Table of Contents

Chapter Subject Page No.

1 Safety and health rules and regulations 5
2 Employee safety and health education 7
3 Supervisory safety performance evaluation 8
4 Fire prevention and protection 9
5 Accident and incident investigation 11
6 Job safety analysis 12
7 Hazard communication standard 15
8 Confined space entry 17
9 Hearing conservation 20
10 Mobile equipment 21
11 Powered industrial trucks — forklifts 22
12 Crane operations 23
13 Hand tools 24
14 Power tools 26
15 Ladders 28
16 Slings 30
17 Scaffolds 31
18 Aerial lifts 33
19 Respiratory protection 35
20 Personal protective equipment 37
21 Fall protection 38
22 Welding and cutting 43
23 Electrical safety 46
24 Lockout/tagout procedures 48
25 Excavation 50
26 Ergonomics in construction 52
27 Lead 55
28 Silica 56
29 First aid and medical attention 57
Introduction
The most valuable asset your organization has is However, safety isn’t the only thing you can do
its employees. By improving safety and prevent- to reduce your workers’ compensation costs. You
ing accidents, you can protect your work force can also lower your costs by proactively manag-
while also reducing your workers’ compensation ing your workers’ compensation claims. This
costs. And the BWC’s Division of Safety and includes incident investigation, early reporting of
Hygiene is here to help. injuries and working with your BWC employer
services specialist and claims service specialist.
This basic safety and health manual for the
Ohio construction industry summarizes suc- This manual can also provide your company’s
cessful accident-prevention principles and tech- safety teams with information to meet its goals
niques. While application of these techniques and obligations. It contains information on
may vary according to the size and nature of incident prevention, together with a complete
your company’s operations, the basic principles explanation of its use, and benefits and methods
remain the same. of application.

Please note, this manual is not all-encompassing, Please join BWC and the Ohio construction indus-
nor is it a document for compliance. It’s always try in making occupational safety and health a
important to customize safety and health programs way of life.
to meet the particular needs of the workplace.
Chapter 1

Safety and health rules and regulations

Company commitment Involving all parties also helps ensure
Safety is more than just compli- the rules are presented in terms
ance with Occupational Safe ty the workers understand.
and Health Administration
(OSHA) regulations and Whenever possible, rules
other government rules. should state what is to be
It’s a state of mind that done, rather than what is
must permeate the entire prohibited. Positive state-
company, including of- ments are more effective
fice and field personnel, than negative declarations.
management and hourly Rules also should be logical,
employees. enforceable and applicable
to the specific company or
No business can expect to department operations.
have good safety performance
unless the president, chief e xecu- Rules, such as be careful around
tive officer or owner demonstrates electricity, are too general, and therefore,
through personal conduct and concrete not enforceable. And if rules are not or cannot be
actions that safety is expected and required of all enforced, it impairs the effectiveness of other rules
employees. and dilutes management’s commitment.

However, because managers are confronted In addition to general company rules, develop
each day with non-safety-related problems that special-purpose safety rules for non-routine tasks,
require immediate handling, they often are the operation of dangerous equipment and other
tempted to overlook safety and health activi- hazardous jobs.
ties. That’s why a company must establish and
enforce safety rules to communicate its com- Review and revise rules on an ongoing basis
mitment to safety, and ultimately, to prevent and communicate them regularly to employees
incidents and injuries. during new-employee orientation and at weekly
toolbox talks.
Company rules
Company safety rules are designed primarily as Government rules
training aids to familiarize employees with poten- In addition to company rules, employers must
tially hazardous situations and operational errors become familiar with the various government
that can result in injuries. Rules can be readily laws that define the minimum duties, actions and
developed by observing existing conditions and precautions all employers must take to ensure
reviewing previous accidents. the safety and health of their employees. Federal
rules include OSHA’s regulations for construction
Rather than having top management develop and ( 9 CFR 190 and 19 6) and for general industry
implement rules, it’s better to have all par- ties ( 9 CFR 190 and 1910).
help develop the company rules. Involve- ment
from supervisors, safety coordinators and
employees leads to cooperation and an under-
standing of why the rules exist and what hazards
they are designed to control.
 Other safety regulations include the Ohio Ad- • Training and education — A training program
ministrative Code, Specific Safety Requirements for all supervisors and employees must be
of the BWC Relating to Construction and to All ongoing and effective. It must also include
Workshops and Factories, as well as those of the general safety and health issues with site-spe-
Environmental Protection Agency and state fire cific hazards and non-routine tasks;
and building codes. • Record keeping and hazard analysis — Include
evaluation of all incidents, including near-miss-
Written safety and health programs es, so management can determine trends and
OSHA requires all construction companies to causes, and initiate corrective action;
develop and implement a written safety and • First aid and medical assistance — Evaluate
health program. A program should describe the emergency procedures and first-aid supplies
whole of the company’s safety-and-health activi- available at each job site;
ties. Think of it as an ongoing process. Organized • Site-specific issues — In addition to general
leadership with proper application of the program safety and health provisions, address hazards
is essential to attaining good safety and health that are unique to each individual construc-
performance, which pays off through: tion site. Before performing work, conduct an
• Fewer accidents; inspection to determine the unique hazards.
• Improved production; Inform all employees of how to eliminate or
• Increased employee efficiency; avoid the hazards.
• Enhanced employee morale;
• Lower workers’ compensation costs; Elements of a site-specific plan can include:
• Decreased OSHA citations and fines. • Emergency procedures;
• Contact with utilities;
Programs should address at least: • Interaction with other contractors;
• Management commitment and leadership • Weather conditions;
— Management’s visible support is critical to • Environmental conditions;
the program. Issue clearly stated policies that • Unique activities known to be hazardous, such
outline the commitment and set the standard as confined space entry or demolition;
by which management will judge safety and • Material-storage areas;
health behavior; • Access routes;
• Assignment of responsibility — From top • Specific training requirements.
management to the front-line workers, all em-
ployees must understand what is expected of
them and must be involved in the safety and
health process. Specifically identify safety and
health responsibilities and expectations for all
company employees;
• Identification and control of hazards — Ad-
dress how to identify hazards, and how to
abate hazardous situations and behavior. Com-
pany audits or inspections are a crucial part of
the program;

6
 Chapter 2
Employee safety and health education
General training Toolbox talks
Employee training is key to the effectiveness of a Toolbox talks are a useful tool in the maintenance
company’s safety and health program, and to the of a viable safety and health education program in
prevention of injuries and illnesses. the construction industry. For best results, follow
these guidelines:
The purpose of employee training is to provide • Schedule regular weekly meetings, and never
instruction in safe work practices and rules, and skip a meeting;
to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to • Limit topic discussion to about 10 to 1 min-
identify and control work-place hazards. Aware- utes;
ness of the physical or administrative conse- • Review the talk in advance and deliver the
quences of ignoring safe practices will foster a information in your own words;
healthy respect for company policy and proce- • Encourage group participation. Receive and
dures, as well as the hazards themselves. act upon questions, ideas and suggestions;
• Avoid holding meetings in noisy areas. Use an
Training should be an ongoing process for all atmosphere conducive to learning;
employees, including office workers and field • Devote meetings exclusively to health and
personnel. It should address general safety and safety matters that apply to the particular
health issues, as well as specific procedures for group of workers;
working safely. • Use visual aids where available or appropriate;
• Document the meeting with a synopsis and
You can conduct training in a group setting or on signatures of attendees;
an individual basis. It can come in many forms, • If the talk involves an incident, discuss it with
such as: injury factors, causes and recurrence preven-
• New-employee orientation; tion, rather than the individual involved in the
• Supervisor training; accident;
• Communication of company safety rules; • If the meeting involves work being planned,
• Site-specific training; discuss potential hazards, safety equipment to
• Training for non-routine tasks; be used and basic procedures to be followed.
• Equipment and machinery training;
• Hazard-communication training;
Competent persons
• Weekly toolbox talks. According to OSHA, a competent person is
someone designated by the company who can
Document all training, including meeting minutes identify potential and existing hazards, and who
or a synopsis of the items discussed, with the has the authority to correct the hazards. There is
signatures or names of employees who partici- no specific class, degree or years of experience
pated in the training. that can make someone a competent person.
However training can assist in the task.
Use the following steps to conduct training:
• Explain the purpose of training and the reason The company typically designates a job foreman,
why it is so important to the employee; supervisor or superintendent as a competent
• Break down training into understandable parts person. Upper management relies upon this
and identify key points. Be concise and clear individual to address hazards and train others in
with the training issues; safety and health issues.
• Conduct demonstrations to emphasize key
areas or points. Remember the adage, “A Many rules and regulations require very specific
picture is worth a thousand words;” safety training and can be referenced in the
• Encourage employees to ask questions; OSHA regulations and the Ohio Administrative
• Conduct testing to ensure employees under- Code (OAC).
stand the covered information.

6
Chapter 3
Supervisory safety performance evaluation
Before any organiza- established safety rules, laws and procedures,
tion can expect good and high housekeeping standards;
safe ty perfor- • Ensure each employee is provided with,
mance, top man- wears or uses any prescribed personal protec-
a gement must tive equipment deemed necessary, according
establish goals to the company safety and health program or
and commit appropriate safety regulations;
to a safe and • Enforce all safety rules and regulations on a
healthful work fair and equitable basis;
environment. • Set a good example by following safety and
This commit- health rules, and safe practices;
m ent must • Instruct each employee on the hazards of his
co ntinue in an or her job and how to avoid and/or control
unbroken chain to them. Take proper corrective action whenever
the line supervisor. unsafe behaviors or unsafe conditions are
observed or reported;
Supervisory safety perfor- • Ensure employees follow the preventive-
mance evaluations (SSPE) provide a complete maintenance program, and that any repair and
method for determining the safety capabilities replacement needs found during those activi-
of each first-line supervisor. Including the SSPE ties are tracked to completion;
on performance appraisals will help to determine • Require all vendors, customers, subcontrac-
which supervisors have a good and consistent tors and visitors to comply with the compa-
safety performance, and which ones need ad- ny’s safety and health program;
ditional training. Make safety training available to • Ensure that all employees are physically able
all supervisors to ensure the company achieves to perform their work safely;
its goals and objectives. • Conduct regular safety inspections, and
submit written reports to management upon
Ideally, the supervisor’s immediate manager completion. Determine what corrective ac-
should serve as the safety auditor. Forward the tion is needed when safety discrepancies are
completed SSPEs to the next level of manage- found, and establish a time frame to correct
ment for review and comments. Continue this them;
progression upward through the chain of com- • Personally investigate all accidents and inci-
mand until it reaches the top-management level. dents, determine the source of the accident
Note corrective action taken on specific items on and correct any unsafe practices or conditions
the SSPEs as they pass through management that might cause recurrence. Promptly com-
review. The first-line supervisor’s immediate man- plete and forward all accident-report forms;
ager should be responsible for informing him or • Maintain the company’s job-site medical kit as
her of comments and corrective actions required. OSHA regulations require;
• Conduct regular employee safety meetings or
Conduct these SSPEs periodically throughout the toolbox talks;
year. The supervisor and his or her immediate • Maintain all postings and written safety poli-
manager should set the goals and objectives prior cies and programs as required. Ensure that
to the beginning of each evaluation period. the HazCom Program and material safety data
sheet (MSDS) book are current.
SSPEs are not just based upon numbers alone,
but also on the quality of all safety functions. While this chapter deals solely with supervisors,
These functions may require a supervisor to: it is equally important to evaluate employee
• Be accountable for the safety of employees. safety performance.
This includes the prompt correction of unsafe
conditions or work practices, enforcement of
 Chapter 4
Fire prevention and protection
Fires require three elements to burn • Class A fires occur in wood, rub-
— fuel, oxygen and heat. A c on- ber, aper,
p cloth and most plastics.
struction site contains all three Theemost effective type of
elements, although their quan- xtinguishing agent is water
tities and locations change or a solution containing large
constantly. concentrations of water
because the quenching-
Examples include: cooling effect reduces the
• Fuel sources, such as temperature of the burning
gasoline, diesel fuel, material to below its igni-
paint thinner, piles of tion temperature.
wood scraps, card- • Class B fires occur in
board, straw, paper and flammable or combustible
other trash; prliquids, such as petroleum
• Heat sources, such as ng, blan
oducts and greases. A
electricity, cutting, weldittles keting-smothering effect of
cigarettes, roofers’ tar ke an agent that excludes oxygen or
and temporary heaters; inhibits the chemical chain reaction, such
• Oxygen, present in the atmosphere and as a as carbon dioxide, dry chemical, halon or
compressed gas. foam are most effective.
• Class C fires involve electrical equipment.
Fuel sources are the easiest element to remove. Carbon dioxide, dry chemical and halon are
Therefore, concentrate on cleanup by disposing examples of nonconductive extinguishing
of scrap before it accumulates, storing flam- agents used to snuff out electrical fires.
mable liquids in approved self-closing containers, • Class D fires involve combustible metals,
keeping all flammable and combustible material such as aluminum, magnesium, zirconium
away from all heating devices or heat sources. and titanium. The use of water and other
Shut engines off to allow hot parts to cool before conventional types of extinguishing agents
refueling. is ineffective and may even cause a violent
reaction. Extinguish these fires with special-
Every worker on a construction site should ly-prepared agents.
know:
• Locations of fire extinguishers; Fire extinguishers
• How to operate fire extinguishers and the The ABC dry-chemical fire extinguisher is the
hazards involved with the beginning stage of most commonly used extinguisher on construc-
firefighting; tion job sites. Maintain in good operating condi-
• Classifications of fire extinguishers and tion and periodically inspect firefighting equip-
classes of fires; ment. Immediately replace defective equipment.
• Location of telephone and how to call the Conduct an annual maintenance check of the fire
fire department; extinguisher and record the maintenance date.
• How to make sure that a used fire extin- Retain this date for one year after the last entry
guisher has been recharged before it is or the life of the shell, whichever is less.
returned to its holder;
• Who to notify that the extinguisher has been Provide a fire extinguisher rated not less than
used and needs recharging. A for each ,000 square feet of the protected
building area or major fraction thereof. Mount
Fire and fire extinguisher classification each fire extinguisher on the wall, and mark its
There are four types of fires — Class A, Class B, location. The travel distance from any point of the
Class C and Class D. protected area to the nearest fire extinguisher
cannot exceed 100 feet.

10 9
 Provide one or more fire extinguishers rated not Emergency action plans
less than A on each floor of a multistory building The employer is responsible for preparing and
with at least one fire extinguisher located near implementing plans covering the actions that
a stairway. Provide a fire extinguisher, rated not employers and employees must take to ensure
less than 10B, wherever more than five gallons of employee safety in the event of fire or other
flammable or combustible liquids or five pounds emergencies, such as tornadoes, floods, or other
of flammable gas are being used on the job site. natural or manmade disasters. The elements of
this plan include:
General rules for fire extinguishers • Emergency-escape procedures and emergen-
Use fire extinguishers in the upright position. Dis- cy escape-route assignments;
charge the fire extinguisher about eight feet from • Procedures for employees who remain to op-
the fire with the wind at your back, if possible. erate critical equipment before they evacuate;
Attack the fire as you advance. • Procedures to account for all employees after
an emergency evacuation;
Quick work is important because most extin- • Rescue and medical duties for employees
guishers empty in about one minute. If you are who perform them;
out in the open, be prepared to retreat in case of • The preferred means of reporting fires and
a sudden change in wind direction. In enclosed other emergencies;
areas, you may be on your knees with your head • Names and job titles of persons who can be
no higher than the upright extinguisher you are contacted for further information or explana-
using; the best air to breathe will be between tion of duties under this plan.
knee level and the floor.
Fire alarms
With water-type extinguishers, direct the stream In the event of a fire, means should be available
at the base of the fire and move forward. When for calling the fire department quickly. Post signs
using dry-chemical extinguishers, attack the instructing personnel how and where to turn on
nearest edge of the fire and go forward, moving an alarm, whether it is by telephone, siren or
the nozzle rapidly with a side-to-side sweeping horn. Finally, always make sure firefighters have
motion. When fighting flammable-liquid fires easy access to all parts of the project.
with carbon dioxide (CO ) extinguishers, use the
carbon-dioxide in a sweeping formation to clear Training
the flames off the burning surface. Begin fighting Prior to implementing the emergency action
at the near edge of the fire and gradually move plan, the employer will designate and train suf-
forward, waving the discharge slowly from side to ficient personnel to assist in the safe and orderly
side. When using this extinguisher in an enclosed evacuation of employees. The employer also will
area, be careful because carbon dioxide may pro- review the plan with each employee when the
duce an oxygen deficit within the area. plan is developed and whenever an employee’s
duties under the plan are changed.
When two or more persons are using fire extin-
guishers on a flammable liquid fire, they must For further detailed information on fire preven-
act as a team, working from the same side of the tion and protection, consult the OSHA Construc-
fire and making sure the fire does not re-ignite tion Standards, 29 CFR Subpart F, 1926.150 and
between them. 1926.151.

10 10
 Chapter 5
Accident and incident investigation
Accident and incident investigation is primarily a fact-
finding procedure; use the facts revealed to prevent • Starting the accident investigation promptly. Main-
similar accidents. Properly handled, these investiga- tain all of the conditions that existed at the time of
tions also can increase safety and health awareness the accident until the investigation is conducted.
in all employees. Allow no one to perform the job function that
resulted in the accident or injury until the matter is
Obviously, you can reduce injuries and illnesses by cleared up;
eliminating unsafe or hazardous situations. Although • Having the supervisor under whose direction the
you can never prevent all accidents, it is easier and employee worked or the supervisor in whose area
more effective to make physical and cultural changes the accident occurred conduct the investigation.
to eliminate and to reduce hazards than it is to teach Persons involved should submit their findings in
employees to work around these hazards. writing in an accident investigation report. Use a
form similar to OSHA ‘s Form 301 (Injury and Ill-
Reduce all hazards to the practical minimum. You can ness Incident Report) or BWC’s First Report of an
accomplish this by changing equipment, installing Injury, Occupational Illness or Death (FROI-1).
guards, changing work and material-handling proce-
dures, and substituting less-hazardous processes Have a responsible member of management review
and chemicals. When investigating accidents, reports and take corrective action. The organization
identify the unsafe or hazardous conditions and other should review accident-investigation reports. Direct
pertinent facts. Make efforts to reduce the hazards. reports to anyone who is directly involved in making
changes. In the case of very serious accidents, you
Once an accident does occur, the severity can be a also may appoint a fact-finding committee to thorough-
matter of chance. Assume, for example, that two ly investigate the accident and submit a report.
employees are working in an area where carbon
monoxide is escaping into the atmosphere from a Include photographs, sketches or other exhibits in the
propane heater. One worker, a laborer, slumps to the investigation report to help clarify the accident’s facts.
floor, is removed from the area and quickly revived. Include detailed statements from all witnesses to the
The other, a carpenter, is on a ladder replacing acous- accident as well as others who can contribute
tical tile. He falls to the floor, strikes his head and is information.
killed. Both accidents had the same basic causes,
but one resulted in a minor non-disabling injury and The past has shown that the largest fault in accident
the other a fatality. investigations is the lack of follow-up action to correct
the conditions and/or behaviors that led to the acci-
You can even use minor injuries and incidents that dent. Note in the report the specific actions that you
do not involve property damage or personal injury will take, the name of the management representative
to reveal hazards. If corrected, you can use them to responsible for completing each item and the deadline
prevent serious injuries. Investigate these incidents for completion. Later, the responsible member of man-
with the same thoroughness as serious injuries and agement should follow up to ensure that the action
fatalities. is taken. Unless this procedure is followed the entire
investigation has little value.
You may define the principal purpose of accident in-
vestigation as primarily a fact-finding procedure that After you complete the investigation and take correc-
attempts to identify unsafe or hazardous conditions tive action, bring the findings to the attention of all
or procedures. Once you identify these factors, take employees in the accident area and those working in
immediate action to eliminate or reduce the hazard similar areas. Use these findings to provide additional
as much as possible. safety training, make operational changes based on
the facts involved in the accident, and inform employ-
With those objectives in mind, the procedure you ees about actions taken to protect their safety and
should follow immediately after an accident includes: health and prevent similar occurrences.
• Ensuring any injured person receives
proper medical care;

10 11
 Chapter 6
Job safety analysis
• Have supervisors regularly observe the work-
The technique called job safety analysis (JSA) is ers and ensure they follow safe work prac-
a simple but comprehensive means to determine tices;
the hazards involved as well as potentially unsafe • Give supervisors the authority and responsibil-
procedures most likely to occur in a given task ity to enforce adherence to safe work habits.
or job. Use this analysis to reduce hazards and
to train workers in safe procedures. A JSA is es- In practice, the person conducting the JSA must
sential to any effective safety program. It should be competent, qualified and practical in assessing
be one of the first steps you take when there is each job element, and follow a management-ap-
a possibility of worker injury. The best way to ef- proved breakdown of each job to be analyzed
ficiently and safely perform a job can be deter-
mined only by carefully studying each element As you conduct the JSA, it is important to search
involved in its performance. for the hazards of each element — whether
produced by the environment or connected with
When considering a JSA, first analyze the tasks the job procedure. When properly and thoroughly
with the worst accident experience or the great- done, this will assist in making the entire job
est potential to cause injury to the worker and safer and more efficient.
then the tasks with lesser risks. By establishing
priorities, you can use the JSA as a focal point of To assist in gathering the necessary information,
the accident-prevention program. we have included a form at the end of this chap-
ter, which will ensure consistent and acceptable
A JSA serves two valuable purposes. It provides procedures are used.
a systematic means of reviewing a workers’
previous experience and knowledge to establish Safety observations
safe work procedures, and it promotes employee The principal purpose for safety observations is to
involvement in establishing safety awareness determine if employees are at risk. This section
while developing safe work practices. will help you determine the effectiveness of your
employee training program.
To accomplish these objectives management
should: Many construction injuries result from operational
• Understand the objectives and means of ana- errors. Good safety observations can reveal and
lyzing jobs element by element; correct these deviations before they lead to ac-
• Establish a plan for analyzing job elements on cidents. The following are key elements required
a regular basis; for good safety observations:
• Analyze statistical data, accident experience, • Make safety observations when you can con-
and management and employee experience centrate all of your attention on safety;
to develop the sequence of job elements; • Observe the work area, making mental and
• Devise an action plan to control hazards identi- written notes of any potentially dangerous
fied with a timetable for implementing the situations or conditions;
plan; • Whenever possible, take immediate correc-
• Have supervisors review the results of all tive action to prevent reoccurrence.
JSAs covering job elements for which they It is always good practice to observe the way
have supervision; employees perform their jobs. However, planned
• Provide supervisors with a copy of all ap- safety observations are much more effective
proved safe job procedures developed as a because they focus your attention on the safety
result of a JSA; aspects of the job, thus pointing to those condi-
• Train workers in accordance with the conclu- tions requiring immediate correction. In addition,
sions of the JSA both initially and each time
the task is analyzed;

1
the observations may indicate the need for more must take, including special equipment;
extensive training. They also provide a record • Measures the company has taken to lessen
of unsafe procedures or conditions for further the hazards.
reference.
Upon the completion of each non-routine task,
Non-routine tasks document and distribute to all supervisors all
A non-routine task is one not normally performed information concerning the hazards encountered
as part of a job assignment. during the task. This will ensure that the proper
information concerning this task will be properly
Tackling a non-routine task takes preparation communicated to the affected employees. Keep
— the less familiar the task, the more planning this documentation on file for future references.
required to do it safely. Prior to starting work
on such a task, give each affected employee Sample Form
information concerning the hazards they will When implemented correctly, the following
be exposed to. The immediate supervisor will sample form will assist supervisors in defining
be responsible for determining what hazards the hazards in a non-routine task.
may be present and/or created. In addition, the
supervisor will be responsible for communicating
this information to appropriate employees. This
information will include, but is not limited to:
• Specific hazardous conditions;
• Protective/safety measures the employee

Non-routine task
Name of task

Location where task is performed

Special conditions
Permits required
Confined space entry Welding/hot/burning
Pressure/chemical pipe opening Electrical only
Lockout/tagout (or zero-stage energy)

Training required

Job materials needed

Safety equipment needed (air monitors, rigging, fall protection, disposal containers, PPE, etc.)

Safety procedures (back-up procedures, standby help, chemical hazards, physical hazards,
environmental conditions, what to watch for, etc.)

Completed by Reviewed by

Issue date Revised on date

1
 Job Safety Job: Date:

Analysis

Title of worker who performs job Foreman/Supervisor Analysis by

Specific work location Section Reviewed by

Required and/or recommended personal protective equipment

Sequence of basic job steps Potential accident or hazards Recommended safe job procedures

1 1
 Chapter 7
Hazard communication standard
The purpose of OSHA’s Hazard Communica- tion like concrete. An MSDS must give the following
Standard (19 6. 9) for construction is to ensure information:
employees are aware of and protected from • Substance name, both chemical and common;
hazardous substances in the workplace. It • Chemical and physical characteristics, includ-
requires employers to evaluate the presence and ing appearance and odor;
potential hazards of chemicals and other sub- • Physical and health hazards;
stances employees may be exposed to in their • Primary routes of entry into the body;
workplaces. • Recommended and required exposure limits;
• Known control measures;
Employers must pass on this information to • Measures to protect workers during use or
employees through training, MSDSs, labels and cleanup of the substance;
other identifying means. • First-aid measures to be used in case of ac-
cidental exposure;
Inventory • Name, address and telephone number of the
To meet the requirements of this standard, em- responsible MSDS preparer or distributor, and
ployers should compile a master list of substanc- the date prepared.
es used in the facility and on the job sites. At this
point, do not make judgments as to whether a An MSDS for a substance containing a mixture of
substance is hazardous — list everything. You ingredients also must include the chemical and
must obtain information for this list from several common name(s) of ingredients amounting to 1
sources: percent or more when it constitutes a health haz-
• A complete inventory of the office, ware- ard, or 0.1 percent if the ingredient is a carcino-
house, job sites and any other ar- gen. New information about hazards or protective
eas where the company may measures must be disseminated by the
have materials stored; manufacturer or distributor within three
• Materials the company months of its appearance.
may use regularly
that are not on hand Maintain copies of MSDSs in a
at this time; check central file and also in the area
with other com- where workers use the sub-
pany offices, such stance. Have MSDS files easily
as purchasing or accessible to employees at all
receiving for infor- times while they work with the
mation; substances. Use the MSDS to
• Janitorial and office determine whether the sub-
supplies used by stance is hazardous. Guidance
company personnel. for this determination is contained
in OSHA Hazard Communication
Standard 19 6. 9.
MSDS
Use the inventory to contact manufacturers
and/or suppliers to obtain MSDSs for all the Labeling
identified substances. If a manufacturer or The Hazard Communication Standard requires
supplier says the material is that all containers be labeled with the following
nonhazardous, ask for a letter or other documen- information:
tation, and keep this on file in the office. • The substance’s chemical and common
names;
An MSDS form describes a single substance, • Physical and health hazards, including target
such as gasoline, or a mixture of substances, organs;
• Manufacturer’s or distributor’s name and ad-
dress.

1 1
 Maintain these labels in a legible manner un- Informing outside contractors
derstood by the employee. Cover this in your (multi-employer work sites)
training program. Employers in the construction industry generally
share a work site with a number of other employ-
Training ers. The standard requires the exchange of infor-
Employee training is the key to a company’s suc- mation among employers concerning hazardous
cessful implementation of the Hazard Communi- substances brought onto the work site that may
cation Standard. You can divide this training into pose a hazard to on-site personal other than their
two categories, general and specific. own employees. This exchange should include:
• Substances to be stored or used on site;
Give general training to all company employees, • Hazards to which other employers’ workers
whether or not they will be exposed to hazard- may be exposed;
ous substances in their work place. Any qualified • Methods that other employers’ can use to
trainer may conduct general training during orien- protect their workers;
tation by any qualified trainer. It includes: • Other employers’ assessibility to the appropri-
• Awareness of the Hazard Communication ate MSDS for the hazardous substances.
Standard and its provisions;
• Training on the company’s Hazard Communi- Outline this procedure in the company’s hazard-
cation Program; communication plan.
• How to read MSDSs and labels.
Written hazard-communication plan
Specific training is given to employees who will The hazard-communication standard requires
or may be exposed to hazardous substances in employers prepare and implement a written
their work place. A foreman or supervisor who procedure detailing how they will accomplish the
is familiar with the hazardous substances in standard’s requirements. This plan should in-
the work place should conduct this training. It clude company-specific means to accomplish the
includes: objectives set out by the topics included in this
• Identification of hazardous substances in their chapter. Once completed, this plan must be avail-
work place; able to all employees, employees’ designated
• Measures to take to protect themselves from representatives and OSHA’s assistant secretary
the hazardous substances; of labor or designated representative.
• How to read the labels in their work place;
• Location of MSDSs for hazardous substances Reference:
in their area. Standard Number Title
9 CFR 19 6. 9 Hazard communication
The employer should document all training. Retain
sign-in sheets for training sessions, to include the
date, subject covered and instructor’s name.

Hazardous non-routine tasks

Construction companies are generally not aware
of the types of hazardous nonroutine tasks when
writing and implementing their plan. You should
include a statement that you did not know these
tasks when you wrote the plan. However, when
they arise you will develop a procedure to ac-
complish these tasks.

16 1
 Chapter 8
Confined space entry

Employees are responsible for following the

guidelines set by management.

Definitions
Confined space means a space that:
• Is large enough and so configured that an em-
ployee can bodily enter and perform assigned
work;
• Has limited or restricted means for entry or
exit;
• Is not designed for continuous employee oc-
cupancy.
Permit confined space means a confined space
that has one or more of the following character-
istics:
• Contains or has the potential to contain a
This chapter describes the procedures and hazardous atmosphere;
responsibilities for employees to safely enter con- • Contains a material that has the potential for
fined spaces and be able to distinguish between engulfing an entrant;
permit-required and non-permit-required confined • Has an internal configuration, such that an
spaces. entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by
inwardly converging walls or by a floor that
OSHA’s Confined-Space Standard for General slopes downward and tapers to a smaller
industry( 9 CFR 1910.1 ) contains any require- cross-section;
ments mentioned in this chapter. A separate • Contains any other recognized serious safety
confined-space rule has not yet been issued for or health hazard.
construction, but the regulations in the respirator
standard ( 9 CFR 1910.1 ) regarding entry into A hazardous atmosphere is an atmosphere that
immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) may expose employees to the risk of death,
atmospheres apply to construction. incapacitation, impairment of ability to escape un-
aided from a permit space, injury or acute illness
Responsibility from one or more of the following causes:
The employer will identify and evaluate all • Flammable gas, vapor or mist in excess of 10
confined spaces and whether entry requires a percent of its lower flammable limit (LFL);
permit. It is the employer’s responsibility to take • Airborne combustible dust at a concentration
all precautionary measures necessary for safe that meets or exceeds its LFL;
confined-space entry and to instruct employees • Atmospheric oxygen concentration below
in the nature of hazards involved, precautions 19. percent or above . percent;
to take, the proper use of personal protective • Atmospheric concentration of any substance
equipment (PPE) and any emergency equipment for which a dose or a permissible exposure
required. The entry supervisor in charge will have limit (PEL) is published in OSHA’s Subpart
the responsibility of initiating the confined-space Z and could result in employee exposure in
entry permit before allowing anyone into the excess of its dose;
confined space. • Any other atmospheric condition that is IDLH.

16 1
 Examples of confined spaces may include, but Permit-required confined-space procedure
are not limited to: Pre-entry
• Excavations; • Specify acceptable entry conditions.
• Sewers; • Identify and evaluate the hazards of permit
• Pipelines; spaces before employees enter.
• Storage tanks; • You must do periodic or continuous testing
• Underground utility vaults; must be done the entire time the confined
• Pits; space is occupied. When testing for atmo-
• Ventilation and exhaust ducts; spheric hazards, test first for oxygen, then
• Tunnels; combustible gases and vapors, and then for
• Boilers; toxic air contaminants
• Bins; • Isolate the permit space.
• Vessels. • Purge, inert, flush or ventilate as needed.
• Implement the measures necessary to pre-
Hazards vent unauthorized entry.
Examples of commonly encountered hazards are: • Provide entry permit identifying the space to
• Toxic air contaminants; be entered, purpose of entry, date(s), autho-
• Flammable gas; rized entrants and other pertinent information.
• Insufficient oxygen; • Provide barriers to protect entrants from ex-
• Electric shock from portable lights, tools or ternal hazards.
assorted electrical equipment; • Provide trained attendants capable of rescuing
• Physical hazards, such as slipping, falling and or summoning rescuers outside the space.
falling objects; • Provide the following equipment at no cost to
• Physical deficiencies causing collapse be- employees, maintain that equipment properly
cause of fatigue, low resistance to tempera- and ensure that employees use it properly:
ture extremes and general poor health; • Testing and monitoring equipment;
• Mechanical equipment inadvertently activat- • Ventilating equipment;
ed, such as agitators and mixers; • Communications equipment;
• Inadvertent starting of pump and/or opening • PPE;
of valves leading in or out of tanks or vessels. • Lighting equipment;
• Barriers and shields;
Training • Equipment for safe entrance and exit;
The employer will provide adequate training in • Rescue and emergency equipment;
pre-entry practices and entry practices to all af- • Any other equipment necessary for safe
fected employees. He or she will document the entry into and rescue from permit spaces.
training has been accomplished. Entry
If employees detect a hazardous atmosphere
during entry, each employee will leave the space
immediately. You will then evaluate the space

1 19
 to determine how the hazardous atmosphere • Standard 1910.1 6 requires retrieval systems
developed. You must implement measures to or methods, such as a safety harness with
protect employees from the hazardous atmo- lifeline, except where it creates a hazard.
sphere before any subsequent entry takes place. • Complete and post a confined-space entry
Continuous forced-air ventilation is required when permit at the entry point.
alternative entry is permitted under 1910.1 6 (c)
( ). Test the atmosphere within the space at vari- Use the following personal protective clothing
ous levels to ensure that the continuous forced- and equipment for employee protection when
air ventilation is preventing the accumulation of a applicable:
hazardous atmosphere. • Safety harness with lifeline (except where it
creates a hazard itself);
Permit-required confined space • Air-line respirator (with escape bottle in IDLH
entry practices atmospheres) or SCBA equipment;
(Review Section (g) ( ) of 1910.1 for complete • Protective suit;
requirements.) • Safety glasses, hard hat, rubber gloves or
• Station one or more attendants at the access other equipment appropriate for the environ-
opening at all times when employees are ment.
working inside; the attendant(s) must be in
constant communication with the entrant(s). The procedures outlined are intended as a
• No one will enter a confined space under any minimum precaution; consider carefully each
condition without an outside attendant who is entry. Entering confined spaces, whether permit
trained and capable of rescuing the entrant. required or not, may result in injury or death. Cir-
• The attendant(s) must never enter the con- cumstances may change; a non-permit required
fined space without self-contained breathing confined space might become permit required
apparatus (SCBAs) or equivalent protection. and vice versa.
(This is the cause of most confined-space
entrant deaths.) Reference:
• Use only nonspark-producing tools in a poten- Standard Number Title
tially explosive atmosphere. 1910.1 6 Confined space (industry)
• To reduce the risk of electrical shock, consider 1910.1 Respiratory protection
using low-voltage (1 volts or less) electrical (industry)
lighting and equipment, or portable battery 19 6. 1 (b) (6) (i) (ii) Training
lights. 19 6. Limit values of airborne
• Use only approved, grounded electrical contaminants
equipment. 19 6.10 Respiratory protection
• Consider using air-operated tools (construction)
where possible. 19 6. (b), (c) Ventilation
• Do not take cylinders of oxygen and other 19 6.6 1 (g), (h) Excavation
gases, except SCBAs, into tanks or vessels; 19 6. 00 Underground construction
19 6.9 6 Electric vaults/manholes

1 19
 Chapter 9
Hearing conservation
Employers in the construction Cus tom-molded plugs are man-
industry are required to use fea- ufactured from silicone rubber
sible engineering and adminis- or plastic and are usually
trative controls as the primary available in small, medium
means of reducing excessive and large sizes. Formable
sound levels. Where those plugs are made from re-
controls are not feasible, silient materials, such as
employers should provide expandable plastic foam
their employees with ear-pro- and wax-impregnated
tective devices. Make sure cotton. The plug material
employees wear the protec- is compressed and inserted
tive devices. into the ear. After a few mo-
ments, the material expands,
Noise can be more than a nuisa nce. sealing off the ear canal. Canal
It may cause you to lose your hearing caps provide protection by sealing
— either temporarily or permanently. The off the opening in the outer ear. They
severity of hearing loss depends on: consist of two small rubber caps connected to-
• How loud the noise is (intensity); gether by a semicircular band. The band is fitted
• How high-pitched the noise is (frequency); behind the neck or under the chin, and the caps
• How long you are exposed to the noise — are positioned over the canal openings.
hourly, daily, weekly, monthly;
• The age of the person exposed to the noise; Employee training in the proper selection and use
• Whether the noise is continuous (impact of hearing protection is an important part of an
every second or less) or intermittent; effective hearing-conservation program.
• Individual susceptibility of the person exposed
to the noise. The level of noise reduction afforded by a specific
type of ear protector is indicated by the Environ-
Permissible noise exposure is based on two mental Protection Agency noise reduction rating
factors — intensity of sound and the length of ex- (NRR). NRRs are established on the basis of
posure. Noise-related hearing loss results when laboratory tests. Attenuation levels during actual
small hair cells in the inner ear are damaged by use are usually less than those achieved in the
repeated exposure to noise. These hair cells bend laboratory.
in response to the amount and intensity of the
noise. Too much noise, too often, stresses the The OSHA Industrial Hygiene Technical Manual
hair cells to the point where they no longer spring provides some guidance for determining the
back to their original position. Over time, the acceptability of ear protection in the field. Using
hearing loss becomes more noticeable. OSHA’s method, decibels (dB) is subtracted
from the published NRR to compensate for
Wearing hearing protection, even when not spectral uncertainty, and the result is divided by
legally required, can prevent this irreversible loss two to provide a safety factor. The ear protectors
of hearing. with a published NRR of dB would have a field
rating of 10 dB ([ - ] divided by =10).
Hearing protection is generally available in three
styles: earmuffs, ear plugs and canal caps. Ear- Employers should do audiometric testing annually
muffs, which consist of two acoustically insulated on workers exposed to excessive noise levels.
cups connected with a metal or plastic band, are
placed over the outside of the ears. Reference:
Standard Number Title
There are three categories of ear plugs: molded 19 6. Occupational noise exposure
plugs, custom plugs and formable plugs. 19 6.101 Hearing protection

0
Chapter 10
Mobile equipment
The general principles for safe, productive mo- tor-
vehicle operation are applicable to all motor- • An operator’s guide — to give the operator
vehicle operations, including vehicles that operate an idea of what is expected, such as smooth
within an off-highway job site, not open to public operation with speeds consistent with the ex-
traffic. isting job site. Always follow the established
traffic patterns and haul routes for the job site;
Safe, productive motor-vehicle operation requires: • A parking/shutdown procedure — to secure
• A qualified operator — a person trained and the vehicle. Park on as level a surface as
experienced in the operation of the vehicle possible and as applicable: parking brake set;
to which he or she is assigned. This person wheels cramped up-slope and/or blocked;
should be in good physical condition with his bowl, bucket or blade on the ground and with
or her judgment unimpaired by drugs, alcohol the tampering or vandalism potential mini-
or fatigue; mized.
• An operable, well-maintained motor vehicle
— a vehicle in good mechanical condition with
all controls identified and fully functional;
• A daily, pre-operation inspection system — to
verify the vehicle’s condition using a check list
specific to the vehicle or using a general, logi-
cal system. The operator should:
1. Check fluid levels (cooling, oil, hydraulic,
fuel, etc.);
. Check that the emergency brake and
parking brake are set and transmission is
not in gear;
. Start engine and allow the various sys-
tems to warm up to operating tempera-
tures;
. Check the vehicle to be sure that all glass,
mirrors, lights and reflectors are clean and
intact;
. Check tires to ensure that treads and Reference:
sidewalls are in good condition, and that Standard Number Title
they are properly inflated (if pneumatic). 9 CFR, Subpart N, 1910.1 6 OSHA General
Check grousers, idlers and drive sprock- Industry Standards
ets of tracked vehicles; 9 CFR, Subpart O, 19 6.600 OSHA Construction
6. Check the vehicle’s controls for their Standards
proper function, i.e., horn, windshield wip-
ers, steering, transmission, etc. If all is in
order, proceed;

1
Chapter 11
Powered industrial trucks

Employers should require refresher training after

an accident, a near-miss incident or observation
of the operator using the PIT in an unsafe man-
ner. You also should hold refresher training when
there are changes in the work place, new hazards
present or when the operator is assigned to a dif-
ferent type of PIT.
Complete an evaluation of each operator at least
once every three years, and document and keep
on file all initial and refresher training. A basic
outline of elements you should incorporate into a
training program for PITs follows:
1. A site-specific written training program;
. Training to cover the minimum required ele-
ments, including;
• Review of the written safety policy related
to PITs;
• Who, when and how initial and refresher
Powered industrial trucks (PITs), commonly training will be conducted;
referred to as forklifts, are a vehicle of necessity • Tests or examinations documentation;
for many companies on construction job sites. • Attendance records and results;
However, they also are involved in many injuries . Written program describing the hands-on test-
resulting in sprains and strains, amputations, ing procedure, including;
bone fractures, burns, contusions and fatalities. • Who performs the evaluations;
• Specific training the evaluator received;
Because of the recent increase in injuries, the • Hands-on driving exam representative of
construction industry is mandated to provide the actual work environment;
adequate, organized and documented training for • Pre-operational safety check of the
all employees using PITs. Base the training on the equipment incorporated into the driving
operator’s prior knowledge and skill, the type of evaluation;
PIT thathe or she will use, the potential hazards . The type of physical examination for operators
present and the operator’s demonstrated ability being performed and retention of the records;
to operate the PIT. . The company issuance of authorization cards
or IDs after completion of training;
6. The specific measures the company has incor-
porated to handle novice operators.

1
Chapter 12
Crane operations
The essence of safe, efficient crane operation is should be known. If the weight is unknown, a
keeping the crane and its load under control at all knowledgeable person should calculate it. Other
times. Certain basics apply to every crane operation. factors you may need to consider are center of
gravity and attachment points for rigging.
Job planning
During the initial job-planning stage of the con- The rigging
struction operation, the company should decide Rigging consists of the slings, shackles and
what its crane requirements will be. Then plan for spreaders that attach the load to the crane and
a crane or cranes adequate to accomplish the job. are designed for the load. Like the operator, the
When selecting a crane, consider a variety of fac- rigger should be qualified through training or
tors other than crane capacity. These may include experience to determine the best method and
terrain, ground conditions, weather conditions, equipment to secure the load to the crane. This
crane mobility and/or overhead utilities. is one area of crane operations that is often
overlooked.
The crane
The crane should be in good mechanical condi- The lift
tion with sufficient lifting capacity to perform Begin the lift by ensuring that the crane is level
the work required. The crane also should have and on a base with sufficient strength to support
documented periodic (usually annual) inspec- the load and pressures generated during the lift.
tions and documented frequent (daily to monthly) Be sure the swing radius for the boom and coun-
inspections. Make sure lifting charts and operator terweight is clear of personnel and equipment.
manuals are available onsite. Check for any overhead obstructions, and make
sure that the clearance for electrical utilities can
be maintained throughout the lift.
The operator
A qualified operator is experienced in operating
Perform a trial lift. This lift is one where the load
the crane; knowledgeable in methods, means
is picked up only a few inches from the ground or
and limitations of crane use; able to conduct fre-
the staging surface and held. This lets the opera-
quent inspections of the crane; and able to read
tor and rigger observe if the choices of crane
and interpret crane load charts and operator’s
configuration, line parts, rigging and rigging equip-
manuals. This operator should be in good physi-
ment are correct. If the load shifts or something
cal condition with judgment unimpaired by drugs,
has been overlooked, land the load and stop the
alcohol or fatigue.
operation until adjustments are made.
The signaler Accomplish the lift in a conservative manner.
The person giving signals must be familiar with This means making smooth, steady motions, not
the signals contained in the American National too fast, with the load under control at all times.
Standards Institute (ANSI) standard B 0. . You Make no sudden changes of direction or speed.
may use a telephone or radio for signaling. What- During the lift, never allow the load to swing over
ever system you use, signals must be clearly personnel. Use taglines to control the load.
visible or audible at all times, and the operator
should make no response unless signals are Reference:
clearly understood. The operator and signaler will Standard Number Title

agree upon in advance to any special signals to 9 CFR 19 6. 0 Cranes & Derricks
be used during the crane operation. Special sig- 9 CFR 19 6.9 Material Handling - General
nals should not conflict with standard signals. OAC 1 1:1- -0 Cranes, Hoists and Derricks
ANSI/ASME B 0. Crawler, Locomotive and
The load Truck Cranes
To properly plan the lift, the weight of the load, Bob’s Rigging and
including rigging, headache ball, load line, etc., Crane Handbook
Chapter 13
Hand tools
Construction workers are • Before using any kind of striking tool, make
co nsidered
s experts in the sure the face of the tool is free of oil or other
election and use of material that can cause it to glance off the
hand tools, yet every object being struck;
year workers are • Check wooden handles to assure they are
injured on the job as free of cracks and splits. Replace cracked or
a result of hand-tool split handles;
accidents. Hand tools • Check hammer heads to make sure they are
are designed to make not loose or chipped.
jobs easier and more
efficient. The worker Turning tools
must choose the Turning tools, better known as wrenches, are
becorrect tool for the job used to exert a twisting force on bolt heads,
that ing performed, ensure nuts and pipes. Wrenches include open-end,
the tool is in good con- box, socket, torque, lockjaw and pipe wrenches.
dition and use the tool properly. Safety principles for use of turning tools include:
Common types of hand tools include • Place the jaws on the nut and pull the wrench
striking tools, turning tools, metal-cutting tools, toward your body.
woodcutting tools, screwdrivers, pliers, knives This method will help maintain leverage;
and crowbars. • Use socket wrenches for hard-to-reach places
and to loosen and tighten nuts and other fas-
General requirements teners with the aid of a ratchet apparatus;
A tool-maintenance procedure is one of the most • Box wrenches have box openings at both
important factors in any hand-tool safety pro- ends. Each opening is a different size and is
gram. Extensively used hand tools require careful used to free frozen nuts;
and frequent inspection to maintain them for safe • Open-end wrenches, used for a variety of
use. When hand tools are not sharpened and purposes, are made with a 1 -degree opening.
dressed, inefficient cutting and glancing off mate- Never use these wrenches to free frozen nuts;
rial often cause injuries. Straighten bent shafts, • When using wrenches, never use hammers or
replace broken handles and discard tools you extension pipes to gain leverage on a wrench;
cannot repair. Remove hand tools with defective • When using a wrench, always ensure that
handles from service immediately. the gripping surfaces are clean and oil free to
prevent slipping;
PPE must protect a person using hand tools who • It is essential to use the wrench that fits the
is exposed to hazards, such as falling, flying, abra- nut or pipe properly. Be careful when using
sive and splashing objects, or exposed to harm- adjustable wrenches, often called knuckle-
ful dust, fumes, mists, vapors or gases. Follow busters, because this wrench can slip if not
guidelines described for PPE in Chapter 0. adjusted to fit the nut snugly.

Striking tools Metal-cutting tools

Striking tools include carpenter hammers, sledge- Snips and shears, bolt-cutters, hacksaws, chisels,
hammers, riveting hammers and rubber or raw- and files are metal-cutting tools. Guidelines for
hide mallets. To guarantee safety, follow these the proper use of metal-cutting tools include:
guidelines: • Oil and adjust snips and shears to make cutting
• Choose the most appropriate striking tool for easier and to produce surfaces that are free of
the task. Use carpenter hammers for driving burrs;
and drawing nails, sledge hammers for driving • When using bolt-cutters, make sure fingers are
stakes and pins, riveting hammers for sheet clear of the jaws and hinges;
metal and mallets for driving other hand tools,
such as a chisel;
• Never use cutters near live electrical circuits; Screwdrivers
• Use hacksaws to cut metal that is too heavy Screwdrivers are designed to drive and remove
for snips or bolt-cutters. Install hacksaw blades screws. Never use screwdrivers as pry bars,
so that the teeth point away from the handle of scrapers or punches. Guidelines for the safe use
the saw. The main danger in using hacksaws of screwdrivers include:
is injury to the hands if the blades break. To • Use the proper size screwdriver so the blade fits
operate a hacksaw properly, apply pressure on the screw properly. This prevents the screw slot
the downward stroke. After the forward pres- from burring, which can cause injury;
sure stroke, slightly lift the saw and lightly pull it • Keep screwdriver tips away from live electri-
back in the cut to protect the teeth. Twisting the cal circuits, and never put any part of your
blade or applying too much pressure may break body in front of the screwdriver blade tips
the blade and result in hand or arm injuries; while working.
• In most cases, you can determine the safety of
a hand tool by the condition of its cutting and Pliers
striking ends, particularly in the case of sharp- Pliers are used for cutting as well as holding and
edged and pointed tools, such as cold chisels. gripping small articles. Guidelines for safe use of
A cold chisel with a mushroomed or cracked pliers include:
head is a common cause of injury. When a mush- • Do not use pliers to cut hard wire unless they
roomed head is struck, chips may be knocked off are specifically manufactured for this purpose;
the chisel. You can redress a mushroomed head • When using pliers, always cut at a right angle;
to its original shape; • Never use pliers as hammers or to remove
• Keep files sharp when not in use by wrapping nuts and bolts.
them in paper or cloth to protect the teeth. A file
with a tongue should have a handle attached;
make sure that it fits tightly with the file. Knives
Safely use knives by following these guidelines:
• Cut away from the body, or keep the body
Woodcutting hand tools clear and wear protective clothing. Avoid jerky
Examples of woodcutting hand tools are hand- motions, sudden strains or other movements
saws, planes and wood chisels. Safety tips for that might cause loss of balance;
these tools include: • Keep a knife in a sheath or holder when carry-
• Keep handsaws sharp and free of rust to ing it on the job. Never leave knives lying on
prevent them from binding or jumping and benches or shelves;
causing injuries. Always make saw cuts • Keep knives sufficiently sharp to do the work
directly across the material, with a slow, careful for which they are intended.
downward stroke. Crowding or forcing the saw
through the cut may cause the saw to buckle or
fly out and result in injury to the user; Crowbars/prybars
Maximize the safe use of crowbars by following
• Keep the cutting edge on wood planes sharp.
Store planes in a rack designed to protect the these guidelines:
cutting edges from damage and workers from • It is essential to use the correct size crowbar
injury. Hold material being planed securely in a for each job;
vise, clamp, or other holding device; • Do not use makeshift tools (cheaters), such as
• When using a chisel, never cut toward your- pipe lengths, iron bars or extensions for lever-
self. Always keep the cutting edge sharp. age. To prevent slips, place a block of wood
under the head of the crowbar;
• When using spud bars, ensure a firm grip on
the handle and stand at the side of the bar to
prevent injury caused by recoil.
 Chapter 14
Power tools
Portable power tools present greater hazards Never remove safety guards when using a tool. For
than hand tools. Nearly all power-tool accidents example, you must equip portable circular saws
are caused by improper handling and poor main- with guards. An upper guard must cover the entire
tenance. Use power tools only after becoming blade of the saw. A retractable lower guard must
thoroughly familiar with their controls, safety cover the teeth of the saw, except when it makes
requirements and operating procedures. The contact with the work material. The lower guard
categories that most power tools fall under are must automatically return to the covering position
electric power tools, fuel-powered hand tools, when the tool is withdrawn from the work.
fuel-cell tools, pneumatic power tools and hy-
draulic power tools. Safety switches
Equip the following hand-held powered tools with
General safety precautions a momentary contact on-off control switch: drills,
Employers must provide employees who use tappers, fastener drivers, horizontal, vertical and
hand and power tools, and who are exposed to angle grinders with wheels larger than two inch-
the hazards of falling, flying, abrasive and splash- es in diameter, disc and belt sanders, reciprocat-
ing objects, or exposed to harmful dusts, fumes, ing saws, saber saws, and other similar tools. You
mists, vapors, or gases with the proper personal also may equip these tools with a lock-on control
protective equipment (See Chapter 0). provided that turn-off can be accomplished by a
single motion of the same finger or fingers that
You can prevent hazards involved in the use of turn it on.
power tools by following five basic safety rules:
• Keep all tools in good condition with regular Electric tools
maintenance; Employees using electric tools must be aware of
• Use the right tool for the job; several dangers; the most serious is the possibil-
• Examine each tool for damage before use; ity of electrocution. Examples of electric power
• Operate according to the manufacturer’s tools are portable drills, grinders and saws.
instructions;
• Provide and use the proper protective equip- Among the chief hazards of electric-powered
ment. tools are burns and shocks that can lead to
injuries or even heart failure. Under certain condi-
Employees and employers have a responsibility tions, even a small amount of current can result
to work together to establish safe working pro- in fibrillation of the heart and eventual death. A
cedures. If a hazardous situation is encountered, shock also can cause the user to fall off a ladder
correct it immediately. or other elevated work surface. To protect the
user from shock, tools must either have a three-
Guards wire cord with ground and be grounded, or be
You need to safeguard the hazardous moving double insulated.
parts of a power tool. For example, you must
guard belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, sprockets, Follow these general practices when using elec-
spindles, drums, fly wheels, chains, or other tric tools:
reciprocating, rotating or moving parts of equip- • Protect tools with a ground fault circuit inter-
ment if such parts are exposed to contact by rupter (GFCI);
employees. • Operate electric tools within their design limi-
tations;
Provide guards, as necessary, to protect the • Wear gloves and safety footwear when using
operator and others from the following: electric tools;
• Point of operation; • When not in use, store tools in a dry place;
• In-running nip points; • Do not use electric tools in damp locations;
• Rotating parts; • Work areas should be well lighted;
• Flying chips and sparks. • Never remove the third prong from the plug.

6
Fuel-cell powered tools • Not attempting to fasten into very hard or
Cut-off saws and chain saws are examples of brittle material, such as cast iron, glazed
fuel-powered tools. Guidelines for the safe use tile, surface-hardened or high-tensile-
of these tools include: strength steel, glass block, rock, face
• Ensuring that the tool has stopped and is cool brick or hollow tile;
before refueling, servicing or adjusting; • Inspecting the area before using the tool;
• Using caution when handling fuel by mov- • Wearing appropriate personal protective
ing the fuel at least 10 feet from the cutting equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s
machine before starting the engine; recommendations.
• Keeping the handles dry, clean and free of oil
or fuel; Pneumatic power tools
• Making sure all guards are on and in good These guidelines apply to the safe use of pneu-
working order; matic power tools:
• Operating the machines only in well-venti- • Ensure the supply pressure meets rated pres-
lated areas; failure to work in a well-ventilated sure; if not, use pressure regulators;
area can lead to serious injury or death. • Relieve air hoses and lines of compressed air
before being disconnected or disjointed;
Powder-actuated tools • Do not use synthetic lubricants, which can
Exercise caution when using powder-actuated cause deterioration of elastomer seals, in air
tools. Proper use of powder-actuated tools systems for tools;
includes: • Secure pneumatic power tools to the hose by
• Ensuring employees are trained for the spe- a positive locking clamp or other means;
cific tool they will use; • Install safety clips or retainers on pneumatic
• Inspecting and testing each powder-actuated impact tools to prevent attachments from be-
tool in accordance with its manufacturer’s ing forced out;
recommended procedure before every work • Ensure all pneumatically driven nailers, sta-
shift to ensure that no defects exist and that plers and other tools, which operate at more
all safety devices are in proper working order; than 100 psi of pressure, have a muzzle de-
• Loading the powder-actuated tool with the vice to prevent the tool from ejecting fasten-
correct charge just prior to firing; insert the ers, unless the muzzle is in contact with the
fastener before inserting the cartridge; work surface;
• Never storing a loaded tool and never leaving • Inspect, lubricate and maintain the equipment
a loaded tool unattended; in accordance with manufacturer’s recom-
• Treating the powder-actuated tool as a mendations.
firearm; keep hands and other body parts
away from the open barrel end and the tool, Hydraulic power tools
whether loaded or unloaded, and never aim The fluid used in hydraulic-powered tools must
at anyone; be fire-resistant fluid and retained in the tool.
• Following the manufacturer’s recommended The operating characteristics of the hydraulic-
procedures in the event the load fails to powered tool must withstand the most extreme
ignite; temperatures at which the tool will be exposed.
• Never attempting to fasten at an angle to the Follow the manufacturer’s directions, especially
work surface or fasten through a pre-drilled to ensure that safe operating pressures of hoses,
hole unless adequate guidance is provided; valves, pipes, filters and other fittings are not
• Not fastening into a spalled area on concrete; exceeded.
• Never using the tool in an explosive or flam-
mable atmosphere;
Chapter 15
Ladders
• Space rungs, cleats and steps of portable lad-
ders not less than 10 inches apart, nor more
than 1 inches apart, along the side rails;
• Provide a metal spreader or locking device
on each stepladder to hold the front and back
sections in an open position when the ladder
is being used;
• Ladder components must be surfaced to pre-
vent injury from punctures or lacerations, and
prevent snagging of clothing;
• Do not coat ladders with an opaque cover-
ing (such as paint) except for identification or
warning labels, which you my place only on
one face of a side rail;
• Do not tie or fasten ladders together to create
longer sections unless they are specifically
designed for such use;
• Prior to each use, inspect the ladder for:
The frequent use of ladders at home and on • Cracks, splits or deterioration of the side rails;
construction sites tends to dull awareness of the • Broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps;
dangers involved in their use. Although there are • Loose rivets, screws, bolts or hardware;
varieties of ladders, many of the same require- • Corroded components;
ments and safe work practices apply. • Damaged or non-functioning safety shoes;
• Oil, grease or other slipping hazards;
The following information applies to all portable • Other faulty or defective components.
ladders used in construction, alteration, repair (in-
cluding painting and decorating), and demolition If you note defects, immediately mark or tag the
of work sites covered by OSHA’s construction ladder with “Do Not Use” or similar language and
safety and health standards. When using ladders withdraw the ladder from service until repaired.
for such use, make sure they are a minimum When repairing a ladder, you must restore it to
Type I ( 0 lb. rating) or greater. a condition meeting its original design criteria.
If you cannot repair a ladder, destroy it before
The following general requirements apply to all discarding it.
portable ladders and job-made ladders:
• You must provide a double-cleated ladder or The following are suggested safe work practices
two or more ladders when ladders are the when using portable ladders:
only way to enter or exit a work area for • When using portable ladders to access an up-
or more employees, or when a ladder serves per landing surface, the side rails must extend
simultaneous two-way traffic; at least three feet above the upper landing
• Ladder rungs, cleats and steps must be surface. If this is not possible, you must place
parallel, level and uniformly spaced when the a grabrail to assist mounting and dismounting
ladder is in position for use; the ladder;
 • Keep ladders free of oil, grease and other slip- • Ladders must have nonconductive side rails
ping hazards; if they are used where they could contact
• Use ladders only for the purpose for which exposed energized electrical conductors or
they were designed; equipment;
• Do not load ladders beyond the maximum • Support, protect from damage and keep out
intended load for which they were built; of traffic areas ladders that are in storage.
• Use straight ladders at an angle where the Store fiberglass ladders out of direct sunlight
horizontal distance from the top support to when possible.
the foot of the ladder is approximately one-
quarter of the working length of the ladder; Training
• Use ladders only on stable and level surfaces Train each employee to recognize hazards in the
unless secured to prevent accidental move- use of ladders, such as:
ment; • Fall hazards in the work area;
• Never use ladders on slippery surfaces unless • The procedures for erecting, maintaining and
secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to disassembling fall-protection systems;
prevent accidental movement; • Their proper use and placement;
• Secure or barricade ladders when using them • Their maximum intended loads;
in passageways, doorways or driveways • Any appropriate standards, OSHA standards
where they can be displaced by work-place or Ohio administrative codes.
activities or traffic;
• Keep the area around the top and bottom of Retrain employees as necessary to maintain their
the ladder clear; understanding and knowledge of safe ladder use.
• Do not move, shift or extend ladders while
occupied; Reference:
• Do not use the top or top step of a stepladder Standard Number Title
as a step; 19 6.9 1(c) Tools and protective
• Do not climb the cross bracing on the rear equipment
section of stepladders unless the ladder is 19 6.10 Ladders
designed and provided with steps for climbing OAC 1 1:1- -11 Ladders
on both sections; ANSI A1 . Ladders-fixed, safety
• When ascending or descending a ladder, face requirements
the ladder; ANSI A1 . Ladders-portable metal,
• Use at least one hand to grasp the ladder safety requirements
when moving up or down it; ANSI A1 . Ladders-portable reinforced
• A worker on the ladder must not carry any plastic, safety requirements
object or load that could cause him or her to ANSI A1 .1 Ladders-portable wood,
lose balance and fall; safety requirements
ANSI A1 . Ladders-job-made, safety
requirements

0 9
 Chapter 16
Slings
To ensure safety when Inspection procedures for alloy steel chain
using slings made with slings
wire rope (chokers), Remove slings from service if any of the follow-
alloy steel chain and ing conditions are present:
synthetic web, in • Defective welds;
conjunction with • Bending or elongation of chain links;
other material • Cracked or deformed master and coupling
handling equipment, links;
such as cranes and • Removal of the identification tag.
hoists, follow these
tips: Inspection procedures for synthetic web
• Use only slings slings
that are not damaged or Remove slings from service if any of the follow-
defective; ing conditions are present:
• Never shorten slings • Acid or caustic burns;
with knots, bolts or other make- • Melted or charred sling surface;
shift devices; • Broken stitches;
• Never load slings in excess of their rated • Snags, tears or cuts to the point of exposure
capacities; of the colored threads;
• Always pad or protect the slings from the • Removal of the identification tag.
sharp edges of their load;
• Always keep suspended loads clear of all
Sling storage
obstructions;
• Store slings in a dry environment out of the
• Always keep employees clear of loads to be
sun, off the floor or ground to prevent damage
lifted and suspended loads;
due to corrosion.
• Always keep hands and fingers clear of the
• Hang slings from hooks to prevent tangling
load while tightening the sling around the
and allow for easy access when needed.
load;
• A good sling inspection program is not only re-
• Never pull a sling from under a load that is
quired, it is cost effective; this prevents sling
resting on the sling.
deterioration and serious accidents caused by
sling failure.
Inspection procedures for wire rope slings
Remove slings from service if any of the follow-
Rigging
ing conditions are present:
Improper rigging can lead to accidents involv-
• 10 randomly distributed broken wires in one lay
ing personal injury or damage to equipment or
or five broken wires in one strand in one lay;
material. Slings are like any other tool and only
• Kinking, crushing, bird caging or any other
trained workers should be allowed to rig loads.
damage;
The employer should designate who is qualified
• Evidence of heat damage;
to use slings to rig loads.
• Cracked, deformed or worn end attachments;
• Stretched or twisted hooks.

0 9
Chapter 17
Scaffolds
Scaffolds vary in design and are used for a variety Fall protection, such as guardrails and toeboards,
of purposes in the construction industry. You can is not required at a height of 10 feet. Lockpins
obtain further information from the OAC should be in place to prevent frame tion.
1 1:1- -10 or OSHA 19 6, Subpart L. separaSecure the scaffold to
the building or structure if it will
Scaffold erection exceed 6 feet in height or a
While scaffolding var- horizontal length greater than
ies greatly in design and 0 feet.
construction, there are
many similarities regarding Manually propelled
requirements for erection mobile scaffolds
and dismantling. Erection Do not build manually
and dismantling of scaf- propelled mobile scaffolds
folding must be done under higher than three times their
the direct supervision of a minimum base dimension.
competent person. Specific Use horizontal or diagonal
requirements for differing sc af- b
racing to prevent racking. The
folds are addressed later in t he supporting casters are required to
chapter. The following items are have operating locks on them and to
required of all scaffolding: be engaged while the scaffold is occu-
All components must be free of damage; pied. Fully plank mobile scaffold work platforms.
• Planking must be scaffold grade; Take special care to avoid striking piping, electric
• Unless planking is secured, it must extend lines or other obstructions when moving scaf-
a minimum of 6 inches over bearer but not folds. Secure or remove tools, materials and
exceed 1 inches; equipment from the platform prior to relocation.
• You must provide safe access; Do not allow employees to ride a moving scaf-
• Keep scaffold free of debris or slippery sub- fold. Guardrailing is the same as for stationary
stances; scaffolds.
• All x-braces must be in place;
• An 1 -inch minimum platform width is recom- Suspended scaffolds
mended; Suspended scaffold support devices must be ca-
• Erect scafflod away from energized or un- pable of sustaining four times the intended work-
guarded power lines; load. The suspension ropes (wire, synthetic or
• If erected over walkways or traffic areas, fiber) must be capable of sustaining six times the
place 1 -gauge screen or equivalent in place intended workload. Protect employees through
to prevent items from falling off; the use of a body harness attached to their
• All scaffold components, including casters, individual lifelines. To prevent the platform from
must be capable of supporting, without fail- swinging, secure to the building or structure.
ure, their own weight and at least four times
the maximum intended load.
Ladder jack scaffolds
Limit ladder jack scaffolds to light-duty use. Their
Supported scaffolds height should not exceed 0 feet. Use heavy-
When erecting a scaffold from the ground up, duty ladders (Type 1A) to support the platform
give special attention to footing. It must be solid and workload. If bearing on the rungs only, the
and stable; mudsills are suggested, but you bearing area should include at least 10 inches
should not use block, brick and similar items. The of bearing on the rung. The platform should be
scaffold must be erected plumb and level. The a minimum of 1 inches wide. If you use wood
installation of all x-braces will assist in this goal. planks, provide support every feet.

1
Metal-bracket and form scaffolds
Secure metal-bracket and form scaffolds in place • Medium-duty scaffold — The type of scaffold
by either welding or bolting in place. Use clip-on designed and constructed to carry a working
or hook-over brackets if the form walers are se- load not to exceed 0 lbs. per square foot.
cured in place. The maximum permissible span • Qualified person — A person who, by pos-
is feet; standard guardrailing and toeboards are session of a recognized degree, certificate,
required. or professional standing, or who by extensive
knowledge, training, and experience, has
successfully demonstrated his or her ability
Stilts
to solve or resolve problems related to the
Equip stilts with skid-resistant feet and use
subject matter, the work, or the project.
them in accordance with manufacturer’s rec-
• Scaffold — A scaffold is any temporary
ommendations.
elevated platform (supported or suspended)
and its supporting structure (including points
Training of anchorage) used for supporting employees,
Selecting the type of scaffold to use is as impor- materials or equipment.
tant as tool selection. An ongoing program that • Standard guardrail — Rails secured to uprights
trains personnel in selection and use of scaffold- and erected along the exposed sides and
ing is imperative to reducing accidents in the ends of platforms, top rail being at inches,
work place. If you need more detailed informa- midrail at 1 inches.
tion, consult the references and manufacturer’s • Suspended scaffold — The type of scaffold
recommendations. supported from above; it can be manually or
power operated; it can be single-or two-point
Definitions suspended.
• Competent person — One who is capable of • Toeboard — A barrier secured along the sides
identifying existing and predictable hazards and ends of a platform to guard against the
in the surroundings or working conditions falling of materials ( . -inch minimum height).
that are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous • Working load — The load on the scaffold im-
to employees. He or she also has authoriza- posed by employees, material and equipment.
tion to take prompt corrective measures to
eliminate them. Reference:
• Brace — A brace is a rigid connection that Standard Number Title
holds one scaffold member in a fixed posi- 19 6. 1 Scaffolding, General
tion with respect to another member, or to a Requirements
building or structure. 19 6. 0 Definitions for scaffolding
• Heavy-duty scaffold — The type of scaffold 19 6. Additional requirements
designed and constructed to carry a working 19 6. Aerial lifts
load not to exceed lbs. per square foot. 19 6. Training
• Ladder jack scaffold — A light-duty scaffold 1 1:1- -10 OCA Scaffolding
consisting of a platform resting on brackets ANSI A10. Scaffolding safety
attached to ladders. requirements
• Lean-to or shore scaffold (use prohibited) ANSI/SIA A9 . Boom-supported elevating
— The type of scaffold kept erect by tilting work platforms
it toward and resting it against a building or ANSI/SIA A9 . Manually propelled
structure. elevating work platforms
• Light-duty scaffold — A scaffold designed ANSI A1 . Mobile ladder stands &
and constructed to carry a working load not mobile platforms
to exceed lbs. per square foot. ANSI A1 0.1 Powered platforms for
• Mobile scaffold — A powered or unpowered, building maintenance
portable caster or wheel-mounted supported
scaffold.

1
ANSI A9 . Vehicle-mounted elevating and
rotating aerial devices

1
Chapter 18
Aerial lifts
There are varieties of ing instructions and user’s safety rules;
aerial lifts included • Understand all instruction, warnings and de-
within the OSHA cals displayed on lift;
Subpart L-scaf- • Demonstrate proficiency and knowledge on
fold standard, the same model type.
including ex-
tensible boom The operating/maintenance manual provides the
platforms, user with critical information that describes the
aerial ladders, type of lift and ratings of the aerial platform,
articulating maximum voltage of the electrical systems and
boom plat- maximum hydraulic and pneumatic operating
forms, verti- cal pressure. It also includes instructions, operational
towers or a safety rules, operating maintenance and intended
c
ombination of any use.
of hese
t devices. This
chapter’s information Inspections
applies to company-owned, Base inspection procedures for aerial lifts on
leased and borrowed equipment. information provided by the manufacturer. Manu-
facturers provide various inspection intervals due
Manufacturers’ information to component function and wear, and deteriora-
Manufacturers of aerial lifts provide important tion that could affect component life. Frequent
information about the lift that the end user must inspection items should include:
be familiar with, including: • All functions and their controls for speed(s),
• Warnings, cautions or restrictions for safe smoothness and limits of motion;
operation and maintenance; • Lower controls, including provisions for over-
• Make, model, serial number and manufactur- riding the upper controls;
er’s name and address; • All chain and cable mechanisms for adjust-
• Rated work load, including number of occu- ment and worn or damaged parts;
pants; • All emergency and safety devices;
• Maximum travel height; • Lubrication of all moving parts, inspection of
• Nominal voltage rating of batteries; filter elements, hydraulic oil, engine oil and
• Notice to study the operator’s manual; coolant;
• Notice of required inspections; • Visual inspection of structural components
• Alternative configuration use statement such and critical components;
as: outriggers, platform extension and attach- • Placards, warnings and control markings;
ments and extendible axles; • Any additional items specified by the manu-
• Notice if platform or other parts are electrically facturer.
insulated;
• Warning on key-part replacement. There also are daily prestart inspection proce-
dures that should include quick visual checks and
User responsibilities proper function of the following items:
To ensure safe usage of aerial lifts, users must: • Operating and emergency controls;
• Maintain copies of operating/maintenance • Safety devices;
manuals; • Personal protective devices;
• Inspect and maintain to manufacturer’s speci- • Air, hydraulic and fluid leaks;
fications; • Cables and wiring harnesses;
• Provide operator training; • Loose or missing parts;
• Instruct operator on intended purpose and • Tires and wheels;
function of each control; • Placards, warnings, control marking and oper-
• Read and understand manufacturer’s operat- ating manuals;
• Outriggers, stabilizers and extendible axles; • Shutting down the engine while fueling;
• Guardrail system and access gates and open- • Charging batteries in well-ventilated areas free
ings; of flames, sparks or other hazards that could
• Load and its distribution on platform and any cause a fire;
platform extensions; • Not using other objects to steady the plat-
• Any other items specified within the manufac- form;
turer’s operating manual. • Not using aerial lifts as cranes;
• Limiting travel speed to travel conditions;
Operating procedures • Limiting platform travel height to no more
Before any work is started and while work is than twice the base width;
being performed from an aerial lift, you must • Avoiding stunt driving and horseplay;
address various site inspection and operating • Not altering safety devices or interlocks;
procedures, including: • Driving on grades, slopes or ramps only within
• Avoiding drop-offs, holes or bumps; the manufacturer’s ratings;
• Checking for floor obstructions and debris; • Ceasing operation if any suspected malfunc-
• Avoiding grades, slopes and ramps; tion occurs;
• Watching for overhead obstructions/high volt- • Permitting only manufacturer’s authorized
age conductors; alterations to be made;
• Being aware of wind or weather conditions; • Reporting problems or malfunctions immedi-
• Providing adequate surface support; ately to the supervisor;
• Looking out for hazardous locations; • Reporting potential hazardous locations im-
• Operating the platform on a surface within mediately to the supervisor.
limits specified by the manufacturer;
• Using stability enhancing means as manufac- Fall protection
turer requires; Operators of extensible and articulating boom
• Closing guardrails, access gate or openings lifts must wear a body harness with a lanyard
per manufacturer’s instructions; attached to the boom or basket when working
• Making sure the load and its distribution are from an aerial lift. Also, operators of ladder trucks
within manufacturer’s rated capacity; and tower trucks must wear a body harness with
• Ensuring adequate clearance from overhead attached lanyard. The manufacturer’s informa-
obstructions; tion provided with the lift device includes the
• Having personnel wear required safety gear; proper attachment points and procedures. There
• Maintaining maximum safe approach distance are no requirements for the wearing of a body
to energized lines and parts; harness and lanyard while working from a scis-
• Determining hazardous locations; sors-type lift. If it is a policy of your company to
• Maintaining a firm footing on the platform wear a body harness with an attached lanyard in
floor; a scissors lift, contact the manufacturer to obtain
• Taking precautions for any other moving information about suitable anchorage points and
equipment operating in the same area; proper tie-off procedures.
• Preventing ropes, electric cords, hoses etc.
from entangling with the platform; Reference:
• Following rated capacities; Standard Number Title
• Clearing personnel and equipment from sur- 19 6. Aerial lifts
rounding areas before lowering the platform; ANSI/SIA A9 . -1990 Vehicle-mounted elevating
and rotating aerial devices
ANSI/SIA A9 .6-1990 Self-propelled elevating
work platforms
Chapter 19
Respiratory protection
specific gas or vapor on a sorbent material
before the air is breathed. The cartridge or
canister protects against a single chemical
or class of chemicals. Read the label on the
cartridge or canister to ascertain the agent
against which it will protect, maximum con-
centration and, in some instances, the service
life of the element. Air purifying-chemical
cartridge/canister respirators do not supply
oxygen. You cannot use them in an oxygen-
deficient atmosphere. You must not use them
in an atmosphere IDLH or where warning
properties of the contaminant are poor, and
therefore would not signify that the filter is
consumed;
• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
type-C supplied-air respirators allow the user
to work independent of the air quality of the
Not only is it a good idea to have a written respi- work site. You will generally use SCBA as an
ratory protection program, it is an OSHA require- emergency rescue respirator or for cleaning
ment. As with other PPE, respirators are used up chemical spills;
only when administrative and/or engineering • Supplied-air respirators provide the user with
controls are inadequate. grade D certified breathing air from a central
source via an air supply line or hose.
You can choose the correct respiratory protection Supplied- air respirators are available in either
from the following respirator classifications and half-mask or full-face mask. The air-line
definitions: respirator allows the user to work for
• Air purifying-particulate filter respirators are extended periods of time in a contaminated
generally called dust, mist or fume respira- atmosphere. This type of respirator is not
tors. They filter particulates before they allowed in an atmosphere classified as IDLH
are inhaled. This type of respirator does not unless it includes a small self-contained
provide oxygen and must not be worn in an source of breathing air for es- cape purposes
oxygen-deficient atmosphere (an atmosphere and is approved for such use.
where the percentage of oxygen by volume
is less than 19. percent). Additionally, it Respirator need and selection (sample procedure)
does not protect against toxic gases and To determine the need for respirator protection in
vapors; each situation:
• Air purifying-chemical cartridge/canister respi- a) Assess whether potential exposures exist and
rators remove the gas or vapor by absorbing to what extent;
 b) Review all available industrial hygiene data to Training (sample procedure)
establish need and assist in selecting the cor- a) Only medically approved employees will re-
rect respiratory protection. Conduct additional ceive training in respiratory protection.
industrial hygiene surveys as necessary; b) The training program will include:
c) Assess current engineering and/or adminis- • Purpose of respiratory protection;
trative controls used to prevent exposure; • Types of protection available and the limi-
d) Assess the feasibility of engineering; tation of each type;
e) Review in-depth any current work requirements • How to properly don the equipment and
and conditions that may impair an employee’s check the face-piece fit;
ability to wear respiratory protection; • How to properly clean, inspect and store
f) Assess the characteristics and limitations of the equipment;
available respiratory protection; • Discussion of the company’s written respi-
g) Select and use only National Institute for Oc- ratory protection program.
cupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) or Mine c) Provide all employees the opportunity to wear
Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)-ap- the respirator of their choice for 1 minutes
proved respirators. before the face fit-testing procedure.

Medical evaluation (sample procedure) Program surveillance

a) Examine employees to evaluate their medical Periodically, management will survey the work
status as it relates to respiratory protection, area(s) to ascertain the effectiveness of the pro-
and to ensure they are physically able to per- gram and modify it as necessary.
form the work while wearing a respirator.
b) Medical examination will consist of:
• Completion of respiratory questionnaire;
• Pulmonary function test;
• Physical examination.
c) Review annually the medical status of all
employees who use respiratory protection.

6
 Chapter 20
Personal protective equipment
When a hazard is identified on a construction decide employees will use PPE. This program
site, make every possible effort to eliminate it so should at least include the following elements:
no one is harmed. When exposures to hazards • A communicated policy on usage of PPE to
cannot be engineered completely out of normal employees and visitors;
operations, use protective clothing or equipment. • Responsibility for the selection of equipment;
PPE covers: • The requirements of a PPE training program;
• Face and eye protection — safety glasses, • Instructions on the correct use and mainte-
goggles, face shields, welding and laser pro- nance of the equipment;
tection; • Corrective action for policy violations;
• Head protection — hard hats capable of pro- • Employee involvement and recognition for
tection against impact and electrical shocks safe behavior.
and burns;
• Hearing protection — ear muffs, and molded For the safe use of any personal protective
and formable ear plugs; device, it is essential that you properly instruct
• Protective footwear — steel-toed (safety) employees in its selection, use and maintenance.
shoes, rubber boots, metatarsal guards and Additionally, competent persons in the use of
slip-resistant soles; PPE should instruct both supervisors and employ-
• Respiratory protection — filter respirators, ees. It also is critical that contractors purchase
cartridge respirators, supplied-air respirator, safety equipment that fits properly and provides
and self-contained breathing apparatus; protection. It may be necessary to purchase more
• Body harness, lanyards and lifelines; than one style of personal protective devices.
• Special clothing — chemical protective cloth- Make routine and planned inspections to de-
ing (CPC), hot/cold environment clothes and termine if employees properly issue, use and
high-visibility clothing (traffic vests). maintain PPE.

Hazards of PPE Legal requirements

While PPE is considered to be part of the job in OSHA Standards for the Construction Industry
the construction industry as a rule, it is consid- ( 9 CFR Part 19 6) addresses PPE as follows:
ered a last-resort, temporary type of protection.
For normal operations, always try to eliminate the 19 6. Personal protective equipment.
hazard in the environment before using PPE (un- 19 6. Ventilation.
less the law requires the use of PPE.
Design. All personal protective equipment shall
No single combination of protective equipment be of safe design and construction for the work
and clothing is capable of protecting against all to be performed.
hazards. Thus, you should use PPE in conjunc-
tion with other protective methods. PPE use can Subpart E - Personal Protective and Life Saving
itself create significant worker hazards, such as
heat stress, physical and psychological stress, Section
and impaired vision, hearing, mobility and com- 19 6.9 Criteria for personal protective
munication. equipment
19 6.96 Foot protection
In general, the greater the level of PPE protec- 19 6.100 Head protection
tion, the greater the level of associated risks. For 19 6.101 Hearing protection
any given situation, select equipment and cloth- 19 6.10 Eye and face protection
ing that provide an adequate level of protection. 19 6.10 Respiratory protection
19 6.10 Safety belts, lifelines and laynards
Developing a PPE program 19 6.10 Safety nets
Develop a formalized, written program once you 19 6.106 Working over and near water
19 6.10 Definitions

6
Chapter 21
Fall protection
Falls are complex events involv - Conv
entional fall protection system
ing a variety of factors. Conse- — A guardrail system, personal
quently, the standard for fall f arrest system or safety net
all
protection deals with both system.
the human and equipment-
related issues in protecting Infeasible — It is impos-
workers from fall hazards. sible to perform the
The fall-protection rule construction work using a
identifies areas or activi- conventional fall protection
ties where fall protection system, or it is technologi-
is needed. It also clarifies cally impossible to use any
what employers can do to one of these systems to
provide fall protection for em- provide fall protection.
ployees, such as identifying and
evaluating fall hazards and pro vid- Low-slope roof — A roof having a
ing specific training. slope less than or equal to in 1
(vertical to horizontal).
The fall-protection rule sets a uniform threshold
height of 6 feet. This means employees must Qualified person — A person, by possession of
be protected from fall hazards and falling objects a recognized degree, certificate or professional
whenever an employee is on a walking/working standing, or who by extensive knowledge, train-
surface 6 feet or more above a lower level. The ing, and experience, has successfully demon-
rule covers most construction workers except strated their ability to solve or resolve problems
those inspecting, investigating or assessing relating to the subject matter, the work or the
work-place conditions prior to the actual start of project.
work, or after the completion of all work.
Roofing work — The hoisting, storage, application
Other OSHA regulations cover fall-protection and removal of roofing materials and equipment,
requirements for workers on scaffolds, cranes including related insulation, sheet metal and
and derricks, steel erection, equipment used in vapor barrier work but not including the construc-
tunneling, electrical transmission and distribution tion of the roof deck.
lines, and stairways and ladders.
Steep roof — A roof having a slope greater than
Definitions in 1 (vertical to horizontal).
Competent person — An individual capable of
identifying existing and predictable hazards in Duty to have fall protection
the surroundings or working conditions that may Employers are required to assess the workplace
be unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to em- to determine if the walking/working surfaces on
ployees. He or she who has authorization to take which employees are to work have the strength
prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. and structural integrity to safely support workers.
Once employers have determined the surface is
Controlled access zone (CAZ) — An area in safe to work on, they must select a fall-protection
which certain work (e.g., overhand bricklaying) system for the work operation if a fall hazard is
may take place without the use of guardrail sys- present.
tems, personal fall arrest systems or safety net
systems, and access to the zone is controlled.

9
Protection from falling objects • Inspect manila, plastic or synthetic ropes used
Recommendations for protection against falling for top or midrails as frequently as necessary to
objects include all affected workers wearing hard ensure they meet the strength requirements.
hats and at least one of the following measures:
• Install toeboards, screens or guardrail sys- Safety net systems should comply with the fol-
tems to prevent objects from falling from lowing provisions:
higher levels; • Install safety nets as close as practicable
• Erect canopy structures and keep potential under the walking/working surface on which
falling objects far enough from the edge to employees are working but in no case more
prevent accidental displacement; than 0 feet below;
• Provide barricades around areas where ob- • Ensure safety nets extend outward from the
jects could fall, and prohibit employees from outermost projection of the work surface as
entering those areas. stated below.
• Safety nets need sufficient clearance to pre-
Systems criteria and practices vent contact with objects below.
Guardrail systems should comply with the follow- • Install nets capable of absorbing the impact
ing provisions: force of a drop test, which you should per-
• The top edge height of top rails should be form and document at the job site. The drop
inches (plus or minus three inches) above the test consists of a 00-pound bag of sand, 0
walking /working level; inches, (plus or minus inches) in diameter,
• Install midrails or equivalent intermediate dropped from the highest walking/working
members at a height midway between the surface where employees are exposed to
top edge of the guardrail system and the fall hazards, but not from less than inches
walking/working level; above that level.
• Guardrail systems should be capable of • If the employer can demonstrate that a drop
withstanding a force of at least 00 pounds test is unreasonable, a competent person
applied within two inches of the top edge, in can prepare a certification record that the net
any outward or downward direction; can withstand the impact force equal to the
• Guardrail systems should be surfaced to pre- drop test.
vent injury to an employee from punctures or • Inspect the nets at least weekly; look for
lacerations and to prevent snagging of clothing; wear, damage and other deterioration.
• Top rails and midrails must be at least one- Remove defective nets from service. Clear
quarter inch nominal diameter or thickness to material, scrap and equipment caught in the
prevent cuts and lacerations. If wire rope is safety net as soon as possible and at least
used for top rails, flag it at not more than six- before the next work shift.
foot intervals with high-visibility material;

Vertical distance from Minimum required horizontal

working level to horizontal distance of outer edge of the
plane of net net from the working surface
Up to feet feet
More than five feet up to 10 feet 10 feet
More than 10 feet 1 feet

9
 • The maximum opening of the safety net When stopping a fall, personal fall-arrest
should not exceed 6 square inches and be systems must:
no longer than 6 inches on any side. When 1. Limit arresting force on the body to 1, 00
measuring center to center, the rope or pounds when used with a body harness;
webbing should not exceed 6 inches; . Be rigged so that an employee can free
• The breaking strength of border rope should fall no more than 6 feet;
be a minimum of ,000 pounds. Connectors . Bring an employee to a complete stop
need to be as strong as the integral net and and limit maximum deceleration distance
spaced no more than 6 inches apart. an employee travels to . feet;
. Have sufficient strength to withstand
Personal fall-arrest systems should comply with twice the potential impact energy of an
the following provisions: employee free falling a distance of 6 feet,
• Body belts are not acceptable as part of a or the free fall distance permitted by the
personal fall arrest system. The use of a body system, whichever is less.
belt in a positioning device system is accept- • When personal fall-arrest systems and
able; components are subjected to impact load-
• Only locking-type snaphooks are permitted ing, immediately remove from service;
for use; • Inspect personal fall-arrest systems and
• On suspended scaffolds or similar work components prior to each use for wear,
platforms with horizontal lifelines, which may damage and other deterioration. Remove
become vertical lifelines, the devices used defective components from service;
to connect to a horizontal lifeline must be • Never attach personal fall-arrest systems
capable of locking in both directions; to guardrail systems.
• Lanyards and vertical lifelines must have a
minimum breaking strength of ,000 pounds. Positioning device systems should comply
They also must be protected against being with the following provisions:
cut or abraded; • Ensure that positioning devices are se-
• Self-retracting lifelines and lanyards which cured to an anchorage capable of support-
limit free fall distance to feet or less must ing at least twice the potential impact load
be capable of sustaining a minimum tensile of an employee’s fall or ,000 pounds,
load of ,000 pounds applied to the device whichever is greater;
with the lifeline or lanyard in the fully extend- • Requirements for all hardware and com-
ed position; ponents must meet the same criteria as
• Anchorages used for attachment of personal those for personal fall arrest systems.
fall arrest equipment must be independent
of any anchorage being used to support or Warning line systems should comply with the
suspend platforms and capable of supporting following provisions:
at least ,000 pounds per employee attached, • Erect warning lines around all sides of the
or be designed, installed and used as follows: roof work area;
1. As part of a complete fall-arrest system • When not using mechanical equipment,
which maintains a safety factor of at least erect the warning line no less than 6 feet
two; from the roof edge;
. Under the supervision of a qualified per- • Warning lines may consist of ropes, wires
son. or chains and supporting stanchions
erected as follows:
1. Flag the line at not less than 6-foot
intervals with high-visibility material;

0 1
 .Rig the line and support it so that its low- . Extend the line for a distance sufficient for
est point is no less than inches from the zone to enclose all employees per-
the surface and it highest point no more forming overhand bricklaying and related
than 9 inches; work at the working edge and be approxi-
. After being erected with the line attached, mately parallel to the working edge;
stanchions must be capable of resist- . Erect additional control lines at each end
ing without tipping a force of at least 16 to enclose the zone;
pounds applied horizontally against the . Permit only employees engaged in overhand
stanchion, 0 inches above the surface; bricklaying or related work in the zone.
. The line must have a minimum tensile • Control lines can consist of ropes, wires,
strength of 00 pounds. tapes, or equivalent materials, and supporting
• Attach the line at each stanchion in such a stanchions as follows:
way that pulling on one section between stan- 1. Flag or clearly mark each line at not more
chions will not result in slack being taken up in than 6-foot intervals with high-visibility
adjacent sections before the stanchion tips; material;
• Employees are not permitted in the area . Rig each line so that its lowest point is not
between a roof edge and warning lines unless less than 9 inches from the surface and
they are performing roofing work in that area. its highest point not more than inches;
. Each line must have a minimum breaking
Controlled access zones should conform to the strength of 00 pounds.
following provisions:
• When used to control access to areas where Safety monitoring systems should comply with
leading edge and other operations are tak- the provisions listed below.
ing place, define the zone by a control line or • The employer must designate a competent
other means that restrict access; person to monitor the safety of other employ-
• When control lines are used, erect them no ees, and ensure the monitor complies with
less than 6 feet nor more than feet from the following requirements:
the unprotected or leading ledge, except 1. Be competent to recognize fall hazards;
when erecting precast members; . Warn affected employee when it appears
• When erecting precast members, erect them that he or she is unaware of a fall hazard
no less than 6 feet nor more than 60 feet or or is acting in an unsafe manner;
half the length of the member being erected, . Be on the same surface and within visual
whichever is less, from the leading edge; sighting distance of the employee being
• Extend the line along the entire length of the monitored;
unprotected or leading edge, and ensure it is . Be close enough to communicate orally
parallel to the unprotected or leading edge; with the employee;
• Connect the line on each side to a guardrail . Must not have other responsibilities
system or wall; which could take his or her attention from
• When used to control access to areas where the monitoring function.
overhand bricklaying and related work are tak- • Do not use or store mechanical equipment in
ing place: areas where safety-monitoring systems are
1. Define the zone by a control line erected being used to monitor employees engaged in
not less than 10 feet or more than 1 feet roofing operations on low-sloped roofs.
from the working edge; • No employee, other than an employee en-
gaged in roofing work (on low-sloped roofs) or
an employee covered by a fall-protection plan,
is allowed in an area where a safety monitor-
ing system is protecting an employee.

0 1
Covers for holes in floors, roofs and other walk- • During the performance of roofing work:
ing/working surfaces should meet the following 1. Do not store materials and equipment
requirements: within 6 feet of a roof edge unless guard-
• Covers located in roadways and vehicular rails are erected at the edge;
aisles must be capable of supporting at least . Ensure that materials piled, grouped or
twice the maximum axle load of the largest stacked near a roof edge are stable and
vehicle; self-supporting.
• All other covers must be capable of support- • Secure any objects that may fall onto the
ing at least twice the weight of employees, canopy.
equipment and materials that may be im-
posed on the cover at any one time; Training
• Secure all covers when installed so as to pre- Design employee training programs so employ-
vent accidental displacement; ees who are exposed to fall hazards can rec-
• Color-code or mark all covers with “HOLE” or ognize and minimize the hazards. A competent
“COVER” to provide warning of the hazard. person qualified in the following areas must train
employees:
Falling object protection should comply with the • Nature of fall hazards;
following provisions: • Erecting, maintaining, disassembling and
• Erect toeboards along the edge of the over- inspecting of the fall protection system;
head surface for a distance sufficient to • Use and operation of fall-protection systems;
protect employees below; • Role of employees in safety monitoring sys-
• Ensure toeboards are capable of withstanding tems;
a force of at least 0 pounds in any downward • Use of mechanical equipment during low-
or outward direction; sloped roofing work;
• Toeboards must be a minimum of . inches • Handling and storage of equipment and mate-
in vertical height from their top edge to the rial, and erection of overhead
level of the surface and have no more than protection;
one-fourth inch clearance above the surface; • Role of employees in fall-protection plans;
• Where tools, equipment, or materials are piled • Standards contained in subpart M.
higher than the top edge of a toeboard, you
must erect paneling or screening from the The employer must verify training was conducted
surface or toeboard to the top of a guardrail by preparing a written certification record. The
system or to a midrail, for a distance sufficient record should include names or other identities
to protect employees below; of employees trained, date and signature of the
• When using guardrail systems as falling person or the company conducting the training. If
object protection, ensure all openings are another employer conducted training, the record
small enough to prevent passage of potential should indicate the date prior training was deter-
objects. mined adequate rather than the date of actual
• During the performance of overhand bricklay- training. Maintain and keep current all training
ing and related work: records.
1. Do not store materials or equipment ex-
cept masonry and mortar within feet of Employees may receive more training when an
the working edge; employer believes that previously trained employ-
. Ensure excess mortar, broken or scattered ees do not understand or have the skills needed
masonry units, and all other materials and to recognize and minimize these hazards. Retrain-
debris are kept clear from the work area ing also may be in order when changes in the
by removal at regular intervals. work place or changes in the fall protection equip-
ment render previous training obsolete.
Chapter 22
Welding and cutting
Safe procedures for safe welding and cutting are
extensive because the many hazards involved.
Common hazards include handling compressed
gases and exposure to electricity, fumes, gases,
noise, radiation, fire and explosions. Thorough
and effective training of workers involved in weld-
ing and cutting is critical to ensure the safe use of
equipment and processes, along with procedures
used to control hazardous conditions. General
housekeeping also is important in preventing fires
and avoiding injuries, such as a welder tripping
over debris or gas hoses due to restricted vision
while wearing eye protection.
faulty seats. Faulty seats may allow leakage once
Compressed gases the regulator is attached to the cylinder valves or
The most frequent OSHA citations related to hoses. Before connecting a regulator to a cylinder
welding involve the misuse, careless handling valve, wipe the valve outlet with a clean cloth
and improper storage of compressed gas cylin- free of oil or lint. Then crack the valve by opening
ders. Compressed gas cylinders are difficult to the valve momentarily and closing immediately.
handle because of their size and weight, and the
additional hazards due to the exposed valves and This clears the valve of dust or dirt that might oth-
gas contents under pressure. If moving cylinders erwise enter the regulator. Mark USE NO OIL on
a short distance, you can tip them and roll them gauges used for oxygen service and drain oxygen
on the bottom edge. Do not drag the cylinders before attaching to the cylinder. Always open
along the floor. Cylinders are best moved with a oxygen cylinder valves slowly. Do not use acety-
suitable hand truck. Hoist cylinders by securing a lene at a pressure in excess of 1 psig. At about
cradle slingboard, pallet or special carrier included psig acetylene becomes unstable and doesn’t
for this purpose. need a spark or flame to explode.

Do not hoist cylinders by use of an electro- Distinguish fuel gas and oxygen hoses from each
magnet or choker sling. Always store and use other. In the United States, the generally recog-
cylinders in the upright position and secure them nized colors are red for fuel gas hose, green for
against falling. If the cylinders are not labeled, do oxygen hose and black for inert gas and air hose.
not use the contents and return them to the sup- Do not interchange the oxygen and fuel gas
plier. Valve protection caps are used to protect hoses. You can tape together parallel lengths of
the cylinder valves and the safety devices. Caps oxygen and fuel gas hose for convenience and to
should always be in place except when the cylin- prevent tangling, but not more than inches in
ders are in use. Separate stored oxygen cylinders each 1 inches shall be covered with tape. Repair
from fuel-gas cylinders or combustible materials or replace hoses showing leaks, burns, worn
by a minimum distance of 0 feet or by a non- places or other defect.
combustible barrier at least feet high having a
fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour. Clean torch tip openings that become clogged
with suitable cleaning wires, drills or other de-
Always use a pressure-reducing device when vices designed for such purpose. Inspect torches
withdrawing gas from gas cylinders used for prior to their use for leaking shutoff valves, hose
welding and cutting operations. Inspect connec- couplings and tip connections. Use friction light-
tion nuts and fittings before each use to detect ers or other approved devices to light torches,
and not matches or hot work.
PPE to establish the proper selection, fit and use of
Welding produces molten metal, sparks, slag and respirators. Train welders and cutters to avoid
hot work surfaces. Workers should wear breathing the fume plume directly. You can do
protective clothing made of suitable materials, this by work positioning the head or by ventila-
which provides sufficient coverage to minimize tion, which directs the plume away from the face.
skin burns caused by sparks, spatter or radiation.
Keep sleeves and collars buttoned, and eliminate Another significant hazard of welding and cut- ting
pockets from the front of clothing to prevent operations is the possibility of eye injuries.
sparks from lodging in rolled-up sleeves, pockets Ultraviolet radiation is generated during these
or cuffs of overalls or pants. All welders and cut- operations. When the eyes are exposed to exces-
ters must wear protective flame-resistant gloves. sive ultraviolet radiation, they may develop sharp
Use gloves with insulated linings to protect from pains and become red and irritated.
exposure to high radiant energy. Employees can
use leather or flame-resistant aprons to protect Employees will wear proper eye and face protec-
the front of the body against sparks and radiant tion that complies with ANSI standard Z .1,
energy. Flame-resistant leggings are available to Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye
provide additional protection to the legs. and Face Protection. Employees will wear weld-
ing helmets with filter lense, which protect the
When welding or cutting overhead, wear cape face, forehead, neck and ears from radiant energy
sleeves or shoulder covers with bibs made of from the arc and from weld spatter. Select the
leather or other flame-resistant clothing. filter lens based on the type of welding process
being performed, electrode size and arc current.
Keep clothing free of grease and oil, and don’t Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect against
carry combustible materials in pockets. slag chips, grinding fragments, wire wheel
The equipment and the processes used in weld- bristles and similar hazards. Welding helmets will
ing and cutting generate noise. Engine-driven not provide adequate protection against severe
generators can emit high noise levels, as do impact, such as fragmenting grinding wheels or
some high-frequency and induction welding abrasive discs.
processes, such as air carbon arc and plasma arc
cutting. If at all possible, control the noise at the Electricity
source. If this is not possible, use personal pro- The welder can avoid electrical shock. There-
tective devices, such as earmuffs or earplugs. fore, it is essential that you thoroughly train him
or her on how to avoid it. Severity of shock is
You must provide adequate ventilation for all determined by the path, duration and amount of
welding, cutting and brazing operations. The current flowing through the body, which is depen-
ventilation must be capable of keeping exposures dent upon voltage and contact resistance of the
to hazardous concentrations of airborne contami- area of skin involved.
nants maintained below levels specified by OSHA
or the American Conference of Governmental Faulty installations, improper grounding and incor-
Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). If the airborne rect operation and maintenance of equipment are
contaminants cannot be effectively controlled all sources of danger. Ground all electrical equip-
through natural or mechanical ventilation, work- ment and the work piece.
ers must wear respirators. Whenever the use of
respirators is necessary, implement a program
The work lead is not a ground lead and is used Material most commonly ignited are combustible
only to complete the welding circuit. Use the floors, roofs, partitions and building contents.
correct cable size because overloading will cause This includes trash, wood, paper, textiles, plas-
cable failure and result in possible shock or fire tics, chemicals, and flammable liquids and gases.
hazard. When electrode holders are left unattend- Outdoors, the most common combustibles are
ed, remove the electrodes and the holders placed dry grass and brush.
or protected so they cannot make electrical
contact with workers or conducting objects. Do When you cannot move work to a designated
not dip hot electrode holders in water because safe location, remove all movable nearby fire haz-
this may expose the welder or cutter to electric ards. If the work and fire hazards are immovable,
shock. use guards to protect the immovable fire hazards
and nearby personnel from the heat, sparks and
Disconnect or de-energize a welding circuit while slag. Have sufficient fire-extinguishing equipment
charging or adjusting the electrode, torch or gun ready for use when welding and cutting. When
or to avoid electrical shock. Inspect welding cable welding or cutting in areas not normally designed
regularly since welding cable is subject to severe for such operations, use a hot work permit
abuse as it is dragged over work under construc- system. The hot work permit system includes a
tion and across sharp corners. check list of safety precautions and also alerts
other workers to an extraordinary danger of fire
Replace or repair cable with damaged insulation that will exist at a particular time.
or connectors to achieve mechanical strength, in-
sulating quality, electrical conductivity and water Reference
tightness of the original cable. Standard Number Title
19 6 Subpart J Welding and Cutting
Fire protection NIOSH Publication -110 Welding, Brazing and
Welding and cutting should preferably be done in Thermal Cutting
specially designated areas designed and con- ANSI/AWC Z 9.1 Safety in Welding and
structed to minimize fire risk. Sparks start many Cutting
fires, which can travel horizontally up to feet ANS F . M/F . Ventilation Guide for
from their source and fall much greater distances. Weld Fume
Sparks can pass through or lodge in cracks, holes
and other small openings in floors and walls.
 Chapter 23
Electrical safety
There are two types of electrical current used in tors. More current will flow through the better
construction — alternating current (AC) and direct conductors and less current will flow through the
current (DC). AC alternates or changes its direc- poorer conductors.
tion of travel many times a second whereas DC
flows in only one direction. Effects of electricity
What you feel when current passes through your
AC is the type of electricity used at most con- body is called electrical shock. Most of us are
struction sites and in homes because it can be familiar with the mildest form of shock, the slight
transformed to higher voltages and transported tingling sensation felt when you touch a defective
long distances without losing much power. appliance or energized equipment. This situation
may not be dangerous or even painful. However,
How electricity travels in a circuit circumstances need be only slightly different to
For electrical current to get from one place to an- change a mild dose of current into a killing jolt.
other it must have a path to follow. The path that
current follows is provided by material known as The degree of injury to the body varies from mild
a conductor. A conductor is simply anything that shock, burns to death. Three things determine
allows electrons to flow through it. Metals make the degree of injury: amount of current, path
good conductors as does water. The human body through the body and the amount of time in
is a conductor because it consists mostly of salt contact with the electricity. Even mild shock can
water. Any conductor can end up providing a path cause you to drop what you are holding. This can
for current, which creates a real hazard to those cause injury to someone else, or it can cause you
working on or around electrical current on the to fall and sustain a more serious injury.
construction site. Current is especially dangerous
because it can show up on any conductor that is It doesn’t take a lot of electricity to kill you. The
in contact with a fault, such as water, wire rope, amount of current needed to light an ordinary
metal studs or the frame on equipment. 60-watt light bulb is five times what can kill a per-
son. Thus, all electrical equipment on construc-
Not everything conducts electricity. A material tion sites is potentially deadly.
that does not allow electrical current to flow
through it is called an insulator. Insulators protect Electric inspection on construction sites
you from electrical shock. Metal wires and cables Electrical extension cords are numerous on con-
are often coated with plastic, a great insulator. struction sites. They become damaged because
of the rough conditions they are used in.
This is why electricians should wear approved,
protective rubber gloves and rubber boots when Inspect to ensure:
they perform hot electrical work. Other insulators • All extension cords are three-wire cords;
include wood, ceramic, fiberglass and glass. • Ground pin is on male plug;
• Unbroken insulation on cord;
What is an electrical ground? • End appliances (plug and receptacle) are
To make a complete electrical circuit, current must gripped to insulation;
flow in a circular path, beginning and ending at the • All wires are continuous and unbroken;
source, such as a tool or piece of equipment. • All cords are protected from damage, likely to
occur when passing through a door or window;
Electricity will take the path of least resistance, • Metal boxes with knockouts are not used on
including you if you happen to become part of extension cords;
the circuit. The path of least resistance may be • Plugs are dead-front (molded or screwed in
any path that allows electricity to flow through it place);
more easily than another as it travels back to the • Romex (non-metallic sheathed cable) is not
source. If there is more than one conducting path used as flexible cord;
for the current, it will flow through all the conduc-

6
• Cords are not stapled or hung from nails; common at construction sites can create condi-
• Bushing is passing through holes in covers or tions in which you can expect GFCIs to trip.
outlet boxes.
You can expect portable cords with standard cap
Also check these items: and connector connections, when dropped in wa-
• Temporary lights not supported by their cords; ter, to cause leakage currents (100 to 00 mA or
• Bulb guards on temporary lights; greater) far in excess of GFCI trip currents. Motors
• Electrical power tools with non-deadman with dirty brushes, carbon-tracking on commuta-
switches have magnetic restart (when injury tors, or moisture in the windings contribute to
to the operator might result if motors were to leakage current.
restart following power failures);
• Provisions to prevent machines from auto- A common-sense approach to installing, using, and
matically restarting upon restoration of power maintaining GFCI circuits will do much to eliminate
in place; nuisance tripping at construction sites. Actually,
• Outlets do not have reversed polarity; tripping under any of the conditions mentioned
• Power tools are double-insulated or have a previously is not nuisance tripping, but merely a
ground pin; device performing its intended function.
• All exposed electric more than 0 volts
guarded so no one can come in contact (re- Moisture is the major culprit in current leakage on
ceptacles, lightbulb sockets, bare wires, load wiring and equipment.
center, switches); can be guarded by:
• Approved enclosures; Do not subject panel boards, receptacles, and cord
• Location in a room, vault or similar enclo- caps and connectors intended for dry locations to
sure accessible only to qualified persons; moist conditions. Centrally locate construction re-
• Suitable permanent, substantial partitions ceptacles so employees can use cords of 1 0 feet
or screens arranged so only qualified or less, with a sufficient number of circuits used to
persons have access to the space within keep the number of tools on a circuit to a mini-
reach of live parts; mum. Do not have receptacles on the same circuit
• Location on a suitable balcony or platform as lighting or other uses. Perform periodic mainte-
elevated and arranged to exclude unquali- nance of all motors used on construction sites.
fied persons;
• Elevation of feet or more above the Portable generators
working surface. Under the following conditions, you need not
ground the frame of a portable generator, which
GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupters) can serve as the grounding electrode for a system
All 1 -volt, single-phase, 1 - and 0-ampere re- supplied by the generator:
ceptacle outlets that are not a part of the perma- • The generator supplies only equipment mount-
nent wiring of the building or structure and that ed on the generator or cord- and plug-connect-
are in use by personnel will have GFCI protection ed equipment through receptacles mounted on
for personnel. You will provide GFCIs protec- the generator or both;
tion for personnel if a receptacle or receptacles • The noncurrent-carrying metal parts of equip-
are installed as part of the permanent wiring of ment and the equipment grounding conductor
the building or structure and used for temporary terminals of the receptacles are bonded to the
electric power. On construction sites, you must generator frame.
take precautions to aid the effective operation of You need not protect with GFCIs receptacles
GFCIs. Most laboratory-tested appliances have on a two-wire, single-phase portable or vehicle-
0. mA leakage or less under normal operating mounted generator rated at not more than kW
conditions. However, moisture and improper (kilowatts), where the circuit conductors of the
maintenance on portable hand-held power tools generator are insulated from the generator frame
and all other grounded surfaces.
Chapter 24
Lockout/tagout procedures

This procedure provides the fundamental com-

ponents necessary for the deactivation of the
mechanical/electrical energy sources through a
lockout/block-out/tagout system.

General
Employees are exposed to a variety of energy
sources when performing daily repairs, modifica-
tions and adjustments to their operating equip-
ment. To eliminate the hazards associated with
these activities, employers will instruct employ-
ees in the correct methods to employ when
performing these operations.
Definitions
• Hazardous energy sources — Classify a haz-
ardous energy source as mechanical, electri-
cal, pneumatic, hydraulic, chemical, thermal or Program elements
gravity. Follow these steps prior to initiating any repairs,
• Lockout device — A device (a padlock or a modifications and/or adjustments to operating
combination of padlock and multiple-lock hasp equipment:
hardware) you can use to prevent a hazardous 1. Notify an affected person with jurisdiction
energy source from being re-energized. over the equipment to deactivate energy
• Tagout device — A warning tag that an sources;
employee attaches to critical areas to com- . The authorized person, who will work on the
municate why you should not re-energize an equipment, will identify all sources of power
energy source. The tag contains the name of that he/she must lock out, block or release;
the employee, the date and time the employ- . To ensure employees cannot re-energize the
ee initiated the tag and a brief description of equipment while maintenance activities are
work to be performed. performed, the employee will lock out/blank
• Authorized employee — A person who locks out all potential energy sources. Assign em-
out or tags out to perform the maintenance or ployees padlocks with their names or identifi-
service task. cation numbers affixed to the locks. Individual-
• Affected employee — A person who is ex- ly key the locks to prevent another employee
posed to lockout/tagout procedures. from removing the lock inadvertently. If more
than one employee is assigned to work on the
equipment, use a multi-lockout hasp so that
all employees working on the equipment will
apply their locks and ensure their safety;
 . Affix a tagout device to all components or sys- If the work is completed and a lock remains on
tems de-energized to indicate that a lockout the equipment, nobody will remove it until the
procedure has been performed; employee responsible for the lock is found or
. Prior to performing any work activities, the the supervisor of the employee investigates and
authorized person will test the systems to ascertains that the equipment is safe to operate.
ensure he or she properly deactivated the Unauthorized removal of a lock will subject the
equipment; employee to disciplinary action.
6. Upon completion of the work, the authorized
person and the supervisor will verify the Electrical work
equipment on the system is safe to operate. Prior to doing any electrical work, a qualified
Give special consideration to the installation of person must:
guards and covers for electrical wiring, and to • Lock out the system;
ensure all piping systems have been properly • Open the disconnect;
reconnected. Also notify the affected worker • Make a visible inspection of the electrical
when the machine is OK to use. panel to ensure that all blades on knife switch-
es are open or that the circuit is open;
Special conditions • Check the voltage tester on a known ener-
During certain operations, it may be necessary to gized voltage source;
energize the equipment for a short period of • Check the voltage on the load side of the
time. Notify and direct employees in the immedi- circuit to make sure it is de-energized;
ate area to stay clear of the equipment. If you • After performing the voltage test, re-check
plan to deactivate the operation again, have the the tester on a known source to ensure that it
authorized person repeat the third, fourth and was operating correctly;
fifth steps in the preceding paragraph before • Remove any fuses that are in the motor dis-
work resumes. connect box;
• Close the box and place a tag and his or her
In some instances work will carry over to another lock on the disconnect switch prior to doing
shift. A designated person must affix a depart- any other work;
ment lock to the equipment to ensure it is not en- • Prior to working any capacitors, discharge and
ergized during the transition. When the next shift ground them, and then check with the voltage
employee comes to work on the piece of equip- tester.
ment, he or she will repeat the second through
the fifth preceding steps before work resumes on
the equipment.

0 9
 Chapter 25
Excavation
• When hazardous atmospheric conditions exist
or you can reasonably expect them to exist,
testing and control to prevent exposure to
harmful levels is required.
• Removable type steel casings, and individually
manned lifelines and harnesses will protect
employees in bell-bottom pier holes. Follow
confined-space entry procedures.
• Employees must not work in excavations in
which there is accumulated water without
necessary safety precautions.
• Additional underpinning, shoring or bracing
may be required when adjoining utility lines,
foundations, walks and footings are endan-
gered.
• Store spoil, equipment and other materials
that can pose a hazard by falling or rolling into
excavations at least feet away, or use effec-
Trench collapses can occur without warning,
tive retaining devices.
regardless of the depth. The vast majority of
• Superimposed loads, like mobile equipment
trenching fatalities occurs in trenches to 1 feet
working close to excavation edges, require
deep. These depths invite taking chances, and
extra sheet piling, shoring or bracing. The use
it is the good, safe-looking material that is the
of mobile equipment near excavations also
unsuspected killer.
requires substantial barricades or stop logs.
• Have a competent person capable of identify-
But trench cave-ins don’t have to happen. The
ing existing and predictable hazards, and with
following information will provide help in avoiding
the authority to take prompt corrective action
these potentially deadly accidents.
to eliminate them on the site.
• A competent person should be able to identify
General requirements soil classifications and the protective systems
• Establish the locations of underground and to use in accordance with the OSHA Excava-
overhead utilities and services before begin- tion standard, Subpart P.
ning excavation. Contact utility companies and • A competent person must make ongoing daily
advise them prior to the start of excavation. inspections of excavations, the adjacent areas
• Remove or support all surface encumbrances, and protective systems, including after every
as necessary, to safeguard employees. rainfall or other hazard-producing occurrence.
• Employees working in trenches feet deep or • Walkways are required to cross over excava-
more will have an adequate and safe means tions. Walkways or bridges over excavations
of exit, such as ladders, steps or ramps greater than feet in depth require standard
avail- able at no more than feet of lateral guardrails.
travel. • Erect standard guardrailing or solid sheeting
• Employees exposed to public vehicular traffic no less than inches above ground level
must wear suitable garments marked with or around all tunnel shafts and bore pits.
made of reflectorized or high-visibility material. • Barricade or cover all wells, pits or shafts.
• Permit no employees underneath loads by lift- Back fill excavations upon completion.
ing or digging equipment.

0 9
Requirements for protective systems • Extend trench boxes and shields to the bot-
• When employees work in trenches more than tom of the trench and no less than 1 inches
-feet deep, the employer must protect them above the vertical part of the trench face,
from cave-ins by an adequate protective except in certain cases.
system. In hazardous soil, employers must • Do not allow employees in shields during
provide an adequate protective system in their installation, removal or relocation.
trenches under -feet deep. • When portable trench boxes are stacked,
• Determine maximum allowable slopes for soil provide attaching means to prevent them
or rock deposits in accordance with Table B-1, from separating.
Appendix A of the OSHA standard. • Do not work outside of trench shields or
• Have a registered professional engineer shoring protection in unprotected trenches.
design sloping or benching for excavations
greater than 0-feet deep.
• Qualified personnel will design and install
piling, sheeting, shoring, shields and support Reference:
systems. The shoring system will withstand Standard Number Title
all loads imposed upon it. OSHA 19 6 Subpart P Excavations
• Make sure material and equipment used for 9 CFR 19 6.6 0 Scope, application and
sheeting, sheet piling, bracing, shoring and definitions
underpinning is in good serviceable condi- 19 6.6 1 Specific excavation
tion. Use timbers that are sound and free of requirements
defects. 19 6.6 Requirements for
• Place members of support systems in true protective systems
horizontal position, spaced vertically and se-
cured to prevent sliding, falling or kickouts.
• Progress from the bottom of the trench when
removing support system members. Release
jacks and supports slowly.
• Remove support systems as you backfill the
trench.

1
Chapter 26
Ergonomics in construction
The least recognized aspect of ergonomics on from repeated stresses on a particular body part.
the construction site is the fact that ergonomics, Trauma means a bodily injury or insult. Disorder
and safety and health, is profitable. Back injuries means a physical ailment or abnormal condition.
cost an average of $ 0,000 per Therefore, the term cumulative trauma disorders
case. The high incidence of (CTDs). Common CTDs include carpal tunnel syn-
thes
e injuries in construc- drome in the wrist, tendinitis in the wrist, elbow,
tionc makes workers’ shoulder and other major joints, and even many
ompensation a very back injuries.
costly part of staying
in business. The ag- Risk factors
gressive prevention Risk factors are an element of a job or a task that
of these losses we know increase the probability of developing
makes construc- a CTD. The broad categories of occupational risk
tion a much more factors include:
profitable endeavor. • Repetitive motions;
• Awkward posture (positions);
a Injuries and illnesses • Forceful exertions;
estre the second larg- • Mechanical pressures on soft tissues;
todaycost in construction • Inadequate rest.
. One-half of work- Other contributing factors include adverse envi-
ers’ compensation costs in ronmental conditions, such as cold, vibration and
construction are musculoskeletal personal characteristics. Exposure to risk factors
disorders. The frequency rate of back injuries does not always result in CTDs. It is important
for construction work is more than twice that to note we also are exposed to such risk factors
of general industry. off the job. The ability to recognize and evaluate
these factors on the work site is important in
That means a substantial number of work-site avoiding and controlling them.
injuries are a result of wear and tear on the body
where the capabilities/limitations of the human
Ergonomics
body are exceeded or overexerted. Construction
Ergonomics is a safety science focused on pre-
work requires and attracts workers with great
venting the overexertion and overuse of injuries
strength, skill and agility. However, while muscles
that are a result of cumulative trauma to the
can adapt and even grow, the joints, tendons and
musculoskeletal system. Ergonomics attempts
ligaments cannot. Recovery for the muscles is
to achieve this by better fitting the task to the
rather quick and uncomplicated. However, you
worker rather than forcing the worker to adapt
can subject the the joints and connecting tissues
to the work. A good ergonomics program sys-
to permanent damage. These types of injuries
tematically identifies and controls the risk factors
too often disable and drastically shorten careers.
that we know contribute to cumulative trauma
This is a tragic result for the construction work-
and overexertion. Ergonomics principles apply to
ers who rely heavily upon their hands and back to
hand tool use and selection, materials handling,
perform their task.
workplace and workspace design, display of dials
and gauges, placement of controls, handles and
Cumulative trauma disorders knobs, shift work and more.
Cumulative trauma is a term referring to the
wear and tear on the musculoskeletal system. Ergonomics has not had much influence in the
Cumulative means that physical stresses add up construction industry to date. The arguments
gradually over a period of time and injury results about changing workers, changing environment,
location, workstation and other factors has kept

1
ergonomics out of construction for far too long. the tool (more strength and control) and re-
The fundamental principles of ergonomics apply lieves the free hand from serving as a clamp;
to any and every work situation imaginable. • If gloves are necessary for comfort, protection
or cleanliness, select the proper size, material
Technology that can reduce if not eliminate many and style.
risk factors on the job site is now available and
advancing every day. We have the technology Tools
and the knowledge to fully use ergonomics in Tools are often the machine part of the man-ma-
construction to gain the same benefits realized by chine interface. Pay particular attention to the
general industry. design, selection, condition and proper use of
manual and powered tools. Principles for hand
So what is the missing ingredient? A contempo- tools and general tool use include:
rary safety management process that influences • Ensure the availability and accessibility of the
the organizational culture to value safety and right tools and in working condition to do the
health. In short, a safety culture. job;
• Establish systematic preventive maintenance
The introduction mentions the elements for the for all tools and equipment;
effective safety culture. Employment of ergo- • Repair or replace defective tools;
nomic principles and necessary training can be • Bend the tool not the wrist — use ergonomi-
optimally successful with a safety culture in cally designed tools;
place. • Look for anti-vibration technology in air ham-
mers and chisels;
Ergonomics principles • Use mobile equipment for material breaking
The most effective means of controlling CTDs is or cutting rather than hand-held equipment;
to reduce, if not completely eliminate, a worker’s • Use powered instead of manual tools or
exposure to the known risk factors. Employers equipment when work requires high forces or
can accomplish this through engineering controls. repetition;
Engineering controls attempt to design the work, • Choose tools with the torque and speed to
work piece and/or work tool to minimize motions, match the task — avoid overkill;
postures and forces that can damage and prema- • Handle length should span the full width of
turely fatigue. Administrative controls, such as the hand (gloved hand) or -inch minimum;
reducing a worker’s exposure to the risk factors, • Hand grips should be non-conductive, tex-
can complement engineering controls. General tured to avoid slip or twist, and without con-
ergonomic principles include: tour or finger grooves.
• Use stools and workbenches as work surface
rather, than the ground, when possible; Materials handling
• Keep frequently used tools within reach or in It is important to recognize that materials han-
garment pockets; dling is often one of the largest cost components
• Adjust working heights and reaches that allow of a product or operation. Unnecessary handling
the worker to keep the elbows as close to the of materials costs time and money. More impor-
side of the body as possible; tantly, unnecessary handling exposes workers
• Extend reach with tool extensions, according to risk factors. General principles for materials
to manufacturer’s recommendations, or mini- handling include:
mize reach distances with proper placement • Storing supplies and materials between knee
of work surfaces like ladders, scaffolds and and shoulder height to avoid excessive reach-
platforms; ing and bending;
• Use jigs or fixtures to hold work pieces, parts • Using the lifting equipment available on-site to
or tools — this allows both hands to operate hold and position loads for work;
• Improving housekeeping to avoid complicating • Pay serious attention to proper medical man-
materials handling, thus making daily cleanup agement of an injury;
part of the job; • Promote joint labor/management safety com-
• Scheduling and laying out materials for ease mittee on large jobs.
of use rather than ease of delivery to reduce
repetition and duration of exposure to risk fac- New technological trends
tors; Many specific technological advances have been
• Deliberate pre-planning for materials (Just-In- made in ergonomics for construction, but there
Time); is still no magic bullet. The key remains to build
• Planning deliveries, including the size of load, in safety and health technologies, and strategies,
its position, location and timing; not add them as an afterthought. Here are recent
• Training workers in identification of ergonomic innovations used here and abroad:
hazards and material-handling strategies. • A pogo-stick looking device ties re-bar in
concrete work without bending, cutting or
General advice twisting wire;
Safety and health professionals recognize it is • Machinery that lays heavy block in Sweden;
crucial to manage safety and health just like any • Battery powered screwdrivers that replace
other priority on the job site. Owners, contractors manual and electric versions;
and work leaders have a responsibility to com- • Torque screw heads that require 0-percent
municate expectations and enforce safe work less push force than Philips;
practices. The following tips should help: • Garments that include knee pad pockets, tool
• Never overlook employee participation in holsters, neck air cushions, integrated fall ar-
problem solving; rest harness;
• Back problems are not just lifting and postural • A disk attachment to handles for extension
problems — pay attention to slip, trip and fall poles while working overhead to reduce grip
hazards; forces;
• Educate supervisors and foremen about • Eyewear with a bifocal feature on the top of
where losses occur; painters think ladders are the lens for overhead work;
relatively safe, while that is the greatest injury • An extension handle for a floor-spreading
agent for their industry; trowel that improves posture and
• Noise, vibration and impact affect equilibrium; productivity;
therefore, falls also are ergonomic concerns. • Auto feed screws for power drills;
• A handle extension for power drills to allow
Owners can require construction safety planning worker to stand while fastening floors;
to establish an operational philosophy. Owners • A block with a hand hold in the center de-
need to: signed to fit the hand;
• Add safety performance into bid criteria for • A redesign of packaging ( 0 versus 90 pound
awarding contracts; bags of concrete) for the convenience of the
• Develop site-specific safety plans, including user rather than the manufacturer;
job safety analysis and phased safety pro- • Improved cab design for better vision, opera-
grams; tion and comfort;
• Encourage safety networking with contractors • Truck design for tool storage and accessibility
and labor, including a complaint log; versus pickup truck method;
• Maintain safety statistics — when a spike • Vehicle seats designed to reduce whole body
occurs in frequency, then a recovery plan is vibration;
required; • Easier erecting scaffolds with sprockets that
• Push for worker training and certification in don’t weld to the frames.
apprenticeship programs;
Chapter 27
Lead

Lead is a metal found in construction materials

and on a variety of job sites. Construction ma-
terials commonly containing lead include paints,
alloyed metals, mortars, electric wire and its
insulation, lead sheeting, solder and drywall used
in medical facilities. Renovation and reparation
projects also can uncover lead in piping, caulking,
certain types of cable, flashings, metal coatings,
paint in houses built before 19 , and certain
glazing materials. Grinding and abrasive blasting
can result in exposures to lead dust. Cutting and
welding can result in exposure to lead fumes.
Typically, exposures to lead occur by inhalation or
ingestion. However, the body can absorb organic exposed to the highest levels of lead. Compare
lead vapor through the skin. Lead is stored in the these results to OSHA’s Action Level for lead,
body’s fatty tissues. It also can attack the central which is the limit at which OSHA first requires
nervous system and other internal organs. Lead employers to take certain precautions. Continu-
poisoning symptoms include male impotence, ous air monitoring is required for exposures at
irritability, muscle pain, cramps, fatigue, trouble or over the Action Level, even if employees use
concentrating and confusion. Clothing can be- respirators.
come contaminated with lead dust, resulting in
its spread to other parts of the job, a vehicle or OSHA also has set a PEL, which is higher than
your home. This increases the potential for others the Action Level. The current limit for lead is 0
to be exposed. micrograms per cubic meter of air ( 0mg/m ) av-
eraged over an eight-hour workday. Since it is an
If you believe you may be dealing with lead on eight-hour average, it does allow for short-term
the job, it is important to determine the following: exposure above the PEL as long as the average
• Where is the lead located? Review job specifi- does not exceed the PEL.
cations and material safety data sheets if they
are available. If exposures exceed the PEL, the standard re-
• Is there a potential for exposure to lead due to quires additional protective measures. If engi-
the work process? neering or administrative controls are not feasi-
• Do you need to perform air sampling? ble, employees must use respirators. In addition,
• Is there a potential for employee overexpo- the employer must include a written respiratory
sure? program explaining the proper selection, use, and
• Do you need to perform an employee expo- procedures for cleaning, storing and maintaining
sure assessment? Will employees be ex- respirators. Other precautions required in the
posed to lead at or above the action level at standard are the use of protective clothing, laun-
any time? dering practices for work clothes, medical testing
of employees, the availability of change rooms
If lead is present and will be cut, burned, ground, and shower facilities, housekeeping and filtered-
sanded or otherwise disturbed, you will need to air lunchrooms.
conduct an exposure assessment to determine
airborne lead levels. Do this by conducting day- Reference:
long air monitoring, which must cover a repre- Standard Number Title
sentative number of employees who may be 9 CFR 19 6.6 . OSHA Lead Standard
 Chapter 28
Silica

ting concrete, sandblasting and demolition work.

Silica also may be contained in materials brought
to a job site. Over a period of time, silica dust can
accumulate in the lungs, where fibrous structures
and scar tissue develop around the trapped silica
particles. As this disease progresses, breathing
may become difficult and in some cases results
in death. There is no cure for silicosis; prevention
is the only control method.

The best way to protect yourself from silica is to

limit exposure. Substitute less hazardous materi-
als for silica sand. This practice is commonly used
in sandblasting operations.
Other operations use water to control dust in the
air. An example of this process is the use of a
water jet attached to a concrete saw. Ventilation
Construction workers’ risk of developing silicosis, controls, which remove silica dust before it en-
an occupational disease caused by exposure to ters the worker’s breathing zone, also are effec-
silica, a naturally occurring mineral, is higher than tive. Because silica is so hazardous, respiratory
general industry. protection is sometimes necessary in addition to
engineering controls to limit exposure.
OSHA exposure limits established for dust con-
taining silica vary according to the percentage of Train all employees on the hazards associated
silica in the dust. Dust with high silica content will with silica. Hazardous materials taken on a job
have very low allowable exposure concentrations. site are usually accompanied by MSDS which ex-
plain hazards associated with the material’s use.
The ACGIH sets a limit for a common form of
crystalline silica at 0.1 milligrams per cubic meter Substances such as silica, which is commonly
of air. encountered as a naturally occurring element on
the job site, may not have an MSDS explaining
Workers become ill by inhaling dust containing the hazards. Free publications are available from
crystalline silica. Typical tasks where workers OSHA and NIOSH; this information provides guid-
often inhale dust-containing silica include cut- ance for preventing silicosis in the construction
industry.

6
 Chapter 29
First aid and medical attention
Report all work-related injuries and illnesses, response plan. The plan directs the company’s
regardless of severity, immediately to manage- action following an injury or illness. Specifically, it
ment. Injured employees should receive proper, identifies:
competent first aid or medical care. Each facility • Emergency phone numbers;
or job site should have at least one employee per • The address and location of the job;
shift who is trained to provide first aid or CPR. • Individuals responsible for giving first aid on
In the case of confined space entry, at least two the job site;
employees must be trained to provide first aid • The process of referral to a local hospital, doc-
and CPR in accordance with OSHA’s confined tor or clinic;
space entry regulations. The administration of • The location of emergency medical supplies
first aid or CPR in the first few minutes of an and material safety data sheets;
emergency prior to the arrival of doctors, nurses • The location of safety equipment needed
or a life squad can mean the difference between during a medical emergency that may include
the life and death of an ill or injured employee. respirators, chemical splash suits, emergency
lighting, safety harnesses and ropes;
Designated first-aid providers should be trained in • Reporting, documentation and the investiga-
first aid, and trained and certified in CPR. First-aid tion of the incident.
training should be appropriate for the industry and
its risks, including but not limited to: Keep first-aid supplies in an accessible, conve-
• Evaluating the safety and danger of the scene; nient area, inspected on a monthly basis and
• Evaluating and treating the injuries and replenished as necessary. It is essential that you
illnesses, including shock, bleeding, heart at- train all employees in the accepted procedures
tack, choking, seizures, fractures for reporting injuries and illnesses, and for obtain-
and sprains, eye injuries, ing appropriate care. Prompt care can often avoid
che mical
b and thermal medical complications that can result from appar-
urns, poisoning, ent minor injuries.
chemical exposure,
and handling an un- Proper reporting also allows for investigation of
conscious person. both accidents and incidents. Begin the investi-
gation process as soon as you secure the scene
First-aid provid- and treat any injured employee. Compose inves-
ers appointed tigation teams of management representatives,
by management supervisors and employees. Investigate accidents
must be trained in and incidents completely to discover their true
bloodborne patho- causes.
sgen risks and the
neafety procedures Investigation leads to the prevention of future
thosecessary to avoid accidents and, thus, the prevention of injury and
risks. If these provid- death.
ers are exposed to bloodborne
pathogens, management must offer Consider accidents resulting in the serious injury
them the Hepatitis B inoculation series and medi- or death of an employee, especially those wit-
cal counseling. Advise first-aid providers acting as nessed by or involving other employees, as occa-
Good Samaritans of bloodborne pathogen risks sions to use outside services for critical incident
and the necessary safety procedures. stress debriefing (CISD), which may be available
through the company’s employee assistance
Make provisions prior to commencement of the program or through local agencies. CISD, or in
project for prompt medical attention in case of some cases grief counseling, can be a good, tool
serious injury. Develop a medical emergency for maintaining good mental health.