RISK AND PERSONNEL SAFETY

Safety is the most important factor to consider in construction. The people usually involved with
the dangers are construction workers. Experience and fear has allowed construction workers and
contractors to really take safety seriously. On the part of the contractor, what ever happens to the
worker, it is usually the contractor who will take responsibility, and pay for the expenses. So investment
for safety materials, temporary facilities, and retainings walls is important rather than risking injuring or
losing a worker.
Every project should have a safety committee with safety officers. They have more knowledge
regarding safety. Especially when there is concrete pouring, safety officers must be present.

MOBILIZATION
Clearing and Grubbing Proper disposal of waste from clearing and grubbing should be followed to
ensure the safety not only for the owner and contractor, but also for other people that might be
affected. One way of disposing logs from grubbing is by burning. Burning is allowed as long as you have
permission to do so and no ashes will be left.
Temporary Facilities Temporary Facilities like camps and equipment storage provide shelter for
workers and security for equipments.

EXCAVATION
Problems usually involved with excavation is when the unexcavated soil caves in. Stock piles,
equipments and people might fall along with the caved soil. Workers might also be buried alive. Solution
for this is by retaining walls. Large projects use sheet piles to prevent soil caving in.

FOUNDATION WORKS
Cave-ins
Workers can be critically injured or die in cave-ins. Many cave-ins occur on small jobs of short duration,
such as water, gas, electrical and sewer line connections.
Workers have to access excavations to build formwork for footings and foundations. The condition of the
excavation can pose multiple safety concerns. If the bank is not properly sloped, or if a ladder or other
type of access equipment is not provided, then workers risk injuries caused by slips and falls.
Steep banks lead to cave-ins. The banks of the excavation must be properly cut depending on the soil type
and condition. The presence of heavy equipment or vibration along the top of the bank can lead to
instability and sudden collapse. Follow proper excavation methods to ensure banks are cut back or shored
appropriately according to soil type and site conditions. The risk of a cave-in is made worse by surcharging
the top of the bank with excavated soil and building materials. You must maintain a clear, level area
extending at least 1 metre from the edge of the excavation. You must keep this area clear of equipment,
excavated soil, rock, and construction material. Construction material must not be stored, stacked, or
piled within 1.8 metres of the edge.

Vapours from form-release oils or sewer gas from an open pipe are respiratory hazards. Heat stress is also
a common health hazard in this situation. Communication is very important when equipment and material
is hoisted into the excavation, especially if the crane operator cannot see the load. When you cant use
hand signals, there must be radio contact between

The operator, and a responsible, competent member of the ground crew who can see the area
where the load is being landed. The operator and signaler must know what to do in case of radio
failure in order to prevent injury or damage.
The excavation must also be managed in a manner that ensures proper access for concrete. It is
hazardous for ready-mix trucks to drive through anything just to get in a position to discharge
the load. Add-on chutes are no longer acceptable according to the Ready-Mix Concrete
Association of Ontario. You must have controls to manage vehicle movement around the
formwork installation area. Controls include a trained signaler for reversing vehicles.
Excavation ramps built properly with granular surfaces, adequate slope and width, and
mud/snow/ice control.

More hazards

falls into trenches or excavations

tripping over equipment, debris and spoil

excavated material or other objects falling on workers

exposure to underground services or overhead electrical cables

unstable adjacent structures

mishandled or poorly placed materials

hazardous atmosphere (noxious gases/lack of oxygen)

toxic, irritating or flammable and explosive gases

incidents involving vehicles and other mobile equipment

Obligations under Construction Regulations

remove debris and excavated soil near excavation site.

Arrange to protect workers from falling into excavation.

Plan for removing water in excavation.

Identify and locate overhead power lines and underground services.

Know soil types and what sloping, shoring or pre-fabricated, hydraulic or engineer systems are
required.

Notification requirements.

Requirements for when support system must be engineered.

Prepare emergency plan.

Worker(s) shall not perform work in trench unless another worker is working above ground.

Obtain utility locations before digging.

Reasonable precautions

Determine how workers will enter and exit excavation.

Know in advance what excavation equipment and tools are needed.

Consider possibility of environmental hazards (rain) in excavation.

Be aware of nearby vehicles and mobile equipment causing soil to vibrate.

Provide training to workers.

Notifications

a project exceeds $50,000 or

excavation is planned for a trench that a worker may enter and that trench:
is more than 300 metres long or
more than 1.2 metres deep (47 inches) and more than 30 metres (98 feet) long or
is required by regulation to be designed by a professional engineer

Mark and locate utilities: Employers must ensure all gas, electrical and other services are located
or marked in or near the area to be excavated. If a service poses a hazard, it must be shut off and
disconnected before the excavation activity begins. If a potentially hazardous service cannot be
disconnected, the service owner must be asked to supervise the services uncovering during the
excavation.
Adjacent structures: Constructors must prevent damage to adjacent structures by engaging a
professional engineer who must specify in writing the precautions to be taken.
Soil strength: Determine the soil type to protect excavation walls from collapsing. This can be
determined by doing things such as inspecting trenches and excavations following a rainfall, melting
snow, thawing earth and overflows from nearby streams, storm drains and sewers. The soil type
determines the strength and stability of the excavation walls.
Wall stability: Strip the wall of a trench or excavation of any loose rock or other material that may
slide, roll or fall on a worker.
Equipment: Keep heavy equipment, excavated soil or rock and construction material at least one
metre away from the upper edges of the trench or excavation. Do not position or operate a vehicle or
machinery in a manner that could affect the walls stability. [Construction Reg. s. 233]
Work space: Maintain a clear work space of at least 450 millimetres (18 inches) between the wall of
an excavation and any formwork, masonry or similar wall.
Fall protection: Provide a barrier at least 1.1 metres (42 inches) high at the top if an excavation does
not meet regulatory slope requirements and is more than 2.4 metres (eight feet) deep.

Protect yourself: Never enter a trench deeper than 1.2 metres (47 inches) unless the walls are sound,
made of solid rock, properly sloped, shored or protected by a trench box. Never work alone in a trench.
Protective systems: Workers must be protected against trench or excavation cave-ins and other
hazards using three basic methods:
1. Sloping which involves cutting back trench walls at an angle, inclined away from the excavation.
2. Shoring which helps support trench and excavation walls to prevent movement of soil,
underground utilities, roadways and foundations. Timber and hydraulic systems are the most
commonly used supports to shore up walls. Both types must be designed by a professional
engineer.
3. Prefabricated support systems (for example, trench boxes and shields) which can prevent soil
cave-ins.
"Competent person": Trenches and excavations must be inspected daily for hazards, and when
conditions change, before workers enter them. This must be done by a "competent person", as
defined by the OHSA.
A "competent person":

has the knowledge, training and experience to organize the work

is familiar with the OHSA and Construction Regulations and

can identify existing and potential health and safety hazards and/or unsafe working conditions

Entry and exit: Provide safe access and egress for workers at excavations by means of ladders, steps,
ramps, or other safe methods of entering or exiting. Trenches must have ladders placed in the area
protected by the support system and be accessible in the event of a collapse. [Construction Reg.s. 240]
Some general duties of workplace parties
Employers
Employers have a number of duties and responsibilities under the OHSA and Construction Regulations.
Some examples of employers duties:

provide information, instruction and supervision to workers to protect their health and safety,
including on safe work policies and procedures specific to the workplace and type of work the
workers will perform

ensure equipment operators and signalers are competent workers

take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers

ensure prescribed measures and procedures are carried out in the workplace

ensure equipment, materials and protective devices required by the regulations are provided and
maintained in good condition

provide assistance to, and co-operate with, the workplaces Joint Health and Safety Committee
and/or a health and safety representative

prepare and review, at least annually, a written occupational health and safety policy for the
workplace, and develop and maintain a program to implement that policy

post a copy of the OHSA in the workplace

Supervisors
Some examples of supervisors duties:

ensure workers comply with the OHSA and its regulations

ensure any equipment, protective device or clothing required by the employer is used and/or worn
by workers

advise workers of any potential or actual health or safety dangers known by the supervisor

where prescribed, provide workers with written instructions about measures and procedures to be
taken for workers protection

take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers

Workers
Some examples of workers' duties:

wear appropriate personal protective equipment

use or operate equipment in a safe manner

report any defects in equipment to your supervisor or employer

work in compliance with the OHSA and its regulations

report any known workplace hazards or OHSA violations to your supervisor or employer

know your OHSA rights, including the right to refuse unsafe work

FORMWORKS RISK ASSESSMENT AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

HEALTH RISKS SAWDUST: RESPIRATORY HAZARDS
When plywood and other form materials are cut, there is exposure to wood dust and epoxies. Cutting
plywood containing laminates of hardwoods and softwoods generates particulate that, when inhaled, can
cause asthma and bronchitis. Formaldehyde containing adhesives can become airborne and be inhaled,
causing irritation.

Use a vacuum-equipped circular or table saw when possible.

Wear eye and hearing protection.
Wear an N-95 particulate respirator.
Handle newly cut wood material with work gloves.

FORM OIL: RESPIRATORY AND OTHER HEALTH HAZARDS

Workers may become sick or suffer adverse health effects if over-exposed.

Direct contact can cause dermatitis.

CSAO recommends:

You wear protective clothing and equipment such as chemically-resistant gloves.

Chemically resistant boots, and a respirator.

Form oil spraying

Notify all workers downwind that spraying is starting.

Wear eye protection.
Avoid contacting sprayed forms with bare skin.

The following general precautions apply to all workers

Dont smoke around form-oil drums or sprayed forms. (It can cause fire).
Wash your hands before eating, smoking, or using the washroom.
Stop work and notify your supervisor if you notice a rash, feel dizzy, or have problems.

TIMING OF APPLICATION
Generally, a form-release coating (form oil) is applied when construction of the form is
complete, in this case it will be difficult to handle.
Applying form oil after the rebar is placed can lead to contamination of the rebar. It can lead to the failure
of the structure due to an insufficient bond between the rebar and the concrete encasing it.
SLIPPING HAZARD AWARENESS
Oil makes the formworks slippery. Add just enough oil.
FIRE HAZARD
Some form oils are flammable. If its flammable, then you must comply with the Construction
Regulations requirement that at least one fire extinguisher be provided where flammable liquids or
combustible materials are stored, handled, or used.
METHODS OF APPLICATION
Using pump pressurized sprayer. The advantages of this method are a high application speed. But include
potential overspray on surfaces, an worker exposure to airborne mist.
Using a roller and tray to apply form oil. The method. Minimal airborne mist. But low speed.
PHYSICAL HAZARDS
You often need sleeves on walls and suspended slabs, but sleeves can increase the risk of cuts during
certain phases of forming. They often protrudes out from an otherwise smooth surface of formwork. This
can lead to workers walking into or tripping over a sleeve. Workers can be injured either from bumping
into the sleeve or from a fall by tripping over it.
A way to prevent this is to make the sleeve a different color than the formwork it is attached to. This
makes it more obvious and visible.

To reduce this risk, clearly mark and identify the location of bulkheads and block-outs on
the outside of the formwork. As well, crews placing the concrete must be trained in the proper placing
techniques around bulkheads and block-outs. Workers must understand that concrete should be allowed
to run up to a bulkhead, not be poured directly onto it, and that the concrete vibrator must not be held
against the bulkhead. This will reduce the likelihood of damage to the bulkhead and failure of the form.
The main health and safety concerns during the formwork construction phase are related to

General material handling and lifting.

Cutting and connecting lumber and metal
Falling from heights.

Since much of the material needed for forming can be supplied to the work area by crane, hoisting and
rigging safety is very important, as is worker awareness of the hazards of overhead loads.
1) FLYING FORMS
Flying forms are large sections of formwork, often including trusses, beams, shoring towers, braces, and
other support mechanisms that are moved from one location to another.
This method increases production over traditional built-in-place frame-supported forming. It also
improves overall safety of the forming operation by minimizing or eliminating the amount and type of
heavy material handling associated with built-in-place methods.
2) BUILT-IN-PLACE SUSPENDED-SLAB FORMING
Built-in-place suspended-slab forming is often used on non-typical areas of reinforced concrete
construction. Beam and slab, flat slab or flat plate, and ribbed or waffle slab construction are all suited to
this type of forming. It relies on shoring towers, frames, or posts appropriately cross braced to support
the joists, stringers, and sheathing necessary to create the form. This type of forming is similar to
knockdown forming for walls and columns since its most suited to a single-use application. It involves
constructing most of the formwork in the location where it will be used, then stripping and removing it
piece-by-piece once the concrete has set.
Overexertion injuries are a common hazard in this type of forming since it requires a large amount of
manual material handling.
Some modular suspended-slab formwork systems have been developed that change the work sequence
and greatly reduce several safety risks associated with suspended slab formwork.
The design of components often allows for the columns and beams to be installed from the ground,
eliminating the need for fall protection. The panels are small enough to be handled by one worker. While
they may need to be installed from the top of the formwork deck, the worker can do this using a travelrestraint system rather than a fall-arrest system.

Its critically important to follow the proper sequence of disassembly during stripping and removal. Even
when the suspended slab is sufficiently cured to support itself and its load, the shoring system may
collapse if you dont follow the proper dismantling sequence.
3) GANG FORMS
Gang forms are large assembliesor an assembly made up of several connected smaller panels with
independent structural integrity. Gang forms can be assembled flat and at ground level. This improves
safety for workers, since it eliminates the need to climb or to lift tools or material to a height.
Build a deck for the cutting tables and saws. This gives workers a clean, level, and even surface to work
from. Help keep the cutting area dry by having a roof. Workers operating saws and handling material
in a clean, dry area are less likely to slip, trip, or fall. Preventing slips and falls is always important, but
slips can be even more hazardous when tools such as table saws are in the area.
A modular one-sided form set up and ready for concrete. Closing in at least two sides of the work area
can also improve safety. Wind can make it difficult and dangerous to carry material, especially sheet
material such as plywood. It can lead to overexertion injuries, slips, and falls. Use walls or tarps to block
the wind in the shop area. It will be more difficult for dust and debris to become airborne. Reduce the
amount of material that can become airborne by using saws fitted with dust extractors and by cleaning
up the shop area regularly. Accumulated sawdust, wood shavings, scraps, and general clutter not only
slow down production, but they also present a fire hazard. Keep the shop area clean.
Aluminum and steel can be used to varying degrees in formwork. Aluminum beams are often used as
wales in place of lumber. Aluminum, when manufactured into wide flange beams, has a very high
strength-to-weight ratio, making it easy to carry and place. Aluminum beams are durable and arent
susceptible to rot or decay. Unless an aluminum beam is damaged by a drop or impact, it will not warp or
twist as lumber does when exposed to the environmental conditions of a jobsite.
Metal can also be used for studs, struts, sheathing, and complete panels. The main concern with metal
components is their weight. Formwork sectionsand often even individual panelscan be too heavy to
be placed by hand so you have to use a crane or other suitable hoisting device. Safe hoisting and rigging
procedures must be understood and followed whenever any hoisting device is used.
TYPES OF TIES AND FASTENERS
Light forming
For light forming, form ties made of either flat steel bar or heavy-gauge steel wire are typically used. These
ties have components manufactured into them that maintain consistent spacing between opposing faces
of form panels, preventing the panels from narrowing (thereby reducing wall thickness) or spreading
(increasing wall thickness). This class of tie is held in place by an end fastener designed to work with the
particular type of tie being used. Quite commonly, the end fasteners for light concrete forming have
a wedge design. Once the concrete is placed in the form and sufficiently cured, the end fasteners can be
removed and re-used, and the protruding ties broken off and discarded to make it easier to remove the
forms. When you break off ties, ensure that no portion of the tie is protruding from the concrete in a way

that could injure a worker. The edges of a broken tie can be extremely sharp. If the ties do protrude out
of the concrete, they must be cut off flush with the face of the concrete to prevent workers from being
scratched, cut, impaled, or otherwise injured in the event of contact.
Medium and heavy forming
For medium and heavy forming, ties are often made from steel rod, either tapered or threaded to facilitate
removal from the concrete after it has set. These types of ties are typically threaded at the protruding
end, and the width of the form is controlled by a plate/washer and nut installed after the rod is passed
through the form. Use the appropriate tools and techniques when installing and removing all types of ties.
Improper installation can damage the tie or the face of the form, weakening it before the pour and
increasing the risk of formwork failure. Due to the load created by the concrete, you may require
considerable force to remove the end fastener from the tie, and the tie from the concrete.
Workers must not climb the formwork when removing form ties.
Removing fasteners and ties can require substantial effort, so you also need solid footing.
Scaffoldingeither self-standing or hanging bracketis the safest choice for a work platform. To protect
workers exposed to a fall, guardrails or personal fall protection must also be provided and used. Use the
proper strength and type of ties for the project. This information will be specified in engineers design
drawings for formwork. Mixing up ties can confuse workers, leading to installation errors and ultimately
form failure. Ensure that all ties used within any form are of the same strength, size, and type.
Formwork (formwork, falsework, re-shoring) must be designed by a professional engineer, or the
formwork components must be tested to failure and the test results verified by a professional engineer.

The formwork must be built in accordance with the engineered drawings.

An inspectionby a professional engineer or the engineers designated inspectormust be done
to verify that the formwork has been installed according to the engineered drawings.
The person who carries out the inspection must put the findings of the inspection in writing.
If there is a deviation from the engineered drawing, the professional engineer must review the
deviation and make any necessary amendments either to the drawing or to the actual jobsite
implementation of the formwork. The drawing and the reality of the formwork must be consistent.
At least one competent worker must monitor the forms for movement during concrete placing,
and such a worker must have the authority to immediately stop the pour if any problems develop.
Stripping of falsework and formwork, and re-shoring must be done only when testing verifies that
the concrete has reached the required strength. Stripping and re-shoring must be done only in
the manner described and detailed in the engineers drawings.

CONCRETE WORKS
Cement
Cement based products, like concrete or mortar, can cause serious skin problems such as dermatitis and
burns.

Solution:
Identify those tasks where cement based products will be used. Workers handling / mixing cement
powder or using wet mortar and cement are particularly at risk. Check for any existing skin or allergy
problems as this work could make these conditions worse. Follow the control steps below. Cement
powder is also a respiratory irritant. The dust produced while cutting, drilling etc dried concrete and
mortar can cause more serious lung disease. More information on assessing and controlling this risk can
be found in the section on construction dust.
Gloves gloves should be waterproof and suitable for use with high pH (alkaline) substances; eg
marked with EN374:2003 and tested for use with alkalis and bases (class K) some nitrile or PVC
gloves may be suitable. Breakthrough time and permeation rate should also be suitable for the type
and duration of the work. Gloves should be long and /or tight fitting at the end to prevent cement
being trapped between the glove and the skin.
Footwear suitable footwear, such as wellington boots, should be used where large concrete pours
are taking place. If standing in cement, these should be high enough to prevent cement entering the
top of the boot.
Waterproof trousers when kneeling on wet products containing cement, appropriate waterproof
trousers should be worn or, if screening, use appropriate waterproof knee pads or knee boards.
Minimize any time spent kneeling. Wear trousers over the top of boots. This stops cement getting
into them.
Washing wash off any cement on the skin as soon as possible. Workers should be encouraged to
wash exposed skin at breaks and after work. Good washing facilities are essential. There should be
hot and cold or warm running water, soap and towels. Basins should be large enough to wash
forearms. Showers may be needed in some situations where workers could get heavily covered in
cement. Use emergency eyewash to remove any cement that gets into eyes.
Skin care products these can help to protect the skin. They replace the natural oils that help keep
the skins protective barrier working properly.
Train - workers need to know how to use the controls properly. They also need to be aware of the
signs and symptoms of dermatitis. Finding skin problems early can stop them from getting too bad.
Working at Height
The construction of buildings frequently requires men to work at height. Fatalities and injuries involving
height relating factors account for many accidents each year. The risks associated with working at a height
are often increased by added access and mobility restrictions.
Solution:
Training, including safety awareness training is essential for employees required to work at height.
Moving Objects
Construction sites can get quite hectic what with the sheer volume of constantly moving vehicles and
trades people overhead lifting equipment shifting heavy loads, supply vehicles, dumper trucks
everywhere, maneuvering around a usually uneven terrain. Around 100 construction site workers die
every year because of heavy construction equipment accidents like workers crushed by falling equipment
from buckets, and other moving construction vehicles, operators injured by equipment rollovers, ground
workers hit by a vehicle that is backing up or changing directions, and mechanics crushed because of
malfunctioning brakes.

Solution:
To avoid this kind of construction accidents, workers must learn to adhere to all construction safety
guidelines set by the company. Training, including safety awareness training is essential for employees.
Slips, Trips, & Falls
When you consider the diverse range of activities going on at a construction site at any one time it seems
hardly surprising slips, trips, and falls happen on an almost daily basis. Construction sites are a mish mash
of holes in the ground, buildings at various stages of completion, scaffolding, stored materials and
equipment: you really do need eyes in the back of your head at times. Falling from high places, like
scaffolding, ladder, and roofs, comprises more than 50% of those accidents that take place at the
workplace. Slipping, tripping, and using unstable ladders are some of the usual causes of these accidents.
A number of factors are often involved in falls, including unstable working surfaces, misuse or failure to
use fall protection equipment and human error.
Solution:
To prevent this from happening, employers need to have fall protection equipment at their workplace
while their workers should know how to use them properly. The workers must also be trained to evaluate
and identify fall hazards and to know how forestall them. Training, including safety awareness training is
essential for employees required to work at height. Studies have shown that using guardrails, fall arrest
systems, safety nets, covers and restraint systems can prevent many deaths and injuries from falls.
Noise
Noise is a major hazard within the construction industry. Repetitive, excessive noise causes long term
hearing problems and can be a dangerous distraction, the cause of accidents.
Solution:
Beware, using simple ear plugs does not necessarily offer total protection against hearing damage
employers are required to carry out and document a comprehensive noise risk assessment and issue
appropriate PPE.
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
Hand arm vibration syndrome, or blue finger as it is commonly referred to, is a painful and debilitating
industrial disease of the blood vessels, nerves and joints, triggered by prolonged use of vibratory power
tools and ground working equipment. This industrial disease is frequently cited in compensation claim
cases opened by ex-construction workers who worked for years with little or no protection, using
inappropriate and poorly maintained equipment.
Solution:
Control measures to reduce vibration must be properly applied and they must be provided with
information, training and health surveillance. Scheduling of people assigned to the work can also be a way
of mitigating this risk.
Material & Manual Handling
Materials and equipment is being constantly lifted and moved around on a construction site, whether
manually or by the use of lifting equipment. Different trades will involve greater demands, but all may
involve some degree of risk.

Solution:
Where employees duties involve manual handling, then adequate training must be carried out. Where
lifting equipment is used, then adequate training must also be carried out, but may involve some form of
test, to confirm competency. Records of training must be maintained for verification.
Collapse
Not exactly a hazard, more a risk an accident in waiting. The risk of an unintended collapse is generally
more associated with demolition works or when a partially completed building or scaffolding collapses,
but still accounts for a percentage of fatalities each year.
Solution:
Precautions are needed to be planned before the work starts.
Scaffoldings
When scaffolds are not erected or used properly, fall hazards can occur. About 2.3 million construction
workers frequently work on scaffolds. Protecting these workers from scaffold-related accidents would
prevent an estimated 4,500 injuries and 50 fatalities each year.
Solutions:
Scaffold must be sound, rigid and sufficient to carry its own weight plus four times the maximum
intended load without settling or displacement. It must be erected on solid footing.
Unstable objects, such as barrels, boxes, loose bricks or concrete blocks must not be used to support
scaffolds or planks.
Scaffold must not be erected, moved, dismantled or altered except under the supervision of a
competent person.
Scaffold must be equipped with guardrails, midrails and toeboards.
Scaffold accessories such as braces, brackets, trusses, screw legs or ladders that are damaged or
weakened from any cause must be immediately repaired or replaced.
Scaffold platforms must be tightly planked with scaffold plank grade material or equivalent.
A "competent person" must inspect the scaffolding and, at designated intervals, reinspect it.
Rigging on suspension scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person before each shift and
after any occurrence that could affect structural integrity to ensure that all connections are tight
and that no damage to the rigging has occurred since its last use.
Synthetic and natural rope used in suspension scaffolding must be protected from heat-producing
sources.
Employees must be instructed about the hazards of using diagonal braces as fall protection.
Scaffold can be accessed by using ladders and stairwells.
Scaffolds must be at least 10 feet from electric power lines at all times.
Sorting steel reinforcement
Manual handling that can cause strains, sprains and fracture if mishandled.
Mechanical lifting device (e.g. crane) not used.
Steel not sorted requiring unnecessary double handling.

Steel dumped onto deck with no consideration to placing requirements, e.g. bottom steel not
placed on top of the stack.
Steel for different areas not easily identified, e.g. colour coded with paint spots/bands.

PANEL WORKS
Mitigation of risk in Panel Works
Works that belongs to panel work are CHB, Ceiling works, and formworks. In these works there are risk
and hazards like failing debris, sharp objects, and the presence of noise. These are mostly the common
risks in construction and these risks require proper tools and equipment for mitigating these risks.
The different types of risks:
Falling Debris where different components of the structure might fall or there is ongoing construction
up ahead and there are possibilities of different objects might fall
Equipment to mitigate the effect of falling debris:
Hardhat used to protect the head from falling debris and other shit.
Steel Toe A shoe with a steel plate on the part of the toe that protects it from being crushed
by falling objects.
Contaminants that can risk the body different substances and particles lurk around the construction
site and these airborne or floating substances are potentially harmful to the body.
Equipment to mitigate the effect of body contaminants:
Mask used to protect the user from inhaling alien substances or hazardous chemical particles.
Goggles to protect the eyes from flying small particles that can potentially harm our eyes.
Sharp Objects one on the most common risk in construction, these are found all through the area of
construction like how sharp some tools are like the saw, or sharp eqiupments life roof sheets.
Tools and equipments that can mitigate the effect of sharp objects:
Gloves worn so that the hand is protected from sharp objects and can be isolated from
chemical substances.
Steel Toe steel toe can also be part in mitigating sharp objects. It is to also protect the toe
from sharp obejcts.
Noise pollution construction is a loud and noisy environment, there are power tools that are loud that
it could affect the hearing of the user or the people surrounding it.
Tools to mitigate the effect of loud noise:
Ear Plugs used to mitigate the noise that other power tools are capable.
There are other risks that doesnt have any tools and equipments that can mitigate the effect and only
need careful precaution like if reaching out for high parts or being in a situation that there is risk of
falling from a height. Handling of power tools such as bar cutter power drills and other moving parts,
these equipments should be handled carefully so that there would be no casualties.

STEEL WORKS
RISK ASSESMENT
Some health and safety risks you may face on site include:

 Exposure to electricity. Overhead cables,

Falls from height,
Proximity to flammable or combustible
materials,
Climbing steps and working platforms,
Risk of eye injury from flying particles and
dust,
Cancer risk from Exposure to asbestos,
Slips trips and falls due to untidy work area,
Manual handling activities,
Using various types of equipment and tools,
Moulds, fungi and bacteria,
Cuts and abrasions,
Struck my machinery,
Loss of fingers/limbs,
Risk of pain or injury from performing
repetitive tasks,
Exposure to noise,
Struck by falling objects,
Hand and foot injury,
Sun exposure.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
1. Hoisting and Rigging
Inspection requirements for cranes, operator responsibilities and multiple lift rigging
procedures. It also discusses those times when it is permitted to work under a suspended load, and how
to pre-plan the routes for suspended loads. A very important addition here states that a qualified rigger
(a rigger who is also a qualified person) shall inspect the rigging prior to each shift. Clearly, the intent is
to require that the rigger be an individual with a high degree of expertise.
2. Fall Protection
This is the most important section of the standard because it deals with controlling the greatest
hazard faced by employees during steel erection.
1. Fall protection action level of 15 feet for all work except connecting and working within a
controlled decking zone (CDZ).
2. Acceptable protection includes safety net systems, guardrail systems, personal fall arrest
systems, positioning device systems or fall restraint systems.
3. Fall protection equipment.
4. Perimeter safety cables on multi-story buildings must be installed on the final perimeter as
soon as the decking has been installed.
3. Training Requirements
Specific training that must be given to employees who are exposed to falls, as well as special
training programs for multiple rigged lifts, connectors and employees who work in controlled decking
zones.

FINISHING WORKS
Painting
Risk Assessment
1. SPLASH BACK - cleaning equipment get paint splashed into their eyes.
2. STAINING - adults using different types of paint spill media on themselves or their clothing.
3. FUMES AND SOLVENTS - adults using some types of paint may encounter fumes emitted from
some paints
4. FIRE - adults using some types of paint and solvents, and the storage of these could present a
risk.
Safety Requirements
1. Environmental Control - You should make sure that the ventilation in the spray booth or room is
adequately maintained and working properly.
2. Personal protection - to use personal protective equipment
3. Respirators - the air-purifying and the atmosphere supplying,
4. Eye and Hearing Protection - Wear your safety goggles to protect your eyes from paint materials
as well as the particulates created during sanding and grinding.

5. Protective clothing - Some of the chemicals you work with can injure skin or cause dermatitis.
Coveralls and gloves prevent these chemicals from coming into contact with your skin, reducing
the risk of damage.
6. Fire and explosion hazards - Because of the danger of fire and explosion where paints which
contain flammable solvents are being used, care should be taken to remove all potential sources
of ignition before starting work. This means naked flames, cutting and welding torches, gas fired
heaters and materials which may give off sparks, whether electrical, mechanical, friction or
static, and there must be no smoking.
7. Dust and Preparation - Many painting projects require preparation of the materials to be
painted. Preparation often involves sanding of the surface which creates a health hazard if dust
masks are not worn. Ideally dust collection systems should be used to prevent large amounts of
small particulates from entering the air.