SECTION 21. MAINTENANCE SAFETY

21.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Site Safety Officer is responsible for continued safe functioning of facilities and equipment including telescopes, and the safety of personnel involved in or near maintenance activities. He/She will ensure qualified people are assigned to each task, appropriate personal protective equipment is provided and used, and safe work practices are always followed. Safe work practices include the use of written maintenance procedures to the greatest extent possible and full compliance with the two-person rule.

All employees are responsible for prompt reporting of conditions requiring maintenance. When an unsafe condition exists the operation will be stopped and the area barricaded until repairs can be made. While repairs or services are in process, machines are under maintenance control. They can be started only by direct order of the maintenance person in charge.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS

Preventive maintenance programs will be designed to insure a safe and healthful working environment for every employee and to minimize the need for emergency repairs. Records will be kept to provide an individual history of inspection and maintenance activity.

EMERGENCY REPAIRS

Emergency repairs will be made by or under the direction of qualified personnel for the activity. When more than one person is required, one person will be designated as person-in-charge and will be responsible for planning the work sequence, shutting down energy systems, determining the work methods and tools to be used, and restoring energy systems upon completion of the work. Lockout/tagout procedures will be used. Temporary repairs may be made only if necessary, and if a permanent fix is planned and scheduled. Permanent repairs must restore systems and equipment to original condition.

LOGOUT/TAGOUT PROCEDURES

No one will inspect, clean, or repair a machine or other mechanical equipment until primary power and other harmful energies and materials are shut off and the controls are locked and/or tagged with appropriate warnings. Refer to Section 25, titled “Lockout-Tagout/Energy Control” for additional information.

21.2 HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS

WRITTEN PROCEDURES

Formalized, step-by-step, written procedures are recommended for all maintenance activities involving potentially hazardous locations or operations. These include installing, servicing, maintaining, or removing equipment used with hazardous materials, high voltages, high temperatures, high pressures, or other forms of high energy and cryogenic materials. Some examples of maintenance are:

- steam and hot water tanks and piping;
- heat exchangers, boilers, and furnaces;
- compressed gas pressure tanks and piping;
- high voltage electrical equipment and power distribution systems;
- work in confined spaces.

Procedures will list required test equipment, special tools, personal protective equipment, and emergency control equipment. Special attention will be given to the hazards of cutting and welding in these and other operations. Use of manufacturer's service and operations manuals are recommended as written procedures.

JOB REVIEW

Before work is begun on hazardous operations, procedures will be reviewed with all participating employees. Personnel experienced and knowledgeable in the work to be done and the hazards involved will conduct each job review. The review will insure:

- everyone thoroughly understands each step of the procedure and the specific hazards involved in the work;
- required tools and test equipment are available;
- appropriate personal protective and emergency control equipment is available and employees know why, how, and when to use it;
- when working alone restrictions are understood and will be observed;
- employees indirectly affected by the work are properly notified.

Reviews will supplement rather than replace normal training and will be conducted regardless of the experience level of participating employees.