For reducing exposure concentration, it is useful to consider the source, the environment in which a hazard occurs and the workers who are exposed. As a general rule, the closer controls are to a source, the more efficient and effective they are. Three general types of controls can be used to reduce the concentration of… Read More »
Tools are particularly important in construction work. They are primarily used to put things together (e.g., hammers and nail guns) or to take them apart (e.g., jackhammers and saws). Tools are often classified as hand tools and power tools. Hand tools include all non-powered tools, such as hammers and pliers. Power tools are divided into… Read More »
Scaffolds consist of easily assembled frameworks of steel or timber on which working platforms may be placed. Scaffolds may be fixed or mobile. Fixed scaffolds—that is, those erected alongside a building or structure—are either independent or putlog. The independent scaffold has uprights or standards along both sides of its platforms and is capable of remaining… Read More »
Physical hazards are present in every construction project. These hazards include noise, heat and cold, radiation, vibration and barometric pressure. Construction work often must be done in extreme heat or cold, in windy, rainy, snowy, or foggy weather or at night. Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation is encountered, as are extremes of barometric pressure. The machines… Read More »
Am I In Danger? You are at risk from falling objects when you are beneath cranes, scaffolds, etc., or where overhead work is being performed. There is a danger from flying objects when power tools, or activities like pushing, pulling, or prying, may cause objects to become airborne. Injuries can range from minor abrasions to… Read More »
Identify If you don’t use a sabre-saw correctly it can kick back, injuring you and damaging materials. If you don’t check out what’s behind your work, you could also saw into wires, cables, or pipes. Communicate & Control Sabre saws are used to cut holes in ceilings, floors and walls and to make… Read More »
Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as “PPE”, is equipment worn to minimize exposure to serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Personal protective equipment may include items such as gloves, safety glasses, shoes, earplugs or earmuffs, hard hats, respirators,… Read More »
When rigging for fall protection (or fall restraint when working on roofs), keep the tie-back in a straight line (or within 15 degrees) from the anchor point, which must be capable of supporting a load of at least 5,000 pounds. If for any reason you fall from either a roof, scaffold or Rope Descent System,… Read More »
The electric hand saw is one of the most common power tools found in residential and commercial construction. It is also one of the most abused being tossed around, kicked out of the way, but depended on to get the job done. Today we are going to discuss basic safety rules, guard rules, and saw… Read More »
A crane is one of the most versatile and important pieces of equipment usually found on a construction job. It can be used to accomplish a lot of otherwise heavy lifting tasks. However, it can also be one the most dangerous since it can lift heavy loads over large areas of a project. Today we… Read More »