Prime HardHatLoss Control GuidePrime thinking - ingenuity at work

“Prime thinking-ingenuity at work”

Table of Contents

The benefits of loss control

Construction site security

Pre-construction surveys

Welding and cutting

Temporary heaters onconstruction sites

Housekeeping duringconstruction operations

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As a contractor, in your everyday businessoperations, you encounter normalbusiness risks including:

• Not being able to sell your services.

• Changing interest rates.

• Currency fluctuations.

• Changing customer preferences, marketconditions and changes in city by-laws.

In addition to these business risks, you mustalso manage or control what is known inthe insurance industry as "pure risk".

Pure Risk is the risk of financial loss causedby perils such as fire, theft of property,equipment breakdown and by liability suits.

While insurance can cover some of theselosses, there are other numerous hiddencosts associated with pure risk that canreduce your profits.

You face exposure to loss from manyhazards. Your principal place of businessand job site has fire, liability and crimeloss exposures. In addition, because ofoffsite work, you have potential for lossesarising from claims by third parties. The scopeof this potential is enormous. The use ofwelding equipment for example can causefire damage to buildings. The use ofheavy equipment can damage adjoiningproperties. An employee’s negligence can cause property damage or down time for a customer.

You can take steps to reduce your risk. Theinformation in this brochure is designed tohelp you implement an effective loss controlprogram. With this information, you can:

• Take action to control or lower yourinsurance costs.

• Reduce your company's exposure touninsurable losses.

• Provide a safer environment for you,your customers and your employees.

Programs to prevent accidents and lossesneed not be complicated or time consuming.In fact, you likely have already implementeda "Health and Safety Program", formingthe basis for implementing these additionalcontrols.You can enhance your existingprogram through activities such as:

• Inspecting your premises.

• Accident investigation.

• Construction site security.

• Pre-construction surveys.

• Safe welding and cutting.

• Proper use of temporary heaters onconstruction sites.

• Housekeeping during constructionoperations.

Separate bulletins on these individualtopics are included in this package, and are available on our website:www.avivacanada.com

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The benefitsof loss control

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Inspecting your premises You should inspect your premises regularly.Below, we identify some of the potentialhazards you should look for. The mainareas of concern are fire safety, liabilityhazards, equipment breakdown, crime prevention and documentingyour procedures.

1. Fire safety Your appointed loss control coordinatorshould regularly look for hazards thatcould potentially cause a fire or contributein any way to the severity of one. Duringthis type of inspection, the coordinatorshould also check fire-protection equipmentto ensure it is in good working conditionand that adequate service and maintenanceis being done.

Poor housekeeping One of the most important fire preventionactivities is maintaining a high standard ofcleanliness and order. Poor housekeepingadds to the probability of serious loss byincreasing fire and explosion hazards inseveral ways:

1. It provides more places for fire to start.

2. It can result in a continuous expanse ofcombustible materials, making it easierfor the fire to spread.

3. It provides a greater combustible supply of materials for the initial fire to feed upon.

4. It creates the potential for flash fires ordust explosions when layers of lint or dust are allowed to accumulate.

5. It increases the potential forspontaneous ignition.

Remember, good housekeeping applies bothinside and outside. Every year, buildingsacross Canada burn because vandals startfires in outside garbage containers or inpiles of combustible debris stored next to buildings.

Building maintenance Building services, such as the heatingsystem, plumbing, and electrical systems,should be regularly inspected to ensurethey are in good condition andmaintained as needed.

Check for holes or openings in walls orceilings. Missing plasterboard in a furnaceor electrical room, for example, couldallow fire or smoke to spread throughoutthe building.

Outside, the roof should be checked forleaks, and to ensure that the roof flashingis secure and signs or awnings aresecurely fastened.

Fire protection equipment Fire extinguishers – The fire extinguisher is the first line of defense against firedamage. It is imperative that extinguishersbe in good working order, easily accessibleand employees are trained to react quicklyand use the extinguisher properly. Fireextinguishers are only effective in the firstseconds after discovery of a fire. Usually30 to 90 seconds after discovery, the firewill have grown beyond the control of a fire extinguisher.

Fire alarms – These signaling systems can be activated manually at pull stations,with built-in heat-detectors or smokedetectors, or can be triggered by anautomatic suppression system such as a sprinkler system. Fire alarms sound alocal alarm (e.g. within a building), andmay also signal a 24-hour central station.A qualified fire-alarm contractor shouldundertake regular testing of the system as recommended by the manufacturer.The loss control inspection process shouldconfirm that this testing is being done.

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Automatic sprinklers – These systems are pro-active, once activated, automaticsprinkler systems attack the fire with aplume of water, normally extinguishing it or holding it in check until the firedepartment arrives.

When kept in good working order,automatic sprinklers have a very highsuccess rate. In those cases where these systems have not been effective incontrolling a fire, the main reasons were:

• Closed water control valves.

• Obstructions to water distribution suchas high piling stock close to sprinklerheads (i.e. within 18 inches).

• Only part of the building was sprinkler-protected.

During the premises inspection, check to ensure your sprinkler system isfunctioning effectively. You should alsohave your system covered under anannual maintenance and service contractwith a qualified sprinkler contractor.

It’s also advisable to have a 24-hourmonitoring station monitoring thesprinkler system for flow, pressure dropand valve tampering, since extendedoperation of a sprinkler once the firedanger is passed can cause further water damage.

2. Liability hazards You may own the buildings out of whichyou operate and may even rent space totenants. As a contractor and buildingowner, you owe a duty of care to protectpeople coming onto your premises fromslip and fall and other life safety hazards.

Monitor building safety: • Ensure all fire exits are clearly marked,

free of obstructions and in goodworking condition.

• Stairwells should not be used forstorage of any kind.

• During winter months frequently checkall fire exit routes, particularly secondaryexits, to ensure there is no ice or snowbuild up that may obstruct the fire exit routes.

• Exterior fire escape stairs should be keptclear of obstacles, snow and ice buildup.

• Emergency lighting and fire alarms shouldbe located wherever required andshould be in good working condition.Routinely test battery-powered lightingto ensure it’s in good working order.

• If you have a self-starting backupgenerator, it should be started and run routinely as required by themanufacturer, and on a service planwith a qualified contractor. A startup log sheet, outlining test dates, who did the test and length of time the unit was run should be considered as minimum documentation.

• Fire doors should be kept closed orequipped with automatic self-closingdevices. Check that these are not blockedin the open position by doorstops orobstructions, and that they swing widelyand freely, unhampered by carpet oruneven flooring.

Identification of hazards on your premisesA simple walk around your premises, insideand out, is a good way to start the hazardidentification process. Check carefully inand around frequent locations where slip-and-fall accidents can occur, includingentrance ways and aisles, washrooms,parking lots, walkways, or patios, andstairs, ramps or areas where there areelevation changes. Following is a checklistto get you started.

Interior:• Repair or replace loose flooring materials.

• Slippery floors can be made safer throughthe use of non-slip flooring materials or treatments.

• Aid traction in critical areas such as stairs,pool decks & hot tubs with non-slip tapes.

• If moisture is accumulating on the floor, lay down mats.

• Maintain floors in accordance withmanufacturer instructions.

• When washing or waxing floors, placeconspicuous caution signs in theimmediate area.

• Immediately mark spills (water or debris)with pylons or wet floor signs, and clean promptly.

• Store boxes, crates, and materials neatly,and well away from hallway traffic areas.

Interior/exterior: • Stairs and handrails must comply with

building code requirements.

• Install adequate lighting in all areas.Ensure that burned-out or broken lightbulbs are replaced without delay. Minorsurface irregularities may pose no problemwhen well lit, but can be dangerous inlow lighting or at night. Special lightingmay be required for stairs, uneven floors,areas where there is an elevation orfloor surface change and parking lots.

• Special visible markings may be neededon curbs and pedestrian walkways.

• Carefully check potential design hazards, including:

1. Traffic patterns due to the set up anddesign of your premises.

2. Wheel chair ramps and railings mustcomply with building codes.

3. The direction of the door swing –doors should swing "out" for safe and quick exit in an emergency.

4. Inspect the width, height and heightconsistency of stairs and evenness of treads.

5. Mark and install appropriate light inareas with unexpected changes inelevation, e.g. floors, curbs and steps.

Exterior:• Check for areas of uneven pavement,

potholes or unexpected steps, unmarkedtrip points, obstacles or debris.

• Clear and repair damaged pavement,walkways or steps.

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Winter conditions require special attention

Winter conditions are a leading cause of slip-and-fall claims: • Pay particular attention to procedures for

clearing and salting of walkways andparking lots during the winter.

• Any contract for snow removal or wintermaintenance (salting, sanding) must clearlyidentify the responsibilities of each party.The responsibility to start snow removalor other maintenance must be clearlyunderstood and documented. Thecriteria that trigger maintenance, andthe responsibility for detailed recordkeeping should be spelled out.

• Any insurance clauses or hold harmlessprovisions need to be understood andshould be reviewed by your insurancebroker or lawyer.

• Log weather conditions daily and recordremedial and maintenance activities.

• Pay special attention to areas where icemight accumulate, where there is afreeze/thaw cycle and along thosecritical walkway and parking lot accessareas that visitors use.

Use of warnings A strategically placed, highly visible signalerting visitors to a potential hazard canhelp prevent accidents. When a temporaryhazard is identified, using any of theseoptions will help prevent accidents:

• Post a warning sign and pylons.

• Erect a barricade to divert visitors fromthe danger or provide a guard.

• Provide a well-marked alternative route.

• Provide extra lighting.

• Apply fluorescent paint to trip points or obstacles.

3. Equipment breakdown -preventative maintenance

What is preventative maintenance?Preventative maintenance is the continuedpractice of conducting routine inspections,testing, and servicing of equipment on aregular basis to detect and eliminateimpending problems or breakdowns.Moreover, it is whatever is needed toprevent costly damage and/or a majorbusiness interruption.

Records should be reviewed regularly tospot trends in the breakdown of equipmentand to learn how effective the program is.

For any program to succeed it must havethe utmost support of management. Theprinciples described throughout this brochurerelative to a loss prevention program forproperty and liability, also apply toequipment breakdown.

The following information should aid youin establishing minimum standards for thepreventative maintenance of your equipment.

First, obtain the equipmentmanufacturer’s own recommendationsfor the scope and frequency ofmaintenance. Since no single preventativemaintenance program can apply to allequipment in all occupancies, maintenancemanagers should be consulted to ensurethat the program is realistic and as completeas possible for all essential machinery andequipment. Each location’s needs must berecognized and an individual plan developedto meet those needs. The sample proceduresoutlined on page 8 provide a generaloverview of a typical maintenance programthat can be tailored to meet the requirementsof each location and jurisdiction of yourbusiness operation.

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Preventative maintenance of equipment Preventative maintenance of equipment is an important part of any Loss Controlprogram. A comprehensive programshould include the following:

• Ensure that all equipment is performingas designed.

• Perform all recommended routinemaintenance.

• Evaluate mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic,boiler, pressure vessel and electricalcomponents for potential breakdown.

• Identify whatever may precipitate a breakdown.

• Predict when a breakdown could occur.

• Schedule repairs to minimize interruptionsto normal operations.

4. Crime prevention Crime is often thought to be restricted toretail or financial institutions. The truth is,every business has a crime exposure. Forexample, few businesses operate withoutcomputers and these are now items highlyprized by thieves. Not only is valuablehardware stolen but lost data can result in a loss many times greater than the costof the hardware. Backing up data with offpremises storage eliminates this exposure.Crime occurs everywhere in Canada, fromour largest urban centers to rural locations.Moreover, every building is a potential target.

To a thief, a simple, handset lock or asliding window is the same as an unlockedbuilding. Crime protection at its simplestshould begin with ensuring doors andwindows are adequately protected.

Building security Check to ensure that:

• The yard is protected by chain-linkfencing where warranted.

• Protective lighting covers all sides of thebuilding and eliminates dark spots.

• Dead-bolt locks secure doors, unless it is a required fire exit where "panic"hardware is needed.

• Rear doors are provided with bars foradditional protection.

• Bars or protective glazing secures windows.

• Large trees, bushes or other potentialscreens or hiding places are removedfrom around the perimeter of the building.

Equipment Security Check to ensure that:

• Keys for all equipment are accountedfor, removed from unattendedequipment and kept in a secured area.

• Anti-theft and anti-vandalism devices areprovided on all major pieces of equipment.

• All equipment is locked and immobilizedby disabling it at end of each workday.

Burglar alarm systems A good burglar alarm system will include:

• Sensing devices for all openingsincluding doors and windows.

• Area protection using motion-sensing devices.

• Monitoring by a U.L.C. approved 24-hour monitoring station.

The use of automatic cameras or closed-circuit television systems may also be warranted to help deter oridentify criminals.

5. Documenting your proceduresDocumentation of inspection andmaintenance procedures provides evidenceof commitment to safe operating proceduresand can be a valuable defense in future lawsuits.

Simple and clear written documentationthat is easy to maintain and follow iscritical to a good loss prevention program.

The four most essential records would be:

1. Written procedural guidelines, which all staff use and understand fully.

2. An inspection log (sometimes referredto as a sweep log) for all the areas tobe inspected, itemizing the checks tobe done, the time, and the person.

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3. A maintenance log, outlining theactivities performed, where, when, and by whom.

4. An incident-investigation report-formthat is used for every incident thatoccurs on your premises.

Accident investigationThe final part of any good loss controlprogram is accident investigation.Gathering accident and incidentinformation has two purposes. First, itprovides a record of the incident shouldan insurance claim be made or legalaction instigated at some future point.Second, it provides a record of all incidentsregardless of whether or not a claim hasbeen made. Careful review of theserecords will help to determine areas thatneed improvements, and this could behelpful in preventing similar accidents orincidents from occurring in the future,which could prevent business losses.

The details of an accident or incidentshould be recorded as soon as practicallypossible after an accident/incident occurs.This allows details to be recorded whilethey are still fresh in the memories of thevictim and witnesses.

Information which should be gatheredand recorded includes who was involved,their names and addresses, the locationand the circumstances surrounding theincident. If witnesses are available, theirnames and phone numbers should be noted.

When gathering information after anaccident, always remain helpful andpolite, offering assistance where needed.Don’t attempt to determine responsibilityon the spot, rather, gather facts for yourown files and to provide to authorities asrequired. Certain rules should also beadhered to when completing incidentreports and these are as follows:

• Entries should be made in ink, and should be legible.

• Subsequent alterations or additionsshould be made openly, with theoriginal entry left in tact and legible.

• Any corrections should be initialed,signed and dated.

• All statements should be objective.

• The author should sign the incidentreport and indicate his/her staff position.

• The incident report should be complete,as any omissions will likely beinterpreted negatively.

• Consecutively number each incidentreport and record the incident reportnumber (I.R.#) in a calendar on the date of the incident.

• Items that are relevant should not beomitted simply because they areembarrassing or uncomplimentary.

Remember to keep your records in a safe place where they cannot be lost or damaged.

Samples of these incident reports can be found on our website:www.avivacanada.com

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IntroductionVandalism and theft on construction sitescreate serious problems for contractors.Contractors and subcontractors on "open"jobsites with inadequate security are easytargets for vandalism and having theirequipment stolen.

As a contractor, protection against loss ofmaterials, tools, equipment and vehiclesshould be your main concern. In somecases, the difference between making aprofit or sustaining a loss on a job isrelated to your ability to control crimeproblems on the jobsite.

Sources of lossesWhile each jobsite will present someunique situations, the following identifiesmajor sources of crime losses. On theunprotected jobsite, the contractor is exposed to:

• Losses from fires by arsonists or accidentsby vandals, vagrants or the public whodo not belong on the jobsite.

• Theft, resulting in material and equipmentlosses and scheduling delays to procurereplacements.

• Vandalism clean up and rework costscan be high on items that are damaged.

Common characteristicsThe following have been identified ascommon characteristics in constructionequipment theft:

• A potential thief will "case" a job sitemany times and at different times todetermine the contractors’ routine andidentify the security measures in placeon the site.

• Most thefts occur in the evenings,usually within an hour after the workdayhas ended, and on weekends.

• Most potential thieves will not attemptto steal if they cannot enter the site,load the material/equipment, and beclear of the site in less than ten minutes.

Considerations to reduce exposure/lossesAn adequate construction site securityprogram should include the following to reduce jobsite losses:

General:• During pre-job planning, establish a

written jobsite security policy. Budgetsshould include allocations for fencing,alarms, proper lighting, security guardservice and closed circuit television systemsfor surveillance of the main entrance,property lines and remote areas.

SPECIAL TOPICS:

Construction site security

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• Supervisory security responsibilitiesshould be assigned to both the jobsuperintendent and project manager.

• Compile and maintain complete list of names and phone numbers of keypersonnel who can be contacted in case of an emergency. A copy of the list should be given to the local police.

• Encourage security awareness among all workers and outside vendors whodeliver materials.

• Contact police and fire departments, andestablish good lines of communication,before starting a job. A liaison should be established with the police and theyshould be requested to include the jobsite in their patrols.

• All losses should be reported to thepolice immediately.

• Encourage the public to report suspiciousactivities on the jobsite.

• Instruct workers or delivery persons to promptly report suspected theft and vandalism.

• Maintain complete records of all materialdelivered and any security incidents.

• Establish liaisons with local groups orassociations working to protect against/control construction site security problems.

Job site:• Contact neighbors in the immediate

area around the job site and ask theircooperation in reporting suspiciousoccurrences.

• When possible, the entire job site should be enclosed with a securityfence. The fence should be installed to recognized standards.

• A clear zone should be maintainedadjacent to all fencing.

• One main entrance/exit gate withsecurity control will help protect againstentry of unauthorized persons and theftor vandalism of equipment or material.On very large projects, this rule mayhave to be modified; however, securitycontrol of all gates is essential.

• Access to the job site should be limitedat all times. Only high quality locks

should be used, and keys should neverbe left in padlocks or locks left in anopen position.

• Security guards should have supervisedrounds and checkpoints, as well as ameans of job site and offsite communi-cation. Alarm and surveillance systemsshould be considered, depending on the type of project.

• A well organized receiving and site storagearea on the job site is essential. Thereceiving area should confine material ina pre-selected area and valuable itemsshould be stored in locked enclosures.

• Nighttime lighting of the job site isessential. Lighting should be elevated to eliminate dark areas and should bevisible from adjacent streets. Wherepossible, lighting should be positionedso that it does not limit the view orblind security guards.

• Parking areas should be provided outsidethe job site for all workers and visitors.Offsite parking is a deterrent to theftand will help control the disappearanceof tools, materials and small equipment.

• Basic warning signs should be posted to keep unauthorized persons off thejob site. Reward signs and reward decals on equipment help discouragevandalism or theft.

• At the end of each day, the entire jobsite should be checked out and securedby assigned supervisory personnel.

• Equipment/materials should not be leftin remote area; high-visibility areas arepreferred, especially in the evenings andon weekends when most thefts occur.

Equipment, tools and materials:• All major pieces of equipment and

trailers containing tools and materialsshould be protected by an alarm system.

• A supervisory key control programshould be established.

• Equipment should be removed from thejob site when no longer needed.

• A program should be established for verifying all material or equipment deliveries. 11

• A centrally located, well-lit, secured areashould be maintained within the site forequipment parking and storage.

• All equipment should be locked andimmobilized by disabling it during non-working hours. Additional anti-theft/anti-vandalism devices should beconsidered, such as locked hood sideplates, locking steering wheel devices,and locking filler caps for fuel, oil,radiators and hydraulic tanks. Lockableelectrical switches should be considered,as well as protective covers for gaugesand window glass. Where practical, alloperating levers, handles, etc. should beplaced under securely locked covers or lids.

• All tools, equipment and attachmentsshould be double stamped with an IDnumber, one conspicuous and the otherhidden. Warning signs on equipmentshould indicate that ID and serialnumbers are recorded.

• Keep a written record of all vehicleidentification numbers (VIN) and a colour photo of each unit.

• Post warning notices on machines and equipment advising that all VINnumbers have been recorded.

• Paint tools and equipment with bright,easily recognizable colors to identifywhere they belong. Tool racks orequipment holders should be painted a contrasting color, to remind users to return tools to their proper place.

• Mark the tops of cabs and trailer bodiesto aid in aerial identification.

• Keep excess materials off the job sitethrough careful scheduling and recordkeeping of deliveries. Any material nolonger needed at the job site should beremoved, and completed building areasshould not be used for additional storage.

• An inventory control system should bemaintained for all equipment, tools andmaterials, and could include photographsof equipment and expensive tools.

• A recorded check-out/check-in systemshould be implemented for all tools andequipment. Tools should be securelylocked in storage trailers or sheds.

• Provide a highly secured storage area for target building material, such asappliances, heating and air conditioningunits, fixtures and wiring.

• On-site inventory of building materialsshould be kept to a minimum, and they should be stored away fromperimeter fencing.

• Maintain good housekeeping, and monitorall trash removal from the job site.

Project building or structure:• In addition to job site lighting, light

access ways, the perimeter and theinterior of the structure to discourageunauthorized personnel.

• Use local police and/or and additionalsecurity patrol service to provide surveillance.

• Additional high-tech alarm, television/video cameras and more sophisticateddetection systems should be used as the need dictates.

Management responsibility:Management must also play a key role forgood site security. Some suggestions forgood management are as follows:

• Supervisors should be required to maintainday-to-day contact with workers.

• Management should make random visitsto jobs and make a point of seeing allworkers and checking all materials and equipment.

• Any suspicious change in work or productquantity should be investigated.

• The accuracy of time records or timeclocks should be checked.

• Workers should be required to take theirvacations. A person filling in may be aclue to any irregularities.

• If theft is suspected; auditors, police, orprofessional security consultants shouldbe contacted.

• Management should set a good examplefor workers by following company policiesand rules and adhering to ethical practices.

COPYRIGHT ©2000, Insurance Services Office, Inc.

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IntroductionEvery year claims alleging property damagefrom construction operations are madeagainst contractors. In order to protectyour own interests, you should considerpre-construction surveys when certainconstruction operations are planned.These include (but are not limited to):

• Excavation and trenching.

• Pile driving.

• Use of heavy construction equipmentclose to other structures.

• Dewatering operations.

• Underpinning.

• Blasting or demolition of a structure.

Site SurveyThe first task usually undertaken for thesite work is a pre-construction survey ofthe proposed site. The main purpose of a pre-construction survey is to develop a 'rough layout' of the site. This should include:

• Location of the proposed structure andadjacent structures.

• Location and condition of any existingstructures or monuments, existing roadsand parking lots to be retained.

• All utility lines, gas lines, phone lines or cable lines near the proposedconstruction area.

• All existing objects to be demolished.

• Any existing trees or vegetation to be retained.

The planned construction activities andthe degree of exposure to the surroundingarea determine the need for and extentof the survey. You should note that theactual field conditions are not alwaysclearly identified and changes should beanticipated. Surveys may also identifypotential problem areas that contractorsshould consider in pre-planning jobs.

In the event that any structures or utilitiesadjacent to a construction project arealleged to have been damaged duringconstruction work, another survey shouldbe made at the completion of the work.This survey should be compared with theinitial surveys to determine if any damagewas caused by the contractor's operations.

A qualified independent consultingengineer should make pre-constructionsurveys. Written, accurate, dated reportsshould be kept for future reference.

SPECIAL TOPICS:

Pre-construction surveys

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The problem becomes more complex ifother contractors are working in the samearea. The pre-construction survey shouldbe completed just prior to begin workingon your portion of the project. Arearesidents should be contacted and advisedof the work to be done. This is goodpublic relations. It should be explained to the area property owners that the pre-construction survey is designed primarilyto detect any hazardous conditions orpotential problems so the constructionoperations can be planned accordingly.

Adjacent property owners often will nottolerate frequent pre-construction surveysof their properties. In some instances, itmay not be necessary to survey all adjacentproperties; in others, all buildings up tothree blocks away may have to be included.All buildings in poor condition in theaffected area should be surveyed.Structures such as religious institutions,museums, antique shops, and hospitals,should also be considered for pre-construction surveys, due to their high susceptibility to potential claims.

Survey guidelinesOnce you decide to have a pre-constructionsurvey made, property owners involvedshould be contacted and advised of thenature of the work in an effort to obtaintheir cooperation. Property owners maynot have to permit surveys of theirproperties. However, refusal to have theirproperty surveyed may be used to youradvantage in the event of a subsequentclaim for damage to their property.

Insurance representatives or the contractor’spersonnel should not make pre-constructionsurveys. In the event that a claim goes to court, the contractor's and insurancecompany's personnel may be consideredbiased witnesses, and their surveys maynot be accepted as admissible evidence.

The task of obtaining locates of existingunderground utilities has been simplifiedin some provinces by a "One Call" system.Regardless of the system used, you as thecontractor are responsible for locating allunderground utilities. Be sure to includein your planning adequate time, normallytwo to three business days, from the timeof request to the commencement ofdigging. Most utilities prohibit mechanicalexcavation within one metre on either sideof painted marks. Some utilities are lessspecific. Confirm the location of all utilitiesbefore bringing in heavy equipment. Thesurest, safest way to confirm the locationof any buried structure is to expose it byhand excavation. When excavating alwaysexpect the unexpected.

Planning surveys The timing of a pre-construction survey isimportant. For example, if you use your owncrews for an entire sewer-trenching project,including all blasting, a survey should bemade before the work starts. Damagecould be caused by the contractor'sactivities due to blasting vibrations orground settlement.

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Surveys of structures may include any or all of the following:

• Written building condition reports by aregistered professional engineer coveringthe condition of the foundations, exteriorand interior walls, floors, ceilings, roof,chimney and other structural components.The reports should also cover the piping,heating and air conditioning units, hotwater tanks, and other delicatemachinery or equipment in the building.

• Subterranean facilities, such as subways,tunnels, and electrical power vaults.

• Photos that are properly labeled, dated,and notarized to certify that they areaccurate and true copies of conditionson the day they were taken. Date stampcameras help to provide this documentation.

• Details of specific cracks or existingdeterioration that are measured andphotographed.

• Bench marks and/or survey points for vertical and horizontal references,established by a licensed land surveyorthat checks for settlement and movementof building, roadways and shoringsystems. Subsequent readings can betaken periodically by the contractor'ssurvey crew to detect any groundmovement. If unanticipated movementtakes place, revised work procedures or corrective work should be considered immediately.

• A videotape of the project area andexisting structures to help documentconditions. An independent consultantas directed by the professional engineershould complete this. The videotapeshould be properly labeled and the dateverified for future reference. To protectagainst possible claims from hittingunderground utilities photographs orvideotape of the staked-out site beforedigging can also help.

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• Ground water levels and water levels inadjacent wells should be recorded andchecked periodically.

• A seismographic monitoring report ofsurrounding vibration-producing operationsother than construction. This reportshould be completed by a qualifiedindependent consultant, the results shouldbe recorded and kept on file. Blast logsand shot pattern records should also becompiled and kept on file.

COPYRIGHT ©2000, ISO Services Properties, Inc.

IntroductionBefore undertaking a welding or cuttingoperation on a construction site, a job-safety analysis, (also called job-hazardanalysis) should be performed. The analysisallows the job to be broken down intosteps that can be analyzed for possiblehazards that can lead to accidents. A job-safety analysis will also help to identifyrequired personal protective clothing andequipment, fire hazards, and specialtraining requirements.

A written record of each step should bepresented to all persons involved in theoperation. Each person should have anopportunity to ask questions and add anyinformation to the record. Recommendationscan then be developed to help make theoperation safer and easier for workers.

Gas welding and cuttingTransporting, moving, and storage of cylindersWhen transporting, storing, or movingcylinders, valve protection caps should bechecked to ensure they are securely inplace. Whenever cylinders are hoisted,they should be secured on a cradle,pallet, or slingboard, not lifted with an electromagnet. If cylinders are moved byhand, they should be tilted and rolled on their bottom edges.

In the event that powered vehicles are usedto transport cylinders, they should be inthe upright position and secure. Valvecaps should never be used to lift cylinders.If cylinders are frozen together, warm, nothot, water or warm air should be used tothaw them out (flames should never beused). If cylinders need to be moved, theyshould be secured in a special carriercontainer. When cylinders are in use, theyshould be kept in a upright position andsecured from movement. When a cylinderis empty, work is finished, or the cylindersare moved at any time, the cylinder valveshould be closed.

Stored oxygen cylinders should be separatedfrom combustible materials and from fuelgas cylinders by a minimum distance of6.1m (20 feet) or by a noncombustiblebarrier at least 1.5m (5 feet) high havinga fire-resistance rating of at least onehour. If cylinders are stored inside buildings,they should be stored in a well-protected,well-ventilated, dry location and be atleast 6.1m (20 feet) from combustiblematerials. Cylinders should be storedwhere they cannot be upset in any way.

SPECIAL TOPICS:

Welding and cutting

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Cylinder placement and treatmentCylinders should be kept far enoughaway from welding or cutting operationsto prevent contact with flames, sparks, orhot slag; if this cannot be assured, a fire-resistant shield should be used. Cylindersused for cutting or welding should neverbe taken into a confined space. Cylindersshould never be used as rollers or supports.Damaged or defective cylinder should notbe used. Only the gas supplier should mixgases in a cylinder, and only authorizedpersonnel should be allowed to refill a cylinder.

Using cylindersBefore any connection is made to acylinder valve outlet, the valve should beslightly opened to clear away particles ordirt; the person opening the valve shouldstand to one side. The valve should neverbe opened near welding operations,sparks, open flames, or other possiblesources of ignition.

To protect against possible damage toregulators, the cylinder valve should beopened slowly. To enable the valve to bequickly closed, it should not be openedmore than 1 turns. If there is a specialwrench required to open the valve, itshould be left in position on the stem, sothat it can be shut off quickly in case ofany emergency. The wrench should beattached to the valve body with a chainor cable to prevent misplacement or loss.

Prior to removing a regulator from acylinder valve, the cylinder valve shouldalways be closed and the gas releasedfrom the regulator. If there is a leak in acylinder, the cylinder should be tagged,taken out of service, and immediatelyremoved from the work area. A regulatorwill not stop a leak through the valve seat.

Fuel gas and oxygen manifoldsThe contents of fuel gas and oxygenmanifolds should be marked, using atleast one inch letters painted on themanifold or on a permanently attachedsign. Fuel gas and oxygen manifoldsshould be placed in a safe, well-ventilated,and easily accessible location and not in an enclosed space. Manifold hoseconnections should never be interchangedbetween fuel gas and oxygen manifoldsand supply header connections. Adaptersthat permit the interchange of hosesshould not be allowed. The hoseconnections must be kept free of oil andgrease. Manifold and header openingsshould be capped when not in use. The manifold should be protected frombeing damaged, and it should not be obstructed from being able to bequickly shutoff.

Hose, torches, regulators, and gaugesTorches should be inspected before eachshift for leaking valves, hose couplings, or tip connections. Clogged torch tipopenings should be cleaned with devicesdesigned for that purpose. Regulators andgauges must be in proper working orderat all times. Torches should be lighted byfriction lighters or other approved devices,and not by other hot work, matches, orcigarette lighters.

Arc welding and cuttingElectrodes and holders

Only manual electrode holders that aredesigned for arc welding and cutting, andwhich are of adequate capacity to handlethe maximum rated current, should beused. The holders should be fullyinsulated to protect the welder.

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Fire preventionFire protection should be practiced at alltimes in welding and cutting operations.The job-hazard analysis will help identifypotential fire hazards. To help protectagainst potential fires, articles to be cut,heated, or welded should be removed toa safe and separate area. Fire-fightingequipment should be made available atall times. A fire watch should be postedafter a welding or cutting operation inareas where the potential for a fire exists.A hot work permit should be developed.

The Insurance policy may contain "HotWork" warranties, non compliance withthese could result in an uninsured loss. Youshould ensure that you and your supervisorystaff are familiar with the terms andconditions outlined in the warranty. Yourbroker will be pleased to review thesewarranties with you and your staff.

Further fire safety can be found byreferencing the National Fire Code orProvincial Fire Code and NFPA 51B,Standard for Fire Prevention duringWelding, Cutting and other Hot Work.

For further information on fire prevention,you can download a copy of Aviva’s “Hot Work Permit” from our website:www.avivacanada.com

COPYRIGHT ©2000, Insurance Services Office, Inc.

Welding cable and connectorsWelding and cutting cables should becompletely insulated, flexible, and capableof carrying the maximum currentrequirements of the work. Only cablesthat are free of splices or repairs for aminimum distance of 3.0 m (10 feet)from the cable end to which the electrodeholder is connected should be used. If it is necessary to splice the cables together,insulated connectors rated for the capacityof the cable should be used. Exposedmetal parts on any splice should be insulated.Cables in need of repair should never beused and must be taken immediately out of service.

Grounding, operating, and shieldingThe ground cable on a cutting or arcwelding machine (generator) must havethe same or greater current capacity thanthe unit it serves. If one ground cableserves more than one machine, it must be capable of serving all the machines to which it is connected.

Contractors are responsible for propersafety training in arc cutting and welding.Training should include informing theworker to remove the electrode from theholder when the machine is left unattendedand not to dip a hot electrode holder inwater. When a unit is left unattended, orhas to be moved, the power switch shouldbe turned off (opened). Any defective orfaulty equipment should be reportedimmediately to a supervisor.

All arc welding and cutting operationsshould be shielded by flameproof ornoncombustible screens that will helpprotect the welders and other workers inthe vicinity from the direct rays of the arc.

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Introduction Temporary heaters, fueled by liquefiedpetroleum gas (LP-gas), liquid-fuel oil,natural gas, or other fuels, are widely usedin the construction industry. They provideheated space for the workers and arenecessary to help cure materials, such asplaster, dry wall and concrete. This reportprovides information on the, various typesof heaters and their uses, and outlines losscontrol recommendations for their safe use.

General informationThe following general requirements arecommon to all types of temporary heaters:

• Only "listed" or "approved" units shouldbe used on job sites. This equipmentshould be listed or approved by a nationallyrecognized testing laboratory, such asFactory Mutual Engineering Corp. orUnderwriters' Laboratories of CanadaInc., or agencies, such as the CanadianGas Association and Canadian StandardsAssociation. All units should be installed,used, monitored and maintained,according to the manufacturer's instructions.Temporary heaters should be used fortheir intended application only.

• A reliable operating procedure should be established in order to assure properplacement and servicing, safe clearancefrom combustible materials, close

surveillance and maintenance, safe fuel storage and refueling, and promptdetection of gaseous contamination or oxygen deficiency.

• Each heater should have permanentlyaffixed to it a data plate providing thefollowing information: requiredclearances; ventilation requirement; fueltype and input pressure; and lightingand extinguishing instructions.

• Temporary heaters when in use shouldbe placed horizontally level for goodstability, unless otherwise permitted bythe manufacturer's markings.

• LP-gas or natural gas heaters should notbe permitted in tunnels, shafts, siphons,or similar locations on a job site.

• Required and approved fire extinguishingequipment should be provided in theareas where the heaters are used.

InstallationTemporary heaters should be locatedaccording to the manufacturer's requireddistances from combustible materials,equipment, or the actual construction itself.The enclosing material should be securelyfastened or guarded by construction so thatit cannot be blown by the wind againstheaters or other sources of ignition. Nocombustible materials should be placedon or close to hot surfaces of these units:

Temporary heaters on construction sites

SPECIAL TOPICS:

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• Wood Floors - When heaters are used onwood floors, they should rest on suitablenon-combustible material equivalent toat least 25.4 mm of concrete. The non-combustible material should extend atleast 0.6 m (2 ft) beyond the heater inall directions.

• Venting - Natural gas or liquefied petroleumgas heaters used in an enclosed buildingor structure should be vented by a fluepipe to the outside. Properly insulatedand ventilated sleeves or roof jacksshould be used when flues or smokepipes pass through combustible materials

Common hazards/exposures• Oxygen Deficiency/Asphyxiation/

Poisoning - Temporary heaters of thegas and liquid-fuel types are constantlydrawing oxygen from the working area'satmosphere and produce varying amountsof carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide andwater vapor as part of the combustionprocess. This could lead to a hazardousoxygen-deficient condition. Air monitoringshould be performed on a regular basiswith results reviewed by site supervisor.Any deviation from accepted oxygenlevels should prompt the removal of allexposed workers in that area. If anydeficiency occurs, fresh air should beprovided and any other correctivemeasures taken to alleviate the hazardoussituation. Where natural means of freshair supply is inadequate, mechanicalventilation should be provided.

• Confined Spaces - Fuel-fired heatersshould not be used in confined spaces.

Fire protection and preventionGeneral fire protection requirementsshould be in accordance with ProvincialConstruction Standards. The required andapproved fire extinguishers should beprovided on each floor or area wheretemporary heaters are used.

Fuel storage and handling of containersFuel storage and handling are potentialhazards. Storage of flammable andcombustible liquids should be in accordancewith Provincial Fire Codes.

Fuel storage containers should be sealedby means of a lid or other device so thatneither liquid nor vapor can escape atordinary temperatures. Any closed containerhaving a liquid capacity of more than227.1 L (60 U.S gal ) and not intended fora fixed installation should be considered aportable tank. A safety can should be anapproved closed container of not morethan 18.9 L ( 5 gal) capacity. The safetycan should have a flash-arresting screen,spring-closing lid, and spout cover designedso it will safely relieve internal pressurewhen subjected to a fire exposure. Handlingprocedures should indicate that refuelingis to be performed out of doors, or in awell-ventilated area.

Open flames and smoking should not bepermitted. "No Smoking" signs should beposted accordingly. Storage areas shouldbe kept clean and free of any debris orcombustible materials. Goodhousekeeping is a must.

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Recommendations for use of LP-gas salamandersLP-gas salamanders are the most widelyused means of temporary heating onconstruction sites. This type of fuel doesnot give off the quantity of toxic gasesgenerated by other fuels, the temperatureis easier to control (because of the adjustablevalves and regulators), and the fuel supplyis relatively easy to handle.

Suggested recommendations for use are:

• Additional provincial and local regulationsas well as insurance companies’ guidelinespertaining to the use of temporaryheaters should be strictly followed.

• For temporary heating, such as curingconcrete, drying materials, and similaruses, heaters (other than integral heater-container units) should be located atleast 1.8 m (6 ft) away from any LP-gascontainer. This should not prohibit theuse of heaters specifically designed forattachment to the container or to asupporting structure with connectinghose less than 1.8 m (6 ft), provided thesystem is designed and installed to preventdirect applications of radiant heat fromthe heater onto the container. Blower-type or radiant heaters should not bedirected toward any LP-gas containerwithin 6.1 m (20 ft).

• When two or more heaters are locatedin an unpartitioned area on the samefloor, the LP-gas containers supplyingthe respective units should be separatedby at least 6.1 m (20 ft).

• LP-gas containers manifolded togethersupplying one or more heaters in anunpartitioned area on the same floorshould not exceed 136 kg (300 lb)nominal LP-gas capacity. Such manifoldsshould be separated by at least 6.1 m (20 ft).

• Piping, tubing, and hose connectionsshould be leak tested following instal-lation. A form of detection, such as theapplication of a soap solution, wouldindicate a leak by forming bubbles inthe solution.

• Every container and every vaporizershould be provided with one or moreapproved safety relief valves or devices.

• Valves on containers having a watercapacity greater than 22.7 kg (50 lb)(nominal 9.0 kg (20 lb) LP-gas capacity)should be protected from damage while in use or storage.

• The maximum water capacity of individualcontainers should be 111 kg (245 lb)(nominal 90.72 kg (200 lb) LP-gas capacity).

• Heaters should be equipped with anapproved regulator in the supply linebetween the fuel cylinder and the heaterunit, with an excess flow valve at thecylinder connector. This is required tominimize the flow of gas if the fuel lineshould rupture.

• Fuel cylinder connectors should be providedwith an excess flame-loss device, whichwill shut off the gas supply if the flameor pilot light is extinguished.

• LP-gas containers should not be refilledinside of buildings or structures. Storageof LP-gas within buildings is not permittedexcept for approved containers requiredfor equipment operation.

• LP-gas is odorized so leaks can be detectedbefore a flammable concentration hasaccumulated. If odor is detected, thevalves at the container should be closedand inspected for corrective maintenance.

• LP-gas is heavier than air and will seeklower levels. This potential hazard requiresspecial attention by operators to assurethat the gas does not concentrate as aresult of a leak.

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• Only approved methods and materialsfor handling, lifting, or lowering LP-gascylinders should be used. Cylindersshould never be intentionally dropped or thrown. When not in use, cylindersshould be securely fastened in an upright position and protected frompossible damage.

• Temporary heaters used on floors abovegrade level should be supplied from LP-gas cylinders on the floor below.

Recommendations for usingliquid fuel-fired salamanders• Oil-fired heaters should comply in design

and installation features with CAN/CSAB139 Installation Standard for OilBurning Equipment.

• Chimney or vent connectors should bemaintained at least 457.2 mm (18inches) from any combustibles.

• Sufficient ventilation (fresh air) should bemaintained to assure proper combustion,to limit the temperature rise, and tomaintain the health and safety ofthe workers.

• Heaters designed for barometric or gravityoil feed should be used only withintegral tanks.

• Heaters specifically designed and approvedfor use with separate supply tanks maybe directly connected for gravity feed, oran automatic pump, from a supply tank.

• Heaters should be shut down and allowedto cool off before being refueled or movedto limit the hazard of flashing vapors inthe stack.

• Heaters, when in use, should be securedand set horizontally and leveled, unlessotherwise permitted by the manufacturer'sspecifications.

• Liquid-fuel heaters may be either directlyor indirect fired. Permissible fuels arekerosene, fuel oil, and diesel oil. Theflashpoint of the fuel should not be lessthan 37.8ºC (100ºF).

• Liquid-fuel heaters should be equippedwith an automatic flame loss device,which will protect against the flow offuel if the flame is extinguished.

• Workers assigned to fueling operationsshould be trained and thoroughly familiarwith the manufacturer's instructions andspecifications. Prior to fueling, the heatershould be extinguished and permitted to cool. Fuel should be stored in anddispensed from covered, approved-type flammable liquid containers.

• Heaters should be cleaned and maintainedin good operating condition. Provisionsshould be made for periodic cleaning ofoil reservoirs, jets, and other parts asspecified by the manufacturer.

COPYRIGHT ©2000, Insurance Services Office, Inc.

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IntroductionGood housekeeping during constructionoperations is a vital function that canincrease efficiency, aid public relations,reduce accidents, and improve overallsafety performance and morale on a jobsite. The practice of housekeepinginvolves proper storage, use, cleanup, and disposal of the various materials usedduring construction. This report discussesloss control methods that should beconsidered in establishing a goodhousekeeping program.

Cleanup on a construction site should be considered a part of the operation,rather than a separate activity. A goodhousekeeping program should be wellplanned, coordinated, and becomecustomary practice. Housekeeping is acontinuous process in which everyone on a job site participates throughout theworkday. The proper time to clean up isimmediately after the debris has beencreated. Many accidents that are chargedto other causes, such as tripping or slipping, are actually the results of unsafeconditions produced by poor housekeeping.

The essentials of good housekeeping aregenerally reduced to the principle of "aproper place for everything and everythingin its proper place." This implies acommon-sense regimen, on the part of

all job site employees, for maintaining an orderly environment and workingprocedure. The effect of goodhousekeeping on workers' pride andmorale is significant. Everyone prefers towork at an orderly, clean and sanitary jobsite, and the result usually is an increasein safety of the operation.

Program planningHousekeeping is a continuous processinvolving all workers. A good housekeepingprogram incorporates the housekeepingfunction into every process, operation,and task performed on the job site. Theultimate goal is for workers to seehousekeeping as an integral part ofconscientious performance, not as asupplement to their job. When theworkplace is clean and orderly, less timeand effort will be spent keeping it clean.When workers can concentrate on theirrequired tasks without scrap materials,tools, and equipment interfering withtheir work, they can operate moreefficiently. When everything has anassigned place, there is less chance that materials and tools will be takenfrom the job site or misplaced.

Different paint colors can be applied totools to identify the department to whichthey belong. Tool racks or holders can bepainted a contrasting color as a reminder

SPECIAL TOPICS:

Housekeeping duringconstruction operations

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to workers to return the tools to theirproper places. Efficiency is increasedwhen workers treat materials with care,minimize spillage and scrap, and returneven small quantities of materials to theirproper storage locations.

SupervisorsGood housekeeping standards should be established and regular inspectionsundertaken to clearly define housekeepingrequirements. Supervisors should adviseworkers to immediately report conditionswhere unacceptable housekeeping practicesor hazardous conditions exist. Supervisorsshould maintain a constant check onhousekeeping conditions and immediatelycorrect hazardous conditions. They shouldplan for orderliness in all operations, issuedefinitive instructions to workers, andinsist on cleanup every day. They shouldset the examples for good housekeeping.

Waste materialsContractors generate many types of wasteduring the course of their work. Types ofwaste include both general trash (nontoxicor non-hazardous), and hazardous wastes.All trash and construction debris shouldbe kept in enclosures to prevent beingblown off the site by wind and rain.Debris should be stored away from workareas. Nontoxic or non-hazardous waste, such as scrap lumber, demolition debris,trash, and garbage, should be frequentlycollected and removed from the workarea. Separate containers should beprovided for the collection and separationof waste, trash, and other refuse.Combustibles should be stored away from structures to reduce fire hazards.

Waste disposalRequirements for the ultimate disposal ofjob site waste will vary from region toregion. Concerns that construction anddemolition debris take up too much spaceand may contain hazardous wastes havecaused many landfills to no longer acceptit, or require that stringent testing beperformed prior to disposal. You shouldcontact provincial and local authorities to determine specific requirements.

Loss control recommendationsThe following loss control recommen-dations should be considered for a goodhousekeeping program.

Working areas:• Provide safe access to the job site.

• Keep walking/working surfaces clearand clean.

• Keep stairways, passageways andgangways free of material, supplies, and obstructions.

• Pick-up and place all debris or trash inits proper container.

• Hammer in, bend, or remove any nailsprotruding from scrap lumber. Cap orbend all exposed steel rebar ends.

• Clean up all spills and wet floor areas.Keep all walking and working surfacesdry and free from grease and oil.

• Remove from the work area any itemsnot being used (e.g. tools, hoses, cords,chains, and hooks) and store them intheir proper place.

• Keep lavatory and toilet facilities (stationaryor portable) clean and sanitary with thenecessary paper products and soap.Check and clean facilities twice a day.

• Keep bulletin boards for posting job siteinformation clean, and up to date.

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Materials, equipment, and storage:• Keep material storage areas clean and

free of unwanted material and debris.

• Secure loose scrap or light materialwhen stored on floors that are notenclosed or in use.

• Store first-aid materials in a sanitary,clean condition.

• Provide adequate space for equipment,tools, and workers' personal belongings.

Waste:• Place trash and recyclable containers

throughout the job site and mark themfor proper use.

• Keep waste in metal cans or bins withself-closing covers and remove debris at regular intervals.

• Never allow rubbish to fall freely fromany level of the project. Use chutes orother approved devices for waste removal.

• Seal waste and product drums andcontainers tightly to reduce evaporation,spillage, and contamination with water,dirt, or other materials.

• Require all disposal of scrap, waste,recyclable and surplus materials be inaccordance with Federal regulations and local codes.

• Never dispose any waste into storm or sanitary sewers.

• Frequently schedule the safe collectionand removal of combustible waste.

• Lock used oil containers and dumpstersand secure them from unwanted waste.

COPYRIGHT ©2002, ISO Services Properties, Inc.

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About Aviva Canada Inc.Aviva Canada Inc. (formerlyCGU Group Canada Ltd.) is oneof the country’s leading propertyand casualty insurance groupsand a subsidiary of Aviva plc,the world’s seventh largestfinancial services organizationwith more than $453 billionCdn. in assets and 59,000employees around the globe.

Aviva Insurance Company of Canada and its associatedcompanies (Aviva Traders andAviva Elite), provide a widevariety of insurance productsand services to people andbusinesses across the country,via a national network ofindependent insurance brokers.

For more information aboutprotecting your business throughrisk management and compre-hensive insurance coverage,talk to your broker today.

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