4Core Energy & Maintenance Ltd.
Occupational Health and Safety Program
Chapter 4: Safe Work Practices and Procedures
4.0 Purpose and Scope
This chapter establishes the framework for safe work practices and operational procedures at 4Core Energy & Maintenance Ltd. Applies to all work activities at client facilities, shop, or field.
Key Principles: Pre-job planning mandatory; client site coordination required for off-site work; emergency response procedures understood before work begins; communication protocols ensure safety; when in doubt, stop and clarify.
Document References: Detailed step-by-step procedures maintained as separate controlled documents. This chapter establishes “WHAT must be done and WHY”; external procedures define “HOW to do it.”
4.1 Emergency Response Framework
4.1.1 Emergency Response Priorities
ALL emergencies follow this priority order: 1. LIFE SAFETY - Protect people first 2. STABILIZE - Prevent escalation 3. PROPERTY - Protect equipment and assets 4. ENVIRONMENT - Minimize environmental impact
If you cannot safely respond, evacuate and call for help. Do not become another victim.
4.1.2 General Emergency Response Procedure
- Assess: Safe to respond or evacuate? Emergency type? Immediate dangers?
- Alert: Alert others; call 911 if required; notify supervisor; activate emergency response team; notify client emergency coordinator
- Respond Within Training: Provide first aid if trained/safe; use fire extinguisher only for small fires with escape route; initiate non-entry rescue only if trained; stop spill source if safe; never exceed training or endanger yourself
- Evacuate if Necessary: Use nearest safe exit; assist others if safe; proceed to assembly point; account for workers; do not re-enter until authorized
- Secure and Report: Secure area; provide information to responders; report to supervisor immediately; complete incident report within 24 hours
4.1.3 Emergency Contacts
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| Fire/Ambulance/Police | 911 |
| WorkSafe BC (24-hour) | 1-866-922-4357 |
| Poison Control | 1-800-567-8911 |
| Spill Report Line (BC) | 1-800-663-3456 |
| Safety Officer | [Name and 24-hour contact] |
| Management On-Call | [Name and contact] |
| After-Hours Emergency | [Contact number] |
Client Site Contacts: Obtain and post client emergency numbers before work begins; identify client first aid attendants and emergency coordinators; know location of nearest hospital/medical facility.
4.1.4 Emergency Equipment
Minimum on every work site: First aid kit (appropriate to crew size/hazards); fire extinguisher (appropriate to hazards); emergency communication device; confined space rescue equipment (when performing CS work); spill containment materials (when working with hazardous materials); gas monitoring equipment (when atmospheric hazards may exist).
Equipment Requirements: Inspected before each job/shift; readily accessible (not locked/blocked); workers trained on use; maintained in working order; replaced after use or when expired.
4.1.5 Specific Emergency Procedures
Detailed emergency procedures maintained as separate documents: - Fire Emergencies: Fire prevention, extinguisher use, evacuation, fire watch (ER-001) - Medical Emergencies: First aid protocols, serious injury response, transportation, 911 communication (ER-002) - Confined Space Rescue: Non-entry rescue (preferred), entry rescue (trained team only), rescue equipment, emergency air (CS-002) - Hazardous Material Spills: Thermal oil spill response, chemical containment, cleanup, reporting (ER-003) - Evacuation: Routes, assembly points, accountability, re-entry authorization (Site-specific plans)
4.2 First Aid and Medical Emergency Response
4.2.1 First Aid Requirements
WorkSafe BC requires adequate first aid services based on: Number of workers per shift, nature of work/hazards, distance to medical facility, travel time to hospital.
4Core minimum requirements: - Low-Hazard (shop, office): Level 1 First Aid attendant; basic first aid kit - Field Work (client sites, CS, hot work): Level 2/3 First Aid attendant (depending on crew size/distance to hospital); intermediate/advanced first aid kit; communication device; vehicle for transportation (if >20 min from hospital)
First Aid Attendants: Designated in writing before work; current certification (OFA Level 1/2/3); refresher training per WorkSafe BC; information posted at work site.
First Aid Kits: Appropriate to crew size/hazards; WorkSafe BC Schedule 3-A compliant; inspected monthly, restocked after use; protected from contamination/damage; accessible always.
Specialized Equipment (based on hazards): Eyewash station (chemical exposure possible); emergency shower (body chemical exposure); burn treatment supplies (thermal oil work); AED (recommended for field crews).
4.2.2 Medical Emergency Response
Minor Injuries (cuts, bruises, minor burns): Administer first aid; report to supervisor; document in first aid log; monitor for delayed effects.
Serious Injuries/Illness - Call 911 immediately if: Unconsciousness or altered mental status; difficulty breathing or chest pain; severe bleeding or shock; suspected spinal injury; severe burns (chemical/thermal); heat stroke or severe hypothermia; acute chemical exposure.
Supervisor Notification: All injuries reported to supervisor immediately; supervisor assesses need for medical treatment; supervisor initiates incident investigation; WorkSafe BC notification if serious injury (see Chapter 9).
Transportation: Emergency (life-threatening): Call 911, do not move victim unless immediate danger, provide first aid within training, stay until emergency services arrive. Non-Emergency: Supervisor arranges transportation, first aid attendant may accompany, worker should not drive if injury affects ability, document time/location/nature.
Return to Work: Medical clearance required before returning to full duties; modified work assigned based on restrictions; regular communication with injured worker; gradual return to full duties as appropriate (See Return to Work Program if applicable).
4.3 Client Site Protocols
4.3.1 Pre-Job Planning and Coordination
Before work at any client site:
- Client Contact: Identify site contact and emergency coordinator; understand safety requirements/site rules; obtain required permits/authorizations; determine Prime Contractor designation; coordinate with other contractors
- Site-Specific Hazard Assessment: Site walkthrough with client rep; identify site-specific hazards; review emergency procedures/evacuation routes; locate emergency equipment; identify restricted areas/access requirements
- Documentation and Permits: Complete client safety orientation; obtain site access badges; submit: Certificate of Insurance, WorkSafe BC Clearance, SDS for materials, hot work permits, confined space permits, equipment certifications
- Communication Protocols: Exchange emergency contacts; establish communication methods (radio channels, phones); agree on coordination procedures; schedule safety check-ins; confirm who to contact for emergencies/questions/changes
4.3.2 Working Under Client Control
When client is Prime Contractor: Follow client safety program where it meets/exceeds our standards; highest standard wins - follow ours if more stringent (unless prohibited by contract); comply with client permit systems; attend client safety meetings; report incidents to client and 4Core management; stop work if unsafe (notify client and supervisor).
4Core retains authority over: Our workers’ safety and work refusal rights; our equipment/procedures; our training/competency requirements; incident investigation involving our workers; compliance with WorkSafe BC regulations.
4Core as Prime Contractor (rare): Responsible for overall site safety coordination; ensure all contractors follow safety requirements; coordinate work to prevent conflicts; maintain site emergency response capability; report incidents to WorkSafe BC (See Contractor Coordination Program, Section 3.21).
4.3.3 Client Site Compliance
Workers must: Complete client orientation before work; wear client-required PPE/identification; follow client access control/sign-in; obey client site rules/restricted area boundaries; use only designated smoking/break areas; park in assigned areas; maintain housekeeping standards.
Prohibited unless authorized: Photography/video recording; bringing unauthorized persons; removing client property; working in areas outside scope; disabling/bypassing client safety systems.
Utilities and Isolation: Before work affecting client systems: identify all energy sources (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, chemical); coordinate lockout with client; verify isolation with testing (zero energy verification); understand client lockout procedures/devices; use 4Core locks in addition to client locks (See Lockout/Isolation Program, Section 3.4).
4.4 Communication Protocols
4.4.1 Daily Communication
Morning Pre-Job Briefing (Toolbox Talk): Before work begins each day; led by supervisor or senior worker; 10-15 minutes; covers scope of work, specific hazards/controls, task assignments, equipment/PPE requirements, emergency procedures/contacts, questions/concerns; documented on daily tailboard form.
Continuous Communication During Work: Maintain visual/voice contact in high-hazard situations; confined space attendant maintains continuous contact with entrants; hot work fire watch maintains contact; working alone check-ins per schedule (Section 3.19); report changes in conditions immediately.
End-of-Day Debrief: Review work completed; discuss incidents/near misses/hazards; plan for next day; ensure site left safe and secure.
4.4.2 Supervisor and Worker Communication
Supervisors: Accessible during work hours (phone, radio, in person); respond to worker questions/concerns promptly; visit work sites regularly to verify compliance; provide clear work instructions/expectations; listen to worker feedback/safety concerns; escalate unresolved issues to management.
Workers: Report unsafe conditions immediately; ask questions when unclear; inform supervisor of changes in work scope/conditions; report all incidents/injuries/near misses; communicate equipment deficiencies; notify supervisor before leaving work site.
4.4.3 Emergency and Incident Communication
During emergencies: Clear, calm communication; state location and nature of emergency; provide specific information (number of people, injuries, hazards); follow established emergency contact procedures; do not tie up communication channels with non-emergency traffic.
Communication Devices: Cell phones (primary); two-way radios (when cell service unavailable or hands-free needed); satellite phones (remote locations); all devices charged/tested before shift; backup method available.
Immediate Notification (within 1 hour): Serious injuries or fatalities, dangerous incidents (near misses with high consequence), environmental spills/releases, confined space emergencies, fire/explosion. Notify: Supervisor, Safety Officer, Management.
Standard Reporting (within 24 hours): All other injuries requiring first aid/medical treatment, equipment damage/failure, property damage, safety concerns/hazards (See Chapter 9).
Client Communication: Daily: Notify arrival, confirm work area access/isolation status, report completion of critical tasks, communicate changes to scope/schedule, report incidents/near misses, notify before leaving. Formal: Pre-job safety meetings, permit applications/approvals, incident reports, safety documentation submissions, concerns/disputes escalated through proper channels.
4.5 Equipment Operating Procedures
4.5.1 General Equipment Safety
Before operating: Trained and authorized; conduct pre-use inspection; verify guards/safety devices in place/functional; review manufacturer instructions; understand emergency shutdown; wear required PPE.
During operation: Operate as designed and trained; do not defeat/bypass safety systems; maintain awareness of surroundings; stop immediately if abnormal conditions; do not leave running equipment unattended.
After operation: Shut down properly per manufacturer instructions; disconnect from power when required; clean and inspect; report defects/damage immediately; return to designated storage; complete post-use documentation if required.
4.5.2 Equipment-Specific Requirements
Detailed operating procedures maintained for: - Power Tools and Hand Tools: Inspection, use, maintenance, PPE requirements (See Safety Program) - Mobile Equipment: Pre-operation inspection, operator certification, safe operating practices (Section 3.11) - Welding/Cutting Equipment: Gas cylinder handling, hot work procedures, fire prevention (Section 3.2) - Fall Protection Equipment: Inspection/use, anchor point requirements, rescue procedures (Section 3.3) - Gas Monitoring Equipment: Bump testing/calibration, use/interpretation, maintenance (Section 3.1, GM-001) - Respiratory Protection Equipment: Selection, fit testing, use, inspection, maintenance, cartridge changes (Section 3.8)
Equipment Deficiencies: If defective/unsafe: remove from service immediately; tag “DO NOT USE” or “OUT OF SERVICE”; notify supervisor; document deficiency; do not use until repaired and inspected (See Preventive Maintenance Program, Section 3.16).
4.6 Work Planning and Permits
4.6.1 Pre-Job Planning
All work requires: - Scope definition: What, equipment/materials, duration, deliverables - Hazard assessment: What hazards, what could go wrong, controls needed, emergency procedures (See JHA process, Chapter 5) - Resource planning: Crew size/qualifications, equipment/tools, PPE, permits/authorizations, coordination - Communication: Who needs to know, client notification/permits, coordination with other trades, emergency contacts
4.6.2 Permit Systems
4Core Permits (when required): - Confined Space Entry Permit - All confined space entries - Hot Work Permit - Any cutting, welding, grinding, spark-producing work - Fall Protection Plan - Work at heights >3 meters - Lockout/Isolation Documentation - Energy isolation procedures
Client Permits: Obtain all required client permits before work; follow client permit systems/procedures; ensure workers understand permit requirements/limitations; display permits at work location.
Permit Validity: Valid only for work and conditions specified; expire when work complete or end of shift (whichever first); new permit required if conditions change; must be signed by authorized person before work begins.
4.6.3 Task Assignment and Competency
Supervisors verify: Workers qualified for assigned tasks; required certifications current; workers understand hazards/controls; workers have necessary equipment/PPE; work can be performed safely with crew assigned.
Workers: Only perform work trained and competent to do; ask questions if unsure; refuse work if lacking training/equipment; request supervision/assistance when needed.
4.7 Housekeeping and Site Organization
Work areas maintained: - Pathways: 1 meter minimum clear width, free of obstructions/trip hazards - Floors: Clean, dry, free of slip hazards (oil, grease, water, debris) - Tools/materials: Organized and stored when not in use - Waste: Removed regularly, not allowed to accumulate - Lighting: Adequate for tasks, minimum 50 lux
Specific Requirements: - Cords/hoses secured or covered - Combustible materials kept away from hot work (minimum 10 meters) - Access to emergency equipment clear - Exit routes/emergency equipment never blocked - Chemicals stored in proper containers with labels
Clean As You Go:
Workers: - Maintain work area throughout shift - Clean tools/equipment after use - Properly dispose waste - Return tools/materials to storage - Leave work area clean/safe at end of shift
Supervisors: - Verify housekeeping standards maintained - Inspect sites for hazards before leaving - Client sites left to client satisfaction or better - No materials/equipment left unsafe
Waste Management:
General waste: - Designated containers - Separate recyclables when required - Empty before overflow
Hazardous waste (thermal oil-contaminated materials, chemical waste, asbestos if encountered): - Contained in proper containers - Labeled - Stored in designated area - Disposed per regulations (See WHMIS Program Section 3.5 and client waste procedures)
See Chapter 2, Section 2.2 for detailed housekeeping standards.
4.8 Weather and Environmental Conditions
4.8.1 Extreme Weather Response
Work may be suspended due to:
| Condition | Threshold |
|---|---|
| High Winds | >40 km/h for work at heights, crane operations |
| Lightning | Within 10 km (30-second flash-to-bang) |
| Heavy Rain/Snow | Reduces visibility or creates slip hazards |
| Extreme Heat | >29°C WBGT (See Heat Stress Management, Section 3.9) |
| Extreme Cold | <-20°C or wind chill <-35°C (See Cold Stress Management, Section 3.9) |
| Poor Visibility | Fog, snow, dust reducing visibility below safe levels |
Decision Authority: Supervisor assesses conditions and determines if work can proceed safely; workers have right to refuse work in unsafe weather; client may impose additional weather restrictions.
4.8.2 Seasonal Considerations
Summer (Heat Stress): Increased hydration; frequent breaks in shade; adjust work schedules (early morning start); monitor for symptoms (Section 3.9).
Winter (Cold Stress): Cold-weather clothing and PPE; warm-up areas available; monitor for symptoms; ice/snow hazards addressed (Section 3.9).
Wildfire Season: Monitor air quality (PM2.5 levels); respiratory protection if air quality poor; evacuation planning if fire risk increases; client coordination for access restrictions.
4.9 Documentation and Records
4.9.1 Required Documentation
| Record Type | When Required | Retention |
|---|---|---|
| Toolbox Talk Form | Daily | 2 years |
| Confined Space Entry Permits | All entries | 2 years |
| Hot Work Permits | All hot work | 2 years |
| Gas Monitor Log | Bump tests, atmospheric readings | 2 years |
| Equipment Inspection Logs | Pre-use inspections | 2 years |
| First Aid Log | All first aid treatments | Employment + 2 years |
| Job File (client contact, site hazard assessment, client permits, SDS, equipment certs, training records, incident reports) | All projects | Project duration + 2 years |
Incident reports: Permanent (see Chapter 9)
4.10 Continuous Improvement
Lessons Learned: After significant projects/incidents: conduct debrief with crew; identify what went well and what could improve; document lessons learned; update procedures if necessary; share lessons with other crews.
Procedure Updates: Safe work procedures reviewed/updated after incidents/near misses, when new equipment/methods introduced, following regulatory changes, based on worker feedback, during annual program review.
Update Process: Safety Officer evaluates need; draft changes developed with worker input; management approval obtained; workers trained on changes before implementation; revised procedures distributed and old versions removed.
Document Control
Chapter 4: Safe Work Practices and Procedures
| Version | Date | Author | Approved By | Next Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | [Date] | Safety Officer | Management | [Date + 1 year] |
Revision History:
| Version | Date | Description of Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | [Date] | Initial release |
END OF CHAPTER 4