Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/655416
62 Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDING UPGRADES Appendix A: Worker Protection This appendix contains information to help those per- forming and supervising the building upgrade assess the risks to workers; it recommends actions to mini- mize risks to workers' health and safety and identifies resources for additional information. Worker protection is especially important in older buildings. Areas un- dergoing construction may contain remnants of legacy contaminants, such as lead and asbestos. Although these materials often are not considered harmful if left undisturbed or covered, they can become a concern when disturbed. Therefore, it is essential that the contractors review available information about the exis- tence of such materials before beginning any modifica- tions to the building. In some situations, only certified personnel can perform certain activities outlined in this Guide. By law, employers and supervisors are required to provide workers with a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that can cause or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm, as required in Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Employers and supervisors must ensure the following: 1. Work site operations are conducted in compliance with OSHA regulatory requirements. OSHA regulato- ry requirements identify the following construction hazards to be addressed: • Asbestos-Containing Materials: 29 CFR Part 1926.1101 • Chemical Hazards: 29 CFR Part 1910.1200 and 29 CFR Part 1926.59 • Confined Spaces in Construction: 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart AA • Electrical: 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart K • Falls: 29 CFR Part 1926.501 • Ladders: 29 CFR Part 1926.1053 • Lead: 29 CFR Part 1926.62 and 40 CFR 745 • Personal Protective Equipment: 29 CFR Part 1926.28 2. Workers are trained in the hazards of their job and the methods to protect themselves. 3. Workers are provided the protective equipment needed to reduce site exposures. Employers are re- quired to perform a Personal Protective Equipment Hazard Assessment for each employee. Table A1 provides a list of recommended assessments and actions for worker safety concerns. Project con- tract documents (drawings or specifications) and site plans should include precautions to address these issues. Table A1 also includes measures an employer needs to take to evaluate existing and potential health concerns and recommended actions to ensure work- er safety. Assistance with developing these worker protection plans often is available from state or federal training programs. OSHA offers training courses and educational programs to help broaden worker and employer knowledge on the recognition, avoidance, and prevention of safety and health hazards in their workplaces. OSHA also offers training and educational materials that help businesses train their workers and comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (see http://www.osha.gov/dte/index.html). When known pollutants are being produced or dis- turbed during retrofit activities, follow appropriate standards – including OSHA, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and EPA standards – to minimize worker and occupant expo- sure. The document "IAQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings Under Construction" published by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Asso- ciation (SMACNA) also can be used as a best-practices manual for maintaining IAQ in occupied buildings un- dergoing renovation or construction. The SMACNA doc- ument covers how to manage sources of air pollutants, control measures, quality control and documentation, and communication with occupants.