OBJECTIVE

The objective of this policy is to clarify the requirements for contractor safety when working for the University of Florida.

POLICY

Outside contractors shall insure that all activities carried out on behalf of the University or on University property are in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local regulations (OSHA, EPA, FDEP) pertaining to worker and site safety.

The successful contractor shall have a written health and safety program that outlines safe work practices and procedures expected to be followed by workers and shall have it available for review by the University’s project manager or by representatives of the Environmental Health and Safety Division upon request. Project managers and superintendents/supervisors shall have obtained an OSHA 30-hour Construction Safety Outreach Training card within 5 years of the date of the applicable project. The contractor is solely responsible for insuring that all workers have received any required safety related training. Training documentation shall be made available for review upon request.

The successful contractor shall have a competent person or persons as defined by OSHA 29CFR1926.32(f) on the job site to monitor hazardous work activities such as, but not limited to, crane operations, electrical safety, excavations, fall protection, scaffolding and confined space entry.

The successful contractor shall have an up to date Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for all chemical products used on the job site. The SDSs shall be readily accessible to all project workers and to University staff on request. If the use of any chemical product has the potential for harmful exposure to University of Florida staff, students or visitors, the Environmental Health and Safety Office shall be notified and exposure controls will be discussed prior to the use of that chemical product.

Outside contractors shall manage all Hazardous Substances (as herein defined) used or generated on University property in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws and the University’s Hazardous Material Management Guide. If Hazardous Substances are used, stored generated or disposed of in violation of federal or state law or the University’s policy or if the University’s property becomes contaminated in any manner through acts or omissions of the successful contractor, the successful contractor shall be responsible for any and all necessary actions, investigation, citations, fines, remediation, monitoring, restoration, clean-up or decontamination required to return the University’s property to condition existing prior to the presence of any such Hazardous Substance in accordance with all applicable laws.

As used herein, “Hazardous Substance” is defined as any substance that is toxic, ignitable, reactive or corrosive or that is regulated by any local government, the State of Florida or the United States government. “Hazardous Substance” includes any and all material or substances that are defined as “hazardous waste,” “extremely hazardous waste,” or a “hazardous substance” pursuant to State, Federal or local government law. “Hazardous Substance” includes but is not restricted to asbestos, polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), and petroleum. The obligations of the outside contractor contained in this paragraph shall survive the termination of this agreement.

AUTHORITY

By authority delegated from the University President, the Vice-President for Business Affairs is responsible for the safety of all University facilities. Under this authority, policies are developed to provide a safe teaching, research, service, housing and recreational environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Environmental Health and Safety

To review this policy on an annual basis.

Divisions

To include this policy in the contracts of all outside contractors.

Training Resources

UF Treeo OSHA Courses

UF Treeo Center is a great resource if contractors are looking for some OSHA training. Click on the link above to view their courses, schedule, or to register.