Prepared By Reviewed By Approved By Version 1.

0
Mr. Umesh Palav (Corporate SPOC Safety) Mr. Vijay Mishra Mr. Manish Mishra (FO Director) 01.07.2022
Mr. Ranjith Kumar (Regional SPOC Safety) (TCTS Safety Head)

THss
TCTS Health and Safety Standards

Abstract
Health and Safety guidelines on field activities to the vendors
Contents
1.0 Introduction.........................................................................................................................................................2
2.0 Purpose and Scope...............................................................................................................................................2
3.0 Definition.............................................................................................................................................................2
4.0 General work.......................................................................................................................................................2
5.0 Driving a vehicle...................................................................................................................................................3
5.1 Four-Wheeler compliance.......................................................................................................................................3
5.2 Two-Wheeler compliance........................................................................................................................................4
5.3 Driver/Rider Compliance.........................................................................................................................................4
5.4 Journey Management..............................................................................................................................................4
6.0 Performing fiber laying and maintenance work....................................................................................................6
6.1 Design and before commencing work.....................................................................................................................6
6.2 During work.............................................................................................................................................................7
7.0 Performing Work at a Height (above 1.8 meter or working within 1.8 metres of an unprotected edge)................8
7.1 Design and before commencing work.....................................................................................................................9
7.2 During work.............................................................................................................................................................9
8.0 Lifting Control Standard:....................................................................................................................................10
8.1 Design and before commencing work...................................................................................................................10
8.2 During work...........................................................................................................................................................11
9.0 Performing electrical work.................................................................................................................................11
9.1 Design and before commencing work...................................................................................................................12
9.2 During work...........................................................................................................................................................12
9.3 Inspections and Maintenance...............................................................................................................................14
10.0 TCTS CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENT MATRIX..................................................................................................15
10.1 Non-compliance...................................................................................................................................................17
10.1.1 General CMM:...............................................................................................................................................17
10.1.2 Consequences for non-compliance (For Every Critical High-Risk Activities violation (Part 2))...................17
10.2 Other terms..........................................................................................................................................................18
Annexure – 1 PPE specifications and standard details..............................................................................................19
Annexure – 2 Medical Fitness Certificate Format......................................................................................................21
Annexure – 3 Operational Control Procedure for Performing Fiber activities at Excavated pit/Trench......................22

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1.0 Introduction
Tata Communication Transformation Services Ltd ensure its commitment towards safe working conditions
for not only its employees but all those who work for TCTS – directly, indirectly through its partners. Given
the nature of our business, Field operation activities are essential to support the business & customer
requirements. It is imperative for us to take all possible precautions to ensure the safety of members of
the public, that personnel working for us / on our behalf are aware of the risks and controls required and
they work safe to go home safe.

2.0 Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this document is to consolidate all Safety standards of internal and external customers here in
this document so that all concern stakeholders can refer to execute their day-to-day operation in a safe
manner.
This document contains Safety standards as applicable to high-risk activities, including but not
limited to, driving a vehicle, work at a height and fiber maintenance work performed by our contractors.

3.0 Definition
• Statutory permissions (Right of Way) – various statutory /regulatory permissions like right of way from state
and private authorities like the Municipal Corporation, National Highway, Electrical / Gas supply corporations
etc.

• Traffic control – measures to warn on-coming traffic about the work activity in progress like posting warning
cones, putting warning tape, barricades, posting a signal man, etc.

• Fall Arrest System - is the form of fall protection which involves the safe stopping of a person already falling.
The equipment is designed to stop (arrest) a person’s fall in the safest and shortest distance possible.

• Work at Height - Includes work where there is a probability for serious injury or damage associated with fall
of persons or objects. W@H typically includes work on towers, monopoles, rooftops, hoardings, and signage
through use of working platforms, scaffolds, ladders, etc. The following situations are defined as W@H;

o where a person could fall to a lower level at more than 1.8 metres or;

o working within 1.8 metres of an unprotected edge.

• Unprotected Edge - A roof edge or non-trafficable surface (i.e. sky lighting or brittle / fragile material) that
does not have appropriate edge protection around the perimeter to prevent a person from falling and where a
person may fall to a lower level at more than 1.8 metres.

• Extra Low Voltage (ELV) – less than 50 volts (V) alternating current (AC) or ripple free 120v direct current
(DC).

• Low Voltage (LV) – 50v to 1000v AC or 120 to 1500v DC.

• Medium Voltage – 1000 V to 35000 V AC or greater than 1500 V DC.

• Low Tension (LT) – In AC circuit voltage levels do not exceed 650 V and in DC circuit voltage levels do not
exceed 54 V.

• High Tension (HT) - Circuits where AC voltage levels exceed 650 V.

4.0 General work

1. Personnel must have and use basic PPE which comply with EN (European norms) standards - safety shoes,
safety harness, reflective jacket, helmet and hand gloves, earplugs, and dust mask as per Annexure 1.

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 2. PPE must be replaced immediately if it is torn out / broken / abraded and is visibly unable to perform its
intended job.
3. Tools or lifting tackles used for carrying out any activity must be in good condition and should be insulated
wherever required. Also test/calibration certificates must be available on demand.
4. FRP (Fiber reinforced plastic) /SMC (Sheet molding compound) ladder to be used for electrical activities. If
the height is more than 4 meters, then stable metal scaffolding (which may be a portable type) with
proper safety features to be used.
5. Body earthing of equipment to be ensured wherever applicable
6. Personnel must not be fatigue, sick or tired prior to or while performing the services
7. All the personnel present in the field should submit medical fitness certificates (refer Annexure 2) in the
required format every year.
8. Vendor should provided Monthly KPI reports (Manpower data, Vehicle Data, PTW data etc..)
9. Vendor should give immediate intimation to TCTS in case of any changes in the Manpower and Vehicle.
10. Vendor partner shall ensure all the automation tools are implemented
11. Vendor should provide trained manpower – Any external training that might come as any learning.

5.0 Driving a vehicle

Road risk is one of the significant safety concerns for TCTS. Employees, associates, partners, suppliers,
transporters, etc. are required to travel for business requirements and are exposed to road risk. This section
provides standard for road travel undertaken for business requirements by employees / personnel directly or
indirectly associated with TCTS or for transferring material and equipment, etc. across different territories.
This section on Road Safety provides minimum requirements to prevent and protect individuals against
unreasonable road risks.

All Vehicles including 4W and 2W provided by partners for business purpose must comply with this standard.

5.1 Four-Wheeler compliance

Vendor partners shall comply to below

1. All Vehicles must be in Roadworthy condition and approved by RTO. Only SUV is to be used as Fiber
restoration team (FRT) vehicle
2. For SUV Age of the vehicle must be less than 5 years with proper fitness certificate and mileage less
than 300,000 Km
3. For Sedan/Hatchback (Other than FRT) – Age of the vehicle must be less than 5 years with proper
fitness certificate and mileage less than 150,000 Km
4. Vehicle to be replaced immediately if it has met with a major accident (or) is no longer road worthy
(or) has a high frequency of breakdowns
5. Recommended safety specifications for 4W - Vehicle should have anti-lock braking system, dual
airbag, front and rear seat retractable seat belts, front brake disc, rear brake drum, side and front
impact beams, rear view mirror, passenger, and driver side rear view mirrors
6. All vehicles must have manufacturer provided seatbelts installed and functional for all seats /
occupants. All seatbelts must be of retractable type. Lap seat belts are prohibited. For bus / trucks lap
seat belts are allowed as an exception wherever retractable belts are not provided by manufacturer.
Retrofitting of seat belts are not allowed as they are not approved by any authorized agency.
7. Lap belt is not allowed in 4-wheeler.
8. All vehicles provided by partners must have mandatory telematics device installed (GPS to monitor –
overspeeding, night driving between restricted hours of 2200 hours to 0500 hours & continuous
driving for > 3 hours) recommended by TCTS. The telematics data in a concise way must be made
available to TCTS and when required.
9. All vehicles must carry a valid T-permit & any modification to vehicle must be approved by RTO
including fitting of LPG / CNG cylinders/ Electrical vehicles.

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 10. All hired vehicles must have well maintained emergency kits (torch, reflective jackets, warning triangle
/ cone, first aid kit, fire extinguisher & spare repair tool kit like bulbs, jack, etc.)
11. All mandatory documents must be maintained in the vehicle (Registration Certificate, Insurance,
pollution under control certificate, vehicle fitness & permit certificate).
12. All works vehicles and warehouse vehicles should undergo a pre-use inspection.
13. Requirements of speed governors and bull bars on all hired vehicles must be followed as per
government requirements.
14. While choosing the vehicle variant, the one which has the recommended safety specification must be
chosen Recommended vehicles: SUV - Mahindra TUV 300, Mahindra Xylo, Mahindra Bolero, Toyota
Innova, Maruti Ertiga, Mahindra Scorpio, Honda Mobilio, Chevrolet Enjoy. Sedan/hatchback - Tata
Zest, Tata Tigor, Ford aspire, Maruti Dzire, Maruti Ciaz, Toyota Etios, Volkswagen Ameo, Volkswagen
Vento, Honda Amaze, Honda City, Skoda Rapid, Tata Bolt, Hyundai i20, Tata Tiago, Maruti Swift,
Maruti Baleno, Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai Verna and any other sedan/hatchback/SUV. The
recommended vehicles are only for illustrative purpose however any vehicle hired for TCTS shall
mandatorily follow the safety specification as specified in this document.

5.2 Two-Wheeler compliance

Vendor partners shall comply to below

1. All Vehicles must be in Roadworthy condition

2. Two wheelers used for business purpose must have valid insurance, rear-view mirrors and reflective
elements in front and back. All 2 wheelers must be well maintained.
3. Two-wheeler shall be serviced periodically as per OEM recommendation.
4. Two-wheeler pre-inspection shall be carried out by respective rider before starting every journey on a
day

5.3 Driver/Rider Compliance

Vendor partners shall comply to below

1. Driver/Rider must undergo: Health and safety induction before being deployed on the field.
2. Vendor should provide valid documents- Aadhar Card, PAN card, ID card, Appointment letter, Driving
License
3. All drivers of two-wheeled vehicles must undergo-
a. Internal Defensive Driving Training (DDT) through internal TCTS approved trainers within 3 weeks
from commencement of the Services and the personnel should possess documentary evidence of
their training while performing the applicable Services. Internal DDT training is valid for 24 months,
post which they must undergo the training again
4. All drivers of four-wheeled vehicles must undergo-
a. External Defensive Driving Training (DDT) through TCTS approved training partner within 3 weeks
from commencement of the Services and the personnel should possess documentary evidence of
their training while performing the applicable Services. External DDT training is valid for 24 months,
post which they must undergo the training again
5. All Driver/rider must have a valid driving license (learning license is not allowed) for the kind of
vehicle to be driven.

5.4 Journey Management

Vendor partners shall comply to below

1. All passengers in the four-wheeled vehicle must be wearing retractable seat belt
2. Driver must ensure that all occupants of the vehicles wear seat belts including those sitting in the rear
seat.

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 3. Full face crash helmet (as per IS: 4151) shall always be worn while riding two wheelers and ensured
that pillion rider wears it too. Helmets must be worn correctly, and chin straps securely fastened by
rider and pillion
4. Reflective wear as per TCTS specification given in the Annexure 1 shall be worn by both rider and
pillion on a two-wheeler while traveling for work
5. Driver/Patroller must not work for more than 6 consecutive days.
6. Two-wheeler journeys must be restricted to less than 120 kilometers (kms) in a day. This should be
put under consideration while designing beat / journey plans for sales / technical workforce.
7. Driver must not drive for more than 10 hours (truck / warehouse vehicle), 8 hours (4-wheeler) and 6
hours (2-wheeler) in any 24 hours period
8. Drivers to drive within the speed limits as prescribed for the road.
9. Driver must not smoke / drink alcohol / use illegal substances. Driver must also ensure that all the
occupants adhere to the same requirements.
10. All drivers of two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle must be wearing safety shoes as per Annexure 1
11. A 15-minute break should be taken every 2 hours of driving.
12. Drivers should be adequately rested before undertaking travel, especially prior to undertaking a long-
distance journey
13. Risks of a complex journey i.e. driving on highways, driving in restricted hours of 2200 to 0500 hours,
overnight work travels, etc. must be assessed and journey management plans be in place. Journey
management plans must identify the risk of driver fatigue including consideration of distance, total
working hours, total driving hours, single and multiple journeys, rest periods, time, road type, driving
in the dark and must always consider return journeys
14. Driving for TCTS business purpose between 2200 to 0500 hours on highways is restricted. Any
deviation must be approved by authorized persons with proper risk assessment through Travel at
Dark hours PTW (Permit to work). This restriction is not applicable for airport / train station transfers
in company provided cabs and within city limits.
15. Driver must be medically fit to drive (including color blindness). The medical fitness must be declared
by the service provider / agency hired directly by TCTS.
16. Avoid use of Mobile phone including use of blue-tooth, auxiliary system, speakers, hands-free,
listening to music through headset/earphone etc. while driving/riding which can distract the driver
17. Drivers must not carry unauthorized load / passenger in vehicles deployed for employee / material
transportation. Bulky objects must not be transported on a 2-wheeler. The number of passengers
must not exceed manufacturer’s specifications for the vehicle. Carrying of excess passengers or
transporting people in the back of pickup trucks is not permitted.
18. All vehicles must be maintained in line with legal requirements and manufacturers
recommendations. Records of maintenance should be retained by vehicle providers and must be
made available for monitoring of TCTS as and when required
19. Loads must be secured and must not exceed manufacturer’s specification and legal limits for the
vehicle. Passengers and loads should not be transported in the same compartment. In case it is
unavoidable to carry passenger and loads in the same compartment, all heavy loads and sharp tools/
equipment should be secured to ensure they do not hit the occupants.
20. Motorized rickshaw should not be hired for company managed activities.
21. Vehicle speed shall not exceed the legal/ speed limit applicable to the road or the speed limits
specified by TCTS. Whichever is stringent of the two shall prevail.
22. Vendor shall ensure that DBM tool (Driver Behaviour Monitoring) recommended by TCTS is
connected all the time in their deployed vehicle at field.
23. In case of DBM tool misplacement/damage/disconnection from the deployed vehicle then vendor
shall be fully responsible in providing new DBM by doing required payment to DBM vendor and

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 ensure vehicle is connected with new DBM tool. Such damage/ misplacement/ disconnection shall
result in CMM action including termination of vendor and its resources.
24. 2W riders should ensure they need to be logged in 2W applications when riding for official duty.

6.0 Performing fiber laying and maintenance work

Vendor partners shall comply to below

1. Personnel must undergo: Health and safety induction, other trainings (First Aid training, Ladder safety,
etc) before being deployed on the field.
2. Vendor should provide valid documents- Aadhar Card, PAN card, ID card, Appointment letter.
3. All personals must undergo External Fiber training for conducting fiber work, through the TCTS
approved training partners. All personnel should possess certificates/ documentary evidence of their
training while performing the applicable Services. The external training shall be valid for 24 months,
after which personnel must be trained again.
4. Personnel or team must not work alone without competent supervision appointed by TCTS or vendor.
5. The supervisor and splicer (as applicable) must give toolbox talks and safety briefings to their
workforce members before start of any field activity.
6. All the field resources / team should mandatorily wear PPEs during work or travel to site. PPE
specification and standards are mentioned in the Annexure 1.
7. Driver and patroller must not perform any electrical / fiber / mechanical / material handling activities
8. Safety tool kit, which should be part of the team, must include umbrella, gum boots, portable fire
extinguisher, torch, barricading material (cones, warning tape), first-aid kit, insulated digging tools and
warning baton light for alerting traffic in night and red flag during day. Any flammable material(s)
should not be kept in the FRT vehicle.
9. Personnel must not be under the influence of any drug / alcohol while performing services.
10. Personnel must not be wearing very loose clothing
11. Work must be carried out with sufficient daylight or illumination
12. Risk assessment of the site must be done before starting the work
13. Supplier must be in possession of a valid/approved work permit prior to commencing any field activity.
14. In case of any delays in raising PTW or executing the work without PTW shall lead to penalty / CMM
action on vendor and its resources. Repeat failures to adhere PTW compliance shall lead to
termination of vendor contract.
15. For fiber work at >1.5m depth guideline should be followed as per Annexure 3.
• Before work commences for excavation beyond 1.5 m, soil assessment to be done
• Steel Shielding (as per the approved design) of the pit to be used for manual digging activity and/or
for any work which requires personnel working inside the trench

6.1 Design and before commencing work

1. All street-work / underground work / Height work activities must start after receiving necessary
statutory permissions (Right of Way) to ensure no public utility connections are affected and there is
minimum risk.
2. All street-work / underground work activities must be planned with considerations on safe access,
execution, and the type of activity to be performed. The planning must consider:
a. Alignment with the Health and Safety Plan as approved by TCTS
b. Inclusion of site-specific risk assessments
c. Avoidance of buried services where possible
d. Avoidance of entry into confined space where possible
e. Types of cable laying methods available.

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 3. Street-work at height / underground work must be controlled by following a permit to work (PTW)
process ensuring risk assessment before commencement of activity which also ensures that all
required tools, equipment & resources required for the task are in place. Risk assessment process
must consider aspects for example underground utility lines, presence of flammable materials or
substances in line with trenching area, pedestrian / road traffic, structural collapse, flooding, confined
space, etc. for underground work and proximity to overhead electrical cables, working at height,
pedestrian / road traffic, etc. for street work.
4. Additional / specific risks including but not limited to snake / animal bite, falling of tree / branches /
other fixed structure, leakage in toxic / flammable gas pipes, electrocution, drowning, asphyxiation,
stale substances, must be considered and mitigated appropriately.
5. Where excavation is required near to possible buried services (e.g. electricity cables, natural gas and
LPG pipelines, water pipes, sewers, petrochemical pipelines, communication lines, etc.), sufficient time
and resource must be provided to ensure the excavation is carried out safely. There are 4 basic
elements to the safe system of work that should be employed when working on or near buried
services:
a. Contact utility operators for plans of buried services.
b. Survey the intended route
c. Detect, identify, and mark underground services.
d. Employ safe excavation/safe digging practices.
6. All selected equipment and tools must be fit for use and safe to ensure that improper selection of the
tool itself doesn’t pose any hazard to an individual or equipment. Mechanical excavators if used, must
be fit for the purpose, suitable to the type of soil and must be operated by a licensed operator.
7. Traffic control measures like hard barricading, cordoning off, warning signs, signal man, etc. as
appropriate must be in place before commencement of job to prevent any stoppage of work, danger
to people and also to restrict unauthorized access. The barricading / warning signage must be such
that they are visible at day and night.
8. Appropriate welfare facilities (in terms of nearby public toilets, adequate supply of drinking water,
water and soap for hand washing, designated clean areas in vehicles for storage of food and water,
etc.) must be available for all team members.
9. All team members including supervisor, patroller, general labor, machine operator (splicer, horizontal
directional drilling operator, crane operator, excavator, demolisher), Fault Restoration Team (FRT)
vehicle driver, etc. must be physically and medically fit, experienced, and trained.

6.2 During work

1. All street-work / underground work activities must be supervised during the course of work.
2. During laying / maintenance of OFC cable, safe system of work must be followed for cable drum
handling, cable pulling, laser safety, cable splicing, use of hazardous chemical as a cleaner, etc.
3. Street-work / Underground work activities must be restricted during adverse weather and during
hours of darkness. If it is not possible to reschedule the work, an approval must be taken from a
designated TCTS employee. The working location must be sufficiently illuminated. Hard barricades
e.g., modular type, signage and lighting must be provided if the excavated area is to be left open
during the hours of darkness.
4. All personnel must use TCTS approved standard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) complying to
European (EN) standard refer Annexure 1
a. High visibility clothing / Reflective wear
b. Safety footwear - EN 345
c. Hard hat - EN 397
d. Eye protection as necessary – EN 166
e. Gloves – EN 420

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 f. Hearing protection (EN 352) and anti-vibration gloves (EN 388) must be used by persons using
horizontal directional drilling machines / pneumatic ground breakers.
5. In case the excavation is undertaken exclusively for TCTS purpose, then adequate support systems,
such as shoring / bracing / underpinning, etc., must be ensured to prevent collapse of excavated earth
and to ensure that adjacent structures remain stable. Excavated earth must be placed adequately
away from the place of work to prevent collapse. Refer Annexure 3.
6. Vendor should duly assess the risk in case of trenches or excavated areas not adequately supported by
shoring / bracing/ underpinning etc. by third parties prior to initiation of work. In case of any risk,
vendor should reject the work.
7. First aid box, adequate fire extinguishers, temporary electrical extension boards confirming to IP 44
for ingress protection, temporary sheds separate for safe storage of empty & filled gas cylinders (when
they are in use), must be available with the team.
8. 2W riders including but not limited to patrollers, engineers, technician etc monitoring other
excavation works to prevent cuts / damage to TCTS cables / equipment, must be aware of the risks
associated in terms of heavy vehicles traffic, excavated areas, etc. and stay clear from the hazards.
9. Journey management / work at height / electrical work involved while undertaking street work /
underground work must be in accordance with the requirements of relevant TCTS Standards.
10. Violation / deviation of any requirement of this standard needs to be reported as per the incident
management process and actions taken as per Consequence Management Matrix – Section 10
11. Additional guidance where required for implementation of this Standard will be provided by TCTS
Corporate HSW.

7.0 Performing Work at a Height (above 1.8 meter or working within 1.8
metres of an unprotected edge)
For working on towers/masts/poles:

1. Personnel must undergo: Health and safety induction, other trainings (First Aid training, Ladder safety,
etc) before being deployed on the field.
2. Vendor should provide valid documents- Aadhar Card, PAN card, ID card, Appointment letter.
3. Personnel must undergo External W@H training (Eg; FARM Tocli) through the approved training
partners and the personnel should possess documentary evidence of their training while performing
the applicable Services. The external training is valid for 24 months, after which personnel must be
trained again.
4. The supervisor/Engineer must give toolbox talks and safety briefing to their down the line workforce
before commencing the Services.
5. Supplier must be in possession of a valid/approved work permit from TCTS prior to commencing work
at height
6. When work is done inside the facility, any work areas below (minimum 15-degree vertical angle) must
be barricaded with barricading cone and warning tapes.
7. Personnel must not work alone without supervision
8. Personnel must not be under the influence of any drug / alcohol while performing Services.
9. Personnel must use Personal protective equipment (PPE) including a full body harness with double
lanyard and shock absorber, helmet with chin strap, safety shoes, reflective jacket, and cotton gloves.
Test certificate of full body harness to be produced on demand. Annexure 1
10. Materials and tools must be kept secured and fastened to prevent them from letting loose or falling.
11. Work must be carried out only during the daytime
12. Risk assessment of the site must be done by Supplier before starting the work
13. Supplier refers to the vendor hired for undertaking company activities, or an off-roll resource hired to
undertake the company activities.
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7.1 Design and before commencing work
1. Design and build must consider requirements for safe work at height (W@H) including provision of
fall arrest system, guard rails for platforms/ roofs with unprotected edges and restricting
unauthorized access.
2. All sites, buildings and installation must be designed so that the need to W@H is minimized.
3. At least two anchorage points must be available for regular tasks.
4. Wood and bamboo must not be used for scaffolding or ladders.
5. Ladder used for W@H must be suitable for the purpose and must not pose any additional risk e.g. for
electrical works, fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) ladders must be used. For access / short work on
ladders limited upto 4 meters, the following requirements must be ensured:
a. Pre-use physical inspection by user to check any damages on ladders,
b. A person to support the ladder when person is working on it,
c. Safety helmets with chin strap and shoes worn by all. Safety harness to be used whenever there
is an independent anchorage point.
d. Area cordoned off to prevent fall of material / injury to passerby.
e. Personnel trained on module for safe working on ladders.
6. Planning new activities involving W@H must start with a formal risk assessment.
7. A drop zone must be identified, demarcated, and controlled to prevent unauthorized entry within
drop zone.
8. If W@H is to be undertaken on street/ any location with vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic, control
measures like hard barricading, cordoning off, warning signs, signal man, etc. as appropriate must be
in place before commencement of job to prevent any stoppage of work, danger to people and also to
restrict unauthorized access. The barricading / warning signage must be such that they are visible at
day and night.
9. Only trained personnel must work at height. The training must be refreshed once in every 2 years.
The training module must cover aspects of fall arrest and rescue management and the training
service providers must be approved by TCTS
10. All personnel who work at height must be certified medically fit by a medical practitioner every year.
11. A permit to work (PTW) must be issued, on site, prior to commencing W@H.
12. A toolbox talk must be given prior to the start of W@H by Supervisor on the real time risk mitigation
controls.

7.2 During work

1. Only TCTS approved personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used for W@H. Especially full body
adjustable harness with two front attachments, D-rings with 2-meter polyamide lanyards with energy
absorber & hook, confirming to European Standards EN:361, EN 354, EN 355 and EN 358 must be
used while working at height. Other PPEs like safety shoes, helmet, gloves, and reflective wear must
be used as appropriate for the task.
2. Every PPE must be physically inspected by the supervisor prior to use to check any damage. Defective
or damaged PPE must not be used. Fall protection PPE must be thoroughly inspected on an annual
basis and records maintained. Following any fall, the concerned fall protection PPE must be inspected
thoroughly before being used.
3. Personnel working at height must be anchored during the entire course of ascending, descending as
well as during work at height.
4. W@H must not be done during extreme weather condition and must be restricted during hours of
darkness. If W@H is unavoidable during hours of darkness, then the following conditions must be
met:
a. Approval from TCTS authorized person in place,
b. All height workers to always maintain contact with one other,
c. The climbing path and the working environment sufficiently illuminated by a stationary lighting.
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 5. Minimum of two W@H trained individuals must be available on site for all W@H to issue work
permit, monitor the job and support in case of emergencies e.g. In case if 2 personnel are required to
be working at height for a particular task, then there must be a 3rd competent and trained person
present at site for supervision. All of them must be well equipped with the W@H required PPEs (refer
Annexure 1)
6. When conducting W@H activities using scaffold, it must be ensured that:
a. Scaffolding is erected and dismantled by suitably trained personnel
b. Scaffolding is suitably anchored and always secured.
c. Scaffolding is used, inspected, and maintained in line with TCTS requirements.
7. Mobile Elevated Working Platforms (MEWPs) used for W@H must be fit for purpose, operated by
authorized personnel and the personnel working shall remain always attached/anchored.
8. The tools / equipment used while working at height must be secured to prevent fall.
9. All manual as well as mechanical lifting operations for TCTS must be controlled following the
requirements in Lifting Controls Standard. Any load more than 100Kgs must be lifted by mechanical
means.
10. For any work (e.g. but not limited to electrical, work at height, civil, mechanical, housekeeping /
cleaning) near high tension (HT) electrical installations i.e. exceeding 440 alternating current voltage,
minimum safety distance in terms of vertical clearance as well as horizontal clearance as defined in
TCTS Electrical Safety Standard must be maintained.

8.0 Lifting Control Standard:

8.1 Design and before commencing work
1. All material lifting activities must be undertaken following applicable work method statements. Work
method statements must cover aspects for example but not limited to:
a. Anchor points
b. Load anchoring and slinging methods
c. Rigging principles with a controlling device in the system
d. Rope knots
e. Lifting and lowering techniques using pulley systems
f. Manual handling including machine and tools handling, lifting techniques
g. Material fall protection. The work method statements need to be updated/ modified on need
basis taking into consideration learnings from any incident, design changes (if any), site specific
conditions, etc.
2. All lifting activities must be planned well in advance and the safe working processes supported by
permit to work (PTW) at height must be followed.
3. Each material lifting activity must be supported by a site-specific lifting plan
4. Additional risks including but not limited to confined spaces, falling of materials, stuck with tree /
branches / other fixed structure, leakage in toxic / flammable gas pipes, electrocution, stale
substances, must be considered and mitigated appropriately.
5. A drop/ exclusion zone must be defined, demarcated and access restricted with consideration of
vehicular and pedestrian movement during any lifting operations.
6. All lifting equipment/ devices, tools & tackles and cranes must be certified once in every 6 months as
per European (EN) Standards.
7. The working load limit (WLL) must be clearly marked on the hoist or sling tag and must never be
exceeded.
8. All lifting equipment must be stored in a cool, dry place or in kit bags specifically designed for the use
of storing lifting equipment. All lifting equipment must be stored to prevent misuse.
9. All damaged or non-operational lifting tools and equipment must be discarded from the work area.

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 10. Lifting activities must be undertaken after ensuring that all lifting tool/ equipment are visually
inspected by lifting supervisor prior to use for load lifting.

8.2 During work

1. Lifting operations must be carried out by authorized, trained, and physically fit resources as mapped
through permit to work (PTW) system.
2. All material lifting activities must be supervised by authorized and trained lifting supervisors as
mapped through PTW system.
3. Only low stretch kernmantle ropes must be used for lifting operations.
4. All personnel must use TCTS approved standard lifting equipment and personal protective equipment
(PPE) while lifting the loads as per annexure 1. The following PPEs, compliant with applicable EN
standards need to be used by all persons undertaking lifting activity:
a. Full body safety harness as defined in TCTS Work at Height Standard
b. High visibility weatherproof clothing
c. Safety footwear
d. Hard hat
e. Eye protection
f. Gloves
g. Noise protection where required
5. Right combination of lifting method and pulley system, as decided by lifting supervisor with
consideration of the load and the manpower available and as specified in the lifting plan, must be
followed.
6. Loads more than 100 kgs must be lifted through mechanized lifting by means of lifting machines like
cranes, etc.
7. It is preferable to avoid assembly of multiple loads during lifting. Lifting supervisor should assemble
loads if separate lifting is not feasible. Any lifting activity shall have at least 02 riggers plus one
supervisor. The center of gravity must be considered during the load tie-off and slinging phase.
8. Nobody including the rigging team, should work under suspended loads during lifting operations.
9. For common and or public facilities/pathways which fall under the drop/ exclusion zone and cannot
be barricaded and cordoned off during lifting operations, applicable precautions like supervising,
announcement, alert must be conducted at the time of material movement / lifting to prevent harm
to the member of public/ property.
10. Lifting activities must not be done during extreme weather condition and must be restricted during
hours of darkness. If lifting activity is unavoidable during hours of darkness, then the following
conditions must be met:
a. Approval from TCTS authorized person in place,
b. The climbing path and the working environment sufficiently illuminated with headlamps or
floodlights,
c. All height workers with provision to always maintain contact with one other.
11. If the working situation changes during lifting e.g. sudden change of weather, animal attack, injury,
etc., all people involved in the lifting process must descend down to safety. The decision to lower the
load or keep it suspended must be taken by the on-site lifting supervisor considering the nature of
work. If the work cannot be resumed on the same day, a fresh work permit must be issued.

9.0 Performing electrical work

1. The supervisor must conduct a safety briefing for all personnel before commencing work.
2. Supplier must be in possession of a valid/approved work permit from TCTS prior to commencing
electrical work inside a facility or inside a POP.

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 3. The lock out tag out safety procedure (LOTO) must be followed during High Risk Electrical
Installations/Operations by ensuring that dangerous machines are shut off and cannot be started
again prior to the completion of the maintenance/project work.
4. Personnel must not work alone on any “High Risk Electrical installations/Operations” (which include
but are not limited to “live” low tension and high-tension electrical power distribution set-up,
electrical storage devices like capacitors & batteries, and electrical power generating equipment like
generators).
5. Personnel must not be under the influence of any drug / alcohol while performing services.
6. FRP (Fiber reinforced plastic) /SMC (Sheet molding compound) ladder to be used for electrical
activities.
7. Personnel must have and use applicable personal protective equipment (PPE) including insulating
gloves (as per the working voltage), safety helmet with a chin strap, visibility jacket and electrical
safety shoes.
8. Risk assessment of the site must be done by Supervisor/site in-charge/supplier before starting the
work
9. Standard electrical extension board with circuit breaker (i.e. MCB) should be used for powering the
equipment/tools. No temporary wooden extension boards are allowed.

9.1 Design and before commencing work

1. Risk assessment must be carried out prior to start of any project to identify electrical hazards.
2. Electrical hazards must be identified during planned inspections of facilities / projects and also during
any changes to approved plans or existing infrastructure.
3. All statutory requirements laid under The Electricity Act & Rules must be complied with.
4. Lock Out / Tag Out (LOTO) devices must be installed on the electrical systems. Provision to be made
in all electrical system to accommodate LOTO devices.
5. All electrical equipment, appliances, other metallic frames must be provided with earthing.
6. Wherever there is a risk to personnel, an Earth leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) or Residual Current
Circuit Breaker (RCCB) of appropriate rating must be installed in the circuit.
7. Surge protection devices & lightening arrestors must be installed where required.
8. Rubber mats meeting Indian Standard IS 15652:2006 must be placed in front of all access doors of
electrical panels wherever there is possibility of electrocution.
9. Unauthorized access to electrical system / equipment must be prevented. Hazard signs must be
posted.
10. Fire retardant and Low Smoke (FRLS) cables must be used for new projects and whenever
modifications are carried out to existing facilities.
11. Re-wirable fuses must not be used in owned premises/ under direct lease.

9.2 During work

1. Only appropriately qualified and trained personnel must work with electrical systems. The person
must possess at least one of the following qualifications:
a. license holder in HT (i.e. circuits where AC voltage levels exceed 650 V) or LT (i.e. in AC circuit
voltage levels do not exceed 650 V and in DC circuit voltage levels do not exceed 54 V) power
lines from state government authority with 4 years relevant experience, or
b. ITI electrical (2 years certificate course) with 4 years’ experience in HT or LT line, or
c. diploma in electrical engineering (3 years course) with 2 years’ experience in HT or LT line, or
d. degree in electrical engineering (4 years course) with 1 year experience in HT or LT line.
2. Work on live electrical equipment must be allowed only in the following situations:
a. Working on live 6 / 12 / 24 / 48 AC / DC voltage levels,
b. Replacement of fuses and testing of main switches,
c. Measurement of circuit voltage and current in live circuits upto 440 volts,

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 d. Voltage measurement at panels by a multi-meter of live circuits upto 440 volts,
e. Maintenance of critical system power equipment such as UPS / Battery chargers/ Inverters in
server rooms, data centre, MSC, etc.,
f. Testing of terminal tightness of UPS / Batteries for AC and DC low voltage application.
3. Work on live electrical equipment must be controlled by Permit to Work. No live electrical work that
has the potential to cause injury is permitted. The only exception to this is work with extra low
voltage (ELV) systems where switching the equipment off is not practical or would cause significant
disruption.

Where live ELV / LV work is deemed necessary, the following precautions must be adhered to:
a. Lone working not permitted,
b. Use of 1000 v Insulated tools as European (EN) Standard 60900 or equivalent Indian Standard
(IS),
c. As a minimum class 00 gloves that conform to EN (IEC 60903) or equivalent IS standards to be
worn
d. An arc flash face shield that conforms to EN166 and EN170 or equivalent IS standards to be
worn
e. All jewelry, watches, necklaces, rings etc. to be removed when working.
4. All electrical circuits, including nearby equipment / live conductors which can come in contact while
working, must be isolated and tested to ensure that they are dead prior to commencement of work.
Primary & secondary isolation processes must be followed and an energy isolation work permit using
lock out tag out (LOTO), must be issued prior to working with electrical systems.
5. All electrical work on medium voltage and above must be controlled using a step-by-step
photographic sign off for each life critical stage of the process.
6. Work activities associated with HT electrical systems i.e. beyond 650 alternating current (AC) voltage
(V), are restricted.
7. In a special situation, where work activity in designated HT installations under any circumstances is
essential, the work must be undertaken only by HT license holding contractor / electrician.
8. For any work (for example but not limited to electrical, work at height, civil, mechanical,
housekeeping / cleaning) near HT electrical installations, safety distance in terms of vertical clearance
as well as horizontal clearance must be maintained.
a. Vertical clearance – Clearance from extra high voltage (EHV) / high voltage (HV) installations
above the highest part of the building immediately under such line:
i. High voltage lines up to and including 33,000 volts – not less than 3.7 metres,
ii. Extra-high voltage lines - not less than 3.7 metres plus 0.30 metre for every additional
33,000 volts or part thereof.
b. Horizontal clearance - Clearance from EHV / HV installations between the nearest conductor and
any part of such building
i. For high voltage lines up to and including 11,000 volts – not less than 1.2 meters,
ii. For high voltage lines above 11,000 volts and up to and including 33,000 volts – not less than
2.0 metres,
iii. For extra-high voltage lines – not less than 2.0 meters plus 0.3 metre for every additional
33,000 volts for part thereof.
9. Hired electrical equipment like generator sets, transformer & temporary panels must be checked for
any unsecured or open electrical connections before they are put in use. Work area must be
barricaded, cordoned off and danger sign put up until completion of work in order to restrict access
by any personnel not authorized to work as well as access by any member of public. If there are
additional risks, then the work area must be manned during the entire course of work.
10. Approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be used while working with electrical systems.

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 11. Use of extension boards must be restricted to temporary use only.

9.3 Inspections and Maintenance

1. All portable powered tools must be registered and inspected periodically as well as prior to use.
2. All fixed electrical installations and equipment exclusively occupied or directly leased premises must
be designed, installed and maintained in line with statutory requirements, manufacturer’s
recommendations and industry best practices. As a minimum installation must have:
a. A routine visual check every 12 months as covered through planned inspections.
b. A thorough inspection and test every 5 years as covered through electrical audits.
3. Periodical electrical audit to be conducted to identify and eliminate the potential electrical hazard at
facilities and projects.
4. Thermography must be conducted for the electrical panels on periodical basis for premises owned /
direct lease.
5. Electrical preventive maintenance program must be in place.
6. All electrical safety devices and circuits must be calibrated / tested / certified as per the statutory
requirements.

10.0 TCTS CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENT MATRIX

Table 1. Safety Standards, Violation, and its Severity level

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 S. No. Safety Standards Violation Severity

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 1 Safety requirements while Bike Rider and Pillion rider not wearing full face ISI High
riding 2W Marked crash helmet
(*Documents to be in Bike Rider and Pillion rider not wearing reflective Jacket High
hard/soft copy)
2W riders riding without Safety shoes High
Riding without Valid Driving License* High
Not having valid insurance* High
2 Safety requirements while Any driver and passenger not wearing seat belt in front High
travelling and driving 4W row and rear row seat
1. Not taking adequate rest in a day as per requirement High
2. Driving/Riding for more than 6 consecutive days in a
week
Driving without Valid driving license High
3 All vendor workforce Driver driving without receiving 4W DDT from authorized High
(drivers and 2W riders) to training partner
undergo Defensive Driving
2W rider riding 2W without receiving internal 2W DDT High
Training (DDT) – 2W & 4W
training
(as applicable)
4 Electrical work to be Work carried with untrained manpower High
undertaken by qualified
workforce only Worker without ESafety Passport High

Work being done without a valid work permit High

Work carried out by High

unauthorized/incompetent/unqualified Manpower

PPE's (Electrical rated gloves, helmet with chin strap, High

rubber shoes) are missing

LOTO not implemented prior to work High

Person working alone High

5 Work at height to be Untrained manpower deployment without proper High
undertaken by trained training as per TCTS Standard
workforce only
Engineer/Technician/Rigger not carrying his training Medium
details/certificate
Not using recommended PPE as per TCTS standard High

Rigger not anchoring his full body harness with double High
lanyard while climbing up/descending/doing height work
activities
Not having first aid kit/ insufficient Medium
Person working alone High
6 Street Work/UG activities to Untrained Manpower in the field without proper training High
be undertaken by trained as per TCTS standard
workforce only (External Manpower including Vendor Manpower not carrying Medium
fiber training) their training details/certificate
Not using recommended PPE as per TCTS standard as High
applicable

Safety briefing not given to the engaged workforce Medium

Person working alone High

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 7 Team Members have their Manpower engaged in work without issuing ID card, High
ID card, appointment letter, appointment letter, safety passport & Medical Fitness as
safety passport & Medical applicable
Fitness Available Not Carrying ID card, appointment letter, safety passport Medium
& Medical Fitness (Soft/Hard copy) at field while doing
activities
8 Team must follow ASR/MSS Vendor Manpower not following 9 Absolute safety Rules High
(ASR)/MSS 4.0

9 Speed Violation by 4W 4W drivers not following defined speed limit i.e. 80km/hr High
Driver/ 2W Rider or as per traffic norms in certain roads or as stipulated as
per vehicle norms
*graded CMM will be applicable for critical overspeed
2W riders not following defined speed limit i.e. 40km/hr High
in Hilly Area & at Night if applicable
60Km/hr in Normal Roads or Highways
10 Working Hours/No. of Days Driver/Rider driving more than 10Hrs/6Hrs in any 24 Hrs. High
working in a week for Period
driver/rider Driver/ Rider should not work for more than 6
Consecutive days in a week.
11 4W/2W Vehicle must 4W Vehicle High
comply HSW requirements 1. Not complying Vehicle age as per applicable
standard (5 yrs.) or Over run of vehicle
(>150000KM for Non-SUV and >300000KM for
SUV) whichever comes first
2. Vehicle without commercial registration
3. Not using SUV vehicle as FRT (Case by Case basis)
4. Vehicle without retractable seat belts
5. Vehicle without Emergency tool kit
6. Vehicle without RC, Insurance, Fitness
Certificate, PUC
7. Vehicle not in road worthy condition
8. Vehicle not having basic safety specifications
9. Vehicle without Emergency tool kit
2W Vehicle:
1. Vehicle not in road worthy condition
2. Vehicle without proper insurance
3. Vehicle not having rear view mirror, reflective
stickers pasted
4. Vehicle not having service records as per
OEM’s recommendation
12 Work Permit adherence 1. Carrying out risk activities without proper work High
permit
2. Carrying out travels in dark hours (6PM to 6AM)
without T@DH permit
13 DBM Adherence DBM not connected to vehicle High

14 2W rider Login/Logout 2W rider not login/Logout to telematic/VSF/FSM in High

proper time as per 2W rider login/logout SOP

15 Material Lifting People without internal training during material lifting High
Unavailability of Material lifting plan with diagram High
Not using Tool bag High

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 Untrained supervisor High
Not barricading the drop Zone High
16 Material lifting tools Without using TCTS approved standard single/Double
pulley, Carabiner, Anchorage Sling, Kernmantle rope, High
Descender & Rope clamp.

17 Toolbox/ Safety Briefing Supervisor/Line Manager allowing any field activity

(Monitoring System - PTW, without conducting toolbox talk/safety briefing High
Photograph, Video call
screenshot)
18 Manpower and vehicle data Vendor and the line manager to provide required data Medium
timely or as on when required.

19 Alcohol/drug/ Smoke/Any Personnel working at site under the influence of High

other illegal substances alcohol/drug/smoke/any other illegal substances

20 Excavation Safety Carrying out activities inside excavated Pit/Trench High

without taking safety precautions as per Annexure 3

 Note – All the above categorization are for sample reference and CMM will be applicable to all the
violations done against the sections mentioned this document
 Graded CMM will be applicable for all high-risk activities mentioned in the section 10

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 10.1 Non-compliance
10.1.1 General CMM:
Consequences for non-compliance (Part 1). Identified non-compliance will be addressed as set forth
below.
Stage 1: The Supplier** will receive a written warning notice for the first violation.
Stage 2: Upon identifying a second violation, TCTS will provide the Supplier with written notice of such
violation. A joint meeting (Operation +HSW team + Supplier) will be held to review the violation including
identification of the corrective actions.
Stage 3: Upon identifying subsequent violation, TCTS will provide the Supplier with written notice of such
violation and may impose a fine of Rs 10,000/- for every violation. A joint meeting (Operation +HSW team
+ Supplier) will be held to review the violation including implementation of the corrective action's status
identified as part of Stage 2.
** --
Note:
a) CMM timeframe is 6 months (from Stage-1 violation).
b) TCTS will issue the warning notice to the Supplier. Termination of contract will based on investigation
of repeated violations or any safety incidents.
10.1.2 Consequences for non-compliance (For Every Critical High-Risk Activities violation
(Part 2))
Supplier/ Vendor Partner will be held accountable for H&S violations of critical high-risk activities.
 First Violation: Rs 1,500/-
 For every subsequent violation within 6 months: penalty to be doubled, i.e.,
 Second Violation: Rs 3,000/- to Supplier
 Third Violation: Rs 6,000/- to Supplier
 And so on…
Note: If an incident happens in a critical high-risk activity – it would likely be a major incident, resulting
into multiple fractures or can be fatal. Critical high-risk activities have been identified for each function
and are listed in below section
CMM timeframe is 6 months (from Stage-1 violation).
10.1.2.1 List of critical activities and corresponding CMM classification
• TCTS (4W Safety)
• With regards to over speeding (limit is 80 kmph), general CMM will apply upto 95 kmph.
• For over speeding beyond 95 kmph, graded CMM will apply.
• TCTS (2W Safety)
• For distance burst (limit is 120 kms)
• For distance burst beyond 120 kms, graded CMM will apply.
• With regards to over speeding (limit is 60 kmph)
• For over speeding beyond 60 kmph, graded CMM will apply.
• Fiber, Work at height, Electrical activities
• Underground Activity: Excavation activity (manual and mechanical -- Trenching/HDD/Cable or
Duct laying activities) > 1.5 m if work is undertaken without a valid PTW, graded CMM will apply.
• Working at Height (Tower/Pole/Mast): if work is undertaken without a valid PTW or lone
working, graded CMM will apply.
• Electrical Activity: Electrical/Heavy Vehicle movement, Loading & Unloading/W@H/Hot
work/Trenching: if work is undertaken without a valid PTW, graded CMM will apply
• Service Delivery
Working at Height (Tower/Pole/Mast): if work is undertaken without a valid PTW or lone working,
graded CMM will apply.
10.2 Other terms
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 Violations are recorded against a Supplier within each region of work (circles*). Therefore, a second
violation, and any violations thereafter will be counted against prior violations in the same region.
Four or more identified violations within six (6) month’s period will constitute a material breach of the
Agreement.
No terms set forth in this Annexure shall be deemed to modify or waive any of TCTS’s rights and remedies
under the Agreement and applicable law or equity.

In addition to above, TCTS customer CMM action shall also apply on individual vendor. The discretion will be available
with TCTS.

Annexure – 1 PPE specifications and standard details

PPE NEED MATRIX
OFC /
Applicable EN Standards Height Electric Undergrou Road Travel
Sl.No PPE
Work al Work nd/ Street 2W
work
Hard hat (safety EN 397
1 helmet) ü ü ü
Full body harness EN 361: 2002
EN 358
2 EN 813 ü
Shock absorbing EN 354/355(Lanyard
3 double laynards with Energy absorber) ü
Work positioning EN 362(Hook)
4 lanyard EN 364(testing) ü
5 Safety shoe (steel toe) EN 20345:2011 ü ü ü
6 Safety goggles EN 166 ü ü ü
Electrical gloves EN 60903:2003 (Class
00/0/1/2/3, as
7 applicable) ü
Electrical safety shoe EN 20345:2011 (grade-I
8 (FRP/ceramic toe cap) for electrical insulation) ü
Hearing protection- EN 352
9 Ear Plug /Earmuff * ü ü
10 Cotton hand gloves EN 420 ü ü
Barricading /Caution
11 tape ü ü ü
Reflector/High visibility EN-471
12 jacket** ü ü ü ü
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 13 Dungree/cover all suit
v14 Gumboot ü ü ü
Full Mask/Full Face IS 4151
Helmet (Bike helmet) -
ISI marked (any
15 brand/make) ü
* As applicable in activities where there is exposure to high decibel noise
** 2W users reflective wear must comply to the EN standard design as
available in Amazon

MATERIAL LIFTING KIT VEHICLE EMERGENCY

KIT 4W
Kernmantle Rope – Reflector jacket
1 lengths ü ü
2 Pulleys ü Fire extingusher ü
Karabiners/ Maillons Warning
3 ü triangle/cone ü
4 ID’s / Descender ü Emergency light ü
5 Rope clamp - Zumar ü First- aid box ü
Rigging slings with Both
6 D ring ü Repair tool kit ü
7 Round slings ü
Paws /rigging plates
8 (optional)
9 Crawl (optional)

Personal Protective Applicable EN

Karam UFS Abrigo Heapro
Equipment (PPE) Standards
1 Hard hat EN 397 ü ü ü ü
2 Safety shoe (steel toe) EN 20345:2011 ü ü ü ü
EN 361: 2002
3 Full body harness EN 358
EN 813 ü ü ü ü
Shock absorbing twin EN 354/355(Lanyard with
4
lanyards Energy absorber) ü ü ü ü
EN 362(Hook)
5 Work positioning lanyard EN 364(testing)
ü ü ü ü
Cotton Hand gloves -
6 NA
rubber dotted ü ü ü ü
7 Safety goggles EN 166
ü ü
EN 60903:2003 (Class
8 Electrical gloves
00/0/1/2/3, as applicable) ü ü
Electrical safety shoe EN 20345:2011 (grade-I
9
(FRP/ceramic toe cap) for electrical insulation) ü
1 High visibility wear with EN-471 Directly purchase jacket through
0 reflector strips - as per AMAZON. Search
approved pattern- For 2W ‘reflectosafeVOD3/VOD4/VOD5/VOD6’
users on the AMAZON app and a yellow or

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 an orange jacket can be purchased

Annexure – 2 Medical Fitness Certificate Format

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 Annexure – 3 Operational Control Procedure for Performing Fiber activities
at Excavated pit/Trench
Fiber laying activity as well as, Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of the network involves a team of employees
and vendor persons. Outside Plant (OSP) activities include, but are not limited to, excavation work, working at
heights, road-side work including Horizontal Direction Drilling (HDD) and trenching, use of ladders and other work
involving potential Health and Safety (H&S) risks. OSP excavation activities, in support of the above, are carried out
pan India (both rural and urban areas) – different types of soil, weather conditions are encountered as part of the
activities, using a mix of both manual and mechanical engineering support. This Operational Control Procedure
(OCP) is to outline safe work practices for the excavation activities carried out as part of Fiber Optical cable laying
to prevent injury to employees and damage to property.

SCOPE

This OCP is applicable to all work sites where excavation work such as trenching, test pits and trenches of depth up
to 1.5 m and more than 1.5 m is undertaken, using manual method, JCB , HDD machine

S.No Procedural Steps

1 General Requirement:

 Ensure all persons are using appropriate PPE - to include safety shoes, industrial safety helmet with
chin strap, safety goggles, fluorescent jacket, cotton gloves in case of cable pulling and handling hot
rods , nose masks (when required).
 Gum boots may be used instead of safety shoes by the labor in case they have to work in muddy water.

23 | P a g e
  All underground utilities such as water & sewer pipes, gas pipe and electric & telecommunication
cables shall be located prior to undertaking the excavation activity.
 Trial pits to be made to ascertain the underground utilities in case of non-availability of layout drawings.
It shall be informed to concern authorities through mail or call, prior to starting the excavation
activity. The utilities will be identified by (Cross pit/ GPRS). Gas and electricity authorities to be
informed of the OSP activity 48-72 hrs in advance.

 Dusty Atmosphere: When the excavation activity is likely to result in dust generation, which
can be harmful to the employees, necessary action must be taken to suppress it (eg. spraying
water) or employees must wear proper PPE while working in such atmosphere
 Excavation area shall be fenced with barricading / warning tape
 Illuminated work area or glowing signage of caution should be provided during night work.
 Sufficient illumination to be ensured if activity is happening during night-time.
 Adequate control measures should be taken for diverting Surface / runoff water to prevent
accumulation in the excavated pit, including provision of dewatering pumps.
 Excavated Soil and all tools must be kept at least 3 feet away from the edge of the trench If not,
indicate alternate space for removal of excavated soil.
 Heavy Vehicle movement should be kept at least 3 feet away from excavated area. The same to be
ensured through appropriate barricading.
 A-type (industrial type) ladder to be used in case of In-building work, in case of electrical shafts,
FRP ladder to be used, ladders secured and extended 3 feet above edge of trench (while working
>1.5m depth)

 The supervisor shall make the employees aware about the location of the First Aid box.
Emergency numbers of Ambulance / nearest hospital to be readily available with the supervisor.
This is to ensure that in case any emergency is there, the victim can be immediately mobilized to
hospital. In case four-wheeler is available at site, the same to be used to mobilize the victim
rather than waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
 Trench/ Pits shall be barricaded or covered and upon completion of excavation such pits shall be
backfilled properly.
All activities need to be undertaken with a valid Permit to Work (PTW).
For Excavations beyond 1.5 m
In addition to all of the requirements given above, before work commences for excavation beyond 1.5 m,
proper soil assessment to be done before start of the work. One of the following methods to be implemented
during excavation: Shoring / Steel Shielding /

Soil assessment: Team to look for following parameters before starting the work:
 Look for cracks or assures in the faces of the excavation.
 Look for layers of different soil types in the face of the excavation that may indicate instability.
 Look for water seeping from the sides of the excavation.
 Look for signs of previously disturbed soil from other excavation work.
 Consider vibration from construction activity or highway traffic that may affect the stability of the
excavation

In addition to the points mentioned above, greater clarity on types of soils have been provided in the
subsequent section

Shoring/Steel Shielding: The installation of shores should be done from the surface. Vertical shores
should be placed from surface and the horizontal braces should be installed as per the design approved
by TCTS
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 A pilot demo was conducted at one of the sites in Noida ( Delhi/NCR). Sharing few sample pictures here.

For detailed videos and more reference pictures, please refer the below link:

https://tatacommunications.sharepoint.com/teams/EOHS/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx

The worker should go down in the trench with the help of a ladder which is long enough to install the
next lower shielding members and horizontal braces The horizontal braces should never be used as a
ladder for getting in or out of a trench. Image to depict this method is available on the subsequent page
(to be included once pilot is done successfully).

Following guideline is to be followed

 All trenches deeper than 1.5 m shall be securely shored/shielded.
 All trenches in friable or unstable rock exceeding 2 m in depth shall be securely shored In case of
any doubt with respect to the safety of the work, the requirement for providing shoring
/shielding shall be carefully considered, even in trenches less than 1.5 meter in depth, and
decision should be taken accordingly
 Care to be taken to prevent material rolling down the slope and falling into the part of the
trench

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 Removal of shoring/ Steel shielding:

During removal of shoring the possible collapse of trench sides should be anticipated. The removal of
shoring is a hazardous work. A worker should never be permitted to engage in this work single handed.
The newly installed utility line will then be safeguarded in the normal course by being covered with
loose or compact fill before shores are removed. If the trench is likely to cave or shelter in on removal
of the shores, it can be filled up to the bottom of the horizontal braces. It is a safe way for the workers
to go down on the ladder and remove this brace, after which additional trench space can be filled up to
the next horizontal brace or screw jack.

 Monitoring of Oxygen level and CO, CO2 and other harmful gases in the pit can be done with the help
of gas meter and/or oximeter. Incase meters are unavailable; presence of harmful gases or absence of
oxygen can be judged by being in the area for initial 1-2 mins. If one feels suffocated or can smell
something pungent/foul, immediately remove yourself from that place, let the fresh air circulation
happen, then start the work. If suffocation or foul smell still persists, stop the work, and procure
oximeter/gas meter till we are sure about the type of gas present.

3 HDD / JCB Activity/ Moling activity

Above two images depict the parabolic path taken by the HDD pilot

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 Safety Measures to be adopted while doing Moling activity:

 Mole is properly insulated (in case of manual moling being done). This is to eliminate risk arising
out of any electrical hazard in the vicinity.
 PPE to include safety shoes, nose masks, safety goggles, safety helmet and cotton gloves
 Barricading of the trench
 If feasible, warning signs indicating underground work in progress
When using a JCB
When using a JCB, the following safety precautions will be ensured
 Drivers should be trained, licenced and competent to operate the JCB.
 Vehicle Marshaller may be provided to direct the excavator operation.
 Underground utilities must be identified and marked.
 Trial trench may be dug manually to confirm location of utilities.
 JCB driver must be fully briefed about location of all utilities and hazards.
 Ensure level platform for JCB operation.
 Suitable barricading to ensure no unauthorized persons enter the work area.
 Overhead clearance from utilities and power lines must be ensured
 Visibility of the work area must be clear for the operator.
 Bucket attachment must be securely fitted.
 Operator should wear high visibility clothing to facilitate rescue in case of accident.

Emergency Preparedness and Rescue

4
 The supervisor shall make the employees aware about the location of the First Aid box.
 Emergency numbers of Ambulance / nearest hospital to be readily available with the supervisor.
This is to ensure that in case any emergency is there, the victim can be immediately mobilized to
hospital.
 In case four-wheeler is available at site, the same to be used to mobilize the victim rather than
waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

Responsibilities:

Supervisor
An experienced and trained supervisor shall be placed in charge of the work properly explained about his
roles and responsibilities. The supervisor shall have complete control of work if it does not comply to the
safety requirements. The supervisor shall be thoroughly able to examine hazards/ utilities in the
underground structures such as power cables, sewer lines, gas lines etc.
Supervisor shall ensure no additional work undertaken when excavation work is under process unless
there is ample amount of space around the work area. The supervisor shall be trained and certified in first
aid and shall always carry a suitable first aid kit wherever the work commences.
Supervisor shall not allow person into the excavation when there is clearance of excavated materials
taken away which may lead the person to get struck.

Supervisor shall ensure that approved PTW (Permit to Work) is available before staring the work.
Daily Inspection of the excavation to be carried out by the vendor supervisor or by TCTS engineer.
Workers
 Workers shall not be allowed if found intoxicated.
 Workers shall be provided with adequate and appropriate PPE’s while carrying excavation work.
 Workers shall be appropriately trained on the site before starting the activity (in case of local
contractors) by the trained supervisor / field engineer for high-risk activities

Any unskilled worker shall not be allowed to work at field.

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Guidance on types of soils and their corresponding stability factor
From construction point of view, soil can be classified in four groups viz. Stable rock, Type-A, Type-B and Type-C.
Stability is greatest in stable rock and decreases through Type A and B to Type C, which is the least stable.
 Stable rock: Stable Rock is defined as natural solid mineral matter that can be excavated with vertical sides
and remain intact while exposed.
 Type-A soils include the following:
Cohesive soils with very high strength.

 Type-B soils include the following:

The soil has been previously disturbed.
Soil that is fissured (cracked).
The soil that is subject to vibration from heavy traffic, pile driving or similar effects.
Dry rock that is unstable.
 Type-C soils include the following:
Granular soils including gravel, sand and loamy sand.
Loose backfilled soil.
Submerged soil or soil from which water is freely seeping.
Black-cotton soil – This type of soil is expansive in nature and swells when in contact with water. When
dried up, cracks can be observed. This type of soil generally appears on the upper strata of the ground up
to a shallow depth.

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