Republic ot the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
(Kagawaran rig Enerhiya)
DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO. Oczoo) O - ooig
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 I. 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 environmental 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 II. 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;

2.

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;

4.

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;

5.

Environment — refers to the Workplace 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;

7.

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 goaL
SDS — refers to Safety Data Sheet! which is intended to provide workers and
emergency personnel 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 spifl-handling
procedures;

10. Standard — refers to specifications or guidelines on how things should be done;
11. System — refers to an organized scheme of how things are done; includes
procedures, policies describing how an organization works; and
12. Worker — refers to any member of the labor force, regardless of employment
status.
Section III. 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

a. An office maintenance and housekeeping program shall be in place, in
accordance with Section Ill.A.3 hereof;
b. Horse playing shall be prohibited within company premises;
c. Only Authorized Personnel shall operate equipment and appliances;
d. Electrical equipment and appliances shall be immediately shut-off when
not in use;
e. Smoking shall only be allowed in the designated smoking area; and
I An ergonomics program shall be in place to address potential ergonomic
hazards from work procedures in order to minimize stress to the musculoskeletal system to prevent repetitive stress injury.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
a. Employer shall 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. etc.
and shall bear no cost to Workers;
a Workers shaU 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 shall be identified;
e. Employer shall 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 II l.A.2 hereof;
h. Hard hat shall be worn in designated "HARD HAT AREA ;
i. Appropriate eye protection shall be worn while handling chemicals, while
in areas or activities with exposure to dusts, or any operations that can
cause eye injuries;
Face shields shall be worn as protection against flying particles, sprays or
hazardous liquid, splashes of molten metals and hot solution;

k. Appropriate hearing protection shall be worn in areas where the noise level
reaches 85 decibels and above for 8-hour exposure;
I. 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;
m. Appropriate gloves shall be worn when handling toxic materials and
working on energized electrical circuit or apparatus;
n. When performing hot works, appropriate PPE shall 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;
o. AU Workers exposed to extreme temperatures shall wear appropriate PPE
in accordance with Section lll.A.2 hereof;
p. 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
q. Safety shoes shall 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. Obstructions (e.g.. assageways, aisles, ingress and egress);
b. Domestic and process waste management (e.g., generation, collection,
segregation, storage and disposal);
c. Storage and stacking of materials, tools and equipment;
d. Signage (directional/instructional);
e. Barricades and zoning;
f. Building and ground maintenance of offices and field facilities;
g. Pest and rodent control; and
h. Control for stray animals.
4. Laboratory Safety
a. All chemicals, sampe containers and generated wastes shall be properly
handled, stored, labeled and dispose in accordance to Republic Act No.
4

6969 also known as the "Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear
Waste ControlActof 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 foHowing task shall be provided and
reviewed/evaluated periodically:
i. Geoscientific and Environmental Sampling;
ii. Field Data and Sample Gathering;
iii. 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 matehals shall be done in the
fume hood;
f. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the laboratory area;
g. Compressed gas cylinders shall be stored, transported and handled in
accordance with Section III.M hereof;
h. All instrument plugs, cables and power outlets shall be labeled with their
corresponding power ratings;
i. Eye wash stations and emergency showers shall 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;

)

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. Issue work stoppage orders when necessary based on the requirements
and procedures provided by the OSHS.
7. Safety Orientation
Al! 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 shall implement the buddy system to high risk activities such
as but not limited to the following:
i. working at heights;
ii. working with electricity;
hi, working at confined spaces;
iv. working with hazardous substances and equipment;
v. working with materials at great pressure;
vi. working with public, where there is potential for violence;
vh. working with various kinds of terrain; and
vhi. 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:
be fully aware of the movements of the lone Worker;
U.

have all necessary contact details for the lone Worker, including
next of kin;

Hi.

have details of the lone Workers known breaks or rest periods;

6

iv.

attempt to contact the lone Worker if they do not contact the
buddy as agreed;

v.

follow the agreed local 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
unavailable.
9. Worker Training
a. All 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, Rigger
Crane Operator etc.).
B. Safety, Health and Environment Plan
Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) planning begins with anticipating and
understanding 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;

7

d. Prior to starting work, aH Workers shall participate in a safety, health and
environmental protection orientation with a designated Employer
representative; and
e. Prior to starting any work. Employer shall perform a Job Hazard Analysis
(JHA). The JHA shall:
carefully study and record each step of a job;
ii. identify existing and/or potential equipment, environmentaL or
action-generated job hazards; and
iU.

determine the best way to perform the job to reduce or eliminate
hazards. During a daily pre-task tool 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 shall 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 effective execution of response actions help
protect Workers, 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 injury, or significant
environmental or public health impacts;
b. Provide the necessary human, equipment, and material resources to execute
the emergency response plans;
c. 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;
d. Plan and conduct periodic emergency and evacuation drills to ensure a
constant state of operational readiness to respond to actual incidents;
e. 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;

8

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 health
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 stakeholders 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;
ft 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 I damages in
accordance with Rule 4 Section 14 Notification and Reporting of the
RESHERR;
b. 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:
Fatal accidents;
9

H. Hospitaflzation of three (3) or more persons;
iii. 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
vH. Property damages amounting to One Million Pesos
(Phpl 000000.00).
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 CSHS.
2. Illumination
a. As applicable, skylights and windows shall be located and spaced so that
daylight conditions are fairly uniform over the working area;
b. All occupied offices and buildings, including perimeters: shall 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. Adequate ground lighting shall be provided within the working premises as
required under OSHS.
3. General Ventilation
Suitable atmospheric conditions shall be maintained and adequate ventilation
shall 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

4. Extreme Temperature
a. All Workers exposed to extreme temperature shall wear suitable PPE;
b. All equipment and facilities shall undergo re-evaluation for possible
redesign or engineering control to minimize temperature hazard; and
c. Risk assessment shall 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:
b. Authorized Personnel operating radiographic equipment and conducting
radiographic inspections must ensure work is in accordance with
applicable regulations:
c, All works and materials emitting radiation, such as but not limited to
radiographic testing and naturally occurring radioactive materials from
drilling, shall be covered by appropriate permit and signage;
d. 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 to ensure all Workers on site are made aware that hazardous
work activity is taking place and must remain in place until all the
radiographic activities have been completed:
e. Personal dosimeters such as thermoluminescent dosimeters and direct
reading dosimeters shall be worn by radiographers at all times when they
are performing site radiography work;
f. 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
g. 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 shall be covered by safe work permits;
2. Only Authorized Personnel shall be allowed to conduct LOTOTO;
3. Required PRE shall be used as prescribed in Section IILA.2 hereof;

Ill

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 shaH know the type and magnitude of energy that the machine or
equipment utilizes and shall understand the hazards
5. If the machine or equipment is operating, it shall be shut down by foUowing
the normal stopping procedure (e.g., depress stop button, open toggle switch,
etc.);
6. 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:
9. 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;
1O.After completing the servicing or maintenance and the equipment is ready for
normal production operations, the area around the machines or equipment
shall 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 shall be operated to restore energy to the
machine or equipment;
13.AH affected Workers shall be notified that the machine or equipment has
effectively been energized and is ready for use; and
14. Lock-out and tag-out devices shall 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;

12

3. Only Electrical Practitioner authorized by the Employer shall supervise all
electrical works in consonance with Republic Act No. 7920 also known as the
"New Electrical Engineering Law of 1995'
4. Only duly qualified) competent and authorized Electrical Practitioner shall be
allowed to carry out inspection, testing and repair of electrical installations and
equipment;
5. A Buddy System must be practiced for all electrical works (120V and above);
6. Prior to any electrical task, Workers working with electricity must remove all
metal jewelry;
7. Required PPE shall be used in accordance with Section lll.A.2 hereof;
B. 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;
9. Materials, tools and equipment shall be inspected before and after for any
wear and damages that may expose the Workers to electrical hazards;
10. Electrical tools and equipment shall be properly guarded and grounded;
11. Electrical toots and equipment shall have Inspection and Maintenance
Program;
12. 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:
13. No circuits are to be energized without first informing and receiving clearance
from a supervisor/site manager, manager or appropriate site personnel;
14. Appropriate lock-out, tag-out and try-out procedures shall be implemented
and observed in accordance with Section 111.0;
15. Areas and cabinets with electric power shall be properly marked with signs;
16. First aid shall be available during all electrical works; Emergency response
team, depending on criticality of the activity shall be available during electrical
works;
17. Hazardous electrical wastes shall be properly managed; and
18. Electricai safety education and training shall be provided to ensure that
Workers are knowledgeable in performing their tasks safely.

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I. Demolition Requirements
1. 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 general area and with
operators and construcUon or maintenance engineers;
2. The original drawings of the structure to be demolished shall 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
to u n d;
3. The method of demolition to be used should be decided upon in consultation
with all Workers involved. The re-use of salvage materials shall be considered
prior to this decision;
4. All utility services such as steam, 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;
6. 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 be installed to ensure stability of adjacent
structures;
6. Barricades must be erected around the work area. Visible signs bearing the
words "Danger - Demolition in Progress" in must be in place;
7. Traffic management plans shall be in place when work is being done as
necessary;
8. 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;
9. 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
where it will not be a source of danger. All glass in windows, doors, partitions,
etc. shall be completely removed prior to structural demolition;
11. All steel construction shall be demolished column length by column length
and tier by tier. A structural member being removed must not be under any

14

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. Mechanical 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 must be gas-tested by an
Authorized Personnel using properly calibrated equipment in this order:
a. Check for Oxygen Content — Oxygen level should 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) — should be less than 10 ppm;
ii. Carbon Monoxide (CO) — should be less than 25 ppm; and
fl. Any other hazardous gases present.
If any of the above is present over normal levels, the area shall 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;

TS

6. Approved types of breathing apparatus and other PPE shall be provided and
made available for use by the Worker/s entering a confined space;
7. No Worker/s shall enter a confined space unless a watcher 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;
8. Each entry point shaM have one dedicated Attendant to control access to the
space. Access shalt be restricted only to Authorized Entrant;
9. At least one Worker who shall enter the confined space shall wear a properly
calibrated and functioning personal multi-gas monitor;
10.Where necessary, Emergency Response Team must be in place;
11.All Workers involved must have attended an appropriate confined space entry
training course;
12.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:
13.No spraying or painting using volatile solvents of oil shall be undertaken in
confined spaces unless the necessary respiratory and other adequate
protections are provided;
14.Any manhole, tank opening, or other opening which is left unattended shall be
protected by barricades, provided with appropriate warning signs and
sufficient lighting;
15.Adequate means of ingress and egress from any confined or enclosed space
shall be provided;
16.Activities involving welding or cutting in confined spaces shall conform with
OSHS; and
17.Other applicable procedures in accordance with Safety in Confined Space
Manual of DOLE shall be adopted.
K. Work Permit System Procedures
1. Established work permit system procedures shall be implemented in the
following works:
a. Electrical and Mechanical LOTOTO;
b. Confined Space Entry;
C. HotWork;
d. Excavation;
e. Hazardous Materials Handling;

f. Work at Heights:
g. Critical Lifts;
h. Radiation:
i. Blasting;
j. Demolition;
k. Bypassing Critical Protection;
I. Simultaneous Operation; and
m. Any activity that may adversely affect the safety and health of people and
the environment and has a significant potential for injury or environmental
incident.
2. The above permit shall include the minimum applicable requirements:
a. Permit Number;
b. Authorized permit Requestor and Issuer/Approver;
c. Date of Issue;
d. Work Methodology and Description (Area/Activity Covered);
e. Period of Validity of Permit (Date and Time);
f. Work Precaution Checklist;
g. Protective Measure Checklist;
h. Work Party Acceptance;
i. Emergency Response/Equipment;
j. Environment Monitoring;
k. Job Hazard Analysis and Control;
I. Work Carry Over (Turnover of Unfinished Work); and
m. Sign Off (Closing).
3. Control for issuance and recording of all permits shall be estabflshed;

4. Permits shall be properly posted in the work area;
5. Work covered by permit shall be immediately stopped if permit conditions are
not complied with/violated or emergency inddent/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 shall 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 shall 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

17

1. 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 Control Act of 1990";
2. All related SDS shall be readily available and communicated to Workers for
information and reference;
3. A register 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;
4. The following details must be made known:
a. Material description including:
i. Product Name:
ii. Source or Manufacturer;
iii. 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. A copy 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;
e. Required permits of use, storage and disposal by local and national
regulations:
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.
5. All Workers that maybe exposed to chemicals shall be trained on the
recommended hazard controls of various chemicals used in the workplace;

18

6, Chemicals shalt be stored according to storage requirements as stated in the
SDS with consideration of storage compatibility with other chemicals;
7. The appropriate FFE shall be worn as prescribed in the work permit system,
as stated in the instruction/procedure or as advised by the supervisor; and
8. Alt 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
1. Gas cylinders shall be chained/supported in an upright position at all times
and should be placed in a secured and well-ventilated area;
2. Cylinder cap shall be properly installed when the cylinder is not in use and
when being moved/transported;
3. Gas cylinders shall be labeled, appropriately stored and secured in designated
areas and shall conform to the requirements of all applicable industry and
regulatory standards:
4. All hoses, gas regulators and other accessories shall be regularly inspected
and maintained;
5. Appropriate shut-off tool/spanner shall be readily avaUable for use;
6. Flashback arresters shall always be available and properly installed;
7. Compressed gas cylinders are prohibited inside confined spaces; and
8. Appropriate handling equipment (cart or wheeler) shall be used when
transferring cylinders.
N. Flammable Liquids Handling, Storage, Labelling and Disposal
1. 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;
2. Approved safety pumps and similar devices shall be used when transferring
liquids from one container to another. Motorized pumps shall be properly
grounded:
3. Appropriate safety containers shall be used in handling or transporting
flammable liquids;
4. Adequate fire control and fire-fighting equipment shall always be available in
areas where flammable liquids are present;

19

5. Flammable liquids shall not be discharged into the sewers, drainage, canals
or natural waterways:
6. Empty flammable containers shall be disposed of in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions and local regulatory requirements: and
7. Hauling of flammable and/or combustible liquids must be in compliance with
DENR standards.
0. Explosives Storage, Use, Transportation and Disposal
1. The government laws pertaining to the use, storage and transportation of
explosives shall be strictly observed. Manufacturers instructions for the safe
handling and storage of explosives shall be followed;
2. Disposal of alt empty explosive containers shall be in accordance with
manufacturer's recommendations and local regulatory requirements;
3. 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;
4. Worker/s who handle, prepare, loads, fires, burns or destroys an explosive
are cerfified blasters or working under the direct supervision of a certified
blaster;
5. Explosives and explosive devices shall be transported in accordance with all
applicable regulations and shall be provided with the appropriate security
escort at all times;
6. The loss or theft of explosives from a worksite shall immediately be reported
to the nearest authorities and to Supervisor in charge;
7. Warning signs about the use of radio transmitter must be posted on all access
roads 1000 feet from the blasting area;
8. All access points to the blasting area shall be properly guarded until an "ALL
CLEAR' signal is sounded;
9. Explosives or dynamites used for quarrying or road construction shall be
stored in magazines as per regulatory standard;
10.Dynamites shall 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;

20

13.Explosive magazine shall be constructed as per standards. Danger signs
shall be installed to warn the public. Explosive magazine shall be provided
with at least two ventHation outlets;
14.Stacking/piling of boxes of explosives shall only be on eye level;
15.Perimeter gates and doors of the storage magazine shall 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;
iT Smoking is strictly prohibited in areas where there are explosives; and
18. Military escorts must be present during transport of explosives.
P. Warehouse Safety
1. Warehouses shall be well-ventilated and wefl-lighted. The lighting
specification and requirement shall 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 (IlEE)
Manual for LEED Compliant Lighting System Design;
2. If a warehouse is provided with fire sprinkler system, it must conform with the
National Building Code;
3. Storage areas shall 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, shall 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
shall 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
they are properly repaired or replaced;

21

2. Maintain adders free of oil, grease and other slipping hazards;
3. Do not load ladders beyond their maximum intended load nor beyond their
manufacturer's rated capacity;
4. Use ladders only for their designed purpose;
5. Use ladders only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent
accidental movement;
6. Do not use ladders on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slipresistant feet to prevent accidental movement;
7. 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;
8. Use ladders equipped with nonconductive side rails if the Worker or the ladder
could come in contact with exposed energized electrical equipment;
9. Always maintain a 3-point (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand)
contact on the adder when climbing/descending. Keep your body near the
middle of the step and always face the ladder while climbing/descending;
10. Do not carry objects or loads that could cause loss of balance and falling;
11. Parallel, level and uniformly space ladder rungs, cleats and steps when the
ladder is in position for use;
12. Do not tie or fasten ladders together to create longer sections unless they
are specifically designed for such use;
13. 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;
14. 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;
15. Never move, "walk" or 'jog" a ladder while you are on it. Go down first and
the reposition the ladder;
16. 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;
17. Allow only one Worker on a ladder at a time;

18, Always move the adder to avoid overreaching;
19. Never leave raised ladders unattended;
20. Always work within an arm's reach from the ladder, keep both feet on the
rungs and use belt buckle as a guide to keep weight centered on the ladder
during all times;
21. Be sure that the shoes are free of mud, grease or other substances which
could cause a slip of fall; and
22. 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. Lightning protection system shall be installed in solar project structures and
lifting equipment, especially on facilities with sensitive electronic equipment;
2. Installation of lightning protection shall be done by trained and qualified
lightning protection specialists;
3. For quality assurance, all materials and methods shall comply with nationally
recognized safety standards for lightning protection as established by National
Fire Protection Association/latest Philippine Electrical Code;
4. Other electrical works shall be in placed as prescribed in Section Ill.H hereof:
and
5. Required PPE shall be used in accordance with Section III 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;
b. Only Authorized Personnel shall supervise all excavation and filling works;
c. 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 employed for the
analysis of soil types and conditions;
U. 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

23

iU. 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.
d. 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:
e. Required PPE shall be used while doing excavation and filling works;
f. 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:
g. Excavation areas shall be properly barricaded, delineated and provided
with proper safety and warning signs;
h. Excavation material and heavy equipment shall be kept at a distance as
prescribed under OSHS;
i. Gangplanks with railing or metal plates shall be provided where an
excavation crosses driveways or streets;
j. Approved access ladder shall be provided and regularly inspected. Ladders
shall be extended 3 feet (0.9 meter) above the level to be accessed;
k. 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;
I. Excavation works on identified H2S prone area shall be inspected for
presence of ItS before any work will commence and regularly monitored
during the duration of the work;
m. 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;
n. 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);

24

o. 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;
p. 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
q. Rescue plans must be developed for excavations. First aid shall be
available at all times; Emergency response team shall be available
depending on the results of the risk assessment.
2. Concreting and Structural Works
a. Work permit system shall cover all structural works at heights and all works
that require the use of oxy-acetylene cutting and any kind of welding works;
b. Roles must be dearly defined, and Workers must meet the training
requirements for concreting and structural works;
c. Only Authorized Personnel shaH supervise all concreting and structural
works;
d. Required PPE shall be used while doing concreting and structural works in
accordance with Section lll.A.2 hereof;
e. 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;
f. Work sites shall be properly barricaded, delineated and provided with
proper safety and warning signs;
g. 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;
h. Lifting procedure shall be implemented for heavy and special lifting works.
Lifting and rigging procedures shall be in accordance with OSHS; and
i. 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 I Earth Moving
a. Only Authorized Personnel shall supervise all road works;
b. Roles must be clearly defined, and Workers must meet the training
requirements for road works and earth moving;

25

c. Required PPE shall be used while doing road works in accordance with
Section llLA.2 hereof;
d. 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;
e. Traffic management plans shall be in place when work is being done;
f. Workplace conditions shall be inspected to eliminate or control hazards that
may expose the Worker to injury;
g. Work sites shall be properly barricaded, dehneated and provided with
proper safety and warning signs;
h. Only Authohzed Personnel shall be allowed to operate equipment;
i. Heavy equipment shall have spotter to assist the operator; and
j. First aid shall be available at all times; Emergency response team shall be
available depending on the results of the risk assessment.
4. 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 shall be used while doing piping and insulation works in
accordance with Section lil.A.2 hereof;
d. Proper warning and instructional signs shaH be visibly posted at all times
when work is being performed, and shall be removed or recovered promptly
after work is completed;
e. Workplace 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;

26

i. All coded piping and insulation work wastes shall be properly disposed
according to environmental regulations; and
j. First aid shall be available at all times; Emergency response team shall be
available depending on the results of the risk assessment.
5. Hot Works
a. 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;
b. Only Authorized Personnel shall supervise all hot works;
c. Only Authorized Personnel shall be allowed to conduct hot work;
d. Required PPE shall be used while doing hot works in accordance with
Section lll.A.2 hereof;
e. 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;
f. Workplace conditions shall be inspected to eliminate or control hazards that
may expose the worker to injury and potential property damage;
g. All hot works shall have detailed and approved safe work procedures;
h. All hot works shall be covered with appropriate work permit system;
i. Combustible and flammable materials shall be removed from the work area;
j. Items that cannot be removed shall be covered with fire-retardant blankets:
k. In areas where hot works are performed, the floors shall always be kept
clean;
I. Welding shields should be provided to contain or protect from sparks and
splatters;
m. A Fire Watch with appropriate communication and fire extingthshing
equipment shall be assigned whenever hot work is performed in locations
where other than a minor fire might develop;
n. 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

27

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
o. First aid shall be available at all times; Emergency response team shall be
avaflable depending on the results of the risk assessment.
6. Mechanical and Equipment Installation
a. Mechanical Engineers shall supervise over all mechanical equipment
installation as per Article IV, Section 33 and 35 of RA No. 8495;
b. Observe the personnel requirement under Section 34 of RA No. 8495;
c. Mechanical equipment covered by DOLE technical safety inspection shall
secure the needed permit to install before installation and permit to operate
before operation;
d. Roles must be clearly defined, and Worker must meet the training
requirements for mechanical and equipment installation;
e. Required PPE shall be used while doing mechanical and equipment
installation in accordance with Section llLA.2 hereof;
I 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;
g. Workplace conditions shall be inspected to eliminate or control hazards that
may expose the worker to injury;
h. All mechanical and equipment installation shall have detailed and approved
safe work procedures;
i. 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;
k. Appropriate lifting equipment and procedures shall be used in mechanical
installation; and
I. First aid shall be available at all times; Emergency response team shall be
available depending on the results of the risk assessment.

28

1. Motor Vehicle and Heavy Equipment Operations
1. Only Authorized Personnel shall supervise all motor vehicles and heavy
equipment operations:
2. Only Authorized Personnel shall be allowed to operate motor vehicles and
heavy equipment;
3.

Drivers and heavy equipment operators shall have valid driving license and
mandatoiy government certifications appropriate for the equipment they will
operate;

4. 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
allowed to operate motor vehicles and heavy equipment;
5. All 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.
6. All drivers/operators shall immediately report any observed unsafe condition
of the motor vehicles and heavy equipment;
7. All drivers/operators shall strictly follow all established company and
government traffic rules and regulations;
8. 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;
9. All drivers shall report immediately any vehicular incident to the company and
appropriate authorities;
10. All motor vehicles and heavy equipment shall be equipped with the
prescribed and approved seat belts for all driver and passenger seats;
11. Only Authorized Personnel shall conduct repairs to all motor vehicles and
heavy equipment;

29

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
13. A Journey Management Plan shall 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.
U. Hoist and Lifting Works Operations
1. Only Authorized Personnel shall supervise hoist and lifting works;
2. Only Authorized Personnel shall be allowed to operate hoist and lifting
equipment;
3. Only authorized rigger shall be allowed to direct and guide hoist and lifting
operation;
4. 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;
5. All hoist and Hfting equipment shall conform to the requirements of all
applicable industry and regulatory standards;
6. All hoist and lifting equipment shall be provided with basic emergency tools
and equipment where applicable like horn, lights, outrigger matting, fire
extinguisher etc.;
7. All hoist and lifting equipment shall be subjected to a pre-use inspection by
authorized operator for safe operation;
8. All hoist and lifting equipment shall be loaded up to its rated capacity only;
9. All hoist and lifting equipment shall be subjected to scheduled preventive
maintenance in accordance with man ufacturer's recommendations;
10. Worker/s shall immediately report any observed unsafe condition of the hoist
and lifting equipment;
11. All unsafe hoist and lifting equipment shall be removed immediately from
service and shall not be used until appropriate repair has been undertaken;

30

12. Worker/s shall report immediately any incidentlaccidentto the company and
appropriate authorities:
13. All hoist and lifting equipment shall be equipped with the prescribed and
approved seat belts:
14. A daily routine inspection of all heavy equipment deployed at the site shall
be conducted by Authorized Personnel and certified mechanics shall conduct
repairs of the hoist and lifting equipment;
15. All heavy equipment shall be regularly inspected and maintained in good
condition:
16. 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:
17. All critical lift works or jobs shall be covered by critical lift procedure;
18. The general constructor or the equipment owner shall maintain a separate
logbook for data on maintenance, repairs, tests and inspections for each
heavy equipment;
19. Prior to performing a lift, the operator shall 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 shall be conducted for all critical
lifts;
20. The following should always be considered:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

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.

21. One person shall be designated as a spotter (signal person or flagman) and
the lifting device operator shall take direction or instruction from the spotter
only;

31

22. The operating area of the lifting device shall be barricaded and no Worker
shall allow any part of his body to extend underneath any load being lifted by
a crane, side boom, or other lifting device; and
23. No person shall be allowed to work, walk through, stand, or stay beneath any
suspended load being lifted, moved or lowered.
V. Working at Height and Protection from Falling Objects
1. Ensure all structures are designed and built to the appropriate standards and
have the appropriate means of working at height systems fitted;
2. Establish and maintain suitable exclusion zones underneath any working at
height activities, where possible, to protect workers from falling objects;
3. Ensure all Workers working at height are trained and competent in the use of
all working at height and rescue systems in place;
4. 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;
5. Ensure that hoisting equipment is properly rated and maintained and that hoist
operators are properly trained;
6. When working at height. fit all tools and equipment with a lanyard. where
possible, and use capture netfing if practicable;
7. Remove signs and other obstructions from poles or structures prior to
undertaking work;
8. Use an approved tool bag for raising or lowering tools or materials to workers
on elevated structures;
9. Avoid conducting tower installation or maintenance work during poor weather
conditions and especially where there is a risk of lightning strikes;
10. Place an emergency plan detailing the methods to be used to rescue
operatives should they become stranded or incapacitated while at height;
and
11. Use required PRE while working at height as protection from falling objects
in accordance with Section II I.A.2 hereof.

W. Fire Hazards, Protection and Control
I. Genera! Objective
All solar operators shall establish a fire prevention and control program in
accordance to Republic Act No. 9514 also known as the "F/re Code of the
Philippines of 2008'l
2. Fire Extinguishers
a. Fire extinguishers shall be inspected once a month and shall be maintained
in good operating condition at all times;
b. 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;
c. 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;
d. 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;
e. Tampering of markings. tags and other emergency instructions labeied on
all fire protection equipment shall be prohibited;
f. Fire extinguishers shall have hydro testing records according to
manufacturer's specifications; and
g. 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 shaH conform to the Fire Code of the
Philippines;
b. Fire hydrants, hoses and accessories shall be kept in good condition. They
shall be used properly and only for the purpose for which they are intended;
c. Fire hose installed at yard hydrant shall be kept in well-ventilated fire hose
cabinet properly locked and marked FOR FIRE USE ONLY;

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;
e. Firefighting equipment shall be placed in strategic locations and must be
free from obstructions; and
f. Tampering of fire alarms, valves and other accessories is prohibited. Any
damaged parts should be immediately repaired or replaced.
4. Firebreak
a. Firebreaks should be of sufficient length and width to contain a possible
fire and allow passage of firefighting vehicle; and
b. Erosion control measures must be incorporated into firebreaks with sloping
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 applicable industry and regulatory
scaffolding standards;
b. Every scaffold shall be of good construction of sound materials and
strength for the purpose for which it is intended;
c. Timber used for scaffolds shall be in good condition, the bark completely
stripped off, and not painted or treated in any manner that defects cannot
be easily seen;
d. All materials and parts of scaffold not in use or intended for re-use shall be
kept under good condition and separate from other materials unsuitable
for scaffolds;
e. Scaffolds shall be erected, moved, dismantled, or altered only under the
supervision and direction of a qualified scaffolder;
f. Scaffolds and scaffold components shall be capable of supporting, without
failure, its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load;

34

g. Scaffold products from different manufactures shall not be mixed on a
scaffold, unless they are specifically designed to be used together;
h. A scaffold should never be erected within lofeet(3 meters) of power tines;
i. It is prohibited to ñde on a moving mobile scaffold;

I.

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);

k. 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 shalt be at intervals not to exceed 8 feet (2.4 meters);
I.

Toeboards shall be of 4 inches (10.2 cm) in height;

m. Scaffold planks shall extend over their end supports not less than 6 inches
nor more than 12 inches (30.5 cm);
n. Any scaffold including accessories such as braces, brackets, trusses,
screw legs, ladders, etc. damaged or weakened from any cause shall be
immediately repaired or replaced;
o. Timber planking is allowed for the scaffold and shall have a minimum of
1,500 fiber (stress grade) construction grade lumber;
p. 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;
q. Scaffold must be tagged by a competent person. This inspection tag shall
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;
r. 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;
s. 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

meters) from the ground eve! should be placed inside the scaffolds frame
with trap door conditions at access levels;
t. Ladders shall not be used on scaffolds to increase the working level height
of workers, except on large area scaffolds 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. All suspended scaffolds require independent safety lines for each worker.
Workers must use a full body harness when working from any suspended
scaffold. Persona! faH arrest system used on scaffolds shall be attached
by a lanyard to a vertical lifeline, horizontal lifeline, or scaffold structural
member;
y. Persona! 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. Scaffolding 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
iU. Mandatory inspection should be conducted by experienced and
competent person to all materials before use.

36

b. Foundation
i. Scaffold shall be capable of supporting without failure at least 4 times
the maximum intended load;
ii. Timber sills at east 23 cm (9.1 in.) wide by 3.8 cm (15 in.) thick will
be required to spread the load. A sill shall extend under at east two
post;
Ui. 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;
iv. If used to compensate variations in ground levels, the screw jacks
shall not be adjusted more than two-thirds of the total length of the
thread;
v. Scaffolds shall be anchored or secured to permanent or rigid
structures. In the absence of permanent structures, guys and sway
bracing andlor outrigger shall be used; and
vi. 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
i. Posts 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 shall be vertical; and
ii, 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
ii.

Runners shall 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
U. Board bearers shall be installed between bearers to accommodate
differences in planks length.

37

f. Bracing
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 scaffold.
g. Ties
i. AU supported scaffolds except tower and mobile shall be securely tied
to a building or structure throughout their length and height to prevent
movement of the scaffold;
ii.

Ties should be spaced every other lift and every 19.6 feet (6 meters)
along the face of the scaffold;

iii.

Ties should be fixed with load bearing couplers, as close to the node
point as possible;

iv. 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;
v. Make sure that the building is strong enough to support the tie and
the load imposed on it by the scaffold; and
vi.

For any reason, tie should not be removed until the overall stability of
the scaffold has been confirmed.

h. Platform Units
i. All platform units shall be closed planked for the full width of the
scaffold structure;
ii. 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);
Ui.

Planks shall be secured in position to prevent displacement by strong
winds;

iv. Mid rails must be instafled halfway between the top rail and platform
and can withstand force of 150 lbs.; 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 to obstruct
the working platform and to minimize the risk of persons falling
38

through gaps in the guardrail system or platform units. Access should
be provided to working platforms; and
ii. Working platform shall be provided per level during erection. This
working platform shall not be removed unless the succeeding level is
instaHed.
Workmanship
Scaffolding shall be erected, altered and dismantled by experienced
men working under the direction of a competent supeMsor; and
Scaffolds of more than 19.6 feet (6 meters) in height shalt be
designed by a structural engineer and shalt be erected, instaUed and
dismantled by TESDA certified erectors.

H.

k. Inspection
All scaffolds shall be inspected by a competent supervisor, safety
officers. and/or civil engineers before it is used and after adjustments,
modifications, adverse weather conditions. etc., to measure that is
safe:
i.i Green tags shall be hanged at each scaffolds access that have
been inspected and are safe for use;
Lii 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 shall 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.
U.

All 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
i. All scaffolds competent person must undergo the standard scaffold
training and assessment prescribed by DOLE and TESDA.
U. The competent person shall have the following certification:
39

iLl COSH Training Certificate from DOLE or its accredited safety
training organizations;
iii Must be a holder of TESDA prescribed Scaffold Erection
Certificate; and
iLUi At least 2 years' experience in scaffold erection.
b. Scaffold Erector
i.

All scaffolds erectors must undergo the standard scaffold training and
assessment prescribed by DOLE and TESDA;

U.

Scaffold erectors shall have the following certifications:
Ui One Day Workers Safety Organization from DOLE or its
accredited safety training organizations; and
ii.ii. Must be a holder of TESDA prescribed Scaffold Erection
National Certificate.

Y. Machine Shop Safety
1. Allow only Authorized Personnel to use the machine shop;
2. Use required and appropriate PPE while working in the shop in accordance
with Section lll.A.2 hereof;
3. Observe the buddy system" while working in the shop;
4. No eating, drinking and smoking inside the machine shop area;
5. Keep the work area clean and always keep the floor free of grease, oil or any
other liquids;
6. Do not allow horseplay and/or running in the machine shop;
7. Do not wear loose jewelry and clothing including long sleeves and ties in the
shop;
8. Tie back long hair while working in the shop;
9. Seek for your co-worker's 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;
40

11. Always make eyewash and first aid kit station available in a designated place;
and
12. Post the machines user's guide and/or safety manuals in a strategic location
for easy reference.
Z. Tools, Equipment and Machinery Operations
1. Workers must only work with tools, equipment and machines that they have
been authorized to use;
2. Appropriate tools, equipment and machines shall be used on a specific job;
3. Each tools. equipment and machines must first be examined before use;
Damaged tools, equipment and machines should be reported to proper
authorities:
4. Damaged tools, equipment and machines must be repaired before using it;
5. All tools, equipment and machines necessary to complete the task must be
kept in good condition with regular maintenance;
6. Tools. equipment and machines must be operated according to the
manufacturers' instructions;
7. All tools and equipment should be kept cleaned and stored appropriately when
not in use;
8. All portable electrically-driven tools, equipment and machines shall be
properly grounded before use;
9. 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 materials should be used where flammable gases, highly
volatile liquids, and other explosive substances are stored or used;
10. Air supply shall be shut off when pneumatic tools, equipment and machines
are not in use;
11. Pointed or sharp tools, equipment and machines shall be provided with cover;
12. Talking to others while they are operating a machine is prohibited;

4]

13. Tools should not be left unattended. They should be placed in the designated
toolboxes or cabinets after using them;
14. A machine should not be left unattended while it is running;
15. Only one person may work on a machine at a time;
16. When working with another person, only one should operate the machine or
switches;
17. A cutter should not be used by pushing it towards your body parts;
18. Work piece must always be secured with a clamp or vise;
19. Compressed air should never be used without a safety nozzle to clean the
machines. Compressed air should never be used to clean clothing;
20. Metal chips, turnings or shavings should not be removed with your hands;
21. Toots should be disconnected when not using them, before servicing and
cleaning them, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits, and
cutters;
22. Proper apparel for the task should be worn. Loose cbthing, ties, necklaces.
or jewelry can become caught in moving parts;
23. Electrical hand toots 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
24. The tools, equipment and machines user's guide and/or safety manuals
should always be followed.
Ak Machine Guarding
All moving parts of prime movers, transmission equipment and all dangerous
parts of driven machinery shalt 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 shall 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;

42

2. Warning signs with standard color shall be installed near the machine being
repaired or its guards removed;
3. Upon completion of the repairs or adjustment, such guards, appliances or
devices shall immediately be reinstalled before the machine is used;
4. Guards shaU be designed, constructed and used that they will:
a. Provide positive protection:
b. Prevent all access to the danger zone during operations;
c. Cause no unnecessarily or inconvenience operation or production;
d. Operates automatically or with minimum effort;
e. Be suitable for the job and the machine;
f. Cause no obstruction or interfere with machine oiling, inspection,
adjustment and repair;
g. Withstand long use with minimum maintenance;
h. Resist normal wear and shock;
i. Be durable, fire and erosion resistant;
j. Not constitute a hazard by themselves; and
k. Give protection against operational contingencies and not merely protect
normally expected hazard.
5. Standard guards or enclosures shall be made of materials suitable for the
purpose for which they are designed and constructed; and
6. 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.
BB. Biological Safety
1. General Requirements
a All field activities/works shall be covered with appropriate work permit
system;
b. Required PRE shall 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
c. 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:

lfl

41

i. Avoid known areas of concentration such as hives and nests;
ii. 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:
iv. Wear long pants, and long-sleeves shirts;
v. Wear heavy high top shoes or boots, protective gloves, and use
walking sticks; and
vi. If stung by bees or wasp, seek immediate medical attenUon.
b. To avoid snake bite:
Always ask about snakes from local residents and employ local
resident as a guide;
ii. When walking, keep your eyes on your path and avoid stepping into
clumps of vegetation;
Hi. Do not step over logs or large rocks if you cannot see over them:
iv. Wear long pants and long-sleeves shirts;
v. Wear heavy high top shoes or boots, protective gbves, and use
walking sticks;
vi. Do not kill non-poisonous snakes, they keep the food supply low and
keep the population of poisonous snakes down;
vU. Never pick up an apparently dead snake with your bare hands. Even
severed snake head can inflict a deadly bite for 15 - 30 minutes after
separation from the body. Should it be necessary to move the dead
snake, use a stick; and
vUi. If bitten, seek medical assistance at the nearest clinic or hospital, vials
or antivenin shall be approved and supplied by the Research Institute
for Tropical Medicine (RlTM).
c. To avoid leeches:
i. Wear long pants and long-sleeves shirts;
U. Wear heavy high top shoes or boots, protective gloves, and use
walking sticks; and
ii. 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 shall 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 shall initiate mitigating engineering and administrative
measures and formulate emergency/contingency plans;
4. The team shall meet annually or as the need arises;

44

5. All Workers and the communities shall be properly informed of the major
geohazards, thru posting of illustrations in the form of schematics (e.g., maps,
posters, signages and drawings) in public places; and
6. In the occurrence of geohazard events such as landslides, earthquakes and
flooding, the Disaster Emergency Preparedness/Contingency Plan and
Response Team shall be deployed to the concerned area.
Section IV. Power Plant Facilities
A. Power Plant Safety
1. All Workers shall be qualified and trained in their respective job assignments;
2. All Workers shall undergo occupational safety and health orientation and
training;
3. All Workers shall immediately report any observed unsafe condition, incident
and accident in accordance vith the established company safety reporting
procedures and guidelines;
4. AU Workers shall be required to wear appropriate and prescribed PPE in
accordance with Section lH.A.2 hereof;
5. Only Authorized Personnel shall conduct repairs and calibration to any plant
equipment and instruments;
6. All power plants shall establish work procedures for:
i. Start-up and Shut-down;
U. Emergency;
Ui. Normal and Abnormal Operation; and
v. Operation and Maintenance Work for for Electdcal, 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 control panel knobs,
buttons, and switches. Bystanders are not allowed inside the control room
unless authorized;
2. 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;
3. The door of control rooms should always be closed to reduce outside air
infiltration/cooling loads and H2S contamination;
45

4. Control rooms are "NO SMOKING" areas and such policy shall be observed
at all times;
5. LOTOTO procedure and proper clearance from the authority shall be strictly
complied with;
6. Automatic/emergency lighting system shall be provided at all access and
means of egress;
7. The door of circuit breaker/panel should always be kept closed;
8. Control and power meter panel shaH have safety floor markings; and
9. Emergency button of the control panel shaH 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. Only Authorized Personnel are allowed to enter the room;
2. Air conditioning unit must be operated twenty-four (24) hours a day at
temperature not greater than 15°C for electronic equipment cooling;
3. The door of UPS and battery bank room should always be closed to reduce
outside air infiltration/cooling loads and H2S contamination;
4. Battery bank should be kept free from leaking solutions;
5. Battery room should not be used as dressing room;
6. The exhaust ventilation must be placed in accordance to PSME Code. A spare
fan should be readily available;
7. The direct current (DC) system shall be readily available whenever the DC
power is interrupted to the system;
8. Eyewash station must be provided near the battery room;
9. Check-up of battery electrolyte leak and speciflc gravity ShoUld be done
regularly; and
10. Proper handling7 storage, and disposal of unserviceable 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

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 cutoutlbreakers with the requested "DE-EN ERG IZE" 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 all electrical tools/equipment used are properly insulated and must be
capable to handle 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 dielectric 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
requirements:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.

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.

A. Pre-DevelopmentlExploration Stage
1. General Requirements
a. Make sure that only Authorized Personnel shall supervise and conduct onsite 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

d

d. Make sure that all devices, tools, and equipment shall be used, handled,
installed, maintained, calibrated and stored only by an Authorized
Personnel:
e. Conduct geohazards and structural assessments prior to predevelopment/exploration activities:
f. Conduct daily safety meetings to review the project's progress and status,
personnel deployment locations, equipment layout and the Worker's
condition;
g. Check the condition of the service vehicle, communication tools and
appropriate PPE;
ft Coordinate with local authorities for security purpose before starting predevelopment/exploration activities;
i. Install and maintain meteorological stations and its equipment to be free
or to minimize electrical, mechanical, and environmental hazards;
j. Record and protect all data from damage or loss;
k. In all meteorological stations, follow proper grounding and lightning
protection in accordance to the Philippine Electrical Code; and
I.

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.

2. Composition of a Solar Exploration Team
a. One team leader who shall provide guidance, instruction, direction and
leadership to the exploration team;
b. One or more member/s, who may be an engineer, geologist or field
technician with expertise in solar resource assessment and development;
c. One lead guide, knowledgeable with various terrains, elevated structures,
and bodies of water;
d. One team member who shall function as sweeper;
e. Safety Officer; and
f. Helpers, if necessary.

48

3. Dealing with Various Kinds of Terrain
a Under the responsibihty 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
a distance 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 loose
ground and/or nothing to hold to, traps, and aggressive animals.
4. Dealing with Bodies of Water
The team shall consider the various types of bodies of water when traversing
or crossing through it:
a. 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 at a time
aided by the guide;
b. 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
c. For deep but calm and/or raging bodies of water, the team shall restrategize to a safer method of crossing using various means of water
transport (e.g., banca, canoe, balsa, etc.) or reroute to a safer path.
5. Camp Safety
a. In selecting camp location, the following shall be considered:
i. Camp location shall be at least 10 meters away from bodies of water;
U. The camp area shall be clear from sharp rocks, glass shards and
poisonous plants;
iii. The camp area shall be slightly sloping to ensure water drainage;
iv. The camp area shall have a protection from strong winds;
v, The camp shall not be set up too close to the water source to be
considered safe from wild animals;
vi. Cooking shall be done far from the tents (—lOm away) to avoid inviting
aroma to wild animals; and
vii. Food and other aromatic materials shall be stored outside the tents.
If possible, hang the items at a height not reachable by animals.

49

b. Other safety protocol:
i. insect repellent should be applied, as deemed necessary;
ii. The buddy system shaH be implemented continuously, whereby
measures ensuring that the location of one buddy is always be known
by the other are in place;
iii. 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;
iv. 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;
v. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited during camping; and
vi. If possible, consuming and/or damaging local fauna and flora should
be avoided.
6. Outcrop Observation
a. For data collection:
i. In observing the outcrop from afar, one shall position himself on
stable ground, visible to the team members; and
ii. In measuring structural orientations, the following must be done:
The team should be aware of falling debris and unstable areas
prior to getting near the outcrop; and
The lead guide shaH clear the outcrop from plant hazards and
unconsolidated debris.
b.

For soil & rock sampling:
i. 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;
U. All sampling equipment, field test equipment, materials, containers
and safety equipment should be assembled and checked;
iii. The team shall wear proper PPE prior to hammering;
iv. Other team members should also wear goggles. Otherwise, they
should position far from the point to be sampled;
v Prior to hammering the geologist or sampler shall ensure that no limb
is situated immediately below the rock hang;
vi. For large rock fragments intended to be broken into pieces, the
sampler must practice hammering with rock stabilized only by foot
(standard geology practice);
vU. The edges of the rock sample should be smoothened prior to placing
them on the sample bags;
vUi. Filled sample bags shall be placed in a heavy duty sack or bag;
ix. All hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal should be ensured to
have safely collected; and

50

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 Personnel shall be auowed to undertake development
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, during the development stage of the solar prolect.
2. Inspection
a, Routine inspection shall be done to check and identify if there are any
deficiencies, troubles or problems 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 shaH be performed immediately after any unusual event such
as large floods, earthquakes. sabotage and other natural calamities;
c. Inspection results shall be properly evaluated and the corresponding
action plans, as deemed applicable, shall be developed and implemented;
and
ft 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 place;
b. Access to substations shall be limited to Authorized Personnel. In
unavoidable circumstances, visitors accompanied by Authorized
Personnel can be allowed access, but with the necessary safety
precautions and PPE;

51

c. Warning signs shall be provided where high voltage power lines
associated with powerhouses and substations are located in areas
where the pubflc could accidentally make contact with them; and
d. Clearances for power lines shall be in accordance with appropriate
codes/rules.
2. 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;
b. Periodic cleaning of PV is not required, but is recommended, as
periodic cleaning can result in better performance of the FV system,
especially in regions with low levels of annual precipitation;
c. 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 glass and iead to module performance degradation;
d. 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;
e. 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;
f. Rubber gloves or its equivalent should always be worn while
maintaining, washing or cleaning panels;
g. A PV module should never be cleaned with broken glass or other signs
of exposed wiring, as this presents a shock hazard;
h. 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 eiectrical and mechanical connections should be ensured and
checked periodically to verify that they are clean, intact, and safe; and

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k. Damaged cables on your solar PV system should be reported. Only
Authohzed Personnel are aflowed to repair the damaged cables.
3. Inverter
a. Connect the grounding connection on the unit to the appropriate
grounding system;
b. 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:
c. Use caution to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool on the
equipment;
d. Always check and interconnect the equipment/components in
accordance with the specifications and input parameters of the
inverter;
a Check the grid compatibility and condition of the inverter prior to its
operation and interconnection to grid;
f. 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;
g. Do not connect the inverter to multi-wire branch circuits;
h. Disconnect all AC and DC side connections before working on any
circuits associated with the unit; and
i. Discharge the capacitors before working on the circuits.
4. Energy Storage System
a. Use proper tools to carry out any maintenance;
b. Never smoke inside the battery storage room;
c. Check damaged or leaking batteries;
d. Do not place metal objects on top of batteries and insulate terminals
to prevent short circuit;

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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):
f. Wear 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;

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d. Establish safety zones around each turbine and construction vessel
during the construction phase in order to minimize disruption to other
sea users; and
e. Use reference buoys to aid navigatbn.
7. Pets and Stray Animals
a. All safety measures shall be considered in preventing stray animals
from causing hazard to facility and Workers but with regard to law on
animal rights and environmental conservation efforts;
b. Fences/nets shall be installed where appropriate/feasible;
c. Wild animals should not be fed, touched, or adopted. Proper cautions
should be observed around stray cats and dogs;
d. Workers shall leave wildlife alone and ensure that they do not allow
themselves to be bitten or scratched by them;
e. Domestic pets such as cats, dogs, birds, etc. shall not be allowed but
if really needed (such as guard dogs), they shall be vaccinated for
rabies and the vaccinations shall be kept current;
f. Keep trash can lid secure since open containers can attract wildlife;
g. Any bite incidents shall be reported to the local health department and
it is important to consult doctor for medical advice and treatment: and
h. 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
points can be installed and utilized to help deter or thwart unauthorized
access and break-ins as well as track the movement of Worker and
equipment to ensure safe operations and maintenance.
9. Operations and Other Factors Affecting Public Safety
a. Un-manned, remote-controlled facilities may require more safety
devices to adequately protect or at least warn the public;
b. Weather factors, such as rain and fog, can make prolect surfaces slick
and obscure visibility, resulting in signs being less effective. Therefore,
other safety warning devices such as lightings may be employed;

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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.
10. 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
Some structures may require only a warning sign, while another
may require safety nets, railings, escape adders, 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;
U.

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;

Ui.

Size of the letters of the signage must be large enough from the
distance they are needed to be first read;

iv.

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.

Individually anchored buoys basically serve as floating signs;

ii.

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

Ui.

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

56

U.

Beacons can also be used at those areas with heavy boat
activities.

d. Audible Devices
i.

Audible warning devices, together with signs should be in place to
explain theft meaning, at those areas with sudden changes in
operation.

e. Other safety measures
Other safety measures can be through educating and informing
Workers including the public;
U.

Setting-up of procedures for safer plant operations is required.
Information dissemination can be brochures, company literature,
video tapes, television/radio/newspaper articles and
advertisements, though announcements in public gatherings and
schools, civic and non-government organizations, etc.;

Ui.

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 to direct flows to less dangerous areas;
Uniformed guards can be employed in some heavily used public
areas to implement regulations and warning signs and minimize
trespassing and vandalism; and

v,

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 VII — Resolution of Conflicts and Overlapping Jurisdictions
In case any provision of this Department Circular conflicts, dupUcates 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.

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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

af'flo PhhDpi.,es
EPARIMENT OF ENERGY
EPLYINO PIE CITE

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