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GENERAL GUIDELINES AND SAFETY RULES
General Guidelines
It is the goal of the Energy Group Inc. to plan and manage all projects in a manner that minimizes risk and enhances efficiency.
The Energy Group places its number one priority on the safety of our workers and job sites. Energy Group management will provide all employees with an overview of Energy Group Safety requirements. Each employee will comply with all federal, state and local regulations; and any safety requirements Energy Group has listed pertinent to the job. The standard safety practices for the client industry and client safety policies and procedures shall also be followed. The employees shall conduct operations in a manner which shall prevent personal injury and property damage through fires, accidents or otherwise. To this end Energy Group shall furnish, at no cost, all: required personal protective equipment and devices unless specified otherwise by contract.

All Subcontractors are also bound by the same requirements as the employees.

It is the purpose of Safety Management to prevent or minimize the consequences of all accidents. This includes: injury, property damage, equipment failure, theft, fire, hazardous material releases and environmental damage.

Energy Group reserves the right to stop all work, at any time job conditions occur, which would endanger personnel or property should such work continue.

Safety Responsibilities
The development of the Energy Group Safety Program is directly the responsibility of the Safety Director. Responsibility for implementing the program is directed through the: Manager, Supervisor, General Foreperson, and each Crew Foreman to establishing safety as an integral part of crew operation.

• All employees are responsible for protection of themselves, fellow employees and company property.
• All company safety rules, as well as those of the system owner, SHALL be followed as a condition of continued employment.
• All safety rule violation will result in disciplinary action, which may include time off or termination of employment.
Safety Director
• Develops safety policies for the corporation.
• Directs and coordinates safety audits of field operations.
• Monitors and assures compliance with regulatory agency safety and develops safety related training materials.
• Directs the investigation of fatal and serious accidents.
• Evaluates the quality and effectiveness of safety programs.

Manager and Supervisor
• Implements company safety policies and procedures.
• Develops safety standards and goals.
• Communicates safety management responsibilities to General Foremen.
• Implements the development of employee safety training program and written disciplinary programs.
• Directs safety program audit activity.
• Reviews injury reports, property damage claims, auto accidents reports, and accident investigation reports. Insures that personal protective equipment, tools, and equipment satisfy company standards.
• Assures required annual inspection of vehicles and equipment by a qualified inspector.
• Evaluates General Foremen safety performance.

General Foreman
• Implements the safety program.
• Ensures that Crew Foremen and crew members are properly trained on Safety policies, proper use of tools and equipment, and work procedures.
• Communicates the safety policies to Crew Foremen and clearly defines Crew Foreman safety program responsibilities. Audits crew operations for compliance with safety rules.
• Assures that all required manuals and other documents are maintained on company vehicles.
• Investigates all accidents.
• Disciplines employees according to policy.

Crew Foreman
• Implements safety policies and procedures and trains crew members in company safety policies and work procedures.
• Performs a job site hazard evaluation and job briefing for each work site before work begins.
• Observes work activity on the job and corrects unsafe acts and/or conditions.
• Inspects and maintains equipment and tools as required.
• Repairs or replaces damaged or unsafe tools and equipment.
• Thoroughly explains safety materials and documents.
• Reports accidents immediately to the General Foreperson and completes written reports as required. Disciplines employees who violate safety rules according to policy.

Crew Member
• SHALL be aware of the hazards of a job and SHALL see that the job is completed in a safe efficient manner, using proper safety equipment/tools, in their proper respective manner.
• Learns and complies with all safety policies, procedures and work methods during all operations.
• Participates in the job briefing and asks for clarification, if they do not understand.
• Inspects tools and equipment before use.
• Does not use damaged or unsafe tools and equipment.
• Reports and/or corrects unsafe conditions.
• Immediately reports accidents to the Crew Foreman.

Personal Responsibility and Conduct
The establishment of a safe and productive working environment is a team effort that involves all employees. Each employee is expected to contribute to this atmosphere of working safely and together. Employees are not only responsible for working safely to protect themselves, but also fellow employees and the public.
• Alertness and having your mind on the job at hand is expected.
• Only employees qualified to do the job SHALL be allowed to perform the work.
• Employees who are ill or unfit to work SHALL not be allowed to work.
• Illegal drug and alcohol use SHALL be prohibited on company property and at the work site.
• Employees suffering from the effects of drug or alcohol use SHALL not be allowed on the job.
• Proper clothing and shoes for their job SHALL be the responsibility of the employee.
• If an employee needs assistance the employee SHOULD ask another employee first and NEVER ask anyone from the general public.
• Horseplay of any type SHALL not be allowed on the job. Such actions SHALL be grounds for discipline, which may include but not be limited to time off or termination.

Public Relations
• Each employee is a direct representative of the company in the field.
• The employee's actions influence what the public sees and thinks of the company. Remember that often only the bad that is seen is remembered
• All employees must always do their best to project themselves and the company in a positive manner.
• Many employees do not interact well with the public and should keep this in mind when around or dealing with the public.
• If a situation feels uncomfortable, delegate another employee to handle it.
• If it starts to become a heated issue back off and refer the problem back to a supervisor.
• Always be polite and remember that if it were not for the customer, we would not have the job at hand. Employees will find that more can be accomplished with cooperation achieved through a kind word than through heated emotions.
• Employees SHALL disregard any disrespectful comments made towards them or the company. Continue doing the job in a safe professional manner, ignoring anything that is said.
• Remember that the customer is a human being also. Many times, their anger is more at the situation at hand and not the employee directly. During storm work, remember the customer may have been without power for several hours or days. This is a time when everyone's temper and nerves are on edge.
• If the situation is such that an employee can foresee it getting out of hand, back off and contact supervision to deal with the problem. Never force the issue.

Insider Information
Each Employee has an individual responsibility to safeguard confidential information, that has been obtained in connection with, his or her employment. Confidential information about Company business is the property of the Company and may be used or disclosed to an authorized person, only in the discharge of the Employee's responsibilities. Confidential information includes: all significant financial and operating information, such as proposed or advance plans, service contracts, construction of facilities, earnings, dividends, trade secrets, employee personal information, managerial changes, organizational changes, and customer information.
Internal Reports Documents and Records
All reporting should be prepared honestly and with care and should present an accurate and complete picture of the facts. All Employees are required to maintain true and accurate records of business transactions for which they are responsible.

Smoking
• Smoking and/or open flames are prohibited in all areas so designated and marked or areas where dangerous gases might be present as; acetylene storage areas, oil rooms, hydrogen areas, or other similar areas.
• Smoking is not permitted in: storerooms, battery rooms, combustible material areas, flammable liquid storage and any other such areas.
• Areas or a room not marked with "No Smoking'' signs do not excuse the use of open flames or smoking in dangerous areas.

SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN ANY COMPANY FACILITY EXCEPT IN PERMITTED AREAS SO MARKED AND DESIGNATED AS “SMOKING AREA”

Fire Safety and Prevention
Fire Prevention/Protection Policy is intended to provide compliance with all related regulation and standard safe work practice. The purpose of the policy is to prevent fires and to provide guidelines for action in the event that a fire does occur.
Fire prevention program combines the following policies:
• PPE Policy
• Electrical Safety Policy
• Emergency Action Plan
These policies encompass methods used for incidence avoidance, incident response and specialized training required in the event of a fire.
Issues addressed in the above policies include, but are not limited to:
• Evacuation Procedure
• Extinguisher Training
• Basic Process Safety Training (if applicable)
• Hot Work Safety Training (if applicable)
• Confined Space Entry Safety Training (if applicable)
• Emergency Life Support Training
• Respiratory Protective Devices Training (if applicable)
• Assured Grounding Programs
Employees shall be informed of the proper actions to take in the event of a fire. This includes, but is not limited to; notification and evacuation procedures. It is STRESSED that at no time does the task of fighting fire supersede an employee's primary duties of:
• Ensuring their own personal safety and the safety of others.
• Reporting the incident to the proper authority and ensuring personnel accountability for yourself and all subordinates at the jobsite, in accordance with company and client policy.
Fire Safety Procedure:
• All employees are responsible for good housekeeping practices to enhance fire prevention methods. Supervisors will be held accountable for the housekeeping of their job sites.
• If applicable, welding machine mufflers will be equipped with an approved spark arresting muffler.
• Only approved containers will be used during fueling operations. These shall be of the self-closing type.
• Flammable material shall be kept under the control. It shall be stored in compliance with applicable OSHA and client regulations. The quantity of flammable/combustible material shall be kept to a minimum on the job site.
• Welding, cutting and grinding sparks shall be contained.
• Hot work areas shall be kept wetted down, and a fire extinguisher and hose maintained on each jobsite.
• Oily rags shall be immediately disposed of in designated hazardous waste containers.
• No hot work is to be performed without a Hot Work Permit.
• All vehicle entry into process areas requires a permit or permission from the operator.
• Use bonding straps to discharge and prevent static charges during transfer of flammable liquids from one container to another.
• Report all spills or suspicious odors immediately.
• Fire extinguishers are to be kept in areas easily accessible to employees. Only approved fire extinguishers are to be used. They must have an inspection tag attached. Extinguishers are to be maintained in a fully charged, ready to operate state. Extinguishers are to be inspected before each use and documented annually. Training is provided to all employees who use or may use fire extinguishers.
• NEVER put yourself or others a risk while attempting to extinguish an incipient fire.
• DO NOT USE any fire hoses larger than 1-3/4”, unless fully trained as an industrial firefighter.
• NEVER attempt to extinguish a pressurized-fuel fed fire.
• DO NOT direct a fire nozzle with a straight stream at any type of LPG fire. This action could extinguish the fire, producing an LPG vapor cloud capable of detonation.
• DO NOT USE fire monitors as the force can damage small equipment and certain high chrome alloy equipment cannot have water applied as cracking could occur.
• DO NOT APPLY water to any acid or caustic release as it can cause a violent reaction. Additionally, low concentration acids or caustics become extremely corrosive, causing an increasing leak condition.
Some locations within our operations such as repair shops contain potential fire hazards and have been designated as NO SMOKING areas. In addition, all offices, company vehicles or equipment and other enclosed work areas have been designated as NO SMOKING areas through the Company’s SMOKING POLICY. It is your responsibility to know these locations and comply with the Company’s SMOKING POLICY. Refer to the Employee Manual for additional details and information.
Fire Prevention:
• All exits and fire equipment must be kept visible and free of obstructions.
• Do not smoke or have open flames in designated NO SMOKING areas.
• Do not smoke or have open flames around gasoline, parts cleaners, fuel oil, greases, or other combustible or flammable materials or while fueling equipment.
• Equipment powered by gasoline engines must be turned off during refueling.
• Use only approved containers for handling and storing combustible and flammable liquids.
• Immediately replace any cap from a flammable liquid container after use.
• Take safeguards during welding, cutting and grinding operations: inspect the area and know where sparks from the operations are going. Always have a Fire Extinguisher nearby to protect combustibles in the work area. Always check the work area afterwards to make sure no fire has developed.
• Parts cleaning covers must be kept closed on all parts stations when not in use.
• Gasoline or diesel may not be used for cleaning parts or equipment nor applied to the skin as a cleaner.
• Know the location of fire extinguishers and how to use them. Be certain to use the proper extinguisher.
• Never return an empty or partially used fire extinguisher to its station. Tag it and turn it in for recharging. Report all extinguishers that have broken seals so it can be replaced.
• Fire Extinguishers must be inspected and initialed on the tag once a month.
• In case of a fire, call 911. If appropriate, attempt to extinguish the fire.
Fire Fighting: Most fires, if detected early, can be put out with a hand-held fire extinguisher. However, must be trained to fight a fire and must use good common sense before attacking a fire. If there is any possibility of the fire getting out of control, then the employee should immediately exit the facility per the established fire escape route. Protecting Company property is never a priority and Should NEVER be done at the expense of employee safety.
• Be sure you know how to operate your fire extinguisher and know the proper technique for fighting fires.
• Be sure you have an unobstructed escape route should you fail to extinguisher the fire.
• Know what materials are burning and be sure the extinguisher you are using is capable of fighting the fire. IMPORTANT! USING THE WRONG TYPE OF EXTINGUISHER FOR THE CLASS OF FIRE MAY BE DANGEROUS!
• Consider the possible danger posed by hazardous or highly flammable materials near the fire area.
• Determine if a fire extinguisher is capable of extinguishing the magnitude of the fire.
It is reckless to fight a fire under any other circumstances. Instead, leave immediately, closing all doors leading to the fire area as you exit. Call 911 or follow the posted emergency procedures.
Fire Extinguishers: Fire extinguishers are tested by independent testing laboratories and are labeled for the type of fire they are intended to extinguish. There are four classes of fires. All fire extinguishers are labeled, using standard symbols, for the classes of fires they can be used to fight. A red slash through any of the symbols tells you the extinguisher cannot be used on that class of fire.
Class A Fires – Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, and paper.
Class B Fires – Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and oil-based paint.
Class C Fires – Energized electrical equipment – including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery, and appliance.
Class D Fires – Combustible metals – such as magnesium or sodium. Extinguishers for Class D fires must match the type of metal that is burning.
WARNING:
It is very dangerous to use water or an extinguisher labeled only for Class A fires on an oil, grease or electrical fire.
Types of Fire Extinguishers: Depending on their intended use, portable fire extinguishers store specific extinguishing agents which are expelled onto the fire when used.
• Pressurized water models are appropriate to use on Class A fires only. These must never be used on electrical or flammable liquid fires.
• Carbon dioxide extinguishers contain pressurized liquid carbon dioxide which turns to a gas when expelled. Do not come in contact with the gas as it may freeze your skin. These models are rated for use on Class B and C fires, but never hesitate to use carbon dioxide extinguishers on a Class A Fire. Carbon dioxide is not corrosive.
• Dry chemical extinguishers blanket burning materials with powdered chemicals. In some models, the chemicals are expelled by pressure supplied by a separate gas filled cartridge. The dry chemicals used are corrosive.
• In general, Pike Industries, Inc utilizes multi-purpose dry chemical extinguishers which are appropriate for fighting Class A, B, and C fires. Every effort should be made to purchase multipurpose extinguishers.
How to Operate a Portable Fire Extinguisher: Keep you back to an exit and depending on the size of the extinguisher, start 10 to 20 feet away from the fire and follow the following PASS procedure.
• Pull the pin. This unlocks that operation lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers may have other lever-release mechanisms.
• Aim low. Point the extinguisher hose (or nozzle) at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever above the handle. This discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge.
• Sweep form side to side. Moving carefully toward the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out. Watch the fire area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process. Always be sure the fire department inspects the fire site, even if you think you’ve extinguished the fire.
WARNING:
Portable fire extinguishers discharge faster than most people think – many within 15-30 seconds. If you are unsuccessful in controlling the fire, leave the area at once.
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance: Fire extinguishers shall be periodically inspected and maintained. In general, one employee from each location is assigned the responsibility of performing monthly inspections. As part of the monthly site inspections, such individuals must check to ensure that the:
• Pin is in and secured.
• Extinguisher is fully charged.
• Hose is free of obstructions.
• The yearly inspection tag is intact.
To document that the mandatory monthly inspection was performed, the employee performing the inspection will date and initial the back of the yearly inspection log in the block when the monthly inspection was performed.
An annual inspection of the fire extinguisher is also required. The yearly inspection is a more detailed evaluation of the condition and functionality of the fire extinguisher and this inspection is generally conducted by an outside vendor. If a fire extinguisher is identified to be more than 12 months beyond its last annual inspection than the employee should tag and bring the extinguisher to his/her supervisor and replace the extinguisher with one that is ready for service.
Should you become aware of a fire extinguisher which is not in compliance with these requirements, notify your supervisor immediately.

Housekeeping
• Each employee SHALL be responsible for keeping work area free from slip or trip hazards. Company vehicles SHALL be kept clean and orderly.
• Walkways, stairways, safety routes, or passageways SHALL be kept clear and open from obstruction.
• Any housekeeping problems that may pose a potential hazard SHALL be reported to supervision for immediate care.
• Good housekeeping is EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY. A moment of the employee’s time is all it takes, in most cases.

Work Area Protection
• Proper warning SHALL be given to protect: employees, pedestrians and drivers of vehicles, from jobs that result in partial obstruction of street, sidewalks, entryways, roads or highways.
• Barricades, flags, flagmen, lights, flares, danger signs, and safety cones SHALL be used and placed to pre-warn the public.
• Traffic control equipment SHALL be used as required by local, county, state, and federal regulations.
• Illumination at night or during periods of low visibility SHALL be used on the job site.
• When possible, a vehicle SHALL be used to protect work area and employees from vehicular traffic.
• Some areas may need to be roped off for additional protection for the public.
• Extra precautions SHALL be taken for the protection of children or bystanders near the work area.
• In some cases, it may be necessary to have a crew member act as a watchman and direct safe passage for children or the public around the work area.
• Tools and equipment SHOULD be kept off the sidewalk and roadways.
• Any object that extends 3 feet or more beyond the end of a vehicle SHALL have a red flag or warning light hung on the end of the object

Severe Weather Conditions
Employees may be exposed to extreme or severe weather conditions. This may include severe storms, hot, sunny days during the summer months and cold, snowy days during the winter months. Precautions should be taken to minimize the effects of these extreme conditions on your body. It is the Energy Group policy that line clearance work is NOT permitted in severe weather conditions. If surprised by sudden occurrence of severe weather, take shelter immediately to the safety of your crew truck or a safe building nearby and notify your supervisor immediately of the severe weather and your location.
Storms/Tornados/Hurricanes:
Employees may be unexpectedly exposed to severe weather when working. It is extremely important for all employees to be aware of the weather conditions. If there is any evidence of severe weather conditions, the following actions are required by all employees:
• When a thunder storm approaches or simply bad weather is in your area, outdoor employees must stop work and remove themselves from outdoor operations such as line clearance, line construction, traffic coordinating or any outdoor work activity. Immediately seek the shelter of a vehicle, an office building or garage or warehouse. Immediately let your supervisor know where you are located, when taking refuge from a storm. The supervisor is the only person allowed to signal “all clear” to return to work after the storm has passed.
• When a tornado warning is in your area or the conditions are ripe for tornados such as severe weather, outdoor employees must stop work and remove themselves from outdoor operations such as line clearance, line construction, traffic coordinating or any outdoor work activity.
• In the open outdoors: If possible, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If not, lie flat and face-down on low ground, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Get as far away from trees and cars as you can; they may be blown onto you in a tornado.
• In a car or truck: Vehicles are extremely risky in a tornado. There is no safe option when caught in a tornado in a car, just slightly less-dangerous ones. If the tornado is visible, far away, and the traffic is light, you may be able to drive out of its path by moving at right angles to the tornado. Seek shelter in a sturdy building, or underground if possible. If you are caught by extreme winds or flying debris, park the car as quickly and safely as possible -- out of the traffic lanes. Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat, or other cushion if possible. If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, leave your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands. Avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which can create deadly traffic hazards while offering little protection against flying debris.
• In a building: Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building -- away from glass and on the lowest floor possible. Then, crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter, and if not crowded, allow you to get to a lower level quickly. Stay off the elevators; you could be trapped in them if the power is lost. It is important for employees in this situation to remain in a secure portion of the building until the severe weather has passed. Immediately let your supervisor know where you are located when taking refuge from a storm. Tornado conditions do not dissipate quickly, therefore there will not be any return to work in the situation of a Tornado Warning or a Tornado Watch. Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states. Tornado Warning: Take Action! A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. The supervisor must notify the executing manager, the General Forman and the Safety Manager when a Tornado is suspected in your area.
• Hurricanes are large severe weather events that are easily tracked by the weather service. No employee should ever be surprised by a hurricane approaching their work area. The Company will track these hurricane events closely and coordinate actions needed for any employee exposed to a hurricane affected area. We will NEVER allow an employee to work in hurricane conditions. We may sometimes be requested to support hurricane affected areas to help the community clear roadways and restore power lines. Employees will not be required to work storms such as hurricane affected areas. If an employee volunteers to work a hurricane affected area, then specific and detailed directions will be provided to each
employee.

Stretching
Much of the work that our employees perform is considered heavy manual labor. Stretching prior to performing manual labor has been shown to ready your muscles and thereby reduce stresses and strains on your body. Energy Group encourages stretching and suggests that all operational personnel perform stretching exercises prior to the start of their shift and office/administrative personnel perform stretching exercises during the course of each day. It is also recommended that if operate equipment or sit for an extended period of time (90 minutes or more) that you should perform stretching exercises periodically throughout the day.

Safe Lifting
A significant source of back injuries, muscle strains and other injuries is a result of improperly lifting awkward, bulky or heavy loads. Always get help from a fellow employee or use a mechanical aid (forklift, crane, hand truck, etc.) whenever lifting large loads. If you must lift material manually, observe the following techniques:
• Plan your lift in advance. Make sure that your path of travel is clear and free from obstructions and other trip hazards.
• Approach the load and size it up (weight, size and shape). Consider your physical ability to handle the load. If you are unsure if you are able to lift the load, get help.
• No one may lift more than 40 lbs alone or without mechanical assistance.
• Spread your feet apart to make yourself more stable; one foot may be placed ahead of the other.
• Keep the object close to you.
• Keep your back straight, your chin in and bend your knees to the degree that is comfortable. Avoid bending at the waist.
• Get a good handhold on the object.
• Lift the load straight up smoothly and evenly. Push with your legs, keep the load close to your body and keep your back straight.
• Make the lift in a smooth motion. Jerky lifts double the stress on the body.
• Lift the object into the carrying position, making no turning or twisting movements until the lift is completed. Never turn at the waist.
• Once you have looked over your path of travel to make sure it is clear, turn your body by changing the positing of your feet. Stack material (in your arms, hand truck, etc.) in such a manner as to permit a full view of where you are walking.
• Setting the load down is just as important as picking it up. Use your legs; comfortably lower the load by bending your knees. When the load is securely positioned, release your grip.

Safety Watchers
The foreman or supervisor SHALL determine if the work and or area is hazardous enough to warrant the need of a safety watcher. The watcher SHALL not be assigned any other work duties and SHALL not leave the work area until relieved.

Hazard Communication
When personnel handle potentially hazardous materials, they are required to have Hazard Communication Training. This training includes a review of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for pesticides and for other hazardous materials, plus a review of safety precautions, first aid measures and personal protective equipment required for safe handling of these materials. All hazardous material shall be stored and transported in labeled containers.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) shall be available at work sites the material is being used, in vehicles used to transport them and locations where they are being stored.
Information from the SDS data sheets will be used for emergency response and provided over the phone when calling 911. It is important to know where to find the SDS.
Hazardous Condition Reporting
If damage to client facilities, a hazardous condition, outage, downed power line or a security breach is discovered (or created) it shall immediately be reported to the customer, following the procedures defined in the customer agreement. The customer shall also immediately be informed of any unique hazards created by the Energy Group work process. All crews shall be informed of the client reporting and notification procedures.