Copyright © 2009 by Technocrats Institute

Technocrats Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

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 Table of Contents
Lesson 1 - Introduction to the Safety management

Lesson 2 - Basic Terms

Lesson 3 - Responsibilities of a safety officer

Lesson 4 - Introduction to OSHA

Lesson 5 - Record keeping

Lesson 6 - Personal Protective Equipment

Lesson 7 - Fire Protection

Lesson 8 - Materials Handling

Lesson 9 - Hand and Power Tools

Lesson 10 - Welding and Cutting

Lesson 11 - Electrical Safety

Lesson 12 - Fall Protection

Lesson 13 - Excavations

Lesson 14 - Stairways and Ladders

Lesson 15 - Confined Space Entry

Lesson 16 - Lead Safety in the Workplace

Lesson 17 - Scaffolding

Lesson 18 - Machine guarding

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 LESSON ONE

INTRODUCTION TO SAFETY MANAGEMENT

A step by step approach to keep an environment or workplace clean from recognized
hazard/risks is called Safety Management.

STEPS
1. POLICY
2. ORGANIZATION
3. PLANING AND IMPLEMENTATION
4. REVIEWING

A SMS provides a systematic way to identify hazards and control risks while maintaining
assurance that these risk controls are effective. SMS can be defined as:

It is a systematic, explicit and comprehensive process for managing safety risks. As with all
management systems, a safety management system provides for goal setting, planning, and
measuring performance. A safety management system is woven into the fabric of an
organization. It becomes part of the culture, the way people do their jobs. For the purposes of
defining safety management, safety can be defined as:

“The reduction of risk to a level that is as low as is reasonably practicable. There are three
imperatives for adopting a safety management system for a business – these are ethical, legal
and financial.

There is an implied moral obligation placed on an employer to ensure that work activities and
the place of work to be safe, there are legislative requirements defined in just about every
jurisdiction on how this is to be achieved and there is a substantial body of research which
shows that effective safety management (which is the reduction of risk in the workplace) can
reduce the financial exposure of an organization by reducing direct and indirect costs associated
with accident and incidents.

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To address these three important elements, an effective SMS should:

 Define how the organization is set up to manage risk.

 Identify workplace risk and implement suitable controls.
 Implement effective communications across all levels of the organization.
 Implement a process to identify and correct non-conformities.
 Implement a continual improvement process.

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 LESSON TWO
BASIC TERMS
 Health – The protection of body and mind from illnesses and diseases.

 Safety - the absence of risk of serious personal injury.

 Welfare - access to basic facilities.(washrooms, bathrooms,

 Rest rooms, prayer places, drinking water)

 Environmental protection - the prevention of damage to the air, land, water and living
creatures in the wider environment.

 Accident - an unplanned, unwanted event which leads to injury, damage or loss.

 Near miss - an unplanned, unwanted event that had the potential to lead to injury,
damage or loss (but did not, in fact, do so).

 Dangerous occurrence - a specified event that has to be reported to the relevant

authority by statute law.

 Hazard - something with the potential to cause harm.

 Risk - the likelihood that a hazard will cause harm in combination with the severity of
injury, damage or loss that might occur.

 Loss Time Injury (LTI) – After an accident if injured worker does not appear to perform
his duties within 24 hours than it is said that an LTI has occurred to a company.

 Tool Box Talk or Safety Induction – A safety talk to workers before the start of work
shift is called tool box talk.

 In tool box talk 4 things are explained

 Information

 Instruction

 Training and Supervision

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 LESSON THREE
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A SAFETY OFFICER

1. Circulate material received from EH&S to appropriated members of the department

2. Inspect the department to ensure the workplace meets the various safety requirements.

3. Ensure that monthly inspection of Fire Extinguishers, Exit Lights and Emergency Lighting,
are carried out.

4. Respond to reports of unsafe conditions (e.g. electrical hazards, loose stair tread, etc.) by
requesting repairs or maintenance. In some circumstances, material may have to be prepared
for annual submission to the Repairs and Alterations budget.

5. Accompany staff from the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Joint Health
and Safety Committees, and external agencies during workplace inspections.

6. Follow up on any deficiencies noted during inspections, and ensure that they are corrected.

7. Assist EH&S with investigating all accidents and send reports to the Department of
Environmental Health and Safety. Ensure the completion of incident report/accident reports
so Workers Compensation Board can be notified of all accidents.

8. Notify EH& of critical accidents, unsafe conditions or work refusals.

9. Ensure all staff receive the information with respect to

 Fire Safety
 Chemical Safety
 Radiation Safety
 Biohazard Safety
 First Aid Training
 Mandatory Training (Hoists, TDG, Laser, Ladder etc)
10. Keep the Department Head informed on all of the above.

11. Maintain Departmental Safety Bulletin Board

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 LESSON FOUR
INTRODUCTION TO OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) of 1970 was passed by Congress "to
assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful
working conditions and to preserve our human resources." Under the OSH Act, OSHA
(Occupational Safety and Health Administration) was established within the Department of
Labor and was authorized to regulate health and safety conditions for all employers with few
exceptions.
Who is covered by the OSHA Act?
OSHA covers all employees and their employers under Federal government authority.
Coverage is provided either directly by Federal OSHA or through an OSHA-approved state
program.

OSHA Standards
General Duty Clause
Each employer "shall furnish . . . a place of employment which is free from recognized
hazards that are causing, or are likely to cause, death or serious physical harm to employees."
OSHA standards cover general industry, construction, maritime and some agricultural
activities.

Inspections
OSHA is authorized to conduct workplace inspections to enforce its standards. Nearly all
inspections are conducted without any advance notice. Listed in their order of importance, as
determined by OSHA:
1. Imminent Danger - Imminent danger situations are given top priority. An imminent
danger is any condition where there is reasonable certainty that a danger exists that can
be expected to cause death or serious physical harm immediately or before the danger
can be eliminated through normal enforcement procedures.
2. Catastrophic and Fatal Accidents - Second priority is given to the investigation of
fatalities and catastrophes resulting in the hospitalization of three or more employees.

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3. Employee Complaints - Each employee has the right to request an OSHA inspection
when the employee feels that he or she is in imminent danger from a hazard, or when
he or she feels that there is a violation of an OSHA standard that threatens physical
harm.
4. Programmed High Hazard Inspections - OSHA establishes programs of inspection
aimed at specific high hazard industries, occupations, or health hazards.
5. Re-Inspections - Establishments cited for alleged serious violations may be re-
inspected to determine whether the hazards have been corrected.

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 LESSON FIVE

RECORD KEEPING
This review covers the OSHA requirements for recordkeeping. Employers are required to post
certain records in the event of an accident at work. Employers must maintain records of
personnel illnesses and injuries that have occurred on the job and even report specific cases to
OSHA.

The Rule: Recording Criteria

To keep the record of all work related work precautions is called recordkeeping.

Employers of 11 or more employees must maintain records of occupational injuries and

illnesses.

Keep in mind, that recording or reporting a work-related injury, illness, or fatality does not
mean the employer or employee was at fault, an OSHA rule has been violated, or that the
employee is eligible for workers’ compensation or other benefits. This is just the OSHA rule.

Covered employers must record each fatality, injury, or illness that is work related, is a new
case, and meets the recording criteria as being serious enough to record.

What is Work Related? What is not?

A case is considered work related if an event or exposure in the work environment either
caused or contributed to the resulting condition, or if an event or exposure in the work
environment significantly aggravated a pre-existing injury or illness. However there must be a
discernable cause for it to be work related. Work relatedness is presumed for injuries and
illnesses resulting from events or exposures occurring in the work environment.
 All employers must report to OSHA within 8 hours any accident that results in a fatality or
in-patient hospitalization of 3 or more employees
 Maintained on a calendar year basis
 Summary of records for the previous year must be posted within a year.

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 LESSON SIX

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

The life of every human being is precious. Yet due to negligence and improper safety
measures, thousands of workers die each year alone in the construction industry. To minimize
or eliminate casualties and fatalities, OSHA requires employers to protect their employees
from workplace hazards through proper and effective engineering or work practice controls.
When these controls are not feasible, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is
required.

The Need of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

It is imperative that employers provide PPE to employees if:
 Hazards exist or are likely to be present in a work environment. 
 During work, employees might come into contact with hazardous chemicals,
radiation, or mechanical irritants. 
 The employer is unable to eliminate workplace hazards by engineering, work
practice, or administrative controls. 

TYPES OF PPE:

 HEARING AND SIGHT

 FOOT
 RESPIRATORY
 HEAD
 HAND
.

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 LESSON SEVEN

FIRE PROTECTION
This course has been designed to deliver firsthand information about fires and fire
protection measures. After completing this course, you will be able to identify different
types of fires and how safety measures can be taken to avoid a disastrous situation. We
will also discuss the different types of fire extinguishers in use, and we will discover how
careful planning and precautionary measures can be taken to save lives and property.

Fires
The chemical reaction of oxygen, heat and fuel is called a fire.
The following are the different types of fires:

Class A: Ordinary Combustible

Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, rags, rubbish, and
other solids.

Class B: Combustible / Flammable Liquids

Class B fires occur due to flammable and combustible liquids such as gasoline, fuel oil, paint
thinner, hydraulic fluids, flammable cleaning solvents, and other hydrocarbon fuels.

Class C: Electrical Fires

Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment such as power outlets, circuit
breakers, defective wiring, and overloaded circuits.

Class D: Flammable / Combustible Metal Fires

Extinguishers must be placed in an easily accessible location and should be in good operating
condition. Extinguishers should be placed in a normal path of travel. At a minimum, fire

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extinguishers must be placed at all points of egress on construction projects and in close
proximity of combustible/flammable materials stored on the site. The proper class must be
marked on the extinguisher, so that it can be used according to the class of fire.

Fire Safety Alarms

Smoke Alarms
In case of a building fire, the first step is to warn the occupants and to evacuate the building as
soon as possible. Early fire warnings can be given by means of active smoke alarms installed
in strategic locations throughout a building.
The two primary types of smoke alarms in use are ionization and photoelectric alarms.
Fire Sprinklers
Fire sprinklers provide 24-hour protection by detecting and extinguishing fires before they
can become a threat to lives or property.
General Requirements
The following are some general requirements for a fire protection plan:
 It is the employer’s responsibility to develop a fire protection plan that can be
implemented and enforced throughout a company or workforce. 
 The employer is also responsible for providing any and all firefighting equipment and
for providing immediate access to such equipment at all times. 
 Firefighting equipment must be conspicuously located and maintained in good
operating condition at all times. Any defective equipment must be immediately
replaced. 
The employer should consult with a professional fire protection organization should
assistance be needed in implementing an effective fire protection plan.

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 LESSON EIGHT

MATERIAL HANDLING
This module introduces the hazards that are involved in the handling and storage of materials.
Different methods of handling and storage are discussed, the hazards they pose to workers, and
the methods by which these hazards can be reduced or eliminated from the workplace.

Bulkiness and Weight of Materials

There are two major hazards involved in handling and storing materials:
 Bulkiness 
 Weight of Materials 

Often, handling heavy and bulky objects results in back and spinal injuries. Workers that lift
these objects are likely to suffer from acute and chronic back pains.

Methods of Prevention
If the worker has to manually handle an object, he or she must ask for assistance when a load
is:
 Bulky to the extent that it cannot be grasped or lifted properly. 
Bulky to the extent that she or he cannot see around or over it. 
One that cannot be handled safely. 

Load Weight and Mechanical Moving Equipment

Workers must never overload mechanical moving equipment. All types of material handling
equipment have maximum weight specifications which must be adhered to. As such, the type
of equipment used to move a load from one point to another must be dictated by the
specifications of the load itself.

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 Conveyors

The following risks are associated with using conveyors:

 Workers’ hands can get caught at points where the conveyor runs over support
members. 
 If the conveyor passes over a work area, workers can be struck by falling
materials. 
 A worker can become caught and drawn into the conveyor. 

Cranes
It is very important to note that only qualified, competent persons must be allowed to operate
cranes. Operators must know the specifications of all loads they lift (such as what is actually
being lifted and its weight). Each crane has a rated capacity that is determined by the length of
its boom and the boom radius.

Powered Industrial Trucks

New, powered industrial trucks (e.g., tow motors, forklifts, fork trucks, cherry-pickers, etc.),
must meet the design and construction requirements of the American National Standard for
Powered Industrial Trucks, Part II, ANSI b56.1-1969. New powered industrial trucks (P.I.T.s)
also must have some identifying mark indicating that they have been inspected and accepted by
some nationally accepted testing laboratory

Ergonomic Safety and Health Principles

Ergonomics is a principle that states that jobs must be adapted to fit the person, rather than the
person being forced to fit the job. As such, the study of ergonomics attempts to provide the
most conducive environment possible to fit the employee’s needs and lead to the greatest
possible productivity.

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 LESSON NINE

HAND AND POWER TOOLS

Hand and power tools are a part of our everyday lives. These tools help us to perform tasks
that otherwise would be difficult or impossible. However, even simple tools can be hazardous
and have the potential for causing severe injuries when used or maintained improperly. Special
attention toward hand and power tool safety is necessary in order to reduce or eliminate these
hazards.
Safe Use of Hand and Power Tools
Hazards
Workers using hand and power tools may be exposed to these hazards:
 Falling or flying objects which can be abrasive, or may splash. 
 Harmful dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, and gases. 
 Frayed or damaged electrical cords, hazardous connections, and improper
grounding. 
Basic Tool Safety Rules
Basic tool safety rules include the following:
 Perform maintenance regularly 
 Use the right tool for the job 
 Inspect tools before use 
 Operate according to manufacturers’ instructions 
 Use the right personal protective equipment (PPE)
 Use guards 

Hazards of Hand and Power Tools

Hand Tool Hazards
Hazards are usually caused by misuse and improper maintenance.
Do not use:
 Wrenches when jaws are sprung. 
 Impact tools (chisels and wedges) when heads have mushroomed. 
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  Tools with loose, cracked, or splintered handles. 
 A screwdriver as a chisel. 
 Tools with taped handles–they may be hiding cracks. 

Electric Tools–Good Practices

Good practices for the use of electric tools include:
 Operate within design limits. 
 Use gloves and safety shoes. (Care must be exercised when using gloves with
rotating power tools. In some cases using gloves can become more dangerous due to
than possibly contacting the rotating parts and drawing the hand into the tool.) 
 Store in a dry place. 
 Don’t use in wet locations unless approved for those conditions. 
 Keep work areas well lit. 
 Ensure cords don’t present a tripping hazard. 

General Safety Precautions

Employees who use hand and power tools and who are exposed to the hazards of falling, flying,
abrasive, and splashing objects, or exposed to harmful dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, or gases,
must be provided with the personal protective equipment necessary to protect them from the
hazard.
All hazards involved in the use of power tools can be prevented by following five basic safety
rules:

1. Keep all tools in good condition with regular maintenance

2. Use the right tool for the job
3. Examine each tool for damage before use
4. Operate according to the manufacturer's instructions
5. Provide and use the proper protective equipment

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 LESSON TEN
WELDING AND CUTTING
This module attempts to discuss the two most common types of welding and cutting (gas and
arc), the dangers that are involved in working with them, and the safety measures that can be
undertaken to minimize and prevent the occurrence of their associated hazards. The course goes
on to study fire prevention techniques and the danger of preservative coatings when welding or
cutting.
.GAS WELDING AND CUTTING

Transporting, Moving, and Storing Compressed Gas Cylinders

Certain precautions must be established when transporting, moving, or storing the
compressed gas cylinders that are used in welding and cutting. To minimize chances of
injury:
 Valve protection caps must be in place and properly secured. 
 Cylinders must not be hoisted or transported using magnets or choker slings. 
 Cylinders may only be hoisted if secured on a cradle, sling board, or pallet. 
 When moving the cylinders the workers must be careful not to drop them or to
allow them to be struck violently. 
 Individual cylinders should be moved by tilting and rolling them along their
bottom edges. 
Use of Fuel Gas
Employers must instruct their workers in the safe and judicious use of fuel gas.
The following safety precautions must be followed.
 Prior to connecting a cylinder valve, the valve must be opened slightly and then closed
immediately. This is known as ―cracking.‖ The intention is to ensure that the valve is
clear of dust or dirt. The person cracking the valve must ensure that he or she is
standing to one side of the valve and not directly in front of it. 
Furthermore, the worker must ensure that while cracking the valve, no gas will reach
sparks, flames, or other source of ignition. 
 Cylinder valves must always be opened slowly to prevent damage to the regulator.
Furthermore, valves should not be opened more than one and a half turns to enable

17
 workers to quickly close the valve, if need be. Should the valve require a special
wrench to close the valve, the wrench will be left in position on the stem of the valve.
WELDING SAFETY: PREVENTION, VENTILATION, AND PROTECTION
Arc Welding and Cutting
Manual Electrode Holders
 Any manual electrode holder that is used must be capable of handling the
maximum rated current. Furthermore, only those manual electrodes that have been
specifically manufactured for arc welding and cutting may be used. 
 Any current-carrying parts coming into contact with the holders must be fully
insulated against the maximum voltage. 
Mechanical Ventilation
Mechanical ventilation will consist of either general mechanical or local exhaust ventilation
systems. General ventilation must be sufficient to create the necessary number of air changes
required to maintain welding fumes and smoke within safe limits for the activity undertaken
(see 1926.353(d) for safe limit details). Local ventilation must consist of freely moving hoods
that can be placed by the welder as close as is practicable to the work being performed. The
idea is to remove smoke and fumes at the source to keep the breathing zone within safe limits.
Contaminated air that has been exhausted from the working area must be discharged into an
open area or otherwise kept clear from the source of intake air. All air replacing contaminated
air that has been withdrawn must be clean and breathable.
Fire Prevention
 When possible, all objects that are to be welded or cut are to be moved to a safe
location. If the object cannot be moved, then all fire hazards in the area of the object
must either be moved or shielded prior to the welding or cutting. No welding or cutting
should be performed where the possibility of flammable paints or other compounds
creating a hazard exists. 
 The work area must be equipped with suitable fire extinguishing equipment that has
been properly maintained and can be instantaneously used. 
 If while welding or cutting it is determined that conventional fire prevention methods
are not sufficient, additional personnel must be assigned to guard against the possibility
of fire. 
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 LESSON ELEVEN
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
OSHA’s electrical standards address electrical workplace hazards. Employees working on,
near, or around electricity may be exposed to dangers such as, electric shock, electrocution,
burns, fires, and explosions. The objective of the standard is to minimize the potential hazard
by specifying design characteristics of safety when installing and using electrical equipment
and systems.
Electricity—the Dangers
The following are some of the dangers associated with electricity:
 More than five workers are electrocuted every week. 
 Electricity causes 12 percent of young worker deaths in the workplace. 
 It takes very little current flow to cause harm to a person who comes in direct
contact with an electrical circuit. 
 There is a significant risk of fires due to electrical malfunctions. 
Electrical Injuries
The following are the main types of electrical injuries:
 Direct 
 Indirect 
Direct
The following are considered to be direct electrical injuries:
 Electrocution (death due to electrical shock) 
 Electrical shock and related symptoms resulting from it (e.g., bone fractures,
neurological disorders, etc.) 
 Burns 
 Arc flash/blast (usually resulting in burns, concussion injuries, etc.) 
Indirect
The following are considered to be indirect electrical injuries:
 Falls 
 Back injuries 
 Cuts to the hands 
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 Electrical Hazards—Other Preventive Measures
Grounding
Grounding creates a low-resistance path from a tool to the earth to disperse unwanted
current.
When a short or lightning occurs, energy flows to the ground, protecting you from
electrical shock, injury, and death.

Control–Ground Tools and Equipment

The following should be taken into consideration when working with tools and
equipment:
 Properly ground power supply systems, electrical circuits, and electrical equipment. 
 Frequently inspect electrical systems to insure that the path to ground is continuous. 
 Inspect electrical equipment before use. 
 Don’t remove ground prongs from tools or extension cords. 
 Ground exposed metal parts of equipment. 

Tool Safety Tips

The following are some safety tips to consider when using tools:
 Use gloves and appropriate footwear when using tools. 
 Store tools in a dry place when not in use. 
 Don’t use tools in wet/damp conditions. 
 Keep working areas well lit. 
 Ensure that tools are not a tripping hazard. 
 Don’t carry a tool by the cord. 
 Don’t yank the cord to disconnect the tool from the electrical source. 
 Keep cords away from heat, oil, and sharp edges. 
 Disconnect tools when not in use and when changing accessories such as, blades and
bits. 
 Remove damaged tools from use. 

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 Preventing Electrical Hazards–Tools
The following measures should be taken to prevent electrical hazards associated
with the use of tools:
 Inspect tools before use. 
 Use the right tool correctly. 
 Protect your tools. 
 Use double insulated tools. 
Locking Out and Tagging Out of Circuits
The following steps must be performed when locking out and tagging out circuits:
 Apply locks to the power source after de-energizing. 
 Verify circuit is de-energized by testing with known functioning meters. 
 Tag deactivated controls and power sources. 
 Tag de-energized equipment and circuits at all points where they can be energized. 
 Tags must identify equipment or circuits being worked on. 
Safety-Related Work Practices
To protect workers from electrical shock:
 Use barriers and guards to prevent passage through areas of exposed energized
equipment. 
 Pre-plan work, post hazard warnings, and use protective measures. 
 Keep working spaces and walkways clear of cords. 
 Use special insulated tools when working on fuses with energized terminals. 
 Don’t use worn or frayed cords and cables. 
 Don’t fasten extension cords with staples, hang the cords from nails, or suspend the cords
using wire. 
Electrical Hazards—Other Preventive Measures Grounding
Grounding creates a low-resistance path from a tool to the earth to disperse
unwanted current.
When a short or lightning occurs, energy flows to the ground, protecting
you from electrical shock, injury, and death.

21
 Control–Ground Tools and Equipment
The following should be taken into consideration when working with tools
and equipment:
 Properly ground power supply systems, electrical circuits, and electrical equipment. 
 Frequently inspect electrical systems to insure that the path to ground is continuous. 
 Inspect electrical equipment before use. 
 Don’t remove ground prongs from tools or extension cords. 
 Ground exposed metal parts of equipment. 

Tool Safety Tips

The following are some safety tips to consider when using tools:
 Use gloves and appropriate footwear when using tools. 
 Store tools in a dry place when not in use. 
 Don’t use tools in wet/damp conditions. 
 Keep working areas well lit. 
 Ensure that tools are not a tripping hazard. 
 Don’t carry a tool by the cord. 
 Don’t yank the cord to disconnect the tool from the electrical source. 
 Keep cords away from heat, oil, and sharp edges. 
 Disconnect tools when not in use and when changing accessories such as, blades and
bits. 
 Remove damaged tools from use. 

Preventing Electrical Hazards–Tools

The following measures should be taken to prevent electrical hazards associated with
the use of tools:
 Inspect tools before use. 
 Use the right tool correctly. 
Protect your tools. 
 Use double insulated tools. 

22
 Locking Out and Tagging Out of Circuits
The following steps must be performed when locking out and tagging out circuits:
 Apply locks to the power source after de-energizing. 
 Verify circuit is de-energized by testing with known functioning meters. 
 Tag deactivated controls and power sources. 
 Tag de-energized equipment and circuits at all points where they can be energized. 
 Tags must identify equipment or circuits being worked on. 

Safety-Related Work Practices

To protect workers from electrical shock:
 Use barriers and guards to prevent passage through areas of exposed energized
equipment. 
 Pre-plan work, post hazard warnings, and use protective measures. 
 Keep working spaces and walkways clear of cords. 
 Use special insulated tools when working on fuses with energized terminals. 
 Don’t use worn or frayed cords and cables. 
 Don’t fasten extension cords with staples, hang the cords from nails, or suspend the cords
using wire. 

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 LESSON TWELVE
FALL PROTECTION—BASIC
This course gives you a basic understanding about OSHA’s role in prevention and elimination
of work-related illnesses and injuries. The OSHA standard identifies areas or activities where
fall protection is needed.
It clarifies what an employer must do to provide fall protection for employees, such as
identifying and evaluating fall hazards and providing training. Under the standard,
employers are able to select fall protection measures compatible with the type of work being
performed.
OSHA places its rules for fall protection in several different subparts in the construction
standards, depending primarily on the nature of the work. The standard covers most
construction workers, except those inspecting, investigating, or assessing workplace
conditions prior to the actual start of work or after all work has been completed.

Fall Prevention Measures

 Select fall protection systems appropriate for given situations 
 Use proper construction and installation of safety systems 
 Supervise employees properly 
 Use safe work procedures 
 Train workers in the proper selection, use, and maintenance of fall protection
systems. 
Areas Required to have Fall Protection
The following areas are required to have fall protection:
 Unprotected sides and edges 
 Hoist areas 
 Holes 
 Formwork and reinforcing steel 
 Ramps, runways, and other walkways 
 Excavations 
 Dangerous equipment 
 Overhand bricklaying and related work 
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 Roofing work on low-slope roofs 
 Steep roofs 
 Pre-cast concrete erection 
 Residential construction 
 Wall openings 
 Walking/working surfaces not otherwise addressed 

Protection from Falling Objects

When employees are exposed to falling objects, the employer must have
employees wear hardhats and implement one of the following measures:
 Erect toe-boards, screens, or guardrail systems to prevent objects from falling from
higher levels. 
OR
 Erect a canopy structure and keep potential fall objects far enough from the edge
so that those objects will not go over the edge if they are accidentally 
Displaced.
OR
 Barricade the area to which objects could fall, prohibit employees from entering
the barricaded area, and keep objects that may fall far enough away from the edge
of a higher level so that those objects would not go over the edge if they were
accidentally displaced. 

Types of Fall Protection – Active Systems

Active systems include systems and components that require manipulation by
employees to make them effective in providing protection.
 Active systems are designed to operate in free fall situations. 
 Active systems must be connected to other systems/components or activated to
provide protection. 
 Active systems are designed to protect employees from the following:
 Falls
 Forces that can cause injury 

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 Types of Fall Protection – Passive Systems
Passive systems are protective systems that do not involve the actions of employees.
An example of a passive system is a personal fall arrest system (PFAS).
 PFAS shall not be attached to a guardrail system or hoists. 
 All components of a fall arrest system must be inspected before each use and after
impact. Defective components must be removed from service. 
Action must be taken promptly to rescue fallen employees or be assured they can rescue
themselves

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 LESSON THIRTEEN
EXCAVATIONS
Cave-ins are considered the most dangerous trench and excavation hazard. Other potentially
fatal hazards also exist in excavations, such as asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen in a
confined space, inhalation of toxic fumes, flammable gases, falls, and water accumulation that
can cause drowning. The OSHA standards operate to protect workers in trenches and
excavations.
Standards and Protection
The OSHA standards are applicable to all man-made open excavations in the earth’s
surface. Excavations by definition include trenches.
House foundation/basement excavations (including those that become trenches by definition
when formwork, foundations, or walls are constructed) are exempt from the OSHA
requirements for protective systems if they meet following conditions:
 The house foundation/basement excavation is less than seven and one-half feet in depth
or is benched for at least two (2) feet horizontally for every five (5) feet or less of
vertical height. 
 The minimum horizontal width (excavation face to formwork/wall) at the bottom of the
excavation is as wide as practicable but not less than two (2) feet. 
There is no water, surface tension cracks, nor other environmental conditions present that
reduce the stability of the excavation.

HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
Materials and Equipment
Employers are responsible for ensuring that materials and equipment are in good working
condition because damaged and defective materials and equipment could cause excavation
accidents.
To prevent accidents and hazards, the employer must ensure that:
 Equipment and materials are not damaged or defective. 
 Manufactured equipment is stored according to the directions of the manufacturer and
in such a way that will prevent employees’ exposure to the hazards. 

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 Any damaged equipment or defective material is removed from service and not used
until it is evaluated and approved or rejected by a registered professional engineer. 

Do Not Work Conditions

Employees must not be allowed to work in the following hazardous or toxic atmospheres:
 Atmospheres where oxygen is less than 19.5% or higher than 23.5% 
 Atmospheres where combustible gas concentrations are greater than 20% of the lower
flammable limit 
 Atmospheres where threshold limit values for airborne contaminants exceed the
American Conference of Industrial Hygienists’ (ACGIH) specified limit 

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 LESSON FOURTEEN
STAIRWAYS AND LADDERS
Stairways and ladders are major sources of workplace injuries and fatalities for construction
workers. According to OSHA estimates, there are 24,882 injuries and 36 fatalities per year due
to falls from stairways and ladders used for construction purposes in various industries. Almost
half of these injuries are serious in nature and may result in time away from the job.

OSHA Standards and Stairways

The OSHA standards are applicable to all stairways and ladders used in alteration,
construction, repair (including painting and decorating), and demolition of work sites
covered by OSHA's construction safety and health standards.

OSHA Standards Exemptions

The OSHA standards are not applicable to ladders that are purposely manufactured for
scaffolds access and egress, but they do apply to specifically built ladders intended for
general purpose use that are then used for scaffold access and egress.

Ladders and Training

Ladders must be kept in a safe and good working condition. The following points are
important to consider while using or working with ladders:
 The area around the top and bottom of the ladder must be kept clean. 
 Always keep ladders away from slipping hazards. 
Ensure that rungs are spaced 10 to 14 inches from each other. Also, ensure that cleats and steps
are uniformly spaced.
Always use ladders only for their designed purposes. Do not lash ladders together to make
a long ladder, unless they are designed for that purpose. Never try to over load ladders
beyond their capacities; the manufacturer’s rated capacity must be taken into
consideration.

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 LESSON FIFTEEN
CONFINED SPACES
This module encapsulates the safety regulation of the workers working in permit required
confined spaces. It instructs about the hazards that may occur during the work in confined
spaces.
OSHA is striving to provide safety to the workers in all required disciplines by providing
courses such as this one, which helps workers to learn about industry hazards, especially in
confined spaces.

Introduction to Confined Spaces

A confined space is a space which, by design, has limited openings for entry and exit, has
unfavorable natural ventilation that could contain or produce dangerous air contaminants, and is
not intended for continuous associate occupancy.
Confined spaces can be found in many industrial settings, from steel mills to paper mills, from
shipyards to farms, and from public utilities to the construction industry.
Confined spaces include, but are not limited to, the following:
 Storage tanks 
 Compartments of ships 
 Process vessels 
 Pits 
 Silos 
 Vats 
 Wells 
 Sewers 
 Digesters 
 Degreasers 
 Reaction vessels 
 Boilers 
 Ventilation and exhaust ducts 

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  Tunnels 
 Underground utility vaults 
 Pipelines 
Internal Configuration
Open Space—there are no obstacles, barriers, or obstructions within the space.
One example of this type of space is a water tank.
Obstructed Space—the permit space contains some type of obstruction that a rescuer
would need to maneuver around. An example of this type of space would be a baffle
or mixing blade.
Classification
Confined spaces may be classified into two categories:
1) Open-topped enclosures with depths which restrict the natural movement
of air. Examples include:
 Degreasers. 
 Pits. 
 Selected types of tanks and excavations. 
2) Enclosures with limited openings for entry and exit. Examples include:
 Sewers. 
 Tanks. 
 Silos. 
The hazards found in any confined space are determined by:
 The material being stored or used. 
 The process taking place inside the space. 
 The effects of the external environment. 
Worker entry into confined spaces may occur during construction activities or during
frequent necessary functions such as inspection, repair, or maintenance.

Prevention Program
The worker who is required to enter and work in a confined space may be exposed to a
number of hazards, ranging from an oxygen-deficient or toxic atmosphere to the release
of hazardous energy (electrical/mechanical/hydraulic/chemical). Therefore, it is essential

31
For employers to develop and implement a comprehensive, written confined-space
entry program.
The following elements are recommended as a guide in developing a confined
space program:
1. Identification of all confined spaces at the facility/operation
2. Posting a warning sign at the entrance of all confined spaces
3. Evaluation of hazards associated with each type of confined space
Performing a job safety analysis for each task to be performed in the confined space

Duties of Employers and Employees

All employees required to enter into confined or enclosed spaces must be instructed as
to the nature of the hazards involved, the necessary precautions to be taken, and in the
use of protective and emergency equipment required.

Duties of Attendants
 Knows the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the
mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure. 
 Is aware of possible behavioral effects of hazard exposure on authorized entrants. 
 Continuously maintains an accurate count of authorized entrants in the permit
space and ensures that the means used to identify authorized entrants is accurate
and effective. 
 Remains outside the permit space during entry operations until relieved by
another attendant. 
 Communicates with authorized entrants as necessary to monitor entrant status. 
 Monitors activities inside and outside of the space. 
Entry supervisors must:
 Know the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on
the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure. 
 Verify, by checking that the appropriate entries have been made on the permit, that
all tests specified by the permit have been conducted and that all procedures and
equipment specified by the permit are in place before endorsing the permit.

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 LESSON SIXTEEN
LEAD SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE
Lead is a very toxic substance. People who are exposed to lead or lead compounds may
become ill or even die due to lead poisoning. Our bodies remove lead from our systems
at a slow rate, so inhaling even small doses of lead for a long period of time can result in
lead poisoning. Workers who are required to work at or near sites that are contaminated
with lead are at a greater risk of lead poisoning.

Lead in the Construction Industry

Lead is abundantly used in the construction industry due to unique properties that
render it useful for the manufacture of structural materials. Some of these properties
include:
 Low melting point. 
 High molecular weight. 
 High density. 
 Very easy to shape (ductile). 
 Readily available. 
Lead compounds are often applied to steel and iron structures in the form of paint
primer. Lead is also used for making different metal alloys that can be found in lead
shielding in walls and lead pipes.
Workers in the construction industry are at a greater risk of exposure to lead and lead
compounds. Continuous exposure can be extremely catastrophic if specific measures
are not taken.
Health Hazards of Lead Exposure
Lead is a very toxic substance and can cause severe adverse health effects if there is
long-term overexposure. Lead can severely damage your nervous, urinary, blood-
forming, and reproductive systems.
Lead can cause anemia as it hinders the formation of hemoglobin in the blood. It can
also cause damage to the cells in the kidneys, leading to kidney failure. Lead has also

33
been found to reduce sperm count in men and decrease their fertility.
If a pregnant woman is exposed to lead, the lead particles can pass from the mother to
the infant through the placenta.
Activities That Can Cause Lead Exposure
Construction workers may be exposed to lead while performing the following tasks:
 Removing lead-based paints. 
 Melting and casting lead and Babbitt metal. 
 Soldering with torches. 
 Reclaiming lead-acid batteries. 
 Grinding or sanding lead-containing materials. 
 Machining lead. 
 Cutting lead-containing materials with a torch. 
 Grinding lead-containing materials. 
Monitoring and Observing
If initial assessment indicates that the exposure is below the action level, your employer
is not required to assess the workplace unless the processes or controls are changed.
However, the company is required to perform monitoring at least every six months if
the exposure level is at or above the action level, but at or below the PEL. Monitoring
must be continued until at least two consecutive measurements, that have been taken at
least seven days apart, are below the action level.
Monitoring must be performed quarterly if the employee exposure is above the PEL.
When at least two consecutive measurements that have been taken at least seven
days apart are at or below the PEL, but at or above the action level, monitoring
should be continued every six months to get the exposure below the action level.
Lead Control Measures
When performing lead-related tasks, your employer must make sure that lead control
measures and good work practices are used in order to minimize employee exposure to
3
lead. The permissible exposure level of lead is 50 ug/m . Your employer must make

sure that exposure does not increase above this level for more than an eight-hour period.
Some control measures that can be adopted to reduce your exposure to lead
include exhaust ventilation, encapsulation, substitution, process modification, and
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isolation.
Personal Hygiene Practices
Your personal hygiene practices must focus on minimizing your exposure to lead.
The work area must have adequate washing facilities so that workers do not take
contaminants into uncontaminated areas. Your employer is responsible for providing
workers with clean changing areas. Furthermore, they must also provide non-
contaminated eating areas that are separate from the work areas.

End-of-day Procedures
At the end of the workday you must follow certain procedures to minimize your
exposure to lead. These procedures include:
 Placing disposable clothes and shoe covers into impermeable containers that
are assigned for lead waste and then properly sealed off. 
 Placing all lead-contaminated clothes, shoes, and personal protective
equipment in a closed container to be laundered by a professional. 
 Taking a shower and washing hair and skin. 
 Changing into regular street clothes. 

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 LESSON SEVENTEEN
SCAFFOLDS
This course attempts to provide a general overview of the safety measures that are
required when working on a scaffold. The course begins with an introduction into the
various types of scaffolds, and goes on to outline the OSHA safety requirements and
safety measures that can be taken to ensure that employees working on scaffolds are
at little risk of injury or death.
What is a Scaffold?
A scaffold is a term used to describe any sort of temporary elevated platform that is used
to support either men, materials, or both. They are commonly used in the construction
field (usually in the construction of buildings); however, they are also used in other
fields such as ship construction and by cleaning services (to clean the outer windows of
high rises). The main purpose behind the use of scaffolds is to provide support and
balance to an employee and his or her materials as the employee conducts tasks in
inaccessible or otherwise difficult-to-reach areas.

Types of Scaffolds
Suspended Scaffolds
These are types of scaffolds that are suspended by a rope from a fixed overhead position
(usually placed at the top of a building, but it can be any fixed elevated structure.
Supported Scaffolds
These are scaffolds that consist of one or more platforms elevated on poles and
beams which are placed upon a solid ground.
Overview of OSHA Directives for the Construction of Scaffolds
Suspension Scaffolds
The regulations presented for the two-point scaffold are applicable to all other types
of suspension scaffolds, unless stated otherwise.
Supported Scaffolds

36
The regulations presented for the frame or fabricated scaffold is applicable to all
other types of supported scaffolds, unless stated otherwise.
How Do You Minimize the Risks?
One out of every three deaths in construction results from fatal falls. It is because of this
high rate that scaffold workers must be well protected against accidental falls. Generally,
precautions must be taken if the employee is expected to work at heights above six feet.
Working on scaffolds becomes even more risky when one considers that there is
very little space for a person to maneuver, especially when space is also taken up by
the various materials that the employee needs to complete her or his job.
There are various ways that employers can minimize the risk to their employees to
a sufficiently acceptable level.

Uniformity
 Ensure that the scaffold has been constructed in accordance with the instructions
of the manufacturer. 
 Do not alter or modify any of the components of the scaffold; if you are faced
with a problem, contact the manufacturer. 
 If you have scaffolds from two or more manufacturers, do not under
any circumstances try to mix and match the components. 
 Do not use different metals for the components of the scaffold 

37
 LESSON EIGHTEEN

MACHINERY AND MACHINE GUARDING

This review covers how to protect workers from moving machinery. Safeguards are
essential for protecting workers from needless and preventable injuries. Any
machine part, function, or process which may

Basics of Machine Safeguarding

There are three basic areas that need safeguarding from dangerous moving parts:
1. The point of operation - The point where work is performed on the material, such
as cutting, shaping, boring, or forming of stock.
2. Power transmission apparatus - All components of the mechanical system which
transmit energy to the part of the machine performing the work. These
components include flywheels, pulleys, belts, connecting rods, couplings, cams,
spindles, chains, cranks, and gears.
3. Other moving parts - All parts of the machines which move while the machine is
working. These can include reciprocating, rotating, and transverse moving parts,
as well as feed mechanisms and auxiliary parts of the machine.

The Need for Safeguards

Safeguards must meet these minimum general requirements:
 Prevent contact - Safeguards must be in places to prevent hands, arms, or any part of
a worker's body or clothing from making contact with dangerous moving parts. 
 Secure - Workers should not be able to easily remove or tamper with the
safeguard, because a safeguard that can easily be removed or made ineffective is
no safeguard at all. 
 Protect from falling objects - The safeguard should ensure that no objects can fall
into moving parts. 
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  Create no new hazards - A safeguard defeats its own purpose if it creates a hazard
of its own, such as a shear point, a jagged edge, or an unfinished surface which
can cause a laceration. 
 Create no interference - Any safeguard which prevents a worker from performing
the job quickly and comfortably might soon be overridden or disregarded. 
 Allow safe lubrication - If possible, one should be able to lubricate the machine
without removing the safeguards. 
Even the most elaborate safeguarding system cannot offer effective protection unless the
worker knows how to use it and why. Specific and detailed training is therefore a crucial
part of any effort to provide safeguarding against machine-related hazards.

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40