News/Press Releases

Conveyor

• May 2008 Conveyor

Conveyor Currents

Below is the current copy of CGFA's Conveyor Currents

IN THIS EDITION: (click here).

• EPA Denies Texas RFS Waiver
• Congressional Energy Battle Sides Drawn
• USDA to Revisit CRP Early-Out Decision
• All 50 US Governors Sign Letter Demanding Extension of Renewable Energy Tax Break
• Monsanto Puts BST on the Block
• EPA Revises Pesticide Application, Tolerance Fees
• U.S. -Mexican Truck Program Extended for Two Years
• COOL Expected to Cost $2.5 Billion in First Year
• E-Verify Bill Passes House
• In Memory

• FDA Actions on New Bioterrorism Legislation

Safety Articles

Cal/OSHA Injury Summary - Log 300

OVERVIEW
At times, our processing members may contract with outside parties to perform repair, maintenance and capital improvement work on various equipment and facilities. In today's regulatory environment, members should be concerned about the potential liability exposure created by outside contractors.

The following checklist is provided to assist you with ensuring that you and your outside contractors are adequately prepared before commencing a project.

INSURANCE

•  Workers' compensation insurance policy on file
•  General liability insurance policy on file
•  Performance bond(s) on file

COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE REGULATORY AGENCIES

• Building permits (if required)
•  Fire department approval (if required)
•  Air permits (if required)
•  Wastewater permits (if required)

SAFETY FOR CONTRACTOR AND COMPANY EMPLOYEES

General Requirements

• Use or transportation of alcohol, drugs, etc. on company premises prohibited
• Observe facility "no smoking" policies.
•  Fire alarms, fire extinguishers, eyewash stations and showers should be kept clear of any obstructions.
•  Horseplay and practical jokes are prohibited.
•  No machinery should be operated without proper guards. 
•  Facility lockout/tagout policies and procedures are to be followed at all times.
•  Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as necessary (review company policies).
• Follow all safety rules for the areas and operations affected.

Specific Requirements

In order to help protect the host employer and outside contractors from injury, it is essential that the following requirements be strictly adhered to:

Before work commences, the contractor's superintendent/foreman must meet with the plant manager in order to demonstrate how the contractor's compliance with company safety programs will be accomplished and monitored.

• The company will assign a responsible and qualified person to oversee the contractor's activities for compliance with company and regulatory safety requirements.
• Permission must be obtained from facility management prior to commencing work in any area of company premises.
• Contractor shall supply adequate tools and equipment for the safe performance of activities.
• All electrical equipment used on-site must be in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
•  All scaffolds must have toeboards, midrails, and handrails as indicated in Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations.
•  Compressed gas cylinders must be stored in an upright position and secured in place away from any source of heat or flame.  Keep compressed gas cylinders outside of operating buildings except by special permission.
•  No welding, torching, cutting, or grinding is permitted unless contractor fully complies with company and regulatory hot work permit requirements.
•  Contractor's work area must be roped or taped off when slip, trip, or fall hazards exist.
• All passageways, operating areas and roadways must be kept clear of obstructions or trip hazards.
• Containers used for gasoline must have an Underwriters' Laboratories or Factory Mutual Laboratories label.
• Contractors are expected to keep their work area neat and orderly at all times.  All spilled or scattered materials should be cleaned up as the job progresses.
• Company employees are not allowed to use contractor's ladders, scaffolds, tools or other equipment at any time.  This condition may be waived if the contractor's superintendent and company management agree.

Minimum Training Requirements

The following training requirements must be facility and job-specific:

•  Company and Contractor's General Safety Rules
•  Motorized Equipment Operations (i.e. forklifts, loaders, scissor lifts, cranes)
•  Hazard Communication (Chemical Safety)
•  Lockout/Tagout
•  Respiratory Protection
•  Confined Space Entry and Rescue
•  Hot Work Permits
•  Fall Protection
•  Evacuation Procedures

Disclaimer

The information contained herein ("Guide") was compiled by the California Grain and Feed Association ("Association") from various sources for use by Association members.  Every effort has been made to provide the most accurate and current information available.  However, the Association makes no warranties regarding the information contained in the Guide or the applicability of such information to a particular operation. The Association specifically disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties or merchantability and fitness for a particular use.  The Association does not warrant that the information contained in the materials will be error-free or that defects will be corrected. This Guide is not intended as legal advice and is intended for informational purposes only.  Nothing in this Guide is intended to replace a member's own technical experts or legal advisors, and the Association encourages each member to consult such professionals before implementing specific procedures.  This Guide is not intended, nor should it be interpreted, to create an industry-wide standard against which members will be measured, regardless of whether they choose to follow any or all of the suggestions in the Guide.  The Association may update the materials in this Guide from time to time, but the Association does not accept or undertake any responsibility to update the information provided in this Guide on a regular basis or at all.