511 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 9-15

12-4. Roles and Responsibilities.

Requirements for Hazardous Energy Control Procedures

USACE-owned/operated facilities must adhere to specific regulations and any regional or local hazardous energy control plans (HECP).

Duties on Contractor-Controlled Sites

Contractors must develop a Site-Specific Energy Control Plan (SSECP) following prescribed standards and submit it for approval.
Prepare and periodically update Hazard Identification Plans (HIPs) for activities involving hazardous energy, ensuring coordination and communication among all personnel.
Ensure understanding and compliance with the SSECP and HIPs among all personnel, including subcontractors.

Coordination for Contractor Work at USACE-Operated Facilities

Contractors must coordinate with relevant USACE personnel and local safety officers to determine the applicable hazardous energy control scenario.
Depending on the scenario, contractors may need to adhere to USACE HECP, provide their own equipment for Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and ensure proper coordination and communication regarding hazardous energy control activities.
Contractors must possess the necessary qualifications and authorization for specific tasks, and ensure their personnel are aware of and comply with the hazardous energy control procedures.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

12-3. On contractor-controlled sites, contractors must develop a _____.

Regional Lockout/Tagout Plan (LOTO)

USACE Energy Control Plan (ECP)

Site-Specific Energy Control Plan (SSECP)

Local Energy Control Plan (LECP)

You forgot to answer the question!

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 12-4.

12-4. Roles and Responsibilities.

When working on or near any system that produces, uses, or stores hazardous energy, a SSECP is required.

a.  USACE-owned/operated facilities and activities must comply with ER 385-1-31 and any regional HECP as well as local supplements in lieu of paragraph 12-4.  (12-4.a)

b.  On contractor-controlled sites:  (12-4.b)

(1)  When USACE employees are affected by the contractor managed SSECP (for example, QARs on construction sites), they must comply with the contractor’s SSECP.

(2)  The contractor will utilize the flowchart process included in figure 12-1 and the requirements of this chapter and ANSI Z244.1 to develop the site-specific requirements that must be included in the SSECP.  When electricity is a potential energy source, the requirements of NFPA 70E apply.  The contractor must submit the SSECP as part of their APP to the KO or COR for acceptance.

(3)  Prepare a HIP for KO or COR approval prior to energization/de-energization or any activity that results in the accumulation or discharge of potential energy.

(4)  The KO or COR and the prime contractor must ensure that their own personnel and sub-contractors understand and comply with the SSECP and HIPs.  The prime contractor must coordinate the work to ensure all personnel affected by a hazardous energy are notified before starting any associated HIP.

(5)  Review and update HIPS, as necessary, and submit them to the KO or COR with the AHA for each DFOW.  HIPs cannot be initiated until these procedures have been accepted by the KO or COR.

(6)  The prime contractor, as the controlling contractor, is responsible for the HIPs, periodic inspections, and training verification of all their sub-contractors.  The prime and the sub-contractors must fully coordinate all HIP activities with one another throughout the planning and performance of work.  Discuss and coordinate the procedures that will be used to ensure everybody is protected from hazardous energy.

c.  When contractor work involving hazardous energy will be performed at or on a USACE-operated facility, the contractor must coordinate a meeting with the KO or COR, facilities personnel, and local SOHO on which of the following scenarios will be followed as it pertains to HEC. The meeting must be documented and provided to the local SOHO along with the KO or COR and issuing individual(s).  (12-4.c)

(1)  When the contractor is to adhere to a USACE HECP, the contractor must provide necessary equipment for LOTO and, depending on their specific job responsibilities, require site authorization and possess certain qualifications to perform specific work covered by a local USACE HEC program.

(2)  When a contractor-controlled site is designated, the contractor’s HECP must adhere to paragraph 12-4.

(a)  USACE must inform the contractor in writing of any known special or unique hazards that are related to the machinery, equipment, or process to which the contractor could be exposed.

(b)  The KO or COR and the contractor must fully coordinate all HEC activities with one another through the planning and implementation of these activities.

(c)  Both parties must ensure that their own personnel understand and comply with rules and restrictions of the procedures agreed upon to be used for the job and ensure that their employees affected by the HEC activity are notified when transfer of HEC responsibilities occur.

(d)  When there is more than one prime contractor on USACE properties, USACE must ensure coordination of all HEC activities and inform each contractor in writing of any crossover of HEC activities.

(e)  To eliminate confusion or to clearly differentiate and standardize on contractor- controlled lockouts, USACE may require locks and tags that are coordinated with the site lock and tag system.  Communication is a key element of a HECP and a clear lock and tag identity with assigned responsibility is important.

(f)  USACE power generation and transmission projects must share information with the contractor according to 29 CFR 1926.950.

(3)  Under certain circumstances, the AHJ (see chapter 11) may determine that the contractor is not considered a QP in terms of HEC (for example, painting of equipment) and USACE will be responsible for the procedures.  Under this circumstance, the USACE project must obtain approval from the AHJ prior to initiating HEC activities.

(4)  When USACE remains responsible for the HEC, the contractor must still be experienced in HEC and will determine if the equipment is in a safe condition, but may not be aware of the complete isolation procedure:

(a)  USACE must establish and verify the equipment is in a safe condition.

(b)  The contractor must verify the equipment is in a safe condition and place a lock at each isolation point.

(c)  The contractor should be vetted or evaluated regarding their competence related to the control of hazardous energy by the AHJ or designated representative.  A copy of the credentials used to vet the contractor must be kept with the local USACE HEC program for the duration the contractor is performing work at the project.