Minger Construction_SAFETY MANUAL and APPENDIX_2022

UTILITY AWARENESS Before beginning work on a site or in/around facilities, buildings, or other structures that could be serve by or connected to utilities, a search must be initiated by placing a call to Utility Locate Company or, in the case of privately-owned facilities, an official locating service. The utility search should ideally be conducted in association with someone familiar with the facility. The search is intended to identify, any overhead, underground, above ground, or other potential safety hazards such as: • Electrical lines and appliances • Sewer lines • Gas lines • Pressured air lines • Pipelines • Communication lines • Steam lines • Fiber-optic lines • Water lines • Irrigation lines The location of any utility that could pose a risk to workers must be communicated to all workers during daily crew safety briefing. Utilities should be marked, or access otherwise restricted, to avoid the chance of accidental contact. Utilities shall be considered “live” or active until a reliable source has documented them to be otherwise. UNDERGROUND UTILITIES No excavating, drilling, or boring will be done until a thorough underground utility survey, conducted by knowledgeable persons or agencies, has been made, and the determination has been made that it is safe to begin. Even when a search has been completed, drilling, boring, and excavation should commence carefully until past the depth at which such utilities are usually located. Pot-holing is required by law and it is Minger policy that all known underground facilities are hand dug before machine digging. The jobsite Supervisor is responsible for ensuring underground utility searches are performed and procedures are adhered to. Walking the site may be necessary or meeting with the utility owners. The following procedures should be followed by site foremen when dealing with underground utilities: 1. Utilities must be marked. 2. Ensure the locate ticket(s) are current. 3. Ensure the operator and crew is aware of the need for an underground locate or update. 101

4. If there are privately-owned utilities on-site, ensure the crew is informed so that a private locate can be arranged. 5. Ensure all crew members are aware of underground locates, particularly new operators or laborers. Excessive potholing and hand digging may require additional labor as needed. 6. Take photographs of all marked locates before digging starts. 7. Communicate construction limits at the jobsite with crew members. OVERHEAD UTILITIES For operations adjacent to overhead power lines, the following conditions must exist: 1. Overhead Power lines will be marked with high visibility markers while working within close proximity on the project. 2. Signs stating “Overhead Power” will be placed underneath any overhead lines that will be traveled under by any piece of equipment and or trucks. 3. Overhead transmission and distribution lines will be carried on towers and poles which provide safe clearance over roadways and structures. 4. Clearances must be adequate for the movement of vehicles and for the operation of construction equipment. 5. If work needs to be performed within the clearance distance, the lines must be de-energized and a spotter must be used to prevent any contact with the overhead utilities. Elevated work platforms, ladders, scaffolding, man lifts, drills, or vehicle superstructures should be erected a minimum of 20 feet (the actual distance is dependent upon the voltage of the line) from overhead electrical lines until the line is de-energized, grounded, or shielded, and a competent electrician has certified that arcing cannot occur between the workplace or superstructure. The 20- foot clearance will be used until the voltage is confirmed by the utility owner in order to determine the actual safe working distance. OVERHEAD POWER CLEARANCE Part Number: 1926 • Part Title: Safety and Health Regulations for Construction • Subpart: CC • Subpart Title: Cranes & Derricks in Construction •Standard Number: 1926.1408 • Title: Power line safety (up to 350 kV)--equipment operations. • GPO Source: e-CFR 102

TABLE A—MINIMUM CLEARANCE DISTANCES Voltage Minimum clearance distance (nominal, kV, alternating current) (feet) up to to 50 10 over 50 to 200 15 over 200 to 350 20 over 350 to 500 25 over 500 to 750 35 over 750 1,000 45 over 1,000 (as established by the utility owner/operator or registered professional engineer who is a qualified person with respect to electrical power transmission and distribution). Note: The value that follows \"to\" is up to and includes that value. For example, over 50 to 200 means up to and including 200kV. TRUCK DRIVERS Truck Drivers shall follow all rules in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation Pocketbook, provided by the Federal Highway Administration. Truck Driver Company Requirements 1. Pre-trip and post trip inspections 2. Wear seat belt while driving truck. 3. Keep your equipment clean. 4. Fuel truck – Check all fluid levels. 5. Responsible for load. 6. Be on time. 7. Respectable appearance – Appropriate dress – Company representative. 8. Observe traffic laws – Drive Safely. 9. Make appointments for after hours. 10. Use of mobile phones is prohibited except with a hands-free device per the new Federal rule enacted January 1, 2012. 11. Hardhats and reflective vest on all jobsites when out of truck. 12. Keep box clean. 13. Secure load. 14. Keep yard clean. 15. Check area for hazards / obstructions before you dump. 16. Keys shall not be left in unattended vehicles. All equipment shall be closed and locked at the end of the shift. 17. Read and understand and follow the company AWAIR Policy. 18. Read and understand and follow the company Safety Manual. 103

CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY All subcontractors, suppliers, and vendor employees that enter the work areas of earth moving operations will be required to following all requirements set forth from Minnesota Rules Chapter 5207.1000. See the Minnesota Rules Chapter 5207.1000 attachment at the end of this section. 104

5207.1000 OPERATION OF MOBILE EARTH-MOVING EQUIPMENT. Subpart 1. SCOPE. This part identifies minimum safety requirements for the safe operation of mobile earth-moving equipment used for earth moving, building, or road construction or demolition, including, but not limited to, bulldozers, motor graders, scrapers, loaders, skid-steer loaders, compaction equipment, backhoes, end dumps, side dumps, and dump trucks. This part pertains to operators of the equipment and exposed employees, including, but not limited to, grade checkers, grade persons, rod persons, stake hops, stake jumpers, and blue toppers working in the area. Subp. 2. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS. A. Mobile earth-moving equipment operators and all other employees working on the ground exposed to mobile earth-moving equipment shall be trained in the safe work procedures pertaining to mobile earth-moving equipment and in the recognition of unsafe or hazardous conditions. B. Training programs shall be developed and instructed by competent individuals who have knowledge, training, experience, and the demonstrated ability to identify existing and predictable hazards related to the subject matter. C. Training programs must include the following elements: (1) safe work procedures on how to approach mobile earth-moving equipment, whether in use or idling, including: (a) visual, voice, or signal communication that shall be made with the operator prior to approaching earth-moving equipment; (b) maintaining one's visibility to the operator while approaching the equipment; and (c) operator responsibilities, such as placing the transmission in neutral, setting the parking brake, and indicating that it is safe to approach the equipment; (2) identification of the operator's blind spots on various earth-moving equipment used; 105

(3) instruction for mobile earth-moving equipment operators in conducting daily equipment inspections according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and checking the area around the equipment for a clear path prior to beginning operation; (4) safe operating procedures of equipment, including traveling, backing, parking, loading for transport, maintenance, and operation; (5) safe work procedures when working around or adjacent to overhead or underground utilities, as described in Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, parts 1926.600(a)(6) and 1926.651(b); and (6) additional hazards that could be created by changing conditions. Subp. 3. TRAINING FREQUENCY. A. Employees shall be trained initially before beginning work that exposes them to mobile earth-moving equipment. Employee training records shall be retained by the employer for the duration of the project. Subp. 4. HIGH VISIVILITY PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. A. Each employee working on the ground who is exposed to mobile earth-moving equipment shall be provided with and required to wear a high visibility warning vest or other high visibility garments. A high visibility garment is defined as being a Performance Class 2 garment or greater as specified by ANSI/ISEA Standard 107-2004. B. High visibility apparel, as described in item A, shall comply with the specifications in part 5207.0100. Subp. 5. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS. A. All mobile earth-moving equipment shall comply with Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, part 1926.602(a)(9)(ii) for back-up alarms or signal persons if applicable. B. When mobile earth-moving equipment is operated during times of darkness or low light conditions, the equipment, if designed to function equally in both forward and reverse directions, such as compaction equipment, bulldozers, motor graders, loaders, and skid- steer loaders, shall be equipped with at least two headlights for forward travel and adequate rear lights for reverse travel unless other adequate lighting is provided. 106

Subp. 6. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY. A. If the mobile earth-moving equipment contractor exposes other contractor's employees to the hazard of mobile earth-moving equipment, the controlling employer, such as general contractor or construction manager, for the project shall coordinate a joint contractor- employee safety awareness meeting between contractors and employees on site. Discussion elements for employee awareness training can be found in subparts 2, item C; and 4. B. The employee safety awareness meeting shall be documented, identifying when the meeting was held and who attended, including a brief summary of what was reviewed. Documentation shall be retained for the duration of the project. Subp. 7. ELECTRICAL WORK. A. For work within the flash protection boundary as defined by NFPA 70E, high visibility garments constructed of material that complies with NFPA 70E may be worn. Subp. 8. [Repealed, 31 SR 517] STATUORY AUTHORITY: MS s 182.655 107

SECTION 17 POWERED INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS PROGRAM 108

SECTION 17: POWERED INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS PROGRAM Operators of industrial forklifts (including Supervisors) will be trained and certified in the safe operation of the device in accordance with this policy, the manufacturer’s recommendations, OSHA CFR 1910.178, and ANSI 92.2. The equipment will be maintained according to the above referenced standards with sound safety practices. Contractors not under direct supervision of Minger Construction Co., Inc. are responsible for the inspection of their own equipment and the training and certification of their own operators in conformance with this policy. Proof of conformance will be required. TRAINING PRIOR TO TRAINING: The trainer or responsible Safety Department will determine if the potential operator is capable of performing the duties necessary to be a competent and safe driver. This is based on his/her physical and mental abilities to perform job functions that are essential to the operation of the vehicle. Including but not limited to: 1. Able to endure the physical demands of the job. 2. Able to see and hear within reasonably acceptable limits (ability to see at a distance, good peripheral vision, able to discern different colors). 3. Able to endure environmental extremes of the job. Such as being able to work in areas of excessive cold or heat. An operator must be able to climb onto and off of a truck, to sit in the vehicle for extended periods, and be able to turn his/her body to look in the direction of travel when driving in reverse. INITIAL TRAINING: Training will be provided by the Safety Department, an authorized and qualified in-house staff member, or an outside qualified trainer. Training will be conveyed through conventional classroom methods and practical (hands on) training methods. Training content will be that in accordance with the provisions set forth in OSHA CFR 1910.178(I) which includes but is not limited to the following topics: 1. Operating Instructions 2. Difference between Truck and Automobile 3. Truck Controls & Instrumentation 4. Engine or Motor Operation 5. Steering & Maneuvering 6. Visibility 7. Fork & Attachment Adaption 109

8. Vehicle Capacity 9. Inspection & Maintenance 10. Certification / Re-Certification 11. Refueling or Battery Charging 12. Operating Limitations 13. Other Operating Instructions 14. Surface Conditions 15. Composition of Loads & Stability 16. Load Manipulation & Stacking/Un-stacking 17. Pedestrian Traffic 18. Narrow Aisles & Restricted Place 19. Hazardous Locations 20. Ramps & Slopes 21. Closed Environments & Ventilation 22. Other Potential Hazards 23. Refresher Training 24. Operator to verify trailer chocks supports, and dock plates prior to loading/unloading TRAINING CERTIFICATION: Once training has been completed; the qualified instructor will determine if the potential operator can safely perform the job. A performance test will be administered at which time the instructor can evaluate the adequacy of the training. Each trainee is tested on the equipment in which they will be operating. 1. Once the performance test is passed, the operator will be issued a certification card stating that he/she is qualified in the safe operation of that particular machine. 2. Each certificate includes the name of the driver, the date of training, and the name of the trainer/evaluator. 3. Each industrial forklift operator will be evaluated at minimum once every 3 years to verify that the operator has retained and uses the knowledge and skills needed to operate safely. The responsible Safety Officer will be responsible for keeping the certification records for each employee who has successfully completed the training and testing. REFRESHER TRAINING: In conformance with OSHA CFR 1910.178(I)(4), Refresher training and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the training will be required when any of the following events occur: 1. The operator is observed operating in an unsafe manner. 2. The operator has been involved in an accident or Near Miss incident. 3. An evaluation determines an operator is in need of more training. 4. The operator is assigned to drive a different type of industrial forklift. 5. The condition in the workplace has changed in a manner that may affect the safe operation of the forklift. 110

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL AN EMPLOYEE OPERATE A POWERED INDUSTRIAL TRUCK UNTIL THEY HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE COMPANY’S TRAINING PROGRAM. REGARDLESS OF CLAIMED PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE OR LEVEL OF AUTHOURITY, NEW OPERATORS MUST UNDERGO A PERFORMANCE EVALUATION. INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE 1. Minger Construction Co., Inc. Requires operators to perform Pre-Shift Equipment Inspections prior to the beginning of each shift to ensure the safe operating condition of the machine. 2. The Inspection is completed using a Daily Pre-Shift Inspection Checklist. If an equipment inspection reveals that a forklift is in need of maintenance it will be taken out of service immediately. 3. All repairs and maintenance will be organized, scheduled, and documented by the Operations Manager or Approved Supervisor. 4. All repairs will be made by authorized personnel. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) 1. The seat belt provided in the forklift operator’s compartment shall be worn at all times while operating the forklift. 2. All other PPE requirements will be followed as indicated in the Personal Protective Equipment program in this Manual. PEDESTRIANS Forklifts are commonly used near public places and pedestrians, which is why it is important for operators and public pedestrians to be aware of each other and potential traffic intersections. 1. Forklift operators must remember to: a. Communicate with Pedestrians to assure they are aware of the travel path; b. Look in the direction of travel; c. Honk horn when going through blind intersections or around corners; d. Use a spotter if vision is impaired. 2. All pedestrians must: a. Be aware of the forklift operator; b. Stay clear of forklift operations; c. Communicate with the operator if they need to enter the work area prior to entering. 111

CARBON MONOXIDE AWARENESS 1. All equipment powered by internal combustion engines produce Carbon Monoxide (CO). 2. Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and deadly gas produced by the incomplete burning of any material that contains carbon. 3. These materials include gasoline, natural gas, propane, coal, and wood. 4. The most common source of CO is the internal combustion engine. Trucks, Cars, Forklifts, Pressure Washers, Generators, or any other machine powered by fossil fuels generates CO. 5. CO restricts the ability of your blood stream to carry oxygen to the body tissues that need it. Overexposure can result in asphyxia and carbon monoxide poisoning. 6. Mild Poisoning can result in: a. headaches, e. inattention, b. tightness in the chest, f. fatigue, c. dizziness, g. flushed face, d. drowsiness, h. or nausea. 7. If you continue exposure, lack of coordination, confusion, weakness, or loss of consciousness may result. 8. A heart condition, smoking, taking drugs or alcohol, and pregnancy can aggravate CO poisoning. Physical activity can also make the symptoms worse. 9. Severe poisoning can kill you within minutes, sometimes without warning symptoms. 10. The greater the CO exposure is, the greater the danger is to a person. Always keep ventilation a priority when operating a forklift indoors or where there may be limited natural ventilation. 112

SECTION 18 BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS 113

SECTION 18: BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS Universal precautions will be utilized to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Under circumstances in which differentiation between body fluid types is difficult or impossible, all body fluids shall be considered potentially infectious materials. This exposure control plan will be reviewed and updated at least annually and whenever necessary to reflect new or modified tasks and procedures which affect occupational exposure and to reflect new or revised employee positions with occupational exposure. A copy of this plan will remain accessible to all employees in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020(e). DEFINITIONS BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS: pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These disease-causing organisms can be found in all body fluids, unfixed tissue, cell lines, and in situations where it is difficult or impossible to differentiate between body fluids and other materials. CONTAMINATION: the presence of blood or other potentially infectious materials on an item or surface. CONTAMINATED SHARPS: any contaminated object that can penetrate the skin including, but not limited to, needles, scalpels, broken glass, broken capillary tubes, and exposed ends of dental wires. DECONTAMINATION: the use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate, or destroy bloodborne pathogens on a surface or item to the point where they are no longer capable of transmitting infectious particles and the surface or item is rendered safe for handling, use, or disposal. ENGINEERING CONTROLS: controls (e.g., sharps disposal containers, self-sheathing needles) that isolate or remove the bloodborne pathogens hazard from the workplace. EXPOSURE INCIDENT: a specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that results from the performance of an employee's duties. 114

HBC: Hepatitis C Virus. HBV: Hepatitis B Virus. HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE: reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee's duties. OPIM: Other Potentially Infectious Material PARENTERAL: piercing mucous membranes or the skin barrier through such events as needle sticks, human bites, cuts, and abrasions. PERSONAL PROETECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE): specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection against a hazard. General work clothes (e.g., uniforms, pants, shirts or blouses) not intended to function as protection against a hazard is not considered to be personal protective equipment. REGULATED WASTE: liquid or semi-liquid blood or other potentially infectious materials; contaminated items that would release blood or other potentially infectious materials in a liquid or semi-liquid state if compressed; items that are caked with dried blood or other potentially infectious materials and are capable of releasing these materials during handling; contaminated sharps; and pathological and microbiological wastes containing blood or other potentially infectious materials. SOURCE INDIVIDUAL: any individual, living or dead, whose blood or other potentially infectious materials may be a source of occupational exposure to the employee. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS: is an approach to infection control. According to the concept of Universal Precautions, all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens. WORK PRACTICE CONTROLS: controls that reduce the likelihood of exposure by altering the manner in which a task is performed (e.g., prohibiting recapping of needles by a two-handed technique). 115

Generally, most Minger personnel are at a very low risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens. However, there are some situations in which Minger personnel may come into contact with potentially infectious or contaminated biohazard material. These tasks include: 1. Providing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to an injured worker. 2. Providing first-aid assistance to an injured employee. 3. Conducting clean-up of an accident site in which an employee has been injured. These tasks are to be conducted only by authorized personnel. METHODS OF COMPLIANCE COMMUNICATION OF HAZARDS TO EMPLOYEES (Biohazard Warning Label) Biohazard warning labels will be affixed to containers of blood or regulated waste, refrigerators and freezers containing blood or other potentially infectious material and other containers used to store, transport or ship these materials. Biohazard labels will be fluorescent orange or orange-red or predominantly so, with lettering and symbols in a contrasting color: These labels will be affixed as close as feasible to the container by string, wire, adhesive, or other method that prevents their loss or unintentional removal. Individual containers of blood or other potentially infectious materials that are placed in a labeled container during storage, transport, shipment or disposal are exempted from the labeling requirement. Regulated waste that has been decontaminated need not be labeled. Biohazard Warning Label 2 The official version of this information will only be maintained in an on-line web format. Review the material on-line prior to placing reliance on a dated printed version. DETERMINATION As part of the Site-Specific Safety and Health Plan, the infection control plan will include “designated” Minger Construction Co., Inc. employees certified in AED (automated external defibrillator)/ CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) who may be involved in a rescue and/or clean- up scenario. Also included will be any employee who has an unprotected exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material and who is not reasonably expected to provide services beyond their job duties. This determination is made without regard to personal protective equipment. ENGINEERING AND WORK PRACTICE CONTROLS Engineering and work practice controls will be used to eliminate or minimize employee exposure. Engineering controls will be examined and maintained or replaced to ensure their effectiveness. Personal protective equipment will also be used if there is exposure potential. 1. Minger will provide readily accessible hand washing facilities for employees use. When hand washing facilities are not possible, appropriate antiseptic hand cleanser or antiseptic towelettes will be provided. Employees will be trained to wash their hands with soap and running water as soon as possible after any exposures and after removing personal protective equipment. 116

2. Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or lip balm, and handling contact lenses are prohibited in work areas where there is a reasonable likelihood of occupational exposure. 3. Specimens of blood or other potentially infectious materials will be placed in a container which prevents leakage during collection, handling, processing, storage, transport, or shipping. Containers used for storage, transport, or shipping will be biohazard labeled and closed prior to being stored, transported, or shipped. 4. The primary container will be placed within a biohazard labeled second container to prevent puncture and leakage during handling, processing, storage, transport, or shipping. 5. Equipment which may become contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials will be decontaminated prior to servicing or shipping. 6. A readily observable biohazard label will be attached to the equipment stating which portions remain contaminated. 7. Minger will ensure that this information is conveyed to all affected employees, as appropriate, and prior to handling, servicing, or shipping so that appropriate precautions will be taken. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 1. When there is occupational exposure, Minger will provide, at no cost to the employee, appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, coveralls, face shields, eye protection, masks, pocket masks, or other ventilation devices. 2. Personal protective equipment will be considered \"appropriate\" only if it does not permit blood or other potentially infectious materials to pass through to or reach the employee's clothes, skin, eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes under normal conditions of use and for the duration of time which the protective equipment will be used. 3. Minger will ensure that the employee uses personal protective equipment and that appropriate sizes are readily accessible at the worksite or are issued to employees. 4. Personal protective equipment will be repaired or replace as needed to maintain its effectiveness, at no cost to the employee. 5. All personal protective equipment will be removed prior to leaving the work area and/or if the protective clothing is contaminated with blood or infectious material. 6. Minger will clean, launder, and dispose of personal protective equipment. 7. When personal protective equipment is removed it will be placed in designated areas or containers for storage, washing, decontamination or disposal. 8. Gloves will be worn when there is potential for hand contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials and when handling or touching contaminated items or surfaces. a. Disposable (single use) gloves will be replaced as soon as practical when contaminated or damaged. b. Disposable (single use) gloves will not be washed or decontaminated for re-use. c. Utility gloves may be decontaminated for re-use if the integrity of the glove is not compromised. 117

d. However, they must be discarded if they are cracked, peeling, torn, punctured, or exhibiting other signs of deterioration or when their ability to function as a barrier is compromised. 9. Masks in combination with eye protection devices, such as goggles or glasses with solid side shields, or chin-length face shields, will be worn whenever splashes, spray, spatter, or droplets of blood or other potentially infectious materials may be generated. 10. Appropriate protective clothing such as coveralls will be worn in occupational exposure situations. REGULATED WASTE 1. Disposal of all regulated waste will be in accordance with the Minger policy as well as applicable federal, state, and local regulations. 2. Contaminated sharps and other regulated waste will be discarded immediately or as soon as feasible in biohazard labeled containers that are closable, puncture resistant, and leak- proof. 3. Containers for contaminated sharps will be maintained upright throughout use, easily accessible to personnel, replaced routinely, and not be allowed to overfill. 4. When moving contaminated sharps or other regulated wastes the containers will be biohazard labeled and closed to prevent spillage or protrusion during handling, storage, transport, or shipping. 5. Secondary containers will be used if leakage is possible. The second container will also be biohazard labeled, closable and constructed to contain all contents and prevent leakage. 118

LAUNDRY 1. Contaminated laundry will be handled as little as possible while being placed in biohazard labeled transport bags or containers. 2. Contaminated laundry will not be sorted or rinsed in the location of use. 3. Wet contaminated laundry will be place in appropriate leak proof bags or containers. 4. Minger will ensure that employees who have contact with contaminated laundry wear protective gloves and other appropriate personal protective equipment CLEANING AND DISPOSAL 1. Maintaining clean and sanitary work areas is an important part of this program. 2. Employees must decontaminate working surfaces and equipment with an appropriate disinfectant after completing procedures involving blood or OPIM. Bleach may be used to disinfect blood and OPIM. 3. Apply bleach with single-use gloves and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. 4. Dispose of the biohazard or regulated waste in compliance with local, federal, or state laws. TRAINING If an employee has occupational exposure or potential exposure to human blood or human fluids, they must take part in the Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan training to control exposure. 1. Training will be provided at the time of initial assignment to tasks where occupational exposure may take place and annually thereafter. 2. The person conducting the training will be knowledgeable in the subject matter covered by the elements contained in the training program as it relates to Minger Construction Co., Inc. 3. Minger will provide additional training when changes such as modification of tasks or procedures or institution of new tasks or procedures affect the employee's occupational exposure. The additional training may be limited to addressing the new exposures created. 4. Training records will be maintained accurately and will include the following information: dates, contents of training, and names and job titles of those who received training. These training records will be maintained for no less than 3 years. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS 1. Training must take place before there is any blood exposure. 2. Training must be conducted by an approved designated trainer. 3. Training must be conducted annually. 4. Training must contain elements as prescribed below. 119

TRAINING PROGRAM ELEMENTS 1. An accessible copy of the regulatory text of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) and an explanation of its contents; 2. A general explanation of how widespread bloodborne diseases are among the general population and what the symptoms of bloodborne diseases are; 3. An explanation of the ways bloodborne diseases are transmitted; 4. An explanation of the Minger Plan and the means by which you can obtain a copy; 5. An explanation of the appropriate methods for recognizing tasks and other activities that may involve exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials; 6. An explanation of how blood or other potentially infectious materials must be put in leak proof bags for handling. (Such as blood-soaked bandages) 7. An explanation of the use and limitations of methods that will prevent or reduce exposure including appropriate engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment; 8. Information on the types, proper use, location, removal, handling, decontamination and disposal of personal protective equipment; 9. An explanation of how personal protective equipment is selected for particular jobs; 10. Information on the hepatitis B vaccine, including information on how well it works, safety, method of administration, the benefits of being vaccinated, and that the vaccine and vaccination will be offered free of charge; 11. Information on the appropriate actions to take and persons to contact in an emergency involving blood or other potentially infectious materials; 12. An explanation of the procedure to follow if an exposure incident occurs, including the method of reporting the incident and the medical follow-up that will be made available; 13. Information on the post-exposure evaluation and follow-up that Minger is required to provide for the employee following an exposure incident; 14. An explanation of the signs and labels and/or color coding required by the Exposure Control Plan; and 15. An opportunity for interactive questions and answers with the person conducting the training session. VACCINATION AND INCIDENT FOLLOW-UP Minger Construction Co., Inc. shall make available within 10 days of possible exposure the Hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination series to all employees who have an occupational exposure at no cost. All employees who have an exposure incident will be offered a confidential post-exposure evaluation and follow-up in accordance with the OSHA standard. 1. This includes a visit to a physician selected by the employer. 120

2. The health care professional’s written opinion will be provided to the employee within 15 days of the evaluation. Medical records will be maintained in accordance with OSHA Standards. These records will be kept confidential, and will be maintained for the duration of employment plus 30 years. The responsibility of maintaining medical and training records will be that of the Safety Director. All records will be made available upon request for the affected employees, OSHA, and the director for examination or copying. Medical records must have written consent of the employee before released. All record transfers will be in conformance with 29 CFR 1910.1020(h). EXPOSURE INCIDENT An exposure incident may involve the eyes, mouth or other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, parental contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials or body fluids that results during the performance of an employee's work. Employees must immediately report exposure incidents to their Supervisors to enable timely medical evaluation and follow-up by a health care professional. Each exposure incident must also be reported to the Safety Department within 1 hour of occurrence. EVALUATING EXPOSURE INCIDENT A health care professional must make exposure incident evaluations, and it should be remembered that an immediate assessment and confidentiality are critical issues. The Supervisor must be prepared to provide the health care professional with a copy of this Bloodborne Pathogen Program, a description of the employee's job duties as they relate to the incident, a report of the specific exposure, including potential routes of exposure, any relevant employee medical records, and the employee's hepatitis B vaccination status. Following post-exposure evaluation, the health care professional should provide a written opinion to Minger. This opinion should be limited to a statement that the employee has been informed of the results of the evaluation and told of the need, if any, for further treatment. EXPOSURE INCIDENT INVESTIGATION In an effort to ensure that we can take the proper steps to prevent exposure incidents, it will be the responsibility of the Safety Department to investigate each exposure incident as quickly as possible 121

after being made aware of the incident. This investigation should contain the following information: 1. The date and time the exposure incident occurred. 2. The exact location within the facility or job site the incident occurred. 3. Potentially infectious materials that may have been involved in the incident. 4. If evident, the source of the potentially infectious material. 5. What activity was being performed when the incident occurred. 6. Details of exactly how the incident was caused. 7. The personal protective equipment being used at the time of the incident. 8. The actions taken as a result of the incident. 9. Documentation of the disposal of waste products. After this information is gathered and evaluated, a written summary of the incident and its causes should be prepared. This report should include recommendations to ensure that we avoid similar incidents in the future. HOUSEKEEPING PRACTICES Jobsites must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition with efforts being made to ensure the following: 1. In the event that any equipment, environmental, or working surfaces should come into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials, they will be immediately cleaned and decontaminated. 2. All contaminated work surfaces will be effectively decontaminated, with an appropriate disinfectant, as quickly as possible and certainly before the end of the work shift 3. All biohazard-contaminated waste, which is to be disposed of, will be placed into red biohazard waste containers. Specimens of blood or other potentially infectious materials must be put in leak proof bags for handling, storage and transport. 122

VACCINATION DECLINATION FORM Date: _________________ Employee Name: ________________________________________________________________________ Employee Social Security Number: ________________________________________________________ I understand that due to my specialized training as a first aid provider, my occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials may place me at risk of acquiring Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Even though Minger has given me the opportunity to be vaccinated with Hepatitis B vaccine at no cost to myself, and at a time and place that would not be inconvenient, I have declined the Hepatitis B vaccination at this time. I further understand, that by declining this vaccine, I continue to be at risk of acquiring Hepatitis B, a serious disease. If, in the future, I continue to have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials and I want to be vaccinated with Hepatitis B vaccine, I can receive the vaccination series at no cost to me. 123

SECTION 19 FIRST AID PROGRAM 124

SECTION 19: FIRST AID PROGRAM All field operations management shall be First Aid and CPR certified to ensure at least one person on site is available immediately after an incident takes place resulting in an injury. All Minger employees are encouraged to become certified and to stay current with the First Aid and CPR certifications. GENERAL First-aid knowledge is valuable on and off the job. It starts with the essentials: 1. Seconds can count in an emergency. 2. Call immediately for medical assistance if there’s an injury or illness. 3. Bring help to the victim. 4. Don't move the person unless absolutely necessary. 5. Know where first-aid kits are kept and be sure supplies are easily accessible. 6. If you're not sure what to do, don't do anything—wait for medical assistance. 7. The wrong treatment or movement can be dangerous. For Non-Life-Threatening Injuries call; WORKPARTNERS 1-800-359-5020. WORKPARTNERS will Triage the injury or illness and assess what actions should be taken. In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, hospital, or physician, that is reasonably accessible in terms of time and distance to the worksite, which is available for the treatment of injured employees, a person who has a valid certificate in first aid shall be available at the worksite to render first aid. A valid certificate in first aid training must be obtained from the American Red Cross, or equivalent training that can be verified by documentary evidence. First aid kits shall consist of appropriate items which will be adequate for the environment in which they are used. For construction operations, items shall be stored in a weather proof container with individual sealed packages of each type of item. Minger Construction Co., Inc. will ensure the availability of adequate first aid supplies, and periodically reassess the demand for supplies and adjust their inventories. First aid kits shall be checked before being sent out to each job and replenished. 125

Proper equipment for prompt transportation of the injured person to a physician or hospital or a communication system for contacting necessary ambulance service shall be provided. There are actions workers can take while waiting for medical assistance to keep victims comfortable and prevent a serious incident from getting worse—even fatal. The following information was obtained from the American Red Cross Association. This overview will help workers in an emergency situation, but it should not be taken as a substitute for a first aid or CPR class. FIRST AID ACTIONS BREATHING A person who stops breathing can die in four to six minutes, so there may not be time to wait for the EMS personnel. If there's no possibility of a back or neck injury, shake the victim and shout to find out if the person is conscious. If there's no response, check for breathing by looking at chest movement and putting an ear to the victim's mouth and nose. If the victim is not breathing: 1. Lay the person on his or her back and loosen clothes around the neck. 2. Call 911. 3. Make sure nothing is blocking the mouth or throat, then tilt the victim's head slightly back and hold mouth open with your thumb to open the airway. 4. Rescue breathing may be needed. 5. Use Blood Borne Pathogen protection. CPR mask! 6. Pinch the victim's nose and cover his mouth with yours. 7. Blow into the lungs once every five seconds until the victim's chest rises and falls and breathing from the mouth is detected. BLEEDING Heavy bleeding can be life-threatening, so while waiting for help: 1. Place a cloth or hand over the wound and push to stop bleeding. 2. Call 911. 3. For deep cuts, apply that direct pressure and elevate the wound. Elevating the wound will decrease the flow of blood to that area. 4. For severe cuts, use direct pressure, elevate and push on pressure points on the inside of the upper arm and the crease of the groin area. 5. A tourniquet is a last resort—use only if bleeding won't stop and the victim is bleeding out. 126

SHOCK Serious injury or illness can send a person into shock—which can be fatal. It's vital to get help and, while waiting: 1. Have the person lie down and cover them with a blanket, overcoat, or whatever is available. 2. Call 911. 3. Check regularly for breathing. 4. Don't provide anything to drink. 5. Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction to certain foods or an insect bite or sting. Symptoms include: a. hives, b. shortness of breath c. weakness, d. redness or swelling at point of bite e. swollen throat that could cause choking. 6. This is a real emergency, —potentially deadly— requiring immediate professional help. 7. The victim may also need artificial respiration-rescue breathing. BROKEN BONES Moving someone with a neck or back injury could cause paralysis or even death. 1. When bones are or may be broken, keep the victim calm and still until help arrives. 2. Call 911. 3. Immobilize the affected limb in the place that it is found. 4. If a limb is amputated, place it in a plastic bag inside a bag of ice and rush it to the hospital with the victim. HEART ATTACK OR SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST 1. Heart attacks can strike at any age, so everyone should know the symptoms: a. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing b. Anxiety c. Ashen skin d. Perspiration e. Vomiting f. Crushing pain in the chest, under the breastbone, or down the left arm. g. No Pulse 2. Actions to be taken: a. Help a heart attack victim sit or lie down. b. Call 911. c. Loosen tight clothing at the waist and neck. d. Apply AED if available. e. Provide oxygen if available. 127

f. Don't allow the victim to move around or take any stimulants. g. Ask if the person has heart medication and get it if requested. h. Start CPR if the victim goes into Cardiac Arrest. STROKE 1. A stroke is always very serious and requires fast medical attention. 2. Call 911. 3. Time is critical; certain drugs administered immediately at the hospital can greatly increase the victim’s chances with recovery. 4. A stroke victim may be unconscious or breathing heavily. 5. Common symptoms include: a. an inability to speak. b. face drooping on one side. c. apparent weakness in the face or limbs on one side of the body. 6. This is another condition that requires medical aid. 7. The victim should be covered with a light blanket. 8. Don't provide any stimulants, food, or drink. CHOKING 1. Knowing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver can help save a choking victim's life. 2. Ask the person: \"Are you choking?\" 3. If he or she indicates yes, follow this procedure with someone who is choking and can't talk: a. Stand behind the victim, your arm around the person's waist. b. Place your fist, thumb-side in, against the victim's stomach just below the ribs. Grab your fist with your other hand. c. Pull in and up sharply repeatedly until the objects is dislodged or help arrives. 4. If that doesn't work and the victim is unconscious, you can either: a. Use your index and middle fingers to grasp the object causing the choking and remove it from the throat. b. Place the person on his back and push in and up sharply on the abdomen below the rib cage until the object is dislodged. 5. Call 911. FIRST AID TREATMENT FOR CHEMICAL BURNS A chemical burn can be minor or life threatening, but proper treatment can reduce the chance of infection and the damage caused by contact with the chemical. Procedures and suitable facilities shall be provided for quick drenching or flushing of eyes or body where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials. Please ensure there are quick drenching 128

facilities available. The following information was obtained from the American Red Cross Association. 1. Remove any affected clothing or jewelry from the injury. Use lots of cool running water to flush the chemical from the skin until emergency help arrives. The running water will dilute the chemical fast enough to prevent the injury from getting worse. 2. Use the same treatment for eye burns and removes any contact lenses. Be careful to flush the eye from the nose outward. 3. If no large amount of clean water is available, gently brush the chemical off the skin and away from the victim and you. 4. If the chemical is on the face, necks, or shoulders, ask the victim to close his or her eyes before brushing off the chemical. 5. Cover the wound very loosely with a dry, sterile or clean cloth so that the cloth will not stick to the wound. Do not put any medication on the wound. Seek medical attention immediately. 6. If you believe you have been contaminated with a chemical, call the Poison Control Center, EMS, 911, or the operator immediately. 7. If medical help is not immediately available, remove your clothing starting from the top and working your way down to your socks. Take care not to touch your contaminated clothing to your bare skin. Place your clothing in a plastic bag so it cannot contaminate other people or things. Take a thorough shower to wash any chemical away. Re-dress in clean clothing and go for medical help at your first opportunity. 129

TRAINING To ensure a person knowledgeable in first aid and CPR is available at the work site, that individual must have a valid certification in first aid and CPR training. First Aid training shall be renewed before the expiration date listed on the document certifying completion of the training. First Aid Instructors must be currently certified as an instructor by an organization such as the ones below: • American Heart Association. • American Red Cross. • American Safety and Health Institute. • Emergency Medical Instructor/ Coordinator Training Course of the Department of Public Health. • Green Cross for Safety. • Medic First Aid Pediatric CPR (inclusive). • National Safety Council. • A Union representative, licensed physician, registered nurse, or nurse practitioner with pediatric or family health experience may provide First Aid training as long as he/she holds current certification as a First Aid Instructor. CPR TRAINING REQUIREMENTS 1. CPR training shall be renewed before the expiration date listed on the document certifying completion of the training. 2. Only a certified CPR Trainer shall facilitate CPR training. 3. CPR training courses must address choking and rescue breathing, must include the use of mannequins, must maintain an appropriate mannequin to student ratio, must be appropriate for the ages of the children in care and must include a requirement that the participant demonstrate CPR technique. REQUIRED FIRST AID TRAINING TOPICS • Acute Injuries and Illness. • Allergic Reaction. • Bleeding Control. • Bone and Muscle Injuries. • Burns (including heat, chemical and electric). • Head/Neck Injuries (including injuries of the face, mouth, eye and ear). • Human and Animal Bites. • Poisoning. • Seizure. • Shock. • Sudden or Serious Illness (including fever, diarrhea and vomiting). • Universal Precautions. 130

EMERGENCY SERVICES CONTACT INFORMATION The primary method to contact emergency services in Field Operations shall be to use either a company or personal cellular phone and dial 911. The following information shall be communicated to the 911 operator: 1. Company name. 2. Address/Location of the jobsite. 3. Nature or type of emergency. 4. Name of person placing the call. Where 911 services are not available, a contact list of local hospitals and physicians shall be conspicuously posted or readily accessible on all jobsites. Use the Work Partners Triage Hotline to receive triage over the phone from a doctor immediately. While waiting for EMS to arrive, employees are encouraged to call Work Partners for assistance from a doctor in the meantime. The secondary method shall be to contact Minger’s office in the state of the operation to notify management of the emergency situation and request emergency services be immediately dispatched to the jobsite. TRANSPORTING INJURED OR ILL EMPLOYEES In the event employees are unable to contact emergency services, the injured or ill employee shall be immediately transported to a local hospital via a company vehicle driven by an authorized Minger employee. Employees shall not drive themselves to a medical facility for further treatment after an injury or illness. The employee could faint or go into shock from possible internal injuries or many other circumstances. 131

SECTION 20 EXCAVATION & TRENCHING 132

SECTION 20: EXCAVATION AND TRENCHING Each Project Manager or Superintendent shall ensure that all excavation and trenching work performed by employees or subcontractors under his or her control shall be executed in accordance with this procedure and CFR 1926. Subpart “P” excavations. The objective of this program is to explain to our employees the potential hazards of working in or around trenches and excavations. This program will also outline the actions that need to be taken in order to protect our workers. Protection of employees through removal and support is required. The protection can be from sloping, benching, shoring, scaling loose material, trench boxes, etc. DEFINITIONS ACCEPTED ENGINEERING PRACTICES: are procedures compatible with the standards of practice required of a registered professional engineer. ADJACENT STRUCTURE STABILITY: refers to the stability of the foundation(s) of adjacent structures whose location may create surcharges, changes in soil conditions, or other disruptions that have the potential to extend into the failure zone of the excavation or trench. COMPETENT PERSON: is an individual who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards or working conditions that are hazardous, unsanitary, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate or control these hazards and conditions. CONFINED SPACE: is a space that, by design and/or configuration, has limited openings for entry and exit, unfavorable natural ventilation, may contain or produce hazardous substances, and is not intended for continuous employee occupancy. EXCAVATION: An Excavation is any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in an earth surface that is formed by earth removal. A Trench is a narrow excavation (in relation to its length) made below the surface of the ground. In general, the depth of a trench is greater than its width, and the width (measured at the bottom) is not greater than 15 ft. (4.6 m). If a form or other structure installed or constructed in an excavation reduces the distance between the form and the side of the excavation to 15 ft. (4.6 m) or less (measured at the bottom of the excavation), the excavation is also considered to be a trench. HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERE: is an atmosphere that by reason of being explosive, flammable, poisonous, corrosive, oxidizing, irritating, oxygen-deficient, toxic, or otherwise harmful may cause death, illness, or injury to persons exposed to it. 133

INGRESS AND EGRESS: mean \"entry\" and \"exit,\" respectively. In trenching and excavation operations, they refer to the provision of safe means for employees to enter or exit an excavation or trench. PROTECTIVE SYSTEM: refers to a method of protecting employees from cave-ins, from material that could fall or roll from an excavation face or into an excavation, and from the collapse of adjacent structures. Protective systems include support systems, sloping and benching systems, shield systems, and other systems that provide the necessary protection. REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER: is a person who is registered as a professional engineer in the state where the work is to be performed. However, a professional engineer who is registered in any state is deemed to be a \"registered professional engineer\" within the meaning of Subpart P when approving designs for \"manufactured protective systems\" or \"tabulated data\" to be used in interstate commerce. SUPPORT SYSTEM: refers to structures such as underpinning, bracing, and shoring that provide support to an adjacent structure or underground installation or to the sides of an excavation or trench. SUBSURFACE ENCUMBRANCES: include underground utilities, foundations, streams, water tables, transformer vaults, and geological anomalies. SURCHARGE: means an excessive vertical load or weight caused by spoil, overburden, vehicles, equipment, or activities that may affect trench stability. TABULATED DATA: are tables and charts approved by a registered professional engineer and used to design and construct a protective system. UNDERGROUND INSTALLATIONS: include, but are not limited to, utilities (sewer, telephone, fuel, electric, water, and other product lines), tunnels, shafts, vaults, foundations, and other underground fixtures or equipment that may be encountered during excavation or trenching work. UNCONFINED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH: is the load per unit area at which soil will fail in compression. This measure can be determined by laboratory testing, or it can be estimated in the field using a pocket penetrometer, by thumb penetration tests, or by other methods. DEFINITIONS THAT ARE NO LONGER APPLICABLE For a variety of reasons, several terms commonly used in the past are no longer used in revised Subpart P. These include the following: Angle of Repose Conflicting and inconsistent definitions have led to confusion as to the meaning of this phrase. This term has been replaced by Maximum Allowable Slope. Bank, Sheet Pile, and Walls Previous definitions were unclear or were used inconsistently in the former standard. 134

Hard Compact Soil and Unstable Soil the new soil classification system in revised Subpart P uses different terms for these soil types. OVERVIEW: SOIL MECHANICS The following diagrams show some of the more frequently identified causes of trench failure. TENSION CRACKS. Tension cracks usually form at a horizontal distance of 0.5 to 0.75 times the depth of the trench, measured from the top of the vertical face of the trench. See the accompanying drawing for additional details. SLIDING. or Sluffing may occur as a result of tension cracks, as illustrated. TOPPLING. In addition to sliding, tension cracks can cause toppling. Toppling occurs when the trench's vertical face shears along the tension crack line and topples into the excavation. SUBSIDENCE AND BULGING. An unsupported excavation can create an unbalanced stress in the soil, which, in turn, causes subsidence at the surface and bulging of the vertical face of the trench. If uncorrected, this condition can cause face failure and entrapment of workers in the trench. HEAVING OR SQUEEZING. Bottom heaving or squeezing is caused by the downward pressure created by the weight of adjoining soil. This pressure causes a bulge in the bottom of the cut, as illustrated in the drawing above. Heaving and squeezing can occur even when shoring or shielding has been properly installed. 135

BOILING. is evidenced by an upward water flow into the bottom of the cut. A high-water table is one of the causes of boiling. Boiling produces a \"quick\" condition in the bottom of the cut, and can occur even when shoring or trench boxes are used. UNIT WEIGHT OF SOILS refers to the weight of one unit of a particular soil. The weight of soil varies with type and moisture content. One cubic foot of soil can weigh from 110 pounds to 140 pounds or more, and one cubic meter (35.3 cubic feet) of soil can weigh more than 3,000 pounds. DETERMINATION OF SOIL TYPE OSHA categorizes soil and rock deposits into four types, A through D, as follows: 1. STABLE ROCK: is natural solid mineral matter that can be excavated with vertical sides and remain intact while exposed. It is usually identified by a rock name such as granite or sandstone. Determining whether a deposit is of this type may be difficult unless it is known whether cracks exist and whether or not the cracks run into or away from the excavation. 2. TYPE A SOILS: are cohesive soils with an unconfined compressive strength of 1.5 tons per square foot (tsf) (144 kPa) or greater. Examples of Type A cohesive soils are often: clay, silty clay, sandy clay, clay loam and, in some cases, silty clay loam and sandy clay loam. (No soil is Type A if it is fissured, is subject to vibration of any type, has previously been disturbed, is part of a sloped, layered system where the layers dip into the excavation on a slope of 4 horizontal to 1 vertical (4H:1V) or greater, or has seeping water. 3. TYPE B SOILS: are cohesive soils with an unconfined compressive strength greater than 0.5 tsf (48 kPa) but less than 1.5 tsf (144 kPa). Examples of other Type B soils are: angular gravel; silt; silt loam; previously disturbed soils unless otherwise classified as Type C; soils that meet the unconfined compressive strength or cementation requirements of Type A soils but are fissured or subject to vibration; dry unstable rock; and layered systems sloping into the trench at a slope less than 4H:1V (only if the material would be classified as a Type B soil). 4. TYPE C SOILS: are cohesive soils with an unconfined compressive strength of 0.5 tsf (48 kPa) or less. Other Type C soils include granular soils such as gravel, sand and loamy sand, submerged soil, soil from which water is freely seeping, and submerged rock that is not stable. Also included in this classification is material in a sloped, layered system where the layers dip into the excavation or have a slope of four horizontal to one vertical (4H:1V) or greater. Layered Geological Strata. Where soils are configured in layers, i.e., where a layered geologic structure exists, the soil must be classified on the basis of the soil classification of the weakest soil 136

layer. Each layer may be classified individually if a more stable layer lies below a less stable layer, i.e., where a Type C soil rests on top of stable rock. TEST EQUIPMENT AND METHODS FOR EVALUATING SOIL TYPE Many kinds of equipment and methods are used to determine the type of soil prevailing in an area, as described below. 1. POCKET PENETEROMETER: Penetrometers are direct-reading, spring-operated instruments used to determine the unconfined compressive strength of saturated cohesive soils. Once pushed into the soil, an indicator sleeve displays the reading. The instrument is calibrated in either tons per square foot (tsf) or kilograms per square centimeter (kPa). However, Penetrometers have error rates in the range of ± 20-40%. 2. SHEARVANE (TORVANE): To determine the unconfined compressive strength of the soil with a shearvane, the blades of the vane are pressed into a level section of undisturbed soil, and the torsional knob is slowly turned until soil failure occurs. The direct instrument reading must be multiplied by 2 to provide results in tons per square foot (tsf) or kilograms per square centimeter (kPa). 3. THUMB PENETRATION TEST: The thumb penetration procedure involves an attempt to press the thumb firmly into the soil in question. If the thumb makes an indentation in the soil only with great difficulty, the soil is probably Type A. If the thumb penetrates no further than the length of the thumb nail, it is probably Type B soil, and if the thumb penetrates the full length of the thumb, it is Type C soil. The thumb test is subjective and is therefore the least accurate of the three methods. 4. DRY STRENGTH TEST: Dry soil that crumbles freely or with moderate pressure into individual grains is granular. Dry soil that falls into clumps that subsequently break into smaller clumps (and the smaller clumps can be broken only with difficulty) is probably clay in combination with gravel, sand, or silt. If the soil breaks into clumps that do not break into smaller clumps (and the soil can be broken only with difficulty), the soil is considered un-fissured unless there is visual indication of fissuring. 5. PLASTICITY OR WET THREAD TEST: This test is conducted by molding a moist sample of the soil into a ball and attempting to roll it into a thin thread approximately 1/8 inch (3 mm) in diameter (thick) by 2 inches (50 mm) in length. The soil sample is held by one end. If the sample does not break or tear, the soil is considered cohesive. 6. VISUAL TEST: A visual test is a qualitative evaluation of conditions around the site. In a visual test, the entire excavation site is observed, including the soil adjacent to the site and the soil being excavated. If the soil remains in clumps, it is cohesive; if it appears to be coarse-grained sand or gravel, it is considered granular. The evaluator also checks for any signs of vibration. a. During a visual test, the evaluator should check for crack-line openings along the failure zone that would indicate tension cracks, look for existing utilities that 137

indicate that the soil has previously been disturbed, and observe the open side of the excavation for indications of layered geologic structuring. b. The evaluator should also look for signs of bulging, boiling, or sluffing, as well as for signs of surface water seeping from the sides of the excavation or from the water table. If there is standing water in the cut, the evaluator should check for \"quick\" conditions. In addition, the area adjacent to the excavation should be checked for signs of foundations or other intrusions into the failure zone, and the evaluator should check for surcharging and the spoil distance from the edge of the excavation. Penciling The Ribbon Test Pocket Penetrometer Mix soil + water to make into plastic mass • Push red ring on the barrel all the way Roll mass into toward the handle cylindrical shape 1/2 to • Push shaft into the 3/4 inch diameter soil up to the red ring Lay across palm of • Hold barrel so as to hand not to interfere with Press between thumb the spring inside the barrel and second joint of index finger • NOTE slip ring moved on the barrel as barrel Test # 4 - Pocket Penetrometer was pushed back into the handle 138

Pocket Penetrometer Test Torvane Shear Test • Device is designed to • Select fresh clod or work on saturated block of undisturbed clay soil soil from spoil pile • Measures unconfined • Cut a smooth surface compressive strength on the clod of soil • Insert vanes of device • Twice the value of into the soil shear strength of same soil • Retract vanes to show foot imprint • Note machine ring about a quarter of an • Set indicator at zero inch • Hold device firmly against soil and twist in clockwise manner until soil fails in shear SHORING TYPES Shoring is the provision of a support system for trench faces used to prevent movement of soil, underground utilities, roadways, and foundations. Shoring or shielding is used when the location or depth of the cut makes sloping back to the maximum allowable slope impractical. Shoring systems consist of posts, wales, struts, and sheeting. There are two basic types of shoring, timber and aluminum hydraulic. SHIELDING TYPES TRENCH BOXES Trench boxes are different from shoring because, instead of shoring up or otherwise supporting the trench face, they are intended primarily to protect workers from cave-ins and similar incidents. The excavated area between the outside of the trench box and the face of the trench should be as small as possible. The space between the trench boxes and the excavation side are backfilled to prevent lateral movement of the box. Shields may not be subjected to loads exceeding those which the system was designed to withstand. 139

TRENCH SHIELD TRENCH SHIELD, STACKED COMBINED USE Trench boxes are generally used in open areas, but they also may be used in combination with sloping and benching. The box should extend at least 18 in (0.45 m) above the surrounding area if there is sloping toward excavation. This can be accomplished by providing a benched area adjacent to the box. Earth excavation to a depth of 2 ft. (0.61 m) below the shield is permitted, but only if the shield is designed to resist the forces calculated for the full depth of the trench and there are no indications while the trench is open of possible loss of soil from behind or below the bottom of the support system. Conditions of this type require observation on the effects of bulging, heaving, and boiling as well as surcharging, vibration, adjacent structures, etc., on excavating below the bottom of a shield. Careful visual inspection of the conditions mentioned above is the primary and most prudent approach to hazard identification and control. SLOPE AND SHIELD CONFIGURATIONS 140

SLOPING AND BENCHING SLOPING Maximum allowable slopes for excavations less than 20 ft. (6.09 m) based on soil type and angle to the horizontal are as follows: ALLOWABLE SLOPES (For a maximum excavation depth of 12 ft.) Soil type Height/Depth ratio Slope angle Stable Rock Vertical 90° Type A ¾:1 53° Type B 1:1 45° Type C 1½:1 34° Type A (short-term) ½:1 63° *Excavations greater than 20’ must have a stamped engineers plan. 141

SLOPE CONFIGURATIONS: EXCAVATIONS IN LAYERED SOILS 142

EXCAVATIONS MADE IN TYPE A SOIL BENCHING There are two basic types of benching, simple and multiple. The type of soil determines the horizontal to vertical ratio of the benched side. As a general rule, the bottom vertical height of the trench must not exceed 4 ft. (1.2 m) for the first bench. Subsequent benches may be up to a maximum of 5 ft. (1.5 m) vertical in Type A soil and 4 ft. (1.2 m) in Type B soil to a total trench depth of 20 ft. (6.0 m). All subsequent benches must be below the maximum allowable slope for that soil type. For Type B soil the trench excavation is permitted in cohesive soil only. EXCAVATIONS MADE IN TYPE B SOIL 143

SPOIL TEMPORARY SPOIL Temporary spoil must be placed no closer than 2 ft. (0.61 m) from the surface edge of the excavation, measured from the nearest base of the spoil to the cut. This distance should not be measured from the crown of the spoil deposit. This distance requirement ensures that loose rock or soil from the temporary spoil will not fall on employees in the trench. Spoil should be placed so that it channels rainwater and other run-off water away from the excavation. Spoil should be placed so that it cannot accidentally run, slide, or fall back into the excavation. PERMANENT SPOIL Permanent spoil should be placed at some distance from the excavation. Permanent spoil is often created where underpasses are built or utilities are buried. The improper placement of permanent spoil, i.e. insufficient distance from the working excavation, can cause an excavation to be out of compliance with the horizontal-to-vertical ratio requirement for a particular excavation. This can usually be determined through visual observation. Permanent spoil can change undisturbed soil to disturbed soil and dramatically alter slope requirements. SAFETY HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS COMPETENT PERSON The designated competent person should have and be able to demonstrate the following: 1. Training, experience, and knowledge of Soil analysis; 2. Use of protective systems; and 3. Requirements of 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart P. 4. Ability to detect: 5. Conditions that could result in cave-ins; 6. Failures in protective systems; 7. hazardous atmospheres; and 8. Other hazards including those associated with confined spaces. 9. Authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate existing and predictable hazards and to stop work when required. SURFACE CROSSING OF TRENCHES Surface crossing of trenches should be discouraged; however, if trenches must be crossed, such crossings are permitted only under the following conditions: 1. Vehicle crossings must be designed by and installed under the supervision of a registered professional engineer. 2. Walkways or bridges must be provided for foot traffic. These structures shall: a. have a safety factor of 4; 144

b. have a minimum clear width of 20 in (0.51 m); c. be fitted with standard rails; and d. extend a minimum of 24 in (.61 m) past the surface edge of the trench. ENTRY AND EGRESS Access to and exit from the trench require the following conditions: 1. Trenches 4 ft. or more in depth should be provided with a fixed means of egress. 2. Spacing between ladders or other means of egress must be such that a worker will not have to travel more than 25 ft. laterally to the nearest means of egress. 3. Ladders must be secured and extend a minimum of 36 in (0.9 m) above the landing. 4. Metal ladders should be used with caution, particularly when electric utilities are present. EXPOSURE TO VEHICLES Procedures to protect employees from being injured or killed by vehicle traffic include: 1. Providing employees with and requiring them to wear warning vests or other suitable garments marked with or made of reflectorized or high-visibility materials. 2. Requiring a designated, trained flag person along with signs, signals, and barricades when necessary. EXPOSURE TO FALLING LOADS Employees must be protected from loads or objects falling from lifting or digging equipment. Procedures designed to ensure their protection include: 1. Employees are not permitted to work under raised loads. 2. Employees are required to stand away from equipment that is being loaded or unloaded. 3. Equipment operators or truck drivers may stay in their equipment during loading and unloading if the equipment is properly equipped with a cab shield or adequate canopy. 145

WARNING SYSTEMS FOR MOBILE EQUIPMENT The following steps should be taken to prevent vehicles from accidentally falling into the trench: 1. Barricades must be installed where necessary. 2. Hand or mechanical signals must be used as required. 3. Stop logs must be installed if there is a danger of vehicles falling into the trench. 4. Soil should be graded away from the excavation; this will assist in vehicle control and channeling of run-off water. HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERES AND CONFINED SPACES Employees shall not be permitted to work in hazardous and/or toxic atmospheres. Such atmospheres include those with: 1. Less than 19.5% or more than 23.5% oxygen; 2. A combustible gas concentration greater than 20% of the lower flammable limit; and 3. Concentrations of hazardous substances that exceed those specified in the Threshold Limit Values for Airborne Contaminants established by the ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists). 4. All operations involving such atmospheres must be conducted in accordance with OSHA requirements for occupational health and environmental controls (see Subpart D of 29 CPR 1926) for personal protective equipment and for lifesaving equipment (see Subpart E, 29 CFR 1926). Engineering controls (e.g., ventilation) and respiratory protection may be required. 5. When testing for atmospheric contaminants, the following should be considered: 6. Testing should be conducted before employees enter the trench and should be done regularly to ensure that the trench remains safe. 7. The frequency of testing should be increased if equipment is operating in the trench. 8. Testing frequency should also be increased if welding, cutting, or burning is done in the trench. 9. Employees required to wear respiratory protection must be trained, fit-tested, and enrolled in a respiratory protection program. Some trenches qualify as confined spaces. When this occurs, compliance with the Confined Space Standard is also required. UNDERGROUND UTILITIES Trenching operations, whether done with mechanical equipment or by hand, have long been a source of serious property damage, injuries, and fatalities due to striking underground utilities. All underground utility installations are to be located prior to the start of any work. To establish location of utilities (electric, gas, water, sewer, phone, etc.) call the 811 hotline or the One Call agency applicable to the state you are working in. Underground utilities are to be protected, supported, or removed while the trench is open. Move or support all surface encumbrances (trees, boulders, fire hydrants, light poles etc.) that may create a hazard to employees. 146

EMERGENCY RESCUE EQUIPMENT Emergency rescue equipment is required when a hazardous atmosphere exists or can reasonably be expected to exist. Requirements are as follows: 1. Respirators must be of the type suitable for the exposure. Employees must be trained in their use and a respirator program must be instituted. 2. Attended (at all times) lifelines must be provided when employees enter bell-bottom pier holes, deep confined spaces, or other similar hazards. 3. Employees who enter confined spaces must be trained. STANDING WATER AND WATER ACCUMULATION Methods for controlling standing water and water accumulation must be provided and should consist of the following if employees are permitted to work in the excavation: 1. Use of special support or shield systems approved by a registered professional engineer. 2. Water removal equipment, i.e. well pointing, used and monitored by a competent person. 3. Safety harnesses and lifelines used in conformance with 29 CFR 1926.104. 4. Surface water diverted away from the trench. 5. Employees removed from the trench during rainstorms. 6. Trenches carefully inspected by a competent person after each rain and before employees are permitted to re-enter the trench. INSPECTIONS They shall be made daily by a competent person and should be documented. The following guide specifies the frequency and conditions requiring inspections: 1. Daily and before the start of each shift; 2. As dictated by the work being done in the trench; 3. After every rainstorm; 4. After other events that could increase hazards, e.g. snowstorm, windstorm, thaw, earthquake, etc.; 5. When fissures, tension cracks, sloughing, undercutting, water seepage, bulging at the bottom, or other similar conditions occur; 6. When there is a change in the size, location, or placement of the spoil pile; and 7. When there is any indication of change or movement in the adjacent structure. 147

SECTION 21 GROUND-FAULT PROTECTION 148

SECTION 21: GROUND-FAULT PROTECTION Minger requires all electrically powered tools, equipment, extension cords, receptacles and other electrical applications to be inspected frequently as outlined in this program as well as the hand and power tools program. If other programs indicate more frequent or more stringent guidelines for inspections then the most stringent shall apply. Any defective tools, equipment, etc. must be tagged “out of service” or “do not use/operate” immediately and removed from the job site at the earliest convenience. DAILY VISUAL INSPECTIONS A daily visual inspection must be made of all extension cords, plug and receptacle type of cord sets, and any other equipment connected by cord and plug. Inspect to determine any external defects or indications of internal damage prior to use, such as deformed or missing pins, crushed or damaged plugs, and/or insulation damage. Equipment found to be damaged must be tagged “Do Not Use” and removed from service until repaired and tested. GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER All 120 volt, single-phase, 15 and 20 ampere receptacle outlets which are not part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure, must have approved ground fault circuit interrupters for personnel protection. Work areas which contain water or moisture must be provided with ground fault protection. ASSURED EQUIPMENT GROUNDING CONDUCTOR PROGRAM The following tests must be conducted at intervals not to exceed three months on all cord sets, receptacles which are not part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure, and any company-owned cord and plug-connected equipment required to be grounded. 1. Grounding conductors must be tested for continuity and be electrically continuous. 2. Each receptacle and attachment cap or plug must be tested for correct attachment of the equipment grounding conductor. 3. The equipment grounding conductor must be connected to its proper terminal. 4. The above required tests shall be performed before first use, before equipment is returned to service following repairs, or before equipment is used after any incident which can be reasonably suspected to have caused damage. 149

5. The above requirements must be adhered to prior to the use of any equipment by employees. Tests performed as required in this program must then be color coded. The color code will identify each receptacle, cord set, and plug-connected equipment that passed the tests and indicates the appropriate calendar quarter for which it was tested. 1. Employees assigned with the testing requirements of the program will be properly trained and be a competent person as defined by OSHA CRR 1926.32(f). COLOR CODE BY QUARTER White January 1 to March 31 Green April 1 to June 30 Red July 1 to September 30 Orange October 1 to December 31 2. Identification must be by the appropriate colored tape which will adhere to the cord set and cord and plug connected equipment. (electrical tape is recommended) 3. Colors are to be located on the cord set and equipment as follows: a. Cord sets – Next to each end of the set. b. Cord and Plug Connected Equipment – On the plug end of the cord. Quarterly Notification to Employees: All cord sets and plug-connected equipment must have this color identification on it. If not properly identified by color, it must be removed, tested, and properly identified prior to use. Privately-owned cords and equipment cannot be used on Minger Construction Co., Inc. projects prior to testing and proper identification. Daily Equipment Grounding Inspection and Maintenance Checklist: 1. Power, portable, and/or cord and plug-connected equipment properly grounded or of double insulated type. 2. Damaged tools or cord sets tagged “Do Not Use” and removed from service. 3. Extension cords, three-wire type, in good condition (no worn or frayed parts or missing pins). 4. Switches, circuit breakers, and disconnecting means legibly marked in circuit panel or temporary service. 5. Temporary lights must be placed on their own circuit and equipped with heavy duty electric cords, nonconductive guards, or grounded parts. 6. Suspended temporary lights designed for suspension cannot be suspended by their electric cords, fastened with staples, hung by nails, or suspended by wire. 7. Cables or cords passing through work areas must be elevated or protected from damage. 8. Outlet boxes properly covered. 150