surveyor’s safety...osha inspection an osha inspector may enter a job site for any of the...

Surveyor’s Safety HANDBOOK

PurposeThis is an overview of Dewberry’s Health and Safety Program best practices and key information needed to be successful and reduce risk when performing field surveying work.

This is to be used to reinforce the training that you’ve had or will have associated with your job assignment.

For more information, contact your supervisor and/or Dewberry’s Director of Safety.

Dewberry’s Director of Safety Jeff Ambrose, CSP, CHST, CET703.849.0342 • 301.751.1418 [email protected]

Want this handbook on your phone?Scan with your smartphone to download the PDF or go to www.dewberry.com/libraries/brochures/surveyorsafetyhandbook.pdf.

©2016 Dewberry®. All rights reserved.

mailto:jambrose%40dewberry.com?subject=

http://www.dewberry.com/libraries/brochures/surveyorsafetyhandbook.pdf

http://www.dewberry.com/libraries/brochures/surveyorsafetyhandbook.pdf

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION.................. 2Roles and Responsibilities ......... 2

Pre-job Planning ............................ 3

REPORTING AND COMMUNICATION ............. 4Incident Reporting ........................ 4

OSHA Inspection ........................... 5

Media Event ..................................... 6

Interaction with the General Public ........................ 7

PERSONAL SAFETY ........... 8Appropriate Field Attire ............. 8

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ........................... 9

Tools and Equipment ................11

Back Injury Prevention and Proper Lifting Techniques .......12

FIELD SAFETY ................... 13Fall Hazards ...................................13

Fall Protection ...............................14

Underground Utilities...............15

Poisonous Vegetation ................16

Insects ...............................................17

Ticks and Mosquitoes ................18

Wildlife .............................................20

CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY ..................... 21Trenching and Excavation ......21

Slope Requirements ...................22

Confined Space .............................23

Manhole/Vault Cover Removal ..............................24

Chemical Hazard Communication ..........................25

GHS Classification.......................26

TRANSPORTATION SITE SAFETY ..................... 27Driver Safety ..................................27

Safe Vehicle Operation ..............28

Highway Right-of-Way ..............29

Railroad Right-of-Way ...............30

HIGH RISK PROJECT SAFETY............. 31Electrical Substation ..................31

Telecom/Rooftop .........................32

Remote/Rough Terrain Projects ............................33

All-Terrain Utility Vehicles .....34

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK2INTRODUCTION

Contact Dewberry’s Director of Safety with any questions.

INTRODUCTION

Roles and ResponsibilitiesEmployeesResponsible for following company policies in order to avoid and mitigate unsafe work conditions and prevent injuries.

• Employees are responsible for determining if there are site-specific safety guidelines and requirements. If so, these need to be reviewed and followed.

• No employee is required to perform work that he or she believes is unsafe.

• If you see an unsafe condition or practice, speak up!

SupervisorsManage employees for full compliance with safety policies and procedures.

ManagementSupports survey management and field operations and allocates resources needed for the safety and health of employees. Monitors employees for adherence to safety policies and procedures.

mailto:mwatson%40dewberry.com?subject=Surveyor%27s%20Safety%20Handbook

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK3INTRODUCTION

Pre-job PlanningEmployees should know the location of the following:

• If you have any personal health conditions that could result in an emergency, notify your supervisor.

• Establish an alternative communication plan for remote job locations if cell phone service is limited or unavailable.

• Determine if there are site-specific safety guidelines and requirements, and if so, review and follow them.

• Inform your supervisor about your job location and duration.

First aid kits “Grab and Go” packet

Nearest hospital/EMS

Emergency action plan

Chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Communication plan

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK4REPORTING AND COMMUNICATION

REPORTING AND COMMUNICATION

Incident ReportingAn incident is a work-related injury or illness.

In the event of an incident—regardless of severity— follow these procedures:

Perform first aid as necessary.

Notify your supervisor and Dewberry’s Director of Safety immediately.

Maintain and refer to the “Grab and Go” packet in your vehicle for incident report forms and detailed procedures.

A Dewberry employee must escort an injured/ill employee(s) to a medical center.

Supervisor completes incident report.


OSHA InspectionAn OSHA inspector may enter a job site for any of the following reasons:

• A fatality or incident requiring hospitalization.

• Random selection by OSHA.

• Follow-up inspection.

• Formal written complaint submitted to OSHA.

During an OSHA InspectionOSHA compliance officers are legally authorized to talk to employees on the job site.

• Ask to see proper identification of the OSHA compliance officer, and record name and information.

• You are not forbidden to talk to the OSHA compliance officer on the project, but you are also under no obligation to do so. If asked, answer questions directly and truthfully. Don’t hesitate to say “I do not know” if you do not know.

Immediately notify your supervisor and Dewberry’s Director of Safety.

You must escort and take pictures of everything the OSHA Compliance Officer photographs that relates to Dewberry’s work at the site.


Media EventIf you are approached by a reporter or someone from the media, follow these guidelines:

• Request identification and record this information.

• Do not answer questions.

• Do not say “no comment.”

• Politely say to the reporter, “I will pass your information on to our director of communications” or “Please contact our director of communications.”

Defer to Dewberry Appointed Spokesperson: Molly Wagner Director of Communications

[email protected]

mailto:mwagner%40dewberry.com?subject=Surveyor%27s%20Safety%20Handbook%3A%20Media%20Event


Inform local authorities and/or property owners prior to entering privately or publically owned property.

Beware of and obey “no trespassing” signs and other warnings.

Immediately and respectfully remove yourself and others from confrontational, threatening, or dangerous situations.

Document in writing the situation/event.

Notify your supervisor and Dewberry’s Director of Safety immediately and await further instruction.

Interaction with the General PublicIt is everyone’s responsibility to anticipate and prevent potential conflicts or violence with the public. Follow these guidelines to manage and avoid encounters:

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK8PERSONAL SAFETY

PERSONAL SAFETY

Appropriate Field AttireWhen performing field work, make sure you are wearing the appropriate field attire:

• Shirt with sleeves and long pants.

• Safety boots.

• Hard hats when required by site conditions or site safety requirements.

• Gloves as necessary.

• Dress appropriately for various types of weather (excessive heat and cold) and field conditions.

• Fire retardant clothing is required when performing work near compressor stations and other federally required locations relative to the oil and gas industry, electric power generation, transmission, and distribution.

• Other personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required by site-specific safety requirements to complete certain tasks. Consult your supervisor, site safety manager, and/or Dewberry’s Director of Safety for more information.

• Reference and follow the site-specific safety program for PPE requirements.

The following two pages contain examples of appropriate field attire and personal protective equipment (PPE).


Eye ProtectionMust be worn when projectile hazards exist and at all times on construction project sites.

Safety BootsRequired when performing field work.

Hearing ProtectionRequired in areas where noise exposure is more than 90dBA or as a general guideline, when you must shout to communicate to someone close to you.

Class II Safety VestRequired on construction site and when working around heavy equipment.

Long PantsRequired when performing field work.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)


Hard HatsWhen required by site conditions, such as being exposed to overhead work or other falling objects, or site safety requirements.

Respiratory ProtectionRequired when using chemicals or working around certain airborne particles that could cause adverse health effects.

Shirt with SleevesRequired when performing field work.

Class III Safety VestMay be required in DOT right-of-way depending on local requirements.

Hand ProtectionWork gloves must be worn at all times when handling sharp tools or performing tasks that may injure hands.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Training Required


Tools and EquipmentFollow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not bypass safety mechanisms.

• Do not use any defective or unserviceable items; remove items immediately from inventory.

• Dull tools can be just as unsafe as using them improperly. Keep tools sharp to avoid injury.

Sharp Tools• Always wear gloves.

• Chainsaw usage permitted on a very limited basis. Special training required.

• Use of machetes and other sharp tools are permitted on a very limited basis. Substitute with safer tools when possible, for example:

• Always cut away from the body. Wear additional PPE as necessary, such as eye protection, and ensure that non-essential personnel are clear of the work area.

Shears and hand saws are also suitable substitutes.

machetebrush axe

Use Use with Extreme Caution

Training Required


Back Injury Prevention and Proper Lifting TechniquesBack injuries can have serious, long-lasting effects on your health and ability to work.

• When lifting objects heavier than 50lbs, ask for assistance and use a team lift.

Individual Lift

Team Lift

• Use your legs to lift; keep your back straight and keep the object close to your body.

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK13FIELD SAFETY

FIELD SAFETY

Fall HazardsThe following are examples of fall hazards. Take appropriate precautions and follow site-specific safety requirements (i.e., construction site safety program and requirements).

• Unprotected sides or edges of a walking or working surface.

• Walking/working surfaces that do not have the strength and structural integrity to support employee.

• Falls from elevation or ground level to lower levels.

• Falls through floor or roof openings (skylights, etc.).

• Falls through the floor or roof surface (floor/roof collapses).

• Falls on the same level (point of contact was the same level supporting individual).


Before Fall After Fall

6' Height of Employee

2' Maximum Free Fall Distance

3.5' Deceleration Distance

3' Safety Factor

Fall ProtectionFall protection is required when working at heights of six feet or higher. Guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems (must be inspected prior to each use) are examples of appropriate fall protection. Calculate fall distances as part of your job pre-planning:

Training Required

Must consider fall distances when pre-planning work. Distances shown are for example only.


Underground UtilitiesStakes/iron property corners must not be driven in areas where underground utilities may exist. If you’re unsure of the location of underground utilities, contact the local utility and the utility location service (if available).

State Local “811” Program Contact Number

FL Sunshine 811 1.800.432.4770

MD Miss Utility 1.800.257.7777

MS Dig Safe 1.800.322.4895

NY Dig Safely NY 1.800.962.7962

NJ One Call 1.800.272.1000

NC NC 811 1.800.632.4949

PA One Call 1.800.242.1776

SC SC 811 1.800.922.0983

VA Miss Utility 1.800.552.7001

WV Miss Utility 1.800.245.4848

NOTE: when in doubt dial #811, visit www.call811.com/state-specific.aspx or scan with your smartphone.

http://www.call811.com/state-specific.aspx


Poisonous VegetationIncludes poison ivy, oak, or sumac.

• Learn how to identify and avoid the plants:

Advise your supervisor if you are allergic to poisonous plants and what special attention and medication you require.

If you come into contact with any of the plants, treat with first aid.

poison ivy poison sumac poison oak

• Skin irritation may result from touching poisonous vegetation or handling clothing or tools that have come into contact with poisonous vegetation.


InsectsAdvise your supervisor of any need for medication(s) or personal health conditions that could result in an emergency.

Prevention:• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

• Avoid dense vegetation when possible.

• Avoid insect nests and disrupting their natural habitat.

If Exposure Occurs:

Treat with first aid, if necessary.

Notify your supervisor if further treatment is required.


Ticks and MosquitoesTicks and mosquitoes may carry vector-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease and West Nile Virus, and may require medical treatment.

Prevention:• Wear light colored and long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

• Treat clothing with Permethrin prior to going out to a job site.

• Perform tick checks during work and thoroughly check immediately after completing work.

Treatment:

Clean wound and perform first aid.

Report to your supervisor if a “bulls eye” is found anywhere on the body.

• Reasons to seek additional medical treatment include:

• Fever/chills.

• Aches and pains: symptoms include headache, fatigue, and muscle aches.

• Rash.


Removal Procedures: If tick is found, remove promptly, following these instructions:

Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.

Pull upward without squeezing the tick as this could release toxins into your body.

After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands.


WildlifeYou may encounter various types of wildlife and animals when on a job site:

Make wildlife/animal planning part of your job pre-planning, such as carrying animal deterrents.

If you see wildlife/animals in the work area, notify your supervisor and wait for the wildlife to clear.

Perform first aid to treat any injuries, and seek emergency treatment, as needed.

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK21CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY

CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY

Trenching and ExcavationTrenching/Excavation is any man-made cavity or depression in the earth’s surface, including its sides, walls, or faces formed by earth removal and producing unsupported earth conditions.

A protective system is engineered to prevent soil cave-in and must be in place and approved by the competent person on site prior to entering a trench or excavation.

Training Required

Trench box

Soil classification determines which protective system is required. Consult site contractor’s competent person.

• Never enter an excavation with vertical walls, this is an unsafe condition.

• Safe Access (i.e., secured ladder) is required when excavation is greater than four feet deep. Must not be more than 25 feet of horizontal travel distance away.

• Never work near suspended loads.

Shoring Sloping or benching

Never enter without consulting site contractor’s safety representative or competent person.


Slope RequirementsExamples provided for general reference include:

12' Max

20' Max

1

1

1 (no benching)

1

1 ½

1

¾

½

20' Max

20' Max

Type A Soil: stable rock or clay

Simple Slope

Simple SlopeShort Term

(24 hours or less)

Simple Slope

Simple Slope

Type B Soil: granular cohesive

Type C Soil: sandy, non-cohesive

Training Required


Confined SpaceConfined spaces present a variety of hazards. They can be oxygen deficient, contain flammable or toxic gases, and other physical hazards. Examples of a confined space:

Tanks

• Never enter any space judged to be a confined space. Entering a confined space requires specific authorization, special training, and equipment.

Always test air with calibrated 4-gas meter prior to entry.

• Verify 4-gas meter is working via bump test before and after sampling the space.

• Acceptable oxygen range = 19.5 to 23.5.

• Where significant hazards are present such as live electric, water, explosive atmosphere, etc., stop work and notify your supervisor and Dewberry’s Director of Safety.

Manholes

Vaults

Spaces noted by signage as “confined,” “hazardous”

Training Required

If entry is required and authorized by Dewberry’s Director of Safety, please follow the guidelines below:


Manhole/Vault Cover Removal• Clear gravel and debris from immediate area to prevent

slips and trips.

• Wear gloves for a better grip and to protect against abrasive edges.

• Use coordinated team lift or authorized tools to remove and place heavy covers:

• Keep fingers and toes clear of pinch points.

• Do not enter or break the plane with any tools or equipment that could come into contact with live electric parts.

• J-hooks.

• Handles.

• Pry bar levers.


Chemical Hazard CommunicationChemical hazards can be found in certain paints, greases, and other products.

Training Required

Must review Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and understand hazards prior to use. Use chemicals in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendation.


GHS ClassificationIf you’re on a job site and other contractors are using chemicals in close proximity, contact the site safety manager for required precautions and protection.

Training Required

Oxidizers

Acute Toxicity (Severe)

Gasses Under Pressure

Explosives

Carcinogen

Flammables

Corrosives

Irritant

Environmental Toxicity

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK27TRANSPORTATION SITE SAFETY

TRANSPORTATION SITE SAFETY

Driver SafetyDriving is one of the most dangerous things we do on and off the job. Speed, distractions, fatigue, road conditions, and vehicle conditions can lead to dangerous driving.

Training Required

Only authorized persons may operate or ride in Dewberry company vehicles.

Driver and passengers must always wear seat belts.

You may not use a mobile phone for calling or texting while driving, unless using a hands-free device. Avoid use if possible.

Properly maintain emergency and safety equipment in the vehicle.


Tires

Wipers

Horn

Brake lights

Headlights

Mirrors

Oil levels

Safety equipment

The visual safety walk-around of the vehicle should include inspection of the following:

Safe Vehicle OperationVehicle safety must start prior to turning on the ignition. Perform the following prior to operating the vehicle:

• The authorized driver should perform a safety walk-around of the vehicle to make sure there are no obstructions, personnel, or unsafe conditions present. Conditions can quickly change when on a construction site.

• Secure tools and equipment before placing vehicle in motion.

• Backing the vehicle is highly discouraged unless a spotter is present.

Training Required


Highway Right-of-WayRefer to the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) prior to going on site.

• Each state and jurisdiction may have specific requirements for traffic control, signage, etc. Obtain these requirements; review and follow them. Special training may be required.

• Minimize the use of backing maneuvers.

• Minimize interactions between on-foot workers, equipment, and trucks.

• Wear Class II vest/clothing. Some DOTs may require Class III vests. Check local authority requirements.

• Work within protection boundaries and keep a constant state of awareness.

• Review the MUTCD/DOT pocket guide for proper traffic control diagrams.

Training Required

Want the MUTCD on your phone?Scan with your smartphone to access a PDF or visit www.mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/kno_2009r1r2.htm.

http://www.mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/kno_2009r1r2.htm


Railroad Right-of-WayOccupational hazards exist for workers on or near railroad tracks and the environment can change rapidly.

• Often railroad companies require railroad personnel to accompany workers when within railroad right-of-way.

• Daily pre-job meeting must take place to discuss safety precautions and any required on-track protections.

• Class II vest must be worn when within 25 feet of the track. Class III vest may be required by client or local authority.

• Designate a watchman/lookout responsible for designating place of safety, watching for approaching trains, and warning workers to move to place of safety. He or she may have no other responsibilities.

Training Required

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK31HIGH RISK PROJECT SAFETY

HIGH RISK PROJECT SAFETY

Electrical SubstationGeneral Safety Precautions

• Dewberry employees must always be escorted and perform under the supervision of a qualified power company employee.

• Be familiar with and follow the power company’s safety program and requirements. Special training is required for working around electric substations.

• Use non-conductive tools and equipment.

Outdoor Substations• May have exposed energized electrical equipment,

which is often found in low proximity to the ground.

• Keep vehicles, tools, and other equipment at least 20 feet away from exposed electrical conductors in outside substations.

Indoor Substations• Dewberry employees must not work in proximity to any

exposed electrical equipment within an indoor substation.

Training Required


Telecom/Rooftop• When possible, request radio frequency (RF) emitting

equipment be de-energized.

• Always have a working RF monitor (Radman) on your person while conducting work.

• If working near a building with exposed sides or ledges, wear appropriate personal fall arrest equipment.

Training Required


Remote/Rough Terrain ProjectsReview emergency action and communication plans as part of job pre-planning.

Establish an alternative communication plan for remote job locations if cell phone service is limited or unavailable.

• If multiple crews are deployed, maintain frequent communication and report unsafe conditions to field survey coordinator.

• Ensure survey vehicle’s winch for recovery is properly secured and maintained on the front of the truck.

• Access to remote job locations may require client-specific training and other special requirements.

• Avoid steep terrain and other hazardous objects when possible.

• If terrain is impassable or unsafe, report back to your supervisor immediately.

• Follow strict check-in/check-out procedures.

• Use of SPOT/GPS transponder may be required.

Training Required


Roll cages

Seat belts

Headlights

Tail lights

All-Terrain Utility VehiclesAll-Terrain Utilities Vehicles (ATUVs) are special vehicles for off-road use only. Speeds are not to exceed 25 MPH.

• Wear Class II vest/clothing. Orange vests may be required during hunting season. Check local authority requirements.

• Must obtain permission from client, survey manager, and Dewberry’s Director of Safety before deployment of ATUVs.

• Driver and passengers must always wear seat belts.

ATUVs must be equipped with:

Training Required

Notes:

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Visit the Health and Safety page on ID for more information.

Dewberry’s Director of Safety Jeff Ambrose, CSP, CHST, CET703.849.0342 • 301.751.1418 [email protected]

Click on the safety icon on the ID homepage.

https://innerdimensions.dewberry.com/sites/health_and_safety/sitepages/home.aspx

mailto:jambrose%40dewberry.com?subject=Surveryor%27s%20Safety%20Handbook

surveyor’s safety...osha inspection an osha inspector may enter a job site for any of the...

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