code of safe work practices - heating and cooling

Code of Safe

Work Practices

General Safety

1. By direct order of the President, no employee is allowed to perform work that they feel is unsafe or that they have not been trained on.

2. Be alert for unsafe work methods or unsafe conditions--correct them or report them to your supervisor immediately.

3. Immediately report every injury, whether serious or not, to your supervisor.

4. Drinking alcohol, taking narcotics or habit-forming drugs in any form just before or during work hours is not permitted.

There is a Code of Safe Practice for each and all trades.

General Safety

5. Horseplay, practical jokes and sparring cause accidents and

are not permitted.

6. Obey warning tags and signs. They are posted to alert you

to hazards.

7. Do not block fire fighting equipment, fire doors, exits, or

stretchers with any material or equipment.

8. Obey all smoking rules. Smoking is permitted in

designated areas only.

Housekeeping Good housekeeping practices improve the

working environment, improve morale and reduce accidents. Accidents can be avoided when

everyone practices good housekeeping.

1. Keep your working environment clean and in order at all times. Put things where they belong when you have finished with them.

2. Do not place material or equipment in aisles, corridors, in front of emergency exits, eye wash foundations, emergency showers or electrical control panels.

3. Tools, equipment and chemicals shall be stored in designated spaces when not in use.

4. Do not place or stack material or equipment in such a manner that they constitute a falling hazard.

Housekeeping

5. Do not place or stack material or equipment in such a

manner that they constitute a falling hazard.

6. Do not drop cigarettes or matches on the floor. Use the

proper containers provided for that purpose.

7. Put paper, Styrofoam cups and other waste materials in

trash containers. If anything is spilled in the work area, it

should be cleaned up as soon as possible after it has been

determined if the spilled substance is not hazardous. If

the spilled substance is hazardous call your

supervisor.

Slips & Falls

1. Wear safe, strong shoes that are in good repair.

2. Watch where you step. Be sure your footing is secure.

3. Don't get in an awkward position. Keep control of

your movements at all times.

4. Pick up litter. Don't let tripping hazards exist.

5. Install cables, extension cords, and hoses to avoid

tripping hazards.

Slips & Falls

6. If you must climb to reach something, use a sound

ladder that is properly secured --top and bottom. Chairs

are not ladders.

7. When climbing, face the ladder and use both hands.

8. When reaching from a ladder, keep your shoulder inside

the vertical stringer. If you must reach further than this,

move the ladder first.

9. Walk…Don't run.

Material Handling

Material handling is a job everyone does. It is easier and

faster to do it safely. The following safe practices should be

followed.

1. Don't move it twice if once will do. Plan your work!

2. Don't try to lift objects that may be beyond your physical

capacity and training. Get help or use a machine or hand

truck.

3. Use gloves, aprons or pads when handling materials

that are rough, sharp, hot or cold, or that are covered

with hazardous substances.

Material Handling

4. When moving a load, be sure you can see where you are going. Check for obstructions or tripping hazards in the direction you will be moving.

5. When carrying long objects like gutter, pipe or lumber, keep the leading end just above head height.

6. When lifting heavy objects from the floor, kneel on one knee, roll or tip the object onto the other knee, then pull the load next to your stomach and stand up. Use the reverse procedure to set a load down.

7. Pile material on a strong, level base. Interlock so the pile won't come apart. Chock round stock so it can't roll.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMkxrs8irU8

Fire Prevention Safety

One of the most common and serious emergencies anyone

faces is fire. Regardless of how a fire starts, it can destroy an

entire facility and endanger the lives of numerous employees.

Therefore, you must know what to do in all emergencies

involving fire.

1. Fire fighting equipment and emergency exits must be kept

clear and ready for immediate use. Do not block them

with equipment or material. All personnel should be

familiar with the position of fire fighting equipment.


2. Know where your primary exit route is and what

alternative emergency routes are available. Always use the

closest emergency door to exit when evacuating the

building.

3. Observe all "No Smoking" signs.

4. Make sure flammable liquids and vapors are not exposed to

ignition sources. All flammable liquids must be dispensed

from and transported in approved containers. Glass

containers are expressly forbidden.


5. Report all fires, no matter how small, to your supervisor.

6. Immediate response to small fires is essential if we are to

keep them from growing into large fires.

7. If a fire occurs, the first consideration must be the safety of

personnel. All employees in the immediate area must be

evacuated--then attention can be given to the saving of

property. Notify your supervisor and the Safety Specialist

as soon as possible.

First Aid and Medical

If you are injured on the job, you MUST notify you’re

supervisor and Risk Management Department IMMEDIATELY.

Depending on the nature of the injury, this contact should be

made prior to treatment. Either your supervisor or Risk

Management personnel should provide you with the nearest

treatment center. You are NOT to go to your personal

physician unless prior notification is on record designating a

specific doctor.


Report all accidents to your supervisor and the Risk

Management Department, even those where no one is injured;

unless steps are taken to correct the factors that contribute to

the accident, someone may be injured in the future. If you

injure yourself in any way at work, obtain treatment--even for

small cuts, scratches or burns. These injuries can be painful and

become infected if not given first aid treatment right away. Your

supervisor must complete an accident report even if you do not

require medical care.


Failure to notify your supervisor and the Risk Management

Department of the injury could result in the Workers'

Compensation claim being denied, requiring it to be covered

through your personal insurance.


If the doctor recommends modified or restricted work duties

due to your injury, contact the Risk Management Department

to see if there are such duties available at the time. If such

duties are available, they should notify you of your modified

duty assignment. There may be modified assignments available

from time to time. You should only be off work if the treating

doctor has made the decision that you should be off work.

Alcohol and Illegal Drug Use Policy

Please refer to the Employee Team Member Handbook for the

company policy regarding Drug and Alcohol Use.


Employees must clear through their supervisor and/or Human

Resources:

1. When leaving work prior to the end of the working day for

illness or injury

2. When returning from any absence due to occupational

illness or injury

3. When wearing a bandage or dressing which obscures vision

4. When wearing a cast or splint; using a cane or crutch.


When returning from any absence due to non-occupational

illness of three days or more, a release from the treating

physician may be required.

Be sure to notify Human Resources of any change in your

name or address. This is important to maintain necessary

contact with you and your family.

In case of accident, illness or inability to report to work, you

must call your supervisor as soon as possible.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

In the event of fire, earthquake or any other emergency, it may

be necessary to quickly evacuate the building in a safe and

orderly manner. The evacuation procedure to be followed by

all personnel under these circumstances is:


1. The instruction to evacuate the building should be given by

individual department supervisors.

2. Immediately stop work, switch off equipment and leave the

building by the nearest emergency exit. All exits have

illuminated signs and are shown on the building diagram.

3. Once outside the building, you should proceed to the parking

lot on the west side of the building and report to your

supervisor.

4. Supervisors should check that all members of their staff are

clear of the building.


5. Under no circumstances shall you leave the vicinity of the building without reporting to your supervisor, otherwise you may be considered to be trapped in the building.

6. If an employee is missing, the supervisor should notify the Safety Specialist, who should inform the appropriate emergency response agency representative.

7. Under no circumstances should personnel be permitted to re-enter the building until a safety clearance has been obtained from the Safety Specialist.

8. All employees shall follow the directions of the Safety Specialist who is there to protect your safety and to handle emergencies, and who is trained to deal with all emergencies. Any insubordination or refusal to follow directions should be reported, and disciplinary action should be taken.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) &

Personal Hygiene

Villara Building Systems provides necessary PPE for each job

with the Building Systems, including, face shields, hearing

protection, safety glasses, gloves, coveralls and respirators. If

you require any protective equipment, ask your supervisor and

it should be provided.


Personal Hygiene Guidelines for PPE and personal hygiene include:

1. This equipment shall be used whenever it is necessary due to hazards of processes or environment.

2. Personal protective equipment must be carefully checked each time before wearing to assure its integrity and capability to provide the protection for which it is designed.

3. Protective equipment must be worn where required. Your supervisor should advise you what equipment is necessary for a particular job.

4. Always wear protective clothing when working with chemicals. Clothing that has become contaminated must be removed immediately.


Personal Hygiene 5. Avoid handling chemicals or immersing your hands in chemical

solutions without wearing rubber gloves.

6. When welding, a welder's helmet or goggles with the correct tint to protect the eyes from ultraviolet or infrared radiation shall be worn.

7. If you are cut or if you receive a puncture wound, personal hygiene becomes extremely important. Always keep cuts and puncture wounds clean to avoid infection. Report any such minor injuries to your supervisor.

8. If skin contact with chemicals occurs, immediately rinse the exposed area with running water. Always remove chemical material as quickly as possible.

9. Employees must not clean their hands by washing in oils or solvents. Soap and water are the best and safest to use.


Personal Hygiene 10. Wash hands after using any chemicals or solvents and before smoking,

eating or contacting sensitive body areas (such as eyes) to prevent contamination.

11. Sunglasses and some regular prescription glasses do not afford the same protection as safety gasses; therefore, employees will be required to wear safety glasses in all areas that require their use.

12. Contact lenses increase the danger of eye damage when used in areas of potential eye injury. Contact lenses shall not be worn in any area where chemicals are used.

13. Wear appropriate clothing for the work that you do--no open toed shoes on the production floor, no loose clothing around machinery, and wear safety shoes in areas of falling hazards.

14. Appropriate footwear shall be worn. No high heeled shoes or slippery soled shoes.

Electrical Safety

The attitudes and habits of workers relating to electricity and

the precautions they routinely take are extremely important.

The following guidelines should reduce the hazards of

working with and around electrical equipment.

Electrical Safety

1. Only competent and responsible people may work on electrical equipment.

2. While working on electrical equipment, clothing and jewelry that could create a hazard should be removed. Personal protection devices such as face shields, safety glasses, insulating gloves, and mats should be used when necessary.

3. All repairs and tests must be made with the equipment in a de-energized state employing good lockout procedures. Only those workers who placed the lockout/tag out device should remove them before energizing the circuit (see lockout/tag out procedures).

4. Working on equipment with interlock defeated or barriers removed and equipment fully energized is not permitted.

Electrical Safety

5. All cases of electrical shock must be reported to the Safety Specialist.

6. Energized and unshielded soldering irons, hot plates, coffeepots and similar fire hazards must not be left unattended.

7. All electrical control panels, switch panels and circuit breaker panels must be kept free of obstruction and remain easily accessible at all times.

8. All portable and stationary power tools shall be properly grounded during use and shall be equipped with a three-pronged plug.

9. Permanent extension cords cannot be used as an alternative to permanent wiring.

10. Do not use metal ladders when working on electrical installations or equipment.

Electrical Safety

11. If it is necessary to leave equipment running after hours, written instructions shall be available on the equipment so that it may be switched off safely in case of emergency.

12. When in doubt, always check to insure that the power is turned off or the unit is unplugged and has adequate time to discharge any storage devices. When working with high voltage, always work with one hand behind your back or in your pocket.

13. No one should work around any high voltage or where they could be subjected to an electrical shock when they are alone in the building, or if no one knows that they are working around those conditions. Have someone check on you every 15 minutes to ensure that you're okay, or work in pairs.

Electrical Safety

14. A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a very effective device to protect employees in the work place from electrical shock.

The number of deaths from electrical shock in the work place has been cut in half since GFCI's have been introduced.

GFCIs are required for all maintenance activities.

GFCIs protect you from electrical shock by tripping on current leakage to ground, which may be through you.

Plugging one GFCI into another one does not create a hazard. The most sensitive one will trip first.

GFCIs may be permanently installed in the facility or a portable device. – Use them.

Electrical Safety

15. GFCIs Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are required for all 120-

volt, single phase, 15 and 20-ampere receptacle outlets used for temporary electric power, or as an extension to the power supply cord.

Test before use. Push the test button and verify the GFCI has shut off by plugging a safe device into it (i.e. portable lamp or tool). If it doesn’t shut off, don’t use it. Reset it. If it turns on, it is safe to use.

Report a malfunctioning GFCI to the designated facility organization. Most facilities will allow resetting the GFCI one time. Verify with your facility.

If it trips a second time, have it evaluated by a qualified electrical worker.

It may have tripped to save your life! Repeated resetting is not allowed.

Electrical Safety

Electrical Safety

Electrical Cords – Items to consider before use

Use per Listing and Labeling

Inner wires exposed – Don’t use.

Plug not fully seated – Don’t use.

Cords run through doors / pinch points – Don’t use.

Outer sheath damaged – Don’t use.

Cord tightly coiled may cause a problem – Don’t use.

Tightly coiled cord that had a meltdown because it couldn’t

cool properly when overloaded.

Cords must be GFCI protected or under an Assured Equipment

Ground Conductor program.

Power Machinery & Mechanical Safety

An unguarded piece of machinery can be hazardous and may

eventually injure someone. Therefore use machinery only

when you have been authorized to do so and when you have

received safety instruction. Do not operate any machine

without its guards being properly in place. If you see an

unguarded machine, report it at once. A safe guard covers all

moving parts and is designed to permit safe lubrication and

adjustment without removing the guard. If it is necessary to

remove the guard, stop the machine and either lock the

switch or tag it so another worker will not inadvertently start

the machine.

Hand Tools 1. Cutting tools must be dressed at the proper angle and kept

sharp. Keep them in a scabbard, not in your pocket. Store

them in a safe place.

2. The heads of striking tools must be dressed square (with a

few exceptions) and without burrs.

3. Use the right kind of tool. Use the right size tool.

Hand Tools 4. Hold screwdrivers, wrenches, chisels, etc., in such a way

that if there is a slip or a miss, you will not be hurt.

5. Do not use a file without a handle.

6. The proper tool for the job in the hands of a craftsman does

not require a lot of muscle power.

Portable Power Tools 1. Every electric power tool must be electrically grounded

before it can be used.

2. Check the insulation on the wires and the condition of plugs and sockets every day. If they are frayed, worn, cut or broken, repair them before using.

3. String temporary extension cords and power lines so they will not create a tripping hazard and so they are protected from physical damage.

4. Before using a chain saw or drill on a wall, floor or ceiling, be sure electrical wires, gas lines and high pressure lines are not in the way.

Portable Power Tools 5. Two hands must be used to control the chain saw at all

times. Never operate the saw with only your one hand,

which operates the throttle trigger.

6. Skill saws shall not be used without the guard in safe

working condition. Do not pin the guard back.

7. Do not use "cartridge" tools for driving nails or spikes in

walls, ceilings or floors when people are working on the

other side.

Compressed Gas Cylinders

Only personnel who have been instructed by their

supervisors and who fully understand the hazards involved

may handle compressed gas cylinders. The following

guidelines are designed for routine, daily practices.


1. Cylinders shall be secured with a heavy chain to a

workbench, wall or other stationary object, to prevent

falling or rolling. Never drop cylinders or allow them to

strike each other.

2. The valve protection cap shall be kept securely in place

whenever the cylinder is not connected for use.

3. Cylinders shall not be transported by hand. Use an

appropriate handcart to transport them with the valve

protection cap in position.


4. Empty and full cylinders should be stored separately, and

correctly secured in the storage rack.

5. Empty cylinders shall be marked "MT" and removed from

work areas as soon as possible.

6. There are many different types of gas regulators; each

designed for a specific use and specific gas. Do not

interchange fittings on a regulator in an effort to adapt it to

gases it is not designed to handle.


7. Do not attempt to bypass the regulator when discharging

gas.

8. Do not use adapters to connect regulators to gas cylinders.

9. Always open cylinder valves slowly.

10. Always turn off valve when not in use.

Office Safety

The office environment is generally considered to be a safe

area, however serious accidents can occur if safety rules are not

followed. Some guidelines include:

1. Never leave desk, file or cabinet drawers open since they

can create a tripping or bumping hazard.

Office Safety

2. Never open more than one drawer at a time in a file

cabinet. If it is necessary to keep books or other objects in

a file cabinet, put them in the bottom drawers.

3. Do not extend electrical cords, telephone cords, or

equipment cables across aisles or walkways where they

create tripping hazards.

4. Do not use extension cords to power equipment; request

permanent plugs to be installed where needed.

5. Do not climb on chairs, up-turned wastepaper baskets, or

other improvised hazardous supports.

Office Safety

6. Do not attempt to repair any electrical equipment. Report

faults to your supervisor or maintenance.

7. Do not store materials on top of filing cabinets or open

shelf units where they are likely to fall and injure someone.

8. No smoking is permitted in the building including the rest

rooms.

Motorized Vehicles 1. Only authorized employees should operate company vehicles,

including autos, trucks, forklifts, and other equipment requiring a driver.

2. All drivers shall possess a valid California driver's license where necessary.

3. Drivers required to have special class licenses shall possess proper endorsements.

4. Any driver known to be under the influence of drugs or intoxicating substances is subject to immediate termination.

5. Passengers are forbidden to ride on vehicles that are not equipped with seats for passengers.

6. Do not get on or off a vehicle while it is in motion--even slow motion.

Motorized Vehicles 7. Overloading a vehicle with passengers or materials is forbidden.

8. All vehicles should be maintained in safe operating condition. It is the responsibility of the driver to report any defective conditions immediately.

9. No vehicle shall be driven in a fast or reckless manner. The maximum speed any vehicle shall be driven at any time shall be such that the driver can stop the vehicle within the clear unobstructed distance ahead of him, giving due regard for possible unforeseen obstructions and the condition of the road surface and the vehicle.

10. All vehicle accidents, whether involving injury or not, shall be reported to your supervisor.

11. All vehicle citations MUST be reported to your supervisor or Human Resources office within 24 hours.

Forklift Trucks – Safety Rules 1. Do not operate forklift unless certified to do so.

2. Proper operating rules and signals should be observed when hoisting equipment or materials.

3. Employees shall keep clear of suspended loads, traffic areas, or other possible hazardous areas.

4. It is the responsibility of all supervisors to ensure the safety of all employees during hoisting operations. If unsafe practices are observed, it is imperative that immediate action be taken, including notification to the Safety Specialist.

5. Due to the possibility of accidents occurring, the supervisor/crew leader should take all precautions, with weight given to the situation at hand.

Forklift Trucks – Safety Rules 6. Avoid hitting or lifting anything if it appears it could fall on

the operator or a bystander. A lift truck equipped with an overhead guard and load backrest extension provides reasonable protection to the operator, but cannot protect against every possible impact.

7. When lifting someone up, be sure they are standing in the safety cage. Shut the motor off and set emergency brake while they are off the ground.

8. Keep head, arms, legs, etc., inside the compartment.

9. Keep yourself and all others clear of hoisting mechanism.

10. Allow no one under load and carriage.

Forklift Trucks – Safety Rules 11. Report damage or faulty operation immediately to a

supervisor.

12. Avoid bumps, holes, slick spots, and loose materials that

may cause lift to swerve or tip.

13. Be extra careful when driving around machinery and

moving vehicles.

14. Always drive at the mandatory 5 miles per hour speed

limit. Riders are not permitted.

15. Do not fill fuel tank while engine is running.

16. Avoid sudden stops or starts.

Forklift Trucks – Safety Rules 17. Travel with forks close to, ground. Point them slightly upward.

18. Watch overhead clearances, especially top of boom.

19. Observe the following load handling procedures:

Handle loads within rated capacity of lift

Center weight of load between forks

Be extra careful with unstable loads

When stacking bins and pallets, be sure stack is stable and will not fall

Watch "swing" when handling long loads

Do not travel with load raised unless it is necessary to clear an obstruction

For better vision with bulky loads, travel in reverse, but always keep a proper lookout in the direction of travel.

Forklift Trucks – Safety Rules 20. When driving, be on the lookout for people walking and

other vehicles, especially when rounding corners.

21. When taking stacks of pallets off stacker, make sure stack

does not get hung up on stack next to it; otherwise, top

pallet may fall off.

22. When forklift is not in use, leave forks flat on ground

When working out in the field on a

residential project, where can you

find a Fire Extinguisher?

Any Villara Company Vehicle

Why is Housekeeping so

important?

It removes potential HAZARDS

What should you read prior to

operating a power tool for the

first time?

Owner’s Manual

What steps do you take prior to

transporting a gas cylinder?

1. Remove Brass 2. Put cover on 3. Keep in upright position 4. Chain or Strap Down!

code of safe work practices - heating and cooling

Documents