Preconstruction Risk Assessment

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this plan is to provide for a safe environment during demolition, construction, or renovation activities.

When planning demolition, construction, or renovation, Boston University (BU) will conduct a preconstruction risk assessment (PCRA) using risk assessment criteria to identify hazards that could potentially affect occupied areas or its operations. This assessment includes, but is not limited to; general safety, noise, vibration, utilities, air quality requirements, fire safety, environmental impacts, and other hazards that affect student and staff safety. As part of this assessment, mitigation and interim measures are identified and require implementation through project completion.

2.0 Covered Parties

This plan applies to BU personnel, contractors and sub-contractors performing work on BU properties.

3.0 Definitions

Construction/Renovation at BU is defined as all new construction, renovation or any project that involves the demolition of building materials including breaching of smoke or firewalls and/or the erection of same, any work that could compromise the current Life Safety Code, or the installation or removal of building system components. In addition, any project which involves hazardous materials, including hazardous building materials, or in the opinion of the Safety Officer or designee has the potential for providing a hazard that could compromise students and employee health and safety, shall require a PCRA.

Hot Work – Any work that has the potential to create arcs, sparks, slag or ignite a fire. This includes, but is not limited to: cutting, burning, or welding. It also includes brazing, grinding, soldering, thawing pipes, torch applied roofing, the use of propane heaters, and the use of any pyrotechnic device. See Hot Works policy for more detail.

NFPA 241 Plan – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 241 plan provides measures for preventing or minimizing fire damage to structures, including those in underground locations, during construction, alteration, or demolition. It is a required plan for construction projects and enforced by the Boston Fire Department.

Preconstruction Risk Assessment (PCRA) is a tool used to evaluate potential risks associated with demolition, construction, or renovation activities that could potentially create hazards for students, employees and staff, compromise BU facilities, or BU operations. It further identifies measures to minimize or eliminate those risks.

Project Manager, BU (PM) is any BU employee, from any department, who is responsible for any renovation, cosmetic, construction, utility, or infrastructure improvement project. A BU Project Manager may also be a contract employee working directly for BU’s Design & Construction Services and represents BU.

Routine Maintenance – a maintenance activity performed by BU staff or vendor that does not produce dust caused by the disturbance of building materials, disrupt university operations, obstruct egress, or remove more than two ceiling tiles at one time. During the maintenance activity; tools, equipment, and materials are not left unattended or obstructing egress.

Safety Officer, (Safety Officer) – is a Boston University (BU) staff member of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and works under the direction of the Director of Occupational Health and Safety of EHS.

4.0 University Policy

4.1  It is the policy of Boston University (BU) to ensure a high level of safety during all demolition, construction, or renovation activities.

4.2  Whenever practical, this plan will be included in bid packages that all contractors are required to adhere to.

4.3  During the planning of demolition, construction, installation or removal of building system components, or renovation activity, a BU Project Manager (PM) will complete Part 1 of the PCRA. Part 1 of the PCRA must be completed for any activity that meets the “Construction/Renovation” definition in section 3 of this policy. It should be completed should there be any question regarding the applicability of the work.

4.4  The Safety Officer completes part 2 of the PCRA once submitted by the PM. Part 2 identifies project requirements to be implemented for the duration of activity and serves as the project safety plan. The assessment form provides additional instruction and identifies mitigation or temporary measures.

4.5  A preconstruction meeting may be necessary to review the project scope and proposed safety plan. This initial meeting may include; the PM, Safety Officer, other stake holders, and associated contractors as necessary. Stakeholders may include, but not limited to; Facilities Management & Planning (FMP), Emergency Management, other EHS staff, and department managers of impacted areas. The PM is responsible for arranging the preconstruction meeting.

4.6  Smaller scale projects or revised PCRA’s may not require a preconstruction meeting.

4.7  A minimum of 48 hours is required to review submitted Part 1 PCRA’s. PM’s should plan their work accordingly. It is best to complete the PCRA Part 1 once the project scope has been identified. It should not be completed at the start of the actual work.

4.8  The Safety Officer is authorized to stop work on any project or maintenance activity, which is not adhering to applicable code or regulations, BU policies, or other safety requirements. Prior to project shutdown, notification shall be made to the BU Project Manager as appropriate. The BU Project Manager will adhere to all required corrective measures before work can resume. Conditions or activities found that are immediately dangerous to life or health will be stopped.

4.9  Inspections of the worksite and surrounding areas are conducted at a frequency specified in Part 2 of the PCRA and are determined by the type of activity and its location. The Safety Officer may conduct random, unannounced inspections. Safety inspections are documented and records maintained by EHS. A safety inspection checklist is included as part of this plan as an example, see Appendix D. All deficiencies are reported to the Project Manager.

4.10  The contractor, unless otherwise decided will obtain and post all required permits. Permits include but are not limited to: City Building Department, Boston Fire Department (BFD), Department of Environmental Protection, Life Safety system impairments, Hot Work Permit, etc… Construction will not begin unless all required permits are posted. Copies of permits will be forwarded to the Safety Officer as requested.

4.11  Whenever hot work (as defined by the Hot Work Policy) is conducted, a BU Hot Work Permit Application must be submitted to the Safety Officer. Whenever cutting/burning/ welding or soldering is performed, a BFD permit must be obtained and provided as part of the BU Hot Work Permit Application. A fire watch may be required. A BFD paid fire detail may be required by BFD. See Hot Work Policy.

4.12  Flammable products and materials must be properly stored in a rated and approved flammable storage cabinet. A permit must be obtained through the BFD for the storage or use of flammables. Only materials containing no or low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’S) shall be used (painting materials, etc…).

4.13  Compressed gases require a BFD Permit. Flammable compressed gases are prohibited from storage inside buildings and must be properly secured in a designated location.

4.14  If applicable, all PM’s and contractors will become familiar with and adhere to the NFPA 241 plans for the building and individual construction project(s).

4.15  Use of Cranes. Cranes may be used for removing or installing building system components or for other uses of the project. Cranes of 20 ton capacity or more require a safety plan (Pick Plan). Pick plans must be submitted to EHS for review. Pick Plans include; appropriate operator’s licenses and certifications, recent equipment inspection records, site plan detailing equipment setup and lift radius. Coordination with other departments may be necessary such as BU Police, Public Relations, Government Affairs and other departments as necessary.

4.16  Contractors are not allowed to park on properties unless otherwise permitted. Parking is not allowed on sidewalks, fire lanes, or in front of fire hydrants.

4.17  Contractor Training. Prior to commencing work on any project, contractors must attend a BU Contractor Safety Orientation. The time and location of the orientation is determined by EHS.

4.18  The principle in charge of each contracting firm is responsible for communicating the Construction Safety Plan to each on site contractor.

5.0 Responsible Parties

5.1  EHS will periodically inspect the project for proper implementation of project safety measures. An EHS representative will attend the construction meetings. EHS has the authority to stop work for any activity that is deemed immediately dangerous to life or health. EHS is responsible for the maintenance of this written plan.

5.2  BU Project Manager A Project Manager is any BU employee, from any department, who is responsible for any renovation, cosmetic, construction, utility, or infrastructure improvement project and is responsible for completing Part 1 of the PCRA for any construction project or activity that meets the requirements of this policy. The Project Manager will ensure contractors adhere to this plan and any other applicable BU policy or procedure. The BU Project Manager will report any safety violations or deviations from the agreed upon PCRA to EHS.

5.3  Contractors conducting work at university facilities are required to have all current licenses, certifications and insurance. Contractors will comply with this plan and all BU policies and procedures. They are responsible for adhering to all the safety measures identified on the construction safety plan.

6.0 Related Policies and References

• Appendix A: Preconstruction Risk Assessment Part 1
• Appendix B: Preconstruction Risk Assessment Part 2 (Safety Plan)
• Appendix C: Project Agreement
• Appendix D: Project Safety Inspection Checklist
• Asbestos Management Plan

7.0 Revision History