Safety Talk

5/20/2018 Safety Talk

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Infrastructure Health & Safety Association

5110 Creekbank Road, Suite 400

Mississauga, Ontario L4W 0A1 Canada

1-800-263-5024 ihsa.ca

Safety Talks


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IHSAS S AFETY TALKS

IHSA has additional information on these and other topics.Visit ihsa.ca or call Customer Service at

1-800-263-5024

Infrastructure Health and Safety Association, 2007

All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, or stored inany material form, without the express written permission of the copyright owner.

Revised May 2008Second printing, May 2011Third printing, March 2012

ISBN-13: 978-0-919465-88-6

The contents contained in this publication are for general information only. This publication

should not be regarded or relied upon as a definitive guide to government regulations or to

safety practices and procedures. The contents of this publication were, to the best of our

knowledge, current at the time of printing. However, no representations of any kind are made

with regard to the accuracy, completeness, or sufficiency of the contents. The appropriateregulations and statutes should be consulted. Readers should not act on the information

contained herein without seeking specific independent legal advice on their specific

circumstance. The Infrastructure Health & Safety Association is pleased to answer individual

requests for counselling and advice.


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IHSAS S AFETY TALKSTable ofContents 3

4 How to use Safety Talks

Responsibilities and r ights5 Responsibilities

6 Workers rights

Personal protectiveequipment

7 Eye protection

8 Hearing protection

9 RespiratorsTypes

10 RespiratorsFit testing

11 RespiratorsMaintenance12 Hand protection

Working at heights13 Guardrails

14 Fall protectionBasic types

15 Fall protectionApprovals andinspection

16 Fall protectionRope grabs

17 Stepladders

18 Extension ladders19 3-point contactLadders

20 3-point contactVehicles andequipment

21 ScaffoldsPlanks and decks

22 ScaffoldsStructural components

23 Suspended access equipmentFall protection

24 Suspended access equipmentTiebacks

25 Suspended access equipment

Calculating counterweights

Rigging and hoisting26 Rigging hardware

27 Wire ropeInspection

28 Wire RopeCable clips

29 Hoisting signalsBasic rules

30 Hoisting signalsDemonstration

Electricity31 Electrical safety

32 Lockout and tagging

33 Powerline contact

34 Temporary lighting

35 Underground utilities

Vehicles36 Backing vehicles

37 Traffic controlPublic roads 1

38 Traffic controlPublic roads 2

39 Dump truck tipoversDrivers

40 Dump trucksWorkers in vicinity

Trenching41 Excavator handsignals

42 TrenchingSoil types

43 TrenchingProtection

44 TrenchingInspection

Confined spaces45 Confined spacesDefinition

46 Confined spacesDangerousatmospheres

47 Confined spacesPhysicalhazards

Techniques and tools48 Housekeeping

49 Hand toolsPliers and wrenches

50 Hand toolsScrewdrivers

51 Electric toolsBasic safety

52 Electric toolsDrills

53 Electric toolsSabre saws

54 Electric toolsCircular Saws

55 Nail Guns

56 Floor finishing

57 Fire extinguishers

58 Heaters

59 Compressed gas cylinders

60 Propane

Health61 Carbon monoxide

62 Solvents

63 Silica

64 Lead

65 HEPA filters

66 Cement

67 Concrete

68 Moulds

69 Sewage

70 West Nile virus

71 Vibration White Finger

72 Sun protection73 Heat stress

74 Cold stress

Ergonomics75 Musculoskeletal disorders

(MSDs)Risk factors

76 Musculoskeletal disorders(MSDs)Controls

77 Back careBasic lifting

78 Back careLifting sheetmaterials 1

79 Back careLifting sheetmaterials 2

80 Stretching exercises

81 Whole-body vibration (WBV)

82 Musculoskeletal disorders(MSDs)Welding

Forms83 Report Form


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IHSAS S AFETY TALKSHow to useSafety Talks

4

What makes a Safety Talk work?

Choose a talk suited to site and work conditions.Dont give a talk on quick-cut saws when none

are being used on the job.

Deliver the talk where it will be mostappropriate. That could be the job office, out onthe site, or near the tools and equipment you aretalking about.

Introduce the subject clearly. Let workers knowexactly what you are going to talk about andwhy its important to them.

Refer to the safety talk for information. But

wherever possible use your own words. Connect key points to things your crew is

familiar with on the project.

Pinpoint hazards. Talk about what may happen.Use information from the safety talk to explainhow to control or prevent these hazards.

Wherever possible, use real tools, equipment,material, and jobsite situations to demonstratekey points.

Ask for questions. Answer to the best of yourknowledge. Get more information wherenecessary.

Ask workers to demonstrate what they havelearned.

Keep a record of each talk delivered. Includedate, topic, and names of attendees. Photocopythe Report Form at the back of this manual anduse it to keep a record of each session.

What? Why? How?What is a Safety Talk?

A safety talk is a hands-on way to remind workersthat health and safety are important on the job.

Safety talks deal with specific problems on site.They do not replace formal training.

Through safety talks you can tell workers abouthealth and safety requirements for the tools,equipment, materials, and procedures they use

every day or for particular jobs.Each safety talk in this book will take about fiveminutes to present.

Why give a Safety Talk?

Your objective is to help workers RECOGNIZEand CONTROL hazards on the project.

You may be a supervisor, a health and safetyrepresentative, the member of a joint health andsafety committee, a safety officer, or someone with

similar duties.

You give safety talks because you are responsiblefor advising workers about any existing or possibledanger to their health and safety.

Safety talks demonstrate the commitment ofemployers and workers to health and safety.

Remember

The information you present in a Safety Talk may be the only information workersreceive about a particular tool, piece of equipment, type of material, or workprocedure on the project.

In choosing and presenting your talk, do everything you can to help workersremember and act on the message you deliver.


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IHSAS S AFETY TALKS

Responsibilities 5

Construction can be dangerous business if people

dont fulfill their responsibilities for onsite healthand safety.

Learning your responsibilities is the first step. Youshould also be aware of other peoplesresponsibilities so you know who to talk to if yousee a hazard.

Provide competent supervision.

Acquaint workers with hazards.

Take every precaution reasonable to protectworkers.

Ensure that all workers are at least 16 years old.

SUPERVISOR (See Section 27 of theAct)

Ensure that the health and safety of workers arenever in danger.

Ensure that workers work safely, according to thelaw.

Ensure that workers use and wear any protectiveequipment or clothing required by the law or theemployer.

Advise workers of any possible danger to theirhealth and safety on the job.

WORKER (See Section 28 of theAct)

Work safely at all times.

Wear any protective equipment or clothing thatyour employer requires you to wear.

Never remove a safety guard or any protectiveequipment.

Report to your employer or supervisor anyprotective device that is missing or not workingproperly.

Report to your employer or supervisor anyhazard in the workplace.

Report any violations of the law.

Explain dangers

Identify controls

Demonstrate

Health and safety hazards can be controlled ifeveryone knows his or her own responsibilities andacts on them.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act and theConstruction Regulation (Ontario Regulation213/91) define the responsibilities of workplaceparties such as constructor, employer, supervisor,and worker. You can get a copy of theActandregulations from IHSA, or online at www.ihsa.ca.

Here are some examples of responsibilities of

workplace parties.

CONSTRUCTOR (See Section 23 of theAct)

Ensure that everyone and all work processescomply with the law. This includes all employers(subcontractors) and their workers.

Ensure that all workers health and safety areprotected.

Provide notification of project to the Ministry of

Labour.EMPLOYER (See Section 25 of theAct)

Provide equipment, materials, and protectivedevices, and maintain them.

Ensure that everyone and all processes complywith the requirements of the law.

Provide information and instruction to protectworkers health and safety.

Hold up the green book (Occupational Health andSafety Act and Regulations for Construction Projects)and ask your crew what they know about it.

Ask your crew to name

two responsibilities of employers

two responsibilities of supervisors.


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IHSAS S AFETY TALKSWorkersrights 6

Employers have the right to determine and control

the work, so long as everything is legal. Workers,however, have the power to protect their health andsafety.

the beginning of testing, to participate in Ministryof Labour inspections and investigations, toinvestigate serious accidents, and to inspect the

jobsite regularly.JHSCs have the right to make recommendations toemployers about health and safety improvements.Employers must reply in writing within 21 days.Certified worker members have the right toinvestigate complaints dealing with dangerouscircumstances.

Who are the members of the joint health and safetycommittee on this project?

RIGHT TO REFUSEWorkers have the right to refuse work if theybelieve it endangers their health and safety.

The Occupational Health and Safety Actsets outspecific procedures. Its a two-stage process.

You can refuse based on your subjective belief thatthe work is dangerous. You must inform thesupervisor or employer.

Once a supervisor has investigated, you may still

have reasonable grounds for believing that the workis dangerous. In this case, you may continue torefuse work. A Ministry of Labour inspector mustbe called to investigate.

Identify controls

Ontario law spells out the three rights that giveworkers this power: the right to know, the right toparticipate, and the right to refuse.

RIGHT TO KNOW

Workers have the right to know about workplacehealth and safety hazards.

The Occupational Health and Safety Actsays thatemployers must provide a wide range ofinformation about workplace hazards to workersand joint health and safety committees. Jointcommittees have a duty to communicate with

workers.WHMIS, the Workplace Hazardous MaterialsInformation System, is one example of the right toknow. WHMIS is a Canada-wide system designedto protect workers by providing information abouthazardous materials on the job. WHMIS has threemain parts: labels material safety data sheets (MSDSs) worker education and training.

RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE

Workers have the right to make recommendationsabout health and safety.

Employers must recognize this right to participate.They must consult with joint health and safetycommittees (JHSCs) about methods of testingequipment, substances, or other workplace factors,and about health and safety training programs. Aworker on the JHSC has the right to be present at

Demonstrate

Ask your crew: What rights do constructionworkers have on the job?

Explain dangers


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IHSAS S AFETY TALKSEye protection 7

Basic protection is safety glasses withsideshields. Look for the CSA logo onthe frames, whether the glasses are

prescription or non-prescription. Forwelding, eye protection must also bemarked with the shade number.

Dont wear contact lenses on site. Dust andother particles can get under the lens. If youmust wear contact lenses for medical reasons,wear appropriate eye protection as well.

Keep your safety glasses on when you wear otherprotection such as a welding helmet orfaceshield. Why? Because when you lift up the

visor or shield you may still be exposed to flyingchips, dust, or other hazards.

Eye protection must be matched to the hazard.Goggles that protect you from dust may notprotect you from splash or radiation.

Eyewear should fit snugly.

Clean dirty lenses with water or a lens-cleaningsolution to float the dirt away instead ofscratching it into the lenses.

Get your eyes checked every couple of years tomake sure that problems havent developed orgotten worse.

Take a look at eye protection used by your crew.Point out any cracked or broken frames andscratched or pitted lenses that should be replaced.

Review the company policy on providing andreplacing eyewear.

Review any special requirements for weldinghelmets, sandblasting hoods, faceshields, etc.

Identify controls

Demonstrate

Explain dangers

In construction we do too many jobs withoutprotecting our eyes.

Just think of the eye hazards in our work:

flying dust and grit

welding arcs

sparks and slag from welding and cutting

abrasives from sandblasting

chemical splash pipe and wire sticking out of walls

ties and wire hanging from ceilings

sun and wind.

Weve all had dust and dirt in our eyes. Some of ushave been hit in the eye by chips of wood,concrete, and stone.

A little bigger, a little fasterthese particles couldleave us with limited sight or none at all.

List eye hazards on site

Youve only got one pair of eyes. Make them last alifetime.

Wearing the right protection can prevent most eyeinjuries.


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IHSAS S AFETY TALKSHearingprotection 8

In the same way, the noise level drops 3 decibelswhen you double your distance away from it.

Without hearing protection, your safe working

limit for an 8-hour day with no other noiseexposure is 85 decibels. This is the loudness of aroom full of people.

When noise cannot be reduced or controlled, weneed to wear hearing protection.

Identify tasks on site that require hearingprotection.

Review company policy and procedures regardinghearing protection.

Show two types of hearing protectors:

ear plugs

ear muffs

Show how to insert ear plugs:

Reach one hand around back of head, pull earupwards to straighten S-shaped ear canal, theninsert plug with other hand according tomanufacturers instructions.

Many construction trades are overexposed to noise.In time, overexposure can damage your hearing.

Hearing loss prevents you from hearing otherhazards on the job. It also causes problems in yourpersonal life.

It interferes with how you hear normal speech.

It prevents you from socializing.

It can cause high blood pressure.

It is permanent.

Hearing loss is preventable. The best prevention ishearing protection.

Noise is any unwanted sound. There are twotypescontinuous noise (air-conditioner) andimpulse noise (gunshot).

Noise is measured in decibels (dB). For example, aquick-cut saw produces 115 decibels; ajackhammer, 110 decibels; a drill, 100 decibels.

Noise power doubles every time noise increases 3decibels.

Think about that. When the noise level is 80decibels and it goes up to 83, the noise is twice asloud.

Demonstrate

Explain dangers

Identify controls

List noise hazards on site

Figure 5

Proper Technique for

Inserting Earplugs


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List respiratory hazards on site

IHSAS S AFETY TALKS

Respirators 9

Types

Demonstrate

Construction can involve airborne hazardsforinstance, mist from spray-painting, fumes fromwelding, vapours from adhesives, and dust fromconcrete cutting.

Airborne hazards can have short-term effectssuch as sneezing or long-term effects such aslung disease.

Respirators are the last line of defence againstairborne hazards.

When we cant isolate the hazard or use a differentproduct, we have to wear a respirator.

There is no all-purpose respirator that can be usedin every situation.

Respirators must be matched to particular hazards.

There are two basic types of respirator:1) air-purifying

2) supplied-air.

Air-purifying respirators

filter contaminants like dust and fibres out ofthe air

do NOT supply air or oxygen

must be matched to specific hazards such assolvent vapours or mist from sprayed form oil

are specified in material safety data sheets(MSDSs) for controlled products used inconstruction

have a limited lifespan based on contaminantlevels and filter load (do NOT rely on the statedexpiry date).

Supplied-air respirators

supply the wearer with breathable air from acompressor, cylinder, or tank

offer the BEST protection against many hazards

have limitations (for instance, air tanks are bulkyand air lines can get tangled)

are the only respirators that can be used forconfined space rescue or in dangerousatmospheres.

Show CSA and NIOSH labels and stressthat only CSA and NIOSH approvedrespirators appropriate for the hazardshould be used.

Show examples of air-purifying and

supplied-air respirators.

Show how to replace filters.

On MSDS, show where information onrespirators can be found.

Review company rules and procedures onrespirators.

Stress that respirators only work when theyare selected, maintained, and used properly.

Explain dangers

Identify controls


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List breathing hazards on site

IHSAS S AFETY TALKS

Respirators 10

Fit t esting

Demonstrate as you talk

With respirators, one size doesnt fit all.

Even with three different sizes of facepieces, forinstance, no size from one manufacturer may fityou. A different brand may be necessary.

If a respirator doesnt fit right, it cant protect you.

Even when a respirator fits properly, it may getnudged or bumped out of position while youreworking, causing leaks that can be dangerous.

Respirators can also leak if youre not clean-shaven.

Respirators and cartridges must be appropriate forthe hazardous substances in the air. Particulaterespirators, for example, don't work for acids,solvents, ammonia, or other gaseous mixtures.

You should be clean-shaven to get the best possible

seal with your respirator. Facial hair can causeleakage and reduce protection.

Check the seal every time you put the respirator onand throughout your shift.

Two easy tests can show whether most reusablerespirators fit right and dont leak:

1) negative-pressure seal check

2) positive-pressure seal check.

Negative-Pressure Seal Check

Put on the facepiece and adjust it to fitcomfortablysnug, not overly tight.

Block the air inlets. These are usually the filteropenings on the sides of the facepiece.

Try to breathe in.

If there are no leaks, the facepiece shouldcollapse slightly and stay like that while you holdyour breath for 10 seconds.

Positive-Pressure Seal Check

Put on the facepiece and adjust it to fit

comfortablysnug, not overly tight. Block the exhalation valve. This is usually on the

bottom of the respirator.

Try to breathe out.

The facepiece should puff slightly away fromyour face and stay like that while you hold yourbreath for 10 seconds.

If you find a leak, adjust the facepiece or straps andrepeat the test until you get a good fit.

Test periodically while you wear the respirator. It

may get nudged or bumped out of position whileyoure working.

Explain dangers

Identify controls

Cover inletsand try to

inhale.

Negative-Pressure Seal Check

Coverexhalation

valve and tryto exhale.

Positive-Pressure Seal Check


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List breathing hazards on site

Explain dangers

IHSAS S AFETY TALKS

Respirators 11

Maintenance

To provide protection, respirators must bemaintained.

Dirty, missing, or damaged parts can prevent yourrespirator from working properly.

For instance, valves that are damaged, missing, orpoorly seated can drastically reduce the protectionprovided by your respirator.

Theres also a danger in sharing respirators. Doing

so is not hygienic.

Particulate respirator filters are identified by a letterand a number. The letters are

N not resistant to oil

R resistant to oil

P oil-proof.

The numbers are 95, 99, and 100. These indicateefficiency: 95 (95%), 99 (99%), 100 (99.9%).

Filter cartridges for chemicals such as ammonia,organic vapours, solvents or acid gases use differentfilter technology. Look at the cartridge beforeselecting a respirator.

With use, filters become harder to breathe through.Youre breathing not only through the filter but alsothrough the contaminants that build up on theoutside of the filter.

Change filters whenever the filter

is damaged

becomes difficult to breathe through.As gas and organic vapour filters are used, theirability to remove gases and vapours decreases. Theymust be replaced according to a schedule set by themanufacturer.

Leave a contaminated area and change filters rightaway if

you can smell or taste the contaminant throughthe filter

your throat or lungs feel irritated.

Lets learn what to look for when we inspect arespirator.

Check the inhalation valves for damage, dust anddirt, and proper seating.

Remove filters and make sure the flapper valve(usually a flexible disk) isnt missing or damaged.

Make sure the flapper valve is seated properly in thevalve assembly.

To inspect the exhalation valve, remove the cover atthe bottom of the respirator. Check the valve fordamage, dirt, and proper seating.

Make sure that straps and buckles are free ofdamage and working properly.

Check the facepiece for holes, cracks, and splits.

(With the crew, inspect two or three respirators inuse. Make necessary adjustments and arrangerepairs or replacements.)

Identify controls



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IHSAS S AFETY TALKSHandprotection 12

Construction exposes our hands to many differenthazards, from cuts to chemicals, from pinching tocrushing, from blisters to burns.

The best tools we have are our hands. We need toprotect them on the job.

Leather gloves provide good protection against

sharp edges, splinters, and heat.

Cotton or other materials dont stand up well. Youshould wear them only for light-duty jobs.

Our hands also need protection against chemicals.

Check labels to see whether products must behandled with gloves and what types of gloves arerequired.

If that information isnt on the label, check thematerial safety data sheet (MSDS).

Using the right gloves for the job is important. Forinstance, rubber gloves are no good with solventsand degreasers. The gloves will dissolve on contact.

Identify controls

Demonstrate

Explain dangers

Talk about the specific chemicals used on your

jobsite and the type of gloves recommended foreach.

List hazards to hands on site


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IHSAS S AFETY TALKS

Guardrails 13

Guardrails are often the best and most convenientmeans of fall protection.

Where possible, guardrails must be installed along the open edges of roofs and floors

on formwork, scaffolds, and other work surfaces

around openings in floors and roofs

wherever workers are exposed to the risk offalling.

Guardrails must be installed no more than 30 cm(1 foot) from the open edge. They must be able towithstand all loads specified in the construction

regulation (Ontario Regulation 213/91).

Posts supporting a wooden guardrail should be nomore than 8 feet apart. Guardrails can also be wirerope and manufactured systems of metal frames andwire mesh.

Well-anchored posts are essential. You can usevertical shoring jacks, screw-clamp posts, clampbinding posts, or posts that fit into sleeves cast rightin the slab.

Sometimes guardrails have to be removed to landmaterial or make installations along floor or roofedges. The open edge should be roped off andmarked with warning signs. Workers inside thatarea must wear fall protection and be tied off.

All guardrailsespecially wood guardrailsshould

be inspected regularly.

Guardrails are the best method of protectingworkers around openings in floors and roofs, butsometimes theyre not practical. You may have touse securely fastened covers made of planks,plywood, or steel plate. Covers must be strongenough to support any weight to be reasonablyexpected.

Theres always the danger that someone will pick upthe plywood to use somewhere else. Workers have

even removed covers from openings and then fallenthrough.

Thats why covers should be clearly marked inbright paint with warning signs. DO NOTREMOVE. DANGER! FLOOR OPENING.

Falls are the number one cause of serious injuriesand death from injuries in construction.

Explain dangers

Identify controls

List fall hazards on site

Demonstrate

Review types of guardrails used on site. Ask yourcrew where else guardrails should be installed.


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IHSAS S AFETY TALKSFall protection 14

Basic t ypes

Falls are the number-one cause of accidental deathsin construction. And you dont have to fall far to bekilled or injured.

On many sites, guardrails are the most commonand convenient means of fall protection.

For more information, refer to the Safety Talk

Guardrails.Where guardrails cannot be installed or areimpractical, the two basic types of fall protectionare travel restraint and fall arrest. Both involve a fullbody harness.

Travel-Restraint System

A travel-restraint system keeps you from getting tooclose to an unprotected edge.

Lifeline and lanyard are adjusted to let you travel

only so far. When you get to the open edge of afloor or roof, the system holds you back.

A full body harness should be used with travel-restraint systems. You can attach the harnessdirectly to a rope grab on the lifeline or by alanyard. The lifeline must be securely anchored.

Fall-Arrest System

Where other fall protection is not in place, youmust use a fall-arrest system if you are in danger offalling

Demonstrate

Explain dangers

Identify controls

more than 3 metres

into operating machinery

into water or another liquid into or onto a hazardous substance or object.

A fall-arrest system consists of a full body harness, alanyard, and a shock absorber.

You can connect the lanyard directly to adequatesupport OR

to a rope grab mounted on an adequatelyanchored lifeline.

A full body harness must also be worn and tied offwhen you are

on a rolling scaffold that is being moved

getting on, working from, or getting off asuspended platform, suspended scaffold, orbosuns chair.

Lifelines must be adequately anchored. For fallarrest, that means able to support the weight of asmall car (about 3,600 pounds). Fall-arrest loadscan be high.

Show how to put on, adjust, and wear a full bodyharness.


Locking

Snap

HooksRope

Grab

To adequate

anchor point

Web

Lanyard

Lifeline

Full

Body

Harness

Shock

Absorber


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Approvals and inspection

Demonstrate a s you talk

Explain dangers

When youre using a travel-restraint or fall-arrestsystem, your life depends on equipment.

If your equipment is not certified by a recognizedauthority, or is not properly inspected andmaintained, you risk injury and death.

Your fall protection equipment must keep you inconstruction and out of the hospital. Thats whyapprovals and inspection are important.

Safety harnesses must be approved by the CanadianStandards Association (CSA). Look for the CSAlogo.

Also look for the CSA logo on lanyards, shockabsorbers, and rope grabs. The label means theequipment has been manufactured to meet highstandards.

Any equipment involved in a fall arrest must bediscarded or removed from service until themanufacturer certifies that all components are safefor reuse.

Inspect the components of a fall-arrest system used

on your site.

Harness

Make sure that

hardware and straps are intact and undamaged

moving parts move freely through their fullrange of motion

webbing is free of burns, cuts, loose or brokenstitching, frayed material, and signs of heat orchemical damage.

LanyardMake sure the lanyard fastens securely to the D-ring on the harness.

Inspect the lanyard for fraying, kinking, andloose or broken stitching.

Check lanyard hardware for rust, cracks, anddamage.

Check shock-absorbing lanyards regularly. Lookfor torn stitching on tearaway types. Checkother types for damage such as cracks and looseparts.

Lifeline

Inspect fibre rope lifelines for fraying, burns,kinking, cuts, and signs of wear and tear.

Check retractable block lifelines for smoothoperation. Pull out line and jerk it suddenly.Braking action should be immediate and tight.


Identify controls


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With rope grabs, there are three basic hazards:

attaching them the wrong way

grabbing hold of them during a fall

using them with the wrong size or type of rope.

A rope grab attached upside down to a lifeline cantwork properly. Instead of locking on the line, it willsimply slide down.

Dont grab the device if you fall. This can preventsome grabs from working properly. Instead ofstopping youll slide to injury or death below.

Rope grabs are technically known as fall arrestersand must meet CSA requirements.

When attaching a rope grab to a lifeline, alwaysmake sure the arrow on the grab points along

the line to the anchor point.

After putting the rope grab on the lifeline, give ita firm tug in the direction of a fall to make sureit engages.

Ensure that lifeline and rope grab match. Ropegrabs are designed to work with certain typesand diameters of lifelines.

Explain dangers


Remember to tie a knot in your lifeline at thefarthest point where you need to travel. Theknot ensures that the rope grab will not run off

the free end of your line. Some grabs have a parking feature that locks at

a point on the lifeline that wont let you reach afall hazard.

On a vertical lifeline, always position the ropegrab as high as possible above your D-ring tominimize free fall.

Also make sure you have clearance below. Fallarresters may slide down the lifeline as much as onemetre before arresting your fall.

Inspect rope grabs before use.

Check for distortion

rust

moving parts that dont move easily

sharp edges.

A rope grab that arrests a fall should be taken outof service and inspected and recertified for use.

Two fall arresters are typically used in construction:Class AD and Class ADP.

Class AD attaches to the D-ring on the back ofyour harness. So does Class ADP. But ADP alsoincludes a panic feature. The P is for panic.

The panic feature keeps the arrester locked onthe lifeline, even if you grab hold of it.

Class AD doesnt have this panic feature. But theCSA standard requires that AD arresters comewith integral connectors (that attach to theharness) between 30 and 60 centimetres long(one and two feet). This makes it very difficultfor a falling worker to reach around and grab thearrester.


Class AD versus Class ADP

Rope grabs


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IHSAS S AFETY TALKS

Stepladders 17

The stepladder is one of the most familiar things ona construction site. Still, workers get hurt usingthem.

Falls are the biggest risk. Even though youre notvery high off the ground, workers have died fromfalling a short distance and landing the wrong way.Even sprains or strains could mean pain and daysoff work.

Heres how to use a stepladder right.

Never straddle the space between a stepladder

and another point. When standing on the ladder, avoid leaning

forward, backward, or to either side.

Always open the ladder fully before using it.Dont use an unopened stepladder as a straightor extension ladder. The feet are not designedfor this use.

Never stand on the top step, the top, or the pailshelf of a stepladder.

When climbing up or down a stepladder, alwaysface the ladder and maintain 3-point contact.

Locked

Stepladder

Explain dangers

Identify controls

Demonstrate

List stepladder locations on site

[Use a stepladder to demonstrate the followingpoints in your talk.]

Check the ladder for defects or damage

- at the start of your shift

- after it has been used somewhere else by other

workers

- after it has been left in one place for a longtime.

Keep the area at the base of the ladder clear.

Make sure the spreader arms lock securely in theopen position.

Stand no higher than the second step from thetop.

Inspect stepladders in use on site. Determinewhether other equipment would provide safer, moreefficient access.


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IHSAS S AFETY TALKSExtensionladders 18

Choose the right ladder for the job. It must belong enough to

- be set up at a safe angle (see below)

- extend 90 centimetres (3 feet) beyond the toplanding.

A two-section extension ladder should be nolonger than 15 metres (50 feet); a three-sectionladder no longer than 20 metres (66 feet).

Check the ladder for damage or defects

- before you set it up

- after it has been used somewhere else by otherworkers

- after it has been left somewhere for a longtime.

Set the ladder on a firm level base. If the base issoft, loose, or wet material, clear it away or standthe ladder on a mud sill.

Never erect extension ladders on boxes, carts,tables, or other unstable objects. Never standthem up against flexible or movable surfaces.

Set the ladder up at a safe angle one foot outfor every three or four feet up, depending onlength.

When the ladder is set up, there should be aclear space of at least 15 centimetres or 6 inchesbehind each rung.

When the ladder is fully extended, sections mustoverlap at least 90 centimetres (3 feet).

Tie-off or otherwise secure the top and bottomof the ladder. Keep areas at top and bottom clearof debris, scrap, material, and other obstructions.

Clean mud, snow, and other slippery substances

off your boots before climbing. When climbing up or down, always face the

ladder and maintain 3-point contact.

Dont carry tools, equipment, or material in yourhands while climbing. Use a hoist line or ginwheel for lifting and lowering.

Be very careful when erecting extension laddersnear live overhead powerlines. Never use metalor metal-reinforced ladders near electricalwires or equipment.

Wherever possible, useextension ladders onlyfor accessnot aswork platforms.

When you mustwork from aladder more than 3metres or 10 feet up,wear a safety harness

and tie off to a well-anchored lifeline orother supportnot tothe ladder.

Stand no higherthan the fourthrung from thetop.

Extension ladders can be dangerous tools. Workershave been killed and injured from falls andpowerline contact. Heres how to protect yourself.

Explain dangers


List ladder locations on site


19/84

IHSAS S AFETY TALKS3-pointcontact 19

Ladders

Climbing a ladder is not as easy as it sounds. Manyworkers have been injured getting on or off aladder. Workers have died from falls after losingtheir balance.

Explain dangers

Identify controls

Demonstrate

To use ladders safely, always maintain three

points of contact. That means two hands andone foot or two feet and one hand on the ladderat all times.

Put both hands firmly on the rungs beforestepping onto a ladder.

Break 3-point contact only whenyou reach the ground or a stableplatform.

Always face the ladder when youre climbing up

and down. Keep your body between the side rails. Dont

lean out on either side.

Make sure that ladders extend at least 900millimetres (90 centimetres or 3 feet) above thetop landing.

There must be a clear space of at least 150millimetres (6 inches) behind each rung.

List ladder locations on site Moving quickly often results in only 2-point

contact. You often have to make a consciouseffort to maintain 3-point contact.

Dont carry tools, equipment, or material in yourhands while climbing. Use a hoist line or ginwheel for lifting and lowering.

Clean mud, snow, and other slippery substancesoff your boots before climbing.


20/84

IHSAS S AFETY TALKS3-pointcontact 20

Getting on and off equipment is not as easy as itsounds. More than one-quarter of all injuries toequipment operators and truck drivers occur duringmounting and dismounting.

Explain dangers

Identify controls

Demonstrate

To climb on and off construction equipment safely,

always maintain three points of contact. Thatmeans two hands and one foot or two feet and onehand on the equipment at all times.

Break 3-point contact only when you reach theground, the cab, or a stable platform.

Mount and dismount facing the equipment.

Climb on and off only when the equipment isstationary.

Use the parts designed by the manufacturer formounting and dismountingsteps,runningboards, traction strips, footholds,handgrips, etc.

Keep these parts clear of mud, snow, grease,and other hazards that can cause slips, trips, orfalls.

Dont use wheel hubs, machine tracks, or doorhandles for mounting and dismounting.

Demonstrate 3-point contact by mounting anddismounting from a truck, bulldozer, or other pieceof heavy equipment on site. Ask your crew to tryout 3-point contact as well.

List vehicles & equipment usedon site

Vehicles and equipment


21/84

IHSAS S AFETY TALKS

Scaffolds 21

If scaffold planks and decks fail, you could beseriously injured or killed from a fall. You couldalso be thrown off balance and injure yourself withyour tools or equipment.

Laminated veneer lumber planks

Separation of laminated layersusually due torepeated changes in moisture levels as layers soakup rain and dry in sun.

Cuts of any kind.

Pressure cracks in the top or bottom layer.

Warping from wear and weather.

The condition of cleats.

Aluminum/plywood deck panels

Cuts in aluminum frames.

Deformed, cracked, or broken fastening hooksand hardware.

Cracked or broken plywood.

Bent, cracked, or broken rungs.

Sliding or other locking devices in good

condition.

As a general rule, you should plank or deckthe working levels of a scaffold across their fullwidth for maximum support and stability.

Explain dangers

Identify controls

List scaffolds needing inspectionon site

Scaffold planks and deck material must be

inspected regularly. Heres what to check for.

Wood planks

The right length. Planks must overhang theframe no less than 6 and no more than12 inches (150 - 300 mm).

Cracksthese can often be detected at the endof the plank. Discard planks with long and deepcracks.

Cuts on plank edges from saws, tools, sharpobjects. Discard planks with many or deep cuts.

Worm holes, splits, knots knocked out alongedges, lots of nail holesdiscard planks whentheyre serious.

Light weightthis can indicate dry rot that cantbe seen.

Condition of cleatsdamaged cleats should beremoved and replaced.

Check

Split

Sap Line

Spike Knot

Wane

Worm Hole

PLANK DEFECTS

Planks and decks

Demonstrate

Demonstrate methods of inspecting planks andpanels. Ask crew to inspect sample materials on site.


22/84

IHSAS S AFETY TALKS

Scaffolds 22Structural components

Structural components of all frame scaffolds mustbe inspected regularly. Inspection should includeframes, feet, connecting pins, braces, and guardrails.

Frames

Uprights and cross-members should not becracked, rusty, bent or otherwise deformed.

All connecting components should fit togethersquare and true.

Feet

Adjustable base plates should work properly.

Plates should be securely attached to legs to resistuplift as well as compression.

If mudsills are used, base plates must be nailedto them.

Connecting pins

Frames must be joined together vertically byconnecting pins compatible with the frames.

Connecting pins must be locked in place toprevent them from loosening and coming out.

Pins must be free of bends and distortion. Ifthey dont fit, get replacements that do.

Braces Cross and horizontal braces should not be

cracked, rusty, bent, or otherwise deformed.

Braces should be compatible with frames andfree of distortion.

Horizontal braces must be installed every thirdframe vertically and in each bay laterally.

Scaffolds higher than three frames must be tiedinto the structure.

Guardrails

The work platform must have guardrails.

Guardrails must be compatible with frames.Guardrails can be made of tube-and-clampcomponents if theyre assembled properly.

Scaffold components that are damaged, defective,or wrongly installed can lead to tip-over or collapse.

Explain dangers


List scaffold locations on site

Figure 4.1

STANDARD FRAME SCAFFOLD

Ladder rungs built

into frame not more

than 12 centre to

centre

Aluminum/plywood

combination platform


23/84

IHSAS S AFETY TALKSSuspendedaccess 23

Suspension systems on swingstages, work cages, and

bosuns chairs can fail. If you are not using a fallarrest system, you can fall, suffering injury or death.

Fall-Arrest Inspection

[This part of the talk should include hands-oninspection of equipment.]

Fall-arrest equipment is your last line of defence.Make sure it works.

Your harness must have a label identifying theCSA (Canadian Standards Association) standard towhich it complies.

Check the harness for

cuts, burns, and signs of chemical damage

loose or broken stitching

frayed web material

D-ring and keeper padsshowing signs of distortion,damage, or undue wear

grommets and buckles showingdamage, distortion, and sharp

edges

The lanyard must be securelyattached to the harness D-ring bya locking snaphook or otherapproved means.

Your lanyard and shock-absorbermust be free of fraying,kinking, and loose or broken

threads. The hardware should not be deformed,rusty, cracked, or unduly worn. All moving parts

must move freely and easily through their full rangeof movement.

Make sure your rope grab is working, matches thetype of lifeline you are using, and has no damagedparts or sharp edges that could cut the lifeline.

Your lanyard must be attached to the rope grabwith a locking snaphook to keep it fromaccidentally coming out.

Your lifeline should be free of damage, wear, and

decay. It must be protected from rubbing andscraping where it passes over corners or edges.

Explain dangers

Identify controls

Demonstrate

The basic rule is simple: there must be twoindependent means of support for workers usingsuspended access equipment.

Two Independent Means of SupportOne independent means of support for each workeris the suspension system holding up the stage,cage, or chair.

The second independent means ofsupport is the fall-arrest system.This consists of

full body safety harness

lanyard

rope grab

lifeline

lifeline anchor.

If the suspension system fails, theworker will be saved by the fall-arrest system.

In some cases, the secondindependent means of support can be anothercomplete suspension system. On a swingstage, forinstance, there would be four outrigger beamsinstead of two, four suspension lines instead of two,and so on. If one suspension system fails, the otherwill take over. This arrangement is used on a tieredstage.

But even with two complete suspension systemsyou must still wear a full body harness and lanyard.In this case you would tie off to a stirrup on thestage or to a line secured to both stirrups.

Fall protection

Locking

Snap

HooksRope

Grab

To adequate

anchor point

Web

Lanyard

Lifeline

Full

Body

Harness

Shock

Absorber


24/84

IHSAS S AFETY TALKSSuspendedaccess

24

Tiebacks

Tiebacks are used to secure the outriggers andcounterweights of suspended access equipment.The tieback holds the major components of thesuspension system together. It keeps them frombeing loosened or dislodged and secures themback to an adequate anchor point.

Lets follow a wire ropetieback from start to finish.

The tieback runs fromthe thimble of thesuspension lineback along theoutrigger beamwith at least onehalf-hitch oneach section.

Then itloopsaroundthe counterweight handles and extends backto adequate anchorage.

Now lets see how each part is connected.

1. We secure the wire rope tieback to the thimbleof the suspension line with cable clips.

2. We make a half-hitch through the handle oneach section of the outrigger beam. Even if thebeam doesnt have handles, we still use the half-hitches.

3. We run the tieback through and then backaround the counterweight handles.

4. We attach the tieback to the anchor, again with

cable clips. We make sure the tieback is taut.

Whats an adequate anchor?

engineered tieback systems such as eye boltsand rings as identified on an approved roof plan

the base of large HVAC units

columns on intermediate building floors or stubcolumns on roofs

large pipe anchorage systems (12-inch diameteror bigger)

roof structures such as mechanical rooms

parapet clamps attached to reinforced concreteparapet walls on the other side of the building

If unsure, workers and supervisors must askfor assistance in finding an adequate anchor.

Suspended access equipment can fail if you dont set

up all the components properly, including tiebacks.Improper set-up can lead to injury or death froma fall.

Explain dangers

Identify controls

Point out the tiebacks and anchorages used on site.

Demonstrate


25/84

IHSAS S AFETY TALKSSuspendedaccess 25

Without the right number of counterweights,

suspended access equipment can fail, leading toinjury or death.

This means that the effect of the counterweightsholding the equipment up must be at least 4 timesgreater than the load pulling the equipment down.

Another way of saying this is that... the distance of the outrigger beam from the

fulcrum to the centre of the counterweights (Y)...

multiplied by the load of the counterweights...

must be at least 4 times greater...

than the distance of the outrigger beam from thefulcrum to the suspension line (X)...

multiplied by the capacity of the climber.

Lets look at an example.

Explain dangers

Identify controls

Demonstrate

Heres how to calculate the number ofcounterweights you need.

Lets start with the design factor. For beams andweights the design factor must be 4 to 1.

Go over this example with your crew.

The beam is 18 feet long. The counterweights will require at least 2 feet of space at the end of the beam.There is a 1-foot overhang and a supported load of 1000 lb.

X = 1 ft. Climber load = 1000 lb. Therefore 1ft. x 1000 lb. = 1000 ft. lb. pulling down.

The resisting force, including the design factor of 4 thatmust be provided by the counterweights = 4 x 1000 ft. lb. = 4000 ft. lb.

Y = 18 ft. 1 ft. (overhang) 1 ft. (centre of weights) = 16 ft.

The load required by the counterweights = 4000 ft. lb. = 250 lb.16 ft.

Assuming counterweights are 55 lb. each, number of weights required = 250 lb. = 5 counterweights55lb.

If labels on an outrigger beam are missing or not readable, do not use the beam.

Rememberonly use counterweights that have been specifically manufactured for the particular outriggerbeam you are using.

Calculating counterw eights


26/84

IHSAS S AFETY TALKSRigginghardware 26

Rigging hardware must have enough capacity forthe job. Only load-rated hardware of forged alloysteel should be used for hoisting. Load-ratedhardware is stamped with its working load limit orWLL.

Adequate capacity is the first thing to look for inrigging hardware. For hoisting, the design factor

must be 5 to 1.Once the right hardware has been chosen for a job,it has to be inspected regularly as long as its inservice.

There are warning signs that hardware has beenweakened in use and should be replaced.

Cracks Inspect closelysome cracks arevery fine.

Missing parts Make sure that parts such ascatches on hooks, nuts on cableclips, and cotter pins in shackle

pins are still in place.Stretching Check hooks, shackles, and

chain links for signs of openingup, elongation, and distortion.

Stripped threads Inspect turnbuckles, shackles,and cable clips.

Rigging is only as strong as its weakest link.Workers lives depend on the strength of that link.

It doesnt matter what safe working load is stampedon a hook if the hook is cracked and twisted oropening up at the throat. It cant deliver its fullrated capacity.

Inspection is vital in rigging and hoisting.

Explain dangers

Identify controls

List rigging on site

Demonstrate

Using samples of hardware on site, review thefollowing points.

Cable Clips

Check for wear on saddle.

Check that original parts are in place and ingood condition.

Check for cracks.

Check for proper size of the wire rope.

Shackles

Check for wear and cracks on saddle and pin.

Check that pin is straight and properly seated.

Check that legs of shackle are not opening up.

Hooks

Check for wear, twisting, and cracks.

Make sure that hook is not opening up.

Turnbuckles

Check for cracks and bends.

Check rods for straightness and damage tothreads.

With your crew, inspect rigging hardware in use orstored on site. Arrange for repairs orreplacement of any damaged or defective items.


27/84

IHSAS S AFETY TALKS

Wire rope 27

Damage from wear and tear can reduce ropestrength and capacity, endangering workers whodepend on the rope.

Explain dangers

Identify controls

Demonstrate

List places wire rope is used onsite

Wire rope in continuous service should be inspectedduring operation and at least once a week.

There are warning signs to look for duringinspection. Most of these warning signs indicatethat the rope should be replaced.

Broken wires

Replace rope if there are

6 or more broken wires in one lay

3 or more broken wires in one strand in one lay

3 or more broken wires in one lay in standing

ropes.Worn/abraded wires

Replace rope if outer wires

become flat from friction

become shiny from wear AND

wear exceeds 1/3 of diameter.

Review wire rope in use on site. Ask your crewto inspect samples and arrange for repair or

replacement as required.

Outside of wire rope. It appears to be in good condition. See below.

Core of same wire rope. You can see many broken wires and notches.This rope should have been replaced long ago.

Inspection

Reduced diameter

Replace rope if wear on individual wires exceeds1/3 of their diameter.

Stretch

Replace 6-strand rope if stretch reduces diameter bymore than 1/16.

Corrosion

Difficult to detect because its inside the rope. Lookfor rust, discolouration, and pitting outside.

Cuts/burns

Replace rope if any wires or strands are cut or

burned. Damaged ends can be removed and seized.Otherwise rope must be replaced.

Birdcaging

Look for strands opening up in cage-like clusters.Rope must be replaced.

Core protrusion

Replace rope when inner core starts poking throughstrands.

KinksKinks seriously reduce wire rope strength. Sectionswith kinks should be cut off. Otherwise rope mustbe discarded.


28/84

IHSAS S AFETY TALKS

Wire rope 28

Cable clips

Heres how to install cable clips correctly.[Demonstrate these points with rope and clips asyou talk.]

Most cable clips have two sections. Theres asaddle part and a U-shaped part.

You need the right sized clip for the wire ropediameter.

You need to know the number of clips required,the amount of rope to turn back from thethimble, and the torque needed to tighten thenuts. There are tables that spell out all of thisinformation. (See sample below)

At least three clips should be used when makingany prepared loop or thimble-eye terminationfor wire rope, especially for hoisting.

All three clips must be installed with the saddlepart on the live end of the rope. This lets the liveend rest in the saddle so its not crushed by theU part of the clip.

Heres a way to remember this: Never saddle adead horse.

The U goes on the dead end of the rope where

crushing will not affect the breaking strength ofthe hoist line.

Theres only one right way to install cable clips

when you want to get the maximum efficiencyup to 85%out of a prepared loop or thimble-eyetermination. Otherwise the capacity of thetermination can be severely reduced, risking thelives of workers and others nearby.

Explain dangers

Identify controls

Demonstrate

Demonstrate proper installation step-by-step with

your crew by following the diagram below.


29/84

IHSAS S AFETY TALKSHoistingsignals 29

In hoisting operations, miscommunication betweensignaller and operator can lead to disaster forpeople or property.

There is a signal for each action of the crane fromBOOM UP to BOOM DOWN, from TRAVELFORWARD to STOP.

By using the correct hand signals you can get acrane to do almost anything you want. Theoperator only needs to clearly see and understandyour signals.

In our next talk, well run through all the handsignals for hoisting. But first we have to know theground rules for signalling.

Only one person should signal the operator. Butanyone can give the STOP signal and it must beobeyed immediately. [Demonstrate

signal.]

Signals should be clear and, wherever possible,barehanded.

The load should be directed so that it neverpasses over anyone.

Operators should not make a move until theyreceive and understand your signal. If contactbetween you and the operator is broken for anyreason, the operation must stop.

Some situations call for two signallers. Forinstance, during a concrete pour, one signallermay be needed to direct the lift while the otherdirects the drop.

Where a difficult lift demands voicecommunication, use two-way radios instead of

hand signals.

Hand signals have their limitations. For example,they should never be used when distance, visibility,or noise prevents accurate communication with theoperator.

Explain dangers

Identify controls

List hoisting jobs on site

If youre going to rig a load, you also need to knowthe signals for lifting, moving, and landing it. The

operation may be a simple LIFT and LOWER. Orit may require more complicated signals.

On construction sites, signalling is required in thefollowing situations.

1) When the operator cannot see the load.

2) When the operator cannot see the loadlanding area.

3) When the operator cannot see the path oftravel of either the load or the crane.

4) When the operator is too far from the loadto judge distance accurately.

5) When the crane or other hoisting device isworking close to live powerlines orequipment.

In many cases, hand signals are the most efficientform of communication between riggers and craneoperators. Over the years, a system of standardhand signals has evolved that is now international.

Basic rules

Demonstrate

Demonstrate the hand signals on the next page.


30/84

IHSAS S AFETY TALKSHoistingsignals 30

Demonstration

Demonstrate

Demonstrate the hoisting signals below for your

crew. Ask them to repeat after you and practicethem so that they become natural.

Then, ask them to show you the signals for Load

Up, Turn Right, and Use Main Line.


31/84

IHSAS S AFETY TALKSElectricalsafety 31

Using electricity on site can be hazardous, in threeareas especially:

- tools

- cords

- panels/generators.

The basic rule is simple: Consider all electricalwires and equipment live until they are tested andproven otherwise.

Tools

Use only tools that are polarized or double-insulated.

Make sure the casings of double-insulated toolsare not cracked or broken.

Always use a Type A ground fault circuitinterrupter (GFCI) with portable electric toolsoperated outdoors or in damp or wet locations.GFCIs detect current leaking to ground from atool or cord and shut off power before damageor injury can occur.

Any shock or tingle, no matter how small, meansthat the tool or equipment needs to be checkedand repaired.

Demonstrate

Explain dangers

Identify controls

Take defective tools out of service.

Before drilling, nailing, cutting, or sawing intowalls, ceilings, and floors, check for electrical

wires or equipment.

Cords

Make sure that tool cords, extension cords, andplugs are in good condition.

Use only 3-pronged extension cords.

Make sure that extension cords are the rightgauge for the job to prevent overheating, voltagedrops, and tool burnout. 12 gauge is ideal.

Use cords fitted with dead-front plugs. Thesepresent less risk of shock and shortcircuit thanopen-front plugs.

Do not use cords that are defective or have beenimproperly repaired.

Protect cords from traffic.

Panels

Temporary panel boards must be securelymounted in a lockable enclosure protected fromweather and water. The boards must beaccessible to workers and kept clear ofobstructions.

Receptacles must be GFCI-protected.

Use only generators with neutral bonded toframe.

With your crew,

inspect sample tools and cords used on the job

point out labels indicating double insulation show how a circuit-tester and GFCI can be used

to test cords, tools, and outlets.

List electrical hazards on site


32/84

IHSAS S AFETY TALKSLockout &tagging 32

Explain dangers

Identify controls

Demonstrate

List hazardous energy sources onsite

Serious and fatal accidents have occurred whenpeople assumed that electricity or machinery wasturned off but it wasnt. Electric shock, suddenmovement of sharp machine parts, release ofpressure, falling counterweightsthese are justsome hazards that can result when energy isunexpectedly released.

Lockout and tagging ensures that hazardousenergy sources are under the control of theworkers needing protection.

Lockoutoften involves workers using a padlockto keep a switch in the off position, or toisolate the energy of moving parts.

Taggingis how you tell others that the device islocked out, who locked it out, and why.

There are four basic actions in any lockout.

1) Identify all energy sources connected with thework.

2) De-energize, disable, redirect, or stop all energyfrom doing what it normally does.

3) Apply restraint devices (e.g., lock, scissors,chain, or block) to keep the system fromstarting up while you work on it.

4) Confirm that youve reached a zero energy state.

Forms of energy that you must lock out includeelectrical, mechanical, potential (stored energy,

such as in suspended loads), hydraulic,pneumatic, thermal, and chemical.

Its not always easy to identify every source ofenergy. Machines or systems usually containseveral forms of energy. A press may behydraulically powered, for instance, butelectrically controlled. Locking out the hydraulicpower is not enough. Locking out the electricityis not enough. Gravity can still cause a raisedram to drop. There may also be potential energy

stored in pistons or springs. To identify energy sources, you may need to

trace wiring, lines, and piping in and out of theequipment. Specifications, drawings, operatingmanuals, and similar information will also help.

A lock is your personal lock that can only beopened with your key.

Once you apply the lock or other restraintdevice, you have to tag it. The tag must indicate1) who you are, 2) who you work for, 3) why themachine or system is locked out, and 4) the datewhen the lockout was applied.

Once each energy source has been locked outand tagged, you must test the equipment toverify a zero energy state.

Many plants or industrial establishments willhave specific procedures for lockout and tagging.

Show sample lockout devices and tags. Explainyour projects lockout procedures. Identifysituations on site where lockout and tagging wouldbe necessary. Review recent applications of lockoutand tagging.

Know the law

Section 190 of the Construction Regulation(O. Reg. 213/91) lists the requirements forlockout and tagging.


33/84

List power line hazards on site

IHSAS S AFETY TALKSPowerlinecontact 33

Major cause of fatal accidents in construction.

Typical equipment involvedbackhoe, dumptruck, boom truck, crane, excavator.

Beware of contact when moving extensionladders, rolling scaffolds, long lengths of pipeand siding.

Beware of the powerline moving (e.g., in thewind).

The constructor must develop written proceduresahead of time if the equipment or its load canencroach on the the minimum permitteddistance to a powerline. The minimum permitteddistances are listed in the ConstructionRegulation, and in the table in the next column.

Dont store material and equipment below

overhead powerlines.

To determine powerline voltage, check markingson pole or call the utility.

Use a signaller to direct equipment operators andtruck drivers.

The signaller must warn drivers and operatorswhen any part of their equipment or loadapproaches the minimum distances set by law.

Voltage rating Minimum distance

750 to 150,000 volts 3 metres (10 feet)

150,001 to 250,000 volts 4.5 metres (15 feet)

More than 250,000 volts 6 metres (20 feet)

When erecting or moving a ladder or scaffold,dont let it lean or drift toward overheadpowerlines. Always maintain minimum allowableclearances.

With crew, review procedures in case ofcontact

If possible, break contact by driving theequipment clear of the powerline. Otherwisedo not leave the equipment until the utilityshuts down the power or fire forces you tojump clear.

Keep everyone away from equipment in

contact with powerline. Beware of time relays. Even after breakers are

tripped by line damage, relays may betriggered to restore power.

Never touch equipment and ground at thesame time.

Get someone to call the local utility to shutoff power.

Explain dangers

Identify controls

Demonstrate


34/84

List temporary lighting locationson site

IHSAS S AFETY TALKSTemporarylighting 34

Demonstrate

Frequent relocation of circuits can loosenconnections, break insulation, and create othershock or electrocution hazards.

Steel door frames can become electrified whendoors close on wires.

Ladders, pipe, scaffold frames, and other objectscan bump stringers, leading to electrical contactand shock.

Dead, missing, or low-watt bulbs, inadequatepower, and blown fuses can leave stairwells,basements, and other areas poorly lit or with nolighting at all, increasing the risk of injury.

Lighting levels should be at least 55 lux (5 footcandles). That means 150-watt bulbs

suspended 2.4 metres or 8 feet high and

7.5 metres or 25 feet apart

OR

suspended 3 metres or 10 feet high and

6 metres or 20 feet apart.

Bulbs lower than 100 watts are not recommended.

Bulbs should be installed to light as large an area aspossible.

Bulbs must be protected by cages against accidental

damage.

Keep branch lighting circuits that feed temporarylighting entirely separate from power circuits,except for a common supply.

Protect branch lighting circuits by a breaker or fusewith a 15-amp rating. An electrician should hard-wire the circuits directly into a distribution panel.

Dont use temporary lighting circuits as extensioncords. If a fuse blows, finding your way to the panel

in the dark can be dangerous.Make sure that wires do not contact steel doors orsteel door frames. Ensure that wires cannot bepinched or cut by doors.

With your crew, review the following checklist.

Are work areas well lit?

Are burned-out bulbs promptly replaced?

Are they replaced with new bulbs or bulbs takenfrom another location?

Are stringers promptly relocated when bulbs areblocked by the installation of new ceilings,ducts, piping, and other features?

Are lamp holders hard-usage type?

Are electrical feed lines for sockets supportedevery 1.4 metres (4 feet, 6 inches)?

Explain dangers

Identify controls


35/84

List haza rds w ith undergroundutilities on site

IHSAS S AFETY TALKSUndergroundutilities

35

Buried gas and electrical lines present a serious riskof injury and death.

Utility pipes, conduit, and cable may be damagedby

digging without locates, or with inaccuratelocates

careless excavation once the utilities have beenlocated and marked

failure to support exposed utilities once theyhave been exposed.

Breaks in buried services threaten not only workersbut also the general public.

The basic idea is to CALL BEFORE YOU DIG.

We have to ask utilities to locate and mark their

underground services. That includes gas, water,electrical, cable TV, telephone, and pipelines.

Utilities generally offer a free service for locatingand marking buried services with stakes, flags, orpaint.

These markers indicate the approximate centre lineof the underground service. Utilities also provide adiagram of the locate information. Keep records ofall your locates on the job.

Once the underground service is located, its ourjob to uncover it.

This must be done by hand digging. Never use

excavating equipment to find the service.

If we use a pressurized water/vacuum system toexpose the buried service, we have to check withthe utility first to make sure its safe.

In some cases, the utility may supervise our diggingand excavation. This is a requirement with fibre-optic cable.

Once the service has been uncovered and itslocation determined at several points along its

length, then excavating equipment can be used.Exposed utility pipes, conduit, and cable must besupported to keep them from falling or breaking.When construction contracts dont specify themethod of support, ask the utility for itsrequirements.

ONE CALL

By contacting Ontario One Call Limited we can

notify all utilities with underground services inthe area where we want to dig.

1-800-400-2255

Fax 1-800-400-8876

www.on1call.com

But not all parts of Ontario are covered byOntario One Call. We have to find out whetherthe service is available for a particular project.

If it isnt, we must contact each utility directly forlocates. We then post their phone numbers incase of emergency.

Review information in a locate provided by a utilityfor an underground service on site.

Explain dangers

Identify controls

Demonstrate


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IHSAS S AFETY TALKSBackingvehicles 36

Every year construction workers are killed andinjured by backing vehicles and machinery.

Blind spots are a serious problem. If youre in ablind spot and the operator doesnt know yourethere, you could be backed over.

The hazards increase in congested areas wherevehicles and heavy equipment are backing up all thetime. Noise distracts people and dust makes it

difficult to see and be seen.

wear high-visibility clothing as required.

know driver and operator blind spots.[Show your crew this blind spot illustration.]

Explain dangers

Identify controls

Demonstrate

List areas with backing vehicleson site

Drive-through sites can be planned to limit theneed for backing up. But on most projects trucksand equipment have to operate in reverse at somepoint. Thats when a signaller is necessary.

The signalleris another pair of eyes for the driver. If

youre asked to work as a signaller, use these hand signals [demonstrate them]

Show your crew where the blind spots are on atruck or piece of heavy equipment onsite. Get themto see things from the operators perspective.

Stand where the operator can see you at alltimes, and where you have a full view of theintended path of travel. You must, however, stayout of the vehicles path.

Make eye contact with driver or operator beforeyou signal or change position.

Signalling requires your full concentration.You must not perform any other duties.

All workers on site must know where blind spotsare. And above all, you must remember this:

Make eye contact with the operator beforeapproaching equipment.

Back up

Clearance

Stop

Change direction

Hand Signals forOn-Site Traffic Control


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IHSAS S AFETY TALKSTrafficcontrol 37

List traffic control needs onsite

When construction work affects traffic on publicroads, theres a risk both to construction workersand to ordinary drivers and passengers. The firstpriority of a traffic control person is to protectworkers and the public from accident and injury.

Stand alone. Dont let a group gather aroundyou.

Stand at your post. Sitting is hazardous becauseyou cant fully see or be seen by drivers.

Always have a quick escape route ready in case adriver doesnt see you or disregards your signals.

A traffic control person must never be used todirect traffic if more than one active lane of trafficis travelling in one direction, or if the posted speedlimit is greater than 90 km/hr.

Explain dangers

Identify controls

Traffic control persons protect workers and thepublic by regulating traffic flow. As long as youreworking as a traffic control person, you cant doother work or have additional duties. Directingtraffic is a full-time job.

Public traffic has priority over constructionequipment. But youll have to stop traffic when thejob requires it. Otherwise, keep traffic moving atnormal or reduced speed to avoid tie-ups.

With your help, work will go ahead safely andefficiently. Im going to give you instructions in

writing. But let me go over the main points now.

The most important point is simple: Pay attention.

Dont be distracted by talking to anybody.

Always face oncoming traffic.

Stay alert to work nearby. Dont get backed overby your own equipment.

Stand where you can see and be seen byapproaching traffic for at least 150 metres (500feet).

Public roads, part 1

Demonstrate

Give the worker IHSAs Handbook for ConstructionTraffic Control Persons(B016).

Go over the requirements for a typical arrangementfor a two-lane roadway on page 10 of theHandbook.


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IHSAS S AFETY TALKSTrafficcontrol 38

Public roads, part 2

List traffic control equipmentlocations

In addition to the hard hats and safety boots yourealready wearing, youre going to need someequipment:

safety vest that meets requirements of theconstruction regulation (Section 69)

eye protectionits dusty and bright out there

STOP/SLOW sign that meets requirements ofthe construction regulation (Section 68).

Identify controls


Let me show you how to use the sign.

When you show the STOP side to approachingtraffic, hold up your free hand like this.

[Demonstrate.]

When you show the SLOW side, motion trafficto keep moving slowly.

[Demonstrate.]

Hold the sign firmly in view of oncoming traffic.

Give motorists plenty of warning. Dontsuddenly flash STOP when a driver is too close.

When you show STOP, clearly indicate whereyou want traffic to stop. When traffic hasstopped, you may move to a point on the roadwhere traffic in that lane can see you.

When you show SLOW, dont bring traffic to a

complete halt. When drivers slow down, useyour free hand to signal them to keep movingslowly.

If youre working along a two-lane road withtraffic moving in both directions, youll have tocoordinate your signals with the traffic controlleron the other side.

Where two lanes are reduced to one, make sureyou stop traffic in one direction before lettingtraffic through from the other direction.

A traffic control person must never be used todirect traffic if more than one active lane oftraffic is travelling in one direction or if theposted speed limit is greater than 90 km/hr.

Remove or cover any traffic control signs atquitting time or when traffic control issuspended. Drivers can be confused by signs stillin place when no construction work is going on.


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IHSAS S AFETY TALKSDum p t ruckt ipovers 39

Explain dangers

Identify controls

Dump trucks have tipped over when their boxeswere lifted. The result has been death and injury todrivers and nearby workers.

Just consider some of the dimensions and forcesinvolved.

A 46-foot trailer raised at 45 degrees is about 42feet high. Thats a lot of height and weight to keepbalanced.

One small factor can make the truck tip over. All it

takes is a slight variation in level

a load that gets stuck

soft ground under tires.

Lets take a few minutes to review basic operatingprocedures.

At the loading point, make sure that the load isdistributed evenly in the box. Dont overload.

Remember that long boxes tip more easily thanshort boxes.

Always make sure that trailer and tractor arealigned before dumping.

Avoid dumping in high winds.

Dump only on level ground. On slopes, dumpdownhill rather than upthe box doesnt haveto be raised as high.

Take extra care when dumping sticky materiallike clay and asphalt. It may stick to one side ofthe raised box and not to the other. Or it maystick in the upper portion, creating a top-heavyload. Either condition can lead to unevenweight, imbalance, and tipover.

Dont leave a load in the truck overnight. It willstick to the box, especially in freezingtemperatures.

Keep your truck in good condition. Stability canbe affected by poor suspension, uneven tirepressure, and worn or inadequate lifting systems.

Ensure that the latch on the box works properly.

Stay in the cab during dumping and keep yourseatbelt on. Youre less likely to be injured in arollover. If the truck starts to tip DONT TRY

TO JUMP OUT.

Always lower the box before moving the truck.This lowers the centre of gravity and preventsrocking, swaying, and instability. It also prevents

contact with overhead obstructions.

Keep lift axles down while dumping. Loads willbe distributed over more bearing surfaces andthe truck will not sink as easily in soft ground.

Inspect boxes on one or two dump trucks. Checkthat latch works properly. Point out any defects or

damage.

List tipover hazards on site

Demonstrate

Drivers


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IHSAS S AFETY TALKSDump t ruckt ipovers 40

Workers in vicinity


Explain dangers

If possible, deliver this talk where truck operationsare visible at a safe distance.

Dump trucks have tipped over when their boxeswere lifted. The result has been death and injury todrivers and nearby workers.

Just consider some of the dimensions and forcesinvolved.

A 46-foot trailer raised at 45 degrees is about 42

feet high. Thats a lot of height and weight to keepbalanced.

One small factor can make the truck tip over. All ittakes is :

a slight variation in level

a load that gets stuck

soft ground under tires.

Workers around moving vehicles must wear high-visibility clothing. make sure it's in good conditionand can be seen from all sides.

When approaching a truck, make eye contact withthe driver so the driver is aware of your presence.

When a truck is dumping, stay out of the danger

area. [Show your crew the shaded area in the drawingbelow.]

By staying out of this area you will be safe ifanything goes wrong.

The signaller should be close enough to giveadequate directions to the driver, yet far enoughaway to avoid injury if the truck tips over.

Watch for overhead wires. Raised boxes cancontact and break wires.

List tipover hazards on site

Identify controls


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IHSAS S AFETY TALKSExcavatorhandsignals 41

No response should be made to unclear signals!

5110 Creekbank Road, #400

Mississauga, ON L4W 0A1

1-800-263-5024 905-625-0100

13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20

21 22 23

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12

V015

Boom Up Boom Down Telescope in Telescope Out

Dipper In Dipper Out Counter Rotate Counter Rotate

Open Bucket Close Bucket Dog Everything

Load Load Swing SwingUp Down Left Right

Turn Left Turn Right Travel This Far To Go

Everything Slow Stop Engine Stop Emergency Stop

Demonstrate

Demonstrate the hand signals for excavating, below.

Ask your crew to repeat after you and practice themso that they become natural. Hand out IHSAsExcavator handsignals card(Order V015).


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IHSAS S AFETY TALKS

Trenching 42

An unstable trench can collapse, killing or injuringworkers. Soil type is a critical factor for trenchstrength and stability.

You need mechanical equipment toexcavate this stuff.

TYPE 2 Very stiff, dense. You can penetrate it

with moderate difficulty by using asmall sharp object.

Low to medium natural moisturecontent, medium degree of internalstrength.

Has a damp appearance after itsexcavated.

TYPE 3 Stiff to firm, compact to loose inconsistency. May be previously

excavated soil. Signs of surface cracking and water

seepage.

When dry, it may run easily into a welldefined conical pile.

Low degree of internal strength.

TYPE 4 Soft to very soft, very loose inconsistency, very sensitive to vibrationand motion.

Any disturbance significantly reducesits natural strength.

Runs easily or flows unless completelysupported before excavation.

Almost no internal strength.

Wet or muddy.

Exerts substantial fluid pressure on itssupporting system.

Explain dangers

Identify controls

Demonstrate

List trenching jobs on site

Trench stability is affected by a number of factorssuch as weather, moisture, vibration, and previous

excavation. Time is also a critical factor. Sometrenches will remain open for a long period, thensuddenly collapse for no apparent reason.

Soil type is one of the most important factors.

In a single trench, soil properties can vary widelyfrom top to bottom or along its length. Even hardsoil may contain faults in seams or layers that makeit unstable when excavated.

Lets take a closer look at soil types.

There are four general types of soil from dry, dense,and hard (Type 1) to wet, muddy, and unable tosupport itself (Type 4).

TYPE 1 Hard, very dense. You can onlypenetrate it with difficulty by using asmall sharp object.

Low natural moisture content, highdegree of internal strength.

No signs of water seepage.

Demonstrate tests for different types of soil.Examine soil samples on site.

Soil types


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IHSAS S AFETY TALKS

Trenching 43Protection

Sloping

Sloping the walls is one way to keep a trench from

collapsing. The angle of the slope depends on soilconditions.

Type 1 and 2 soils: Cut trench walls back at anangle of 1-to-1 or 45 degrees. Thats one metreback for each metre up. Walls should be slopedstarting at 1.2 metres or 4 feet up the wall.

Type 3 soil: Cut walls back at an angle of1-to-1, but from the bottom of the trench.

Type 4 soil: Slope the walls at 1-to-3. Thats 3

metres back for every 1 metre up from thetrench bottom.

Shoring

Shoring is a system which supports walls to preventsoil movement. It also helps to supportunderground utilities, roadways, and foundations.

The two types of shoring used most commonly aretimber and hydraulic. Both consist of posts, wales,struts, and sheathing.

One major advantage of hydraulic shoring is thatyou dont have to enter the trench to install thesystem. Installation can be done from the top of the

trench.Whenever possible, shoring should be installed asexcavation proceeds. If theres any delay betweendigging and shoring, no one should enter theunprotected trench.

Trench boxes

Trench boxes arent meant to shore up or supporttrench walls. Theyre only meant to protect workersin case of a cave-in.

The space between the box and the trench wallshould be backfilled. Otherwise a cave-in orcollapse may cause the trench box to tilt or turnover. Its also easier to enter the box if soil comesright up next to it.

Trench boxes are commonly used in open areasaway from utilities, roadways, and foundations.

As long as youre in the trench, stay inside the box.

Ladders

Whether the trench is sloped, shored, or protectedby a trench box, you need a way to climb in andout safely.

Trenches must have ladders in the areas protectedby shoring or trench boxes. The ladder must besecurely tied off at the top, extend above theshoring or box by at least 1 metre (3 feet), and beinspected regularly for damage.

A ladder should be placed as close as possible towhere youre working and never more than

7.5 metres (25 feet) away.

You risk injury or death if you enter a trench deeperthan 4 feet (1.2 metres) that has not been sloped,shored, or protected by a trench box.

Explain dangers

Identify controls

List trench protection used on site

Demonstrate

Review the protective systems used on site. Checkcondition of sloping, shoring, or trench box. Areladders provided for getting in and out? See SafetyTalk on TrenchingInspection.


44/84

IHSAS S AFETY TALKS

Trenching 44

Without regular and frequent inspection, you haveno assurance that your sloping, shoring, or trenchboxes are effective in protecting workers fromtrench collapse.

split or bowed wales

struts off level.

If wales show signs of crushing, this indicatesstructural problems and the need for more struts.

Always check areas near shoring where watermay have seeped in. The combination of waterand granular soil can lead to washout. Thisundermines the trench wall and has killed andinjured workers several times in the past.

In trench boxes, look for

damage and other defects

deformed plates cracks in welds

bent or distorted welds in sleeves and struts

missing struts

bent struts

holes, bends, or other damage to plates.

During use, check the box regularly and often tomake sure that it is not shifting or settling more

on one side than the other. This can indicatemovement of soil or water underneath.

If the box is shifting or settling, get out and tellyour supervisor about it.

The ground around trenches should be inspectedfor tension cracks. These may develop parallel tothe trench at a distance of about one-half tothree-quarters of the trench depth.

If you find cracks in the ground, alert the crew

and double-check your shoring or trench box.Its dangerous to overlook damage or defects inprotective systems. Even though the job is short-term or almost finished, trenches can still cave in.

Explain dangers

Identify controls

Demonstrate

List trench locations on site

Sloping, shoring, and trench boxes must be inspectedregularly. Inspection is everyones responsibility.

With hydraulic shoring, look for

leaks in hoses and cylinders

bent bases

broken or cracked nipples

cracked, split, or broken sheathing.

Report any of these conditions to yoursupervisor.

Check timber shoring before its installed.Discard any damaged or defective lumber.

Make sure that shoring members are the sizerequired by regulation for the depth of yourtrench and the type of soil.

With timber shoring, check for

cracked or bowed sheathing

wales crushed where they join struts

loose or missing cleats

Inspect sloping, shoring, and trench boxes on site.Check ground conditions nearby. Refer to theappropriate regulations.

Inspection


45/84

IHSAS S AFETY TALKSConfinedspaces 45

Definition

Confined space means a fully or partially enclosedspace

Safety Talk

Documents

Transcript of Safety Talk