The following pages contain general safety rules for some specific trade. These rules will be used in the project for following purposes:
- As guidelines for promoting general safety
- As a reminder of what acts are unsafe and what Conditions are hazardous
- As material for bulletin board posting
- As subject matter for decision at safety meetings
- As subject matter for toolbox talks.
GENERAL
v Learn the safe way to do your job before you stare
v No one shall be allowed to remain on the job site while under the influence of alcoholic beverages.
v Report all job - incurred injuries to your foreman or to the supervisor
v Horseplay and fighting are not permitted
v Wear suitable protective clothing for the work being performed
v Wear suitable safety shoes in good repair. No sandals or tennis shoes shall be worn on the job.
v Wear goggles, face shields or respirators when the operation requires them. Eye protection must be worn at all times in the working areas.
v Hard hats shall be worn at all times in the construction area.
v Do not ride on running boards or stand up in moving vehicles. No one but the operator shall ride on life truck.
v Riding materials hoists, crane loads, demolition balls, or the Hook shall not be permitted.
v When lifting material keep back straight, bend knees, and lift with the legs. Get help if the load is heavy
v Never lean against safety lines or guard rails.
v Never leave an opening unprotected or uncovered. Provide a cover, or guardrails and toe boards.
v All ladders shall be tied off or anchored.
v Drums, boxes, chairs etc. shall not be substituted for ladders
v Never leave tools or materials where they could fall or where they may cause someone to trip.
v "No Smoking" and other warning signs shall be obeyed.
v Compressed air tools or hose nozzles shall not be pointed at persons.
v Help promote good housekeeping. This includes the disposal of lunch, bottles and personal scrap.
v Do not use paraffin or petrol to start fire or for cleaning purposes.
v Do not climb or descend a ladder with anything inn your hands
v Defective tools and equipment shall be reported and turned in.
v Loads on trucks, tractor and buggies shall be safety secured before being moved.
v Indiscriminate throwing of materials from scaffolds or other high places shall not be permitted.
v Beware of moving machinery or of machinery or equipment that may start up at any time while you are working nearby.
v Obey warning tags; they are there for a purpose. Be alert for electrical lines, electric rails, pipelines, etc.
v When working on or near overhead crane runways, make sure the crane or equipment operator and the department foreman understands what is being done. A temporary rail stop between the crane and piece of equipment and the point where the work is being done should also be provided.
v When work must be done on an electrical or power line, the man doing the work and his supervisor shall be responsible for locking out safety switches (after proper arrangements have been made) and for removing the lock after the work is completed Check your permit to
work.
v Operate only the equipment you are authorised to use.
v When driving a vehicle, obey all laws and regulations governing its use.
v Report hazardous conditions to your supervisor without delay. Call for suitable safeguards.
v Report all injuries, no matter how slight they seem, so that arrangements can be made for medical or first aid treatment.
v Learn "First Aid". They could save another person's life or your own.
v Running at any time on project is strictly prohibited.
GENERAL
v Only the person authorised to do so by his/her supervisor shall operate all heavy equipment
v Operators shall take signals from one person only. When taking signals, do not move machine unless signal is fully understood.
v All petrol and fuel oil motors shall be shut down for refuelling; petrol tanks shall be filled with safety type cans.
v Before starting to hoist, be sure there are no kinks in the chain, cable or rope.
v Cable hooks shall be inspected often. When one becomes bent, it should be replaced rather than straightened out, as it has been weekend.
v Cabs should be kept free of clothing or other articles not needed for the operation of the equipment.
v Guards and safety devices (including boom stops) shall be in place and in proper condition.
v See that tools such as hammers, sledges, screwdriver, wrenches, etc. are not left on the beams, the boom, or the floor or the cab as this may fall or be knocked off and cause injury.
v No one but the operator shall ride on cranes, tractors, bulldozers high lifts, backhoe, scrapers, etc.
v Operators of bulldozers or tractors shall allow no one to ride on the hitch of equipment that they might be towing.
v The operator shall examine his/her machine every shift and any evidence of loose gears, keys, runway, railing or defective warning bells, switches or cables shall be immediately corrected.
v The operator shall not eat, read or smoke while he/she is actively engaged in operating his/her equipment or operates the equipment when he/she feels physically unfit.
v Booms should never be submitted to side load, side pulls should be avoided. In making horizontal pull with a crane, use a snatch block.
v The hook of any lifting equipment must be "Moused" under the Following conditions, except when a safety hook is used:-
(Recommend of safety hook if possible)
- When the load has to be lifted at an angle greater than 10 degrees from the perpendicular
- When the load is subject to rebound, such as a pile-driving head - When the load to be lifted is not "free"
- When the load is such that it could topple over when set down
v Suspended loads shall be controlled with tag lines
v Remember to keep the crane level and properly blocked
ELECTRICIANS
v For safety, all wires should be handled at all times as though they are alive.
v Only cables of heavy-duty type should be laid on the ground.
v Even though the voltage is not high, take no risks.
v Warn others working in the area of any electrical hazard of which they might not be aware.
v Before closing a switch, check to see if a permit is required. If so, ensure that you read and fully understand the instructions and have full knowledge of the circuit and the switch. Be sure nobody is in position to be injured when the switch is closed.
v Before repair work to motors or circuits is begun, fuses should first be removed from the starting box or switch, and a danger tag placed on the switch to warn everyone that repair work is being done. The switch should be locked open. When work is completed the tag and lock remove and protective covers replaced.
v Never leave any electrical job unless it is in safe condition for others.
v Special precautions should be observed where areas might be occasionally or constantly wet. Some of these are:
* Switch should be placed on high ground, a dry platform should be provided on which workmen can stand when operating the switches.
* Extra precautions should be taken to see that no bare wire is used.
* Light sockets should be non-metallic
v Switches should be off the enclosed, safety type and should be earthen.
PAINTERS
General
Three things cause most disabling injuries to painters:
* Fall from scaffolds and other elevations
* Striking objects and structures, or being struck by them
* Slips and falls on the same level
v Spray guns should be adjusted to avoid excessive spray mist in the air
v Proper facilities should be available for storing, mixing and handling of paints and solvents.
v If ventilation is not adequate to remove fumes or mist, use approved respirator equipment.
v Walking and working areas should be kept free from slippery paint accumulations.
v Paints and solvents should be kept in storage cabinets especially designed to comply with the highly flammable liquids and liquefied petroleum gases regulations 1972 and other local regulations.
v Operators should have available and know how to use approved fire extinguishing equipment.
v Be careful how you lift. If it is more than you think you can handle, get help. Keep your back straight. Lifting your leg.
TRUCKS AND LORRY DRIVERS
v All vehicles shall come to a complete stop at all gates, top signs and at railway crossings so designated.
v Posted speed limits shall be obeyed. In the absence of posted speed limits, safe speed limits shall be observed.
v Be alert to the movement of trains and any other equipment that could strike your vehicle. Take care to avoid colliding with pipelines and power lines, which, if damaged, could cause an interruption of plant processes.
v Where a number of employees and various types of equipment are working, vehicles should be fitted with a reversing beeper to give warning.
v Workers should not be permitted in the back of vehicles.
v Stay at safe distance from unsupported excavation. The earth may not support the added weight of your cab.
v Safe helmet shall be worn on the construction site, except when you are under the protection of your cab.
v You should have a suitable fire extinguisher in operating condition in your vehicle.
v Report all mechanical defects at once and see your vehicle is in safe operating condition.
v To avoid overhead lines or other low clearances, the bed of the lorry should be lowered as soon as the vehicle clears the dumped load and before moving off.
v While the lorry is being loaded, it should be marked so that the bucket does not swing over the cab or seat. If the vehicle cannot be so located and does not have a protective canopy over the cab, the driver should dismount and stand clear of the vehicle and bucket.
v Loads that may shift should be lashed or blocked.
v The bulk and weight capacity of the truck should be observed.
v If materials extended beyond the end of the vehicle, a red flag (or at night, a red light) should be fastened to the end of the materials. No materials should extend over the sides.
v When you leave your lorry, particularly during loading or unloading operations, the brakes should be securely set or the wheels blocked to prevent any unexpected movement.
v All accidents involving your vehicle should be reported at once to your supervisor and on the construction office. Remember to get the names and addresses of any accident.
v At all times have in your possession a valid operator's license. When driving a vehicle on or off the construction site, obey all laws and regulation governing its use. It is estimated that unsafe acts of drivers can be identified as the cause of about 85% to 90% all motor vehicle accidents, while about 10% to 15% is caused by mechanical failure. Responsibility for the prevention of accidents includes more than careful observance of traffic rules and regulation. Drivers should drive defensively in a manner to prevent accidents, regardless of faulty driving or operation or equipment on the rail of others.
v Handles of picks and shovels should be free from splinters and securely fastened to the head. When swinging a pick make sure that no one is near enough to be struck. Twelve (12) feet spacing between workers is recommended when using a pick in trench work.
v Do not run with a wheelbarrow particularly with the handle in an upright position. Wheelbarrow should not be overloaded, especially on ramps. Guide again striking hands or knuckles on edges of doorways, columns, stacked material, etc. when guiding a wheelbarrow.
v In operating heavy tools at a level higher than the feet, it is often possible to support the tool from detached object or support in order to safeguard the feet.
v Pressure should be released from air hose before breaking connection in order to avoid the hazards of flying particles and the possible "whipping" of the hose itself. Make sure air hose connections are tight, wire or chain them together to prevent accidental uncoupling.
v Operators of pneumatic and those working close to such operations shall wear eye protection.
v Hammers should be equipped with safety tool retainers to prevent tools flying from sockets when power is applied.
v Insofar as is possible, keep the exposed parts of the body away from direct contact with lime and clement.
v Melting of tar pitch and asphalt should be done out of doors. Workers should stay on windward side of the air boiler. Sufficient heavy clothing and goggles should be worn to protect the operator from hot tar. Keep plenty of dry sand or a fire extinguisher near the boiler to smother any fire.
v In lifting, remember to keep the back as straight as possible. It may be far from vertical, but should not be arched. Lift with the legs, not the back.
v Wear eye protection, head protection and safety footwear all times.
v Wear rubber boots when pouring concrete or other paving.
v Wear rubber gloves and faces shields when doing any acid cleaning or using solvents.
v Bend or pull nails when stripping formwork.
PIPE FITTERS General
v Do not walk, crawl or stand beneath suspended loads at all times or pass between swinging loads and fixed objects.
v Do not pipe material or equipment so that it obstructs safety equipment, fire fighting equipment, exist, electrical panels, switch boxes, etc. These things must be kept free of obstruction at all times. Aisles and roadways must be kept clear.
v Be as familiar as possible with surrounding areas, presence of other workmen, and operations so that you can foresee possible dangers. Be familiar with fire extinguisher stations and first aid locations.
v Properly barricade floor openings, open manholes, machine foundations and pits for repair purposes etc., and close them as soon as possible. Where the lighting is poor, a red or yellow light should be installed in addition to the barricade.
v Flammable liquid such as petrol, solvents etc., must be handled in approved safety containers with flame arrestors. Petrol or carbon-tet will not be used for cleaning purposes
v Use the right tool for the right job. It is easiest and safest. Never hammer with a wrench, pry with file etc. Be sure wrenches are the proper size.
v Observe all signs, barricades etc., concerning radiographic and x-ray work.
v When using a wrench or pinch bar etc., position yourself so that if the tools slip you will not fall or otherwise be injured.
v If oil, grease, paint or any other slippery substances are spilled on the floor, wipe them up immediately or use approved absorbents so that you or others will not slip or fall.
v Operate only equipment that your foreman has authorised you to use and only in the areas in which you have been directed to work.
v All safety guards must be in place before operating any machine or equipment.
v Never tie down, block out or otherwise make inoperative any type of safety device or guard.
v Stay well in the clear of loads being moved or handled by any type of safety device or guard.
v Never smoke in the carpenter, paint, oxygen or acetylene storage areas; petrol or diesel filling stations or any other where smoking is prohibited.
v Do not attempt to brake or slow down moving machinery with your hands or a makeshift device. Use the machine brake if it has one, otherwise wait for it to stop of its own accord.
v Avoid wearing oily or paint soaked clothing. If your garments become coated with such substances, keep away from fires or operations where hot metal or sparks may ignite the clothing.
v When assembling pipes with crane or hoist, always have sufficient number of hangers to fully secure it before unhooking the crane or hoist.
v All tools, whether company property or personally owned, should be maintained in first class condition. Tools with loose or mushroomed heads or defective handles should be repaired or replaced immediately.
v When welding, burning etc., in confined areas, special means of ventilation may be required. Check with your foreman before working in such areas.
v Makeshift device as a work platform or for access to other elevations must not be used. Use ladders or approved type scaffolds for such work.
v When using "C" or other types of holding clamps; be sure they are sufficiently tight to prevent slippage of materials. Do not over tighten by using a pipe or wrench for additional coverage.
v Clamp or otherwise secure small or tight materials before attempting to ream, drill tap, etc.
v Only authorised personnel are permitted to do electrical work. Do not use electrical extension cables weld leads etc., unless they are properly insulated.
v When using air tools, always turn off the air at the outlet to relieve pressure before disconnecting hose.
v When handling material with hoist or crane, avoid pulling the material toward you. Push it from you. You will then be in a position to get in the clear, should the need arise.
v Never use your fingers to check the alignment of condition of holes, flanges, pipe etc.
v Only qualified welders shall weld supports for staging or scaffolding or making welds attaching lifting hitches, lugs, etc. Avoid any prying action on weld supporting scaffolding
v Make frequent inspection of chisels, points, etc and striking tools for mushrooming, spills, cracks etc. Do not use any such tools that are in bad condition. Turn them in for repair or for scrapping. Do not weld on hand hammers, sledges, wrenches or any other hardened steel tools.
v Keep air hose, electric cable, clear of hot slag, and lead or other hot materials.
v When you are relieved from a job that has unusual, partially concealed or concealed hazards, immediately inform the person relieving you that such hazards exist. Be specific.
GRINDING
v All abrasive stones or discs shall be equipped with approved type guard. If necessary to remove guard temporarily to get a fillets or other close areas specific authorization must be granted by the foreman. Guards must be replaced immediately upon completion
of that portion of the work.
v Inspect the stones and discs daily for any cracks or defects. Where any damage is evident, the stone should be removed from services.
v Avoid dropping the grinding on the floor or bench, bumping against materials or