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Consultation services include:
(1) Information, advice, and recommendations on specific safety and health problems in the workplace;
(2) providing help to employers in instituting an effective accident and illness prevention program or improving an existing program; and
(3) training in good safety and health practices, and in recognition and correction of hazards through on-site surveys.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8407. Safety Training and Instruction.
(a) When an employee is first hired, or assigned to a new task, the person in charge shall determine the extent of the employee's experience and instruct him/her in recognition of any hazardous conditions present and the protective measures to be taken to eliminate the hazards associated with underground construction activities including, where appropriate, the following subjects.
(1) Air Monitoring;
(2) Ventilation;
(3) Illumination;
(4) Communications;
(5) Ground Control;
(6) Flood Control;
(7) Mechanical Equipment;
(8) Personal Protective Equipment;
(9) Explosives;
(10) Fire Prevention and Protection; and
(11) Emergency Procedures, including evacuation plans and a check-in/check-out system.
(b) Each employee, when first engaged, shall have his/her attention directed to the provisions of a "Safe Practices and Operations Code" and he/she shall be given a copy. Employee safety instruction shall be in accordance with Section 3203 of the General Industry Safety Orders.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8408. Pre-Job Safety Conference.
At any place of employment where the Tunnel Safety Orders are applicable, a pre-job safety conference with representatives of the Division, owner, employer and employees shall be held before work begins as required by Labor Code, Section 7955. Such a conference shall include the employer's review of the construction plan and any special equipment, practices and potential safety and health problems. The Division will review all pertinent health and safety concerns relevant to the project as described in Appendix E of these orders and other related topics.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8409. Safety Bulletin Boards.
A safety bulletin board shall be provided at all tunnels, where employees congregate before going underground. The Code of Safe Practices, all required positions, and other pertinent safety notices shall be posted on this bulletin board and maintained in legible condition.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8410. General Safety Precautions.
(a) The employer shall ensure that every reasonable effort is taken for the safety of employees, whether or not provided for in these orders.
(b) All dangerous places shall be properly fenced off, covered over or otherwise safeguarded to control access to all openings to prevent unauthorized entry underground.
(c) No person shall be required to work in an unsafe place except for the purpose of making it safe, and then only under direct supervision and after all necessary precautions have been taken to protect him/her while doing such work.
(d) At least one designated person shall be on duty outside of all tunnels whenever anyone is working underground. This person's duties shall not interfere with his/her ability to secure aid for those persons underground in case of emergency.
(e) No person shall be permitted to use or possess any intoxicating liquors or drugs at any place of employment where these safety orders apply. When any person is known or suspected of being under the influence of an intoxicating liquor or drugs, he/she shall not be permitted to enter or remain on the job site.
(f) Strangers or visitors shall not be allowed to enter any place where these safety orders apply, unless they are accompanied by a person designated by the employer.
(g) A check-in/check-out procedure or other method shall be provided at the surface that will ensure that aboveground personnel can accurately determine the number and identity of individuals underground in case of an emergency.
(h) Solitary employment in tunnels is prohibited where hazardous conditions exist, unless an effective means of communication has been established.
(i) Bars used for scaling and those used for loading at chutes shall be blunt on one end and maintained in good condition.
(j) All spikes or nails projecting from lumber lying in working areas or passageways shall be bent down or removed.
(k) Unnecessary accumulations of muck, timber, rails and similar materials shall be avoided underground, particularly in areas at shaft stations and between the track and the sides of tunnels.
(l) Gunite, shotcrete, and concrete pump lines shall be secured against displacement and provided with safety devices to prevent accidental uncoupling of sections when pressurized.
(m) When a 3/4-inch (inside diameter) or larger air hose is used, a safety chain, excess flow valve, or other equivalent safety device shall be attached to the hose to prevent the hose from whipping in the event of an accidental disconnection.
(n) Oncoming shifts shall be informed of any hazardous occurrences or conditions that have affected or might affect employee safety, including liberation of gas, equipment failures, earth or rock slides, cave-ins, floodings, fires or explosions.
(o) The employer shall establish and maintain direct communications for the coordination of activities with other employers whose operations at the jobsite affect the safety of employees underground.
(p) A caution sign reading "Buried Line" or similar wording or equivalent method of identification shall be posted where air, fuel or utility lines are buried or otherwise hidden by water or debris.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8411. Walkways and Access.
(a) A safe means of access and egress shall be provided and maintained to all work stations.
(b) Access and egress shall be provided in such a manner that employees are protected from being struck by excavators, haulage machine, shaft conveyances, trains and other mobile equipment.
(c) Clearly designated and unobstructed walkways shall be maintained throughout the tunnel. The walkway shall be located on the lighted side of the tunnel unless conditions preclude this. Walkways shall be a minimum of 18 inches in width.
(d) Workers shall be protected from sump holes, subsidence areas or other excavations which might cause tripping or falling, by secure barricades, covers, or railings. Abandoned sumps shall be filled.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8414. Personal Protective Equipment.
(a) Whenever employees are exposed to hazards in the work place, and where engineering or administrative controls are not effective in eliminating the hazards, personal protective equipment shall be provided and used in accordance with the applicable requirements of Article 3 of the Construction Safety Orders.
(b) Head Protection. Every employee shall be provided with and required to wear approved head protection. Winter liners shall be provided when weather conditions warrant.
(c) Foot Protection. Every employee working underground shall be required to wear approved protective footwear.
(d) Hand Protection. Approved protection for the hands and other exposed skin areas shall be provided and used where work involves exposure to cuts, burns, electric shock, corrosives, irritants or other harmful substances.
(e) Eye and Face Protection. Acceptable eye protection shall be provided and used where eye hazards from flying particles, hazardous substances or injurious light rays are present. Particular attention shall be given to operations involving sandblasting, cleaning with air and water, guniting, welding, shotcreting and grouting in accordance with Title 8, Section 1516 of the Construction Safety Orders.
(f) Body Protection.
(1) Body protection shall be required for employees whose work exposes parts of their body, not otherwise protected as required by other orders in this article, to hazardous or flying substances or objects in accordance with Title 8, Section 1522 of the Construction Safety Orders.
(2) Where the occupational duties of an employee expose him/her to certain irritants, facilities for proper cleansing of the skin shall be required for the prevention of skin disorders.
Note: Employees should be cautioned to wash promptly and thoroughly after exposure to injurious substances.
(3) Acceptable rubber boots and rain gear shall be provided and used where wet conditions are encountered.
(g) Ear Protection. Occupational exposure to noise shall be in accordance with CCR, Title 8, Article 105 of the General Industry Safety Orders. When required ear protection shall be provided by the employer and shall be worn by the employee. Employees and other persons shall be informed of the locations where ear protection is required. Whenever the operations reasonably permit, exposures to excessive noise shall be eliminated or at least reduced by engineering or administrative controls.
(1) Employees shall be given the opportunity to select their hearing protectors from a variety of suitable hearing protectors provided by the employer.
(2) The employer shall provide training in the use and care of all hearing protectors provided to employees.
(3) The employer shall ensure proper initial fitting and supervise the correct use of all hearing protectors.
(h) Hearing Protector Attenuation.
(1) The employer shall evaluate hearing protector attenuation for the specific noise environments in which the protector will be used. The employer shall use one of the methods described in Appendix E of the GISO, Methods for Estimating the Adequacy of Hearing Protector Attenuation.
(2) Hearing protectors must attenuate employee exposure at least to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 90 decibels as required by Section 5096(b).
(3) For employees who have experienced a standard threshold shift, hearing protectors must attenuate employee exposures to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or below.
(4) The adequacy of hearing protector attenuation shall be reevaluated whenever employee noise exposures increase to the extent that the hearing protectors provided may no longer provide adequate attenuation. The employer shall provide more effective hearing protectors where necessary.
(i) Respirator Protection. When it is impractical to remove harmful dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, or gases or where emergency protection against occasional and/or relatively brief exposure is needed, the employer shall provide, and the employee exposed to such hazard shall use, respiratory protective equipment as prescribed in Section 1531 of the Construction Safety Orders.
(j) Personal protective equipment shall be maintained in good operating and sanitary condition. Records shall be kept of the issuance of such equipment to each employee.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8415. Illumination.
(a) All tunnels, shafts, and general underground work areas shall be illuminated by an electric lighting system or natural light, equivalent to at least five-foot-candles intensity and ten-foot-candles at the heading area.
(b) In completed areas of tunnels where occasional work is conducted, the invert or walking surface shall be illuminated to at least two (2) foot-candles.
(c) All switches, transformers, telephone stations, hoist landings, car passers and similar areas shall be illuminated to at least five (5) foot-candles.
Exception: Tunnel repair jobs of short duration or tunnels 8 feet or less in diameter and less than 1,000 feet in length may use electric cap lamps, or equivalent, provided the illuminating device is worn by all persons going underground.
(d) Each person underground shall have a portable hand light or cap lamp available for emergency use unless natural light or emergency lighting systems are adequate for escape.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8416. Lasers.
(a) Lasers shall be located and targeted at levels above the levels of workers' sight when possible.
(b) Laser warning signs and labels shall be posted in areas where lasers are used in accordance with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z136.1- 1993, American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers, Sections 4.7-4.9, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
(c) Lasers shall be operated in accordance with Section 1801 of the Construction Safety Orders.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8420. Care of the Injured.
(a) Emergency medical services at all places of employment where these safety orders are applicable shall comply with the requirements of Section 1512 of the Construction Safety Orders and the following:
(1) At least one basket-type stretcher, or equally appropriate type stretcher with straps, a woolen blanket, a waterproof blanket or equivalent covering and adequate first-aid materials shall be provided near the primary access to the underground work area(s).
(2) At all underground operations over one-quarter mile distance from the surface, a stretcher equipped according to the requirements of Section 8420(a)(1) shall be provided at a convenient location near the advancing face for the care of injured employees.
(3) At least one stretcher equipped according to the requirements of Section 8420(a)(1) shall be provided for each 20 employees working on a shift, or fraction thereof.
(4) For the purposes of these safety orders, adequate first-aid material shall consist of those required for 6 - 15 employees in Section 1512(c)(1) of the Construction Safety Orders and the following:
(A) six (6) compresses of surgical pads suitable for pressure dressings.
(B) Six (6) triangular bandages.
(C) Suitable splinting material.
(5) First-aid material shall be maintained in a dry, sanitary and usable condition. Where blankets are required, they shall be kept in sealed, moisture and dust-proof containers.
(6) First-aid kits, boxes and containers shall be prominently marked to indicate their purpose.
(7) Weekly inspections shall be made of all first-aid materials to ensure that the expended items are replaced.
(8) An effective means of communication shall be provided for contacting emergency medical services. The procedures to contact emergency medical service(s) shall be prominently posted.
(9) Where a first-aid station is provided or required, dependable communications shall be provided between the first-aid station and the work area(s).
(b) Where emergency medical services are not available within a 30 minute response time, the following conditions shall prevail:
(1) A designated emergency transportation vehicle properly equipped and maintained unless a licensed ambulance service is available.
(2) A responsible person on each shift shall be designated to ensure that the transportation vehicle is dependable, fueled, properly cleaned, and equipped with blankets, first-aid materials, oxygen, tire chains and anti-freeze where necessary. Attention is also called to the California Vehicle Code, Regulations and Laws relating to Ambulance Operation in California. Four-wheel drive vehicles for transporting injured workers may be required depending on terrain, weather and road conditions.
(3) Where 25 or more individuals are employed on the largest shift, a fully equipped first-aid station shall be maintained with the supplies recommended by a consulting physician.
(4) A qualified medical attendant approved by the licensed physician shall be available and responsible for first-aid care at all times when work is in progress. He/she shall be under the direction of a responsible licensed physician.
Note: Qualified shall mean a person holding a current certificate in first aid issued by the American Red Cross or the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).
(5) In addition to the required emergency transportation vehicle, approved emergency medical helicopter service shall be prearranged for remote areas of difficult access.
(c) In the event of a fatality, the Division shall be notified and no work, other than rescue and essential maintenance work, is to be resumed in that area until an investigation is completed by the Division.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8421. First-Aid Training.
All supervisors and at least one employee on each crew shall have a valid certificate in first-aid training from the American Red Cross, Mine Safety and Health Administration, or equivalent training program that can be verified by documentary evidence.
Note: The bloodborne pathogens standard, Section 5193 of the General Industry Safety Orders does not apply to the underground construction industry (Tunneling), however, the employer is required to train designated first-aid providers in the hazards of bloodborne pathogens.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8422. Tunnel Classifications.
(a) When the preliminary investigation of a tunnel project is conducted, the owner or agency proposing the construction of the tunnel shall submit the geological information to the Division for review and classification relative to flammable gas or vapors. The preliminary classification shall be obtained from the Division prior to bidding and in all cases prior to actual underground construction. In order to make the evaluation, the following will be required:
(1) Plans and specifications;
(2) Geological report;
(3) Test bore hole and soil analysis log along the tunnel alignment;
(4) Proximity and identity of existing utilities and abandoned underground tanks.
(5) Recommendation from owner, agency, lessee, or their agent relative to the possibility of encountering flammable gas or vapors;
(6) The Division may require additional drill hole or other geologic data prior to making gas classifications.
(b) The Division shall classify all tunnels or portions of tunnels into one of the following classifications:
(1) Nongassy, which classification shall be applied to tunnels where there is little likelihood of encountering gas during the construction of the tunnel.
(2) Potentially gassy, which classification shall be applied to tunnels where there is a possibility flammable gas or hydrocarbons will be encountered.
(3) Gassy, which classification shall be applied to tunnels where it is likely gas will be encountered or if a concentration greater than 5 percent of the LEL of:
(A) flammable gas has been detected not less than 12 inches (304.8 mm) from any surface in any open workings with normal ventilation.
(B) flammable petroleum vapors that have been detected not less than 3 inches from any surface in any open workings with normal ventilation.
(4) Extrahazardous, which classification shall be applied to tunnels when the Division finds that there is a serious danger to the safety of employees and:
Flammable gas or petroleum vapor emanating from the strata has been ignited in the tunnel; or
(A) A concentration of 20 percent of the LEL of flammable gas has been detected not less than 12 inches (304.8 mm) from any surface in any open working with normal ventilation; or
(B) A concentration of 20 percent of LEL petroleum vapors has been detected not less than three inches from any surface in any open workings with normal ventilation.
(c) A notice of the classification and any special orders, rules, special conditions, or regulations to be used shall be prominently posted at the tunnel job site, and all personnel shall be informed of the classification.
(d) The Division shall classify or reclassify any tunnel as gassy or extrahazardous if the preliminary investigation or past experience indicates that any gas or petroleum vapors in hazardous concentrations is likely to be encountered in such tunnel or if the tunnel is connected to a gassy or extrahazardous excavation and may expose employees to a reasonable likelihood of danger.
(e) For the purpose of reclassification and to ensure a proper application of classification, the Division shall be notified immediately if a gas or petroleum vapor exceeds any one of the individual classification limits described in subsection (b) above. No underground works shall advance until reclassification has been made.
(1) A request for declassification may be submitted in writing to the Division by the employer and/or owner's designated agent whenever either of the following conditions occur:
(A) The underground excavation has been completed and/or isolated from the ventilation system and/or other excavations underway, or
(B) The identification of any specific changes and/or conditions that have occurred subsequent to the initial classification criteria such as geological information, bore hole sampling results, underground tanks or utilities, ventilation system, air quality records, and/or evidence of no intrusions of explosive gas or vapor into the underground atmosphere.
Note: The Division shall respond within 10 working days for any such request. Also, the Division may request additional information and/or require specific conditions in order to work under a lower level of classification.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8424. Airborne Contaminants.
(a) When the air in any part of a tunnel and/or shaft is known to contain or is suspected of containing dangerous airborne contaminants, it shall be tested by means acceptable to the Division before employees are allowed to work therein, in accordance with Section 5155 (Airborne Contaminant) of the General Industry Safety Orders. These tests shall be made by a person who has been certified by the Division.
(1) Records shall be kept of these tests.
(2) Records of gas tests and air flow measurements shall be maintained on the surface by the employer and available to the Division upon request.
(b) Tests for dangerous or explosive gas(es) shall be taken at such times and locations to accurately represent the conditions existing in all areas where employees may be exposed to the danger(s) of these gases and specifically:
(1) In tunnels classified as Potentially Gassy a manual flammable gas monitor shall be used as needed, but at least at the beginning of each shift and at least every four hours to ensure that the conditions prescribed in Section 8422(b)(2) are unchanged.
(2) In any tunnel classified as gassy, there shall be tests for gas or vapors continually during actual operations to ensure that the conditions prescribed in Section 8422(b)(3) are not exceeded. In addition, a manual electrical shut down control shall be provided near the heading. (See (Section 8425 for additional requirements for the operation of Gassy and Extrahazardous Tunnels).
(c) Whenever any of the following conditions have been encountered, all underground work shall cease, employees shall be removed, and re-entry except for rescue purposes shall be prohibited until the Division has been notified and has authorized re-entry in writing.
(1) An underground ignition of gas or vapor occurs.
(2) 20 percent of LEL of flammable gas or vapor is exceeded.
(3) A toxic or suffocating gas in concentrations dangerous to health or life is encountered.
(d) Whenever the presence of hydrogen sulfide is suspected or detected in an underground work area, a test shall be conducted in the affected area at least at the beginning and midpoint of each shift.
(e) Whenever hydrogen sulfide is detected in an amount exceeding 5 ppm, a continuous sampling and indicating hydrogen sulfide monitor shall be used. The monitor shall be designed, installed and maintained to provide a visual and audible alarm when the hydrogen sulfide concentration reaches 10 ppm to signal that additional measures, such as respirator use, increased ventilation, or evacuation might be necessary to maintain hydrogen sulfide exposures below the permissible exposure limit.
(f) When the competent person determines, on the basis of air monitoring results or other information, that air contaminants may be present in sufficient quantity to be dangerous to life, the employer shall:
(1) Instruct all affected personnel in the characteristics and means of identifying the hazard(s) and the required safeguards to protect them from the effects of said hazard(s);
(2) Prominently post a notice at all entrances to the underground jobsite to inform all entrants of the hazardous condition; and
(3) Ensure that the necessary precautions are taken.
(g) All gas testing devices shall be operated, tested, calibrated and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
(h) Tests for oxygen content shall be made before tests for air contaminants.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8425. Operation of Gassy and Extrahazardous Tunnels.
(a) (1) Before any electrical equipment or services are installed or used in places classified as Gassy or Extrahazardous, they shall be permissible, approved, or in accordance with Title 8, Electrical Safety Orders and acceptable to the Division.
Exception: In tunnels where the classification is based on toxic gas(es) which does not present a fire or explosive hazard, the provisions which address a source of ignition shall not be applied.
(2) Before any internal combustion engine is permitted to enter any place classified as Gassy or Extrahazadous, the internal combustion engine shall be of an approved, permissible safe design acceptable to the Division.
(b) Smoking shall be prohibited and the employer shall be responsible for collecting all personal sources of ignition such as matches, lighters, cameras and radios from all persons entering the tunnel.
(c) Welding, cutting, or other hot work and/or spark producing operations shall not be permitted while a probe hole is being drilled or when the tunnel face is being excavated, and shall only be done in atmospheres containing less than 10 percent LEL and under the direct supervision of qualified persons. Tests for gas and vapors shall be made before the start and continuously during such operations.
(d) Tests for flammable gas shall be conducted in the return air and measured not less than a distance of 12 inches from any surface in any open workings.
(e) Tests for flammable petroleum vapors shall be conducted in the return air and measured at a distance not less than 3 inches from any surface in any open workings.
(f) Whenever gas levels in excess of 10 percent of the LEL are encountered, the Division shall be notified immediately. Any work therein shall be conducted with extra care and steps shall be taken to increase ventilation.
(g) A fixed system of continual automatic monitoring equipment shall be provided for the heading, muck handling, transfer points and return air of tunnels using mechanical excavators. The monitors shall have sensors so situated that they will detect any anticipated gas encountered and shall signal the heading, give visual and audible warning and shut down electric power in the tunnel, except for acceptable ventilation and pumping equipment necessary to evacuate personnel, when 20 percent or more of LEL is encountered. In addition, a manual shut down control shall be provided near the heading.
(h) In tunnels driven by conventional drill and blast methods, the air shall be tested for gas prior to re-entry after blasting and continuously when employees are working underground.
(i) The main ventilation systems shall exhaust flammable gas or vapors from the tunnel, shall be provided with explosion relief mechanisms, and shall be constructed of fire-resistant materials.
(1) In any tunnel classified Extrahazardous, the main ventilation system shall contain a cutoff switch capable of stopping all electrical machinery underground automatically should the fan fail or its performance fall below minimum power needed to maintain a safe atmosphere.
(j) A refuge chamber or alternate escape route shall be maintained within 5,000 feet of the face of a tunnel classified as gassy or extra-hazardous. Workers shall be provided with emergency rescue equipment and trained in its use. Refuge chambers shall be equipped with a compressed air supply, a telephone, and means of isolating the chamber from the tunnel atmosphere. The emergency equipment, air supply, and rescue chamber installation shall be acceptable to the Division.
(k) At a tunnel classified as Gassy or Extrahazardous, the Division shall permit the tunnel to operate up to but not exceeding 20 percent of the LEL without further notification if the required precautionary measures are in effect and permission is given in writing.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8426. Emergency Plan.
(a) Every employer shall prepare a general plan of action for use in time of emergency.
(b) The plan shall outline the duties and responsibilities of each key person so that each will know what is expected of him/her should a fire, explosion or other emergency occur.
(c) The plan shall be posted conspicuously on the safety bulletin board and in the project office. In addition all employees both surface and underground shall be informed of the plan, and each employee shall be told what is expected of him/her in case of explosion, fire, or other emergency. Copies of the plan shall be given to the local fire or designated off-site rescue teams and the Division.
(d) The plan shall include such items as maps, ventilation controls, fire fighting equipment, rescue procedures, evacuation plans, and communications.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8427. Protection Against Water or Gas.
(a) When shaft openings, tunnels or tunnel portals are located where a sudden inrush of water might logically be expected, adequate precautions shall be taken to protect against this occurrence.
(b) Whenever any working place in a tunnel is being advanced within 200 feet of areas that contain or are likely to contain dangerous accumulations of water, gas, petroleum products, or mud, representative vertical test holes shall be drilled from the surface where possible to determine if a hazard is present. Where the likelihood of a dangerous accumulation does exist, horizontal test holes of sufficient depth shall be drilled in advance of such workings to insure that at least 20 feet of tested ground remains beyond the face. Test holes 20 feet deep shall also be drilled at angles of 45 degrees into the walls, roof, and floors when necessary.
(c) Employees shall be removed to a safe location at least 2,000 feet from the blasting site before blasting in areas where dangerous accumulations of water, flammable or toxic gas, mud or petroleum products could be encountered. After blasting, the tunnel shall be examined by a competent person and tested by a certified gas tester before other employees reenter the affected area.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8428. Telephone System.
(a) Communications
(1) During periods of major construction or repair, tunnels that will be more than 2,000 feet long shall have at least one underground telephone as soon as the length reaches 1,000 feet. Other phones are to be added as the work progresses so that there is never less than one phone to serve each length-zone of 2,000 feet, and one for any remaining zone exceeding 1,000 feet in length. They shall be conveniently located and properly identified. Arrangements shall be such that calls will be answered promptly. A telephone or communication system shall be provided when more than 5 employees are underground.
(2) When natural unassisted voice communication is ineffective, a power assisted means of voice communications shall be used to provide communications between the workface, the bottom of the shaft and the surface.
(b) Telephone systems shall be independent of the tunnel power supply and shall be installed so that the destruction of one telephone will not interrupt the use of other telephones on the same system.
(c) Telephones shall be equipped with an audible or visual signal suitable for the conditions present and capable of adequately alerting the employees of an in-coming call. Equivalent communication systems may be used when accepted by the Division.
(d) Communication systems shall be tested upon initial entry of each shift to the underground, and as often as necessary at later times, to ensure that they are in working order.
(e) Telephone and low potential signal wire shall be protected from contacting energized power conductors or any other power source by isolation or suitable insulation, or both.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8430. Rescue Crew and Breathing Apparatus.
(a) Rescue Teams
(1) On jobsites where 25 or more employees work underground at one time, the employer shall provide (or make arrangements in advance with locally available rescue services to provide) at least two 5-person rescue teams, one on the jobsite or within one-half hour travel time from the entry point, and the other within 2 hours travel time.
(2) On the jobsites where less than 25 employees work underground at one time, the employer shall provide (or make arrangements in advance with locally available rescue services to provide) at least one 5-person rescue team to be either on the jobsite or within one-half hour travel time from the entry point.
Exception: A rescue crew of at least five persons is not required for tunnels where less than 10 persons are underground at any one time (Labor Code Section 7958).
(3) Rescue team members shall be qualified in rescue procedures, the use and limitations of breathing apparatus, and the use of fire-fighting equipment. Qualifications shall be reviewed not less than annually.
(4) On jobsites where flammable or poisonous gases are encountered or anticipated in hazardous quantities, rescue team members shall practice donning and using self-contained oxygen breathing apparatus monthly. The equipment for tunnel rescue teams shall be prescribed in the requirements of 30 CFR, July 1, 1994, Part 49, Section 49.6, pages 302-303 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, which is hereby incorporated by reference except that the number of items prescribed for two teams shall be divided by two when only one rescue team is required.
(b) The employer shall ensure that rescue teams are familiar with conditions at the jobsite.
(c) No person who is physically unfit or who has not had the required training shall be allowed to use permissible self-contained oxygen breathing apparatus for rescue crew work.
(d)
(e) Where self-contained oxygen breathing apparatus is required by this section the following shall prevail:
(1) Training for rescue crew members shall be equivalent to the requirements of 30 CFR Part 49.8, except initial training shall consist of at least 24 hours, and the 8-hour refresher training shall be given at least every three months and shall include at least two hours in the wearing and use of self-contained breathing apparatus.
(2) Self-contained oxygen breathing apparatus shall be inspected, tested, maintained, repaired and used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
(f) A 1-hour self-rescue device approved by MSHA shall be provided and be immediately available for each person underground. Where a person works on or around mobile equipment, self-rescue devices may be placed in a readily accessible location on such equipment.
(g) In tunnels classified as Gassy or Extrahazardous, self-rescue devices shall be worn or carried by each person underground at all times.
(h) All self-rescue devices shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements. Particular attention shall be given to insure the established service life is not exceeded.
(i) Each person shall be trained in the proper inspection, use and limitations of the self-rescue device before being permitted to go underground and at least every three months thereafter. Records of this training shall be maintained on the job site in accordance with Section 3203(b) of the General Industry Safety Orders.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8431. Change Houses.
At all tunnels, the employer shall provide separate dressing rooms or a change house that provides for each sex, when applicable, with suitable facilities for changing clothes, located at a convenient place for use by the employees. Such facilities shall be provided with heating and lighting, equipped with at least one (1) shower bath with an adequate supply of hot and cold water for each of the five (5) employees or fraction thereof, along with provisions for drying work clothes and storing street clothes, and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
Exception: The Division may accept reasonable travel distances to other acceptable facilities at tunnel repair projects or for projects of short duration unless the lack of shower facilities would be a health hazard.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8432. Drinking Water.
Drinking water shall be provided as required in Section 1524 of the Construction Safety Orders.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8433. Toilet Facilities.
Toilet facilities shall be provided s required by Section 1526 of the Construction Safety Orders and the following:
(a) Combustion toilets shall not be used underground.
(b) A deodorizing means shall be provided.
(c) A ready means of access shall be provided.
(d) Unless employees are required to use outside toilet facilities exclusively, there shall be at least one toilet provided for each main working area underground.
(e) Toilet facilities shall be located within easy walking distance to work locations unless employees have a means of transportation reasonably available for their use.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8437. Ventilation and Air Quality.
(a) Fresh air shall be provided in adequate quantities to all underground work areas. The supply shall at least be sufficient t o prevent dangerous or harmful accumulations of dusts, fumes, vapors or gases, and shall not be less than 200 cubic feet per minute for each person underground. The lineal velocity of the air flow in the tunnel bore shall not be less than 60 feet per minute in those tunnels where blasting or rock drilling is conducted or where there are other conditions that are likely to produce dusts, fumes, vapors or gases in harmful quantities.
Exception: The lineal velocity of air flow in tunnels or chambers more than 30 feet in diameter may be reduced to 30 feet per minute provided that air quality is maintained.
(b) The main ventilation system shall be so arranged that the air flow can be reversed from the surface.
(c) The main ventilation systems shall be arranged to exhaust return air to the outside atmosphere except where permitted by the Division in writing to reverse the airflow.
(d) After blasting, employees shall be required to wait at least 15 minutes before returning to the blast site and/or until air quality meets the requirements of subsection (a) and (g) of this section and Section 8424(a). A longer period may be required in the event of a misfire or in case of a fire.
(e) Employees shall not be permitted, except in extreme emergencies to work in a place where the oxygen content of the air is less than 19.5 percent by volume, unless they are wearing approved self-contained oxygen breathing apparatus.
(f) Employees shall not be allowed to work in tunnels where the oxygen content is more than 22 percent by volume.
(g) Where flammable gas or air contaminants have been encountered, adequate ventilation shall be maintained to keep the gas, vapor, or dust concentrations within safe limits as provided by these safety orders and the requirements of Section 5155 of the General Industry Safety Orders.
(1) Whenever 20 percent or more of the lower explosive limit for methane or other flammable gases is detected in any underground work area(s) or in the air return:
(A) All employees, except those necessary to eliminate the hazard, shall be immediately withdrawn to a safe location above ground; and
(B) Electrical power, except for acceptable pumping and ventilation equipment, shall be cut off to the area endangered by the flammable gas until the concentration of such gas is reduced to less than 20 percent of the lower explosive limit.
(h) Bulkheads and forced ventilation in one direction shall be provided after holing through to prevent harmful accumulations of dusts, fumes, vapors, gases, and concrete curing compounds from exceeding allowable concentrations.
(i) Auxiliary ventilation shall be used to provide the required airflow to all work areas of the tunnel.
(j) Fans used for all ventilation systems shall be so arranged to prevent recirculation of contaminated air.
(k) The exhaust from any internal combustion engine shall be so directed that it will be prevented from contaminating any inlet air source going to any underground or below surface work area.
(l) Whenever the ventilation system has been shut down with all employees out of the underground area, only competent persons authorized to test for air contaminants shall be allowed underground until the ventilation has been restored and all affected areas have been tested for air contaminants and declared safe.
Note: See Section 8470(c) of these safety orders for diesel engine ventilation requirements.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8438. Dust Control.
(a) Water or other effective means shall be used to control dust where drilling, grinding, or other dust producing operations occur in accordance with Section 1538(a) of the Construction Safety Orders.
(b) Sprinklers or other effective means shall be provided to control dust produced at dumps, conveyors, chutes, and other transfer points.
(c) Whenever water sprinklers are used to control dust at loading points, they shall be capable of being operated by the person(s) responsible for conducting the loading.
(d) The muck pile shall be wet down prior to mucking and kept wet during the mucking operations in order to control dust.
(e) If compliance with the requirements of this and other tunnel safety orders fail to hold dust concentrations in all parts of the tunnel within limits specified in Section 5155 of the General Industry Safety Orders, additional steps called for in Article 107 of those orders shall be followed.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8440. Ground Control Inspection.
(a) The roof, face, walls, and ground support system of all underground work areas shall be inspected upon initial entry into the area and frequently thereafter by a competent person. Any loose or dangerous ground disclosed by this inspection shall be dislodged or adequately supported before any other activity is permitted.
(b) The entire roof, walls and ground support system of all underground areas shall be inspected weekly by a competent person. A record of such inspection shall be maintained at the job site.
(c) Appropriate tools and devices for testing the roof, walls, face, and ground support system shall be readily available for use at all times.
(d) The persons conducting inspections of ground support systems shall be protected from loose ground by location, ground support or equivalent means.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8441. Tunnel and Shaft Support.
(a) All working places underground shall be kept securely supported with timber, steel sets, or otherwise protected by installing wire mesh, rock bolts, gunite, shotcrete, or other methods.
(b) All sets, including horseshoe-shaped or arched rib steel sets, shall be of adequate design and installed so that the bottoms will have sufficient anchorage to prevent pressures from pushing them inward. Adequate lateral bracing shall be provided between sets to stabilize the supports.
(c) After each blast, supports systems in the effected areas shall be checked, tightened, or rewedged by a qualified person. If so, necessary repairs shall be made before employees other than those assigned to make the repairs are allowed in or below the affected areas.
(d) Damaged or dislodged ground supports that create a hazardous condition shall be promptly repaired or replaced. When replacing supports, the new supports shall be installed before the damaged supports are removed.
(e) Rock bolt systems, when used, shall be installed in uniform patterns. These patterns shall be determined by qualified persons. Plans and specifications of the rock bolting installation shall be available to the Division at the job site. These plans shall include bolt spacing, diameter, length, type, tension in the bolts, angle of bolts to the supported surface, and type of washers and bearing plates. Additional rock bolts shall be installed as necessary to support the ground.
(1) Torque wrenches shall be used whenever bolts that depend on torsionally applied force are used for ground support.
(2) A competent person shall determine whether rock bolts meet the necessary torque, and shall determine the testing frequency in light of the bolt system, ground conditions and the distance from vibration sources.
(f) Adequate protection shall be provided for workers exposed to the hazard of loose ground while installing support systems.
(g) Portal openings and access areas shall be adequately protected by sloping, benching, installing extra sets, wire mesh and/or rock bolts, shotcreting, or equivalent methods to ensure safe access of employees and equipment.
(h) Shafts and wells over 5 feet (1.53 m) in depth that employees must enter shall be supported by a steel casing, concrete pipe, timber, solid rock or other suitable material.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.
s 8445. General.
(a) Combustible structures shall not be erected over shafts or tunnel openings.
Exception: Head frames, bins, and doors or hatches required for closing the opening.
(b) All shafts and tunnel openings used as a normal means of access and egress or as the main intake of fresh air for underground workings shall be constructed of noncombustible material or designed with a fire-resistance rating of 1 1/2 hours or more.
(c) Combustible framing sheds, storage buildings or change houses shall not be located within 100 feet of any tunnel opening, shaft house, hoisting engine house or ventilating fan house.
Temporary stockpiles of timber, or buildings that are as fire resistant as a change house with concrete floor, wood frame and corrugated iron sheathing may be located within the 100-foot limit if they are as far as practicable from the tunnel opening. Other combustible material shall not be stored or permitted within 100 feet of any tunnel opening.
(d) Fire protection shall be provided in accordance with Title 8, Group 27 of the General Industry Safety Orders commencing with Section 6150.
(e) Oils and other dangerous flammable material shall be stored at least 100 feet from any shaft or tunnel opening, or building over a tunnel opening, and at least one hundred feet from any powder magazine. Where oils are stored in buildings, such buildings shall not be used for other purposes. LPG storage tanks shall be located away from tunnel openings to prevent the contents from flowing into the tunnel.
Tanks and drums containing flammable or combustible liquids shall be so located that the escaping liquid cannot run over the surface from such tank to any powder magazine or to any building, within 100 feet of any tunnel opening. Under no circumstances shall oxygen or any flammable gas be stored in proximity to oil.
(f) Lubricating oils, greases and rope dressings taken underground shall be in closed metal containers that will not permit the contents to leak out or spill. When taken underground, they shall be stored in a fire resistant secluded place at least 100 feet from shafts, winzes, hoists, and tunnel timbers and at least 300 feet from powder magazines and stored in such manner that the oil from a ruptured or overturned container will not flow from its storage place. Quantities of oil and grease underground shall be limited to a one-day supply. (continued)