The risk of a significant fire loss is increased when the fire protection systems or equipment are out of service (i.e., impaired). To minimize the risk associated with fire protection system impairments, a comprehensive impairment management program should be developed and implemented. This checklist can be used to help verify that the key elements of an impairment management program have been utilized during an impairment.

System/equipment impaired:

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Date of impairment:

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Area impacted by the impairment: 

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Hazardous operations in the impaired area

Notifications

Compartmentalization

Temporary fire protection

Identification

After the impairment (restoration)

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This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC JAN 2019 12-14
171-0928 (1/14)

Why your decisions can affect your fire protection.

Your facility is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system for fire protection. Do you expect that a few sprinkler heads will operate and control the fire until the fire department finishes extinguishment? There is no way you could have a large fire, right? Well, think again. Automatic sprinklers systems are designed to a specific performance level to protect what is underneath them. An office building will have very different requirements than a warehouse. A warehouse storing paper goods will have different requirements than one storing plastics.

What are some of the decisions you make that can affect your fire protection?

• Leasing or buying a building — do you know if the sprinkler system design is going to be adequate for your intended use of the space?
• Changing the storage configuration in your existing building — does this impact the adequacy of your current fire protection?
• Introducing a new service or product that changes the type of storage, for example, adding plastic storage — can your sprinkler system protect higher hazard storage?

What are some of the things that impact my sprinkler system?

A change in just a single item above can make your existing sprinkler system go from one that will perform as designed to one that may get overwhelmed and allow a fire to grow uncontrolled.

• What is being stored (paper, plastic, wood)?
• How is it packaged (in cartons, plastic bins, no packaging)?
• What is the maximum storage height?
• What is the storage configuration?
• In piles, with or without pallets, on the floor
• Storage racks
• Open mesh shelves, no shelves, solid wood or metal shelves
• What is the width of the racks?
• How much aisle space is between the racks?
• Are flue spaces (clear space between abutting racks) being maintained?
• Do you have catwalks?
• How much space is there from the top of the storage to the sprinkler head?

When should I seek help?

You should contact Hanover Risk Solutions for help in evaluating your sprinkler protection when considering any of the following:

• Leasing a new space or buying a new building
• Building a new building or addition
• Adding a new process
• Changing the storage configuration
• Adding catwalks

How can The Hanover help?

Hanover Risk Solutions can help you by:

• Offering practical options to help ensure your fire protection system provides an expected level of control over a potential fire
• Offering advice to you in the decision making process to help avoid costly upgrades to a building sprinkler system when buying a building or leasing a space

Services we offer include the following:

Hanover Risk Solutions can help you by:

• Evaluation of the existing sprinkler system to determine the maximum performance level for the existing system
• Comparison of the existing system to the most current NFPA requirements that apply to your specific situation
• Modeling specific changes in the system and/or storage configuration such as:
  • Lowering your storage height
  • Changing sprinkler heads
  • Adding in-rack sprinklers if you have solid shelving in storage racks
  • Removing solid shelves or replacing solid shelves with open metal mesh shelves, perhaps avoiding the use of in-rack sprinklers
  • Adding catwalks
  • Adding hard stops to your racks to avoid storage encroaching on flue spaces
  • Work with you to develop sprinkler systems design criteria to ensure you obtain comparable quotes from sprinkler contractors when bidding on a new installation or revamping an existing system
• Review working drawings of new system installations to ensure the system meets insurance requirements, based on NFPA Standards
• Provide a field review after a new installation, to validate that the contractor completed the installation in accordance with submitted plans
• Provide recommendations and options to ensure the facility is adequately protected

Related links

• National Fire Protection Association
  • NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
  • NFPA 232, Standard for the Protection of Records
• National Association for Information Destruction
• Professional Records & Information Services Management

Your Hanover Risk Solutions consultant can meet with you to discuss your options to protect your business from the hazards common to the document storage industry.

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This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you. The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC JAN 2019 12-81
171-0929 (2/14)

Material handling is a significant safety concern. During the movement of products and materials, there are numerous opportunities for personal injury and property damage if proper procedures and caution are not used. This applies to all powered industrial trucks, including forklifts, tractors, platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks, and other specialized industrial trucks powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines. The information in this document and additional applicable OSHA standards found in 29 CFR 1910.178 should be used to understand your responsibilities under the OSHA Powered Industrial Truck Standard.

Responsibilities

Identify the person who will be responsible for developing, implementing, and administering the forklift safety program. This person will review the forklift safety program annually and make recommendations for revisions if necessary and should ensure that all employees who operate or work near forklifts are properly trained.

Pre-qualifications for powered industrial truck operators

All employees who will operate powered industrial trucks (PIT) should meet the following basic requirements prior to starting initial or annual training:

• Have no adverse vision problems that cannot be corrected by glasses or contacts.
• Have no adverse hearing loss that cannot be corrected with hearing aids.
• Have no physical impairments that would impair safe operation of the PIT.
• Is not taking any medication that affects perception, vision or physical abilities.

Inspections

Forklifts – Forklifts should be inspected daily, prior to use, by the authorized operator. If any deficiencies are found the operator should tag out the forklift with a “do not operate” tag and the Forklift not used until the deficiency has been corrected.

Trucks/trailers – All trucks and trailers should be inspected before loading. If any deficiencies are found the truck/trailer should not be loaded until the deficiency has been corrected.

Trailer restraint (dock locks, levelers, wheel chocks) – All safety devices designed to prevent trailer movement should be inspected prior to loading operations to ensure they are properly connected/positioned and working properly.

Training

An experienced operator, selected by the employer, should conduct training for PIT operators. All training and evaluation should be completed before an operator is permitted to use a PIT without continual and close supervision.

Trainees may operate a powered industrial truck only:

• Under the direct supervision of persons, selected by the employer, who have the knowledge, training, and experience to train operators and evaluate their competence; and
• Where such operation does not endanger the trainee or other employees.

Training consists of a combination of formal instruction, practical training (demonstrations performed by the trainer and practical exercises performed by the trainee), and evaluation of the operator’s performance in the workplace.

Initial training

As specified in the OSHA standard, PIT operators should receive initial training in the following truck-related and workplace-related topics:

Truck-related topics:

• Operating instructions, warnings, and precautions for the type of truck the operator will be authorized to operate
• Differences between the truck and automobiles
• Truck controls and instrumentation
• Engine or motor operation
• Steering and maneuvering
• Visibility (including restrictions due to loading)
• Fork and attachment adaptation, operation, and use limitations
• Vehicle capacity
• Vehicle stability
• Vehicle inspection and maintenance that the operator will be required to perform
• Refueling and/or charging and recharging of batteries
• Operating limitations
• Operating instructions, warnings, or precautions listed in the operator’s manual for the types of vehicle that the employee is being trained to operate

Workplace-related topics:

• Surface conditions where the vehicle will be operated
• Composition of loads to be carried and load stability
• Load manipulation, stacking, and unstacking
• Pedestrian traffic in areas where the vehicle will be operated
• Narrow aisles and other restricted places where the vehicle will be operated
• Hazardous (classified) locations where the vehicle will be operated
• Ramps and other sloped surfaces that would affect the vehicles’ stability
• Closed environments and other areas where insufficient ventilation or poor vehicle maintenance could cause a buildup of carbon monoxide or diesel exhaust
• Other unique or potentially hazardous environmental conditions in the workplace that could affect safe operation

Refresher training and evaluation

Refresher training, including an evaluation of the effectiveness of that training, should be conducted every three years to ensure that the operator has the knowledge and skills needed to operate the powered industrial truck safely.

Refresher training in relevant topics should be provided to the operator in the following situations:

• The operator has been observed operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner.
• The operator has been involved in an accident or near-miss incident.
• The operator has received an evaluation that reveals that the operator is not operating the truck safely.
• The operator is assigned to drive a different type of truck.
• A condition in the workplace changes in a manner that could affect safe operation of the truck.

Safe operating procedures

The following procedures should be considered to minimize the potential for incidents. Additional requirements can be found in the OSHA Powered Industrial Truck standard 29 CFR 1910.178.

Forklifts

All employees who will operate powered industrial trucks (PIT) should meet the following basic requirements prior to starting initial or annual training:

• Only authorized and trained personnel should operate PITs.
• All PITs should be equipped with an overhead cage, fire extinguisher, rotating beacon, back-up alarm, and seat belts. The operator should wear seat belts at all times.
• The operator should perform daily pre- and post-trip inspections.
• Any safety defects (such as hydraulic fluid leaks; defective brakes, steering, lights, or horn; and/or missing fire extinguisher, lights, seat belt, or back-up alarm) should be reported for immediate repair and the PIT taken out of service until the repair is completed.
• Operators should follow the proper recharging or refueling safety procedures established by the employer.
• Loads should be tilted back and carried no more than six inches from the ground. Loads that restrict the operator’s vision should be transported backwards or use the assistance of a spotter.
• PITs operators should obey posted speed limits and slow down on wet floors and when going around corners.
• PIT operators in high lift areas should wear hard hats. Operators should sound the horn and use extreme caution when meeting pedestrians, making turns, and cornering.
• If PITs are used to raise employees, a manufactured platform (cage with standard rails and toe-boards) should be used and the forklift should be approved by the manufacturer to lift employees.
• Aisles should be maintained free from obstructions, marked, and wide enough (six-foot minimum) for vehicle operation.
• Lift capacity should be marked on all PITs. Operators should assure the load does not exceed rated weight limits.
• When unattended, PITs should be turned off, forks lowered to the ground and the parking brake applied.
• All PITs (with the exception of pallet jacks) should be equipped with a multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher.
• Operators should report all accidents, regardless of fault and severity, to their supervisor.
• Trailers should be parked squarely to the loading area and have wheels chocked in place.
• Only stable or safely arranged loads can be handled. Exercise caution when handling off-center loads that cannot be centered.

Changing and charging storage batteries

• Battery charging installations should be located in areas designated for that purpose.
• Facilities should be provided for flushing and neutralizing spilled electrolyte, for fire protection, for protecting charging apparatus from damage by trucks, and for adequate ventilation for dispersal of fumes from gases.
• When charging batteries, acid should be poured into water. Water should not be poured into acid.
• Trucks should be properly positioned and brake applied before attempting to change or charge batteries.
• Care should be taken to assure that vent caps are functioning. The battery (or compartment) cover(s) should be open to dissipate heat.
• Precautions should be taken to prevent sparks, or electric arcs in battery charging areas.

Loading trucks and trailers

• The flooring and frame of trucks and trailers should be inspected for damage and weakness before driving onto them with forklifts.
• The brakes of trucks should be set and wheel chocks placed under the rear wheels to prevent the trucks from rolling while they are boarded with powered industrial trucks.

Operations

• If at any time a powered industrial truck is found to be in need of repair, defective, or in any way unsafe, the truck should be tagged and taken out of service until it has been restored to a safe operating condition.
• No person should be allowed to stand or pass under the elevated portion of any truck, whether loaded or empty.
• When a powered industrial truck is left unattended, loads should be fully lowered, controls neutralized, power shut off, and brakes set. Wheels should be blocked if the truck is parked on an incline.
• There should be sufficient headroom under overhead installations, lights, pipes and sprinkler systems to prevent contact with the mast or load.
• An overhead guard should be used as protection against falling objects.

Maintenance

• Any power-operated industrial truck not in safe operating condition should be removed from service. Only authorized personnel should make all repairs.
• Repairs to the fuel and ignition systems of industrial trucks that involve fire hazards should be conducted only in locations designated for such repairs.
• Trucks in need of repairs to the electrical system should have the battery disconnected before such repairs.

Related links

• OSHA – The OSHA website contains helpful information that can be used to develop forklift programs, procedures, training and inspections.

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This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you. The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC APR 2019-230
171-0904 (1/14)

The purpose of the Personal Protective Equipment Policies (PPE) is to protect employees from exposure to work place hazards and the risk of injury through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is not a substitute for more effective control methods and its use will be considered only when other means of protection against hazards are not adequate or feasible. It will be used in conjunction with other controls unless no other means of hazard control exist.

Personal protective equipment will be provided, used, and maintained when it has been determined that its use is required to ensure the safety and health of our employees and that such use will lessen the likelihood of occupational injury and/or illness.

Download the Sample PPE Policy PDF, which addresses general PPE requirements, including eye and face, head, foot and leg, hand and arm, body (torso) protection, and protection from drowning. Separate programs exist for respiratory protection and hearing protection as the need for participation in these programs is established through industrial hygiene monitoring. The PPE PDF also includes a Sample PPE Training Certification Form.
 

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This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC JAN 2019 12‐213
171-0955 (3/17)

Over one million workers suffer back injuries each year. Twenty-five percent of all workers’ compensation indemnity claims are related to back injuries. Back injuries are painful and affect all aspects of life. The chance of re-injury after a back injury is significant.

Doing the following before you lift can help reduce the potential for back injuries:

• Plan ahead; assess the lift and your surroundings. Knowing what you’re doing and where you’re going will prevent you from making awkward movements while holding something heavy.
• Consider whether the load is of a size and weight that you can adequately handle.
• Check that the path of travel for the lift is clear of obstructions.
• Think about whether the load can be broken down into smaller components. When carrying multiple small loads, try using a tote box with handles.
• Make sure the load will not interfere with your vision as you are walking.
• Consider whether the load can be lifted more safely with the help of a co-worker. If you are lifting with another person make sure you both agree on the plan.
• See what mechanical devices might be available to help you lift the load more safely.
• Think about how the load is being given to you and how you are giving it to the next person. The closer to waist level you can receive it and drop it off to the next person, the easier it will be for both of you. If you are using shelves, put heavier objects on the shelves closer to waist level. Put lighter objects on the upper or lower shelves.
• Work with your supervisor to improve conditions that are outside your control. Some things may take awhile to improve but will be worth the effort. While lifting always remember the following:
• Get as close as possible to the load. You will be a stronger and more stable lifter if the object is held close to your body rather than at the end of your reach.
• Center yourself over and in front of the load with your feet shoulder width apart. A solid base of support is important while lifting. Holding your feet too close together will be unstable, too far apart will hinder movement.
• Tighten your stomach muscles; this helps to support the back.
• Avoid lifting from the floor whenever possible. If you can’t avoid lifting from the floor, focus on getting the load as close to your hips as possible. For a smaller load like a box, this can mean squatting down, bending your knees, and keeping your head up and your back in its normal arch. Let your legs do the lifting in this situation.
• Get a good tight hold on the load and keep it close to your body.
• Move with a smooth motion, lifting straight up.
• Keep the load in front of your body. Do not twist your back. If you need to turn, move your feet. If you need to walk, keep your nose and feet pointed in your direction of travel.
• Carry the load at waist level.
• Set the load down and rest if you become tired. Look for a surface around waist level to rest the load on.
• Avoid ending your lift at waist level whenever possible. If this can’t be avoided, focus on keeping the load as close to your hips as possible. For a smaller load like a box, reverse the steps outlined above for picking up the load.

Here are some other helpful tips for avoiding back injury:

• Use mechanical devices whenever they are available. When using them, push the load rather than pulling it. Keep your back in its normal arch and use your body weight and legs to push the load.
• Maintain a healthy weight; remember, your back is also carrying any extra weight that is on your body.
• Eat healthy, stay hydrated and exercise regularly. A strong body is less likely to be injured while lifting.
• Get a good night’s sleep. Fatigued muscles are more prone to injury. A fatigued mind is more likely to make mistakes that lead to an injury or accident. The mattress you sleep on is important in waking up rested with fewer aches and pains.
• Manage stress by organizing your daily routines and controlling your reactions to unexpected situations. The muscle tension caused by stress makes you more prone to injury. Practice releasing that tension from your body.
• Lift safely at home as well as at work.

Related links

For more information, please visit OSHA's ergonomics page.

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This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you. The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.
171-0923 (3/17)

Expect new exposures

Modern electronic control devices are frequently the most cost effective way to achieve real improvement in the performance of production machines and processes. New controls can add capability which was simply not available when equipment was originally designed or installed. Moreover, devices such as computer numerical controls (CNC), programmable logic controllers (PLC), as well as the various programmable motion controllers currently available for robotics applications offer unprecedented functionality and power, and are available at prices which deliver an attractive return on investment.

Unfortunately, many owners who make the decision to retrofit these control devices do not achieve the full benefit of the upgrade. One area in which this occurs is in the reliability of the machine or process when subjected to a real world electrical environment, complete with electrical transients which exist on virtually all wiring systems. If your electronics are not properly installed and protected from electrical transients, one or more of the following may occur:

• Physical damage to the electronics
• Processor resets, leading to program interruption and/or (in the case of CNC devices) loss of machine position register information — this can lead to costly tool crashes
• Loss or corruption of program or data

What is a transient?

There are several electrical transient phenomena which can threaten the smooth operation of computer based controls. These include:

• Sag: decrease in line voltage lasting 1-30 cycles.
• Undervoltage or brownout: sag of duration >30 cycles.
• Surge: increase in line voltage lasting 1-30 cycles.
• Overvoltage: surge of duration >30 cycles.
• Impulse: high frequency sub-cycle (less than 1 cycle) event having a steep rising or falling departure from the AC sine waveform, also referred to as a spike.
• Interruption: zero line voltage for at least 1 cycle.

While protection against electrical transients is usually built into control electronics, this protection may not be adequate to protect against all types of surge events and mistakes in installation can compromise the effectiveness of that protection. The purpose of this article is to point out some of the more common of these mistakes, and ways to avoid them.

Isolation and grounding — the first lines of defense

We will discuss three topics in order. The last of these will be suppression. While suppression (or surge suppression) is frequently the first solution to be suggested, its benefit will be maximized only if isolation and grounding are properly done first.

It is assumed for the purposes of this discussion that the electrical portion of your installation complies with applicable electrical codes, including the National Electrical Code (National Fire Protection Association, NFPA – 70). If there is any doubt, your electrician should be able to make this determination for you.

Isolation

Isolation means keeping certain things separated. In the case of electrical and electronic devices, this is done to eliminate the imposition of electrical transients to the maximum extent possible. If transients can be eliminated by isolation, they will not need to be suppressed Isolation measures include the following. Conductors which carry higher voltages can adversely affect those carrying lower voltages which are in proximity, by electromagnetic coupling. These conductors should be separated physically and electrically to the greatest extent possible. The rules are:

• Don't run DC with AC.
• Run your wiring in grounded metallic conduit for maximum shielding effect.
• Don't run low level signals with AC or DC control and power wiring. It makes no difference that the signal wires are shielded, DON'T DO IT.
• If signal wires must cross AC or DC power wiring, cross at right angles to minimize electromagnetic coupling.
• Shield drain wires from shielded conductors should be connected to chassis ground at one end only.

Power lines and transformers

Power lines should be assumed to have transient voltages on them. In wiring an AC line to your electronics, employ devices which will isolate those electronics from the AC power line. Generally this will be a transformer. A transformer should be provided in the AC power connection to your electronics, even if no reduction in voltage is needed. It will be best if the transformer selected is an isolation transformer, designed especially to provide maximum isolation.

Electronics should not be located in close proximity to power distribution conductors or devices. Make sure that the installation provides physical separation from high voltage wires and devices as recommended by the manufacturer. Electronics should be located inside an enclosure made of a conducting material, and the enclosure should be grounded to provide the greatest degree of protection against radiated noise.

Grounding

Proper grounding of electronics cannot be overemphasized. The manufacturer of the control electronics should include with the product complete installation instructions which include details for proper grounding. In general, a chassis ground terminal will be provided on the equipment which must be connected to ground. This is often found to be connected to the AC neutral wire. The problem is that although the AC neutral is grounded, it is a part of the power circuit and can be subject to the same transients that are sought to be eliminated. As a general rule, grounds should be connected to a single ground — the building ground. Again, this is a general rule, and the manufacturer's instructions are to be followed in compliance with local codes.

Suppression

In a shop environment, it should be assumed that there will be electrical transients and/or noise on the electrical distribution system and that they may be severe enough to affect electronics. Frequently, these are a result of the normal operation of motors which drive spindles and carriages associated with your tools. Low cost equipment is available which is very effective in reducing its severity. It is suggested that a tiered approach be employed in the electrical system as follows:

• Suppress transients at the electrical service entry: Have your electrician install surge suppression at the service entrance. The best place to intercept incoming power surges is at the building wall. This single device will provide primary protection to every susceptible device in your building. Remember, however, that many problems with transients originate within your own building, and for that reason it is wise to apply a second stage of suppression to every electrical panel that supplies AC to digital control equipment.
• Suppress at the individual machine as well: Place a surge suppressor in the AC connection to your new electronic controls. Install it according to the instructions provided by its manufacturer. Make sure that a proper ground is available for every such suppressor or else its function will be compromised or defeated.
• Suppression at every other connection to your electronics: This is frequently neglected in otherwise well protected installations. Remember that any wire which connects to your electronics can carry a destructive voltage surge. This includes any of the following: network connections of any kind; telephone modem connections; and remote instrumentation lines.

Remote input/output lines

Specially designed surge suppression devices are available to protect each type of connection.

A word about sag and brownout

Remember that loss of power is a voltage transient. While it is not destructive in most cases by itself, it can have disastrous consequences for some electronic controls. When a momentary reduction in AC line voltage occurs, the DC voltages upon which the microprocessor depends may fall to the point where data errors or a reset of the microprocessor can occur. In such a case, program or data memory will be lost or corrupted, including position data from connected motion axes. This can lead to a stoppage at best, and a tool crash or other dangerous events at worst. Protection against voltage sag or brownout takes at least two forms:

• Make sure that your electrical supply is adequate. Have you added load which your distribution system cannot supply without unacceptable voltage reductions? This will require investigation by your electrician or power supplier. If inadequate supply is the problem, it must be corrected by adding capacity.
• Provide a power conditioner or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) designed to correct for momentary low voltage.

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© Copyright 2020 The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company. All Rights Reserved.
Used with permission of The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company.

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you. The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC APR 2019 13-163
171-1085 (3/14)

Equipment losses in transit can be more than just a dollar loss. Downtime on projects creates delays that have a ripple effect on others and your reputation. As the value and criticality of the equipment goes up, your due diligence in selecting a motor carrier should also increase.

Tips to help qualify a motor carrier

• Does the motor carrier have motor truck cargo legal liability insurance in force and what limits are carried? Ask for a certificate of insurance and review the policies in force. There should be auto liability as well as cargo liability coverage in force. The value of your equipment should fall within the cargo liability limits shown. Keep in mind certificates of insurance are not proof of insurance coverage. If you have specific coverage questions, ask for a copy of the policy.
• Review the motor carrier’s authority, safety record and accident records that are available from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can access a Company Snapshot that has a concise electronic record of a company’s identification, size, commodity information and safety record, including the safety rating (if any), a roadside out-of-service inspection summary, and crash information. You can access these records at no cost via the DOT’s Safety and Fitness Electronic Records System (SAFER) at www.safersys.org
• Will they use their own equipment and staff to make this delivery? It is common for motor carriers to use leased drivers and equipment to make trips or parts of trips. How many different hands will your equipment pass through? If the carrier uses leased drivers and equipment, how do they qualify these other carriers? Do they review motor vehicle records for the drivers, verify experience and check references?
• Does the carrier have any form of GPS monitoring of the truck, trailer or cargo?
• Do they have proper tie downs and load securement tools? Equipment must be properly secured to make the trip safely.
• What route will the shipment take? Are there any known theft hot spots along this route? What about low bridges, rail crossings and other potential caught in/between and under hazards? Knowing where the trouble spots are can help you avoid them.

Your equipment is the key to your profitability and production. Take care when entrusting it to a motor carrier for transportation. Selecting and qualifying the motor carrier should have the same importance as selecting an employee.

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This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you. The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC JAN 2019 10-340 H
171-0877 (11/13)

Hot work is defined as any operation that involves or generates open flames, sparks or heat that could become a fire hazard. Examples include cutting, welding, grinding, torch-applied roof covers, soldering, etc. A permit should be completed when conducting hot work operations outside a permanent designated area.

The permit should be completed by a person in charge, such as the supervisor, who should:

• Establish fire watch precautions
• Inspect the worksite and check the precaution before signing the permit authorizing the work and allowing the operation to proceed.

A continuous fire watch while the operation is active and for at least 30 minutes after work has ceased should be provided. The fire watch should include the immediate work area and the floor above and below. The fire watch should also be active if the work is temporarily stopped for a break or any other reason. Fire extinguishers and/or a charged small hose must be available in the fire watch areas. Fire watch person(s) must be trained to use fire extinguisher or hose and to sound the fire alarm.

For more information and a sample permit, download the attached Sample hot work permit.

Sample hot work permit checklist

Sprinklers are in service

Cutting and welding equipment in good repair/inspected

Precautions within 35 feet of work

Floors swept clean of combustibles

Combustible floors wet down, covered with damp sand or fire resistive material

Flammable liquids removed

Combustibles not removed protected with fire resistive tarpaulins or metal shields

All wall and floor openings covered with fire resistant tarpaulins or metal shields

Work on walls or ceilings

Fire resistive tarpaulins suspended beneath work

Enclosed equipment cleaned of all combustibles

Containers purged of flammable liquids or removed from area

Combustibles moved away from other side of wall

Construction is non-combustible, including coverings or insulation

Fire watch

Fire watch will be provided during and for at least 30 minutes after work is completed, and during all breaks.

Fire watch is supplied with suitable extinguishers or charged small fire hose.

Fire watch has been trained in the use of firefighting equipment and emergency procedures.

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This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC APR 2019-399
171-0987 (2/14)

Crime prevention on construction sites should be a major concern of all contractors. In some cases, the difference between making a profit and sustaining a loss on a job will relate to the contractor’s ability to control theft and vandalism on the site.

This page provides some suggestions on efforts to control job site security. While each site will present unique situations, the information provided can assist in identifying major sources of crime losses and implementing the measures for controlling these losses.

General

• Establish a written security policy.
• Develop a job site security plan.
• Assign supervisory security responsibilities.
• Encourage security awareness among all workers.
• Contact the police and fire departments before starting a job.
• Establish contact with adjoining properties — encourage them to report suspicious activities on the site.
• Require prompt reporting by workers of incidents of theft and vandalism.
• Report all losses to the police immediately.
• Maintain complete records of all security incidents.

On-site

• When possible, enclose the job site with a security fence.
• Provide for nighttime lighting of the site.
• Provide for limited access to the site at all times, preferably with lockable gates.
• Maintain a clear zone adjacent to fencing.
• Post warning signs to keep unauthorized persons off the site.
• Use only high-quality locks — never leave keys in locks, or leave locks in an open position.
• Check-out the site at the end of each day before securing it.
• Provide parking areas outside of the site for employees and visitors.
• Consider the use of security guards and have them patrol the site on designated rounds.

Equipment, tools, and materials

• Consider utilizing a secured area within the site for equipment storage.
• Maintain an inventory control system for all equipment, tools, and materials. Include photographs of equipment and expensive tools.
• Establish a program for verifying all deliveries.
• Mark all tools and equipment in a conspicuous, distinctive manner to allow for easy identification.
• Implement a check-out system for all tools and equipment. Post a sign stating, “ATTENTION! ALL TOOLS MUST BE SIGNED OUT.”
• Keep tools securely locked in storage trailers or sheds.
• Stamp all heavy equipment and attachments with an ID number. Provide warning signs on equipment indicating that ID numbers are recorded.
• Establish a supervisory key-control program for motorized equipment.
• Lock all equipment cabs during non-working hours.
• Immobilize equipment by disabling it or using anti-theft/anti-vandalism devices.
• Lock oil and gas tank caps where possible as a means of deterring vandalism.

Construction site security

• Park equipment centrally in a well-lighted, secure area.
• Schedule material deliveries to coincide with installation especially high-value materials.
• Provide a secure storage area for target building materials.
• Keep the on-site inventory of materials to a minimum.
• Store equipment, materials, and tools away from perimeter fencing.
• Remove equipment and materials from the site when no longer needed — do not use the site for storage.

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This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you. The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC JAN 2019 12‐297
171-0842 (1/14)

This checklist provides a questionnaire that can be used to evaluate the safe operation of construction jacks. These questions are based on guidance from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) general industry standard 29 CFR 1910.244, Other Portable Tools and Equipment, and OSHA’s construction standard 29 CFR 1926.305, Jacks-Lever and Ratchet, Screw, and Hydraulic.

Any questions answered with a “NO” should be investigated, policies and procedures analyzed, additional training provided, and the safest method of operation determined and communicated to all workers and supervisors.

 

Self-inspection checklist
Do the jacks in use have a rating sufficient to lift and sustain the loads?
Is the rated load for the jack legibly and permanently marked by casting, stamping or other suitable means in a prominent location on the jack?
In the absence of a firm foundation, is the base of the jack blocked or cribbed?
If the cap could slip, is a block placed between the cap and the load?
Do all jacks have a positive stop to prevent over-travel?
Are operators instructed to watch the stop indicator (which must be kept clean) in order to determine the limit of travel?
After a load has been raised by a jack, is it immediately cribbed, blocked, or otherwise secured, as required?
Are hydraulic jacks that are exposed to freezing temperatures supplied with adequate antifreeze liquid?
Are all jacks properly lubricated at regular intervals?
Is each jack thoroughly inspected at least on a yearly basis?
Are jacks that are used constantly or intermittently at one locality thoroughly inspected at least every six months?
Are jacks that are sent out on jobs thoroughly inspected when they are returned?
Are jacks that are subjected to abnormal loads or shock thoroughly inspected immediately before and after each use?
Are repair or replacement parts for jacks examined for defects before installation?
Are procedures in place to ensure that repairs are made on disabled jacks before they are used again?

Download a PDF here
 

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This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC JAN 2019 LC 12-295