Chapter 3: Morning Safety Huddle Topics

A Good Carpenter once told his crew, "Consider the safety of others on the work site as you would have them consider your safety" Matthew 7:12 (paraphrased).

We all have the opportunity to look after each other on our work site.

If you happen to notice that someone with whom you are working is exposed to a hazard, either in the form of a risky work practice or as a result of a work site condition which they may not have noticed or may not fully appreciate, take a few moments to share your concern with your partner.

If someone mentions a similar concern to you, try to accept their remarks as being based on caring and concern for your safety. Sometimes unsolicited advice can seem like criticism, even though it is intended to be constructive and helpful.

Remember, that the person who provides this unsolicited advice is taking a personal / social risk in expressing their concern for you. This attitude of sincere concern for each other is part of what makes working on a Habitat For Humanity project such a special experience.

Fall Protection Talking Papers: (A copy of these three sheets will be placed on a clip-board at the job site and shall be signed and dated (once per building cycle) by each person on the job who is expected to work at elevated locations)

Scaffold or Ladder Work
Morning Safety Huddle Topics

Scaffolding will be modified only at the direction of the competent person. The competent person shall inspect a modified scaffold before it is again used for the elevated work.

Materials shall be located on the scaffold so as to be convenient to the employees or volunteers working from the scaffold.

Ladders or other devices used to mount or dismount the scaffold will be firmly attached to the scaffold.

Ladders shall be placed on firm footing, such as on solid soil or on a stable piece of lumber. The preferred method of leveling a ladder is to dig out the soil under the leg in contact with the grade with a claw hammer or similar tool so that both legs are resting on a stable bearing surface.

Ladders shall be placed at the proper angle (4 vertical to 1 horizontal) against a vertical surface.

Ladders will be held in position by a worker while another worker is mounting or dismounting the ladder.

While a worker is on a ladder the person monitoring the ladder(s) will be in position to observe the work which is taking place from the ladder(s). Specifically if the worker using the ladder is leaning or reaching to a point where both shoulders are outside the vertical plane of one of the upright sections, the observer will recommend moving the ladder to a location that will not require leaning.

Ladders used to climb onto a roof shall extend at least three feet above the edge of the roof.

Extension ladder sections should overlap at least three feet.

Ladders used to climb onto a roof which are intended to be used at the same position throughout the day will be tied off in a stable fashion to the roof, wall, joists or trusses.

Ladders used to climb onto a roof will be placed at least six feet from the gable end of the roof.

Workers shall not place their feet on the top three rungs or treads of a ladder.

HFHSL generally does not use job-made ladders. If a job-made ladder is required for a special application it will be constructed using ANSI A14.4-1992 as a guide. A copy of this document is available in the construction office trailer.

The area within 6’ of the perimeter of the structure should be kept clear of movable objects that would increase the severity of an injury resulting from a fall.

Floor Joist and Deck Work
Morning Safety Huddle Topics

The House Leader will define the Controlled Access Zone around the structure and will describe how it is to be marked or identified (generally the entire structure)

The first several joists shall be installed by workers supported by interior ladders or scaffolding or from the exterior grade.

After several joists are installed and braced, trained workers may work from a platform comprised of sheets of plywood attached to the braced floor joists. Work performed within four feet of the leading edge should be done facing the edge of the deck while in a crouching position (Minimize the need to stand within four feet of the leading edge).

Openings in the decking shall be securely covered or barricaded once the operations which create the opening are completed

Access to the sub-floor that includes a break in elevation of more than 19” requires the secure temporary installation of a sturdy ramp or steps with handrails positioned at 36” above the stair treads.

Doorway openings that involve a break in elevation of more than 19” will be barricaded when operations associated with working on the doorway are not underway.

If the lower edge of a wall opening is less than 39” above the floor and more than 6’ above the exterior grade the opening will be barricaded as soon as operations directly associated with the wall opening are complete

Personnel who are not engaged in the installation of the sub-floor should not be positioned within 6' of the edge of the decking.

The area within 6' of the perimeter of the structure should be kept clear of movable objects that would increase the severity of an injury resulting from a fall.

Setting Trusses and Roof Decking
Morning Safety Huddle Topics

Trusses will be adequately braced before workers may use them for support.

Once the first two trusses are installed and adequately braced (as determined by the House Leader) workers can access the top plate of the exterior walls and install the next truss while maintaining contact with the previously installed trusses (No walking the exterior wall during truss installation).

Work performed within four feet of the leading edge should be done facing the edge of the deck while in a crouching position (Minimize the need to stand within four feet of the leading edge).

Roof surfaces shall be inspected for slipping hazards. The Site Safety Observer will monitor the condition of the roof and maintain a high degree of awareness among the volunteers of any slipping hazards that are present.

Sawdust should not be allowed to accumulate on the roof surface as it’s accumulation presents a slipping hazard.

Loose pieces of roofing felt (tar paper) should not be allowed to accumulate on the roof surface as it’s accumulation presents a slipping hazard.

Holes or openings which are made in the roof shall be barricaded or covered with substantial materials which are firmly anchored.

Workers shall wear proper footwear that reduces the potential for slipping.

The bottom row of roof sheathing may be installed by workers standing in truss webs. After the bottom row of roof sheathing is installed, a slide guard extending the width of the roof shall be securely attached to the roof. This slide guard should consist of a 2x4 nailed through the sheathing to the supporting trusses with 2 - 16d nails per truss and a 2x4 nailed perpendicular to the roof above the first 2x4 with 16d nails on 16” centers. This slide guard will be installed by workers standing in the web of the trusses leaning over the first course of sheathing.

Roof work will cease during adverse weather that creates a hazardous condition on the roof.

Materials shall not be stored on the roof within 6 feet of the gable or rake edge of the roof.

Materials will be placed at a convenient location to the workers which limits the need to walk on the roof more than necessary.

The area within 6’ of the perimeter of the structure should be kept clear of movable objects that would increase the severity of an injury resulting from a fall.

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  Page last updated Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 6:39:46 PM