Safety Manual

SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY SAFETY MANUAL

2-26-16 1 rev. wns • Policy 603 3 • 1 Building Evacuation Program 10 • 2 Confined Space Program 43 TABLE • 3 Control of Hazardous Energy 64

• 4 Personal Protective Equipment 114 • 5 Powered Industrial Trucks - Forklift 124 OF • 6 Construction & Maintenance 134

• 7 Respiratory Protection 155 • 8 Chemical Hazard Communication 173 CONTENTS • 9 Emergency Spill Response 202

• 10 Chemical Hygiene Plan - Laboratory 211 • 11 Heat - Stress Environments 247 • 12 Weekly Topical Safety Talks 256

2 SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

SUBJECT: EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND SAFETY FILE UNDER SECTION NO.: 6

EFFECTIVE DATE: September 1, 2010 POLICY NO.: 603

SUPERSEDES: November 22, 2004 APPROVED: J. Szabo

POLICY

SCWA believes in an employee working environment that is free of recognized hazards and that promotes the health and well-being of our entire staff. Our commitment to employee health and safety will be demonstrated through the way we train our people, the way management responds to employee concerns, and the way we work together to solve issues that might pose undue risk to a member of our team.

Our goal is to reduce worker injuries, accidents, and near misses through better project planning, job task analysis, employee input and suggestions, and overall focus on resolving issues responsibly. We will utilize regulatory guidelines as a baseline, and build on that foundation a program that places great importance on the health and well- being of our entire workforce, regardless of position.

We expect all employees to adhere to company policies, directions, and written programs that are in-place for their benefit with regards to health and safety. There will always be an open door policy for employees who wish to discuss matters that involve their work environment.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO:

• Making every effort feasible to minimize potential risk through engineering controls, administrative measures, and providing quality personal protective equipment (PPE). • Maintaining written programs that provide direction and guidance with regards to worker protection. • Providing funding to remediate, correct, reduce, or eliminate recognized hazards • Being open to employee suggestions for overall safety. • Regularly scheduled monthly Safety Committee meetings with managers and employees for the purpose of recognizing, communicating, and addressing potential safety issues. • Providing quality employee training wherever necessary.

3 • Holding our management staff accountable and responsible for employee safety. • Holding employees accountable and responsible for their own actions. They will be expected to adhere to company safety programs, established procedures and training requirements received throughout the course of their employment. • Annually review our commitment to the safety program and suggest ways to improve overall quality and communication.

PESH and OSHA Compliance

Compliance with all Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) and Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA) requirements is mandatory. Each employee is advised to consult with the appropriate health and safety officer when necessary.

The Authority will cooperate with PESH and OSHA inspections and compliance reviews. A manager or division head should be present at such inspections or reviews, along with the Safety and Environmental Manager.

Workers' Compensation

The Authority will administer its Workers' Compensation program in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. (See Policy 604 - Worker's Compensation and Injury Reporting.)

Basic Rules and Standard Practices for Management/Supervisors

1. Attend all safety-related training courses required for supervisors 2. Attend all safety-related training courses required for their employees 3. Plan all projects with employee safety in mind 4. Ensure that any chemicals required for a project are evaluated for their level of toxicity and physical characteristics. Use the chemicals with the lowest risk 5. Ensure that tools provided for employee use are right for the task(s) at hand, and that all tools and equipment are periodically inspected and calibrated where necessary. 6. All projects must be completed efficiently, cost effectively, and safely. Regardless of the time constraints for any project, safety must never be circumvented or compromised. 7. Investigate all accidents, injuries, and near misses for cause factors. Report all injuries using company forms. Use accidents, injuries, and near misses to instruct employees on how to prevent re-occurrence of the same. 8. Lead by example in matters of health and safety. 9. Enforce all company safety rules, policies and procedures.

4 Basic Rules and Standard Practices for Employees

1. Attend all required safety related training courses. 2. Adhere to training content where applicable. 3. Inspect all tools and equipment prior to usage. Report any deficiencies or defects. 4. Inspect all PPE prior to usage. Report any deficiencies or defects. 5. Use all chemicals safely. Follow instructions received in training and guidelines from the material safety data sheet (MSDS) with regards to storage and use. 6. Report unsafe conditions, should they exist, to your supervisor. 7. Bring a right attitude and behavior to work each and every day.

Safety & Health (Written) Programs

Utilizing State and Federal guidelines as a foundation, SCWA has set forth policy and procedures governing the way hazard evaluations are performed, and what actions are taken as a result of those risk assessments. Engineering and administrative controls are outlined, as well as the continued issuance of employer provided personal protective equipment (PPE). The following is a list of such written material: • Working Safely with Electricity • Hazard Communication and “Right-to-Know” • Permit-Required Confined Space • Fleet Safety Program • Respiratory Protection • Asbestos – Operations & Maintenance • Chemical Hygiene Plan • Building Evacuation & Emergency Response • Working in Heat-Stress Environments • Chemical Spill Response

Utilizing State and Federal guidelines as a foundation, SCWA has built a comprehensive training program, providing employee awareness in the following areas: • Control of Hazardous Energy • Working with Live Parts • Hazard Communication & N.Y. State “Right-to-Know” • Confined Space Awareness • Atmospheric Monitor Use • Powered Industrial Trucks – Forklifts • (Federal) Department of Transportation – Hazardous Materials • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) • Respiratory Protection & Equipment “Fit Testing” • Ergonomics (task specific) • Equipment Use (department specific) • Trenching & Shoring

5 • Asbestos – Operations & Maintenance • Working in Heat Stress Environments • Building Evacuation Exercises • Portable Fire Extinguisher Use • Roadside Construction (including Flagging & traffic safety) • Welding / Acetylene Use • Lyme Disease / West Nile Virus / Poison Ivy, Sumac, Oak • Smith System Defensive Driving • CPR & First-Aid • Chemical Hygiene • Chemical Spill Response (mercury, solvent, fuel, hypochlorite) • Mechanics Shop Safety

Safety Committee

SCWA has a representative committee, which convenes monthly to discuss issues, recommendations, and direction for such topics as workplace hazards (should they exist), unsafe acts of individuals, and accident preventative measures for employee well-being. The committee consists of labor, management, and engineering, and has been involved in tangible acts such as a “Safety Poster” program and underground utility identification awareness. The Safety & Environmental Manager chairs the committee.

New Employee Orientation

Employees are provided training prior to job start from Human Resources (company policy and job requirements), the Safety & Environmental Manager (specific material relevant to job requirements), and from the hiring department (operational and/or equipment training) to ensure that safety is identified, highlighted, and expected before a new-start employee is required to perform an assigned task.

6 Physical Examination

Physical examinations may be required of all employees:

1. Upon employment or reemployment. 2. Upon return to work after a leave of absence for an illness of one month's duration or longer. 3. As required by PESH: blood work, dental checks, urine samples, hearing tests, physicals, etc. 4. At any time deemed necessary for the best interests and the protection of the employee and the Authority.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where necessary, by reason of hazard, the Authority will provide the necessary personal protective equipment to ensure the well-being of the employee. These items may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Safety Glasses 2. Ear Protection 3. Gloves/Aprons 4. Clothing 5. Safety Shoes 6. Hard Hats 7. Respiratory Protection Equipment

Supervisors must review the operation and provide to the employee all necessary personal protective equipment. Supervisors must ensure proper use and maintenance of safety equipment.

Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks

Each department (Facilities, Engineering, Production Control, Construction- Maintenance, and Customer Service) engages in weekly safety talks utilizing material designed specifically for the water utility industry.

7 Medical Surveillance Programs

Employees are provided, at no cost, medical (health) services and screenings depending upon the job assignments afforded them. Such procedures include: • Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) • Chest X-Ray (asbestos workers) • Lyme disease testing • Physical examination for CDL drivers

Administrative and Field Safety & Health Inspections

Daily/weekly/monthly field inspections take place consisting of roadside construction set-ups, employee driving practices, and program evaluations. Building inspections, held quarterly, target exit access and egress, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting and MSDS availability per location.

Emergency Evacuation Drills

Annually, SCWA carries out building evacuation exercises. The simulations target assembly areas, assigned responsibilities for the process, and evacuation routes (building specific). Field personnel are briefed as to the process.

Safety Rules for All Departments

These safety rules have been established by the Safety and Environmental Manager and the Director of Risk Management and approved by division management for the protection of each employee. All employees are required to cooperate in observing these rules and to help maintain a safe and orderly place to work.

1. Obtain full instructions before operating any machine or equipment with which you are not familiar.

2. Never operate any machine or equipment unless you are specifically authorized to do so.

3. Make sure all safety attachments are in place and properly adjusted before operating any machine or equipment.

4. Do not operate any machine or equipment at unsafe speeds. Shut off equipment that is not in use.

8 5. Do not operate defective equipment. Do not use broken tools. Report defective equipment to your Supervisor.

6. Never start any job without being completely familiar with the safety techniques that apply to it. Check with the area supervisor if in doubt.

7. Wear all protective garments and equipment for proper job safety. Use the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided for you and properly don any required clothing prior to performing any job tasks (i.e safety shoes, vests).

8. Do not wear loose, flowing clothing or jewelry while operating machinery. In addition, extreme caution must be taken with long hair.

9. Never perform repairs, maintenance or adjustments to any machine or equipment unless you are specifically authorized and trained to do so in accordance with the energy control procedures written for that piece of equipment/machinery. These operations should be done in accordance with manufacturers' instructions.

10. Properly store all tools and equipment when not in use.

11. Do not lift items that are too bulky or too heavy to be handled by one person. Ask for assistance and use proper material handling equipment and techniques.

12. Keep all aisles, stairways and exits clear.

13. Do not place equipment and materials where they block emergency exits routes, fire boxes, sprinkler shutoffs, machine or electrical control panels or fire extinguishers.

14. Stack all materials neatly and make sure piles are stable.

15. Keep your work area, machinery and all company facilities clean and neat.

16. Do not participate in horseplay or tease or otherwise distract fellow workers. Do not run on company premises, always walk.

9 EMERGENCY EVACUATION

• OAKDALE • Administration - 4060...... 11 • Construction and Maintenance - 4060..... 14 • Finance - 4050 ...... 18 TABLE • Facilities/Purchasing - 4040...... 21 • Stores Warehouse ...... 24

• CENTRAL REGION • Coram...... 27 • EASTERN REGION OF • Westhampton Beach...... 30 • WESTERN REGION • Hauppauge...... 33

• BAY SHORE - Production & Control...... 36 • GREAT RIVER - Engineering/Tech/Risk...... 39

CONTENTS

• BUILDING EVACUATION COORDINATORS...42

10 Suffolk County Water Authority Emergency Evacuation Procedures Site Location

Administration Building 4060 Sunrise Highway Oakdale, N.Y. 11769

Purpose The purpose of this emergency action plan is to ensure employee safety from fire and other emergencies. It provides a written document detailing the actions and procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.

At the time of an emergency, it will be the responsibility of all employees to respond professionally and orderly to ensure their immediate and safe evacuation from the site. Employees are to report to a designated assembly area where further information and instructions will be provided.

Facility Description The building is located on Sunrise Highway, just west of exit 48. The building is a one-story structure with two distinct areas of operation. For the purposes of evacuation, there will be three zones designated, each with its own Evacuation Coordinator. They will be the Administration Area (Zone #1), the Human Resources Department (Zone #2), and the Information Technology Department (Zone #3). The facility is equipped with fire, heat and smoke detectors which, when activated, generate automatic alarms that are both visual and audible. There are also manual "fire alarm pull stations" located throughout the building. Floor plan maps posted at designated areas indicate the following:

*The location of emergency exits *The location of portable fire extinguishers

11 Emergency Escape Procedures & Assignments In the event of a fire, bomb threat, chemical release or other designated emergency, the procedures listed below will be followed:

All employees will... * Stop all work * Collect any personal articles nearby (i.e. purses) * Proceed to the nearest unobstructed emergency exit * Go directly to the designated assembly area and await further instructions. All employees will not... * Run * Lag behind the group * Scream or make any unnecessary noise or distractions * Stop to use the bathroom * Return to their workstations to collect any additional articles * Re-enter the building until told to do so by emergency coordinator

In the event of a power failure, the building is equipped with emergency lighting that will provide adequate illumination for employees to proceed out of the building. The emergency lighting system will be tested on a regular basis to ensure operational efficiency. Once employees have exited the building and are gathered at the assembly area, the Evacuation Coordinators will conduct a "head count" to ensure that all employees within his/her zone have safely exited the building. Should any employees need assistance with their efforts to evacuate the building, the Evacuation Coordinators will either provide that service or designate others to do so. Employees may not leave the assembly area unless specifically permitted or ordered to do so by the Evacuation Coordinator.

12 Staging / Assembly Areas There is one assembly area designated for the Administration Building, which is located at the rear (south) side of the building. Employees should assemble quietly and efficiently, staging themselves as far away from the building and out of the way of responding vehicles, as possible.

Evacuation Coordinators To ensure the safe and orderly evacuation of employees, there will be Evacuation Coordinators designated for the building. In addition, each coordinator will also have a designated "back-up" who will assume the duties of the Evacuation Coordinator in the event that the primary individual is unavailable. The primary individual will arrange with their "back-up" so as to not have conflicting vacation schedules. In the event both coordinators will not be present in the building, arrangements will be made to designate someone for the day.

Unless directed by the Safety Manager, the following individual's will be assigned the responsibilities of Evacuation Coordinator for the building:

ZONE #1 ZONE #2 ZONE #3 Deputy CEO Director of Administration HR Manager Information Technology

Each will be responsible for the following: * Designating "back-ups," should they be needed; * Assembling all personnel to the assembly area in the event of an evacuation; * Verifying, before leaving the building, that all personnel in their area have left the building; * Conducting a "head count" at the assembly area to ensure all employees have safely exited; * Keeping the group together until further instructions are provided by emergency response personnel.

13 Evacuation Drills Every year, building evacuation drills will be carried out. The Safety Manager will coordinate each exercise and cover the following material in a training format at the assembly areas once all employees have arrived:

*Note all designated emergency exits throughout the building; * Note the assembly area and the reasons for such a designated area; * Building re-entry is forbidden unless directed to do so by Evacuation Coordinator; * Demonstrate fire extinguisher uses, function, and operational techniques.

Suffolk County Water Authority Emergency Evacuation Procedures Site Location

Construction & Maintenance 4060 Sunrise Highway Oakdale, N.Y. 11769

14 Facility Description The building is located on Sunrise Highway, just west of exit 48. The building is a one-story structure with two distinct areas of operations. For the purposes of evacuation, there will be three zones designated, each with its own Evacuation Coordinator. They will be the Pipeline area (Zone #1), the Construction Maintenance area (Zone #2), and the Transportation Department (Zone #3). The facility is equipped with fire, heat and smoke detectors which, when activated, generate automatic alarms that are both visual and audible. There are also manual "fire alarm pull stations" located throughout the building. Floor plan maps posted at designated areas indicate the following:

* The location of emergency exits * The location of portable fire extinguishers

Emergency Escape Procedures & Assignments In the event of a fire, bomb threat, chemical release or other designated emergency, the procedures listed below will be followed:

All employees will... * Stop all work * Collect any personal articles nearby (i.e. purses) * Proceed to the nearest unobstructed emergency exit * Go directly to the designated assembly area and await further Instructions. All employees will not... * Run * Lag behind the group * Scream or make any unnecessary noise or distractions * Stop to use the bathroom * Return to their workstations to collect any additional articles * Re-enter the building until told to do so by emergency coordinator.

15 In the event of a power failure, the building is equipped with emergency lighting that will provide adequate illumination for employees to proceed out of the building. The emergency lighting system will be tested on a regular basis to ensure operational efficiency.

Once employees have exited the building and are gathered at the assembly area, the Evacuation Coordinators will conduct a "head count" to ensure that all employees within his/her zone have safely exited the building. Should any employees need assistance with their efforts to evacuate the building, the Evacuation Coordinators will either provide that service or designate others to do so. Employees may not leave the assembly area unless specifically permitted or ordered to do so by the Evacuation Coordinator.

Staging / Assembly Areas There is one assembly area designated for the CM Building, which is located on the west side of the building. Employees should assemble quietly and efficiently, staging themselves as far away from the building and out of the way of responding vehicles, as possible.

16 Unless directed by the Safety Manager, the following individuals will be assigned the responsibilities of Evacuation Coordinator for the building:

ZONE #1 ZONE #2 ZONE #3

Systems Coordinator Construction Coordinator Transportation Manager

* Note all designated emergency exits throughout the building; * Note the assembly area and the reasons for such a designated area; * Building re-entry is forbidden unless directed to do so by Evacuation Coordinator; * Demonstrate fire extinguisher uses, function, and operational techniques.

17 Suffolk County Water Authority Emergency Evacuation Procedures Site Location

FINANCE DEPARTMENT 4050 Sunrise Highway Oakdale, N.Y. 11769

Facility Description The building is located on Sunrise Highway, just west of exit 48. The building is a one-story structure. The facility is equipped with fire, heat and smoke detectors which, when activated, generate automatic alarms that are both visual and audible. There are also manual "fire alarm pull stations" located throughout the building. Floor plan maps posted at designated areas indicate the following:

*The location of emergency exits *The location of portable fire extinguishers

Emergency Escape Procedures & Assignments In the event of a fire, bomb threat, chemical release or other designated emergency, the procedures listed below will be followed:

18 All employees will... * Stop all work * Collect any personal articles nearby (i.e. purses) * Proceed to the nearest unobstructed emergency exit * Go directly to the designated assembly area and await further instructions. All employees will not... * Run * Lag behind the group * Scream or make any unnecessary noise or distractions * Stop to use the bathroom * Return to their workstations to collect any additional articles * Re-enter the building until told to do so by emergency coordinator

Once employees have exited the building and are gathered at the assembly area, the Evacuation Coordinator will conduct a "head count" to ensure that all employees within his/her zone have safely exited the building. Should any employees need assistance with their efforts to evacuate the building, the Evacuation Coordinator will either provide that service or designate others to do so. Employees may not leave the assembly area unless specifically permitted or ordered to do so by the Evacuation Coordinator.

Staging / Assembly Areas There is one assembly area designated for the Finance Building, which is located at the back (south side) of the building. Employees should assemble quietly and efficiently, staging themselves as far away from the building and out of the way of responding vehicles, as possible.

19 Evacuation Coordinators To ensure the safe and orderly evacuation of employees, there will be an Evacuation Coordinator designated for the building. In addition, the coordinator will also have a designated "back-up" who will assume the duties of the Evacuation Coordinator in the event that the primary individual is unavailable. The primary individual will arrange with their "back-up" so as to not have conflicting vacation schedules. In the event both coordinators will not be present in the building, arrangements will be made to designate someone for the day.

Unless directed by the Safety Manager, the following individual's will be assigned the responsibilities of Evacuation Coordinator for the building:

FINANCE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR

He/she will be responsible for the following: * Designating "back-ups," should they be needed; * Assembling all personnel to the assembly area in the event of an evacuation; * Verifying, before leaving the building, that all personnel in their area have left the building; * Conducting a "head count" at the assembly area to ensure all employees have safely exited; * Keeping the group together until further instructions are provided by emergency response personnel.

* Note all designated emergency exits throughout the building; * Note the assembly area and the reasons for such a designated area; * Building re-entry is forbidden unless directed to do so by Evacuation Coordinator; * Demonstrate fire extinguisher uses, function, and operational techniques.

20 Suffolk County Water Authority Emergency Evacuation Procedures Site Location

FACILITIES and PURCHASING 4040 Sunrise Highway Oakdale, N.Y. 11769

Facility Description The building is located on Sunrise Highway, just west of exit 48. The building is a two-story structure with two distinct areas of operations. For the purposes of evacuation, there will be two zones designated, each with its own Evacuation Coordinator. They will be the Purchasing Area (Zone #1), the Facilities area (Zone #2). The facility is equipped with fire, heat and smoke detectors which, when activated, generate automatic alarms that are both visual and audible. There are also manual "fire alarm pull stations" located throughout the building. Floor plan maps posted at designated areas indicate the following:

*The location of emergency exits *The location of portable fire extinguishers

21 Emergency Escape Procedures & Assignments In the event of a fire, bomb threat, chemical release or other designated emergency, the procedures listed below will be followed:

All employees will... * Stop all work *Collect any personal articles nearby (i.e. purses) *Proceed to the nearest unobstructed emergency exit *Go directly to the designated assembly area and await further instructions. All employees will not... * Run * Lag behind the group * Scream or make any unnecessary noise or distractions * Stop to use the bathroom *Return to their workstations to collect any additional articles *Re-enter the building until told to do so by emergency coordinator

Staging / Assembly Areas There is one assembly area designated for the 4040 Building, which is located at the front (north side) of the building. Employees should assemble quietly and efficiently, staging themselves as far away from the building and out of the way of responding vehicles, as possible.

22 Evacuation Coordinators To ensure the safe and orderly evacuation of employees, there will be Evacuation Coordinators designated for the building. In addition, each coordinator will also have a designated "back-up" who will assume the duties of the Evacuation Coordinator in the event that the primary individual is unavailable. The primary individual will arrange with their "back-up" so as to not have conflicting vacation schedules. In the event both coordinators will not be present in the building, arrangements will be made to designate someone for the day.

Unless directed by the Safety Manager, the following individuals will be assigned the responsibilities of Evacuation Coordinator for the building:

ZONE #1 ZONE #2 PURCHASING FACILITIES DIRECTOR MANAGER

Each will be responsible for the following: * Designating "back-ups," should they be needed; *Assembling all personnel to the assembly area in the event of an evacuation; *Verifying, before leaving the building, that all personnel in their area have left the building; * Conducting a "head count" at the assembly area to ensure all employees have .safely exited; * Keeping the group together until further instructions are provided by emergency response personnel.

*Note all designated emergency exits throughout the building; *Note the assembly area and the reasons for such a designated area; * Building re-entry is forbidden unless directed to do so by Evacuation Coordinator; * Demonstrate fire extinguisher uses, function, and operational techniques.

23 Suffolk County Water Authority Emergency Evacuation Procedures Site Location STORES WAREHOUSE BUILDING 4060 Sunrise Highway Oakdale, N.Y. 11769 Purpose The purpose of this emergency action plan is to ensure employee safety from fire and other emergencies. It provides a written document detailing the actions and procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.

* The location of emergency exits *The location of portable fire extinguishers

Emergency Escape Procedures & Assignments In the event of a fire, bomb threat, chemical release or other designated emergency, the procedures listed below will be followed: All employees will... * Stop all work *Collect any personal articles nearby (i.e. purses) *Proceed to the nearest unobstructed emergency exit *Go directly to the designated assembly area and await further instructions.

24 All employees will not... * Run * Lag behind the group * Scream or make any unnecessary noise or distractions * Stop to use the bathroom * Return to their workstations to collect any additional articles * Re-enter the building until told to do so by emergency coordinator

Staging / Assembly Areas There is one assembly area designated for the Stores Building, which is located at the front (south side) of the building. Employees should assemble quietly and efficiently, staging themselves as far away from the building and out of the way of responding vehicles, as possible.

Evacuation Coordinators To ensure the safe and orderly evacuation of employees, there will be an Evacuation Coordinator designated for the building. In addition, the coordinator will also have a designated "back-up" who will assume the duties of the Evacuation Coordinator in the event that the primary individual is unavailable. The primary individual will arrange with their "back-up" so as to not have conflicting vacation schedules. In the event both coordinators will not be present in the building, arrangements will be made to designate someone for the day.

25 Unless directed by the Safety Manager, the following individuals will be assigned the responsibilities of Evacuation Coordinator for the building:

STORES MANAGER

He/She will be responsible for the following: * Designating "back-ups," should they be needed; * Assembling all personnel to the assembly area in the event of an evacuation; * Verifying, before leaving the building, that all personnel have left the building; * Conducting a "head count" to ensure all employees have safely exited; * Keeping the group together until further instructions are provided by emergency response personnel.

Evacuation Drills Every year, building evacuation drills will be carried out. The Safety Manager will coordinate each exercise, and cover the following material in a training format at the assembly areas once all employees have arrived: * Note all designated emergency exits throughout the building ; * Note the assembly area and the reasons for such a designated area; * Building re-entry is forbidden unless directed to do so by Evacuation Coordinator; * Demonstrate fire extinguisher uses, function, and operational techniques.

26 Suffolk County Water Authority Emergency Evacuation Procedures Site Location

CENTRAL REGION OFFICE 2045 Route 112 Coram, NY 11727

Facility Description The building is located on Route 112, four miles north of the Long Island Expressway, exit 64. The building is a one-story structure, adjacent to several other structures in the Coram complex. For the purposes of evacuation, there will be two zones designated, each with its own Evacuation Coordinator. They will be the Customer Service area (Zone #1) and the Warehouse (Zone #2) The facility is equipped with fire, heat and smoke detectors which, when activated, generate automatic alarms that are both visual and audible. There are also manual "fire alarm pull stations" located throughout the building. Floor plan maps posted at designated areas indicate the following:

*The location of emergency exits *The location of portable fire extinguishers

Emergency Escape Procedures & Assignments In the event of a fire, bomb threat, chemical release or other designated emergency, the procedures listed below will be followed:

27 All employees will... * Stop all work *Collect any personal articles nearby (i.e. purses) *Proceed to the nearest unobstructed emergency exit *Go directly to the designated assembly area and await further Instructions.

All employees will not... * Run * Lag behind the group * Scream or make any unnecessary noise or distractions * Stop to use the bathroom *Return to their workstations to collect any additional articles *Re-enter the building until told to do so by emergency coordinator

Staging / Assembly Areas There is one assembly area designated for the CRO Building, which is located at the front of the Customer Service area (Building 5) in the northeast corner of the parking lot. Employees should assemble quietly and efficiently, staging themselves as far away from the building and out of the way of responding vehicles, as possible.

28 Evacuation Coordinators To ensure the safe and orderly evacuation of employees, there will be Evacuation Coordinators designated for the building. In addition, each coordinator will also have a designated "back-up" who will assume the duties of the Evacuation Coordinator in the event that the primary individual is unavailable. The primary individual will arrange with their "back-up" so as to not have conflicting vacation schedules. In the event both coordinators will not be present in the building, arrangements will be made to designate someone for the day.

Unless directed by the Safety Manager, the following individuals will be assigned the responsibilities of Evacuation Coordinator for the building:

ZONE #1 ZONE #2

CS REGIONAL MANAGER STOREKEEPER A

Evacuation Drills Every year, building evacuation drills will be carried out. The Safety Manager will coordinate each exercise, and cover the following material in a training format at the assembly areas once all employees have arrived: * Note all designated emergency exits throughout the building; * Note the assembly area and the reasons for such a designated area; * Building re-entry is forbidden unless directed to do so by Evacuation Coordinator; * Demonstrate fire extinguisher uses, function, and operational techniques.

29 Suffolk County Water Authority Emergency Evacuation Procedures Site Location

EASTERN REGIONAL OFFICE 624 Old Riverhead Road Westhampton Beach, NY 11978

Facility Description The building is located on Old Riverhead Road, just south of Sunrise Highway, exit 63. The building is a one-story structure, sub-divided into three separate functions. For the purposes of evacuation, there will be three zones designated, each with its own Evacuation Coordinator. They will be the CM Department (Zone #1), the Pine Barrens(Zone #2) and the Warehouse (Zone 3). The facility is equipped with fire, heat and smoke detectors which, when activated, generate automatic alarms that are both visual and audible. There are also manual "fire alarm pull stations" located throughout the building. Floor plan maps posted at designated areas indicate the following:

*The location of emergency exits *The location of portable fire extinguishers

Emergency Escape Procedures & Assignments In the event of a fire, bomb threat, chemical release or other designated emergency, the procedures listed below will be followed:

30 All employees will... * Stop all work * Collect any personal articles nearby (i.e. purses) * Proceed to the nearest unobstructed emergency exit * Go directly to the designated assembly area and await further instructions.

All employees will not... * Run * Lag behind the group * Scream or make any unnecessary noise or distractions * Stop to use the bathroom * Return to their workstations to collect any additional articles * Re-enter the building until told to do so by emergency coordinator

Once employees have exited the building and are gathered at the assembly area, the Evacuation Coordinator will conduct a "head count" to ensure that all employees within his/her zone have safely exited the building. Should any employees need assistance with their efforts to evacuate the building, the Evacuation Coordinators will either provide that service or designate others to do so. Employees may not leave the assembly area unless specifically permitted or ordered to do so by the Evacuation Coordinator.

Staging / Assembly Areas There is one assembly area designated for the ERO Building, which is located at the front (west side) of the building. Employees should assemble quietly and efficiently, staging themselves as far away from the building and out of the way of responding vehicles, as possible.

31 Evacuation Coordinators To ensure the safe and orderly evacuation of employees, there will be Evacuation Coordinators designated for the building. In addition, each coordinator will also have a designated "back-up" who will assume the duties of the Evacuation Coordinator in the event that the primary individual is unavailable. The primary individual will arrange with their "back-up" so as to not have conflicting vacation schedules. In the event both coordinators will not be present in the building, arrangements will be made to designate someone for the day.

Unless directed by the Safety Manager, the following individuals will be assigned the responsibilities of Evacuation Coordinator for the building:

ZONE #1 ZONE #2 ZONE #3 CM - ASSISTANT DIRECTOR STOREKEEPER SUPERINTENDENT PINE BARRENS A

32 Suffolk County Water Authority Emergency Evacuation Procedures Site Location

WESTERN REGIONAL OFFICE 260 Motor Parkway Hauppauge, NY 11788

Facility Description The building is located on Motor Parkway, north of the Long Island Expressway, ½ mile west of exit 54. The building is a one-story structure, sub-divided into three sections. For the purposes of evacuation, there will be three zones designated, each with its own Evacuation Coordinator. They will be the Meter Shop area (Zone #1), the Laboratory (Zone #2) and the Education Center (Zone 3). The facility is equipped with fire, heat and smoke detectors which, when activated, generate automatic alarms that are both visual and audible. There are also manual "fire alarm pull stations" located throughout the building. Floor plan maps posted at designated areas indicate the following:

*The location of emergency exits *The location of portable fire extinguishers

Emergency Escape Procedures & Assignments In the event of a fire, bomb threat, chemical release or other designated emergency, the procedures listed below will be followed:

33 All employees will... * Stop all work *Collect any personal articles nearby (i.e. purses) *Proceed to the nearest unobstructed emergency exit *Go directly to the designated assembly area and await further instructions.

Once employees have exited the building and are gathered at the assembly area, the Evacuation Coordinator will conduct a "head count" to ensure that all employees within his/her zone have safely exited the building. Should any employees need assistance with their efforts to evacuate the building, the Evacuation Coordinators will either provide that service or designate others to do so. Employees may not leave the assembly area unless specifically permitted or ordered to do so by the Evacuation Coordinator.

Staging / Assembly Areas There are two assembly areas designated for the WRO Building. They are located as follows: ZONE #1 & Zone 3 ZONE #2 Front of the Building on Rear of the Building the Grassy Area Against the Fence (South Side) (North Side)

34 Employees should assemble quietly and efficiently, staging themselves as far away from the building and out of the way of responding vehicles, as possible.

Unless directed by the Safety Manager, the following individuals will be assigned the responsibilities of Evacuation Coordinator for the building:

ZONE #1 ZONE #2 ZONE #3 METER SHOP LABORATORY RECORDS RETENTION MANAGER DIRECTOR OFFICER

Each will be responsible for the following: * Designating "back-ups," should they be needed; *Assembling all personnel to the assembly area in the event of an evacuation; *Verifying, before leaving the building, that all personnel in their area have left the building; * Conducting a "head count" at the assembly area to ensure all employees have safely exited; * Keeping the group together until further instructions are provided by emergency response personnel.

Evacuation Drills Every year, building evacuation drills will be carried out. The Safety Manager will coordinate each exercise, and cover the following material in a training format at the assembly areas once all employees have arrived: *Note all designated emergency exits throughout the building ; *Note the assembly area and the reasons for such a designated area; * Building re-entry is forbidden unless directed to do so by Evacuation Coordinator; * Demonstrate fire extinguisher uses, function, and operational techniques.

35 Suffolk County Water Authority Emergency Evacuation Procedures Site Location

PRODUCTION & CONTROL 180 5th Avenue Bay Shore, NY 11706

Facility Description The building is located on 5th Avenue, just south of Sunrise Highway, at exit 43. It is a one-story structure, with two distinct areas of operation. For the purposes of evacuation, there will be two zones designated, each with its own Evacuation Coordinator. They will be the Production & Control Area (Zone #1), and the Warehouse Area (Zone #2). The facility is equipped with fire, heat and smoke detectors which, when activated, generate automatic alarms that are both visual and audible. There are also manual "fire alarm pull stations" located throughout the building. Floor plan maps posted at designated areas indicate the following:

*The location of emergency exits *The location of portable fire extinguishers

36 Emergency Escape Procedures & Assignments In the event of a fire, bomb threat, chemical release or other designated emergency, the procedures listed below will be followed: All employees will... * Stop all work *Collect any personal articles nearby (i.e. purses) *Proceed to the nearest unobstructed emergency exit *Go directly to the designated assembly area and await further instructions.

Once employees have exited the building and are gathered at the assembly area, the Evacuation Coordinator will conduct a "head count" to ensure that all employees within his/her zone have safely exited the building. Should any employees need assistance with their efforts to evacuate the building, the Evacuation Coordinators will either provide that service or designate others to do so. Employees may not leave the assembly area unless specifically permitted or ordered to do so by the Evacuation Coordinator.

Staging / Assembly Areas There is one assembly area designated for the Production & Control building, located on the north side of the building. Employees should assemble quietly and efficiently, staging themselves as far away from the building and out of the way of responding vehicles, as possible.

37 Evacuation Coordinators To ensure the safe and orderly evacuation of employees, there will be Evacuation Coordinators designated for the building. In addition, each coordinator will also have a designated "back-up" who will assume the duties of the Evacuation Coordinator in the event that the primary individual is unavailable. The primary individual will arrange with their "back-up" so as to not have conflicting vacation schedules. In the event both coordinators will not be present in the building, arrangements will be made to designate someone for the day. Unless directed by the Safety Manager, the following individuals will be assigned the responsibilities of Evacuation Coordinator for the building:

ZONE #1 ZONE #2 DIRECTOR OF STOREKEEPER A PRODUCTION & CONTROL

Each will be responsible for the following: * Designating "back-ups," should they be needed; *Assembling all personnel to the assembly area in the event of an evacuation; *Verifying, before leaving the building, that all personnel in the area have left the building; * Conducting a "head count" to ensure all employees have safely exited; * Keeping the group together until further instructions are provided by emergency response personnel.

Evacuation Drills Every year, building evacuation drills will be carried out. The Safety Manager will coordinate each exercise, and cover the following material in a training format at the assembly areas once all employees have arrived: *Note all designated emergency exits throughout the building ; *Note the assembly area and the reasons for such a designated area; * Building re-entry is forbidden unless directed to do so by Evacuation Coordinator; * Demonstrate fire extinguisher uses, function, and operational techniques.

38 Suffolk County Water Authority Emergency Evacuation Procedures Site Location

ENGINEERING 3525 Sunrise Highway Great River, NY 11739

Facility Description The building is located on Sunrise Highway, just east of exit 46. It is a two-story structure equipped with fire, heat and smoke detectors which, when activated, generate automatic alarms that are both visual and audible. There are also manual "fire alarm pull stations" located throughout the building. Floor plan maps posted at designated areas indicate the following:

*The location of emergency exits *The location of portable fire extinguishers

Emergency Escape Procedures & Assignments In the event of a fire, bomb threat, chemical release or other designated emergency, the procedures listed below will be followed:

39 All employees will... * Stop all work *Collect any personal articles nearby (i.e. purses) *Proceed to the nearest unobstructed emergency exit *Go directly to the designated assembly area and await further instructions. All employees will not... * Run * Lag behind the group * Scream or make any unnecessary noise or distractions * Stop to use the bathroom *Return to their workstations to collect any additional articles *Re-enter the building until told to do so by emergency coordinator

Once employees have exited the building and are gathered at the assembly area, the Evacuation Coordinator will conduct a "head count" to ensure that all employees within his/her zone have safely exited the building. Should any employees need assistance with their efforts to evacuate the building, the Evacuation Coordinators will either provide that service or designate others to do so. Employees may not leave the assembly area unless specifically permitted or ordered to do so by the Evacuation Coordinator.

Staging / Assembly Areas There is one assembly area designated for the Engineering Building, which will be located in the front of the building (south side). Employees should assemble quietly and efficiently, staging themselves as far away from the building and out of the way of responding vehicles, as possible.

40 The primary individual will arrange with their "back-up" so as to not have conflicting vacation schedules. In the event both coordinators will not be present in the building, arrangements will be made to designate someone for the day.

Unless directed by the Safety Manager, the following individuals will be assigned the responsibilities of Evacuation Coordinator for the building:

ZONE #1 CHIEF ENGINEER

He/She will be responsible for the following:

* Designating "back-ups," should they be needed; *Assembling all personnel to the assembly area in the event of an evacuation; *Verifying, before leaving the building, that all personnel have left the building; *Conducting a "head count" to ensure all employees have safely exited; * Keeping the group together until further instructions are provided by emergency response personnel.

Evacuation Drills Every year, building evacuation drills will be carried out. The Safety Manager will coordinate each exercise, and cover the following material in a training format at the assembly areas once all employees have arrived: *Note all designated emergency exits throughout the building ; *Note the assembly area and the reasons for such a designated area; * Building re-entry is forbidden unless directed to do so by Evacuation Coordinator; *Demonstrate fire extinguisher uses, function, and operational techniques.

41 Suffolk County Water Authority Building Evacuation Coordinators

Building Location Coordinator(s) 4060 - Administration Primary: Donna Mancuso (Zone #1) Back-up: Maria Trupia Primary: Jane Kenda (Zone #2) Primary: Mike Litka (Zone #3) Back-up: Darlene Cierzniewski

4060 –C & M Building Primary: Bill Roderka (Zone #1) Back-up: Doris Hladik Primary: Dan Reynolds (Zone #2) Primary: Steve Monahan (Zone #3) Back-up: Gerald Healy

4050 - Finance Building Primary: Donna Malone Back-up: Beth Vassallo

4040 - General Services Primary: Marlon Torres (Zone #1) and Purchasing Back-up: Lisa Hohenberger Primary: Jeff Rinker (Zone #2) Back-up: Chad Bellone

Stores Warehouse Primary: Bill Martin Back-up: Cliff Whatley

Central Region Primary: Debra Lyon (Zone #1) Coram Back-up: Carmen Cordero Primary: Frank Schuch (Zone #2)

Eastern Region Primary: Tom Ferguson (Zone #1) West Hampton Primary: John Pavacic (Zone #2) Primary: Ed Houlihan (Zone #3)

Western Region Primary: Paul Cortese (Zone #2) Hauppauge Back-up: Joe Romano Primary: Kevin Durk (Zone #3) Back-up: Tom Schneider

Bay Shore Primary: Mike O’Connell (Zone #1) Production & Control Back-up: Denise Spinelli Primary: Roger Bossert (Zone #2)

Great River Engineering Primary: Tim Kilcommons (Zone #1) Back-up: Scott Meyerdierks

42 SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY

SAFETY MANUAL CHAPTER TWO CONFINED SPACES

43 SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY CONFINED SPACE PROGRAM TABLE OF CONTENTS______

INTRODUCTION: 45 Purpose Objectives Conditions References Appendices Definitions

SCWA Inventory of Confined Spaces 49

Evaluation of Confined Spaces 49

Non-Permit Required Confined Spaces 50

Procedures & Requirements for Permit Space Work 51

Responsibilities 54

Special Circumstances & Conditions 57

APPENDICES:

Appendix A – SCWA Permit for Permit-Space Entry 59

Appendix B – Atmospheric Testing 60

Appendix C – Employee Training 62

Appendix D – Host Employer/Contractor 63

44 Suffolk County Water Authority CONFINED SPACES

Purpose

Workers entering confined spaces may be exposed to various hazards including (exposed) electrical, mechanical (lime tank agitator), and atmospheric (low percent oxygen, explosive gas) as well as hazards arising from the configuration of the space itself or from the work planned within the space. This program will establish standard operating procedures for safe entry into confined spaces, and will minimize the potential for injury.

Objectives

1. Inventory confined spaces throughout SCWA and implement the measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry into permit spaces; 2. Evaluate the conditions of each confined space (i.e. meter vaults, RPZ vaults, altitude and Venturi pits, tanks/vessels) to identify any existing (or potential) hazards that may be present prior to entry; 3. Design, implement and enforce engineering controls and work procedures to ensure safe, acceptable entry conditions within the space (prior to entry); 4. Establish a permit system for entry into spaces containing any serious safety or health hazards within the space, should entry into that space be necessary. 5. Develop, implement and enforce the means, procedures, and practices necessary for safe permit space entry operations.

Conditions

1. All worksite confined spaces will be identified and unauthorized entry prevented. 2. A permit system will be utilized to receive authorization prior to any permit confined space entry. 3. Only trained and certified employees will be authorized to participate in permit-required confined space entry. 4. The permit will indicate the personnel required to be present for entry.

References

Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910.146 American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z117.1 1995

45 Suffolk County Water Authority CONFINED SPACES

Definitions

Acceptable Entry Conditions (AEC)– shall refer to the conditions that must exist in a confined space to allow entry, and to ensure that employees involved with a confined space entry can safely enter into and work, within the space. AEC shall include a percent oxygen range of 20 to 23, LEL shall be at zero %, and any chemical contaminants shall be below established (listed) permissible exposure level (PEL) values.

Attendant – shall refer to the individual stationed outside a permit space who monitors the authorized entrants and who performs all attendants duties assigned in the permit space program.

Buddy System – will refer to a system of organizing employees into work groups (shifts) in such a manner that each employee of the work group is responsible to observe the activities of at least one other employee in the work group. The purpose of the buddy system is to provide quick assistance to those other employees in the event of an emergency.

Confined Space – shall refer to any space that is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work, has limited or restricted means for entry or exit, and is not designed for continuous human occupancy (i.e. meter vault).

Emergency – shall mean any occurrence (including any failure of hazard control or monitoring equipment) or event internal or external to the permit space that could endanger entrants.

Engulfment – means the surrounding and effective capture of a person by a liquid of finely divided (flowing) solid substance that can aspire to cause death by filling or plugging the respiratory system or that can exert enough force on the body to cause death by strangulation, constriction, or crushing.

Entry – shall refer to the action by which a person passes through an opening into a confined space (entry includes ensuing work activities in that space).

Entry Permit – shall refer to the written or printed document that is provided by SCWA (Appendix A) to allow and control entry into a permit space. (page 12)

46 Entry Supervisor – shall refer to the individual designated by SCWA (Safety & Environmental Manager) to be responsible for determining if acceptable entry conditions are present at a permit space where entry is planned, for authorizing entry and overseeing entry operations, and for terminating entry as required by this program. Note: An entry supervisor may also serve as an attendant and/or as a trained and certified rescuer.

Hazardous Atmosphere – an atmosphere presenting a potential for death, disablement, injury or acute illness from one or more of the following causes: a) A flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10% of its lower flammable limit (LEL); b) An airborne combustible dust at a concentration at or above the LEL (that obscures vision at a distance of five feet or less); c) Percent oxygen less than 19.5% or more than 23.5% d) Any dose or concentration of a substance in excess of its permissible exposure limit (PEL), which an employee may be exposed, as defined by OSHA.

Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) – means any condition that poses an immediate or delayed threat to life, or that would cause irreversible adverse health effects, or that would interfere with an individual’s ability to escape unaided from a permit space.

Inerting – means the displacement of the atmosphere in a combustible permit space by a non-combustible gas (such as nitrogen) to such an extent that the resulting atmosphere is non-combustible. Note: This procedure produces an IDLH, oxygen deficient atmosphere.

Isolation – means the process by which a permit space is removed from service and completely protected against the release of energy and material into the space by such means as: blanking or blinding (absolute closure of a line, pipe or duct by the fastening of a solid plate); misaligning or removing sections of lines, pipes or ducts; a double block and bleed system (means the closure of a line, pipe or duct by closing and locking or tagging two inline valves and by opening and locking or tagging a drain or vent valve in the line between the two closed valves); lock-out and tag-out of all sources of energy; or blocking or disconnecting all

47 mechanical linkages. An example would be the disconnecting of the lime-tank- agitator from its energy source (thereby isolating the tank from an unexpected start-up or release of stored/potential energy in the agitator motor during tank entry for cleaning).

Non-Permit-Required Confined Space – shall refer to a confined space that does not contain, or with respect to the atmospheric hazards, have the potential to contain, any hazard capable of causing death or serious physical harm.

Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere – shall refer to an atmosphere containing less than 19.5% oxygen by volume.

Oxygen Enriched Atmosphere – shall refer to an atmosphere containing more than 23.5% oxygen by volume.

Permit Required Confined Space (Permit Space) – shall refer to a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:

a) Contains, or has a potential to contain, a hazardous atmosphere; b) Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant; c) Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section, or d) Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

Permit System – shall refer to SCWA’s written procedure for preparing and issuing permits for entry and for returning the permit space to service following termination of entry.

Prohibited Condition – means any condition in a permit space that is not allowed by the permit during the period when entry is authorized.

Rescue Service – shall refer to the designated personnel of SCWA who shall be trained and authorized to respond to emergency conditions within permit spaces and perform rescue from permit spaces should the need arise.

Retrieval System – shall refer to the equipment (i.e. retrieval line, full body harness, and a lifting device or anchor) used to remove employees from confined spaces.

48 SCWA INVENTORY OF CONFINED SPACES Well Field Confined Spaces:

● Well Vaults ● Altitude Pits ● Venturi Pits ● Carbon Pressure Vessels ● Pipe Gallery ● Lime Tanks ● Check/Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) Pits ● Iron Removal Vessels ● Hydro-Pneumatic Tank Vaults ● Water Storage Tanks

Metering/Flow Control Confined Spaces:

● Meter Vaults ● RPZ Vaults ● Check/Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) Pits

EVALUATION OF CONFINED SPACES

The Safety & Environmental Manager performed a hazard assessment/evaluation of each of the confined spaces (identified above). Existing and potential risks, (based upon anticipated need for entry into each), was assessed using the following criteria:

• Depth of entry • Availability of access to entry port • Access and egress issues • Existence of mechanical devices • Existence of exposure to electrical hazards • Physical dimensions of the space and structural integrity • Atmospheric conditions, and • Chemical usage or potential for release into a space

Based upon the information gathered, and assessing/witnessing the purpose for entry into each, the spaces have been classified as either non-permit required, or permit- required.

49 NON-PERMIT REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE

Confined Spaces that have been classified as non-permit required, are spaces that may be entered by SCWA Employees without the need for a permit, however, the following conditions and procedures must be adhered to, and enforced by Management, to protect Employees from serious exposure to injury:

1) The atmosphere of the confined space must be tested prior to entering, utilizing the training received for atmospheric testing and evaluation;

2) Whenever instrumentation reveals oxygen levels below 20% by volume, then entry cannot be carried-out until forced air ventilation is introduced into the space. There must be a minimum of six air-changes in the space (by volume) before entry can be carried out when forced air is utilized. This procedural step can only be used in atmospheres of zero % LEL. (See “Special Circumstances” for LEL);

3) The atmospheric testing in the space shall be continuous, meaning the instrumentation shall be carried into the space during entry work, and shall not be terminated until the workers are out of the confined space and work has been completed;

4) No projects utilizing chemicals within the confined space shall be carried out unless first evaluated and approved by the Safety & Environmental Manager;

5) Each SCWA employee shall, upon approaching a non-permit confined space for entry, visually inspect the conditions in the space before entering. Should conditions be normal, the entry can take place. However, should conditions such as exposed electrical wiring, standing water, damaged or defective (fixed) ladders for egress, be noted, or any other situation/circumstance that might present a risk to the employee upon entering the space, then additional steps shall be followed (see “Special Circumstances” on page 16)

50 EXAMPLES OF SCWA NON-PERMIT REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE

The following confined spaces meet the definition of non-permit required:

• Well Vaults • Meter Vaults • Altitude, Venturi, and PRV Pits • Lime Tanks (see “Special Circumstances”) • Iron Removal Vessels (see “Special Circumstances”) • Carbon Pressure Vessels (see “Special Circumstances”) • Hydro-pneumatic Tank Vaults

PERMIT REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE

Spaces that are classified as permit-required are spaces that would pose a serious safety and/or health hazard to workers that would have a need to enter and perform a job-task.

EXAMPLES OF SCWA PERMIT REQUIRED SPACES: • Lime tanks without the agitator isolated from its energy source and the lids still covering the tank; • Well vaults with open (water main) piping not isolated from hydraulic fluid pressure; • Carbon pressure vessels with activated carbon in the tank; • Water storage tanks (presence of water, converging floors). • Pipe Gallery

PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR PERMIT SPACE ENTRY WORK

Evaluations – The Safety Manager shall evaluate the workplace or work site with the objective of identifying any existing or potential permit spaces.

Should any permit space(s) be identified, the following steps will be taken when no work will be performed within the space: a sign shall be posted in the immediate vicinity of the space(s), and unauthorized entry prevented (lock and/or secure entrance).

51 CAUTION- CONFINED SPACE ENTER BY PERMIT ONLY

Should any permit space within the worksite be identified as inclusive of the work assignment (entry required), the following steps will be taken prior to and at the time of entry:

1. An evaluation of all hazards within the space (existing or potential) shall be noted by the Safety & Environmental Manager;

2. Every attempt will be made to eliminate the hazard(s), or potential hazard(s), with engineering controls and/or work practices (i.e. lock-out/ tag-out energy sources, forced ventilation, barrier guards);

3. At the time of entry the confined space will be evaluated to determine if the space is “permit-required”.

Permit System – SCWA will utilize the permit system for authorizing permit space entry. The permit (see Appendix A- Page __ ) will enable the qualified (trained) personnel to document a step-by-step approach towards evaluating and controlling anticipated hazards, as well as providing for the following:

a) Location and purpose of entry; b) Assigned responsibilities (entrant, attendant, supervisor); c) Communication procedures; d) Atmospheric testing results; e) Control measures and equipment usage, and finally; f) Signature of Entry Supervisor authorizing entry.

The Safety & Environmental Manager shall complete the permit, but all entry personnel shall participate in the evaluation and determination of hazard identification, hazard control measures, and hazard avoidance through training received.

Emergency & Rescue Services – Should an emergency arise, SCWA will have trained emergency responders on site for each and every permit space operation. The SCWA Entry Supervisor (Safety & Environmental Manager) shall be trained with emergency response protocol, including, but not limited to the following:

52 1. Standard First-Aid and CPR (certifications kept current); 2. Trained and fit-tested with respiratory protection (if necessary); 3. Annual rescue simulations for preparedness.

Entry Supervisor(s) will maintain on the site of entry operations:

● Communication equipment for summoning professional services (911);

● Material Safety Data Sheet(s) (SDS) for each and every chemical product utilized for entry purposes (or present within the space);

● Any other information/material that would assist professional responders when summoned.

To ensure that the potential for emergency rescue from permit spaces is minimized, no employee of SCWA will ever enter a space with IDLH conditions, nor a hazardous atmosphere…and engineering controls will be utilized to allow safe entry without the need for respiratory protection. In addition, the following standard operating procedures will be followed:

”To facilitate non-entry rescue, retrieval systems or methods shall be used whenever an authorized entrant enters a permit space. Each authorized entrant shall use a full-body harness with a retrieval line attached at the center of the entrant’s back near shoulder level, above the entrants head. The other end of the retrieval line shall be attached to a mechanical device or fixed point outside the permit space in such a manner that rescue can begin as soon as the rescuer becomes aware that rescue is necessary. A mechanical device shall be available to retrieve personnel from vertical type permit spaces more than 5 feet.” 1910.146(k)(3)

53 RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety & Environmental Manager – will be responsible for…

• Site evaluation (noting hazards existing or potential); • Resulting procedures (engineering controls); • Selecting proper protective equipment (based on hazards present at the time of entry); • Ensuring that all assigned personnel receive necessary training, prior to work assignments; • Job evaluations during project(s) to ensure full compliance with noted procedures and equipment.

Project Supervisor(s) – Site (PC) supervisor will be responsible for… • Communicating with the S & E Manager, ensuring that: i. A worksite evaluation is performed; ii. Compliance with established procedures is carried out; iii. Compliance with regulatory issues is carried out; iv. Employee training is complete and updated; • Selecting and utilizing proper worksite equipment & PPE; • Assigning individuals to job tasks; • Ensuring that worksite communication equipment is available and functional;

Entry Supervisor – will be responsible for… • Controlling entry operations; • Assigning responsibilities for permit space entry; • Use of atmospheric monitoring equipment (calibration, use, recordings and storage); • Never to leaving the site during entry operations; • Operating and/or closing a permit space project (canceling the permit); • Controlling the permit: i. Filling out required information ii. Signing document prior to entry commencement; • Selecting PPE specific to entry operations • Establishing communicative procedures prior to entry;

54 • Maintaining site documentation: i. Permit; ii. Employee (training) certifications; iii. MSDS, if necessary;

Attendant – will be responsible for… • Knowing the hazards that may be faced during entry operations, including information on the mode, signs, symptoms and consequences (behavioral effects) of exposure; • Continuously maintaining an account of all entrants in the space; • Remaining stationed outside the permit space during entry operations, until relieved; • Constantly communicating with entrant(s) inside the space; • Ordering an evacuation from the space whenever: i. A behavioral effect of hazard exposure is detected in an entrant; ii. A situation outside the permit space is detected which could endanger the entrant(s); iii. Other noted changes in conditions (not anticipated) are detected warranting evacuation; • Summoning rescue (or needed emergency services) whenever evacuation assistance is needed, utilizing retrieval equipment at the worksite.

Authorized Entrant(s) – will be responsible for… • Utilizing the buddy system for any multiple entry; • Knowing the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, signs, symptoms, and consequences of exposure to airborne contaminants; • Properly utilizing all required equipment;

55 • Communicating with the attendant as necessary to enable the attendant to: i. Monitor entrant status; ii. Alert other entrants of the need to evacuate the space; • Alerting the attendant whenever he/she recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation, or he/she detects a prohibited condition; • Exiting from the permit space as quickly as possible whenever: i. An order to evacuate is given by the attendant or Entry Supervisor; ii. He/she recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation; iii. He/she detects a prohibited condition or an evacuation alarm is sounded.

EQUIPMENT SELECTION & USE

Based on the identifiable hazards and work site evaluations, the Safety & Environmental Manager shall ensure that the proper equipment/tools are selected and utilized by responsible personnel during the performance of their assigned job duties. Equipment selection shall be inclusive of, but not limited to:

Atmospheric monitoring; Ventilation; Personal protective equipment (PPE); Communication; Retrieval; Respiratory.

56 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES & CONDITIONS

• SCWA employees are not permitted to weld within a confined space without prior written approval and a work plan outlining the engineering controls necessary for safe operations. The department supervisor will work with the Safety & Environmental Manager on the written plan and proposed scope-of-work; • Planned chemical use inside of confined spaces shall first be discussed with the Safety & Environmental Manager; • Planned sandblasting, grinding, or other type of surface preparation work within a confined space shall first be discussed with the Safety & Environmental Manager; • Employees are prohibited from using any fuel-powered equipment inside of confined spaces. Saws and other cutting tools must be pneumatic or hand-held (non-powered) unless the manufacturer provides an exhaust outlet hose/tubing whereby all by-products of the process/equipment are captured and efficiently discharged from the space at a far enough distance as to not allow the exhaust to eventually re-enter the airspace. Such an exception shall be discussed with the Safety & Environmental Manager before project startup; • Whenever an employee discovers exposed live (electrical) parts within a vault, the employees shall write-up a ticket and notify their supervisor of needed repairs. If the corrective step is as simple as closing a panel box lid, the employee shall do so. If the exposure is such that (near) contact could potentially cause either electrocution or an arc-flash (because of tool/equipment use in the near proximity), then work shall discontinue until the hazard can be corrected/repaired; • Standing water in vaults is not uncommon. All well vaults are equipped with sump-pumps that are activated when the “float” is raised. Should either the pumps be overwhelmed by incoming water, or the depth be such that issued (PPE) boots will not be sufficient to protect from the level/depth of water present in the vault, no entry shall take place until a determination can be made as to the reason the water level is so high, and a corrective action taken to reduce such levels to allow entry. • Should a “below-ground” vault or pit require access by utilizing a fixed ladder, the employee shall visually inspect the ladder before

57 entering from the surface (as best as he/she can). When the ladder is used, the employee shall proceed down the steps slowly, testing each rung to ensure structural integrity. Should any defect be noted, the supervisor shall be contacted for repairs, and the employee needing to perform work inside the non-permit space shall utilize a (stable) portable ladder. The ladder selected for entry shall extend beyond the ground surface by a minimum of 3 feet. • Anyone planning on entering a confined space, especially a belowground vault or pit, shall not permit vehicle placement near the vault opening unless the ignition is turned off. Exhaust fumes must not find their way into a vault or pit during entry. Should forced-air ventilation be required, the worker shall take care not to place the (running) vehicle anywhere near the ventilator. • Employees shall not enter an underground vault in excess of 10% LEL, which is defined as a “hazardous atmosphere”. The employee discovering the condition(s) shall notify their supervisor who in-turn shall notify the Safety & Environmental Manager for evaluation/verification before any activity associated with that vault is carried out. • Iron Removal (Filter) Vessel – These vessels are entered periodically for inspections, annually at a minimum. When that need arises, the following must take place prior to entry:

1. Whenever possible, the well motor is shutdown; 2. Auto and manual valves are shut down on the influent and effluent sides of the system for “control of hydraulic and pneumatic” energies; 3. The vessel is drained of fluid (feasible); 4. The vessel is adequately ventilated; 5. PPE is donned for protection against contact with (metal) sludge (water-proof coveralls and latex gloves); 6. Atmosphere inside the vessel is checked.

58 CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT SCWA Appendix A A. General Information Permit Space Location & Type: ______Purpose of Entry: ______Entry Permit Valid for: ______

B. Permit Space Hazards Atmospheric: ______Chemical: ______Elevation: ______Other (identify): ______

C. Personnel Space (SCWA Certified/Authorized Participants) Entrant(s): ______Time In:______Time Out:______Attendant(s): ______Entry Supervisor: Jack Walsh

D. Communication Utilized During Entry List all that apply (visual,voice,radio,etc.): ______

E. Gas Detection Readings Fresh Air Readings: Oxygen ______% LEL ______% Entry Readings: Oxygen ______% LEL ______% Entry Readings – Other (Identify) ______

F. Controls & Equipment Isolation: ______Purge/Clean: ______Ventilation: ______Entry Equipment used: (body harness, retractable lanyard, etc.): ______PPE: ______G. Comments Entry & Project Notes ______

H. Entry Authorization Name: Jack Walsh Signature: ______Date: ______

59 Suffolk County Water Authority Atmospheric Testing Requirements Appendix B

Atmospheric testing of confined space air is required for two distinct purposes: • Evaluation of the hazards prior to entry; • Verification that acceptable entry conditions exist for planned work within the space.

Evaluation Testing The atmosphere of a confined space should be analyzed using equipment and instrumentation of sufficient sensitivity and specificity to identify and evaluate any hazardous contaminants that may exist or arise, so that appropriate measures and procedures can be developed and deployed for entry. Should atmospheric conditions inside the space indicate either low level (percent) oxygen, the presence of a flammable/combustible gas/vapor, or a chemical contaminant in excess of its PEL (permit space anticipation), then appropriate corrective actions must take place before entry is permitted. Low-level (%) oxygen can be corrected with simple forced-air ventilation, but spaces that exhibit LEL (%) conditions or the presence of a gas/vapor at, above, or near the established PEL of that specific contaminant, shall not be entered until the Safety & Environmental Manager is contacted for proper evaluation of (atmospheric) data.

Verification Testing At the proposed time of (planned) entry into spaces, atmospheric testing equipment and instrumentation shall verify, not estimate, the concentrations or % by volume of any condition anticipated through either prior entry conditions/findings/experiences, or as a result of “Evaluation Testing” procedures taken prior.

Duration of Testing Measurements taken prior to entry shall be of sufficient time and duration so as to provide the selected equipment/instrumentation ample response time to tabulate accurate readings and to collect sufficient data. Extended sample-line hoses or tubes shall be supplied for entry readings into vertical (depth) spaces that would allow the entrant to evaluate and verify sample data prior to entry when unacceptable entry conditions are either suspected, anticipated, or precautionary steps are taken.

60 The testing of the atmosphere inside the space once entry has commenced, shall be continuous, and will not terminate until then employee is removed from the space and entry has been completed and/or canceled. Testing Stratified Atmospheres When monitoring for an entry involving a descent into atmospheres that may be stratified (permit space conditions when more than one atmospheric contaminant is anticipated) steps shall be taken to evaluate the air at four-foot intervals beginning at the bottom and working upwards. Each gas/vapor has different densities compared to “normal” air make-up and should be “scouted” accordingly. Order of Testing Since most atmospheric instrumentation/equipment needs the presence of oxygen to properly and adequately perform testing for the presence of flammable/combustible gases, % oxygen shall be determined first (although all SCWA equipment can test for both simultaneously). Should testing reveal that the % oxygen is below ten, the readings for the presence of a combustible gas cannot be trusted. The space shall not be entered until the Safety & Environmental Manager can determine the problem.

SCWA employs the use of BW Technologies monitoring equipment. Each instrument is calibrated as per manufacturer’s specifications. Sensors are changed as warranted, and repairs are carried out by the manufacturer. The Safety & Environmental Manager keeps calibration records for each instrument along with records for repairs.

61 Suffolk County Water Authority Confined Space Awareness Training Appendix C Material Covered:

• Basic understanding of 29 CFR 1910.146 • Basic understanding of the SCWA Confined Space Program • Identification of SCWA non permit-required spaces • Identification of SCWA permit-required confined spaces • Techniques for evaluation of hazards & control methods • Atmospheric monitoring & continuous testing • No permit space entry unless further training is provide

Name SCWA # Name SCWA #

______

______Instructor Name Date

62 Suffolk County Water Authority Host Employer & Contractor Responsibilities Appendix D

Whenever SCWA contracts work to a Vendor that will include entry into permit spaces, SCWA will:

1) Inform the contractor of the permit spaces at the worksite and require compliance to the permit system outlined in 1910.146 of the OSHA Standard;

2) Apprise the contractor of the hazards existing within the space (in question) that make the space permit-required;

3) Apprise the contractor of any precautions or procedures that SCWA might have implemented for the protection of employees in or near the permit spaces in-question;

4) Coordinate the entry operations when both SCWA and the contractor, will be working in or near the permit spaces in-question;

5) Debrief the contractor at the conclusion of the entry operations regarding the permit space program followed and regarding any hazards encountered or created during their scope of work within the permit spaces in-question.

63 SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY

SAFETY MANUAL CHAPTER THREE ENERGY CONTROL PROGRAM

64 Suffolk County Water Authority ENERGY CONTROL PROGRAM TABLE OF CONTENTS ______

Program Introduction 66

Mission Statement Purpose Objective References Definitions

Energy Control Program 71

Equipment Requirements Application of Control 73 Release from LOTO 75 Additional Requirements Specific Applications 77 Training & Communication 100 Periodic (Program) Inspections 102

Working with Live Parts 103

Justification for Work Equipment Use 104 Flame Retardant Clothing & PPE Medical Supplies 105 Emergency Procedures Training Requirements 106 Specific Applications 108 Fuse Change-Outs 110

Appendices

Appendix A Energy Type & Magnitude w/ Program Equipment 111 Appendix B Employee Training Form(s) 112 Appendix C Program "Periodic" Inspection Form(s) 113

65 Suffolk County Water Authority PROGRAM INTRODUCTION

MISSION STATEMENT

This program covers the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment in which the unexpected energization or start-up of the machines or equipment, or release of stored energy, could cause injury to employees. This document also establishes minimum performance requirements for the control of such hazardous energy (wherever feasible) and for work performed on, or near, live parts, when de-energizing is not practical due to operational limitations. Engineering controls, work practices, close supervision and the issuance of PPE, including Flame Retardant Clothing (FRC), will minimize, if not eliminate, the potential for serious harm and injury.

______Safety & Environmental Manager PURPOSE

The purpose of this program is to develop and implement the means, procedures and practices necessary for safe energy operations, including electrical work performed on live and de-energized parts. Other forms of energy covered by the program includes hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic and gases.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this program is to ensure that employees who are required to work on electrical parts, live or de-energized, are protected from injury. Adherence to this set of guidelines will minimize, if not eliminate, the potential for harm, due to the unexpected start-up or release of stored energy or electric shock or burns resulting from an arc flash. This will be accomplished through the use of written energy control procedures, a quality employee-training program, and periodic program inspections.

REFERENCES 29 CFR 1910.147 The Control of Hazardous Energy NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace A.S.S.E. (Stephen M. Kelly) Lockout Tagout...A Practical Approach 29 CFR 1910.300-399 Subpart S - Electrical ANSI Z244.1-2003 Control of Hazardous Energy

66 DEFINITIONS

Affected Employee - An employee whose job requires him/her to operate or use a machine or equipment on which servicing or maintenance is being performed under lockout and Tagout, or whose job requires him/her to work in an area in which such servicing or maintenance is being performed (i.e. Field Operators working at pump stations)

Authorized Employee - A person who locks out or tags out machines or equipment in order to perform servicing or maintenance on that machine or equipment (i.e. P&C Electricians and Mechanics). An affected employee becomes an authorized employee when the employee's duties include performing servicing or maintenance on identified equipment covered in this program.

Barricade/Barrier – A physical obstruction such as tapes, cones or wood that is used to provide a warning about and limit access to a hazardous area. It can be used to prevent contact with equipment or live parts.

Capable of Being Locked Out- An energy isolating device is capable of being locked out if it has a hasp or other means of attachment to which, or through which, a lock can be affixed, or it has a locking mechanism built into it. Other energy isolating devices are capable of being locked out, if lockout can be achieved without the need to dismantle, rebuild, or replace the energy-isolating device or permanently alter its energy control capability.

Circuit Breaker – A device designed to open and close a circuit by nonautomatic means and to open the circuit automatically on a pre-determined overcurrent without damage to itself when properly applied within its rating.

Conductive – Shall mean the material is suitable for carrying electric current.

De-energized - Disconnected from all energy sources and not containing any residual or stored energy.

Electrically Safe Work Condition – A state in which the conductor or circuit part to be worked on has been disconnected from energized parts, locked/tagged in accordance with established standards, tested to ensure the absence of voltage, and grounded if determined necessary.

67 Energized - Connected to an energy source or containing residual or stored energy.

Energy Isolating Device - A mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy, including but not limited to the following: a manually operated electrical circuit breaker; a disconnect switch; a manually operated switch by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from all underground supply conductors, and, in addition, no pole can be operated independently; a line valve; a block, and any similar device used to block or isolate energy. Push buttons, selector switches and other control circuit type devices are not energy isolating devices.

Energy Source - Any source of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, or thermal energy.

Flash Hazard Analysis – An investigative study which looks at a workers potential exposure to arc-flash energy, conducted for the purpose of injury prevention and the determination of safe work practices and appropriate levels of PPE.

Flash Protection Boundary – An approach limit at a distance from exposed live parts within which a person could receive a second-degree burn if an electrical arc flash were to occur.

Fuse – An overcurrent protective device with a circuit-opening fusible part that is heated and severed by the passage of overcurrent through it.

HOA - Hand-Off-Automatic switch;

Limited Approach Boundary – An approach limit at a distance from an exposed live part within which a shock hazard exists.

Lockout - The placement of a lockout device on an energy isolating device, in accordance with an established procedure, ensures that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed.

Lockout Device - A device that utilizes a positive means such as a lock, either key or combination type, to hold an energy isolating device in a safe position and

68 prevent the energizing of a machine or equipment. Included are blank flanges and bolted slip blinds.

Normal Production Operations - The utilization of a machine or equipment to perform its intended production function.

Prohibited Approach Boundary – An approach limit at a distance from an exposed live part within which work is considered the same as making contact with the live part.

Qualified Person – One designated by PC, who meets the following criteria: • Knowledge to recognize and avoid electrical hazards; • Knows special precautionary techniques, PPE, arc-flash, insulating and shielding materials, insulated tools and test equipment; • Skills and techniques necessary to distinguish “live parts”; • Skills and techniques necessary to determine nominal voltage of exposed live parts; • Knowledgeable on “approach distances” associated with live parts, and; • Knows the voltage before testing.

Restricted Approach Boundary – An approach limit at a distance from an exposed live part within which there is an increased risk of shock, due to electrical arc over combined with inadvertent movement, for personnel working in close proximity to the live part.

Shock Hazard Analysis – A shock hazard analysis shall determine the voltage to which personnel will be exposed, boundary requirements, and the PPE necessary in order to minimize the possibility of electric shock to personnel.

Servicing and/or Maintenance - Workplace activities such as constructing, installing, setting up, adjusting, inspecting, modifying, and maintaining and/or servicing machines or equipment. These activities include lubrication, cleaning or un-jamming of machines or equipment and making adjustments or tool changes, where the employee may be exposed to the unexpected energization or start-up of the equipment (i.e. pumps, motors, exhaust fans, back-up generators, and infrared heaters) or release of hazardous energy.

69 Setting Up - Any work performed to prepare a machine or equipment to perform its normal production operation.

Tagout - The placement of a Tagout device on an energy isolating device, in accordance with established SCWA procedures, to indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the Tagout device is removed.

Tagout Device - A prominent warning device, such as a tag and a means of attachment, which can be securely fastened to an energy isolating device in accordance with established SCWA procedures, to indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be operated until the Tagout device is removed. The Tagout device will identify the authorized user.

Working Near (live parts) – Any activity inside a “Limited Approach Boundary”.

Working On (live parts) – Coming in contact with live parts with the hands, feet, or other body parts, with tools, probes, or with test equipment, regardless of the personal protective equipment a person is wearing.

70 ENERGY CONTROL PROGRAM

The application of locks and tags to energy isolation devices requires a systematic approach that, when followed, will ensure effective protection from kinetic or potential energy (residual or stored in the equipment or machinery) when those items are serviced or maintained for operational needs. Those elements are: 1) A survey of all hazardous energy 2) Identification of all energy isolating devices servicing the equipment 3) The selection and procurement of protective materials and hardware 4) The assignment of duties and responsibilities 5) The determination of shut-down, de-energization, energization & start-up 6) Specific written procedures for machines, equipment and processes 7) Training of personnel, and 8) Auditing of program elements

Equipment Requirements

1. All electrical start/stop stations, disconnects and fuse/breaker boxes/switches are to be clearly and legibly labeled to indicate equipment controlled and/or function.

2. Employees expected to secure electrical power sources will be issued locks and tags of quality. The issued hardware (locks & tags) will be utilized for controlling energy sources only, and will meet the following requirements:

Durable Each lock shall be capable of withstanding the environment to which they are exposed for the maximum period of time that exposure is expected. Most SCWA procedural applications will be performed indoors, free of adverse weather. Pump station applications, however, will be carried out in areas where lime dust or sodium hypochlorite vapors are usually present. Therefore supervision will check the protective hardware periodically for wear. Should locks begin to become rusted or show signs of exposure to hypochlorite conditions, they will be replaced immediately.

71 Each Tagout device shall be constructed and printed so that exposure to adverse weather conditions, including wet or damp areas, or chemical environments (sodium hypochlorite rooms) will not cause the Tagout device to deteriorate or the message on the tag to become illegible. P&C and General Services will have laminated tags available for use in such conditions.

Standardized Lockout and Tagout devices shall be standardized within departments and throughout the company by color (locks) and style (tags).

Substantial Lockout devices shall be substantial enough to prevent removal without the use of excessive force or unusual techniques, such as with the use of bolt cutters or other metal cutting tools. The locks selected for use by SCWA will meet this criterion. Tagout devices, including their means of attachment (i.e. nylon tie), shall be substantial enough to prevent inadvertent or accidental removal.

Identifiable “Lockout devices and Tagout devices shall indicate the identity of the employee applying the devices." 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(D)

SCWA will comply with said requirements by implementing the following: 1) PC Electricians shall be issued and utilize locks of red color; 2) PC Mechanics shall be issued and utilize locks of blue color; 3) PC Field Operators shall be issued and utilize locks of green color; 4) CM shall be issued and utilize locks of orange color.

In order to properly identify the authorized employee applying the lock(s), the following procedure shall be followed: All locks applied to energy isolating devices (for the purposes of controlling the unexpected start-up or energization of the equipment/machinery in question) shall be accompanied with a (durable/substantial) laminated tag that will contain the following information: • Date of application • Reason for application and control • Name of Employee applying the control device(s)

72 Tagout devices selected and utilized by SCWA shall warn against hazardous conditions if the machine or equipment is energized and shall include a legend such as the following: Do Not Start, Do Not Open, Do Not Close, Do Not Energize, or Do Not Operate.

Chains, covers, self-locking fastener or other hardware/devices will be provided to employees to isolate, block, or otherwise render mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically powered equipment inoperable.

General Procedures

The following guidelines will apply whenever employees perform any program application of energy control:

APPLICATION OF CONTROL

1. Preparation for Shutdown Before an authorized or affected employee of SCWA turns off a machine or equipment, the authorized employee shall have knowledge of the type and magnitude of the energy supplying the equipment, the hazards of the energy to be controlled, and the method or means to control the energy.

2. Machine or Equipment Shutdown The machine or equipment shall be turned off or shut down using the procedures identified in this program for the machine or equipment in question. An orderly shutdown must be utilized to avoid any additional or increased hazards to employees as a result of the equipment stoppage.

3. Machine or Equipment Isolation All energy isolating devices that are needed to control the energy to the machine or equipment shall be physically located and operated in such a manner as to isolate the machine or equipment from the energy source(s).

4. Lockout or Tagout Device Application Lockout/Tagout devices shall be affixed to energy isolating devices by authorized employees only. Lockout devices shall be affixed in a manner that will hold the energy isolating devices in a "safe" or "off" position.

73 Tagout devices shall be affixed in such a manner as to clearly indicate that the operation or movement of energy isolating devices from the "safe" or "off" position is prohibited.

Where Tagout devices are used with energy isolating devices designed with the capability of being locked, the tag attachment shall be fastened at the same point as the lock.

Where a tag cannot be affixed directly to the energy isolating device, the tag shall be located as close as safely possible to the device, in a position that will be immediately obvious to anyone attempting to operate the unit.

5. Stored Energy Following the application of lockout and Tagout devices to energy isolating devices, all potentially hazardous (stored or residual) energy shall be released, disconnected, restrained, dissipated and otherwise rendered safe.

If there is a possibility of re-accumulation of stored energy to a hazardous level, verification of isolation shall be continued until the servicing or maintenance is completed, or until the possibility of such accumulation no longer exists.

6. Verification of Isolation Prior to starting work on machines or equipment (i.e. motors, pumps) that have been locked and tagged out, the authorized employee shall verify that isolation and de-energization of the machine or equipment have been accomplished. Simply attempting to start-up the equipment will accomplish this.

74 RELEASE FROM LOCKOUT OR TAGOUT

Before lockout or Tagout devices are removed and energy is restored to the machine or equipment repaired or serviced, procedures shall be followed and actions taken by the authorized employee(s) to ensure the following:

* The work area has been inspected and that nonessential items have been removed to ensure that the machine/equipment components are operationally intact. * The work area has been checked to ensure that all employees have been safely re-positioned or removed, should anyone have been present. * After lockout/tagout devices have been removed and before the machine or equipment is started, affected employees are notified that the lockout and Tagout devices have been removed, whenever necessary.

Removal of Lockout/Tagout Devices Each lockout and Tagout device shall be removed from the energy isolating device by the employee who applied the device, unless the authorized employee is not available for removal due to unforeseen occurrences like leaving work prematurely, shift change, or responding to an emergency. In that event, the supervisor of the authorized employee will either remove the lock/tag or direct another authorized employee to do so, after, and only after, he or she has verified that the authorized employee who originally applied the devices, is not in the area (i.e. pump station where work has taken place) and that the authorized employee is notified of the device removal upon return to work duties.

75 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Group Lockout or Tagout

When servicing and/or maintenance is performed by a crew, department, or combination of departments (i.e. CM and PC), they shall utilize a procedure which affords the employees a level of protection equivalent to that provided by the implementation of a personal lockout and Tagout device.

Group lockout or Tagout devices shall be used in accordance with the specific procedures outlined in the Energy Control Program, section “Specific Applications”. In addition, the following protocol will be followed:

* Primary responsibility of the project will be vested in a designated authorized employee for a set number of employees working under the protection of a group lockout or Tagout device;

* The designated (authorized) employee shall have the responsibility to assess exposure status of individual group members with regard to the lockout and tagout of the machine or equipment, and

* Each authorized employee shall affix a personal lockout device to the group lockout hasp, group lockbox, or comparable mechanism when he/she begins work, and shall remove those devices when he/she stops working on the machine or equipment being serviced or maintained.

Shift or Personnel Changes Whenever projects involving the control of hazardous energy proceed beyond a normal work shift, the supervisor in charge of the project shall ensure that there is an orderly exchange of locks, tags and information between authorized individuals assigned the task until completion.

76 Suffolk County Water Authority WELL & BOOSTER PUMPS

STEPS FOR SHUTDOWN: 1. PREPARE ● Electrical and possible hydraulic hazard 2. SHUTDOWN ● Turn HOA Switch to "OFF" Position ● Turn 11OV disconnect or Starter toggle control switch power “OFF” ● Turn Load Center Breaker to “OFF” ● Or remove Load Center Fuse

3. ISOLATE ● Turn Vault Safety switch to “OFF” position ● Remove Pigtail on AUTOCON ● If removing pump, close pump discharge valve-Paint cover RED ● If removing motor, and no replacement is available- insulate motor connecting leads; ● Notify Control Center

4.LOCKOUT, RELEASE ● Verify Disconnect in “OFF” position ● Insert tamper-proof Lock-out Tag with Name, date and reason ● Install Lock-out hasp ● Install and lock padlock-Verify secured by tugging ● Install Laminate TAG with pertinent information at Load center fuse, breaker or at disconnect, as required.

5. VERIFY ● Switch HOA to "HAND'' position-Verify Motor does not start ● Verify No Voltage at Load side of Starter ● Hydraulic-Open sink faucet, pre-lube valve or Petcock to verify no pressure in line

77 Suffolk County Water Authority WELL & BOOSTER PUMPS

STEPS FOR RESTART 1. INSPECT ● Tools and other material removed ● Pump and equipment fully reassembled ● Junction box cover, motor bonnet, guards and safety devices in place. ● Other personal hazards are not present

2. NOTIFY ● All Personnel safely positioned ● Affected Identified Lock-Out employee to restart system ● Authorized Supervisor for authority on removal, when employee not present ● Notify affected employee of removal, if not present at site when possible ● Control Center of intended activity

3. REMOVE ● Open Discharge Valve (If applicable)- Paint the valve box cover (BLUE) ● Turn on the safety disconnect in the vault ● Reinstall fuse in 120Vac control disconnect and turn on, or turn on the circuit breaker on the well motor starter door, if applicable ● Remove Lock and Tag after conferral and authorization ● Install Starter fuses, put starter to "ON” position ● Start Pump ● Reinstall pigtail into AUTOCON and notify the Control Center pump is back in service, if applicable ● Install Triplicate tag, if pump cannot go back in service, pending samples, and system declared safe for operation and no personal hazards present ● Remove all triplicate TAGS pertinent to completed activity when equipment is ready to go into service

Suffolk County Water Authority CHLORINE PUMP

STEPS FOR SHUTDOWN

1. PREPARE ● Electrical, and possible chemical and hydraulic hazard;

2. SHUTDOWN ● Chlorine pump with CL2 Analyzer- Turn HOA switch on Analyzer to the “OFF” position and Tagout; ● Manual operation w/o CL2 Analyzer- Put manual Stop-Start switch to “STOP” position, or HOA to the “OFF” position; ● Turn Load Center Breaker to “OFF”, if dedicated circuit for pump; ● Or, remove Load Center Fuse, if dedicated circuit for pump.

3. ISOLATE ● Turn Disconnect “OFF”- Remove fuses; ● Electrically disconnect Chlorine pump, where applicable; ● If removing motor, and no replacement is available- Insulate motor if connecting leads ● Use appropriate personal air filtration protection; ● Verify adequate ventilation and exhaust fan are operational; ● Verify cross ventilation of air present, if not, notify Supervisor; ● If Hydraulic pressure present, bleed pressure off, using Chlorine discharge bleed valve; ● Mechanically isolate pump, as required ● Notify Control Center

4. LOCKOUT, RELEASE ● Verify Disconnect in “OFF” position ● Insert tamper-proof Lock-out Tag with name, date and reson; ● Install Lock-out hasp; ● Install and lock padlock- Verify secured by tugging ● If pump unplugged from outlet, Install triplicate TAG with Pertinent information at Load Center fuse, circuit breaker, or at disconnect, as required.

79 Suffolk County Water Authority CHLORINE PUMP

5. VERIFY ● Switch HOA to “HAND” – Verify motor does not start; or ● START/STOP toggle activator button to START- Verify Motor does not start; or ● Verify that pump will not start if plugged in; ● Verify no Voltage at Load side of Starter; ● Verify no pressure present, via bleeder valve.

STEPS FOR RESTART

1. INSPECT ● Tools and other material removed; ● Pump and equipment fully reassembled; ● Junction box cover, motor bonnet, guards and safety devices in place; ● Isolation valves are set, if pump will be placed in service; ● Other personal hazards are not present.

2. NOTIFY ● All Personnel safely positioned; ● Affected identified Lock-out employee to restart system; ● Authorized Supervisor for Authority on removal, when Employee not present; ● Affected Employee of removal, if not present at site, when possible; ● Control Center if intended activity.

3. REMOVE ● Remove Lock and Tag after conferral and authorization; ● Reinstall Fuses and Turn on Chlorine disconnect

Chlorine Pump with CL2 Analyzer ● Turn Toggle to “ON” at Analyzer; ● Remove Tag

80 Suffolk County Water Authority CHLORINE PUMP

Chlorine Pump without CL2 Analyzer ● Install Load Center fuse, if applicable; ● Unlock manual locking device; ● Remove Tag ● Put Manual start to “ON” position; ● Plug in Chlorine pump, if applicable ● Place pump in service ● Notify Control Center ● Install Triplicate tag, if pump cannot go back into service, pending chlorine delivery etc and system declared safe for operation and no personal hazards present.

81 Suffolk County Water Authority LIME PUMPS

STEPS FOR SHUTDOWN

1. PREPARE ● Electrical, and possible hydraulic or mechanical hazard;

2. SHUTDOWN ● Lime pump with PH Analyzer – Turn HOA Switch on Analyzer To the “OFF” position and Tagout; ● Manual operation w/o PH Analyzer – Put manual Stop/Start Switch to “STOP” position, or HOA to the “OFF” position.

3. ISOLATE ● Turn Disconnect “OFF”- Remove fuses; ● Turn “OFF” the lime pump motor starter HOA ● If removing motor and no replacement is available- insulate motor connecting leads; ● Isolate piping valves; ● If hydraulic pressure present, bleed pressure off, using drain valve; ● Notify Control Center

4. LOCKOUT, RELEASE ● Verify Disconnect in “OFF” position; ● Insert tamper-proof Lock-out Tag with name, date, and reason; ● Install Lock-our hasp; ● Install and lock padlock- Verify secured by tugging; ● Install Laminate TAG with pertinent information at Load Center Fuse, breaker or at Disconnect, as required;

5. VERIFY ● Switch HOA or START/STOP activator button- Verify motor does not start ● Verify NO Voltage at Load side of Starter ● Verify no pressure present

82 Suffolk County Water Authority LIME PUMPS

STEPS FOR RESTART

2. NOTIFY ● All personnel safely positioned; ● Affected identified Lock-out employee to restart system; ● Authorized Supervisor for Authority on removal, when employee not present; ● Notify affected employee of removal, if not present at site when possible; ● Control Center if intended activity.

3. REMOVE ● Remove lock and Tag after conferral and authorization’ ● Reinstall fuses and turn on disconnect; ● Verify isolation valves are set, if pump will be placed in service Automatic Lime Pump ● Remove Tag from HOA on PH Analyzer; ● Place in Automatic ● Turn HOA on the Lime Pump motor starter to “AUTO” Manual Lime Pump ● Unlock manual locking device ● Remove Tag ● Put manual start to “ON” position ● Place pump into service; ● Notify Control Center ● Install Triplicate tag, if pump cannot go back in service, Pending lime mix etc, and system declared safe for operation And no personal hazards present.

83 Suffolk County Water Authority AGITATOR PUMPS

STEPS FOR SHUTDOWN 1.) PREPARE ● Electrical, and possible hydraulic or mechanical hazards;

2.) SHUTDOWN ● Turn off agitator disconnect, if only one tank; ● Or, turn Start/Stop to “STOP” position; ● Turn 110 V disconnect to “OFF”, if applicable;

3.) ISOLATE ● Turn disconnect “OFF”- remove fuses ● Or, Start/Stop to “STOP”, isolate contactor as required; ● If removing motor, and no replacement is available- insulate motor connecting leads; ● If draining lime tank, isolate fill valve;

4.) LOCKOUT, RELEASE ● Verify disconnect in “OFF” position; ● Insert tamper-proof Lock-out Tag with name, date and reason; ● Install Lock-out hasp, if possible; ● Install and lock padlock – verify secured by tugging; ● Install Laminate TAG with pertinent information at load center Fuse, breaker, or at disconnect, as required.

5.) VERIFY ● Switch START/STOP activator button – verify motor does not start. ● Verify no voltage at load side of Starter ● Verify no pressure present; ● Drain tank, if required.

84 Suffolk County Water Authority AGITATOR PUMPS

STEPS FOR RESTART

1.) INSPECT ● Tools and other material removed; ● Agitator and associated equipment fully reassembled; ● Junction box cover, motor bonnet, guards and safety devices in place, Isolation valves are set, if Agitator will be placed in service; ● Other personal hazards are not present.

2.) NOTIFY ● All personnel safely positioned; ● Affected identified Lock-out employee to restart system; ● Authorized Supervisor for authority on removal, when employee not present. ● Notify affected employee of removal, if not present at site when possible; ● Control Center of intended activity.

3.) REMOVE ● Remove Lock and Tag after conferral and authorization; ● Reinstall fuses and turn on disconnect; ● Verify isolation valves are set, if pump will be placed in service; Automatic Lime Pump ● Remove tag from HOA on PH Analyzer; ● Place in automatic ● Turn HOA on the limp pump motor starter to “AUTO” Manual Lime Pump ● Unlock manual locking device; ● Remove tag; ● Put manual start to “ON” position; ● Place pump in service; ● Notify Control Center ● Install triplicate tag, if pump cannot go back in service, pending Lime mix etc, and system declared safe for operation and no personal hazards present.

Suffolk County Water Authority POLYPHOSPHATE PUMPS

STEPS FOR SHUTDOWN

1. PREPARE ● Electrical and possible hydraulic hazard;

2. SHUTDOWN ● Isolate pump call-on state, if applicable ● Automatic operation- unplug pump motor power cord, if applicable; ● Manual Operation 3 phase – put manual Start/Stop to “STOP” ● Turn pump load center breaker “OFF” ● Or, remove fuse, if dedicated circuit.

3. ISOLATE ● Automatic operation-Isolate circuit at load center, if applicable; ● Turn 3 Phase disconnect “OFF”- remove fuses; ● If motor unplugged, isolate manually and tag; ● Isolate piping valves; ● If hydraulic pressure present, bleed pressure off; ● Mechanically isolate pump, as required; ● Notify Control Center.

4. LOCKOUT, RELEASE ● Verify disconnect in “OFF” position; ● Insert tamper-proof Lock-out tag with name, date and reason; ● Install Lock-out hasp; ● Install and lock padlock- verify secured by tugging; ● If pump unplugged from outlet- install triplicate TAG with pertinent information at load center fuse, circuit breaker or at disconnect, as required.

5. VERIFY ● Switch START/STOP activator button to “START” – verify motor does not start. ● Verify no voltage at load side of Starter ● Or, verify no voltage condition on pump outlet, if required; ● Verify no pressure present, via bleeder valve.

Suffolk County Water Authority POLYPHOSPHATE PUMPS

STEPS FOR RESTART

1. INSPECT ● Tools and other material removed; ● Pump and equipment fully reassembled; ● Junction box cover, motor bonnet, guards and safety devices in place; ● Isolation valves are set, if pump will be placed into service; ● Other personal hazards are not present.

2. NOTIFY ● All personnel safely positioned; ● Affected identified Lock-out employee to restart system; ● Authorized Supervisor for Authority on removal, when employee not present; ● Notify affected employee of removal, if not present at site, when possible; ● Control Center of intended activity.

3. REMOVE ● Remove lock and tag after conferral and authorization; ● Reinstall fuses and turn on disconnect; ● Verify isolation valves are set, if pump will be placed in service; ● Plug in pump motor, if applicable; ● Place pump into service; ● Notify Control Center; ● Install Triplicate tag, if pump cannot go back in service pending poly delivery etc, and system declared safe for operation and No personal hazards present.

87 Suffolk County Water Authority INFRARED HEATERS

STEPS FOR SHUTDOWN

1. PREPARE ● Electrical and burn hazard;

2. SHUTDOWN ● Turn thermostat control disconnect to “OFF”; ● Turn heat disconnect to “OFF”; ● Turn load center breaker “OFF” ,if applicable; ● Or, remove fuse, if dedicated circuit.

3. ISOLATE ● Isolate heat circuit and control circuit, if applicable; ● Remove fuses, as required; ● Notify Control Center.

4. LOCKOUT, RELEASE ● Verify disconnect in “OFF” position; ● Insert tamper-proof Lock-out tag with name, date and reason; ● Install Lock-out hasp; ● Install and lock padlock- verify secured by tugging; ● If load center fuse or breaker cannot be isolated – install triplicate TAG with pertinent information, as required.

5. VERIFY ● Switch thermostat to “CALL” position – verify heater does not start; ● Visually verify heat contactor does not pull in; ● Verify no voltage condition at load side of contactor; ● Verify that heater element is close to room temperature.

88 Suffolk County Water Authority INFRARED HEATERS

STEPS FOR RESTART

1. INSPECT ● Tools and other material removed; ● Verify element wires insulated and not touching enclosure or elements; ● Heater and equipment fully assembled; ● Junction box cover, guards and safety devices in place; ● Other personal hazards are not present.

2. NOTIFY ● All personnel safely positioned; ● Authorized employee to restart system; ● Authorized Supervisor for Authority on removal, when employee not present; ● Notify affected employee of removal, if not present at site, when possible; ● Control Center of intended activity.

3. REMOVE ● Remove lock and tag after conferral and authorization; ● Reinstall fuses and turn on disconnect; ● Verify load center control fuse or breaker are “ON”; ● Switch thermostat to “CALL” position- verify heater operation; ● Place heater system in operation of no possible hazards exist; ● Notify Control Center;

89 Suffolk County Water Authority GENERATORS

STEPS FOR SHUTDOWN-AUTOMATIC OPERATION

1. PREPARE ● Electrical, mechanical or hydraulic hazard;

2. SHUTDOWN ● Switch generator control panel selector to “OFF”; ● DO NOT TOUCH ATS selector switch on Automatic Transfer Switch – install Tag on ATS; ● Close damper solenoid; ● Turn off battery charger, isolate breaker or fuse, as required; ● Disconnect battery cables; ● Switch generator circuit breaker to “OFF” ● Notify Control Center.

3. ISOLATE, LOCKOUT, RELEASE ● Insert tamper proof lock out tag with name, date and reason; ● Install Lock-out hasp, if possible; ● Install and lock padlock- verified secured by tugging

4. VERIFY ● Switch generator selector to “AUTO-test” position – verify heater does not start; ● Verify generator does not turn-over; ● Return switch to “OFF” position.

Suffolk County Water Authority GENERATORS

STEPS FOR RESTART- AUTOMATIC OPERATION

1. INSPECT ● Tools and other material removed; ● Generator and equipment fully reassembled; ● Junction box cover, guards and safety devices in place; ● Isolation valves for fuel & cooling water are set; ● Battery charger “ON” and cables connected, if generator will be placed back in service; ● Other personal hazards are not present.

2. NOTIFY ● All personnel safely positioned; ● Affected identified Lock-out employee to restart system; ● Authorized Supervisor for Authority on removal, when employee not present; ● Notify affected employee of removal, if not present at site, when possible; ● Control Center of intended activity.

3. REMOVE ● Verify generator circuit breaker is “OFF”; ● Verify battery cables connected and tight; ● Switch generator circuit breaker to “ON”; ● Open damper solenoid; ● Switch generator selector switch to “AUTOMATIC”; ● Remove Lock-out tag; ● Put generator back in service; ● Notify Control Center; ● Install triplicate tag, if generator cannot go back in service pending fuel delivery, battery change etc, and system declared safe for operation and no personal hazards present.

91 Suffolk County Water Authority AIR COMPRESSORS HYDROPNEUMATIC TANKS

STEPS FOR SHUTDOWN

1. PREPARE ● Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic hazard;

2. SHUTDOWN ● Switch air compressor HOA to “OFF”; ● Turn 110 disconnect or breaker “OFF” ● Or, remove fuses.

3. ISOLATE ● Isolate hydro-pneumatic tank fro system- paint the valve box covers RED; ● Lock-out Tagout cover, as required; ● Bleed air off compressor; ● Purge all air from system piping and tank; ● Drain hydro-pneumatic tank water; ● Notify Control Center.

4. LOCKOUT, RELEASE ● Verify disconnect in “OFF” position; ● Insert tamperproof Lock-out tag with name, date and reason; ● Install Lock-out hasp; ● Install and lock padlock- verify secured by tugging; ● Install laminate TAG with pertinent information at load center, fuse, breaker or at disconnect, as required.

5. VERIFY ● Switch compressor HOA to “HAND” – verify compressor does not start; ● Verify NO voltage at load side of starter; ● Return switch to “OFF” position; ● Hydraulic-open valve or hydraulic petcock- verify no pressure present in system.

Suffolk County Water Authority AIR COMPRESSORS HYDROPNEUMATIC TANKS

STEPS FOR RESTART

1. INSPECT ● Tools and other material removed; ● Compressor and associated equipment fully reassembled; ● Junction box cover, guards and safety devices in place; ● Hydraulic lines, valves and connections tightened; ● Other personal hazards are not present.

2. NOTIFY ● All personnel safely positioned; ● Affected identified Lock-out employee to restart system; ● Authorized Supervisor for Authority on removal, when employee not present; ● Notify affected employee of removal, if not present at site, when possible; ● Control Center of intended activity.

3. REMOVE ● Verify all compressor and hydro-pneumatic valves are set; ● Open discharge valve (if applicable)- paint valve box cover BLUE; ● Remove Lock and tag; ● Install fuses for compressor disconnect; ● Switch HOA starter to “AUTO” position; ● Notify Control Center; ● Install triplicate tag, if compressor cannot go back in service pending motor lubrication etc, and system declared safe for operation and no personal hazards present.

93 Suffolk County Water Authority GRANULAR ACTIVATED CARBON (GAC) SYSTEM

STEPS FOR SHUTDOWN 1. PREPARE ● Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic hazard;

2. SHUTDOWN ● Turn OFF the HOA for the associated pump with the GAC filter to be shutdown; ● NOTE: If taking associated pump out of service- refer to Lock-out Tagout section for WELL & BOOSTER PUMPS; ● Notify Supervisor and provide pertinent information; ● Verify with Control Center and Supervisor WELL status, before turning “OFF”, unless immediate action is required.

3. ISOLATE ● Verify well is isolated and Tagout , as required; ● Verify shutdown authorized with Control Center or Supervisor; ● Close all station yard influent and effluent valves to GAC System – paint valve covers RED; ● Close all valves on GAC filter manifold ● Open GAC systems vent valves; ● Verify drain valves- Note: Located on the lowest portion of the system vessel; ● Open all required system drain valves; ● Bleed, drain systems, as required; Note: when draining water stops, system is empty. ● Notify Control Center.

4. LOCKOUT, RELEASE ● Verify well disconnect in “OFF” position if taken out of service; ● Insert tamperproof Lock-out tag with name, date and reason; ● Install Lock-out hasp; ● Install and lock padlock- verify secured by tugging; ● Lock-out & tag out manifold effluent & influent valves ● Lock out vent valves set to “OPEN”; ● Notify Control Center.

5. VERIFY ● If taking pump out of service, switch “HOA” to “HAND”-verify pump does not start; ● Verify vent valves are set to “OPEN”; ● Verify drain valves are set to “OPEN”; ● Verify GAC system is drained; Note: no water or water drops should be viewed from drain valve.

Suffolk County Water Authority GRANULAR ACTIVATED CARBON (GAC) SYSTEM

STEPS FOR RESTART

1. INSPECT ● Tools and other material removed; ● Access panels, piping flanges and other associated connections are tight with proper torque. ● Other personal hazards are not present.

2. NOTIFY ● All personnel safely positioned; ● Affected identified Lock-out employee to restart system; ● Authorized Supervisor for Authority on removal, when employee not present; ● Notify affected employee of removal, if not present at site, when possible; ● Control Center of intended activity.

3. REMOVE ● Verify all GAC valves are set to proper position for GAC system operation; ● Remove Lock-out and tags, as applicable; ● Open influent and effluent manifold valves to GAC system ● Verify well can be placed back into service; ● Remove Lock-out tags on Well Starter – follow WELL RESTART procedure; ● Notify Control Center; ● Open all station influent & effluent discharge valves (if applicable)- paint valve box cover BLUE, Notify Control Center.

95 Suffolk County Water Authority EXUAUST FANS

STEPS FOR SHUTDOWN

1. PREPARE ● Electrical and possible mechanical, hazard;

2. SHUTDOWN ● Isolate fan “CALL-ON” state, if applicable”; ● Automatic operation- Turn HOA to “OFF”; ● Turn off circuit breaker or fuse at load center; ● Remove relay if unit is used for generator exhaust air; ● Unplug fan motor power cord, if possible.

3. ISOLATE ● Automatic operation- isolate circuit at load center, if applicable; ● Remove fuses, if possible; ● Isolate intake louver motor control, if applicable; ● If motor unplugged, isolate manually and tag; ● Notify Control Center.

4. LOCKOUT, RELEASE ● Verify disconnect in “OFF” position; ● Insert tamperproof Lock-out tag with name, date and reason; ● Install Lock-out hasp; ● Install and lock padlock- verify secured by tugging; ● Tag relay control circuit, if used for generator exhaust air operation; If fan unplugged from outlet- install triplicate TAG with pertinent information at load center fuse, circuit breaker or at disconnect, as required.

5. VERIFY ● Switch HOA to “HAND” or START/STOP to “START”– verify motor does not start; ● Verify control relay circuit does not call a fan “START” ● Verify no voltage at load side; ● Or, verify “no voltage” condition on fan outlet, if required.

Suffolk County Water Authority EXHAUST FANS

STEPS FOR RESTART

1. INSPECT ● Tools and other material removed; ● Fan enclosure and associated equipment fully assembled; ● Junction box cover, motor bonnet, guards, drive belts and safety devices in place; ● Louver motorized control is set, if applicable; ● Other personal hazards are not present.

2. NOTIFY ● All personnel safely positioned; ● Affected identified Lock-out employee to restart system; ● Authorized Supervisor for Authority on removal, when employee not present; ● Notify affected employee of removal, if not present at site, when possible; ● Control Center of intended activity.

3. REMOVE ● Remove Lock and tag after conferral and authorization; ● Reinstall fuses and turn on disconnect; ● Plug in fan motor, if applicable; ● Place exhaust fan in service ● Notify Control Center;

97 Suffolk County Water Authority HAZARDOUS ENERGY CONTROL CM/PC PUMP STATION PROJECTS WELL, BOOSTER PUMPS & RELATED PIPE & VALVES

STEPS FOR SHUTDOWN 1. PREPARE ● Energy magnitude to be determined and communicated to the Authorized PC employee before project start-up; ● CM to notify PC Supervisor of pending project Involving the possible de-energizing of equipment; ● CM to receive proper clearance from PC for the shutdown or de-energizing of equipment before project start-up; ● PC and CM Supervisors will determine (together) if either a complete station shutdown is required, or which specific equipment is to be de-energized and isolated from their energy source(s) for the planned project; ● PC Supervisor to notify all affected parties/employees of Pending equipment/well motor/station shutdown (ie: Field Operators- all affected shifts, Control Center).

2. SHUTDOWN/ISOLATE ● PC to turn the well/booster pump motor starter (disconnect) Switch or switches to the “OFF” position; ● If the project calls for the removal of underground piping or gate valves, CM will close the appropriate gate valves to isolate the well or pump and paint the covers RED; ● CM to close other gate valves as required to isolate the hydraulic hazard from the area to be worked on and paint the covers RED.

3. LOCKOUT/TAGOUT ● PC to verify that the pump motor disconnect is in the “OFF” position; ● PC to install a multi-lock hasp on the energy isolating device for each piece of equipment to be locked out, and will then place their lock on the hasp first. ● CM to affix a lock (ORANGE) and laminated tag with the name of the CM Supervisor/worker responsible for the work to be performed, the date, and the reason why equipment will be

98 Suffolk County Water Authority HAZARDOUS ENERGY CONTROL CM/PC PUMP STATION PROJECTS WELL, BOOSTER PUMPS & RELATED PIPE & VALVES

out of service, to the hasp. If the CM Supervisor is not applying the lock/tag, then prior authorization must be received by the CM worker from their Supervisor.

NOTE: There must be at least 2 locks on the affected Equipment before CM begins work. One CM lock and one PC lock.

4. VERIFY ● Hydraulic- CM to open sink faucet, pre-lube valve or petcock to verify no pressure in the pipeline to be worked on. ● Electrical- PC to verify that the pump/pumps are electrically disconnected and will not function, by attempting to start.

STEPS FOR RESTART BY CM

1. INSPECT ● Ensure tools and other material are removed from work area ● Pump and all related equipment fully reassembled; ● Guards and safety devices are back in place; ● Other personal hazards are not present.

2. NOTIFY & REMOVE LOCK & TAG ● CM Supervisor to remove CM’s lock and tag from multi Lock hasp (or authorized CM worker); ● CM to notify a PC Supervisor that all CM work has been completed and that CM’s lock and tag have been removed;** ● PC to notify all affected personnel (ie: Field Operators & Control Center) that the equipment/.system is ready to be brought back on-line.

** This notification indicates to PC that this equipment is back in their control and can be placed in service at their discretion.

99 Suffolk County Water Authority ENERGY CONTROL PROCEDURES TRAINING and COMMUNICATION

SCWA will provide training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program is understood by program participants and that the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of the energy controls are acquired. Training shall include the following elements:

a) Employees shall be trained prior to work assignments requiring energy control. New employees will receive training at time of hire, and individuals who transfer to PC will receive their training prior to work assignments within the department. b) The training shall be specific to the SCWA/PC written program. c) The training content shall be based on manufacturer’s information, industry best practices, regulatory requirements and input from authorized individuals. d) Each PC electrician/mechanic shall be informed of the type and magnitude of energy available at pump station locations. e) Each PC electrician/mechanic shall receive training in the type of energy that might be encountered during servicing or maintenance and methods or means to control that energy. f) Training will include classroom lecture with written procedures (provided by S&E Manager), and field application training provided by PC. g) SCWA will document all initial and refresher training that will be provided.

* All non-program employees whose work operations are, or may be, in an area where energy control procedures are carried out (i.e. Field Operators at pump stations), shall be informed (as “Affected” personnel) on the processes and procedures that are carried out by authorized workers and the importance of respecting the (applied) locks and tags for energy control. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of not attempting to re-start or re-energize any equipment that has been (temporarily) removed from service with applied locks and tags.

100 Suffolk County Water Authority ENERGY CONTROL PROCEDURES TRAINING and COMMUNICATION

* Employees shall also be trained in the following limitations of tag use: 1. Tags are essentially warning devices affixed to energy isolating devices and do not provide the physical restraint on those devices that is provided by a lock;

2. When a tag is attached to an energy isolating device, it is not to be removed without authorization of the authorized employee responsible for it, and it is never to be by-passed, ignored, or otherwise defeated;

3. Tags must be legible and understood by all authorized employees, affected employees, and any other employees whose work operations are, or may be, in the area in order to be effective;

4. Tags and their means of attachment must be made of materials which will withstand the environmental conditions (i.e. sodium hypochlorite) encountered in the workplace;

5. Tags tend to evoke a false sense of security, and their meaning needs to be understood as part of the overall energy control program and, finally;

6. Tags must be securely attached to the energy isolating devices so that they cannot be inadvertently or accidentally detached during use.

Employee Re-Training

* Retraining shall be provided for all authorized and affected employees Whenever there is a change in their job assignments, a change in machines, equipment or processes that present a new hazard, or when there is a change in the energy control procedures; * Additional retraining shall also be conducted whenever a periodic inspection reveals, or whenever a supervisor/safety manager has reason to believe, that there are deviations from or inadequacies in the employees knowledge or use of the energy control procedures; * The retraining shall reestablish employee proficiency and introduce new or revised control methods and procedures as necessary.

101 Suffolk County Water Authority ENERGY CONTROL PROCEDURES

(PERIODIC) PROGRAM INSPECTIONS

The SCWA energy control program will be inspected, annually at a minimum, to ensure that the procedures and guidelines contained in this document are clearly and specifically followed and adhered to. The inspections/observations will be performed by either the PC Electricians supervisor or the Safety & Environmental Manager, and shall involve the observance of authorized individuals performing their assigned duties outlined in this program. The inspection shall be conducted to gauge proficiency with the machine-specific steps and procedures for energy control, and to correct any deviations or inadequacies identified during the process.

The following information shall be collected during the inspection process using the company form in Appendix C of this document:

• Name and title of the program inspector • Name and title of the authorized employee performing the energy control procedures being observed • Equipment on which the servicing and/or maintenance is being performed • Date and time of inspection • Assessment /evaluation of the procedures utilized and followed for energy control and eventual release

• Noted corrective actions needed, if any, to improve the procedures for “full employee protection”

The authorized employee performing the energy control procedure shall have the opportunity (during the inspection process) to contribute to overall employee protection with recommendations or suggestions for improvement.

All inspections shall be documented and kept on file with the Safety & Environmental Manager.

102 Suffolk County Water Authority ENERGY CONTROL PROCEDURES

Working on or Near Live Parts

“Live parts to which an employee might be exposed shall be put into an electrically safe work condition before an employee works on or near them, unless the employer can demonstrate that de-energizing introduces additional or increased hazards or is infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations.” NFPA 70E 130.1

Justification for Work Whenever possible, live parts shall be placed into “electrically safe work conditions” before an employee shall perform any service, maintenance, repair or testing of said equipment, machinery, or circuit’s. When de-energizing is not feasible, due to equipment design or operational limitations, including performing diagnostics and testing (i.e. start-up or troubleshooting) of electric circuits that can only be performed when the circuit(s) are energized, qualified electricians shall follow established procedures.

When live parts operating at 50 volts or more are not placed in electrically safe work conditions, safety related work practices and PPE, outlined in this section, shall be used to protect employees from electrical hazards, including, but not limited to, shock and arc-flash burns.

Shock Hazard Analysis PC shall perform a shock hazard analysis to determine the voltage to which personnel will be exposed, boundary requirements, and the PPE necessary to minimize the potential for injury. The shock protection boundaries, identified as “limited”, “restrictive”, and “prohibited” will be communicated and enforced. (See specific “live parts” procedures)

Flash Hazard Analysis

PC shall perform a flash hazard analysis to protect employees from injury due to arc-flash burns. The analysis shall determine the “Flash Protection Boundary” to be communicated and enforced with all program participants. (See specific “live parts” procedures)

103 Suffolk County Water Authority ENERGY CONTROL PROCEDURES

Equipment Use

Test instruments, equipment, and their accessories (test leads, cables, power cords, probes, and connectors) shall be designed and rated for the circuits and equipment to which they will be connected. They shall be visually inspected by the employee (on a daily basis) for external defects and damage prior to use. If there is a defect or any evidence of damage that might expose an employee to injury, the defective part/equipment shall be removed from service and replaced. All tools shall be properly insulated where required.

Flame Retardant Clothing & Required PPE

All PC Electricians will be required to wear flame retardant clothing throughout the course of their workday. The clothing allowance meets the criteria of ASTM F1506-2000 and complies with guidelines set forth in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 and NFPA 70E. By implementing this procedure, all SCWA electricians shall be protected at all times from the potential for arc-flash burns. Clothing made of polyester, nylon, or rayon shall be prohibited. Their shoes shall contain “dielectric soles” without the use of steel-toed protection, due to the potential for conductivity.

Field Operators shall be provided with flame retardant coveralls that will be worn whenever they test and/or change-out fuses. They too, shall wear shoes that contain dielectric soles without the steel-toe.

In addition to clothing, Electricians and Field Operators shall be provided with the following protective equipment that shall be worn during work on or near live parts: • Voltage rated hard hats • Arc-flash visors • Arc-flash safety glasses with side-shields • Hearing protectors (soft-foam inserts) • Voltage rated electrical gloves and protective leather gloves

104 Suffolk County Water Authority ENERGY CONTROL PROCEDURES

With the distribution of voltage rated (rubber) gloves, Electricians shall be provided with “glove inflators” that will be utilized to inspect the integrity of their gloves prior to use.

Employees will be instructed how to care for, clean, store when not in-use, and inspect their PPE for damage or defects (prior to each day’s use). All flame retardant clothing will be the responsibility of the employee assigned the clothing. Guidelines for washing and care will be provided. Any defective clothing or PPE will be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor for replacement, should that become necessary.

Medical Supplies

All PC Electricians vehicles shall have medical first-aid supplies with arc-flash/burn application dressings.

Emergency Procedures

All PC Electricians shall be trained in approved methods of resuscitation (adult CPR) and “methods of release” of victims should they come in contact with energized parts. Workers shall be instructed to contact the Bay Shore Control Center, who will in-turn contact professional EMT responders through 911, should the emergency warrant such action(s).

105 Suffolk County Water Authority ENERGY CONTROL PROCEDURES

Knowledge, Information & Training Requirements for Work with Live Parts

Electricians, required to work on or near exposed energized (electrical) conductors or circuit parts, shall be trained in the methods of (victim) release from contact with exposed energized conductors or circuit parts. They shall also be provided with instructions for methods of resuscitation and emergency response. The training will take place as required and contain the following elements at a minimum:

• Adult CPR • Release of victims from completed circuits utilizing a non- conductive tool (i.e. dry wood, fiberglass pole) • Notification to the Bay Shore Control Center (24/7) for immediate (professional) response – 911

Qualified Electricians…shall receive the following training and information with each assignment or task until proficiency/efficiency is demonstrated:

• Knowledge of the construction and operation of equipment or a specific work method and be trained to recognize and avoid the electrical hazards that might be present with respect to that equipment or work method • Instruction with the proper use of precautionary techniques, PPE (including arc-flash), insulating and shielding materials, and insulated tools and testing equipment.

Assistant Electricians…who continually undergo on-the-job-training, and who, in the course of such training, demonstrate an ability to perform duties safely, will be permitted to work on energized parts above 50 volts, when, and only when, they are under direct supervision. They shall additionally be trained in the following areas: • Skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed energized parts from other parts of electrical equipment • Skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal voltage of exposed live parts

106 Suffolk County Water Authority ENERGY CONTROL PROCEDURES

• Approach distances for live parts work and the corresponding voltages with those tasks • Decision-making process necessary to determine the degree and extent of the hazard and the PPE and job training necessary to perform the task safely

The purpose of training in this line of work will be designed to provide knowledge and awareness of the potential electrical hazards that exist with each assignment and task that involves live parts work or potential exposure to electrical current and voltage. Qualified workers will have involvement and input into the overall safety and direction that the program takes outlining safe work practices and procedures.

Before the start of work, at the beginning or the work day, the electricians supervisor shall provide specific job-briefings with regard to the days planned activities with each of his/her employees. The briefing will cover information on an as-need-basis, and may include any or all of the following:

• Hazards associated with the days assignment • Specific work procedures involved with the task(s) • Special precautions to be taken, if necessary • Location of the energy source controls, and • PPE requirements

If the work or operations to be performed during the day or shift are repetitive, routine or similar, as is the case with most PC pump station assignments, then the information provided to the workers will be up to the supervisor’s discretion. He/she will base that decision on the following criteria:

1) The electrician who has been assigned the task 2) The electricians experience, skills and knowledge level 3) The importance of that assignment, and whether that electrician will be assigned an assistant for the day. 4) Whether that electrician will be assigned an assistant for the day.

107 Suffolk County Water Authority ENERGY CONTROL PROCEDURES

Specific Work-Related Procedures In an effort to better protect employees working on or near live parts greater than 50 volts, a shock hazard analysis and a flash hazard analysis was performed by Production & Control in order to establish safe working boundaries for unqualified personnel during live parts work. As a result of that analysis, the following guidelines shall be adhered to:

• Qualified personnel assigned the task of live parts work, shall properly don all required PPE, outlined in the previous section

• Unqualified personnel (Electrician’s Assistants) shall stay 4 feet away from the energized circuits (unless they don all required PPE). This “safe zone” shall be referred to as the “Flash Hazard Boundary” and the “Prohibited Boundary” that will eliminate the potential for shock or serious arc-flash burns.

• Field Operators, or pump station visitors, shall be restricted from entering the pump station room where the live work is being performed. Warning sign(s) shall be placed at the doorway, thus limiting access to qualified personnel only. This precautionary move will eliminate the potential for injury to employees not involved with the task at hand, and will minimize distraction to qualified personnel attempting to focus on their task.

The following procedures will incorporate the above noted guidelines:

1. Motor Starters, NEMA size “0” to NEMA size “5”

• Energize motor starter • Open motor-starter door • Test/check motor starter • Turn off motor starter • Repair motor starter, where necessary • Reenergize motor starter/equipment back into service

108

Suffolk County Water Authority ENERGY CONTROL PROCEDURES

2. Automatic Transfer Switch

• Create situation at which ATS fails (simulate power failure and start generator; restore normal power with station operating on generator • Open door to ATS • Test/Check ATS • Turn off normal power/generator • Repair ATS, wherever necessary • Re-energize ATS/verify repair • Place ATS back into service

3. Main Service Entrance Equipment

• Turn off main breaker or fusible disconnect • Remove cover • Re-energize breaker or fusible disconnect • Test/check equipment • Turn off breaker or fusible disconnect • Repair equipment (Note: If main breaker or fusible disconnect is to be replaced, LIPA will have to be notified to de-energize and ground-out service) • Re-energize main breaker or fusible disconnect/verify repair • Place equipment back into service

109 Suffolk County Water Authority ENERGY CONTROL PROCEDURES

Procedures for Fuse Change-Outs

Although the process of changing-out fuses is not performed on “live parts”, there is a potential for (inadvertent) contact with live parts near the fuses which presents a hazard for electric shock. Therefore, the following procedure will be followed for all fuse change-outs, especially when they are carried-out by Field Operators:

1) Don required personal protective equipment (PPE): a. Flame retardant coveralls b. Voltage rated hard hat c. Arc flash shield visor d. Ear plug inserts e. Voltage rated insulated gloves with leather protectors

2) Pull the disconnect handle on the switch to be tested to the “off-position”

3) Utilize fuse “pullers” whenever applicable.

4) Stand to left side and open the door to expose the fuses (Note: As a safeguard/protection against (potential) injury, the door to the fuse box will not open if the switch is not in the “safe” or “off position”)

5) Visually inspect the switch to ensure that the “forks” have physically opened

6) Check the fuses with the “Fluke voltage tester” to verify that there is no current/voltage present

7) Remove, check, and/or replace fuses as needed

8) When the task is completed, close the box cover and open the switch to the “operating position”. Check that the device is now operable.

110 SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY APPENDIX A Hazardous Energy Type & Magnitude

Equipment/Machinery Type & Magnitude of Energy

Well & Booster Pumps Electric 480 vac & Hydraulic

Chlorine Pump Electric 480 vac & Hydraulic & DC

Lime Pump Electric 480 vac & Hydraulic & DC

Polyphosphate Pump Electric 120 vac & Hydraulic

Generator Electric 480 vac & Mechanical

Air Compressor Electric 480 vac & Hydraulic Hydropneumatic Tank w/ Compressed Air

GAC Filter Hydraulic & (possible) Electric

Agitator Motor Electric 480 vac

Exhaust Fan Electric 480 vac

Infrared Heaters Electric 480 vac

111 SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY APPENDIX B Control of Hazardous Energy

Training Material Covered: • Basic guidelines in the Federal Standard CFR 1910.147 • Basic guidelines in the Water Authority Lockout-Tagout Program • Basic guidelines of NFPA 70E • Types of energy • Types of energy isolating devices • Hazards associated with stored and released energy • Energy isolation, de-energize, notification, shutdown & startup procedures • Lockout and Tagout devices and their applications • Working with live/energized parts (Electricians only) • Flame-retardant clothing & PPE… inspection and use criteria • Lockout & tag devices: durable/standardized/identifiable/substantial • Specific procedures for: o Pumps: lime, chlorine, DWT, booster, aquamag motors: Agitator, vertical hollow shaft; misc: generators, infrared heaters, exhaust fans, GAC filter systems, and air compressor/hydro-pneumatic tank

______Employee Signature Employee #

______SCWA Instructor- Signature Date

112 SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY APPENDIX C Program Inspection

Date: ______

Machine /Equipment on which the energy control procedures are being carried out: ______

Authorized employee performing the energy control procedures: ______

Energy Type & Magnitude Encountered: ______

Findings/Observations: ______

Corrective Action Needed/Recommended (if necessary): ______

Date of Completion for Corrective Action:______

______Inspector’s Name & Title Inspector’s Signature

113 SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY SAFETY MANUAL CHAPTER FOUR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

114 Suffolk County Water Authority Guidelines for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Controlling hazards at their source is the best way to protect our employees. Whether it’s substituting chemicals, providing local exhaust, or enclosing an operation, when the hazard is removed or minimized, there’s less chance of injury and less need for further protection. However, when engineering, work practice and administrative controls fail to remove or eliminate a workplace hazard, SCWA will purchase, provide and train employees on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

References:

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 29 1910.132-138, Subpart I

OSHA Pamphlet 3151-12R 2004; “Personal Protective Equipment”

ANSI Z87.1 Eye & Face Protection

ANSI Z89.1 Head Protection

ANSI Z41.1 Foot Protection

Hazard Assessment

The first step in developing a protocol for the selection / purchase / use / and storage of company issued PPE would be to determine what hazards exist in the field, and how to properly protect employees of SCWA from those hazards, thereby reducing risk and exposure. Once a hazard assessment has been performed for a specific task and/or project, it will be documented and kept on file for training purposes. All hazard assessments shall be performed by the Safety & Environmental Manager.

Selection

All PPE selected for use by SCWA employees shall be of safe design and construction, and will be maintained in a clean and reliable fashion by the user. Factors such as fit and comfort shall be considered when selecting PPE. When PPE fits well and is comfortable to wear, the user will be more likely to don the equipment, and comply with company requirements.

115 Suffolk County Water Authority Guidelines for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

If there is a need for field employees to wear different types of PPE (i.e. hard hat w/ hearing protectors) at the same time, they shall be compatible. If the PPE does not fit properly, it can make the difference between being safely covered or dangerously exposed. Efforts will be made to select and purchase compatible material from the same manufacturer to ensure effectiveness.

All equipment selected shall meet ANSI approved standards and shall be furnished (purchased and distributed) by SCWA. If an employee wishes to wear PPE that he or she has purchased, it shall be approved by the Safety & Environmental Manager and must meet company criteria for selection and use.

Training

Each employee who has been issued PPE of any kind shall receive instructions and information regarding: • When the PPE is necessary • What PPE is necessary • How to properly put on, take off, adjust and wear the issued PPE • The limitations of the PPE • Proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE

SCWA shall provide such training at the initial issuance of the equipment, and thereafter whenever the supervisor or Safety & Environmental Manager deems it necessary. Criteria for re-training shall include:

• Improper care, maintenance, and disposal of issued PPE • Wearing issued PPE inappropriately • Employees found not inspecting their PPE for defects or damage

At the discretion of the immediate Supervisor, any employee found not wearing issued PPE when required by SCWA will receive retraining and disciplinary action.

116 Suffolk County Water Authority Guidelines for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Eye & Face Protection

Examples of tasks that might warrant eye protection:

• Chipping, grinding, sawing, and hammering • Using power tools • Using any form of pneumatic pressure • Using a chemical of any kind • Changing overhead ceiling tiles • Mechanics working under vehicles on lifts

Types of eye protection selected shall include, but not be limited to:

• Safety glasses • Safety glasses w/ side shields • Safety goggles • Full face shield

The selection of appropriate eye protection (for a specific task) shall be based upon the following information:

• Ability to protect against specific worksite/task hazards • Equipment fit and reasonably comfort for wear • Should provide unrestricted vision and movement • Should be durable and cleanable, and • Should allow unrestricted functioning of any other required PPE (i.e. wearing a hard hat or respirator along with eye protection)

Each employee shall be provided with his/her own eye protection equipment and shall not have the need to share with any worker on site.

Should an employee have prescription corrective lenses, SCWA will ensure that the PPE selected and provided does not limit or compromise the workers ability to see clearly. Since everyday use of prescription corrective lenses will not provide adequate eye protection from much of the potential hazards, the PPE issued will either incorporate the prescription into the PPE or provide PPE that allows the employee to continue to wear his/her lenses and be adequately protected from injury (i.e. safety goggles over the prescription glasses).

117 Suffolk County Water Authority Guidelines for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Head Protection

Protecting employees from potential head injuries is a key element of our safety program. With many of our field personnel working on construction sites and in or near public roadways, hard hats shall be a cornerstone of our PPE program. Wearing a safety helmet or hardhat is one of the easiest ways to protect an employee’s head from serious injury. Hardhat selection (and requirement for use) shall be based upon the following potential:

• Objects that might fall from above and strike the employee in the head (tools and/or equipment can fall from the spoils of a trench and strike an employee’s head); • CM / PC workers working around or in proximity to overhead cranes • Workers that might bump their heads against fixed objects;

The donning of protective hard hats adds an element of “visibility” around moving worksite equipment (i.e. backhoes) and vehicular traffic (where it is mandatory), thus further protecting the individual. The hard hats selected will have a hard outer shell and a shock-absorbing lining that incorporates a headband and straps that suspend the shell away from the head. This type of ANSI approved construction provides shock absorption during an impact and ventilation during normal wear.

Hard hats are divided into three industrial classes:

Class G – They provide impact and penetration resistance along with limited voltage protection (up to 2,200 volts);

Class E – They provide the highest level of protection against electrical hazards, with high voltage shock and burn protection (up to 20,000 volts); they also provide protection from impact and penetration hazards;

Class C – They provide lightweight comfort and impact protection but offer no protection from electrical hazards.

Note: Class G and E helmets are what is ordered and distributed among PC & CM

Headgear must fit properly. Loose fitting hard hats, even if they meet the above noted criteria, will not adequately protect an employee. SCWA will ensure that the hard hats selected and purchased will have adjustable straps that ensure a good quality fit. Should accessories be necessary (i.e. ear protectors, safety glasses/goggles) then the hard hat shall be conformed to allow such alterations and adjustments.

118 Suffolk County Water Authority Guidelines for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Periodic cleaning and inspections for minor damage will prolong the life of the issued helmet. Employees of SCWA will be required to inspect and clean their hard hats on a regular basis. Should an inspection of the headgear reveal any of the following, it shall be removed from service:

• Perforation, cracking, or deformity of the brim or shell; • Indication of exposure of the brim or shell to heat, chemicals or UV light

Foot Protection

All field personnel of SCWA shall wear foot protection. They shall protect their toes/feet from the potential for rolling objects or from crushing or penetrating materials. Steel-toed boots (or an approved composite alternative) shall meet this criterion. All authorized tow-protective shoes shall be ANSI approved.

Throughout the course of a field project, employees can be exposed to tool drops (hammers, drills, power saws, digging bars), rolling or moving objects, such as powered tamp machines, barrels, and from the penetration of sharp objects such as knives, digging bars, and saws. For this reason, tow protective boots shall be mandatory for all field employees. PC employees, exposed to live electric current from time-to-time, will wear non-conductive shoes with dielectric soles, again requiring an ANSI standard approval.

Hand Protection

For the selection of gloves, SCWA will consult the information from a material safety data sheet (SDS) in the event a chemical is used. Should specific tasks present other hazards, such as cutting, grinding, or working with sharp points, then appropriate selection shall be based upon industry standards and manufacturer information.

Routine usage of tools and equipment will require SCWA field personnel to don canvas work gloves to protect against potential:

• Bruises • Abrasions • Cuts • Punctures • Fractures

119 Suffolk County Water Authority Guidelines for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The handling of chemicals, specifically sodium hypochlorite, will require the use of nitrile gloves.

Potential exposure(s) to live electrical parts and/or live electrical parts will require PC workers to don electrically insulated gloves with leather protectors.

CM utility workers will have impact gloves and gel-palm protectors for the task of jack-hammering which exposes the user to vibration.

Full Body Protection

All field personnel exposed to vehicular traffic (within 5 feet of the road, which includes road shoulder) shall wear company issued ANSI Class 2 traffic safety vests, unless they are required to either “flag” oncoming traffic or work at night in which case they shall wear ANSI Class 3 traffic safety vests. Employees working alongside the roadway (off the pavement) can choose to wear company issued orange clothing in-place of the traffic safety vests. Consult Appendix A of this document for department-specific guidelines.

Field personnel required to “enter” a roadway that is currently open to vehicular traffic (for any reason ie: valve closing) shall don a reflective ANSI vest (Class 2 or 3).

Field workers exposed to ticks, mosquitoes, or other miscellaneous “biting” insects can obtain white protective paper (TYVEK) suits.

120 Suffolk County Water Authority Appendix A Guidelines for Customer Service Field Personnel Meter Readers

Due to the fact that they are constantly entering and exiting their assigned vehicle, and that their task also involves walking along the residential streets/curb-lines, they should be required to: • Wear either “highly visible clothing” (orange/lime if future allowance provides) or a traffic safety vest at all times • Activate their dome/flashing yellow warning light while working alongside the streets (not when they are driving to another location, however, unless it is while obtaining AMR reads, which requires a 20-25 mph travel speed) • Wear company approved toe-protective shoes

Customer Service A’s

They have a variety of assigned tasks, most of which does not take them into the roadway. Therefore, in general, they should be required to: • Wear their choice of company issued (appropriate) clothing, more specifically blue SCWA apparel, whenever they work off the curb, working on curb-boxes, or entering residential homes / businesses. • Wear company approved toe-protective shoes • Don a company issued traffic safety vest (and hard hat) whenever they enter the road for: 1) Accessing a street valve box 2) Assisting with traffic control (i.e. main-break) 3) Present at a CM controlled work zone 4) “Walking” the measuring wheel in the roadway

This does not include entering or exiting their vehicles, or retrieving parts and/or tools from their vans (van doors are on the passenger side)

121 Suffolk County Water Authority Appendix A Guidelines for Customer Service Field Personnel

• Vehicle lights (dome/flashers) should be activated whenever:

1) Vehicle is parked/idling alongside a roadway where vehicle placement is not a normal practice (non-residential street where there is traffic, no roadway shoulder, or shoulder where legal parking is not permitted)

2) Vehicle is being used for traffic control or employee protection

• Use cones to taper the back of their vehicle when retrieving parts/tools (on occasion) from the “back-doors”

Customer Service Field Test / Meter Shop

Due to the fact that their working environment is primarily underground vaults which are located in a variety of locations, many of which would require visibility (heavy traffic parking lots, off-roadside shoulders), they shall be required to:

• Wear either “highly visible clothing” (orange/lime if future allowance provides) or a traffic safety vest at all times • Wear company approved toe-protective shoes • Wear a hard-hat when working inside a vault (does not include obtaining a read) • Wear a company issued traffic safety vest and hard hat when working in the roadway or in a traffic control worksite • Activate their vehicle dome/flashing yellow warning light and/or flashers whenever they are using their vehicles for traffic control or working in a (vault) area that is exposed to parking lot vehicle movement • Use cones to taper their vehicle when working off the vehicle for tools and equipment

Any additional safety measures should be at the discretion of the individual.

122 Suffolk County Water Authority Safety Committee Requirements for PPE

In an effort to eliminate the questions that continually arise about what proper PPE should field workers wear when exposed to vehicular traffic during the workday, the SCWA Safety Committee voted to require the following:

All field employees of the Construction & Maintenance department, Union and Management alike shall don a company issued, ANSI Class II traffic safety vest and hard hat at all times while outside their vehicles.

No longer will orange clothing be permitted in lieu of the traffic safety vest regardless of task or location. The lone exceptions shall be when workers are required to “flag on-coming traffic” or work at night, in which case he/she will be required to don a company issued ANSI Class III vest. A traffic safety vest will also not be required for crews working on pump station properties. The committee felt that by requiring this protective material it will:

●Provide clarity with requirements; ●Eliminate the chance of personnel being cited for non-compliance; ●Provide maximum protection to all employees working alongside, or in the proximity to the roadway.

Should you have any questions, please contact Jack Walsh, your Company Representative or the Safety Committee.

123 SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY SAFETY MANUAL CHAPTER FIVE POWERED INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS

124 Suffolk County Water Authority POWERED INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS/FORKLIFTS

The Suffolk County Water Authority employs the use of 12 powered industrial trucks (forklifts) for the express purpose of lifting and maneuvering heavy equipment, material and supplies. Of the 12 units distributed for employee use, the locations and types are as follows:

Location Unit Type East Hampton Propane West Hampton Electric & propane Coram Propane Oakdale Stores Two electric and one propane Oakdale CM, Transportation, GS Propane Hauppauge Electric Bay Shore Propane and electric Huntington Propane

As per the OSHA Standard 1910.178, all operators of the units are required to receive training prior to use. Initial training incorporates the use of classroom lecture, training videos, and hands-on application. Refresher training, which takes place every three years at a minimum, emphasizes operator evaluations. Content covered with the operators includes, but is not limited to, the following: • Manufacturers specifications with respect to lifting capacity • Equipment pre-trip inspection process • Differences between the forklifts and passenger vehicles o Weight o Visibility o Maneuverability o Steering o Stability • Surface conditions • Ramps & loading dock operations

All authorized operators must pass an initial (written) examination and be issued a certification upon completion of course requirements.

125 Forklift Operational Requirements PC and CM WESTHAMPTON

● Perform a pre-trip inspection prior to operating the unit and report any deficiencies;

● Always wear the seatbelt when operating the unit;

● Ensure that the back-up light & alarm are functioning when the vehicle is operating in reverse;

● When the unit is turned off, emergency brake should be applied, the forks should be on the floor, and propane tank valve closed;

● ONLY the Operator shall ride the unit when in motion;

● Utilize the horn when operating around parked trucks, building corners and when exiting/entering the garage;

● Always travel with the forks 6-8” off the ground, with or without cargo;

● When operating the unit, speed should never exceed a fast paced walk (even if you need to travel a good distance);

● Always travel in the direction with the best visibility;

● Always lower the cargo to the ground (if lifting from overhead storage) before maneuvering the unit;

● Check the weight of vendor cargo before lifts (driver info); never enter a (vendor) trailer from the loading dock unless the trailer’s emergency brake is applied and the wheels are chocked;

● Ensure that lifts are clear of vendor truck beds before removing material (ensuring the unit can lift the cargo).

126 Forklift Operational Requirements HUNTINGTON

● Perform a pre-trip inspection prior to operating the unit and report any deficiencies;

● Always wear the seatbelt when operating the unit;

● Ensure that the back-up light & alarm are functioning when the vehicle is operating in reverse;

● When the unit is turned off, emergency brake should be applied, the forks should be on the floor, and the propane tank valve closed;

● ONLY the Operator shall ride the unit when in motion;

● Utilize the horn when operating around parked trucks, building corners and when exiting/entering the garage;

● Always travel with the forks 6-8” off the ground, with or without cargo;

● When operating the unit, speed should never exceed a fast paced walk);

● Always travel in the direction with the best visibility;

● Always lower the cargo to the ground before maneuvering the unit;

● Check the weight of vendor cargo before lifts (driver info);

● Ensure that lifts are clear of vendor truck beds before removing material (ensuring the unit can lift the cargo).

127 Forklift Operational Requirements PC and CM EAST HAMPTON

● Perform a pre-trip inspection prior to operating the unit and report any deficiencies;

● Always wear the seatbelt when operating the unit;

● Ensure that the back-up light & alarm are functioning when the vehicle is operating in reverse;

● When the unit is turned off, emergency brake should be applied, the forks should be on the floor, and the propane tank valve closed;

● ONLY the Operator shall ride the unit when in motion;

● Utilize the horn when operating around parked trucks, building corners and when exiting/entering the storage shed;

● Always travel with the forks 6-8” off the ground, with or without cargo;

● Travel on any (significant) roadway gradeis always with the cargo upgrade, and empty forks when traveling downgrade;

● When operating the unit, speed should never exceed a fast paced walk (even if you need to travel a good distance);

● Always travel in the direction with the best visibility;

● Always lower the cargo to the ground before maneuvering the unit;

● Check the weight of vendor cargo before lifts (driver info);

● Ensure that lifts are clear of vendor truck beds before removing material (ensuring the unit can lift the cargo).

128 Forklift Operational Requirements HAUPPAUGE-METER SHOP

● Perform a pre-trip inspection prior to operating the unit and report any deficiencies;

● Always wear the seatbelt when operating the unit;

● Ensure that the back-up light & alarm are functioning when the vehicle is operating in reverse;

● When the unit is turned off, emergency brake should be applied, and the forks should be on the floor;

● ONLY the Operator shall ride the unit when in motion;

● Utilize the horn when operating around parked vehicles, building corners and when exiting/entering the warehouse;

● Always travel with the forks 6-8” off the ground, with or without cargo;

● Travel on ramps is always with the cargo upgrade and empty forks downgrade.

● When operating the unit, speed should never exceed a fast paced walk;

● Always travel in the direction with the best visibility;

● Always lower the cargo to the ground (if lifting from overhead storage) before maneuvering the unit;

● Check the weight of vendor cargo before lifts (driver info); Never enter a (vendor) trailer off the loading dock unless the trailer’s emergency brake is applied and the wheels are chocked.

● Ensure that lifts are clear of vendor truck beds before removing material (ensuring the unit can lift the cargo).

129 Forklift Operational Requirements OAKDALE - STORES

● Perform a pre-trip inspection prior to operating the unit and report any deficiencies;

● Always wear the seatbelt when operating the unit;

● Ensure that the back-up light & alarm are functioning when the vehicle is operating in reverse;

● When the unit is turned off, emergency brake should be applied, propane tank valve closed, and the forks should be on the floor;

● ONLY the Operator shall ride the unit when in motion;

● Utilize the horn when operating around loading vehicles, or when exiting/entering the warehouse aisles (electric unit);

● Always travel with the forks 6-8” off the ground, with or without cargo;

● Travel on ramps is always with the cargo upgrade and empty forks downgrade.

● When operating the unit, speed should never exceed a fast paced walk;

● Always travel in the direction with the best visibility;

● Always lower the cargo to the ground (if lifting from overhead storage) before maneuvering the unit;

● Check the weight of vendor cargo before lifts (driver info);

● Never enter a (vendor) trailer off the loading dock unless the trailer’s emergency brake is applied and the wheels are chocked.

● Ensure that lifts are clear of vendor truck beds before removing material (ensuring the unit can lift the cargo).

130 Forklift Operational Requirements CORAM

● Perform a pre-trip inspection prior to operating the unit and report any deficiencies;

● Always wear the seatbelt when operating the unit;

● Ensure that the back-up light & alarm are functioning when the vehicle is operating in reverse;

● When the unit is turned off, emergency brake should be applied, the forks should be on the floor, and the propane tank valve closed. ;

● ONLY the Operator shall ride the unit when in motion;

● Utilize the horn when operating around parked trucks, building corners and when exiting/entering the warehouse;

● Always travel with the forks 6-8” off the ground, with or without cargo;

● When operating the unit, speed should never exceed a fast paced walk);

● Always travel in the direction with the best visibility;

● Always lower the cargo to the ground (if lifting from overhead storage) before maneuvering the unit;

● Check the weight of vendor cargo before lifts (driver info);

● Ensure that lifts are clear of vendor truck beds before removing material (ensuring the unit can lift the cargo).

131 Forklift Operational Requirements PC BAY SHORE

● Perform a pre-trip inspection prior to operating the unit and report any deficiencies;

● Always wear the seatbelt when operating the unit;

● Ensure that the back-up light & alarm are functioning when the vehicle is operating in reverse;

● When the unit is turned off, emergency brake should be applied, the forks should be on the floor, and the propane tank valve closed;

● ONLY the Operator shall ride the unit when in motion;

● Utilize the horn when operating around parked vehicles, building corners and when exiting/entering the warehouse;

● Always travel with the forks 6-8” off the ground, with or without cargo;

Travel on ramps is always with the cargo upgrade, and empty forks downgrade;

● When operating the unit, speed should never exceed a fast paced walk;

● Always travel in the direction with the best visibility;

● Always lower the cargo to the ground (if lifting from overhead storage) before maneuvering the unit;

● Check the weight of vendor cargo before lifts (driver info); never enter a (vendor) trailer off the loading dock unless the trailer’s emergency brake is applied and the wheels are chocked;

● Ensure that lifts are clear of vendor truck beds before removing material (ensuring the unit can lift the cargo).

132 Forklift Operational Requirements CM OAKDALE, TRANSPORTATION and GENERAL SERVICES

● Perform a pre-trip inspection prior to operating the unit and report any deficiencies;

● Always wear the seatbelt when operating the unit;

● Ensure that the back-up light & alarm are functioning when the vehicle is operating in reverse;

● When the unit is turned off, emergency brake should be applied, the forks should be on the floor, and the propane tank valve closed;

● ONLY the Operator shall ride the unit when in motion;

● Utilize the horn when operating around parked vehicles, building corners and when exiting/entering the garage and copper shed;

● Always travel with the forks 6-8” off the ground, with or without cargo;

● When operating the unit, speed should never exceed a fast paced walk (even if you need to travel a good distance);

● Always travel in the direction with the best visibility;

● Always lower the cargo to the ground before maneuvering the unit;

● Check the weight of vendor cargo before lifts (driver info);

● Ensure that lifts are clear of vendor truck beds before removing material (ensuring the unit can lift the cargo).

133

SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY

SAFETY MANUAL CHAPTER SIX CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

134 Suffolk County Water Authority CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE TABLE OF CONTENTS

Purpose 136

Definitions 137

Mark-out of Utilities 140

Safe Zone 142

Trench Work 143

Employee Training 145

Transite Pipe Work 146

Response – Contaminated Soil in Trenches 147

Underground Gas Lines 148

Underground Electric Lines 150

Overhead Utility Poles 153

135 Suffolk County Water Authority Construction and Maintenance Trenching & Shoring Protocol

Purpose

In an effort to better protect employees involved in excavations the Suffolk County Water Authority will require protective systems outlined in this document to be implemented in trenches greater than 5 feet in depth. The purpose of this document will be to protect employees from the hazards arising from unprotected trench walls that have the potential for collapse and from underground utilities that pose the risk of electrocution, shock, arc-flash, fire and explosion, not to mention the cost of utility repairs associated with damaged lines due to faulty mark-outs and/or inadvertent strikes.

Objective

Provide employees with quality training, information and equipment that can be used by designated competent persons on-site to take the appropriate corrective actions or to simply be proactive in their approach to minimizing or eliminating risk associated with trench work. Training, information and equipment will be provided to any employees who engage in trench activities regardless of title or department.

References

OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P Excavations ''Trench Safety Shoring Manual"; Red Cass, P.E.,C.S.S. & Matt Wall, Ph.D. "New York State Industrial Code Rule 53 (CRS3) -16 NYCRR Part 753

136 Suffolk County Water Authority Construction and Maintenance

Definitions Aluminum Hydraulic Shoring- shall refer to a pre-engineered shoring system comprised of aluminum hydraulic cylinders (cross-braces) used in conjunction with vertical rails (uprights) or horizontal rails (wales). Such a system is designed specifically to support the sidewalls of an excavation and prevent cave-ins.

Benching (Benching System)- shall refer to a method of protecting employees from cave-ins by excavating the sides of an excavation to form one or a series of horizontal levels or steps, usually with vertical or near-vertical surfaces between levels.

Cave-in- shall refer to a separation of a mass of soil or rock material from the side of an excavation, or the loss of soil from under a trench shield or support system, and its sudden movement into the excavation, either by falling or sliding, in sufficient quantity so that it could entrap, bury, or otherwise injure and immobilize a worker.

Cemented Soil- shall refer to a soil in which the particles are held together by a chemical agent, such as calcium carbonate, such that a hand-size sample cannot be crushed into powder or individual soil particles by finger pressure.

Cohesive Soil- shall refer to clay (fine grain soil),or soil with a high clay content, which has cohesive strength. Cohesive soil does not crumble, can be excavated with vertical side slopes, and is plastic when moist. Cohesive soil is hard to break up when dry, and exhibits significant cohesion when submerged. Cohesive soils include clayey silt, sandy clay, silty- clay, clay and organic clay.

Competent Person- shall refer to a person who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings, or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective actions to eliminate them Competent Person shall apply to each and every worker who completes training.

Cross Braces- shall refer to the horizontal members of a shoring system installed perpendicular to the sides of the excavation, the ends of which bear against either uprights or wales.

Excavation- shall refer to any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth’s surface, formed by earth removal.

Faces or Sides- shall refer to the vertical or inclined earth surfaces formed as a result of excavation work.

Failure - shall refer to breakage, displacement, or permanent deformation of a structural member or connection so as to reduce its structural integrity and its supportive capabilities.

137 Suffolk County Water Authority Construction and Maintenance

Granular Soil- shall refer to gravel, sand or silt (coarse grained soil) with little or no clay content. Granular soil has no cohesive strength. Granular soil cannot be molded when moist and crumbles easily when dry.

Ingress and Egress- shall mean "entry'' and "exit" respectively. In trenching and excavating operations, they refer to the provision of safe means for employees to enter or exit an excavation or trench.

Kick-out- shall refer to the accidental release or failure of a cross-brace.

Plastic- shall refer to a soil property which allows the soil to be deformed or molded without cracking, or appreciable volume change, a classic characteristic of clay.

Protective System - shall refer to a method of protecting employees from cave-ins, from material that could fall or roll from an excavation face or into an excavation, or from the collapse of adjacent structures.

Sheeting- shall refer to members of a shoring system (i.e. 3/4 inch plywood) that ' retain the earth in position and in-turn is supported by other members of the shoring system. SCWA employs the use of fiberglass boards or plywood (as sheeting) to secure the walls of trenches while spreading the feet/cylinders of the (aluminum hydraulic) shoring system

Shield Box- a system utilized for employee protection that is strong enough to withstand the forces imposed on it by a cave-in of soil. Shield boxes are normally permanent structures but can be portable and designed for a specific project.

Shoring System- as referenced earlier, a shoring system is equipment that protects employees in a trench by supporting the trench walls and can be made of metal (aluminum) hydraulic, timber (wood) or mechanical material.

Sloping - shall refer to a method of protecting employees from cave-ins by excavating to form sides of an excavation that are inclined away from the excavation so as to prevent cave-ins. The angle of repose required to prevent a cave-in depends largely on soil type, surcharge loads, and previous area activity.

138 Suffolk County Water Authority Construction and Maintenance Soil Classification System- shall refer to a method of categorizing soil and rock deposits in a hierarchy of “Stable Rock”: Type A, Type B, and Type C, in decreasing order of stability. The categories are determined based on an analysis of the soil properties, percent clay content and performance characteristics determined by test methods.

Spoils- shall refer to unearthed soils that are removed from the excavation and placed on the ground surface outside the trench or cavity.

Subsurface Encumbrances- shall include underground utilities, foundations, streams, water tables, vaults, tree roots, and various geologic anomalies.

Surcharge- shall refer to an excessive vertical load or weight caused by soil (spoils), vehicles, equipment, or other activities that may affect trench safety.

Tolerance Zone- shall refer to a term found in CR53 which indicates the area around a utility that can be penetrated by hand tools only.

Trench- shall refer to a narrow excavation (in relation to its length) made below the surface of the ground. In general, the depth is greater than the width, but the width of a trench is not greater than 15 feet.

Underground Installations- shall include, but not be limited to the following: utilities (sewer, phone, water, electric, gas, etc.), tunnels, shafts, vaults, foundations, and other underground fixtures or equipment that may be encountered during excavation or trenching work.

139 Suffolk County Water Authority Mark-out of Utilities

Prior to the breaking of ground for any excavation where underground utilities are potentially present, an estimation of the location of all underground utilities in the immediate area of proposed work (within 15 feet) shall be carried out utilizing the "Call Before You Dig" 811 program sponsored by New York State. The mark-out of anticipated utilities in the vicinity of proposed work is carried out under the following requirements: • New York State Code Rule 53 requires the mark-out of utilities whenever mechanized equipment is used for the excavation or trench work. • OSHA 29 CFR 1926.651(b)(1): "The estimated location of utility installations, such as sewer, telephone, fuel, electric, water lines, or any other underground installations that reasonably may be expected to be encountered during excavation work, shall be determined prior to opening an excavation."

The project supervisor shall ensure that the request for mark-out be carried out between 2 and 10 days prior to project start-up. Notification of utility location(s) shall be communicated by utilizing the following color codes on roadway surfaces:

Orange Telecommunications Red Electric Yellow Gas, Oil, Petroleum, Steam Blue Water Green Sewer Purple Radioactive material

Unless otherwise stated on the roadway, approximate depth of utilities will be as follows:

Telecommunications 6 inches Electric 18 to 24 inches Gas 30 to 36 inches Water 4 to 5 feet Sewer 10 to 12 feet

Note: On Long Island, the south shore has a shallow water table. Many times the depths of said utilities will either be quite shallow or in what is referred to as a "common trench" situation, which can pose unique hazards.

140 Suffolk County Water Authority Mark-out of Utilities \

Once a mark-out of anticipated utilities is carried out, the crew shall begin to verify location of each utility by hand with non-conductive tools (i.e. wooden stem shovels). Mechanized equipment is allowed to first remove surface material such as road asphalt or cement. Should the ground be frozen or difficult to break with shoveling, employees will be permitted to use such tools as a pick-axe (wooden stem) or fiberglass rod. Under no circumstances shall conductive tools such as metal digging bars be utilized to locate utilities or break-up rough ground in the vicinity of anticipated utilities.

In the pursuit of the water main or service, crews must first "travel" through ground where other utilities may be located (see roadway mark-out for direction). If other utilities are marked as present or in the area, then location of noted utilities will take place prior to focusing on the job the crews were instructed to carry out (i.e. main breaks, water taps, and other services). If the diameter of the utility being located is known, the tolerance zone of the utility is the radius plus 2 feet. If the diameter is not known, then its 2 feet from the center line on the roadway (white mark-out paint). Once the tolerance zones are reached,(nonconductive) hand tools must be used to locate/verify/confirm.

The following guidelines found in CR53 will be followed when encountered:

• Should an unknown utility be discovered, the operator shall be notified. If the operator is not known or can't be determined, the "mark-out'' company will be called back to the site for identification. • The "mark-out" company shall be/ can be recalled to the worksite for the following reasons: □ If the utility marked cannot be located at a reasonable depth □ If a utility is struck by the crew and incidental/accidental damage has occurred (crew cannot backfill until utility has been repaired). □ If questions arise during verification that cannot be answered by onsite personnel.

141 Suffolk County Water Authority Trench Work Establishing the Safe Zone

Once the water main or service line has been located, the on-site competent person needs to decide what direction to take to secure the trench and best protect the employees required to enter. He/she will need to assess the situation using the following criteria:

• What is the depth? • What is the determined scope of work? • How long will the· trench be open? • What is the anticipated length of project? • What type of soil will they be working in? • Is there, or will there be, a presence of water? • Has the site been excavated in the past or is the soil virgin (cannot be classified as virgin soil if a water main or service line is being accessed)

Depth- If the trench is greater than 5 feet the decision must be made to either provide shoring, a shield box, or sloping.

Note: The on-site competent person has the authority to select a protective system to best protect employees when entering and working in trenches less than 5 feet if the trench condition is considered unsafe.

Length of Project- The longer a trench is left open the greater the risk of cave-in due to the constant pressure of gravity, weather’s impact, the drying out of soil (thus becoming less stable),surrounding surcharge loads, and vibration from nearby activities (i.e. vehicular traffic).

Greater the depth and project duration = greater risk of cave-in

Corrective Action- Should the on-site competent person assess the need for protective systems (for whatever reason) the choices are as follows:

1) Shield Box- SCWA employs shield box equipment for larger engineering projects on pump station properties. Shield box equipment will protect the employee stationed inside the box at all times. Some items to consider when choosing a shield box:

142 Suffolk County Water Authority Trench Work

a. They need to be selected based on anticipated (soil) pressures b. They need heavy (crane) lifting equipment on-site to deliver, install and remove; c. Employees can never position themselves on the outside of the box, between the box and the trench walls

d. Shield boxes are not designed or intended to support the trench wall, and as such, cannot be counted on to prevent cave-ins.

2) Aluminum Hydraulic Shoring- Crews have access to hydraulic shoring systems at each CM location. The equipment is utilized by SCWA as opposed to timber (wood) shoring for the following reasons: a. Stronger b. Lightweight c. Easy to install d. Installed and removed from outside the trench e. Better pressure distribution on “applied sheets" f. Flexible / adjustable

3) Sloping of Trench Walls Should the on-site competent person select to secure the trench from collapse by sloping the sides of the excavation (primarily because the site already employs mechanized digging equipment), the following criteria applies:

a) The competent person must assess the surrounding trench soil to determine "soil type" for the purposes of determining the proper angle of repose."

b) Visual and manual testing is required to determine whether the soil is:

i. Type A- High in clay content; cohesive; not previously disturbed (virgin soil);

ii. Type B - Moderate clay and silt content; angular grains; has cohesive properties;

iii. Type C- Granular soil; sand content; rounded grains and pebbles;

143 Suffolk County Water Authority Trench Work c) Visual Observations: i. Observe particle s ize ii. Observe soil cohesiveness iii. Presence of water? iv. Site previously excavated? v. Observe surrounding surface structures and utilities vi. Observe any cracks or fissures in the trench walls

4) Manual (Soil) Testing: a) Plasticity Test- Roll a fresh sample of soil from the spoils into a rounded ball roughly 2 inches in diameter; then roll the sample into a finger length tube-like shape. If the sample can be picked up at one end and remain intact, then the content of clay would be considered high. If the sample cannot be rolled into a finger like sample, then the soil possess little or no clay; b) Thumb Penetration -In a freshly excavated trench (less than 4 feet) attempt to penetrate the thumb into the trench wall using moderate pressure. If the thumb cannot penetrate, the soil is considered highly cohesive and probably Type A; if the thumb can only penetrate up to the base of the thumb nail, the soil has cohesive properties, but is probably Type B; if the thumb can penetrate to its base, the soil is granular and considered Type C. c) Dry Strength Test- Remove a sample from the spoils and shape into a rounded 2 inch "patty''. Allow to (completely) dry. Once dried, attempt to break-up the sample with your forefingers and thumbs. If the clump breaks apart while drying, the sample is considered granular and Type C; if the sample breaks apart with moderate pressure into several clumps only, it would be considered to have significant clay content and could be Type A, but if the sample continues to break-down into smaller clumps, then the likely category would be Type B. d) Drying Test- Take a sample and mold it into a 6 inch diameter patty (one inch thick) and allow to (thoroughly) dry. If the sample cracks while drying it would be considered Type C, but if it holds together, attempt to break apart with excessive force into small fragments to possibly identify residual clay which would hold together.

Note: No one test is conclusive enough to determine soil type. Should soil testing be selected, the competent person should select several visual and several manual tests to definitively determine the soil type. Once soil type is selected, the corresponding "angle of repose" shall be constructed for a protective slope: Type A 53 degrees or 3/4 to 1 (horizontal to vertical) Type B 45 degrees or 1 to 1 Type C 34 degrees or 1 ½ to 1

144 Suffolk County Water Authority Employee Training

Every several years, CM employees are instructed in the methods of safe trench work (as they are at new-hire and departmental transfer). They are instructed to assume Type C soil and slope accordingly for maximum protection since the majority of Long Island is a glacial deposit consisting of well-rounded granular soil grains with little or no clay content. When competent persons assume Type C soil, no soil testing is required. The OSHA regulations actually prohibit soil classification as Type A, if any one of the following conditions exists:

1) Presence of water; 2) Presence of vibration in the immediate area due to jack-hammering or vehicle traffic; 3) Previously disturbed soil (underground utilities already in the area)

CM supervisors provide hands-on training with the aluminum hydraulic shoring systems.

Safe Work Practices in Trenches

• Minimize water accumulation by using sump pumps whenever necessary since the presence of water compromises the structural integrity of the trench walls.

• Remove or support all surface encumbrances that might endanger the trench worker or add additional load-weight to the side walls (i.e. sidewalks, curbs, roadway asphalt, telephone poles, trees).

• Maintain all on-site vehicles away from the excavation. Rule-of-thumb would be at least the distance of the trench depth away from the edges.

• Should running vehicles be on-site, ensure that the exhaust is not finding its way into the trench.

• Should trench work be deep and the movement of air is minimal when powered equipment might be used for pipe cutting, forced air ventilation shall be used or methods of exhausting the equipment’s combustion products shall be employed (manufacturers exhaust tubing). Should there be a concern for carbon monoxide build-up, the Safety & Environmental Manager shall be called to the site for air quality testing and evaluation.

• Ladders shall be utilized for safe entry and egress from trenches over 4 feet.

• Spoils shall be positioned at least 2 feet away from the trench edges.

145 Suffolk County Water Authority Transite Pipe Work

Transite pipe contains roughly 40% asbestos fibers (chrysotile) and therefore is considered asbestos containing material (ACM) and needs to be handled under the following regulations and guidelines:

• New York State Code Rule 56 cited as 12 NYCRR Part 56 • OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101- Asbestos

The Construction & Maintenance department currently works under a New York State Variance which outlines procedures to follow when employees are required to handle and dispose of transite pipe. Workers who are assigned the responsibility for the asbestos work in CM, carry a New York State certificate issued by the Department of Labor entitled "Operations & Maintenance" (O&M)...

"Any person who performs operations, maintenance and repair activities which may disturb minor quantities of ACM, PACM (presumed asbestos containing material) or asbestos material shall posses a valid Operations and maintenance certificate and shall have such certificate or a copy thereof in his or her possession at all times while working on the project. Operation and Maintenance certification permits the holder to perform OSHA Class III asbestos work only on minor asbestos projects. These minor asbestos projects must be associated with repairs required in the performance of emergency or routine maintenance activity, and is not intended solely as asbestos abatement." 56-3.2(d)(5)

(1) Minor Asbestos Projects- An asbestos project involving the removal, disturbance, repair, encapsulation, enclosure or handling of 10 square feet or less of ACM, PACM or asbestos material, or 25 linear feet or less of ACM,PACM or asbestos material.

(2) OSHA Class Ill Work- Term meaning repair and maintenance operations, where no more than a minor quantity of ACM, including TSI (thermal system insulation) and surfacing ACM and PACM is likely to be disturbed.

SCWA regularly employs the services of professional air sampling contractors who monitor the asbestos fiber release from activities performed by CM workers on transite pipe, including cutting and taping. The results are consistently below the established OSHA permissible exposure level (PEL) of 0.1fibers per cubic centimeter or 0.l f/cc over an 8-hour period or time-weighted average (TWA), which permits the Water Authority to work under a negative exposure assessment or NEA. This condition or working environment does not require the use of respiratory protection.

Employee Training- Each O&M certificate holder must attend a Water Authority sponsored training session of 4 hours annually to maintain their NY State issued license. The Safety & Environmental Manager provides the training.

146 Suffolk County Water Authority Response Protocol for Contaminated Soil in Trenches

Should Construction & Maintenance (CM) field crews discover what they believe to be contaminated soil while excavating (based on assessment of smell and observation of surrounding area activities), they shall follow these guidelines:

• Notify their immediate supervisor of the discovery and discontinue trench activity until supervisor has arrived or provided (short term) direction (i.e. re-direct the dig)

• CM supervisor shall make an assessment upon arrival and take the appropriate action:

a. Continue the operation if he/she feels the contamination is either minimal, isolated, or non-existent.

b. Contact the CM office if contamination is present.

If a supervisor confirms the presence of a soil contaminant (even if the contaminant is unknown), all excavating activities shall cease and a soil sample shall be taken for analysis before back-filling the trench. The project shall be re-scheduled at a later date, based on the sample results.

If the project is deemed an emergency or of importance that cannot be rescheduled, the CM office shall contact Jack Walsh for immediate (site) remediation from a contracted vendor.

147 Suffolk County Water Authority Safe Work Practices for Employees Exposed to Underground High Pressured Gas Transmission Lines

In an effort to minimize the potential for damaging high-pressured gas mains potentially resulting in worker injury, death, or extensive property damage, the following procedures shall be followed when employees are required to work around 350 psi gas transmission lines in open trenches/excavations:

• Only competent persons (those who have received training in “Trenching & Shoring” and who are therefore authorized to perform such work) shall supervise the activities of trench work

• Prior to breaking ground, a supervisor shall ensure that a mark-out of all known underground utilities has been performed (whenever there is a reasonable anticipation that such utilities exist within the targeted area) unless the work is an emergency in which case the supervisor shall ensure that a call for a mark-out of anticipated utilities has been made.

• All underground trenches and excavations shall be constructed to minimize, if not eliminate, the potential for cave-in by either shoring or properly sloping the trench walls

• Whenever high-pressured gas utility lines are within the 15’ radius of the mark-out, every effort shall be made to avoid the location of said utilities by attempting to re- direct the approach to the water main either by distancing the work area from the utility location or by approaching the main from a different side. A CM supervisor shall visit the site to make such an assessment and confirm that alternative methods are not applicable.

• When it is reasonably anticipated that the transmission line will need to be located by hand tools and exposed in a non-emergency scenario, a representative from National Grid will need to be on site before the trench is back-filled. If the crew arrives on site to begin work and a National Grid representative is not on site within 2 hours, the CM supervisor shall contact Mike McMahon (or back-up Jack Walsh), who in-turn will take-on the responsibility of getting National Grid to the location. If the response is to an emergency (main break), a mark-out ticket will still be called-in and National Grid notified of the work by “Eastern Locating” although CM can proceed as necessary.

148 Suffolk County Water Authority Safe Work Practices

• When the 350 psi gas utility line is within 3 feet of the work area and potentially exposed, a CM supervisor must be present before work proceeds, emergency work or not.

• Crews are permitted to remove asphalt / cement pavement with mechanized equipment while waiting for National Grid and their supervisor to arrive, as well as utility verification only when there is a mark-out in a non-emergency scenario.

• Extreme caution will be required of the crews to avoid any unnecessary contact with the high-pressured utility line.

• Any incidental contact, even standard utility location verification practices, will be reported to the National Grid representative so that verification can be made that no damage to the outer jacket of the pipe has taken place.

• Once the National Grid representative has inspected the gas main following the completion of work (non-emergency), the crews will back-fill the excavation. The CM supervisor shall document that such clearance was granted.

149 Suffolk County Water Authority Safe Work Practices for Employees Exposed to Underground Electric Utility Lines or Electrically Charged Services

In an effort to minimize the potential for electric shock and injury, the following procedures shall be followed when employees are required to work around electric utility lines in open trenches/excavations or when they are required to provide service to residential settings:

• Only competent persons (those who have received training in "Trenching & Shoring" and who are therefore authorized to perform such work) shall supervise the activities of trench work; • Prior to breaking ground, a supervisor shall ensure that a mark-out of all known underground utilities has been performed (whenever there is a reasonable anticipation that such utilities exist within the targeted area); • All underground trenches and excavations shall be constructed to minimize, if not eliminate the potential for cave-in by either shoring, or properly sloping the trench walls; • Whenever electric/gas utility lines are uncovered (by hand digging) and are within the area of work, every effort shall be made to avoid the location of said utilities by attempting to re-direct the approach to the water main either by distancing the work area from the uncovered utility or by approaching the main from a different side. • When the electric/gas utility line is within 3 feet of the work area, or when the utility is exposed and will be present within the established trench work area (because the redirecting of the dig is not possible), the Sr. General A/B on site shall contact their immediate Supervisor. • The supervisor shall visit the site to make an assessment and confirm that alternative methods are not applicable. • The supervisor shall contact the (local) PSEG representative for a site assessment. The PSEG representative shall provide direction by either coordinating an electric utility line insulation wrap, by authorizing the de-energization of the (local) utility line, or by providing guidance with the work approach. If the line can be de-energized at a later date (as per PSEG), then every effort will be made to postpone the project to accommodate the shutdown.

150 Suffolk County Water Authority Safe Work Practices

• Should the PSEG response time be unacceptable (2 hour wait time), and the work be deemed an emergency, then the CM crew and supervisor shall have at their disposal the following options when there's a potential for employee contact with the utility and barricades can be utilized: o Utilize fiberglass boards to prevent contact with the live electric lines that have been exposed in the trench wall, or dry plywood for short duration projects where there is no standing water and the current weather conditions do not include rain in the forecast o Utilize arc-flash blankets provided for each CM office which can be applied without contacting the electric utility line • If barricades are not feasible due to the proximity of the electric utility line within the area of work, then the following options shall apply: o Contact PC Electricians supervisor for field response and direction o Contact the Safety & Environmental Manager for assessment

• Work on the water main shall not be carried out when the (live) electric utility lines are adjacent to, or in contact with, the main itself, until PSEG takes action, or if there is a standing presence of water (accumulated water) in the trench and electric lines are exposed.

All CM workers working in trenches where electric utility lines are potentially present and the soil is wetted or the presence of water is likely, shall don their issued rubber (insulated) boots for protection from current.

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When SCWA utility workers need to provide service to residential customers, there is always a potential for electric shock due to the ability of the residential service line to carry (stray) voltage/current. Therefore, all work that involves the disconnection of a service line or meter shall require the worker to adhere to the following procedure: • Don (voltage rated) protective gloves; • Don protective canvas gloves over the insulated gloves; • Apply the "by-pass" shunt, thus allowing the (potential) stray current to flow continuously once the line is broken for repairs / replacement.

151 Suffolk County Water Authority Safe Work Practices

There are two sets of by-pass shunts available for worker protection:

1) Standard battery cables for service lines 1 inch or smaller.

2) Larger application shunts (made by Transportation and Engineering) for service lines greater than 1 inch.

For best results, the surface area of the service line where the shunts will be applied must be clean, thus ensuring a good, solid contact.

PSEG shall be contacted following the discovery of any residential (stray) current.

152 Suffolk County Water Authority Safe Work Practices for Employees Exposed to Overhead Utility Poles within their Work-Zone

In an effort to minimize the potential for injury to our employees and to prevent damage to local utility operations, the following guidelines will be followed when excavations take place around (overhead) utility poles:

• Planned work (non-emergency) will include a visit to the location by a CM supervisor prior to the work being performed to assess, among other things, whether the excavation will compromise the structure and stability of any utility poles within the work area.

• Should the planned work require an excavation within 5 feet of a utility pole, then a pole-holder will be arranged/scheduled and coordinated with either the utility pole owner (Verizon, PSEG) or subcontractor licensed and authorized to perform such work.

• Should an emergency (water main break, service leak, etc.) require a rapid response and the excavation either starts out within 5 feet or during the course of repairing the service the crews are required to widen their excavation to within the 5 foot area, then a CM supervisor shall be summoned to determine whether a pole-holder is required, factoring in the following criteria:

o Soil type and stability o Nearby structures and utility pole footing o Presence and direction of overhead wires o Depth of pole (if it can be determined) o Excessive windy conditions o Distance to pole from the excavation edge, and o Has the soil been greatly impacted/compromised by the presence of water

• Should the CM supervisor called to the site for assessment determine that a pole- holder would not be necessary, even though the utility pole is within 5 feet of the excavation, he/she will need to clear their decision with Chris Given, or in his absence, a CM Assistant Superintendent.

153 Suffolk County Water Authority Safe Work Practices

• Under no circumstances will a pole-holder not be provided at four feet or less. • Should there be a disagreement between the crew and the supervisor over the decision, then the Safety & Environmental Manager can be called to the location • Options available to a CM supervisor in an emergency scenario when the excavation edge is within 5 feet and it is determined that the utility pole would have to be held/supported:

o Contact the utility pole owner o Contact a subcontractor working for SCWA to hold the pole o Re-direct or “off-set” the main to avoid holding the pole

154 SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY

SAFETY MANUAL CHAPTER SEVEN RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

155 Suffolk County Water Authority RESPIRATORY PROTECTION Table of Contents

Program Introduction 157

Purpose...... References...... Appendices……………………………..…… Definitions......

Respirator Selection Process - Hazard Assessment(s) 160 Lime Dust...... Waste Solvents...... Asbestos...... Sodium Hypochlorite...... Trench Operations......

Program Contents 161 Training - Program Requirements Program Evaluation(s)...... Medical Evaluations...... Employee Responsibilities......

Maintenance & Care of Respirators 163 Cleaning & Disinfecting...... Storage...... Equipment Inspection...... Equipment Repairs...... Time Requirements......

Appendix A 165 Respirator Use & Limitations...... Appendix B 166 Fit Check & Fit Testing...... Appendix C 170 Employee Training Documentation Appendix D 171 Cartridge Change-Out Schedule….. Appendix E 172 Respirator Selection Criteria……….

156 Purpose

To establish requirements governing the selection, care and use of respiratory protection in order to prevent occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful particulates, gases or vapors.

References OSHA 1910.134 Respiratory Protection ANSI 288.2 Practices for Respiratory Protection NIOSH 87-116 A Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection OSHA 3352-02 2009 Assigned Protection Factors

Appendices Appendix A Respirator Use & Limitations Appendix B User Seal Check & Fit Testing Procedures Appendix C Fit Test & Employee Training Documentation Appendix D Cartridge Change-Out Schedule Criteria Appendix E Respirator Selection Criteria

Definitions

Air-purifying Respirator- removes the contaminants from the atmosphere during inhalation.

Air-supplying Respirator- supplies an independent source of respirable air to the user.

Assigned Protection Factor – shall refer to the level of protection the issued respirator is expected to provide. It shall be referred to in this program as the APF.

Canister or Cartridge- shall refer to a container with a filter, sorbent, or catalyst, or a combination of these items, which removes specific contaminants from the air passed through the container.

Employee Exposure- shall refer to exposure to a concentration of an airborne contaminant that would occur if the employee were not using respiratory protection.

End-of-Service-Life-Indicator (ESLI) – shall refer to a system (within a cartridge) that warns the respirator user of the approach of the end of adequate respiratory protection.

Filtering Facepiece (Dust Mask) – shall refer to a particulate filtering medium that will be issued and used only for nuisance dust (sweeping, roadside use of “blow-pipe” operations).

Fit Factor- shall refer to a quantitative estimate of the fit of a particular respirator to a specific individual, and typically estimates the ratio of the concentration of a substance in ambient air to its concentration inside the respirator when worn.

157 Fit Test- shall refer to the use of a protocol to qualitatively or quantitatively evaluate the fit of a respirator on an individual.

Gas - state of a substance, different from liquids and solids by temperature and pressure.

High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter (HEPA) – shall refer to a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient in removing monodisperse particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter. The equivalent NIOSH particulate filters are the N100, R100, and P100 filters, where “N” stands for not resistant to oil, “R” stands for resistant to oil, and “P” stands for oil proof. Maximum Use Concentration – shall refer to the maximum atmospheric concentration of a hazardous substance from which an employee can be expected to be protected when wearing the assigned respirator, and is determined by (mathematically) multiplying the APF (specified for a respirator) by the listed OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL), short-term exposure limit (STEL), or ceiling value (C).

Negative Pressure Respirator (tight fitting) - shall refer to a respirator in which the air pressure inside the face piece is negative during inhalation with respect to the ambient air pressure outside the respirator.

Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere - shall refer to an atmosphere with oxygen content below 19.5% by volume.

Particulates: Dust - a solid mechanically produced particle Fume - a solid condensation particle ; uniform ; spherical Mist - a liquid condensation particle Fibers – greater than 5 microns, 3 to 1 length to width ratio Aerosols – shall refer to the gas medium and the particulate matter (liquid or solid), within the gases medium.

Permissible Exposure Level (PEL) – shall refer to an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) exposure concentration, listed by OSHA for a specific contaminant, which shall not be exceeded.

Positive Pressure Respirator – shall refer to a respirator in which the pressure inside the respiratory inlet covering exceeds the ambient air pressure outside the respirator.

Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) – shall refer to an air-purifying respirator that uses a (battery-operated) blower to force the ambient air through air-purifying elements to the inlet covering.

Program Administrator (PA) - shall refer to the designated SCWA employee (Safety & Environmental Manager) who has been trained in selection, use, limitations, fit-testing, maintenance of respiratory protective equipment, and shall be solely responsible for hazard assessment, equipment selection, and equipment issuance.

158

Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT) – shall refer to a pass/fail fit test to assess the adequacy of respirator fit that relies on the individual's response to the test agent.

Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT) – shall refer to an assessment of the adequacy of respirator fit by numerically measuring the amount of leakage into the respirator.

Supplied Air Respirator (SAR) (or airline respirator) - shall refer to an atmosphere supplying respirator for which the source of breathing air is not designed to be carried by the user.

User Seal Check or Fit Check - shall refer to the action conducted by the respirator user to determine if the respirator is properly seated to the face (refer to Appendix B).

Vapors - Gases form of a substance, normally a liquid or solid, at room temperature and pressure.

159 Suffolk County Water Authority Hazard Assessments

1. Lime Dust - Field operators are required to create lime slurry by adding measured quantities of lime powder to water. The task requires the operators to “cut and dump” 50lb bags into a process tank. Engineering controls in-place exhaust the lime (nuisance dust) away from the task but not before the powder passes the operators breathing zone, thereby needing the respiratory protection (1/2 face air purifying respirator with HEPA filters).

2. Waste Solvent Disposal - Laboratory employees are required to dispose of chemical solvent waste into approved waste drums housed inside a well-ventilated room designed for such a task. The exhaust controls in-place capture the vapors during the pouring operation, which takes place weekly. Should the exhaust system malfunction, the waste-dispensing task would be discontinued until adequate repairs were made. Currently, no respiratory protection is required for this task.

3. Transite Water Main Pipe - C&M employees responding to main breaks and repairs, occasionally uncover (Transite) cement pipe that contains roughly 35% asbestos (ACM). Once uncovered / discovered, only asbestos trained and qualified individuals who carry NY State O&M licenses proceed to repair / tap the water main. A NY State issued Variance permits the cutting and handling of the transite pipe without the need for respiratory protection (wet methods used). Annual project monitoring (and personal sampling) confirms exposures under the existing PEL of .1f/cc.

4. Sodium Hypochlorite - The Water Authority utilizes hypochlorite as a water disinfectant. It is fed into the main via closed / controlled automatic feed systems. Should a leak occur in closed quarters, acid-gas cartridges would be available for use in an emergency (lime galley pump repairs), however, authorization would first have to be received (from either Program Administrator or PC Management). Chemical spills of any kind are “contracted out”.

5. Trench/Pipe Cutting - C&M workers are required to work on water main pipe for a variety of reasons. When the pipe needs to be cut, particulate debris from the pipe along with the by-products of exhaust (generated from the fuel-powered equipment used to cut the pipe) contaminates the employees breathing zone. A full-face, negative pressure, air-purifying respirator with combination cartridges is issued to handle the exhaust organics and the particulates. This is only permitted in shallow, open-trench work where oxygen is above 20%.

160 Suffolk County Water Authority Respiratory Protection Program Contents Training At initial issuance of respiratory protective equipment, following a medical clearance by a licensed health care professional, each employee shall receive training from the Program Administrator. Training will take place annually, at a minimum, and will coincide with Fit Testing. The content of the training material will be as follows:

* Basic overview of the SCWA Program * Reason for the protective equipment - hazard assessment information * Selection, care, use, storage, maintenance of the equipment * Capabilities and limitations of the equipment * Employee responsibilities * Fit check / user seal check requirements prior to each use

Program Evaluation The Program Administrator will conduct evaluations of the workplace and work processes periodically, to ensure that this program is being properly implemented. Employees of the Water Authority that participate in the respiratory protection program will have the opportunity to provide input, suggestions, and ideas that might contribute to an overall effective and more efficient program.

Medical Evaluations SCWA will provide employees (requiring respiratory protection) with a medical evaluation from a licensed health care professional (PLHCP) prior to the equipment being issued. This procedure shall be used to determine if an employee has the ability to wear a respirator. The pulmonary function exams will be performed annually, at a minimum, by medical facilities outside the Water Authority, arranged by the Program Administrator. The locations selected will be based upon the Water Authority needs at various locations. The medical evaluation shall obtain the information requested by the questionnaire in sections 1 and 2, part A of Appendix C of the Standard (1910.134). Employees who cannot pass the examination will not be issued a respirator, thereby restricting them from the assigned task that would require respiratory protection. Follow-up medical evaluations shall be at the discretion of the PLHCP. All medical evaluations shall be provided at no cost to the employee and shall be administered during work hours.

As per the requirements of 1910.134(e)(5)(iii), a copy of the SCWA Respiratory Protection Program and the (above) noted section of the Standard, will be sent to each and every PLHCP providing medical evaluations for our employees.

161 Suffolk County Water Authority Respiratory Protection Hazard Assessments

As per the requirements of 1910.134(e)(5)(i), the following information shall be provided to each and every PLHCP providing medical evaluations for our employees:

• Type and weight of the respirator used by the employee • Duration & frequency of use anticipated • Expected physical work effort while wearing the respirator • Additional PPE and/or equipment used, and • Anticipated temperature and humidity ranges during use

Employee Responsibilities

Each SCWA employee who is issued a respirator (at the discretion of the Program Administrator) shall abide by the following responsibilities:

a) Maintain the respirator in a clean, sanitized, efficient and useful condition. Report any damage or defect (to their supervisor) before obtaining a new one;

b) Use the respirator ONLY for the designated work tasks for which it was assigned and adhere to all training and instruction(s) received;

c) Maintain a clean-shaven face to ensure a proper equipment seal;

d) Provide self with a user seal check prior to project use;

e) Notify Program Administrator or supervisor should any medical condition or dental work be considered as compromising the individual’s ability to wear the respirator effectively;

f) Never lend-out their respirator to another employee, and never use another employee’s respirator;

162 Suffolk County Water Authority Respiratory Protection Maintenance and Care of Respirators Cleaning and Disinfecting

The Water Authority issues new product respirators only. Each respirator is issued in a clean, sanitary and "good working order" condition. All respirators, issued for the exclusive use of an employee, will be cleaned and disinfected as often as necessary by the user employee. Appendix B-2 of 1910.134: A. Remove filters, cartridges, or canisters. Disassemble facepieces;

B. Wash components in warm water with a mild detergent (or with a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer). A stiff bristle brush (not wire) may be used to facilitate the removal of dirt;

C. Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm, preferably running water;

D. When the cleanser used does not contain a disinfecting agent, respirator components should be immersed for two minutes in one of the following;

1. Hypochlorite solution (50 ppm of chlorine) made by adding approximately one milliliter of laundry bleach to one liter of warm water; or

2. Aqueous solution of iodine (50 ppm of iodine) made by adding approximately 0.8 milliliters of tincture iodine to one liter of warm water; or

3. Other commercially available cleansers of equivalent disinfectant quality when used as directed, if their use is recommended or approved by the respirator manufacturer.

E. Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm, preferably running water. Drain. The importance of thorough rinsing cannot be overemphasized. Detergents or disinfectants that dry on face pieces may result in dermatitis. In addition, some disinfectants may cause the deterioration of rubber or corrosion of metal parts if not completely removed;

F. Components should be hand-dried with a clean, lint-free cloth, or air-dried;

G. Reassemble face piece, replacing filters, cartridges, or canisters where necessary;

H. Test the respirator to ensure that all components work properly.

Note: The required cleaning of issued respirators shall be part of the training program administered to each employee participating in the Program, at the time of initial issuance/ fit- test, and annually thereafter. SCWA provides for employee use, manufactured respirator cleaning/disinfecting wipes, as well, that are alcohol-free. They are distributed by Allegro Industries of Garden Grove, California.

163 Suffolk County Water Authority Respiratory Protection Maintenance and Care

Storage Employees of the Water Authority will be instructed at the initial issuance of the equipment (and annually thereafter) to store the respirator in such a manner so as to protect them from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals, should they exist (not anticipated). They are issued a containment bag (from the manufacturer) to store the equipment.

Inspection Employees of the Water Authority will be instructed at the initial issuance of the equipment (and annually thereafter) to inspect the respirator prior to each use and following cleaning requirements. The inspection shall include, but not be limited to:

• Tightness of connections; • Condition of parts (face piece, head-strap, valves, cartridges/canisters/filters); • Elastomeric parts for pliability and signs of deterioration. Repairs Should any part be found defective as a result of the inspection, the entire respirator shall be exchanged for a new one @ Stores (SCWA does not maintain an inventory of replacement parts).

Respiratory Program (minimum) "Time Requirements"

1. Equipment inspection ...... Performed by employee prior to each use 2. Equipment cleaning and disinfecting ...... Performed by employee "regularly" 3. Fit check of respirator seal ...... Performed by employee prior to each use 4. Medical (PFT) clearance ...... Performed by PLHCP annually 5. Fit test (QLFT) ...... Performed by PA annually 6. Employee training ...... Performed by PA annually 7. HEPA filter change schedule ...... Performed by employee whenever needed 8. Acid gas change schedule ...... Performed by employee after every job*

Note: The HEPA filter cartridge change-out schedule will be performed as follows: 1. Whenever the user finds it difficult to draw air through the respirator due to the accumulation of nuisance (lime) dust; 2. Following every asbestos O&M project, should a respirator be worn.

Note: The acid-gas cartridge change-out schedule will be performed as follows: After every sodium hypochlorite leak-repair project, until a change-out schedule is established.

164 Suffolk County Water Authority Respirator Uses & Limitations Appendix A

Air-purifying Respirators- They are generally small and easily maintained. They restrict the wearer's movements the least. The many combinations of face pieces, mouthpieces, filters, cartridges and canisters allow the user to match the respirator to the particular task requiring use.

Air-purifying respirators should not be used in atmospheres containing, or having potential to contain (ie confined spaces), less than 19.5% oxygen, because they do not supply respirable air, they only filter that which is breathed. They should not be used for protection against gases or vapors with poor warning properties (odor, taste, irritation).

Air-supplying Respirators- One of the great advantages of the airline respirator is that it can be used for long (continuous) periods of time. This protection also offers minimal breathing resistance and discomfort. It is lightweight, low bulk, has a moderate initial cost and relatively low operating costs.

The biggest disadvantage of supplied-air respirators is that loss of the source of respirable air supplied to the respiratory inlet covering eliminates any protection to the wearer. Such loss may be caused by the cutting, burning, kinking, or crushing of the supply air hose, by air compressor failure, or by depletion of the respirable air in a storage tank. The trailing air supply hose of the airline respirator will restrict the wearer's mobility.

165 Suffolk County Water Authority User Seal Check and Fit Testing Appendix B

Fitting Instructions (Must be followed each time the respirator is worn)

Donning Respirator:

1. Place respirator over the mouth and nose, then pull the head harness over the crown of your head; 2. Take the bottom straps into both hands and place them in back of your neck hooking them together; 3. Position the facepiece low on the bridge of your nose for optimal visibility and “best fit;”

4. Adjust top straps first, then the lower neck straps by pulling on the ends. DO NOT pull too tight. Respirator should feel comfortable and “snug”; 5. Perform a positive and negative pressure user seal check.

User Seal Checks (Always check the seal of the respirator before using)

Positive Pressure Seal Check

1. Place the palm of your hand over the exhalation valve cover and exhale gently. If the facepiece bulges slightly and no air leaks are detected between your face and the facepiece, a proper fit has been obtained. 2. If face-seal air leakage is detected, reposition the respirator on your face and/or readjust the tension of the elastic straps to eliminate the leakage. 3. Repeat above steps until a “tight/snug” face seal is obtained. Should these procedures not obtain the proper seal, then the employee should consider a different size respirator.

Negative Pressure Seal Check

1. Place the palms of your hands over the cartridge inlet valves (or cartridge itself if a covering is provided) 2. Inhale gently. If you feel the facepiece collapse slightly and pull closer to your face (with no leaks between the face and facepiece), a proper fit has been obtained 3. If face-seal air leakage has been detected, reposition the respirator on your face and/or readjust the tension of the elastic straps to eliminate the leakage 4. Repeat above steps until a “tight/snug” faceseal has been obtained. Should these procedures not obtain the proper seal, then the employee should consider a different size respirator.

166 Suffolk County Water Authority Fit-Testing of the Respirator

Note: The effectiveness of a respirator will be greatly reduced if it is not “fitted” properly. Therefore, the following procedures will be carried out before an employee dons a respirator (for any specified task), and annually thereafter, at a minimum.

The process of fit-testing a respirator is to ensure its effectiveness with the proper selection by the employee (size, make and model). The Qualitative Fit Testing method outlined in 1910.134 Appendix A, Part I (B) (5):

Irritant Smoke (Stannic Chloride) Protocol

Said protocol will be utilized by SCWA and carried out by the Program Administrator. This qualitative fit test uses an individual’s response to the irritating chemicals released in the “smoke” produced by a stannic chloride ventilation smoke tube to detect leakage into the respirator.

I. General Requirements & Precautions

1. Selection based on assessment/comfort/seal. 2. Instructions for donning and adjusting the respirator properly. 3. Test of the respirators face-piece seal using procedures outlined above. 4. After the employee has successfully completed steps 1 thru 3 outlined above: 5. The respirator to be tested shall be equipped with “High Efficiency Particulate Air” (HEPA) or P100 series filters. 6. Only stannic chloride test tubes shall be utilized for this protocol 7. No form of test enclosure or hood shall be used (strong irritant to the eyes, nose and upper respiratory system). Program Administrator shall take precautions to minimize the employee’s exposure to the (irritant) test agent. 8. The fit-test shall be performed in an area with adequate ventilation to prevent over exposure to the test employee and/or others in the workplace setting

II. Sensitivity Screening Check

1. Every effort will be made by the Program Administrator performing the protocol to ensure that the testing employee has sensitivity to the (stannic chloride irritant smoke) test agent without causing the employee being tested to be exposed to undue hardship with the irritating agent. 2. The employee will be informed of the exposure issues before the test agent is released.

167 Suffolk County Water Authority Fit-Testing of the Respirator

III. Irritant Smoke Fit Test Procedure

1. The employee shall don the respirator without assistance, utilizing the proper user seal check protocol outlined in this program. 2. The employee shall be instructed to keep his/her eyes closed during the procedure to minimize eye irritation 3. The Program Administrator shall direct the stream of irritant smoke from the smoke tube (utilizing an aspirator bulb) to the face-seal area (targeting under the chin) to ensure that the (smoke) test agent surrounds the whole perimeter of the mask. 4. If the employee shows signs of exposure to the test agent (cough) then the test will cease, and the testing of the fit has failed. Employee must then restart the process with user seal checks before attempting the fit test a second time. 5. Should the employee pass the initial response/sensitivity test, then the process shall continue using the exercises outlined below while donning the respirator and being subjected to the test agent at all times

(a) Normal Breathing – In a normal standing position, without talking, the employee shall breath normally;

(b) Deep Breathing – In a normal standing position, without talking, the employee shall breath slowly and deeply;

(c) Turning Head Side-to-Side – Standing in-place, the employee shall slowly turn his/her head from side to side while breathing;

(d) Moving Head Up & Down – Standing in-place, the employee shall slowly move his/her head up and down while continuing to breath;

(e) Talking – The employee shall talk slowly and loud enough so as to be heard by the Program Administrator while continuing to breath. The Program Administrator shall determine the extent to what is said and for how long to ensure satisfactory passage;

(f) Bending Over – The employee shall bend at the waist as if he/she were touching their toes, while breathing;

(g) Normal Breathing – In a normal standing position, without talking, the employee shall breath normally; Each of the above exercises shall be performed by the Employee while wearing the selected respirator for a period of time as determined by the Safety Manager while the test agent (stannic chloride) is introduced into the employees breathing zone. At no time can the Employee re-adjust the respirator during such testing. A “passed fit-test” is successfully accomplished if the Employee shows no sign of exposure to the test agent (coughing) while performing the exercises.

168 Suffolk County Water Authority Fit-Test Requirements

Additional fit testing may be required under the following conditions:

a) Whenever an employee should replace his or her respirator;

b) Whenever an employee should require a new respirator of different model, shape or size;

c) Whenever the physical condition(s) of the user employee changes;

1. Scarring

2. Dental work

3. Cosmetic surgery

4. Significant change in body weight

d) At the discretion of the Program Administrator

169 Suffolk County Water Authority RESPIRATOR FIT TEST/TRAINING

Hazard assessment and equipment selection based on presence of:______*Respirator selection *Equipment comfort *Employee instructed how to properly don and adjust respirator *Capabilities & limitations of the respirator type selected *Maintenance, care and storage of the equipment *Cartridge selection, service life *Employee performs fit checks (positive and negative pressure) *Employee instructed not to use another employee’s respirator *Employee instructed not to allow another employee to utilize their respirator *Employee instructed to maintain a clean-shaven face *Procedures reviewed for cleaning and disinfecting the equipment *Employee informed about “Assigned Protection Factors.”

*Fit Testing Protocol

Employee performs the following steps while test agent Stannic Chloride is introduced into the employee’s breathing zone while wearing the selected respirator

Normal Breathing Deep Breathing Turn head side-to-side Turn head up and down Talking Bending over and touching toes or jogging in place Normal breathing Style / Size Employee Name Result (circle) Date Make/Model

Pass Fail 3M/Half Face Pass Fail 3M/Half Face Pass Fail 3M/Half Face Pass Fail 3M/Half Face Pass Fail 3M/Half Face Pass Fail 3M/Half Face Pass Fail 3M/Half Face Pass Fail 3M/Half Face Pass Fail 3M/Half Face Pass Fail 3M/Half Face Pass Fail 3M/Half Face

170 Suffolk County Water Authority Cartridge Change-Out Schedule Appendix D

Manufacturers have upgraded the quality of selected air-purifying cartridges for vapors and gases by equipping them with end-of-service-life-indicator(s) (ESLI). An ESLI is a mechanism for warning the user that a respirator is approaching the end of its ability to provide adequate protection. The warning appears on the cartridge itself. For example, after a period of use, an indicator on a cartridge with sorbent material will signal that protection against organic vapors is approaching saturation or is no longer effective.

Since the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) has approved ESLI’s for only four cartridges / canisters (mercury, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and ethylene oxide), SCWA is left with the responsibility of establishing our own cartridge change-out schedule for use with atmospheres containing, or having the potential to contain, vapors or gases. The criteria used, should this situation arise, will be information gathered from the below selected questions/inquiries:

(A) What are the contaminants the respirator is required to protect against?

(B) What is the concentration of the suspect contaminants in the work area?

(D) Identify quantitatively the following parameters anticipated within the employees breathing zone during use…

* Temperature * Humidity * Air Flow

(E) What will be the employees work rate during the project?

(F) Will there be any other chemical product present that might cause interference with either the atmospheric evaluation or the contaminant for which the respirator was selected in the first place?

171 Suffolk County Water Authority Respirator Selection Criteria Appendix E

Once a hazard assessment has been performed and documented, respirators shall be selected based upon the following criteria:

• Airborne contaminant is identified through accepted practices, experience and/or knowledge of task or sampling methods or any combination thereof;

• A reasonable estimate of the concentration, chemical state and physical form of the contaminant shall be determined;

• Selection of (NIOSH approved) respirators shall be based upon the protection provided. Assigned Protection Factors (APF’s) listed in the OSHA standard (1910.134(d)(3)(i)(A) shall be used to determine respirator type:

Respirator Type Assigned Protection Factor

1) Filtering face-piece (dust mask) 10 2) Half-face “tight-fitting” (elastomeric) 10 3) Full-face “tight-fitting” (elastomeric) 50

SCWA will select respirators for employee use that maintain the employee’s exposure to the identified contaminant (when measured outside the respirator) below the Maximum Use Concentration (MUC), which will be determined by (numerically) multiplying the (listed) OSHA permissible exposure level (PEL) of the contaminant by the APF for the respirator in question. For protection against gases or vapors, either an “end-of-service-life-indicator (ESLI) cartridge will be used or SCWA will design a cartridge “change-out” schedule (see Appendix D of this program).

172 SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY

SAFETY MANUAL CHAPTER EIGHT CHEMICAL HAZARD COMMUNICATION

173 Suffolk County Water Authority HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM TABLE OF CONTENTS

Program Introduction 175

Purpose Objective References Definitions

Container Labeling 179

Product Containers Chemical Product HFR Codes

Safety Data Sheets 182

SDS Documentation SDS Book Locations

Operational Requirements 184

Chemical Ordering & Receiving Chemical Storage N.Y. State “Right to Know” Poster Locations

Training Requirements 187

Responsibilities & Training Content

Appendix A – SCWA Chemical Inventory 188

Appendix B – Employee Training Documentation 191

Appendix C – Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Information 192

Appendix D – Container Labeling Information 198

174 Suffolk County Water Authority HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM

Purpose

The purpose of this program is to ensure that the supplying manufacturer has first evaluated the hazards of all chemicals utilized by SCWA employees, and that the hazard information obtained is properly transmitted to the SCWA and its employees. The conveyance of information to SCWA employees will be accomplished by means of this comprehensive Hazard Communication Program, which will incorporate the use of (product) container labeling, safety data sheets, and employee training.

Objective

The objective of this program is to ensure that the hazard information pertaining to the chemicals employees will be required to utilize over the course of their workday, will be properly communicated to each and every chemical using SCWA employee prior to working with the chemical, and during established training periods thereafter.

References

12 NYCRR Part 820 Toxic Substances Information, Training & Education 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication 29 CFR 1910.132-38 Personal Protective Equipment 29 CFR 1910.106 Flammable and Combustible Liquids NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code NFPA 6th Edition Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code Handbook

Appendices

Appendix A Chemical Inventory Appendix B Health Hazard Terms & Definitions Appendix C Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Information Appendix D Container Labeling Information

175 Suffolk County Water Authority HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM

Definitions

Chemical - means any element, chemical compound or mixture of elements and/or compounds.

Chemical Manufacturer - shall refer to an employer with a workplace where chemical(s) are produced for use or distribution.

Chemical Name - shall refer to the scientific designation of a chemical in accordance with accepted practices (IUPAC) or a name, which will clearly identify the chemical for the purpose of communicating evaluation hazards, associated with that chemical.

Class I Liquid- shall refer to a liquid having a flash point below 100 F and having a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psia.

Class II Liquid – shall refer to liquids having flash points at or above 100 F and below 140 F.

Class III Liquid – shall refer to liquids having a flash point at or above 140 F and below 200 F.

Combustible Liquid - shall refer to any liquid having a flashpoint at or above 100F but below 200F.

Common Name - means any designation or identification such as code name, code number, trade name, brand name or generic name used to identify a chemical other than by its chemical name.

Compressed Gas - shall refer to (a) A gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an absolute pressure exceeding 40psi at 70F, or (b) A gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an absolute pressure exceeding 104psi at 130F regardless of the pressure at 70psi, or (c) A liquid having a vapor pressure exceeding 40psi at 100F.

Container - shall refer to any bag, barrel, box, bottle, can, cylinder, drum, reaction vessel, storage tank or the like that contains a hazardous chemical.

Distributor - shall refer to a business, other than a chemical manufacturer or importer, which supplies hazardous chemicals to other distributors or employers.

176 Suffolk County Water Authority HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM

Employee - shall refer to an individual employed by SCWA, who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal operating conditions or in foreseeable emergencies. This definition, as applied to the operations of the SCWA, shall refer to shop mechanics, CM hydrant/main flushing and all PC workers (field operators, electricians, and mechanics). The definition shall not apply to office personnel.

Employer - shall refer to the Suffolk County Water Authority, a company engaged in a business where chemicals are used. SCWA does not manufacture or distribute chemicals.

Explosive - shall refer to a chemical that is capable of causing a sudden, almost instantaneous release of pressure, gas and heat when subjected to sudden shock, pressure or high temperature (i.e. acetylene).

Exposure or Exposed - means that an employee is subjected to a hazardous chemical in the course of employment through any route of entry (inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or absorption) and shall include potential or incidental (i.e. accidental / possible) exposure.

Flammable - shall refer to a chemical which falls into one of the following categories... (a) Aerosol - a product that will yield a flame projection exceeding 18 inches at full valve, or a flashback at any degree of opening; (b) Gas - a chemical that will form a flammable mixture with air at a concentration of 13% by volume or less, at ambient pressure and temperature, or a gas that forms a range of flammable mixtures with air wider than 12% by volume, regardless of the lower limit, at ambient temperature and pressure; or (c) Liquid - any liquid chemical having a flashpoint below 100F;

Flashpoint - shall refer to the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off a vapor in sufficient concentration to ignite when an ignition source is present.

Foreseeable Emergency - means any potential occurrence such as, but not limited to, equipment failure, rupture of containers, or failure of control equipment, which could result in an uncontrolled release of a hazardous chemical into the workplace.

Global Harmonized System (GHS)- shall refer to a (chemical) container labeling system adopted by the U.S. that will standardize information supplied by the chemical supplier (manufacturer, distributor).

Hazardous Chemical - shall refer to any chemical product, which poses a physical hazard or a health hazard to the user employee.

Hazard Warning - shall refer to any words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof appearing on a label or other appropriate form of warning, which shall convey the hazards of the chemicals in the containers.

177 Suffolk County Water Authority HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM

Health Hazard - means a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at least one study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees. The term health hazard includes chemicals, which are carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents which act on the hematopoietic system, and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.

Identity - shall refer to any chemical or common name, which is indicated on the safety data sheet (SDS) for the chemical. The identity used shall permit cross-references to be made among the required list of hazardous chemicals, the label, and the SDS.

Immediate Use - means that the hazardous chemical will be under the control of and used only by the person who transfers it from a labeled container and only within the work shift in which it is transferred.

Label - shall refer to any written, graphic or printed material displayed on or affixed to containers of hazardous chemicals.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) - shall refer to written or printed material concerning a hazardous chemical, generated and developed by the product manufacturer / distributor (containing a 16 section format), and used to communicate information to the chemical user. (See the SDS section of this program, Appendix C))

Mixture - means any combination of two or more chemicals if the combination is not, in whole or in part, the result of a chemical reaction.

Oxidizer - shall refer to a chemical other than a blasting agent or explosive that initiates or promotes combustion in other materials, thereby causing fire either of itself or through the release of oxygen or other gases.

Physical Hazard - shall refer to a chemical for which there is scientifically valid evidence that it is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive.

Unstable (reactive) - shall refer to a chemical which in the pure state, or as produced or transported, will vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense, or will become self-reactive under conditions of shock, pressure or temperature.

178 Suffolk County Water Authority HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM

Use - shall refer to the act of handling, packaging, transferring or dispensing the chemical product in question.

Work Area - shall refer to a defined space or room, such as the mechanics shop, where hazardous chemicals are used and stored, and where employees are present.

Workplace - shall refer to an establishment, job site, or project at one geographical location containing one or more work areas, where the SCWA is engaged in a job task.

Container Labeling

SCWA will ensure that it's suppliers and vendors of chemical products for employee use at the workplace, will comply with said regulations...

"The chemical manufacturer, importer or distributor shall ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals leaving (their) workplace is labeled, tagged or marked with the following information:

1. Identity of the hazardous chemical

2. Appropriate hazard warnings

3. Name and address of the manufacturer, importer or other responsible party. 1910.1200(f)(1)

SCWA shall ensure that no employee of the company knowingly defaces or removes an existing chemical container label on incoming containers of newly purchased product(s). Should such an incident occur, the appropriate information contained in the original label will be transferred / marked on the container in question. SCWA shall ensure that the required hazard information and warnings, manufacturer(s) name and address, and the chemical products identity, be legibly displayed in English on each receiving label / container.

Should a container label be defaced or accidentally removed, or should a chemical product need be dispensed from a source drum, the hazard information transferred to the container in question shall be via the below labeling system. The label below will identify the chemical by "common name" and will numerically communicate the hazards associated with its use, should they exist, utilizing the code system identified in Appendix D.

179 SUFFOLK COUNTY CONTAINER LABELING WATER AUTHORITY NUMERICAL CODE CHART November 2011 SELECTED MATERIALS

Chemical Product Health Flammability Reactivity

Sodium Hypochlorite 2 0 1 Sodium Hydroxide 3 0 1 Nitric Acid 4 1 1 Calcium Hydroxide (Lime) 2 1 1 Calciquest – Liquid 1 0 0 Gasoline (Conventional) 1 3 0 Diesel (Conventional) 0 2 0 Glycol (Anti-Freeze) 2 1 0 “Sizzle” 3 0 2 Calcium Hypochlorite 3 0 1 RTV Silicone Sealant 2 1 0 Elite Windshield Washer 1 3 1 Hercules Real Tuff 0 0 0 Hercules Duck Butter 0 0 0 Oatey Purple Primer 2 3 1

ZEP Products Health Flammability Reactivity

Zeposector 1 1 0 Flush n Kill 2 1 1 Zep Groovy 2 4 1 Zep Wasp & Hornet Killer 1 1 0 Zepreserve 2 2 0 Zep 45 2 1 0 Zepstart 2 4 1 Zep Klear 3 3 0 Zep Big Orange (GOJO) 1 2 0 Zep Brake & Parts Cleaner 2 0 0 Zep Selchoshine 1 1 0 Zep Aerolube 1 3 0 Zep Fast Gasket Black 1 1 0 Zep Powerhouse 2 1 0 Zep Lime Remover 3 0 0 Zepnamic A Hospital 2 1 0 Zep Vinyl Cleaner 1 1 0 Zep F-10 0 0 0 Zep Lubrisil – Silicone Lubricant 2 0 0 Zepunch 2 2 0 Zep Elec II 1 0 1

180 SUFFOLK COUNTY CONTAINER LABELING WATER AUTHORITY NUMERICAL CODE CHART November 2011 SELECTED MATERIALS

Administrative Office Products Health Flammability Reactivity

Sharpie – permanent marker 0 0 0 Delux markers – all colors 0 0 0 Expo markers-dry erase 0 0 0 Papermate – Pen 0 0 0 Liquid Paper- correction fluid 2 3 0 Avery – Hi Liter Markers 0 0 0 Uhu White Glue Stick 0 0 0 Ross- Rubber Cement 2 3 0 Lexmark- Black & Color Cartridge 1 1 0

General Services

Superior Snow Ice Melt 2 0 1

181 Suffolk County Water Authority Safety Data Sheet - SDS

SCWA will ensure that it's suppliers and vendors of chemical products for employee use at the workplace, will comply with said regulations...

"Chemical manufacturers and importers shall obtain or develop a safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical they produce or import." 1910.1200(g)(1)

SCWA shall ensure that the chemical products ordered and received by suppliers and vendors (manufacturers, distributors, importers) are accompanied with the products SDS. The SDS provided by our vendors and suppliers will adhere to the following requirements of the OSHA Standard [1910.1200(g)], or be returned with the chemical product ordered for use:

1) Document will be written in English 2) Contain the products identity (common name, chemical name) 3) Have the chemical and common names of all ingredients, which have been determined to be health hazards and or present physical hazards 4) Identify the physical and chemical characteristics of the product and its ingredients 5) Warn of the products health hazards, should they exist, including the signs and symptoms of exposure, and any pre-existing medical conditions which could be aggravated through use or exposure. 6) Warn of existing physical hazards (i.e. flammability, explosion, reactivity) 7) Explain the routes of exposure and possible target organs 8) Have the published exposure limits for product use (i.e. permissible exposure limit (PEL) established by OSHA, and the threshold limit value (TLV) established by ACGIH) 9) State whether the chemical product is listed in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Annual Report on Carcinogens or has been found to be a potential carcinogen on other listed sources 10) Explain the safe practices for handling, storage and use; emergency response information and clean-up, and 11) State the manufacturers name, address, phone number (or responsible party).

For a breakdown on information provided by a chemical manufacturer, distributor or importer, see Appendix A (PAGE 188).

182 Suffolk County Water Authority SAFETY DATA SHEET SDS ON SITE BOOK LOCATIONS

SITE ADDRESS EMPLOYEE BOOK LOCATION

Huntington CM Shape Up Room

Hauppauge Meter Shop Meter Shop

Bay Shore PC Locker Room

Supervisor’s Area

Tech Services Building Engineering Lunch Room

General Services @ 15 Pond Shape Up Room

Transportation Office Book Shelf

Stores, Oakdale Lunch Room

East Hampton CM/PC Shape Up Room

Westhampton CM/PC Warehouse

Finance 4050 Lunch Room

CM 4060 Shape Up Room

Lunch Room

Coram CS/CM Shape Up Room

Lunch Room

183 Operational Requirements

Chemical Inventory A comprehensive chemical list will be compiled of products used by employees of SCWA. The Safety Manager or designee will update the chemical list annually. Should the annual inspection reveal chemicals no longer in use they will be removed from the list and discarded according to disposal regulations.

Chemical Product Ordering Whenever a new chemical product is requested, the Safety Manager, prior to purchase, shall approve it. A background check on why the product is needed and how it will be used along with the hazards associated with the product through use will be evaluated to determine if a substitute product, less hazardous as per the SDS, is available. The Safety Manager will periodically evaluate chemical usage throughout SCWA.

Safety Data Sheets - Requested The purchasing department will request the chemical products SDS with every order, whether the chemical product is being ordered for the first time or if the order is simply a re- supply request. This will ensure a revised and updated SDS system for employee access and relevant training information.

Chemical Product Receiving When chemical products are received, verification will be made to ensure that the product(s) ordered are: a) What was requested before opening the packaging and using the chemical b) Shipped with the safety data sheet(s) c) Shipped with the container labels in place, and containing the required information.

Chemical Usage - Proper Handling, Storage and Use Prior to working with new chemical product(s), employees shall notify the Safety Manager if he/she has not been properly trained in the handling, storage or use of that chemical. If the employee has received proper training, then specified guidelines will be followed by the using employee, which shall be established by the Safety Manager. If the individual has not been trained, then training, provided by the Safety Manager or appointed designee, shall take place prior to the individual working with that chemical product.

184 Chemical Container Storage As per CFR 29 1910.106(d)(3)(i)(ii)...

All flammable and combustible chemical products shall be identified before being used in the workplace (utilizing SDS information). The Safety Manager will work with department’s to ensure that all flammable liquids requested, are properly stored (when not in use) in approved flammable liquids storage cabinets.

The storage cabinets shall have a maximum capacity of not more than 60 gallons of Class I or Class II liquids, nor more than 120 gallons of Class III liquids and will be stored in an approved, fire resistive, flammable liquids storage cabinet.

Products not in use will be segregated and stored, whenever possible, in cool, dry, indoor areas away from ignition sources and incompatible chemical products (information obtained from the products SDS will be utilized to determine proper storage for all products). The using department will be responsible for proper chemical storage of products not in use.

Compressed gas cylinders in the Transportation shop will be addressed in the following manner:

●All fuel gases (oxygen) shall be segregated from other gases, hydrocarbons, oils and greases, and flammable materials by a minimum of 20 feet, in well ventilated areas. The Transportation department will keep back-up bottles at a minimum.

●All flammable compressed gas cylinders in the Transportation department (acetylene, propane) shall be stored in an approved storage cage located outside the shop in a well-ventilated area. The Transportation department will keep back-up bottles at a minimum.

●Should (back-up) oxygen and acetylene bottles need be stored together in the outside (approved) cage, they shall be segregated by a fire resistive wall of 5 feet height. The material shall be rated for a minimum of 30 minute fire resistance.

●All cylinders not in use shall be stored upright, secured from unexpected movement, and with their valve protective caps securely in place.

●All cylinders shall be clearly marked and identified as to their contents.

185 Suffolk County Water Authority RIGHT TO KNOW COMPLIANCE POSTER LOCATIONS NYS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

SITE ADDRESS BOOK LOCATION(S)______

Huntington CM Employee Shape Up Room

Hauppage WRO Meter Shop/Punch-Clock Library

Bay Shore PC Employee Locker Room Supervisor’s Office

Tech Services Building Engineering Lunch Room

Finance 4050 Employee Lunch Room

CM 4060 CM Shape Up Room Employee Lunch Room/Notice Board

Stores, Oakdale Employee Lunch Room/Notice Board

General Services -15 Pond Employee Notice Board/Punch Clock

Coram CS Employee Lunch Room (Bldg 5)

Coram CM Employee Shape Up Room

Westhampton CM Warehouse

Westhampton PC Warehouse

East Hampton CM/PC Employee Notice Area/Punch Clock

Transportation/Shop Clock/Employee Notice Board (glass case on steps)

Administration Building Lunch Room (glass case)

186 Training Requirements

The Safety Manager shall provide employees of SCWA with Hazard Communication - Chemical Awareness information and training as outlined below:

• Whenever an individual is hired to work in an area where hazardous chemicals are present or likely to be encountered, he or she will be trained on the hazards of those chemicals prior to assignment • Upon initial assignment of a newly transferred employee to an area where hazardous chemicals are present or likely to be encountered, • Whenever a new hazardous chemical is introduced into an area; • Following an incident/accident where the Safety Manager has made a determination that hazard communication re-training is appropriate. • Whenever the Safety Manager determines the need for further training

The content of the training will include:

• Name and location(s) of hazardous chemicals in the employee's work area • The methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area (i.e. personal monitoring pumps, detector tubes, visual appearance, odor) signs, symptoms of exposure and possible behavioral effects of exposure • The physical and health hazards of the chemicals in the work area (department specific) • The measures employees can take to protect themselves from the chemical hazards • Such as the use of established engineering controls, appropriate work practices and PPE • The details of the Hazard Communication Standard, 12 NYCRR Part 820 and the contents of the SCWA written program. Access and availability of each. • The labeling system utilized and SDS location and access. • Specific operations in the employees work area that would contain hazardous chemicals • Employee's "Right to Know" about hazardous materials and toxic effects in their area • Chemical spill response(s)

Note: The content of specific hazard information regarding the chemicals an employee of the SCWA will be working with, will be obtained from the products SDS.

187 Suffolk County Water Authority Appendix A Chemical Inventory Production & Control

Chemical Location(s)______Sodium Hypochlorite Bay Shore/West & East Hampton tank farms; Field Operator trucks; pump stations in 60 gallon drums “Sizzle” Bay Shore-warehouse (for lime removal); Calcium Hydroxide Pump stations in 50 lb. bags; lime slurry tank Potassium Permanganate Madison Hill pump station (stored @ Edgemere & Smith) Hach test reagents Pump stations Nitric acid Water sample containers (one millimeter) Petroleum oil blends Oil Storage building Panel adhesive Oil Storage building Electra cleaning solvent Oil Storage building Gasoline (conventional) Oil Storage building; fuel pumps; AST Diesel Oil Storage building; fuel pumps; AST Anti-freeze / Glycol Oil Storage building Sodium Hydroxide 50 % East Farmingdale Pump Stations

Construction & Maintenance & General Services Chemical Location(s)______Zepsector Stores, field vehicles Flush & Kill Stores, field vehicles Zep Groovy Stores, garage, hydrant vehicles, field vehicles Zep Wasp/Hornet Killer Stores Zepreserve Stores, garage, field vehicles Zep 45 Stores, garage, field vehicles Zepstart Stores, garage, field vehicles Zep Klear Stores, garage, field vehicles Calcium Hypochlorite Stores, field hydrant trucks Mark-out Aerosol Paints Stores, field vehicles Superior Sno N Ice Melt Stores, garage, 15 Pond, building storage areas Pro-Tech Ice Remover Stores, garage, 15 Pond, building storage areas Melt Off VXP1 Stores, garage, 15 Pond, building storage areas

188 Suffolk County Water Authority Appendix A Chemical Inventory General Services – Transportation

Chemical Location(s)

Zeptox II Stores, garage Zep Big Orange Stores, garage Zep Break Parts Cleaner Stores, garage Zep Choke & Carb. Cleaner Stores, garage Zep Aerolube Stores, garage Zeplon Stores, garage Fast Lacquer Thinner Stores, garage Zep Brake Wash Stores, garage Zep Streak-Out 40 Stores, garage Zep Breeze Stores, garage Zep Lubrisil Stores, garage Zep Fast Gasket Black Stores, garage Thread-Eze Brush Top Stores, garage Fiberglass Resin Stores, garage RTV Silicone Sealant Stores, garage Anti-Seize Stores, garage Supelcosil LC-18 Stores, garage Meyer Snow Plow Oil Stores, garage Elite Windshield Washer Stores, garage Safety-Kleen solvent Garage SILOO Starting Fluid Stores, garage Starting Fluid- Pro Stores, garage Hercules Duck Butter Stores, garage Hercules Real Tuff Stores, garage Oatey Cleaner Stores, garage Oatey Purple Primer Stores, garage Centari Acrylic Enamel Stores, garage Enamel Reducers Stores, garage Isocyanate Activators/Hardeners Stores, garage Battery Cleaner Stores, garage Tefgel Stores, garage Wire Dryer/Ignition Sealer Stores, garage Gasoline (with ethers) Garage and pump locations No. 2 Diesel Fuel Garage and pump locations Gasoline (conventional) Garage Zep Powerhouse Stores, garage Hard Hat/Aerosol(s) Stores, garage

189 Suffolk County Water Authority Appendix A Chemical Inventory Customer Service/Meter Shop/Admin

Chemical Location(s)

Zep Lime Remover Meter Shop Zepynamic A Hospital Meter Shop, Stores Zep Powerhouse Meter Shop, Stores Zep Streakout 40 Meter Shop, Stores ZepAid Meter Shop, Stores Zepreserve Meter Shop, Stores Zepsector Meter Shop, Stores Zep45 Meter Shop, Stores Zepstart Meter Shop, Stores Zep Vinyl Cleaner Meter Shop, Stores Power-Lube Stores Sun-Up Meter Shop, Stores RTV Sealant Meter Shop, Stores Xtreme Blue Cleaner Meter Shop, Stores Flexseal Meter Shop, Stores

Administrative Buildings

Sharpie Markers Stores, Various building supply cabinets Liquid Correction Fluid Stores, Various building supply cabinets Avery- Hi Liter Markers Stores, Various building supply cabinets UHU Glue Stick Stores, Various building supply cabinets Ross - Rubber Cement Stores, Various building supply cabinets Lexmark Print Cartridges Stores, Various building supply cabinets

190 Suffolk County Water Authority Chemical Awareness Training

Date______

*Basic guidelines and concepts of Article 28 & 12 NYCRR Part 820 *Basic guidelines and concepts of29 CFR 1910.1200 * Basic guidelines, concepts, location & availability of SCWA Program(s) * Chemical hazard terminology/information * Safety Data Sheet(s) - contents /information/location/examples * Container labeling - criteria/information * Hazard evaluation (acute & chronic effects) and monitoring * Methods & observations used to detect presence of a chemical release * Control measures, work practices & PPE (protection measures) * Spill Response: notification, evaluation/assessment criteria, and response * Location of toxic substances in the work area * Location of "Right to Know" poster & area SDS * Specific chemicals included in the training:

______

______Employee Name Employee# Employee Name Employee# ______

______

______Instructor Date

191 Suffolk County Water Authority Appendix C SDS

Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)), revised in 2012, requires that the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly MSDSs or Material Safety Data Sheets) for each hazardous chemical to downstream users to communicate information on these hazards. The information contained in the SDS is largely the same as the MSDS, except now the SDSs are required to be presented in a consistent user-friendly, 16-section format. This brief provides guidance to help workers who handle hazardous chemicals to become familiar with the format and understand the contents of the SDSs.

The SDS includes information such as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical. The information contained in the SDS must be in English (although it may be in other languages as well). In addition, OSHA requires that SDS preparers provide specific minimum information as detailed in Appendix D of 29 CFR 1910.1200. The SDS preparers may also include additional information in various section(s).

Sections 1 through 8 contain general information about the chemical, identification, hazards, composition, safe handling practices, and emergency control measures (e.g., fire fighting). This information should be helpful to those that need to get the information quickly. Sections 9 through 11 and 16 contain other technical and scientific information, such as physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity information, toxicological information, exposure control information, and other information including the date of preparation or last revision. The SDS must also state that no applicable information was found when the preparer does not find relevant information for any required element.

The SDS must also contain Sections 12 through 15, to be consistent with the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), but OSHA will not enforce the content of these sections because they concern matters handled by other agencies.

A description of all 16 sections of the SDS, along with their contents, is presented below:

Section 1: Identification This section identifies the chemical on the SDS as well as the recommended uses. It also provides the essential contact information of the supplier. The required information consists of:

. Product identifier used on the label and any other common names or synonyms by which the substance is known. . Name, address, phone number of the manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party, and emergency phone number. . Recommended use of the chemical (e.g., a brief description of what it actually does, such as flame retardant) and any restrictions on use (including recommendations given by the supplier). 1

Section 2: Hazard(s) Identification This section identifies the hazards of the chemical presented on the SDS and the appropriate warning information associated with those hazards. The required information consists of:

. The hazard classification of the chemical (e.g., flammable liquid, category1). . Signal word. . Hazard statement(s). . Pictograms (the pictograms or hazard symbols may be presented as graphical reproductions of the symbols in black and white or be a description of the name of the symbol (e.g., skull and crossbones, flame). . Precautionary statement(s). . Description of any hazards not otherwise classified. . For a mixture that contains an ingredient(s) with unknown toxicity, a statement describing how much (percentage) of the mixture consists of ingredient(s) with unknown acute toxicity. Please note that this is a total percentage of the mixture and not tied to the individual ingredient(s).

192 Section 3: Composition/Information on Ingredients This section identifies the ingredient(s) contained in the product indicated on the SDS, including impurities and stabilizing additives. This section includes information on substances, mixtures, and all chemicals where a trade secret is claimed. The required information consists of:

Substances

. Chemical name. . Common name and synonyms. . Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number and other unique identifiers. . Impurities and stabilizing additives, which are themselves classified and which contribute to the classification of the chemical.

Mixtures

. Same information required for substances. . The chemical name and concentration (i.e., exact percentage) of all ingredients which are classified as health hazards and are: o Present above their cut-off/concentration limits or o Present a health risk below the cut-off/concentration limits. . The concentration (exact percentages) of each ingredient must be specified except concentration ranges may be used in the following situations: o A trade secret claim is made, o There is batch-to-batch variation, or o The SDS is used for a group of substantially similar mixtures.

Chemicals where a trade secret is claimed

. A statement that the specific chemical identity and/or exact percentage (concentration) of composition has been withheld as a trade secret is required.

Section 4: First-Aid Measures This section describes the initial care that should be given by untrained responders to an individual who has been exposed to the chemical. The required information consists of:

. Necessary first-aid instructions by relevant routes of exposure (inhalation, skin and eye contact, and ingestion). . Description of the most important symptoms or effects, and any symptoms that are acute or delayed. . Recommendations for immediate medical care and special treatment needed, when necessary.

Section 5: Fire-Fighting Measures This section provides recommendations for fighting a fire caused by the chemical. The required information consists of:

. Recommendations of suitable extinguishing equipment, and information about extinguishing equipment that is not appropriate for a particular situation. . Advice on specific hazards that develop from the chemical during the fire, such as any hazardous combustion products created when the chemical burns. . Recommendations on special protective equipment or precautions for firefighters.

193 Section 6: Accidental Release Measures This section provides recommendations on the appropriate response to spills, leaks, or releases, including containment and cleanup practices to prevent or minimize exposure to people, properties, or the environment. It may also include recommendations distinguishing between responses for large and small spills where the spill volume has a significant impact on the hazard. The required information may consist of recommendations for:

. Use of personal precautions (such as removal of ignition sources or providing sufficient ventilation) and protective equipment to prevent the contamination of skin, eyes, and clothing. . Emergency procedures, including instructions for evacuations, consulting experts when needed, and appropriate protective clothing. . Methods and materials used for containment (e.g., covering the drains and capping procedures). . Cleanup procedures (e.g., appropriate techniques for neutralization, decontamination, cleaning or vacuuming; adsorbent materials; and/or equipment required for containment/clean up)

Section 7: Handling and Storage This section provides guidance on the safe handling practices and conditions for safe storage of chemicals. The required information consists of:

. Precautions for safe handling, including recommendations for handling incompatible chemicals, minimizing the release of the chemical into the environment, and providing advice on general hygiene practices (e.g., eating, drinking, and smoking in work areas is prohibited). . Recommendations on the conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities. Provide advice on specific storage requirements (e.g., ventilation requirements)

Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection This section indicates the exposure limits, engineering controls, and personal protective measures that can be used to minimize worker exposure. The required information consists of:

. OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), and any other exposure limit used or recommended by the chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer preparing the safety data sheet, where available. . Appropriate engineering controls (e.g., use local exhaust ventilation, or use only in an enclosed system). . Recommendations for personal protective measures to prevent illness or injury from exposure to chemicals, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., appropriate types of eye, face, skin or respiratory protection needed based on hazards and potential exposure). . Any special requirements for PPE, protective clothing or respirators (e.g., type of glove material, such as PVC or nitrile rubber gloves; and breakthrough time of the glove material).

194 Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties This section identifies physical and chemical properties associated with the substance or mixture. The minimum required information consists of:

Appearance (physical state, color, etc.);

. Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits; . Odor; . Vapor pressure; . Odor threshold; . Vapor density; . pH; . Relative density; . Melting point/freezing point; . Solubility(ies); . Initial boiling point and boiling range; . Flash point; . Evaporation rate; . Flammability (solid, gas); . Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water; . Auto-ignition temperature; . Decomposition temperature; and . Viscosity.

The SDS may not contain every item on the above list because information may not be relevant or is not available. When this occurs, a notation to that effect must be made for that chemical property. Manufacturers may also add other relevant properties, such as the dust deflagration index (Kst) for combustible dust, used to evaluate a dust's explosive potential

Section 10: Stability and Reactivity This section describes the reactivity hazards of the chemical and the chemical stability information. This section is broken into three parts: reactivity, chemical stability, and other. The required information consists of:

Reactivity

. Description of the specific test data for the chemical(s). This data can be for a class or family of the chemical if such data adequately represent the anticipated hazard of the chemical(s), where available.

Chemical stability

. Indication of whether the chemical is stable or unstable under normal ambient temperature and conditions while in storage and being handled. . Description of any stabilizers that may be needed to maintain chemical stability. . Indication of any safety issues that may arise should the product change in physical appearance.

Other

. Indication of the possibility of hazardous reactions, including a statement whether the chemical will react or polymerize, which could release excess pressure or heat, or create other hazardous conditions. Also, a description of the conditions under which hazardous reactions may occur. . List of all conditions that should be avoided (e.g., static discharge, shock, vibrations, or environmental conditions that may lead to hazardous conditions). . List of all classes of incompatible materials (e.g., classes of chemicals or specific substances) with which the chemical could react to produce a hazardous situation. . List of any known or anticipated hazardous decomposition products that could be produced because of use, storage, or heating. (Hazardous combustion products should also be included in Section 5 (Fire-Fighting Measures) of the SDS.)

195 Section 11: Toxicological Information This section identifies toxicological and health effects information or indicates that such data are not available. The required information consists of:

. Information on the likely routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact). The SDS should indicate if the information is unknown. . Description of the delayed, immediate, or chronic effects from short- and long-term exposure. . The numerical measures of toxicity (e.g., acute toxicity estimates such as the LD50 (median lethal dose)) - the estimated amount [of a substance] expected to kill 50% of test animals in a single dose. . Description of the symptoms. This description includes the symptoms associated with exposure to the chemical including symptoms from the lowest to the most severe exposure. . Indication of whether the chemical is listed in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Report on Carcinogens (latest edition) or has been found to be a potential carcinogen in the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs (latest editions) or found to be a potential carcinogen by OSHA

Section 12: Ecological Information (non-mandatory) This section provides information to evaluate the environmental impact of the chemical(s) if it were released to the environment. The information may include:

. Data from toxicity tests performed on aquatic and/or terrestrial organisms, where available (e.g., acute or chronic aquatic toxicity data for fish, algae, crustaceans, and other plants; toxicity data on birds, bees, plants). . Whether there is a potential for the chemical to persist and degrade in the environment either through biodegradation or other processes, such as oxidation or hydrolysis. . Results of tests of bioaccumulation potential, making reference to the octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow) and the bioconcentration factor (BCF), where available. . The potential for a substance to move from the soil to the groundwater (indicate results from adsorption studies or leaching studies). . Other adverse effects (e.g., environmental fate, ozone layer depletion potential, photochemical ozone creation potential, endocrine disrupting potential, and/or global warming potential).

Section 13: Disposal Considerations (non-mandatory) This section provides guidance on proper disposal practices, recycling or reclamation of the chemical(s) or its container, and safe handling practices. To minimize exposure, this section should also refer the reader to Section 8 (Exposure Controls/Personal Protection) of the SDS. The information may include:

. Description of appropriate disposal containers to use. . Recommendations of appropriate disposal methods to employ. . Description of the physical and chemical properties that may affect disposal activities. . Language discouraging sewage disposal. . Any special precautions for landfills or incineration activities

Section 14: Transport Information (non-mandatory) This section provides guidance on classification information for shipping and transporting of hazardous chemical(s) by road, air, rail, or sea. The information may include:

. UN number (i.e., four-figure identification number of the substance)1. . UN proper shipping name1. . Transport hazard class(es)1. . Packing group number, if applicable, based on the degree of hazard2. . Environmental hazards (e.g., identify if it is a marine pollutant according to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code)). . Guidance on transport in bulk (according to Annex II of MARPOL 73/783 and the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (International Bulk Chemical Code (IBC Code)). . Any special precautions which an employee should be aware of or needs to comply with, in connection with transport or conveyance either within or outside their premises (indicate when information is not available).

196 Section 15: Regulatory Information (non-mandatory) This section identifies the safety, health, and environmental regulations specific for the product that is not indicated anywhere else on the SDS. The information may include:

. Any national and/or regional regulatory information of the chemical or mixtures (including any OSHA, Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, or Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations)

Section 16: Other Information This section indicates when the SDS was prepared or when the last known revision was made. The SDS may also state where the changes have been made to the previous version. You may wish to contact the supplier for an explanation of the changes. Other useful information also may be included here.

Employer Responsibilities Employers must ensure that the SDSs are readily accessible to employees for all hazardous chemicals in their workplace. This may be done in many ways. For example, employers may keep the SDSs in a binder or on computers as long as the employees have immediate access to the information without leaving their work area when needed and a back-up is available for rapid access to the SDS in the case of a power outage or other emergency. Furthermore, employers may want to designate a person(s) responsible for obtaining and maintaining the SDSs. If the employer does not have an SDS, the employer or designated person(s) should contact the manufacturer to obtain one.

References OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1200(g) and Appendix D. United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), third revised edition, United Nations, 2009. These references and other information related to the revised Hazard Communication Standard can be found on OSHA's Hazard Communication Safety and Health Topics page, located at: http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html.

Disclaimer: This brief provides a general overview of the safety data sheet requirements in the Hazard Communication Standard (see 29 CFR 1910.1200(g) and Appendix D of 29 CFR 1910.1200). It does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities in the standard or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Since interpretations and enforcement policy may change over time, the reader should consult current OSHA interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the courts for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements. Please note that states with OSHA-approved state plans may have additional requirements for chemical safety data sheets, outside of those outlined above. For more information on those standards, please visit: http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/statestandards.html.

197 Suffolk County Water Authority Appendix D Container Labeling Information Numerical Values

Criteria for Hazard Classification - HEALTH

DEGREE HAZARD RATING EFFECTS Extreme 4 Can be fatal or cause major permanent Injury if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Includes carcinogens and suspect carcinogens

High Hazard 3 Will cause serious or permanent or temporary injury if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Includes mutagens or teratogens

Moderate Hazard 2 Will cause allergic respiratory and skin reactions. Will cause minor permanent or temporary injury

Slight Hazard 1 Will cause eye and skin irritation,readily Reversible

No Significant Hazard O Material which can produce toxic effects only under most unusual conditions or by overwhelming dosage

Criteria for Hazard Classification - FLAMMABILITY

DEGREE HAZARD RATING EFFECTS Extreme Hazard 4 Materials which will rapidly or completely Vaporize at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature or which are readily dispersed in air, and which will burn readily. This includes: Flammable gases; any liquid or gases material which is a liquid under pressure and having a flash below 73

198 degrees F and a boiling point <100 degrees F; materials which on account of their physical form or environment conditions can form explosive mixtures with air, such as dusts of combustible solids and mists of flammable or combustible liquid droplets

High Hazard 3 Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions, including: Liquids having a flash point < 73 Degrees F and a boiling point >100 degrees F; liquids having a flash point at or above 73 degrees and below 100 degrees f; solid materials in the form of course dusts which may burn rapidly but which generally do not form explosive atmospheres with air; solid materials in a fibrous or shredded form which may burn rapidly and create a flash fire hazard; materials which burn with extreme rapidity, usually by reason of self- contained oxygen; materials which ignite spontaneously when exposed to air.

Moderate Hazard 2 Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high temperature before ignition can occur. Materials in this degree would not under normal conditions form hazardous atmospheres with air, but under high ambient temperatures or under moderate heating may release vapor in sufficient quantities to produce hazardous atmosphere with air, including: Liquids having a flashpoint at or above 100 degrees F but below 200 degrees F; solids and semisolids which readily give off flammable vapors.

Slight Hazard 1 Materials that must be considerably pre-

199 heated under all ambient temperature conditions before ignition and combustion can occur, including: Liquids, solids and semisolids having a flashpoint at or above 200 degrees F; materials which will burn in air when exposed to a temperature of 1500 degrees F for a period of 5 minutes or less. This includes most ordinary combustible materials.

No Significant Hazard Materials that will not burn in air when exposed to a temperature of 1500 degrees f for a period of 5 minutes.

Criteria for Hazard Classification - REACTIVITY

DEGR EE HAZAR D RATING EFFECTS

Extreme Hazard 4 Materials which in themselves are readily capable of detonation or of explosive decomposition or explosive reaction at normal temperatures and pressures. Including materials which are sensitive to mechanical or localized thermal shock at normal temperatures and pressures.

High Hazard 3 Materials which in themselves are capable of detonation or of explosive decomposition or explosive reaction, but which require a strong initiating source or which must be heated under confinement before initiation. This includes materials which are sensitive to thermal or mechanical shock at elevated temperatures and pressures or which react explosively with water without requiring heat or confinement.

200 Moderate Hazard 2 Materials which in themselves are normally unstable and readily undergo rapid chemical change but do not detonate. This includes materials which can undergo chemical change with rapid release of energy at normal temperatures and pressures or which can undergo violent change at elevated temperatures and pressures, along with materials which can react violently with water or which may form potentially explosive mixtures with water.

Slight Hazard 1 Materials which in themselves are normally stable but which can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures, or which may react violently with water with some non-violent energy release.

No Significant Hazard 0 Materials which in themselves are normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions

201 SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY

SAFETY MANUAL CHAPTER NINE EMERGENCY SPILL RESPONSE

202 Suffolk County Water Authority Diesel/Hydraulic Fuel Spill Response Protocol Purpose

To establish a standard procedure for responding to the unexpected release or spill of diesel fuel, hydraulic fluids, or oils and lubricants of any kind

Objective

To provide SCWA with the capacity to respond to unexpected releases or spills of non-flammable hydrocarbons, stemming from leaking tanks, filter system failures on existing generators, or vendor delivery mishaps. Efficiency will be built upon identifying risk, identifying potential release locations (tank inventory), and cultivating a trained – professional work force capable of providing remediation.

Definitions

First Responder Awareness – Shall refer to the individual who recognizes or discovers the release or spill and reports the occurrence to the Bay Shore Control Center.

First Responder Operations – Shall refer to the individual who will have the training and authorization to “control and/or contain” the unexpected release of material until a clean-up crew can arrive.

Remediation Technician – Shall refer to the CM workers who have received proper training in response and remediation.

SCADA – Shall refer to the PC operations control center located in Bay Shore.

Source Locations

• CM construction & shoring equipment (hydraulic oil) • Above ground tanks at pump stations used for back-up generator fuel • Below ground tanks at pump stations used for back-up generator fuel • Below ground tanks at Oakdale, East & West Hampton for vehicle fuel • Above ground tanks at Coram, Bay Shore and Oakdale used as back-up generator fuel for building energy • CM dump trucks (hydraulic oil) • CM Compressor trucks (hydraulic oil)

203 Suffolk County Water Authority Diesel/Hydraulic Fuel Spill Response Protocol Risk Assessment(s)

Back-up Generator Fuel Tanks

Each aboveground 275-gallon tank of low-sulfur diesel fuel, located on pump station properties, are housed within a brick/cement structure and set on impermeable flooring. The tanks, used for back-up generator fuel, are located within a containment structure, able to handle roughly 72 gallons of released material, should the tank/supporting leg(s) fail. The vendor delivery process exposes outdoor “fill-pipes” which, if overfilled, would contaminate localized permeable soil. The tanks are equipped with “whistle” devices that sound-off when capacity is reached, and the volume is monitored by SCADA.

Oakdale and Coram properties employ the use of “stand-by” generators that house 550 steel (base) tanks underneath the structures for back-up fuel. They are situated over cement/impermeable slabs. The two units in Oakdale are single-walled tanks and the unit in Coram is a double-walled tank. Both systems are vulnerable during vendor delivery, where permeable soil surrounds two of the three cement slab locations.

The CM trucks (dump, compressor) and equipment (payloader, mini diggers) that utilize hydraulic fluids (predominantly mineral oils) carry a maximum volume of 60 gallons per unit. Equipment hoses need to be inspected on a regular basis.

204 Suffolk County Water Authority Diesel/Hydraulic Fuel Spill Response Protocol

Spill Reporting Criteria & Response Protocol

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has established the conditions under which a spill of petroleum hydrocarbons must be reported:

1) If the material spilled or released is greater than 5 gallons 2) If the spill or release of material occurs on a permeable surface 3) If the spill or release is not under control (regardless of volume), or 4) If the spill or release in question takes more than 2 hours to clean-up

● When any one of the above noted criteria has occurred, the First Responders must activate the following (communications) response protocol by contacting the Bay Shore Control Center @ (631)665-0663:

• Control Center contacts Jack Walsh

Work 774-5267 Cell 563-0281 Home 909-1530

• Jack Walsh contacts the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) for notification and (assigned) spill # and the Suffolk County Department of Health within 2 hours of notification

• Depending upon the spill volume, location, and environmental impact, Jack Walsh contacts either Fred Berg/CM supervisor on-call for SCWA response clean up or vendor under contract for response.

205 Suffolk County Water Authority Response Protocol Spill Kits and Clean Up Contents of On-Site Emergency Spill Kits

● 2008 Emergency Response Guidebook ● (6) 3 inch X 4 foot absorbent socks ● (2) 3 inch X 12 foot absorbent socks ● (6) 9 inch X 15 inch absorbent pillows ● (25) 15 inch X 19 inch pads ● (4) Disposable bags and ties ● (1) 30 gallon over-pack drum ● (4) Acid-gas cartridges ● (2) Pair canvas work gloves ● (2) Pair chemical resistant gloves ● (2) Sets of safety goggles ● (1) Roll of caution tape

Spill Clean-up Protocol

1.) Notify Bayshore Control Center @ (631)665-0663 2.) Use “Universal Precautions” and assume all material is potentially harmful; 3.) Don protective equipment: Goggles, gloves, respirator with cartridges; 4.) Secure the area where the spill has occurred. Use available caution tape; 5.) Utilizing absorbent pads and socks, seal-up any nearby storm drains; 6.) Utilizing absorbent pads and socks, seal-off any nearby permeable ground; 7.) Utilize earth, facility “speedy-dry” pads, socks and/or pillows to dike, absorb, contain or stop the flow of the spilled hypochlorite; 8.) Await response/direction from Supervisor/Management: a. Sweep-up residual material into DOT open-top drums; b.Await the response of contractors to clean-up residuals; 9.) Place gloves and cartridges into waste drum for removal/disposal.

Vendor Delivery Personnel:

Notify Bayshore Control Center @ (631) 665-0663. Stand pat.

206 Suffolk County Water Authority Diesel/Hydraulic Fuel Spill Response Protocol

Project Start-Up

Equipment, material and supplies will be collected from the 15 Pond building where they will be stored on a skid. The skid will contain, at a minimum: • TYVEK body suits and boot covers (10 sets) • 20 x 30 tarp’s • Duct tape • Caution tape • Canvas gloves • Five “open-top” 55 gallon drums • One “closed-top” 55 gallon drum

Site Remediation Process (Remediation Technicians)

1. Eliminate all ignition sources 2. Stop/control the leak/release source, if possible – if active 3. Evacuate/remove all non-essential personnel from the immediate area, rule-of-thumb: 150 feet (caution tape where possible) 4. Secure area 5. Contain spill/release with booms, pillows, pads, etc. focusing on potential waterways (i.e. storm drains); dirt/sand/absorbents can be used; surround the spill area / perimeter; 6. Obtain a mark-out if necessary 7. Begin to remove soil, placing excavated material on tarps 8. Utilize the PDI to pursue “hot-spots” 9. Take end-point samples for analysis (DEC approved) 10. Cover excavated soil (tarp-protect from rainwater) for future removal

207 Suffolk County Water Authority Diesel/Hydraulic Fuel Spill Response Protocol Clean-Up Objectives In diesel and gasoline spills, the contaminants of concern for groundwater are primarily BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, xylenes). These are the most mobile and toxic of the total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) family.

Groundwater clean-up goals: Benzene 00.04 mg/kg (ppm) (not usually present in diesel fuel) Toluene 20.00 mg/kg (ppm) Ethyl benzene 15.00 mg/kg (ppm) Total Xylenes 167.00 mg/kg (ppm)

In the unlikely event that the (spilled) contaminants reach the surrounding water table and thus create a concern for possible groundwater contamination, a contracted vendor will be summoned immediately for remediation. Should the response efficiently contain the released contaminants or impede their migration further than the surface soil, the clean-up objectives will be as follows:

Soil clean-up goals: BTEX analysis not necessary; Soil clean-up objectives will follow the guidelines established in the Suffolk County Department of Health (SCDH) document: Article 12 – SOP No. 9-95

“Standard Operating Procedure for the Administration of Article 12 of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code”

Remediation Based on Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) Concentration

“If the volatile organics concentration (VOC’s) indicates all parameters are within guidance values, but the TPH concentration exceeds 500ppm, the responsible party must provide a semi-volatile (base/neutral) analysis of the effected soil. The results of the analysis are compared with the values listed in Appendix A subject to a maximum allowable total semi- volatile concentration of 500ppm. A soil contaminated with a TPH concentration not exceeding 500ppm could remain in-place if no constituent exceeds its value listed in Appendix A or B, the total volatile hydrocarbon concentration does not exceed 10ppm, and the material does not exhibit a petroleum odor.” SCDH Article 12 – SOP No. 9-95

208 Suffolk County Water Authority Diesel/Hydraulic Fuel Spill Response Protocol

Following the clean-up and proper disposal of any spill/release, a report will be filed by the Safety & Environmental Manager of SCWA. The report will contain the following information (at a minimum):

• Date and time of release (or discovery) • Location of release • Determination as to cause factors of release • Assessment of response protocol • Assessment of clean-up • Assessment of equipment and materials used for the remediation • Notification documentation with respect to NYSDEC and SCDH (spill #) • Disposal documentation (non-hazardous waste manifest) • Objective analysis of entire process with recommendations for improvement, should any be noted.

209 Suffolk County Water Authority Response Protocol Sodium Hypochlorite

Sodium Hypochlorite - Spill Response Procedures

Production & Control Personnel:

Prevention - Follow guidelines for the safe storage (daily visual inspections of holding tanks and drums), transport ( transfer of product from holding tanks to vehicle and drums), and handling of sodium hypochlorite as outlined in the contents of training received to minimize the potential for spillage of any kind. Should an incident occur, the following sequence of thought I action shall be followed:

NOTIFICATION

Immediately notify the Control Center in Bayshore @ (631) 665-0663. Provide as much information as possible: • Estimate how much was released (gallons); RQ 12 gallons • Is the spill in containment or is it uncontrolled • Is the spill current, or is the spill not active and stationary • Assessment of any damage to date or impact on any nearby storm drains

ASSESSMENT

Based on the following criteria, the individual identifying the spill needs to make a decision on what action is appropriate to take (Contain the spill).

• Chemical involved in the spill • Volume of the chemical released • Availability of PPE for response (respirator, goggles, nitrile gloves) • Location & operational status of emergency eye and shower wash unit • Ventilation of the immediate area impacted by the spill • Training received

APPLICATION

The on-site employee can (then) take one of two approaches after properly assessing the situation:

• Await properly trained response contractors • Take action with the equipment/material in the site spill response kit

210 SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY

SAFETY MANUAL CHAPTER TEN CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN

211 Suffolk County Water Authority CHEMICAL HYGENE PLAN -TABLE OF CONTENTS Section

I. Policy, Scope, and Purpose 213 a. Policy b. Scope and Purpose

II. General Program Management 214 a. General Principles b. Responsible Personnel c. Laboratory Safety Committee d. Training

Ill. Sources and Requirements for Chemical Information 215 a. Sources b. Requirements

IV. Laboratory Equipment 217 a. Laboratory Fume Hoods b. Eyewash Stations c. Emergency Shower Stations d. Fire Extinguishers e. Chemical Spill Material

V. Procedures and General Work Practices 219 a. General Work and Hygiene Practices b. Personal Protective Equipment c. Procurement of Chemicals d. Storage of Chemicals e. Handling of Chemicals and Equipment f. Highly Toxic Chemicals g. Bulk Storage Tanks (Outside) h. Gas Cylinders i. Electrical Equipment j. Vessel Uses k. Distillations l. Glassware m. Laboratory Fume Hood Practices n. Fire Extinguishers o. Laboratory Glove Selection p. Spills q. Waste Disposal

VI. Exposure and Medical Assessments 232 a. Exposure Assessments b. Medical Assessments c. Evenings and Weekends Emergency Response

VII. Appendix A List of Contact Personnel 234

VIII. Appendix B Safety Shower Locations 235

IX Appendix C Chemical Hazard Information 236

X Appendix D Solvent Spill Clean-up Procedures 246

212 Section I. Policy, Scope, and Purpose

A. Policy

Chemical substances within the laboratory shall be handled so as to minimize exposure and contact in order to prevent adverse health effects. Chemicals shall be maintained below OSHA exposure limits. In the absence of established exposure limits, exposures to chemicals shall be maintained as low as reasonably possible and personal protective equipment and engineering controls utilized as necessary.

SCWA is committed to providing a safe work environment within the laboratory. An employee of SCWA is expected to follow rules and procedures contained within the Chemical Hygiene Plan for their safety, and for the safety of their co-workers. Employees are expected to work responsibly within the laboratory and to use information and training provided by SCWA to perform their job functions.

B. Scope and Purpose

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enacted the Laboratory Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1450 in an effort to minimize the incidence of chemically related employee illnesses and injuries. The Laboratory Standard mandated the implementation of a Chemical Hygiene Plan.

Elements of the Chemical Hygiene Plan include:

1. Protection of employees from health hazards associated with chemicals within the laboratory.

2. General guidance and procedures on the safe handling of chemicals, work practices, and selection and use of personnel protective equipment.

3. Description of control measures to minimize the risks of chemical exposure and for special control measures to be implemented for handling extremely hazardous chemicals and/or processes that contain hazardous chemicals.

4. Identifying personnel and responsibilities as defined in the plan which shall include appointment of a Chemical Hygiene Officer.

5. Define methods of chemical waste control and oversight.

6. Detail training requirements and methods of communication of hazard information to employees.

213 Section II. General Program Management

A. General Principles

The hazards of most chemical substances are not completely understood. This is especially true in regard to long-term (chronic) health effects from exposure to chemical substances. Therefore, it is necessary and prudent to minimize exposures to chemical substances. Chemical exposure may be minimized through application of the following methods and principles:

1. Careful planning and execution of work with chemicals;

2. Application of engineering controls. Engineering controls are designed to control airborne and/or other physical exposures to chemical substances. Engineering controls include fume hoods, drop-down exhaust, or other appropriate devices.

3. The use of personal protective equipment. Properly selected and correctly used, PPE is effective in reducing exposure to chemicals.

B. Responsible Personnel

The following personnel are responsible for the implementation of the Chemical Hygiene Plan:

Overall Responsibility Laboratory Director Chemical Hygiene Officer Appointed by Laboratory Director Safety Programs Safety & Environmental Manager

C. Laboratory Safety Committee

The laboratory has a Safety Committee that is comprised of the following personnel:

1. Safety & Environmental Manager

2. Chemical Hygiene Officer

3. Laboratory Manager and laboratory personnel

214 The Safety & Environmental Manager will be responsible for providing training to employees on a routine basis. Routine training will include contents of the CHP, Hazard Communication Standard, and the New York State "Right to Know." Basic chemical handling, storage and use practices, exposure information, health hazards associated with specific chemicals utilized by laboratory personnel, and spill response will also be inclusive of routine training. Providing specific information on laboratory procedures, work practices, and chemical applications including health hazards associated with said procedures will be the responsibility of the CHO, Assistant Laboratory Manager, or designated Supervisor. It will be the responsibility of the Safety Committee to determine applicable safety training topics and issues.

Laboratory employees will receive training prior to job assignment(s) and annually thereafter, at a minimum.

Section III. Sources and Requirements for Chemical Information

A. Sources

1. Labels & Pictograms

a. The initial source of information addressing the identity, gemeral physical, and chemical hazards associated with a specific chemical.

b. Provides hazard and precautionary statements.

2. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

a. The SDS is provided by the manufacturer or vendor of the chemical.

b. An SDS provides in-depth information concerning hazards, health effects, appropriate personal protective equipment, spill procedures, and other information in a clear, organized, 16-section format.

215 B. Requirements

1. Labels & Pictograms

a. A manufacturers label must be present on all packages received into the laboratory.

b. Every container used within the laboratory, except those involved in an analytical process and under the exclusive control of the chemist, must be labeled with contents (chemical ID).

c. The general hazards of the chemical must be communicated on the label.

2. Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

a. Procurement of SDS's

i. The Laboratory independently orders chemicals directly from the manufacturer or vendor. It is the responsibility of laboratory personnel ordering the chemicals to request and obtain the appropriate SDS.

b. Laboratory SDS File

i. SDS's for every chemical used or stored in the laboratory must be available on file in the "Laboratory SDS File" located in the laboratory library or, accessible online via vendor- provided system.

c. Missing SDS's

i. If an SDS is found to be missing, laboratory personnel must contact the vendor for a replacement.

216 Section IV. Laboratory Equipment

A. Laboratory Fume Hoods

Laboratory fume hoods are designed to protect personnel from chemicals they are working with or handling. Experience and testing have shown that fume hoods provide a high degree of protection when used properly, and maintained. Fume hoods must be functioning on a continual basis while the laboratory is in operation and, at no time, can the fume hoods be shut down without prior notification to the Laboratory Director.

1. Operating Flows

The operating flow or hood face velocity must be measured and recorded by HVAC contractors retained by the General Services Department.

The operating flow shall be measured with the sash in the full open position. Acceptable flows/velocity are, on average between 60 and 100 feet/min.

2. Record Keeping

Semi-annually, the General Services Department will supply to the Laboratory Director the results of the flow tests on all laboratory hoods (results will be sent to General Services and a copy of the report(s) will be sent to the laboratory).

Recorded information shall include:

a. Date of measurement b. Flow results (in feet/min) c. Name of individual performing testing d. Equipment used to measure flow

3. Insufficient Operating Flows

An operating flow less than 60 ft/min is insufficient. The hood should not be used until repaired.

An operating flow greater than 120 ft/min is considered high and will cause turbidity within the hood. The hood should not be used until repaired.

The HVAC contractor must immediately notify the Laboratory Director and General Services of all fume hoods that have insufficient operating flows. It is the responsibility of the Laboratory Director to notify personnel that the fume hood should not be used and an out-of-service notice posted on the hood.

The HVAC contractor and/or General Services must notify the Laboratory Director when repairs have been completed and the fume hood may be returned to service.

217 B. Eyewash Stations

Eyewash stations are located in sinks in the laboratory. The eyewash stations must be maintained and inspected.

1. Maintenance and Inspection

It is the responsibility of the General Services Department to inspect and maintain the eyewash stations. The eyewash stations must be inspected on an annual basis by General Services, quarterly by the Safety Committee, and weekly by Lab personnel.

2. Record Keeping

Inspections by General Services shall be recorded and maintained by the Laboratory.

C. Emergency Shower Stations

Emergency shower stations are located throughout the laboratory.

1. Maintenance and Inspection

It is the responsibility of the General Services Department to inspect and maintain the emergency showers. The emergency showers must be inspected on an annual basis.

Access to, and underneath the showers must be kept free and clear of obstructions.

2. Record Keeping

Inspections are to be recorded on the inspection tag hanging from the emergency shower station.

D. Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are to be maintained in the laboratory and inspected on an annual basis. The inspection and maintenance of fire extinguishers is contracted through the General Services Department to a certified Provider.

If used, a fire extinguisher needs to be recharged. Notify the General Services Department immediately.

E. Chemical Spill Material

A supply of chemical spill materials must be maintained in each of the laboratory rooms wherever the potential for spills exists (i.e., adsorbent powders and barrier sheets). The Safety Committee will check the supply on a quarterly basis. Lab employees should check supplies monthly. Notify the Chemical Hygiene Officer of used spill clean-up materials. Spill cleanup materials must be replaced.

218 Section V. Procedures and General Work Practices

A. General Work and Hygiene Practices

1. The laboratory will be kept clean and orderly. Counters are to be cleaned on a routine basis and work areas kept free of clutter.

2. Aisles and exits must be kept clear.

3. Smoking is not permitted in the Laboratory.

4. Wash hands after working with chemicals.

5 Eating or drinking is not permitted at the Laboratory workbenches.

6. Eating is permitted in break/lunch areas only.

7. Remove lab coat when exiting the laboratory prior to eating, drinking, or using a lavatory.

8. When working with chemicals, loose clothing should be confined and long hair pulled back. Appropriate shoes should be worn. Open toe shoes are unacceptable.

9. Employees will not engage in behavior that might confuse, startle, or distract another employee. Headphones/earpieces should not be worn in the Laboratory.

10. Keep the outside of all containers dry and free of chemicals at all times.

11. Avoid contact between mouth and Laboratory equipment.

12. Mouth pipetting is not permitted.

13. Processes that generate sources of air contamination or present ignition hazards shall be conducted under the hood.

14. A laboratory fume hood will be used to prevent inhalation of toxic gases, fumes, and/or dust. All pouring and transferring of chemicals shall take place in the hood

219 B. Personal Protective Equipment

1. Eye protection shall be worn at all times when working with chemicals or apparatus in the Laboratory.

2. If an employee is working with a chemical that requires protective equipment, they must notify other employees within three feet of where they are working. All employees must wear the same level of protective equipment.

3. Safety goggles (non-vented or indirectly vented) must be worn at all times when the danger of chemical sprays, splashes, or vapors exists.

4. Safety glasses with side shields must be worn at all times when projectile hazards exist. Projectile hazards can include broken glass.

5. Laboratory coats are to be worn at all times when working with chemicals in the Laboratory. Laboratory coats should be removed prior to exiting the Laboratory.

6. Gloves shall be used whenever handling chemicals. Refer to Section N Laboratory Glove Selection for more information.

7. Full-face shields and aprons are available for use when splash or spray hazards exist. Full-face shields are considered secondary protection and must be worn in conjunction with safety glasses/goggles when the potential for splash exists.

C. Procurement of Chemicals

1. Verify the chemical sent by the manufacturer is the item that was ordered.

2. Prior to opening a package, make sure it is in the upright position. Upright arrows should be visible on opposite sides of the box.

3. Open cartons carefully. Use a safety knife to cut the carton sealing tape.

D. Storage of Chemicals

1. Chemicals stored in the laboratory shall be minimal and kept in quantities consistent with routine operations.

2. Chemical stock should be inspected on a routine basis to Ensure that degradation to packaging and/or labels has not occurred.

220 3. Store ALL unopened cartons, cans, or bottles in an upright position.

4. Identify those chemicals that potentially can undergo changes with prolonged storage, for example diethyl ether can form peroxides under improper storage conditions.

a) Flammable materials are to be stored in a flammable storage cabinet. Flammable cabinets are located under fume hoods.

b) Corrosive materials are to be stored in the corrosive storage cabinet. Corrosive cabinets are located under fume hoods.

c) Oxidizers are to be segregated from flammable, corrosive, or other reactive materials.

5. Chemical stock shall be stored and segregated in accordance with good chemical practices.

a) Ethers are to be stored in the refrigerator located in the Hood Room.

E. Handling of Chemicals and Equipment

All chemicals must be handled in a manner that does not increase risk of spill or container breakage.

1. Prior to opening a hazardous chemical, read all labels on the bottle and follow recommended safety precautions. Open bottles of hazardous chemicals slowly to relieve internal pressure and open them in the hood.

2. Handle all chemicals according to their hazard classification. Check the manufacturer's label for recommended PPE, handling, and storage requirements.

3. Corrosive materials are any liquids destructive to body tissue. This classification includes strong acids, strong bases, bromine, and hydrogen peroxide. Always wear splash-proof goggles (or full-face shield), rubber gloves, and a non-absorbent apron when handling these materials.

a) When handling a corrosive liquid, you may use a hood door for face protection instead of splash-proof goggles or face shield providing:

i. The glass of the hood floor is between the work and your face.

221 ii. You do not have to assume an awkward body position.

b) Supervision will be the final judge on the acceptability of substituting the hood door for a face shield or goggles on a given task.

4. Use coverall goggles, facemask, splash shield, or hood door as protection when pouring, stirring, or boiling corrosive liquids.

5. Chemicals cannot be transported outside the laboratory work areas in containers not designed for transport (i.e.; beakers, flasks, etc.) Chemicals transported throughout the laboratory must be in proper packaging or on carts. Laboratory wastes are to be brought to the Article 12 room on carts.

6. When removing a bottle from a carton or storage area, grasp the bottle by the neck and raise the bottle clear. Support the bottle by placing the other hand under the bottom. Do not carry a bottle by just lifting a ring; the ring may not support the weight of the material.

7. A rubber carrier is recommended for highly toxic, corrosive, or flammable chemicals. When in use take care that carrier's rubber handle does not interfere with either placing a bottle in or removing it from the carrier.

8. When pouring from large (1 gallon) bottles, grasp the finger ring or the entire neck of the bottle in one hand. Place the other hand under the bottle to support the weight.

9. Grasp pint and quart bottles firmly near the middle.

10. When picking up a small beaker (400 ml or smaller), grasp it firmly in the hand and curl your little finger under the beaker for support.

11. Hold large beakers (over 400 ml) with two hands.

12. When pouring from beakers or bottles, take care that the liquid does not splash out of the receiving container. If necessary, place a funnel in the receiver to prevent splashing or use a stirring rod.

222 F. Highly Toxic Chemicals

Chemicals that are known carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens, or recognized as "highly toxic," shall be used only under the most stringently controlled conditions.

1. Exposure Control a) Working under the laboratory hood b) Wearing gloves c) Wearing protective clothing d) Wearing eye and/or face protection

Refer to Appendix C for specific information on highly toxic chemicals within the Laboratory.

G. Bulk Storage Tanks (Outside)

The bulk storage tank, located on the north side of the building (near the Laboratory main entrance) contains liquefied Argon. The product is classified as a cryogenic material and is fenced off from employees and vendors, thereby limiting risk of mishap and injury. The tank has a gross volume of 568 gallons. Both emergency shut-off valves are located inside the building (rooms 122 & 126) and adjacent to the tank itself, serving as a shut-down for gas entering the building. The valves are clearly marked with a tag and the wording "Emergency Shut-off Valve".

H. Gas Cylinders

1. Compressed gas cylinders must be securely chained to the walls in the Gas Storage rooms at all times, and when not in use, all gas cylinders must have the valve caps in place.

2. The number of cylinders in the Gas Storage rooms cannot exceed the capacity of the room. Gas cylinders must be secured upright to prevent the possibility of personnel or objects knocking into them and toppling them over.

3. Empty cylinders must be tagged as "empty" and dated using a tag. If a tag is not available, masking tape and a marker are acceptable.

4. Empty cylinders must have the valve cap in place before being moved. cylinders must be transported using a cylinder hand-truck.

5. When replacing empty cylinders, make sure that the correct cylinder is hooked up properly to the correct line and regulator. Only designated personnel shall have the responsibility of hooking up new cylinders (i.e. acetylene shall never be hooked up to a copper line).

6. Check for gas leaks after connections are completed using a leak-detecting agent, such as a soapy water spray.

223 I. Electrical Equipment

1. Keep water away from electrical cords and outlets.

2. Do not handle electrical cords with wet hands.

3. Turn off electrical equipment when not in use.

J. Vessel Uses

1. Never heat concentrated strong acids or bases to temperatures over 154° C in Teflon-coated containers.

K. Distillations

1. Conduct ALL distillations employing volatile or flammable solvents in a hood.

2. For low-boiling solvents, use steam as a heat source. For higher-boiling solvents, where additional heat is required, use hot plates or mantles with unexposed coils.

3. Perform vacuum distillations behind a safety shield or in a closed hood.

L. Glassware

The proper use of glassware in the Laboratory is a necessity for safe working conditions. Use the following practices to prevent injury that could result from the misuse of Laboratory glassware:

1. Clean, dry, and return ALL glassware to its proper storage space immediately after use.

2. Store tall glass objects, such as large graduated cylinders horizontally, or stand them on specially constructed racks.

3. Never store glassware in pyramids.

4. Do not use drying racks as storage areas.

5. Wear leather or Kevlar gloves when picking up large pieces of broken glass.

6. Sweep up small pieces of broken glass with a dustpan and brush.

224

7. Do not dispose of broken glass in the regular garbage. Promptly discard broken, chipped, or cracked glassware by placing it in broken glass collection boxes located in each Laboratory. When the collection box is full, close up the box according to the directions.

8. Always wear leather gloves when cutting or fire-polishing glass tubing.

9. Fire-polish ALL sharp edges of glassware and tubing before using.

10. Never force a glass-to-rubber (or other flexible tubing) connection Moisten glass and flexible tubing with water or glycerin. Wear either coverall gloves covered with rubber gloves (for maximum protection) or, leather gloves when making these connections. Hold the flexible tubing in one hand and glass in the other, with thumbs opposing and not more than one thumb's width apart. Cautiously twist and push thumbs together. When removing, cut the tubing (or stopper) if it is attempting to force a separation.

11. Use tongs that fit the glassware. Never use tongs on large or heavy glassware (i.e.; 1 liter beakers or larger). Wear gloves if beakers are hot or contain corrosive material

12. Use ALL pipettes with a suction bulb that has been designed to fit ALL sizes of pipettes. Never fill a pipette by sucking with the mouth.

13. Never eat or drink from laboratory glassware.

14. Enclose ALL vacuum bottles, Dewar flasks, and thermos bottle inserts in a container or cloth tape to prevent flying glass if broken.

15. Use heat-resistant glassware (i.e.; Pyrex) when heat is to be applied to glass articles or is generated by reaction.

16. Use approved carriers for transporting glassware that cannot be easily or safely carried with one hand.

17. Use boiling chips rather than glass beads to prevent uneven boiling. Use boiling chips only once, and then dispose of them.

225 M. Laboratory Fume Hood Practices

For efficient and safe operation, observe the following general rules:

1. Use minimum required opening when working in the hoods. Do not remove sashes from horizontal sash hoods.

2. Use traps, scrubbers, or incinerators as primary devices to prevent toxic and/or noxious materials from being vented.

3. Keep storage of chemicals and equipment in the hoods to a bare minimum. Items present should be those in-use, and they should not block exhaust inlets.

4. Do not permit materials, such as paper, to enter exhaust ducts because they can lodge in the ducts or fan and reduce hood efficiency.

5. Keep ALL sources of emission at least 15 cm (6 inches) inside the hood. This greatly reduces chances for employee exposure.

6. Keep face outside plane of sash (i.e.; do not lean forward into the hood when working with chemicals inside the hood.

7. Do not block or alter the primary or secondary airflow in any way.

8. Close hood sashes completely when they are not in use.

In case of ventilation failure (i.e.; power failure), be prepared to:

1. Notify Supervisor and Laboratory Director immediately.

2. Stop work, and safeguard equipment and processes.

3. Pull down fume hood sash.

4. Open outside doors for ventilation.

226 N. Fire Extinguishers

The following table lists the classes of fire, type(s) of extinguisher's, and recommended uses:

Classification of Fire(s) Examples Common Extinguishing Agents Class A Paper, wood, cardboard Water Class B Grease, chemicals Carbon Dioxide Class C Electrical Dry powder / Chemical Class D Metal powders

Note: Carbon dioxide is recommended as an extinguishing agent for use on delicate instrumentation (ie: computer), whereas dry chemical powder is not.

The Laboratory is equipped with Class ABC fire extinguishers, which are acceptable for all anticipated laboratory fires. Extinguishers are located throughout the Laboratory. Laboratory personnel must be familiar with the locations of all fire extinguishers in their area. Employee training on extinguisher use will take place annually, at a minimum.

O. Laboratory Glove Selection

Most laboratory injuries occur to the fingers and hands. Wearing gloves for ALL chemical, mechanical, and material-handling work (unless their use would present a greater hazard) will minimize the number of these injuries. The following section gives information and guidance for the selection and use of gloves of various kinds to provide a margin of safety for chemical, as well as mechanical, uses.

Glove selection charts have been provided as a quick reference in the laboratories.

1. Selection

a) Analyze a job carefully before starting it in order to choose the best type(s) of glove, if applicable. No single glove material is effective for ALL uses. Butyl, Neoprene, natural rubber, nitrile, knit Kevlar, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, leather, fiberglass, and cotton gloves are commercially- available product lines.

b) Use manufacturer's recommendations, charts, and information supplied to make the proper glove selection (see below information).

227 2. Chemical Use

a) In choosing a glove for chemical use, consider several factors: i. Chemical and physical properties of the material ii. Nature of the potential exposure iii. Duration of protection iv. Physical performance required v. Length of glove needed (amount of skin protection)

b) For operations in which chemicals may run off the gloves onto the forearm of upper arm, wear long gloves with the edges turned back to form a cuff.

3. Mechanical and Materials Handling Uses

a) Mechanical and materials handling uses cover a wide range of such as using hand tools, carrying, or handling glassware. Factors to consider when choosing a glove for these uses are:

i. Physical properties of the material to be handled-are there sharp or rough edges? Are splinters possible? ii. Length of glove needed-Will wrists or forearms be exposed? iii. Temperature of material being handled--Are the materials very cold or very hot? iv. Dexterity required-Can the necessary manipulations be made with the proper tools while wearing gloves?

b) Glassware handling requires special thought. It is usually performed in conjunction with the use of chemicals. For most cases such as washing of glassware and simple manipulations, follow the recommendations for gloves for chemical use.

c) However, when you are attaching tubing to glassware or applying force to glass fittings, the glass may break, leaving razor-sharp edges. Most chemical use gloves will not provide proper protection against lacerations from these edges. If at all possible, wear Kevlar glove on the inside, next to the hand, and the chemical resistant glove on the outside.

4. Care of Gloves

a) Before putting on a glove, examine it for punctures, tears, or worn-through areas. Discard the glove if it has a defect. Periodically test chemical use gloves for leaks by inflating them with air and immersing in water. Bubbles will indicate leakage. An alternate test involves spinning the gloves by holding the cuff between the hands and, when full of air, twisting the cuff to seal. Loss of pressure will indicate leakage.

228 b) If you are using gloves that are impervious to water, wash them thoroughly with water after each use before you remove them. If you suspect that the gloves are contaminated and that the contamination will not wash off, has weakened, or permeated the glove material, dispose of the glove.

5. Storage of Gloves

a) Always store gloves in a clean, accessible area. b) Do not store contaminated gloves. c) Do not store gloves in laboratory hoods. d) Store polyvinyl alcohol gloves in a plastic bag.

6. Dermatitis

a) Occasionally, a person may develop dermatitis on the hands or forearms from wearing impermeable gloves. One or more of the following precautions may alleviate dermatitis:

i. Change gloves more frequently; ii. Wash gloves out and dry thoroughly; iii. Wear a pair of light cotton gloves as an inside liner; iv. Dust hands with talcum powder or corn starch before wearing gloves;

7. Removal of Contaminated Gloves

a) Proper removal of contaminated gloves is important. Remove the first glove in the conventional manner. To remove the second glove, carefully reach inside the edge on the palm side of the contaminated glove and firmly grasp the material. Then, carefully remove the glove by turning it inside out over the hand as the hand is withdrawn. Discard contaminated gloves.

229 8. Selection of Gloves

The following is a table of types of gloves available at the laboratory, recommended chemical uses, and any additional information:

Type of Glove Recommended Uses Additional Information Latex Acids, alkalis, salts, (natural rubber) ketones

Acetone, dioxane, ketones, esters, alcohols, Highest permeation resistance Butyl and most organic acids to gases and water vapors and bases

Acids, caustics, Puncture and Nitrile alcohols, fats, oils Abrasion resistance Do not use with PVC Acids, alcohols petroleum solvents

Acids, alcohol, caustics, Chemi Pro salts, petroleum-based (neoprene over latex) solvents, ketones

Toxic, highly permeating Not recommended with Viton chemicals, chlorinated acetone, THF, ethyl and aromatic solvents ether, or MEK

Protection against Kevlar Glass handling cuts and abrasions

230 P. Spills

1. Personal Contact

a) In the event of unintentional personal contact with a toxic or chemical substance, contact the Laboratory Director, or area Supervisor.

b) If any acids, alkalis, or corrosive chemicals contact an employee's skin or clothing, immediately flush with large quantities of water using the eyewash fountain and/or the safety shower.

c) If an employee is splashed on the face while wearing splash-proof goggles, flush with water from the safety shower before removing the goggles.

d) Transport any personnel unintentionally over exposed to toxic or chemical substances to an off-site medical center for an assessment and/or treatment.

Note: See Appendix D for Spill Response Procedures

Q. Waste Disposal

Laboratory procedures generate "waste" streams. All waste brought to the Article 12 room shall be "logged in" using provided manual.

NOTE: Chemicals are never to be disposed of down Laboratory sinks.

1. Analytical Waste Streams

Waste streams produced from analytical processes are to be collected in containers located in each laboratory. Once full, these containers are then transported to the Article 12 room. Analytical wastes include glassware rinse water. Three waste streams shall be provided for Article 12 room collection, namely: Acids, bases, and organics.

2. Sample Vials

The 2 ml auto sampler vials for the gas chromatograph containing solvents are to be collected into the vial crusher. The glass will be disposed of as non-hazardous waste material, and the liquid will be collected, labeled, and placed into the Article 12 room.

231 3. Expired or Off-Specification Stock

Standards and chemicals which are expired or off-specification will be collected and placed into the Article 12 room in their original packaging. These products are not to be consolidated with the analytical waste streams. The CHO shall be contacted for expired chemical removal.

4. Spill Cleanup Receptacle

Spill cleanup receptacles are to be properly labeled and placed into the Article 12 Room.

R. Exposure and Medical Assessments

1. Exposure Assessments

When new chemicals or processes are introduced into the Lab, the Supervisor must review the chemical and the procedure to identify the potential for employee exposure and communicate hazards associated with the procedure.

Where the potential for airborne exposure is significant, air monitoring must be done to determine if exposure limits are exceeded. Air monitoring will be coordinated through the Safety & Environmental Manager.

Personal Protective Equipment will be based on the type of work to be performed, how the work will be performed, and what chemical substances will be used. The Laboratory Director and the Safety and Environmental Manager will be responsible for selecting the proper equipment.

2. Medical Assessments

When an employee is known, or suspected, to have been exposed to a toxic or hazardous chemical, the following actions should be taken:

a. Decontaminate the person immediately following exposure

b. Immediately notify the Laboratory Director and seek medical follow-up.

c. Notify the Safety and Environmental Manager.

d. A medical consultation and/or medical evaluation will be conducted. SCWA's medical provider will be responsible to provide, in writing, ALL findings, medical opinion, and recommendations to the exposed individual.

232 Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for conducting a thorough investigation of ALL exposure incidents or those with serious potential for exposure. A SCWA 24-hour Accident Report form must be completed. The report, as well as all documentation relating to the exposure investigation, must be sent to the Safety and Environmental Manager.

ALL allegations of adverse health effects resulting from exposure to Chemical substances must be investigated and supported with appropriate documentation. A copy of the investigation and appropriate documentation must be sent to the Safety and Environmental Manager.

3. Evening, Weekend, and Holiday Procedures

For safety purposes, certain procedures are not to be performed in the laboratory during evenings (after 5:00p.m.), weekends, or holidays, unless other personnel are working in the laboratory and have been informed that the procedure will be performed.

The following procedures are NOT to be performed when working alone:

Methylation with Diazomethane

Should a Medical Emergency occur during evening hours or on a weekend, call 911.

233 Suffolk County Water Authority Appendix A- Laboratory List of Contact Personnel

Name Title ____ Contact Information

Kevin Durk Laboratory Director Extension 2119 Mobile 831-3542

Tom Schneider Chemical Hygiene Officer Extension 2121 Mobile 793-1179

Chris Niebling Laboratory Manager Extension 2115 Mobile 774-1760

Jeff Rinker General Services Extension 2346 Manager Mobile 831-3188

Jack Walsh Safety & Environmental Extension 2281 Manager Mobile 774-5267

234 Suffolk County Water Authority Appendix B Safety Shower Locations

Laboratory Section:

Volatile Organics

Metals

Glassware

Old Hood Room (2)

New Hood Room (2)

Wet Chemistry

Bacteriology

Extractions

Liquid Chromatography

235 Suffolk County Water Authority Appendix C Chemical Hazard Information

Segregation of Incompatible Chemicals - Storage Segregation Guidelines

Substances in the Left column should not be stored or handled that would result in the accidental contact with substances in the Right column under uncontrolled conditions. Incompatible chemicals should always be handled, stored and packed so that they cannot accidentally come in contact with each other. This list is not complete, nor are all compatibilities shown.

CHEMICALS KEEP OUT OF CONTACT WITH:

Acetic acid Chromic acid, nitric acid, glycol, permanganates, hydrogen peroxide.

Acetic anhydride Alcohols (ethanol, phenol, etc.), perchloric acid, ethylene glycol. Concentrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid mixtures, peroxides (i.e. Acetone peracetic acid soln, hydrogen peroxide).

Alkali, alkaline earth and strongly Chlorinated hydrocarbons (including:carbon tetrachloride, trichloro- electropositive metals, such as powdered ethylene, tetrachloroethane, methylene chloride, etc.)carbon dioxide, aluminum, magnesium, sodium, potassium. water.

Chlorinated hydrocarbons (including: Mercury, chlorine, calcium Ammonia (anhydrous) hypochlorite, iodine, etc.) bromine, hydrogen fluoride.

Acids, metal powders, flammable liquids, chlorates, nitrates, sulfur, finely Ammonium Nitrate divided organics, combustibles.

Aniline Nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide.

Azides Acids.

Calcium oxide Water. Carbon, activated Calcium hypochlorite, other oxidants. Ammonium salts, acids, metal powders, sulfur, finely divided organics, Chlorates combustibles. Acetic acid, ethyl alcohol, naphthalene, camphor, glycerol, turpentine, Chromic acid and chromium trioxide benzene, alcohol, other flammable liquids. Ammonia, acetylene, butadiene, butane, other petroleum gases (i.e. Chlorine methane, propane, ethane, etc.), sodium carbide, turpentine, benzene, finely divided metals. Copper Acetylene, hydrogen peroxide. Cyanides Acids. Ammonium nitrate, chromic acid, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, sodium Flammable liquids peroxide, halogens

Fluorine Isolate from everything.

236 Hydrazine Hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, any other hydrogen sulfide.

Hydrocarbons (benzene, butane, propane, Fluorine, chlorine, bromine, chromic acid, peroxides . gasoline, turpentine etc.)

Copper, chromium, iron, most metals or their salts, any flammable liquid, Hydrogen peroxide combustible materials, aniline, nitromethane. Hydrogen Sulfide Fuming nitric acid, oxidizing gases.

Hypochlorites Acids, activated carbon.j Iodine Acetylene, ammonia (anhydrous or aqueous) Nitrates Acids. Acetic acid, acetone, alcohol, aniline, chromic acid, hydrocyanic acid, Nitric acid (concentrated) hydrogen sulfide, flammable liquids, flammable gases, nitratable substances. Nitrites Acids. Nitoparaffins Inorganic bases, amines. Oxalic acid Silver and mercury and their salts. Oils, grease, hydrogen, propane, other flammable liquids, flammable Oxygen solids, flammable gases. Acetic acid, acetic anhydride, bismuth and its alloys, alcohol, paper, wood, Perchloric acid grease, oils (all organics) Peroxides, organic Acids (organic or mineral), (also avoid friction, store cold). Ammonium salts, acids, metal powders, sulfur, finely divided organics, Potassium chlorate combustibles. Acids, acetic anhydride, bismuth and its alloys, alcohol, paper, wood, Potassium perchlorate grease, oils (all organics). Potassium permanganate Glycerol, ethylene glycol, benzaldehyde, sulfuric acid. Selenldes Reducing agents. Acetylene, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, fulminic acid (produced in nitric acid- Silver and silver salts ethanol mixtures), ammonium compounds. Chlorinated hydrocarbons (include. carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethane, methylene chloride, etc.) carbon Sodium dioxide, water or aqueous solutions. Sodium chlorate Sulfur in bulk Sodium nitrite Ammonium nitrite and other ammonium salts. Any oxidizable substance, such as ethanol, methanol, glacial acetic acid

Sodium peroxide acetic anhydride, benzaldehyde, carbon disulfide, glycerol, ethylene

glycol, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, furfural. Sulfides Acids. Sulfuric acid Chlorates, perchlorates, permanganates. Tellurides Reducing agents.

237 Section W: Chemical Storage Guidelines

General Guidelines

• Store dry chemicals on shelves.

• Store flammables together. Use approved flammable storage cabinets. If possible, the cabinets should be ventilated.

• Store acids and bases separately in designated cabinets.

Exception: Nitric acid, when combined with acetic acid on a tile/concrete floor, will sometimes create a fire. Therefore, Nitric acid must not be stored with acetic acid.

• Oxidizers and toxic substances should be stored near a hood.

• Store general cleaning materials under the sink.

238 Flinn Scientific Suggested Chemical Storage Pattern

Storage of laboratory chemicals presents an ongoing safety hazard. There are many chemicals that are incompatible with each other. The common method of storing these products in alphabetical order sometimes results in incompatible neighbors. For example, storing strong oxidizing materials next to organic chemicals can present a hazard.

A possible solution is to separate chemicals into their organic and inorganic families and then to further divide the materials into related and compatible families. Below is a list of compatible families.

Inorganic _Organic______

1. Metals, Hydrides 1. Acids, Amino Acids, Anhydrides, Peracides 2. Acetates, Halides, Iodides, Sulfates, 2. Alcohols, Glycols, Sugars, Aminies, Sulfites, Thiosulfates, Phosphates, Halogens Amides, Imines, Imides 3. Amides, Nitrates (except Ammonium 3. Hygrocarbons, Esters, Aldehydes, Oils Nitrate) Nitrites, Azides 4. Ethers, Ketones, Ketenes, Halogenated 4. Hydroxides, Oxides, Silicates, Carbonates, Hydrocarbons, Ethylene Oxide Carbon 5. Epoxy Compounds, Isocyanates 5. Sulfides, Selenides, Phosphides 6. Peroxides, Hydroperoxides, Azides 6. Chlorates, Bromates, Iodates, Chlorites, 7. Sulfides, Polysulfides, Sulfoxides, Nitriles Hypochlorites, Perchlorates,, Perchloric Acid, 8. Phenols, Cresols Peroxides, Hydrogen Peroxide 9. Dyes, Stains, Indicator 7. Arsenates, Cyanides, Cyanates 8. Borates, Chromates, Manganates, Permanganates 9. Acids (except Nitric Acid. Store NitricAcid on an isolated shelf by itself) 10. Sulfur, Phosphorus, Arsenic, Phosphorus Pentoxide

Note: Volatile materials (ether, hydrocarbons, etc.) must be stored in an explosion- proof refrigerator. The thermostat switch or light switch in a standard refrigerator may spark and set off the volatile fume inside and thus cause an explosion.

This list is not a complete list and is intended only to cover the materials possibly found in an average laboratory setting. This is not the only method of arranging these materials and is purely offered as a suggestion.

239 This is your CHEMICAL RED FLAG LIST. A chemical included on this list has severe hazard alert. Severely poisonous, severely toxic, severely flammable, severely corrosive, strong oxidizer, carcinogen, and/or strong stench are all the characteristics, which may qualify a chemical as a severe hazard. If any of these chemicals are in your building, they should be well protected in secure bags and cans and identified on your inventory sheets. Mercury, mercury compounds and apparatus containing mercury should not be in any DCP’s science lab or classroom

Acetic Acid Flammable liquid; corrosive

Acetyl Chloride Dangerous fire risk, violent with water

Adipoyl Chloride Corrosive

Aluminum Chloride/anhydrous Violent with water

Ammonium Hydroxide Respiratory hazard; severely corrosive

Aniline Severely toxic

Antimony Pentachloride Corrosive; reacts with organics

Antimony Trichloride Corrosive

Arsenic Trioxide Known carcinogen; severely toxic

Benzene Known carcinogen

Benzoyl Chloride Heating releases phosgenes; reacts violently with water alcohol, oxides

Benzoyl Peroxide Flammable and explosive; reacts violently with bases

Benzyl Alcohol Reacts violently with oxidants

Bromine toxic By inhalation and ingestion; oxidizer; reacts violently with organics

Butyric Acid. Stench agent; lachrymator

Cadmium, Cadmium Salts Known carcinogens

Calcium Carbide Evolves acetylene with water; fire risk

Carbon Disulfide Severe fire risk

Dioxane Carcinogen

Ether Peroxidizable, flammable

Formaldehyde Alleged carcinogen

Hydrochloric Acid Severely corrosive

Hydrogen Peroxide 30% readily decomposes with almost anything

Lithium Metal-alkali metal flammable solid

Magnesium, Metal Powder-flammable solid

Magnesium Perchlorate Oxidizer; dangerous in combination with organic material

Mercury Severely and subtly toxic

Nitric Acid Strong oxidizer

Perchloric Acid contact with organics results in explosion

Phosphorus, yellow/white Flammable solid; self ignition, possible evolving dangerous

Picric Acid Explosive when dry

Potassium-peroxidizable Flammable solid

Potassium/Sodium Cyanide Severely toxic

Potassium Permanganate Oxidizer, explodes with sudden heat

Sebacoyl Chloride Corrosive; eye irritant

Sodium Flammable solid

Sodium Azide. Decomposes explosively; toxic

Sodium Peroxide Explosion/fire risk in combination with powdered metals and organics; oxidizer

Sulfuric Acid Severely corrosive

NOTE: Fumes of hydrochloric acid and formaldehyde, when mixed, form the known carcinogen chloromthoxchloromethane Source: Flynn Scientific, Inc. Flinn Chemical Catalog Reference Manual, 1995l

240 241 Group 1: Inorganic Acids Dichloropropane Chlorosulfonic acid Dichloropropene Hydrochloric acid (aqueous) Ethyl chloride Hydrofluoric acid (aqueous) Ethylene dibromide Hydrogen chloride (anhydrous) Ethylene dichloride Hydrogen fluoride (anhydrous) Methyl bromide Nitric acid Methyl chloride Oleum Methylene chloride Phosphoric acid Monochlorodifluoromethane Sulfuric acid Perchloroethylene Propylene dichloride Group 2: Organic Acids 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene Acetic acid 1,1,1-Trichloroethane Butyric acid (n-) Trichloroethylene Formic acid Trichlorofluoromethane Propionic acid Rosin Oil Group 6: Alcohols, Glycols and Glycol Ethers Tall oil Allyl alcohol Amyl alcohol Group 3: Caustics 1,4-Butanediol Caustic potash solution Butyl alcohol (iso, n, sec, tert) Caustic soda solution Butylene glycol Corn syrup Group 4: Amines and Alkanolamines Cyclohexyl alcohol Aminoethylethanolamine Decyl alcohol (n, iso) Aniline Dextrose solution Diethanolamine Diacetone alcohol Diethylenetriamine Diethylene glycol Diisopropanolamine Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether Dimethylamine Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether Ethylenediamine Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether Diethylene glycol Hexamethylenediamine monomethyl ether 2-Methyl-5-ethylpyridine Diisobutyl carbitol Monoethanolamine Dipropylene glycol Monoisopropanolamine Dodecanol Morpholine Ethoxylated dodecanol Pyridine Ethoxylated pentadecanol Triethanolamine Ethoxylated tetradecanol Triethlamine Ethoxylated tridecanol Triethylenetetramine Ethoxytriglycol Trimethylamine Ethyl alcohol Ethyl butanol Group 5: Halogenated Compounds 2-Ethylbuytl alcohol Allyl chloride 2-Ethylhexyl alcohol Carbon tetrachloride Ethylene glycol Chlorobenzene Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether Chloroform Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether Chlorohydrines, crude Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether Dichlorobenzene (o-) Furfuryl alcohol Dichlorobenzene (p-) Glycerine Dichlorodifluoromethane Heptanol Dichloroethyl ether Hexanol 242 Group 6: Alcohols, Glycols and Glycol Ethers Group 9: Saturated Hydrocarbons (cont.) Butane Hexylene glycol Cyclohexane Isoamyl alcohol Ethane Isooctyl alcohol Heptane Methyoxytriglycol Hexane Methyl alcohol Isobutane Methylamyl alcohol Liquified natural gas Molasses, all Methane Nonanol Nonane Octanol n-Paraffins Pentadecanol Pentane Petrolatum Polypropylene glycol methyl ether Petroleum ethers Propyl alcohols (n, iso) Petroleum naphtha Propylene glycol Polybutene Sorbitol Propane Tetradecanol Propylene butylene polymer Tetraethylene glycol Tridecyl alcohol Group 10: Aromatic Hydrocarbons Triethylene glycol Benzene Undecanol Cumene p-Cymene Coal tar oil Group 7: Aldehydes Diethybenzene Acetaldehyde Dodecyl benzene Acrolein (inhibited) Dowtherm Butyraldehyde (n, iso) Ethylbenzene Crotonaldehyde Naphtha, coal tar Decaldehyde (n, iso) Naphthalene (includes molten) 2-Ethyl-3-proplyacrolein Tetrahdyronaphthalene Formaldehyde solutions Furfural Toluene Hexamethylenetetramine Triethyl benzene Isooctyl aldehyde Xylene (m-, o-, p-) Methyl butyraldehyde Group 11: Olefins Methyl formal Butylene Paraformaldehyde 1-Decene Valeraldehyde Dicylcopentadiene Diisobuytlene Group 8: Ketones Dipentene Acetone Dodecene Acetophenone 1-Dodecene Camphor oil Ethylene Cylcohexanone Liquified petroleum gas Diisobutyl ketone 1-Heptene Isophorone 1-Hexane Mesityl oxide Isobutylene Methyl ethyl ketone Nonene Methyl isobutyl ketone 1-0ctene

243 Group 11: Olefins (cont.) Group 12 Petroleum Oils (contd) 1-Pentene Spindle oil Polybutene Spray oil Propylene Transformer oil Propylene butylene polymer Turbine oil Propylene tetramer (dodecene) 1-Tetradecene Group 13: Esters 1-Tridecene Amyl acetate Turpentine Amyl tallate 1-Undecene Butyl acetates (n, iso, sec) Butyl benzyl phthalate Group 12: Petroleum Oils Castor oil Asphalt Croton oil Gasolines Dibutyl phthalate Casingead Diethyl carbonate Automotive Dimethyl sulfate Aviation Dioctyl adipate Jet Fuels Dioctyl phthalate JP-1 (kerosene) Epoxidized vegetable oils JP-3 Ethyl acetate JP-4 Ethyl diacetate JP-5 (kerosene, heavy) Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate Kerosene Ethylhexyl tallate Mineral spirits Fish oil Naphtha (non aromatic) Glycol diacetate Naphtha Methyl acetate Solvent Methyl amyl acetate Stoddard solvent Neats foot oil VM&P Olive oil Oils Peanut oil Absorption oil Propyl acetates (n, iso) Clarified oil Resin oil Crude oil Soya bean oil Diesel oil Sperm oil Fuel oil Tallow No. 1 (Kerosene) Tanner's oil No. 1-D Vegetable oil No.2 Wax, carnauba No. 2-D No.4 No.5 No.6 Lubricating oil Mineral oil Mineral seal oil Motor oil Penetration oil Range oil Road oil

244 Group 14: Monomers and Polymerizable esters Group 18: Nitriles Acrylic acid (inhibited) Acetonitrile Aerylonitrile Adiponitrile Butadiene (inhibited) Butyl acrylate (n, iso) Group 19: Ammonia Ethyl acrylate (inhibited) Ammonium hydroxide 2-Ethylhexyl acrylate (inhibited) Isodecyl acrylate (inhibited) Group 20: Halogens Isoprene (inhibited) Bromine Methyl acrylate (inhibited) Chlorine Methyl methacrylate (inhibited) o-Propiolactone Group 21: Ethers Styrene (inhibited) Diethyl ether (ethyl ether) Vinyl acetate (inhibited) l, 4, Dioxane Vinyl chloride (inhibited) Isoprophyl ether Vinylidene chloride (inhibited) Ethers (cont) Vinyl toluene Tetrahydrofuran Group 15: Phenols Carbolic oil Group 22: Phosphorus, elemental Creosote, coal tar Cresols Group 23: Sulfur, molten Nonylphenol Phenol Group 24: Acid Anhydride Acetic anhydride Group 16: Alkylene Oxides Propionic anhydride Ethylene Oxide Propylene Oxide

Group 17: Cyaoohydrins Acetone cyanohydrin Ethylene cyanohydrin

245 SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY APPENDIX D Solvent Spill Response Procedures

Prevention - Follow guidelines for the safe storage, transport, and handling of laboratory chemicals as outlined in the CHP and the contents of training received to minimize the potential for spillage of any kind. Should an incident occur, the following sequence of thought/action shall be followed:

NOTIFICATION

Immediately notify either a) Lab personnel, b) Supervisor, or, if working alone, c) Kevin Durk@ extension 2119. Never attempt to clean-up a chemical spill of any kind without notifying a fellow worker first, regardless of volume.

ASSESSMENT

Based on the following criteria, the individual identifying the spill needs to make a decision on what action is appropriate to take (clean-up the spill or evacuate the room):

• Chemical involved in the spill • Volume of the chemical released • Availability of PPE for response (goggles, nitrile gloves) • Location & operational status of emergency eye and shower wash unit • Ventilation of the immediate area impacted by the spill • Training received

APPLICATION

1. Spill-X Powder - (if the volume is less than 1 liter) • Select the appropriate powder (acid, base, solvent) • Encircle spill area by pouring the powder around its perimeter, then slowly inward, until all liquid is covered and absorbed. • Sweep-up into a container/bag and deliver to the Article 12 Room for eventual disposal.

2. Vapor Barrier Sheets (VBS) - (when the spill volume is greater than 1 liter) • Simply toss the (universal waste) sheets onto the spill. Each sheet has the capacity of absorbing 4 liters, while containing any vapors. • Wearing gloves, place sheets into a container/bag and deliver to the Article 12 Room for eventual disposal.

246 SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY

SAFETY MANUAL CHAPTER ELEVEN HEAT STRESS ENVIRONMENTS

247 Suffolk County Water Authority WORKING IN HEAT- STRESS ENVIRONMENTS Purpose

The combination of heat, humidity and physical labor can potentially lead to heat- related occupational injuries and/or illnesses serious enough to result in lost work time, or death, when workers are not adequately prepared or adjusted for the conditions. The purpose of this program will be to provide basic guidelines for Water Authority employees required to perform work in adverse heat-related conditions, and to ensure that the potential for harm is minimized, if not eliminated.

References

OSHA Trade News Release… Protecting Workers in Hot Summer Weather U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services… Working in Hot Environments OSHA Technical Manual; Section Heat Stress Roger L. Brauer Safety & Health for Engineers

Terms & Concepts

Conduction - is the transfer of heat between materials that come in contact with each other. Heat passes from the warmer material to the cooler surface. For example, a worker's skin can transfer heat to a contacting surface if that surface is cooler, and vice versa. Conduction is of little significance, however, in air environments. It is the dominant mode of heat transfer in fluids.

Convection - is the transfer of heat in a moving fluid. Air flowing past the body can cool the body if the air temperature is cool. On the other hand, air that exceeds 95F can increase the heat load on the body. If the skin temperature is higher than the surrounding air, heat will be removed from the body. If the air temperature is higher than skin temperature, heat will be added to the body, adding to the burden of metabolic heat that must be removed through radiation or evaporation to maintain a constant body temperature.

Air speed affects the rate of heat transfer by convection. Whether heat is being added or removed, a fourfold increase in air speed will about double the rate of heat transfer. Having a fan blow air over the body when the air temperature is higher than the skin temperature actually adds heat to the body by convection.

248 Evaporation - Humans have the capability to sweat as a means for cooling the body. Sweat glands in the skin secrete sweat, which is primarily water containing some dissolved salts. Sweat increases, as the thermal regulation system in the body requires increased cooling to remove heat. As sweat evaporates from the skin, cooling results due to the change of state from liquid to vapor. The maximum amount of cooling that can be achieved through sweating is a function of air speed and the ability of the surrounding air to accept additional moisture.

In hot, humid conditions, the vapor pressures in air and at the skin surface are nearly the same. The environment then limits cooling through evaporation of sweat. In hot, dry environments, the difference in vapor pressures is large and the evaporation is rapid. In those circumstances where evaporation is rapid, the cooling of the body may actually be limited by the maximum rate at which sweat is produced.

Humidity - Absolute humidity is the weight of water vapor per unit volume. Relative humidity is the ratio of the vapor pressure of water vapor in a space to the saturation pressure of pure water at the same temperature.

Metabolism - is a by-product of the body's activity. It is known as the rate at which heat is produced in the body, which is determined by the body's activity being performed. Cells in the body burn oxygen and nutrients in performing their functions and heat is produced in the chemical process of combustion. Cells produce more heat with increased activity and the total amount of heat produced by the body is determined by the activity of the body. Typical values of oxygen consumption for various activities are listed in Table I.

Radiation - is the transfer of heat energy through space. A worker whose body temperature is greater than the temperature of the surrounding surfaces radiates heat to these surfaces. Hot surfaces and infrared light sources radiate heat that can increase the body's heat load.

249 Table I -Metabolic Costs (Oxygen Consumption) for Selected Activities

Activity Cost (kcal / hour)

General Light work up to 200 Moderate work 200-350 Heavy work 350-500 Resting Sleeping 70-75 Sitting quietly 80-100 Standing relaxed 110 Work Drafting 115 Driving a car Light traffic 80 Heavy traffic 190 Carpentry 230 Welding 180 Shoveling 410 Sweeping floors 235 Sawing wood by hand 480 Recreation Volleyball 210 Tennis 425 Swimming 400-550 Dancing, moderately 250 Basketball 515

Note: Adopted from C.F. Conzolazio, R.E. Johnson and L.J. Pecora, Physiological Measurements of Metabolic Functions in Man, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1963.

Adverse Health Effects from Over-Exposure to Heat

Fainting - A worker who is not accustomed to hot environments and who stands erect and immobile in the heat may faint. With enlarged blood vessels in the skin and in the lower part of the body due to the body's attempts to control internal temperature, blood may pool there rather than return to the heart to be pumped to the brain. Upon lying down, the worker should soon recover. By moving around, and thereby preventing blood from pooling, the individual can prevent further fainting.

Heat Cramps - Heat cramps are painful spasms of the muscles that occur among those who sweat profusely in heat, drink large quantities of water, but do not adequately replace the body's salt loss. The drinking of large quantities of water tends to dilute the body's fluids, while the body continues to lose salt. Shortly thereafter, the low salt level in the muscles causes painful cramps. The affected muscles may be part of the arms, legs or abdomen, but tired muscles (those used in performing the work) are usually the ones most susceptible to cramps. Cramps may occur during or after work hours and may be relieved by drinking salted liquids or those containing electrolytes.

250 Heat Exhaustion - Heat exhaustion includes several clinical disorders having symptoms that may resemble the early signs of heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is caused by the loss of large amounts of fluid by sweating, sometimes with excessive loss of salt. A worker suffering from heat exhaustion still sweats but experiences extreme weakness or fatigue, giddiness, nausea, or headache. In more serious cases, the victim may vomit or lose consciousness. The skin is clammy and moist, the complexion is pale or flushed, and the body temperature is normal or only slightly elevated.

Heat Rash - Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, is likely to occur in hot, humid environment’s where sweat is not easily removed from the surface of the skin by evaporation and the skin remains wet most of the time. The sweat ducts become plugged, and a skin rash soon appears. When the rash is extensive or when it is complicated by infection, prickly heat can become very uncomfortable and may reduce a worker's performance.

Heat Stroke - Heat stroke is the most serious of health problems associated with working in hot environments. It occurs when the body's temperature regulatory system fails and sweating becomes inadequate. The body's only effective means of removing excess heat is compromised with little warning to the victim that a crisis stage has been reached.

A heat stroke victim's skin is hot, usually dry, red or spotted. Body temperature is usually 105F or higher, and the victim is mentally confused, delirious, perhaps in convulsions, or unconscious. Unless the victim receives quick and appropriate treatment, death can occur.

Transient Heat Fatigue - This refers to the temporary state of discomfort and mental or psychological strain arising from prolonged heat exposure. Workers unaccustomed to the heat are particularly susceptible and can suffer, to varying degrees, a decline in task performance, coordination, alertness, and vigilance. The severity of transient heat fatigue will be lessened by a period of gradual adjustment to the hot environment (heat acclimatization).

251 The Human Body

The human body is equipped with a remarkable complex and delicate mechanism whose purpose is to hold body temperature within extremely narrow limits despite a wide range of external air conditions. The human body has remarkable powers of adaptation. As soon as skin temperature rises or falls above or below an optimum, the body sets out to correct matters- sweat is secreted in a hot environment and blood is redistributed between the skin and deeper tissues in a cold environment. In this way a two-sided mechanism controls the body temperature by:

a) Regulation of internal heat production (chemical regulation), and;

b) Regulation of heat loss through automatic variation in skin circulation and the operation of sweat glands (physical regulation).

Problems of heat stress are more common than those presented by a very cold environment. The blood carries heat from deep within the body to the skin where heat can be dissipated by convection, radiation, or evaporation. When a hot environment places an additional load on the cardiovascular system of an individual and the transfer of heat from the body is not adequate, and then warming occurs. Excessive warming of the body can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion and sometimes heat stroke. The rate at which metabolic heat is produced in the body must be balanced by the rate at which heat is lost to the environment.

One of the best ways to reduce heat stress on workers is to minimize heat in the workplace. The outdoor work environment for CM employees is difficult to control since they are exposed to the weather elements year-round. Although humans are, to a large extent, capable of adjusting to the heat, it normally takes about 5-7 days, during which time the body will undergo a series of changes that will make continued exposure to heat more endurable.

On the first day of work in a hot environment (heat & humidity), the body temperature, pulse rate and general discomfort will be higher. With each succeeding daily exposure, all of these responses will gradually decrease, while the sweat rate will increase. When the body becomes acclimated to the heat, the worker will find it possible to perform work with less strain and stress.

Gradual exposure to heat gives the body time to become accustomed to higher environmental temperatures. Heat disorders in general are more likely to occur among workers who have not been given time to adjust to working in the heat or among workers who have been away from hot environments and who have gotten accustomed to lower temperatures. Hot weather conditions of the summer are likely to affect the worker who is not acclimatized to heat.

252 Our line of work does not allow us to acclimate to the hot working environment over a span of 5 to 7 days, as experts recommend. Even though our job assignments are outdoors, the weather factors and conditions are not consistent enough for worker acclimatization. There are alternative measures the Water Authority can take to protect our employees from heat related stress, namely Administrative Controls & Work Practices.

Risk Factor(s)

There are many factors which can, and do, contribute to heat related injuries and illnesses. They are:

a) Individual’s age; b) His/her degree of physical fitness; c) Individual’s weight; d) Degree of acclimatization (initial hours in the field / hours of exposure); e) Individual’s medical condition(s).

The Water Authority does not "screen" individuals before work release into the field each day. It is the responsibility of a worker to understand that poor physical condition will place him/her at greater risk while performing physically demanding work under added heat related stresses. Should an individual have a medical condition or be under a doctor’s care, with possible prescription medicine, it is their responsibility to notify their supervisor before the work day begins, to prevent illness or injury. In such an instance, a doctor’s note should be provided outlining the heat related stresses to avoid while working.

Operational Work Practices, Administrative Controls & Safety Guidelines

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service heat alert procedures are based mainly on “Heat Index Values”. The “Heat Index”, sometimes referred to as the apparent temperature or “real-feel” temperature, is given in degrees Fahrenheit. The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored with the actual air temperature.

253 Whenever the National Weather Service’s “Heat Index” reaches a "targeted level" of 105 degrees Fahrenheit for Suffolk County, the following measures will be activated:

* Rotation of job tasks whenever possible by on-site personnel (regardless of title) * Should job task rotation not be possible, a five-minute break should follow every 15 minutes of activity (specific activities addressed: shoveling, pipe blowing, jack-hammering);

* A steady methodical work pace adjusted to the elements, avoiding short bursts of activity;

* Maintaining minimal skin exposure to the sun: wearing T-shirts / tank tops to absorb the sweat (the body actually stays cooler with a light shirt as opposed to no shirt at all).

* Finally, no standing in direct sunlight whenever the sun can be avoided.

Note: All field construction personnel should follow the above noted guidelines when required to perform physically demanding job task(s) (i.e. shoveling, pipe blowing, and jack-hammering)

Fluid Intake

As mentioned earlier, the secretion of sweat is the body's process of regulating / maintaining the body's core temperature. A worker may produce as much as two to three gallons of sweat over the course of a day and needs to have that replaced. Fluid intake should be at regular intervals (as opposed to a gallon at lunch) and the fluid does not need to be cold. Potable water supplied in the vehicle coolers should be dispensed throughout the day. However, water intake alone does not address the body's need for body salt replacement, which can lead to muscle cramping. When the Heat Index reaches the level of 105, the Water Authority will dispense electrolyte fluids to C&M workers / crews involved with the activities identified above, at the start of the day. The Safety Manager in coordination with each C&M site location will manage the distribution program. The electrolyte fluid should be taken after lunch, at the start of the second half of the workday.

Smart, practical, common sense approaches to working in heat stress environments, along with proper guidance from supervision, will compliment the guidelines identified in this program to ensure that Water Authority employees avoid preventable illness and unnecessary injuries while performing their assigned job tasks.

254 255 SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY

SAFETY MANUAL CHAPTER TWELVE SAFETY TALKS

256 Suffolk County Water Authority WEEKLY SAFETY TALKS TOPICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

Building Evacuations 261

Carbon Monoxide 262

Charging/Cleaning Vehicle Battery 263

Chemical Reactions 265

Chemical Spill Response 267

Compressed Air 269

Control of Hazardous Energy 271

Electric By-Pass Shunts 272

Fire Extinguishers 273

Forklifts/Powered Industrial Trucks 274

Hand and Power Tools -

Part 1 of 3 General 276

Part 2 of 3 Guards/Electric 278

Part 3 of 3 Pneumatic/Liquid Fuel 280

Hantavirus 282

Jack Hammering 283

Ladders- Proper Use 285

Lime Galleys 287

Lyme Disease 288

[Material] Safety Data Sheet (SDS) 290

Materials of Trade 292

MRSA 294

New Employees 295

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Part 1 of 2 296

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Part 2 of 2 297

Poison Ivy/Oak/Sumac 299

257 Suffolk County Water Authority WEEKLY SAFETY TALKS TOPICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS Preventable Accidents 300

Propane and Acetylene 301

Protecting our E yesight 302

Protecting your Home from Fire 304

Pump Stations 305

Radon Gas 307

Residential Properties 308

Respiratory Protection 310

Roadside Construction 312

The Safety Committee 315

Security Issues 317

Skin Cancer 318

Slips, Trips and Falls 320

Sodium Hypochlorite 321

Static Electricity 322

The Unforeseen 325

Trailer Hook-Ups 327

Transporting Material on Public Roadways 328

Trenching & Shoring 328

Universal Waste Program 330

Utilizing Valve Keys 331

Vault Entry & Atmospheric Testing 333

West Nile Virus 336

Working in Cold Environments 337

Working in Outdoor Heat Stress Environments 338

Working with Electricity - Part 1 of 3 340

Working with Electricity – Part 2 of 3 342

Working with Electricity – Part 3 of 3 344

258 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Building Evacuation(s) Purpose & Procedure

Every year companies lose employees to building fires. Many times it's due to the fact that people do not respond properly to emergency situations: whether it's due to poor communication, lack of attentiveness on their part, or simply a lack of training. In either case, lives are needlessly lost when they cannot escape from a burning building in an orderly fashion.

Every June, we here at SCWA have building evacuation exercises in the hope that the repetitiveness of the drills combined with the information provided during each exercise, will be ingrained into each participant that an evacuation, should it be necessary, should be taken seriously.

Whenever you are in a building, take note of the designated exits. Whether you are assigned to the same building day-after-day, or if you should travel to different sites, each building design is unique and requires attentiveness on your part to notice where the egress locations are. Not every door that leads to the outside is a designated exit, and only those that are identified as such should be used in an emergency!

Every building has an assembly area, which is a designated location for all building occupants to gather once they have left the building. Know where your assembly area is located. If you do not show-up to be accounted for, someone may have to go in to find you.

When your building alarm sounds, you must act responsibly, quickly, and orderly. Never react with speed or panic. You have an impact on those around you. Simply stop whatever you 1re doing and head to the nearest (designated) exit. You should always exit the building via the closest (designated) exit. Never walk through the building towards a door that you usually use, because many times the location of the fire is not known. Be aware of people in need of assistance throughout your building, and ensure that they are accounted for when the need arises for them to evacuate.

Each SCWA building has "Building Evacuation Coordinators" who have the responsibility to provide direction, guidance, and leadership during an emergency. If you do not know who they are, find out. They are in-charge during an emergency and will coordinate the actions of all, take account of who has made it to the assembly areas, and will provide direction should the group need to move, once all are accounted for.

Remember… if the bell sounds, act responsibly and effectively.

259 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Carbon Monoxide

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. 1,500 people die annually due to accidental carbon monoxide exposure, and additional 10,000 seek medical attention.

Carbon monoxide is a flammable, colorless, odorless, tasteless toxic gas produced during incomplete combustion of fuel - natural gas, oil, coal, wood, kerosene, etc. It can be produced by common household appliances such as gas or oil furnaces, clothes dryers, water heaters, ovens and ranges or charcoal grills, fireplaces, or idling vehicles.

Exposure to carbon monoxide decreases the ability of the blood to carry oxygen to the tissues because hemoglobin combines with CO much more readily than it does with oxygen by a ratio of 300:1. Inhalation of high concentrations may cause headache, nausea, dizziness, weariness, rapid breathing, unconsciousness, and death. According to Dr. Marc Bayer, Medical Director at the Connecticut Poison Control center, carbon monoxide can cause neurological problems, learning disabilities and developmental trouble in children and can lead to miscarriage for women exposed during pregnancy. "The increased danger the very young face is due to higher oxygen requirements for smaller bodies. Because children have faster metabolic rates than adults, they require more oxygen for vital organs such as the brain and heart. Since carbon monoxide interferes with oxygen delivery, it can also lead to damage to an infant’s developing nervous system."

What to do:

Proper placement of carbon monoxide detectors is the first step towards minimizing potential risk at home. With the (gas) density being slightly lighter than air (0.97 with air = 1), experts recommend placing the detector on your ceiling or at the "breathing zone" level, preferably in your sleeping area (obviously the more detectors installed throughout the house the greater the protection). Should an alarm go off, the first thing you should do is turn off ignition sources throughout the house, like your appliances, because carbon monoxide is a very explosive gas. Next would be to open the window's to allow fresh air in to properly ventilate the area. Here at work, never idle your vehicle near a vault you might be entering, especially if you're using forced air ventilation. Ensure that when you keep a utility truck idling at a worksite (for equipment usage) the tail pipe is clear and unobstructed so exhaust does not find its way back into your vehicle. Finally, never use gas- powered equipment in underground vaults!

Minimizing the risk of exposure to fire and/or carbon monoxide by installing detectors in your home is a smart, basic approach towards protecting you, your family and your home. Practicing smart vehicle placement here at work will protect you and your co-workers.

260 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Charging & Cleaning a Vehicle Battery

Here at SCWA the vehicles we are assigned are serviced well and should there be a mishap in the field, Transportation mechanics respond to provide assistance, thereby minimizing our need to "jump start" the vehicle or clean-off the corrosion build-up on (vehicle) battery cables and posts. However, should you ever be called upon to engage in such activities, here at work or at home, there are definite steps to take to ensure you do not injure yourself during the process.

Vehicle batteries carry electric current and house sulfuric acid. Contact with either can cause severe injury. Knowing how to avoid both can make the difference between a successful task and an injury that can be permanent (i.e. acid burn to the eyes).

When "jump starting" a dead (vehicle) battery with another vehicle of similar size (never attempt to jump-start a truck with a compact car battery), first attempt to position the two vehicles so that they are facing each other (dead battery vehicle and the "live, running" vehicle). After opening and securing the front hoods on both vehicles, follow this sequence: 1.) Attach one of the red (positive) clamps to the red (positive) battery terminal on the dead battery. Always ensure a good, solid connection between the battery terminal and clamp at all times (this means removing the red plastic protective cover on the positive terminals of each vehicle) 2.) Attach the (same side) black (negative) clamp to the other battery terminal on the dead battery 3.) While the other vehicle (with the good battery) is running (engine idling), place the other red (positive) clamp (at the other end of the cable) to the red (positive) terminal on the good battery. 4.) Lastly, place the final (black) negative clamp onto the negative terminal of the good battery.

Now you can start-up the (dead battery) vehicle. Leave running for a good 5 minutes to properly recharge the system. When removing the cables, follow the above noted sequence in "backwards" fashion:

1.) Remove the black (negative) cable from the good battery 2.) Remove the red (positive) cable from the good battery 3.) Remove the black (negative) cable from the (formally) dead battery 4.) Remove the red (positive) cable from the (formally) dead battery

261 How to Clean Battery Cable Terminals & Connector Posts

A battery functions best when its terminal connectors are clean and have adequate "bite" with the (lead) battery posts, thereby ensuring a good, continuous flow of electric current. Many times (vehicle) battery efficiency becomes hampered by the build-up of corrosive salts and rust on those battery posts and terminals.

When the terminals do become encrusted with the aforementioned white (acidic) residue, a safe and effective approach to cleaning them is as follows:

1.) Don acid protective gloves and eye protection 2.) Remove the red (protective) cap from the positive terminal. Most of the corrosive build-up will be at this terminal 3.) Using a 10 millimeter wrench, disconnect and remove the cable from the black (negative) battery post first. Note: If you remove the red (positive) terminal first you will get a shock because the current will still be connected to the car) 4.) Next, remove the terminal connector from the red (positive) battery post using the same 10 millimeter wrench. Once removed, push cables back to prevent accidental contact. 5.) Clean the battery posts by first using a rag (to remove excess), then a wire brush to clean and provide a good contact once reconnected. 6.) Next, cover the battery and posts with a rag before cleaning the terminal end of the cables to prevent accidental contact. 7.) Again, use a rag to remove excess build-up of the corrosive salts as best you can around the terminal ends. 8.) For best results, lower the terminal ends (one at a time, not together) into a solution of baking soda and water (neutralizes the acid build-up), or into a cup of coke/Pepsi soda (Do not drink the soda afterwards!! ) 9.) Dry-off ends with a rag or paper towel and reconnect the cable terminals- black (negative) first.

There are also plenty of products you can buy for home use that will clean off the terminal connectors and posts really well and also provide a protective seal to minimize corrosive build-up in the future

262 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Chemical Reactions

Chemicals are a significant part of everyday life both at home and here at work. Their use and benefits sometimes dulls our awareness of what can happen when we either misuse a specific product or worse yet, combine the chemical with another product, thus creating a reaction we are not prepared to handle.

Working safely with a chemical requires knowledge, the ability to focus on the task-at-hand, and a solid dose of common sense. Understand your task, spend a minute to select the right chemical for the job (ask your supervisor if there's a question), and observe the environment where you will be applying the chemical. Most chemical reactions occur immediately with other products in the area in which you're working (if there's an incompatibility issue), so attentiveness needs to abound. Look around before applying or using the chemical you've selected for the job, here or at home.

Chemical reactions take many forms, and the results vary from releasing heat (exothermic reactions), energy, toxic vapors or gases, combustion/fire, or any combination thereof. Knowing what materials and or chemical products are not compatible with the chemical you are planning to use is important. That kind of information can only be found by reading the products material safety data sheet (SDS). Many household products can react just as readily as here at work. Some examples: • Combining ammonia-based products with those having bleach or chlorine produces chlorine gas among other by-products • Pouring liquid Drain O down your sink when other household cleaners are present can cause dangerous splattering and skin burns • Attempting to wash-down a sodium hydroxide spill with water (as one of our employees attempted to do years ago) releases heat and will vaporize the caustic material. Once inhaled, burns will occur to your eyes, nose and throat. (Sodium hydroxide is still used at our £. Farmingdale pump stations ) • The sodium hypochlorite we use to disinfect our water system (a "bleach based" product) will react with any petroleum hydrocarbons (gasoline, diesel, oils) and organics (wood, leather, your skin) • The laboratory works with chlorinated organic compounds such as carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, and methylene chloride. Should these chemicals be exposed to flame, phosgene gas can result.

263 Bottom line is to take a moment to understand what you're working with and think through the application process before undertaking your assignment. Read through an MSDS. Know and understand the "incompatibility issues" associated with your chemical of choice. Ask questions if you're not sure about the selection or process. Make sure there's adequate ventilation and that you don the proper PPE necessary for the task before opening the container! When finished, secure the container and store as recommended by the manufacturer. Remember that chemical reactions can, and do, occur while in storage if done so improperly.

264

Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Chemical Spill Response

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) defines a "reportable" (chemical) spill as:

• A spill in excess of 5 gallons • A spill on a permeable surface • A spill not under control (regardless of volume), or • A spill requiring more than 2 hours to clean-up

When any of the above noted criteria is met, responsible individuals are to contact the Control Center in Bayshore, who in-turn will contact me. My responsibility is to notify the DEC, and then summon a professional remediation company for clean- up if the spill is beyond our capacity to handle.

We have recently purchased and distributed "emergency response spill-kits" to each of the 6 fueling stations throughout SCWA (East Hampton, West Hampton, Coram, Oakdale, Bay Shore, and Hauppauge) for use in a gasoline or diesel spill, should they occur. The contents of the (yellow) spill-kit drums can be used for any chemical spill, but since the 3 sodium hypochlorite tank farms are in containment, the likeliest spill scenario we should be prepared for is fuel. The contents of the drums are as follows:

• Six 3x4 (absorbent) socks • Two 3x12 (absorbent) socks • Six 9x15 (absorbent) pillows • Twenty five 1 5x19 (absorbent) pads • Four disposal bags w/ ties, and • Basic PPE (gloves and chemical splash goggles)

Before anybody ever responds to a spill of any kind, they should first consider the following protocol: NOTIFICATION ASSESSMENT APPLICATION

265 Should you witness, or accidentally cause a spill, you must first notify someone immediately. Never take-on such a (potentially) dangerous task without first notifying somebody of your action(s). Secondly, do not respond until you have made an assessment (educated decision) on what would be the proper response. You should base your decision on the following information:

• Type of chemical involved in the spill (gasoline, hypochlorite, other) • Volume of the chemical spilled • Availability of the PPE necessary for clean-up • Location of the spill (outside parking lot, down a storm drain, inside a building) • Ventilation of the area in-question

After "assessing the situation", should you decide to respond to protect a nearby storm drain or an area from a potential fire, open the spill kit and utilize the material to "corral or contain" the liquid. Once the spill is isolated,it can be cleaned-up slowly and methodically.

Let's hope we never have to respond to such an event. When fueling your vehicle, always be diligent and responsible at the fuel pumps and prevent such an incident from occurring. Should the spill be the result of faulty fuel-pump lines, or caused by a spill from the delivery (vendor) truck, at least we can be assured that proper remediation equipment and supplies are available.

266 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Compressed Air

Any type of energy that is in the form of pressure can be dangerous as well as extremely useful. Examples include hydraulic, electrical, mechanical, and of course - pneumatic. SCWA utilizes all sources of energy for different purposes.

Compressed air provides many benefits and applications for SCWA. We currently have (roughly) 60 trucks throughout the CM and PC departments that carry compressors providing "pressurized air" for such uses as: • Jack hammering • Blowing pipe under roadways • Operating trash pumps • Assisting with the change-out of carbon sediment

The operating pressure that is provided on the service vehicles (from a single compressor unit) ranges from 0.0 psi to 1 35 psi. Most service vehicles have three to four "compressor outlets" so that multiple tasks can be performed simultaneously, with each line maintaining that constant source of operating pressure. Should any one of the service lines detect a sudden burst, or spike in released pressure, the lines are equipped with safety-check valves that will automatically shut the air down. This system is in-place to protect the employee using the compressed air from serious harm or injury.

Recently, several of the newer vehicles and compressors have "blown gaskets or filters" creating a sudden blast of hurtful noise levels. Although the faulty process does not send any projectile parts anywhere but down below the vehicle (thereby putting mechanics at risk with repairs), the following procedure should be followed when starting up the compressor units:

• Start up the vehicle and allow warm-up time

• Engage the "PTO" from inside the truck and remain inside the truck for approximately two minutes, or until the system begins to idle down, indicating that the targeted pressure has been supplied

267 The reason is simple...if the compressor is to have any trouble, or blow a gasket or filter, it will happen within the first two minutes of start-up. Remaining in the vehicle during this time will minimize, if not eliminate, the potential for employee harm and/or injury. Once outside the vehicle, employees in proximity to the compressor or equipment in-use should be wearing hearing protectors and eye protection at all times.

There are many other dangers associated with the use of pneumatic pressure. The lines should never be used to clean-off ones clothes, or worst yet, ones skin. Pressurized air above 30psi can send particle debris into someone's eye or send air into an individual's blood stream (should there be a break in the skin) and possibly cause death.

Before operating your equipment from a pressurized line, check the condition of the hose for cracks, cuts or abrasions that may eventually cause a line failure. Should you ever need to change tools or equipment from a pressurized line, shut off the feed valve first, and then bleed out any stored energy before reattaching another item.

Pneumatic energy provides a great deal of assistance with numerous tasks each and every day that otherwise could not be performed with nearly the same amount of efficiency, preserving time and physical energy. Take good care of the equipment and always be aware of the potential for harm or injury while working with compressed air.

268 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Control of Hazardous Energy

Many injuries occur when machines and/or equipment that are in the process of being repaired or maintained, suddenly start-up or become energized. This can be the result of stored (potential) energy being released, or when the equipment /machinery in question is not disconnected from its energy source before repairs are undertaken. Many times these injuries can be severe or even fatal.

When equipment and/or machinery is repaired or maintained here at SCWA, employees in charge of the process apply energy control devices, usually in the form of locks, to prevent such instances from occurring. These energy control procedures usually are carried-out at pump stations, controlling such energy sources as:

• Electrical • Pneumatic • Hydraulic • Mechanical

When the procedure is carried out correctly, the equipment is shut-down, disconnected from its power source, any stored or residual energy is released, and the equipment or machinery is then considered to be at zero energy state, and capable of being serviced without fear of injury. PC mechanics and electricians carry out most, if not all, of the above mentioned procedures on pumps, heaters, air compressors and generators.

Hydraulic is, of course, a very real form of pressure that each and every department deals with throughout SCWA. Hydrant repair's and/or main breaks require isolated energy source actions before repairs can be carried out. Street valves, an integral part of our underground water system, help isolate faulty hydrants or mains in need of repairs by closing-off the "feed" water from the area, and thereby making repairs possible without the fear of having enormous water pressure released while workers are exposed.

Whether a hydrant is out of service for days awaiting replacement, or simply hours awaiting repairs, the local "branch valve" is shut-down, and an "Out-of- Service" sign is hung on the hydrant to prevent use before the task can be completed. Whenever a main-break is detected, depending on the local underground network, main valves are similarly shut down, thereby isolating the section of main to be repaired or replaced.

Whatever role you play in this process, respect the power of released energy, and never remove a lock, tag, or sign from equipment, machinery, or a hydrant unless you have been authorized to do so. Removing a lock/tag from an energy isolating device or out-of-service repair sign prematurely could seriously injure a fellow worker.

269 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Electric "By-Pass" Shunts

Many of the tasks that our field people perform are done so routinely, methodically, and systematically. Whether it's changing a meter or interrupting a service line, the job is common and has been performed many times over the years. Not much new "enters the arena" of thought ...unless the unexpected happens, and a new direction needs to be taken in order to complete the task and provide maximum protection for the individual. That "change of direction" takes place when field personnel of Customer Service and Construction Maintenance encounter a service line "live" with (stray) electric current.

No meter setting or service line, galvanized or copper, should ever be live with electric current. The reasons they become energized are by default:

●Bad ground at the residential setting ●Underground (LIPA) electric service having physical contact with our service line

In an effort to minimize the risk associated with stray current and electric shock, field workers need to apply "by-pass" shunts that do as their name suggests - provide for the current to take a different path (hopefully of least resistance) so that their work can be performed without fear of electric shock. There are two types of by-pass shunts now employed at SCWA: the standard battery cables that are effective for services less than 1 1/2 inches and a larger (heavy duty) shunt capable of providing an alternative path for services larger than 1inch, used almost exclusively by CM workers.

An important step in the process of employing the shunts is to first provide for a clean surface where the shunt is to be applied. The greater the surface contact, the greater the chances of the stray current being re-directed. The larger shunt does not have insulated handles, so a worker seeking to attach this unit must first don protective gloves - canvas work gloves over the voltage rated gloves for greater protection.

Several of our workers over the years have received electric shock from "hot" services. Greatly reduce the likelihood of you receiving such a jolt, by following the good, sound work-practice of utilizing the available "by-pass" shunts.

270 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Fire Extinguishers

Fires are generally classified into five different categories:

Class A - Wood, paper, combustible items, cardboard, etc. Class B - Grease, chemicals, gasoline, fuels, solvents Class C - Electrical fires (fires that involve energized parts/electrical equipment} Class D - Fires that involve (combustible} metal fines (magnesium, titanium, sodium) Class K - Fires that involve commercial kitchen oils (vegetable/animal)

When selecting extinguishers for home, always ensure that the unit you are purchasing (or have available) is rated for the fire hazard you anticipate (reference information above). If the wrong extinguisher, and thus wrong extinguishing agent, is used there is a good chance the condition will actually worsen. For example - using a Class A extinguisher (with water as its extinguishing agent) on a grease/kitchen fire or metal fines will actually spread the fire around, and cause greater damage.

Here at SCWA there are portable fire extinguishers in vehicles, pump stations, in the mechanics shop, and throughout all occupied buildings. Nobody is ever expected to "tackle" a fire with an extinguisher (nor are they required to), however, should you decide to extinguish a small fire with an extinguisher, the following methodology should be carried-out:

P - Pull the pin (located in the handle) A - Aim the nozzle (hold with your free hand) S - Squeeze the trigger S - Spray the dispensing agent "back and forth" at the source/base of the fire

An average fire extinguisher provides approximately 30 seconds of use, so the unit needs to be used with great efficiency. If you don't "hit the source" with the dispensing agent, you will not extinguish the fire.

Whether at home or here at work, check extinguishers periodically to ensure that they are accessible, fully charged and ready for use (check gauge at top), and that the "pin" is in place when being stored, otherwise the extinguisher may accidentally discharge and cause injury and/or damage.

271

Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Powered Industrial Trucks

"Powered Industrial Trucks", better known as forklifts, provide assistance and service well-beyond human capacity. They "lift & carry" weights upwards of 5,000 pounds without hesitation, moving products and equipment supplies wherever we deem necessary, many times to overhead storage. As strong and reliable as they are, they can also be dangerous if miss-used or operated in an unsafe manner.

We currently have nine forklift units throughout SCWA...three electric and six generated by propane. Each has its own unique characteristics, operating procedures, capabilities and, of course, limitations. There are currently well over 100 employees who have completed training, and are "trained and authorized" to operate the forklifts in their respective areas. Every department has personnel involved with forklift units.

There are four basic forklifts when considering the power on which they run: • Propane • Diesel • Electric • Gasoline

Gasoline and diesel units produce much in the way of (combustion) exhaust, and are restricted to outdoor use only. Propane gas, when used on a well-tuned forklift, produces little in the way of harmful exhaust by-products, and can be used in either outdoor settings or limited indoor applications. Electric units, however, produce no harmful by-products of combustion, and are created, purchased, and used for indoor applications - specifically warehouses and storage areas. Their source of generating power is the "battery", which must be charged after each days use.

When operating a forklift unit, the trained and authorized employee follows these basic guidelines: • Performs a pre-trip inspection, looking for equipment damage • Operates the unit with the forks just 6 to 8 off the ground with or without cargo • Travels in the direction of best visibility (reverse if necessary) • Travels at slow speeds (likened to a fast-paced walk) • Exercises extreme caution when maneuvering

272 Of the many differences that exist between operating a car or forklift, the one that requires skill and focus is the steering capacity of the unit. Unlike an automobile, the forklifts can easily "turn-on-the-dime" which can, and does, cause problems with "unseasoned" operators. Should speeds exceed the recommended pace, or if the operator carries the cargo too high, the unit can easily turn over or loose what it's carrying when a sharp turn is carried out.

All of our forklifts are equipped with back-up alarms, mirrors, and horns to warn others they are operating in the immediate vicinity. Give space to someone operating a forklift. Stay out of their way. If you take the initiative to move from their "work zone" then you allow them to spend more time focusing on what they need to do, rather than watching out for you. Keep in mind that these units range in weight from 8,500 to 9,500 pounds and can crush, or easily damage, anything in their way.

273 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Hand & Power Tools Series: Part One of Three

At some time or another, all of us will be required to use either hand or power tools to complete a project. Whether at home or at work, hand and power tools enable us all to finish jobs easier, more efficiently, and are generally more cost effective by saving time. Here at SCWA, every department has listed jobs that require the use of such tools, but few of us stop to consider the potential for injury before engaging. Much of the potential for injury can be minimized if we simply take the time to: • Choose the right tool for the job; • Inspect the tool before using it; • Replace or report faulty or worn parts; • Be keenly aware of the energy source providing the tool with power; • Wear the required PPE while operating the tool.

Some of the more common hand-held tools that do not require the use of a power source would include the likes of hammers, screwdrivers, shovels, rakes, valve keys, wrenches, pliers, bolt cutters, pry bars, digging bars, chisels, drills, and cutting knives. Each tool works well when it's not defective, worn or frayed. For example a valve key that has been used on ill-sized bolts soon becomes worn or "rounded" and can slip without the right "bite" and has often hurt or injured an individual’s back, shoulder, and in worse case scenarios, sent them flying to the ground. Worn screwdrivers can slip-off screws. Loose handles can send hammerheads flying, frayed mallet heads can send metal fragments into an individual's skin, and improperly set blades can deeply cut the user.

It is the Water Authority's responsibility to provide tools right for the required task, and in good condition. It is the responsibility of the employee using the tools to inspect them prior to usage, ensuring that they have the proper tool for their job, and that the tool is either replaced and/or reported should a faulty condition be found.

Power tools, on the other hand, add an additional element to the arena of concern, namely the source of power that drives the tool to perform. Because these tools are activated and sustained by energy sources such as electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and liquid fuel, the operator must take the time to consider the potential for mishap should the following items not be addressed prior to use...

274

Employees operating power tools must:

1.) Maintain good footing when operating the likes of chain saws, drills, portable grinders, or pneumatically driven tools;

2.) Wear goggles to protect eyes from particulate debris;

3.) Maintain a clear area around your work - no ground debris. Nothing protruding into the projected area of work, and free of surrounding people;

4.) Maintain a focus of the task at hand when operating power tools;

5.) Maintain electric cords and extension cords (never carry tools by the cords, never use cords that are cut or have exposed wires...especially at the plug end);

6.) Properly replace saws and blades of all kinds;

7.) Always utilize protective shields and guards put-in-place by the manufacturer for use with power-driven tools;

8.) Be mindful of loose clothing that might become snared or entangled with the equipment during operations;

9.) Avoid accidental starting...keep fingers off the safety switch when it's not necessary to activate the too;

10.) Operate all power tools with both hands (and both eyes...pay attention!) 11.) Report all defects to immediate supervisor, and;

12.) Remove all defective tools and equipment from service until repaired (by qualified personnel) or replaced.

275 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Hand & Power Tools Series Two of Three

Guards & Safety Switches

The moving parts of power tools need to be safeguarded. It is necessary for employees to be protected from all moving parts of operated equipment, such as:

● Point of operation ● Belts, pulleys, fly wheels ● Blades, and ● Rotating parts and nip-points

Employees of SCWA are never permitted to remove, by-pass or work around safe guards, shields or barriers.

Electric Power Tools

Power tools driven by an electric power supply have unique concerns and require special attention. The biggest risk associated with use is shock or electrocution.

Electric burns and slight shocks are among the most common injuries/incidents associated with the use of electric power tools. It only takes 0.1 amps to cause a fatality, but more common of a concern is that the slightest of shocks can cause a worker to lose his/her balance or fall off a ladder/elevated surface.

To reduce the risk of shock from an electric power tool, the user must ensure that the tool has either: (a) A three-wire cord with ground (and be grounded) (b) Be double insulated, or (c) Be powered by a low-voltage isolation transformer

Three-wire cords contain two current-carrying conductors and a grounding conductor. One end of the grounding conductor is connected to the tools metal housing, and the other end is grounded through a prong on the plug. Any time an adapter is used to accommodate a two-hole receptacle, the adapter wire must be attached to a known ground. The third prong should never be removed from the plug.

276 Double insulation is more convenient. The user and the tool(s) are protected in two ways: (a) By a normal insulation on the wires inside, and (b) By a housing that cannot conduct electricity to the operator in the event of a malfunction

In extreme cases, using electric driven equipment in wet conditions/environments is acceptable only if the cord /equipment is protected with a GFCI.

Electric Extension Cords

When selecting an extension cord for use with a power tool, cord length is not the only thing that should be considered. Improper use of extension cords can cause items to overheat and possibly lead to fire in some circumstances.

Before choosing a cord, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) reminds us to check the gauge. The gauge of a wire relates to its thickness and the total wattage rating the cord can handle. As a rule-of-thumb: thicker cords can power higher wattage tools and appliances and will be marked with a lower gauge rating. The "current capacity" of the cord also diminishes with length.

The wattage necessary to power a tool should be available either on the tool itself or in the manufacturer's booklet. If an employee decides to use one extension cord to power two tools, then the combined (rated) wattage of both tools will have to be known to determine the necessary gauge for the cord chosen.

Field personnel will only utilize (select from) cords suitable for outdoor use (indoor cords will never be a substitution for field work).

Additional safety tips for SCWA employees when using extension cords: 1.Keep all unused cords properly rolled-up and stored off the ground 2.Check each cord prior to use for cuts I exposed wires in the jacket 3.Completely "unroll" the extension cord prior to connecting the power 4.Unplug unused cords since they are "housing" live current when they continue to be plugged into a socket, and 5.Many cords have "polarized" plugs - one blade that is wider than the other. They are designed that way to prevent against electric shock by properly aligning circuit conductors.

If the plug does not fit into the socket -do not force!

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Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Hand & Power Tools Series Part Three of Three Pneumati c Tools

Pneumatic tools are powered by compressed air and include chippers, hammers, drills, sanders/grinders, jackhammers and saws to name a few. There are many protective devices in-place to ensure that the worker is not injured, namely:

(a) Safety clips or retainers are installed to prevent attachments, such as chisels on a chipping hammer, from being unintentionally "shot from the barrel"

(b) When the air-supply hose has a diameter greater than ½ inch, there will be a safety "excess flow valve" installed at the (compressed air) source to shut down the air supply automatically should the system detect a break in the hose (reduced pressure)

(c) A short-wire or "positive locking device" usually accompanies most pneumatic pressured tools that will keep the "quick-connect" device from disconnecting once the air-supply is activated

Some fundamental guidelines for SCWA employees who engage the services of pneumatic tools:

1. Prior to activating the pressurized air, employees shall don protective goggles

2. Employees shall not clean themselves off with compressed air

3. Employees shall don hearing protection when the use of the tool is beyond "short duration"

4. Every effort shall be made to maintain the layout of the hose during use, to prevent damage to the hose and to minimize a tripping hazard

5. Employees shall ensure that all connections are secured prior to activating the tool in-question.

Tools Powered by Liquid Fuel-Gasoline and Diesel

Precautions should be taken to properly handle the storage and use of gasoline as a flammable liquid. On-site containers of back-up fuel should not be stored in direct sunlight, but shaded areas with ventilation {not inside the cab of a vehicle). Care should be taken when filling gas-powered equipment, specifically being mindful of unnecessary spillage. Employees should also be mindful not to operate the fuel powered equipment in areas of little ventilation (i.e. deep trenches) without regard to the build-up of exhaust (combustion by-products). Gas powered equipment should never be utilized in confined spaces, specifically underground vaults.

278 Powered Abrasive Wheels

Powered abrasive grinding, cutting, polishing and wire buffing wheels have been known to send particles/fragments flying across the worksite. In some cases, the wheels themselves have broken apart during use and caused great harm to the operator.

Whether stationary or portable, all manufactured abrasive wheels are well housed in a protective shell, and rarely are they ever in danger of breakage. However, caution should be taken to understand the ramifications of such an event, and what an individual should avoid that might provoke such a breakage.

The powered wheels spin at several thousand rpm's and have been known to send fragments (upon breaking) in directions at 300 mph. Guards are in-place to expose a maximum of 90 degrees at any one time and stationary units have a tool rest that must be maintained at 1/8 inch off the wheels surface. When utilizing the wheel, the operator must never "force" the action or expedite the process by applying pressure either to the tool being worked on, or the surface when using a portable grinder. That kind of exertion can actually increase the potential for breakage.

The following guidelines should be followed when using powered abrasive tools:

(a) Don protective goggles prior to activating the equipment; (b) Ensure that the wheel spins freely prior to engaging the unit; (c) Check the integrity of the grinding wheel periodically by tapping the wheel with a non-metallic instrument. Should the resulting tone resemble a metallic tone or "ring" the wheel is sound and can be used. However, should the sound resemble a "cracked" or "dead" sound, the wheel is close to breakage and should not be used but replaced.

279 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Hantavirus

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that are carried by rodents, especially the deer mice of North America. The virus is found in the infected rodents urine, saliva, and droppings. Although the infected rodents show no signs of sickness, and cannot pass along the disease to pets or predators, humans can become sick if exposed to contaminated dust (dried feces/saliva) after disturbing rodent droppings or nests. There is no evidence that the disease spreads from one person to another, should someone become infected.

Symptoms can become evident anywhere from one to six weeks after inhaling the virus and typically start with 3-5 days of "flu-like" illness including fever, sore muscles, headache, nausea, and fatigue. Eventually the disease causes shortness of breath due to fluid-filled lungs, and if, left untreated, can cause death (one out of three people diagnosed with the virus have died).

Although hikers and campers have a much greater risk at exposure (sleeping on the forest floor or musty cabins) our Electricians have the potential for exposure since they are required to work in (field) pump stations, particularly out east, where field rodents find their way into our pump stations for warmth, and house the ceiling areas or wire-ways where many times rodent droppings are discovered.

Should a PC worker uncover rodent droppings significant enough to indicate a nest, the station should be reported for follow-up exterminators. Should a PC employee be required to work around such conditions, even temporarily, they need to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Whenever possible, spray area with water (avoid electrical wire and components). Wetting down the immediate area will minimize, if not eliminate, dust being generated; • Don department issued respirator with HEPA cartridges, nitrile gloves and goggles (even though the concern is respiratory) for task-at-hand; • Dispose of gloves and cartridges upon task completion (i.e. pulling wires) and wash hands.

If you have been exposed and have developed flu-like symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

280 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Jack-hammering

Jack-hammering is an arduous task at best, yet this equipment allows us to complete a job we could not otherwise perform without greater difficulty, namely breaking up roadway, asphalt and concrete in order to access our water service lines.

Here at SCWA we utilize three different {weight) categories of hammers: • 30 pound units for breaking-up frozen ground • 60 pound units for breaking-up asphalt, and • 90 pound units for breaking-up concrete slabs

The Construction Maintenance department uses jackhammers daily. They are operated with a pneumatic energy source generated by the truck compressors. The heavy weight of the units allows for greater penetration into the surfaces being broken. In other words a 90 pound unit will complete a task with much greater efficiency on concrete slabs than a 60 pound unit would otherwise. The "risk of injury'' however is always present, especially when using the heavier units.

Jackhammers assigned to the CM trucks are "housed" in one of the vehicles "side bins", mounted on a stem and chained during transport to prevent damage to the equipment. The following techniques are taken to prevent injury:

Off-Loading the Jackhammer • Unchain the equipment in the bin. If the bin houses two units, ensure that removing the security chain does not allow the other unit to fall onto you. Reposition if necessary. • While holding the jackhammer, lower the unit to a horizontal level before sliding off of the mounting stem (vertical lifting can injure back) • Once on the ground, attach blade and inspect pneumatic hose and connections for excessive wear or damage before turning on the truck compressor • Don gloves, hearing protectors, and safety goggles (traffic safety vest and hard hat should already be on)

281 Operating the Jackhammer • Drag the equipment over to the targeted work area • Position the unit squarely between the shoulders and engage the handle • Do not "ride" the equipment (applying weight and pressure). Allow the jackhammer to break-through the surface material on-its-own. Tight gripping the handle and muscling the unit can lead to possible wrist and forearm problems later in life due to vibration. • Once the blade has sufficiently "broken-through" ,allow the blade to move north and south. This may reduce the tendency for the blade to get stuck in the surface material and cause back injury when attempting to lift. When lifting the equipment to move along the cut-line, pull up/lift with your legs (not your back}.

Placing the Equipment Back into the Truck Bin • This task is difficult at best, especially with the heavier units. With your legs providing the support (not your back}, grab the handle and lower stem with both hands and lift into the bin, resting on the bin edge. Align the mounting stem with the jackhammer stem (blade has been removed} and slide on while lifting upwards to the upright/secure position for transport. Try not to "swing" and throw" the jackhammer, which can cause back injury and equipment damage.

Nobody in their "right-mind" ever volunteers to do the jacking at a work site. The task normally falls to the utility worker in the crew. The equipment, however, provides a service we could not otherwise perform without much greater difficulty. Remember to adhere to the tips mentioned in this discussion and the advice from some of the crew leaders who have "logged-in" their time through the years. Their experience and know-how can help save your back from pain.

282 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Proper Use of Ladders

Types of Ladders - There are basically two types of ladders available for use: portable and fixed. Portable ladders, ranging in material from wood to fiberglass to metal (aluminum), can be used as stepladders, single ladders, or extension ladders, depending upon the task at hand. Stepladders and single ladders are at set heights, whereas extensions allow the user to adjust the height for better application and use.

Portable Stepladders -They are self-supporting with flat steps and a hinged-back (metal spreader or locking device) for stability. Industrial stepladders range in length from 3 to 20 feet and are used for utility and contractor work. Commercial stepladders range in length from 3 to 12 feet and are primarily used for tasks such as painting. Household stepladders range from 3 to 6 feet and are used for light duty work, such as light household work.

Portable Single Ladders - They are non self-supporting, non adjustable, and consist of one section. The length of the side-rail determines the maximum height of use, which should never exceed 30 feet.

Portable Extension Ladders -They are non self-supporting but are adjustable to suit specific height requirements of the task at hand. They should never exceed 60 feet.

Fixed Ladders - They are permanently attached to a structure, building or equipment and are common throughout SCWA. We find them in underground vaults, aside GAC filters or water towers, and in the pump station lime galleys.

The Basics of Ladder Safety - When choosing a portable ladder for a task, there are several factors to consider, namely height requirements, access to the object or destination, and ground stability for good footing. If good footing is not available, then the ladder needs to be held by a fellow worker and/or tied-off to a fixed structure. If the job requires work on, or around, electrical sources, never use aluminum. Although clean/dry wood is non-conductive, fiberglass construction is the better choice.

When accessing a roof or platform, always extend the ladder 3 feet (minimum) above the landing. The "pitch" of the (portable) single or extension ladder against a vertical wall shall be ¼ the length along the horizontal.

283

Always "face" the ladder when climbing or descending (shoulders square with the side-rails) using both hands, and never use the ladder horizontally as a scaffold or bridge.

Ladder Inspections - Ladders should be inspected prior to each use. Look for damaged rungs, hinges, or side-rails. Never use a defective ladder and report damages to your supervisor. Do not store ladders piled in a heap of equipment, or in the back of your vehicle where they can be easily damaged.

When descending down a vault, attempt to use a portable ladder that can be securely braced against the inner vault wall/floor section. If a portable ladder is not available, then proceed down the "fixed" ladder steps cautiously, testing each step as you go. We have had many instances where vault steps/rungs that were thought to be safe, actually dislodged from the vault wall, and caused serious injury to a fellow worker.

Use the right ladder for the task at hand.....stay within good sound practices, and inspect your equipment daily, reporting any damage or defective parts!

284 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Working in Lime Galley's

Most of our 260 pump stations have access to the water main through what's referred to as the "lime galley". The galley allows for workers to descend into a cavernous trench, anywhere from 5 to 6 feet down, performing various tasks ranging from repairing chemical feed lines to removing debris.

Although lime galleys meet the definition of confined spaces (large enough to enter and perform a job function, not designed for continuous human occupancy, restricted means for egress), they are not classified as permit spaces, which basically means a space with the potential for serious harm to the entrant through engulfment, entrapment or a hazardous atmosphere. Still, each galley must be entered with caution. The atmosphere must first be tested for oxygen content and then assessed physically/visually for any structural damage to the ceiling, walls, piping or accumulation of water before completing the assigned task.

Entrants to the galley must also ensure that there is adequate lighting prior to taking on any tasks, especially those that would require working with the chemical feed lines (lime, polyphosphate or hypochlorite). Whenever workers from PC enter the galley they must don protective safety goggles in an effort to protect their eyes from any inadvertent spray resulting from a faulty hypochlorite feed tube.

Although basic in design, each has items that warrant attention throughout the course of the year, namely hatch gates, entry ladder conditions, and ground footing. Many lime galleys are situated on (loose) stone floors, which are open earth (no containment flooring for liquids). The presence of sodium hypochlorite over time tends to corrode the lift (hatch) gates and fixed ladder (steel) steps. Mechanics have been busy replacing both hatchways and stairs with non-corrodible aluminum to minimize the potential for structural damage over time and injury should the hatchway or steps give out under weight. Water main access through the galley, allows SCWA to sample raw influent and respond accordingly with chemical feed rates to maintain our high quality standard (pH adjusting and/or disinfecting). The next time you take a drink of our tap water, think of the PC worker who has to help ensure its quality with trips below ground, in what would best be described as a damp basement

285 . Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Lyme Disease

According to the Department of Labor, Lyme disease is a multi system, multistage, inflammatory illness caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a corkscrewed-shaped bacterium. The disease is transmitted to humans by blood-feeding ticks infected with Borrellia burgdorferi. The most important vector for the spread of the disease in the northeast United States is the deer tick. Transmission of Borrellia. burgdorferi from an infected tick is unlikely to occur before 36 hours of tick attachment, and infected ticks are most likely to transmit infection after approximately 2 or more days of feeding.

Awareness of Lyme disease and its signs and symptoms is essential for diagnosing the disease. In some cases, the diagnosis is not made because many of the signs and symptoms associated with Lyme disease are similar to those of the flu. The disease often presents itself with a "bulls-eye" rash at the body site of the tick bite. This rash is seen in almost 80% of the people who develop the infection. In addition to the rash, other non-specific symptoms may be present, including fever, lymph node swelling, neck stiffness, generalized fatigue, headaches, migrating joint aches, or muscle aches. Following a diagnosis, Lyme disease can be successfully treated with standard antibiotic regimens. It is very important that the infection be diagnosed and treated with appropriate antimicrobial medication as early as possible, because untreated Lyme disease may result in symptoms that are severe, chronic, and disabling. In addition, Lyme disease in a later stage is more difficult to diagnose, and treatment may be prolonged and costly.

The best course or action to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid the tick bite. Without the availability of a vaccine, the Suffolk County Department of Health recommends taking the following preventative measures:

• Wear long pants and sleeves whenever possible • Tuck your pants into your socks and tuck in your shirt • Wear light-colored clothing (increased ability to detect ticks) • Check your body for ticks following your work day (consider having a fellow employee to assist with checking "hard to locate areas)", and • Consider using repellents that minimize the potential for tick bites on open skin

286 “Stores” has a Johnson Wax product called "Deep Woods" which contains the ingredient DEET, known for effectively repelling ticks and mosquitoes (West Nile concerns). I strongly recommend that each employee who is required to perform his/her job duties in the field (or on Fire Island where the risk of tick bites is greatly increased), follow the above noted guidelines for their well-being.

Should any SCWA field employee: a) Develop symptoms associated with Lyme disease; b) Find a deer tick on their body that they are unable to remove; or c) Discover a "bulls-eye rash" on their body

They should report the incident as they would any other injury (Form 12). They then should report to a medical facility as soon as time permits (there's no need to treat this as an emergency). They can choose between their own family doctor and any one of the many designated medical facilities that currently services SCWA employees during the day. In most instances (medical opinion warranted) you will be given standard antibiotics, which will prevent the development of the disease.

The good news is that only the deer tick can transmit the disease. Finding a common "Wood" tick on your body, even if it has begun to feed, will not result in Lyme disease. The bad news is that ticks can be present year-round ...so be cautious continually.

287 Weekly (Topical) Safety Suffolk County Water Authority Talks The [Material] SDS Safety Data Sheet

Every day, people are injured working with chemicals. The reasons - people act without the proper amount of knowledge and therefore make bad decisions with regard to storage, handling, and use.

Chemicals pose physical threats (i.e. reactivity, flammability) and/or have health issues associated with exposure. Whether you choose to work with a chemical at home or here at SCWA, you should be aware/informed of hazards associated with that chemical, should they exist, prior to using the product.

There are three sources of information (for chemicals) here at SCWA:

• Container labels • Annual training sessions (for those in the program), and • [Material] Safety Data Sheet(s) or SDS (formerly MSDS)

Since training content is based upon the information obtained in an SDS, and since labeling material will only provide the basics, our focus here will be with the SDS.

The SDS is generally organized into sections, ranging from seven to fifteen, each providing the user with relevant guidance and direction pertaining to storage, use, and handling. The basic material is formatted as follows:

Section One - Product Information In this section, components of the chemical will be noted, unless it is proprietary, along with the proper chemical name and family. Much like foods purchased off the shelf, a listing of "ingredients" will be listed along with the percentage of each. Should the chemical be pure, it will thus be stated.

Section Two - Physical & Chemical Characteristics Information such as the products vapor density, specific gravity (ability to float or sink in water should a spill occur), melting point, boiling point, etc. will be found here.

Section Three - Fire & Explosion If the product has the capacity to cause fire and/or explosion, the "flash point" and all relevant fire hazard data will be found here, such as what type extinguisher should be used should a fire occur, and under what conditions a fire may ignite.

288 Section Four - Reactivity A chemical's compatibility is important. If there is a potential for the chemical you are using to come in contact with another substance, or whether the storage location is in- question because other chemicals are in the area, the information you will need to make a sound decision will be found here.

Section Five - Health Any potential adverse health effects that the product may cause through proper use would be addressed here. Acute (less than 24 hours) and chronic (greater than 90 day's) issues, target organs, signs and symptoms of exposure, and emergency (first aid) response procedures (for example...what to do should you get the product into your eye).

Section Six - Control Measures & PPE Should ventilation be necessary or recommended when using the product, that kind of information will be found here. Guidelines on what types of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used when working with the chemical will also be noted here.

Section Seven - Handling, Use & Emergency Actions Guidelines on how to properly use the product, store the chemical, and what measures are important should a spill occur.

As outlined above, an SDS is an important document, addressing any question you may have regarding a chemical product. The manufacturer's information is also listed on all SDS's for additional inquiries (phone number, address). It is important to understand that you are minimizing the potential for injury or harm to yourself, property, or the people you work with, when you are properly informed and prepared on how to work safely with a chemical of any kind.

There are SDS books located throughout SCWA, in every building. Your Safety Committee delivered the books to your area years ago, and annually maintains them.

It is expected that you will take care of the books, utilize them, and inquire about any questions that may arise...

289 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Materials of Trade Back in 1998, the Department of Transportation recognized that industry needed the capability to transport select amounts of hazardous materials without the regulatory burden that normally accompanies the shipment of hazardous materials through air, water, rails or roadway. What followed was the creation of the Materials of Trade clause, currently found in CFR 49 Part 173.

A Material of Trade is defined as a hazardous material that is carried on a motor vehicle: • For the purpose of protecting the health and safety of the motor vehicle operator or passengers (i.e. portable fire extinguishers, road flares) • For the purpose of supporting the operation or maintenance of a motor vehicle, including its auxiliary equipment (i.e. gasoline, diesel, spare battery), or • In direct support of the (principal) business, that is other than transportation by motor vehicle (i.e. welding tanks, gasoline for landscapers)

A Material of Trade is limited to: l) A Class 3, 8, 9,Division 4.1, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, or ORM-D material contained in a packaging having a gross mass or capacity not over - • 0.5 kg (one pound) or 0.5 L (one pint) for Packing Group I • 30 kg (66 pounds) or 30 L (8 gallons) for a Packing Group II or Ill • 1,500 L (400 gallons) for a diluted mixture, not to exceed 2% concentration of a Class 9 material 2) A Division 2.1or 2.2 material in a cylinder with a gross weight not over 100 kg (220 pounds) 3) A non-liquefied Division 2.2 material with no subsidiary hazard in a permanently mounted tank manufactured to ASME standards at not more than 70 gallons water capacity 4) A Division 4.3 material in Packing Group II or Ill contained in a packaging having a gross capacity not exceeding 30 ml (one ounce), or 5) A Division 6.2 material that is a diagnostic specimen, biological product, or regulated medical waste

The gross weight of all Materials of Trade on a motor vehicle may not exceed 200 kg (440 pounds), not including a permanently mounted tank (1,500 L or less) of diluted Class 9 material, as mentioned above.

290 Packaging for Materials of Trade must be leak-tight for liquids and gases, and protected against damage. Each material must be packaged in the manufacturer's original packaging or a packaging of equal or greater strength and integrity. Packaging for gasoline must be made of metal or plastic, and all hazardous materials that are assigned an "RQ" value (reportable quantity for spillage purposes) must have that marking.

Application for SCWA employees:

Propane - is considered a Class 2 material (gas), Division 2.1(flammable). We are permitted to carry up to 220 pounds (including cylinder) without needing placards.

Sodium Hypochlorite - is considered a Class 8 (corrosive) material. We are permitted to carry up to 66 pounds or 8 gallons (Packing Group Ill) without needing placards.

Acetylene - is considered a Class 2 material (gas), Division 2.1(flammable). We are permitted to carry up to 220 pounds in weight (including cylinder) without needing placards.

Diesel & Gasoline - are considered Class 3 material (flammable liquids). We are permitted to carry up to 8 gallons (Packing Group II), without needing placards.

Each employee who transports the above noted products on public roadways must understand the Materials of Trade clause and its requirements and limitations. No shipping papers are required for any of the above noted materials, and as long as placards are not required, the operator/driver does not need a hazardous materials (hazmat) endorsement on their license.

291 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks MRSA MRSA is, by definition, any strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that has developed resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, which include penicillin's, methicillin, and the cephalosporins. Often referred to as "staph", these commonly found bacteria on individual's skin and inside nasal passages, have the capacity to cause infections ranging from simple skin irritations such as pimples or boils, to life-threatening. MRSA kills approximately 18,000 Americans annually.

Once thought of as a healthcare industry problem, this "superbug" was first discovered in 1961 and has spread to concern the general public at-large, particularly those of us involved in jobs where cuts can be prevalent, such as construction. It is easily transmitted from person-to-person contact via nasal discharge, infected skin lesions or by contact with shared items. Roughly 32% of the population carries the bacterium in their nasal passage, but only 0.8% has MRSA. Soft tissue infections are easily treatable.

Since the first antibiotics were used more than 50 years ago to kill bacteria and stop infections, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus has been lurking in the shadows. It is a highly aggressive strain of staph bacteria that has developed a resistance to nearly every antibiotic ever developed. MRSA bacteria can quickly mutate and grow stronger when attempts are made to kill them. Experts believe that the bacteria will eventually become resistant to any antibiotic used today. MRSA can enter the body's bloodstream and wreak absolute havoc on an otherwise healthy person. It can lead to death when the bacteria invade organs, such as the heart or lungs, and shut them down with an infection.

The good news is that MRSA is preventable. Steps people can take are as simple as:

• Washing hands regularly with soap and warm water • Treat and cover wounds (common entry ports for the bacterium). This includes cleaning and applying infection resistant ointment, then covering with clean gauze or sterile bandage. • Shower as soon as possible after physical activities. Warm, moist skin is the breeding ground for bacteria such as MRSA.

292 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks New Employees Studies show that new workers are at greater risk of workplace injuries than their more experienced co-workers. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that 40% of injured workers have been on the job for less than one year.

The main reason new employees are more susceptible to injury is because they lack information. Here at SCWA the issue is more prevalent because new hires generally lack the necessary skilled experience and knowledge of safe work practices in our industry. Most people who come to work for SCWA have varied employment backgrounds.

Since 2001, SCWA has hired approximately 250 people, that's 40% of our workforce. Safety and operational training during the first week of employment sets a right tone, but does not resolve the issue. We all share the responsibility of setting the right attitude, demonstrating the right operational techniques, and leading by example with the right safe work practices we learned during our training.

Whether its securing equipment onto a trailer, off-loading a jackhammer from a tool bin, lifting bags of lime, donning your traffic safety vest when you exit the vehicle, back-filling a trench, or wiring a touch-pad, give new workers an opportunity to learn right habits from you. New employees are observing the way you work more than you realize, and that makes your time spent with a new member of your crew/department that much more important.

Company training programs can give the basics of safe work practices, how to recognize potential hazards/risks associated with the assigned task(s), or how to respond to inadvertent exposures, but there's no substitute for experience in any line of work.

In closing, when new employees are assigned to your area, or more specifically assigned to work with you or your crew, make a point to spend some time teaching. You'll be helping him/her do their work the right way, and the safe way.

293 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Protective Equipment (PPE) Part One of a Two-Part Series

Anytime there is a recognized hazard in a work setting, the employer should first attempt to remove the hazard before taking measures to protect their employee from harm. Such engineering practices can take the form of replacing or substituting a chemical, providing local exhaust to remove an airborne contaminant at its source, or enclosing/ isolating noisy equipment. Here at SCWA our engineering department has addressed many concerns over the years:

(a) Provided cement pads for ladders needing to access GAC filter units; (b) Currently upgrading exhaust systems in pump stations to capture lime dust; (c) Replacing pump station "roll-up" doors with lightweight material; (d) Replacing carbon-steel ladders (that eventually corrode) with aluminum or plastic coated units, particularly in lime galley environments.

Other tangible engineering feats that have made work easier, thus reducing the potential for harm or injury, have come in the form of vault cover lifting tools, "flex handled" jackhammers, and, of course, the infamous Itron "hand-held" computer that virtually eliminates the need for underground vault entry.

Other actions employers can choose before providing PPE would be administrative controls or work practices, where schedules, hours, and procedures are altered or revised to minimize an employee's exposure to harm. However, when the field of options has been exhausted, employers are left with a "last-line" approach, and that is to select, provide, and ensure the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE).

A solid PPE program, much like we have here at SCWA, first involves the proper selection of equipment based on the identified hazard one is to be protected from. Cost becomes a factor only after a selection, based on quality, has been made. Once the equipment has been purchased, employees are then instructed on how to use it (what are the capabilities and limitations), when to use it, how to care and store the issued equipment, and how to inspect the item before using it.

In order for an employee to be properly protected from an existing hazard, the PPE selected must be worn or used the way it was intended. Wearing a respirator upside-down (don't laugh...l've seen it happen), using canvas gloves to handle a liquid chemical, or wearing a traffic safety vest under a coat does the user little good.

Bottom line...when you're issued PPE or you request PPE from Stores...use it!

294 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Part Two of a Two Part Series Eye and Face Protection Eyes need to be protected constantly from (a) particulate debris in the form of dirt, fragments, dust, fibers, chips, and splinters, and from (b) the gasses and vapors of various chemicals. Whenever we use any power tools or hand tools we must always take the appropriate steps towards protecting our eyes. Actions such as grinding, sanding, chipping, polishing, cutting, or hammering produce particulate debris that will inevitably find its way into our eyes if we were to leave them unprotected.

In stock we carry safety glasses w/ side-shields, safety goggles, and full-face shields when protection is necessary. Some of the tasks our employees perform while donning.PPE protection for the eyes/face include: • PC Electricians working on live parts needing protection from an arc-flash • CM workers "blowing" air through a lance creating a tunnel under roadways • CM workers utilizing jackhammers • PC Mechanics working in lime galleys when the sodium hypochlorite line is under pressure and needs service Head Protection Protecting employees from head injury is important. Much like requiring our children to wear bike helmets, we as adults realize the potential dangers with head injuries and the ramifications for a lifetime should someone seriously injure their noggin. "Hard Hats" are actually classified into three categories as per the American National Standards Institute (ANSI):

Class G - They provide impact and penetration resistance along with limited voltage protection (up to 2,200 volts); Class E - They provide the highest level of protection against electrical hazards; with high voltage and shock protection (up to 20,000 volts) they also provide protection from impact and penetration hazards; Class C – They provide lightweight comfort and impact protection but offer no protection from electrical hazards

Hard hats are used throughout SCWA for, among other things, high visibility purposes when our workers are exposed to vehicular traffic on roadways. Our CM workers are required to wear the hard hat at all times while on-site, and our Customer Service Utility A's wear the protection while locating (roadway) valves.

295 The hard hat also protects CM workers from being struck by tools and overhead equipment (moving or stationary). PC Electricians don Class B helmets whenever there's a potential for electric shock or an arc-flash blast.

Headgear must fit properly. Loose fitting hard hats, even if they meet the above noted criteria, will not adequately protect an employee. Should accessories be needed for the task at hand (i.e. hearing protectors or face shields) then the additional equipment shall be compatible with the hard hat for comfort and maximum protection. The adjustable suspension straps under the helmet allow for comfort (fit) and ventilation.

Foot Protection CM workers run the risk of having their toes crushed without a steel-toed boot to protect them from rolling objects, dropped tools, or simply being able to avoid striking their foot on an "immoveable object". A miss-guided digging bar or shovel can really produce some pain should the upper foot not be protected from being struck. PC Electricians and Field Operators wear boots with a non-conductive sole to prevent them from becoming a "lightning rod conduit" should stray electricity look for an alternative pathway to ground.

Hand Protection Routine usage of tools requires many to don canvas work gloves, which are commonly requested and issued from Stores on a daily basis. They generally protect against such mishaps as minor cuts, abrasions, bruises, and punctures. They come in many shapes/sizes and colors: • White cloth w/ blue "palm texture" for gripping • Brown "jersey" gloves • Standard gray canvas, and • White cloth insert gloves for warmth during the winter months

“Stores” also carries specialty gloves for those of us who either work with chemicals or electricity during their shift. Electricians have rubber "high-voltage" protective gloves that accompany leathers which are worn over the voltage protective glove. Field Operators wear the same set when changing or testing fuses.

Chemical users and handlers choose between a (black) rubber-protected short glove and a long-sleeve glove. There are also the "one-time-use" nitrile/latex gloves, which protect against the likes of oils, alcohols, acids and many solvents, not to mention our sodium hypochlorite.

296 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Poison Ivy/Sumac/Oak

Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac are common names applied to three plants of a genus in the cashew family, capable of producing an allergic reaction in certain individuals. The itchy skin inflammation, sometimes known as Rhus dermatitis, is caused by the oleoresin of the plant. When a sensitized individual touches the plant, touches an animal that has the oily resin on its coat, or is exposed to smoke from the burning plant, a rash breaks out and can spread when scratched.

Poison Ivy and Poison Oak, variants of a single plant, are woody perennials found throughout the United States in thickets, hedgerows, open woods, or roadsides. They may take the form of shrubs or vines with such distinguishing characteristics as the grouping of three leaflets, shinny or dull appearance, and a stiff cluster of small yellowish or white berries that appear in summer and fall.

Many times the effects do not become apparent for hours after the exposure/contact. First the skin will redden and start to itch followed by small clusters of watery blisters. Contrary to popular opinion, the watery fluid inside the blister does not spread the rash should the blister(s) break.

“Stores” has two products in stock: 1.) Technu- an outdoor skin cleanser that removes the oils that cause the rash and stops the irritant from spreading; 2.) Ivy Screen- a skin protectant which should help minimize, if not eliminate, the potential for contracting the rash even if the individual should come in direct contact with the plant. This new product from North comes in a towelette package, with one application good for the entire workday.

Prevention is the key. If you are allergic to the plants oily resin you need to be able to recognize the plant (pictures, like the one attached, were distributed earlier in the Spring), and minimize exposed skin when contact is unavoidable (example: meter and vault access). Utilize the products available and wash your hands and skin well after each workday (some or all of the resin may be removed by prompt and vigorous scrubbing with strong soap).

Keep in mind that Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac can be present throughout the year. Several of our fellow employees require medical attention following contact with the oily resin(s). Whether you are in that category, or simply get a rash now-and-again, take the right precautions and minimize the risk.

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Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Preventable Accidents

A preventable accident is defined as "any accident involving the vehicle, unless properly parked, which results in property damage or personal injury and in which the driver failed to do everything he/she reasonably could have done to prevent or avoid the accident". All too often we acknowledge the preventative factors leading to an accident following an incident instead of practicing good driving habits that would help avoid such an occurrence.

The Smith System, established in 1952, focuses attention on what they refer to as the "five keys of driving":

• Aim high in steering • Get the big picture • Keep your eyes moving • Leave yourself an out • Make sure they see you

Leaving space for your vehicle and maintaining high visibility when you drive will leave you less vulnerable and allow you time to make right decisions while on the road. Keep focused on road speed limits, allow faster-moving vehicles to pass (your best interest rather than getting them "fired-up"), and signal all lane changes early to allow those behind you the affordability to adjust. Always use your mirrors to maintain good visibility around you and your vehicle while you travel. Never allow cars to find your "blind spots" off the rear of your vehicle. While driving in residential areas, slow down considerably. Always look for and anticipate the presence of children, especially coming out from behind parked cars. Do not take your eyes off the road while driving, even for an instant, especially in residential areas. If you need to find directions, house numbers, or read any written instructions pertaining to your work day - pull off the road! When you need to back up, walk around the vehicle, especially if it's been parked for some time (i.e. roadside construction area) and make sure nothing will impede your maneuvering. Whenever possible, get help when backing up utility trucks.

Check your vehicle prior to start - tire conditions, horns, lights, mirrors, brakes & back up alarms once you key the ignition. Never take a vehicle on the road that will not function properly, even your own family vehicle. Saving money in the short-run on car repairs, can, and often does, proves costly Finally, each of us assigned the task of driving an SCWA vehicle (a sizeable financial investment) should take into account the responsibility (accountability, dependability, reliability) that goes along with such a task. Remember that you are highly visible and not only represent the Water Authority, but represent everyone who works here when you are on the road. Remember too that the cars around you are always carrying someone's family.

298 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Propane and Acetylene

Most of us over the course of time will come into contact with two very dangerous (flammable) gases, namely Acetylene and Propane.

Here at SCWA we have acetylene cylinders stored and used in the Transportation shop for welding, in PC for soldering, and in the Laboratory for testing. Years ago, Customer Service "A's" carried acetylene "B" tanks in their vans for (heated) torch use. We have since moved to propane for safety reasons.

Propane tanks are far more common. We use them at home for barbeque grills and for heating our homes and swimming pools. Here at SCWA we utilize propane for forklifts (six units), thawing out frozen service lines, in CM for road (asphalt) patchwork repair, and on Fire Island for generator power.

Both gases are extremely flammable. Acetylene has a flash point of 0 F, and the widest explosive range of any gas known to man, from 2.5% LEL to 100%. It is by definition, a non-pressurized gas, since its operating pressure for welding purposes is 7-8 psi. Beyond 15 psi, it becomes a dangerous condition; whereas compressed gases operate well above the minimum criteria of 40 psi (example oxygen is at 2,200 psi).

Acetylene tanks and bottles must be stored upright, since the liquid acetone within the tank can leak into the valve connection and cause problems. Lastly, acetylene must never come in contact with metals such as copper, since it forms an explosive metal salt that could be detonated by shock. Commercial grade puts a garlic additive into the bottles to enable workers to smell and identify an acetylene leak.

Propane, on the other hand, has a flash point of -156 F, but a narrow explosive range of 2.1% LEL to an upper range of only 9.5%. It too has liquid (tank) contents that if leaked (contact with skin) will cause frostbite.

Never work with or around either of these gases while smoking or with open flame unless the process is for designated use. Both gas bottles/cylinders should be stored away from direct sunlight and heat, and outdoors. Bottles/cylinders should be valve shut after each use, including the forklift. Should you detect a leak by smell, evacuate the area immediately and notify your supervisor. Propane gas is heavier than air and will sit and travel low to the floor, whereas acetylene gas is lighter than air and will travel upwards, towards the lighting fixtures.

Remember both form explosive mixtures with air, and both can cause asphyxiation should they leak into a small room and displace the oxygen

299 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Protecting Our Eyesight

One of the most fascinating parts of the human body is the eye. The complexity of its everyday activity is a wonder.

The human eye acts like a "camera lens" in that it receives images of light onto a "light-sensitive" membrane called the retina. The incoming images are focused by the cornea and sent to the iris. The iris has an adjustable circular opening called the pupil, which expands or contracts, depending upon the amount of light entering the eye. Try looking into someone's eye while you move a flashlight across their face.

We never think of losing our eyesight, but the fact is, many workers put their eyes at risk every day by either not putting on protective safety glasses or goggles when the task-at-hand requires such protection, or we don't pay attention to the eyewash units around us until we need them.

There are many tasks our employees perform on a regular basis that place our eyes at risk of injury, namely:

• Jack-hammering • • Grinding tools on an abrasive wheel • • Cutting pipe • • Hammering • • Working with aerosols or liquid chemicals • • Using pneumatic air-guns to blow holes under roadways • • Working on (hypochlorite) chemical feed lines in lime galleys (pressurized) • • Making a lime mix at a pump station • • Mechanics working under vehicles, or simply • • Changing-out overhead ceiling tiles

Whatever the task, we need to better protect our eyes on a daily basis with safety glasses and shields or better yet, safety goggles that provide a seal around the eye (always wear "form-fitting" goggles when working overhead, with pressurized lines or tools, or when there's a potential for splash). There are two types of goggles available depending upon your task-at-hand: liquid/chemical splash or particulate debris projectile.

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When an injury occurs from a liquid/chemical splash, particularly if that chemical has irritating or corrosive properties like sodium hypochlorite or sodium hydroxide (found at pump stations), and the safety goggles were not in-place or the incident was caused unexpectedly, the immediate recourse is the emergency eyewash unit found at every pump station, at each of the sodium hypochlorite tank farms, in the Meter Shop, and in the mechanics shop at Oakdale. Rule-of thumb is to adequately wash the affected eye for at least 15 minutes with the potable water.

If the injury has been caused by a foreign object or debris entering the eye, medical help should be sought immediately.

In closing, always "focus" on protecting your eyes at all times. Motivate yourself by taking a moment to think about your life moving forward without them.

Eye protection is available to all. Take advantage and sign-out protective goggles and use them regularly! Lastly, keep the eyewash unit's clean and accessible at all times. You never know when you might need one to save your sight!

301 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Protecting Your Home from Fire

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 370,000 homes will have a fire-related incident this year, and of the 4,000 fire related deaths, 80% will have occurred in a home. An overwhelming number of the victims are children and the elderly.

In the fall issue of Family Safety & Health, a quarterly magazine published by the National Safety Council, several common causes of house fires were discussed:

• Extinguish all smoldering material before going to bed (cigarettes/fire place/stove items);

• Never leave a portable heater on throughout the night, and maintain a 3 foot distance from bedding and furniture during use;

• Do not leave food in the oven when you're not home and maintain a clean stove free from grease build-up. Most house fires start in the kitchen

• Do not store flammable liquid products in your basement (i.e. gasoline),and

• Have your electrical system inspected periodically ...frayed wires, blown fuses, tripped circuit breakers, and the dimming of lights may indicate that you're stretching the system’s capacity, and that fire could result;

Since smoke kills more times than the flame itself, install smoke detectors throughout your home in strategic locations. Smoke and toxic gases resulting from fire can deplete the air of oxygen in a matter of moments, and replace the oxygen with carbon monoxide. A well thought-out escape plan for you and your family, should an emergency arise, is important, especially if there are children in the home. Designate two escape routes from each room in the home and have your children practice the route(s). When a fire rages and smoke fills the house, visibility is compromised if not eliminated, and time will be precious.

302 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Pump Stations

From a safety operational standpoint, there are many issues to be considered each and every time you arrive at a pump station. Taking the time to focus on the issues and tasks at hand will enable you to minimize the potential for injury and/or property damage.

Vehicle When you arrive, ensure that the entry gates, once opened, are secured to the (ground) gate-holders. Leaving them standing in the grass will not guarantee that they will stay-put when you enter or leave. Many times wind has sent them crashing into the vehicle causing damage. When you arrive at the building, attempt to position your truck so that you can avoid backing up when your job is completed, especially at night. Maneuvering around pump station property is hard enough without the need for backing.

Chemicals The physical task of lifting lime bags needs to be carried out with smarts more than muscles. All it takes is for you to incorrectly pick up one 50 lb. bag to send your back into spasms. And since back pain has a tendency to resurface over time, use good, sound, ergonomic principals and focus on body mechanics with each and every lift. Remember too that the lime dust will cause problems to your health if you do not properly don your respirator with each mix.

The application of sodium hypochlorite requires PPE. Labeled as a strong irritant to your nose, eyes, upper respiratory system and skin, this oxidizer can, and will, react with any fuels/organics/metals/other chemicals should contact occur.

The system is never under pressure, but eye protection is mandatory. Report any mishaps due to cross contamination, temperature fluctuations (room heater malfunction), or excessive exposure to light since the decomposing process can be dangerous. Should a spill of hypochlorite exceed 15 gallons, initiate the clean up process by contacting the Control Center.

303 Note: Always be aware of experimental processes taking place within PC, especially when they are taking place at your pump station. In the past we have had an assortment of chemical "trial-runs" that have utilized the services of such products as sodium aluminate (corrosive),1 potassium permanganate (oxidizer), and 35% hydrogen peroxide (oxidizer).

Vault Entry Always test the atmosphere in a subsurface vault before entering, especially those which do not provide mechanical ventilation upon entry.

Electrical Most of the equipment/machinery that are disconnected from its energy source(s) for servicing and/or maintenance are feed with 480 volts. Respect the application of locks & tags, should they be present, and barriers set-up by PC Electricians performing work on live parts. Never perform any work on electrical circuits without the proper PPE 1 including the testing or replacement of fuses.

Lime Galley Most of our lime galleys are considered confined spaces. Therefore it is company policy to check the atmosphere prior to entry, slowly test the rungs of the ladders upon entry, and wear eye protection at all times while performing any tasks since the chemical feed lines in the galleys are under pressure.

In closing...never enter a GAC filter while the carbon is present (oxygen deficient atmosphere). Report any unsafe conditions to your supervisor. Maintain a clean station. Be mindful of changes or activities at the pump station, and use good, sound, judgment with each step.

304 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Radon Gas

The National Safety Council notes that radon gas is considered a serious environmental health issue - causing more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year, according to the EPA – and, is second only to smoking as a cause of lung cancer. It is classified as a radioactive gas - colorless, odorless, tasteless, and chemically inert (non-reactive). Unless a home is tested, there is no way of telling how much is present, and radon is found at high levels in all 50 states, although the Long Island region is categorized as a "low potential" area for exposure. The EPA estimates that 1 in 15 homes in the United States have elevated radon levels.

Radon is formed by the natural radioactive decay of uranium in rock, soil and water. Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. As they break down further, these particles release small bursts of energy. This process can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer over the course of a lifetime.

Most indoor radon enters a building from the soil or rock beneath it. Radon and other gases rise through the soil and become trapped under the structure, building up pressure, and eventually forcing their way through the floors and walls. Once inside, radon can become trapped and concentrated in low-lying areas (lower floors and basements).

People can use professionals to test their homes or purchase "do-it-yourself' kits, and send the test samples to an independent laboratory for results. I f the results are greater than 4 Pico curies per liter of air, which is the EPA recommended action level, then further action should be taken to reduce the levels in your home or workplace. Here at SCWA, all buildings are in the process of being tested (August 2008). Radon levels can change from day-to-day, and from season-to-season. Accurate testing can take anywhere from 2 to 90 days. I f you should choose to test your home, test in the lowest living level of the house first. Avoid testing in hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms. This is because high humidity and drafty conditions can bias sampling data.

The cost for reducing radon gas levels in your home can range from $500 to $2,500 depending upon the size and layout of the building. Certainly worth the effort should your home or workplace be found with elevated levels.

Note: Material for this article was obtained from the 2006 National Safety Council newsletter.

305 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Residential Properties

lssue(s) Trips and falls Angry customers Dogs Basement stairs & lighting Overhead branches & stairwell ceilings Poison ivy & bee hive(s) Roadside issues

Every residential property you encounter throughout your day is different. Each is equipped with its own property layout, access to points throughout the yard, interior issues, and risks, depending upon the reason for your visit. That means that each residential property will require a focused effort on your part to adequately assess and evaluate any potential issues and/or risks, should they be present.

Your brain is going to process what you see...not what you don't see. So for starters, be diligent once you exit your vehicle. If you need to work along the curbside, don your safety vest and hard hat,(if necessary), set your flashers, and set-up several cones depending upon the task at hand.

If you are going to maneuver around the property, for whatever reason, attempt to walk on visible ground with good footing (i.e. driveway/walkway/open grass as opposed to ground covered with leaves). If you need to work around plants/bushes/shrubs take a moment to observe the growth (i.e. poison ivy) and any insect activity, especially bees. Agitating a nest can be quite dangerous. Always have useful products at your disposal (i.e. Technu/OFF). Continue to watch for holes in the ground, and window wells around the perimeter of the house where trips and falls are common. If you need to enter the backyard, watch for dogs (droppings, lawn digs, chewed toys, worn pathways). Always rattle the gate and call for the dog to see if any will respond to the noise, before you enter.

Once inside, be mindful that many of our neighbors do not keep a "tidy environment"; Meaning, watch your step at all times. When you enter a basement, always assume that the stairs are faulty, until proven otherwise...take each step slowly using the hand-rail.

306 Many times when the residents are elderly, the basements get neglected because they simply cannot utilize the steps on a regular basis. Provide yourself with good lighting and carry a flashlight. Once down the stairs, proceed to turn on every light available. Should customers become agitated, for whatever reason, simply refer them to the office, unless you're there to either collect or shut-off service. Never "take-on" customers for your own safety. Report any confrontations immediately after leaving the residence. Sometimes letting someone "vent" is all that's needed. Carry yourself with professional courtesy at all times.

Picture each residence you arrive at as a new jobsite...be observant and methodical. Never stop using your eyes and processing what you see. Common sense will guide you to make right decisions most of the time.

307

Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Respiratory Protection

Chemical vapors, gases and particulates are common contaminants that exist in many types of industries and workplace settings. Employers usually employ the use of localized exhaust or dilution ventilation to either capture the contaminant at their source of generation, or maintain concentrations well below established permissible exposure levels (PEL). When engineering controls are either not feasible or additional protection is necessary, personal protective equipment (PPE) is issued in the form of respirators.

There are two basic types of respiratory protection: air-purifying and air supplying respirators. Both types of PPE have great benefits but also important limitations. Should either one be utilized in the wrong environment, not only would the lungs not be adequately protected, but many times fatality becomes a real possibility.

Air supplying respirators are respirators that do just that...supply respirable air from a clean source, so that the worker can perform his or her task without needing to breathe the air in the immediate vicinity. There are two basic types of air-supplying respirators: a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) which comes in the form of tanks being carried on the back of an individual, such as firemen, or from a hose line attached to a source tank, sometimes up to 300 feet away.

Air-purifying respirators come with either half mask or full-face protection. Both require the use of (selected) cartridges that, when applied and utilized within their "service life", effectively block specific contaminants from entering the upper respiratory system. Here at SCWA we distribute and utilize both the half & full- face respirator for different purposes. The full face is issued to General Utility A employees in CM who are required to cut through underground pipe with gas powered equipment (trench work). The respirator protects the employee from the products of incomplete combustion (generated from the saw), including carbon monoxide, and from the particulate debris generated from the pipe when it's being cut. This process, however, can only be performed in outdoor settings where fresh air is plentiful. This type of respirator does not supply a source of breathable air; it just purifies the surrounding air when the user inhales.

308 Therefore, this process can never be performed inside an underground vault, where fresh air is not plentiful. A worker in that type of setting would eventually be overtaken with fumes, due to asphyxiation caused by gas displacement. The half face respirators are utilized throughout the PC department for protection against lime dust. Currently, most pump station exhaust systems do not adequately capture or dispense of the generated lime dust, thus the need for respiratory protection when a Field Operator makes his "mix".

Whether you need protection from particulates (mechanically produced dust, fibers, fumes, mist, and aerosols) or gases and vapors, there is quality respiratory protection available. Should your job require a respirator, you will first be sent to a licensed health-care professional for a medical clearance. You will then be fit tested with the make and model selected so as to ensure maximum protection while performing your job. All of this, and more, is outlined in our Respiratory Protection Program, which is available for all who inquire.

309 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Roadside Construction

Working alongside vehicular traffic at any speed is dangerous. The steps we take to carefully plan and implement our roadside construction sites greatly reduces the risk of serious injury to ourselves, our fellow employees, and the general public at large, passing through the work zone.

Arriving at any roadside (open to public motorists) requires you to don your traffic safety vest and hard hat before your "boots hit the ground". Highly visible safety apparel is your front-line defense against being struck by oncoming traffic. Never remove the vest until you're in your vehicle, leaving the area.

A basic set-up when traffic is impacted can be broken down into 5 zones:

1 Advanced Warning Zone 2. Transition Zone 3. Buffer Zone 4. Work Zone, and 5. Termination Zone

Advanced Warning Zone

Oncoming traffic needs the affordability to know what's ahead if they're going to make adjustments for passage. The advanced warning signs are used to notify drivers that there is a need for them to adjust speeds, change lanes or use alternative routes in order for them to continue on their way. The distance that the signs are placed from the anticipated worksite depends upon three things:

1. Driver visibility (terrain) 2. Weather conditions 3. Roadway speed

310 Transition Zone

This particular zone begins at the first road cone (channeling device) and ends after the "tapper''. The distance between cones (when you're closing one lane of traffic, for example) is related to the speed of the oncoming traffic. If the speed approaching is 45 mph, then the cones should be placed roughly 45 feet apart. A minimum of six cones should be used in the tapper, regardless of spacing. It is here in the transition zone, where accidents occur most.

Buffer Zone

This is where traffic has hopefully been redirected to the designated lane and is simply passing by without need for further instructions or assistance. This zone is where you position your vehicle between the work area and oncoming motorist's in-order to provide greater protection should a vehicle stray off- course.

Work Zone

Whatever task is performed in this area must be within the confines of the cones and/or channeling devices. Never allow anyone to "stray" outside the established boundaries.

Termination Zone

This ending (cone) taper does not need to extend the length of the "transition taper" but does need to permit traffic to ease-back into normal traffic flow without impeding upon the work area. Direct the cars far enough away from your site before ending the cones back to the shoulder.

Always remember that there are two important aspects of setting up proper roadside construction work zones:

Advanced Warning & Positive Guidance

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When you've completed the work zone set-up, take a few minutes to observe the flow of traffic approaching and observe their actions. Take note of any problems and make any necessary corrections. Many times it's wise to get in a vehicle and drive through the work zone in order to get a better "feel" for the system you've set-up and see whether the public has enough advanced warning for their needed adjustments.

Finally, remember to never set-up or break-down the worksite without the proper "high visibility'' clothing. Here at SCWA, orange clothing or ANSI approved Class II vests are required. If working at night or flagging, ANSI Class III vests are to be worn.

Should you have any questions, ask your supervisor.

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Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks The Safety Committee

The National Safety Council states that a successful Safety Committee is a group that aids and advises both management and employees on matters of safety and health pertaining to the daily operations of the company. The difference between success and failure of the committee depends upon the groups objectives, how it pursues those objectives, its staffing and structure (proper representation), and the support it receives while carrying out its responsibilities.

The Safety Committee here at SCWA is comprised of 10 members, each representing their particular area/voice/expertise. There are three Union and three Management members each from Customer Service, Production & Control, and Construction & Maintenance; a Union Safety Coordinator (point person), a representative from Engineering, and two individuals from the Safety Department (Safety Coordinator and Manager) round-out the group.

Together we focus on eliminating recognized workplace hazards, should they exist, in the form of workplace conditions, or unsafe work practices. The joint committee concept stresses cooperation and a commitment to safety as a shared responsibility between management and workers. It functions well.

Our objectives are achieved through visual communication, distributed information, worksite monitoring, and training. Each member can make a positive contribution, actively participate in establishing corrective solutions, and represent you.

All employees at SCWA are empowered to have an input into the health, safety, and well being of their work environment. They can contact the Safety Manager directly with a suggestion, go directly to their supervisor with an unsafe condition, request their Union representative to bring up issues at the committee meeting(s), or drop a note in one of the many "employee safety-suggestion boxes" located throughout SCWA. In either case, their message/suggestion is heard.

Over the past 13 years, many people have served as committee members with me. Each carries the responsibility to lead by example in matters of employee safety and health throughout the course of their workday, whether they are actively serving, or a former member. Take the time to thank them for their service, commitment, and efforts towards making your workplace a healthier and safer environment, while contributing to employee morale.

313 The following people have served on the SCWA Safety Committee over the past 13 years (7/98 - 11/11):

G. Bohn C. Hunt J. Pokorny R. Brooks M. Janovsky C. Porcelli E. Brown W. Jensen R. Reinfrank S. Canino J. Jurgens TJ Riley S. Carey B. Marcos C. Roebke G. Cetta B. Martin P. Sapienza S. Clemente. J. Matlat D. Spanton M. Collins M. McCole J. Terhune D. DelMaestro M. McMahon J. Lally J. Fallon O. Montalvo I. Ucci

T. Ferguson M. O'Connell K. Zimmer M. Fogarty G. Peters A. Zmroczek J. LoRusso S. Vander Borgh C. Given R. Healy D. Blumberg M. Walls

314 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Security Issues We all play an important role in the security of our product (public drinking water), building's (where we work), and surrounding pump stations. Whether it's considered civic duty or company responsibility, protecting the quality and supply of underground water is something we should all take pride in.

Most of our employees at SCWA are field personnel, traveling off-premises to complete directed tasks throughout the day. Over time, that travel can lead to residential pump stations, where the water is collected, treated, and distributed throughout the local community. Of the nearly 260 pump stations located throughout the County, each one shares a common bond: they are always isolated from the public with gates and fences for good reasons. No unauthorized individuals should have access at any time. Should you ever notice evidence of physical tampering with either the gates, fences or building doors, you should contact the Bayshore Control Center as soon as possible.

Our administrative buildings house our fellow employees. We should keep a vigilant eye at all times in our parking lots, ensuring that cars are not being tampered with or damaged, and be active escorting individuals to their cars during off-hours should the need arise. Report damaged outdoor lights or poorly lit areas to General Services. If you are to have visitors stop by to see you at any time during your workday, notify your supervisor ahead of time to ensure a smooth process for your area (sign-in and badge disbursement). Generally the public has limited access to our buildings, except for assistance with either new construction or bill processing.

Finally, as per the Department of Homeland Security, our Field Operators must be vigilant while driving their placarded vehicles on public roadways. They must report any suspicious activity involved with their driving (being followed) or delivery of the sodium hypochlorite (being photographed or having their route timed). They too undergo extensive background checks in the process of obtaining their commercial drivers licenses (COL) with hazardous materials endorsements to ensure responsible people are behind the wheel(s).

Play your part. Be vigilant. And remember to report any security issues, never take matters into your own hands, no matter how noble the cause.

315 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the outer layers of your skin and is the most common form of cancer in the United States. In 1996 skin cancer(s) claimed the lives of 9,430 people. The cause factors range from over exposure to the sun, to heredity (if there is a history of skin cancer in your family, you're probably at a higher risk), and the environment.

Our skin is comprised primarily of two layers: the epidermis, or outer layer, and the dermis, which is located just below the surface. The function of the outer layer is to a) Protect against injury and infection b) Protect the body from heat and light c) Help regulate body temperature, and d) Store water, fat, and vitamins

Damage occurs when we expose unprotected skin to the sun's radiation.

Due to a reduction of ozone in the earth's atmosphere, the level of UV light is higher today than it was 50 years ago. Ozone serves as a filter to screen out and reduce the amount of UV light that we are exposed to. With less atmospheric ozone, a higher level of UV reaches the earth's surface. Tanning is the skin's response to UV light - a protective reaction to prevent further injury to the skin from the sun. However, a tan is an indication that your skin has been damaged, and a tan does not prevent skin disease or skin cancer. The effect UV light has on your skin is dependent both upon the intensity and duration of your exposure.

The most common signs and symptoms of skin cancer are any unusual sore, lump, blemish, other skin markings, or a change in the way an area of skin looks. In later stages of the disease, the skin may also feel itchy, tender and painful. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, often occurs where there is a mole. The most common changes to look for with moles are:

• Asymmetry - one half does not match the other • Border Irregularity - the edges of the mole are ragged or blurred • Color - the color is not uniform throughout the mole (shades of tan/brown/black) • Diameter - the mole is wider than 6 millimeters (1/4") or is growing larger

316 The following steps have been recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation to help reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer: 1. Minimize exposure to the sun during the midday hours (play a round of golf early) 2. Apply sunscreen generously, having at least a SPF-15 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, to all areas of the body that are exposed. 3. Wear clothing and hats as much as possible during sun exposure

The good news is that skin cancer is nearly 100% curable when found early and treated quickly. The real hope lies in prevention and early detection. Remember, skin cancer is very slow to develop. The sunburn you receive this week may take 20 years or more to become skin cancer.

317 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Slips, Trips & Falls

Every year we record incidents involving either a trip, slip or fall resulting in lost work time and light duty. In one month alone there were six employees who either twisted a knee, rolled an ankle, or fell to the ground because they did not take the time to look and observe their surroundings before moving. Each incident was preventable.

Many of you travel to a different location each and every day to perform your jobs. That requires a greater effort on your part to "assess" each environment for the first time, and avoid areas or objects that would otherwise cause harm or injury. Even office environments require us to be diligent and observant when it comes to walking from one location to another. Opened drawers, loose phone wires or "bunched carpets" and rugs can cause an individual to lose their balance or worse, fall to the ground.

Common sense prevails ...take note of your surroundings when you arrive at a location. If it's a residential property, make an effort to travel on the driveway or walkway whenever possible, never on ground covered by leaves. When exiting a vehicle, look to the ground before "landing'' so you can be assured of good footing. You should attempt to exit your vehicle by pivoting left and using both feet to stand while holding the steering wheel in your right hand for balance and stability. And don't jump from elevated surfaces (like the back of your trucks). Many have landed awkwardly and paid a price.

When climbing down ladders, don't assume you know how many rungs are left before you hit the ground...watch with your eyes. Be observant of wet floors or debris.

Be diligent with your surroundings off the ground as well. Many times we either stand-up or turn too quickly to move, without taking into account a nearby object that can cause just as much harm or injury should we strike it, not to mention the embarrassment we experience lying on the ground as our fellow workers snicker.

Take a moment to look and observe before you move

318 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Sodium Hypochlorite

The use of chlorine and hypochlorites in drinking water is the most effective protection of water supplies from pathogenic organisms (i.e. bacterium that cause disease). A solution of sodium hypochlorite is formed when sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) solutions are reacted with chlorine. The exothermic reaction produces water, heat and salt as by-products.

At SCWA, we utilize a 15% solution of sodium hypochlorite, which, according to the Department of Transportation, is classified as a corrosive, and therefore requires compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49 Parts 172-178. As a corrosive, great care must be exhibited when stored, used or transported. Corrosive liquids, by nature, can cause irritation and/or burns to the eyes, nose, throat or skin, and can cause damage to property.

Along with being noted as a corrosive liquid, sodium hypochlorite also exhibits properties as an oxidizer, which means it can strongly react with incompatible materials, such as organics (wood, paper, skin, hair), fuels (gasoline, diesel, oil), metal's (copper, nickel, iron), and ammonia based products. Even though sodium hypochlorite has no risk of fire as a product, it can cause fire should it come in contact with organics, primarily because it releases pure oxygen into the air during the heated reaction.

There are many factors that affect the stability of hypochlorite solutions. Weaker solutions remain stable longer than the higher strength solutions. Decomposition cannot be avoided and will progress steadily, affected by such factors as:

• Concentration of the solution • Contact with metal impurities • pH of the solution • Temperature of the solution • Exposure to light sources, and • Contact with organic impurities (grease, oils, fuels)

319 In order to minimize the decomposition and maintain effective chemical stability, SCWA takes the following measures:

• Maintains an optimum pH of 11 to 13 • Stores hypochlorite in opaque containers, away from impurities, and • Maintains optimum room storage temperature year-round

Field Operators transport the hypochlorite on public roadways within 220-gallon portable polyethylene tanks. Since the tanks are considered portable, and less than 1,000 gallons, a tank endorsement is not required for Field Operator CDL's, however, placards, shipping papers and a hazardous materials (hazmat) endorsement do apply. When the task of transferring the hypochlorite from the tank farms to the vehicles takes place, vehicles are positioned within the transfer station containment area to prevent environmental impact should a spill occur.

Keep your focus daily on the responsibility you have with regards to delivering and maintaining the hypochlorite system at pump stations, ensuring potable water quality for the public. The fact that the product has chemical risks associated with its use should motivate you to work cautiously and professionally with each and every task. Finally, report any item or circumstance that might compromise the stability of the hypochlorite or its quality, such as:

1.) Light exposure;

2.) Heating elements not functioning at pump stations; or

3.) Unusual color/odor emitting from the tanks or drums.

320 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Static Electricity

For those of us that do not work with or around electricity (except to change an occasional light bulb), picture electricity as a flow of water through a pipe. Any blockage in the pipe represents "resistance" (measures in ohms); the flow of water (or current) is measured in amps, and the pressure in the pipe is the voltage. Taken from high school physics. Ohm's Law is stated as:

Voltage = Current x Resistance.

Electricity, or the flow of electrons, needs a "pathway" to travel. It flows more readily through some materials than others. Some substances such as metals, generally offer very little resistance to the flow of electric current and are called "conductors". Glass, porcelain, plastic, clay, pottery, and dry wood, generally slow or stop the flow of electricity and are called "insulators".

When electrons cannot move through a conductive material and become "trapped" on the surface of a non-conductive surface, like plastic, they can, and will, "jump" to the conductive source/material when it comes close. Most occurrences result in a mere shock to an individual when he/she, for example, reaches out to touch a metal door knob after walking through a carpet and building up a "charge" on their body. This usually happens in winter when the surrounding air is dry. Sometimes, however, the result can be dangerous, if not deadly.

When flammable liquids are transferred from a "source drum" {metal) to a secondary container, several steps must be taken to prevent fires, namely: • Product must be dispensed/transferred into a (like) metal container • Containers must be "bonded" together w/ metal (conductive) clips • Dispensing drum must be grounded to earth

These steps will prevent the build-up of static charge and eliminate the potential for resulting flash fire should a spark "jump" and ignite the fluid.

321 A recent article addressing the risk of static charge while fueling our vehicles brings this material "home". If you were to re-enter your car during the fueling process, you could pick-up a static charge on your body from the vehicle seats or carpet, then actually create a condition for a flash fire when you returned to remove the fuel nozzle from the vehicle (spark "jumping" from you to the metal nozzle while in the presence of flammable vapors). This condition is especially possible in cold, dry air. Never return to your vehicle, even for a brief moment, once you have begun to fuel the car. Never engage in any cell phone use as well during that time.

Static electricity can be present at any time, and can jump to startle us, cause a shock, or worse yet, start a flash fire. Be informed and act accordingly.

322 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks The Unforeseen

Many times our jobs become so routine, we become mechanical in our approach and leave no thought to pre-task planning or considerations should what we expect to happen, go awry. It's not until the unexpected happens that we say to ourselves, "I should have seen that coming" or "I wasn't prepared for that to happen".

Throughout our day there are many risks associated with the jobs we do. Many of these risks are minimized through good decision-making or simply taking the time to tackle the task the right way using good common sense. Sometimes, however, we become physically lazy, and don't bother to fix, repair, or correct tools, procedures, or methods until we are either injured or a mishap occurs that we could have corrected. We also become mentally lazy and don't take the time to think through scenarios where something could go wrong and allow ourselves better preparedness.

During the day, take the time to observe what you do and how you do it. Allow yourself time to consider ways to better prepare yourself for unexpected happenings and correct any items that warrant attention that you may have put-off, for example:

• Replacing the five gallon pail you use for transferring sodium hypochlorite because the handle is loose • Reporting the valve on your hypochlorite tank because you've noticed a slow but steady leak • Getting a new valve key because the one you're using is getting stripped/rounded and the "bite" on the valve isn't tight anymore • Reporting bald tires on your vehicle or tires that have lost a good amount of tread • Replacing ineffective windshield wipers • Replacing (worn) hand tools that you have been using since gasoline was 25 cents a gallon • Signing out a new pair of waders because the ones you have are torn • Taking a moment to replace the batteries in your flashlight before you find yourself in some residential basement that hasn't been entered since the Korean war and the basement lights are nothing more than candles

There are so many more situations that we put-off thinking we'll get by for another day until it's too late. Report that which needs to be reported, fix that which needs to be fixed, bring items to your supervisor's attention that warrant correction, and finally be acutely aware of your surroundings and potential pit-falls. It's bad enough that injuries happen...don't let something happen to you or your fellow worker that you can correct. 323 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Trailer Hook-Up(s)

We've all learned the value of mechanical digging equipment...back saving, cost effective, and task efficient. From the larger pay-loaders to the (smaller) maintenance crew "Kubota's" and "New Holland's", they provide a valuable service for those of us who are required to excavate on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, they're not much use to the crews when they're sitting in the yard. They need to be transported from site to site via tow-trailers, and unless the process is carried out properly, they end up grounded due to faulty/damaged back up lights or transport equipment.

Before a vehicle can leave the yard, a pre-trip inspection must take place on a daily basis. The same holds true for the trailer, if it's to be towed. The trailer must be hooked-up properly to the towing vehicle, secured for transport, and suitable for the task at hand (no visible signs of damage) before leaving the yard.

Trailer Hook-Up Process - The "Kubota's" and "New Holland's" are transported on trailers that have electric-powered brakes. The brakes and brake lights will not function properly unless they are correctly connected to the battery for power. There is also a correct way to "chain-down" the equipment onto the trailer bed and position the "bucket" prior to leaving the yard or any job site.

Correct trailer hook-up involves a four-step process...on a smooth, flat surface: • The male "pintle" hook at the end of the pulling dump truck, needs to be connected to the female eye bolt on the trailer (manually) • Secondly, the two "safety" chains, east and west of the eye bolt, need to be connected to the "D" rings affixed to the truck bumper, next • The (safety) "break-away" cable (extending from the trailer bed) needs to be "tied-off' to the vehicle (use the "D" rings). Note: Should the pintle hook and safety chains break away during transport (highly unlikely if attached properly), the purpose of the break-away cable is to shut-down the trailer by engaging the trailers brakes. • Lastly, connect the,1/2 “ (black) electric cable to the vehicle. This will provide power for the trailer brake lights.

324 When you are securing the digging equipment to a trailer bed, ensure that all four (corner) chains on the trailer bed are securely fastened to the equipment, utilizing the load-binders to adjust proper tension. The "bucket" must be lowered to the diamond plated section of flooring on the trailer before transport, and the two-rear ramps must be elevated and secured with supplied chains/slip-locks.

Unless the equipment is properly maintained and transported correctly, injury and/or damage are likely, and that benefits no one. Take the time to understand the process, ask questions should they arise, and follow-through with directions.

325 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Transporting Material on Public Roadways

Any time we, as professional drivers, take to the public roadways we have a responsibility to not only drive safely, courteously, and defensively, but must carry with us an awareness of any cargo that might be transported on our vehicle. When we carry material of any kind, be it equipment, supplies, tools, or chemicals, we carry with it the responsibility to ensure that it's going to be secure during transport (equipment, barrels, tanks), that nothing loose will have the chance to leave and possibly cause damage (loose soil, rocks, tools), and that should a chemical cargo be involved, that all valves and container lids/caps are in-place and securely fastened.

Chemical Cargo

Whenever our Field Operators take to the roads at the start of their shift(s), they leave their facilities with a cargo of hazardous materials. Should the tank rupture or valves become faulty in any way, a dangerous scenario would ensue, since sodium hypochlorite is classified as both an oxidizer and as a corrosive. Every Field Operator understands that he/she must secure (before transporting the chemical) the threaded (tank) lid, the tank valve, and the outer fill-valve. All other chemical items carried on roadways, such as 5-gallon containers of fuel or polyphosphate, must also be secured, in their proper containers, and labeled where appropriate.

Pipe & Sections of Main

When large sections of main-pipe are transported, securing the load takes on a whole different approach. No longer can the cargo be "stored" in the corner, or "belted-in", but extra precautions must be taken due to the enormous size and weight of the pipe. Two SCWA vehicles are set-aside for such work: Flatbed #0246 in West Hampton, and Flatbed #0243 in Oakdale. Both are equipped with strapping capacities and steel "stakes" which are positioned around the truck bed and anchored with chain and pins to prevent the pipe from rolling off the vehicle.

326 Each 18’ section of 12’ main, for example, weighs approximately 655 lbs pounds, so securing during transport is vital. One layer of pipe is strapped in three locations, and should two layers be necessary, a combination of four straps is utilized.

Equipment, Trailers, and loose Debris

The trailers that transport the "Kubota's & New Holland's" are properly secured to the pulling vehicle using "pintle" hooks, eye bolts, safety chains, "D" rings & electric cables (for brake lights). The equipment bucket also has to be properly positioned on the trailer bed prior to transport, but what most individuals would not see as the greatest risk to the general public sharing the roadways is the "loose debris" that can fly-off the equipment or trailer bed once a gust of wind strikes. Trailer beds and equipment, for that matter, should be swept free of loose dirt and rocks as much as possible, and Dump trucks carrying fill material must also secure their load with tarps for the very same reason.

327 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Trenching & Shoring

One cubic yard of soil weighs roughly 2,700 pounds! Imagine being buried under that amount of weight and pressure...and that's only one cubic yard. Many times trench collapses involve much more soil and debris (depending upon the depth and size of the collapse), thus, the need for employee protection in the form of shielding, sloping, shoring and an overall heightened sense of awareness/education.

Excavators in our CM department work off of utility mark-out indicators when the ground needs to be broken-up. Since our water mains are generally set 4 feet underground, excavation depth is somewhat routine, unless other projects are planned or the digging is on the south shore of the Island where the water table is much shallower. An accurate mark-out helps avoid the dangers associated with other utility service lines such as gas and electric. Once the trench/excavation has been completed and the area of work clearly displayed/uncovered, the workers must now enter the trench. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that action be taken on any trench/excavation beyond five (5) feet of depth. The direction selected would come from choosing one of three available options:

(a) Shield Box - which gets lowered into the excavation by a crane, and protects the worker from a collapse of the trench walls; Shield boxes do not, however, prevent cave-ins because they do not always support the trench walls;

(b) Sloping - is another form of worker protection in that the sides of the trench are literally sloped backwards, thus minimizing the potential for a cave-in. The degree of slope for the sides of the trench depends upon the soil type a worker is in. The more clay and silt present in the soil matrix, the less amount of sloping required. Factors such as soil grain size; grain shape (angular as opposed to round) as well as current weather conditions also play a roll in determining the slope of an excavation.

328 (c) Shoring Equipment - Our CM department has two types of manufactured shoring equipment for use in open trenches, namely lightweight aluminum "hydraulic" and lightweight aluminum using "spreaders". Both have the capacity to spread-out at different widths within the trench to support the walls and prevent cave-ins.

All three types of protective systems work well when used properly. All CM employees understand the required depth at which to select an option, but also understand that they can request shoring or sloping at almost any depth should an inspection of the trench reveal any of the following:

• Bulging • Sloughing • Cracking (horizontal or vertical) • Accumulated water

Factors that affect the integrity of trench walls:

• Previously excavated material (excavation not in virgin soil) • Rain • Gravity • Nearby vibration jackhammer activity) • Presence of underground utilities (exposed) • Surcharge loads (poles, sidewalks, street material, etc.) • Soil make-up (presence of clay, silt, and sand) • Depth • Duration of the project

The greater the depth and length of project, the greater the chances for a trench collapse. In either case, trench work can be dangerous and requires the keen attention of all individuals on-site to monitor, inspect, and continuously observe the integrity of an open excavation. A cave-in does not have to happen and is easily prevented with diligence and smarts.

329 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Universal Waste Program

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) (generally) defines a Universal Waste as a category of waste materials not designated as "hazardous waste", but containing materials that need to be managed so as to prevent their release into the environment. Examples are: 1.) Batteries - which may contain acids, reactive, toxic, and heavy metals; 2.) Mercury Containing Equipment (MCE) - the likes of thermometers, barometers, thermostats, switches, precision instruments, and some medical devices 3.) Lamps - with the exception of incandescent and LED's, all lamps including fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and sometimes lead 4.) Ballasts - electrical lighting ballasts can contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), contaminated oils, and heavy metals

The Universal Waste Rule has eased the regulatory burden on businesses

Our Facilities department manages a recycling campaign with a focus on collecting, containing, transporting, and properly disposing/recycling such common waste streams here at SCWA. Our efforts are not only to comply with the guidelines of the DEC, but to assist with community efforts towards reducing the release of harmful materials into our air, soil and/or water. The lamps and ballasts are collected by our facilities workers as the need arises (change-outs when requested) and the batteries are collected from various sites (currently there are containers at Oakdale, Bayshore, Meter Shop, and West Hampton). When containers become full and ready for pick-up, they are transported to 15 Pond. There the waste streams are then organized into segregated containers, labeled as to their contents and marked as to their collection/accumulation date(s). The waste can be held up to one year before they are hauled away by a licensed vendor who follows through with the recycling. All waste streams are documented with a manifest system.

Bottom line - do not throw away any batteries that are supplied here at SCWA. They can be found in electronic equipment, mobile phones, portable computers, and emergency back-up lighting, to name a few sources. When they are spent and ready for discarding, find the nearest collection container and contribute towards keeping the environment cleaner for years to come.

330 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Utilizing Valve Keys Whether you're responding to a main-break, isolating a section of pipe/main for service/repairs/flushing or providing customers with attention, valve keys come in to- play on a regular basis. Because mains and piping are located underground, service employees need the extended tool in order to properly access the valve(s) controlling (water) flow.

Just as (gate) valves range in size from 4 inch to 16 inch, keys too, range in size from your standard vault and curb-box to your 6 foot gate valve key. Understanding the size differences and utilizing the right sized key for the task at hand not only ensures job efficiency, but minimizes the potential for injury.

Generally, injuries occur when one of the following happens:

• The wrong size key is selected, and slips off when engaged, jolting the employee • The key is the right size, however, due to rust/age or rounded edges on the nut, the key does not sit securely on the valve operating nut, and again...slippage when the key is turned with force • Due to (water) pressure or rust/corrosion, the key fits, but the operating nut is "locked" and the key is difficult to turn, if not impossible. With exertion, the employee causes injury to their shoulder, back and neck

Some good, sound tips you should keep in mind when operating key's:

• Should you need to access a gate valve in the street, utilize your vehicle flasher's and warning lights and properly position your vehicle between you and the traffic; use traffic cones to provide the public with "guidance" through the area • • Wear (reflective) protective equipment, especially at night, namely safety vests and hard hats • • Select the right key for the job. Never attempt to open or close a valve with the wrong size key/tool • • Ensure that the key fits tightly on the operating nut before attempting to exert force. Remember that some valves can be a left-hand turn.

331 • Once the key is securely positioned, grip the key (bar) with both hands; attempt to maintain the key height at the shoulder level to maximize effort and force. If the handle is down by your waist, for whatever reason, it might be advantageous to kneel so that your body mechanics are correct

• When exerting force (opening and closing the valve) maintain good footing with your feet at least shoulder-width apart

• Apply slow, controlled movements ...if the valve becomes difficult to turn, either get help from another employee or use the extender bar for assistance/leverage

• Never leave the key on the valve unattended, which can lead to injury and/or equipment damage to another employee or the public, especially during the night, and remember to secure the gate lid or box cover when your task is completed.

• Maintain your tools...replace damaged tools and/or report faulty operating nuts or valves. You will be minimizing your potential for injury, and providing a benefit for those service employees who will someday follow your work at the same location.

332 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Vault Entry & Atmospheric Testing

OSHA defines a confined space as ..."large enough to (bodily) enter and perform a task, not designed for continuous human occupancy, and as having a restrictive means for entering and exiting." All underground vaults you are required to enter from time to time, qualify as confined spaces by definition. Whether it's to read, repair or "set" a meter, repair or replace pipe/equipment, or take samples, you are entering vaults that warrant special attention.

As per our written program, you are required to "test" the atmosphere of every vault you are planning to enter. Why? Because vault atmospheres do change over time and the potential for an oxygen deficient atmosphere is always present due to the following scenarios:

a) Gas Displacement - Should any kind of gas be generated (decaying organic matter or a nearby LIPA gas leak) the movement of that gas into the vault could very well displace the amount of oxygen present.

b) Aerobic Bacterial Activity - Bacterial growth that depends upon the presence of oxygen will certainly use-up a good amount of oxygen.

c) Combustion - Oxygen, necessary for combustion and/or fire, is rapidly removed from any environment once there is ignition. Once the oxygen is used up, the process of combustion may cease, but the level of oxygen may very well be depleted, especially inside a vault.

d) Oxidation of Metal(s) -The process of metals rusting removes oxygen from the atmosphere.

Another concern inside an underground vault is the potential for the presence of a combustible gas. We had an incident many years ago when a nearby Keyspan gas main had leaked, and the source migrated through the soil into one of .our commercial vaults. The resultant atmosphere was potentially explosive

333 Whether your department has the Industrial Scientific "TMX 412's” or the BW Technologies "Gas Alert Micro's”, the instrumentation upon which you have received training, provides you with adequate protection against a harmful atmosphere inside a confined space. Follow the instructions provided.

Always turn your monitor on in fresh air (never near or inside the vault) and allow it to warm-up.

Make sure you "zero" your instrument, if necessary, to ensure calibrated readings.

Should you have any questions, or feel you need further training with your department's assigned instrument(s), ask your supervisor for assistance.

334 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks West Nile Virus

Long Island has seen a recent surge in reported cases of West Nile Virus. What was thought to be off the radar screen because of effective spraying during the early years of 2000, made an unfortunate comeback in 2007, and now has the attention of both County governments on Long Island, and the public at large.

The West Nile virus is carried by the common household mosquitoes, Culex Pipiens, one of 150 species of mosquitoes in the state of New York. Less than 1% of the Culex Pipiens mosquito's population is thought to be infected with the virus, which has been around the eastern United States since 1999. The virus can cause what is known as "Encephalitis, "an inflammation/infection of the brain. Its symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, and occasional skin rash or swollen lymph glands. Most reported cases, however, are mild.

The segment of our population that is at greater risk of serious complications (should they contract the virus) are the very young and old. Whenever there is a reported fatality, it usually involves the elderly.

The virus is transmitted by the mosquito's bite, not by an infected individual or a stricken (dead) crow that is commonly associated with the disease. The symptoms usually show signs after 3 to 15 days after an infected mosquito’s bite.

Unfortunately there is no vaccination, cure or treatment at the present time. However, should you experience any symptoms noted above, lasting more than the span of a common flu, see your doctor. The protocol is for blood to be drawn to determine whether the patient has the virus, or any other disease that is associated with those symptoms, namely Lyme disease.

The best preventative measures you can take are to cover as much exposed skin as possible and use a repellent with the ingredient "DEET", especially when mosquitoes are known to be quite active - at dusk and dawn. Stores has the product "OFF" which contains “DEET”. It should be sprayed onto your clothes. DEET is also effective as a tick repellant.

Those of us that are required to work daily outdoors need to take greater precautions even though the likelihood of infection is quite minimal.

335 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Working in Cold Environments

Hypothermia results when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. When this situation first occurs, blood vessels in the skin constrict in an attempt to conserve vital internal heat. Hands and feet are affected first. If the body were to continue to lose heat, involuntary shivers would begin. This is the body's way of attempting to produce heat, and is the first real warning sign of hypothermia.

An individual generates body heat from food and muscular activity, and loses heat through convection, conduction, radiation, and sweating, in an attempt to maintain a constant (regulated) body temperature. General physical activity acts to increase metabolic heat, with clothing providing the proper insulation to minimize heat loss.

When clothing becomes wet (i.e. contact with water in trenches, hydrant flushes, or sweat during intense physical work like continuous shoveling) it’s cold- insulating property will be compromised.

The four environmental conditions that cause cold-related stress to the body are low temperatures, high/ cool winds, dampness and cold water. A wind-chill effect is created when high/cool winds blow away the thin layer(s) of warm air between your body and the outside air (generated with layers of clothes).

Protective Measures Protective clothing is perhaps the most important step in fighting the elements. A relatively small temperature drop in the body core (about 2 degrees F) produces shivering. The recommendation is three layers:

a) An outer layer to break the wind; b) A middle layer of down or wool to absorb sweat and retain insulation when wet c) An inner layer of cotton or synthetic weave to allow ventilation

Pay special attention to protecting feet, hands, face and head. Up to 40% of body heat can be lost when the head is exposed. Footgear should be insulated to protect against cold and dampness. Keep a change of dry clothes available should your work garments become wet.

336 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly Topical Safety Talks Working in Outdoor Heat

The human body has a remarkable complex and delicate mechanism whose purpose is to hold body temperature within extremely narrow limits despite a wide range of external air conditions. The human body has remarkable powers of adaptation. As soon as skin temperature rises or falls above or below an optimum, the body sets out to correct matters - sweat is secreted in a hot environment, and blood is redistributed between the skin and deeper tissues in a cold environment. In this way a two-sided mechanism controls the body temperature by: • Regulation of internal heat production (chemical regulation), • Regulation of heat loss through automatic variation in skin circulation and the operation of sweat glands (physical regulation).

Problems of heat stress are more common than those presented by a very cold environment. The blood carries heat from deep within the body to the skin where heat can be dissipated by convection, radiation, or evaporation. When a hot environment places an additional load on the cardiovascular system of an individual, and the transfer of heat from the body is not adequate, then warming occurs. Excessive warming of the body can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and sometimes heat stroke.

Heat Cramps - are painful spasms of the muscles that occur among those who sweat profusely in heat, drink large quantities of water, but do not adequately replace the body's salt loss. Generally the tired muscles (those used in performing the work) are usually the ones most susceptible to cramps.

Heat Exhaustion - is caused by the loss of large amounts of fluids by sweating. A person suffering from heat exhaustion still sweats but experiences extreme weakness or fatigue, and the skin is usually cool, clammy and pale despite the fact that the body temperature is only elevated slightly.

Heat Stroke - is the most serious of health problems associated with working in hot environments. It occurs when the body's temperature regulatory system fails and sweating becomes inadequate. The body overheats and produces a body temperature of 105 F or higher, along with hot, dry skin.

337 Our line of work does not allow us to acclimate to the hot working environment over a span of 5 to 7 days as experts recommend, however, safe, sound work practices go a long way towards minimizing risk with heat-related health problems and concerns. When the hazy, hot and humid days of summer greet you as you punch- in for work, bring along plenty of fluids with you out into the field. A worker may produce as much as 2 to 3 gallons of sweat over the course of a day and needs to have that replaced. Fluid in-take should be at regular intervals (as opposed to a gallon at lunch) and the fluid does not need to be cold. The 20 ounce Gatorade product that is distributed throughout CM (and for selected tasks within the PC & Facilities departments) is best utilized if taken after lunch to "jump-start" the afternoon.

Most importantly, share the workload with each other and rotate responsibility, especially with those doing the physical end of the project. In this way each individual can take a breather at regular intervals. Finally, when time permits, get out of the direct sunlight whenever you can. Try not to subject your body to unnecessary heat.

Each of us assigned to work outdoors must realize that there are many factors that can, and do, contribute to heat-related injuries and illnesses. They are: a) Individual’s age b) his/her degree of physical fitness c) individual’s weight d) degree of acclimatization (initial hours in the field I hours of exposure) e) individual’s medical condition

SCWA does not "screen" individuals before work-release into the field each day. It is the responsibility of the worker to understand that poor physical condition will place him/her at greater risk while performing physically demanding work under added heat related stresses. Should an individual have a medical condition or be under a doctor's care, with possible prescription medicine, it is their responsibility to notify their supervisor before the work day begins, to prevent injury or illness. In such an instance, a doctor's note should be provided outlining the heat-related stresses to avoid while working

338 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Working with Electricity Part One of a Three Part Series

For those of us that do not work with or around electricity (except to change an occasional light bulb), picture electricity as a flow of water through a pipe. Any blockage in the pipe represents "resistance" measured in ohms, the flow of water (or current) is measured in amps, and the pressure in the pipe is the voltage. Taken from high school physics:

Ohms Law is stated as Voltage = (Current) (Resistance).

Electricity, or the flow of electrons, needs a "pathway" to travel. It flows more readily through some materials than others. Some substances such as metals, generally offer very little resistance to the flow of electric current, and are called "conductors". Glass, plastic, porcelain, clay, pottery, and dry wood, generally slow or stop the flow of electricity, and are called "insulators".

Pure water is a poor conductor, but small amounts of impurities in water like salt, acid, solvents, or trace amounts of metals, can turn water into a conductor. The same is true of human skin or wood. Dry skin and dry wood has a high resistance to electric current, but when the skin (or wood) becomes wet, it acts like a conductor. That's one of the reasons why it's not accepted practice to use a sheet of plywood in a trench to protect CM workers from an exposed electric utility line, unless the conditions are impeccably dry (soil and plywood), and there's no threat of inclement weather or shallow water table. It's also a fundamental reason why you should never stand in water when working with or around electricity, or remain in an outdoor pool during an electric storm.

Electric Shock

Electricity travels in closed circuits, normally through a conductor. An individual's body can become part of a circuit, either by:

• Touching two live wires • Touching one live wire and the "ground" • Touching a metal part that accidentally becomes energized due, for example, to a break in the insulation of an extension cord, or by • Touching another conductor that is carrying current

339 When that happens, the individual receives a shock. At that moment, electricity flows through parts of the body, or through the body to a ground or earth. An electric shock can result in anything from a slight tingling sensation to immediate cardiac arrest. The severity depends on the following:

• The amount of current flowing through the body • The current's path through the body • The length of time the body remains in the circuit, and • The currents frequency

As little as 0.1amps can cause death.

340 Suffolk County Water Authority Topical (Weekly) Safety Talks Part Two of a Three Part Series Working With Electricity

Burns are the most common shock-related injury. An electrical accident can result in an electrical burn, arc burn, contact burn, or a combination of burns.

Electrical Burns are among the most serious burns and require immediate medical attention. They occur when electric current flows through tissues or bone, generating heat that causes tissue damage.

Arc or Flash Burns result from high temperatures caused by an electric arc or explosion near the body. These burns should be treated promptly.

Thermal Contact Burns are caused when the skin touches hot surfaces of overheated electric conductors, conduits, or other energized equipment. Thermal burns also can be caused when clothing catches on fire, as may occur when an electric arc is produced.

A question that is frequently asked is "Why do people sometimes freeze when they are shocked, or in the process of being shocked?" The reason is that during an electric shock, or when the body is exposed to current, the electric stimulation causes the affected muscles to contract. This prohibits the individual from pulling free of the circuit, thus causing a much greater exposure time to the current. The longer the exposure, the greater the risk of serious injury. Longer exposures at even relatively low voltages can be just as dangerous as short exposures to higher voltages.

In addition to muscle "contraction(s)" during an electric shock, the muscles can also be subject to involuntary reactions, resulting in a wide range of other injuries from ladder falls, to bone bruises and fractures. If you find someone in a "frozen" electric state, you should immediately shut-off the current (if possible) or use dry-wood/ boards to push them out-of-the-circuit. This doesn't mean taking a Louisville Slugger and pretending you're hitting a fastball. Remember it's a person you're attempting to push, not strike.

341 Static Electricity

Static electricity can also cause a shock, though in a much different way from what was previously described. A static charge can build up on the surface of an object (usually non-conductive), and, under the right conditions, can discharge (or jump) to a person, causing shock. A good example of this would be when a person reaches for a doorknob (or other metal object) on a cold, dry day and receives a shock from a charge built-up on themselves (maybe from rubbing shoes on carpet). The built-up charge can also jump to a conductive body (material) should it come close enough, and cause flash fires as well.

That's one reason why when flammable liquids are being dispensed from one container to another; both must be made of conductive material (metal) and be "bonded during the transfer''. The dispensing drum must be grounded to the earth as well to eliminate the build-up of charges (electrons) on the surface of the drum.

342 Suffolk County Water Authority Weekly (Topical) Safety Talks Working With Electricity Part Three of a Three Part Series

Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing employees to potential shock, electrocution, burns, fires, and explosions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. in 1999, 278 workers died from electrocutions at work, accounting for almost 5 % of all on-the-job fatalities that year. What makes these numbers more tragic is that most of these fatalities could have been easily avoided.

Electrical accidents are generally caused by a combination of three possible factors: unsafe equipment and/or insulation, workplace made unsafe by the environment, and unsafe work practices. There are various ways of protecting people from the hazards caused by electricity. These include: insulation, guarding, grounding, mechanical devices and safe work practices.

Insulation - One way to safeguard individuals from electrically energized wires and parts is through insulation .An insulator is any material with high resistance to electric current. Insulators such as glass, mica, rubber, and plastic are put on conductors to prevent shock, fires and short circuits. To be effective, the insulation must be suitable for the voltage used, and is often color-coded. Insulated equipment grounding conductors usually are either solid green or green with yellow stripes. Insulation covering grounded conductors is generally white or gray. Ungrounded conductors, or "hot wires", often are black or red. Before connecting electrical equipment to a power source, it's always a good idea to check the insulation of any exposed wires for possible defects. Insulation covering flexible cords, such as extension cords, is particularly vulnerable to damage.

Guarding - This involves enclosing electrical equipment to ensure that people do not come in contact with its live parts. Effective guarding requires equipment with exposed parts operating at 50 volts or more to be isolated or protected from workers. Machinery and power tools are good examples of guarding.

Grounding - This process involves creating a path of low resistance for the electric current to the earth. This prevents a build-up of voltages on equipment or machinery that could cause an electrical accident. It is another method of protecting workers from electric shock.

343 Circuit Protection Devices -They are designed to automatically limit or shut-off the flow of electricity in the event of a ground-fault, overload, or short circuit in a wiring system. Fuses, circuit breakers, and ground fault circuit interrupters are three well known examples of such devices. Fuses or circuit breakers are over-current devices that are placed in circuits to monitor the amount of current that the circuit will carry. They automatically open or break the circuit when the amount of current flow becomes excessive and therefore unsafe. Fuses are designed to melt when too much current flows through them. Circuit breakers, on the other hand, are designed to "trip-open" the circuit by electromechanical means.

Fuses and circuit breakers are intended primarily for the protection of conductors and equipment. They prevent overheating of wires and components that might otherwise create hazards for operators. They also open the circuit under certain hazardous ground-fault conditions.

As fuses and circuit-breaker switches protect equipment/machinery and current carrying conductors, ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are designed to provide maximum protection for the individual. They are designed to shut-off electric power within as little as 1/40 of a second should they detect any amount of current "leakage" from the pathway (i.e. current escaping causing shock). It works by comparing the amount of current going to an electric device against the amount of current returning from the device along the circuit conductors. The GFCI is used in high-risk areas such as wet locations (pump stations) and construction sites.

SCWA electricians continuously work on or near electrical power that has been isolated and locked-out or with live parts. They exercise extreme caution when performing their work, using insulated tools, insulated gloves, protective shoes and donning flame-retardant clothing. The rest of us need to exercise good, sound judgment and common sense, here at work, or at home, whenever we are called upon to work with electricity in any capacity. Always check extension cords before use; check the insulation on tools; make note of sparking equipment or flickering lights.

Remember: never use an aluminum ladder for electrical work even when hanging Christmas lights.

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