1.
Introduction to OSHA
Relevant Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) issues regulations to
assist employers in reducing the number of
OSHA 10 Hour Construction Course Fact Sheet
hazards in the work place. Employers who
implement these regulations may significantly
decrease the number of injuries and deaths
caused by work-related accidents.
OSHA Regulations and compliance information
is widely available, and can be acquired in
written format and online. To view them online,
go to:http://www.osha.gov/law-regs.html
Federal regulations are contained in the Code of
Federal Regulations (CFRs). A different volume
number is given for each government agency’s
regulations. OSHA regulations, and other
Department of Labor regulations, are found in
29 CFR.
29 CFR Part 1926 contains the OSHA Safety
and Health Regulations for Construction.
OSHA also relies on other organizations
and agencies to identify hazards and publish
standards (e.g. ANSI, DOT, NFPA, etc.). OSHA
calls these Consensus Standards and they are
often referred to in the CFRs, which makes
them enforceable by OSHA.
Many individual states have a state safety and
health plan, which is required to be at least as
effective and may be more stringent that the
OSHA regulations.
RESOURCES
OSHA Online - www.osha.gov
OSHA Hotline - 800-321-OSHA
Reasons to Study/Hazards Rights and Responsibilities
An increased awareness of common hazards in Employer
the workplace helps employees and employers The OSH Act makes employers responsible
ensure a safe and healthy workplace for Ameri-for providing a safe workplace. This is
can workers. specified in the General Duty Clause
(Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act), which
A good safety program protects employees from states:
injury and death.
Each employer shall furnish to each employee
For an employer, a good safety program results a place of employment which is free from
in: recognized hazards that are causing or are
likely to cause death or serious physical harm to
• Reduction of workplace injuries employees.
• Fewer workers’ compensation claims
• Fewer lawsuits brought about by injured Employers have certain rights. These
workers include the right to require OSHA inspectors
• Lowered workers’ compensation insur- to get a warrant, to know the reason for
ance premiums inspections, to be informed of inspection
• Fewer or no OSHA citations and/or fines findings, and to contest penalties. They also
• Increased productivity. have the right to maintain confidentiality
regarding trade secrets, products, and
employee information.
OSHA Guardrail Employees
Regulation systems The OSH Act makes employees responsible
for complying with the OSHA rules,
Construction regulations, and orders.
Employees have the right to review OSHA
standards and requirements, and to see
29 CFR 1926.502(b)(1) posted OSHA citations. They are protected
from discrimination based on a safety
complaint against their employe. They have
the right to participate in OSHA inspections
Subpart M, and be informed of inspection outcomes.
Fall protection Above all, they have the right to a safe and
Top height 42 inches healthful workplace.
plus or minus 3 inches
NFPA Online - www.nfpa.org CFRs Online - www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html
ANSI Online - www.ansi.org DOT Online - www.dot.gov
Introduction to OSHA OSHA 30-Hour Construction Fact Sheet

Related Regulations Subpart C – General Safety Rules for Construction Worksites

Here are some general rules to help keep the construction worksite free of hazards.
You can find OSHA’s construction rules in 29 CFR 1926. The general safety and health
provisions for all construction worksites are listed in Subpart C of the regulations. All Keep the worksite clean. Wear PPE as needed.
of these rules can be found on the OSHA website: www.osha.gov.
Make sure you know how and where to get medical attention, including knowing the
Dangers at Construction Worksites location of the first aid kit and eye wash station and how to get medical help in an
Construction worksites are full of dangers. OSHA inspects all types of worksites, but emergency.
the most commonly cited and highest penalty violations come from construction sites.
Here are the construction safety violations that made the top ten lists for 2007. Review the emergency action plan to make sure you know the exit route, who to call,
and what to do in case there is a fire or other emergency at the worksite. You should
Most Frequently Cited Violations Highest Penalty Violations also know where the fire extinguishing equipment is kept.
Scaffolding Scaffolding
4 Ways to Prevent Accidents
Fall Protection Fall Protection
1. A safety and accident prevent program
Ladders Excavations
2. Frequent and regular inspections of the worksite by a competent person
Aerial Lifts 3. Prohibit use of non-compliant machinery, tools, materials, and equipment
4. Training, including specialized training, as needed
Safety at Construction Worksites
By writing safety rules, requiring training of workers, and inspecting worksites, OSHA Inspections
has dramatically improved worker safety and decreased occupational hazards. OSHA’s OSHA uses inspections as a tool to help keep workplaces safe. Workplaces are inspect-
mission is to save lives, prevent injuries, and protect the health of America’s workers. ed in this order:
1. Imminent Danger
You can contact OSHA at any time for workplace safety and health questions, to report 2. Fatalities and Catastrophes
accidents or unsafe working conditions, for help during an emergency, and more. 3. Worker Complaints and Referrals
(800) 321-OSHA (6742) 4. Programmed High-Hazard Inspections.

The Competent Person is the person with the knowledge to detect hazards at the work-
site and the authorization to eliminate the hazards. Look for this person to help you
stay safe at work.
General Duty Clause
Employers have to keep the workplace free from recognized hazards and employees
have to follow the safety rules set up by their employer.
Employees who see willful safety violations by their employer are encouraged to con-
tact OSHA. The Whistleblower Protection rules prevent the employer from retaliating
against an employee.
Here are some of the rights employees have during an inspection.
• Employees have a right to review copies of appropriate OSHA standards, rules,
regulations, and requirements. The OSHA citations must be posted.
• Employees have the right to be represented by an authorized representative during
the inspection. This authorized representative could be the union safety officer or
steward.
• Employees are protected by federal law from any discrimination that may result
as a result of filing a safety complaint against the employer. If an employee is
discriminated against, he or she should contact the local OSHA office.
• Employees have a right to be informed of the outcome of the inspection.
Employees may choose to speak with the inspector alone, confidentially, with manage-
ment present, and/or with an authorized representative present. Employees do not have
to talk to the OSHA inspector.
Struck-By Hazards OSHA 10-Hour Construction Fact Sheet
There are many different ways struck-by accidents can occur, but the most common The with protecting yourself from objects is that you may not be
involve: participating in the work that causes the object to For that reason, you need to make
• Vehicles and cranes sure your coworkers follow the safety rules outlined by OSHA and your employer, and
• Falling or objects you need to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for your worksite.
• Constructing concrete and masonry walls. Be particularly careful when working with or near power tools.

Vehicles and Cranes Constructing Concrete and Masonry Walls

Follow these safety precautions to avoid being struck by vehicles or cranes at your
worksite.
• When working near vehicles, make sure you are visible to vehicle operators at all
times. Eye contact is good.
• Never exceed the load capacity for a vehicle.
• Do not ride on a vehicle unless it is equipped with a safe place to sit.
• If you are operating a vehicle, wear a safety belt if the vehicle is equipped with
one.
• Workers - meaning all people at the worksite - need to be trained on safety.
• Cranes need to be set up on solid, level ground so they do not tip or fall.
• Loads need to be secured properly so they do not drop.
• Determine how much a crane can safely lift before using it. Never exceed the
crane’s load capacity.
• The crane operator needs to stay in communication with other workers.
• The appropriate crane maintenance and inspections need to be performed.
To prevent struck-by injuries involving concrete and masonry walls, follow these safety
precautions.
• Do not place construction loads on a concrete structure until a person
indicates that it can support the load.
• Adequately shore or brace structures until permanent supporting elements are in
place, or concrete has been tested to assure strength.
• Take measures to prevent unrolled wire mesh from recoiling, such as securing
each end or turning the roll over.
• Do not load lifting devices beyond their capacity.
• Use automatic holding devices to support forms in case a lifting mechanism fails.
• When building masonry walls, use limited access zones (LAZs) to restrict access
to areas surrounding the wall construction area.
• Always wear protective head and face equipment.

Falling and Flying Objects

• Falling objects often present a hazard when working near cranes, scaffolds, mate-
rials handling operations, and stacked materials. Follow these safety precautions
to avoid injury.
• Avoid working underneath loads being moved.
• Barricade hazard areas and post warning signs.
• Inspect cranes and hoists to see that all components, such as wire rope, lifting
hooks, chains, etc., are in good condition.
• Do not exceed lifting capacity of cranes and hoists.
• Wear a hardhat.
• Secure tools and materials to prevent them from falling on people below.
• Use toeboards, screens, or guardrails on scaffolds to prevent falling objects, or,
• Use debris nets, catch platforms, or canopies to catch or falling objects.
• Stack materials to prevent sliding, falling, or collapse. Bags of materials should
be stacked neatly by stepping back the layers and cross-keying the bags at least
every ten bags high.
• Do not store materials on scaffolds or runways.
• Use debris chutes and barricades as appropriate to keep personnel from being
struck by discarded rubbish and waste materials.
Caught-In and Caught-Between Hazards OSHA 10-Hour Construction Fact Sheet
There are many different ways caught-in and caught-between accidents can occur, but When working around unguarded machinery, keep these things in mind.
the most common involve: • Loose clothing and jewelry can get caught in moving parts, pulling you into the
• Trenching machine.
• Unguarded machinery • Long hair that is worn loose can get caught in unguarded moving parts.
• Equipment.
Equipment
Trenching Powered industrial trucks (forklifts), cranes, and other heavy equipment can pose
According to OSHA, “the fatality rate for excavation work is 112% higher than the caught-between hazards at the workplace. Here are some examples.
rate for general construction.” One of the biggest hazards is being caught in a trench • Heavy equipment can overturn, and if the operator isn’t wearing a seatbelt or the
cave-in, which could crush or asphyxiate you. vehicle isn’t equipped with ROPS, he or she can be caught between the truck and
the ground.
To avoid cave-ins, follow these safety precautions. • Operators can run the equipment into pedestrians, pinning them between the
• Use a protective system, such as sloping or shoring, to prevent the walls of the vehicle and the wall or stacked materials.
trench from caving in. • If loads are not properly loaded or secured to equipment, the loads can fall off the
• Make sure the trench is inspected at the appropriate times and by the competent truck onto workers, pinning them between the fallen load and the ground or other
person. materials.
• Keep spoils at least two feet from the edge of the trench or haul them to another • Workers unsafely riding on equipment can fall off and get run over.
location.
• Use a retaining device like a trench box that extends higher than the wall of the To prevent these types of accidents:
trench. • Wear a seatbelt when operating equipment if it is equipped with one.
• For trenches that are more than four feet deep, make sure there is a safe exit • Operate equipment that has ROPS, as appropriate.
within 25 feet of workers in the trench. • Do not ride equipment that is not safely equipped for passengers.
• Make sure all loads are properly secured and within the rated capacity of the
Unguarded Machinery heavy equipment.
Unguarded machinery presents a big caught-in hazard. Particularly make sure the ap- • When operating equipment, be aware of pedestrians in the area.
propriate guarding is in place for power tools, conveyors, and other machinery with
moving parts.

The guards for power tools must protect the operator and other workers from:
• The point of operation
• In-running nip points
• Rotating parts
• Flying chips and sparks.

When working with conveyors, never:

• Clean or maintain a conveyor while it is operating
• Reach into a nip point to remove debris or to free jammed material
• Wear loose clothing that gets caught in the conveyor.
Electrical Safety
Relevant Regulations
OSHA’s electrical safety standards for construction
are included in 29 CFR 1926, Subpart K. Additional
information can be found in:
• Subpart L - Scaffolds
• Subpart N - Cranes, Derricks, Hoist Elevators,
and Conveyors
• Subpart V- Power Transmission and Distribu-
tion Workers
• Subpart X - Ladders.
Overhead Power Lines.
Generally, OSHA regulations require that companies
keep workers and equipment, including cranes, scis-
sor lifts, boom lifts, etc., at least 10 feet away from
the overhead power lines to prevent contact.
OSHA 30-Hour Construction Fact Sheet
Hazards Precautions to Take
Electricity creates a significant hazard in the work-
place. Before operating or working around electrical equip-
Most injuries and fatalities result from: ment, make sure you are properly train.
• Electric shock Do not install or repair equipment if you are not
• Electrocution qualified.
• Burns
• Arc blasts When operating or working around electrical equip-
• Fires ment:
• Explosions. • Respect the power of electricity
Flammable vapors or gases and combustible dust or • De-energize electrical equipment when working
fibers may be present in some locations on a con- on it
struction jobsite, and pose a significant hazard when • Inspect and maintain equipment and tools
mixed with electricity. • Use available safety features, like three-
pronged plugs, tools that are double-insulated,
If you encounter someone being shocked by electricity: and safety switches
1. Disconnect the power • Make sure electrical equipment is properly 
2. Call emergency medical services, or 911 grounded
3. Don't touch the victim unless you are certain that the • Follow lockout and tagging procedures
power has been shut off. If you do, you may be the next • Use “C” rated extinguishers for electrical fires.
victim! Never use water.
4.Use appropriate first aid and CPR techniques if you are • Practice good housekeeping: care for cables and
trained to do so. cords by keeping them clean and storing them 
5. Don't touch bare wires, frayed wires, power lines, or properly
power company equipment • Do not touch water, bare wires, or ungrounded
6. Don't try to put out a fire started by electricity with metal if you are not protected
water. Water can conduct electricity. • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment
for the job
• Do not wear clothing or jewelry that can con-
duct electricity
• Use flexible cords only when allowed by the
regulations and when there are no other options.
Grounding
Grounding is a (secondary) method of protecting
employees from electric shock. Choose either ground
fault circuit interrupters or an assured equipment
grounding conductor program to protect employees
on construction sites.
OSHA 10 Hour Construction Course Fact Sheet 3 . Excavations (Construction)
Relevant Regulations
OSHA's excavation safety standards for construction
are included in 29 CFR 1926, Subpart P.
http://www.osha.gov/
Trenching Flow Chart
Is the excavation more
than 5 feet in depth?
NO
Is there potential
for cave-in?
Excavation may be made
NO with vertical sides.
YES Excavation must be sloped,
shored, or shielded.
Reasons to Study/Hazards
Excavations are recognized as one of the most
hazardous construction operations. The trench is the
most hazardous type of excavation; it is deeper than it
is wide and represents a hazard to any worker inside
the trench in the event of a collapse.
The fatality rate for excavations is 112% higher than
the rate for general construction. An estimated 100
deaths occur each year with over 1,000 workers
injured.
Many injuries and fatalities are the result of cave-ins.
Most cave-ins occur in trenches only 5 - 15 feet deep.
Most of these deaths are from asphyxiation, though
some are caused by the weight of collapsed materials.
In addition to the cave-in hazard, there are dangers
from excavating near underground utilities.
YES Is the excavation
entirely in stable
rock?
YES
NO
Precautions to Take
Workers must be trained properly, and must adhere to
the safety plan.
A Competent Person plays a crucial role in trenches
and excavations.
To prevent collapse, the Competent Person will select
either sloping, shoring, or shielding, depending on the
jobsite conditions. He or she will consider:
• The soil type (A, B, C, or solid rock)
• Stand-up time of the soil
• The depth of the trench
• Surface vibration
• Effects of weather
• Slope of the trench wall
• Depth of the water table
• The unit weight of the soil.
He or she also identifies and inspects established
safety measures, establishes a rescue plan, directly
supervises the excavation, and keeps records on
inspections and on shoring or shielding.
Conditions on a jobsite may change, and therefore
excavations require constant inspections.
When digging near underground utility lines, you
must “Call Before You Dig” to identify the locations
of utility lines.
When digging adjacent to the foundations of other
structures or near utility poles, special care must be
used to keep those foundations and poles intact.
OSHA 10 Hour Construction Course Fact Sheet 4 . Fall Protection
Relevant Regulations
OSHA's Fall Protection safety standards for
construction are included in 29 CFR 1926, Subpart
M.
http://www.osha.gov/.
This deals with both the human and the equipment-
related issues in protecting workers from fall hazards.
According to the criteria set forth in 1926.501, your
employer is required to provide fall protection
systems and equipment whenever you are exposed to
a fall of six feet or more.
Some subparts exist within 29 CFR 1926 aside from
Subpart M (The Fall Protection Rule). The other
subparts apply to circumstances that have fall
protection hazards that need to be addressed
separately. If these subparts do not specifically
address a fall hazard at a work site, Subpart M will
apply.
Rope grap
Double-locking snap hook
Shock absorbing
lanyard
Reasons to Study/Hazards
Slips, trips, and falls are the single largest cause of
injuries and lost time in industry.
Falls can occur at the same level that you are working
on - these are also called slips or trips. The other type
of falls is from a higher level to a lower level. The
second type tends to be more serious because of the
effects of gravity.
Falls are second leading cause of death in the
workplace. The following workplaces have the
highest incidents:
• Structural metal workers
• Roofers and hoist and winch operators
• Electrical power installers and repairers.
Workers most frequently suffer the following types of
injuries from falls:
• Sprain, strain, or tear
• Fractures
• Bruises and contusions
• Soreness and pain.
D-ring
Precautions to Take
To protect workers from falls:
• Recognize when fall protection is required
• Select the appropriate fall protection systems for
the situation
• Properly construct and install safety systems
• Supervise employees in the construction, installa
tion, and use of fall protection systems
• Train workers in the proper selection, use, and
maintenance of all protection systems.
Surface hazards are a leading cause of falls. Take
precautions to protect from inappropriate:
• Surface structures
• Housekeeping
• Obstructions
• Loading considerations.
Some types of fall protection include:
• Guardrail Systems - these consist of toprails,
midrails, and toeboards to prevent people and
loose objects from falling to a lower level
• Canopies
• Personal fall arrest systems - these consist of an
anchorage, connectors, and body harnesses
• Safety nets
• Warning line systems/safety monitoring systems
• Controlled access zones.
Maintenance and inspections of fall protection
equipment is required by the regulations.
OSHA 10 Hour Construction Course Fact Sheet 5 . Crane Safety

Related Regulations Power Lines

Always assume overhead wires are energized. Only feel assured the line is de-energized
if the person who owns the line or the electrical utility authority indicates it is not ener-
entities such as ANSI, PCSA, ASME, and SC&RA also provide safety guidelines for gized and it is visibly grounded.
cranes.
Table A in 29 CFR 1926.1408 shows the minimum clearance distances for power lines of
Crane Fatalities different voltages. The higher the voltage, the further away you must be.
The main causes of crane-related fatalities are: Being struck by a falling object, getting
caught in or compressed by equipment or objects, getting struck by objects (that aren’t Voltage (nominal, kV, alternating Minimum Clearance Distance in
falling), falls, electrocution, and transportation incidents.
current) Feet
Up to 50 10
Preventing Accidents
Crane accidents can be prevented with: Over 50 to 200 15
• Training Over 200 to 350 20
• Communication Over 350 to 500 25
• Adequate crane maintenance and inspections.
Over 500 to 750 35
In addition to these, make sure: Over 750 to 1-000 45
• Cranes are set on stable, level ground (within 1% level grade) Over 1,000 As established by the utility owner/opera-
• Loads are properly secured tor or registered professional engineer
• Loads do not exceed the crane’s load capacity
• Crane operators stay in communication with other workers
• Power lines get the proper clearance
• You stay clear of the load
Inspections
• You use fall protection and follow other safety guidelines if you work on a sus-
pended personnel platform.
should be placed out of service. They also conduct certain tests to ensure the crane is
stable and capable of moving its intended load. The competent person needs to do an an-
nual inspection of hoisting equipment.

Portable Valid The crane must be inspected before each use and during its use to make sure it is safe.
Repair any problems before using the crane.
Option 1: Accredited Testing Yes 5 years
Organization
Option 2: Audited Employer Program No 5 years

Option 3: State/Local License No* Set by issuing entity,

Valid only within but not more than 5
the jurisdiction of years
the entity that issued
the license
U.S. Military License No* Set by the issuing
entity
OSHA 10 Hour Construction Course Fact Sheet 6 . Ladder Safety
Relevant Regulations
OSHA's Ladder Safety standards for construction are
included in 29 CFR 1926, Subpart X.
These regulations apply to all stairways and ladders
used and constructed while performing construction-
related work. Subpart X outlines requirements for
Reasons to Study/Hazards Precautions to Take
Falls from ladders are consistently the most common Workers need to be trained on proper ladder use.
source of fall fatalities. There are many regulations, such as requirements for
fixed ladders versus portable ladders, length restric-
In addition to fatalities, falls from ladders may also tions, types of rungs, cleats, and steps, use of fall
result in: protection, cages and wells, and more.
• Broken bones • Joint dislocation

prevent damage. Select the proper ladder for the job. Do not use the ladder for a use it
• Head trauma • Back injuries.

Careless climbing and loss Maintain three point contact at all times when on a ladder. Never use a ladder in high
designing, using and maintaining ladders in the

Use barriers and signs to indicate the ladder base. Never leave the base of the ladder
ladder; use a rope and bucket to bring them to the workstation. When carrying tools

Always inspect ladders before and after use. Store and transport ladders properly to
attached to your body take care to maintain your center of gravity. Use barriers and
Never carry equipment or materials in your hands when ascending or descending a
• Sprains

winds. Never stand on the top rung of the ladder. Never work with one foot on the
construction industry.

Select the proper leaning surface for extension ladders. Use dry ladders on good

was not intended for. Never allow more than one person on a ladder at a time.
Falls aren't the only hazard. Ladder users may suffer
OSHA’s Ladder Safety standards for general industry

ladder and one on the work surface. Use fall protection when appropriate.
from electric shock if a metal ladder touches a live
are included in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart D.
wire. People working below or near ladders also face
hazards from falling objects.
These regulations apply to all permanent places of
employment.

Avoid leaning or stretching. Use the right ladder for the job.

Use care around live wires and electrical components.

canopies to protect people below from falling objects.
http://www.osha.gov/

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has

ground. Select the proper shoe for the climb.

adopted standards for the design and use of ladders.

Ways to Avoid These Common Mistakes

Any ladder designed and built in full accord with the Fixed Ladder
ANSI standards is also recognized as meeting OSHA
requirements.

http://www.ansi.org/
Extension Ladder
You must also know and apply the manufacturer's
requirements.

unattended.
Portable Ladder

Using on slippery surfaces

Carrying equipment while

ascending or descending

Unguarded ladder bases

Five Main Steps for Safely Mounting and

Made by Ladder Users

or when ladder itself is

the ladder and falling

Climbing a Ladder:
Common Mistakes

Reaching too far

1. Check shoes

Electric shock
Ladder failure
2. Look up

of balance
3. Mount the ladder

slippery

objects
4. Climb
5. Center your body.
OSHA 10 Hour Construction Course Fact Sheet 7 . Materials Handling (Construction)
Relevant Regulations
OSHA's Materials Handling safety standards for
construction are included in 29 CFR 1926, Subpart
H.
http://www.osha.gov/
Rigging equipment must be inspected before each shift by
a competent person. The inspection serves to ensure that
the equipment is serviceable and will not fail during
normal use.
Reasons to Study/Hazards
Injuries from improper materials handling are as
small as minor nicks, but as big as loss of limbs and
even to loss of life.
Many materials pose dangers on the jobsite. Nails
protruding from scrap wood can cause puncture
wounds. Improperly stored materials can fall and
cause injury. Conveyor belts for moving materials, if
used unsafely, can cause loss of fingers or other
injuries. Heavy equipment such as forklifts and
cranes pose a serious danger. Waste materials and
hazardous materials also pose a serious safety risk.
Or
Higher
When materials and debris are dropped through a floor hole
and a chute is not used, the area that the trash is dropped
into must be enclosed by a barricade that is not less than 42
inches high. The barricade around a drop zone must be at
least six feet back from the projected edge of the opening
above. No one is allowed to enter this barricaded area
unless the debris handling above stops.
Precautions to Take
OSHA details many requirements for proper materi-
als handling. Here's a partial list of the topics and
regulations, but keep in mind that there are regula-
tions covering all sorts of materials in many different
situations.
• Stacking and storing brick, wood, or bags of
material
• Housekeeping, including waste materials
disposal,
protecting from protruding nails, providing waste
bins, providing special bins with lids for
flammable or poisonous materials
• Use of dockboards when unloading and loading
trucks
• Location of access points
• Safe load limits on floors
• Use of hand signals to communicate with a crane
operator, including posting of hand signals at the
jobsite and on the crane. The American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) has developed a
standard for hand signals to be used during crane
operations.
• Operating cranes, including level ground,
barricades, proper equipment and inspections, and
manufacturer's requirements
• Operating conveyors, including guard systems and
e stops
• Operating forklifts, including proper load capac
ity, special training for forklift operators, and
using to raise workers in special situations
• Using chutes to get materials from an upper level
to a lower level, including barricading drop zones
and the use of fall protection
• Hazardous materials disposal for materials such
as lead and asbestos.
Abiding by OSHA materials handling standards will
help make your jobsite a safer place for workers.
OSHA 10 Hour Construction Course Fact Sheet 8 . Permit-Required Confined Spaces for Construction
Relevant Regulations
As of 2015, OSHA’s Confined Spaces in
Construction Standard 1926 Subpart AA directly
covers entry into permit-required confined spaces
(PRCS) in the construction industry.
Subpart AA replaces the training requirement
previously specified in 1926.21(b) but replaces
no other construction standard. When there is a
provision that addresses a confined space hazard
in another applicable OSHA standard, the employer
must comply with both that standard and Subpart AA. • A hazardous atmosphere
One example of this is welding and cutting –
1926.352 (g) and 1926.353 (b)(2-3)
The new Confined Spaces in Construction 1926
Subpart AA does not apply to construction work
already regulated by the following subparts of 29
CFR 1926.
Subpart P (Excavation) - 1926.651 (g)
Subpart S (Underground Construction, Caissons,
Cofferdams, and Compressed Air) – 1926.800
Subpart Y (Diving) – 1926.1071
OSHA’s Construction Standard is contained in 29
CFR 1926.
http://www.osha.gov/
Reasons to Study/Hazards Precautions to Take
More than half the fatalities in permit-required Once a permit-required confined space is identified, a
confined spaces are of would-be rescuers! PRCS Entry Program must be put in place. The
PRCS Entry program will include:
A confined space has a limited or restricted means of • A written program
• Entry permits
entry or exit, is large enough for an employee to enter
• Special equipment
and perform assigned work but is not designed for
• Identification and training of Authorized Entrants,
continuous occupancy. A permit-required confined
Attendants, Entry Supervisors, Rescue Services,
space is a confined space that has one or more and Contractors
significant hazards: • Testing
• Training
• Material that could engulf the entrant • Record-keeping
• An internal configuration that might cause the • A rescue plan.
entrant to be trapped or asphyxiated
• Any other recognized serious safety or health Entry permits specify all aspects of safe entry,
hazards. including PPE, attendants, tests, and more.
A hazardous atmosphere might have low oxygen, or
might be flammable, toxic, irritant, or corrosive.
Engulfment can be fatal either because of a lack of
The permit is up . You must exit now!
oxygen or because the PRCS entrant is crushed by
the material.
Heat and cold, loud noise, vibrations, electrical
hazards, unguarded machinery and openings, or even
animals or insects all represents hazards in permit-
required confined spaces. When the permit has
expired, you must exit
the PRCS immediately.
I am coming up now!
OSHA 10 Hour Construction Course Fact Sheet 9 . Personal Protective Equipment (Construction)
Relevant Regulations Reasons to Study/Hazards Precautions to Take

OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment safety
standards for construction are included in 29 CFR
1926, Subpart E.
http://www.osha.gov/
This section of the course is limited to general PPE
identification and use and to specific PPE identifica-
tion and use for eye, foot, and head protection.
When applicable, use only those items of PPE that
meet NIOSH and American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) standards.
http://www.ansi.org/
Newly purchased PPE must conform to the updated
ANSI standards that have been incorporated into the
OSHA PPE regulations, as follows:
• Eye and Face Protection - ANSI Z87.1-1989
• Head Protection - ANSI Z89.1-1986
• Foot Protection - ANSI Z41.1-1991.
Personal Protective Equipment shouldn't be substi- Protect your eyes with safety glasses, goggles, face
tuted for following other OSHA safety regulations. shields, and eyewash stations.
But even with those regulations in place, PPE can
help protect you on the jobsite. Protect your feet with steel, reinforced plastic, or hard
rubber toed shoes. Standard safety shoes have toes
that meet testing requirements found in the "Ameri-
The main cause of eye damage: an object striking the
can National Standard for Personal Protection -
worker's eye. Eye damage is caused by:
Protective Footwear," ANSI Standard Z41.1-1991.
• Impact and penetration Many styles are available to protect feet from specific
• Heat workplace hazards.
• Chemicals
• Dust Protect your head with a hard hat. Hard hats must fit
• Light and/or radiation. correctly. There are three classes of hard hats. Note:
The main cause of foot damage: impact of another ANSI originally labeled hardhats as A, B, or C, but
updated their labels in 1997 to G, E, and C. The three
object on the foot. Foot damage is caused by:
classes are:
• Impact • Sharp objects
• Compression • Extreme heat or cold
A (General) - Low voltage protection and impact
• Slipping • Wetness resistance for impact and electric dangers
• Chemicals • Electricity. B (Electrical) - High voltage protection and impact
Head Injuries range from minor abrasions to death, resistance for electrical workers
C (Conductive) - No voltage protection; use for
and can include concussions, lacerations, trauma,
impact resistance when no electrical dangers exist.
burns, or even electrocution. Head injuries are caused
by:
• Falling objects
• Flying objects
• Bumping the head against a fixed object
• Exposure to electricity.

10 Steps for Identifying Needs and for Selecting and Using PPE
1. Do a personal protective equipment hazard assessment of the jobsite. Your company's
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) probably spells out what type of equipment you must
use on the jobsite. Identify additional hazards that are not covered by the SOP.
2. Look for sources of hazards.
3. Look for all possible exposures to hazards. Don't forget to look at what the subcontractors
and vendors are doing on your jobsite.
4. Make a list of job classifications that are exposed to hazards that would require PPE.
5. Identify affected employees. Ask them to explain each step of their jobs and point out
potential job hazards. Note any situations where PPE is currently used, what type, and for
what purpose. If your company has a policy that PPE be worn at all times in the jobsite, point
that out.
6. Report accidents and near misses to the safety office so that they can compile this
type of information. Your safety coordinator will review injury/accident data to help
identify areas with high incidence of accidents and injuries.
7. Identify areas where tools or equipment need to be repaired or replaced before an
accident occurs. Get in the habit of repairing equipment immediately or tagging it and
getting it out of the area.
8. Identify outdated or inefficient work practices.
9. Ask fellow workers to participate in a walk-through safety survey.
10. Once you get all this information, analyze the data. Review each of the hazards and
determine what type of PPE can protect the workers.
OSHA 10 Hour Construction Course Fact Sheet 10 . Scaffolds (Construction)
Relevant Regulations
OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment safety
standards for construction are included in 29 CFR
1926, Subpart L.
http://www.osha.gov/
In addition, the scaffold user must adhere to the
manufacturer’s requirements.
All employees on scaffolds must
know how to use the scaffold
correctly as well as know the load
capabilities of the scaffold.
Those working on scaffolds must be
aware of falling object hazards and
know how to utilize fall protection.
Workers must keep their feet flat on
the deck and wear fall protection
equipment.
Reasons to Study/Hazards
There are many hazards associated with assembling,
working on, working near, or disassembling
scaffolds. The planking on the scaffold might give
way, a worker on the scaffold might slip and fall,
people on or below a scaffold might be struck with
falling objects, the scaffold or worker might come
into contact with power lines. Inclement weather
creates even more hazards.
The most common citations OSHA issues for
scaffolds are:
• Fall protection is not being used
• Proper access to the scaffold is not provided
• The scaffold is not fully planked
• Workers are not trained
• There is no body belt or lanyard attached to boom.
Employees should be aware
of the nature of electrical
hazards. You must keep the
scaffold at least 10 feet away
from them.
Aerial Lift
They must be trained in the
requirements of the OSHA standard
for scaffolds.
Precautions to Take
The Competent Person plays a significant role in
scaffold safety. This person must know the regula-
tions in detail, such as the minimum and maximum
heights for the guardrail. They must know how to
erect, move, inspect, and disassemble the scaffold.
The Competent Person must also do inspections of
the scaffold before and after every work shift.
A scaffold must be a very sturdy object. It should be
designed to hold four times the expected load.
Scaffolds present a danger to people working below
them. Objects fall – so workers below the scaffold
(and workers on the scaffold) should wear hard hats.
Canopies and barricades can also be used to protect
from falling objects.
Even though the Competent Person plays such a vital
role in scaffold safety, there are things that every
worker should know.
Suspended Scaffold
Supported Scaffold