ws Pakistan State Oil Ready To StartREADY TO START Managing Managing the work is as important as carrying out the activities. Following is to be considered before execution. m Give enough time to planning, organizing and controlling your work! Check what actually happens and stop dangerous practices: Have someone to turn to if you need health and safety advice. m Take pride in your standards. Planning the work Gather as much health and safety information about the project and the proposed site before work begins. Use information available at tendering so you can allow for time and resources to deal with particular problems.Sources of information These include: g_ the client; designers; contract documents; other contractors at the site; trade and contractor organizations; equipment and material suppliers; and = = a @ specialist contractors and consultants; a o m HSE guidance and Standards. Features to look out for Find out about the history of the site and its surroundings. See if there are any unusual features which might affect the work. Pay Particular attention to: @ asbestos or other contaminants; overhead power lines and underground services; unusual ground conditions; nearby schools, footpaths, roads or railways; and . 7 ™ public rights of way across the site; . = Other activities going on at the site. Costs When estimating costs, consider any particular health and safety hazards. Make sure suitable allowances have been made in the Price. Having to stop or reschedule work to deal with emergencies wastes time and money. Materials and equipment When materials are bought, or equipment is hired, the supplier has to provide health and safety information. Make sure you get this and read it.For example, you may need to: m use a Specialist who is familiar with the necessary precautions; = carry out an assessment of the risks arising from the use of a hazardous substance and consider using a less harmful substance instead; or m Provide training on the safe use of the material or equipment. Operations affecting health and safety When preparing programmes, consider if there are any operations which will affect the health or safety of others working at the site. For example: m Access to the workplace - which trades will need to go where and when? m_ Timber treatment or site radiography - this usually has to be done when no one else is on site, and the site may have to be left vacant for a few days. Subcontractors Discuss proposed working methods with subcontractors before letting contracts. Plant and materials Decide what plant will be required and check that it will be suitable. Plan material deliveries and consider storage needs. Organizing the work Following needs to be considered with Organizing the work Training and supervision Make sure workers - including those working for subcontractors - are properly trained and supervised.Work methods See that work methods and safety precautions agreed before work is started are put into practice. Make sure everyone understands how work is to be done and is aware of relevant method statements before work starts. Subcontractors Find out if any of the work will be further subcontracted. Make sure that people working for subcontractors also get the information they require and provide training, supervision, etc as needed. Control and supervision Make clear to supervisors exactly what it is they are expected to do and how they are expected to do it. The greater the risk, the greater the degree of contro! and su pervision required. Health and safety checks can be incorporated into normal progress and quality checks carried out by supervisors and managers. Specific additional checks on higher risk work may also be needed. Carrying out routine checks from time to time reminds everyone that health and safety matters!Pakistan State Oil Reporting Accidents/ IncidentsREPORTING ACCIDENTS/ INCIDENTS The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences require that certain accidents that happen on site have to be reported, You should contact: GM (HSE & SS) 7 DGM (HSE) Mobile # 0345-8291377 Mobile # 0345-8282930 Ground floor PSO House Khyaban-e-Iqbal, Clifton, Karachi Employers working at PSO facilities as contactor must report to HSE any accidents which happen to their employees. Whoever is in control of the site must also report accidents which involve a self-employed worker. 'f there is a principal contractor, contractors should Promptly provide them with details of accidents, diseases or dangerous occurrences which are reportable, Types of accident & Incidents which have to be reported ™ Serious and fatal accidents must be notified without delay to HSE, normally by telephone. This must be followed up with a complete accident report form within one day. ™ Less serious injuries, where a worker is unfit (or unable) to do their normal job for more than three consecutive days. A completed accident report form must be sent to HSE within 02 days apart from the immediate telephonic information. ™@ If a dangerous occurrence happens on site (e.g. a building, scaffold or falsework collapse, failure of a crane or lifting device or contact with overhead lines) it must be reported immediately, by telephone, to the D@M HSE office. The details must be confirmed within 01 days on a complete accident report form. ™ Ifa worker suffers from a specified disease associated with their current job, it must also be reported to HSE Department.| | All accidents must. be reported. | ..explain exactly | what happened |Pakistan State Oil EmployingEMPLOYING Following is to be ensured before employing contractors or workers for a job. = They are trained and competent to do the job safely and without putting their health at risk. They are properly supervised and given clear instructions. m They have access to washing and toilet facilities. mw They have the right tools, equipment, plant and protective clothing. = Health & Safety issues have been discussed with them. Training and supervision Decide who will supervise the work - check that they are adequately trained and experienced. When taking on workers, ask about the training they have had and ask for details. Get them to demonstrate their knowledge or show examples of safe working practice before setting them to work. Make sure that firms coming onto site provide adequate supervision for their workers. Agree what training they have had or will get at the site. Welfare Everyone who works on site must have access to adequate toilet and washing facilities, a place for warming up and eating their food and somewhere for storing clothing. Protective equipment Provide workers with suitable protective equipment. Hard hats Hard hats are required where anybody mightbe struck by falling materials or where people might hit their heads. Decide on which areas of the site hats have to be worn. Tell everyone in the area. If necessary, make site rules. Provide employees with hard hats. Make sure hats are worn and worn correctly. A wide range of hats is available. Let employees try a few and decide which is most suitable for the job and for them. Footwear Decide for proper footware after taking into consideration the following m materials being dropped on workers’ feet; or m Nails, or other sharp objects, penetrating the sole If so, safety boots with toe caps and sole-plates may be needed. Where it is likely that employees will be working in water or wet concrete, Wellinton boots should be provided. Goggles and safety spectacles These are required to protect against: m Flying objects, e.g. when using a nail gun. To provide adequate protection goggles should be shatter-proof - check Lt pe the manufacturers specification;= sparks, for example, when disc-cutting; = ultraviolet radiation from welding; specialist goggles or shields are required; = Chemical splashes. Outdoor clothing If employees regularly work outdoors and cannot be sheltered from the weather, they will need clothing which is wind- and waterproof. There should be facilities for storing clothing not worn on site and protective clothing as well as for drying wet clothing. High visibility clothing Many accidents happen when people in hazardous positions cannot be seen. It is important to plan work to avoid placing people in these positions. Where this is not possible, provide high visibility clothing. It is essential that this clothing be kept clean if itis to be effective. Badly soiled garments should be replaced. High visibility clothing will be needed wherever workers: = could be run down by vehicles, for example, signalers assisting in vehicles being maneuvered and anyone engaged in roadworks; m Need to be seen by others to allow them to work safely, for example, signalers assisting in lifting operations need to be clearly visible to the crane driver.Gloves Suitable gloves can protect against dusts (such as cement), wet concrete and solvents which can cause dermatitis. They can also protect against cuts and splinters when handling bricks, steel and wood Consultation Consult people working at the site and their representatives - their views about health and safety should be considered. People who are going to work on the site for the first time should be briefed about risks, welfare facilities and site rules. One way of doing this is by making sure the site supervisor speaks to them before they start work. They might also be given an information sheet or relevant information might be displayed on a notice board prominently placed near the site entrance.| Pakistan State Oi! SubcontractingSUBCONTRACTING Whenever there is a case of subcontracting the job, following needs to be considered. ™ Check the health and safety performance of the people you plan to use. = Give them the health and safety information they need for the work. Discuss the work with them before they start. m Make sure that you have Provided everything you agreed (e.g. safe scaffolds, the right plant, access to welfare, etc). m™ Check their performance and remedy shortcomings. Discussing the work Discuss proposed working methods with subcontractors before letting contracts. Find out how they are going to work, what equipment and facilities they are expecting to be provided and the equipment they will bring to the site. Identify any health or safety risks which their operations may create for others working at the site and agree control measures. Obtaining health and safety method statements and risk assessments will help in ensuring a safer work place. Health and safety method statements with plenty of diagrams are generally most easily understood. Providing information When people first come to site, it is important that they get information about the site hazards and the Steps that have been taken to control the risks. Make sure that the Person running the site can be easily identified. If there is a site Office, sign it clearly. It can be helpful to Place a site plan at the site entrance, showing the office location along with an instruction that all visitors report to the site office.The principal contractor has to take reasonable steps to ensure that only authorized people are allowed where construction work is being done. Monitoring and reviewing Checking whether health and Safety precautions are being taken is as important as checking progress and quality. Site supervisors need to see that the firm considers the fulfillment of their health and safety responsibilities as an essential part of their job. Part of monitoring is to carry out inspections of plant and materials. There are specific requirements for inspection of scaffolds and excavations.Pakistan State Oil Access on SiteACCESS ON SITE An organized and disciplined site is the one, which is safer for executing the work. Always check whether following conditions have been fulfilled. @ everyone get to their place of work safely - and work there safely. m Ensure all access routes in good condition and clearly signposted. m Check that edges which people could fall from are provided with double guard rails or other suitable edge protection. m Make sure that all holes are protected with clearly marked and fixed covers to prevent falls. The site should be tidy, and are materials stored safely. Adequate lighting arrangements should be made. Access routes There should be safe access onto and around the site for people and vehicles. Plan how vehicles will be kept clear of pedestrians, especially at site entrances, vehicle loading/unloading areas, parking and maneuvering places and where driver's vision may be obstructed. Guard rails and toe boards Guard rails, toe boards and other similar barriers should be provided whenever someone could fall 2 m or more. They should: m be strong and rigid enough to prevent people from falling and be able to withstand other loads likely to be placed on them; @ be fixed to a structure, or part of a structure capable of supporting them; @ include: @ amain guard rail at least 910 mm above any edge people could fall from;™ a toe board at least 150 mm high; @ A sufficient number of intermediate guard rails or suitable alternatives positioned so that the unprotected gap is not more than 470 mm. Where the barrier is solid or the space between the upper part of the barrier and the toe board is completely occupied by mesh (for example, a brick guard) or similar, an intermediate guard rail is not required. Barriers other than guard rails and toe boards can be used, so long as they are at least 910 mm high, secure and provide an equivalent standard of protection against falls and materials rolling, or being kicked, from any edges. Covering openings or material If the risk comes from falling through openings or fragile material (e.g. roof lights), an alternative is to cover the opening or material. Any covering should be: ™ strong enough to support any loads likely to be placed on it (including the weight of a person); and @ Fixed in position to prevent accidental dislodgement. To prevent people removing coverings, mark them with a warning (for example, ‘Hole below - do not remove’). If possible, discourage people from crossing covers by directing them around them, e.g. using a high-visibility tape barrier. Site tidiness Plan how the site will be kept tidy. In particular, walkways and stairs should be kept free of tripping hazards such as trailing wires and loose materials. This is especially important for emergency routes. Remove nails from loose timbers to prevent foot and other injuries. Clear paper, timber off cuts and other flammable materials to reduce fire risks. Storage areas Set up storage areas for plant, materials, flammable substances and hazardous substances. Flammable materials will usually needto be stored away from other materials and protected from accidental ignition. Do not store materials where they obstruct access routes or where they could interfere with emergency escape (e.g., do not store flammable materials next to fire exits)? \lf materials are stored at height, make sure guard rails are in place if people could fall when stacking or collecting materials or equipment. Lighting Every part of the site which is in use should be arranged so that natural light is available for people to see to do their work and move about the site safely. Where natural light is inadequate or not available, you should provide artificial lighting. Make sure that any artificial lighting does not change the apparent color or visibility of any safety signs or other safety-related items such as fire extinguishers. Emergency routes should be kept well lit while there are workers on the site. Where emergency routes need artificial light, also provide emergency lighting which comes on if the primary lighting fails (for example, battery or emergency generator powered lighting)Pakistan State Oi! Workers’ WelfareWORKERS’ WELFARE WELFARE Always check the following factors at the worksite. m Toilets are readily available and are they kept clean and properly lit. m@ There are wash basins, hot and cold (or warm) running water, soap and towels. Drinking water and cups are provided. There is somewhere to change, dry and store clothing. ™ There is a place where workers can sit, make hot drinks and prepare food. m Everyone can who needs to use them get to the welfare facilities easily and safely. Welfare facilities Everyone who works on site must have access to adequate toilet and washing facilities, a place for warming up and eating their food and somewhere for storing clothing. Toilets The numbers of toilets required will depend on the number of people working on the site. Wherever possible toilets should be flushed by water, but if this is not possible, use chemical toilets. Rooms containing sanitary conveniences should be adequately ventilated and lit. A washhand basin with water, soap and towels or dryers should be close to the toilets if the toilets are not near the other washing facilities provided on the site. In our country, often it is very difficult to provide all the facilities to the workers but emphasis should be given to maximize whatever possible.On all sites, provide basins large enough to allow people to wash their faces, hands and forearms. All basins should have a supply of clean hot and cold, or warm, water. If mains water is not available, water from a tank may be used. Soap and towels (either cloth or Paper) or dryers should also be provided. Where the work is particularly dirty or workers are exposed to toxic or corrosive substances (for example, during work in contaminated ground), showers may be needed. Rooms containing washing facilities should be sufficiently ventilated and lit, Drinking water Make sure there is a supply of drinking water. It is best if a tap direct from the mains is available. Otherwise bottles or tanks of water may be used for storage. If water is stored, it should be Protected from possible contamination and changed often enough to prevent it from becoming stale or contaminated. The tap should be clearly marked if it is possible to confuse the drinking water supply with other water supplies or other liquids such as: ™ those not fit for consumption (e.g. water from storage tanks used for wheel washers); or m™ Toxic materials (e.g. from taps te pipelines in factories). Cups should be available at the water tap, unless the water is supplied as an upward jet which can be drunk from easily (e.g. a drinking fountain). Storing and changing clothing Make sure there are arrangements for storing: @ clothing not worn on site (e.g. hats and coats); m Protective clothing needed for site work (e.g. boots, overalls).Separate lockers might be needed, although on smaller sites the site office may be a suitable storage area, provided it is kept secure. Where there is a risk of protective site clothing contaminating everyday clothing, store items separately. There should be somewhere to dry wet site clothing. If electrical heaters are used, ensure that they are either fitted with a high temperature cut-out device or are properly ventilated. Many fires have been caused by putting clothes to dry on electrical heaters, making the appliance overheat. Rest facilities Facilities for taking breaks and meal breaks should be available. They should provide shelter from the wind and rain and be heated as necessary. They should have: m tables and chairs; m akettle or urn for boiling wate. m Ameans for preparing food. For small sites rest facilities can often be provided within the site office, or site hut. Remember: Open-fluid gas heaters and gas cooking rings can produce carbon monoxide if not well ventilated. When poorly maintained, they also give tise to leaks of methane which can ignite or explode without warning. They should Not be used in site huts, containers or other enclosed areas unless there is a permanent supply of fresh air, which cannot be closed off (a window which can be opened is not adequate as it is likely to be closed in cold weaiher). Location of welfare facilities Welfare facilities should be easily available to people working on the site. Toilets need to be easily accessible from where the work is being done. Wash hand basins should be close to toilets. Washing facilities need to be near rest rooms so that people can wash before eating.EQUIPMENT & SAFE WORK PRACTICESSESE QOAFE WORK PRACTICES SCAFFOLDS Ensure safety through following checklist Scaffolds erected, altered and dismantled by competent people! All uprights are provided with base plates (and, where necessary, timber sole plates) All uprights, ledgers, braces and struts are in position. Scaffold secured to the building or structure in enough Places to prevent collapse. There are double guard rails and toe boards, or other Suitable protection, at every edge, to prevent falling. Additional brick guards are Provided to prevent materials falling from scaffolds. Working platforms are fully boarded, and boards arranged to avoid tipping or tripping. There effective barriers or warning notices in place to stop People using an incomplete scaffold, e.g. where working platforms are not fully boarded. Scaffold is strong enough to carry the weight of materials Stored on it and are these evenly distributed. Scaffolds are being properly maintained. = Acompetent person inspects the scaffold regularly, e.g. at least once a week; and always after it has been altered, damaged and following extreme weather. Results of inspections should be recorded. Proprietary tower scaffolds have been erected and are they being used in accordance with suppliers’ instructions. The wheels of tower scaffolds have been locked when in use and the platforms are empty when they are moved.PME ANY SCANOlG Make SUre: itis designed, erected, altered and dismantled by competent people and the work is directed by a competent supervisor; it should never be erected over people or busy pavements; itis based on a firm, level foundation; itis braced and tied into a permanent structure or otherwise stabilized; It is capable of supporting loads likely to be placed on it. Scaffolds are not usually designed to support heavy loads on their working platforms; platforms are fully boarded and wide enough for the work and for access; scaffold boards are properly supported and not overhanging excessively (e.g. no more than four times the thickness of the board); there is safe ladder or other access onto the work platforms; and it is suitable for the task before it is used and checked whenever it is substantially altered or adversely affected by, for example, high winds. Before using any scaffold, make sure that it is safe and suitable for the intended job. Tower scaffolds The tower must be vertical and the legs should rest properly on firm, level ground. Lock any wheels and outriggers - base plates provide greater stability if the tower does not have to be moved. Provide a safe way to get to and from the work platform, for example, internal ladders. Climbing up the outside of the tower may pull it over.Provide edge protection (guard rails and toe boards). Provide guard rails and toe boards on any intermediate platforms which are also being used as working platforms or for storing materials. Tie the tower rigidly to the structure it is serving or provide other additional support if: itis likely to be exposed to strong winds; @ itis used for carrying out grit blasting or water jetting; m heavy materials are lifted up the outside of the tower; or m The tower base is too small to ensure stability for the height of the platform. If ties are needed, check that they are put in place as required when the scaffold is erected. Make sure they are checked from time to time and that necessary ties are kept in place when the scaffold is dismantled. Do not: @ use a ladder footed on the working platform or apply other horizontal loads which could tilt the tower; @ overload the working platform; a fix ties to the centers of thin walled aluminum tubes; ™ move the tower by applying the necessary force at the platform level; or = Climb up the outside of the tower to reach the platform. Moving a mobile tower Check that there are no power lines or overhead obstructions in the way. Check that there are no holes or dips in the ground. Do not allow people or materials to remain on it as towers tip over very easily when being moved.Tiete MS OUT TE hie ao te ee ee eee cee ee mw Ladders are the right way to do the job. Don’t work from a ladder if there is a better way! gm They are in good condition. m_ Ladders rest against a solid surface and not on fragile or insecure materials, m_ They are secured to prevent them slipping sideways or outwards. m_ Ladders rise a sufficient height above their landing place. If not, there are other hand-holds available. m Ladders are positioned so that users don’t have to over-stretch. Ladders are best used as a means of getting to a workplace. They should only be used as a workplace for short-term work. They are only suitable for light work. Using ladders If ladders are to be used, make sure: the work only requires one hand to be used the work can be reached without stretching the ladder can be fixed to prevent slipping A good handhold is available. This kind of work can still be dangerous - many ladder accidents happen during work lasting less than 30 minutes. The longer the ladder, the more problems there are in using it safely. Make certain there is no other better means of access before using a ladder,them to constantly move the ladder, it is possible that carelessness will creep in. In order to use a ladder safely, the person should be able to reach the work from a position 1 m below the top of the ladder. Many accidents result from using ladders for a job when a tower scaffold or mobile access platform would have been safer and more efficient. Make sure light tools are carried in a shoulder bag or holster attached to a belt so that both hands are free for climbing. Heavy or bulky loads should not be carried up or down the ladders - lifting equipment should be used instead. Miniroum 1 metre For every 4-up, place the ladder base 1-out from the wall. strong enough {or the job, Use ladder with Non-slip feet or spike, depending on terrain, ‘Make sure Tay, enough room to safety (stp of adder anc keep he area clean of equipment and materials, (0 prevent side-slip or kick-out from base.Check the condition of the ladder For safe use the ladder needs to be strong enough for the job and in good condition. Check the stiles are not damaged, buckled or warped, no rungs are cracked or missing and any safety feet are not missing. Do not use makeshift or home-made ladders or carry out makeshift repairs to a damaged ladder. Do not use painted ladders, as the paint may hide faults. DO NOT attempt to repair ladders. Check the ladder is secure. Ladders are only safe when they rest on a firm, level surface. Do not place them on loose bricks or packing. They should also be secured by rope or other suitable stabilization devices. These must ensure that the ladder does not run sideways or slide away from the wall. Also, make sure: ™ the ladder is angled to minimize the risk of slipping outwards; as a rule of thumb the ladder needs to be ‘one out for every four up’; ™ the top of the ladder rests against a solid surface; ladders should not rest on fragile or insecure materials (e.g. cement sheet, plastic guttering); = both feet of the ladder are on a firm footing and cannot slip; ™@ If the ladder is more than 3m long, or used as a way to and from a workplace, it is secured from falling. This will usually be by fixing at the top, or sometimes the base; ™ if the ladder cannot be fixed, a second person foots the ladder while it is being used (this also applies while the ladder is being fixed); ™ the ladder extends a sufficient height (about 1 m) above any landing place where people will get on and off it unless some other adequate handhold is available; and a| stepladders should | NEVER be used folded up and leaning against es a surface. if possible, brace \ ge Yoel! 2 (yourself with your ) \\__ free hand. — a The top two steps ( and bucket shelf are} not safe to stand on. / ee Bo eee Climbing or standing on { the rear part of the \ ) \ ladder can cause it to >< collapse or tip over. oe eet fOr SeStep-ladders Step-ladders provide a free-standing means of access, but they need careful use. They are not designed for any degree of side loading and are relatively easily overturned. Avoid over-reaching. The top step of a step-ladder should not be worked from unless It has been designed for this purpose. ROOFWORK Make sure that following are checked primarily m_ There is edge protection to stop people or materials falling. During industrial roofing, nets have been provided to stop people falling from the leading edge of the roof and from partially fixed sheets. m You have identified fragile materials such as cement sheets and roof lights. m Have you taken precautions to stop people falling through fragile materials when working on the roof, e.g. by providing barriers, covers or working platforms. m Walking the bolts’ to follow roof purloins is dangerous! m People are kept away from the area below the roof work. If this is not possible, additional precautions have been taken to stop debris falling onto them. Edge protection Guard rails and toe boards or suitable barriers erected at the edge of a roof are usually needed to stop people and materials from falling off. If work is going to be done on any roof, make sure there is: m safe access onto and off the roof, for example, a general access or tower scaffold; m a safe means of moving across the roof, for example, suitable roof ladders; and; m_ Asafe means of working on the roof - a guard railed pratiorm (for example, a scaffold or a MEWP). Industrial roofing ROOF 4 EDGE PROTECTION Falls from the ‘leading edge’ need to be prevented. Leading edges are created as new roof sheets are laid, or old ones are removed. Work at the leading edge requires careful planning to develop a safe system of work. Nets are the preferred method for reducing the risk of injury from falls at the leading edge, as they provide protection to everyone on the roof. Nets should be erected by trained riggers. Staging, fitted with guard rails or suitable barriers and toe boards, in advance of the leading edge can provide protection in some circumstances. But these will need to be used in conjunction with harnesses attached to a suitable fixing. Close supervision of this system of work will be needed as it is difficult for harnesses to remain clipped on at all times throughout the work activity. When developing a safe system of work, also consider: m_ how the first sheets will be laid - a separate platform may be required (a pack of roof sheets is not a safe working platform) - and how hip ends and other special details are to be fitted; and u_ How sheets will be raised to roof level - decide whether lifting machinery such as an inclined hoist can be used. "eeeThis will eliminate unnecessary risks when placing packs of sheets on the roof supports or when breaking open packs spread over the roof supports. Fragile materials Many roof assemblies are, or can become, fragile. Asbestos cement, fiberglass and plastic generally become more fragile with age. Steel sheets may rust. Sheets on poorly repaired roofs might not be properly supported. Any of these materials could give way without warning. Do not trust any sheeted roof. Do not stand directly on any of them. On a snap fragile roof, never try to walk along the line of the roof bolts above the purloins, or along the roof ridge, as the sheets can still crack and give way. Roof openings and fragile roof lights are an extra hazard, Some roof lights are difficult to see in certain light conditions and others may be hidden by paint. Protection from falling through openings and fragile roof lights can be provided by barriers or with covers which are secured or labeled with a warning, On fragile roofs, the work has to be carefully planned to prevent falls through the roof. If access onto the roof cannot be avoided, working platforms to spread the load (or other Proprietary access system) will be necessary. These should be used with edge protection or harnesses (ifa suitable anchorage position is not available a life line system may have to be installed). On sloping roofs, purpose-made roof ladders or boards to spread the weight of workers and materials will be required. Passers-by Do not throw materials such as old slates, tiles etc from the roof or scaffold - someone may be passing by. Use enclosed debris chutes or lower the debris in containers. EE EEE eee eee eeProtect passers-by with brick guards and/or netting on scaffolding, but remember most netting will only retain light material. Fans and/or covered walkways may also be needed where the risk is particularly high. EXCAVATIONS Check the following parameters before execution im There is adequate support for the excavation, or has it been sloped or battered back to a safe angle m Asafe method is used for putting in the support, without people working in an unsupported trench. m There is safe access into the excavation, e.g. a sufficiently long, secured ladder. mu There are barriers or other protection to stop people and vehicles falling in. m Properly secured stop blocks are provided to prevent tipping vehicles falling in. = Excavation affect the stability of neighboring structures or services. = Materials, spoil and plant stored are away from the edge of the excavation to reduce the chance of a collapse. tanaPlanning Before digging any trenches, pits, tunnels, or other excavations, decide what temporary support will be required and plan the precautions you will take against: = collapse of the sides or roof; materials falling into excavations; people and vehicles falling into excavations; undermining nearby structures etc; underground services; water inflow; and Premature removal of support. Make sure the equipment needed (trench sheets, props, baulks etc) is available on site before work starts. If information such as results of soil tests or trial holes is available, it may provide useful data on conditions likely to be found on site. This can assist planning. Put the precautions into practice. Collapse of the sides or roof Prevention Prevent the sides from collapsing by battering them to a safe angle or supporting them with sheeting or proprietary support systems. Take similar precautions to prevent the face from collapsing. Install support without delay as the excavation progresses. Make sure the work is directed by a competent supervisor. Give the workers clear instructions. Inspection A competent person who fully understands the dangers and necessary precautions should inspect the excavation at the start of each shift. Excavations should also be inspected after any event that may have affected their strength or stability, or after a fall ofrock or earth. A record of the inspections will be required. Put right immediately any faults that are found. Materials falling into excavations Do not store excavated spoil and other materials or park plant and vehicles close to the sides of excavations. The extra loadings from spoil, vehicles, etc can make the sides of excavations more likely to collapse. Loose materials may fall from spoil heaps, etc into the excavation. Ascaffold board used as a toe board and fixed along the outside of the trench sheets will provide extra protection against loose materials falling. Hard hats will protect those working in the excavation from small pieces of materials falling either from above, or from the sides of the excavation. People and vehicles falling into excavations Prevent people from falling by guarding excavations. Edges of excavations more than 2 m deep should be protected with substantial barriers where people are liable to fall into them. All excavations in public places should be suitably fenced off to prevent members of the public approaching them. Other points Ensure there is good ladder access or other ways of getting in and out of the excavation safely. Consider hazardous fumes — do not use petrol or diesel engines in excavations without making arrangements for the fumes to be ducted safely away or providing for forced ventilation. MANUAL HANDLING When manual handling is necessary, prevent injury by: m avoiding unnecessary handling; = Identifying, before work is begun, operations which involveeither lifting heavy or awkward loads or repetitive lifting Operations. Find ways of either avoiding the operation altogether, or using mechanical aids to minimize the amount of manual handling; sharing heavy or awkward loads which have to be lifted by hand; positioning loads by machine and planning to reduce the height from which they have to be lifted and the distance over which they have to be carried; training workers in safe lifting techniques and sensible handling of loads; Ordering bagged materials in small easily handled sizes where possible; most building products are now available in 25 kg bags. Anyone injuring their back at work should be encouraged to report the injury, get early medical attention and return only gradually to handling duties. HOISTS Select a hoist which is suitable for the site and capable of lifting the loads required. Make sure: the hoist is erected by trained and experienced people following the manufacturer's instructions and properly secured to the supporting structure; the hoist operator has been trained and is competent; loads are evenly distributed on the hoist platform; The hoist is thoroughly examined and tested after erection, substantial alteration or repair and at relevant intervals. Regular checks should be carried out and the results recorded. As a general guide, weekly checks should suffice.Setting up the controls Make sure that: ® the hoist can be operated from one position only, for example, ground level; and The operator can see all the landing levels from the operating position. Prevent people being struck by the platform or other moving parts Enclose the hoistway at places where people might be struck, for example, working platforms or window openings. Provide gates at all landings and at ground level. Prevent falling down the hoistway Make sure: = the hoistway is fenced where people could fall down it; The gates at landings are kept closed except during loading and unloading. Gates should be secure and not free to swing into the hoistway; The edge of the hoist platform is close to the edge of the landing so that there is no gap to fall through. Prevent being hit by falling materials Stop loads falling from the platform, for example, make sure wheelbarrows are securely chocked and are not overfilled. Do not carry loose loads such as bricks. Put loose loads in proper containers or use a hoist with an enclosed platform. Do not overload the platform. It should be clearly marked with its safe working load. EMERGENCIES Plan emergency procedures before work begins and put general precautions in place from the start of work, Some emergencies may require evacuation of the site, or part of the site, while others might involve the rescue of an injured person.When planning emergency procedures, routes and exits, take into account: m_ the type of work being done on site; | ™ the characteristics and size of the site and the number and location of workplaces on the site; @ the plant and equipment being used; m the number of people likely to be present on the site at any one time; and m The physical and chemical properties of substances or materials on or likely to be on the site. Make sure the likelihood of emergencies arising is as low as possible. Emergency services Make sure: m There are arrangements for calling the emergency services. In particular let the Fire Brigade know about any work in tunnels, confined spaces or above 18 m and anywhere else where specialized rescue equipment may be needed; m there is adequate access to the site for the emergency services and that access does not become blocked by plant or material building up; m fan emergency does arise, someone is posted at the site entrance, or in another prominent position, so that they can direct the emergency services. Escape routes _ 2 Make sure emergency routes are available, = ‘ kept clear, signed and adequately lit. Where | UR ig necessary provide lighting which will come on automatically in an emergency. — First aid Make sure arrangements for treating and recovering injured people are available.FIRE Preventing fires Use less easily ignited and fewer flammable materials. For example, use water-based or low solvent adhesives and paint. Keep the quantity of flammables at the workplace to a minimum. Always keep and carry flammable liquids in suitable closed containers. If work involves highly flammable liquids or solids, stop people smoking and don’t allow other work activities involving potential ignition sources to take place nearby. For example, if floor coverings are being laid using solvent-based adhesives, don't allow soldering of pipes at the same time. Ensure that pipes, barrels, tanks etc which may have contained flammable gases or liquids are purged or otherwise made safe before using hot cutting equipment. Any pipe or container may appear to be empty, but can contain enough material on its sides, or within rust or other sediments, to produce a flammable or explosive atmosphere within it when heated or disturbed. Advice from a specialist may be required. Store flammable solids, liquids and gases sately. Separate them from each other and from oxygen cylinders or oxidizing materials. Keep them in ventilated secure stores or an outdoor storage area. Do not store them in or under occupied work areas or where they could obstruct or endanger escape routes. Have an extinguisher to hand when doing hot work such as welding or using a disc cutter which produces sparks. Check the site at lunch-time and at the end of the day to see that all plant and equipment that could cause a fire is turned off. Stop hot working an hour before people go home, as this will allow more time for smoldering fires to be identified. Provide closed metal containers to collect rubbish and remove them from the site regularly. Collect highly flammable waste such as solvent-soaked rags separately in closed fire-resisting containersexisting wet and dry risers ready for use and install any new ones as soon as possible. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES if workers use or are exposed to hazardous substances you need to assess the health risks involved and to prevent exposure or else adequately control it. Identification People may be exposed to hazardous substances either because they handle or use them directly (e.g. solvents in glues and paints), or because the work itself results in the creation of a hazardous substance (e.g. scrabbling concrete generates silica dust). Identity and assess both kinds of hazard. ‘Also, some hazardous substances may be on site before any work starts, for example, sewer gases or ground contaminants. Manufacturers and suppliers of hazardous substances have a legal duty to provide information. Read the label on the container and/or the safety data sheet. Approach the manufacturer or supplier directly for more information if necessary. Assessment Look at the way people are exposed to the hazardous substance in a particular job. Decide whether it is likely to harm anyone’s health. Harm could be caused by: ™ breathing in fumes, vapors, dust; = direct contact with skin or eyes; = Swallowing or eating contaminated material Once a full assessment has been completed and where the same work is being done in the same way under similar circumstances at a number of sites, the risk assessment does not have to be repeated before every job. Review the assessment from time to time, but every few years will probably be enough. However, look out for new products which could be safer substitutes.If there are many processes which result in alfferent NaZalGOus substances being used in a wide range of circumstances, a fresh assessment may be needed for each job or set of similar jobs. This will make sure the assessment is relevant to the job being done and the circumstances in which it is being carried out. Assess both immediate risks and longer-term health risks. Prevention If harm from the substance is likely, the first step to take is to try and avoid it completely by not using it at all. This will mean either: m_ doing the jobina different way; or m Using a substitute substance. However, always check one hazard is not simply being replaced by another. Control If the substance has to be used because there is no alternative, or because use of the least hazardous alternative still leads to significant risk, the next step is to try and control exposure. Some of the ways this could be done include: = Ensuring good ventilation in the working area by opening doors, windows and skylights Mechanical ventilation equipment might be needed in some cases; m using as little of the hazardous substances as possible don't take more to the workplace than is needed; m rather than spraying solvent-based materials, use a roller with a splash guard or apply by brush; m Transferring liquids with a pump or siphon (not one primed by mouth) rather than by hand. Keep containers closed except when transferring; = using cutting and grinding tools fitted with exhaust ventilation or water suppression to control dust; and m Using blasting equipment fitted with exhaust ventilation or water suppression to control dust.HAND ARM VIBRATION If anyone uses hand-held power tools, they should identify, assess and prevent or control the risk from vibration. The manufacturer or supplier's information should indicate if there is a vibration problem. Go back to the manufacturer or supplier if the information is not clear. Where possible choose low vibration tools. Assessment The information from the manufacturer or supplier, the amount of time the tools are used and discussions with the people using the tools should reveal the tools most likely to present a risk. Make sure workers using vibrating tools know about the risks and what they need to do to minimize them. Prevention Can the job be done in another way which does not involve using hand-held power tools (for example, by using a hydraulic breaker to break a concrete beam rather than spending long periods using hand-held breakers)? Control Maintain equipment so that it is properly balanced, has no loose or worn out parts and blades/cutters are sharp etc. Use. the power tool and attachment which will do the job properly in the shortest time. To protect against vibration, workers should keep their hands warm to get a good flow of blood into the fingers by: m wearing gloves; m having hot food or drinks; m massaging the fingers; . Not smoking (as this can cause narrowing of the blood vessels). "eeELECTRICITY AND OTHER SERVICES Electrical systems and equipment must be properly selected, installed, used and maintained. Before work begins It is essential that the electricity power supply requirements are established before any work takes place. Arrangements for the electricity supply should be completed with the local electricity supplier and the supply system installed. Where possible, eliminate risks. Cordless tools or tools which operate from a 110V supply system which is centre-tapped to earth will effectively eliminate the risk of death and greatly reduce injury in the event of an electrical accident. For other purposes such as lighting, still lower voltages can be used. If mains voltage has to be used, residual current devices (RCDs or trip devices) with a rated tripping current not greater than 30 mA with no time delay will be needed to ensure that the current is promptly cut off if contact is made with any live part. RCDs must be installed and treated with great care. They should be checked daily by operating the test button. If mains voltage is to be used, make sure that tools can only be connected to sockets protected by RCDs. RCDs cannot give the assurance of safety that cordless equipment or a reduced low voltage (such as 110V) system provides. Mains equipment is more appropriate to dry indoor sites where damage from heavy or sharp materials is unlikely. Where mains leads to sockets may be damaged they should be: = positioned where they are least likely to be damaged, for example, run cables at ceiling height; or m Protected inside impact resistant conduit. Alternatively, special abrasion resistant or armored flexible leads can be used.Checks and maintenance Electrical systems should be regularly checked and maintained. Everyone using electrical equipment should know what to look out for. Before any 230V hand tool, lead or RCD is used, check that: m_ no bare wires are visible; m_ the cable covering is not damaged and is free from cuts and abrasions; m_ the plug is in good condition, for example, the casing is not cracked, the pins are not bent and the key way is not blocked with loose material; m_ there are no taped or other non-standard joints in the cable; m_ the outer case of the equipment is not damaged or loose and all screws are in place; m_ there are no overheating or burn marks on the plug, cable or the equipment; m RCDs are working effectively, by pressing the ‘test’ button every day. Workers should report any of these faults immediately and stop using the tool or cable as soon as any damage is seen. Managers should also arrange for a formal visual inspection of 230V portable equipment on a weekly basis. Damaged equipment should be taken out of service as soon as the damage is noticed. Do not carry out makeshift repairs. Lighting systems With lighting systems, provide protection for cabling in the same way as for tools. Protect bulbs against breakage. If breakage does occur the exposed filaments may present a hazard. Make sure there is a system for checking bulbs to maintain electrical safety and also to keep the site well lit.Suitable equipment Tools and equipment should be suitable for site conditions. DIY tools and domestic plugs and cables are not designed to stand up to everyday construction work. Also observe other restrictions on use imposed by manufacturers. If work is to be done in areas where there is a risk of flammable vapors, it may be necessary to select specially designed electrical equipment to prevent it acting as a source of ignition. Overhead power lines Any work near electric distribution cables or railway power lines must be carefully planned to avoid accidental contact. Where possible all work likely to lead to contact with the overhead line should be done in an area well clear of the line itself. In some cases it may be possible to alter the work to eliminate the risk, for example, by reducing the length of scaffold tubes, ladders or roof sheets to ensure that the line cannot be contacted accidentally. As a general rule no vehicles, plant or equipment should be brought closer than: m 15m of overhead lines suspended from steel towers; or m= 9m of overhead lines supported on wooden poles. In cases where closer approach is likely, it is necessary either to have the lines made dead or to erect barriers to prevent approach to them. PROTECTING THE PUBLIC Keeping the public out In most cases a 2 m perimeter fence will need to be put up and maintained. If alterations are needed or safeguards have to be taken down, make sure they are put back when the job is finished, before leaving the site for meal breaks, and at the end of the day. Lock the site gates and any other doors and windows at night. If work is being done in occupied premises, clear responsibilities for maintaining precautions and keeping those not involved in the work away need to be agreed with the occupier of the building.If the site is near a school or on, or near a housing estate, it may be helpful to contact the head teacher and residents’ association, etc to seek their help to discourage children from trespassing. Many children see construction sites as adventure playgrounds. Even though they may be entering the site without authority or may be trespassing, they should still be protected from site dangers; many will be too young to appreciate the risks they are running. Any site visitors should report to the person in charge and know where to go - notices at the site entrance may be required. They should not be allowed to wander around the site alone and a booking in system may be needed for larger sites. Roadworks When planning work in streets or similar areas consider: @ signs for traffic and pedestrians; temporary traffic controls; cones or other barriers to mark the safety zone; Barriers to protect the public. suitable temporary walking surfaces for pedestrians; temporary lighting; storage of materials; the movement of vehicles and plant into and out of the work area; providing high visibility clothing for those working on or next to the roadway; m Other hazards. Falling materials Protect passers-by with brickguards and/or netting on scaffolding, but remember, most netting will only retain light material. Fans and/or covered walkways may also be needed where the risk is particularly high. Use plastic sheeting on scaffolds to retain dust, drips and splashes which may occur when cleaning buildingfacades.Make sure the sheets do not make the scaffold unstable. When using gin wheels or power driven hoists, select a safe place where members of the public are not at risk. Use hooks with safety catches when lifting. Use debris chutes when removing debris into a skip; cover over the skip to stop flying debris and cut down dust. Remove loose materials and debris from scaffold platforms. Do not stack materials on scaffolds unless it is needed and then not above the level of the toe board unless brickguards or another way of retaining material has been provided. Remove or tie down loose materials and scaffold boards if high winds are possible. Make sure site hoardings will stand up to high winds. At the end of the working day Barrier off or cover over excavations, pits etc. Isolate and immobilize vehicles and plant; if possible lock them in a compound. Store building materials, such as pipes, manhole rings, cement bags etc so that they cannot topple or roll over. Remove access ladders from excavations and scaffolds. Lock away hazardous substances. Security measures may also be needed. These can often strengthen safety measures. PLACE OF WORK REQUIRING INSPECTIONS Working platforms etc Where it is possible for a person to fall 2m or more from a working platform, the platform and associated parts need to be inspected by a competent person: before first use; @ after substantial alteration; = after any event likely to have affected its stability, for example, following strong winds; and m At regular intervals not exceeding seven days. The person in control must have the inspections carried out by acompetent person. Whoever controls the activities of others who use a scaffold also needs to ensure it is safe before they use it for the first time. If the competent person is not satisfied that work can be carried out safely, they should advise the person for whom the inspection was carried out as soon as possible. The workplace should not be used until the defects have been put right. A written report should be made following most inspections. Excavations Excavations which need to be supported or battered back to prevent danger must be inspected. The person in control of the excavation must arrange for a competent person to carry out these inspections: = at the start of the shift before work begins; ™ after any event likely to have affected its stability; and m After any accidental fall of rock, earth or other material. If the competent person is not satisfied that work can be carried out safely, they should advise the person for whom the inspection was carried out as soon as possible. The workplace should not be used until the defects have been put right. Remember the passage of construction plant close to an excavation will put additional loading on the excavation. Any supports must be able to carry such loadings. WORKING AT HEIGHT Falls are the largest cause of accidental death in the construction industry. They account for 50% of all fatalities. Most accidents involving falls could have been prevented if the right equipment had been provided and properly used. All falls need to be prevented. However, specific precautions need to be taken (guard rails, barriers, etc) where it is possible to fall two meters (2 m) or more. Even if the fall is less than 2 m, it may be necessary to protect the worker, for example if they are working above starter- bars - assess the risk.When planning for work at height, consider where the work will be done. Obviously the first choice will be any existing structure which allows safe access and provides a safe working place. Where it is not possible to work safely from the existing structure, an extra working platform will be needed. Rules to prevent falls m@ Don’t work at height unless it is essential. @ Make sure the working platform is secure. Check that it: @ will support the weight of workers using it and any materials and equipment they are likely to use or store on it; @ Is stable and will not overturn. For example, scaffolds usually need to be tied to a supporting structure. Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) may not be safe on uneven or sloping ground; m provides adequate working space; and Is footed on stable ground or on a stable support or structure. Provide guard rails, barriers etc at open edges, including edges of floors, floor openings, edges of roofs and edges of working platforms. |)The nature or duration of the work may also influence what working platform is most appropriate. Traditionally much work has been done from scaffolding. However, other means of access such as MEWPs, tower scaffolds, personal suspension equipment (such as rope access techniques and boatswain’s chairs) and ladders, offer advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to consider what risks there may be in erecting the access equipment as well as using it. m= Matters which need to be considered when selecting a type of work platform or means of access to the workplace include: The type of work to be carried out, e.g. It will require heavy loads on the platform. how long the work will last; what risks there will be during erection of the platform; how difficult the platform will be to maintain; how many people will need to use the equipment; can the equipment be stabilized, e.g. can the scaffold be tied?; and = Whether part of the structure can be provided early in the work so that there is a permanent working platform. When selecting a means of access, remember: = only when it is not practicable to provide a work platform with guard rails should other means of access (for example, boatswain's chairs or rope access techniques) be used; monly when no other method is practicable, or risk assessment shows other methods are safer when work platforms cannot comply with all requirements for safe work (e.g. a guard rail has to be removed to land materials), should a way of arresting falls (for example, a harness and lines or nets) be relied upon; m_ If no other means of providing a safe place of work at height is available, then appropriately anchored harness should be worn. However, whenever harnesses are used a methodmust be available to enable people to be rescued should they fall and be left suspended in their harness; ™ nets may also be needed to protect those working to put guard rails or other protection in place; m Ladders should always be secured if possible. They should be primarily used for access and only be used as workplaces to do light work of short duration, and then only if itis safe to do so. It is generally safer to use a tower scaffold or MEWP even for short-term work. Heavy work activity such as drilling or carrying heavy loads should never be carried out from a ladder. When using a ladder ensure that the person on the ladder always has three points of contact, i.e. two legs and a hand. People should never have to lean sideways when up a ladder. m= When selecting a safe system of work at heights, all the risks have to be considered before one method is selected. For example, if nets are selected, is there adequate clearance under the nets to prevent injury to those who may fall into them? If harnesses are used, is there sufficient clearance from the ground to allow the shock absorbing lanyard or inertia reel to fully extend? = Before any work at height, check that there is adequate clearance for equipment. For example, overhead power lines can be a risk when erecting scaffolds or using MEWPs; there can be a risk of crushing against nearby structures when mobile access platforms are maneuvered. Safety harnesses Providing a safe place of work and system of work to prevent falls should always be the first consideration. However, there may be circumstances in which it is not practicable for all or any of the requirements for guard rails etc to be provided (for example, where guard rails are taken down for short periods to land materials) where people may still approach an open edge from which they would be liable to fall 2 m or more, other forms of protection will be needed. In some cases.a suitably attached harness and temporary horizontal lifeline could allow safe working.When using harnesses and temporary horizontal lifelines, remember: Harnesses and lanyards are made of man-made fibers and as such are prone to degradation by sunlight, chemicals etc. It is important to carry out tactile pre-use checks daily, in good light, before taking harnesses and lanyards into use. If there is the slightest doubt about a harness or the lanyard, do not use it. Faults can be noticed by discoloration, little tears and nicks, grittiness to touch etc. Aharness will not prevent a fall - it can only minimize the tisk of injury if there is a fall. The person who falls may be injured by the impact load to the body when the line goes tight or when they strike against parts of the structure during the fall. An energy absorber fitted to the energy-absorbing lanyard can reduce the risk of injury from impact loads; Minimize free-fall distance. Keep your anchor as high as possible, thus reducing fall distances. consider how to recover anyone who does fall; Anyone who needs to attach themselves should be able to do so from a safe position. They need to be able to attach themselves before they move into a position where they are relying on the protection provided by the harness; to ensure that there is an adequate fall height to allow the system to deploy and arrest the fall; A twin lanyard may be necessary in some cases where the wearer needs to move about. A twin lanyard allows the wearer to clip on one lanyard in a different position before unclipping the other lanyard; installation of equipment to which harnesses will be fixed, e.g. a suitable anchor, must be supervised by a suitably qualified person; and Make sure everyone who uses a harness knows how to check, wear and adjust it before use and how to connect themselves to the structure or safety line as appropriate. Each day, harnesses and lanyards need to be inspected visually, before they are used, for signs of abrasion, tears or general wear and tear. They should be thoroughly examined periodically, and these examinations should be carried out at least every six months.DEMOLITION, DISMANTLING & STRUCTURAL ALTERATION Demolition and dismantling are high risk activities. Workers are injured in falls from edges and through openings and fragile materials. Workers and passers-by can be injured by the premature and uncontrolled collapse of structures or parts of structures and by flying debris. High levels of dust, noise and other site contamination are also significant problems which need to be considered and controlled when planning any demolition work. Safe demolition requires planning. The key to developing a safe ‘system of work for demolition and dismantling is choosing a work method which keeps people as far away as possible from the risks. Proposed working methods may be best detailed in a health and safety method statement. Everyone involved in the work needs to know what precautions are to be taken. They should be supervised so that these precautions are put into practice. itis essential that demolition is planned and carried out under the supervision of a competent person. Supervisors should have knowledge of the particular type of demolition being carried out, its hazards and how to control them. In particular, they should understand and follow any demolition method statement and know of any particular demolition sequence required to avoid accidental collapse of the structure. Anyone who is not involved in the work should be kept away. Create an exclusion zone around the work area, which should be clearly marked, where necessary, by barriers or hoardings. Do not allow materials to fall into any area where people are working or passing through. Fans, or other protection such as covered walkways, may be needed to provide protection where materials can fall. Fire is also a risk, especially where hot work is being carried out, so make sure the precautions are in place. STEEL ERECTION When designing and planning for the erection of steel frames, the first consideration should be to eliminate or reduce the needto work at height. Where work at height cannot be avoided, mobile platforms or tower scaffolds or other suitable working platforms should be used for access for bolting-up and similar operations. Make sure the ground is suitable before work starts, to allow safe use of mobile platforms or tower scaffolds and safe standing for a crane. Steel erection requires careful planning and execution - it is best left to specialists. There is also much potential to reduce risks during design and planning by, for example: m ensuring erection is sequenced so that stairs and handrails can go in as early as possible to provide safe access to high levels of the structure; m designing connection joints to make bolting-up easy; = adding bracing into the design to ensure integral stability of the structure through all stages of erection; m_ Enguring adequate information is passed on to alert erectors about special sequences which need to be followed to ensure stability. The main hazards to be controlled on site are: falls when working at height; m erectors being hit or knocked off the steel by moving steel members or decking packs being craned into position; the structure collapsing before it is fully braced; materials dropping onto people working below; the manual lifting of heavy steel members, causing back and other strains and injuries; and m Cranes overtuming. FORMWORK AND REINFORCED CONCRETE WORK The main risks are: = people falling during steel-fixing and erection of formwork; m collapse of the formwork or falsework;materials falling while striking the formwork; manual handling of shutters, reinforcing bars etc; being struck by the concrete skip; silica dust from scrabbling operations; arm and back strain for steel-fixers; Cement burns from wet concrete. Many of these risks can be reduced or removed by design and careful planning of the formwork. For example: m@ Designers should consider the manual handling risks when detailing size and length of the reinforcing bar. m Fixing reinforcement steel in prefabricated sections in factory conditions and craning it into position. Work can be done on work benches to reduce the need for bending down. ™ Using formwork systems that have edge protection and access designed in. = Minimizing the need for scrabbling by using retarders. ™ Using concrete pumps instead of crane and skip. Make sure: ™ guard rails or other suitable barriers to prevent falls are put in place as work progresses; ™ workers have safe access to the work - it is not safe to stand on primary or other open timbers; a ladder or a tower scaffold is used for access; ladders are tied - climbing up vertical sections of reinforcement or the wedges of column forms should not be permitted; = Equipment is in good order before use. Do not use substitutes for the manufacturer’s pins in adjustable props; ™ the formwork, falsework and temporary supports are checked, properly tied, footed, braced and supported before loading, and before pouring walls or columns; = workers are protected from wet concrete (provide glovesand Wellington boots) and silica dust (provide respirators or avoid the need to scabble by using a retarder); m_ loads are spread as evenly as possible on the temporary structure - do not place large loads of timber, reinforcing bars or wet concrete in a localized area - spread loads evenly; itis known when back-propping is required and how soon the new structure can be loaded; and m There is a planned safe striking procedure. UNDERGROUND SERVICES Underground services can be easily damaged during excavation work. If the proper precautions are not taken, itis all too easy for workers to hit these services, resulting in risk: m to themselves and anyone nearby from the heat, flame and molten metal given off when an electricity cable is struck; from escaping gas when a gas pipe is hit; or from flooding of the excavation when a water pipe is damaged; and From the interruption of services to hospitals, emergency services etc. Before work starts, service plans should be obtained. Use the service plans to see whether the place intended for digging will involve working near buried underground services. Look out for signs of services such as manholes, valve covers, street-lights etc. Check for pipes and cables before starting to dig. Contact with services can be avoided by proper planning and execution. A safe system of work depends upon the use of: = cable or other service plans; = cable and service locators; and m Safe digging practices. Whenever possible, keep excavations well away from existing services. ———————_E Sl