SECTION 826 — PERSONNEL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION — PERSONNEL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
826.01 Description.
This work includes providing protection for both persons and the environment during the blast cleaning of existing structural steel before repainting the steel. This Section addresses the requirements for removal and containment of paint and/or corrosion products from any steel bridge or specified appurtenances during blast cleaning operations and the requirements to ensure that both Contractor and Department empl oyees are adequately equipped and protected from the harmful effects of lead, blast media dust, and fumes from the blasting operations. This provision is associated with and applies to SECTION 825. Toxic Caveat. Existing paint systems on the State’ s bridges may contain toxic substances such as lead or chromium, and these substances may be considered hazardous wastes when removed. Legal Responsibilities. Take responsible charge of the worksite and comply with all Federal, State, and Municipal laws related to the work. See SECTION 107. The Department is the generator of the waste and is, therefore, directly responsible for complying with the applicable laws and regulations. The Contractor shall be liable for any fines, penalties, or remediation costs incurred by the Department as a result of the Contractor’s failure to comply with the applicable laws and regulations.
826.02 Materials.
Not applicable.
826.03 Construction Methods.
General. Provide adequate protection for pedestrian, vehicular, and other traffic upon and underneath structures according to SECTION 107 and any additional provisions of this Section. Provide a barrier that protects vehicles, vessels, or pedestrians from direct or indirect exposure to the blasting operations, and prevents abrasive materials or debris from falling onto the roadway, into waterways, or any other location where a traffic hazard may be created. Otherwise, the Engineer will suspend work until corrections are made. Protect all portions of the structure and its appurtenances that could be damaged by the blast cleaning operations by covering or shielding.
Part 800 — Bridge Structures August 2025
SECTION 826 — PERSONNEL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 800-165 Containment. Ensure that there is total containment of all debris or spent materials during the blast cleaning operations or subsequent air blowing or vacuuming of the work area.
a.Containment, Collection, Storage , and Disposal. Perform the c ontainment, collection, storage, and disposal of debris and spent materials. Additionally, ensure that all containment, collection, storage, and disposal of debris and spent materials resulting from the cleaning operations comply with the latest rules, regulations, requirements, standards, and/or procedures of the following agencies, which include the following: ● The Environmental Protection Agency, 40 CFR Part 745, Lead, Requirements for Lead Based Paint Activities. ● Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Air and Hazardous Materials: ○ Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 5, Fugitive Dust ○ Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 24, Removal of Lead Based Paint From Exterior Surfaces ○ Rules and Regulations for Hazardous Waste Generation, Trans portation, Treatment, Storage, and Disposal ○ Rules and Regulations for Solid Waste Management Facilities Personnel Protection.
a.Painting and Cleaning Operations. During painting and cleaning operations, ensure that all workers engaged in the removal of lead-based paints and blast cleaning operations are adequately trained, protected, equipped, and monitored against the harmful effects of lead and blast media during all phases of the painting operations. Additionally, ensure that all monitoring respiratory protection, protective clothing, housekeeping and hygiene, medical surveillance, medical protection, training, signs and record keeping comply with the latest rules, regulations, requirements, standards, and/or procedures of the following agencies, which include the following: ● The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 29 CFR Part 1926 and, more specifically, Part 1926 and Part 1926.62, OSHA Standard for Lead in the Construction Industry with: ○ Appendix A ― Substance Data Sheet for Occupational Exposure to Lead ○ Appendix B ― Employee Standard Summary ○ Appendix C ― Medical Surveillance Guidelines ○ Appendix D ― Qualitative and Quantitative Fit Test Protocols ● Rhode Island Department of Health, Environmental Lead Program, Rules and Regulations for Lead Poisoning Prevention as applicable
Part 800 — Bridge Structures August 2025
800-166 SECTION 826 — PERSONNEL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Ensure that these documents are available as applicable through the local offices of the US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The location of the offices is indicated in Special Provision Code 826.1000 of the Contract.
826.04 Method of Measurement.
Containment, Collection, Storage, and Disposal of Debris and Spent Materials will not be measured separately for payment. Personnel Protection During Painting and Cleaning Operations will not be measured separately for payment.
826.05 Basis of Payment.
Containment, Collection, Storage, and Disposal of Debris and Spent Materials will not be paid and is incidental to the bid item that requires this work, and these costs should be included in the item. This incidental work includes all materials, labor, equipment, collection and containment equipment, storage requirements, engineering, sampling, testing, disposal fees, and all incidentals required to finish the work, including toxic substances as stated under Subsection 826.01.1. Personnel Protection During Painting and Cleaning Operations will not be paid and is incidental to the bid item that requires this work and these costs should be included in that item. This incidental work includes all materials, labor, equipment, monitoring devices, changing and shower facilities, professional hygienist, medical facilities and all incidentals required to finish the work complete and accepted.
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Source: Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction (Blue Book), 2022 (Aug 2025 compilation) Edition. Pages 533–535 of 951. View official source ↗