USS CONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT
CONTRACTOR HANDBOOK

PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide Company expectations, recommended / required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), minimal requirements of training, job tasks, employee, and supervisory roles related to Contractor Management. Site conditions / scope of work must be evaluated before performing work to determine if a possibility exists of personnel being subjected to injury and/or illness and to apply appropriate measures to mitigate identified hazards. Based upon the evaluations, each site and/or group shall implement procedure(s) which meets the minimum requirements of this Program, and any applicable Federal, State, or Local laws. Note: Under certain circumstances, local requirements may supersede the requirements in this program. Consult with your local EHS resource as may be required.

Exceptions to requirement listed in this document require Company EHS Director approval.

APPLICABILITY

This Program applies to US Silica Corporate and all US Silica Business Units (Oil and Gas, Performance Materials, SandBox, and Specialty Minerals); hereafter referred to as Company. Failure by Company personnel to comply with the requirements listed in the Company Contractor Management Program, and where applicable in this document, is considered a willful disregard of Company policies will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Contractors in violation of the Company’s Contractor Management Program and / or requirements and expectations listed in this document will be escorted out of the plant / site and may be subject to termination of applicable MSA or other contractual agreement, written or verbal.

GENERAL DEFINITIONS

1. INTRODUCTION TO U.S. SILICA

U.S. Silica is a global industrial minerals and logistics leader, with core competencies in mining, processing, logistics and material science that enable us to produce and cost effectively deliver over 1,500 diversified products to customers across our end markets. Our employees and partner Contractors are key components to the success of the Company, and we expect each person to conduct themselves in a professional manner and according to our CORE Values: Safety, Integrity, Respect, and Community.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY (EHS) POLICIES AND STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

  1. HEALTH AND SAFETY

    We recognize the importance of and are committed to maintaining a comprehensive process to identify, minimize, or eliminate all health and safety hazards to our employees, contractors, and visitors. We know that the success of our health and safety process is totally dependent on management commitment and support, and the attitudes and actions of each employee. Moreover, a spirit of cooperation and positive thinking is essential from all persons at each operation.

  2. ENVIRONMENTAL

    We are committed to the protection of a clean, healthy environment. We believe that a commitment to environmental management benefits our employees, the communities we serve, our customers, and our shareholders. We believe that proper regard for the environment is an essential element of a successful and sustainable business strategy.

  3. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

    All employees have the right, responsibility, and are fully empowered to use their STOP WORK Authority without fear of reprimand if in good faith they observe a behavior or condition presenting an immediate threat to health, safety or the environment. Employees must communicate STOP WORK Authority events to their immediate supervisor or responsible person

    We have the responsibility and obligation to continuously uphold our EHS principles and ensure a positive EHS culture exists at all locations where we do business. The following are strict violations of the EHS Standards of Conduct. Violations of EHS Standards of Conduct will be appropriately investigated and may result in discipline up to and including termination

    The EHS Standards of Conduct strictly prohibit:

    • Failure to report a workplace incident (injury, property damage, near miss, environmental release, etc.) in a timely manner.
    • Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while working.
    • Gross neglect in the performance of assigned duties, the care of Company property or the property of others.
    • Fighting, intimidating, threatening, offensive behavior or horseplay on‐site.
    • Knowingly falsifying records or reports, either written or verbal.
    • Knowingly causing, or allowing to occur, a situation violating EHS regulations / permits or circumventing / disabling environmental or safety and health hazard controls.
    • Intentionally disabling or bypassing equipment safety features.
    • Use of a cell phone while operating equipment in designated no cell phone use areas, or as prohibited by applicable federal, state, and local laws / regulations.
    • Failure to wear provided seat restraints while operating mobile equipment or any Company vehicle, including rental vehicles, on Company business.
    • Willful disregard of Company EHS policies, federal, state or local regulations, or violations of EHS Programs and SOPs of the Company including, but not limited to the following:
      • Fall prevention and protection procedures.
      • Lockout/Tagout/Test‐Out (LOTOTO) procedures.
      • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use, care and maintenance procedures.
      • Confined space procedures.
      • Electrical safety procedures.
      • Equipment guarding procedures.
      • Rail safety procedures.
      • Respiratory protection procedures.
      • Task training requirements related to equipment operation.
      • Established JSAs and SOPs including restricted access areas.
      • Applicable DOT regulations.
  4. REGULATORY AGENCIES

    Company operations, according to each product line, may fall under various federal, state or local regulations.Contractors must satisfy themselves to which agency(s) regulations they fall under and strive to meet those expectations.

    The Company views regulatory agencies, and Contractor teams, as partners with the same goals – the protection of health, safety, and the environment. We strive to work in cooperation with the regulatory agencies to advance our systems and programs for the health and well‐being of everyone we team with.

  5. EHS COMPLIANCE

    As indicated in the Company’s Contractor Management Program, we expect the Contractor, upon Company request and/or during audits, to certify that all their personnel comply with Company, applicable Regulatory Agency(s), their own, and other appropriate EHS regulations and have been instructed the proper use of protective devices and practices. Contractor employees must complete the Company Site Specific and Hazard Awareness training prior to entering the work area. Proper task training must be completed before operating equipment or performing job tasks. All equipment, mobile equipment and tools provided by the Contractor must be fully compliant with applicable regulatory requirements and in proper working and safe operating condition.

3. HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

The health and safety of personnel entering a Company plant / site (see definition) is paramount in all we do. The following are minimal expectations for Contractor personnel. Contractor(s), based upon their hazard assessment related to the work they are to perform, shall determine applicable and appropriate procedures, equipment, and PPE to ensure the safety and well‐being of their and associated Company personnel.

  1. TOBACCO‐FREE AND DRUG & ALCOHOL POLICIES – The Company is dedicated to providing a healthy, comfortable, and productive work environment. To help achieve this goal, the Company provides a tobacco‐free work environment. This applies to all forms of tobacco use and electronic cigarettes. Each plant / site manager shall determine if designated tobacco / electronic cigarette use areas will be permitted. If allowed, these areas shall have signage adequately posting the designated area and the area shall be communicated to affected plant / site personnel. If none are designated, tobacco / electronic cigarette use must be conducted off property.
  2. ILLICIT DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE – The Company has “zero tolerance” for use of illicit drugs and work‐related alcohol impairment. Suspected impairment will be reported to appropriate plant / site manager and immediate steps will be taken to remove the person(s) from the premises.
  3. SIGN IN AND SIGN OUT ‐ A sign in / sign out process is used to account for workers on Company property. Mining, shop, office and other work areas are restricted unless clearance is given by an appropriate level Company employee.
  4. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) ‐ Proper PPE must be used in designated areas and according to work being performed. PPE may include, but is not limited to hard hats, safety glasses with permanent side shields,
    protective footwear, respiratory protection, proper gloves, high visibility/reflective clothing, fall protection, hearing protection, and fire‐resistant clothing (FRC). Other PPE may be required due to changes in the work environment. Personal flotation devices are required anytime there is a danger of falling into water.
  5. CLOTHING / HAIR / JEWELRY ‐ Adequate clothing for tasks and work conditions should be worn. Loose fitting clothing and long hair should be confined to prevent being a hazard. It is recommended that metal rings, watches,
    and other metal jewelry presenting a hazard should be removed during working hours. Some plants / sites may have specific rules prohibiting metal rings, watches, and other jewelry; this requirement will be shared during
    plant / site specific hazard awareness training.
  6. FALL PREVENTION – Task appropriate fall protection devices / equipment is required when there is a danger of falls. During the operation of scissor and aerial lifts, fall protection is required along with proper tie offs at the
    approved anchor points. MSHA CFR 30 Part 56.15005 as well as OSHA Fall Protection Standard 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M and OSHA 1910.140 Personal Fall Protection Systems shall be followed.
  7. RESPIRATORY PROTECTION ‐ Respiratory equipment may be needed for protection against toxic and hazardous materials such as dust, vapors, fumes, or mists. Employees wearing respirators need proper medical clearance, fit
    testing, and training prior to donning a respirator. Note – filtering facepiece respirators are not allowed in respiratory protection required areas. Ventilation, fans, and exhaust systems shall be used to remove dusts, mists, and fumes in the work area.
  8. COMMUNICATION, FACILITY CONTACTS & DESIGNATED PERSON IN CHARGE ‐ Communication plans, facility contacts, and the designated person in charge are established for each Contractor. Daily communication ensures the planning of safe work practices. Plants / sites, in most cases, utilize mobile radios throughout the workplace, with the possible exception of maintenance / storage yards and office, unless it creates a potential hazard (ex.
    radio interference with other communications, accidental explosive discharge, possible fire hazard, etc.). Common universal hand signals may also be used. Contact applicable plant / site management for guidance.
  9. MOBILE PHONES – Generally, cell phones are not allowed during equipment operations. Plant / site specific exceptions must be verified with applicable plant / site manager, prior to use, and shall be communicated during
    plant / site specific training.
  10. SEAT RESTRAINT DEVICES ‐ Seat belt / shoulder strap use is required always and shall be maintained in a functional condition and replaced when necessary to ensure proper performance.
  11. DANGEROUS WEAPONS ‐ Firearms or other dangerous weapons are prohibited on Company properties, with the exception of being properly secured in a designated parking area, when mandated by a State requirement.
  12. EMERGENCY RESPONSE ‐ In the event of an emergency, the telephone paging system, mobile radios, verbal updates, or computers are used to notify Employees on site. Employees need to be aware of work area, building
    exits, location of fire extinguishers, severe weather shelters, and evacuation meeting locations. An “All Clear” signal is given once the emergency no longer exists.
  13. EMERGENCY CONTACT ‐ Emergency contacts are posted at appropriate locations. Dialing 911 or 9‐911 will contact the local fire, sheriff, and first responders; make sure to verify when calling from a mobile phone. For
    MSHA Immediately Reportable events, Contractor(s) must notify mine operations personnel immediately as mine operators must call immediately, but no later than 15 minutes from the time they know or should know that an accident has occurred. An Emergency Response Team with competent persons, caregivers, and response roles are assigned to each shift to respond during emergency events. If the 911 number is accidentally dialed, please stay on the line to talk to the dispatch personnel or inform a Company team member.
  14. CPR, FIRST AID, AED, AND BLOOD BORNE PATHOGENS ‐ An individual capable of providing first aid shall be available on all shifts. The individual shall be currently trained and have the skills to perform patient assessment
    and artificial respiration; control bleeding; and treat shock, wounds, burns, and musculoskeletal injuries.
  15. INCIDENT AND INJURY REPORTING –Injuries, property damage, and close calls/near misses should be reported to the plant / site supervisor immediately. The Company investigates each incident no matter how small or minor
    it may be, even if no injury or property damage occurred. Contractors may be required to conduct an incident investigation or assist with the process.
  16. EXAMINATION OF WORKING PLACES ‐ Contractors shall ensure all work areas are safe. At least once a shift before work begins in the work area, work areas are examined for conditions which may adversely affect safety or health. Appropriate corrective action shall be taken to correct such conditions and conditions recorded. A written record must be kept on file for one year for this standard.
  17. HOUSEKEEPING AND SAFE ACCESS ‐ All workplaces, passageways, storage rooms, and service rooms shall be kept clean and orderly. Keep work areas free of spills, debris, rubbish, tools and equipment not in use, and unused
    supplies. Oily and waste rags must always be placed in self‐closing metal containers. The floor of every workplace shall be maintained in a clean and, as possible, dry condition. Where wet practices are used, drainage shall be
    maintained. Safe means of ingress and egress shall be provided and maintained to all working places.
  18. TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND PARTS – Proper maintenance and care of tools, equipment and parts is important. Tools and equipment need to be put back in proper places when finished. Report all defective tools or equipment
    and remove from service with proper Lock Out/Tag Out
  19. SIGNS, SIGNALS, BARRICADES, AND FLASHING LIGHTS ‐ Areas containing hazards that are not immediately obvious to personnel shall be barricaded or posted with warning signs specifying the hazard and proper safety
    procedures. When a hazard exists at night or where daylight is obscured, flashing lights or other illumination will be used to warn of a hazard. Signs, signals, barricades, and flashing lights shall be removed immediately when the
    hazard no longer exists. The following identification system is used along with a sign explaining the hazard:
    • CAUTION – Yellow barricade tape is used when the area being barricaded has a safety concern of a lower degree. This might include the use of hoses on the ground, equipment use, work area congestion, etc. Yellow tape means: “Enter, but proceed with caution.” There must be a label or posting for the barricaded area at each point of possible entrance, stating the hazards within the area.
    • DANGER – Red barricade tape is used when the area has a safety concern of an immediate or high potential degree. This might include overhead loads, suspended loads, work being performed overhead, open holes,
      etc. Red tape means: “Do not enter unless the entrant contacts the responsible party for the area.” There must be a label or posting for the barricaded area at each point of possible entrance stating the hazards within the area. The label must also state the responsible party for the area.
  20. FIRE PREVENTION
    • All fires, regardless of size, shall be immediately notified to Company representative to ensure proper emergency support and follow up occur. Fire extinguishers are located throughout the plant / site and are clearly labeled. If a fire extinguisher is used, the seal is broken, or the pressure gauge is not in green, please notify a Company representative so it can be replaced. The Contractor must ensure adequate training for all their employees with appropriate level firefighting responsibilities. All Contractors’ firefighting equipment must be inspected regularly. Regulations require monthly and annual fire extinguisher recorded inspections for compliance.
      • Whenever a fire or its effects could impede escape from self‐propelled equipment a fire extinguisher of adequate type and size shall be in the equipment.
      • Whenever a fire or its effects would not impede escape from the equipment but could impact the escape of another person in the area, a fire extinguisher of adequate type and size shall be on the equipment or within 100 feet of the equipment
    • Combustible material shall be stored away from buildings and equipment and will be removed from the plant / site regularly
    • Notification to and authorization by appropriate Company representative is required before any shutdown of automatic fire suppression systems.
    • Flammable liquids shall be kept in closed metal containers and the contents clearly identified.
  21. LOCKOUT/TAGOUT/TESTOUT (LOTOTO) ‐ Before performing work or repairs, on or around equipment which could inadvertent start‐up or an uncontrolled release of hazardous energy could occur, the source of power must be shut off, locked out and blocked against motion. LOTOTO is required to protect persons from energy sources which could include electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal or other energy sources.
    • Electrically powered equipment or circuits must be de‐energized before performing mechanical work. Power switches must be locked out or other measures taken to prevent the power circuits from being energized without the knowledge of individuals working on them.
    • Suitable warning notices must be posted at the power switch and signed by the individuals performing the work
    • Locks are to be removed only by persons who installed them or by authorized personnel.
    • All defective equipment must be locked out and tagged out. LOTOTO also applies to mobile equipment.
  22. ELECTRICAL SAFETY ‐ Only authorized and trained individuals can work on electrical equipment.
  23. OVERHEAD POWER LINES ‐ Be aware of overhead power lines and equipment and maintain a safe working distances from energized parts. Use a spotter when operating heavy equipment near power lines. Be aware of signs and wire makers in areas where work is being performed.
  24. ELECTRICAL CORDS ‐ Electrical cords shall be of sufficient size and current‐carrying capacity to ensure that a rise in temperature resulting from normal operations does not damage the insulating materials. Electrical cords shall not be hung or routed through holes/walls/doors or other structures. Only use electrical cords that are in good operating condition and do not use cords that are damaged or frayed. Operators of vehicles and mobile equipment must not cross over any electric power cables or cords unless cables or cords are protected by a proper crossing device.
  25. BLASTING – Site specific blasting procedures, where applicable, will be provided during site specific hazard awareness training.
  26. TRAFFIC CONTROL PATTERNS, SPEED LIMITS, AND PARKING ‐ All types and sizes of vehicles travel Company roadways. Always travel on the right side of the road, unless a left‐hand traffic pattern is communicated via signage. Obey posted speed limits and traffic control signs. Park in designated area, where applicable; never park in front or behind stationary mobile equipment due to limited visibility. During an emergency, every effort shall be made to permit free movement of emergency vehicles and personnel.
  27. MACHINERY, MOBILE EQUIPMENT & RAIL
    • Conveyor Startup Warnings ‐ Audible alarms may sound during conveyor startups to act as a warning. When the entire length of the conveyor is not visible from the starting switch, an audible warning shall warn persons that the conveyor is going to start.
    • Guarding ‐ Moving machine parts must be guarded to protect persons from contacting gears, sprockets, chains, pulleys, flywheels, couplings, shafts, fan blades, and similar moving parts that may cause injury. Guards must be securely in place when machinery is operated. Guards must be constructed and maintained to withstand vibration, shock, and wear to which they are subjected during normal operations. Guards must be constructed to not create a hazard by their use.
    • Mobile Equipment Pre‐Shift Inspections ‐ A pre‐shift inspection is required on all mobile equipment by each operator before placing equipment into operation on a shift. Defects on any equipment, machinery, and tools that affect safety shall be corrected in a timely manner to prevent hazards to persons. Defective equipment that poses a risk to human or workplace safety shall be removed from service and repaired timely. Defects affecting safety, which are not corrected immediately, shall be reported to, and recorded by, the Contractor. The records shall be kept from the dates the defects are recorded until the defects are corrected. Operators are to use safe access and egress when operating mobile equipment.
    • Secured Loads ‐ All loads must be properly secured in the cargo area before transport.
    • Parking Brakes and Wheel Chocks ‐ Mobile equipment at the mine site must not be left unattended unless the controls are placed in the park position, the parking brake is set, and the wheels or tracks of mobile equipment are either chocked or turned into a bank. Parking brakes must be capable of stopping and holding the equipment with its typical load on the maximum grade it travels. Wheel chocks are available if needed.
      • Vehicles parked in designated employee parking areas are exempt from this requirement.
      • DOT designated vehicles (“over the road”) may be exempt from this requirement; check with appropriate Company plant / site EHS resource.
    • Horns, Backup Alarms, and Blind Spots ‐ Manually operated horns or other audible warning devices provided on self‐propelled mobile equipment as a safety device shall be maintained in a functional condition. Before
      moving mobile equipment, equipment operators shall sound a warning that is audible above the surrounding noise level or use other effective means to warn all persons who could be exposed to a hazard from the equipment. An automatic reverse‐activated strobe light may be used at night in lieu of an audible reverse alarm. When backing up a piece of equipment with blind spots, take necessary precautions to conduct the task safely. Mobile equipment with an obstructed view shall have an automatic reverse‐activated signal alarm, a discriminating backup alarm that covers the area of the obstructed view, or an observer to signal when it is safe to back up.
    • Right of Way ‐ Mining equipment always has the right of way except for emergency vehicles.
    • Rail Maintenance Signaling ‐ Blue signals are displayed when rail equipment is locked out and rail equipment must not be coupled or moved, other rolling equipment must not be placed on the track to reduce or block the view of a blue signal, and rolling equipment must not pass a blue signal. Blue signals must be displayed on each end of a grouping of cars, track mobile, and locomotive. Blue flag protection is removed only when protection is no longer required. Contact appropriate Company representative for additional information on rail safety.
    • Crossing Rail Tracks/Safe Distances ‐ Do not step or walk on the top of the rail, switches, or other track components. In passing around the ends of standing cars, engines, or work equipment, leave a minimum of 25 feet (half a railcar length) between yourself and the end of the equipment. Do not go between pieces of equipment if the opening is less than 50 feet (full railcar length) as a minimum. Trains may be operated by remote control and can move at any time.
  28. CRANES, RIGGING, AND SIGNALING
    • Suspended Loads ‐ Never walk or stand under a suspended load and ensure a safe distance when working near suspended loads.
    • Taglines, Hitches, and Slings ‐ Taglines shall be attached to loads that may require steadying or guidance while suspended. Hitches and slings used to hoist materials shall be suitable for the material handled.
  29. HOT WORK ‐ Hot work permits may not be required in all plant / site areas; however, before work commences, at the location of any hot work to be performed, check with your site contact to determine whether a Hot Work Permit is required. In addition, there must be adequate fire extinguishers and/or fire blankets. The Contractor must ensure all potential fuel sources and extraneous debris are removed from the area prior to beginning work. When cutting or welding near flammable materials which cannot be removed, use as many precautions as possible suitable to the affected area such as, water to wet the area down, suitable fire‐resistant guards, partitions or screens. Areas adjacent or below to the hot work are to be checked and may be required to be coned off to protect workers. Areas may need a fire watch upon project completion to ensure issues do not arise.
  30. HAND AND POWER TOOLS ‐ All hand and power tools shall be maintained in safe working condition. When power tools are operated in a handheld mode, they shall be operated with controls which require constant hand or finger pressure. Tools shall not be used beyond the design capacity intended by the manufacturer where such use may create a hazard to persons or property.
  31. COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS ‐ Compressed gas cylinders shall be placed in a safe storage area, at least 25’(MSHA) of 50’ (OSHA) from any ignition / fire source, unless behind a fire proof barrier. They must be secured in an upright position. Valves shall be in the “OFF” or “CLOSED” position except when in active use. Gauges and regulators shall be kept clean and free of oil and grease. Oxygen cylinders shall not be stored in rooms or areas used or designated for storage of flammable or combustible liquids including grease.
  32. LADDERS ‐ Ladders shall be of substantial construction and maintained in good condition. Aluminum or metal ladders should not be used in areas of energized electrical wiring. All persons using ladders shall face the ladder and keep three points of contact otherwise fall protection may be required. Ensure all identification and warning labels are legible.
  33. HANDRAILS, STAIRWAYS, AND SCAFFOLDING ‐ Elevated walkways, elevated ramps, and stairways shall be of substantial construction provided with handrails and maintained in good condition. Where necessary, toe boards shall be provided. Toe boards may prevent tools and materials from falling off a walkway and creating a hazard to workers below. They also help prevent workers from slipping under the guardrail. Working platforms shall not be overloaded, shall be of substantial construction, and maintained. Items should never be dropped or thrown from a high or concealed place unless the area below has been roped off or otherwise barricaded.
  34. EXCAVATION ‐ The Contractor shall consider all buried pipes, cables, lines, etc. which may be near of excavations to be made in filled areas and the adverse effects that may develop because of new excavation. Excavations and trenches shall be inspected daily by the Contractor and after every rainfall or change in situation to determine if they are safe. Ground conditions shall be assessed regularly by a competent person designated by the Contractor. Trench boxes or benching shall be used if conditions require it. Before digging in a filled area or a potential filled area, an underground locating and marking service (e.g., Diggers Hotline, Texas811, Call Before You Dig, etc.) will be used. Note, in most cases these services will only locate “public” utilities; therefore, it may be necessary to hire other agencies or work with appropriate Company representative to locate “private” utilities.
  35. CONFINED SPACE ‐ The Contractor shall develop safe working procedures when confined space areas must be accessed. Such areas include, but not limited to; storage tanks, process vessels, bins, tunnels, pipelines, or basements. All employees who are required to enter a confined space shall be instructed as to the nature of the hazards involved, necessary precautions taken, and in the use of any protective and emergency equipment that is required. Whenever a Confined Space meets any of the following: a hazardous atmosphere; a material that can engulf a person who enters; an inside design that could trap or asphyxiate a person who enters; and/or any other serious safety or health hazards, a Confined Space Entry Permit shall be required. Check with appropriate plant / site EHS representative or supervisor prior to entering any confined space.
  36. ILLUMINATION AND NIGHT WORK ‐ Enough illumination needs to be provided to ensure safe working conditions where Employees are working or walking.
  37. COMBUSTIBLE DUST ‐ Combustible dusts that may present an explosion hazard when suspended in air in certain conditions will be controlled through housekeeping, equipment maintenance, engineering, and administrative controls.
  38. CHEMICAL EXPOSURES – A Hazard Communication program (HAZCOM) meeting the requirements of OSHA 1910.1200 or MSHA Part 47 and work practices will be implemented to manage risk from chemical exposures.
  39. ERGONOMIC HAZARDS – Consideration will be given to control ergonomic risks as appropriate.

4. ENVIRONMENT QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

  1. GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS) INFORMATION – The Company has developed and implemented an Environmental Quality Management Plan (EQMP) to serve as a tool to improve environmental responsibility, stewardship and performance, and minimize potential impact on the environment, which may include, but is not limited, to fugitive dust, chemical spills and releases, disturbance of designated sensitive environmental areas, etc. The Company’s EQMP requires that any person performing work or services on Company’s behalf that has the potential to cause a significant environmental impact (i.e. regulatory nonconformance) is aware of Company requirements and is competent based on appropriate education, training or experience to perform the task assigned. Part of Contractor competence is this environmental, health and safety requirements training. The company will provide each Contractor a copy of the EQMP to ensure they have proper training and understanding of our obligations since we cannot include it all in this document.
  2. FUGITIVE DUST ‐ “Fugitive Dust” means solid airborne particles emitted from any source other than a flue or stack. Use Best Management Practices (BMPs) for controlling fugitive dust that may include:
    • An established water truck or secure a clean water source available to the site at all times.
    • Apply water to roads and around the site to reduce dust.
    • Hot, dry weather may require several additional water applications throughout the shift.
    • Roadways shall be kept clean, free of debris, and swept regularly so a fugitive dust is not created.
    • Transport dusty materials in covered haulage vehicles.
    • Restrict speed limits or travel on paved haul roads.
    • Enclosing project area if work will cause sources of fugitive emissions, i.e. bag changes on dust collectors.

      It is important to be proactive by paying attention to weather conditions (wind, temperature, precipitation, etc.) and use BMP’s before a fugitive dust condition occurs. However, if a fugitive dust condition is observed, the appropriate corrective action must be taken immediately.

  3. RESOURCE USAGE/CONSUMPTION ‐ The consumption of resources should be minimized wherever possible. This includes shutting down electrical, natural gas, propane, diesel and gasoline powered equipment when not in use, and minimizing the consumption of water and other natural resources, where practicable.
  4. HAZCOM / HAZARD COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS ‐ Contractors have the responsibility to have a written and compliant hazard communication program. Contractors are responsible for the care, control, proper storage, labeling, and management of materials brought on Company property in accordance with all applicable legal requirements. Contractors must maintain applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals that are brought on‐site. SDSs must be accessible upon request.
    • Follow manufacturer instructions regarding uses, protective equipment, ventilation, flammability and mixing of chemicals.
    • Portable or temporary containers must also be properly labeled.
    • The Company maintains safety data sheets (SDS) for all chemicals used or produced by the Company and copies are available upon request.

5. MATERIAL AND WASTE MANAGEMENT

  1. Contractors are responsible for the care, control, proper storage, labeling, and management of wastes generated on Company property in accordance with all applicable legal requirements.
  2. All waste materials generated by a Contractor shall be removed from Company property upon completion of work by the Contractor.
    • Do not empty fuel, lubricants, herbicides, pesticides, solvents or other chemicals into drains/sanitary sewers or waterways (only legally acceptable disposal methods are acceptable).
    • Solvent waste, oily rags, and flammable liquids shall be kept in fire resistant containers and removed from the premises regularly.
    • Contractors and Suppliers should utilize recycling opportunities for the disposal of waste.

6. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT

  1. The Company has developed Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) for its operating facilities. The SWPPP identifies potential sources of possible storm water pollution at the facility and identifies Best Management Practices (BMPs) or source control measures to reduce the discharge of pollutants in storm water runoff. The overall goal of the SWPPP is to control sediment and suspended solids discharges as much as possible by managing and maintaining excess storm water on‐site, and by maintaining regulatory compliance for storm water discharges that leave the site. Areas that have been identified as potential sources of storm water contamination that may require BMPs are:
    • Disturbed areas with no stabilizing vegetative cover (i.e. clear cut, stripped, mine, processing, active reclamation, construction, etc.);
    • Outdoor storage activities (i.e. stockpiles, fuel, equipment, waste, etc.);
    • Rail and truck loading and unloading operations;
    • Outside maintenance and washing activities;
    • Unpaved parking lots; and
    • Access roads, haul roads and rail lines.
  2. Pollutants carried in storm water runoff can threaten or degrade water quality. BMPs are required to control and prevent pollutants in storm water runoff where applicable. A list of BMPs includes but not limited to:
    • Erosion control matting;
    • Straw mulch;
    • Soil compaction;
    • Straw bale barriers;
    • Sediment logs;
    • Silt fence; and
    • Brush Sediment barriers,
  3. Disturbed areas which are not part of the active mining operations and drain off site shall be stabilized with temporary or permanent seeding once work is completed in the area. All damaged, failed or inadequate erosion control measures shall be immediately repaired or replaced:

7. SPILL PREVENTION, CONTROL, AND COUNTERMEASURE (SPCC)

  1. Company Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs) ‐ ASTs are located at various locations throughout the plants. ASTs are equipped with one or more of the following: high level indicator, audible alarm, key control system, protective bollards and/or an emergency shutoff control.
    • Should a leak begin during offloading or fueling, the attendee present is responsible for operating the shutoff control. All drain valves are to remain in the closed position when not in use.
    • Many of the ASTs are equipped with spring‐loaded valves so that they remain closed when not in use.
    • Prior to commencing any truck loading/unloading, the respective valve is closed and maintained in the closed position until the unloading/loading is completed.
    • All pumps are off and locked when not in use. A key is available at the scale office.
    • During fueling operations, the attendant must always remain at the pump.
  2. Contractor Permanent/Temporary AST Requirements ‐ Contractor operated permanent or temporary ASTs must be approved by Company before coming onto Company property. Contractor will be responsible for obtaining any state or local permits/registrations as required for placement on Company property. ASTs must have secondary containment, lockable fill ports and dispensers, be structurally sound, proper labels, regular inspections, fire extinguisher and spill response equipment available. If the Contractor will have an aggregate aboveground oil storage capacity of more than 1,320 gallons; then the Contractor will be subject to the requirements of 40 CFR Part 112 and be required to have a documented SPCC plan onsite or readily available.
  3. Spill Response & Reporting Procedure ‐ In the event of a spill or release of a chemical substance no matter the size or quantity, Contractor must immediately notify Company representatives and follow U.S. SILICA’s Spill Response and Reporting procedures. The procedure ensures that the appropriate spill response is taken, the required reporting is completed, and contaminated material is disposed of properly.

    NOTE: Please notify appropriate Company representative immediately if a spill occurs. Stop the source of the spill if safe to do so and contain the spill. The Company will assist Contractors with cleanup and proper reporting.

8. WETLANDS/NAVIGABLE WATERWAYS

Company facilities may have wetlands and/or navigable waterways on the property. Never enter or fill in a wetland or waterway unless the work, approved by U.S. SILICA, involves wetlands or waterways. Use BMPs so that wetlands/waterways are not impacted. BMP examples may include storm water BMPs, SPCC BMPs, etc. If applicable, locations of wetlands/navigable waterways are available from Company representatives.

9. PERMITS/LICENSES/LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Appropriate permits are typically required for land disturbance, storm water management, remodeling, new construction, electrical upgrades, plumbing, heating and air, etc. All Contractors working on Company property are responsible for obtaining the proper licenses, permits, and identifying the legal requirements that apply to the scope of work associated with their onsite operations. Under no circumstances, should the Contractor begin work on a project before the proper permits have been approved and received.

10. BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS

Sources of biological hazards may include bacteria, viruses, insects, plants, birds, animals, and humans. These sources can cause a variety of health effects ranging from skin irritation and allergies to infections. If contact is made with a biological hazard, please report it to appropriate Company representative.

11. SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE

  1. REGULATORY INSPECTIONS/REVIEWS ‐ Contractors shall permit any inspections of their work areas by regulatory agency representatives. Contractors are accountable for violation notices that are issued as results of the Contractor’s activities as well as any fines or mitigation actions required.
  2. EHS AUDITS ‐ To assist our Contractors with environmental, health and safety performance, the Company may perform audits at any time. Contractors will participate in and facilitate audits. The goal is to work together and evaluate whether safety, health, and environmental performance standards are being met by the Contractor.

12. REVIEW

Corporate EHS Director review this program at least once every three (3) years.

13. REFERENCE

  1. US SILICA Contractor Management Program
  2. Company Contractor Plant / Site Orientation (as applicable)

14. DOCUMENT CONTROL

Title: Contractor Management - Contractor Handbook Document Number: USS‐EHS‐STD‐008
Version Number: 1 Effective Date: 03/01/2020
Next Review Date 03/01/2023 Responsible USS Director EH
Version History
Ver. # Issue Date Description Author Approved by
1 03/01/2020 Original Martin Lehman
Michael Stephens
Jason Bish