Employee Construction Safety & Health Guidelines

• Report to work rested and physically fit to perform your job.
• Be familiar with and comply with all safety and health practices outlined in this manual.
• Any employee observing an unsafe condition or equipment shall immediately report said condition to the foreman or superintendent.
• Work with care and good judgement at all times to avoid accidents whether or not a specific rule is contained in this manual.
• Obey all posted safety signs.
• Use the required safety devices and wear proper personal protective safety equipment when necessary.
• No employee shall use, sell, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol and/or illicit drugs, and they are strictly prohibited on the job.
• Health and sanitation rules must be observed for the welfare and consideration of all employees.
• When entering different work areas, familiarize yourself with any required safety precautions.
• Report all accidents to your supervisor immediately regardless of how small or minor they may seem.
• If you have medical conditions, allergies, or are taking prescription medications, notify your supervisor.
• Properly handle, use, maintain, and store all safety equipment, company tools and materials.
• Know the location and proper use of fire extinguishing equipment along with warning others.
• Make sure clearances are adequate in buildings where engines or portable heating equipment are used. Provisions should be made for proper ventilation of exhaust fumes.
• Horseplay including reckless driving of vehicles or equipment will not be tolerated.
• Employees are cautioned about the danger of loose clothing,rings, bracelets, and jewelry around moving equipment.
• Comply with the orders and directions given to you by super visors and management.

The Hazard Communication Standard, workers must be made aware of exposure to hazardous materials and know what safety procedures to follow. You can obtain information on substances and agents in the workplace including:

• The identity of any substance you work with or are likely to be exposed to.
• A description of the hazardous effects of the substances or infectious agent.
• Precautions to be taken when handling the substance.
• Emergency treatment procedures in the event of over exposure to the substance or agent.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's)

• A separate MSDS must be made readily accessible for each product that a worker is exposed to.
• MSDS's must be accessible, and available to all employees upon their request.
• Familiarize yourself with the location of your company's MSDS library/file.
• If you cannot find a particular MSDS, contact your supervisor.

Labels

Containers of hazardous materials must be labeled. The label must include the product's name, and specific information about the hazards it poses, (i.e. flammable, poison, corrosive, etc...

• When a medical facility is not reasonably accessible for the treatment of injured employees, a person trained to render first aid shall be available at the work site.
• First aid supplies shall be readily available and shall be in a weatherproof container with individually sealed packages for each type of item. The contents of the kit shall be checked at least weekly on each job.
• The telephone numbers of physicians, hospitals, or ambulances shall be conspicuously posted.

a. TREATMENT

• Provide a prompt RESCUE, only if there is imminent danger of further injury. Do not become another victim.
• Ensure the victim has an OPEN AIRWAY and is breathing.
• Control severe BLEEDING, (direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth)
• Flush CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION out of the eyes or skin with water.
• POISONING call the Poison Control Center immediately
• DO NOT MOVE a victim unless necessary for safety reasons.
• Keep BROKEN BONES from moving by applying a splint.
• Cover BURNS loosely with thick layers of cloth.
• Keep HEART ATTACK victims comfortable and perform CPR if necessary and if you have been trained.
• Treat for SHOCK. Keep victim lying flat. Maintain his/her temperature with a blanket, but do not overheat.

Elevate feet slightly if there is no hip or leg injury.

Remember, these are basic priorities to be applied only while help is being summoned.

We urge you to become certified in First Aid and CPR.

If interested, contact the AGC Chapter office for training (608-221-3821).

• All PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT must be inspected before its use. Defective or damaged equipment is not to be used.
• Approved HARD HATS are to be worn when there is an exposure to falling objects, and in accordance with company policy.
• Approved HEARING PROTECTION shall be worn where high noise levels exist. If you have to raise your voice to be heard, you probably need hearing protection.
• FOOTWEAR that is work-wise and in serviceable condition for the operation which the employee is assigned is required. Tennis shoes are prohibited.
• EYE AND FACE protection shall be worn when operations present potential eye or face injury.
• GLOVES shall be worn when handling materials that could cause lacerations or burns. Other hand protection may be designated by the job superintendent or foreman.
• Employees working over or near water, where danger of drowning exists, shall wear U.S. Coast Guard APPROVED LIFE VESTS.
• When feasible ENGINEERING OR ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS are not effective in controlling toxic substances, appropriate respiratory protective equipment shall be used.
• Employees required to use RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES shall be thoroughly trained in their use, included in a medical surveillance program and have fit testing conducted at least every 6 months.

• Good housekeeping practices shall be maintained at all times on the job site. Storage areas, aisles and walkways shall be kept clean. Materials shall be neatly piled and stacked.
• Nails are to be removed or bent over as soon as lumber is disassembled.
• Electrical cords, leads, hoses, etc, should be placed to avoid tripping hazards or prevent damage.
• Scrap lumber, waste material and rubbish shall be removed from the immediate work area as work progresses.
• Refuse piles must be removed as soon possible.
• Spills must be cleaned up immediately. Spills which contain hazardous materials shall be contained. Notify your supervisor immediately of hazardous material spill.
• Containers shall be provided for collection and separation of all refuse. Covers shall be provided on containers used for flammable or harmful substances.

• The use of gasoline is prohibited for cleaning purposes or for starting fires.
• All solvent waste, oily rags and flammable liquids shall be kept in fire resistant covered containers until removed from the work site.
• All "NO SMOKING" rules shall be observed.
• One or more fire extinguishers, rated not less than 2A, shall be provided for every 3000 square feet on each floor. At least one fire extinguisher shall be located adjacent to the stairway. Travel distance to the nearest extinguisher shall not exceed 100 feet, (25-75 ft. near flammable liquids).
• No more than 25 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids shall be stored in a non-fire rated room outside of an approved storage cabinet.
• All flammable/combustible fuel must be properly labeled and transported in U.L approved containers.

Standard recognized colors:

Red - gasoline Green - fuel oil Blue - kerosene

• The employer shall establish an alarm system at the work site so that employees and the local fire departments can be alerted for an emergency.

• Containers shall be placed upright on firm foundations or firmly secured and protected from impact.
• Storage of LPG within buildings is prohibited.
• Storage locations shall have at least one fire extinguisher rated not less than 20-B:C.
• Safety relief valves or devices shall be provided.
• Each system shall have containers, valves, connectors manifold valve assemblies, and regulators of an approved type.
• Fuel gas shall not be taken into confined space.

• Material stored in tiers shall be secured to prevent sliding, falling or collapse.
• Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear.
• Storage of materials shall not obstruct exits.
• Materials shall be stored according to their fire characteristics.

• To minimize back strains, proper lifting procedures shall be practiced SAVE YOUR BACK.
• Get help when lifting loads too heavy or bulky for one person to handle.
• When lifting:

Place your feet close to the load ... 8 to 12 inches apart for good balance.

Bend knees to the degree comfortable and get a good handhold. Then, using both leg and back muscles. Lift the load straight—smoothly and evenly. Pushing with your legs, keeping load close to your body.

• An enclosed chute shall be used whenever materials are dropped more than 20 feet to the exterior of a building.
• When debris is dropped through floor holes without the use of chutes, the area where the material is dropped shall be enclosed with barricades not less than 42 inches high and not less than 6 feet back from the projected edges of the opening above. Warning signs of the hazard of falling material shall be posted at each level.

• Ladders shall be inspected before each use. Damaged ladders are to be removed from service and tagged.
• Access ladders shall reach 3 feet above the landing and shall be secured to prevent accidental displacement.
• Face ladder when climbing and use both hands. Materials should not be carried up a ladder.
• The top two steps of a stepladder are not to be used as working platforms unless they are so designed.
• Straight ladders are to be placed so that the distance of the base of the ladder from the wall does not exceed 1/4 of the length of the ladder.
• Portable metal ladders shall not be used where they may contact electrical power lines.
• Job-made ladders shall be constructed to proper specifications.
• Do not carry items up ladders. Use a rope to pull up your tools or material.
• Ladders used in walkways shall be protected by barricades or some sort of safety warning.

• Scaffolds shall be erected on sound, rigid footing, capable of carrying the maximum intended load without settling or displacement.
• Scaffolds and their components shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least 4 times the maximum intended load.
• Guard rails 42" high midrails and toeboards shall be installed on all open sides and ends of platforms more than 10 feet above the ground or floor.
• All planking shall be scaffold grade or equivalent as recognized by approves grading rules for the species of wood used.
• Scaffold planking shall be overlapped a minimum of 12 inches or secured from movement.
• Scaffold planks shall extend over their end supports not less than 6 inches nor more than 12 inches.
• Scaffold shall be properly braced according to the manufacturers recommendations.
• An access ladder or equivalent safe access shall be immediately repaired or replaced.
• Defective parts and accessories shall be replaced according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Do not alter any scaffold member by welding, cutting, burning or bending.
• Components of scaffolds shall not be used as anchorage points for fall protection.
• Scaffold platforms shall be kept free of debris and unneeded tools materials.

• Employees working or walking on surfaces 6 feet or more above lower levels must be protected from falling.
• Personal fall arrest systems must be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage and other deterioration.
• Anchorage points for personal fall arrest systems must be capable of supporting at least 5000 lbs. per person attached.
• Guard rails must be at least 2x4 wood, 1½" schedule 40 pipe, 2x2x3/8" angle or cables at least 1/4" in diameter. If cables are used, they must be flagged at least every 6 feet.
• The guard rail system must be capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds in any direction with minimal deflection or without failure.
• The top edge height of a guard rail must be 42 inches plus or minus 3 inches above the walking/working level.
• Midrails, screens, etc... must be installed when there are no walls or parapet walls at least 21 inches high.
• Toeboards must be installed when other workers may access the area beneath the working surface.
• Warning line systems may be utilized around all sides of roof work areas. They should be erected not less than 6 feet from the roof edge, and flagged every 6 feet with a highly visible material.
• When mechanical equipment is being used, the warning line must be at least 10 feet from the edge of the roof that is perpendicular to the direction of operation.
• Employees constructing leading edges 6 feet or more above lower levels must be protected from falling.
• Holes more than 6 feet above lower levels shall be protected by guard rail systems or covers. Covers must be secured to prevent accidental displacement, and shall be able to withstand at least twice the weight of the largest intended load.
• Each employee working near wall openings (including those with chutes attached) where the distance to the next lower level is 6 feet or more must be protected from falling.
• Employees working on lower levels must be protected from falling objects by screens, canopies, or barricades.
• Employees climbing or working on forms above 6'must be protected from falling
• Employees climbing reinforcing steel above 24' must be protected from falling, but must use positioning devices while working above 6'.
• Safety nets must be installed as close as practicable under the walking/working surface, and never more than 30 feet below such level.
• Nets must be installed by a competent person, and shall be inspected at least once a week for wear, damage and other deterioration.
• Any debris falling into nets must be removed immediately.

• Lamps for general illumination must be protected from breakage, and metal shell sockets must be grounded.
• Temporary lights must not be suspended by their cords, unless they are designed to do so.
• Portable lighting used in wet or conductive locations, such as tanks or boilers, must be operated at no more than 12 volts or be protected by GFCI'S.
• Extension cords must be of the three-wire type, and designed for hard or extra-hard usage (Types SJ, SJO, SJT ,SJTO, S, SO, ST, & STO shall not be used).
• Worn or frayed electrical cords or cables must not be used. Extension cords must not be fastened with staples, hung from nails, or suspended by wire.
• Electrical panels must be properly covered to prevent accidental contact with energized parts.
• Equipment or circuits that are de-energized must be rendered inoperative and must have tags attached at all points where the equipment or circuits could be energized.
• Either ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI's) or an Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program must be used to protect employees from electrical hazards.

Assured Equipment Grounding Program

• Test all outlets, tools and cords every 3 months, to assure safe use. The AGC color coding scheme is as follows:

• If tape or spray is used to indicate the quarter that the tool, outlet or cord was tested, previous colors shall be removed. If spray paint is used, the previous color must be completely covered.
• Tools & cords must be checked before each use for obvious damage.
• GFCI's must be tested according to manufacturers recommendations, and any defective ones replaced.

• Safety clips or retainers shall be securely maintained on hose couplings and tools to prevent attachments from being accidentally uncoupled.
• The manufacturer's safe operating pressure for all fittings shall not be exceeded.
• Compressed air is not to be used for dusting off clothing or cleaning off equipment.

• Damaged hand tools shall be removed from service immediately (Example: Mushroomed chisel heads, splintered or cracked handles, sprung jaws on wrenches).
• To prevent an electrical shock, power operated tools shall be properly grounded or be of the double insulated type.
• Hand tools shall not be used for any purpose other than their intended use.
• Tongue guard and tool rests must be provided adjusted not more than 1/8 inch from the wheel of a bench or stand grinder.
• Portable grinders shall be equipped with an adequate wheel guard.
• All abrasive wheels shall be inspected prior to their use.
• All employees using abrasive wheels shall wear eye protection equipment.
• Wood working equipment (circular saws, radial saws, joiner, etc.), must be provided with a point of operation guard.
• All fixed power-driven woodworking tools shall be provided with a disconnect switch that can be either locked or tagged in the ‘off' position.
• Portable, power-driven, circular saws shall be equipped with guards above and below the base plate or shoe.
• Belt driven equipment shall be provided with full enclosure guards.
• Only trained employees shall be allowed to operate powder-actuated tools.
• On lasers, Beam shutters or caps shall be utilized, or the laser turned off, when laser transmission is not actually required. When the laser is left unattended for a substantial period of laser shall be turned off.

• During storage and transport, compressed gas cylinders shall be secured in an upright position, with the cap in place.
• Cylinder valves shall be closed when work is finished and when cylinders are empty or are moved.
• Cylinders shall be kept at a safe distance or shielded from welding or cutting operations.
• Cylinders shall be placed where they cannot become part of an electrical circuit.
• Oxygen and fuel gas regulators shall be in proper working order while in use.
• Cylinders containing oxygen or acetylene or other fuel gas shall not be taken into confined spaces.
• Oxygen shall be stored at least 20 feet from fuel gasses (i.e., acetylene or propane) or a fire wall rated 1/2 hour shall be constructed between the tanks.

• Proper precautions for fire prevention shall be taken in areas where welding or other "hot work" is being done. Fire watches shall be set up in areas of potential ignition.
• Only friction lighters shall be used to light a torch.
• Do not force connections that do not fit. Check thread directions before connecting.
• Damaged welding cables, regulators or gauges shall not be used.
• Properly filtered eye protection shall be worn when performing welding and cutting operations.

• No employee shall be permitted to work under concrete buckets while buckets are being elevated or lowered into position.
• Riding of concrete buckets is prohibited.
• All protruding reinforcing steel shall be guarded.
• Bull float handles are to be the nonconductive type when working near electrical hazards.
• A Limited Access Zone (LAZ) is to be established when constructing a masonry wall. The ‘LAZ' is to be equal to the unsupported height of the wall plus four feet and located on the side opposite the scaffold. It is to remain in place until the wall is adequately supported.
• Walls over eight feet in height are to be braced to prevent collapse or overturning.

• Only qualified persons shall operate or service vehicles and machinery.
• Rated load capacities shall not be exceeded.
• Rated load capacities, recommended operating speeds, and special hazard warnings or instructions shall be conspicuously posted on all equipment. Instructions or warnings shall be visible from the operator's station.
• Equipment shall be inspected by a competent person before and during each use, and all deficiencies shall be corrected before further use.
• An annual inspection of the hoisting machinery shall be made by a qualified person. Records shall be kept of the dates and results of each inspection.
• Accessible areas within the swing radius of the rear of the rotating super structure shall be properly barricaded to prevent employees from being struck or crushed.
• Riding the headache ball, suspended load, or hook is prohibited.
• The use of a crane or derrick to hoist employees on a personnel platform is prohibited, except when no other conventional means of reaching the work site is practical.
• No employee other than the operator will ride on moving equipment unless seating is provided by the manufacturer.
• Backup alarms shall be installed on equipment with obstructed rear views.
• Keep equipment clear of overhead power lines. If it is necessary to work within clearance limits of overhead lines, they must be de-energized and grounded.

Keep clear of overhead lines

• All equipment must be turned off and locked out prior to performing any work on it.
• Slow moving vehicle signs are to be mounted on equipment when operating over streets, roads or over highways, unless properly equipped for road travel.
• When equipped with a seat belt, it shall be worn prior to starting the equipment, including machines that have rollover protection.

• All hooks, except for shake-out hooks, must have a safety latch attached and be in good working order.
• Hooks, slings, shackles, or any other part of the rigging must be inspected routinely. They must be removed from service if deformed, show distortion or wear, sign of fracture, and tagged "Do Not Use."
• Know the weight of the load so the correct size of the choker or sling can be selected.
• Never remove the identification tag from any piece of rigging equipment. Remove it from service if a tag is not present.
• Use tag lines to guide the load.
• Nylon slings should not be wrapped over sharp corners or used against rough surfaces since they have a tendency to cut without warning.
• Remove nylon slings from service when the color bands in the webbing indicate extensive wear.
• Nylon slings should not be knotted or connected together through the eyes, since this can reduce the loading capacity by 50%.
• When attaching wire rope clips, the base of the clip must bear against the live end of the rope while the "U" of the bolt presses against the dead end.

Wire rope clips must be spaced about six rope diameters apart to give adequate strength. The correct number of clips for, safe application and spacing distances are shown in the following table.

• Before opening any excavation, efforts shall be made to determine if there are underground utility installations in the area. Underground installations shall be located and supported, protected, or removed during the excavation operations.

DIGGER'S HOTLINE (Wisconsin) 1-800-242-8511

• The walls and faces of all excavations trenches more than five feet in depth where employees must work shall be guarded, shored or sloped.

In excavations which employees may be required to enter, excavated or other material shall be stored and retained at least 2 feet or more from the edge of the excavation.

• Daily inspections of excavations shall be made prior to work, by a competent person. If evidence of possible cave-ins or slides is apparent, all work in the excavation shall cease until the necessary precautions have been taken to safeguard the employees.
• Be aware of the warning signs which may appear prior to cave-ins:
• Ground cracks running parallel to the trench
• Soil bulging form the sides or bottom of the trench
• Water flowing from seams in the trench
• Machinery traveling parallel to the trench shall be kept as far away as possible from the edge.
• Trenches 4 feet deep or more shall have an adequate means of exit, such as ladders or steps. Leave no more than 25 feet of lateral travel.
• The atmosphere in the excavation must be tested where an oxygen deficient or a hazardous atmosphere reasonably could exist.
• Excavations over 20' deep must be designed by a Registered Professional Engineer.

• Areas that have limited or restricted means of entry or exit, such as vaults, tanks, storage bins, sewers, silos, pits and some trenches need to be investigated as possible confined spaces.
• All employees working in confined spaces shall be trained in the hazards involved, proper usage of equipment, and company permit requirements.
• Any confined space that may contain a hazardous atmosphere, could be engulfed or flooded, or is of such a configuration that the entrant may be trapped, shall be considered a permit required confined space. No employee may enter that area without authorization and a company approved permit to work in that area.
• No employee shall enter a confined space to rescue another employee unless they are trained to do so.

• Never service a piece of machinery without ensuring that the power supply has been disconnected, and locked out.
• Remember to bleed any residual energy from lines.
• NEVER remove another worker's lock or tag from a power supply control.
• Ask your supervisor about other company Lockout/Tagout requirements.