By Ethan Davis
The following is an abbreviated list of safe work practices, which should be strictly adhered to in the residential concrete construction industry:
1. GENERAL:
Smoking in designated areas only
No horseplay
Do not remove safety devices or guards
Use personal protective equipment
2. HOUSEKEEPING:
- Good housekeeping is everybody’s responsibility.
3. LOCKOUT/TAGOUT:
- General standards apply to all SCW INC. LLC employees / subcontractors
4. ELECTRICAL:
Maintain wiring and equipment in accordance with Electrical Code
GFI’s to be used
Open wires in panels shall be guarded
Junction boxes, outlet switches and fittings must be covered
5. HAND AND PORTABLE POWER TOOLS:
Tools to be inspected daily
Guards should always be in place on power tows. tools
Proper protective equipment must be used
Electric power operated tools must be double insulated or grounded
6. MATERIAL HANDLING:
Aisles to be kept clear
Only material need for immediate operations to be stored on scaffolds
Poles, pipes, conduit and duct work shall b3e stacked and blocked to
Prevent spreading or tilting.
Do not lift awkward or heavy materials by yourself.
Use correct lifting techniques – avoid twisting
7. CRANES, HOISTS, ELEVATORS:
Hand signals to be as prescribed by ANSI standards
All equipment to be inspected prior to use
Know the minimum clearances for powers lines
8. LADDERS:
Use proper type and correct height for job
Inspect regularly for defects
The two highest steps must not be climbed on
A straight ladder should extend 3’ above the working level
Do not overreach
Always face the ladder and use both hands ascending or descending the ladder
9. SCAFFOLDING:
Scaffolds should be erected according to design
Scaffold base must be set on adequate sil? or pad to prevent slipping
All scaffolds over 6’ must have toeboards, guardrails and midrails
Planking shall have a 12” overlap0 and extend 6” at both ends
All scaffolds 4’ or higher shall have guardrails.
10. WELDING:
To be done 30’ away from combustibles
Use personal protective equipment, i.e. welding hoods
A fire extinguisher must be located at the welding site
11. EXCAVATIONS AND TRENCHES:
Prior to excavation check for utility lines etc.
Walls of trenches to be guarded by a shoring system or sloping of ground
Excavated material must be 2’ or more from edge of excavation
All wells, pits, trenches etc. shall be barricaded or covered.
12. GRINDING WHEELS:
Work rest to be no more than 1/8 inch from wheel
Eye protection must be worn.
Tongue guard to be no more than ¼ inch from wheel
Side guards must cover spindle, nut, flange and 75% of wheel diameter
13. FLOOR AND WALL OPENINGS AND STAIRWAYS:
Floor openings to be guarded by standard railing and toeboards or cover.
Wall openings with a drop of more than 4’ shall be guarded with standard
Or intermediate rail
Every flight of stairs having 4 or more risers shall be equipped with standard
Handrails.
14. CONFINED SPACE ENTRY:
A Confined Space Entry Permit must be used before entering a permit
Confined space
An individual must be stationed outside permit area
Proper ventilation and equipment must be in place when welding or cutting in a confined space
Only employees trained in Confined Space Entry are permitted in the confined area
15. AIR HOSES:
Never use compressed air for personal cleaning
Never aim at fellow employee
Store correctly after use