In the event of a fire

Use this Procedure for your company fire safety policy

1.       KEEP CALM.
2.     EVACUATE: all occupants from the room in which the fire has occurred.
3.       CLOSE THE DOORS AND WINDOWS and leave the room.
4.       PULL THE FIRE ALARM OR CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. Tell them your exact location and the nature of the emergency.
5.       ONLY IF IT IS COMPLETELY SAFE TO DO SO, return to fight the fire with a fire extinguisher until the Fire Dept. arrives. (see FIRE EXTINGUISHERS)
6.       EVACUATE OCCUPANTS FROM THE ADJOINING AREA if there is any danger from spreading fire, smoke, fumes or extreme heat.

 

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

1. Use a fire extinguisher only if it is completely safe to do so. If there is any danger at all from fire, smoke, fumes or extreme heat, LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY.
2. Determine what type of fire you have and check the label on the extinguisher to make sure it is intended for your type of fire. Letters on the label indicate the type of fire it will fight:

1.      A = wood, cardboard, paper, cloth
2.      B = flammable liquids and gases
3.     C = electrical equipment
4.    D = metals

(Never use water on an electrical fire – water can cause a fatal shock.)

3. Use the PASS system to put out the fire:

1.     Pull the pin or ring. Some units require releasing of a lock latch, pressing a puncture lever, or other motion.
2.    Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire.
3.     Squeeze or press the handle.
4.   Sweep from side to side slowly at the base of the fire until it goes out.
   4.      If the fire gets big, GET OUT! Close the door to slow the spread of the fire.

 

FIRE PREVENTION

1.     Check to see that all fire exits, doorways, stairways, aisles and corridors are not obstructed or blocked at anytime.
2.    Make sure you know the location of all fire exits.
3.    Poor housekeeping is a fire breeder. Avoid all unnecessary accumulation of combustible debris.
4.     Regularly check all electrical cords and plugs for fraying or cracked wire insulation and fitness for use. OSHA prohibits the use of un grounded extension cords longer than 12 feet in office buildings.
5.     Store all flammable liquids, such as copy machine fluids, cleaning products, solvents, etc. according to instructions on label.
6.     Report fluorescent lights that give off a loud humming sound, as this may indicate a defective ballast.
7.    Turn off all coffeemakers and other personal electrical appliances when they are not in use. Check the plugs, cords and wiring on a regular basis to determine if they are in good condition.
8.     SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN ALL BUILDINGS. When smoking outdoors, completely extinguish all smoking materials and place them in an ash tray or trash container.   

Confined Space Entry Policy

A confined space is defined as a place:

that is partially or fully enclosed

that is not both designed and constructed for continuous human occupancy and

where atmospheric hazards may occur because of its construction, location, or contents, or because of work that is done in it.

All three criteria have to be met before a space is defined as a confined space.

Training

Only trained personnel may enter a confined space. They must be trained on the use of PPE required for the job. All training records must be kept on the job site.

Hazard Assessment

Before each entry a competent worker as described by OSHA must perform a written hazard assessment. The hazard assessment should consist of any physical or atmospheric hazards that may exist or develop in the confined space. It should also contain there name signature and date. In the event of a change in hazards a new assessment shall be written and assessed.

Plan for controlling hazards

Once the hazards have been identified in the assessment a competent person must develop a plan to eliminate or control the hazards. The plan must consist of eleven mandatory requirements:

1. Duties of workers
2. Coordination document (prepared by the constructor) if workers of more than one contractor enter the same confined space
3. On-site rescue procedures
4. Rescue equipment (inspected by a competent worker) and methods of communication
5. Protective clothing and protective equipment (supplied by the employer)
6. Isolation of energy and control of material movement
7. Attendants
8. Adequate means of access and egress
9. Atmospheric testing (conducted by a competent worker)
10. Adequate procedures for working in the presence of explosive or flammable substances
11. Ventilation and purging

Duties of workers

1. Do not enter or re-enter (if the confined space has been left unoccupied and unattended) the confined space unless testing has been performed.
2. Know the hazards that may be faced upon entry. Know the route of exposure (e.g., inhalation or skin absorption), signs and symptoms, and long-term effects of exposure.
3. Know how to use the equipment (including personal protective equipment and tools) properly.
4. Maintain communication with the attendant so that the attendant can monitor your safety and be able to alert workers to evacuate the confined space.
5. Alert the attendant whenever:

you recognize any warning sign or symptom of exposure

you see a dangerous condition

an alarm is activated.

6. Get out of the permit space immediately whenever:

A warning system indicating a ventilation failure is activated or the attendant gives an evacuation order.

A worker recognizes any signs or symptoms of exposure.

A person inside detects a dangerous condition.

An evacuation alarm is activated.

Rescue Personnel

An adequate number of people must be available to carry out the rescue procedures immediately. They must be trained in onsite rescue procedures, first aid, CPR and the rescue equipment necessary to carry out the rescue.

Rescue Procedure

The confined space plan must include written procedures for safe onsite rescue that can be implemented immediately in case of an emergency. An adequate number of people must be available to carry out the rescue procedures immediately.

Record of rescue equipment inspections

The rescue equipment must be readily available, appropriate for the confined space, and inspected by a competent worker. The competent worker must keep a written record of the inspection. Examples of rescue equipment include harnesses and lifelines, hoist/retrieval systems, respirators, and other personal protective equipment.

Record of tests

Results of atmospheric tests must be recorded on the entry permit.

Entry Permits

An entry permit shall be issued by the employer before any worker enters the confined space. A competent person must verify that the permit issued complies with the plan before every shift. Entry permits should be understood and available to everyone involved in the job. An entry permit should at least consist of:

1. The location and description of the confined space
2. A description of the work
3. A description of the hazards and the corresponding controls
4. The time period for which the entry permit applies
5. The name of the attendant
6. A record of each worker who enters and leaves the confined space
7. A list of the equipment required for entry and rescue, and verification that the equipment is in good condition
8. The results of the atmospheric testing
9. Additional procedures and control measures if hot work is to be done

It may also include

1. A record of the hazard assessment
2. The hazard control plan
3. Worker training records

Each entrance to the confined space must be secured against unauthorized entry and or has adequate barricades or signs warning against unauthorized entry.

Record Keeping

Records shall be given to the office manager or the worker health and safety rep to be kept for minimum of one year after project completion and should consist of:

1. Hazard assessment
2. Plan
3. Coordination document
4. Worker training
5. Entry permit
6. Record of rescue equipment inspection
7. Record of tests

Driver Policy

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The purpose of the Driver Policy is to:

• Ensure that only driver’s whose records demonstrate a history of safe driving are

authorized to drive Company vehicles or accept employment for which driving a Company car is a requirement.

• Promote driver safety for persons employed by Company who drive Company provided vehicles or personal vehicles while engaged in Company business (a “Driver” Employee).

• The definition of driver under this Policy is any Company employee, (“Employee” or

“Driver”) who regularly drive their own personal vehicle(s) for Company business, or drives a Company owned/leased vehicle.

• Reduce the severity and frequency of losses associated with Company vehicles.

• All “Driver” Employees are responsible for adhering to this policy as a condition of employment.

RESPONSIBILITY

This Policy is governed and administered by the Operations manager, any decision or interpretation of the Policy by the Company is binding and final upon the Employee.

DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS

• Driver selection is a one-time process. Assuring that the driver remains qualified is an on-going process. Motor Vehicle Record Checks will be obtained annually for all “Driver” Employees. Driver qualification files will be maintained every three months to facilitate review of a “Driver” Employee’s adherence to the Policy.

The Company will obtain a MVR for the Employee after the hire date. An employee who does not meet the conditions of the Policy will be terminated immediately.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR DRIVERS

• It is the “Driver” Employee’s responsibility to maintain a driving record that is within the limitations of this Policy and applicable Ontario laws.

• The “Driver” Employee must, at all times, maintain a valid driver’s license in the province of the Employee’s residence.

• All moving violations must be reported to the Human Resources Department within

24 hours of the violation. All moving violations received while operating any motor vehicle will be used to determine Driver’s continuing eligibility for employment, this includes, but is not limited to, citations received while operating a privately owned vehicle for personal use. The license is attached to the driver, not the vehicle.

• A candidate for employment with more than three (3) minor moving violations over the preceding thirty-six month period is not eligible for employment.

• Any Employee with more than three (3) minor moving violations over the preceding thirty-six (36) month period is not eligible for continued employment, except as indicated below in Exception Note.

• Any Employee (or candidate for employment) with (1) major moving violation over the preceding thirty-six (36) month period is not eligible for hire or continued employment.

• In the event the Employee’s driver’s license is suspended or revoked, the Employee shall be required to report such occurrence, in writing, to the office manager within 24 hours of the revocation or suspension and must immediately cease driving for company purposes until further notice from the office manager. Failure to report the revocation or suspension of the Driver’s license will result in immediate termination of employment with Company. Other grounds for immediate termination of employment include, but are not limited to:

• Receiving a DUI (driving under the influence) of alcohol or drugs or DWI (driving while intoxicated) charge.

• Suspension of Driver’s license due to points and/or accidents over the previous thirty-six (36) months.

• Two (2) traffic accidents within the preceding thirty-six (36) month period in which the Employee received a traffic citation.

ACCIDENT REPORTING FOR COMPANY VEHICLES

• The Employee should never discuss the details of an accident with anyone other than the Employee’s immediate supervisor, office manager, the Insurance Company representative or their direct designee (attorney) or police investigators.

• Traffic accidents involving Company vehicles incurred while on Company business or while on personal use, must be reported to the appropriate supervisor, within 24 hours of such occurrence or on the following business day, whichever comes first. Failure to report vehicle accidents when due will result in termination of the Driver’s employment with Company.

• The Employee must call the police and obtain the Police Accident Report number, officer badge number and name.

• All accidents resulting in Employee injuries that occur while conducting Company business must also be reported to the WSIB and office manager.

DRIVER SAFETY RULES

“Driver” Employees driving Company owned/leased vehicles or personal vehicles while on Company business are expected to perform in accordance with the following objectives:

•Follow all rules and regulations in the Ontario Highway Traffic act.

• All ways wear your hard hat while loading and unloading.

• Do a circle check before each shift.

• When backing up use a signaler if possible, walk around the vehicle to examine the area, look for obstacles, use both rear view mirrors and move slowly.

• Avoid vehicle accidents and moving violations by driving defensively.

• Avoid vehicle abuse by proper vehicle care, maintenance, and use

• Be courteous to other drivers

• Never pick up hitchhikers

• Carry no more than two passengers in the front seat

• Do not talk on cellular/mobile phones while driving. Pull over or out of traffic or use a speakerphone to keep both hands on the steering wheel.

• Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Check with your doctor on possible adverse effects from prescription or over-the-counter medications.

• Always use seat belts, shoulder restraints and ensure that passengers do, as well.

• Always lock an unattended vehicle.

• No smoking is permitted in company owned/leased vehicles.

• When parking, try to leave the vehicle in a well-lighted, secure area.

• Equipment and material must be secured and load distributed properly before transporting.

• Equipment and material must be placed on the truck with sufficient means to remove it via forklift.

• Follow guidelines for fleet safety, maintenance and use.