Professional Documents
Culture Documents
SAFETY
SAFETY
TALK S
SAFETY TALKS
CSAO
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO
21 Voyager Court South, Etobicoke, Ontario M9W 5M7
416.674.2726 1.800.781.2726 Fax: 416.674.8866
www.csao.org info@csao.org
SAFETY TALKS
Remember
The information you present in a Safety Talk may be the only information workers
receive about a particular tool, piece of equipment, type of material, or work
procedure on the project.
In choosing and presenting your talk, do everything you can to help workers
remember and act on the message you deliver.
Eye SAFETY TALKS
5
Protection
No one has to tell us that seeing is important. But Don’t wear contact lenses on site. Dust and other
it’s surprising how many jobs we do without particles can get under the surface. If you must wear
protecting our eyes. contact lenses for medical reasons, wear
appropriate eye protection.
Just think of the eye hazards in construction:
[Where applicable, review the company policy on
• flying dust and slivers from sawing, chipping,
providing and replacing safety eyewear.]
grinding
• dirt and grit blown by the wind Keep your safety glasses on when you wear other
protection such as a welding helmet or faceshield.
• welding arcs
Why? Because when you lift up the visor or shield
• ultraviolet radiation from the sun you may still be exposed to flying chips, dust, or
• sparks and slag from welding and cutting other hazards on site.
• abrasives from sandblasting Match eyewear to hazard. Goggles that protect you
• splash from chemicals and cleansers from dust may not protect you from splash or
• pipe and wire sticking out of walls radiation.
• ties and wire hanging down from ceilings. Eyewear should fit firmly.
We’ve all had dust and dirt in our eyes. Some of us Clean dirty lenses by using water or a lens cleaning
have been hit in the eye by chips of wood, concrete, solution to float the dirt away instead of scratching it
or stone. into the lenses.
A little bigger, a little faster – these particles can Ensure that pitted or scratched lenses and filters are
leave us with limited sight or none at all. replaced, since they may impair vision and reduce
impact resistance.
Eye protection is the answer. To be effective, eye
protection must be properly selected and fitted. [Review any special requirements with your crew—
Wearing the right protection can prevent most eye welding helmets, sandblasting hoods, faceshields,
injuries. etc.]
Basic eye protection is safety glasses with Get your eyes checked every couple of years to make
sideshields. Your glasses should meet the CSA sure that problems haven’t developed or gotten
standard for impact resistance. This means the worse.
frames must be manufactured so that the lens
Protecting your eyes from injury on the job is one of
won’t push through on impact.
the easiest things you can do.
Safety eyewear must have the manufacturer’s mark
You’ve only got one pair of eyes. Make them last a
on the frame and on the lens. For welding, the
lifetime.
eyewear must also be marked with the “shade”
number. [Take a look at eye protection currently used by
crew. Talk about jobs on the project where eye
Non-prescription or “plano” eyewear must also be
protection should be worn.]
marked with the CSA logo.
Hearing SAFETY TALKS
6
Protection
Many construction trades are overexposed to noise. There are two main types: muffs and plugs.
In time, overexposure permanently damages our Muffs are useful for intermittent noisy work because
ability to hear. Older workers can start to feel lonely they are quick and easy to put on and take off.
and frustrated as hearing loss over the years makes
Muffs don’t last forever. Protection and comfort
it tough to communicate with family and friends.
decrease over time. Muff cushions must be replaced
We can slow down or stop hearing loss by taking every year.
precautions.
Tension in the headband needs to be just right.
It’s important to know that overexposure to noise Too loose... they don’t give you enough protection.
doesn’t necessarily take a long time. Short periods Too tight... they’re uncomfortable.
of very high noise can cause overexposure.
Plugs are light and comfortable for most users. But
For example, working for only 15 minutes with a they have to be put in properly to work right. And
gas-powered quick-cut saw will lead to your hands have to be clean to insert or remove
overexposure for that day. them.
Noise is generally measured in dB(A). Contaminated earplugs can irritate or infect your
ears.
You should wear hearing protection if you’re
exposed to average daily noise levels of more than Plugs come in disposable and permanent types.
85 dBA. Most power tools and equipment used in Disposables are to be used once and once only.
construction operate well over this level.
[Review any special requirements for hearing
Since it’s difficult to reduce noise levels on site, the protection on the site. Determine what types of
next best choice is hearing protection. protection are being worn. Identify some tasks that
require hearing protection on the project.
Demonstrate how to fit plugs.]
There is no all-purpose air-purifying respirator. Use only approved respirators. The National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is a U.S.
If you’re welding coated metals in a confined space, agency that approves respirators.
for example, an air-purifying respirator won’t protect
you. You’ll need a supplied-air respirator. Wear NIOSH-approved respirators. Look for NIOSH
approval numbers on cartridges.
SAFETY TALKS
Respirators 8
Put on the facepiece and adjust it Remember – the protection is only as good as the
to fit comfortably – snug, not overly tight. fit. Users should be clean-shaven to get the best
possible seal. Facial hair can cause leakage and
Block the air inlets. These are usually the filter reduce protection.
openings on the sides of the facepiece.
Try to breathe in.
If there are no leaks, the facepiece should
collapse slightly and stay like that while you hold
your breath for 10 seconds. Positive
Pressure Test
[Demonstrate.]
Negative
Pressure Test
SAFETY TALKS
Respirators 9
Falls are the number one cause of accidental deaths Fall-Arrest System
in construction. And you don’t have to fall far to be
Where other fall protection is not in place, you must
killed or injured.
use a fall-arrest system if you are in danger of falling
Two basic types of fall protection are travel restraint
• more than 3 metres
and fall arrest. Both involve a full body harness.
• into operating machinery
Travel-Restraint System • into water or another liquid
A travel-restraint system keeps you from getting too • into or onto a hazardous substance or object.
close to an unprotected edge. It restrains your travel. A fall-arrest system consists of a full body harness, a
Lifeline and lanyard are adjusted to let you travel lanyard, and a shock absorber.
only so far. When you get to the open edge of a floor You can connect the lanyard
or roof, the system holds you back.
• directly to adequate support OR
A full body harness should be used with travel-
• to a rope grab mounted on an adequately
restraint systems. You can attach the harness
anchored lifeline.
directly to a rope grab on the lifeline or by a lanyard.
The lifeline must be adequately anchored. A full body harness must also be worn and tied off
when you are
• on a rolling scaffold that is being moved
• getting on, working from, or getting off a suspended
platform, suspended scaffold, or bosun’s chair.
Whether you’re using travel restraint or fall arrest, your
lifeline must be adequately anchored. For fall arrest,
this means able to support the weight of a small car
(about 3,600 pounds). Fall-arrest loads can be high.
Fall SAFETY TALKS
11
Protection
[This talk should include hands-on inspection of The CSA standard provides for a panic feature that
equipment.] keeps the arrester locked on the lifeline, even when
a falling worker grabs hold of it. This feature is
Rope grabs are an important part of your fall-arrest
included in Class ADP arresters.
system. They connect your lanyard to your lifeline.
Rope grabs are technically known as fall arresters Class AD doesn’t have this panic feature. But the
and must meet CSA requirements. CSA standard requires that AD arresters come with
integral connectors (that attach to the harness)
Two types of fall arresters are typically used in
between 30 and 60 centimetres long (one and two
construction: Class AD and Class ADP.
feet). This makes it very difficult for a falling worker
Class AD attaches to the D-ring on the back of your to reach around and grab the arrester.
harness. So does Class ADP. But ADP also includes
Remember to tie a knot in your lifeline at the farthest
a panic feature (“P” is for “panic”). More about that
point where you need to travel. The knot ensures
in a minute.
that the rope grab will not run off the free end of
With rope grabs, there are two basic hazards: your line.
1) attaching them the wrong way Some grabs have a “parking feature” that locks at a
point on the lifeline that won’t let you reach a fall
2) grabbing hold of them during a fall.
hazard.
A rope grab attached upside down to a lifeline can’t
On a vertical lifeline, always position the rope grab
work properly. Instead of locking on the line, it will
as high as possible above your D-ring to minimize
simply slide down.
free fall.
• When attaching a rope grab to a lifeline, always
Also make sure you have clearance below. AD and
make sure the arrow on the grab points along the
ADP grabs may move on the lifeline as much as one
line to the anchor point.
metre before arresting your fall.
• After putting the rope grab on the lifeline, give it a
All rope grabs must be inspected before use. Check
firm tug in the direction of a fall to make sure it
for
engages.
• distortion
• Ensure that lifeline and rope grab match. Rope
grabs are designed to work with certain types • rust
and diameters of lifelines.
• moving parts that don’t move easily
With some fall arresters there is no “up” or “down.”
• sharp edges.
They can be attached in either direction.
A rope grab that arrests a fall should be taken out of
Attaching the fall arrester correctly is the first step.
service and inspected and recertified for use.
The second is not to grab the arrester if you fall.
It’s possible to defeat some types of fall arresters. A
user grabbing the device during a fall can prevent it
from working properly. The user then slides to injury
or death below.
SAFETY TALKS
Back Care 13
Back, neck, and shoulder injuries are common in Pick up your feet and pivot to turn. Don’t twist your
construction. back.
That’s because we do a lot of lifting – and not Lower the load. Maintain the curve in your lower
always with the best technique or from the best back. You can hurt your back just as easily
position. Lifting is hard enough. Lifting in cramped or lowering a load as lifting it.
awkward conditions only makes it more difficult.
You can minimize the stress on your back...
What’s the right way to lift? if you lift correctly.
[Mention and demonstrate the following steps.] For a two-person lift, partners should be about the
same height to distribute the load evenly. They
Plan your move.
should agree beforehand on
- Size up the load.
- type of lift (waist-high, shoulder-high, etc.)
- Make sure the pathway is clear.
- who will take charge
- Get help if you need it.
- how they will lower the load.
- Use a dolly or other materials handling equipment
Let’s wind up with a few more tips.
wherever you can.
Get as close to the load as possible. This is very • Avoid lifting above shoulder height. This causes
important. Our lifting capacity is reduced the further your back to arch and puts a lot of stress on your
away we are from the load. shoulder and on the small joints in your spine.
Put yourself in the best possible position for the lift. • Don’t try to catch falling objects. Your muscles
Try to avoid twisting from the waist, reaching out, may not have time to coordinate properly to
and leaning over material or equipment when you protect your spine.
lift. Use a wide-balanced stance with one foot • Push rather than pull. Pushing lets you maintain
slightly ahead of the other. the normal curves in your back and puts less
Tighten your stomach muscles as you start to lift. stress on the spine.
Keep your lower back in its normal curved position [Ask your crew about typical lifts on the job. Review
and use your legs to lift. the materials handling equipment available.]
SAFETY TALKS
Back Care 14
When you handle large sheet materials like plywood, Let’s start with lifting sheet material off a pile.
the right technique is important. It helps when the
[Describe and demonstrate the following steps.]
sheets are stacked at a convenient height or stored
up off the ground on blocking or trestles.
15
Bend knees, keeping back Tip sheet up to Lift sheet slightly and put
as upright as possible. horizontal position. toe under mid-point.
[Before you give this talk, read the card over and learn Knee to Chest
to do each exercise. During the talk, demonstrate
Support yourself securely with one hand.
each exercise to the group. After each
With your free hand, pull your knee toward
demonstration, ask the group to do the exerc i s e.
your chest and hold it for 30 seconds. Lower
CAUTION: Participation is voluntary only. If workers your leg to the ground and repeat with the
have any doubts or concerns about the exercises, other leg. Repeat three times for each leg.
they should not participate. If they experience any
pain during the exercises, they should stop Hip Stretch
immediately.] Stand with one foot in front of the
Getting ready for the job means more than lining up other. Place your hands just above the
tools and material. knee of your front leg. Gently bend your
front knee. Keep your back foot flat on
We should get our muscles ready too. Exercising before the floor. Hold 20-30 seconds. Repeat
work can help prevent back, neck, and shoulder with other leg. Repeat three times for
injuries. each leg.
Warm up first. This helps to get your muscles warm Thigh Stretch
and loose. A warm muscle is a lot less likely to tear
than a cold one. Support yourself securely with one hand.
With your free hand, bend your leg back
March in Place and grasp your ankle. Gently pull your ankle
towards your body. Keep your trunk straight.
Stand in position. Pump arms and
Hold 20 to 30 seconds. Then repeat with the
legs in opposite directions. Make
other leg. Repeat three times for each leg.
sure that your heels touch the ground.
Continue 3 to 5 minutes. Calf Stretch
Housekeeping on the job means cleaning up scrap Housekeeping starts with you and me. What can we
and debris, putting it in containers, and making sure do about it?
the containers are emptied regularly. It also means
• Clean up as work proceeds.
proper storage of materials and equipment.
• Keep equipment and the areas around equipment
We don’t do this to make the site look good. free of scrap and debris.
Housekeeping helps prevent accidents and injuries. • Keep stairways, ramps, and other travel areas
clear.
We all know how fast rubbish accumulates on
site – scrap lumber, broken bricks, pieces of drywall, • Secure loose or light material stored on roofs and
garbage from coffee breaks and lunches. open floors to keep it from blowing away in the
wind.
Construction rubbish is often irregular in shape, hard
• Don’t let material fall from any level of the project.
to handle, and full of sharp objects.
Use an enclosed chute or lower the material in
One of the biggest problems is packaging. Too often containers.
it gets removed from material and left where it falls. • Keep material at least 1.8 metres or 6 feet away
This creates tripping and slipping hazards. It also from floor and roof openings, floor and roof
makes other hazards difficult to see. Even worse, it edges, excavations, and trenches.
invites more mess. When the site isn’t cleaned up, • Store material so that it won’t roll or slide in the
no one cares about leaving garbage where it drops. d i rection of the opening. Use blocking if
necessary.
When that happens, you can’t see faulty wiring,
protruding nails, damaged flooring, or missing • Before handling used lumber, remove or bend
scaffold planks. over any protruding nails and chip away hardened
concrete.
Tools and material can get misplaced in a cluttered
• Housekeeping is especially important when it
work area.
comes to fire prevention. Flammable rubbish and
How can you concentrate on your work when you’re debris should be immediately removed from the
worried about slipping, falling, or tripping on debris vicinity of welding, flame cutting, propane heating,
underfoot? Production and installation time go up or other ignition sources.
while quality tails off.
A clean site may not always be a safe site. But
Mess also makes it difficult to use materials handling housekeeping is a good way to start improving
equipment. As a result, more material gets handled health and safety on the job.
manually. This increases the risk of injury and damage.
[Review housekeeping problems unique to your
crew. Ask about housekeeping problems in other
areas on site. Are there enough garbage containers,
bins, dumpsters?]
Fire SAFETY TALKS
18
Extinguishers
The law says that every worker who may be required For most construction operations, a 4A40BC
to use a fire extinguisher must be trained to use it. extinguisher will do the job.
That’s why we’re here today.
Extinguishers have a very short duration of
On a construction site, fire extinguishers must be discharge – usually less than 60 seconds.
accessible Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire and direct the
spray back and forth in a rapid sweeping motion
inspected regularly
until the fire is extinguished.
promptly refilled after use.
The idea is to extinguish the flames at their source.
Extinguishers should be located
Once you’ve used an extinguisher, report it
• where flammable materials are stored, handled, immediately to your supervisor.
or used
We should all know how to operate a fire extinguisher
• where temporary oil or gas fired equipment is before a fire starts.
being used
Let’s look at an extinguisher here on the job and see
• where welding or open flame cutting is being just how it works.
done
[Point out principal features of extinguisher and how
• on each storey of an enclosed building being each works. Identify location of fire extinguishers on site.]
constructed or renovated
• in shops for at least every 325 square metres
(2,400 square feet) of floor area.
Fire extinguishers are classified according to their
capacity to fight specific kinds of fire.
Class A For fires in ordinary combustible materials
such as wood and paper where you need
a quenching, cooling effect.
Class B For flammable liquid and gas fires such as
oil, gasoline, paint, and grease where you
need oxygen exclusion or flame
interruption.
Class C For fires involving electrical wiring and
equipment where you need a non-
conductive extinguishing agent.
Class D For fires in combustible metals such as
sodium, magnesium, and potassium.
Temporary SAFETY TALKS
19
Lighting
Temporary lighting is essential in buildings under Temporary lighting can present hazards.
construction.
• Avoid contact with the wires strung for temporary
Areas where we work or walk on site, including exits lighting. Frequent relocation of circuits can loosen
and entrances, must be adequately lit. connections, break insulation, and create other
hazards that may lead to shock or electrocution.
A lighting level of 55 lux (5 foot candles) is
recommended. • Do not use temporary lighting circuits as
extension cords. If a fuse blows, it can be
That means 150-watt light bulbs
dangerous to find your way to the panel in the
- suspended 2.4 metres or 8 feet high and dark.
- 7.5 metres or 25 feet apart • Make sure that exposed wires do not contact
OR steel door frames. Temporary lines often pass
through doors that may accidentally close on
- suspended 3 metres or 10 feet high and them.
- 6 metres or 20 feet apart.
• Be careful not to bump stringers with ladders,
With lower wattage bulbs we can reduce the space lengths of pipe, scaffold frames, or other objects
between bulbs. But bulbs lower than 100 watts are that can cause electrical contact and shock.
not recommended.
[With your crew, review the following checklist.]
Bulbs should be installed so that they light as large
• Are work areas well lit?
an area as possible. They must be protected by
cages to guard against accidental damage. • Are burned-out bulbs promptly replaced?
Branch lighting circuits that feed temporary lighting • Are they replaced with new bulbs or bulbs merely
should be kept entirely separate from power circuits taken from another location?
except for a common supply.
• Are stringers promptly relocated when bulbs are
Branch lighting circuits should be protected by a blocked by the installation of new ceilings, ducts,
breaker or fuse with a 15-amp rating. The circuits piping, and other equipment?
should be hard-wired directly into a distribution
• Are lamp holders hard-usage type?
panel by a qualified electrician.
• Are electrical feed lines for sockets supported
Make it your business to replace missing or burned-
every 1.4 metres (4 feet, 6 inches)?
out bulbs. To work safely, we must be able to see in
stairwells, basements, and other areas. [Deficiencies should be corrected or brought to the
attention of the general contractor.]
Electrical SAFETY TALKS
20
Safety
We use electricity every day on the job. This kind • Never cut off, bend back, or cheat the ground pin
of familiarity can create a false sense of security. on three-prong plugs.
Remember that electricity is always a potential
• Make sure that extension cords are the right
source of danger.
gauge for the job to prevent overheating, voltage
The basic rule is simple: Consider all electrical wires drops, and tool burnout.
and equipment live until they are tested and proven
• Use cords fitted with dead front plugs. These
otherwise.
present less risk of shock and shortcircuit than
There are three basic areas where we need to watch open front plugs.
for electrical hazards on the job:
tools
cords
panels.
Tools
• Use only tools that are properly grounded or
double-insulated. • Do not use cords that are defective or have been
improperly repaired.
• Make sure the casings of double-insulated tools
are not cracked or broken. • Do not wire cords into outlets. Disconnecting
takes too long in an emergency.
• Always use a ground fault circuit interrupter
(GFCI) with portable electric tools used outdoors • Protect cords from traffic.
or in damp or wet locations. GFCIs detect current [Inspect sample tools and cords used on the job.
leaking to ground from a tool or cord and shut off Show labels indicating double insulation.
power before injury or damage can occur. Demonstrate and explain how a circuit-tester and
• Any shock or tingle, no matter how slight, means GFCI can be used to test cords, tools, and outlets.]
that the tool or equipment should be checked Panels
and repaired.
• Temporary panel boards must be securely mounted
• Never bypass broken switches on tools or in a lockable enclosure protected from weather
equipment by plugging and unplugging the cord. and water. The boards must be accessible to
Shutting off power will take too long in an workers, and kept clear of obstructions.
emergency.
• Use only fuses or breakers of the recommended
• Before drilling, nailing, cutting, or sawing into amperage.
walls, ceilings, and floors, check for electrical
wires or equipment. • Follow regulated procedures for locking out and
tagging panels when required by standard work
Cords or emergency situations.
• Make sure that tool cords, extension cords, and [Inspect sample tools and cords for wear and
plugs are in good condition. damage. Review other potential electrical hazards
on site.]
Powerline SAFETY TALKS
21
Contact
Some of us have been on jobs that came to a halt Once the service has been uncovered and its actual
when someone hit an underground gas or electrical location determined at several points along its
line. If we were lucky, no one got hurt. length, then excavating equipment can be used in
areas adjacent to the service.
Buried gas and electrical lines present a serious risk
of injury to workers who contact them accidentally. Utility pipes, conduit, and cable exposed in a trench
or excavation must be supported to keep them from
The basic idea is to call before we dig.
falling or breaking.
It’s the contractor’s responsibility to ask utilities to
When construction contracts don’t specify the
locate and mark their underground services. That
method of support, ask the utility for its
includes gas, water, electrical, cable tv, telephone,
requirements.
and pipelines.
The message is ONE CALL BEFORE YOU DIG.
Utilities generally offer a free service for locating and
marking buried services with labelled stakes, flags, In Ontario the service is called Ontario One Call
or paint. A locate should be completed in three to Limited. With one call we can notify all utilities with
four days. But depending on season and location, it underground services in the area where we want to
may take longer. dig. This makes obtaining locates easy.
Markings indicate the approximate centre line of the But not all parts of Ontario are covered by Ontario
underground service. Utilities also provide a diagram One Call Limited. That means we have to find out
of the locate information. whether the service is available for a particular
project.
Once the utility has marked the approximate centre
line, it’s our job to uncover it. This must be done by Breaks in electrical, gas, water, and pipe lines can
hand digging. Never use excavating equipment to threaten not only construction crews but the general
find the service. public.
If we use a pressurized water/vacuum system to To avoid the risk of serious injuries and fatalities, we
expose the buried service, we have to check with should always call before we dig.
the utility first to make sure it’s safe.
[Review procedures for requesting locates and for
If the service poses a hazard and cannot be shut off excavating.]
or disconnected, the utility may supervise the
digging and excavation. Having the utility present is
a must in the case of fibre-optic cable.
Lockout SAFETY TALKS
23
and Tagging
When we do construction, repair, or maintenance Restraint devices – that’s where tagging comes in.
work in factories and other industrial sites, we have When you put your lock, scissors, chain, or block on
to follow plant procedures for lockout and tagging. a piece of equipment, you also have to tag it.
It doesn’t matter how short or simple the job is. The tag indicates who you are, who you work for,
When we work on equipment like conveyors, presses, why the machine or system is locked out, and the
roasters, and hoppers, the first step is to lock out the date when the lockout was applied.
system.
The lock is your personal lock that can only be
Many of the injuries that occur during equipment opened with your key.
service and maintenance are caused by machine
[Show sample lockout devices and tags.]
parts that move because they were not locked out.
In some situations on industrial or construction sites,
The usual excuse is that lockout is complicated and
there may be no established lockout procedures or
takes too long. But would you rather spend time
permit system in operation.
locking out equipment or lying in a hospital?
In that case we have to inspect the equipment
Lockout means bringing every power source in a
involved, identify all energy sources, and determine
machine or system down to a Zero Energy State.
the most effective method of lockout and tagging.
Some equipment can simply be switched off and
It may be necessary to trace wiring, lines, and piping
locked out of service. But in most cases the system
in and out of the equipment in order to identify
involves several energy sources.
energy sources.
A press may be hydraulically powered, for instance,
It helps to refer to specifications, drawings,
but electrically controlled. Locking out the hydraulic
operating manuals, and similar information if it’s
power is not enough. Locking out the electricity may
available.
not be enough. Gravity can still cause a raised ram
to drop of its own weight. There may also be stored Once each energy source has been identified and
energy in pistons or springs. de-energized, you must test the equipment to verify
a zero energy state.
It makes sense to follow plant procedures for
lockout. Clients know their own energy sources and One last point...
systems. Their lockout procedures have been tested Lockout doesn’t have to involve complicated
and proven by time and experience. Some form of machines and systems. It can mean putting blocking
permit to work is usually involved. under the arm of a backhoe while you replace a
There are four basic actions in any lockout. hydraulic cylinder ...or locking out an electrical panel
while you relocate lighting stringers.
1) Identify all energy sources connected with the
work. Remember...
Don’t take chances. When in doubt, lock it out.
2) Disable, redirect, or stop all energy from doing
what it normally does. [Explain lockout procedures currently in use. Identify
situations on site where lockout and tagging would
3) Confirm that you’ve reached a zero energy state.
be necessary before working on machines or
4) Apply restraint devices to keep the system from equipment. Review recent applications of lockout
starting up while you work on it. and tagging.]
Traffic SAFETY TALKS
24
Control
You have been assigned to direct public traffic on When you show STOP, clearly indicate where you
this project. want traffic to stop. When the first vehicle stops, and
As long as you’re doing that job, you can’t do other it’s safe to do so, step into the centre of the road so
work or have additional duties. Directing traffic is a the second vehicle can see you.
full-time job. When you show SLOW, don’t bring traffic to a
Your number one priority is to protect workers and complete halt. When drivers slow down, use your
drivers from accident or injury. You’re going to do free hand to signal them to keep moving slowly.
that by regulating traffic flow. If you’re working along a two-lane road with traffic
You’ll have to stop traffic when the job re q u i res it. moving in both directions, you’ll have to coordinate
Otherwise you’ll keep traffic moving at normal or your signals with the traffic controller on the other
reduced speed to avoid tie-ups. side.
With your help, work will go ahead safely and Where two lanes are reduced to one, make sure you
efficiently. Just remember that public traffic has stop traffic in one direction before letting traff i c
priority over construction equipment. through from the other direction.
I’m going to give you instructions in writing. But let Remember – a traffic control person must never be
me go over the main points now. used to direct traffic if more than one active lane of
traffic is travelling in one direction or if the posted
In addition to the hard hats and safety boots you’re
speed limit is greater than 90 km/hr.
already wearing, you’re going to need some
equipment: The most important point is simple: Pay attention.
- safety vest that meets re q u i rements of the • Don’t be distracted by talking to anybody.
construction regulation (Section 69) • Always face oncoming traffic.
- eye protection—it’s dusty and bright out there • Stay alert to work nearby. Don’t get backed over
- STOP/SLOW sign that meets by your own equipment.
requirements of the construction • Stand where you can see and be seen by
regulation (Section 68). approaching traffic for at least 150 metres (500 feet).
Let me show you how to use the sign. • Stand alone. Don’t let a group gather around you.
When you show the STOP side to • Stand at your post. Sitting is hazardous because
approaching traffic, hold up your you can’t fully see or be seen by drivers.
free hand like this. • Always have an escape route ready in case a driver
[Demonstrate.] doesn’t see you or disregards your signals.
When you show the SLOW side, Remove or cover any traffic control signs at quitting
motion traffic to keep moving slowly. time or when traffic control is suspended. Drivers
[Demonstrate.] can be confused by signs still in place when no
construction work is going on.
Hold the sign firmly in view of
oncoming traffic. Here are your written instructions for traffic control.
Give motorists plenty of warning. Don’t suddenly [CSAO’s Handbook for Construction Traffic Control
flash STOP when a driver is too close. Persons (B016) is designed for this purpose.]
3-Point SAFETY TALKS
26
Contact
workers
- after it has been left in one place for a long time.
• Keep the area at the base of the ladder clear.
Locked
• Make sure the spreader arms lock securely in the
open position.
• Stand no higher than the second step from the top.
• Never straddle the space between a step ladder and
another point.
• When standing on the ladder, avoid leaning forward,
backward, or to either side.
• Always open the ladder fully before using it. Don’t
use an unopened step ladder as a straight or
extension ladder. The feet are not designed for this
use.
• Never stand on the top step, the top, or the pail shelf
of a step ladder.
• When climbing up or down a step ladder, always face
the ladder and maintain 3-point contact.
[Inspect step ladders in use on site. Determine whether
other equipment would provide safer, more efficient
access.]
Extension SAFETY TALKS
29
Ladders
Construction would be impossible without ladders. All • Be very careful when erecting extension ladders near
kinds of ladders are used every day on the job. One of live overhead powerlines. Never use metal or metal-
the most common is the extension ladder. reinforced ladders near electrical wires or equipment.
Let’s talk about hazards and precautions with extension • Wherever possible, use extension ladders for
ladders. access – not as work platforms.
• Choose the right extension ladder for the job. It must • When you must work from a ladder more than 3
be long enough to be set up at a safe angle and to metres or 10 feet up, wear a safety harness and tie
reach 90 centimetres or three feet beyond the off to a well-anchored lifeline or other support –
bearing point. not to the ladder.
• A two-section extension ladder should be no longer • On an extension ladder, stand no higher than the
than 15 metres or 50 feet; a three-section ladder no fourth rung from the top.
longer than 20 metres or 66 feet.
Check the ladder for damage or defects
- before you set it up
- after it has been used somewhere else by other
workers
- after it has been left in one place for a long time.
Set the ladder on a firm level base. If the base is soft,
loose, or wet material, clear it away or stand the ladder
on a mud sill.
• Set the ladder up at the proper angle – one foot out
for every three or four feet up, depending on length.
• When the ladder is set up, there should be a clear
space of at least 15 centimetres or 6 inches behind
each rung.
• When the ladder is fully extended, sections must
overlap at least 90 centimetres or three feet.
• Never erect extension ladders on boxes, carts,
tables, or other unstable objects. Never set them up
against flexible or movable surfaces.
• S e c u re the top and bottom of the ladder. Keep areas
at top and bottom clear of debris, scrap, material,
and other obstructions.
• Clean mud, snow, and other slippery substances off
your boots before climbing.
• When climbing up or down, always face the ladder
and maintain 3-point contact.
• Don’t carry tools, equipment, or material in your
hands while climbing. Use a hoist line or gin wheel
for lifting and lowering.
SAFETY TALKS
Scaffolds 30
Scaffold planks and deck material must be inspected Laminated Veneer Lumber Planks
regularly. Your life depends on it. Here’s what to look for.
Check for
Wood Planks • separation of laminated layers—usually due to
repeated changes in moisture levels as layers
Make sure that planks are the right length and
soak up rain and dry in sun
overhang the frame.
• cuts of any kind
Check planks for
• pressure cracks in top or bottom layer
• cracks—these can often be detected at the end
of the plank; planks with long and deep cracks • warping from wear and weather
should be discarded
• condition of cleats.
• cuts on plank edges from saws, tools, sharp
objects; planks with deep or numerous cuts Aluminum/Plywood Deck Panels
should be discarded
Check for
• worm holes, splits, knots knocked out along
• cuts in aluminum frames
edges, lots of nail holes – these can be serious
enough to discard planks • deformed, cracked, or broken fastening hooks
and hardware
• light weight—this can indicate dry rot that can’t
be seen • cracked or broken plywood
• condition of cleats—damaged cleats should be • bent, cracked, or broken rungs
removed and replaced • sliding or other locking devices in good condition.
• overhang—planks should overhang the frame no As a general rule, you should plank or deck working
less than 6 and no more than 12 inches. levels of a scaffold across their full width for
maximum support and stability.
[Demonstrate methods of inspecting planks and
panels. Ask crew to inspect sample materials on
site.]
Worm Hole
Split
Sap Line
Spike Knot
But even with two complete suspension systems Next time we’ll talk about where and how to anchor
you should still wear a full body harness and lifelines and suspension lines.
lanyard. In this case you would tie off to a stirrup on
the stage or to a line secured to both stirrups.
Suspended SAFETY TALKS
33
Access
Equipment
Tiebacks are used to secure the outriggers and We attach the tieback to the anchor, again with
counterweights of suspended access equipment. cable clips. We make sure the tieback is taut.
The tieback holds the major components of the
suspension system together. It keeps them from What’s an adequate anchor?
being loosened or dislodged and secures them - engineered tieback systems such as eye bolts
back to an adequate anchor point. and rings
Let’s follow a wire rope tieback from start to finish. - the base of large HVAC units
The tieback runs from the thimble of the suspension - columns on intermediate building floors or stub
line back along the outrigger beam with at least one columns on roofs
half-hitch on each section. Then it loops around the
- large pipe anchorage systems
counterweight handles and extends back to
(12-inch diameter or bigger)
adequate anchorage.
- large masonry chimneys
Now let’s see how each part is connected.
- roof structures such as mechanical rooms
We secure the wire rope tieback to the thimble of
the suspension line with cable clips. - parapet clamps attached to reinforced concrete
parapet walls on the other side of the building.
We make a half-hitch through the handle on each
section of the outrigger beam. Even if the beam [Review tiebacks and anchorages being used on
doesn’t have handles, we still use the half-hitches. site.]
We run the tieback through and then back around
the counterweight handles.
Suspended SAFETY TALKS
34
Access
Equipment
With suspended access equipment such as Another way of saying this is that...
swingstages and bosun’s chairs, knowing the right • the distance of the outrigger beam from the
number of counterweights to use is crucial. fulcrum to the centre of the counterweights (Y)...
That’s why we should know how to calculate the • multiplied by the load of the counterweights...
number of counterweights required. • must be at least 4 times greater...
Let’s start with the design factor. For beams and • than the distance of the outrigger beam from the
weights the design factor must be 4 to 1. fulcrum to the suspension line (X)...
This means that the effect of the counterweights • multiplied by the capacity of the climber.
holding the equipment up must be at least 4 times Let’s look at an example.
greater than the load pulling the equipment down.
[Go through the following calculations step by step
with your crew.]
Sample
Calculation
Example: The beam is 18 feet long. The counterweights will require at least 2 feet of space at the end of the
beam. There is a 1-foot overhang and a supported load of 1000 lb.
X = 1 ft. Climber load = 1000 lb. Therefore 1 x 1000 = 1000 ft.lb. pulling down
The resisting force, including the design factor of 4 that
must be provided by the counterweights = 4 x 1000 ft.lb. = 4000 ft.lb.
y = 18 ft. – 1 ft. (overhang) – 1 ft. (centre of weights) = 16 ft.
The load required by the counterweights = 4000 ft. lb. = 250 lb.
16 ft.
Assuming counterweights are 55 lb. each, number of weights required = 250 lb. = 5
55lb.
If labels on an outrigger beam are missing or not readable, do not use the beam.
Remember—only use counterweights that have been specifically manufactured for the particular outrigger
beam you are using.
Rigging SAFETY TALKS
35
Hardware
Stretch
Replace 6-strand rope if stretch reduces diameter by
more than 1/16.
SAFETY TALKS
Wire Rope 37
Signalling is an important part of hoisting and • Only one person should signal the operator. But
rigging. Over the years, a system of standard hand anyone can give the STOP signal and it must be
signals has evolved that is now international. obeyed immediately. [Demonstrate signal.]
If you’re going to rig a load, you also need to know
the signals for lifting, moving, and landing it. The
operation may be a simple LIFT and LOWER. Or it
may require more complicated signals.
In many cases, hand signals are the most efficient • Signals should be clear and, wherever possible,
form of communication between riggers and crane barehanded.
operators.
• The load should be directed so that it never
On construction sites, signalling is required in the passes over anyone.
following situations.
• Operators should not make a move until they
1) When the operator cannot see the load. receive and understand your signal. If contact
between you and the operator is broken for any
2) When the operator cannot see the load
reason, the operation must stop.
landing area.
• Some situations call for two signallers. For
3) When the operator cannot see the path of
instance, during a concrete pour, one signaller
travel of either the load or the crane.
may be needed to direct the lift while the other
4) When the operator is too far from the load to directs the drop.
judge distance accurately.
• Where a difficult lift demands voice
5) When the crane or other hoisting device is communication, use two-way radios instead of
working close to live powerlines or hand signals.
equipment.
Hand signals have their limitations. For example, they
should never be used when distance, visibility, or
noise prevents accurate communication with the
operator.
There is a signal for each action of the crane from
BOOM UP to BOOM DOWN, from TRAVEL
FORWARD to STOP.
By using the correct hand signals you can get a
crane to do almost anything you want. The operator
only needs to clearly see and understand your signals.
In our next talk, we’ll run through all the hand signals
for hoisting. But first we have to know the ground
rules for signalling.
Hoisting SAFETY TALKS
39
Signals
[Demonstrate, repeat, and have your crew practice the hand signals for hoisting.]
SAFETY TALKS
Trenching 40
Soil type determines the strength and stability of a TYPE 2 - Very stiff, dense. You can penetrate it with
trench. moderate difficulty by using a small sharp
object.
Trench stability is also affected by a number of
factors such as weather, moisture, vibration, and - Low to medium natural moisture content,
previous excavation. Soil type is one of the most medium degree of internal strength.
important factors.
- Has a damp appearance after it’s excavated.
In a single trench, soil properties can sometimes
TYPE 3 - Stiff to firm, compact to loose in
vary widely from top to bottom or along its length.
consistency. May be previously excavated
Even hard soil may contain faults in seams or layers
soil.
that make it unstable when excavated.
- Signs of surface cracking and water
Time is also a critical factor. Some trenches will remain
seepage.
open for a long period, then suddenly collapse for no
apparent reason. - When dry, it may run easily into a well
defined conical pile.
Let’s take a closer look at soil types.
- Low degree of internal strength.
There are four general types of soil from dry, dense,
and hard (Type 1) to wet, muddy, and unable to TYPE 4 - Soft to very soft, very loose in
support itself (Type 4). consistency, very sensitive to vibration and
motion.
TYPE 1 - Hard, very dense. You can only penetrate
it with difficulty by using a small sharp - Any disturbance significantly reduces its
object. natural strength.
- Low natural moisture content, high degree - Runs easily or flows unless completely
of internal strength. supported before excavation.
- No signs of water seepage. - Almost no internal strength.
- You need mechanical equipment to - Wet or muddy.
excavate this stuff.
- Exerts substantial fluid pressure on its
supporting system.
[Demonstrate tests for different types. Examine soil
samples on site.]
SAFETY TALKS
Trenching 41
Let me give you some simple advice. Whenever possible, shoring should be installed as
excavation proceeds. If there’s any delay between
Never enter any trench more than 4 feet deep unless it’s
digging and shoring, no one should enter the
sloped unprotected trench.
shored or Trench Boxes
protected by a trench box. Trench boxes aren’t really meant to shore up or
support trench walls. They’re only meant to protect
Those are the three basic methods of protecting you
workers in case of a cave-in.
against cave-ins.
The space between the box and the trench wall
Unless the walls of the trench are solid rock, it should
should be backfilled. Otherwise a cave-in or collapse
be sloped, shored, or boxed before you get into it.
may cause the trench box to tilt or turn over. It’s
Sloping also easier to enter the box if soil comes right up
next to it.
Sloping the walls is one way to keep a trench from
collapsing. The angle of the slope depends on soil Trench boxes are commonly used in open areas
conditions. away from utilities, roadways, and foundations.
For Type 1 and 2 soils, we cut trench walls back at As long as you’re in the trench, you should stay
an angle of 1-to-1 or 45 degrees. That’s one metre inside the box and leave only when the box has to
back for each metre up. Walls should be sloped be moved.
starting at 1.2 metres or 4 feet up the wall.
Ladders
For Type 3 soil, we cut walls back at an angle of
Whether the trench is sloped, shored, or protected
1- to-1 again... but from the bottom of the trench,
by a trench box, you need a way to climb in and out
not four feet up.
safely.
For Type 4 soil, slope the walls at 1-to-3. That’s 3
Trenches must be provided with ladders in the areas
metres back for every 1 metre up from the trench
protected by shoring or trench boxes. The ladder
bottom.
must be securely tied off at the top, extend above
Shoring the shoring or box by at least 1 metre or 3 feet, and
Shoring is a system which shores up or supports be inspected regularly for damage.
walls to prevent soil movement. It also helps to A ladder should be placed as close as possible to
support underground utilities, roadways, where you’re working – and never more than
and foundations. 7.5 metres or 25 feet or away.
The two types of shoring used most commonly are [Review protective system(s) used on site. Check
timber and hydraulic. Both consist of posts, wales, condition of sloping, shoring, or trench box. Are
struts, and sheathing. ladders provided for getting in and out?]
One major advantage of hydraulic shoring is that you
don’t have to enter the trench to install the system.
Installation can be done from the top of the trench.
SAFETY TALKS
Trenching 42
Inspecting protective systems in trenches is If you find cracks in the ground, alert the crew and
everyone’s responsibility. Sloping, shoring, and double-check your shoring or trench box.
trench boxes should be checked regularly.
It’s dangerous to overlook damage or defects in
With hydraulic shoring, look for protective systems.
• leaks in hoses and cylinders Even though the job is short-term or almost finished,
trenches can still cave in.
• bent bases
Let’s go through some inspection procedures.
• broken or cracked nipples
With hydraulic shoring, check the system for leaks
• cracked, split, or broken sheathing.
in hoses and cylinders.
Report any of these conditions to your supervisor.
With timber shoring, check for
Check timber shoring before it’s installed. Discard
• cracked or bowed sheathing
any damaged or defective lumber.
• wales crushed where they join struts
Make sure that shoring members are the regulated
size for depth of trench and type of soil. • loose or missing cleats
After installation, inspect wales for signs of crushing. • split or bowed wales
Crushing indicates structural problems and the need
• struts off level.
for more struts.
In trench boxes, look for
Always check areas near shoring where water may
have seeped in. The combination of water and • deformed plates
granular soil can lead to washout. This undermines
• bent or distorted welds in sleeves and struts
the trench wall and has killed and injured workers on
several occasions. • missing struts
Inspect trench boxes for damage, cracks in welds, • bent struts
and other defects. • holes, bends, or other damage to plates.
During use, check the box regularly and often to
[Inspect sloping, shoring, and trench boxes on site.
make sure that it is not shifting or settling more on Check ground conditions nearby. Refer to
one side than the other. This can indicate the appropriate regulations and codes.]
movement of soil or water underneath.
If the box is shifting or settling, get out and tell your
supervisor about it.
The ground around trenches should be inspected
for tension cracks. These may develop parallel to
the trench at a distance of about one-half to
three-quarters of the trench depth.
Confined SAFETY TALKS
43
Spaces
Confined spaces are work areas that are Trenches, excavations, and foundations may be
considered confined spaces when
difficult to get into or out of
entry or exit is restricted
likely to contain a dangerous atmosphere
work space is cramped
likely to present physical hazards such as noise,
temperature extremes, cramped work conditions, physical hazards such as noise and operating
and operating equipment. equipment are present, and
Legal definitions may differ from one jurisdiction to dangerous atmospheres may be created by dust,
another. But these three basic points help to identify chemical vapours, engine exhaust, or work such
a confined space. as welding.
Since construction is not limited to new buildings Beware of apparently harmless places that can
and structures, we may run into confined spaces in become hazardous because of the products being
other locations. used there or the work being done.
In chemical and petrochemical plants, confined Basements, halls, and small rooms can be dangerous
spaces include tanks, vessels, pipes, sumps, and when poor ventilation and hazardous materials or
pits. Confined spaces in heavy industrial plants can operations combine to create atmospheric hazards.
be roasters, digesters, mixers, bins, and conveyors. Workers have been overcome and even killed by
solvent and adhesive vapours in small poorly
Sewage handling and water treatment plants include
ventilated rooms.
various kinds of confined spaces, from settling and
holding tanks to maintenance holes and wells below [With the crew identify confined spaces on the
floor level. project. Consider areas that might be potentially
dangerous as well.]
In general construction, confined spaces include
vaults, basements, caissons, unventilated rooms,
and utility tunnels.
Confined SAFETY TALKS
44
Spaces
Each year, construction and maintenance workers Make sure the equipment is able to detect what you
enter confined spaces to perform inspections, suspect. One detector can’t test for everything.
repairs, cleaning, and maintenance. Some detectors have sensors that check for oxygen
Dangerous atmospheres, materials, or equipment in content, explosive gases or vapours, and a range of
the space sometimes kill or injure not only these toxic gases. Some have only one or two sensors
workers but others who try to rescue them. and may not detect certain types of hazards.
To avoid becoming statistics, our first priority is to Check all levels of the space. Some contaminants
check for atmospheric hazards before entering any are lighter than air and accumulate near the top of
confined space. the space. Others are heavier than air and settle at
the bottom.
The dangerous types of atmosphere are
If you leave the space for a break or lunch, test
flammable and explosive
before you go back in. Dangerous atmospheres can
toxic develop without warning. Many cannot be detected
oxygen-deficient by smell or taste.
oxygen-enriched. If tests indicate a dangerous atmosphere, you must
Flammable and explosive atmospheres include NOT enter the space until it is thoroughly ventilated
- natural gas from leaking gas lines or natural and subsequent tests indicate the air is safe to
sources breathe.
- methane from decaying sewage Ventilation and testing must be continued as long as
- propane from leaking cylinders or equipment you are in the space.
- gasoline from leaking tanks and spills If the space can’t be adequately ventilated, you can
- solvents used for painting, cleaning, refinishing, only enter if
and so on. • you wear suitable respiratory protection and a full
Toxic atmospheres include solvents again; also body harness attached to a rope anchored
outside the space and held by a worker with an
- hydrogen sulfide from decaying sewage or raw
alarm
petroleum
• you have a means of communication with the
- carbon monoxide from engine exhaust.
worker outside
Oxygen-deficient atmospheres contain less than
• a person trained and equipped in artificial
18% oxygen. Breathing less and less oxygen can
respiration and emergency rescue is available
make you lose judgment, coordination, and
outside the space.
consciousness. Oxygen in a confined space can be
displaced by other gases or used up by rusting Never try to rescue a worker overcome in a confined
metal, combustion, or bacteria digesting sewage. space unless you are trained and equipped for it.
Many workers trying to save their buddies have only
Oxygen-enriched atmospheres contain more than
become victims themselves. Call for emergency
23% oxygen. They are rare in construction – usually
help.
related to leaking oxygen hoses or cylinders.
[Demonstrate use of gas detection equipment.
Before entering any confined space where the
Review types of confined spaces that may be
atmosphere may be dangerous, use properly
encountered by crew and types of atmospheric
calibrated gas detection equipment.
hazard that may be present.]
Confined SAFETY TALKS
45
Spaces
Confined spaces such as tanks, vats, vessels, hoppers, What can we can do to control some of the physical
and bins can hold many different hazards. hazards?
In addition to dangerous atmospheres, the spaces • Isolate the space by disconnecting supply and
present physical hazards: drain lines. Lock out and tag the lines so they
won’t be reopened while we’re working inside.
poor entry and exit
• Inspect the space for dangerous contents such
cramped working conditions
as grain or sand that could slide, shift, and bury
temperature extremes us inside.
rotating or moving equipment • Lock out any electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic
equipment that could unexpectedly rotate, drop,
reactive or corrosive residues
roll, or snap shut in the space.
electrical hazards
• Block and secure any equipment that could move
uncontrolled movement of liquids or solids. because of gravity or stored momentum.
Some of these hazards involve greater risk inside a • Wear safety harnesses and lifelines to make
confined space than outside. rescue more efficient in case of an emergency.
For instance, electrical flashover can be more • Develop a rescue plan for the space and practice
dangerous in a cramped maintenance hole where to make sure that we all know what to do.
escape is severely limited than in an electrical room
• Use an entry permit system that lets us identify
with clear exits. And fire in a confined space can be
hazards and controls and keep track of who is
far more dangerous than fire in an open work area.
inside.
[With the crew, review procedures for lockout,
tagging, and entry. Discuss any problems
encountered during entry or work in confined
spaces.]
SAFETY TALKS
Hand Tools 46
This is the most misused tool in construction. • Keep the shank of the screwdriver in line with the
screw.
We use screwdrivers for chipping, chiselling, scraping,
prying, digging, gouging, testing circuits, making • Don’t hold the material in one hand and use the
holes, stirring paint, propping doors open, and screwdriver with the other. The screwdriver can
taking the lids off cans. slip and cut your hand.
Screwdrivers are designed for none of these jobs. • Discard screwdrivers with chipped handles, bent
shanks, and twisted or excessively rounded tips.
They’re designed to drive screws. Used for that and
nothing else, a good screwdriver will last a long • Redress screwdriver tips with a file to get a good
time. straight edge.
• Use the right screwdriver for the job. This means • Don’t use bench grinders to restore tips. The
the right kind of tip – slot, Robertson, Phillips, excessive heat can destroy temper and reduce
whatever. It also means the right size. A the hardness of shank and tip. Filing should be
screwdriver too big or small for the screw can done by hand.
only lead to trouble. You’ll chew up the screw
• Use screwdrivers with insulated handles for
head, damage the screwdriver, gouge the
electrical work. But don’t expect to be shockproof.
material, or scrape your knuckles.
You still have to take extreme care around
• Always drill a pilot hole before driving a screw live circuits.
into wood.
• Don’t use pliers on the handle or shank of a
• Make sure that the screwdriver handle is intact, screwdriver for more power. To remove stubborn
free of splits or cracks, and clean of grease and oil. screws, for instance, use a screwdriver with a
square shank designed for use with a wrench.
• Don’t use excess force on a screwdriver. You
should only need enough force to keep the [Review types of screwdrivers used by your crew.
screwdriver in contact with the screw. With a Inspect a few for evidence of wear, damage, or
properly sized and drilled hole, the screw will misuse.]
draw itself into the material with minimum
pressure and guidance.
Electric SAFETY TALKS
48
Tools
[Have sample drills available to demonstrate.] Don’t underestimate the continuous pressure
required to control a heavy-duty drill or hammer drill.
We operate electric drills everyday. They’re one of the
The low rpm means that you must hold and maintain
most common electric tools used in construction.
pressure while the drill slowly does the job.
The most frequent problem is using too light a drill
Take a break when you have to, especially when
for the job.
you’re up on a ladder or scaffold.
If you have to push or crowd the tool beyond its
For some kind of drilling you may even need help.
capacity you can
Never try to drill heavy timbers by yourself. If the
• burn out the motor
self-feeding auger bit digs into a knot, the sudden
• ruin the material torque can twist or wrench your arm and throw you
off balance. You need someone to hold one handle
• injure yourself.
of the drill while you hold and guide the other.
Leaning into the drill and pushing too hard can be
When drilling deep holes with any drill, it pays to
dangerous. If you lose balance or control, you can
withdraw the bit several times with the motor
strain your neck, arm, and shoulder muscles or fall.
running. This helps to clear cuttings from the hole.
The size of the drill is determined by the maximum
When you’re using a drill on loose material, securing
opening of the chuck. A 3/8 inch drill will only take
the work is half the battle.
bits or attachments with a shank up to 3/8 inch.
The general rule is HANDS OFF. Don’t hold the work
[Demonstrate.]
in your hand, on your knee, or against your boot
This kind of drill – trigger-controlled, variable while you’re drilling. Clamp small pieces in a vice. If
speed – is too lightweight for some jobs in you must hold larger pieces by hand, stay well clear
construction. of the drill.
The next step up is a 1/2 or 3/4 inch drill. These can When you’re drilling into something besides wood,
be one or two speed reversible models. They are your main concern should be pushing or leaning too
heavy-duty and designed to be used with two hard on the drill. You can damage the tool or the
hands. They have a second handle at the back and work.
an auxiliary handle that can be screwed into the top.
More important, you can be thrown off balance if the
This is what you want for drilling into concrete, steel, drill twists or stops.
heavy timbers, and so on.
You need a drill powerful enough for the job. And
A heavier drill is also useful for hole saw bits and you need a bit that is sharp and suited not only to
spade bits where the blade of the bit is considerably the job but to the size of the drill.
wider than the shank.
Punching a layout hole or drilling a pilot hole can
These attachments not only require power. They make your work more accurate, efficient, and safe.
need the kind of control that comes with a two-
[Review types of drilling done by your crew. Inspect
handled drill.
sample drills and bits used on the job.]
For some work you’ll need an impact or hammer
drill... like drilling large holes in concrete or rock with
a carboloy bit.
Electric SAFETY TALKS
50
Tools
[Have models available to demonstrate.] • When the motor is running, working a blade in or
out of a cut or lead hole can cause kickback.
Cutting with these saws calls for eye protection.
You should wear safety glasses with side shields. • Don’t try to make inside or pocket cuts without
Even better are goggles for dust or a face shield. first drilling a lead hole.
The sabre saw is used by many trades to cut holes in • Let the saw and the blade do most of the work.
ceilings, floors and walls and to make short, straight Don’t force the saw along or around a curve. The
cuts. It should not be used for continuous or heavy machine should turn with ease. If you have to
cutting. Use a circular saw for that. push the saw, the blade is dull or the stock is too
heavy for the saw.
The stroke of the sabre saw blade is only 1/2 inch
for the light-duty model and 3/4 inch for the heavy- • Keep your free hand away from the front of the
duty. Using this for continuous straight cutting is not saw.
efficient.
• Never reach under, around, or behind the material
The sabre saw cuts on the upstroke only. Splintering being cut.
will occur on the top side of the stock you’re cutting.
• Make sure that the saw will clear the bench,
So you should keep the good side down.
trestle, or other support.
Clamping material is not only safe. It reduces
You need two hands to maintain control, absorb
vibration and makes cutting more accurate.
vibration, and avoid accidental contact.
Blades come with anywhere from 7 to 32 teeth per
Always make sure you know what’s on the other
inch. For rough cutting of softwood and composition
side of the surface being cut.
board, 7 teeth per inch will do the job best. For
all-around work with most types of wood, a blade Sawing into wires, cables, and pipes is the last thing
with 10 teeth per inch is fine. you want to do.
There are some basic safeguards to follow when [Inspect sabre saws used on the job. Review
using a sabre saw. situations in which the saws should or should not
be used. Demonstrate external and inside cuts.]
• Don’t start cutting with the blade in contact with
the work. Let the saw reach full power before it
touches the work.
• Never put the saw down until blade and motor
have stopped.
• Hold the base or shoe of the saw in firm contact
with the work. This keeps the blade cutting
straight up and down and prevents it from
twisting or breaking.
Compressed SAFETY TALKS
51
Gas
Cylinders
[Present talk near fuel gas cylinders.] • Never drop cylinders or let them bang into each
other.
We all know these things can take off and explode
like rockets. But fire and explosion aren’t the only • Chalk EMPTY or MT on cylinders to be returned
hazards. to the supplier. Close valves and replace
protective caps.
Leaking gas can make you dizzy or unconscious by
displacing breathable air or acting directly on your • Secure cylinders in use with rope, wire, or chain
lungs and bloodstream. to keep them upright.
Cylinders are also heavy and awkward to handle. • Never transport cylinders in the trunk of a car or
in a closed van. Escaping gas can collect in these
But construction would be impossible without
confined spaces and create the risk of explosion
compressed gas. So we have to know how to
or asphyxiation.
transport, store, and use compressed gas cylinders
safely. • Keep valves closed and cylinders capped when
not in use.
First of all, we’ve got to recognize
the hazard symbol for compressed gas. • Remove gauges and other attachments before
moving cylinders.
Cylinders are also labelled with their
contents and handling instructions. • Store cylinders in a secure area, preferably
outdoors.
It pays to read the WHMIS label for each of the
different cylinders you use. • Store cylinders away from heat and ignition
sources, flammable materials, and areas such as
Don’t accept or use any cylinder that’s not properly
elevators and traffic routes where they can be
labelled.
knocked over or damaged.
How do we handle cylinders safely?
• Keep empty and full cylinders separate.
• Keep cylinders upright when you transport, store,
• Don’t store cylinders of different gases in the
or use them.
same area. Keep them separate.
• Move cylinders on a hand truck or dolly. Never
[Review labels. Check cylinders on site for proper
roll cylinders or hoist them by their collars. Use a
storage and use. Inspect sample cylinder and valve
hoisting cradle to lift and lower cylinders from
system for damage, leaks, and wear.]
level to level. Never use a magnet or sling for
hoisting.
SAFETY TALKS
Propane 52
Propane gas is heavier than air. If it leaks from • Never transport or store cylinders in the trunk of a
equipment or cylinders, it can accumulate in low- car or in a closed van. Escaping gas can collect
lying areas such as basements, pits, and trenches. in these confined spaces and create the risk of
explosion or asphyxiation.
The dangers are explosion and asphyxiation.
Asphyxiation means loss of consciousness and • Never roll cylinders like logs. Use a hoisting cradle
suffocation. to lift or lower cylinders from level to level.
If enough propane gas collects in a low-lying area, it • Store cylinders where they won’t be struck by
displaces air. Entering that area you may be overcome falling materials or moving equipment. With snow
and lose consciousness. fence and T-bars we can make an enclosure for
storing and tying up cylinders. Store empty
Propane is combustible and explosive.
cylinders on one side, full on the other.
Concentrations in a basement or trench can be
ignited by something as simple as turning on a light • Never store cylinders in enclosed, unvented
switch or an electric drill. places such as trailers.
If propane equipment such as a torch or heater goes • Only cylinders in use should be inside a building.
out in a confined or low-lying space, we have to act That means cylinders hooked up to a heater or
quickly. other appliance. Otherwise store cylinders
outside, away from
Shut off gas and leave the area.
- heat sources
Don’t go back to relight the equipment until the
area has been thoroughly ventilated to remove - ignition sources
the gas.
- other flammable materials such as wood and fuel
Never enter the area without somebody standing
- other compressed gases.
by to help in case you run into trouble.
• Keep propane cylinders at least 15 feet, but no
Don’t let propane saturate your clothing. Clothing
more than 50 feet, away from the heaters they are
remains highly flammable for some time after
connected to.
exposure. It may not feel or smell unusual. But
saturated clothing should be removed and aired • Never expose any part of your skin to liquid
outside. propane. Propane under pressure is extremely
cold and can cause frostbite.
The best way to prevent leaks is to handle propane
cylinders and equipment properly. Propane gas by itself is odourless. But suppliers add
a strong-smelling chemical to the gas so that leaks
• Always keep propane cylinders upright. Whether
can be detected by smell. The stink is like rotten
you’re transporting, using, or storing cylinders,
cabbage.
make sure the relief valve is in contact with the
vapour space in the cylinder. [Review arrangements for storing, handling, and
using propane on site.]
• Secure cylinders in use with rope, wire, or chain
to keep them upright.
Carbon SAFETY TALKS
53
Monoxide
Hazards Controls
• Carbon monoxide can be deadly. It’s a clear, Wherever possible, operate engines outdoors.
colourless gas you can’t smell or taste. Its Welding machines and generators, for instance, can
chemical symbol is CO. be located outside while only the leads run into the
building.
• In construction the major source of carbon
monoxide is engine exhaust. Gasoline, propane, When engines must be operated indoors, let’s take
and diesel engines all release carbon monoxide. some precautions.
Some types of welding may also produce CO.
Make sure the area is well ventilated. Keep doors
• Since CO has no taste or smell, you need special and windows open. Use fans to bring in fresh air
instruments to detect it. Gas detectors for carbon if necessary.
monoxide are available. Some are tubes that
Limit running time and don’t let engines idle.
change colour when CO is in the air. These can
be used only once. Others are continuous Monitor CO levels regularly to make sure that
monitors with a cell designed to sense carbon ventilation is adequate.
monoxide.
Where necessary, use exhaust hoses or fans to
[Demonstrate use of sample detectors.] draw engine exhaust out of the work area.
• Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it Keep engines well tuned. They will run cleaner
interferes with your body’s ability to use oxygen. In and produce less CO.
relatively small doses, carbon monoxide can kill
Where possible, use equipment that is electrically
you.
powered rather than gasoline, diesel, or propane
• The first signs are headache and fatigue. powered.
Increased exposure can rapidly lead to loss of
When other controls are inadequate, respiratory
consciousness, arrested breathing, heart failure,
protection must be worn. This means an
and death.
supplied air respirator. You need a respirator
attached to an independent supply of clean air.
Temporary SAFETY TALKS
54
Heating
At some point we’ve all been burned by the sun. It’s important to protect your eyes as well.
Sunburn is the effect of ultraviolet radiation on the Ultraviolet radiation can cause cataracts and other
skin. Overexposure to UV radiation can cause skin eye damage.
cancer.
Wear tinted safety glasses with UV protection.
Ultraviolet light is beaming down on us every day.
The sunlight doesn’t have to be direct. Light
With less ozone in the atmosphere, the risks of
reflected off surfaces such as sand, water, concrete,
exposure have increased.
and snow can also cause UV exposure.
When we work any time in the sun, especially in
Weather reports now include a UV index. This gives
spring and summer, we need to minimize the hazards
you an idea of how intense the ultraviolet radiation
of UV exposure.
will be under clear sunshine or light cloud.
There are two simple steps.
When the index is high (7 or higher) you can get
1) Wear a shirt and long pants to cover most of sunburned in only 15 to 20 minutes.
your skin.
The highest exposure of the day is from noon to 2.
2) Protect the rest of your skin with
Sunscreen and glasses with UV protection should
sunscreen – number 15 or higher. Reapply the
be standard equipment for anyone working in
sunscreen generously every two or three hours.
construction during spring and summer.
SAFETY TALKS
Moulds 56
Appearance Control
Moulds can be a health hazard in buildings that are Visible mould may be just the tip of the iceberg.
already built or under construction. More mould may be growing out of sight behind
walls, under floors, and above ceilings.
Moulds are colourful and woolly. They can be almost
any colour—red, blue, brown, green, white, or black. Samples have to be taken and analyzed in a lab to
They reproduce by releasing spores into the air. see whether the mould is dangerous.
More mould may grow where the spores land.
If you find mouldy areas on a job, tell your
Location supervisor. The company may arrange to have tests
done.
Mould thrives on cellulose material that is wet or
water-soaked. This includes drywall, ceiling tiles, Toxic moulds must be removed. There’s no way to
wallpaper, particleboard, insulation, and plywood. work around them. Removal calls for special
procedures, including protective equipment such as
Moulds love dark, moist places and can grow at
respirators, coveralls, and gloves.
room temperature.
If mould removal is required, it’s the company’s
Mould has been found in portable classrooms with
responsibility to train and equip you for the job.
moisture problems. This is usually a black mould
that looks slimy.
You may be exposed to moulds when you work in
damp locations or water-damaged buildings.
Health Effects
Some moulds are toxic. Touching them—or
breathing in their spores—can be harmful.
Symptoms include
• irritated skin, eyes, nose, and throat
• runny nose and watery eyes
• trouble breathing
• fatigue and headaches.
If your immune system is weak, you shouldn’t work
in mould-contaminated areas.
Not everyone exposed to toxic moulds will develop
symptoms.
Vi b r a t i o n SAFETY TALKS
57
White Finger
“Vibration White finger” is a disease that makes your There are controls for white finger hazards.
fingers turn white. It starts when your hands are
• Where possible, do the job without using
exposed to too much vibration.
vibrating tools or equipment.
Vibration White Finger damages blood vessels,
• Use tools with built-in anti-vibration features.
nerves, and muscles.
• Keep warm—your hands especially.
There are several symptoms:
• Don’t smoke.
• numbness and tingling in fingers
• Exercise your hands and fingers to keep blood
• whitening—first your fingertips, then your whole
flowing.
finger
• Don’t use vibrating equipment for long periods,
• spasms in fingers
especially in the cold. Short bursts are better.
• attacks lasting up to half an hour—often with
• Keep equipment in good condition. Poorly
whiteness changing to deep red—and becoming
maintained equipment can produce excess
very painful
vibration.
• permanent loss of feeling in your fingertips
• Don’t ignore signs and symptoms. See your
• reduced grip strength doctor right away.
• attacks that become more frequent and painful.
Tool and equipment operators are at the most risk.
Their hands are often exposed to high levels of
vibration.
High-vibration equipment includes road drills,
chipping hammers, compactors, and chainsaws.
Risk depends on
• how long the vibrating tool or equipment is used
• whether operation is off-and-on or continuous
• workplace temperature (cold is a major trigger for
vibration white finger)
• whether or not you smoke (smoking reduces
blood flow to your fingers).
Excavation SAFETY TALKS
58
Hand Signals
Falls are the number one cause of accidental deaths bracing the posts on wooden guardrails and
and serious injuries in construction. securing them to slab floors or other surfaces.
On many sites, guardrails are the most common and Guardrails can also be wire rope and m a n u f a c t u red
convenient means of fall protection. systems of metal frames and wire mesh.
Where possible, guardrails must be installed along Well-anchored posts are essential. We can use
the open edges of roofs and floors, on formwork, vertical shoring jacks, screw-clamp posts, clamp
scaffolds, and other work surfaces, and wherever binding posts, or posts that fit into sleeves cast right
workers are exposed to the hazard of falling. in the slab.
Openings in floors and flat roofs can be readily Sometimes guardrails have to be removed to land
protected by guardrails. material or make installations along floor or roof
edges.
Guardrails must be installed no more than 300
millimetres (1 foot) from the open edge. They must The open edge should be roped off and marked with
be able to withstand all loads specified in the warning signs. Workers inside that area must wear
construction regulation (Ontario Regulation 213/91). fall protection and be properly tied off.
All guardrails – especially wood guardrails – should
be inspected regularly.
Guardrails are the best method of protecting
workers around openings in floors and roofs.
But sometimes they’re not practical. Securely
fastened covers made of planks, plywood, or steel
plate will have to be used instead. Covers must be
strong enough to support any weight to be
reasonably expected.
There’s always the danger that someone will pick up
the plywood to use somewhere else. Workers have
even removed covers from openings and then fallen
through.
That’s why covers should be clearly identified in
bright paint with warning signs. DO NOT REMOVE.
DANGER! HOLE IN FLOOR. Whatever it takes.
Posts supporting a wooden guardrail should be no [Review types of guardrails used on site. Ask your
more than 8 feet apart. There are different ways of crew to identify any other areas where guardrails
should be installed.]
Heat SAFETY TALKS
60
Stress
The body functions best within a surprisingly narrow Heat stroke is a medical emergency. You can die
range of temperature: 36°C to 38°C. When you do from it. Your body has used up all its water and salt
heavy work in a hot environment—indoors or and cannot cool itself. Your temperature rises to
outdoors—your temperature rises. Your body dangerous levels.
responds by:
Symptoms
• increasing your heart rate to move blood—and
heat—away from your organs and toward your • confusion and irrational behaviour
skin for cooling • convulsions
• sweating, to cool the skin, your blood, and the • unconsciousness
rest of your body. • no sweating—hot, dry skin
• high body temperature—40°C or more.
But when your body’s cooling system can’t keep up
with the heat, you dehydrate and your temperature
Treatment
rises above 38°C. You get heat-related illnesses
such as: If a co-worker shows symptoms of heat stroke, you
should act fast.
• heat rash (plugged sweat glands)
• heat cramps (sweating has caused salt loss) • Call the local emergency number or get the
• heat exhaustion worker to a hospital.
• heat stroke. • Take aggressive steps to cool the worker down
(immerse in a tub of cool water or cool shower,
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke spray with a hose, wrap in cool, wet sheets and
fan rapidly).
Heat exhaustion is when your body cannot keep
• If the worker is unconscious, don’t give anything
blood flowing both to vital organs and to the skin for
to drink.
cooling.
Controlling heat stress
Symptoms
• Wear light, loose clothing that allows sweat to
• weakness, feeling faint evaporate. Light-coloured garments absorb less
• headache heat from the sun.
• breathlessness • Drink small amounts of water (8oz) every half
• nausea or vomiting hour. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
• difficulty continuing work. • Avoid coffee, tea, beer, or other drinks that make
you urinate frequently.
Treatment
• Avoid eating hot, heavy meals that increase body
Get medical aid and cool down (move to a shaded temperature.
area, loosen clothing, drink cool water). It takes 30 • Remember that your physical condition can
minutes at least to cool the body down from heat reduce your ability to deal with the heat. Age,
exhaustion, and if it’s not treated promptly, heat weight, fitness, health conditions (heart disease
exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. or high blood pressure), recent illnesses, or
medications can all affect your ability to
withstand high temperatures.
Cold SAFETY TALKS
61
Stress
Concrete is everywhere on construction sites, but • Tuck pants inside boots and duct-tape at the top
don’t let that fool you. Concrete can be hazardous to to keep wet mortar and concrete out.
your health. • Use waterproof boots high enough to keep
concrete from flowing over the top.
Mixing concrete • Remove any clothing contaminated by wet
concrete.
When you empty a bag of cement into a mixer, the
• Don’t wash your hands with water from buckets
dust can irritate your skin. The dust reacts with
used for cleaning tools.
sweat or damp clothing to form a corrosive solution.
• When your skin comes in contact with concrete,
Cement dust is also dangerous if it gets into your
wash with cold running water as soon as
eyes, or if you inhale it.
possible. Flush out any open sores or cuts. Get
• Wear a P, N, or R 95 mask when pouring or medical attention if your skin still feels like it’s
mixing dry cement. burning.
• Wear eye protection for mixing, pouring, and • After working with concrete, always wash your
other work with dry cement. hands before eating, smoking, or using the toilet.
• Work upwind from cement dust. • If your eyes are exposed to concrete, rinse with
cold tap water for at least 15 minutes. Get
medical attention if necessary.
Working with concrete
Continuous contact with wet concrete can burn your
Silica
skin.
Wet concrete or mortar can fall inside your boots or You need to beware of silica, an ingredient in
gloves or soak through your clothes. concrete. Repeated exposure to silica can lead to
silicosis, a disabling and often fatal lung disease.
Wet concrete trapped inside your boots or gloves There may also be a link between silica dust and
can cause burns or skin ulcers. It can have the same cancer.
effect if it soaks through your coveralls.
You can inhale silica from cement dust, or from
Concrete finishers kneeling on fresh concrete have sanding, grinding, or cutting concrete.
had their knees severely burned.
• Make sure you have dust control measures in
The burns caused by concrete may be slow. You place.
may not feel anything until several hours later. That’s • Where possible, wet-cut rather than dry-cut
why it’s important to wash concrete off your skin blocks and other concrete products.
right away. • Wear a P, N, or R 95 mask.
• Remove rings and watches because wet concrete • Wear eye protection.
can collect underneath and burn your skin.
• Wear alkali-resistant gloves.
• Pull sleeves over gloves.
• Wear coveralls with long sleeves and full-length
pants.
Floor SAFETY TALKS
64
Finishing
WHMIS
WHMIS is your first line of defence. This is the
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.
Read the WHMIS label on the coating, sealant, or
other product you’re using. It will explain the steps
you must follow to avoid trouble.
More information is available in the material safety
data sheet—the MSDS—that comes along with
floor-finishing products.
Fire
Because most floor-finishing products are
flammable, make sure that any ignition sources in
the work area are turned off.
No one is stupid enough to smoke when applying
floor coatings. But air contaminated by these
products can be ignited by pilot lights and sparks
from electric switches.
Solvent SAFETY TALKS
65
Hazards
When you’re doing jobs that generate silica Controls are simple.
particles—or working close by—you need
• Use WATER whenever possible to control dust.
protection.
Wet cutting and other wet methods can keep
Sawing or grinding concrete, for instance, generates dust levels very low.
silica particles. If we breathe these particles into our
lungs often enough and long enough we can get a • If water isn’t practical, attach a dust collector to
disease caused silicosis. the tool or equipment.
Silicosis is a disabling, non-reversible, often deadly
• Wear a respirator only where no other control
lung disease. You may show no symptoms in the
methods are available.
early stages and severe breathing problems in the
later stages.
• Minimum protection is a half-facepiece N100
Many workers with silicosis can develop other health respirator. As silica dust increases, you’ll need
problems such as tuberculosis and lung cancer. more protection.
We generate silica dust and particles when we
• cut and drill concrete
• cut and drill masonry
• grind concrete and masonry.
Dump Truck SAFETY TALKS
68
Tipovers
Dump trucks have tipped over when their boxes • Don’t leave a load in the truck overnight. It will
were lifted. The result has been death and injury to stick to the box, especially in freezing
drivers and nearby workers. temperatures.
Just consider some of the dimensions and forces
• Keep your truck in good condition. Stability can
involved.
be affected by poor suspension, uneven tire
A 46-foot trailer raised at 45 degrees is about 42 pressure, and worn or inadequate lifting systems.
feet high. That’s a lot of height and weight to keep
balanced. • Ensure that the latch on the box works properly.
One small factor can make the truck tip over. All it
• Stay in the cab during dumping and keep your
takes is
seatbelt on. You’re less likely to be injured in a
• a slight variation in level rollover. If the truck starts to tip DON’T TRY TO
• a load that gets stuck JUMP OUT.
• soft ground under tires.
• Always lower the box before moving the truck.
Let’s take a few minutes to review basic operating This lowers the centre of gravity and prevents
procedures. rocking, swaying, and instability. It also prevents
contact with overhead obstructions.
• At the loading point, make sure that the load is
distributed evenly in the box. Don’t overload.
• Keep lift axles down while dumping. Loads will be
distributed over more bearing surfaces and the
• Remember that long boxes tip more easily than
truck will not sink as easily in soft ground.
short boxes.
SAFETY TALKS
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