info@tripleweave.co.

za 15 Oranjerivier Drive
www.tripleweave.co.za Terenure, Kempton Park, 1619
Co. Reg No 2010/016479/23 Tel: +27 11 393-1197/+27 11 047-1563
Vat No: 4290261363 Cell: +27 79 336-3004

SAFE WORKING PROCEDURES

General Safe Work Practices (SWP) are developed and included in this manual. These SWPs include,
but are not limited to, the following;

1. Mobile Equipment Operation.

2. Motor Vehicle Operation

3. Scissor lifts booms and giraffes

4. Power tools

5. Hand tools

6. Grinders

7. Chainsaws

8. Flammable Liquids

9. Fire Protection and Prevention

10. Housekeeping

General Safe Work Practices (SWP) are developed and included in this manual. These Safe
Work Practices include, but are not limited to, the following. These general job procedures
cover some basic industry hazards found in construction. Tripleweave Construction and
Projects has developed specific restoration based safe job procedures/practices. The Safe
Work procedures and practices have been written as one document for ease of reading.
(1) MOBILE EQUIPMENT OPERATION EMPLOYEES MUST NOT OPERATE ANY MOBILE EQUIPMENT
UNLESS THEY;

• Possess the necessary license and/or certificates

• Have received adequate instruction and demonstrated that they are able to operate the
equipment
• Are familiar with the regulations and policies regarding the safe operation of the mobile
equipment.

• Have been authorized to operate the equipment

A. Operators of mobile equipment are directly responsible for the safe operation of that equipment.
They shall maintain full control of the equipment at all times and comply with all laws and
regulations regarding the operation of the equipment. Operators must comply with recommended
gross vehicle weight and ensure that the vehicle is not overloaded. Operators must not leave the
controls unless the equipment or vehicle has been secured against movement by setting parking
brakes and / or transmission lock, lowering any blades, buckets or forks to the ground and chocking
wheels where necessary.
B. Operators of mobile equipment should be familiar with the Workers Compensation Act,
Regulations and Policies with regard to working in proximity of overhead power lines. Project
Coordinators are responsible for obtaining and completing the appropriate forms when required by
the regulations.
C. Where vision is obstructed, mobile equipment operators must not move equipment until suitable
precautions have been taken to protect themselves and any other person or property from possible
injury or damage.
D. Operators must examine their equipment before initial daily operation and thereafter as required
and report any defects, deficiencies or unsafe conditions to their supervisor or other authorized
person.
E. Mobile equipment MUST NOT BE REFUELED with gasoline or diesel , propane, natural gas or other
vaporizing fuels while:
• The engine is running
• Anyone is smoking in or about the vehicle
• There is a known source of ignition present in the immediate area.
F. No employee shall remain in the cab of any vehicle while loads are elevated over the cab.
G. When a hazard is created by a swinging load, moving cab, counterweight or any other moving
part of the mobile equipment, no worker shall remain within range of the hazard and the operator
must not move the equipment while workers are exposed to the hazard.
H. When an employee is required to work beneath elevated parts of mobile equipment, the parts
must be blocked, or otherwise secured to prevent possible injury to the worker.
I. When materials and equipment are transported, they must be loaded and secured to prevent any
movement of the load which could create a hazard to the operator or other workers.
J. Effective means of restraint must be provided to protect the crew of a vehicle transporting a load
which might otherwise shift.
K. Employees must not stand or sit on the side or the tailgate of any moving equipment.

2) MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATION

• All drivers of company vehicles must possess a valid driver's license.

• Every worker required to drive a company vehicle must have read the safety rules applicable to
those vehicles.
• Workers must not operate company vehicles while impaired by alcohol, fatigue, illness, or drugs or
when road authority does not recommend travel.
• Seat belts must be worn by drivers and all passengers.
• Operators are encouraged to use head lights during daytime hours.
• Operators must obey all signs governing the movement, operation, or parking of vehicles on any
worksite, public or private road.
• Vehicles shall be operated in accordance with the law at all times.
• Illegal operation and resulting fines will be the operator's responsibility.
• Fuelling and repair procedures as specified by the equipment department must be followed.
• Report all safety and repair requirements of your machine to your fleet supervisor.
• Tools and equipment carried in any part of a vehicle where workers are riding must be placed or
secured to prevent injury to workers.

3) SCISSOR LIFTS, BOOMS AND GIRAFFES

Scissor lift, boom and giraffe operators must follow all applicable vehicles and mobile equipment
safety rules. In addition, the following rules apply specifically to their operation:
• Equipment must be used and maintained in accordance with applicable Work Safe regulations. •
Guardrails and safety chains must be in place.
• Toe boards must be in place.
• Safety harness and lanyard must used at all times.
• If a unit is fitted with outriggers, it must be equipped with notices indicating the circumstances
under which the outriggers must be used.
• Carrier vehicles of elevated work platforms must be immobilized against inadvertent motion
before workers occupy the platform.
• Scissor lifts must be guarded where there is a possibility of workers inadvertently coming into
contact with any hazardous moving parts of the lifting mechanism.
• All vehicle-mounted giraffes or self-propelled boom-supported elevated work platforms must be
subject to non destructive testing every 24 months.

4) POWER TOOLS

No worker shall use any power tool, or similar type of equipment, unless they are familiar with the
use and operation of the equipment or has received instruction in its use and operation.
• Instruction in the use, handling and maintenance of power tools, or otherwise similar tools will be
provided to workers that require it.
• Only qualified or specially trained workers may alter, repair, or otherwise tamper with electrical
equipment or electrical tools.
• No workers will commence work on any electrical equipment until the equipment has been shut
off and locked out as per Triple weave Construction and Projects Lock out procedure.
• Inspect tools, power cords and electrical fittings for damage prior to each use. Repair or replace
damaged equipment.
• Use only approved electrical tools and machinery.
• Do not wear gloves, loose clothing or jewellery while using revolving power tools.
• Switch tools off before connecting them to a power supply.
• Do not use electric tools in wet or damp locations unless tool is connected to a GFCI.
• Ensure tools are properly grounded (three-prong plug) or are double insulated.
• Keep power cords clear of tools during use.
• Suspend power cords over aisles or work areas, when possible, to avert stumbling or tripping
hazards. Do not carry electrical tools by the power cord.
• Avoid octopus connections.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles when using power tools for grinding, cutting and sanding
operations.
• Chuck keys must not be taped to cords as electrocution might occur when insulation has worn
through.
• NO EMPLOYEE shall impair, remove, render ineffective, any safeguards provided for the protection
of themselves or other workers.
MACHINE GUARDS Employees, who are responsible for placing equipment into service, are also
responsible to ensure that equipment guards are in place. If, due to damage or deterioration, the
original guard provided on a piece of equipment cannot be put in place, employees should use a
temporary method, offering equal or better protection, as approved by WorkSafe No employee
shall impair, remove or render ineffective, any safeguards provided for the protection of themselves,
or other workers.
5)HAND TOOLS
• Do not apply excessive pressure on tools.
• Carry sharp tools in a heavy belt or apron rather than pockets, and hang tools at your sides, not
behind your back.
• Carry tools in a manner that does not interfere with using both hands on a ladder or climbing on a
structure.Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (safety glasses, gloves, etc.).
• Maintain tools carefully, keep them clean and dry, and store them properly after use.
• Inspect tools for defects prior to use.
• Replace cracked and broken handles on files, hammers, sledges and screwdrivers.
• Re-dress burred or mushroomed heads of striking tools.
• Exercise extreme caution when using tools near live electrical circuits. Do not use cushion grip
handles as a replacement for insulated handles.
• Always pull on wrenches and pliers. Never push unless you are using an open hand.
• Face adjustable wrenches forward, and turn wrench so pressure is against permanent jaw.
• Extensions must not be used on wrench handles to increase leverage unless the wrench is
specifically designed for use with such extensions.
• Do not cut or chip towards yourself when using cutting tools or chisels.
• Do not re-dress, grind, weld or heat-treat hammer heads.
• Do not use one hammer to strike another.
• Do not use a dull chisel. Re-dress heat-treated tools with a whetstone rather than a grinder.
• Do not use C-clamps to construct scaffolds or platforms for workers.
• Do not hoist with C-clamps. Use special lifting clamps.

6) GRINDERS

• Eye protection must be used when operating a grinder.

• Remove jewellery, confine long hair and roll up sleeves.

• Adjust and tighten wheel guards in place.

• If a spark guard is installed, adjust it to the correct place.

• Check to ensure that blotters and wheel flanges have been used to mount the wheels onto the
shaft Adjust and tighten the tool rest to within 1/8" from the wheel.

• Inspect the wheels to ensure they have a speed rating greater than or equal to the grinder's speed
rating and that they are in good condition. Cracked or chipped wheels must be replaced.

• Do not stand in line with the wheel when starting the grinder.

• Do not use the side of the wheel when grinding; use the face only.

• Use pliers or a vice grip to hold small items.

• If the wheel vibrates, dress it (on the face only); replace it or replace the shaft bearings if they are
worn.

• Allow the object you were grinding to cool before handling it.

• Unplug or lockout the grinder before doing repairs.

• Never leave a grinder unattended while the wheels are turning.

7) CHAINSAW OPERATION

Chainsaw operators must receive training in the safe handling of saws and the proper cutting
methods before attempting any cutting tasks. Chainsaw operators must conduct a hazard
assessment of the operating area and communicate with all workers involved. Personal protective
equipment required for chainsaw operation:

a) Hard hat, face shield and hearing protection

b) Steel toed footwear

c) Heavy leather gloves d) Ankle length CSA-approved nylon cutting pants or chaps rated to 1,098
m/min (3,600 ft/min) threshold chain speed or higher.

Safe chainsaw operating procedures must include:

a) Inspecting the chainsaw for damage prior to use, look for loose or missing parts, leaks, signs of
excessive wear, the integrity of the bar and tension of the chain.

b) Never operate a chainsaw when you are alone

c) Ensuring the chain break is in good working order

d) Keeping the saws chain sharp and adjusted, a correctly adjusted chain will stop moving when the
saw is idling.

e) Carry the chainsaw with the bar and muffler away from your body

f) Always be aware of the bar tip to reduce the chance of kickback

g) Always saw with smooth, controlled movement

h) Never cut above shoulder height

8) FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

Flammable liquids must be stored in special storage areas away from heat, spark, flame, and the
direct rays of the sun, and in a location where flammable vapours cannot be communicated to open
flame. Bungs must be screwed tightly into barrels to prevent vapour loss. Gasoline, oil, grease and
other flammable liquids must be stored in safe locations, clear of work areas and not in buildings or
locations where workers are likely to gather. “NO SMOKING” signs must be prominently placed in
such storage areas and the “NO SMOKING” rules enforced. Gasoline and other flammable liquids
must be transported in approved metal safety containers. When flammable liquids must be used or
stored inside a building, approved safety cans must be used. The fuel tanks of mobile equipment
must not be filled:

• While the engine is running

• While anyone is smoking in or around the vehicle

• While there is any known spark or flame in the immediate area. Volatile or flammable materials
must not be carried on a vehicle transporting workers unless such materials are carried:

• In an isolated compartment accessible only from the outside, or

• In an inside compartment separated from all persons by a firewall. Gasoline and other flammable
liquids may only be transferred from one container to another if steps to prevent static electricity
accumulation have been implemented. Static electricity may be controlled through the use of
container contact or grounding.

• Gasoline must be dispensed from the storage container by means of an approved pump. •
Gasoline must not be used to start fires.

9) FIRE PROTECTION AND PREVENTION

The risk and cost of fire on a jobsite can be extremely high in economic and human terms. The best
means of fighting fires is to prevent them. All employees are responsible for doing everything they
can to prevent fires. If you observe a potential fire hazard, report it to your supervisor so that the
hazard can be eliminated or fire suppression equipment can be issued and maintained at the hazard
location.

• Before work is performed, supervisors must check for fire hazards. Some of the most common
hazards are wooden forms, scaffolding, scrap lumber, paper wrapping, flammable liquids and oily
rags. Previous fire damaged sites may increase the risks.

• Good housekeeping should be used at all times. Construction buildings and sheds must be kept
clean and orderly. Gasoline, oil, grease and other flammable liquids must be stored in safe locations,
clear of work areas and not in buildings or locations where workers are likely to gather. “NO
SMOKING” signs must be prominently placed in such storage areas and the “NO SMOKING” rules
enforced. Gasoline and other flammable liquids must be transported in closed metal containers. •
Heating and lighting equipment must be checked on a regular basis.

• Portable fire extinguishers must be installed, inspected and maintained on a regular basis to
ensure proper operation in an emergency.

• Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas only.

• CO2, foam, or dry chemical type fire extinguishers must be available on all projects and located
strategically where the risk of fire exists, particularly near fuel storage and refuelling locations,
construction sheds and storage buildings. Be aware of the locations and types of fire extinguishers in
your work area.

• There are four general classes of fires and each requires a particular type of extinguishing agent. •
Portable fire extinguishers are labelled as to the types or classes of fires they should be used on.
CLASS "A" FIRES occur in materials such as rags, paper, wood and trash. CLASS "B" FIRES arise from
the vapour/air mixtures found with flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, paints and
thinners. CLASS "C" FIRES are electrical fires, or fires occurring in or near electrical equipment,
thereby presenting the additional hazard of electrical shock. CLASS "D" FIRES involve combustible
metals (e.g.: sodium or magnesium).

• If a fire occurs, summon help and pull the fire alarm, try to extinguish it. If there is any indication
that the fire will not be extinguished simply, you must evacuate the area.
• The worker who first reported the fire must inform his/her Supervisor of the circumstances related
to the fire starting.

• Fire suppression equipment must be readily accessible and in working condition.

• Tampering with fire suppression equipment is a prohibited.

• Aisles, passageways, doorways and stairways must never be obstructed.

HOW TO USE A PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Ensure that you are fully trained with operation and maintenance of fire extinguishers.

P...Pull the pin.

A...Aim the extinguisher nozzle at base of the flame.

S...Squeeze the trigger while holding extinguisher upright.

S...Sweep the extinguisher from side to side, covering the area at the base of the flame.

REMEMBER: Should your path of escape be threatened.... Should the extinguisher run out of agent...
Should the extinguisher prove to be ineffective... Should you no longer be able to safely fight the
fire...

LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY. NOTE: Fire extinguishers and emergency lighting systems must be
checked on a monthly basis.

10) HOUSEKEEPING

Good housekeeping involves everyone in the workplace. Workers are responsible for the
maintenance of good housekeeping in all work areas. Poor housekeeping is a proven factor in many
industrial accidents and injuries. In order to maintain good housekeeping practices the following
guidelines have been established.

• Professional restoration workers must have a place for everything and keep everything in its place.
Workers must keep their work area clean and tidy at all times. Work areas must be cleaned at the
end of a shift, immediately after finishing a job or as necessary.

• Work areas must be kept clean and free from obstructions at all times. Tools, loose objects, oil,
grease, and other materials left lying around are hazards.

• Work and storage areas should be arranged to allow for the safe movement of workers,
equipment and materials.

• Spilled toxic, flammable or corrosive materials must be cleaned up immediately using the method
described in the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

• Hoses, cables, ropes, wires, etc. must be recoiled after you are finished using them.

• Replace all grates and covers on openings as soon as work is completed. If work is not completed,
the openings must be barricaded.