watchtower: working together safely - britain - 2015

Upload: sirjsslut

Post on 07-Aug-2018

214 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    1/34

    WORKING

    TOGETHER

    SAFELY

    Safety Rules and Standards  for 

    Volunteer Projects 

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    2/34

    WORKING

    TOGETHER

    SAFELY

    Safety Rules and Standards 

     for 

    Volunteer Projects 

    May 2015

    (Britain)

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    3/34

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    4/34

    STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT 

    I have been presented with a copy of the booklet   WorkingTogether Safely— Safety Rules and Standards for Volunteer Projectsand have read it in its entirety.

    I understand that all construction sites have potential haz-ards. I also understand that God’s Word says that safety and re-spect for life must be taken very seriously. (Ex. 21:33, 34; Num.35:22-25; Deut. 22:8) Therefore, for the protection of myself andothers, I am fully committed to working safely.

    I will be alert to identify and prevent potential safety haz-ards. I will not compromise safety to reduce costs, to meet dead-

    lines, or to achieve any other goals.I will willingly participate in all safety-training programmes

    and cooperate with the instruction provided by those in over-sight.

    I am in complete agreement with what has been publishedin this booklet and will implement its directives on all volunteerprojects.

    Date issued:  

    Volunteer:   (Sign and print name)

    ˘ 2015

    WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF BRITAIN 

    Working Together Safely—Safety Rules and Standards  for Volunteer Projects 

    English (S-109-E Bi)

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    5/34

    TO ALL VOLUNTEERS     6

    HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT     8

    ACCESS CONTROL 

      10

    AGE REQUIREMENTS    10

    ATTIRE AND PERSONAL HEALTH     12

    WORK HABITS AND CONDUCT     13

    INJURIES     14

    HOUSEKEEPING 

      14

    FIRE SAFETY    15

    FOOD SAFETYAND PERSONAL HYGIENE     16

    PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)     16

    Hard Hats     17

    Eye Protection 

      17Face Shields     17

    Dust Masks    17

    Respirators    17

    Hearing Protection     18

    Hand Protection 

      18

    Knee Protection     18

    Work Shoes    18

    Safety Vests    18

    GENERAL TOOLS AND LADDERS     19

    Hand Tools 

      19

    Ladders    19

    TABLE OF CONTENTS 

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    6/34

    HIGHER-RISK TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT     20

    Power Tools     21

    Cartridge-Operated and Pneumatic Tools     21

    Lasers 

      22Motorized Vehicles     22

    Heavy Equipment     23

    Cranes and Forklifts/Telehandlers     24

    Scissors and Boom Lifts     25

    HIGHER-RISK AREAS AND TASKS 

      25

    Fall Protection     25

    Roofs     26

    Scaffolding and Platforms     26

    Electrical     28

    Gas Appliances and Systems 

      29

    Trenches, Excavations, and Shoring     29

    Welding, Cutting, and Open-Flame Work     30

    Building Demolition    31

    MISCELLANEOUS SAFETY CONCERNS     32

    Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) 

      32

    Lockout/Tagout     32

    Refrigerant Gas    32

    Confined Spaces     32

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    7/34

    TO ALL VOLUNTEERS 

    Dear Brothers:

    As the “Grand Creator,” Jehovah God considers lifesacred and highly valuable. (Eccl. 12:1; Ps. 36:9) As

    his servants, we are required to adopt that same view.(Eph. 5:1) We do not take unnecessary risks with ourlife. We understand the need to be safety conscious at alltimes. (Deut. 22:8; Eccl. 10:9) We sincerely endeavour toapply Scriptural principles so as to protect ourselves andothers from physical harm.—Prov. 3:21, 22; Phil. 2:4.

    One basic Bible principle states: “Shrewd is the one

    that has seen the calamity and proceeds to conceal him-self, but the inexperienced have passed along and mustsuffer the penalty.” (Prov. 22:3) What serious conse-quences there can be if such advice goes unheeded! Thisis especially true when it comes to construction. Whena dangerous situation is not avoided, serious injury ordeath can occur. Words cannot express the physical and

    emotional impact this can have—it is devastating. All of us, therefore, have a very serious responsibility to worksafely.

    The goal of this booklet is to achieve an accident-freeenvironment on all theocratic building projects. This canbe accomplished if safety is viewed as everyone’s respon-sibility.

    This booklet is required reading and is yours to keep.Use it as a handy reference. It provides  minimum safetyrules and standards as part of a safety-awareness pro-gramme outlined by the branch office. In some cases,your oversight may choose to adopt more inclusivestandards based on local circumstances.

    Overseers should make sure that everyone under their

    supervision is properly trained and qualified for the workthey do. Volunteers should willingly cooperate with such

    6

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    8/34

    training and be attentive at all safety meetings. All areexpected to promote safe work practices through theirspeech and personal example.

    As we closely work together, let us not only know the

    rules and standards contained in this booklet but alsodo all that we can to perform work safely. We pray forJehovah’s continued blessing on our theocratic buildingprojects—all to his praise.—Ps. 127:1.

    Thank you for your conscientious support.

    Your brothers,

    7

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    9/34

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    10/34

    9

    Each volunteer is expected to cooperate with his orher overseer and fellow workers in carrying out the Policy.Each volunteer is responsible for his or her own safetyand the safety of others. Each volunteer must be vigilantand look for ways to improve safety with his or her over-seer or the safety overseer before an accident occurs.

    The safety overseer will advise, on each build, on howto implement the  Policy and will monitor its implemen-tation.

    Further information on safety and welfare issues canbe obtained from the Construction Industry Training

    Board publication Site Safety Management (GE700). TheHealth and Safety Executive also supplies such informa-tion and can be contacted at any time.

    All volunteers working can have open access to allsafety documentation on a project.

    All persons entering any build or refurbishment sitewill be aware of the safety information needed to enablethem to carry out their activity safely.

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    11/34

    10

    ACCESS CONTROL 

    Volunteers approved by their local elders are the only 

    ones allowed to work on theocratic building projects.

    ˘   Each project site is comprised of three types of 

    zones, which are accessible only to authorized

    persons. The restricted zones consist of (1) non-

    construction areas, (2) construction areas, and

    (3) higher-risk areas.

    ˘  The construction group overseer and his assis-

    tant will make sure that these areas are clear-

    ly marked and their access points monitored.

    Signs, delineators, safety marking tape, and

    other means may be utilized.

    ˘  Volunteers must comply with all the directionprovided regarding these restricted zones. (Re-

    stricted zones may not apply on small remodel

    projects or repair jobs. Ask your committee or

    overseer for direction when doing such work.)

    AGE REQUIREMENTS 

    Non-construction Areas

    Volunteers between 13 and 15 years of age are permit-

    ted to work in non-construction areas if they are accom-

     panied by a parent or a guardian. A Risk Assessment/ Method Statement for this decision is required.

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    12/34

    11

    ˘  Non-construction activities require close adultsupervision, since many jobs can be hazard-ous. For instance, there are dangers in the kit-chen area because of close quarters, sharp in-

    struments, and hot items.

    Construction Areas

    Volunteers 16 and 17 years of age are permitted to work 

    in construction areas if they are properly supervised. A

     Risk Assessment/Method Statement for this decision is 

    required. However, they are prohibited from perform-ing certain tasks, such as the following:

    ˘   Driving a motor vehicle or operating heavyequipment, such as dumper trucks and JCBs.

    ˘   Operating power-driven machines and pneu-

    matic, cartridge-operated, and power tools, in-cluding nail guns, circular saws, table saws,bandsaws, chainsaws, drills, lasers, and similartypes of tools.

    ˘  Structural demolition.

    ˘

     Working on a roof.˘   Working on an elevated platform two metres or

    more in height.

    Higher-Risk Areas

    Volunteers 18 years of age and older may work in higher-

    risk areas if they are properly trained and authorized by oversight to do so.

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    13/34

    12

    ATTIRE AND PERSONAL HEALTH 

    Carry your Advance Decision document on your person

    at all times while on the project.—km 12/04 p. 7.

    ˘   All must wear clothing that is protective andsuitable for work.

    ˘  Clothing should be modest, not tight or reveal-

    ing, regardless of working posture.

    ˘  Long trousers (no shorts) and shirts with short

    or long sleeves are required for all volunteers.

    ˘   Loose jewellery and rings pose a hazard to those

    performing certain tasks and should not beworn.

    ˘  For sisters, long hair should be tied back while

    working.

    ˘  Come to work well rested and in good physicalcondition.—g04 2/8 pp. 3-9.

    ˘  Beware of heat exhaustion, sunburn, and over-exposure to the sun during warm weather or

    hypothermia and frostbite during cold weather.

    ˘  Prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of water, es-pecially during hot and humid weather.—g98

    3/22 p. 31.

    ˘  Never drive while drowsy. Take a nap, or have

    someone who is rested do the driving.—g02 5/8p. 29;  g02 8/22 pp. 12-13;  g94 2/22 p. 29.

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    14/34

    13

    ˘   Modesty requires that you recognize your phys-ical limitations if you have suffered previous in- jury.—Mic. 6:8.

    WORK HABITS AND CONDUCT Work at a reasonable pace and in such a manner as to 

    ensure your safety and that of others. ( g02 2/22 pp. 4-7; g85 7/8 pp. 4-8) Any suggestions to enhance safety are  greatly appreciated. Please convey them to your over-seer.

    ˘  Immediately correct unsafe actions brought toyour attention.

    ˘  Practise proper lifting techniques, and get helpwhen carrying heavy or bulky materials.—g946/8 p. 24.

    ˘   Never work alone.˘  Horseplay and practical jokes are not allowed.

    —Prov. 26:19.

    ˘  No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the pro- ject, nor should they be consumed before arriv-ing at, or returning to the site.

    ˘  Volunteers who wilfully disregard safety stand-ards will not be allowed to remain on the pro- ject.

    ˘  Do not minimize near misses (close calls). Re-port them to both the department overseer and

    the Safety and First Aid Departments. Thismay help prevent an injury in the future.

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    15/34

    14

    INJURIES 

     If an accident occurs, the following standards are in-tended to mitigate any adverse effects. All workers on-site must know what to do in case of an injury.

    ˘  First assess the risk to yourself before proceed-ing.

    ˘   Remove any immediate hazard that could causefurther injury.

    ˘  Keep the injured person still and calm.

    ˘   Do not move the injured volunteer unless thereis danger of further injury.

    ˘  Head, neck, and eye injuries require immediateattention.

    ˘  Generally, only the Safety or First Aid Depart-

    ment should call the emergency services whenneeded.

    ˘  Do not minimize injuries. Report them to boththe department overseer and the Safety andFirst Aid Departments. This may help preventan injury in the future.

    HOUSEKEEPING 

    ˘   Keep work areas clean and free of clutter. Re-move all rubbish/debris as soon as possible.

    ˘  Give special attention to removing debris that

    can cut or puncture.˘  Sweep in a manner that limits dust.

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    16/34

    15

    ˘   Make sure walkways and other locations areclear of cords and hoses that might cause trip-ping or be damaged.

    ˘   Maintain clear access to fire extinguishers andelectrical panels.

    ˘   Store materials in a way that does not blockexits, aisles, passageways, and stairways.

    FIRE SAFETY 

    ˘

      Learn the fire alarm and evacuation proceduresand the location and proper operation of fireextinguishers.

    ˘  Dispose of rags saturated with combustible li-quids in approved containers. Never allow therags to pile up or get mixed in with other rub-

    bish.˘  Eliminate petrol and flammable liquids if pos-

    sible. If not, store them in certified, approvedsafety containers. Never use petrol for cleaningpurposes.

    ˘   Eliminate liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) if pos-sible. If not then, store cylinders in suitableareas with signs.

    ˘   Always provide adequate ventilation whenburning combustible fuels in enclosed areas toprevent carbon-monoxide poisoning.

    ˘  Be alert to ignition sources, and take preventa-tive measures to avoid explosions and fires.

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    17/34

    16

    FOOD SAFETY AND PERSONAL HYGIENE 

    ˘   Before being assigned to work with or servefood, all volunteers should be properly trained

    in the basic principles of food safety and shouldmaintain exemplary personal hygiene.

    ˘  Those handling and preparing food are to weardisposable sanitary gloves.

    ˘   Hair restraints are required when working infood-preparation and serving areas.

    ˘   Food handlers, preparers, and servers are towash their hands when reporting and returningto work.

    ˘   Persons with colds, communicable illnesses,and unprotected open sores should not be infood-preparation areas.

    ˘   Blood-borne pathogens can cause disease.Avoid contact with another person’s blood. If atool, utensil, or material is contaminated withblood, it should be properly cleaned.

    PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

     Appropriate PPE should be worn where the risk as-

    sessment indicates the need. PPE must be in good con-

    dition, fit properly, and be comfortable enough to work 

    in all day. Invest in high-quality PPE. The Safety De- partment may provide equipment if needed. Your over-

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    18/34

    17

    seer may require you to wear additional forms of PPE 

    as necessary.

    Hard Hats

    ˘   Always wear CE marked, approved hard hats in-side construction areas and higher-risk areas.

    Eye Protection

    ˘   Safety glasses:   Always wear CE marked, ap-proved safety glasses where indicated by therisk assessment. (Certified, approved prescrip-

    tion safety glasses with side shields or over-the-glass safety glasses are acceptable.)

    ˘   Goggles:   Always wear CE marked, approvedsplashproof goggles when working with chem-icals or liquids per the material safety datasheet (MSDS) instructions.

    Face Shields

    ˘  Always wear CE marked, approved face shieldsover safety glasses while drilling overhead,grinding, or chipping or when flying debrismakes safety glasses or goggles insufficient.

    Dust Masks

    ˘   Always wear CE marked high-quality dustmasks appropriate to the task when exposed toconcentrations of dust and/or airborne debris.

    Respirators

    ˘   Each volunteer is responsible to maintain hisown respirator if one is needed.

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    19/34

    18

    ˘   Always wear properly fitted, certified, and ap-

    proved respirators when exposed to smoke,

    mists, fumes, sprays, and vapours or when oth-

    er respiratory hazards exist.

    ˘  Proper respirator and cartridge choice are crit-

    ical; replacement schedules must be followed.

    Hearing Protection

    ˘   Use earplugs or earmuffs in high-noise work en-

    vironments.Hand Protection

    ˘  Wear work gloves appropriate to the task.

    Knee Protection

    ˘   Wear properly fitted kneepads when work re-quires kneeling on hard surfaces for extended

    periods of time.

    Work Shoes

    ˘   Work shoes appropriate for the type of work

    being done are required. Open-toed shoes orsandals are not acceptable. Steel toe capped

    work shoes with adequate mid sole protection

    must be worn in the construction zone.

    Safety Vests

    ˘  Wear high-visibility safety vests when directingor working near moving vehicles or equipment.

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    20/34

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    21/34

    20

    ˘   Avoid leaning past the side of a ladder. Relocate

    the ladder if the work requires it.

    ˘  Keep the area at the top and bottom of ladders

    clear at all times.

    ˘  Do not use ladder rungs to support the ends of 

    planks or other similar work platforms.

    ˘   Do not use buckets, boxes, or other unstable

    objects as makeshift ladders to access elevated

    areas.

    ˘  Warning signs must be placed or an attendant

    should be on hand if a ladder is put in front of 

    a doorway.

    ˘

      Never stand or sit on or above the top two rungsof any ladder.

    ˘   Allow only one person on a ladder at a time un-

    less the ladder is specifically designed for two

    people.

    ˘   Stepladders should not exceed three metres intotal height or be manned above two metres.

    ˘   Extension ladders used to access an elevat-

    ed platform or a roof should extend at least

    one metre above the landing and be secured to

    prevent them from moving and causing falls.Such areas must have suitable edge protection.

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    22/34

    21

    HIGHER-RISK TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT 

     An authorized competent person may be required to in-

    spect or supervise the use of higher-risk tools or equip-

    ment.

    Power Tools

    ˘  No 240v equipment is allowed in the construc-tion zone.

    ˘  Only trained operators should use power tools.

    ˘   Examine power tools for damaged parts andfrayed/cut cables before each use.

    ˘  All power tools must be earthed or double in-sulated and PAT tested.

    ˘   Remove defective power tools and cables imme-

    diately, so they can be repaired by a competentperson.

    ˘  Do not use power tools with improper or dam-aged guards or with guards removed.

    ˘   Disconnect power tools from their power

    source when replacing blades or bits and whennot in use.

    Cartridge-Operated and Pneumatic Tools

    ˘   Only trained operators should use cartridge-operated and pneumatic tools.

    ˘  All operators and volunteers nearby must wearhigh-impact eye protection.

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    23/34

    22

    ˘   Do not load cartridge-operated tools untilready for use.

    ˘   Do not leave a loaded tool or any cartridge/fixings unattended.

    ˘  Only use fasteners specifically designed for thematerial being penetrated.

    Lasers

     Lasers can cause eye damage.

    ˘  Only trained operators should use laser equip-ment.

    ˘  Set up lasers at a level where the beam cannotdirectly enter anyone’s eyes.

    ˘  Employ laser beam shutters or caps when thelaser is turned on but idle.

    ˘  Turn off laser equipment when transmission isnot required.

    Motorized Vehicles

    ˘   All drivers who shuttle volunteers, run errands,transport materials and so on should be over21 years of age, have a clean driving licence and

    drive safely.

    ˘  Wear seat belts at all times.

    ˘   Drivers must not use mobile phones while ve-hicle engines are running.

    ˘  Only use vehicles that are in a safe condition,

    properly registered, and adequately insured andthat meet all regulatory requirements.

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    24/34

    23

    ˘   Passengers should be transported in an ap-proved seating area only.

    ˘  Turn off vehicles before fueling.

    ˘   Properly secure all loads. Under no circum-stances should anyone ride on top of loads.

    ˘  Oversized loads must be properly flagged.

    ˘  All legal requirements must be followed whentowing trailers. Be sure to use proper safetychains, hitch safety clips, and lighting whenneeded.

    Heavy Equipment 

    ˘   Only trained operators should run heavy equip-ment and trucks.

    ˘  Wear seat belts at all times when supplied bythe manufacturer.

    ˘  Do not use mobile phones while operating con-struction equipment.

    ˘   All equipment should be in a safe condition andmeet all regulatory requirements, including a

    record of thorough examination.˘   Passengers should be transported in an ap-

    proved seating area only.

    ˘   Alarms and horns for reversing must be oper-ational.

    ˘   Trained operators must calculate and managethe capacity of their machines.

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    25/34

    24

    ˘   Properly trained banksman must be in usewhen work is near pedestrians or vehiculartraffic.

    ˘   All heavy equipment and trucks must stay at therequired distance from overhead power lines.

    Cranes and Forklifts/Telehandlers

    ˘  Only trained operators and riggers should runcranes and forklifts. Certification is required ac-cording to jurisdiction.

    ˘   A competent person must inspect the riggingbefore each lift.

    ˘  Wear seat belts at all times when supplied bythe manufacturer.

    ˘   Do not use mobile phones while operating

    cranes and forklifts/telehandlers.

    ˘  All cranes, forklifts and telehandlers should bein a safe condition and with appropriate docu-mentation.

    ˘   Passengers should be transported in an ap-

    proved seating area only.˘   Alarms and horns for reversing must be oper-

    ational.

    ˘   No one should be allowed under a suspendedload.

    ˘   Trained operators must calculate and managethe capacity of their machines.

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    26/34

    25

    ˘   Access to lift areas must always be controlledbecause of potential crush hazards from rotat-ing cabs and swinging loads. Only workers dir-ectly involved with the activity are allowed in

    this area.Scissors and Boom Lifts

    ˘  Only trained operators should use and inspectscissors and boom lifts.

    ˘   Exercise special care when operating off-road

    lifts to prevent overturning.˘  All volunteers working from a boom lift must

    wear an approved fall-restraint system.

    ˘  Do not leave an elevated platform without fallprotection.

    HIGHER-RISK AREAS AND TASKS 

    Fall Protection

     Falls are the most common cause of serious accidents on

    construction sites. The Work at Height Regulations 2005

    (as amended ) must be followed and a risk assessment for 

    work at height be completed. Fall prevention must be es-tablished when there is a risk of falling from height as 

    indicated in the risk assessment. Fall prevention includes railings and scaffolds. Nets, full body harnesses, lan-

     yards, lifelines, and other approved methods constitute  fall protection.

    ˘   A fall prevention and protection system mustbe set up under the supervision of a competent

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    27/34

    26

    person. This person will be responsible for in-spections and documentation of all systems.

    ˘  Protect or cap rebar, stakes, lightning rods, orany item that could be an impalement hazard.

    ˘   Any floor or roof opening that is larger thanfive centimetres by five centimetres must becovered. The hole cover must be able to with-stand twice the maximum intended load andshould be labeled “COVER” or “HOLE” inhigh-visibility paint. It must be secured from

    any movement and may only be removed by anauthorized person.

    Roofs

    ˘   Provide suitable edge protection and safe andsecure access to the roof.

    ˘   Inspect for moisture, frost, or other slippinghazards before getting onto roof surfaces.

    ˘   Evacuate the roof when storms, high winds,lightning, rain, or other adverse weather condi-tions exist.

    ˘  A designated, competent carpenter should in-spect all trusses for soundness prior to theirerection.

    ˘   Do not overload the roof with materials orworkers.

    Scaffolding and Platforms

    ˘   Only erect scaffolding under the supervisionof a designated, competent person. Plan fall-

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    28/34

    27

    protection measures during the erection anddismantling process.

    ˘  Place the scaffolding legs on firm footings only,secured from any movement or tipping. Do notuse scrap timber, concrete blocks, or bricks tostabilize the scaffolding legs. Where needed, useheavy-duty solid wood under the legs to sup-port maximum loads.

    ˘   Set all scaffolding legs and platforms plumb and

    level.˘  Fully deck all scaffolding.

    ˘   Assemble decking on a platform so that nospace between the planks exceeds two centi-metres. Only use planking that is scaffold gradeor equivalent.

    ˘   Planks must overhang end supports in accordwith GE700.

    ˘   Inspect scaffolding planks on a regular basis.Discard and replace cracked or split planks im-mediately.

    ˘   Inspect metal plank hooks on scaffolding. Re-place warped, corroded, or bent hooks.

    ˘  Use a ladder or stair tower to access the scaf-folding platforms. Do not climb on end framesunless the frames are designed with built-in lad-

    ders. Never use cross braces on tubular scaf-folding as a means of access or egress.

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    29/34

    28

    ˘   Do not work on any scaffolding until a designat-ed, competent person has approved the com-plete installation.

    ˘   Avoid leaning past the side rails. Relocate the

    scaffolding if necessary.

    ˘  Do not overload the scaffolding with materialsor workers.

    ˘  Do not move mobile tower scaffolds with vol-unteers on board. Lock the wheels when in use.

    Electrical˘  Only use 110v or less in construction areas and

    higher-risk areas.

    ˘  Only qualified volunteers should perform elec-trical work.

    ˘  All work areas should be well lit.

    ˘   Temporary power supplies, transformers, gen-erators, and all extension cables must have pro-tection from a residual current device (RCD)during construction.

    ˘   Protect all live electrical installations such as

    receptacles, switches, cables, and panels fromaccidental contact.

    ˘  Use protective cage guards to cover bulbs usedfor temporary lighting, and do not allow themto come into contact with combustible sur-faces.

    ˘   Do not use metal ladders at any time whiledoing electrical work.

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    30/34

    29

    ˘   Maintain suitable clearance from overhead util-ity power lines according to the risk assessment.

    Gas Appliances and Systems

    ˘  Only those registered on the Gas Safe Registercan work on gas appliances and systems.

    Trenches, Excavations, and Shoring

    ˘  Make sure any existing utilities are located be-fore you dig or drill. Written confirmation of its inspection and approval is preferred. Private-ly placed utilities will need to be located byothers.

    ˘   No person may enter a trench or excavation un-less it is properly sloped or benched or has shor-ing or a trench shield installed before entering,unless a competent person has certified that thesides are stable. A competent person must ap-

    prove the shoring design.

    ˘   At the beginning of each workday and whenweather, soil, or work conditions change, a com-petent person should inspect all trenches forevidence of a situation that could result in acave-in or a trench failure before allowing any-

    one to enter.˘  Keep materials, equipment, and stockpiled dirt

    at a suitable distance according to the risk as-sessment from the edge of the excavation.

    ˘  Trenches 1.2 metres deep or more should haveladders extending one metre above the trench

    and within eight metres of volunteers for quickegress.

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    31/34

    30

    ˘   Where possible, trenches should be openedonly as far as the work in them can becompleted and the trench closed at the end of the day. When trenches are left unattended or

    open overnight, they should be properly fenced,barricaded, and protected to prevent peopleand vehicles from entering.

    ˘  Report suspicion of contaminated materials orsoil to the construction group overseer.

    ˘   Take immediate mitigation measures whengroundwater is encountered.

    Welding, Cutting, and Open-Flame Work 

    Take fire-prevention precautions in areas where weld-ing, torching, soldering, or other open-flame work  (hot work )  is being done.

    ˘  Perform hot work only if specifically directedto do so and given a hot-work permit.

    ˘   Make sure a suitable fire extinguisher is avail-able when performing any hot work.

    ˘  Do not perform hot work near flammable com-

    ponents, including paints or heavy dust concen-trations.

    ˘   Ensure that a volunteer (fire-watcher) is presentduring and at least 30 minutes after any hotwork is performed. The fire-watcher will movecombustibles as far as possible from the work

    and have a fire extinguisher in hand.˘  Protect others in the vicinity from arc-welding

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    32/34

    31

    flash and cutting operations by using a non-flammable shield barrier.

    ˘  Wear eye protection to prevent exposure to arcflash.

    ˘  Clothing made from natural fibres (e.g., cottonor wool) or equivalent non-melting fabric mustbe worn along with proper protective leathersor flame-resistant clothing while performinghot work.

    ˘

     Compressed-gas cylinders require special hand-ling when being transported, moved, or stored.

    Building Demolition

    ˘  Specific predemolition planning will include arisk assessment/method statement prepared bya competent structual engineer. When shoring

    and/or underpinning is required, prepare a spe-cific plan outlining goals, rules, and policies forvolunteers.

    ˘   Carefully investigate below-ground conditions.

    ˘   Locate utility connections and isolate and/orcap as required.

    ˘  Select workers who are qualified for their spe-cific tasks.

    ˘  Follow the regulation and guidance for properhandling of materials such as lead and asbestos.

    ˘   Establish task-specific PPE to protect against

    such hazards as dust, insulation, and bird or ro-dent droppings.

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    33/34

    32

    MISCELLANEOUS SAFETY CONCERNS 

    Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

    ˘   Chemical manufacturers provide MSDS in-

    formation on the hazards associated with thechemicals they sell and the PPE needed to pro-tect oneself while using their chemicals. For allproducts with an identified hazard, a COSHHassessment must be in place. The Safety andFirst Aid Departments keep a file of such in-formation with all the known hazardous chem-

    icals used on the project. No other hazardousmaterials may be brought on site without per-mission and the preparation of a COSHH as-sessment from the MSDS.

    Lockout/Tagout 

    ˘  Locks and tags must be used to prevent the op-

    eration of a switch, valve, or piece of machineryin cases where someone may get hurt or equip-ment may be damaged.

    ˘   Place tags on a power source to warn others notto operate equipment.

    Refrigerant Gas

    ˘  A competent person with refrigerant certifica-tion must perform any work with refrigerantgas.

    Confined Spaces

    ˘  Beware of entrapment, being crushed, asphyxi-

    ation, or electrocution. Only designated compe-tent people can enter a confined space.

  • 8/20/2019 Watchtower: Working Together Safely - Britain - 2015

    34/34

    DANGER

    HARDHAT

    REQUIRED

    FCAUTION CAUTION