CONSTRUCTION SAFETY INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Date Inspection Conducted: _______________________________ Location: ________________________________

Contact Person/ Project Engineer: ____________________________________________________________________
Client: __________________________________ Main Consultants: ________________________________________
Prime Contractor: _________________________ Job No. _______________________ Contact No. _______________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Indicate Remarks either: S=Satisfactory U=Unsatisfactory N/A=Not Applicable

NOTE: A check in the box to the right of the heading indicates the entire category was satisfactory

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Remarks HAZARD COMMUNICATION Remarks

Safety glasses and/or goggles available & being used? Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) available to all employees?
Face shield available for bulk liquid tasks? Grinding? Flammable liquids are in approved safety cans?
Hand protection used/worn as required? Flammable liquids storage containers labeled properly?
Foot protection worn as required? All hazardous containers labeled appropriately?
Hearing protection worn where required? Safety Supplies on hand for accidental chemical spills?
Hard hats worn on construction site? LADDER/STAIR SAFETY
Respirators if required? Type? Ladders are safe and inspected as appropriate?
Fall protection or full body harness at > 6 ft? Stair rails - for 30” change in elevation or 4 risers?
ELECTRICAL SAFETY Stairs or ladder provided for access points > 19” high?
Portable electrical hand tools are properly stored in safe place? Extension & straight ladders extend 3’ beyond landing?
Electrical panels are labeled appropriately? Stepladders are only used in open position?
Light bulbs for illumination protected from breakage? CONFINED SPACE
Electrical power tools are double insulated or grounded? Confined space entry work? Posted?
Strain relief integrity for cords and plugs intact? Fire/Rescue notified for permitted spaces?
Electrical cords inspected & have all prongs intact? Air monitoring?
Portable generators are grounded? Training in place?
COMPRESSED GASSES MATERIAL HANDLING
Compressed gas cylinders stored secured & upright? Construction machinery operators are trained on the equipment?
Compressed gas cylinders not in use have caps in place? Wire rope used for lifting? Deterioration is absent?
EXCAVATION Web slings used for lifting? Deterioration is absent?
Excavation-ladders if > 4ft deep? Extend 3 ft? Crane used? Approved written plan on file w/ load capacities?
Excavation – protection from cave-ins for > 5 ft? Hooks used for lifting have safety latch in place?

Construction Safety Checklist Page 1

 Sloping, shoring evaluated? EMERGENCY/FIRST AID
Daily inspection? Emergency phone numbers posted and known by all?
HAND TOOLS/POWER TOOLS Emergency eyewash and/or shower units accessible?
Grinders (portable & stationary) have guards in place? First aid kit available at work site?
Impact style air tools have safety clips/retainers installed? Fire extinguishers readily available (not blocked)?
Pneumatic power tools have hoses secured? Fire extinguishers inspected?
Portable circular saws equipped with protective guards? Hot work/burning permits used for grinding, cutting, welding?
Unsafe hand tools are prohibited? Exits marked? Not blocked?
Impact tools, hammers kept free of splinters/mushrooms? GENERAL SAFETY
OTHER General housekeeping is neat and orderly?
Permits in place (environmental, concreting, penetration, digging,
Wall openings & floor holes are covered or guarded?
burning)?
Tool-box talks conducted and documented? Rebar cabs used for protruding bars?
Signs/signals/barricades in place? Concrete work? Silica dust training documented for all? Respirators?
Training conducted and documented? Scaffolding–guardrails used?
Health and Safety Plan available and reviewed with workers? Competent person on site?
Scaffold design by qualified person?
Monitoring of personnel and/or atmosphere as required
Illumination adequate?

CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN

For all items marked as “U,” list the item, person responsible, and expected completion date.
Action Item Person Responsible Due Date Verified by

Construction Safety Checklist Page 2

OTHER OBSERVATIONS NOT RECORDED ABOVE (if any):

MAIN VIOLATION(S) NOTED DURING THIS INSPECTION:

Signature of Inspector (s): _______________________________________________________________________

Signature & Contact No. of Contractor’s Representative / Site Engineer: ___________________________________

Copy of inspection sheets to:

1. Contact Person/Project Engineer

2. Contractor Safety Representative
3. Project Construction Inspection Personnel
4. Construction Safety Inspector

Construction Safety Checklist Page 3

CHEMICAL HAZARDS & THEIR CONTROL
IN SMALL & MEDIUM-SIZE ENTERPRISES (SMEs)
- an approach to hazard reduction -

HAZ ARDOUS
CHEMIC ALS
The use of toxic chemicals is never to be taken
lightly. Accidentally released, they are a poten-
tial – and frequently an actual – danger to
human life and the environment.
Although, when an incident occurs our reaction
may be to blame it on bad luck and say, "well,
it could have happened at any time and in any
case it was beyond our control", if appropriate
measures have been taken in the first place,
most industrial accidents can be prevented or
their effects, at least, minimized.

IT IS EVERYONE’S CONCERN
IF YOUR COMPANY USES,
PRODUCES, STORES, OR
TRANSPORTS HAZARDOUS
CHEMICALS

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development - Organisation de Coopération et de Développement Économiques
 ● A liquid-level alarm device could have
alerted staff about the overflow.
LEARNING ● A spillage retention device could have
ANTICIPATING
FROM contained the overflow.The waste-water
treatment plant also needed a device to
RISKS
EXPERIENCE deal with this kind of an emergency.
● Immediately blocking the factory drains Another approach to risk management is to vi-
would have prevented the polluted run sualize an accident and conceptually model its
-off from flowing towards the waste- consequences.The lessons which can be drawn
water plant. will help improve safety.
Avoidable incidents are frequently caused A major hazard lies in the accidental mixing
by factors regarded as unrelated to the po- of solutions, creating, as a result, toxic substan-
tential hazards within a system. In this case ces, which may lead to fire, explosion, or pol-
the error was to have considered a refrigera- lution. The outcome can lead to a major
In May 1995, cyanide contaminated-water tion coil to be free of risk when it was not... catastrophe, particularly if the installation is
from the zinc plating unit of an electroplating situated in a populated area or in a highly
factory poured into a river in St.Gallen, active industrial zone.
Switzerland. For example, in the electroplating process sul-
The installation was equipped with a refrige- phuric acid is periodically added to the sul-
ration system designed to maintain its so- phate bath in order to maintain the strength
dium cyanide plating bath at a constant tem- of the solution. Let us suppose that instead of
perature.The bath itself contained a cooling adding the acid to the sulphate bath a worker
coil. mistakenly adds it to the nearby sodium cya-
Although a retention device had been instal- nide (NaCN) plating bath. If there is sufficient
led to prevent any accidental run-off of liquid NaCN to react with the acid, an extremely
from the plating bath, the cooling coil, becau- toxic gas (HCN) will immediately be emitted
se it contained only a harmless chemical, was into the atmosphere.
disregarded as a safety risk. From a routine task to a deadly incident! Modelling shows that this can lead to the for-
Therefore, despite regular safety checks, no mation of an instantly lethal cloud that can
one noticed that the cooling coil was corro- In March 1997, in a meat-cutting factory in spread over a distance of more than 150 m.
ding. The outcome of this lack of attention Montreal, Canada, a box in the storage area
fell onto, and broke, an insulated refrigeration IT CAN HAPPEN!
was that the coil became the means through
which the cyanide solution leaked into the pipe.Ammonia from the refrigeration system Chemical containers are often unclearly label-
plant’s refrigeration tank, causing it to over- poured out of the break into the factory ba- led or even unlabelled. Sometimes they are
flow. sement. identical in colour, shape and size, despite their
different contents.If drums containing acid are
Because the factory had no overall liquid re- THE CONSEQUENCE kept near those containing cyanide, a disaster
tention system, the cyanide-contaminated A worker who was unable to escape through is in-the- making. All that is needed to make
water flowed through its drains and pipes the barred windows was gassed and burned it happen is when a worker, under pressure to
into the local water treatment plant. In order to death. meet a delivery deadline, being too confident
to protect this plant’s biological treatment in his work habits, or insufficiently aware of
pond from contamination, the inflow coming Being unaware of the presence of ammonia,
the emergency services arrived with the risks involved, fails to
from the factory had to be blocked off. As a pay due care and at-
result the cyanide-contaminated water pou- inadequate equipment.The rescue lasted for
an hour and a half, leaving 19 workers and tention to what he
red directly into the near-by river. is doing. The re-
5 firemen hospitalized with severe burns
THE CONSEQUENCE and ammonia poisoning. sults can be
fatal.
The consequence was an ecological disaster LESSONS LEARNED
that killed some 50,000-100,000 fish and
● Pipework should have been installed
extensively contaminated 20 km of the river’s
biotope. out of harm’s way, or well protected, and
regularly inspected.
LESSONS LEARNED ● An emergency escape plan should have Could t
h
● The refrigeration system, an unrecognised been prepared and implemented. in your is type of acc
potential outlet for the cyanide, should ● The local emergency services should
plant? ident h
appen
have been included within the safety have been aware of the type of danger
management plan. they may encounter in this place.
REDUCING HAZ ARDS IN TOWARDS
Y OUR INST ALL A TION SAFETY
Experience can teach, if we are willing to learn. An accident points to causes and consequences
MANAGEMENT
and provides us with opportunities to prevent similar incidents from happening. Here are some
essential hazard management concepts which should prove to be useful for reducing risks.

REDUCE THE LIMIT THE We MUST develop a safety culture.

The attitudes of staff towards safety, their
HAZARD CONSEQUENCES! actions to prevent accidents, and the extent
POTENTIAL! to which they comply with safety rules is
determined by the company culture so that
The consequences of emergency incidents safety becomes an integral part of company
As much as possible, reduce the presence of activities.
can be mitigated by undertaking measures
hazardous substances in your factory, i.e., at two levels: technical and procedural. ● A safety culture requires a change of
those that are toxic (for humans or wildlife), Measures at the technical level involve ”mind-set”, so that safety receives as
inflammable, explosive, or highly reactive. adapting factory design to impede dangers much emphasis as production, sales,
Therefore: such as the leakage of hazardous vapours and profits. Pressures to achieve output
● obtain information about safer or liquids from leaving the site. They also at the expense of safety, may also be at
methods and products; involve the use of emergency equipment. the expense of human lives and the en-
● substitute hazardous substances Therefore: vironment.
by less hazardous replacements; ● consider what accidents are liable ● A safety culture requires good, and regu-
● minimize stocking and using to happen in your factory; lar, communication between the board
room and the factory floor: between
hazardous products and substances . ● make an inventory of all potenti-
management and staff, with manage-
al hazards and emergency equip- ment being particularly receptive to staff
ment, its locations, and exit routes; safety concerns.
● develop a system to immediately
PREVENT contain any spilled hazardous subs-
● A safety culture implies a problem-
solving, rather than a culprit-finding,
ACCIDENTS! tances, including polluted extinction
water in the case of fire.
approach to incident investigation and
prevention.
Measures at the procedural level involve THE KEYS TO A SAFETY POLICY
Most accidents are linked to human errors developing an emergency plan to reduce
such as using one product instead of another, the effects of a possible incident. This To assure that effective action is taken to-
or misinterpreting operational procedures. includes visualising what could happen wards safety, do not forget to:
Unfortunately, when dealing with hazardous ”if”..., and determining what steps should ● establish an emergency management
substances, only a very low level of error can be taken to lower risks, and to respond to policy and programme covering safety
be tolerated. Therefore: emergencies. Therefore: rules, procedures, planning, and equip-
● clearly label hazardous products ment;
● establish an emergency manage-
with information on their properties ● provide staff training on all aspects
such as toxicity, flammability, or reactivi- ment team to examine and regularly of your company’s hazard po-
ty clearly indicated; review your company’s risk prevention tential, and safety require-
and emergency response arrangements. ments, so that they too, can
● inspect equipment on a regular basis,
● prepare rescue procedures to in- identify danger areas
especially heaters, cooling systems
and control n e t his? clude
aid,
an emergency response unit, first
evacuation. coordination with pu-
and recommend
solutions;
instruments. p a ny do blic emergency services, and commu-
u r c om nication with all staff and local people
● make sure the rules
o
Has y who are potentially at risk should there
are followed.
be an incident in your factory.
 HELP? SAFETY IS ALSO
In the first instance, safety improvement requires information, time, care, attention, and competent advice.
Do you:
GOOD BUSINESS
● Need help with hazard analysis? Although major chemical accidents are
● Want to have your installations checked? usually associated with large companies,
Call us! We will provide you with free information and advice on setting up a safety management program.
small and medium-sized entreprises (SMEs)
also face major hazards that can place them
in critical situations.
How much money is it reasonable to spend
on safety?The answer should be linked to
the cost of failure.Serious accidents may cost
lives, severely damage equipment and stocks
as well as the environment, and put your
firm out of business.

The cost of failure:

Networking for Safety ● Material and product damage
Free or low-cost advice can also be obtained from public authorities, chemical suppliers and trade associations. ● Equipment and building damage
Much information is within arm's reach on the Internet. So, why not take a look at the following chemical
safety sites?
● Clean-up costs
http://siri.org/msds
● Lawsuits and fines
Site dedicated to industrial safety and environmental protection databases (MSDS=Material Safety ● Wages paid during interrupted
Data Sheets). Also provides links to a number of specialised agencies. work
http://ull.chemistry.uakron.edu/erd/ ● Costly overtime for recovery
Site of hazardous chemicals database of the Department of Chemistry, University of Akron, Ohio, USA.
http://hazard.com
● Loss of business
Site of Vermont [USA] Safety Information Resources Incorporated (SIRI), providing practical information, ● Environmental damage
links to related sites and a discussion forum. ● Possible injuries and loss of human life.
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/safework/cis/products/icsc/index.htm
Site of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), with an excellent search engine for finding essential
labour safety information. Searching in French possible.
http://www.oecd.org/ehs/accident.htm
The value of safety:
Site covering the work of the Organisation for European Co-operation and Development (OECD), concerning ● Uninterrupted operating time
chemical accident prevention.
● More efficient operations
http://www.chemfinder.com
Site comprising safety files covering all aspects of 60,000 dangerous products. ● Higher profitability
http://www.fishersci.ca ● Good image
Site comprising 16,000 chemical safety files. Also in French. (Search by name of chemical in English). ● Better worker and customer safety
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/pgdstart.html
Site of the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, of the US National Institute for Occupational Safety ● Safe workplace
and Health (NIOSH). Provides for searching by substance, category and CAS number. ● Safe neighbourhood

This brochure can be obtained at the following address:

OFFICE CANTONAL DE L'INSPECTION ET DES RELATIONS DU TRAVAIL (OCIRT)
M. Alberto Susini
23, rue F.-Hodler
p.o. box 3974
CH-1211 Geneva 3, Switzerland
tel.: +41 22 327 28 50 fax: + 41 22 327 05 33
e-mail: [email protected]
Printed in Switzerland / 11.01
 www.buildsafe.org

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ENGLISH

Electrocutions

Fall
Protection

Struck-By

Caught
Inbetween
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Employee general safety

Each employee must understand that there is a certain responsibility they must take to ensure
their safety on the construction site. To maintain a level of safety each employee must follow
basic guidelines as follows:
1. insist on receiving and reviewing a copy of the company’s safety and health program
and policies before beginning work.
2. Comply with all established safety rules and regulations on the site.
3. Immediately report all unsafe equipment, materials or situations to the supervisor.
4. Immediately report all accidents and or injuries to the supervisor.
5. If unsure about the proper tools or Personal Protective Equipment needed to com-
plete a task, immediately ask a supervisor.
6. Know the emergency telephone numbers and actions to take during an emergency.
7. Maintain a safe and clean work area by monitoring debris and other materials in the
work area.
8. Participate in safety training and ask questions if you do not understand a topic.
9. Set a good example for others to follow.
10. Work with others to maintain a safe work environment.
11. Be aware of other workers on the site for hazards they may create.
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Housekeeping
The areas within and surrounding the construction site can become very hazardous to workers if
the debris created from the activities on the site are allowed to build up.
Follow these tips to keep your worksite clean and to reduce possible injury:
1. All floors, walkways, and stairs must be kept in good repair. Keep them free of
anything that may cause a slip or trip hazard.
2. Do not allow waste materials to build-up in working areas (around saw horses,
cutting stations, tool boxes). Maintain an ongoing routine of waste disposal at
regular intervals.
3. Maintain adequate lighting in all work areas.
4. Use waste bins, garbage cans, and dumpsters to prevent the build-up of debris
5. Ensure that there are no protruding nails on loose or fixed materials that may snag cloth-
ing or cause an abrasion or puncture.
6. Post signs and use danger or caution tape where hazards might not be readily seen
on the job-site. Chicagoland

7. Ensure that all ground surfaces are firm and level before setting scaffolds or ladders.

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Material handling safety

The areas within and surrounding the construction site can become very hazardous to workers if
the debris created from the activities on the site are allowed to build up.
Follow these tips to keep your worksite clean and to reduce possible injury:
1. All floors, walkways, and stairs must be kept in good repair. Keep them free of
anything that may cause a slip or trip hazard.
2. Do not allow waste materials to build-up in working areas (around saw horses,
cutting stations, tool boxes). Maintain an ongoing routine of waste disposal at
regular intervals.
3. Maintain adequate lighting in all work areas.
4. Use waste bins, garbage cans, and dumpsters to prevent the build-up of debris
5. Ensure that there are no protruding nails on loose or fixed materials that may snag cloth-
ing or cause an abrasion or puncture. Chicagoland

6. Post signs and use danger or caution tape where hazards might not be readily seen
on the job-site.
7. Ensure that all ground surfaces are firm and level before setting scaffolds or ladders.

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Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Eye and Face Protection
1. Safety glasses or face shields are worn any time work operations can cause foreign
objects to get in the eye.
2. For example, during welding, cutting, grinding, nailing (or when working with
concrete and/or harmful chemicals or when exposed to flying particles).
3. Wear when exposed to any electrical hazards, including working on energized
electrical systems.
4. Eye and face protectors – select based on anticipated hazards.
Foot Protection
1. Construction workers should wear work shoes or boots with slip-resistant and
puncture-resistant soles.
2. Safety-toed footwear is worn to prevent crushed toes when working around heavy
equipment or falling objects.
Hand Protection
1. Gloves should fit snugly.
2. Workers should wear the right gloves for the job (examples: heavy-duty rubber
gloves for concrete work; welding gloves for welding; insulated gloves and sleeves
when exposed to electrical hazards).
Head Protection
1. Wear hard hats where there is a potential for objects falling from above, bumps to
the head from fixed objects, or of accidental head contact with electrical hazards.
2. Hard hats – routinely inspect them for dents, cracks or deterioration; replace after a
heavy blow or electrical shock; maintain in good condition.
Hearing Protection
1. Use earplugs/earmuffs in high noise work areas where chainsaws or heavy equip-
Chicagoland

ment are used; clean or replace earplugs regularly.

Ear Muffs
or Plugs
Face Shield,
Saftey Glasses
or Goggles

Gloves
4 Apron
2 or Vest

Boots

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Health hazards
Hazards to an employee’s health can come from other areas that in some instances can be over-
looked. Some of these hazards occur due to the materials used in construction or they are the by
product of one or more job site activities.
Training should be provided to all employees on how substances at work can negatively affect their
health and well being. Exposure to Asbestos, Lead and Silica have been identified as health
hazards on construction job sites.
ASBESTOS
•  Used in older buildings for insulation, heat and fire resistance
•  Used in electrical, pipe, and roof insulation for heat and fire resistance
•  The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses, lung cancer, and/or
calcifications in the lung. Since the mid 1980s, many uses of asbestos have been
banned in many countries.
LEAD
•  Because lead is very easy to work with and resistant to corrosion it is extensively
used in building construction, external coverings of roofing joints, pipe solder and
in paints.
•  Lead is a potent neurotoxin that accumulates in soft tissues and bone over time and
cause blood and brain disorders.
•  Lead may still be found in harmful quantities in vinyl (such as that used for tubing
and the insulation of electrical cords).
•  Old paint should not be stripped by sanding, as this produces inhalable dust.
SILICA
•  Silica is most commonly found in nature as sand or quartz, it is a principal compo-
nent of most types of glass and substances such as concrete, mortar mix, stucco, and
stone.
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•  Inhaling silica dust in very small quantities over time can lead to silicosis, bronchitis
or (much more rarely) cancer, as the dust becomes lodged in the lungs and continu-
ously irritates them, reducing lung capacities (silica does not dissolve over time).
Protection from these job site health hazards
•  Work rules to avoid exposure (only specifically trained workers do work)
•  Engineering controls (such as wet cutting concrete or block)
•  Personal Protective Equipment (respirator)
Chicagoland Chicagoland

•  If asked to wear a respirator by an employer, additional training and a medical

evaluation must be provided by employer before wearing a respirator.
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Ladder safety
1. Choose the right equipment. Use ladders mainly for climbing to or from other
levels.
2. Choose the right ladder length.
3. A sticker on a commercial ladder tells you its maximum weight capacity. Use only
type I, IA, or IAA ladders. Ladder rungs, cleats, and steps must be parallel, level, and
evenly spaced
4. The rungs and steps of metal ladders must be grooved or roughened to minimize
slipping. Side rails must be at least 11.5 inches apart.
5. If you use two or more ladders to reach one spot, they must have a platform or land-
ing between them.
6. Ladder parts must be smooth to prevent punctures or cuts or snagging of clothing.
7. Wood ladders must not be painted with a coating that can hide defects.
8. Stepladders: All four legs must be on solid, level ground. The spreaders must be
locked fully open.
9. Never climb on the cross-bracing. Never lean a stepladder against a wall.
10. Straight and extension ladders: The ladder base should be 1 foot from the building
(or top support, such as an eave) for every 4 feet of ladder length up to the resting
Chicagoland

position. Counting rungs will give you a good estimate of the ladder length; rungs
are about 1 foot apart.
11. When working from or climbing keep yourself positioned between the rails of the
ladder.

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Protect yourself - fall harness

Whenever fall protection is needed, make sure you have the right fall-protection system, know
how it works, get trained to use it – and use it. When eliminating the hazard and guardrails, or
safety nets won’t work, you need personal protective equipment (PPE) – fall-restraint systems,
personal fall-arrest systems. Restraint systems keep you from falling. Fallarrest systems stop
falls. You will need a full-body harness if you use one of these systems. A full-body harness
has straps worn around your trunk and thighs, with one or more Drings in back to attach the
harness to other parts of the system.
Choosing a Harness
1. Learn about the types of fall hazards on your job.
2. Make sure the harness fits you and is comfortable, to prevent body strain. you
can get shoulder and back pads to reduce harness pressure. Full-body cross-chest
harnesses are more comfortable for women and can reduce bruising when falls are
stopped.
Training
1. The employer must fit and train each worker for the equipment to be used.
2. A competent person must train workers at risk of falling about types of fall hazards,
how to protect yourself, and other hazards and limitations in using fall protection.
**Training must cover all that can happen, like hanging in a harness and rescue.
3. If the worksite changes or the type of fall protection equipment is changed, workers
using the equipment must be retrained. Chicagoland

6’+ 6’+

Front Back Back Front

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Scaffolding
1. All scaffolding inspected daily by competent person
2. Erected on sound rigid footing
3. Base plates and mudsill are being used
4. Tied to structure, if required
5. Guardrails in place; top rail, intermediate, and toe board
6. Sturdy and sound planking on all working levels
7. Proper access provided
General Requirements
1. Support own weight and 4X’s intended load
2. Platform fully planked or decked (no gaps greater than 1”)
3. Front edge of platform no more than 14” from face of work
4. Planks extend at least 6” but not more than 12” past support
5. Planks overlap 12” over supports
6. No mixed scaffold components
7. If higher than 4:1 ratio, restrained from tipping
8. Maintain power line clearance
9. No work during storms or high wind
10. Fall protection required at 10’ Chicagoland

11. No climbing cross braces for access

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Aerial lifts- safety tips

The major causes of fatalities are falls, electrocutions, and collapses or tip overs.
1. Ensure that workers who operate aerial lifts are properly trained in the safe use of
the equipment.
2. Maintain and operate elevating work platforms in accordance with the manufac-
turer’s instructions.
3. Never override hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical safety devices.
4. Never move the equipment with workers in an elevated platform unless this is
permitted by the manufacturer.
5. Do not allow workers to position themselves between overhead hazards, such as
joists and beams, and the rails of the basket. Movement of the lift could crush the
worker(s).
6. Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet, or 3 meters, away from the nearest
overhead lines.
7. Always treat powerlines, wires and other conductors as energized, even if they are
down or appear to be insulated.
8. Use a body harness with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket to prevent the
worker(s) from being ejected or pulled from the basket.
9. Set the brakes, and use wheel chocks when on an incline.
10. Use outriggers, if provided.
11. Do not exceed the load limits of the equipment. Allow for the combined weight of
the worker, tools, and materials. Chicagoland

Line Clearance Distance

10’ Min.

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Overhead power lines

Overhead and buried power lines at your site are especially hazardous because they
carry extremely high voltage. Fatal electrocution is the main risk, but burns and falls from
elevations are also hazards. Using tools and equipment that can contact power lines
increases the risk.
Examples of Equipment That Can Contact Power Lines
1. Aluminum paint rollers
2. Backhoes
3. Concrete pumpers
4. Cranes
5. Long-handled cement finishing floats
6. Metal building materials
7. Metal ladders
8. Raised dump truck beds
9. Scaffolds
How Do I Avoid Hazards?
1. Look for overhead power lines and buried power line indicators. Post warning signs.
2. Contact utilities for buried power line locations.
3. Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
4. Unless you know otherwise, assume that overhead lines are energized.
5. De-energize and ground lines when working near them. Other protective measures
include guarding or insulating the lines.
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6. Use non-conductive wood or fiberglass ladders when working near power lines.

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Electrical safety- GFCI

1. Ground fault circuit protection is required on all 120 Volt single phase temporary
electrical power supply outlets on jobsites.
2. Shocks, burns and fatalities can be the result of contact with live wiring or faulty
electrical equipment.
3. Think about the environment in which you will be using electrical equipment, wet
and damp locations add hazards to the job.
4. Make sure to inspect all cord, cordsets, tools, and receptacles before using.
5. Only use three wire type extension cords designed for hard or extra hard service.
6. Look for cut , frayed or nicked insulation on the jackets of cord sets and equipment.
7. Do not use tape to repair or conceal a damaged cord.
8. Insure all three prong plugs have the grounding pin intact and never remove the
ground pin.
9. If a cord has damage be sure to discard, tag “Do Not Use” or have a qualified electri-
cian make the appropriate repair. Chicagoland

Frayed Wire

No Ground Pin

WRONG WAY RIGHT WAY

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4 HAZARDS

Power tool hazards

The types of power tools are determined by power source: electric, pneumatic, liquid fuel, hy-
draulic, and powder-actuated.
To prevent hazards associated with the use of power tools, workers should observe the
following general precautions:
1. Never carry a tool by the cord or hose.
2. Never yank the cord or the hose to disconnect it from their receptacle.
3. Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
4. Disconnect tools when not using them, before servicing and cleaning them, and
when changing accessories such as blades, bits, and cutters.
5. Keep all people not involved with the work at a safe distance from the work.
6. Secure work with clamps or a vise, freeing both hands to operate the tool.
7. Avoid accidental starting. Do not hold fingers on the switch button while carrying a
plugged-in tool.
8. Maintain tools with care; keep them sharp and clean for best performance.
9. Follow instructions in the user’s manual for lubricating and changing accessories.
10. Be sure to keep good footing and maintain good balance when operating power
tools.
11. Wear proper apparel for the task. Loose clothing, ties, or jewelry can be come
caught in moving parts.
12. Remove all damaged portable electric tools from use and tag them: “Do Not Use.”
Chicagoland

No Hat
No Safety Goggles
No Protection

Lifting Tool by the Cord

Frayed Wire

DO
Cord NO
gw
ith USET
Plu Angle
ing
Pull on an

WRONG WAY RIGHT WAY

4
3 2
W
Chicagoland

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4 HAZARDS

Machine guarding
The point of operation is where work is performed on the material, such as cutting, shaping,
boring, or forming of stock.
These components include flywheels, pulleys, belts, connecting rods, couplings, cams,
spindles, chains, cranks, and gears Crushed hands and arms, severed fingers and limbs,
lacerations and abrasions safeguards are essential for protecting workers from preventable injuries.
1. Guards must not create potential hazards and must be attached to the machine
where possible.
2. If guards cannot be attached to the machine, attach elsewhere.
3. Rotating motion can be dangerous; even smooth, slowly rotating shafts can grip
hair and clothing. In-running nip point hazards are caused by the rotating parts on
machinery.
4. Nip points can occur between rotating and fixed parts which create a shearing,
crushing, or abrading action.
5. Reciprocating motions may be hazardous because, during the back-and-forth or
up-and-down motion, a worker may be struck by or caught between a moving and a
stationary part.
6. Objects with movement in straight, continuous lines creates a hazard because a
worker may be struck or caught in a pinch or shear point by the moving part.
7. Cutting action may involve rotating, reciprocating, or transverse motion.
8. The danger of cutting action exists at the point of operation where finger, arm and
body injuries can occur and where flying chips or scrap material can strike the head,
Chicagoland

particularly in the area of the eyes or face.

No Face Shield,
No Safety Glasses
Face Shield,
No Goggles
or Safety Glasses
No Hat
or Goggles,
and Long Hair
Hat and
No Long Hair

No Guard Safety Guard

Let Blade pull Stock

Pushing Stock

WRONG WAY RIGHT WAY

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Trench and excavation safety

Each employee in a trench shall be protected from a cave-in by an adequate protective system
Some of the protective systems for trenches are:
1. Trench has been sloped for stability
2. Cut to create stepped benched grades
3. Supported by a system made with posts, beams, shores or planking and hydraulic
jacks
4. Supported by a trench box to protect workers in a trench.
5. Additionally, excavated or other materials must be at least 2 feet back from the edge
of a trench
6. Safe means of egress shall be provided within 25 feet of workers in a trench
Also be aware of the following conditions that can affect the stability of the
trench itself.
1. Location of traffic
2. Changes in weather conditions
3. Vibrations caused by machinery Chicagoland

4. Physical conditions of nearby structures

5. Surface or groundwater or water in trench
6. Overhead or underground utilities

10’ Min. Clearance

3’
2’

1.5
:1
.75
1
:1

:1

WRONG WAY RIGHT WAY

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Cranes and rigging

Properly securing any load with appropriate rigging is crucial to any lifting being done by ma-
chinery on the job-site. If the rigging fails the results can cause serious injury and even death.
Before any load is lifted all components of the rigging hardware should be evaluated to ensure
they can withstand the forces of the load.
Follow these safe work practices
1. Guard all exposed gears, rotating shafts, pulleys, sprockets or other moving parts to
prevent contact with employees.
2. Guard or block the swing radius of the crane to restrict and prevent employees
from entering into and being struck by the machine.
3. Inspect all rigging equipment prior to each lift, this should include all slings, chains,
ropes, and like materials used to support and lift materials.
4. Remove from service any defective equipment immediately.
5. Be sure to inspect all hooks, clamps, and other lifting accessories for their rated
load.
6. Clearly communicate to all employees on site that no one is permitted to work
under loads. Chicagoland

7. Be sure the person responsible for signaling the crane operator stays in visual con-
tact with the operator and has been trained to use the correct signals.
Line Clearance Distance
10’ Min.

WRONG WAY RIGHT WAY

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4 HAZARDS

Work zone traffic safety

1. Work zones need traffic controls identified by signs, cones, barrels and barriers.
2. Drivers, employees on foot, and pedestrians must be able to see and understand the
proper routes.
3. Traffic control devices, signals, and message boards instruct drivers to follow paths
away from where work is being done.
4. Approved traffic control devices, including cones, barrels, barricades, and posts are
also used inside work zones.
5. Work Zone Protections: Various concrete, water, sand, collapsible barriers, crash
cushions, and truck-mounted attenuatorscan help limit motorist intrusions into
construction work zones.
6. Flagging: Flaggers should wear high visibility clothing with a fluorescent back-
ground and made of retroreflective material. This makes employees visible for at
least 1,000 feet in any direction. Check the label or packaging to ensure that the
garments are performance class 2 or 3. Drivers should be warned with signs that
there will be flaggers ahead.
Flaggers should use STOP SLOW paddles, paddles with lights, or flags (only in emer-
gencies).
7. Training: Flaggers must be trained certified and use authorized signaling methods.
Chicagoland

8. Driving: Seat belts and rollover protection should be used on equipment and
vehicles as the manufacturer recommends.

STOP
SLOW

FLAGGER
AHEAD

Buffer Space
(Lateral) Traffic Space

1 - Advance 2 - Transition Buffer Space Work Space 4 - Termination

Warning Area (Longitudinal) Area
Area
3 - Activity Area

WRONG WAY RIGHT WAY

Chicagoland

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A 17 — English