TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to enter into an Other Transaction Agreement with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and any necessary amendments, so that the City's Public Works Department can "contract in", as necessary, to design, project manage, and construct the employee safety enhancements required of the TSA by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (District 5)
DISCUSSION
The Transportation Security Administration, under federal law, provides checked baggage security screening at the Long Beach Airport. When TSA assumed airport security screening operations after the September 11, 2001 attack, it set up a checked baggage screening facility within an unimproved, outdoor ramp area behind the existing Airport Terminal Building due to unavailability of other options. While the TSA has since covered the area with a canopy and vinyl moveable siding, the screening employees still must stand on the asphalt ramp. This location becomes especially problematic during heavy rains due to existing drainage conditions.
Earlier this year, the Long Beach Airport TSA checked-baggage screening operation was inspected by Federal OSHA, and several employee safety improvements were mandated:
1) Modify existing enclosures around TSA canopies to be more weather resistant.
2) Correct various drainage issues within the current TSA canopies, primarily involving temporary
elevated flooring to keep employees out of rainwater and reduce the potential of electrical hazards.
3) Install various equipment, such as additional bag belt rollers, to aid in reducing work-related injuries.
4) Provide modified electrical source outlets, including modifications to conduits and wiring, to ensure safety especially during rainy weather conditions.
TSA has estimated the OSHA-mandated improvements to be less than $200,000, and desires to contract with the City of Long Beach for engineering, project management, and construction servic...
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