A Partial Learning Module for

CONSTRUCTION OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (SPEC B-1)

Prepared by:

ENGR. NEIL SAMUEL G. SAMSON, M.Eng’g.

Instructor 1

August 2021

Student’s Name

Year and Section

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This material is intended exclusively for this instructor’s Second Year Bachelor of Science in Civil
Engineering students in Construction Occupational Safety and Health (SPEC B-1) for the first semester of
Academic Year 2021-2022.

This material may subject for revision and updates any time the instructor deemed necessary. This
material is for the intended student’s personal use only.

This must not be reproduced in any form for any other intended purposes.

SAFETY HAZARDS AND CONTROLS

Safety Hazards

- are unsafe working conditions a source of potential injuries or death to anybody in the
workplace. These are the most common workplace risks.

1. CONSTRUCTION SITE HAZARDS

Rule 1060 of Occupational Safety and Health Standards: Premises of Establishments

Rule 1060.01.4: General Requirements

Good housekeeping shall be maintained at all times through cleanliness of building,

yards, machines, equipment, regular waste disposal, and orderly arrangement of processes,
operations, storage and filing of materials.

Work areas shall be kept free any form of hazards such as, 1063.01: Stumbling Hazards, 1063.02:
Slipping Hazards, 1064 to 1068: Fall Hazards. Also, 1069: Yards, including Surfaces, Walkways,
Roadways, Gates and Parking shall be kept free from hazards.

An untidy workplace and poorly-planned construction site is related to many accidents that
causes damage to properties, injuries and worst, death to workers.

Site Planning and Layout, and Tidiness

Site planning and lay-out, and site tidiness are the two (2) important considerations in keeping the
construction job sites safe.
The International Labor Organisation (1995)

1. Site Planning and Lay-out.

It is the management’s responsibility to properly plan a construction project and

prepare budget allocation for a safe and efficient construction operation.

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 Site planning and layout considerations:

 Work sequence
 Workflow of workers all over the site
 Vehicle traffic flow and route
 Materials and equipment storage based on Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and Bill of Materials
(BOM) specifications.
 Construction machinery location
 Trade shops’ location
 Medical and welfare facilities location
 Lightings
 Worksite security
 Waste collection and removal
 Power supply for temporary lighting and portable power tools
 Workers and supervisors training

2. Site Tidiness.

Workers have a significant contribution in keeping the work area clean and orderly at all
times.

The presence of clutters in work area have been causing countless accidents due to tripping,
slipping or falling over of materials and equipment This is where a good housekeeping is given
importance.

5S for Construction Site

A concept of housekeeping from Japan having reference to five Japanese words Seiri, Seiton,
Seiso, Seiketsu and Shitsuke.

5S is a systematic approach for improving quality and safety by organizing a workplace. It is a

methodology that advocates what should be kept, where it should be kept and how it should be kept.
Rumane, 2011

The 5S program improves safety performance by eliminating safety hazards. It maximizes time,
effort and use of work space because items are organized and labelled.

It is the contractor’s responsibility to maintain the workplace clean and orderly, safekeeping of the
materials and equipment, and worker’s safety.

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The Concept of 5S

 SEIRI SORT Sort out necessary from unnecessary:

 Determine what to be kept in the open and under shed
 Allocate appropriate area for each type of construction
materials, equipment, tools, machineries and spare
parts.
 Allocate appropriate storage area for paints and
chemicals
 Allocate appropriate storage area for hazardous and
inflammable materials

 SEITON SET IN ORDER Keep items in a systematic/orderly manner:

 Identify, arrange and store per relevant division/section
of contract documents each materials/equipment and
tools for easy access
 Identify and store material in base on their needs of
special condition and usage per construction schedule
 Put the material in sequence per their use and keep
frequently used near the workplace
 Mark and tag the items/material
 Label storage containers and drawers with list of its
contents
 Store shattering materials at one place
 Arrange and set boundaries for each type of equipment
for safe and easy maneuvering and movement where
frequently used equipment be located near the
workplace
 Park vehicles for frequently used vehicles be parked
near the gate
 Display route map and location

 SEISO SWEEP Maintain cleanliness, dirt- free and tidy surroundings on daily
basis:
Clean workplace site by removing;
 Left-out concrete, used welding rods, cut pieces of
reinforced bars, woods, plywood, pipes, cables and
wires.
 Clean and check tools, equipment, machineries and
vehicles after use and return by the technician or
operator.
 Attend breakdown report

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  SEIKETSU STANDARDIZE Keep workplace organized consistently standardized operation:
 Standardize warehouse by allocating separate areas for
material used by each division or sections
 Standardize storage for consumable items and area for
long lead items
 Have a scheduled cleaning the work place regularly
 Have an available standard toll kit or tool box for a
group of technicians
 Make every worker informed of their responsibilities
and related area where things are available and to be
placed
 Inform suppliers in advance the place for delivery of
material

 SHITSUKE SUSTAIN Maintain what has been accomplished

 Religiously follow the system until project completion

2. EXCAVATION HAZARDS

Excavation

Any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in an earth surface formed by earth removal.

Trench

A narrow underground excavation that is deeper than its width, and no wider than 15 feet.

Occupational Safety and Health Association

Excavation and trenching are inherent activity to almost every construction project, and can be
extremely dangerous such us a sudden collapse of unsupported sides of the trench.

Rule 1413 of Occupational Safety and Health Standards: Excavation

Rules providing guidelines for workforces in excavation works to prevent the following hazards:

Rule 1060.01 to 02
Soil Collapse – Where workers could avoid being trapped and buried in an
excavation due to the collapse of the sides

Rule 1060.03 to 04

Falls – Where workers could avoid falling into the excavation or be struck and
injured by materials fallen into the excavation.

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 Rule 1060.05

Working Surface – Where workers could prevent unsafe and insufficient means
of access and escape.

Rule 1060.06 to 07

Vehicular Traffic – Where workers and operator of vehicles or any machineries

could avoid causing collapse while maneuvering into or too close to the edge of
an excavation.

Rule 1060.08

Confined Space Conditions – Where workers could avoid asphyxiation or

poisoning due to highly concentrated harmful fumes, gas or dust and less
oxygen entering the excavation.

Excavation and Trenching Hazards and Control Measures

 Soil collapse

Leading causes:
a. steep cutting angle
b. super imposed load
c. shock and vibration
d. water pressure and
e. drying

Control Measures:
 Benching
Protects workers from cave-ins. A method done by digging the sides of
an excavation to form one or a series of steps with vertical surfaces between
levels.

 Sloping
A method done by cutting back the trench wall at an angle inclined
away from the excavation not steeper than 1.5: 1 height to depth ratio, based to
the sloping requirements for the type of soil.

 Shoring.
To prevent soil movement, where a system consisting of posts, wales,
struts, and sheeting are being used to underground utilities, roadways, and
foundations. When sloping ai not practical, shoring together with shielding
methods are being used.

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  Shielding
To prevent soil cave- ins, trench boxes or other types of support are
being used in this method.

 Buried or underground services

Water services, electrical cables, gas pipes, and sewers might be struck during
excavation works.

Control Measures:

Always assume and anticipate that there are underground installations like electrical
cables, gas and water pipes or sewers in the area of to be dug prior to starting of any
excavation work as these might explode, cause flooding and or injuries to workers.

 Edges.
Tools, equipment and excavated materials might be fall into the excavation.

Control Measures:

Keep tools or materials away from the edge of the excavation of at least 1 meter to
prevent them from falling down into the excavation.

Prevent entry or operation of unauthorized vehicles or machineries near the edge of an

excavation.

 Access and Egress

Workers might fall during entry and exit from a trench or excavation.

Control Measures:

 Provide stairways, ladders, ramps, or other safe means of egress for 4 feet or more
than 4 feet depth of trenches.
 Structural ramps used for excavation access or egress must be designed by a
competent person.
 When two or more components form a ramp or runway, they must be connected to
prevent displacement, and be of uniform thickness.
 Cleats or other means of connecting runway components must be attached in a way
that would not cause tripping.
 Structural ramps used in place of steps must have a non-slip surface.
 Use earthen ramps as a means of egress only if a worker can walk them in an
upright position, and only if they have been evaluated and approved by a
competent person.

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Section 3.2.6: National Building Code of the Philippines

 excavation should not be so close and deep as to undermine any adjacent

building or structure. Precautions should be taken by shoring to prevent
collapse or fall.
 proper protection shall be done when excavating below grade immediately
adjoining another property to prevent cave-in.
 notify in writing the owners of adjoining buildings not later than 10 days before
excavation work starts.

3. DEMOLITION HAZARDS

Demolition

A pre-planned and controlled method or procedure of complete or partial dismantling of

structure.

Demolition needs to be carefully planned and properly executed because this process belongs to
the highly hazardous construction work that risks worker and the public to serious injuries and could
cause a huge damage to properties

Rule 1417 of Occupational Safety and Health Standards: Demolition

Rule 1417.01

All demolition operations of building or other structure over six (6) meters high shall be
under supervision of a competent person. No person except the workers who are directly
engaged in the demolition shall enter a demolition area to within a distance equal to 1 1/2 times
the height of the structure being demolished, where this distance is not possible the structure
shall be fenced around and no unauthorized person shall be allowed within the fenced area.

Building Demolition Hazards and Control Measures (ILO, 1995)

 Structural Instabilities
Weakened or deteriorated floors, walls, framings or any loosened materials.

Falling debris, stored materials and heavy equipment that exceeds the carrying load
capacity of the floor also pose significant hazard.

Control Measures:

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  Engineering survey must be conducted to locate unstable structures.
 Always make sure that the total weight of debris, materials and heavy
equipment do es not exceed the carrying load capacity of the certain
structure.
 Maintain shore/brace walls and floors as needed.
 Continually inspect the area by the competent person to detect hazards
resulting from weakened or deteriorated floors, walls, or loosened materials.

 Hazardous Materials
Among the primary hazards of building demolition are materials hidden within
structural members, such as lead, asbestos, silica, asphalt (from roofing shingles),
gypsum (from drywall) and other chemicals or heavy metals.

 Hazardous Substances
Workers could be exposed to hazardous substances, chemicals or flammable
gases that might be contained from tanks and equipment.

Control Measures:

 Worksite inspection must be conducted before the start of operations to

assess if there are presence of any hazardous materials or substances.
 Asses and develop action plan before moving tanks and containments to
eliminate or reduce exposure to any hazardous substances.

 Unsecured Hazards in the Area

Objects like glass and structural members might fall to workers while working
under these unsecured objects.

Control Measures:

 Make sure to provide appropriate netting, sidewalk sheds, canopies, or catch

platforms providing protection from the face of the building for a minimum of 8 feet
and capable of sustaining a load of 150 pounds per square foot.to reduce hazards
from falling debris.

 Utilities
Unsecured and locked-off utility lines that are not properly located exposes
workers to hazards.

Control Measures:

 Communicate and coordinate with the identified utility companies before working
with their utility lines

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  Verify the location and make sure that all utility lines have been shut-off, capped, or
otherwise controlled outside the building prior to work.

 Walkways and Access

Walkways not properly installed and noncompliant with the standards can cause
slips, trips and falls.

Control Measures:

 Only inspected and designated stairways, passageways, and ladders must be used.
 Other walkways and access not in use must be fully closed at all times.

 Illumination
Poorly lighted stairwells, passageways and access to areas where work is
ongoing exposes workers to danger.

Control Measures:

 Properly illuminate all access or egress where the work is ongoing in multi-storey
buildings and substantially covered over at a point not less than two floors below
the floor on which work is being performed.

PREPARATION

Is the most effective control measure. Preparatory operations involve the overall planning.

Overall planning includes:

 Methods in bringing the structure down
 Necessary equipment for the work
 Required workforce
 Protection for workers and the public
 Measures in performing the work safely.

Section 1108 (a) (b): National Building Code of the Philippines

 The work of demolishing any building shall not be commended until all the necessary
pedestrian protective structures are in place.
 The Building Official may require the permittee to submit plans, specifications and
complete schedule of demolition. When so required, no work shall be done until such
plans, specifications and schedule are approved by the Building Official.

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4. HEAVY EQUIPMENT

Heavy Equipment

Any machine with engine or electric motor as prime mover used either for lifting, excavating,
leveling, drilling, compacting, transporting and breaking works in the construction site, such as but not
limited to crane, bulldozer, backhoe, grader, road compactor, prime mover and trailer; and with
minimum operating weight and horsepower rating 1,000 kg and 10 HP, respectively.
DOLE, Department Order 13

Heavy equipment is essential in big construction projects but considered dangerous and if not effectively
controlled will remain to be among the leading causes of fatalities and serious injuries among workers
and even the public.”

Rule 1415 of Occupational Safety and Health Standards: Construction Equipment

Rule 1415.10:
1. No lifting appliance (Heavy Equipment) shall be used unless it has been tested
and examined thoroughly initially and every year thereafter by a competent person by way of
his training and experience in such work.
2. No lifting appliance (Heavy Equipment) which has undergone substantial
alteration or repair affecting its strength or stability shall be used unless it is tested and
thoroughly examined by a competent person.

Department Order 13: Guidelines Governing Safety and Health in the Construction Industry

. Section 10:

All heavy equipment shall be required Testing and Certification by DOLE Accredited
Organizations before use; and All operators of heavy equipment shall be certified by TESDA.

Heavy Equipment Hazards and Control Measures

Associated Hazards:

 Moving parts of the equipment

 Energized electrical lines
 Overloaded equipment
 Unsecured loads
 Improvised attachments
 Uneven terrain
 Vibration

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  Blind spot
 Fall
 Dust
 Noise
Common Causes of Accidents:

 Poorly maintained equipment

 Operator error
 Unqualified operator
 Improper selection and use of equipment
 Unsafe work practices
 Inclement weather

Control Measures

 Operators

Only authorized, qualified and licensed personnel should be allowed to operate on

the assigned mobile equipment. Training and instructions must be provided to heavy
equipment operator.

Operator must:

 Be fit to work and meet the physical requirements

 Not exceed 12 operating hours in any 24-hour period
 Comply with operating instructions, limitations, regulations, and safety
programs.

 Parking, Stopping, and Standing

 Do not leave equipment unattended unless the motor has been shut off, brakes
securely set, transmission gears engaged, and all hydraulic components lowered
to a supporting surface or otherwise protected against accidental movement.
 Chock or turn the wheels toward the curb on any equipment parked on a grade.

 Signal Person

Provide a trained signal person where there is danger from blind spots, moving
equipment, swinging loads, buckets, booms, etc.

 Speed

Do not operate equipment at speed greater than those that are reasonable and safe
considering weather conditions, traffic, road conditions, type and condition of equipment,
and manufacturer’s recommendations.

 Towing

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 Do not permit employees between a towed vehicle and the towing vehicle, except
when hooking or unhooking it.

 Seats and Seatbelts

Do not allow operators or passengers to ride on or in equipment unless they are

seated with installed seatbelts fastened, except for stand-up operation.

 Emergency Equipment

Equip all trucks and combination vehicles operated on public roads including all
buses, and vehicles carrying flammables, explosives, or hazardous materials with emergency
equipment. Equip all mobile machines with appropriate fire extinguishers.

 Use Early Warning Device (EWD) with reflective markers when parked along
public roadways.
 Use two-wheel chocks for each vehicle or trailer where there is a possibility that
the vehicle will move or shift because of roadway conditions or loading or
unloading of the vehicle or trailer.
 Install one dry chemical extinguisher. When transporting flammable or explosive
cargo, install at least two dry chemical fire extinguishers.

 Braking System.

Equip all on-highway equipment with braking systems.

 service brake system

 parking brake system
 secondary brake system

The most important hazards control measures are regular inspection, good maintenance of
equipment, appropriate training, competence and certification of operators.

5. CRANE OPERATION

Crane

A mechanical lifting device primarily designed to lift and lower heavy materials and to move
them horizontally.

Moving large and heavy loads is crucial in most big construction operation where safety issues must be
considered to protect crane operators and the workers in proximity to them.

Rule 1415 of Occupational Safety and Health Standards: Construction Equipment

Rule 1415.01:

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 1. Every lifting appliance including working gear and all other plant equipment
used
for anchoring or fixing shall:
a. be of good mechanical construction, of sound material and adequate strength
for the load it will carry;
b. be properly maintained and inspected at least once a week and the result of
such inspection shall be recorded in a log book maintained by the employer or user of the
equipment, open to enforcing authority

2. Any anchoring or fixing arrangement provided in connection with a lifting

appliance shall be adequate and secure to hold the imposed load.

Rule 1415.15:

1. After erection or alteration, every hoist shall be tested and examined every six
(6) months by a competent person and the result of such tests and examination shall be
recorded in a logbook maintained for the purpose.

2. The logbook shall be made available for inspection by the enforcing authority.

Rule 1415.16:

1. No chain, rope or lifting gear shall be used unless:

a. it is of good construction, sound material, of adequate strength, suitable

quality and free from potent defects.
b. it has been tested and examined by a competent person specifying the safe
working load.

Rule 1415.07:
1. A lifting appliance shall not be operated other than by a person trained,
competent, physically fit, and authorized to operate the appliance.

2. When the operator of a lifting appliance has no clear and unrestricted view of
the load for safe working, there shall be appointed one or more signal men to give the necessary
signals to the operator.

3. Every signal given for the movement or stopping of a lifting appliance shall be
distinctive in character and the person to whom it is given is able to hear or see it easily

Crane safety refers to its structural soundness of the equipment and components,
proper assembly and dismantling procedure, and its proper operation and rigging operation.

Crane Operations Hazards and Control Measures

Five classifications of hazards in crane operation:

1. Structural failure and overloading

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 Overloading - according to OSHA, 80 percent of all crane upsets and structural
failures can be attributed to exceeding the crane’s operational capacity (Hoist
Crane Safety, 2015).
Failure of outrigger - if the outrigger is not set at the designated reinforced
location with corresponding load chart and rating, moving the load can result in
structural failure of the outrigger beam (CraneTech).

2. Instability failure
Soft ground - inadequate crane support, especially on soil causes the crane to
quickly get out of level, which could lead to a tipping accident. This base failure
is often caused by soft soil (Davis, 2011).

3. Materials falling or slipping

Unsafe Hooks - substandard, defective and improperly used hooks may cause
the load to fall which can severely injure workers and other people in the
vicinity.

4. Electrical hazards when crane or its load line contacts an overhead power line
Boom contact with power lines - contact with overhead power lines is the most
common cause of deaths involving cranes. Contact with energized power lines
can result in fatal electrocutions, if not serious burns or damaged equipment
(Spear, 2016).

5. other hazards:
a. Being struck by the crane or an overhead load,
Obstruction of vision or blind spots - Struck by accidents related to
crane operations are often caused by inability of the operator to clearly
see the surroundings.
Boom buckling - when a boom strikes against a structure during slewing
with suspended load, it cannot sustain side forces and can easily buckle.
People below can be fatally hit by the load or the bucking boom.
b. Caught in between the cranes
Pinch Point - While fixing the crane’s load or untying the materials lifted
or moved, the worker’s body part or whole body can be crushed
between 2 moving objects or between a moving and a stationary object.

b. Caught in the crane’s swing radius

Side pull - using the crane to “tow” a load that is not lined up properly
to get it into position is extremely dangerous unless the crane is stable
and load is small
c. Falls

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 Wire rope failure - wire ropes nearing end-of-life or have been damaged
due to corrosion or wear and tear can be disastrous, especially when
used for lifting heavy materials in construction activities

Recommended safety measures and best practices

Before Operation:
1. Check all crane controls to insure proper operation before use.
2. Inspect wire rope, chains and hook for any damage.
3. Know the weight of the load to ensure that load does not exceed the crane's rated
capacity.
4. Fully extend outriggers.
5. Barricade accessible areas within the crane's swing radius.
6. Check all rigging prior to use.
7. Do not wrap hoist ropes or chains around the load.
8. A competent person must inspect slings and all fastenings and attachments for damage
or defects.
9. Verify cranes and derricks will not be operating within 10 feet of any electrical power
line.
10. Post illustrations of hand signals to crane and derrick operators on the job site.
11. Test and correctly set overload limits.
12. Perform and maintain initial and annual inspections of all hoisting and rigging
equipment.

During Operation
1. Raise the load few inches to verify balance and effectiveness of the brake system.
2. Do not move a load over workers.
3. Watch for overhead electrical distribution and transmission lines and maintain a safe
working clearance of at least 10 feet from energized electrical lines.
4. Provide an electrical ground to the upper rotating structure supporting the boom and
materials being handled while working near energized transmitter towers.
5. Use tag lines to prevent dangerous swing or spin of materials when raised or lowered by
a crane or derrick.
6. Make load testing reports/certifications available.

6. SCAFFOLDING AND TEMPORARY STRUCTURES

Scaffold

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 Any temporary elevated work platform and its supporting structure (including points of
anchorage) used for supporting employees or materials or both.

Because scaffoldings are elevated and temporary, it is associated with hazards such as falls,
electrocution and collapse.

Rule 1414.02.2.4 of DO 128-13 Series of 2013

All site fabricated/conventional supported scaffolds exceeding 6 meters in height or a

working load of 150 kg/m2, structural steel should be used, shall be designed and inspected by
the structural engineer and approved by the appropriate authority

Rule 1414.14 of DO 128-13 Series of 2013

All scaffolds competent person must undergo the standard scaffold training and
assessment prescribe by DOLE and TESDA.

Scaffolding And Temporary Structures Hazards and Control Measures

1. Construction Deficiencies
2. Working near electrical power Lines
3. Unsafe Climbing
4. Falling Objects
5. Structural Failure
6. Falls while working on the platform
7. Improper assembling/disassembling

Recommended Precautions While Working with Scaffolds

On Inspection and Tagging:

1. Ensure scaffolds are erected, moved, dismantled or altered under the supervision of a
competent person
2. Make sure a competent person inspects the scaffolding and, at designated intervals,
repeat the inspection.
3. Ensure a competent person inspects rigging on suspension scaffolds before each shift
and after any occurrence that could affect structural integrity.
4. Check that synthetic and natural rope used in suspension scaffolding is protected from
heat-producing sources.
5. Always check to make sure scaffolds are at least 10 feet from electric power lines at all
times.
6. Equip scaffolds with guardrails, midrails and toeboards, as required.
7. Ensure damaged parts that affect the strength of the scaffold are taken out of service.

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 8. Make sure scaffolds are not moved horizontally while workers are on them unless they
are designed to be mobile and workers have been trained in the proper procedures.

On Use
1. Make sure employees are taking protection while working near overhead power lines.
2. Scaffolds should be accessed by using ladders and stairwells. Cross bracing should not
be used.
3. Scaffolds should not be loaded with more weight than they were designed to support.
4. Employees should be provided with a full body harness when working at a height of
more than 6 meters.

On Stability
1. Make sure scaffolds are sound, rigid and sufficient to carry its own weight plus four
times the maximum intended load.
2. Ensure scaffolds are erected on solid footing.
3. Do not support scaffolds or planks with unstable objects, such as barrels, boxes, loose
bricks or concrete blocks.
4. Never use scaffold accessories such as braces, brackets, trusses, screw legs or ladders
that are damaged or weakened from any cause.
5. Tightly plank scaffold platforms with scaffold plank grade material or equivalent. All
scaffolds should be fully planked.
6. Do not allow employees to work on scaffolds when covered with slippery materials.
Work is not permitted in bad weather or strong winds.

7. HOT WORKS

Hot work

Any temporary construction activity that uses gas or electrically powered equipment, which
produces flames, sparks, or heat that can start a fire or ignite flammable/combustible materials.

Hot work Includes but not limited to:

a. Brazing
b. Cutting
c. Grinding
d. Soldering
e. Torch-applied Welding

Rule 1100 of Occupational Safety and Health Standards: Gas and Electric Welding And Cutting
Operations

Rule 1100.01: General Provisions

1. Welding or cutting operations shall not be permitted in rooms or areas

containing combustible materials or in proximity to explosives or flammable liquids, dusts, gases
or vapors, until all fire and explosion hazards are eliminated.

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 2 Welding or cutting operations on containers filled with explosives or flammable
substance is prohibited. Welding closed containers that have held explosive or flammable
substance shall only be undertaken after the containers have been thoroughly cleaned and
found completely free of combustible gases or vapors or the containers are filled with inert gas
or with water.
3 Welding and cutting operations carried out or done in places where persons
other than the welders work or pass shall be enclosed by means of suitable stationary or
portable screens. Screens shall be opaque, of sturdy construction to withstand rough usage of a
material which will not readily be set on fire by sparks or hot metal, at least 2 m. (6.5 ft.) high,
and preferably painted with light flat paint.
4 A portable fire extinguisher shall be provided at the place where welding and
cutting operations are being undertaken.
5 Authorization, before welding and cutting operations are allowed in large
establishments, the area shall be inspected by the safetyman. He shall issue a written permit or
authorization for welding and cutting, indicating therein the precautions to be followed to avoid
fire or accidents

Hot Work Hazards and Control Measures

1. Confined Spaces
Small and enclosed places are especially dangerous for hot work. Dangerous and
flammable gases can accumulate and can cause explosion or can cause death if inhaled.

2. Electrical Machines/Equipment
Poorly maintained hot work machines and equipment may injure workers like
electric shock and electrocution.

3. Sparks
Sparks igniting flammable gases and objects cause most of workplace fires and
explosion.

4. Gas cylinders
If not properly handled and stored, gas cylinders can cause fire and expose
workers to toxic gas and fall injuries.

5. Fumes
Dangerous fumes released in the hot work process can contaminate the
breathing zone of the workers and can cause damage to eyes and respiratory system.

Best practices for hazard control measures in performing hot work

a. Do not perform hot work where flammable vapors or combustible materials exist.
b. Move work and equipment away from hazardous environment, when possible.
c. Provide suitable fire-extinguishing equipment ready in case of fire.

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 d. Assign a fire watch every time hot work is performed.

Hot work requires inspection of the area and a written permit or authorization before work is allowed.
Indicated precautions must be followed to avoid fire or accidents.

A fire watch is required whenever welding or cutting is performed in locations where other than a minor
fire might develop, combustibles are present within 35 feet of operation. Fire watch must remain in the
area 30 to 60 minutes after a hot work is performed

A suitable fire extinguishing equipment to be used by the qualified fire watch in cases where fire might
develop.
8. POWER TOOLS

Power Tools

Tools that are mechanically-driven powered by either gasoline, electricity, compressed air
(pneumatic), hydraulic pressure or explosive powder.

Department Order 198-18 Section 4

- requires employers the use of only approved devices and equipment specific to the
standard set by the industry.

A P50,000/day until complied administrative fine is imposable for the violation of such
requirement.

Department Order 198-18 Section 16

- requires employers to provide workers engaged in high-risk activities with specialized

instruction training for the safety of operation.

Non-compliance for providing job safety instruction and training means an administrative
fine of P20,000/day until complied.

Type of Power Tools, their Hazards and Control Measures

I. Electric Powered Tools

Can injure a worker in 3 different ways:

a. Electric shock which can be fatal,

b. Electric flush burns, and
c. Minor shocks which can result to falls and injury from tool itself

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 Grounding
 To prevent voltage build-up
 Make sure that the power cord has three wires with a ground
 Use GFCI designed to shut off electrical power in case of a ground fault

Use of extension cord and plug

 Inspect regularly and make sure they are in good condition
 Never cut off, bend, or cheat the ground pin on three prong plugs
 Never carry tools by its cord
 Use cord fitted with dead front plugs

Repair of extensions cords

 Do not use defective tool cords that or have been improperly repaired
 Only qualified person should repair cords and tools
 Employer is responsible for determining if the person is qualified or not

II. Air Powered Tools (Pneumatic Tools)

Possible injuries:

a. Air embolism caused by air entering to the bloodstream

b. Eyes and eardrums injuries
c. From flying particles which may be blown by compressed air
d. Respiratory illnesses from airborne contaminants like silica.

Prevention:

Air Compressor
a. Inspect and check hoses and fittings before use
b. Do not use damaged unit
c. Always keep belt guard in place
d. Have adequate ventilation
e. Avoid inhalation of exhaust gases

Air Hoses
a. Always keep it clear of traffic and tripping hazards
b. Clean away dust using brush or vacuum
c. Secure its connections with wire, safety clips or chain

III. Powder-actuated Tools

Possible injuries from:

a. Flying particles/objects, 2)
b. Extreme noise

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 c. Explosion and fire when used in flammable environment
d. Blow through materials which might injure workers on the other side of the
wall.

Prevention:

a. Don’t fire fasteners through pre-drilled holes to prevent shatters

b. Do not work from ladder
c. Do not leave the tool unattended
d. Do not use in areas near explosive or flammable areas

When using power tools always use Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) such as:

a. Hearing protection
b. Eye protection
c. Face shield
d. Industrial gloves
e. Heavy shirts and pants (cover all) that provides protection against ricochets and
fragments
f. Safety shoes from falling objects and electric shocks

9. ROAD/BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION (DPWH Standards)

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has issued a number of policies,
guidelines and procedures to guide contractors and workers for the safety and health of workers,
motorist and the exposed public.

To improve the safety along the national road network of the country, the Department of Public
Works and Highways (DPWH) issued orders related to construction safety and health:

Department Order No. 10, Series of 1978:

Safety of Personnel and Third Parties, Prevention of Accident Responsibilities

Contractor shall:

a. be answerable for the safety, protection and security of personnel, third parties, public
at large, persons or occupants of adjacent buildings/structures affected;
b. provide, erect and maintain all necessary barricades, suitable and sufficient warning
lights, effective danger signals and other signs;
c. shall take all the precautions necessary for the protection of the works and the safety of
personnel and the public;
d. provide protection to roads closed to traffic and lighting to obstructions at night;
e. provide appropriate signs to detours made conspicuous to motorists and public; and
f. cover and provide all excavations and diggings with pedestrian footpaths made of
precast concrete planks and/or bailey bridges.

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Department Order No. 56, Series of 2005:
Guidelines for the Implementation of DOLE D. O. No. 13, Series of 1998, On Occupational
Safety and Health in the Construction Industry

a. construction safety shall be considered in all stages of project procurement;

b. cost of safety shall be integrated to the project cost under Pay Item "SPL- Construction
Safety and Health" as a lump sum amount, to be quantified in the detailed estimate;
c. every construction project shall have a suitable Construction Safety and Health Program
(CSHP);
d. general contractors provide a full time Officer, who shall be assigned as the General
Construction Safety and Health Officer;
e. a Safety Engineer shall be designated as part of project;
f. provide medical and dental health service and personnel to every construction site;
g. employers provide workers with PPEs for free;
h. provide road construction signages and barricades, according to the Road Works Safety
Manual;
i. continuing construction safety and health training is provided to all technical personnel;
j. constructors, consultants, and official found violating safety rules and regulations shall
be meted sanctions depending on the gravity of offense and contractors constantly
caught violating shall be recommended for blacklisting; and
k. the amount corresponding to non- compliance sanctions is deducted from the
contractor’s billing.

DO No. 13, Series of 2008:

"Guidelines in The Procurement and Installation of Road Safety Devices and Facilities"

To supplement Department Circular No. 09 Series of 2004 which prescribed the guidelines on
the adoption and use of the road safety manuals.

The four (4) new manuals on road infrastructure safety:

1. Road Works Safety Manual

2. Road Safety Audit Manual
3. Highway Safety Design Standards Manual - Part 1: Road Safety Design Manual
4. Highway Safety Design Standards Manual - Part 2: Road Signs and Pavement
Markings Manual

DO No. 135, Series of 2015:

"Strict Compliance to Road Works Safety & Traffic Management and Construction Safety &
Health Requirements During Construction and Maintenance of Roads and Bridges"

For contractors to properly observe/implement Road Works Safety & Traffic Management and
Construction Safety & Health requirements during the construction and maintenance of roads and
bridges which results to public inconvenience and accidents.

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 To strictly enforce and monitor compliance to the following Department issuances:

1. Department Circular No. 09, Series of 2004

2. Department Order No. 36, Series of 2007
3. Department Order No. 13, Series of 2008
4. Department Order No. 41, Series of 2012 and
5. Department Order No. 56, Series of 2005

A full work suspension order for the project shall be issued to any contractors who will violate
the following Department Orders.
The Bureau of Quality and Safety shall monitor all ongoing projects being implemented by the
Department and report those contractor/s and implementing offices who are not properly
observing/implementing the Road Works Safety & Traffic Management and Construction Safety and
Health requirements.

ROADWORKS SAFETY MANUAL

Issued as official reference for defining temporary signing, traffic devices and traffic
management for maintenance and construction works on roads and bridges of DO No. 135, Series of
2015.

Responsibility of Supervisors in Road Works Safety

i. Provide safe and convenient traveling conditions for road users

ii. Provide safe working conditions for Personnel and Machinery
iii. Ensure site personnel are aware of their responsibilities

Responsibility of Supervisors in Road Works Safety

i. Take care of their own safety.

ii. Keep a proper look out for danger
iii. Use the equipment provided
iv. Follow method of work
v. Obey all lawful instructions
vi. Give proper attention to their work
vii. Wear protective clothing provided

TYPICAL ROAD WORKS SITE COMPONENTS

 Advance Warning Area

 Transition Area
 Work Area
 Termination Area

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Advance Warning Area

 The first advanced warning sign seen by drivers is generally ‘ROADWORKS AHEAD.’

 First sign is located 2D meters before the work or start of taper - e.g. for 60 kph
approach speed, the distance is 120 meters prior to the taper or works area.

 Spacing of other warning signs in the advance warning area is D meters. e.g. WORKMAN
signs (Note: where visibility is good and there are more than two advance signs the
spacing of signs may be reduced to a minimum of 0.5D)

Transition Area (Taper)

Devices used for forming the taper may be:

 Temporary hazard markers

 Traffic cones

 Temporary bollards

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 The spacing for Traffic Cones or Bollards to create a taper should be 5 to 10 meters.

Approach clearance area for workers are generally 20 to 30 meters long. Longer if
works are hidden from approaching traffic like curves.

Adjacent clearance area for workers are generally 1.2 meters wide.

Work Area

Prohibit signs and devices for unauthorized access

 Traffic Cones
 Temporary Bollards
 Concrete Barriers
 Water Filled Plastic Barriers
 Plastic Mesh or Tape

Termination Area

Signs and Devices used

 Taper to allow normal flow of traffic

 END ROADWORK signs

 END DETOUR sign

 End Speed limit sign

References:

Occupational Safety and Health Standards - 1979, As Amended 1989

National Building Code of the Philippines
https://www.ilo.org/global/lang--en/index.htm
Department Order 13: Guidelines Governing Safety and Health in the Construction Industry

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Department Order 198-18: Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11058 ”An Act Strengthening
Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof”
Department Order No. 10, Series of 1978: Safety of Personnel and Third Parties, Prevention of Accident
Responsibilities
Department Order No. 56, Series of 2005: Guidelines for the Implementation of DOLE D. O. No. 13, Series of 1998,
On Occupational Safety and Health in the Construction Industry
DO No. 13, Series of 2008: "Guidelines in The Procurement and Installation of Road Safety Devices and Facilities"
DO No. 135, Series of 2015: "Strict Compliance to Road Works Safety & Traffic Management and Construction
Safety & Health Requirements During Construction and Maintenance of Roads and Bridges"

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