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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORKPLAN (SSWP)

SAFE SYSTEM OF WORKPLAN (SSWP)

HOUSE BUILDING PICTOGRAMS

HOUSE BUILDING PICTOGRAMS

SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK PLAN(SSWP)

PICTOGRAMS

HOUSE BUILDING

SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK PLAN – PICTOGRAMS

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PART 1 – Mandatory Site Requirements

SUPERVISIONEvery activity must be initiated and controlled.Supervision, generally by the person in charge,e.g. the foreman, is essential to ensure theactivity is completed as planned, and to ensure asafe system of work.

SAFE PASSAs identified in the Construction Regulations, allpersons engaged in construction work must be inpossession of a current Safe Pass card, and havesuccessfully completed the one-day Safe Passtraining. Safe Pass cards must be renewed asappropriate.

PLANT/EQUIPMENT CERTIFICATIONIt is a legal requirement that most constructionplant is tested and examined on a regular basis,in particular all lifting appliances and lifting gear.The Certificates relating to these must be kept upto date.

CSCSThe Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS):as outlined in the Construction Regulations,requires that certain construction skills havemandatory training. On successful completion ofthis training, persons are given a CSCS card. CSCScards must be renewed as appropriate.

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INDUCTIONEvery new contractor or new employee to a sitemust undergo an induction process when theyfirst arrive on site. This induction should informthe attendees about site rules and procedures,and the arrangements for their safety andwelfare on site, and also who the key dutyholders are.

COMMUNICATIONTimely and good communication is essential. Suchclear communication helps to ensure that tasksare understood and completed in a safe manner.Workers need to know how to do their worksafely.

WC & WASHINGToilets and a hand washing facility must beprovided on all sites. The facility must include asufficient supply of hot and cold running water,toilet tissue, soap, and towels. The facility mustbe maintained in a clean and hygienic conditionas well as being easily accessible.

CANTEENA facility must be provided for workers to takebreaks. Minimum requirements include a facilityfor boiling water, tables with impermeablesurfaces, and chairs with backs. It must beproperly ventilated, adequately lighted, kept in aclean, hygienic orderly condition not used for thestorage of building materials or plant.


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DRYING/CHANGINGArrangements, separate from the canteen facility,must be in place to allow workers to change anddry clothes.

DRINKING WATERAn adequate supply of wholesome drinkingwater must be provided at a convenient point(s).

SMOKING CONTROLSmoking is prohibited in enclosed work places.

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PART 2

GROUND FLOOR

HOUSEKEEPINGTo enable persons to get safely to their place ofwork all slip, trip and fall hazards must beremoved. A good housekeeping system must beadopted, so that everything has a place andeverything is in its place.

ACCESS ROUTEThere must be safe routes to and from the placeof work.

REBARAll exposed rebar particularly in access routes orclose to work areas must be removed fully bycutting, or be bent away or be capped with aplastic mushroom cap such that they do not posea risk as a trip or puncture hazard.


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TRESTLESTrestle work platforms are used for low-levelwork, i.e. heights of less than two metres. Theymust be erected by competent persons, and befree from defects. Only “locating pins” which arerecommended by the manufacturer should beused, and care must be taken to insert correctly.The legs of the trestles must be on firm foundations(not likely to slip or shift), and platform levelmust be fully boarded and not over loaded.

GROUND CONDITIONSBefore scaffolding is erected, or where otherexternal access equipment is used, the groundmust be prepared so that it is suitable to supportthe safe use of such equipment and any otherloads applied.

SCAFFOLDINGScaffold platforms should where possible be usedas working platforms for all work at height. Thescaffold platform must be designed, planned andsubsequently erected by fully trained personnel,in accordance with all relevant Legislation, Codesof Practice, and manufacturer’s instructions. Scaffoldsshould include dedicated ladder access bays andproperly constructed loading bays. Hand-overcertificates and the use of relevant signage e.g.capacity of loading bays is recommended.

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UPPER FLOORS


WORKING PLATFORMSWorking platforms are locations and areas forcarrying out construction work at height safely. A working platform is taken to mean a work areathat provides protection and prevents the workerfalling to a lower level. Generally it is used torefer to scaffold platforms, but, where scaffoldscannot be erected, it can also refer to other safeplatforms such as, MEWPs, or scaffold towers.


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LOADING BAYSMaterials must be stored on platforms designedto take the applied loading, and not be placed inareas where the stored material itself becomes ahazard, i.e. not stored on working platforms so asto restrict safe access around the scaffolds. Allexternal scaffolds used for house building shouldbe designed with adequately constructed loadingbays.

LADDER ACCESSAll ladder access must be erected by competentpersons, to include adequate length of ladder,tying, footing, and be free from defects. Ladderegress must be such that large gaps are notcreated from which persons could fall before theladder handhold is achieved. Access to scaffoldplatforms should always be provided bydedicated ladder bays, constructed by fullytrained scaffolders.

SAFE LADDERAll ladders including step ladders must be carefullyselected for each task, be free from patent defects,be of correct length, be carefully tied, be set at thecorrect angle, and, where necessary, be footed.Ladders must be controlled and subject tofrequent auditing to ensure fitness for use.

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TIE LADDERAll ladders must be tied, such that they will notslip or slide while in use.

EDGE PROTECTIONPersons must not be at risk from falling thoughopenings, or over leading edges. All personsaccessing, or working at, or close to, openingsthat could lead to such falls must be protectedand guarded from falls. Such measures mustinclude handrails, barriers and toe boards etc.

STAIR PROTECTIONPersons must not be at risk from falling from orover stair edges or landings. Suitable handrails,barriers and toe boards must be erected toprevent falls.

HOUSEKEEPINGTo enable persons to get safely to their place ofwork all slip, trip and fall hazards must beremoved. A good housekeeping system must beadopted, so that everything is given a place, andeverything is in its place.


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ACCESS ROUTEThere must be safe walk routes to and from theplace of work.

LIGHTINGAdequate lighting must be afforded to personsaccessing and working in darkened areas toprevent workers slipping, tripping, falling orbeing hit by protruding objects.

JOISTS DECKEDBefore persons work in joisted areas, adequateand sufficient protection must be given to ensureworkers are not at risk from falling through orfrom the joist network. This will generally requirethat the joisted area is fully decked to preventany slips or falls through openings.

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PROPPINGPropping is any temporary structure used to supporta permanent structure while it is not self-supporting. Propping is required during theconstruction stages of a project to give temporarysupport to prevent collapse due to overloading ofstructural components during the building andinstallation works, e.g. when loading pallets ofblock on joist work, and the installation of precastslabs and stairs etc. The responsible contractor mustensure that the correct number of props areinstalled correctly and that the units are supportedas indicated on the construction drawings. Loadbearing connections including use of angle bracketsand bolts must be as specified by the design withregard to the manufacturer’s specifications, andbolts must be of suitable size and inserted to therequired depth to the designed centre distances.

OVERHEAD WORKMake sure before you start working that there isno work taking place above you.

FALL PROTECTIONNever lay blocks from the inside of a house at firstlevel without scaffolding or other edge protectionbeing on the out-side of the house, e.g. thereshould be no overhand work carried out.


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COURSESLaying too many courses of blocks in one day cancause a wall to collapse. When laying coursesconsider weather conditions such as rain andwind and the drying time of mortar.

EXCLUSION ZONEWhere lifting operations are taking place, e.g.precast slabs and precast components being liftedinto place, carefully marked out exclusion zonesmust be established under such lifts.

SLAB ANCHORSTo ensure the safety of the precast erection team,precast floor slabs must be laid in a systematicpattern that facilitates the use of collective fallprotection systems, so that persons are not at riskfrom falling over leading edges. Anchors must bedesigned and planned to facilitate safe slaberection.

CASTED SLAB EYESSuitable lifting eyes are generally cast into floorslabs, these can serve a dual purpose for the liftitself, and also for aiding a system of fallprotection, e.g. use of safety lines, lanyards etc.When complete these eyes should be removed bycutting, otherwise they will serve as potential trippoints.

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ANCHORS & CLUTCHESTransport Anchor Systems can be used to liftprecast concrete units. Advice from a competentperson is required to ensure the proper selectionof the ring clutches for the anchors, and for theirsafe use.

ROOF WORK AND ROOF SPACE


LOADING BAYSRoofing materials must be stored on platformsdesigned to take the applied loading, and not beplaced in areas where the stored material itselfbecomes a hazard, i.e. not stored on workingplatforms so as to restrict safe access around thescaffolds, or on sloped areas where they are likelyto fall. All external scaffolds used for housebuilding should be designed with adequatelyconstructed loading bays.


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LADDER ACCESSAll ladder access must be erected by competentpersons, to include adequate length of ladder,tying, footing, and be free from defects. Ladderegress must be such that large gaps are notcreated from which persons could fall before theladder handhold is achieved. Access to scaffoldplatforms should always be provided bydedicated ladder bays, constructed by fullytrained scaffolders.

ROOF LADDERSRoof ladders should be always used for accessingup and down sloping roofs, these ladders shouldbe used in conjunction with properly constructedscaffold platforms. Roof ladders must be CEmarked, and be free of any defects. When used,roof ladders should reach and anchor around theridge.

BOOM HOISTA Boom Hoist has an extendable folding boomwith cage attached, it can be used for work atheight if the ground conditions are suitable. Boomhoists can also be used to gain access to remoteareas. Selection must be based on suitability for thetask and the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe usemust be followed fully. Only competent andtrained operators should control the movement ofthese hoists. Other vehicles should be strictlycontrolled in the vicinity of hoists.

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SCISSORS LIFTCan extend to significant heights using hydraulicscissors movement, and can be used where scaffoldplatforms are not suitable. Selection must be basedon suitability for the task, with particular attentiongiven to the ground conditions, and that themanufacturer’s guidelines for safe use can befollowed fully. Only competent and trainedoperators should control the movement of these.

EDGE PROTECTIONPersons must not be at risk from falling thoughopenings, or over leading edges. All personsaccessing, or working at, or close to, openingsthat could lead to such falls must be protectedand guarded from falls. Such measures mustinclude handrails, barriers and toe boards etc.

DECK TRUSSESDecking out the trusses can be used to preventfalls through the roof trusses to the level below.

NETS/BEAN BAGSPersons working in roof areas that have internalopenings, e.g. spreading roof trusses etc., can beprotected using air bags, beanbags or safety nets.Before use, these safety nets and bags should beappropriately tested, inspected and certified.Furthermore, these safety nets and/or bags mustbe installed by competent and fully trained persons.


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SIGNSSuitable and appropriate warning signs must be usedacross the site, so that advance warning is given toworkers or other in the vicinity when approachingparticular high-risk areas e.g. approaching leadingedges, and exclusion zones etc. Signs should also beused to convey safety information e.g. “scaffold un-safe to use” etc. Signs must be clear, unambiguous,be at the appropriate location and be in a languageunderstandable by the relevant workers or personson site. Where signs are used on site they shouldalways be complied with.

HOUSEKEEPINGTo enable persons to get safely to their place ofwork, all slip, trip and fall hazards must beremoved. A good housekeeping system must beadopted, and maintained.

ACCESS ROUTEThere must be safe walk routes to and from theplace of work.

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STORAGEAll materials should be stored where they can notfall on to workers below. Materials should be kepttidy and stable making sure that all access routesare kept clear. Working platforms should not becluttered or blocked with materials and there mustalways be adequate space for safe access. All loosematerials should be removed on an ongoing basis.

OVERHEAD LINESContact with overhead lines can kill. Never erectscaffolding close to or under overhead lines.Never work close to, or access close to, or underoverhead lines.

WEATHERAdverse weather, such as high winds and ice canlead to unsafe working conditions. In high winds orice weather, it may be necessary to cease roof workin exposed areas. Also in high wind conditions loosematerials may need to be removed or tied down, toprevent them blowing or falling. In hot sunny weather,sun protection must be considered, as well as theprovision of drinking water to prevent de-hydration.


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FALLING OBJECTS

EXCLUSION ZONEWork should never take place directly aboveother workers.

STORAGEAll materials at height should be stored wherethey can not fall on to workers. Materials shouldbe kept tidy and secure making sure that allaccess routes are kept clear. Working platformsshould not be cluttered with stored materials,and adequate space must be maintained to allowsafe access. All loose materials should be removedon an ongoing basis.

LOADING BAYMaterials must be stored on platforms designed totake the applied loading, and not be placed in areaswhere the stored material itself becomes a hazard,e.g. not stored on working platforms so as to restrictsafe access around the scaffolds. All external scaffoldsused for house building should be designed withadequately constructed loading bays.

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PALLETS/BALESWhere possible materials should be kept onpallets, or in bales with adequate strapping toensure that materials do not fall while beinglifted into place.

CHUTESChutes should be used for discarding materials, –materials should never be thrown from scaffoldingor windows etc. The Chute should extend downinto a waste skip. Exclusion zones under the dropzones should always be created where constructionmaterials and debris is discarded.

SHEETING/FANSSheeting/netting should be used to enclosescaffolding on its public side to prevent loosematerials from falling on to members of thepublic. Similarly fans should be erected onto thescaffold to supplement the sheeting. Thesemeasures are particularly important where thescaffolding fronts on to a public access way.

BANKSMANA banksman is a trained Slinger and Signaller, andmust always be used during lifting operations.


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PROPPINGPropping is any temporary structure used tosupport a permanent structure while it is not self- supporting. Propping is required during theconstruction stages of a project to give temporarysupport to prevent collapse due to overloading ofstructural components during the building andinstallation works, e.g. when loading pallets ofblock or other materials on joist work, and theinstallation of precast slabs and stairs etc. Theresponsible contractor must ensure that thecorrect number of props are installed correctlyand that the units are supported as indicated onthe construction drawings. Load bearingconnections including use of angle brackets andbolts must be as specified by the design withregard to the manufacturer’s specifications, andbolts must be of suitable size and inserted to therequired depth to the designed centre distances.

WEATHERAdverse weather, such as high winds and ice canlead to unsafe working conditions. In high windsor icy weather, it may be necessary to cease workat height in exposed areas. Also in high windconditions loose materials may need to be removedor tied down, to prevent them blowing or falling.Similarly cranes shall not be operated in windspeeds that are in excess of those specified by thecrane manufacturer.

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HAND TOOLS

CHECK SUITABILITYBefore any electrically powered hand operatedtool is used to carry out any work activity it mustbe checked for its suitability to the task, e.g.voltage rating, size and condition etc. In additionwhen purchasing and using hand operated powertools e.g. grinders, saws and drills etc, considerationmust be given to the potential risks to workersfrom vibration emissions.

VOLTAGEAll portable electric tools rated below 2 kilowattsused on construction sites must be rated at 110V.

CONSAWSConsaws are widely used on construction sites.They should be maintained in good workingorder and regularly serviced. Guards must be inplace at all times. Appropriate PPE must be used.

CHECK CABLEBefore using any electric appliance on site,including use of transformers and extension reels,the cables and connectors attached must beexamined to ensure that such components arenot damaged.


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GUARDSMany hand/portable tools have rotating shafts andcomponents, others due to their application willemit fragments including dust and sparks. Suchtools must have suitable guards fitted, e.g. circularsaw guards, power-take-off shaft guards etc.

CABLE PROTECTIONTrailing electric cables in situations where thesecables are at risk from damage because of theirposition must be protected from such damage, ora safer cable location used.

GENERATORS OUTSIDETo avoid the silent killer, petrol and diesel drivengenerators must always be used outdoors to avoidthe deadly effects of carbon monoxide build upfrom exhaust gases.

DUST SUPPRESSIONTools and equipment which generate dust cloudsshould be fitted with appropriate extraction orwetting aids.

MAINTENANCEAll tools and equipment should undergo regularservice and maintenance checks, to ensure fitnessfor use.

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PLANT AND EQUIPMENT,LIFTING OPERATIONS

CHECK SUITABILITYCheck the suitability of the plant that is to beused for the lifting operation, e.g. safe workingload, accessories available, and reach capabilityetc.

TRAFFIC CONTROLTraffic Control plans must be prepared, to helpplan and control traffic movement, especially atthe entrance to any construction site. Measuresto control traffic may include the following: useof warning signs, bollards, stop-go systems,ramps, temporary traffic lights, and flagmen.Liaison with local Gardaí may also be necessary.The Department of the Environment’s TrafficSigns Manual should be referred to.

PRIVATE PARKINGNon- construction vehicles must be parked indesignated areas away from construction sitetraffic.


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SPEED SIGNSVehicular speeds must be controlled onconstruction sites. Speed Signs must be erectedand displayed appropriately to advise drivers ofpermitted speeds.

PEDESTRIAN ROUTESWhether workers on site or members of thepublic accessing close to construction works,separating pedestrians from construction plantoperations is important. Dedicated pedestrianroutes, clearly identified, must be used.

FENCINGPlant should be secured when left unattended,especially when parked up at the end of the dayto prevent unauthorised use.

BANKSMANA banksman is a trained Slinger and Signaller,and must always be used during liftingoperations.

5km/h

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FLAGMANWhere construction work involves managing trafficor pedestrians in public areas, trained flagmenshould be used to control such movements in a safemanner. Flagmen must wear high visibility vests anduse approved Stop/Go signs or flags. Where twoflagmen are required they must be in visible contactor in voice communication with each other.

ROLL OVER PROTECTIONAll construction plant is required by law to protectthe driver/operator. Where plant can possiblyoverturn Roll Over Protection is required, e.g. ondump trucks, tractors, and mini- excavators.

NO PASSENGERSConstruction plant is generally only to beoccupied by the one person who is in control ofthe vehicle. One seat, one person. Such plantmust not be used to give lifts about the site toothers.

SEAT BELTSWhere seat belts are fitted they must be worn. Inthe event of an overturn they can save lives.


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WARNING DEVICESWith plant that has restricted visibility,particularly while carrying out reversingoperations, suitable warning devices, or sightseeing devices must be fitted, e.g. CCTV, flashingbeacons, convex mirrors etc.

SWLLifting appliances and lifting gear should neverbe used to lift beyond their stated safe workingload.

PLAN LIFTAll lifting operations should be planned to ensurethat they are carried out in a safe manner.Generally a method statement should beprepared in advance of the lift taking place.

EXCLUSION ZONEAs a general rule, persons should not be workingunder an area where loads are being lifted orwithin the working radius of the jib. Peopleshould be kept a safe distance from workingplant, barriers should be used where possible.

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GROUND CONDITIONSThe ground area on which lifting plant andequipment will be used should be inspected toensure it is capable of taking the weight of theplant & equipment and any applied load. Expertadvice may be necessary.

TELEPORTERCheck that the teleporter is suitable for the task.Before using the teleporter, check that it hasbeen appropriately certified, and that it is fit foruse. Teleporters should undergo regular servicing.

FORKS CLAMPChains and slings must not be wrapped aroundthe forks of a teleporter when used to lift loads.When using chains or slings with forks, suitablefork clamps must be used, with the chain or slingsuspended from a suitable hook or shackle.

FORK EXTENSIONChains and slings must not be wrapped aroundthe forks of a teleporter when lifting a load.When required to lift loads with a teleporter, theforks should be removed and a crane extensionwith hook or shackle should be used.


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LOCKING ATTACHMENTSAncillary equipment used in connection withlifting equipment must at all time be secured.This may require the insertion of locking pins, toprevent inadvertent dropping of the attachment.

CRANESEnsure that the crane is suitable for the task andthat it is properly certified. The general use ofcranes should comply with all approved codes of practice.

CHECK LIFTING GEARLifting gear means any gear or cable by which aload can be attached to a lifting appliance, whichcan include chain sling, rope sling, hook, shackleor eye bolt. Before lifting gear is used it must beexamined to check for Safe Working Load (SWL),so that defects that may reduce its capacity tofunction safely are highlighted and repaired.Lifting gear must be appropriately certified priorto use.

SLAB LIFTING GEARWhen lifting precast slabs ensure that the liftinggear is appropriate to the task. Special purposelifting gear should be used as appropriate.

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BLOCK GRABS AND NETSBlock grabs are considered to be lifting gear.Before use, block grabs must be in good workingorder and attached correctly to the relevantlifting appliance. When in use an appropriate netmust be used to prevent the fall of any looseblocks.

SKIPS/BINSAll skips and bins must be appropriate for thetask and, if used as lifting gear when attached tolifting appliances, all lifting lugs/lifting eyes musthave their safe working load (SWL) clearly visible.Always check the SWL before lifting commences.When used as lifting gear, such bins and skipsmust be certified as appropriate.

STILLAGESAll stillages must be of good design andconstruction. All loads lifted with the use ofstillages must be well secured prior to the liftcommencing.

LOAD STABILITYEnsure that the load is stable and properlysecured to the lifting appliance before liftingbegins.


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OVERHEAD LINESBurns and electrocution can result if raised tippertruck bodies, cranes or excavators touch or comeclose enough to overhead power lines to causearcing. Never work close to, or access close to orunder live overhead lines when lifting. Refer toESB guidance booklet.

WEATHERLifting operations should never take place in highwinds. Crane lifts must not be carried out in windspeeds that are in excess of those specified by thecrane manufacturer.

CONCRETE PUMPING RIGConcrete pumping rigs must be maintained andserviced on a regular basis, including checks onoutriggers etc. Special care must be taken whenworking in the vicinity of overhead lines.

POWER FLOATINGPower floating is the process of levelling concretefloors. Power floating equipment should beregularly serviced and guards must be kept inplace. When power floating close to open edges,adequate edge protection must be provided.

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CEMENT MIXERCement mixers must be maintained in goodworking order and regularly serviced. Theyshould be set up on level ground and should notbe mounted on blocks. Furthermore they shouldbe set up, started and operated by trainedpersonnel only.

PAINT SPRAYERSpray painting equipment must be set up inaccordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.This equipment should undergo regular serviceand maintenance checks. To prevent otherscoming into contact with spray products,exclusions zones need to be in place. AppropriatePPE must be used.

MAINTENANCEAll lifting equipment and lifting gear shouldundergo regular service and maintenance checks,including servicing of concrete pumping rigs toensure continued fitness for use.


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ELECTRICITY

ESBWhere electrical work activity is to begin, andservices are unknown, the Electricity SupplyBoard or other electrical utility company must becontacted for drawings and advice on theposition of underground services.

DIVERT/OFFBefore work is to commence adjacent tooverhead and underground services, the ESB orother electrical utility company must becontacted to request that power lines be divertedaway from the work zone, or that theytemporarily be switched off to allow work toproceed safely. Where power has been providedto house units, and subsequent work is requiredincluding live work, isolation and tagging offsystems, including permit to work systems, shouldbe used. All internal electrical work must beclosely supervised by fully trained and competentelectricians. The Electricity Regulations, and theETCI rules must be fully complied with.

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SURVEY MAPBefore work is to commence, a drawing of theunderground services should be procured and theground suitably surveyed and subsequently markedout to identify the position of such services. Forrefurbishment works, including extensions toexisting property, the Safety File, where it exists forthat property, must be referred to.

DETECTORBefore digging, drilling or cutting is tocommence, the area should be scanned with asuitable detector to verify the position of anyunderground services, and any variancesidentified should be reflected on the drawing.

OVERHEAD LINESWorking close to, or access close to or under,overhead lines by plant and equipment that hasthe potential to extend to or come close to thelines, warning goal posts should be erected at asafe distance either side of the lines, and anysuch plant required to pass must ensure that theyonly access under the lines via the goal posts. Theexposed lengths of the overhead lines must beguarded from unapproved access.


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WARNING SIGNSContact with power lines can kill. People workingclose to, or accessing close to or at, power linesmust be made aware of their existence to allowthem to apply the necessary controls. Suitableand sufficient Warning Signs should be erected toadvise persons of the danger.

NO MECHANICAL DIGGINGMechanical excavating at or immediately close tounderground electrical services is not permitted.Such services should be uncovered or made visibleby hand digging only to minimize the potentialof cutting or puncturing the service. Only with allthe lines clearly visible should mechanical diggingrecommence. Consideration may also be given tohaving a representative of the ESB or otherelectrical utility company on site when workingclose to or excavating close to undergroundservices. When extending or working on existingelectrical installations, the exact position ofcables should be established so that inadvertentcontact with live conductors can be avoided.Isolation and permit to work systems should beused. All internal electrical work must be closelysupervised by fully trained and competentelectricians. The Electricity Regulations, and theETCI rules must be fully complied with.

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HAND DIGHand digging should only be used to unearth ormake visible underground services. However, careshould be taken during hand digging, as this canalso result in cutting services, and exposing liveconductors.

BARRIERSWhere services have been uncovered/ made visible,and remain visible or insufficiently backfilled,suitable barriers should be erected at a sufficientdistance around the service area to prevent personsentering the danger area.

TIPPINGTipping vehicles must pay particular attention tothe position of overhead lines, and always remainat a sufficient safe distance from such overheadlines. The erection of warning goal posts shouldbe used.


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GAS

BORD GÁISWhere work activity is to begin, and the positionsof gas services are unknown, Bord Gáis Eireannmust be contacted, for drawings and advice onthe position of any underground gas services.

DIVERT/OFFBefore work is to commence adjacent to anyunderground gas services, Bord Gáis Eireann orother gas utility company must be contacted torequest that either gas services be diverted awayfrom the work zone, or, if necessary, can betemporarily cut off to allow work to proceedsafely.

SURVEY MAPBefore work is to commence, a drawing of theunderground and other related gas servicesshould be procured and the ground and/or wallssuitably surveyed and subsequently marked outto identify the position of such services. Forrefurbishment works, including extensions toexisting property, the Safety File, where it existsfor that property, must be referred to.

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DETECTORBefore starting to dig, cut or drill, the position ofgas services must be identified. Considerationshould be given to having a representative of theBord Gáis Eireann or other gas utility company onsite when working close to gas services.

WARNING SIGNSExposure to live gas can kill. People working closeto, or accessing close to or at, live gas mains linesmust be made aware of their existence, to allowthem to apply the necessary controls. Suitableand sufficient warning signs should be erected toadvise persons of the danger.

NO FLAMESGas is highly flammable, flames or any sources ofignition (sparks, static electricity, etc.) must notbe allowed to come in contact with, or be in thevicinity of, live gas.

NO MECHANICAL DIGGINGMechanical excavating at or immediately close tounderground gas services is not permitted due tothe high risk of inadvertent mains’ rupture andpossible release of live gas.


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HAND DIGGINGHand digging should only be used to unearth ormake visible underground gas services.

BARRIERSWhere gas mains and services have been unearthed / made visible, and remain visible orinsufficiently backfilled, suitable barriers should be erected at a sufficient distance around theservice area to prevent and warn persons fromentering the danger area.

STORAGEGas bottles on site must always to stored uprightand chained to prevent inadvertent falling.

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MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

FENCINGConstruction activity must not present a risk tomembers of the public, especially to children.Suitably constructed fencing must be used tosecure sites.

HOARDINGParticularly on street side works, suitablydesigned and constructed hoarding should beerected to secure construction work.

BARRIERSAll ongoing works, in particular street activities,open excavations, exposed manholes etc., mustbe adequately protected with suitable barriers,and identified with appropriate signs.

PEDESTRIAN WAYWhere members of the public are in the vicinityof construction work, suitable and safe routesmust be provided to ensure that the safety ofmembers of the public is not put at risk from theconstruction work activity, consideration mustalso be given to persons with disabilities.


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LIGHTINGLighting should be in place on all access routesboth for vehicles and pedestrians.

WARNING SIGNSPersons must be given advance warning whenapproaching construction work, and in particularwhere specific hazards may exist. Suitable WarningSigns must be erected to give such adequatewarning, and where necessary must give clearunambiguous directions to passing members ofthe public.

SECURITYOnly authorised persons are allowed onconstruction sites. The use of trained SecurityPersonnel is recommended to control such access.

TRAFFIC CONTROLTraffic Control plans must be prepared to helpplan and control traffic movement, especially atthe entrance to any construction site. This mayinclude use of warning signs, bollards, stop-gosystems, ramps, temporary traffic lights, andflagmen. Liaison with local Gardaí may also benecessary. The Department of the Environment’sTraffic Signs Manual should be referred to.

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BANKSMANA banksman is a trained Slinger and Signaller,and must always be used during liftingoperations.

FLAGMANWhere construction work involves managing trafficor pedestrians in public areas, trained flagmenshould be used to control such movements in a safemanner. Flagmen must wear high visibility vests anduse approved Stop/Go signs or flags. Where twoflagmen are required they must be in visible contactor in voice communication with each other.

DUST/MUCKExcessive amounts of dust can cause eye andrespiratory irritation. In general, dust and muck isa nuisance for people who have moved into anew home. All traffic routes in public areas usedby construction plant should be kept clear ofmuck. During dry periods the routes should bedampened to keep dust down.

VISITOR CONTROLAll visitors to a construction site need to beregistered as being on site and accompanied ontheir visit around the site.


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HANDOVER CONTROLWhen houses are handed over to their ownersthere must be controls in place to ensure that thenew residents are not affected by ongoingconstruction work. These houses should besegregated from construction work by adequatefencing and separate traffic routes wherepossible. Where it is not possible to have separateaccess routes, then adequate traffic controls,including reduced speeds, must be in operation.

MANUAL HANDLING

Manual Handling is the physical movement by a person ofobjects by lifting, pushing or pulling, that is likely to causeinjury or other health problems.

RISK ASSESSMENTEach activity on site needs to be risk assessed toidentify whether there is a manual handlinghazard. If a risk of injury is identified thenappropriate controls must be put in place toeliminate the risk. If the hazard cannot beeliminated then the risk must be reduced to aslow a level as possible.

HOUSE BUILDING FORM

45

MECHANICAL AIDSMechanical Aids are devices used to lift, pull orpush objects, which either eliminate the need tomanually handle the object or reduce the manualhandling required.

WORK ORGANIZATIONWork organization requires that the physicalwork method be assessed to see whether thework can be organized in such a way as toeliminate or minimize the need for manualhandling.

TRAININGManual handling training is a legal requirementwhere it is identified that manual handlingoperations are required at work. This traininginvolves learning how to move loads in a manner,which will not injure the person.


46

PPEPersonal protective equipment (PPE) protects individuals fromresidual harm when all other methods have been employed toeliminate the risk. PPE is a last resort. PPE should bemaintained at all times in good working order. Furthermore,the PPE listed below must conform to the appropriateStandard.

SAFETY HELMETSafety Helmets / Hard Hats are used to protectthe head from falling objects and from strikingthe head off objects. Hard hats should bereplaced periodically.

SAFETY BOOTSSafety Boots, boots are required on all buildingsites. They should have steel toecaps and soleprotection to prevent the toes from been crushedand any object from penetrating the sole.

EYE PROTECTIONEye protection in the form of glasses/goggles orvisors protect the eyes from flying objects, dustand splashes, e.g. when grinding and or cutting.

SAFETY GLOVESSafety gloves protect the hands from cuts andfrom contact with harmful substances and sharpobjects etc.

HOUSE BUILDING FORM

47

EAR PROTECTIONEar protectors help to protect your hearing fromloud sudden noise or from continuous loud noise.There are two action levels, where noise exposureis at or exceeds 80 dBA individual hearingprotectors must be made available and wherenoise exposures is at or exceeds 85 dBA individualhearing protectors must be made available andmust be used. There is also a limit value set at 87dBA which must not be exceeded. The limit valuetakes account of the attenuation provided byindividual hearing protectors worn by the worker.The action values do not take account of theeffect of such protectors. Where risk assessmentreveals a risk to the workers health as a result ofnoise exposure, audiometric testing (hearingcheck) will have to be made available.

HI VISIBILITY VESTHi visibility vests increase your visibility to alldrivers and operators of plant and other sitetraffic.

DUST MASKSDust masks protect you from inhaling harmfuldusts.


48

RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENTRespiratory equipment protects you fromexposure to harmful substances by filtering themout from the air you breathe in, provided theyare worn and maintained properly.

FACE PROTECTIONFace protection visors protects your full face fromflying objects, sparks and splashes from hot orharmful substances.

SAFETY HARNESSSafety harnesses with a properly designed fallarrest system, to include other components suchas lanyard, shock absorber, and suitable anchors,are used to protect a person from hitting theground if they fall from a height. Such fall-arrestsystems should be used in conjunction with arescue plan. Safety harnesses and personal fall-arrest equipment are not a substitute for safeworking platforms or collective protection such assafety nets.

SAFETY OVERALLSSafety overalls protect your body from cominginto contact with harmful substances.

HOUSE BUILDING FORM

49

FIRE

The risk of fire is generally ever present on Construction Sites.Fire prevention has to be considered at the various levels ofconstruction planning. Consideration should be given to theprovision of alternative means of escape and the installation ofa temporary fire detection and alarm system duringconstruction. Bar heaters should not be used on site, and useof all naked flames must be tightly controlled. Flammablematerials must be stored separately in a well-ventilatedlockable location, away from any likely ignition sources, andsuch liquids should be removed from site when no longerrequired. After hot works have taken place, the area should berevisited to ensure that fires have not developed. Sand and fireblankets can be used in certain circumstances, such as smallsmouldering fire to eliminate the chances of fire developing

EMERGENCY ROUTETo prevent injury from fire allemployees must be instructedas to what should be done inthe event of a fire, what isthe approved escape route,

and where the assembly points are located. Firedrills should be held regularly.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERSFire extinguishers are devices used in putting outa fire. Persons need to be trained in their operation,and they should only be used for small fires.


50

WATERWater fire extinguishers are used for cloth, paperand wood fires only.

DRY POWDERDry powder fire extinguishers can be used onmost fires including electrical fires.

CARBON DIOXIDECarbon dioxide extinguishers can be used on firesinvolving flammable liquids or electrical apparatus.Carbon dioxide should not be used in confinedspaces where there is a danger that the fumescan be inhaled.

FOAMFoam fire extinguishers can be used on oil, fuelfires only.

CARBONDIOXIDE

Flammable liquids

+ electric

FOAMOil, fuel fires only

WATERCloth, paper, wood only

DRY POWDER

Most fires

+ electric

ABBREVIATIONS USED

CSCS Construction Skills Certification Scheme

ESB Electricity Supply Board

SWL Safe Working Load. Is the maximum load which anitem of lifting equipment may raise, lower orsuspend under the particular service conditions.

CCTV Close Circuit Television

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

MEWP Mobile Elevating Work Platform

CE Community European. Is marked on productsand machines which comply with essentialsafety requirements of any relevant standardswhich are set down by the CEN which is aEuropean standard setting body.

ETCI Electro-Technical Council of Ireland

ACCESS ROUTE, 7, 12, 18ANCHORS & CLUTCHES, 15BANKSMAN, 21, 26, 43BARRIERS, 37, 40, 41BLOCK GRABS AND NETS, 31BOOM HOIST, 16BORD GÁIS, 38CABLE PROTECTION, 24CANTEEN, 5CARBON DIOXIDE, 50CASTED SLAB EYES, 14CEMENT MIXER, 33CHECK CABLE, 23CHECK LIFTING GEAR, 30CHECK SUITABILITY, 23, 25CHUTES, 21COMMUNICATION, 5CONCRETE PUMPING RIG, 32CONSAWS, 23COURSES, 14CRANES, 30CSCS, 4DECK TRUSSES, 17DETECTOR, 35, 39DIVERT/OFF, 34, 38DRINKING WATER, 6DRY POWDER, 50DRYING/CHANGING, 6DUST MASKS, 47DUST SUPPRESSION, 24DUST/MUCK, 43EAR PROTECTION, 47EDGE PROTECTION, 11, 17

EMERGENCY ROUTE, 49ESB, 34EXCLUSION ZONE, 14, 20, 28EYE PROTECTION, 46FACE PROTECTION, 48FALL PROTECTION, 13FENCING, 26, 41FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, 49FLAGMAN, 26, 43FOAM, 50FORK EXTENSION, 29FORKS CLAMP, 29GENERATORS OUTSIDE, 24GROUND CONDITIONS, 8, 29GUARDS, 24HAND DIGGING, 37, 40HANDOVER CONTROL, 44HI VISIBILITY VEST, 47HOARDING, 41HOUSEKEEPING, 7, 11, 18INDUCTION, 5JOISTS DECKED, 12LADDER ACCESS, 10, 16LIGHTING, 12, 42LOAD STABILITY, 31LOADING BAY, 10, 15, 20, 31LOCKING ATTACHMENTS, 30MAINTENANCE, 24, 33MECHANICAL AIDS, 45NETS/BEAN BAGS, 17NO FLAMES, 39NO MECHANICAL DIGGING,

36, 39

HOUSE BUILDING INDEX

NO PASSENGERS, 27OVERHEAD LINES, 19, 32, 35OVERHEAD WORK, 13PAINT SPRAYER, 33PALLETS/BALES, 21PEDESTRIAN ROUTES, 26PEDESTRIAN WAY, 41PLAN LIFT, 28PLANT/EQUIPMENT

CERTIFICATION, 4POWER FLOATING, 32PRIVATE PARKING, 25PROPPING, 13, 22REBAR, 7RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT, 48RISK ASSESSMENT, 44ROLL OVER PROTECTION, 27ROOF LADDERS, 16SAFE LADDER, 10SAFE PASS, 4SAFETY BOOTS, 46SAFETY GLOVES, 46SAFETY HARNESS, 48SAFETY HELMET, 46SAFETY OVERALLS, 48SCAFFOLDING, 8, 9, 15SCISSORS LIFT, 17SEAT BELTS, 27SECURITY, 42

SHEETING/FANS, 21SIGNS, 18SKIPS/BINS, 31SLAB ANCHORS, 14SLAB LIFTING GEAR, 30SMOKING CONTROL, 6SPEED SIGNS, 26STAIR PROTECTION, 11STILLAGES, 31STORAGE, 19, 20, 40SUPERVISION, 4SURVEY MAP, 35, 38SWL, 28TELEPORTER, 29TIE LADDER, 11TIPPING, 37TRAFFIC CONTROL, 25, 42TRAINING, 45TRESTLES, 8VISITOR CONTROL, 43VOLTAGE, 23WARNING DEVICES, 28WARNING SIGNS, 36, 39, 42WATER, 50WC & WASHING, 5WEATHER, 19, 22, 32WORK ORGANIZATION, 45WORKING PLATFORMS, 9

HOUSE BUILDING INDEX (cont’d)

-Together

Achieving

Working Life

HealthySafe

a

HEALTH AND SAFETYAUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS

10 Hogan Place, Dublin 2Tel. 1890 289 389

Callers outside Republic ofIreland 00353 1 6147000

Fax. (01) 6147020

website: www.hsa.ie

and

Safe System of Work Plan (SSWP)House Building

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