Volunteer’s Agreement and Release of Liability
This Volunteer’s Agreement and Release of Liability (this “Release”) is executed by the undersigned volunteer (and, if the undersigned is less than 18 years of age, the undersigned volunteer’s parent or guardian) as of the date indicated below in favor of Rebuilding Together, Inc., a Georgia nonprofit corporation (“Rebuilding Together”), each of Rebuilding Together’s directors, officers,
employees and agents and each of the other Released Parties described in paragraph 3 of this Release. Please read each section carefully and sign and date this Release where indicated (or confirm your acceptance of this Release, if this Release is completed electronically). Your signature below, or electronic confirmation (if this Release is completed electronically)
constitutes your irrevocable and unconditional consent to the entirety of this Release. Failure to
sign and date or confirm electronically (if this Release is completed electronically) this Release will make you ineligible to participate as a volunteer.
1. Voluntary Participation. I acknowledge that I have voluntarily applied to participate in a project sponsored by Rebuilding Together in which multiple homes and/or community spaces will be repaired by volunteers (the “Project”). I understand that as a volunteer I will not be paid for my services and that I am not acting as an employee of Rebuilding Together. I further agree that my participation in the project may be terminated at any time by Rebuilding Together.
2. Assumption of Risks. I am aware that by participating in the Project, I may be exposed to personal injury, illness, death or damage to my property as a result of my activities, the activities of other volunteers or the conditions under which my volunteer services are performed. I further understand and agree that by participating in the Project, that I may become exposed to biological and chemical hazards unique to the Project including, but not limited to, exposure to mold, mold spores, and chemicals used in the treatment and removal of mold and mold spores, and that exposure to mold and mold spores carries with it certain risks including, but are not limited to: allergic reactions, irritation associated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), invasive disease, and mycotoxicosis. I acknowledge that (a) these risks are increased if I am elderly or suffer from immune system deficiencies due to disease, chemotherapy, or other causes, (b) infants are also susceptible to increased risks and (c) I should make every effort to avoid exposing family members to contaminated clothing or tools. With knowledge of these risks, I agree to accept any and all risks of personal injury, illness, death or damage to my property related to or arising out of my participation in the Project. I further assume the complete risk of any activity done (or not done) by me in violation of any rule or directive or instruction related to the Project.
3. I agree:
a. Not to participate in the Project if I have had a body temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher during the previous 14 days or have suffered any symptoms of the COVID-19 virus, the flu, or the common cold;
b. To have my body temperature taken with a non-contact forehead thermometer as a condition to entering the Project premises and will immediately exit the Project premises if my body temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher;
c. To comply with all project management, sanitation and cleanliness and “social distancing” rules, policies and guidelines established by Rebuilding Together that are applicable to the Project, including with respect to hand washing, wearing a protective face mask and gloves, and using my best efforts to maintain an appropriate distance from others; and
d. That I (a) am participating in the Project at my own risk and may be exposed to persons carrying or who exhibit symptoms of the COVID-19 virus, (b) have voluntarily assumed such risk and (c) have waived and released any and all claims related to the foregoing under paragraph 4 of this Release.
4. Release. In consideration of the opportunity afforded me to participate in the Project, I, on behalf of myself and my successors, assignees, heirs, guardians and legal representatives, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (a) waive and release any and all claims for personal injury, illness, death or damage to property and any and all claims that arise on account of any first aid,
treatment or service rendered to me, in each case, related to or arising out of my participation in the Project (collectively, the “Released Claims”) against Rebuilding Together, any of Rebuilding Together’s affiliated organizations (including local affiliates), Rebuilding Together’s or any of Rebuilding Together’s affiliated organizations’ (including local affiliates’) respective directors, officers, employees or agents, any financial or in-kind sponsor of the Project, any supplier of any materials or equipment that are used during the Project, any other volunteer or service recipient participating in the Project or any recipient of the benefits
of the Project (collectively, the “Released Parties”); and (b) agree not to assert or prosecute (or assist any other person or entity in asserting or prosecuting) any Released Claim against any Released Party. I understand and agree that no Released Party assumes any responsibility for or obligation to provide financial or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health and/or life insurance with respect to any Released Claim.
5. Media/Video/Photo Release. I hereby (a) grant Rebuilding Together the irrevocable and unrestricted world-wide right and permission (with the unrestricted right to make further grants of such right and permission to Rebuilding Together’s affiliated organizations (including local affiliates) and other persons or entities acting with Rebuilding Together’s (or any of its
affiliated organizations’) authority and/or permission (collectively, “Sub-Grantees”)) to copyright in Rebuilding Together’s (or any applicable Sub-Grantee’s) name or otherwise, and use, re-use, produce, reproduce, publish, store, distribute, re-distribute, transmit, retransmit and display my name, photographic, video, audio or other recordings of images of my likeness and/or statements by me, in or through any form of media now or hereafter known for illustration, promotion, art, editorial, advertising, trade, signage, internet, electronic commerce or any other purpose whatsoever; (b) irrevocably and unconditionally waive, on behalf of myself and my successors, assignees, heirs, guardians and legal representatives, any rights to royalties, proceeds or other amounts payable with respect to any of the foregoing and (c) consent to Rebuilding Together’s or any such Sub- Grantee’s making of any such photographic, video, audio or other recordings in connection with my participation in the Project. I hereby release, discharge and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Rebuilding Together, any Sub-Grantee and Rebuilding Together’s and any
Sub-Grantee’s respective directors, officers, employees and agents from and against any liability related toor arising out of any blurring, distortion, alteration, optical illusion or use in whole, part or composite form, whether intentional or otherwise, that may occur or be produced in the taking of any such photographic, video, audio or other recording or in any subsequent processing
thereof, as well as any publication thereof, including without limitation any claims for libel or invasion of privacy.
6. Code of Conduct. I hereby acknowledge and agree that, in connection with my participation in the Project, I will:
a. Treat others with respect, courtesy, and dignity, including by refraining from using language and actions contrary to Rebuilding Together’s expectations;
b. Obey all local, state, and federal laws and respect local customs, culture and practice;
c. Not possess and will refrain from the use of illicit drugs, and any other illegal substances according to local, state, and federal laws (and I understand that the possession or use of any such illicit drugs and other illegal substances is prohibited at all times during the Project and that the possession or use of such drugs or other substances may result in criminal prosecution);
d. Refrain from sexual harassment, consisting of, but not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature (and I understand that any such actions will not be tolerated in any manner in connection with the Project and will result in my immediate removal from the Project and all related activities);
e. Refrain from taking any action that endangers myself or others;
f. Respect at all times the facilities, equipment, rooms, buildings, and surroundings related to the Project;
g. Become familiar with the rules, regulations and safety guidelines issued by the manufacturer or seller of any tool, product, or material used by me during the course of the Project and not violate such rules, regulations and safety guidelines; and
h. Immediately report accidents, injuries, and illnesses to the Project organizers or leaders. I further acknowledge and agree that Rebuilding Together reserves the right to notify law enforcement as it deems necessary and appropriate in connection with the Project.
7. Governing Law and Severability. I (a) acknowledge that this Release is intended to be interpreted as broadly and inclusively as permitted by the laws of the Georgia , (b) agree that this Release shall be governed by the internal laws of the District of Columbia and (c) agree that if any clause or provision of this Release is held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining provisions of this Release, which shall continue to be enforceable.
Important Safety Guidelines(Please review)
Working on a construction site can be dangerous; we ask that you be responsible for your safety and be conscious of the safety of others. We want you to enjoy your experience, have fun, and go home injury free.
General Safety Rules
· Make sure your name tags are visible on front and back of shirt. This ensures that those behind you can call you by your name.
· There are dust masks, work gloves and safety goggles available Please use them.
· No headphones or usage of cell phones in the direct work zone. If you need to take a phone call, please step outside of the work zone to take, and complete your call.
· Use caution around plumbing or electricity. Please do not begin work if you are unsure.
· Lift and carry slowly and carefully. Ask for help if something is heavy 1-2-3 lift; 1-2-3 go.
· Tripping hazards: be mindful of where you are walking, watch for uneven surfaces or sharp objects (remember this is a construction jobsite)
· Clean up as you go, keep the work site neat.; when you finish a job, clean it up to avoid debris collecting on the site. Keep cords and hoses out of the way, sawdust swept away, and debris cleaned up.
· Watch out for overhead power lines.
· There are a lot of volunteers, so please be mindful of the space around you.
· When painting, please be careful. If an accident occurs with the paint, please clean it up immediately. Do not wait for it dry. Always use drop cloths.
· Wash and disinfect hands frequently throughout the day using the provided soap and water and hand sanitizer.
· Take breaks to hydrate and refresh. There are snacks and water available at all work sites.
· If you are injured, please report it immediately.
· Use bug spray if needed.
· Never wear loose-fitting clothing around power tools that could be pulled into the machine/blade
Using Tools
· Always use the right tool for the job. If you don’t know how to use a tool, please ask before using it.
· Tools should not be loose, dull, or poorly adjusted. Please notify us if unsafe or damaged tools are in use.
· Check for defective cords, plugs and switches; do not use anything that is unsafe.
· Support materials properly before cutting or drilling. Use both hands (if required) to operate a tool safely, if not keep other hand clear.
· Never place tools where they can fall on someone or cause an accident, (e.g. top rung of a ladder, rooftop or railings).
· Remember that most power tool accidents happen after the material has been cut and the tool is in "wind down.
· Wear safety goggles when using cutting or sawing to protect your eyes from flying debris.
· After using a tool, please return it to the place you retrieved it and wipe it down.
Using Ladders and Scaffolding
· Inspect all ladders before use.
· Set ladder on solid ground. To level, dig a hole on the high side rather than building up the lower side.
· Use the correct size ladder; never overextend yourself.
· Do not stretch to the side, instead move the ladder (even if that means re-setting it).
· Never stand on top rungs of a ladder.
· When moving the ladder, please check for overhead power lines.
· Always face ladder and keep hands free while climbing.
· Make sure you have someone securing the ladder below while you are on the ladder.
· Always keep two feet on the rungs of the ladder.
· Do not rest tools, buckets, or items that could fall and injure another person below on the ladder.