area for sparks and heat shall be conducted 30 minutes after completion of

the hot work. The inspection should include floors above and below the work, opposite sides of

the walls and any adjacent enclosed areas. This inspection shall be documented on the written

permit by the competent person. This duty shall be required during any lunch or rest period as

well.

C2.6.9 Plastic pipe shall not be used as vent piping as the static charge built up during venting could

ignites the gas.

C2.6.10 Contractors shall take precaution when venting near overhead utility lines, building ventilation

systems, house soffits or overhangs, or other areas where gas accumulation may create a hazard.

C2.6.11 When an inert gas is used as the testing medium, it shall be vented to atmosphere through a pipe

extension at least 7 feet above the ground.

C2.6.12 Appropriate PPE shall be worn during purging operations and if purging includes any flammable

gas, flame resistant clothing shall be worn.

C2.7 PRESSURE TESTING

C2.7.1 All practical steps shall be taken to keep the public outside the testing area until the test is

completed. In addition, when a pipeline of 720 PSIG design or higher is being tested, these

precautions shall include monitoring road crossings and the pipeline “right-of-way” for pedestrian

congregation or activity.



C2.7.2 During the test, all personnel shall be kept clear of the piping while under pressure. Those

performing the test shall remain clear of valves, plugs, caps or fittings in the performance of

pressure testing in case of failure

C2.7.3 Testing against a temporary stopping device, such as “Mueller” plug, “T.D. Williamson” stopple,

or bag, is prohibited. Testing against a main line valve without a blind installed is also prohibited.

C2.7.4 It is always recommended to backfill trenches as much as possible prior to testing.

C2.7.5 The tested system shall be depressurized through a valve before any fittings are loosened or

removed. Contractors shall stay out of the line of fire as the pressure is being relieved.

C2.7.6 Personnel operating the valve to relieve the pressure shall wear appropriate ear protection. All

other personnel shall be removed or provided the same level of PPE.

C2.7.7 Compression fittings shall not be used on steel mains for test purposes.

C2.7.8 Contractors shall not test against pipe squeezers under any conditions.

C2.8 THERMITE WELDING

C2.8.1 Metal surfaces and mold shall be kept dry to prevent splashing of molten metals.

C2.8.2 The mold shall be placed so that the molten metal does not spill on the employee and shall be held

in place mechanically.

C2.8.3 Approved goggles shall be used, gloves shall be worn and shirt sleeves shall be rolled down while

making a weld.

C2.8.4 An approved flint gun shall be used for igniting the starting powder.

C2.8.5 Workers shall ensure that the proper charge is used for the type of pipe being welded on.

C2.9 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

C2.9.1 Contractors shall wear the Class 3 rated high visibility garments during gas construction activities

as per state/local requirements.

Contractor HSE Manual February 2018 Appendix D - Page 1

APPENDIX D: FORMS

D1. GENERAL FORMS

1.1 CONTRACTOR INCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION FORM

1.2 CONTRACTOR VIOLATION NOTIFICATION FORM

1.3 SUBCONTRACTOR PRE-QUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE

1.4 NISOURCE HOT WORK PERMIT

[1]

□ Injury ☐ Incident w/o Injury

□ First Aid ☐ Near Miss

□ Recordable ☐ Property Damage

□ Lost Time ☐ Report Only

Contractor Incident Reporting and Investigation Form ☐ Restricted Case

Fill Out All Blocks. Be as specific as possible and include drawings, photos, additional narrative, as needed.

Station/Project Site: Project Name:

Contractor: Supervisor: Phone: Email:

Location of Incident: Date of Incident: Time of Incident: Date of Report: Time of Report:

Sub-Contractor involved? If yes, name and contact information:

If no injury, check box and skip this section.

□ No injury

Injured Employee’s Job Title: Employee's Length of Service with Company:

Employee's Years of Experience in Trade:

Employee's Craft Designation: Apprentice

Nature of Injury/Illness: □ Dislocation □ Heat Related Illness Treatment: Name & Address of Treating Dr. / Facility

□ Strain/Sprain □ Internal □ Other (Specify) □ First-Aid □ Fracture □ Burn/Scald □ E. R.

□ Laceration/Cut □ Foreign Body □ Dr.’s Office

□ Bruising □ Chemical Reaction □ Hospital Stay Remarks:

□ Scratch/Abrasion □ Allergic Reaction Body Part(s) Injured:

□ Amputation □ Concussion

List property / material damaged: Nature of damage:

Object / substance inflicting damage: Approximate cost:

Witnesses (name and contact information) Witness statement attached? Yes No

Describe what happened.

[2]

Contractor Name:

Contractor Incident Reporting and Investigation Form

Why did it happen? (Root Cause Analysis) (What was the root cause of the incident, i.e., actually caused the illness, injury, or incident?)

Unsafe Acts Unsafe Conditions Management System Deficiencies

□ Improper Work Technique □ Poor Workstation Design or Layout □ Lack of Written Procedures or Safety Rules

□ Improper PPE, Not Used or Used Incorrectly □ Fire or Explosion Hazard □ Safety Rules Not Enforced

□ Safety Rule Violation □ Congested Work Area □ Hazards Not Identified

□ Operating Without Authorization □ Hazardous Substances □ PPE Unavailable

□ Failure to Warn or Secure □ Inadequate Ventilation □ Insufficient Worker Training

□ Operating at Improper Speeds □ Improper Material Storage □ Insufficient Supervisor Training

□ By-Passing Safety Devices □ Improper Tool or Equipment □ Improper Maintenance

□ Guards Not Used □ Insufficient Job Knowledge □ Inadequate Supervision

□ Improper Loading or Placement □ Slippery Conditions □ Insufficient Job Planning

□ Improper Lifting □ Poor Housekeeping □ Inadequate Hiring Practices

□ Servicing or Adjusting Machinery in Motion □ Excessive Noise □ Poor Process Design

□ Horseplay □ Inadequate Guarding of Hazards □ Inadequate Workplace Inspections

□ Drug or Alcohol Use □ Defective Tools/Equipment □ Inadequate Equipment

□ Unsafe Act(s) of Others □ Insufficient Lighting □ Unsafe Design or Construction

□ Unnecessary Haste □ Inadequate Fall Protection □ Unrealistic Scheduling

□ Other: □ Other: □ Other:

List immediate actions taken.

JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS REVIEW

Was there a JSA that applies to the task being performed when the injury or incident occurred? ☐ Yes ☐ No If yes, review the JSA, answer the following questions, and attach a copy to this report. If no, please answer the following questions explaining what was missing in the JSA and attach a copy to this report.

Were hazards sufficiently identified? If not, please explain. ☐ Yes ☐ No

Were identified controls adequate and implemented? If not, please explain. ☐ Yes ☐ No

Were the identified controls not implemented? If not, please explain. ☐ Yes ☐ No

[3]

Contractor Name:

Describe incident/injury investigation results.

Determine the root cause using the "Five Whys" method.

What should be done to prevent a recurrence?

CORRECTIVE ACTIONS TRACKING

List action(s) that have or will be taken to prevent a recurrence.

Assigned To Whom Scheduled

Completion Date Actual Completion

Date

INVESTIGATION TEAM (Print and Sign)

Name Signature Title

cc: Attachments:

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

Contractor Violation Notification Form

To: Contractor/Subcontractor Rep. Job Site Location

From:

NiSource Project Representative Date

Non-compliance of certain contract specifications with NiSource contract policies and/or federal/national, state/provincial, or local regulations has been called to our attention. As a condition of the contract and regulations, you are required to maintain a safe work environment and to prevent unsafe actions of personnel.

This is a Contract Violation of:

Health and/or Safety Policies

Contract Policies and/or Procedures

Federal/National Requirements

State/Provincial Requirements

Local Requirements

Other

Describe the violation(s) in detail (attach additional pages if necessary): _ _

Describe the corrective action to be taken:

Cease operation(s) until corrected.

Initiate and complete corrective action by .

Train/instruct personnel.

Take appropriate disciplinary action.

Change procedures/work methods.

Mr./Ms. is banned from working at all NiSource facilities, projects, and/or sites until . Mr./Ms. is permanently banned from all NiSource facilities, projects, and/or sites. Your entire company is banned from working at all NiSource facilities, projects, and/or sites until . Other .

Signature/NPR Signature/Contractor Rep. Date

Contractor:

Subcontractor Pre-Qualification

Questionnaire

Date:

Address: City: State: Zip:

Type of Work: NAICS Code:

1. Do you have a written Safety Program? ☐ Yes ☐ No

1.2 If so, submit one copy of your Safety Manual.

2. Do you have a Safety Orientation for new Hires? ☐ Yes ☐ No

3. Using your OSHA 300 logs, please provide the following information for the past 3 years.

20_ 20_ 20_

Total manhours

Total number of OSHA recordable cases

Number of medical treatment only cases

Number of restricted workday cases

Number of lost workday cases

Number of fatalities

Interstate Experience Modification Rate (EMR)

Incident Rate – OSHA (TRIR)

Incident Rate – Days Away and Restricted Cases (DART)

Number of OSHA Inspections

Number of OSHA Citations

4. Do you have an accident/incident investigation and reporting policy? ☐ Yes ☐ No

4.1 If so, please attach the policy and the forms used.

5. Do you conduct and document safety training for your field supervisors? ☐ Yes ☐ No

Frequency:

6. Do you conduct and document “toolbox” safety meetings? ☐ Yes ☐ No

Frequency:

7. Do you conduct and document jobsite safety inspections? ☐ Yes ☐ No

Hot Work Evaluation/Permit

V1- 10/5/2017

Please note that this Permit must be filled out, signed, and on-site during Hot Work operations. This Hot Work Permit is required for any operation involving open flames or producing heat and/or sparks and must be completed by the Hot Work Supervisor or Job-Site Representative and approved by the NiSource Representative. Hot Work includes, but is not limited to: Brazing, Torch Cutting, Grinding, Soldering, and Welding.

LOCATION: CKY CMA CMD COH CPA CVA NIPSCO DATE:

REQUEST: The information on this permit has been evaluated, the site has been examined, and all safety measures are in place.

Department/Contractor: Hot Work Location: Description of Work being Performed:

Hot Work Supervisor / Job-Site Representative Printed Name:

Hot Work Supervisor / Job-Site Representative Signature:

CONDITIONS T F

1 Hot work performed in location where other than a minor fire may develop

2 Appreciable combustible material, in building construction or contents, closer than 35 feet to point of operation and cannot be removed or protected

3 Appreciable combustibles are more than 35 feet away, but easily ignited by sparks

4 Wall or floor openings present within a 35-foot radius with exposed combustible material in adjacent areas including concealed spaces in walls or floors that cannot be removed/protected.

5 Combustible materials are adjacent to the opposite side of metal partitions, walls or roofs and are likely to be ignited by conduction, radiant heat or spark transported by any other means (i.e. air mover).

6 Fire Protection Equipment (i.e. sprinklers, hose streams, fire extinguisher) is out of service or unavailable.

7 Potential for a flammable atmosphere exist. (Continuous air monitoring required)

PERMIT DURATION Check One

ONE (1) SHIFT PERMIT (DEDICATED FIRE WATCH REQUIRED) If ANY of the above questions are answered TRUE, the Permit shall have a duration of One (1) SHIFT. COMPLETE BOTH DEDICATED FIREWATCH AND HOT WORKS SUPERVISORS SECTIONS BELOW.

SEVEN (7) DAY PERMIT If ALL of the above questions are answered FALSE, the Permit shall have a duration of Seven (7) Days. COMPLETE ONLY HOT WORKS SUPERVISORS SECTION BELOW.

AUTHORIZATION

NiSource Representative Printed Name:

Approved Disapproved

NiSource Representative Signature: Date:

Dedicated Fire Watch Signature Time Fire Watch Started Time Fire Watch Finished

1.

2.

3.

4. Dedicated Fire Watch shall be present at all times during, and for Thirty (30) minutes after completion, of Hot Work with appropriate Fire Fighting Equipment. All contracted personnel shall provide their own Fire Fighting Equipment.

Hot Works Supervisor Signature Date Time Hot Work Started Time Hot Work Completed

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7. * If this Hot Work Permit is valid for more than one shift, the Hot Works Supervisor must sign off on this permit daily, verifying that the scope of work activities in the permitted area have not changed and that all agreed precautions and

procedures above are still valid.

Hot Work Evaluation/Permit

V1- 10/5/2017

Please note that this Permit must be filled out, signed, and on-site during Hot Work operations.

WARNING! HOT WORK IN PROGRESS

WATCH FOR FIRE!

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL

Emergency Services 911

Contractor Representative

NiSource Representative

LOCATION: Address or GPS

WARNING!

D2. GENERATION STATION FORMS

2.1 CONTRACTOR TRUCK UNLOADING FORM

2.2 GENERATION STATION CONTRACTOR JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS (JSA)

2.3 NIPSCO HOT WORK PERMIT

2.4 OPEN HOLE PERMIT

Contractor HSE Manual February 2018 Appendix D - Page 2

Contractor Truck Unloading Form

Complex Load? Yes No

1. Is the trailer on stable ground (to be unloaded)? Yes No

2. Is the load trailer in acceptable condition? (jacks, stanchions) Yes No

3. Is load in acceptable condition to begin unloading? Yes No

4. Is the cribbing in acceptable condition? Yes No

5. Has potential stored energy situation been eliminated? Yes No

6. If load is tiered, is it in an acceptable manner? Yes No

7. Has Potential slip/trip hazards been eliminated? i.e. #9 wire, loose banding,

oil, grease, holes in flooring etc. Yes No

If “NO” has been checked for any of the above questions action shall be

taken to mitigate, or eliminate the hazards before proceeding to off load

material.

Round material such as pipe shall have chocks and or stanchions in place

before releasing binders.

8. Will the personnel unloading the material be exposed to a 6’ fall on either

side of the trailer? Yes No

If “YES” has been checked what means are going to be taken to either

mitigate or eliminate the fall hazard.

9. What is the safest method to unload the trailer? (minimize potential

employee exposure)

a. Rough Terrain Forklift

b. Crane (Picker)

c. Other

10. Do barricades need to be placed on backside of the trailer to protect other

personnel? Yes No

Company: Truck #:

Supervisor: Date:

GENERATION CONTRACTORS JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS (JSA)

CONTRACTOR: SUPERVISOR/FOREMAN: _

DATE: TIME: PROJECT: LOCATION: _

JOB DESCRIPTION (DETAILED):

WEATHER CONDITIONS: Have you visited your jobsite today to identify hazards? ☐ Yes ☐ No

Review the following information carefully and check all items that apply to your work activity and review with your work crew.

Permits Fall Protection General Scaffold Ladder

□ Confined Space ☐ Safety Harness Protection ☐ Flammables-Gases/Liquids ☐ Ladder Tied Off

□ Hot Work #_ □ Proper Anchorage Point ☐ Combustibles ☐ Inspected by Competent

□ Grating Removal ☐ Lifeline ☐ Chemical ☐ Person

□ Excavation ☐ Man Basket ☐ Explosive ☐ Tagged

□ Hold Required ☐ Daily Inspections ☐ Radiation/Nuclear Source ☐ Special Provisions

□ Hold in Place ☐ Other □ Struck By ☐ Access

-(Crew Signed On_ ☐ Pinch Points ☐ Proper Ladder/Inspected

□ Hold # Excavations ☐ Snagging daily

☐ Properly Barricaded ☐ Ergonomics ☐ Railings/Toe boards

☐ Shoring/Sloping/Benching ☐ Heat Stress ☐ Other

required ☐ Signs

☐ Proper Access ☐ Hole Covers

□ Inspected by Competent Person ☐ Slip/Trip Hazards Human Hazards

PPE ☐ Other □ Line of Fire ☐ Confusion/Mix-Up Potentials

□ Normal PPE ☐ Lifting Heavy or Awkward -(Labeling,look-alike,equip,etc)

-Hard Hat Welding ☐ Visibility ☐ Distractions

-Safety Glasses ☐ Condition of Welding Leads ☐ First Time Evolution

-Gloves ☐ Combustibles Crane/Lifting Equipment ☐ Work after Long Breaks

□ Fire Retardant Clothing ☐ Welding Screens ☐ Crawler Crane ☐ Lack of Experience

□ Gloves Type ☐ Grounding ☐ Hydraulic Crane - (Apprentice)

□ Add. Foot Prot.:

□ Face Shield:

□ Fire Blanket ☐ Inspected ☐ Nearby Work Activities

□ Fire Extinguisher/inspected ☐ Proper Maintenance

□ Respirator (No facial hair in ☐ Proper Clothing ☐ Operator/Oiler in Place Tools

seal area) ☐ Welding Hood ☐ Communications ☐ Daily inspection

□ Hearing Protection ☐ Welding Gloves/Sleeves/Jacket ☐ Outriggers Extended ☐ Proper tools for the job

-Ear Plugs/Muffs ☐ Sleeves/Jackets ☐ JLG

□ Fall Protection ☐ Fire Watch ☐ Manual Lifting Equip Industrial Hygiene

□ Seat Belts ☐ Other □ Proper Rigging Practice ☐ Asbestos-gaskets, insulation,

□ Burning Goggles ☐ Personnel Platform Pre-lift Form expansion joints, floor tile, etc.

□ Welding Shield Electrical ☐ Proper Barricades ☐ Lead-painted/coatings/metal tested

□ Welding Sleeves ☐ GFCI Test ☐ Other □ Arsenic

□ Monogoggles ☐ Extension Cord Inspections ☐ Hexavalent Chromium

□ Other □ Electrical Tool Inspected

□ Lighting

Emergency Info/Equipment Location

□ Fire Hose

□ Fire Extinguishers

Emergency Phone #s

☐ BGS 219-787-7311

☐ MCGS 219-873-7311

Environmental

□ Air Emission - Dust, Toxic, etc.

□ Waster Generation – Storage, Label

□ Safety Shower/Eye Wash Station ☐ RMS 219-956-5311 ☐ Disposal

□ Evacuation Route ☐ Spill Prevention Measures

□ Reporting Area ☐ Storm Drains/Discharges Inspected

□ MSDS Review ☐ Clean Up Materials

□ Portable Radio Required ☐ Other

□ Other

Date:

GENERATION CONTRACTORS JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS (JSA)

Step 2: Job Hazard Analysis Identify Risks Eliminate/Manage Risks

Sequence of Basic Job Steps Potential Risks Preventative Measures

Step 3: Reviewed by Next Level (PRIOR to b eginning the work.)

Supervisor/Superintendent: _ Date: Foreman Signature (After review completed): Date:

Step 4: Work Crew: (Your signature means that you have participated in and understand the JSA.)

PLEASE PRINT NAME SIGNATURE PLEASE PRINT NAME SIGNATURE

Step 5: Reviewed by NIPSCO Project Representative and/or Safety Coordinator (Prior to or During the Work Shift)

1. How was the Housekeeping at the end of the shift? ☐ Acceptable ☐ Unacceptable Please explain below

2. Potential Safety Hazards in the Work Area ☐ Corrected ☐ Uncorrected Please list potential hazards below

Supervisor/Foreman Signature:

Date: Time:

Hot Work Evaluation/Permit Generation

v3 – 12/06/16

Please note that this Permit must be filled out, signed, and displayed at all times during Hot Work operations. This Hot Work Permit is required for any operation involving open flames or producing heat and/or sparks and must be completed by the NIPSCO Supervisor or Job Representative and the Hot Work Supervisor to be posted at the site. Hot Work includes, but is not limited to: Brazing, Torch Cutting, Grinding, Soldering, and Welding.

STATION: RMSGS BGS MCGS OAKDALE NORWAY SUGARCREEK DATE:

/Job Rep Signature:

r Signature:

CONDITIONS T F

1 Hot work performed in location where other than a minor fire may develop

2 Appreciable combustible material, in building construction or contents, closer than 35 feet to point of operation and cannot be removed/protected

3 Appreciable combustibles are more than 35 feet away, but easily ignited by sparks

4 Wall or floor openings present within a 35-foot radius with exposed combustible material in adjacent areas including concealed spaces in walls or floors that cannot be removed/protected.

5 Combustible materials are adjacent to the opposite side of metal partitions, walls, ceilings, or roofs and are likely to be ignited by conduction or radiant heat or spark transported by any other means (i.e. conveyor, air mover, etc.).

6 Fire Protection Equipment (i.e. sprinklers and hose streams) is out of service

7 Potential for a flammable atmosphere exist. (Continuous air monitoring required)

PERMIT DURATION Check One (1)

ONE (1) SHIFT PERMIT (DEDICATED FIRE WATCH REQUIRED) If ANY of the above questions are answered TRUE, the Permit shall have a duration of One (1) SHIFT. COMPLETE BOTH DEDICATED FIREWATCH AND HOT WORKS SUPERVISORS SECTIONS BELOW.

SEVEN (7) DAY PERMIT If ALL of the above questions are answered FALSE, the Permit shall have a duration of Seven (7) Days. COMPLETE ONLY HOT WORKS SUPERVISORS SECTION BELOW.

Dedicated Fire Watch Signature Time Fire Watch Started Time Fire Watch Finished

1.

2.

3.

4. Dedicated Fire Watch shall be present at all times during, and for Thirty (30) minutes after completion, of Hot Work with appropriate Fire

Fighting Equipment. All contracted personnel shall provide their own Fire Fighting Equipment.

Hot Works Supervisor Signature Date Time Hot Work Started Time Hot Work Completed

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7. * If this Hot Work Permit is valid for more than one shift, the Hot Works Supervisor must sign off on this permit daily, verifying that the scope

of work activities in the permitted area have not changed and that all agreed precautions and procedures above are still valid.

AUTHORIZATION: The information on this permit has been evaluated, the site has been examined, and all safety measures are in place.

Department/Contractor: Hot Work location: Description of work being performed:

NIPSCO Supervisor/Job Rep Printed Name: NIPSCO Supervisor

Hot Work Supervisor Printed Name: Hot Work Supervisor

Hot Work Evaluation/Permit Generation

v3 – 12/06/16

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY:

IN PLANT PHONE: 5311 BGS, RMSGS, MCGS

SCGS

OUTSIDE PHONE:

Please note that this permit must be filled out, signed, and displayed near the work area at all times while Hot Work is being performed

WARNING! HOT WORK IN PROGRESS

WATCH FOR FIRE!

BGS (219) 787-7311 MCGS (219) 873-7311

RMSGS (219) 956-5311

SCGS (812) 538-2150

HYDROS (574) 583-1137

DEPT/COMPANY:

WARNING!

Returning Area to Service

Approved by Supervisor or NIPSCO Owner Rep

ATTACHMENT, G.O. SOP-1051, C-56: Open Hole Permit Procedure Page 1 of 1

OPEN HOLE PERMIT

Location: Date:

Grating Removed or Open Hole: thru (Circle One) Start Date End Date

Work Activity:

Safety Requirements Before Work Begins

Fall hazard of 48 inches or more Initial at least 1:

Fall hazard less than 48 inches Initial at least 1:

Hard barricades that will support 200 lbs. of lateral force Spotter constantly attending and red tape barricade

Covers ¾” plywood, minimum / Cover shall be labeled “Cover” or “Hole” and secured / The cover shall be rated to withstand 2x the maximum intended load

Hard barricades that will support 200 lbs. of lateral force

Covers ¾” plywood, minimum / Cover shall be labeled “Cover” or “Hole” and secured / The cover shall be rated to withstand 2x the maximum intended load

Requested by: Print Sign Date

Plant or Contracted Employee

Approved by: Print Sign Date

Approved by Supervisor or NIPSCO Owner Rep

The applicable sections below shall be initialed indicating complete before the above safety requirements may be removed: Hole filled in Grating put in place / clips attached properly (as per manufacturer’s specifications)

Inspected by:

Print

Sign

Date

Verified by:

Plant or Contracted Employee

Print

Sign

Date

All holes

Fall protection required inside barricades Proper signs / permits / tags posted Other Precautions: