=== dc2021-06-0018-pages-01.ppm === gaa Republic ot the Philippines pe!) DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (Kagawaran ng Enerhiya) DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO._0€202! -0G-O0I2 SOLAR SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT CODE OF PRACTICE WHEREAS, pursuant to Rule 2, Section 8 of Department Circular No. DC2012-11-0009, otherwise known as the “Renewable Energy Safety, Health and Environment Rules and Regulations (RESHERR)’, and in order to ensure adequate safety and protection against the hazards to health, life, property, as well as pollution of air, land and water from Renewable Energy (RE) Operations, the following Solar Safety, Health and Environment Code of Practice are hereby promulgated. GENERAL PROVISIONS Section |. Safety, Health and Environment Policy Statement {. {It shall be the primary responsibility of the Employer to provide a safe workplace while protecting the health of the Workers and the surrounding environment. To achieve this, safety, health and environmental concerns must be thoroughly integrated in the Employer's management policy. 2. The Employer, as a matter of policy, shall: a. Issue a general safety, health and environment policy statement in writing in accordance with Rule 3, Section 9 of RESHERR; , b. Give importance to the safety, health. and environmental aspect of their operation by creating a safety, health and environment committee under the direct supervision of top management; c. Establish a system to implement and monitor compliance of their contractors and sub-contractors to safety, health and environmentai policy and related requirements of the company; d. Implement programs with corresponding budget allocation to ensure that relevant government safety, health and environmental rules, regulations and codes are complied with; and e. Establish an Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management Plan to address any incident that may pose serious and imminent danger to the company’s Workers, the environment and the community. Section Il. Definition of Terms Terms and expressions that are generally defined in other existing regulations or in the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) shall have the same meaning in this Department Circular. For purposes of this issuance, however, the following terms shall be defined as follows: 1. Authorized Personnel — refers to a Worker who has been trained and licensed/certified to do the task, as duly authorized by the Employer; === dc2021-06-0018-pages-02.ppm === ~ 10. 44. 12. Section IH. Bureau — refers to the Renewable Energy Management Bureau (REMB) of the Department of Energy; Confined Space - refers to any area that has hazardous atmosphere, with restricted means for entry and exit and/or not designated for continuous worker occupancy; Employer — refers to the principal employer, service/operating contractor referred to in a RE Service/Operating Contract, and other contractors or subcontractors, engaged in RE Operations, natural or juridical, whether acting alone or in consortium with others, who directly or indirectly benefits from the services of the employees: Environment — refers to the Workpiace Environmental Measurement as provided for in OSHS: Meteorological Station — refers to a facility where meteorological data such as irradiation, temperature and wind speed and direction were gathered, recorded and released; Procedure - refers to a formal step-by-step instruction describing how a specific task or work activity should be done; Program — refers to a plan under which action may be taken toward a qoai: SDS - refers to Safety Data Sheet, which is intended to provide workers and emergency personnei with procedures for handling or working with that substance in a safe manner, and includes information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point, etc.}, toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill-handling procedures; Standard — refers to specifications or guidelines on how things should be done: System — refers to an organized scheme of how things are done; includes procedures, policies describing how an organization works; and Worker — refers to any member of the labor force, regardiess of employment status. Safety, Health and Environment Practices The Employer is required to formulate and implement a Safety and Health Program which shall be in consonance with the provisions of Republic Act (RA) No. 11058. The Employer shall prepare and allocate a budget to implement the Safety and Health Program. The Safety and Health Program shall which includes. among others, the following safety measures: A. General Safety 1. Office Safety i) === dc2021-06-0018-pages-03.ppm === a. An office maintenance and housekeeping program shail be in place, in accordance with Section lILA.3 hereof: b. Horse playing shall be prohibited within company premises; c. Only Authorized Personnei shali operate equipment and appiiances; d. Electrical equipment and appliances shail be immediately shut-off when not in use; e. Smoking shall only be aliowed in the designated smoking area: and f. An ergonomics program shall be in place to address potential ergonomic hazards from work procedures in order to minimize stress to the musculo- skeletal system to prevent repetitive stress injury. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) a. Employer shail have a PPE program in place; b. Employer shall provide adequate PPE available at all times, in conformity with the approved design and specification appropriate for the exposure and the work to be performed that meets at least the minimum OSHS requirements or applicable industry standards such as ANSI, ASTM. ete. and shall bear no cost to Workers; c. Workers shali be properly trained on the selection (fit-test), use, storage and maintenance of approved PPE: d. All work activities/workplaces requiring the use of PPE shail be identified: e. Employer shail communicate to concerned Workers the use of the required PPE. Adequate signs/warnings shall be posted in areas requiring PPE: f. PPE shall be inspected regularly and properly maintained to its good condition. Use of defective/damaged PPE is prohibited; g. All Workers shall comply with PPE requirements in accordance with Section ffl.A.2 hereof: h. Hard hat shall be worn in designated "HARD HAT AREA": i. Appropriate eye protection shall be worn whiie handling chemicals, while in areas or activities with exposure to dusts, or any operations that can cause eye injuries: j. Face shields shall be worn as protection against flying particles, sprays or hazardous liquid, splashes of molten metals and hot solution: 1s) === dc2021-06-0018-pages-04.ppm === fo) . Appropriate hearing protection shall be worn in areas where the noise level reaches 85 decibels and above for 8-hour exposure; Appropriate respiratory protection shall be worn in areas where air-borne contaminants such as toxic materials, fogs, gases, fumes. mists, sprays or vapor and dusts are present; . Appropriate gloves shall be worn when handling toxic materials and working on energized electrical circuit or apparatus; When performing hot works, appropriate PPE shali be worn such as but not limited to welding masks, respirator, gloves, aprons and leggings designed for heat protection. Head protection shall be worn when necessary; All Workers exposed to extreme temperatures shal! wear appropriate PPE in accordance with Section Ifl.A.2 hereof; Full body harness and/or lifelines shall be properly worn while working at heights 6 feet (2 meters) or more above ground in pits, tunnels, ducts and other confined spaces. Lifelines shall be securely fastened/anchored while in use; and Safety shoes shal! be worn in areas where they are required. 3. Housekeeping Employers shall devise procedures or guidelines for the following concerns, in accordance with existing laws and regulations: a. b. g. h. Obstructions (e.g., passageways, aisles, ingress and egress): Domestic and process waste management (e.g., generation, collection, segregation, storage and disposal); Storage and stacking of materials, tools and equipment: . Signage (directional/instructionai): Barricades and zoning; Building and ground maintenance of offices and field facilities: Pest and rodent control; and Control for stray animals. 4, Laboratory Safety a. All chemicals, sample containers and generated wastes shall be properly handled, stored, labeled and dispose in accordance to Republic Act No. === dc2021-06-0018-pages-05.ppm === 6969 also known as the “Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990;* b. The SDS of all chemicals and/or Hazardous Materials in storage or in use shall be made available for reference at all times; c. Applicable chemicals and reagents used in the laboratory shall have the permits and licenses from regulatory bodies (i.e., Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau, Philippine National Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency etc.); d. Safe work procedures for the following task shali be provided and reviewed/evaluated periodically: i. Geoscientific and Environmental Sampling; ii. Field Data and Sample Gathering; ili. Laboratory Analysis: iv. Laboratory Instrument Operation; v. Chemical Handling; and vi. Waste Collection, Storage, Transport, Treatment and Disposal. e. All work involving hazardous and volatile materials shall be done in the fume hood: f. Smoking ts strictly prohibited in the laboratory area; g. Compressed gas cylinders shall be stored, transported and handled in accordance with Section HI.M hereof: h. All instrument plugs, cables and power outlets shall be iabeled with their corresponding power ratings; i. Eye wash stations and emergency showers shail be available in designated areas and regularly maintained; and j. Laboratory Instruments should be calibrated based on Operating Manual. 5. Safety Signage Safety signage and devices shall be posted in prominent positions at strategic locations in a language understandable to all, and in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 11058 and its implementing Rules and Regulations. 6. Duties and Responsibilities of a Safety Officer a. Oversee the overall management of the safety, health and environment program; in === dc2021-06-0018-pages-06.ppm === b. Frequently monitor and inspect safety, health and environment aspect of the operation being undertaken with the participation of supervisors and workers; c. Assist government inspectors in the conduct of safety, health and environment inspection and/or during the conduct of an accident investigation; and d. tssue work stoppage orders when necessary based on the requirements and procedures provided by the OSHS. 7. Safety Orientation All visitors and contractors must complete a site specific safety induction to be aware of all safety rules and regulations and emergency procedure applicable to the worksite. 8. Buddy System a. Employer shail implement the buddy system to high risk activities such as bdut not limited fo the following: i. working at heights; ii. working with electricity; ii. working at confined spaces; iv. working with hazardous substances and equipment; Vv. working with materials at great pressure; vi. working with public, where there is potential for violence; vii. working with various kinds of terrain; and vill. working with bodies of water. b. Where lone working with high risk is required, Worker shall ensure they have another colleague aware of their movements. To operate the buddy system, the Employer shall assign a buddy. This is the person who is the contact for the period in which the said Worker is working alone. The assigned buddy shall be: |. De fully aware of the movements of the lone Worker: ii. have all necessary contact details for the lone Worker, including next of kin; ii. have details of the lone Worker’s known breaks or rest periods: === dc2021-06-0018-pages-07.ppm === iv. attempt to contact the lone Worker if they do not contact the buddy as agreed: v. follow the agreed loca! escalation procedures for alerting their senior manager and/or police if the lone Worker failed to contact the buddy within agreed and reasonable timescales; and vi. contingency arrangements shall be in place for someone else to take over the role of the buddy in case the assigned person is unavaiiabie. 9. Worker Training a. Ali Employer shall ensure that Workers attend a fit for purpose Safety training. This training may be conducted by the Safety Officer, DOLE accredited Safety Training Organizations. Safety Practitioners or Safety Consultants: and b. Where applicable, TESDA training and certifications, shall be required for special kind of works (e.g., Electrician, Scaffold Erector, Riager Crane Operator etc.). B. Safety, Health and Environment Plan Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) planning begins with anticipating and unaersianaing safety, health and environment hazards in the workplace and assessing consequent risks and opportunities to protect people, the environment and the business. Risks are addressed by levels of management appropriate to the nature and magnitude of the risk. The early recognition, identification and understanding of applicable laws and regulations, stakeholder expectations and emerging issues during the business planning phase are helpful in evaluating risks and opportunities. a. Prior to the performance of work, Employers shall submit a SHE Plan, duly signed by the Project Manager and specific to the project. The SHE Plan shall describe the safety, health and environmental issues and risks associated with the work; b. SHE Plan shall be based on. and comply with, applicable laws, decrees, administrative rules and regulations, relevant Employer policy and operating procedures, and relevant best practices; c. If a SHE Plan is required by local regulations, Employer shall not start work without a SHE Plan that has been accepted by local authorities having jurisdiction; === dc2021-06-0018-pages-08.ppm === d. Prior to starting work, all Workers shall participate in a safety, health and environmental protection orientation with a designated Employer represeniative: and e. Prior to starting any work. Employer shail perform a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). The JHA shall: carefully study and record each step of a job; it. identify existing and/or potential equipmeni, environmentai, or action-generated job hazards; and ill. Getermine the best way to perform the job to reduce or eliminate hazards. During a daily pre-task too! box meeting, Employer shall ensure that the JHA is communicated to and fully understood by all Workers who will participate in the performance of the work. Employer shail ensure that the JHA has been communicated to and fully understood by all Workers as indicated by the signatures of the Workers concerned in an attendance sheet of that meeting. C. Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management Emergency preparedness and an effeciive execution of response actions help protect VVorkers, contractors, the public, and the environment in the event of an accident. a. Develop site specific emergency preparedness and disaster management plans to ensure the safety of our Workers, contractors, operations, and affected communities and prevent loss of life, serious iniury, or significant environmental or public health impacts; Provide the necessary human, equipment, and material resources to execute the emergency response plans: Communicate emergency preparedness and disaster management plans to Workers, contractors, communities, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders. Coordinate these plans with outside authorities and establish clear roles, responsibilities, and resources: Plan and conduct periodic emergency and evacuation drills to ensure a constant state of operational readiness to respond to actual incidents: Review and revise, where necessary emergency preparedness and disaster management plans after a critique of drills or actual emergencies. Apply corrective and improvement actions and monitor to ensure completion. Share best practices and lessons learned with others; === dc2021-06-0018-pages-09.ppm === f. Align and integrate emergency preparedness and disaster management plans with business; and g. Implement, as and when required, site specific emergency preparedness and disaster management plans with a sense of urgency to ensure the safety and health of people, operations and affected communities and prevent loss of life and property, serious injury, or significant environmental or public heaith impacts. D. Safety and Health Communication Program Establish a culture that encourages and promotes open communication and informed decision making shall be maintained. Safety and Health information will! be shared in a timely manner with management, Workers, business partners, the public and key stakehoiders through the various channels available. To strengthen and reinforce an effective safety and health culture. The Safety and Health Communication Program may include, but is not limited to: a. Monthly safety meetings: b. Use of Safety and Health Bulletin Boards; c. Safety posters. announcements and other materials used to support the on-going safety programs and activities: d. Use of Company intranet and Safety and Health webpage; e. Safety and Health Performance Awards for Individuals, Groups, and Contractors; f. Lessons Learned Bulletins and First Alerts: g. Contests (slogans, posters, suggestions, etc.}: and h. Surveys and Questionnaires. E. Incident Reporting and Investigation Develop, implement and maintain standard processes for reporting and investigation of hazards, injuries, illnesses, incidents and any other systems failures that may affect the safety and health of Workers, contractors and the community and which may adversely impact the environment. Procedures shall enable the Employer to: a. Report to the and DOLE Regional Office having jurisdiction over the workplace, in writing, all accidents, fatality and the result of the investigation of all Lost Time Accidents with or without major losses / damages in accordance with Ruie 4 Section 14 Notification and Reporting of the RESHERR: 0. Utilize the fastest available means of communication and shall be made within twenty-four (24) hours after occurrence of any, but not limited to, the following incidents: i. Fatal accidents; === dc2021-06-0018-pages-10.ppm === ii. Hospitalization of three (3) or more persons; ii. Accidental detonation of explosives including blasting agents: iv. Explosion or blowout: v. Accidental or over-exposure to ionizing radiation: vi. Accidental exposure to immediately dangerous to life and health levels of toxic substances; and vii. Property damages amounting to One Million Pesos (Php1,000,000.00). c. Investigate incidents {including near misses) by Authorized Personnel to identify and analyze root causes and system failures; and d. identify and implement corrective actions and continual improvement opportunities in order to prevent future incidents, based on generated incident data and incident investigations. F. Workplace Monitoring and Control 1. Permissible Noise Exposure a. Employer shall have a hearing conservation program in place for exposed Workers; and b. Employer must comply with noise exposure levels under OSHS. 2. iHumination a. As applicable, skylights and windows shall be jocated and spaced so that daylight conditions are fairly uniform over the working area; b. All occupied offices and buildings, including perimeters, shali be properly illuminated during normal operation based on OSHS; c. Adequate automatic emergency lighting system shall be provided in all stairways, exits, workplaces and passages, as required by the Philippine Building Code and the Fire Code of the Philippines and OSHS; and d. Adequaie ground lighting shall be provided within the working premises as required under OSHS. 3. General Ventilation Suitabie atmospheric conditions shail be maintained and adequate ventilation shail be provided in all work areas by natural and/or artificial means. Measures shall be taken to minimize, if not eliminate, process-related airborne hazards such as dusts, gases, odor, vapor, or mists at the source. 10 === dc2021-06-0018-pages-11.ppm === 4, Extreme Temperature All Workers exposed to extreme temperature shall wear suitabie PPE: All equipment and facilities shail undergo re-evaluation for possible redesign or engineering control io minimize temperature hazard; and Risk assessment shal! be done where there is possible exposure to extreme temperature. 5. Radiation a. All potential sources of electro-magnetic radiation, such as switchyards, high voltage power lines and transformers, shall be identified, and isolated (fenced). Only Authorized Personnel have access to this area: Authorized Personnel operating radiographic equipment and conducting radiographic inspections must ensure work is in accordance with applicable regulations: All works and materials emitting radiation, such as but not limited to radiographic testing and naturally occurring radioactive materials from drilling. shali be covered by appropriate permit and signage; Radiographic testing area must be designated and identified as a Restricted/High Hazard area and roping off or barricading the area is required. Warning signs must be placed in conspicuous locations around the work area te ensure all Workers on site are made aware that hazardous work activity is taking place and must remain in place until al! the radiographic activities have been completed; Personal dosimeters such as thermoluminescent dosimeters and direct reading dosimeters shail be worn by radiographers at ali times when they are performing site radiography work; Work should be conducted to the degree possible, when only a minimum number of personnel are in the vicinity such as after normal work hours; and Vessels or pipes being tested must be adequately drained of all liquids prior to the tests being conducted. G. Lock-Out, Tag-Out and Try Out (LOTOTO) Procedures 1. All LOTOTO shail be covered by safe work permits; 2. Only Authorized Personnel shall! be allowed to conduct LOTOTO; 3. Required PPE shall be used as prescribed in Section IILA.2 hereof, === dc2021-06-0018-pages-12.ppm === 4, All affected Workers must be notified in a timely manner that a LOTOTO system is going to be utilized and the reason thereof. The Authorized Personnel shali know the type and magnitude of energy that the machine or equipment utilizes and shall understand the hazards; if the machine or equipment is operating, it shall be shut down by fotiowing the norma! stopping procedure (e.g., depress stop button, open toggle switch, etc.}; on o) Lock-out and tag-out shall be applied on the energy isolating devices with assigned individual lock(s) and tag(s); 7. The proper blocking, braking and securing devices of all equipment shall be activated and installed. All stored or residual electrical, gravitational, mechanical and/or thermal energy must be disconnected and drained to a zero-energy state by bleeding, venting, grounding, or other approved means or otherwise made safe by the blocking or repositioning of equipment: 8. After ensuring that no Workers are exposed and as a check if the energy source has been fully disconnected, the push button or other normal operating controls shall be tested to ensure that the equipment will not operate; g. All affected Workers shall be notified that the machine or equipment has effectively been isolated and that lock-out and tag-out devices are in place: 10. After completing the servicing or maintenance and the equipment is ready for normal production operations, the area around the machines or equipment snali be checked to ensure that no Worker is exposed; 11. After all tools have been removed from the machine or equipment and guards have been reinstalled, all lock-out and tag-out devices shall be removed: 12.The energy isolating devices shail be operated to restore energy to the machine or equipment: 13.All affected Workers shali be notified that the machine or equipment has effectively been energized and is ready for use; and 14. Lock-out and tag-out devices shail not be used for other purposes and shall be used only for controlling energy. H. Electrical Works Requirements 1. All electrical works shall be covered by work permit system: 2. All electrical systems, works and materials shall conform to the latest Philippine Electrical Code; === dc2021-06-0018-pages-13.ppm === 12. 13. 14. 16. 17. 18. Only Electrical Practitioner authorized by the Employer shaii supervise all electrical works in consonance with Republic Act No. 7920 also known as the “New Electrical Engineering Law of 1995” Only duly qualified, competent and authorized Electrical Practitioner shall be allowed to carry out inspection, testing and repair of electrical installations and equipment; A Buddy System must be practiced for all electrical works (120V and above): Prior to any electrical task, Workers working with electricity must remove all metal jewelry; Required PPE shall be used in accordance with Section IILA.2 hereof: Required clearance shall be observed when working near high-voltage lines or equipment in accordance with the latest Philippine Electrical Code. Appropriate protection and/or insulation of high-voltage lines (e.g., power line cover or protective conductor cover) and barricades shall be provided and installed; Materials, tools and equipment shall be inspected before and after for any wear and damages that may expose the Workers to electrical hazards; . Electrical tools and equipment shail be properly guarded and grounded: . Elecirical tools and equipment shall have Inspection and Maintenance Program; Proper warning and instructional signs shail be visibly posted at all times when work is being performed, and shal! be removed or recovered promptly after work is completed; No circuits are to be energized without first informing and receiving clearance from a supervisor/site manager, manager or appropriate site personnel: Appropriate lock-out, tag-cut and try-out procedures shall be implemented and observed in accordance with Section ifi.G: . Areas and cabinets with electric power shall be properly marked with signs; First aid shall be available during all electrical works; Emergency response team, depending on criticality of the activity shail be available during electrical works: Hazardous electrical wastes shall be properly managed: and Electrical safety education and training shall be provided to ensure that Workers are knowledgeable in performing their tasks safely. === dc2021-06-0018-pages-14.ppm === Demolition Requirements 1. st Before any demolition work is started, Authorized Personnel experienced in demolition operations must be appointed in writing as the person responsible for all work on site. The duties of Authorized Personnel shall include the direct supervision of the work force, ensuring that work permit requirements are met, and liaison with other contractors working in the generai area and with operators and construction or maintenance engineers: The original drawings of the structure to be demolished shail be obtained. These shall be examined to ascertain whether any major changes from the original construction have been made and where utility connections may be found: The method of demolition to be used should be decided upon in consultation with al! Workers involved. The re-use of salvage materials shall be considered prior to this decision; All utility services such as sieam, electricity, instrumentation, gas, and water must be shut off and the main supplies disconnected outside the line of the demolition work. Tanks, vessels, and pipelines must be completely disconnected from inlet, outlet, and overflow points: Adjacent structures, buildings. pedestrian walkways, parking lots, etc. shall be protected from demolition debris that can likely cause hazards to the general public. Also, bracing must De installed to ensure stability of adiacent Structures; Barricades must be erected around the work area. Visible signs bearing the words "Danger - Demolition in Progress” in must be tn place; Traffic management plans shall be in place when work is being done as necessary; Before demolition of structures and facilities with asbestos and insulation or removal of equipment containing Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCBs) or any other hazardous material, the Worker shall notify the Supervisor to ensure safe procedures are followed. Proper PPE and hazardous materials disposal procedures must be utilized; . A safe means of access to and egress from all demolition areas and working places must be provided. Work places and the areas around ladders and stairways must be kept clear of material and debris: 10. Nails in timber must be removed or bent over, or the timber must be stacked 44. where it will not be a source of danger. All glass in windows, doors, partitions, etc. shall be completely removed prior to structural demolition: All steel! construction shall be demolished column fength by column Jength and tier by tier. A structural member being removed must not be under any 14 === dc2021-06-0018-pages-15.ppm === stress other than its own weight. Members being cut or dismantled shall be chained or lashed in place to prevent uncontrolled swinging or dropping; 12. No tank, vessel, or pipe work which has contained explosive or flammable material shall be subjected to welding or hot cutting operation until all steps have been taken to remove the substance and any vapors; 13. Mechanica! equipment such as cranes and bulldozers should be equipped with wire mesh guards over windows and with solid protection over the driving position so that there is no danger of the operator being struck by flying debris; and 14. As work progresses, continuing inspections must be made to detect hazards arising through weakened or overloaded floors, unsupported walls, or loose material. immediate steps shall be taken by bracing or by other means to prevent the premature collapse of the whole or any part of the structure. J. Working in Confined Spaces Procedures 1. Standard work processes shall be developed, implemented and maintained to ensure that work involving the entry of Workers into confined spaces has been assessed and approved of by an Authorized Personnel: 2. The entry into the confined space shall be administratively controlled using a work permit system; 3. The confined space must be properly isolated and all hazardous energy sources are controlled; 4. The atmosphere inside the confined space musi be gas-tested by an Authorized Personne! using properly calibrated equipment in this order: a. Check for Oxygen Content - Oxygen level shouid be at least 19.5% and not more than 23.5%. b. Check for Combustibles — Flammable atmosphere should be less than 10% of the Lower Explosives Limit (LEL) — (0% Is preferred). c. Check for Toxic Gases: i. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) — shouid be less than 10 ppm; ii. Carbon Monoxide (CO) — should be less than 25 ppm; and iii. Any other hazardous gases present. if any of the above is present over norrnal jevels, the area shail not be entered until ventilation by blower is effected; 5. The atmosphere inside the confined space must be monitored and controlled within the limits set for occupational exposure; ms Ua CU === dc2021-06-0018-pages-16.ppm === V1. 12. 13. 14, 17, Approved types of breathing apparatus and other PPE shall be provided and made available for use by the Worker/s entering a confined space; No Worker/s shall enter a confined space unless a waicher is available. The watcher must be familiar with the job and shall maintain contact with the Worker/s in the confined space and be equally provided with breathing apparatus for ready use in case of emergency: Each entry point shali have one dedicated Attendant to control access to the space. Access shall be restricted only to Authorized Entrant: Ai least one Worker who shall enter the confined space shail wear a properly calibrated and functioning personal multi-gas monitor; iG. Where necessary, Emergency Response Team must be in place; Ali Workers invoived must nave attended an appropriate confined space entry training course; No smoking or open lights, torches, arcs or flames shall be permitted in confined spaces until an inspection has been conducted to ensure that fire or explosion possibilities have been eliminated: No spraying or painting using volatile solvents of oil shall be undertaken in confined spaces uniess the necessary respiratory and other adequate protections are provided; Any manhole, tank opening, or other opening which is left unattended shall be protected by barricades, provided with appropriate warning signs and sufficient lighting; . Adequate means of ingress and egress from any confined or enclosed space shall be provided; . Activities involving welding or cutting in confined spaces shall conform with OSHS; and Other applicable procedures in accordance with Safety in Confined Space Manual of DOLE shail be adopted. K. Work Permit System Procedures 1. Established work permit system procedures shali be implemented in the following works: a. Electrical and Mechanical LOTOTO; b. Confined Space Entry; c. Hot Work; d. €xcavation: e. Hazardous Materials Handling; 16 === dc2021-06-0018-pages-17.ppm === Work at Heights; Critical Lifts; Radiation; Blasting; Demolition; Bypassing Critical Protection: Simultaneous Operation; and . Any activity that may adversely affect the safety and health of people and ihe environment and has a significant potential for injury or environmental incident. 2. The above permit shail include the minimum applicable requirements: Permit Number; Authorized permit Requestor and Issuer/Approver; Date of issue; Wark Methodology and Description (Area/ Activity Covered); Period of Validity of Permit (Date and Time): Work Precaution Checklist: Protective Measure Checklist; Work Party Acceptance; Emergency Response/Equipment; Environment Monitoring; Job Hazard Analysis and Control: |. Work Carry Over (Turnover of Unfinished Work); and m. Sign Off (Closing). Ro FA AO AO TD 3. Control for issuance and recording of all permits shall be established; 4. Permits shall be properly posted in the work area; 5. Work covered by permit shai! be immediately stopped if permit conditions are not complied with/violaied or emergency incident/accident occurs; 6. Control for the recording and monitoring of all permits that were stopped and revalidation and resolution of action items to address the compliance issues or violations shall be established: 7. An assessment shail be conducted to determine the need for safe work permits on other facilities and equipment on site; 8. Workers affected by the work permit system procedures shail be trained on the application procedures. Permitting authorities shall likewise be identified and properly trained; and 9. A periodic safety audit shall be in place to determine its adequacy on compliance and effectiveness. L. Hazardous Materials Handling, Storage and Disposal === dc2021-06-0018-pages-18.ppm === . Toxic chemicals and hazardous waste/substances shall be properly managed, handled, stored, transported and disposed) in accordance with Republic Act No. 6969 also known as the “Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Contro! Act of 1990”. . Ail related SDS shail be readily available and communicated to Workers for information and reference; . Afregister on site shall be provided detailing the movement, storage, use and disposal of all hazardous materials and dangerous goods, including hazardous wastes and other by-products: . The following details must be made known: a. Material description including: i. Product Name: ti. Source or Manufacturer; iil. Use or Purpose: and iv. Quantity stored, used and disposed. b. All potential hazards to health or risks to the environment, resulting from the work being undertaken; c. Acopy of risk assessment relating to its specific use; d. Work procedures and methods of safe handling required for safe storage, use and disposal so that any human exposures, emissions to atmosphere, or discharge to land or water are avoided or minimized: @. Required permits of use, storage and disposal by local and national reguiations: f. Information and training requirements on the hazardous substances: g. Method of removal of any unused materials or by-products from the site upon completion of work: h. Method of disposal that meets health, safety and environmental regulations; and i. Emergency response measures required if an incident involving such materials happened onsite or offsite. . All Workers that maybe exposed to chemicals shall be trained on the recommended hazard controls of various chemicals used in the workplace: 18 === dc2021-06-0018-pages-19.ppm === 6. Chemicals shail be stored according to storage requirements as stated in the SDS with consideration of storage compatibility with other chemicals; The appropriate PPE shall be worn as prescribed in the work permit system, as Stated in the instruction/procedure or as advised by the supervisor; and All exposed Workers shall be given immediately proper medical attention for any untoward effects from handling toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes/substances. M. Compressed Gas Handling and Storage 4 ww oO Oo Gas cylinders shall be chained/supported in an upright position at all times and shouid be placed in a secured and well-ventilated area; Cylinder cap shall be properly installed when the cylinder is not in use and when being moved/transported, Gas cylinders shall be labeled, appropriately stored and secured in designated areas and shail conform to the requirements of all applicable industry and regulatory standards: All hoses. gas regulators and other accessories shall be regularly inspected and maintained: Appropriate shut-off tool/spanner shall be readily available for use; Flashback arresters shali always be available and properly installed: Compressed gas cylinders are prohibited inside confined spaces; and Appropriate handling equipment (cart or wheeler) shall be used when transferring cylinders. N. Flammable Liquids Handling, Storage, Labelling and Disposal 4 3. 4. i. Flammable liquids shall be properly stored, labeled, handled and disposed of according to recommended controls, as specified in the SDS, in accordance with applicable OSHS and/or DENR Standards; Approved safety pumps and similar devices shall be used when transferring liquids from one container to another. Motorized pumps shall be properly grounded; Appropriate safety containers shall be used in handling or transporting flammable liquids: Adequate fire control and fire-fighting equipment shall always be available in areas where flammable liquids are present; === dc2021-06-0018-pages-20.ppm === _ Flammable liquids shall not be discharged into the sewers, drainage, canals or natural waterways; Empty flammable containers shall be disposed of in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and local regulatory requirements; and Hauling of flammable and/or combustible liquids must be in compliance with DENR standards. 0. Explosives Storage, Use, Transportation and Disposal! 1. wo The government laws pertaining to the use, storage and transportation of explosives shail be strictly observed. Manufacturer's instructions for the safe handling and storage of explosives shall be foilowed; . Disposal of all empty explosive containers shall be in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and local regulatory requirements; Blasting machines and equipment are to be disconnected from firing circuit by switching to “safe” or “unarmed” position before and after a charge is fired; Worker/s who handle, prepare, loads, fires, burns or destroys an explosive are certified blasters or working under the direct supervision of a certified blaster: Explosives and explosive devices shail be transported in accordance with all applicable regulations and shall be provided with the appropriate security escort at ail times; The loss or theft of explosives from a worksite shall immediately be reported to the nearest authorities and to Supervisor in charge; Warning signs about the use of radio transmitter must be posted on all access roads 1000 feet from the blasting area; All access points to the blasting area shall be properly guarded until an “ALL CLEAR" signal is sounded: Expfosives or dynamites used for quarrying or road construction shall be stored in magazines as per regulatory standard; 10. Dynamites shail be separated from the blasting ingredients such as blasting caps or fuses when stored or transported; 11.For security reasons, vehicles transporting explosives shall not be marked unless required: 12. Only Authorized Personnel shall handle explosives; === dc2021-06-0018-pages-21.ppm === 13. Explosive magazine shall be constructed as per standards. Danger signs shail be installed to warn the public. Explosive magazine shall be provided with at least two ventilation outlets: 14. Stacking/piling of boxes of explosives shall only be on eye level: 15. Perimeter gates and doors of the storage magazine shali be provided with two (2) locks each. One for the military and one for the company custodian; 16. Only Authorized Personnel shall be allowed to enter the storage areas or near explosives; 17. Smoking is stricily prohibited in areas where there are explosives; and 18 Military escorts must be present during transport of explosives. P. Warehouse Safety ji. Warehouses shail be well-ventilated and well-lighted. The lighting specification and requirement shail be in accordance to the latest Philippine Electrical Code, the DOE Manual of Practice on Efficient Lighting and/or the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc.’s (IEE) Manuai for LEED Compliant Lighting System Design: 2. lf a warehouse is provided with fire sprinkler system, it must conform with the National Building Code: 3. Storage areas shail be provided with adequate fire extinguisher located at strategic places in accordance with the Fire Code of the Philippines: 4. Adequate clearance between stocks and wall, and between aisles, shal! be provided for easy access: 5. Warehouse shall be provided with enough space for the operation of material handling equipment: 6. Materials stored in open areas shall be protected against the weather, and shail not be placed in direct contact with bare soil or ground: 7. Eyewash stations must be available in designated areas and shall be regularly maintained; and 8. Shelves shall be labeled to indicate the capacity they can carry. Q. Ladder Safety 1. Inspect ladders prior and after use to ensure their good state. Take out of service immediately damaged or defective ladders, report them to management, and tagged on them a warning sign so it will not be used until ihey are properly repaired or replaced; === dc2021-06-0018-pages-22.ppm === co cn “I 10. 414. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Maintain ladders free of oil, grease and other slipping hazards; Do not load ladders beyond their maximum intended load nor beyond their manufacturer's rated capacity; Use ladders only for their designed purpose; Use ladders only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental movement; Do not use iadders on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip- resistant feet to prevent accidental movement; Secure ladders placed in areas such as passageways, doorways or driveways, or where they can be displaced by workplace activities or traffic to prevent accidental movement, or use a barricade to keep traffic or activity away from the ladder; Use ladders equipped with nonconductive side rails if the Worker or the ladder could come in contact with exposed energized electrical equipment: Always maintain a 3-point (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) contact on the ladder when climbing/descending. Keep your body near the middle of the step and always face the ladder while climbing/descending;: Do not carry objects or loads that could cause floss of balance and falling; Parailel, level and uniformly space ladder rungs, cleats and steps when the ladder is in position for use; Do not tie or fasten ladders together to create longer sections unless they are specifically designed for such use; if the total length of the climb on a fixed ladder equals or exceeds 24 feet (7.32 meters), equip the ladders with safety devices or self-retracting lifelines and rest platforms: Immediately mark defective or tag with “DO NOT USE” or similar language and withdraw from service until repaired ladders with structural defects— such as broken or missing rungs, cleats or steps, broken or split rails, corroded components or other faulty or defective components; Never move, “walk” or “jog” a ladder while you are on it. Go down first and the reposition the ladder: Do not climb while holding something-use tool belt to carry tools. If need to move equipment to the roof that cannot be fastened or carried safety in a tool belt, tie of properly, using fall protection, and use a rope or hoist to raise and lower tools and other objects: Allow only one Worker on a ladder at a time; ine ie === dc2021-06-0018-pages-23.ppm === 18. 19. 20. 21, 22. Always move the jadder to avoid overreaching; Never leave raised ladders unattended; Always work within an arm’s reach from the ladder, keep both feet on the rungs and use beit buckle as a guide to keep weight centered on the ladder during all times; Be sure that the shoes are free of mud, grease or other substances which could cause a slip of fall; and Free the areas around the top and base of ladders from tripping hazards such as loose materials, trash and electric cords. R. Lightning Protection 1. 5. Lightning protection system shail be installed in solar project structures and lifting equipment, especially on facilities with sensitive electronic equipment: Installation of lightning protection shall be done by trained and qualified lightning protection specialists: For quality assurance, all materials and methods shall comply with nationally recognized safety standards for lightning protection as established by Nationa! Fire Protection Association/atest Philippine Electrical Code: Other electrical works shall be in placed as prescribed in Section NIH hereof: and Required PPE shall be used in accordance with Section {II A.2 hereof. S. Facility Improvement Works 1. Excavation and Filling Works a. All excavation and filling works shall be covered with appropriate work permit system; . Only Authorized Personnel shail supervise all excavation and filling works; . Roles must be clearly defined, and Workers must meet the training requirements for excavation and filling works; i. A Civil Engineer or Qualified Professional shall be empioyed for the analysis of soil types and conditions; ii. Excavation in close proximity to building, roads, retaining walls and other structures or deeper than 20 feet (6.1 meters) must be reviewed and approved by a Civil Engineer or Qualified Professional; and === dc2021-06-0018-pages-24.ppm === if. Protective systems (e.g., shoring, bracing, sloping, benching, and shields) for excavations 4.9 feet (1.5 meters) deep shall be designed by a Civil Engineer. . Before any excavation is started, available drawings/plans, electronic and/or other appropriate equipment to locate underground pipelines, electrical lines, and other utilities are utilized. When all lines have been located, the excavation work area will be rechecked to ensure that no lines have been missed. When lines have been located they shall be exposed by hand before using mechanical excavators: . Required PPE shall be used while doing excavation and filling works; Proper warning and instructional signs shall be visibly posted at all times when work is being performed, and shall be removed or recovered promptly after work is completed: . Excavation areas shall be properly barricaded, delineated and provided with proper safety and warning signs; . Excavation material and heavy equipment shall be kept at a distance as prescribed under OSHS; Gangplanks with railing or metal plates shall be provided where an excavation crosses driveways or streets; Approved access ladder shall be provided and regularly inspected. Ladders shall be extended 3 feet (0.9 meter) above the level to be accessed; . Sloping, sheeting, shielding, benching, shoring, cutbacks, fencing, bracing or approved temporary protective structures that may be required for safe operations, are provided for and used, built in accordance with standard engineering practices; Excavation works on identified H2S prone area shail be inspected for presence of H2S before any work will commence and regularly monitored during the duration of the work; . Temporary railings, barricades, fencing, lanterns, reflective flagging or illuminated warning devices and other warning systems are placed around excavations left open at night or where there is a hazard to Workers and the general public; . Spoils, materials or equipment that might fall or roll into an excavation or trench are kept at least 3.3 feet (1 meter) from the edge of excavation, or not less than one-third (1/3) of the depth for excavation deeper than 9.9 feet (3 meters); === dc2021-06-0018-pages-25.ppm === 0. A Confined Space Entry Permit is prepared and approved to control the work when entry into excavations and trenches deeper than 3.9 feet (1.2 meters) is to be performed; Workers must be protected from accumulation of water, gas and other elements that may be encountered during excavation. Risks associated with hazardous atmosphere inside excavations shall be analyzed and mitigated; and Rescue plans must be developed for excavations. First aid shall be available at all times: Emergency response team shail be available depending on the results of the risk assessment. 2. Concreting and Structural Works a. i. Work permit system shal! cover all structural works at heights and all works that require the use of oxy-acetylene cutting and any kind of welding works; Roles must be clearly defined, and Workers must meet the training requirements for concreting and structural works; Only Authorized Personnel shall supervise all concreting and structural works; Required PPE shail be used while doing concreting and structural works in accordance with Section III.A.2 hereof; Proper warning and instructional signs shail be visibly posted at all times when work is being performed, and shall be removed or recovered promptly after work is completed; Work sites shall be properly barricaded, delineated and provided with proper safety and warning signs; Standard scaffoldings and full body harness shall be provided when working at heights. Installation and dismantling of scaffoldings shall be performed in accordance with DOLE DO No. 128-13; Lifting procedure shall be implemented for heavy and special lifting works. Lifting and rigging procedures shall be in accordance with OSHS; and Rescue plans must be developed for works at height and lifting operations. First aid shall be available at all times; Emergency response team shall be available depending on the results of the risk assessment. 3. Road Works / Earth Moving a. b. Only Authorized Personnel shall supervise all road works; Roles must be clearly defined, and Workers must meet the training requirements for road works and earth moving; 25 === dc2021-06-0018-pages-26.ppm === c. Required PPE shall be used while doing road works in accordance with Section II.A.2 hereof; d. Proper warning and instructional signs shall be visibly posted at al! times when work is being performed. and shail be removed or recovered promptly after work is completed; e. Traffic management plans shall be in place when work is being done; f. Workplace conditions shail be inspected to eliminate or control hazards that may expose the Worker to iniury; g. Work sites shall be properly barricaded, delineated and provided with proper safety and warning signs; h. Only Authorized Personnel shall be allowed to operate equipment; i. Heavy equipment shail have spotter to assist the operator; and j. First aid shall be available at all times; Emergency response team shail be available depending on the results of the risk assessment. . Piping and insulation Works a. Only Authorized Personnel shall supervise all piping and insulation works; b. Only Authorized Personnel shall be allowed to conduct piping and insulation works: c. Required PPE shail be used while doing piping and insulation works in accordance with Section Hl.A.2 hereof, d. Proper warning and instructional signs shali be visibly posted at all times when work is being performed, and shail be removed or recovered promptly after work is completed; e. Workpiace conditions shall be inspected to eliminate or control hazards that may expose the Worker to injury; f. Work sites shall be properly barricaded, delineated and provided with proper safety and warning signs; g. All coded piping and insulation works (e.g., high pressure pipe welding, hot tapping) shall have detailed and approved safe work procedures; h. All piping and insulation works shall be covered with appropriate work permit system; - === dc2021-06-0018-pages-27.ppm === All coded piping and insulation work wastes shall be properly disposed according to environmental regulations; and First aid shall be available at all times; Emergency response team shall be available depending on the results of the risk assessmeni. 5. Hot Works a. wt The Employer shall establish a program which designates who issues a hot works permit and what kind of jobs are covered by a hot works permit; Only Authorized Personnel shail supervise all hot works; Only Authorized Personnel shall be allowed to conduct hot work; . Required PPE shall be used while doing hot works in accordance with Section HLA.2 hereof: Proper warning and instructional signs shal! be visibly posted at all times when work is being performed, and shail be removed or recovered promptly after work iS compieted; Workplace conditions shall be inspected to eliminate or control hazards that may expose the worker to injury and potential property damage; All hot works shall have detailed and approved safe work procedures; All hot works shall be covered with appropriate work permit system; Combustible and flammabie materials shall be removed from the work area; items that cannot be removed shall be covered with fire-retardant blankets; in areas where hot works are performed, the floors shall always be kept clean; Weiding shields should be provided to contain or protect from sparks and splatters; . A Fire Watch with appropriate communication and fire extinguishing equipment shail be assigned whenever hot work is performed in locations where other than a minor fire might develop; The hot work area shall be gas tested by an Authorized Personnel if the area is known to have potential presence of flammable gas or liquid using Inu ~ === dc2021-06-0018-pages-28.ppm === approved and calibrated gas detection instruments. Atmospheric conditions in the work area must be acceptable before any work is allowed to start or continue. Flammable atmosphere should be less than 10% of the LEL; and 0. First aid shall be availabie at all times; Emergency response team shail be available depending on the results of the risk assessment. Mechanica! and Equipment Installation a. Mechanical Engineers shali supervise over all mechanical equiprnent installation as per Article IV, Section 33 and 35 of RA No. 8495; Observe the personnel requirement under Section 34 of RA No. 8495; Viechanica!l equipment covered by DOLE technicai safety inspection shall secure the needed permit to install before installation and permit to operate before operation; . Roles must be clearly defined, and Worker must meet the training requirements for mechanical and equipment installation; Required PPE shall be used while doing mechanical and equipment installation in accordance with Section lll.A.2 hereof: Proper warning and instructional signs shal! be visibly posted at all times when work is being performed, and shall be removed or recovered promptly after work is completed; Workplace conditions shall be inspected to eliminate or control hazards that may expose the worker to injury; All mechanical and equipment installation shall have detailed and approved safe work procedures; All mechanical and equipment installation shall be covered with appropriate work permit system; All mechanical and equipment installation work wastes shall be properly disposed according to environmental regulations; Appropriate lifting equipment and procedures shall be used in mechanical installation; and First aid shali be available at all times; Emergency response team shall be available depending on the results of the risk assessment. 28 === dc2021-06-0018-pages-29.ppm === T. Motor Vehicle and Heavy Equipment Operations Ww A 10. 11. . Only Authorized Personne! shail supervise al! motor vehicles and heavy equipment operations: Only Authorized Personne! shall be allowed to operate motor vehicles and heavy equipment: Drivers and heavy equipment operators shall have valid driving license and mandatory government certifications appropriate for the equipment they will operate; Drivers/operators under the influence of liquor and/or asleep inducing drugs or any medication that will affect vision, judgment and reflexes shall not be ailowed to operate motor venicies and heavy equipment. Ail motor vehicles and heavy equipment shall be: a. Provided with basic emergency tools and equipment like early warning device, choke block, fire extinguisher etc. ; b. Subjected to a pre-use inspection: c. Loaded up to its rated capacity only; and d. Subjected to scheduled preventive maintenance. All drivers/operators shall immediately report any observed unsafe condition of the motor vehicles and heavy equipment: All drivers/operators shall strictly follow all established company and government traffic rules and regulations; All vehicles and heavy equipment deemed or reported to be unsafe shall be removed immediately from service and shall not be used until appropriate repair has been undertaken; All drivers shall report immediately any vehicular incident to the company and appropriate authorities; Ail motor vehicies and heavy equipment shall be equipped with the prescribed and approved seai belts for all driver and passenger seats: Only Authorized Personnel shall conduct repairs to all motor vehicles and heavy equipment; === dc2021-06-0018-pages-30.ppm === 12. Any vehicle with restricted vision shall not be moved while in the vicinity of other workers, processing equipment or servicing/drilling equipment except under the direction of a designated signal man or spotter, and . A Journey Management Plan shail always be prepared for non-routine trips and journeys with high risks (e.g., oversized cargoes, unpaved roads, roads with dangerous curves) to ensure that driving risks and exposures are minimized and managed. Hoist and Lifting Works Operations 1. Only Authorized Personnel shall supervise hotst and lifting works; Only Authorized Personnel shal! be allowed to operate hoist and lifting equipment; Only authorized rigger shall be allowed to direct and guide hoist and fifting operation; Operators under the influence of liquor and/or sleep inducing drugs or any medication that will affect vision, judgment and reflexes shall not be allowed to operate hoist and lifting equipment; Ail hoist and iifting equipment shall conform to tne requiremenis of all applicable industry and regulatory standards; All hoist and lifting equipment shail be provided with basic emergency tools and equipment where applicable like horn, tights, outrigger matting, fire extinguisner etc.; Ail hoist and lifting equipment shall be subjected to a pre-use inspection by authorized operator for safe operation; All hoist and lifting equipment shail be loaded up to its rated capacity only; . All hoist and lifting equipment shall be subjected to scheduled preventive maintenance in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations; 10. Worker/s shall immediately report any observed unsafe condition of the hoist 11. and lifting equipment: All unsafe hoist and lifting equipment shall be removed immediately from service and shall not be used until appropriate repair has been undertaken; === dc2021-06-0018-pages-31.ppm === 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 20. 21. Worker/s shall report immediately any incident/accident to the company and appropriate authorities: Ail hoist and lifting equipment shall be equipped with the prescribed and approved seat belts: A daily routine inspection of all heavy equipment deployed at the site shall be conducted by Authorized Personne! and certified mechanics shall conduct repairs of the hoist and lifting equipment; All heavy equipment shall be regularly inspected and maintained in good condition; All hoist and lifting equipment shall be subjected to load test inspection as recommended by the manufacturer and as prescribed by DOLE or its recognized organizations: 7. All critical lift works or jobs shall be covered by critical lift procedure; The genérai constructor or the equipment owner shall maintain a separate logbock for data on maintenance, repairs, tests and inspections for each heavy equipment; Prior to performing a lift, the operator shail determine the weight of the object to be lifted and ensure that cables, lifting devices, slings, wire ropes, chains, etc. are of sufficient strength, in proper condition, and positioned to support the weight of the load. Load calculations shail be conducted for all critical lifts; The following should always be considered: Proximity to power lines: Proximity to other Worker and equipment; Wind velocity: Ground conditions for outriggers; Reach or extension of lifting equipment; Weight of the load including the rigging being used; and Outriggers placed on load bearing floats or pads that are adequate size and strength for loads being lifted. Qa-oaoow One person shall be designated as a spotter (signal person or flagman) and the lifting device operator shal! take direction or instruction from the spotter only; tad paar === dc2021-06-0018-pages-32.ppm === 22. The operating area of the lifting device shall be barricaded and no Worker 23. shail allow any part of his body to extend underneath any load being lifted by a crane, side boom, or other lifting device; and No person shaii be ailowed to work, waik through, stand, or stay beneath any suspended load being lifted, moved or lowered. . Working at Height and Protection from Falling Objects . Ensure alt structures are designed and built to the appropriate standards and have the appropriate means of working at height systems fitted; Establish and maintain suitable exclusion zones underneath any working at height activities, where possible, to protect workers from falling objects; Ensure ali Workers working at height are trained and competent in the use of all working at height and rescue systems in piace; Provide Workers with a suitable work-positioning device; also ensure the connectors on positioning systems are compatible with the tower components to which they are attached: Ensure that hoisting equipment is properly rated and maintained and that hoist operators are properly trained; When working at height. fit all tools and equipment with a lanyard, where possible, and use capture netting if practicable: Remove signs and other obstructions from poles or structures prior to undertaking Work; . Use an approved too! bag for raising or lowering tools or materials to workers on elevated structures; Avoid conducting tower installation or maintenance work during poor weather conditions and especially where there js a risk of lightning strikes; 10. Place an emergency plan deiailing the methods to be used to rescue 11. operatives should they become stranded or incapacitated while at height: and Use required PPE while working at height as protection from falling objects in accordance with Section Hi.A.2 hereof. ‘a2 i) === dc2021-06-0018-pages-33.ppm === W. Fire Hazards, Protection and Control 1. General Objective All solar operators shail establish a fire prevention and control program in accordance to Republic Act No. 9574 also known as the “Fire Cade of the Philippines of 2008”. 2. Fire Extinguishers a. Fire extinguishers shall be inspected once a month and shail be maintained in good operating condition at all times: Fire extinguishers shall be kept in their designated places. If they are removed for refilling/repair, it shall be replaced immediately with the same type and capacity; Durable inspection tags shall be attached securely to each extinguisher showing the servicing data properly recorded and signed by the designated safety officer or end-user; . Fire extinguishers shall be installed in strategic locations free from obstructions. Only fire extinguishers shall be placed inside the extinguisher box to avoid exposure to excessive heat; . Tampering of markings, tags and other emergency instructions tabeled on all fire protection equipment shail be prohibited: Fire extinguishers shail have hydro testing records according to manufacturer's specifications; ana Fire extinguishers shall conform to the fire protection standard as per Fire Code of the Philippines and DAO 2000-18 also known as the Chemical Control Order for Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and other related rules. 3. Fire Hydrants, Fire Hoses and Accessories a. Fire hydrants, hoses and accessories shall conform to the Fire Code of the Philippines; Fire hydrants, hoses and accessories shail be kept in good condition. They shall be used properly and only for the purpose for which they are intended; Fire hose installed at yard hydrant shall be kept in well-ventilated fire hose cabinet properly locked and marked “FOR FIRE USE ONLY"; Lee) oP) === dc2021-06-0018-pages-34.ppm === d. Only Authorized Personnel shall conduct inspection and/or testing of fire hydrants, hoses and accessories at least once a month. Defective items shall be replaced immediately; Firefighting equipment shall be placed in strategic locations and must be free from obstructions; and Tampering of fire alarms, valves and other accessories is prohibited. Any damaged parts should be immediately repaired or replaced. 4. Firebreak a. b. Firebreaks should be of sufficient length and width to contain a possible fire and allow passage of firefighting vehicle: and Erosion control measures must be incorporated into firebreaks with sioping ground. X. Scaffolding Safety Scaffoldings requirements shall be in accordance with DOLE DO No. 128-13. 1. General Requirements a. installation, dismantling and structural requirements of scaffolding shall conform to the requirements of all applicabie industry and regulatory scaffolding standards; Every scaffold shall be of good construction of sound materials and strength for the purpose for which it is intended: Timber used for scaffolds shail be in good condition, the bark completely stripped off, and not painted or treated in any manner that defects cannot be easily seen; Ali materials and parts of scaffold not in use or intended for re-use shail be kept under good condition and separate from other materials unsuitable for scaffolds; Scaffolds shall be erected, moved, dismantled, or altered only under the supervision and direction of a qualified scaffoider; Scaffolds and scaffold components shall be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load; Ay === dc2021-06-0018-pages-35.ppm === . Scaffold products from different manufactures shall not be mixed on a scaffold, unless they are specifically designed to be used together; . Ascaffold should never be erected within 10 feet (3 meters) of power lines; lt is prohibited to nde on a moving mobile scaffold; Guardrails, midrails, and toeboards shall be installed on all open sides and ends of platforms 6 feet (1.8 meters) above the working surface (floor); . Guardrails shall be 2° X 4” or the equivalent (2” nominal diameter for tubular scaffolds) approximately 42 inches (106.7 cm) in ht. with a midrail. Supports shail be at intervals not to exceed 8 feet (2.4 meters); Toeboards snali be of 4 inches (10.2 cm) in height; . Scaffold planks shall extend over their end supports not less than 6 inches nor more than 12 inches (30.5 cm); . Any scaffoid including accessories such as braces, brackets, trusses, screw legs, iadders, etc. damaged or weakened from any cause shali be immediately repaired or replaced; . Timber planking is allowed for the scaffold and shall have a minimum of 1,500 fiber (stress grade) construction grade lumber; . Scaffolding will be inspected for safe conditions on a daily basis. The contractor responsible will maintain a daily inspection permit and must conform to the requirements on the project site: . Scaffold must be tagged by a competent person. This inspection tag shail be attached on the scaffold at all times. Scaffold identification tags are color coded for each reference and should be located at the point of access; All Workers using a rolling scaffold must engage the wheel locking devices or block the scaffold against movement when the scaffold is stationary and Workers are working from the scaffold. Moving scaffolding with Worker on the scaffold is strictly prohibited; . Tools and equipment shall be raised to the work site in a bag or utility belt designed for that purpose. Straight access ladder attached to scaffolding should not exceed 20 feet (6.1 meters) without a break or offset that would limit a potential fall exposure. Access ladder that exceed 20 feet (6.1 ta in LL === dc2021-06-0018-pages-36.ppm === meters) from the ground level should be placed inside the scaffolds frame with trap door conditions at access levels; t. Ladders shall not be used on scaffoids to increase the working level height of workers, except on large area scaffoids where workers have satisfied some reasonable criteria; u. Makeshift devices, such as but not limited to boxes and barrels, shall not be used on top of scaffold platforms to increase the working level height of Worker; v. Scaffold tower, single-section, or rolling scaffolds must not exceed a 4:1 base-to-height ratio without structural bracing. Nor shall any section of the scaffold exceed a 4:1 ratio without structural bracing: w. Cantilevered or outrigger scaffolds must have documentation to demonstrate safe loading conditions; x. Alli suspended scaffolds require independent safety lines for each worker. Workers must use a full body harness when working from any suspended scaffoid. Persona! fal! arrest system used on scaffolds shall be attached by a lanyard to a vertical lifeline, horizontal lifeline, or scaffold structural member: y. Personal fall arrest system/Safety harnesses meeting an approved standard must be worn. Only full body safety harnesses (e.g., with chest and leg straps) will be permitted; and z. Overhead work should not be carried out above other workers unless the workers below are adequately protected by the installation of an overhead barrier. Every area where a worker could be struck by a falling object shall be clearly marked by barriers, notices, warning lights or other warning devices. 2. Scaffoiding Components and Requirements a. Materials i. Materials to be used in erecting scaffolding should be in good condition: ii. Steel items should be free from rust; and ii. Mandatory inspection should be conducted by experienced and competent person to al! materials before use. === dc2021-06-0018-pages-37.ppm === b. Foundation lif. Vv. Vi. Scaffold shail be capable of supporting without failure at least 4 times the maximum intended load; i. Timber sills at least 23 cm (9.1 In.) wide by 3.8 cm (715 in.) thick will be required to spread the load. A sill shall extend under at feast two post: Where scaffolding is erected on a solid bearing such as rock or concrete, small timber pads may be used in place of sills and nailed to prevent the base plates sliding off; if used to compensate variations in ground levels, the screw jacks shail not be adjusted more than two-thirds of the total length of the thread; Scaffolds shall be anchored or secured to permanent or rigid structures. in the absence of permanent structures, guys and sway bracing and/or outrigger shall be used; and The foot of any standards or upright should be adequately founded on a Suitable base plate in order to prevent slipping or sinking. c. Posts Posis shall be pitched on 6 inches (15 cm) by 6 inches (15 cm} steel and at least 0.25 inch (0.64 cm) thick. All post shail be vertical; and The inner row posts shall be placed as closed as possible to the face of the building structure. The outer row shall be positioned depending on the load requirements of the scaffold. d. Runners Runners shall be securely fixed to post with standard couplers and shall be horizontal; and Runners shail be vertically spaced no more than 6.5 feet (2.0 meters) to give adequate headroom along the platform. e. Bearers Bearers should be installed between post and securely fixed to the post with standard couplers; and Board bearers shall be installed between bearers to accommodate differences in planks jength. === dc2021-06-0018-pages-38.ppm === f. Bracing g. Ties ite Vi. Longitudinal diagonal bracing shall be installed at approximately 45° angle from near the base of the first outer post upward to the extreme top of the scajfoid. All supported scaffoids except tower and mobile shall be securely tied to a building or structure throughout their length and height to prevent movement of the scaffold; Ties should be spaced every other lift and every 19.6 feet (6 meters) along the face of the scaffold; Ties should be fixed with load bearing couplers, as close to the node point as possible; Any structural features of the buildings e.g. pillars, columns, lintels, rebates, etc. should be taken full advantage of to provide additional strength and stability to the tie; Make sure that the building is strong enough to support the tie and the load imposed on it by the scaffoid; and For any reason, tie should not be removed until the overail stability of the scaffold has been confirmed. h. Platform Units All platform units shali be closed planked for the full width of the scaffold structure; Planks shall be extended over their end supports by not less than 6 inches (15 cm) and not more than 12 inches (30.5 cm); Planks shall be secured in position to prevent displacement by strong winds; iv. Mid rails must be installed halfway between the top rail and platform and can withstand force of 150 Ibs.; and v. Toe boards shall not be less than 4 inches (10 cm.) in height by 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. i. Access Access to a working platform is best achieved by providing a separate ladder tower or a cantilevered access platform so as not fo obstruct the working platform and to minimize the risk of persons falling 38 === dc2021-06-0018-pages-39.ppm === through gaps in the guardrail system or platform units. Access should be provided to working platforms; and Working platform shall be provided per level during erection. This working platform shall not be removed unless the succeeding level is installed. j. Workmanship Scaffolding shall be erected, altered and dismantled by experienced men working under the direction of a competent supervisor; and Scaffolds of more than 19.6 feet (6 meters) in height shall be designed by a structural engineer and shall be erected, installed and dismantled by TESDA certified erectors. k. inspection All scaffoids shall be inspected by a competent supervisor, safety officers. and/or civi! engineers before it is used and after adjustments, modifications, adverse weather conditions. etc., to measure that is safe: ij Green tags shall be hanged at each scaffolds access that have been inspected and are safe for use; ii Yellow tags shall be placed whenever special requirements for safe use are required. Situation requiring yellow tags may include whenever scaffold has been modified to meet work requirements, and as a result could present a hazard to the user. Situation requiring Yellow tags shail be closely supervised: and iii Red "DANGER - UNSAFE FOR USE" tags shall be used during erection and dismantling when the scaffold is left unattended. Red tag shall be used when all green or yellow tags has been removed or during erection of scaffolds. Ali the records of the inspection shall be available on site and made available to proper authority upon request. 3. Training and Competency Requirement a. Competent Person All scaffolds competent person must undergo the standard scaffold training and assessment prescribed by DOLE and TESDA. The competent person shall have the following certification: L === dc2021-06-0018-pages-40.ppm === iii COSH Training Certificate from DOLE or its accredited safety training organizations; iii Must be a holder of TESDA prescribed Scaffold Erection Certificate; and b. Scaffoid Erector i. All scaffoids erectors must undergo the standard scaffold training and assessment prescribed by DOLE and TESDA; ii. Scaffold erectors shall have the following certifications: iii One Day Workers Safety Organization from DOLE or its accredited safety training organizations; and ii, Must be a holder of TESDA prescribed Scaffoid Erection National Certificate. Y. Machine Shop Safety 4 2. Allow only Authorized Personnel to use the machine shop; Use required and appropriate PPE while working in the shop in accordance with Section HLA.2 hereof; Observe the “buddy system’ while working in the shop: No eating, drinking and smoking inside the machine snop area; Keep the work area clean and always keep the fioor free of grease, oil or any other fiquids; Do not allow horseplay and/or running in the machine shop; Do not wear loose jewelry and clothing including long sleeves and ties in the shop; Tie back long hair while working in the shop; Seek for your co-workers assistance in handling large, long, or heavy pieces of material or machine attachments; 10. Report any unsafe acts and conditions to the shop supervisor and/or safety officer; AQ === dc2021-06-0018-pages-41.ppm === 11. 12. Always make eyewash and first aid kit station available in a designated piace; and Post the machines user’s guide and/or safety manuals in a strategic location for easy reference. Tools, Equipment and Machinery Operations 1. 2. 3. ~ 10. 14. 12. Workers must only work with tools, equipment and machines that they have been authorized to use: Appropriate tools, equipment and machines shall be used on a specific job; Each tools, equipment and machines must first be examined before use; Damaged toois. equipment and machines should be reported to proper authorities: . Damaged tools, equipment and machines must be repaired before using it; All toois, equipment and machines necessary to complete the task must be Kept in good condition with reguiar maintenance; Tools, equipment and machines must be operated according to the manufacturers instructions; All tools and equipment should be kept cleaned and stored appropriately when not in use; Ail portable electrically-driven tools, equipment and machines shall be properly grounded before use; Iron or steel hand tools may produce sparks that can be an ignition source around flammable substances. Where this hazard exists, spark-resistant tools made of non-ferrous materiais should be used where flammable gases, highly volatile liquids, ana other explosive substances are stored or used; Air supply shall be shut off when pneumatic tools, equipment and machines are not in use; Pointed or sharp tools, equipment and machines shail be provided with cover; Talking to others while they are operating a machine is prohibited; 4] === dc2021-06-0018-pages-42.ppm === 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 23. 24. Tools should not be left unattended. They should be placed in the designated toolboxes or cabinets after using them; A machine should not be left unattended while it is running; Only one person may work on a machine at a time; When working with another person, only one should operate the machine or switches; A cutter should not be used by pushing it towards your body parts; Work piece must always be secured with a clamp or vise; Compressed air should never be used without a safety nazzie to clean the machines. Compressed air should never be used fo clean clothing; Metai chips, turnings or shavings should not be removed with your hands; Tools should be disconnected when not using them, before servicing anc cleaning ihem, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits, and cutters; . Proper apparel! for the task should be worn. Loose clothing, ties, necklaces. or jewelry can become caught in moving parts; Electrica! hand tools shall not be used in a combustible environment until the Supervisor certifies that conditions are safe and a Hot Work Permit has been issued; and The tools, equipment and machines user's guide and/or safety manuals should always be followed. AA. Machine Guarding All moving parts of prime movers, transmission equipment and all dangerous parts of driven machinery shall be effectively guarded, unless so constructed or located to prevent any person or object from coming or brought into contact with them; 1. No person shal! remove or make ineffective any safeguard, safety appliance, or safety device guarding a dangerous machine or machine part unless such is authorized and the machine is stopped for the purpose of immediately repairing and adjusting such machinery, guard, appliance or device; === dc2021-06-0018-pages-43.ppm === . Warning signs with standard color shall be installed near the machine being repaired or its guards removed: . Upon completion of the repairs or adjustment, such guards, appliances or devices shail immediately be reinstalled before the machine is used; G a D. C d e f. sO xe uards shail be designed, constructed and used that they will: . Provide positive protection: Prevent ail access to the danger zone during operations: . Cause no unnecessarily or inconvenience operation or production; . Operates automatically or with minimum effort; . Be suitable for the job and the machine: Cause no obstruction or interfere with machine oiling, inspection, adjustment and repair; Withstand long use with minimum maintenance: Resist normal wear and shock; Be durable, fire and erosion resistant: Not constitute a hazard by themselves: and . Give protection against operational contingencies and not merely protect normally expected hazard. . Standard guards or enclosures shail be made of materials suitable for the purpose for which they are designed and constructed; and . All machinery guards shall be securely fastened to the machine or to the floor, wall or ceiling and shall be kept in place whenever the machine is in operation. a. BB. Biological Safety 1. General Requirements All field activities/works shall be covered with appropriate work permit system; Required PPE shail be used while doing field activities such as long pants, long-sleeves shirts, shin guards, heavy high top shoes or hiking boots to cover exposed body parts and provide some protection and use walking sticks; and Workers training should always include information on safe methods and prevention for highly hazardous procedures that are commonly encountered during outdoor field work. 2. Workplace inherent Biological Hazards a. TO avoid bees and wasp stings: fe Les) === dc2021-06-0018-pages-44.ppm === Vi. Avoid known areas of concentration such as hives and nests; If flying insects are around, leave the area and refrain from swatting at them, iii. Avoid sugary foods, drinks, and strong fragrances or perfumes because some insects may be attracted to them: . Wear long pants, and long-sieeves shirts: Wear heavy high top shoes or boots, protective gloves, and use waiking sticks, and lf stung by bees or wasp. seek immediate medical attention. bd. To avoid snake bite: i. Vi. Vil. Vill. Always ask about snakes from local residents and employ local resident as a guide: When walking, keep your eyes on your path and avoid stepping into clumps of vegetation: Do not step over logs or large rocks if you cannot see over them: Wear long pants and iong-sieeves shirts: Wear heavy high top shoes or boots, protective gloves, and use walking sticks; Deo not kill non-poisonous snakes, they keep the food supply low and keep the population of poisonous snakes down; Never pick up an apparently dead snake with your bare hands. Even severed snake head can inflict a deadiy bite for 15 - 30 minutes after separation from the body. Should it be necessary to move the dead snake, use a stick; and if bitten, seek medical assistance at the nearest clinic or hospital, viais or antivenin shall be approved and supplied by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). c. To avoid leeches: til. Wear tong pants and long-sleeves shirts; Wear heavy high top shoes or boots, protective gloves, and use walking sticks: and During rest, find a spot with direct sunlight, leeches do not exist in dry and hot places. CC. Geohazards Requirements 1. The Employer shall establish a geohazard assessment team and mandate: 2. The team shail identify the presence of geohazards within the contract area and/or nearby vicinities, thru the inventory of landslides, flooding, and rock fall prone areas; 3. The Employer shali initiate mitigating engineering and administrative measures and formulate emergency/contingency plans: 4. The team shall meet annually or as the need arises: 44 === dc2021-06-0018-pages-45.ppm === 5. All Workers and the communities shall be properly informed of the major geohazards, thru posting of illustrations in the form of schematics (€.g., maps, posiers, signages and drawings) in public places; and In the occurrence of geohazard events such as landslides, earthquakes and flooding, the Disaster Emergency Preparedness/Contingency Pian and Response Team shall be deployed to the concerned area. Section JV. Power Piant Facilities A. Power Plant Safety 1. 2 All Workers shail be qualified and trained in their respective job assignments; . All Workers shali undergo occupational safety and health orientation and training: . All Workers shall immediately report any observed unsafe condition, incident and accident in accordance with the established company safety reporting procedures and guidelines: . All Workers shall be required to wear appropriate and prescribed PPE in accordance with Section NiLA.2 hereof, . Only Authorized Personnel shall conduct repairs and calibration to any plant equipment and instruments; . Ail power plants shalt establish work procedures for: i. Start-up and Shut-down; il. Emergency; iti, Normal and Abnormal Operation; and iv. Operation and Maintenance Work for for Electrical, mechanical, Instrumentation and communication equipment. Such procedures shall include hazard identification, analysis, mitigation and emergency response; and 7. All works shall be covered with appropriate work permit system. B. Control Room Safety 1. Only Authorized Personnel are allowed to manipulate contro! panel knobs, butions, and switches. Bystanders are not allowed inside the contro! room unless authorized; . Air conditioning unit should be kept running twenty-four (24) hours a day to maintain the control room temperature and to keep the air clean and filtered; . The door of control rooms should always be closed to reduce outside air infiltration/cooling loads and H2S contamination: 45 === dc2021-06-0018-pages-46.ppm === . Control rooms are “NO SMOKING” areas and such policy shall be observed at all times: . LOTOTO procedure and proper clearance from the authority shall be strictly complied with: . Automatic/emergency lighting system shall be provided at all access and means of egress; . The door of circuit breaker/panel should always be kept closed; . Control and power meter panel shail have safety floor markings; and . Emergency button of the control panel shall have interlock and cover to prevent accidental operation and would cause force shutdown of the power plant. C. UPS and Battery Bank Room Requirements 1. (a) 10. Only Authorized Personnel are allowed to enter the room; _ Air conditioning unit must be operated twenty-four (24) hours a day at temperature not greater than 15°C for electronic equipment coaling; . The door of UPS and battery bank room should always be closed to reduce outside air infiltration/cooling loads and H2S contamination; . Battery bank should be kept free from leaking solutions; . Battery room should not be used as dressing room; . The exhaust ventilation must be placed in accordance to PSME Code. A spare fan should be readily available: . The direct current (DC) system shall be readily available whenever the DC power is interrupted to the system; . Eyewash station must be provided near the battery room; . Check-up of battery electrolyte leak and specific gravity should be done regularly; and Proper handling, storage, and disposal of unserviceabie batteries should be observed in compliance with regulatory requirements. D. Equipment Repair and Troubleshooting in Electrical Power Facilities 1. Never attempt to execute troubleshooting and repair of any line conductors and electrical equipment and circuitry at control panel board without permission and proper coordination with area supervisor; 46 === dc2021-06-0018-pages-47.ppm === 2. Always wear electrically rated safety shoes when performing troubleshooting and repair of any faulty line conductors encased in metallic cable tray; 3. Place warning tags (indicating reasons for isolation) on any circuit cut- outv/breakers with the requested “DE-ENERGIZE’ line associated; 4. Insulate all dangling and bare terminals of power conductors right after disconnection: 5. De-energize all power line conductors and use voltage detector to ensure the line is safe. when troubleshooting and repairing all electrical works; 6. Ensure ail electrical tools/equipment used are properly insulated and must be capable to handie the voltage of the work piece; 7. Conduct insulation resistance testing on any line conductors and equipment being repaired and/or replaced prior to re-energization to determine the di- electric strength of the insulation; and 8. Advise superior immediately any faults, tripping or hazards observed on any electrical equipment or installation. Section V. Solar Energy Operations A. Solar Energy Operation Requirements All solar energy operations shall comply with the following minimum requiremenis: Standard Operating Procedure; Orientation/Training; Work Permit System; Close Supervision of Authorized Personnel; Monitoring Tools/instruments; Communication Tools/Equipment; Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management; and Personal Protective Equipment. sTa TO AO T® A. Pre-Development/Expioration Stage 4. General Requirements a. Make sure that only Authorized Personnel shall supervise and conduct on- site solar resource assessment activities: b. Designate a safety officer, who is duly registered with the DOE, during the entire conduct of on-site solar resource assessment: c. Always implement the use of “buddy system’; 47 === dc2021-06-0018-pages-48.ppm === . Make sure that all devices, tools, and equipment shall be used, handied, installed, maintained, calibrated and stored only by an Authorized Personnel; Conduct geohazards and structural assessments prior to pre- deveiopment/exploration activities; Conduct daily safety meetings to review the project's progress and status, personnel deployment locations, equipment layout and the Worker's condition; Check the condition of the service vehicle, communication tools and appropriate PPE; . Coordinate with local authorities for security purpose before starting pre- development/exploration activities; Install and maintain meteorological stations and its equipment to be free or to minimize electrical, mechanical, and environmental hazards; Record and proteci all data from damage or loss; . in all meteorological stations, follow proper grounding and lightning protection in accordance to the Philippine Electrical Code; and Prior to assessment/exploration, make sure a designated member/s of the exploration team accompanied by local resident shall scout and assess the exploration area for accessibility in advance, prior to the entry of the main exploration team to avoid geohazards and biological hazards. . Composition of a Solar Exploration Team a. One team leader who shall provide guidance, instruction, direction and leadership to the exploration team; One or more member/s, who may be an engineer, geologist or field technician with expertise in solar resource assessment and development; One lead guide, knowledgeable with various terrains, elevated structures, and bodies of water; One team member who shail function as sweeper; Safety Officer: and Helpers, if necessary. 48 === dc2021-06-0018-pages-49.ppm === Dealing with Various Kinds of Terrain a. Under the responsibility of the lead guide, confirm the accessibility of the area before entering or passing through it; b. For passable terrains, check for falling debris, sharp objects and maintain ad istance of two (2) meters in between individuals; c. For terrains passable only with the aid of rope, setup the rope on a secured anchor and pass one at a time with caution; and d. Look for alternative route for impassable terrains, such as areas with ioose ground and/or nothing to hold to, traps, and aggressive animals. Dealing with Bodies of Water The team shail consider the various types of bodies of water when traversing or crossing through it: a. 5. Camp For calm and mid to shallow bodies of water, the lead guide shall assess the slippery areas and sudden changes in water depth, aided by a stick. Then, the team shall thereafter pass one or two ata time aided by the quide; . For raging mid to shallow bodies of water, the lead guide shall check for rock boulders as path. As additional precautionary measure, the lead guide shall check the presence of slippery areas and always proceed with caution. If none, the lead guide shall tie and secure the rope, in a position oblique to the flow. The team shall pass one at a time aided by the guide, holding tightly on the rope: and . For deep but calm and/or raging bodies of water, the team shall re- strategize to a safer method of crossing using various means of water transport (€.g., banca, canoe, balsa, etc.) or reroute to a safer path. Safety a. in selecting camp location, the following shall be considered: i. ti. iff. iV. v, Vi. Vil. Camp location shail be at least 10 meters away from bodies of water: The camp area shall be clear from sharp rocks, glass shards and poisonous plants; The camp area shail be slightly sloping to ensure water drainage; The camp area shall have a protection from strong winds; The camp shall not be set up too close to the water source to be considered safe from wild animals; Cooking shail be done far from the tents (~10m away) to avoid inviting aroma to wild animals; and Food and other aromatic materials shall be stored outside the tents. If possible, hang the items at a height not reachable by animais. 49 === dc2021-06-0018-pages-50.ppm === b. Other safety protocol: iii, Vi. Insect repellent should be applied, as deemed necessary; The buddy system shall be implemented continuously, whereby measures ensuring that the location of one buddy is always be known by the other are in place: Camp fires are discouraged. However, if such is absolutely needed, the team must ensure that camp fires are properly put out before the campers go to sleep or leave the camp area; During night time, at least two (2) persons shall be assigned as look out on a routine basis to oversee the safety and security of the camp site; Alcoholic beverages are prohibited during camping; and If possible, consuming and/or damaging focal fauna and flora shouid be avoided. 6. Outcrop Observation a. For data collection: ii. in observing the outcrop from afar, one shal! position himself on stable ground, visible to the team members; and in measuring structural orientations, the following must be done: © The team should be aware of failing debris and unstable areas prior to getting near the outcrop; and < The iead guide shall clear the outcrop from plant hazards and unconsolidated debris. b. For soil & rock sampling: Vi. vii. Vili. Field test equipment/instruments should be properly selected and operation and calibration should also be checked, as required, in accordance with procedures and manufacturer/fabricator's instructions to ensure safe operation and valid results; . All sampling equipment, field test equipment, materials, containers and safety equipment should be assembied and checked; ili. The team shall wear proper PPE prior to hammering; Other team members should also wear goggles. Otherwise, they should position far from the point to be sampled; Prior to hammering, the geologist or sampler shall ensure that no limb is situated immediately below the rock hang; For large rock fragments intended to be broken into pieces, the sampler must practice hammering with rock stabilized only by foot (stancard geology practice); The edges of the rock sample should be smoothened prior to placing them on the sample bags; Filed sample bags shall be placed in a heavy duty sack or bag; Ail hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal should be ensured to have safely collected; and tA jon) === dc2021-06-0018-pages-51.ppm === x. Handling and storing hazardous materials and equipment should be made in accordance with labels and Material Safety and Data Sheet. C. Development Stage 1. General Requirements a. Only Authorized Personnei shail be allowed to undertake deveiopment activities including the operation and maintenance of solar facilities, structures, appurtenances and equipment; and b. The Employer shall designate a safety officer, who is duly registered with the DOE, durina the development stage of the solar project. 2. inspection a. Routine inspection shail be done to check and identify if there are any deficiencies, troubles or probiems in solar facilities, structures, appurtenances and equipment so as to reasonably assure safe operation as well as confirm that maintenance is being adequately performed: b. Inspection shall be performed immediately after any unusua! event such as large floods, earthquakes, sabotage and other natural calamities; c. Inspection results shall be properiy evaluated and the corresponding action plans, as deemed applicable, shall be developed and implemented; and d. The conduct of inspection including the result and action plan shall be recorded, documented and monitored accordingly. 3. Operation and Maintenance Manual Operation and maintenance manuals containing pertinent design and construction information on solar facilities. structures, appurtenances and equipment shall be kept current, and records shall be maintained of instructions, inspections and testing. Status of repair/rehabilitation, action plan and any related corrective action whether implemented, planned, ongoing or continuing shall be properly documented and monitored. 4. Solar infrastructures, Components and Proximities 1. Substation and Power Lines a. Substations shall be protected with fences and appropriate warning signs shall be put in piace; b. Access to substations shall be limited to Authorized Personnel. In unavoidable circumstances, visitors accompanied by Authorized Personnel can be aliowed access, but with the necessary safety precautions and PPE: 5] === dc2021-06-0018-pages-52.ppm === 2. c. Warning signs shall be provided where high voltage power lines associated with powerhouses and substations are located in areas where the public could accidentally make contact with them; and d. Clearances for power lines shall be in accordance with appropriate codes/rules. PV Module a. Routine visual inspection for signs of thermal! heating, damages such aS cracks and warps, dirt accumulations and shade encroachment. Solar PV system fixtures must be checked for corrosion; . Periodic cleaning of PV is not required, but is recommended, as neriodic cleaning can result in better performance of the PV system, especially in regions with low levels of annual precipitation; . The dirt should not be removed by scraping or rubbing away from the module front surface when dry as this may cause micro-scratches on the giass and iead to module performance degradation: . Only fresh water at ambient temperature can be used for regular washing or rinsing of the module front glass to remove dust, dirt or other deposits; . Mild, non-abrasive and non-caustic detergent should be used to clean ingrained dirt. Never use harsh cleaning materials such as scouring powder, steel wool, scrapers, blades, or other sharp instruments to clean the surface/glass of PV module: Rubber gloves or its equivalent should always be worn while maintaining, washing or cleaning panels; . APV module should never be cleaned with broken glass or other signs of exposed wiring, as this presents a shock hazard; . The recommended time to clean modules is from sunset to sunrise when generation is not affected and the presence of thermal shock due to sunlight exposure and electrical shock hazard is at minimum; i. Pressurized water must not exceed 35 bar (500 psi) at the nozzle tip; The electrical and mechanical connections should be ensured and checked periodically to verify that they are clean, intact, and safe; and === dc2021-06-0018-pages-53.ppm === k, Damaged cables on your solar PV system should be reported. Only Authorized Personnel are allowed to repair the damaged cables. 3. [Inverter . Connect the grounding connection on the unit to the appropriate grounding system: . Do not place or expose the inverter to rain, water, spray or any kind of contamination. Any source of contamination even dirt can discharge power: . Use caution to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool on ihe equipment: . Always check and interconnect the equipment/components in accordance with the specifications and input parameters of the inverter, . Check the grid compatibility and condition of the inverter prior to its operation and interconnection to grid; Never connect the AC output of the unit directly to an electrical breaker panel/load center which is also fed from the utility power/generator; . Do not connect the inverter to multi-wire branch circuits; . Disconnect all AC and DC side connections before working on any circuits associated with the unit: and . Discharge the capacitors before working on the circuits. 4. Energy Storage System a. Use proper tools to carry out any maintenance: Never smoke inside the battery storage room; Check damaged or leaking batteries; . Do noi place metai objects on top of batteries and insulate terminals to prevent short circuit; ia as) === dc2021-06-0018-pages-54.ppm === e. Wear protective clothing such as rubber gloves, goggles or chemical splash goggles and a face shield when working and handling batteries (e.g., wet cell or flooded lead acid batteries): mh VVear acid-resistant equipment such as gauntlet style gloves, an apron and boots: g. Keep batteries away from potential sparks or flames. Place battery in purposely built battery room and storage: h. Clean the battery terminals with a plastic brush because wire brushes could create static and sparks. In presence of corrosion, use electrical contact cleaner; i. Provide restricted access for the storage place which to be identified as a hazardous material storage place: and j. Remain battery terminals guarded. 5. Balance of Systems (BOS) The components of Solar Energy System other than the Solar PV include cables, wiring, switches, fuses, support racks, protection devices, combiner boxes and charge controllers in the case of off-grid systems. a. Only Authorized Personnel shall be allowed to supervise the fabricating/manufacturing, handling, storing, installing, operating and maintaining of Solar PV BOS equipment; and b. All mounting system and wiring methods shall be designed in accordance with the Philippine Electrical Code and National Building Code of the Philippines. 6. Marine Safety a. Consult with marine regulatory traffic authorities before installation, in accordance with marine traffic safety regulations; b. When feasible, avoid siting wind energy facilities close to ports and within known shipping lanes; c. Use anti-collision lighting and marking systems on turbines and all other hazards. Use of guard vessels should also be considered. Lighting and marking should be determined with relevant marine authorities; === dc2021-06-0018-pages-55.ppm === e. Establish safety zones around each turbine and construction vessel during the construction phase in order to minimize disruption to other sea users; and Use reference buoys to aid navigation. 7. Pets and Stray Animals a. All safety measures shail be considered in preventing siray animals from causing hazard to facility and Workers but with regard io law on animal rights and environmental conservation efforts: Fences/nets shall be installed where appropriate/feasible: Wild animals should not be fed, touched, or adopted. Proper cautions should be cbserved around stray cats and dogs; Workers shall leave wildlife alone and ensure that they do not allow themseives to be bitten or scratched by them: Domestic pets such as cats, dogs, birds, etc. shall not be allowed but if reaily needed (such as guard dogs), they shall be vaccinated for rabies and the vaccinations shall be kept current; Keep trash can lid secure since open containers can attract wildlife; Any bite incidents shall be reported to the local health department and it is important to consult doctor for medical advice and treatment; and . Fuse boxes and other electrical parts with open wires (no insulation) shall be sealed to prevent animals (particularly rats and snakes) from short-circuiting the system. 8. Security Equipment Security equipment such as cameras and motion sensors in vantage poinis can be instailed and utilized to help deter or thwart unauthorized access and break-ins as wel! as track the movement of Worker and equipment to ensure safe operations and maintenance. 9. Operations and Other Factors Affecting Public Safety a. b. Un-manned, remote-controlled facilities may require more safety devices to adequately protect or at least warn the public: Weather factors, such as rain and fog, can make project surfaces slick and obscure visibility, resulting in signs being less effective. Therefore, other safety warning devices such as lightings may be employed; wn wa) === dc2021-06-0018-pages-56.ppm === c. During high winds, ways in securing boats and other facilities vulnerable to sudden gusts of winds should be considered: and d. Public safety aspects of each plant should be periodically evaluated. 16.Warning Signs, Safety Devices and Measures Solar power plants, in general, require warning signs, safety devices or other measures depending on the amount of protection necessary. a, Warning Signs i. ifl. iV. Some siructures may require only a warning sign, while another may require safety nets, railings, escape ladders, several warning signs, and the need to be enclosed with a chain link fence. Others may require audible devices, such as sirens, horns, or buzzers: Examples of signage warnings could be: "Stay Alive by Staying Out", "No Trespassing" or "Keep Out", "Danger of Drowning" which can be in English or Tagalog; Size of the letters of the signage must be large enough from the Gistance they are needed to be first read; Signs to warn of clearance heights should be in place whenever people and equipment are to pass under bridge, overpass, power and communication lines; and v. Signs should be kept in good condition free from fading, flaking and/or vandalism and from obstructions such as plants, grasses, and trees. b. Buoys i. Individualty anchored buoys basically serve as floating signs: li. Warning buoys and signs should be installed at least 300 feet (91.44 meters) from the structures or at a greater distance, depending on where the hazard begins: and ii. Buoys should be in place to mark special hazards for boaters in reservoirs such as shallow areas, rocks, boulders, temporary structures, outcroppings, etc. c. Lighting Other structures may require lighting as a safety device, these may include switchyard, substation, perimeter fence, buoys, float and even boat barriers for night visibility, especially if boating at night is a regular activity. Strobe lights can also compliment audible warning devices: and tar oH CL === dc2021-06-0018-pages-57.ppm === ii, Beacons can also be used at those areas with heavy boat activities. d. Audible Devices i. Audible warning devices, together with signs shouid be in place to explain their meaning, at those areas with sudden changes in operation. e. Other safety measures i. Other safety measures can be through educating and informing Workers including the public; ii. Setting-up of procedures for safer plant operations is required. Information dissemination can be brochures, company literature, viGeo — tapes, television/radio/newspaper _— aiticles = arid advertisements, though announcements in public gatherings and schools, civic and non-government organizations, eic.; ili. There should be change in operating procedures to improve safety conditions at a plant when needed such as modifying gate opening procedures that reduce or eliminate sudden surges in flows or may be used io direct flows to less dangerous areas; iv. Uniformed guards can be employed in some heavily used public areas to implement regulations and warning signs and minimize trespassing and vandalism; and Vv. To reduce vandalism and/or malicious mischiefs, wire cables can be substituted for ropes, signs can be stenciled or engraved on concrete surfaces and communication with barangay officials and police can help catch offenders. Section Vi - Separability Clause In the event that any provision of this Department Circular or the application of such a provision to any person or circumstance is declared invalid, the remainder of this Department Circular and the application of such a provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected by such declaration. Section Vi! ~ Resolution of Conflicts and Overlapping Jurisdictions In case any provision of this Department Circular conflicts, duplicates or overlaps with rules and regulations being implemented by other government agencies, such conflict, duplication or overlapping shall be resolved by coordination or any other means of cooperation among such agencies. LA ~] === dc2021-06-0018-pages-58.ppm === Section VIII — Repealing Clause All solar safety and health rules and regulations, orders or parts thereof which are inconsistent with or contrary to this Department Circular are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly. Section IX — Effectivity This Department Circular shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Metro Manila Kas Repuolic af tne Phitopines HET DePaRTMENT OF ENERGY IN REPLYING PLS, CITE: SUN( 4 op, Tao 58