Construction Environmental Health & Safety Requirements Manual Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the Construction EH&S Requirements Manual go into effect?
- Does the Manual apply to existing contracts?
- Is the Manual a contractual requirement?
- Does the Manual apply to all tiers of contractors?
- Does every section in the Manual apply to every contractor?
- How can I get more information about the Manual, its contents, or how it affects my company?
- I have a question that is not listed here. Who can I contact?
- Does the Construction EH&S Manual apply to all contracts and contractors?
- Does drug testing apply to all contractors on the project?
- If our school/group/project does not utilize the Construction Services Group for managing safety on the project, what level of involvement/management is required by the Harvard PM?
- What is the best way to ensure that contractor(s) have read and understand the requirements of the Manual before work begins?
When does the Construction EH&S Requirements Manual go into effect?
All projects sent for bid after January 1, 2009 will include the Manual as a reference document.
Does the Manual apply to existing contracts?
No. The Manual only applies to contracts bid and executed after January 1, 2009.
Is the Manual a contractual requirement?
Yes. It is incorporated by reference in the bid documents and contracts between Harvard and our contracting partners.
Does the Manual apply to all tiers of contractors?
Yes. Note: Fabricators must ensure that their subcontracted installers are aware of the Manual requirements, as the Manual will apply to the installer as well.
Does every section in the Manual apply to every contractor?
Not necessarily. Some sections of the Manual (e.g. Safety Management Systems) will apply to all contractors, regardless of tier. Other section may or may not apply, dependent upon the scope of work. For example, if the contract documents do not require any below-grade work or excavation, then the excavation section would not apply.
How can I get more information about the Manual, its contents, or how it affects my company?
As part of the Manual's "rollout", the Harvard Construction Services Group (CSG) is conducting an extensive outreach effort to familiarize both contractors and Harvard Project Managers with roles, responsibilities, and best practices. Upcoming training sessions are listed on this website. In addition, the CSG is willing to conduct the outreach training at individual contractor offices for groups of 20 or greater.
I have a question that is not listed here. Who can I contact?
It is suggested that lower tier companies initially contact the project's general contractor or construction manager. Where this is not possible, you may contact Garrett Burke at (617) 495-3055 or Jason Edic at (617) 384-8261.
Does the Construction EH&S Manual apply to all contracts and contractors?
Where work is bid and executed after January 1, 2009, the Manual applies to all projects where the total project volume (this includes hard & soft costs) is equal to or greater than $100K (i.e. the level at which the CAPS process applies). It must be included as a contractual document for it to apply. The CAPS website has updated several versions of the contracts to include the Construction EH&S Manual as a referenced document. The Manual is to be included in all contracts that include on-site labor.
Does drug testing apply to all contractors on the project?
Yes. Harvard has contracted with a single administrator to implement and oversee the Substance Abuse Prevention Program - Pembrooke. As of Monday June 1, 2009, Pembrooke has established a collection facility at 114 Western Ave. in Allston. Please forward this information to your contractors for their use.
If our school/group/project does not utilize the Construction Services Group for managing safety on the project, what level of involvement/management is required by the Harvard PM?
A Fact Sheet targeted toward the Harvard Project Management community at the University will be coming soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Construction Safety Manager Jason Edic. Jason's role at the University is to assist Project Managers and contractors with the implementation of the EH&S Requirements Manual.
What is the best way to ensure that contractor(s) have read and understand the requirements of the Manual before work begins?
The most efficient and effective way is to hold a pre-construction meeting with the contractor, reviewing Appendices A & B of the Manual during the meeting. This will give the project team an opportunity to ensure that the requirement are understood, will be met, and gives the contractor an opportunity to get clarification on items as compared to the scope of the job. For all projects, whether or not the Construction Services Group (CSG) is contracted for safety oversight, we are willing to attend and assist with these pre-construction meetings. Please keep this in mind, and use the CSG as a resource.
