EM 385-1-1: What You Need to Know About the Safety and Health Requirements Manual
If you are involved in any construction or engineering project related to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) or other federal agencies, you need to be familiar with EM 385-1-1. This manual prescribes the safety and health requirements for all Corps of Engineers activities and operations, as well as USACE contracts and those administered on behalf of USACE. In this article, we will explain what EM 385-1-1 is, why it is important, how to access and download it, and what are some of the key requirements and compliance issues that you need to know.
Introduction
What is EM 385-1-1 and who needs it?
EM 385-1-1 is the Safety and Health Requirements Manual developed by the USACE. It details the safety and health standards and regulations that apply to all Corps of Engineers activities and operations, whether accomplished by military, civilian, or contractor personnel. The manual also implements and supplements the safety and health requirements of other federal agencies, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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EM 385-1-1 is applicable to anyone who works on or oversees a project related to the USACE or other federal agencies, such as:
Construction contractors under the provisions of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.236-13
Service, supply, and research and development contractors
Hazardous, toxic, and radioactive waste site investigation, design, or remediation contractors
USACE employees, military personnel, and subcontractors
What are the main features and benefits of EM 385-1-1?
EM 385-1-1 is a comprehensive manual that covers all aspects of safety and health for USACE projects. Some of the main features and benefits of EM 385-1-1 are:
It provides clear guidance and best practices for preventing accidents, injuries, illnesses, and fatalities
It ensures compliance with federal laws, regulations, policies, and standards
It promotes a culture of safety and health among all stakeholders
It reduces risks, liabilities, costs, and delays associated with safety and health issues
It enhances the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of USACE projects
How to access and download EM 385-1-1 PDF?
You can access and download a copy of the complete EM 385-1-1 PDF from the USACE Official Publications website. The current version of the manual is dated September 15, 2008. However, you should also check for any interim changes (changes made between publication of new editions) that may affect your project. You can find the latest changes on the USACE Safety and Occupational Health Office website. You can also subscribe to receive email notifications of any updates or revisions to EM 385-1-1.
EM 385-1-1 Requirements and Compliance
General safety and health requirements
The first part of EM 385-1-1 covers the general safety and health requirements that apply to all USACE projects. These include: Accident prevention plan
Every contractor must prepare and submit an accident prevention plan (APP) to the USACE contracting officer for approval before starting any work. The APP is a document that describes how the contractor will comply with EM 385-1-1 and other applicable safety and health requirements. The APP must include the following elements:
A safety and health policy statement
An organizational chart and responsibilities of key personnel
A list of applicable safety and health standards and regulations
A hazard analysis and risk assessment for each phase of work
A description of the safety and health training program
A description of the inspection and audit program
A description of the accident reporting and investigation program
A description of the emergency response plan
A description of the subcontractor control program
Any site-specific safety and health requirements or procedures
Safety and health training
All personnel involved in USACE projects must receive adequate safety and health training to perform their duties safely and competently. The contractor is responsible for providing the necessary training to its employees, subcontractors, and visitors. The training must cover the following topics:
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The contents and requirements of EM 385-1-1 and the APP
The recognition, evaluation, and control of hazards
The use, care, and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE)
The proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste
The emergency procedures and first aid measures
The reporting and investigation of accidents and incidents
Any other relevant safety and health topics specific to the project or task
Personal protective equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is any device or clothing that protects the wearer from injury or illness. PPE includes items such as helmets, gloves, goggles, ear plugs, respirators, boots, vests, etc. The contractor must provide appropriate PPE to its employees, subcontractors, and visitors, and ensure that they use it properly. The contractor must also comply with the following PPE requirements:
Conduct a hazard assessment to determine the need for PPE
Select PPE that meets or exceeds the applicable standards and specifications
Train personnel on the proper use, care, and maintenance of PPE
Inspect PPE before each use and replace or repair any defective or damaged PPE
Enforce the use of PPE through supervision and discipline
Document the PPE program in the APP
Specific safety and health requirements
The second part of EM 385-1-1 covers the specific safety and health requirements that apply to different types of work or activities on USACE projects. These include:
Hazardous materials and waste management
Hazardous materials and waste are any substances or items that pose a risk to human health or the environment. Examples of hazardous materials and waste include explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive chemicals, radioactive materials, asbestos, lead, etc. The contractor must comply with the following requirements for hazardous materials and waste management:
Identify, label, and inventory all hazardous materials and waste on site
Store, handle, transport, and dispose of hazardous materials and waste in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards
Provide adequate spill prevention and control measures
Train personnel on the hazards and precautions of hazardous materials and waste
Report and clean up any spills or releases of hazardous materials and waste
Maintain records and documentation of hazardous materials and waste activities
Fire prevention and protection
Fire is a potential hazard on any USACE project, especially when working with flammable or combustible materials, equipment, or processes. The contractor must comply with the following requirements for fire prevention and protection:
Conduct a fire hazard analysis and implement appropriate fire prevention measures
Provide adequate fire detection, alarm, suppression, and extinguishing systems
Train personnel on the fire hazards and emergency procedures
Coordinate with local fire authorities and obtain necessary permits and approvals
Inspect and test fire protection equipment regularly
Report and investigate any fire incidents or accidents
Electrical safety
Electricity is a common source of energy on USACE projects, but it can also cause serious injuries or fatalities if not used safely. The contractor must comply with the following requirements for electrical safety:
Design, install, operate, and maintain electrical systems and equipment in accordance with applicable codes and standards
Use only approved electrical devices, tools, cords, plugs, outlets, etc.
Protect electrical systems and equipment from damage, moisture, corrosion, etc.
De-energize and lockout/tagout electrical systems and equipment before servicing or repairing them
Use proper grounding, bonding, insulation, guarding, and personal protective equipment when working with electricity
Train personnel on the electrical hazards and safety practices
Avoid contact with overhead or underground power lines
Fall protection
Falls are one of the leading causes of fatalities on USACE projects. Falls can occur from heights (such as roofs, scaffolds, ladders, etc.) or from the same level (such as slips, trips, or holes). The contractor must comply with the following requirements for fall protection:
Evaluate the fall hazards and implement appropriate fall prevention or protection measures
Use only approved fall protection systems and equipment (such as guardrails, nets, harnesses, lifelines, etc.)
Inspect and maintain fall protection systems and equipment regularly
Train personnel on the fall hazards and fall protection methods
Rescue any personnel who fall or are suspended by a fall arrest system as soon as possible
Report and investigate any fall incidents or accidents
Conclusion
Summary of key points
In conclusion, EM 385-1-1 is a vital manual that sets the safety and health standards for all USACE projects. It covers both general and specific requirements that apply to various types of work or activities. It ensures compliance with federal laws, regulations, policies, and standards. It also provides guidance and best practices for preventing accidents, injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. It promotes a culture of safety and health among all stakeholders. It reduces risks, liabilities, costs, and delays associated with safety and health issues. It enhances the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of USACE projects.
Call to action
If you are interested in learning more about EM 385-1-1 or need help with your project's safety and health requirements, we can help. We are a professional company that specializes in providing EM 385-1-1 compliance services to contractors working on USACE projects. We can help you with:
Preparing an accident prevention plan (APP) that meets EM 385-1-1 standards
Providing safety and health training to your personnel and subcontractors
Conducting safety and health inspections and audits on your project site
Providing safety and health documentation and records
Assisting you with accident reporting and investigation
Handling any safety and health issues or concerns with the USACE contracting officer or other authorities
We have the experience, expertise, and equipment to ensure that your project meets or exceeds EM 385-1-1 standards. We have worked with many contractors on various USACE projects across the country. We have a proven track record of delivering high-quality, cost-effective, and timely EM 385-1-1 compliance services. We have a team of qualified, certified, and dedicated safety and health professionals who are ready to assist you with your project's needs.
If you want to learn more about our EM 385-1-1 compliance services or request a free quote, please contact us today. We would love to hear from you and help you with your project's success.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about EM 385-1-1:
What is the difference between EM 385-1-1 and OSHA standards?
EM 385-1-1 and OSHA standards are both federal safety and health regulations that apply to USACE projects. However, EM 385-1-1 is more specific and stringent than OSHA standards. It covers some topics that OSHA does not, such as explosives, diving, blasting, etc. It also has some requirements that are different or higher than OSHA standards, such as fall protection, scaffolding, cranes, etc. Therefore, contractors working on USACE projects must comply with both EM 385-1-1 and OSHA standards, and follow the more restrictive one in case of any conflict or discrepancy.
How often is EM 385-1-1 updated or revised?
EM 385-1-1 is updated or revised periodically to reflect the changes in safety and health laws, regulations, policies, and standards. The current version of the manual is dated September 15, 2008. However, there may be interim changes (changes made between publication of new editions) that affect your project. You should check for the latest changes on the USACE Safety and Occupational Health Office website or subscribe to receive email notifications of any updates or revisions to EM 385-1-1.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with EM 385-1-1?
Non-compliance with EM 385-1-1 can result in serious consequences for contractors working on USACE projects. These include:
Fines or citations from federal agencies such as OSHA, EPA, DOD, etc.
Suspension or termination of the contract by the USACE contracting officer
Legal action or litigation by the USACE or other parties
Loss of reputation or credibility in the industry
Increase in insurance premiums or loss of coverage
Therefore, it is essential that contractors comply with EM 385-1-1 and other applicable safety and health requirements for their projects.
Where can I find more information or resources on EM 385-1-1?
If you need more information or resources on EM 385-1-1, you can visit the following websites:
The USACE Official Publications website, where you can access and download a copy of the complete EM 385-1-1 PDF
The USACE Safety and Occupational Health Office website, where you can find the latest changes, updates, revisions, guidance, training, and other resources on EM 385-1-1
The USACE Safety Center website, where you can find safety and health news, events, programs, awards, best practices, lessons learned, and other resources related to USACE projects
The OSHA website, where you can find safety and health standards, regulations, enforcement, compliance assistance, education, outreach, and other resources related to OSHA activities
The DOD website, where you can find safety and health policies, procedures, directives, instructions, and other resources related to DOD activities
The EPA website, where you can find environmental standards, regulations, enforcement, compliance assistance, education, outreach, and other resources related to EPA activities
How can I get help with EM 385-1-1 compliance for my project?
If you need help with EM 385-1-1 compliance for your project, you can contact us today. We are a professional company that specializes in providing EM 385-1-1 compliance services to contractors working on USACE projects. We have the experience, expertise, and equipment to ensure that your project meets or exceeds EM 385-1-1 standards. We have a team of qualified, certified, and dedicated safety and health professionals who are ready to assist you with your project's needs. We offer a range of services, such as:
Preparing an accident prevention plan (APP) that meets EM 385-1-1 standards
Providing safety and health training to your personnel and subcontractors
Conducting safety and health inspections and audits on your project site
Providing safety and health documentation and records
Assisting you with accident reporting and investigation
Handling any safety and health issues or concerns with the USACE contracting officer or other authorities
We can help you save time, money, and hassle by ensuring that your project is safe and compliant. We can also help you avoid any penalties or problems that may arise from non-compliance. We can also help you improve the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of your project by promoting a culture of safety and health among all stakeholders.
If you want to learn more about our EM 385-1-1 compliance services or request a free quote, please contact us today. We would love to hear from you and help you with your project's success. 44f88ac181