SAFETY TALKS: Precautions taken GAS WELDING & CUTTING

Safety Talks: Precautions taken GAS WELDING & CUTTING

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1. 

   Safety Videos

   Any hot work will start with a valid hot work permit.
2. Frequent gas test to be carried out.
3. In a gas welding or cutting operations, the oxyacetylene flames shall be ignited by the lighter specially designed.
4. The pressure regulators and gauges shall be suitable and in good working condition.
5. The cylinder valve must be closed before the regulator is removed.
6. Flash back arrestors should be fitted both end with the hoses to prevent flash back.
7. The adequate ventilation must be provided to expel toxic gases/fumes, if activities carried out inside a tank / vessel / any confined space.
8. All valves, flanges, drains, canals etc. where gas leaks or presence of flammable atmosphere is possible should be covered.
9. Combustible materials to be removed from welding point.
10. Valid Fire Extinguishers and Fire Watcher should be provided.
11. When need to cover the welding point with proper fire blanket.
12. When necessary, wet the area with water and pressurized firewater hose shall be provided.
13. Equipment, which will be used for hot work to be inspected before starting up the job.
14. All hose and cable, plugs and sockets must be in good condition.

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SAFETY TALKS : Horseplay

Horseplay

Nearly everyone has heard a practical joker say “This one is gonna kill ya.” Well, hopefully it never will. However, practical jokes at work area invite danger. 

The building trades industry is potentially dangerous and anything that unnecessarily increases the chance of an injury must be eliminated. 

Horseplay benefits no one and usually only builds up resentment and fosters retaliation. Practical jokes should be discouraged. At some point, if they continue they need to be reported.

Examples of Horseplay

• Scaring someone.
• Air hosing someone.
• Wrestling with someone.
• Boxing.
• Goosing.
• Dropping objects next to someone.
• Throwing water on someone.
• Throwing objects or tools at someone.
• Placing tacks under someone.

 

Additional Discussion Notes:

• Can you think of other examples?
• What are the adverse (bad) consequences of horseplay?
• When is it appropriate to report horseplay to supervisors?

Practical jokers can not guarantee the success of their jokes. They can guarantee that they increase the chance of an accident occurring. Imagine a joke that backfires, resulting in an injury or death to a co-worker. Do you want any part of that? It’s easy enough to get hurt on the job as it is. Let’s not increase anyone’s chances.

SAFETY TALKS : Recognizing Unsafe Conditions

Recognizing Unsafe Conditions

Recognizing unsafe conditions, or hazards in the workplace, is not just a Safety Committee responsibility. It is everyone’s responsibility from the most junior employee to the company president to identify hazards and make suggestions on how to fix the problem.

Guide for Discussion

Causes of unsafe conditions or actions:

• Poor housekeeping.
• Horseplay.
• Confused material storage.
• Careless handling of materials.
• Improper or defective tools
• Lack of machine guarding; failure to install warning systems.
• Lack of or failure to wear proper personal protection equipment.
• Weather.
• Worker not dressing for the job to be done.
• Failure to follow instructions.

Steps to take once an unsafe condition is found:

• If possible, correct the condition yourself immediately.
• Report any major unsafe condition or action to the appropriate company authority.
• Follow-up – report the condition again if it is not corrected.

There are three steps to follow in recognizing unsafe conditions.

1. Look for trouble (the unsafe condition), 
2. report it, and 
3. act to prevent it from happening again.

SAFETY TALKS : Hand safety - Manufacturing

SAFETY TALKS : Hand safety - Manufacturing

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Introduction:

Our hands are used in virtually all facets of everyday life. Several hand and finger injuries occur throughout year in the workplace. As a safe worker you should assess your job and do what it takes to protect your body and your hands.
 
Hazards:

• Do not wear rings, loose jewelry or bracelets that could catch on moving or stationary machinery.
• Be conscious of where your hands are at all times. Be cautious when placing your hands or arms near spinning or fast moving parts.
• Do not remove shields, guards or safety devices on industrial equipment. Do not use equipment that has had any safety device removed.
• Be cautious when wearing gloves or loose clothing around equipment with moving parts.
• Do not rely on interlocks to clear equipment jams.

Safe procedures:

• Wear chemical resistant or rubber gloves while working with substances that may cause skin irritation, such as chemical burns.
• Wear cut resistant metal mesh or Kevlar gloves when working with glass, sheet metal or any material that has the potential to cut and tear.
• Wear welders’ gloves or aluminized heat resistant gloves when working with hot materials.
• Do not wear gloves while operating power tools or machinery where a risk of entanglement may occur.
•  Make sure all gloves are properly sized for individual workers. Gloves that are too large will slide around on the hands, won’t provide protection where it is needed, and could become caught in machinery or moving parts. Gloves that are too snug can decrease a worker’s dexterity and may become so uncomfortable that workers will remove them.
• Use tools that are designed to keep your wrists straight to help avoid repetitive motion injuries such as Carpal Tunnel or Tendonitis.
• Store tools so that the cutting edges are protected.

Always aware of your surroundings and evaluate situations before work. 
Always be aware of pinch points and 
Use push devices when necessary. 
Wear gloves when necessary, and always lock out equipment before cleaning.
 

Your hands make a living for you, take good care of them.

SAFETY TALKS : Machine Guarding

SAFETY TALKS : Machine Guarding

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Introduction:

Unguarded machines and equipment may cause severe cuts, amputations, or even death. Manager/Supervisor/Worker are responsible to take ownership and pride in making sure all equipment and machines are properly guarded and are working correctly.
 
Pre-Task Planning:

• Make sure that you are properly trained on the machine use and safety features.
• Pre-plan the job and set up the work environment correctly.
• Make sure all machine guards are in place before the machine is turned on.
• Do not hesitate to ask for help if the machine in not working properly or a guard is missing.

Hazards:

Mechanical movements are hazardous. Watch for

• The movement of rotating parts.
• Reciprocating arms.
• Moving belts, meshing gears, cutting teeth, moving parts, and points of rotation.

Safe procedures:

When working with machines:

• Do not remove guards.
• Remove your jewelry.
• Tie back long hair.
• Roll up long sleeves.
• Do not wear loose clothing.
• Maintain a clean working environment.
• Keep the area free of debris.
• Do not wear gloves around moving parts.

Be aware of safety devices and know how to properly use the following:

• Wire trips.
• Two button controls.
• Wrist restraints.
• Foot pedals.
• Light curtains.

Guards are to protect you, the equipment, and the product. Removing guards may cause serious damage to all three.

It is essential that the operator of the machine be properly trained to recognize hazards present during operation. Machines that are properly guarded may save your or a co-worker’s life, limb, or other serious injury.

SAFETY TALKS : Hand Safety - Construction

SAFETY TALKS : Hand Safety - Construction

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Introduction:

We use our hands more than any other body part in construction work. That’s why hand injuries are so common—more than a half million per year! Hand injuries are preventable when we recognize hand hazards.

Plan activities to eliminate hand hazards by discussing the placement, removal and protection of hands.

Hazards:

• Missing guards on equipment.
• Pinch points.
• Use of a tool instead of the hand (such as a shovel).
• Proper PPE use. Are you using the right gloves for the job?

 Safe procedures:

• Make sure hand placement is safe. Can the tool hit body parts from use? Think through entire usage. What can go wrong?
• Be proactive. Think about the hazards before doing the job. In case tool bounces or fails, where is your hand? Nail gun use.
• Recognize that hand protection is based on the hazard. Concrete presents different needs than sharp edges.
• Use the right kind of gloves. Check the SDS for information on types of gloves to be worn. PPE must not present a greater hazard such as around moving parts, belts, shafts.
• Report all breaks in the skin for first-aid and follow-up. Minor issues can become major if not handled promptly.

 Let’s ask ourselves:

• What hand hazards do we have on our site?
• What close calls with hand injuries have we had?
• Do we have the type of gloves we need onsite and ready for use?
• What can we do to improve hand hazards on this job?

What wins, metal or flesh? Think before you act!

SAFETY TALKS: Flammable Liquids

SAFETY TALKS: Flammable Liquids

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Introduction:

Improper storage and use of flammable liquids can result in fires, explosions and hazardous chemical reactions.
 
Hazards:

Flammables should not be stored with or near or certain chemicals, for example:

• Oxidizing agents such as chlorates, nitrates, and peroxides should be kept separate.
• Corrosive chemicals. 
• Common acids include sulfuric acid (battery acid), acetic acid, and nitric acid.
• Common alkalis (bases) include ammonium hydroxide, calcium oxide (lime), and sodium hydroxide (lye). 
• Acids and alkalis must also be kept separate from each other.
• Materials susceptible to spontaneous heating and/or explosions.
• Substances that react with air or moisture. 
• Water-reactive materials release gas that is flammable or toxic.

Safe procedures:

• Store containers of flammable materials in designated and approved storage cabinets or rooms when not in use.
• Avoid storing flammables in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
• Make sure bonding and grounding is used when transferring flammable or combustible liquids.
• Use approved safety cans that are in good condition.
• Label containers with the name of material and the hazard.
• Make sure fire extinguishers are available when using flammables.
• Establish procedures to clean up spills and dispose of waste chemicals and contaminated clean-up materials.
• Remove all flammable materials and aerosols away from open flames, grinding, welding and other hot work.

Flammable liquids can easily start on fire. They are a hazard to employees as well as equipment and buildings. Use and store them properly.

SAFETY TALKS: Emergency Eyewash Stations

             SAFETY TALKS: Emergency Eyewash Stations

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Introduction:

For your safety, be sure you know where the emergency eye wash stations are located and how to use them. If you get foreign particles or chemicals in your eyes, use an eyewash station immediately.

Be aware of the risk when working with hazardous chemicals:

Things to look for:

• The Material Safety Data Sheet tells you that exposure may cause irritation, burns, corneal damage or blindness.
• Container labels have warnings such as “causes chemical burns” or “causes permanent eye damage.”
• Tags or labels say the material is corrosive, caustic or toxic. Check the pH.

Safe Procedures:

Make sure eyewash station is accessible.

• Make sure you have easy access to it. You should not have to climb over or around obstacles to find it. Seconds do matter.

Know how to use the eyewash station.

• Immediately following a chemical exposure to the eyes, go to the eyewash station, activate flow and begin to flood the eyes with water. Use your fingers to keep your eyes open as wide as possible. If your hands are contaminated, ask a co-worker to hold them open for you!
• The water may feel uncomfortable. But you must flush your eyes for the recommended amount of time. This will generally be 15 to 30 minutes.
• Roll your eyeballs as much as possible to remove loose particles or to flush chemicals from under the eyelids. Rinse off your face too.
• Notify your supervisor immediately after flushing and seek prompt medical attention.

Help a co-worker if necessary.

• Be prepared to assist a co-worker to the eyewash station. Stay calm and don’t delay. Also, allow yourself to be helped if you’re injured.

Help clean and care for equipment.

• Plumbed eyewash stations should be inspected weekly and flushed to insure they have adequate water flow, are clean, accessible and in good working order.
• Buffered solutions in self contained eyewash stations need to be changed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions - usually every 3-6 months

                  Don’t take eyewash stations for granted. One could save your sight someday!

SAFETY TALKS: Dangers Overhead

SAFETY TALKS: Dangers Overhead

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More and more contractors are using mechanical means to lift loads to the working area; it saves time and avoids injuries. But there is still a hazard. If it takes a piece of equipment to lift materials, then you can bet that if the load falls, it can seriously injure or kill you. Always be aware of overhead operations and remember basic safety rules.

• Always be sure loads are carried close to the ground.
• Use tag lines on loads whenever possible.
• Use only one signal person.
• Be sure the signal person can clearly observe the load and operator at all times.
• Never hoist over other workers; keep the hoist area clear.
• Be sure loads are properly rigged.
• Make sure the hoisting and rigging equipment is in good workable condition.
• Hoisting speed should never proceed too fast as to risk losing control of the load.
• Monitor weather conditions, especially during winds.

During excavation or hosting operations, special care must be taken to insure no employee is under a load handled by digging or lifting equipment.

It is important that the overhead danger of moving materials across a worksite be watched by all assigned to this task. It is important that all workers are aware of the overhead hazard. Once a load begins to free fall, that load is difficult to avoid.

SAFETY TALKS: Back Safety

SAFETY TALKS: Back Safety

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General Information: 

Back injuries are one of the leading causes of lost-time or restricted duty in the workplace and can lead to years of discomfort and disability.

Back injuries can result from many factors, to include but not limited to: 

• Repetitive motion 
• Weight of load being lifted 
• Duration a load is carried or held 
• Your height, weight, strength and gender 
• The position of your body when lifting or carrying a load 

Before you lift a heavy object, think of the following to help avoid injury:

• Do you need to lift the object manually? 
• How heavy is the item? 
• Where are you moving the object? 
• What route do you have to follow? 

Tips to Help Avoid Back Injuries 

• Stretch and exercise the back before starting each day or before lifting heavy loads 
• Inspect your work area for slip, trip and fall hazards 
• Lift with a partner or find lifting equipment to help move heavy loads 
• Wear back braces if required to lift and carry heavy loads or if your back needs to be supported for long periods 
• Avoid twisting and turning while lifting a load, use your legs to position and move your torso
• Move your work area closer to you to avoid unnecessary twisting and reaching 
• Avoid sudden jerks or pulls on a load that could cause an injury

SAFETY TALKS: Electrical Hazards

SAFETY TALKS: Electrical Hazards 

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Electrical hazards are doubly hazardous in that there is not only the chance of electrocution but also, there is the probability that any electric shock will cause a loss of consciousness that may well result in a fall of some sort. Today we will discuss methods of receiving an electric shock and ways to avoid electrical hazards.


Methods of Receiving an Electric Shock

• From a defective power tool.
• From defective extension cords.
• From overloading a switch or over-riding a by-pass.
• By not grounding electrical equipment.
• By coming in close contact with live electric lines.
• By coming too close to high power lines with the power arching over and making contact.

Ways to Avoid Electric Hazards

• Always inspect tools and equipment for frayed cords and defective plugs before using them.
• Never use a power tool that has had the ground plug removed; inspect the plug.
• Never stand in water and operate a power tool without proper (i.e., insulated) footwear.
• Keep extension cords out of water when in use.
• Consider all power lines “live” and avoid contact with them.
• Follow the company assured grounding/electrical protection program.
• Disconnect all electrical tools and cords when not in use.
• Be use all temporary lighting is equipped with bulb covers.
• Make sure all power supplies, circuit boxes and breaker boxes are properly marked to indicate their purpose.
• Use Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI’s) on all jobsites.

SAFETY TALKS: Eye protection

SAFETY TALKS: Eye protection

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Introduction:

Every day several eye injuries are occurring at work place . The financial cost of these injuries are very high also loss in production time, medical expenses, and workers’ compensation.  Money figure can reflect the personal toll these accidents take on the injured workers.

Hazards:

• Flying particles. Almost 70 percent of the accidents result from flying or falling objects or sparks striking the eye.
• Contact with chemicals. On average chemicals cause one-fifth of eye injuries.
• Wearing the wrong kind of eye protection for the job.
• Particles trapped in eyebrows or hair, and then falling into the eye after the safety glasses are removed.

Safe procedures:

• Always wear effective eye protection. OSHA standards require that employers provide workers with suitable eye protection.
• Make sure eye wear is the appropriate type for the hazard and properly fitted.n Safety glasses with side shields are required when there is a hazard from flying particles. A face shield is often required to effectively block particles when grinding.
• Splash goggles or a face shield is required when pouring hazardous chemicals.
• Carefully brush particles out of the hair before removing eye protection.
• Maintain eye wear. Scratched and dirty safety glasses reduce vision, cause glare, and may not offer full protection. They should be replaced

It is estimated that 90 percent of eye injuries can be prevented through the use of proper protective eye wear. Nearly three out of every five workers injured were not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident.

SAFETY TALKS: Dust masks

SAFETY TALKS: Dust masks

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Dust masks are often used in areas with nuisance dusts and other particulates. When properly
worn, rated masks (such as N95) work well for particulates. There are other special ratings that are effective for certain levels of welding fumes or oil mists.

Hazards to watch for:

• While dust masks can be very effective, they are not appropriate in all cases. Check with your supervisor before using one in new situations.
• Do not use in areas with low oxygen or high carbon monoxide levels.
• Dust masks do not work well for organic compounds such as paints and solvents.
• They are not effective without a good seal.
• They won’t work with beards or goatees, and mustaches must be neatly trimmed in order to get a good seal. Safe procedures:
• Make sure a dust mask is appropriate for the hazard. If unsure, talk to your supervisor.
• Place both straps over your head, one below your ears, and the other above your ears.
• Pull the straps tight, and adjust the nose piece, if adjustable. Make sure there are no leaks.
• Store away from contaminants. A good container or zip lock bags work well for storage.
• Replace when damaged, visibly dirty, or if breathing becomes difficult.

 A dust mask can help keep you healthy and more comfortable in your job, but only if properly
used. Key things to remember:

1. Make sure the hazard can be controlled by a dust mask.
2. Select the right dust mask for the task.
3. Minimize leaks around the mask.

Let’s talk about how dust masks should be used here at work.

SAFETY TALKS: Hazard Analysis - Work Area

SAFETY TALKS: Hazard Analysis - Work Area

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Introduction:

There is risk in all areas of life. We want to identify, eliminate or control work-related risks to prevent injuries on the job. You are key in helping prevent and avoid injuries.
 
An effective way to do this is to review your own work areas. Doing so will help identify work-related risks so we can either eliminate or control them.
 
Hazards to watch for

• Slip, trip and fall hazards.
• Lifting, handling, pushing and pulling hazards.
• Hand tool and hand power tool hazards.
• Unguarded or unprotected moving parts on machines or equipment.
• Eye hazards from particulates, liquids splash,radiation, etc.
• Breathing hazards like dusts, mists, fumes and vapors.
• Pinch points where fingers, hands or other body parts could be pinched.
• Electrical hazards.
• Ergonomic risks.

Safe procedures

1. Know your work area well. Where are the areas or spaces you are working?
2. Identify hazards that can cause injury. What things in the work area involve risks of falls, lifting, hand tools and hand power tools,unguarded machines, eye hazards, breathing hazards, pinch points, moving parts, electrical hazards, or others. Are they controlled?
3. Use a checklist to help identify hazards. A checklist can help you identify hazards more consistently without overlooking the obvious. It also gives ideas for improvements to be made, if possible.
4. Discuss control options with supervisors. Share what you’ve observed with your supervisor.This will allow you to find ways to eliminate or manage the risk.

 

To prevent work injuries all must identify, eliminate or control work risks. You are in the work
environment and have the best opportunity to identify hazards. Solutions can be found through working with your supervisor or others. Using a checklist can be helpful.

SAFETY TALKS: Guardrails

SAFETY TALKS: Guardrails

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Guardrails are designed to protect you from falling from one level to another. If the guardrail is defective or not there at all, then you are exposed to serious injury or even death.

One of the most common issue is improperly erected guardrails.

There are two basic types of guardrails:

• The perimeter guardrail (i.e., found on flat roofs, upper stories before framing walls) and floor opening guardrails. 
• Both are constructed the same way and are designed to provide the same type of protection. 

 The following items should be reviewed when discussing guardrails:

When are they required?
All open-sided floors or floor openings exposing workers to a fall of four feet or greater.

Standard Specifications

• -The top rail should be 42” high and constructed of 2”x4” stock wood.
• -The intermediate (or mid rail) should be 21” (also using 2”x4”).
• -The bottom rail or toeboard should be at least 4” in vertical height from the floor to the top of the toeboard.
• -Uprights will be 2”x4” at 8’ centers at a minimum.
• -All components must withstand a load test of 200 pounds at any point.

General Rules

• Install guardrails properly the first time and reduce the amount of maintenance.
• Install as you go—don’t wait and then have to catch up.
• Regularly inspect all rails.

Other area

• Window and Door Openings.
• Interior stairwells requiring hand rails.
• Anyone repairing a guardrail at elevated heights should be wearing their Personal Fall Arrest
• System (PFAS) and be tied off to an anchor point.
• Enforce replacement by subcontractors when they remove them.

SAFETY TALKS: Hand Tool - Maintenance

SAFETY TALKS: Hand Tool - Maintenance

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Introduction:

Hand tools frequently cause trips to the emergency room. These incidents usually result from improper use or poorly maintained tools.
 
Hazards:
 

• Defective handles: 
• Watch for wood handles that are cracked, split, broken, or splintered. Replace the handle immediately and be sure the new handles fit tightly and securely.
• Tangs : 
• Files, wood chisels and other tools with tangs should be fitted and used with suitable handles covering the end of the tang.
• Mushroomed head:
• Cold chisels, punches, hammers, drift pins and other similar tools have a tendency to mushroom from repeated blows. Dress them down as soon as they begin to crack and curl.

Safe procedures:

• Always read the owner’s manual before using any power hand tool.
• Inspect tools before each use and replace or repair parts that are worn or damaged.
• Inspect screws, nuts, bolts, and movable parts to make sure they are tight.
• Inspect the cord, strain relief and plug for wear and insure the ground is intact.
• Use the correct tool for the job.
• Turn off and unplug power hand tools before
• Adjusting, 
• Oiling 
• Cleaning 
• Repairing
• Attaching or changing an accessory.
• Unplug or lockout tools when not in use.
• Make storage easy and safe. Proper storage helps keep blades and points sharp.

Hand tool safety goes beyond having quality equipment that gets the job done. All tools need to be inspected routinely and kept in good repair. Defective tools should be immediately removed from service, repaired, or discarded. If working up on a ladder, scaffold, platform or work stand, use a tool belt or carrying bag for storing tools. This reduces the risk of dropping the tool, potentially damaging it or striking someone walking nearby.

Safety Talks: Floors and Other Openings

Safety Talks: Floors and Other Openings

Injuries in the workplace because of holes in walking and working surfaces are common place.
Slips, trips and even falls from one level to the next can be as painful as a fall from a roof.

The following items should be considered when dealing with floors and other types of openings.

Hazard Identification: Floor Openings (2”x2” minimum at any depth)

• Temporary openings
• Plumbing
• Ventilation (Vault Ceilings?)
• Skylight wells
• Manholes
• Holes in Ground (Trenches and Excavations)
• Wall/Window Openings
• Temporary guardrail system

Fall Protection Standards

• Methods of Protection

• Use of standard guardrails
• Use of covers
• Able to support four times the intended load
• Nail down
• Mark with “Cover”

Protection at

• Floor Openings -Types in Need of Guarding
• Ladder way floor openings
• Hatchways and chutes

When you create a safety hazard, you need to protect others against the hazard. The easiest method is to fix the problem when you create the problem.

Guardrail systems must be able to withstand a 200 pound load applied horizontally and vertically. All floor covers must be able to support at least twice the intended load and installed to prevent accidental shifting. Floor coverings should be so marked in a bright colored paint to communicate the danger.

SAFETY TALKS: Ladders

SAFETY TALKS: Ladders

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Injuries in the workplace because of ladder are commonplace. Falls from ladders can be as painful as a fall from a roof; about a third of all reported falls are falls from ladders. Many of the fall related injuries result from the improper use or the use of a defective ladder. Step/extension ladders are made to access/egress upper levels, not to be used as work platforms. There are specifically designed ladders for use as work platforms such as order pickers. These ladders are constructed with a small platform and guardrail.

The following safe work rules should be observed when working with ladders.

Inspection

• Look for missing or loose cleats at the bottom.
• Look for loose or missing screws, bolts or nails on job made ladders
• Look for cracked, broken, split, dented or badly worn rungs, cleats or side rails.
• Splinters on wood ladders.
• Corrosion on metal ladders.

Ladder Use

• Always use the right ladder for the right job.
• Don’t set your ladder in a walkway or door opening.
• Keep the area at the top and bottom of the ladder clear of tool cords, tools, material and garbage.
• Always set the ladder on solid footing.
• Use a twenty-five percent (25%) angle on the slope of the ladder.
• When using extension ladders, the three (3) top rungs must extend beyond the landing platform. (Or the top of an extension ladder must be 36” (3 feet) above the landing.
• Don’t lean to the side when on a ladder or you may tip over.
• Do not carry tools or materials on a ladder. Use both hands when climbing a ladder to grab onto the side rails. If it is necessary to move material or tools up a ladder, first climb up, then pull up the work with a hand line.
• Only one person on a ladder at a time (unless the ladder is double cleated).
• Always secure the top of the ladder to prevent it from sliding.
• Never lean a step ladder; always fully open a step ladder.
• Always face the ladder.

Important Notes:

• Always tie off the ladder. That way it stays where you put it.
• When you are on a ladder, you can fall. If you can fall, you can get hurt. Use ladders safely.

SAFETY TALKS: Fall Prevention

SAFETY TALKS: Fall Prevention

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The following items represent the bulk of the exposure to falls on a construction site.

Ladders:

• Always use the right ladder.
• Set them on level ground and tie them off at the top (for security).
• Do not over reach.
• Do not over extend yourself on the ladder.
• Always face the ladder and try to use both hands when climbing.

Floor Openings:

• Floor openings should be properly covered.
• Covers must be able to support walls the same as the floor.
• Covers should be firmly attached to the floor/walking/working surface.
• Covers should be marked as such. For example: “Cover,” or “Do Not Remove Floor Opening Cover.”
• Consider wall openings and uncompleted stairways as openings with suitable protection provided.

Stairways:

• Use handrails.
• Watch where you step.
• Keep your view clear.
• Concentrate on the stairs.
• Do not run up or down the stairs.
• Keep stair well clean.

Housekeeping:

• Always try to provide good footing.
• Keep tools, trash, scrap materials out of walkways.
• Clean as you go.
• Always be wary of oil, ice or snow.

Point to remember

• Wear appropriate footwear (including auxiliary footwear like corkers) when necessary.Paying attention to things around you like ladders, floor openings, stairways and good housekeeping will help prevent a fall.

SAFETY TALKS : Housekeeping

SAFETY TALKS : Housekeeping

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Housekeeping on the job means cleaning up scrap and debris, putting it in containers, and making sure the containers are emptied regularly. It also means proper storage of materials and equipment.
We don’t do this to make the site look good.

Housekeeping helps prevent accidents and injuries.

We all know how fast rubbish accumulates on site – scrap lumber, broken bricks, pieces of drywall,
garbage from coffee breaks and lunches.

Construction rubbish is often irregular in shape, hard to handle, and full of sharp objects.
One of the biggest problems is packaging. Too often it gets removed from material and left where it falls.

This creates tripping and slipping hazards. It also makes other hazards difficult to see. Even worse, it
invites more mess. When the site isn’t cleaned up, no one cares about leaving garbage where it drops.

When that happens, you can’t see faulty wiring, protruding nails, damaged flooring, or missing
scaffold planks. Tools and material can get misplaced in a cluttered work area.

How can you concentrate on your work when you’re worried about slipping, falling, or tripping on debris underfoot? Production and installation time go up while quality tails off.

Mess also makes it difficult to use materials handling equipment. As a result, more material gets handled manually. This increases the risk of injury and damage.

Housekeeping starts with you and me. What can we do about it?

• Clean up as work proceeds.
• Keep equipment and the areas around equipment free of scrap and debris.
• Keep stairways, ramps, and other travel areas clear.
• Secure loose or light material stored on roofs and open floors to keep it from blowing away in the wind.
• Don’t let material fall from any level of the project. Use an enclosed chute or lower the material in containers.
• Keep material at least 1.8 metres or 6 feet away from floor and roof openings, floor and roof edges, excavations, and trenches.
• Store material so that it won’t roll or slide in the direction of the opening. Use blocking if necessary.
• Before handling used lumber, remove or bend over any protruding nails and chip away hardened concrete.
• Housekeeping is especially important when it comes to fire prevention. Flammable rubbish and debris should be immediately removed from the vicinity of welding, flame cutting, propane heating, or other ignition sources.

A clean site may not always be a safe site. But housekeeping is a good way to start improving health
and safety on the job.