CS : Concrete Mixer - Safety Hazards & Precaution

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Chapter : Construction Safety 

Concrete Mixer- Safety Hazards & Precaution 

A concrete mixer, often called a cement mixer, is a machine that uniformly combines cement, aggregate (like sand or gravel), and water to form concrete. It typically uses a revolving drum to mix the components. There are various types of concrete mixers available, each suited for specific needs and projects.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS  

1. Moving, rotating parts                       
2. Entrapment                      
3. Eye injuries
4. Skin irritation from cement or additives
5. Manual handling             
6. Electricity 

PRE-OPERATIONAL SAFETY CHECKS

1. Ensure the mixer is in a suitable, safe work area and select a firm, level and stable ground surface.
2. Confirm the mixer has a current electrical safety tag. 
3. Ensure that the power lead can be kept dry, off the ground and connected through an RCD safety switch.
4. Ensure all safety guards are correctly fitted and secured.
5. Ensure that the unit is mechanically sound.
6. Check the tyres for appropriate inflation. 

OPERATIONAL SAFETY CHECKS

1. Never use the electrical mixer outdoors in the rain.
2. Never use the mixer without all guarding in place.
3. Ensure that the area does not contain any hazards that may impact on the safe operation of the mixer. 
4. Never insert your hands into a rotating mixer bowl.
5. Be conscious of your manual handling techniques when adding cement powder, gravel or sand to the mixer bowl using a shovel or similar. 
6. Regularly inspect the mixer bowl for consistency and suitability for the concrete mix. 
7. Never leave the mixer running unattended. 

HOUSEKEEPING

1. Empty the mixer drum of all contents.
2. While still wet, wash out with clean water.
3. Allow the mixer to revolve to wash the interior and carefully clean off the exterior. 
4. Disconnect the electrical AC power source.
5. Clean up the work area.
6. Return the mixer to a secured storage area. 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

1. Appropriate protective footwear with substantial uppers must be worn.
2. Safety glasses must be worn at all times in work areas.
3. A mask should be worn when excessive airborne dusts or fumes are created.
4. Wear close fitting protective clothing, overalls, leather gloves, etc. 
5. Rings and jewellery must not be worn.
6. Appropriate hearing protection (Class 5-SLC80>26 dB) must be worn.

CS : Temporary Lighting

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Chapter : Construction Safety 

Temporary Lighting

Temporary lighting is essential in buildings under construction.

Areas where we work or walk on site, including exits and entrances, must be adequately lit.

A lighting level of 55 lux (5 foot candles) is recommended.

That means 150-watt light bulbs

1. Suspended 2.4 metres or 8 feet high and
2. 7.5 metres or 25 feet apart

OR

1. Suspended 3 metres or 10 feet high and
2. 6 metres or 20 feet apart.

With lower wattage bulbs we can reduce the space between bulbs. But bulbs lower than 100 watts are not recommended.


Bulbs should be installed so that they light as large an area as possible. They must be protected by cages to guard against accidental damage.

Branch lighting circuits that feed temporary lighting should be kept entirely separate from power circuits except for a common supply.

Branch lighting circuits should be protected by a breaker or fuse with a 15-amp rating. The circuits should be hard-wired directly into a distribution panel by a qualified electrician.

Make it your business to replace missing or burned out bulbs. To work safely, we must be able to see in stairwells, basements, and other areas

Temporary lighting can present hazards.

• Avoid contact with the wires strung for temporary lighting. Frequent relocation of circuits can loosen connections, break insulation, and create other hazards that may lead to shock or electrocution.
• Do not use temporary lighting circuits as extension cords. If a fuse blows, it can be dangerous to find your way to the panel in the dark.
• Make sure that exposed wires do not contact steel door frames. Temporary lines often pass through doors that may accidentally close on them.
• Be careful not to bump stringers with ladders, lengths of pipe, scaffold frames, or other objects that can cause electrical contact and shock.

[With team member, review the following checklist.]

• Are work areas well lit?
• Are burned-out bulbs promptly replaced?
• Are they replaced with new bulbs or bulbs merely taken from another location?
• Are stringers promptly relocated when bulbs are blocked by the installation of new ceilings, ducts, piping, and other equipment?
• Are lamp holders hard-usage type?
• Are electrical feed lines for sockets supported every 1.4 metres (4 feet, 6 inches)?

[Deficiencies should be corrected or brought to the attention of the general contractor.]

CS :- Waterproofing Hazards & Corresponding Corrective Actions

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Chapter : Construction Safety 

Waterproofing Hazards & Corresponding Corrective Actions

1. Fire Hazard:-
• Corrective Action: Ensure a competent firewatch is present during the entire waterproofing process. Have fire extinguishers on standby, and conduct regular safety checks for gas leaks. In case of a fire, use fire extinguishers and follow emergency protocols.
2. Gas Leak:-
• Corrective Action: Perform a thorough gas leak check before starting work. Immediately shut off the gas supply if a leak is detected. Ventilate the area and repair the leak before resuming work.
3. Heat-Related Hazards:-
• Corrective Action: Ensure all personnel wear appropriate PPE, including fireproof aprons, gloves, safety goggles, and helmets. Maintain a safe distance from the heating source, and avoid direct contact with the flame.
4. Inadequate Ventilation:-
• Corrective Action: Ensure the work area is well-ventilated to disperse any gas fumes. Use exhaust fans or natural ventilation as needed.
5. Manual Handling Hazards:-
• Corrective Action: Train workers on proper lifting techniques and provide mechanical aids for handling heavy sheets to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
6. Electrical Hazards:-
• Corrective Action: Ensure all electrical equipment is properly grounded and located away from water sources. Conduct regular checks to ensure electrical safety.
7. Slip and Fall Hazards:-
• Corrective Action: Keep work areas clean and dry. Use non-slip mats and provide proper scaffolding or platforms to prevent falls.
8. Chemical Exposure:
• Corrective Action: Use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling chemicals or adhesives. Store chemicals in designated areas and follow safety data sheet guidelines.
9. Tool and Equipment Hazards:-
• Corrective Action: Inspect tools and equipment regularly to ensure they are in good working condition. Replace or repair damaged equipment promptly.
10. Weather-Related Hazards:-
• Corrective Action: Monitor weather conditions and postpone work if adverse weather, such as heavy rain or lightning, poses a risk.
11. Communication Hazards:-
• Corrective Action: Establish clear communication channels among team members. Use radios or other communication devices to maintain contact, especially in noisy environments.

Post-Work Procedures:-

After completing the job and ensuring all safety measures are followed, the Hot Work Permit should be closed. Here are the steps for closing the permit:

• Conduct a final safety inspection to ensure all equipment is properly shut down and secured.

• Verify that the work area is clean and free of hazards.

• Document the successful completion of the waterproofing job.

• Sign and date the Hot Work Permit closure section.

• Return the closed permit to the HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) Department of the project for their records and review.

Regularly reviewing and updating safety procedures and providing ongoing safety training to all personnel involved in waterproofing operations is essential to maintaining a safe work environment.

CS : Safe Work Permits

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Chapter : Construction Safety 

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Chapter : Construction Safety 

Excavation Safety

Excavation Safety

Excavation is the act or process of digging, especially when something specific is being removed from the ground or for construction of structures. Archaeologists use excavation to find artifacts and fossils.

There are many types of excavation, but they all involve digging holes in the earth. Mining for coal, gold, or diamonds all require excavation, and before buildings and houses can be built, there is often some excavation that's done before a foundation can be poured. 


Roles and Responsibility

Project Head: Provision of adequate resources for the development, implementation and maintenance of the Safety Standard.
Line managers: Provision of support for & compliance with Safety Standard dictates.
Line Supervisors: Provision of support for & enforcement of Safety Standard dictates.

Work Site excavation process:

• No excavation works can commence unless the appropriate authorization & permits have been issued.
• In all instances a thorough risk assessment of all intended excavation activities must be conducted by the senior site engineer under the guidance of a suitably trained/qualified site safety officer prior to work commencing.
• All excavation risk assessments must be approved & signed off by an Safety or Concerned department.
• No excavation permits will be issued without an approved risk assessment attached.
• The Senior Site Engineer shall inspect the excavation integrity regularly (at least once every 4 hours) & arrange back-fill to maximize safety as required.
• All open excavations shall be effectively hard barricaded at all times.
• Where personnel &/or equipment access or egress is required, closable access points will be installed in the barricading.
• All excavation works where pedestrian personnel are required to work inside the excavation itself must have at least two (2) suitably constructed means of easily accessible entry & egress.
• No person is permitted to work in any excavation containing liquids of a depth greater than 0.5m. So effective de-watering methods must be maintained at all times as required to service this rule.

Strict compliance with the following  basic excavation safety rules is mandatory

Wherever/whenever possible excavation walls must be cut at no greater an angle than 60 degrees to the horizontal to minimize the risk of slippages and/or collapses. If, for whatever reason it is impossible to cut walls at 60 degrees and walls are at or close to the vertical (especially in unstable soil /material structures) then;     

                                                                                            

• Stepping/benching method must be employed.
• If this is not possible then;      
• Appropriate shoring will be utilized.
• If this is not possible then;  
• Appropriate meshing & or revetments methodologies must be used.

Authorization to Work & Permit Requirements

• Any task involves excavation or penetration greater than 300 mm.
• Wherever there will be any disturbance to the ground.
• When cutting into any vertical wall, floors or ceiling or any concrete slab.

All Excavation permits and any other relevant permits e.g. Electrical Isolation &/or Hot Work shall be issued prior to any work commencing:

The area/site/contract Excavation officer will be the issuing authority for all excavation permits. An excavation permit will not be issued without reference to the following information:

• Mark the location of Pipes and/or Services and excavation boundaries on proposed excavation surface with paint, safety tape or similar marker.
• The site Safety Officer & the senior site engineer will inspect the area and ensure information supplied is sufficient and correct for the job to commence.
• Isolate all services as necessary.  
• Only upon receipt of all relevant permits can excavation work be allowed to commence. 

Possible Hazards in excavation

• Collapses while connecting joists or trusses
• Workers struck by objects during miscellaneous activities
• Workers struck by objects and then falling
• Improper use or failure of fall protection
• Unsecured or unstable decking
• Other falls during decking activities
• Plumbing, bolting, welding and
• Walking/standing on the beam/joist (i.e., moving point-to-point

Safety Precautions

Prevent workers and / or pedestrians from accidentally impaling themselves, the protruding ends of steel rebar are often bent over or covered with special steel-reinforced plastic "plate" caps. "Mushroom" caps may provide protection from scratches and other minor injuries, but provide little to no protection from impalement.

Safety and Environment Requirements

Mandatory PPE

• Safety helmet.
• Long sleeved Shirt, long trousers.
• Safety goggles.
• Safety Shoes.
• Ear plugs (when operating or working near heavy earth moving equipment).

Hazardous Considerations

• Flooding.
• Confined Space or Restricted Space Entry permit must be obtained if personnel are to enter an excavation of 4m depth or greater.
• Trenching or excavation over1500mm, a minimum of two persons at the work site at any one time.
• Mobile equipment hazards, i.e. backhoes & excavators etc.

Environmental Considerations

Rupture of gas, oil, water and/or sewage lines – containment and disposal routines must be covered.

Housekeeping

Proposed work and access areas to be kept free from tools, rubbish, etc at all stages of this task.

Tools and Equipment

• Hand tools as required.
• Excavation tools as required, i.e. shovels, etc.
• Barriers, signs & ladders, etc.
• Mobile earth moving equipment operated by competent persons.

Check Points

This checklist provides builders and building trades contractors with a framework of safety precautions to consider in formwork and concreting operations.

 

Before Starting the job ask yourself these questions:

1. Has the formwork system been properly designed?
2. Has the formwork been properly constructed?
3. Is the formwork deck being laid safely?
4. Is steel fixing being done safely?
5. Is the formwork structurally adequate?
6. Are wall and column shutters safely lifted and properly secured?
7. Are workers prevented from accessing the area underneath the concrete pour?
8. Are concrete pumps being used safely?
9. Are kibbles being used safely?
10. Are concrete vibrators being used safely?
11. Are the concreters working safely?
12. Is formwork being dismantled safely?

                                                                     

CS :- Guarding & Barricading Of Floor Openings

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Chapter : Construction Safety 

Guarding & Barricading  Of Floor Openings

Fall from height at construction, erection sites can be prevented.

Unprotected holes in the floor, deck, or roof have been responsible for a number of very serious injuries. Yet, through planning and personal attention, falls through openings under foot are very easy to prevent.

Almost all construction sites have unprotected wall openings at some point during construction. This is common between non load bearing stud walls on residential sites.

Train the workers:

• When do you need to guard wall openings?
• When should the guard rails be removed?
• At what height should the guard rails be placed?

Educate workers on the following tips to prevent falls on your site.

1. All wall openings wider than 18" must be guarded.
2. Guardrails need to be installed on wall openings where the outside bottom edge of the wall opening is 6 feet or more above a lower level. 
3. If the inside bottom edge of the wall opening is less than 39 inches above the walking/working surface guard rails are needed.
4. Install guardrails at 42" ± 3" above the walking/working surface and mid rails at 21".
5. Guard rail systems must be capable of supporting a 200lb force in any direction at any point along the top of the rail.
6. If you make a hole / floor opening , guard it. Before cutting the hole / floor openng, barricade the work area to keep people out.
7. If the hole / floor opening  must be open, install permanent barricades around the perimeter. Like railings around the edge of a building or stairwell, these should be a minimum of forty-two inches high, have a mid-rail and be capable of withstanding a 200 pound load. Toe boards are recommended at all times and are required if anyone is going to work under the hole / floor opening .
8. If the hole / floor opening  is not guarded, it must be covered. The cover must be capable of supporting at least a 200 pound load, be larger than the opening, secured against displacement, and labeled "Floor Opening, Do Not Remove". If you have a choice, make a round opening and cover. An oversized round cover cannot fall through a smaller round hole / floor opening .
9. Never cover a hole / floor opening  with any type of non-substantial material such as paper, cardboard or plastic. You may ask, "Why would anyone do that?" Unfortunately, it happens surprisingly often.
10. Be extremely careful if you have to walk over protective paper or plastic. A hole could be lurking underneath. Step very tentatively. If you find a hole / floor opening , expose it immediately for others to see, barricade it or post someone to warn others of the danger, and notify your supervisor. Even shallow holes can cause serious injuries.
11. Plastic skylights and smoke vents are very popular. You should never stand or sit on a skylight. They are not made to support your weight. If you do sit or stand on one, odds are it will break and you will fall. If installing skylights, protect the openings as described above, until installation is complete.

When workers are working at elevated levels (for example, a worker on stilts), the height of the top rail must increase to an amount equal to that of the stilts. This ensures that workers on stilts can not fall over the guard rail.

The danger is very real. The control is very simple. This is a hazard that should never be allowed to exist.

CS : Electrical Safety @ Construction Sites

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Chapter : Construction Safety

Electrical Safety @ Construction Sites

Electrical hazards expose workers to burns, electrocution, shock, arc flash / arc blast, fire, or explosions. Accidents involving electricity can be fatal. 

It doesn't take a lot of electricity to kill you. The amount of current needed to light an ordinary 60-watt light bulb is five times what can kill a person. Thus, all electrical equipment on construction sites is potentially deadly.

Electrical extension cords are numerous on construction sites and become damaged because of the rough conditions in which they are used.
Inspect to ensure:

• All extension cords are three-wire cords;
• The ground pin is on a male plug;
• There is no unbroken insulation on the cord;
• End appliances (plug and receptacle) are gripped to insulation;
• All wires are continuous and unbroken;
• All cords are protected from damage, likely to occur when passing through a door or window;
• Metal boxes with knockouts are not used on extension cords;
• Plugs are dead-front (molded or screwed in place);
• Romex (non-metallic sheathed cable) is not used as flexible cord;
• Cords are not stapled or hung from nails;
• Bushing is passing through holes in covers or outlet boxes.

Also, check these items:

• Temporary lights are not supported by cords;
• Bulb guards are used on temporary lights;
• Electrical power tools with non-dead man switches have a magnetic restart (when injury to the operator might result if motors were to restart following power failures);
• Provisions are made to prevent machines from automatically restarting upon restoration of power in place;
• Outlets do not have reversed polarity;
• Power tools are double insulated or have a ground pin;

Guard all of exposed electric of more than 50 volts so no one can come in contact (receptacles, light-bulb sockets, bare wires, load center, switches). Guard by:

1. Using approved enclosures;
2. Locating them in a room, vault or similar enclosure accessible only to qualified persons;
3. Arranging suitable permanent, substantial partitions or screens so only qualified persons have access to the space within reach of live parts;
4. Locating them on a suitable balcony or platform that is elevated and arranged to exclude unqualified persons;
5. Elevating them 8 feet or more above the working surface.

It's important to take the time prior to beginning work at construction sites each day. The fluid nature of the activities, along with the changing environment and high potential for damage can let these items become a hazard quickly.

To prevent electrical incidents Practices on the Jobevery time you enter a job site remember to:

• Identify Hazards – Do a job site analysis when entering the work zone.
• Minimize Hazards – De-energize unused equipment, cover exposed live parts, use proper PPE and tools.
• Anticipate Problems – If it can go wrong, it might. Be prepared for all worst case scenarios.
• Have Training – Make sure that you and everyone you are working with is qualified and has proper training.

Responsibility For Safe Practices Around Electricity Include:

For Contractors

• Comply with OSHA regulations.
• Train employees on electrical safety.
• Contact utility companies in advance to de-energize or insulate overhead power lines.
• If asked to work live, verify with owner/client that de-energizing live electrical circuits/parts is not practical or would create a greater hazard.
• Only allow work on live electrical circuits/parts in accordance with a permit system with specific procedures.

For Electrical Workers

• De-energize and lock out or tag out electrical circuits/parts you will be working on or near.
• Work only on live electrical circuits/parts in accordance with a permit system with specific procedures and if you are qualified to do so.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and use proper tools when de-energizing or testing live electrical circuits/parts or otherwise working live.

For All Construction Workers

• Get electrical safety training.
• Ensure machinery and power tools are properly grounded or double insulated.
• Check all extension and power cords for wear and tear before use.
• Disconnect the plug on any power tool or machinery before inspecting or repairing.
• Keep at least 10 feet from live overhead power lines.
• Keep metal objects away from live electrical circuits/parts.

CS :- OSH Programs At Construction Job Sites

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Chapter : Construction Safety 

OSH Programs At  Construction Job Sites 

Construction companies are encouraged to implement proactive programs that address and manage safety and health issues involving the employers, workers and worker representatives. An effective program emphasizes top-level ownership, participation by employees, and a “find and fix” approach to workplace hazards. A good program will see improvements in production and quality, better employee morale and improved employee recruiting and retention. 

Recommended practices for OSH programs in the construction industry include:

1. Management leadership – Providing the leadership, vision and resources needed to implement an effective program and creating a culture of safety, facilitating trust, and reinforcing the core elements.
2. Worker participation – Participation of workers in establishing, operating, evaluating and improving the safety and health programs.
3. Hazard identification and assessment –Identifies/recognizes and documents all known and suspected hazards.
4. Hazard prevention and control – Preventing injuries using hierarchy of controls: engineering, work practices, administrative, and personal protective equipment.
5. Education and training – Ensuring that all workers are familiar with hazards and understand safe work practices and control measures
6. Program evaluation and improvement – Assessing program effectiveness and modifications needed and identifying opportunities to improve the program.
7. Communication and coordination for employers on multi-employer worksites – Ensuring communication and coordination to protect all workers onsite. 
8. Site review meeting: Review meetings are the forums in which the status of the project is discussed against the Plan.

• Why do we have them?
• It is important to know the status of the project against Plan and if there is a delay, to identify the causes and correct them.
• In a Project situation since many agencies are involved the delay can be due to any one or some of the agencies.
• The review meeting provides us the opportunity to address the issues affecting our progress and get them resolved.
• Who should attend the meetings?
• The site engineer/project manager should attend.
• It is also important incase of a TAKE CARE customer  that the Sales engineer attends the meetings for an issue which was not discussed during Order Negotiation or not in the Contract or Verbally agreed.
• It is the responsibilty of the site engineer/project manager to decide who should be taken along.
• Installation manager/Branch manager /General manager can be called if it is required.
• How do we address issues affecting us?
• Have a Plan for our scope of work (Installation, Minor builders work).
• High light the interface requirements before start of our work.
• Record the actual Status before the meeting (1 or 2 days in advance) and indicate the interface requirements and have them circulated to various relevant agencies.
• Be Positive in communication.
• Be open
• It is Management resposibility to ensure customer delight and to get repeat orders with positive.
• Be involved in the solution.
• Be demanding.
• Be flexible. (to the extent company’s interest is protected.)
• Be helpful
• Commit and stick to commitments.
• Do not only project the problem; also try to give solutions.
• Do not be political.
• How do we know the corrective actions?
• The discussions are normally minuted. Please ensure the required actions that are needed for our work are recorded.
• What should be the frequency of the meetings?
• The frequency is normally decided by the complexity of the project.
• Normally the frequency is one-week/two weeks.
• If you have an important issue in-between you can address it to the concerned agency or call for a meeting.

A safe workplace is sound business

The Recommended Practices are designed to be used in a wide variety of small and medium-sized business settings. The Recommended Practices present a step-by-step approach to implementing a safety and health program, built around seven core elements that make up a successful program.

The main goal of safety and health programs is to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths, as well as the suffering and financial hardship these events can cause for workers, their families, and employers. 

The recommended practices use a proactive approach to managing workplace safety and health. Traditional approaches are often reactive –that is, problems are addressed only after a worker is injured or becomes sick, a new standard or regulation is published, or an outside inspection finds a problem that must be fixed. 

These recommended practices recognize that finding and fixing hazards before they cause injury or illness is a far more effective approach.

The idea is to begin with a basic program and simple goals and grow from there. If you focus on achieving goals, monitoring performance, and evaluating outcomes, your workplace can progress along the path to higher levels of safety and health achievement.

Employers will find that implementing these recommended practices also brings other benefits. Safety and health programs help businesses:

• Prevent workplace injuries and illnesses
• Improve compliance with laws and regulations
• Reduce costs, including significant reductions in workers' compensation premiums
• Engage workers
• Enhance their social responsibility goals
• Increase productivity and enhance overall business operations