WEEK 1

♦ DESIGNATION OF HEALTH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES

Company:

Contact Person:

No. of Employees Present: Date Toolkit Talk Presented:

Presented by:

Designation:

Section 17 and 18 deals with the designation of Health and Safety Representatives and their functions. More than 20
employees require at least one H&S Representative, one additional H&S Representative for each 50 employees, or part
thereof. Their designation must be in writing, the period and area of responsibility specified and a list of designated H&S
Representatives may be displayed in the site office or be on file.

An employer and his employees or their representatives shall consult in good faith regarding the arrangements and
procedures for the nomination, election or designation of H&S Representatives.

Functions of Health and Safety Representatives:

• Review the effectiveness of health and safety measures.
• Identify potential hazards in his area of responsibility.
• Examine causes of incidents.
• Investigate complaints by any employee.
• Make representations to the inspector if unsuccessful with the employer.
• Inspect the workplace, including any articles, substances, plant, machinery or health and safety equipment, at
intervals agreed upon with the employer.
• Participate in consultations and inspections of the workplace with inspectors.
• Attend meetings of Health and Safety Committee.
• Attend any investigation or any enquiry held in terms of the Act.
• Inspect any safety documentation that the employer is required to keep in terms of the Act. if necessary.
• Participate in any internal health and safety audit.
Receive information from inspectors.The H&S Representatives act as a leader in terms of H&S matters concerning
his fellow workers. He co-operates with the Employer in any efforts to maintain a high standard in the workplace and
immediately reports any unhealthy/unsafe conditions to the employer.A Health & Safety Representative plays a vital
role to reduce loss of materials/resources and facilitate a system to ensure that everybody can go home safely after
a days work.♦

TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

1. The H&S Representative is not allowed to inspect Safety Documents True False

2. He must attend Health and Safety Committee meetings True False

True False
3. The H&S Representative must examine the causes of incidents
Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

WEEK 2

• HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEES

Company:

Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

Section 19 and 20 deals with the establishment of Health and Safety committees and their functions.
• A H&S Committee must be established where more than one health and safety representative is designated.
• The employer must consult with the Health and Safety Committee at its meetings.
• All safety representatives must serve on at least one - if there is more than one - Health and Safety Committee.
• The employer may co-opt additional persons to be on the committee but additional persons may not exceed the
number of health and safety representatives.
• Health and Safety meetings must be held at least quarterly, in the Construction industry where the environment
changes rapidly at least monthly or as often as may be necessary.
• A Committee shall make recommendations to the employer.
• Must discuss incidents where a person was injured or became ill.
• Record must be kept of all recommendations made by the committee.
• The employer shall ensure that a health and safety committee carries out its duties.
• Records must be kept for at least 3 years.

The procedure at meetings is of a formal nature where with a formal agenda, a chairman (usually the employer or
management team member) and a secretary to record comments and discussion points.
Usually the agenda will be focused on Health and Safety matters to ensure compliance with the Act, as well as ensuring
the safety of all workers.

A safety committee enables valuable communication between workers and the employer regarding safety matters.

♦ TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

1. A Health and Safety committee is not a formal meeting True False

2. No records have to be kept of the proceedings of the meeting True False

3. If there is only one Safety representative appointed a committee is not necessary True False
Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

WEEK 3

♦ EXCAVATIONS

Company:
Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

Construction Regulation 4 and 13 requires that any excavation must be inspected by a competent and experienced
person before every shift and after rain.

“Seven die as trench walls collapse”

(Dispatch 16/08/99)

POTCHEFSTROOM
- Seven people, two of them emergency services personnel and five municipal contract workers, were killed when the
walls of a four meter deep trench collapsed on them yesterday. The contract workers were digging a sewerage
trench to lay new pipes when the weight of the digging machine caused one side of the trench -four meters deep
and two metres wide - to collapse, burying a contract worker who was already inside the trench. A second worker
who was trapped under mud, was pulled out of the trench and resuscitated. The town clerk said emergency
services personnel were called in to assist the trapped worker. During the rescue bid all trench walls collapsed,
killing two emergency personnel and five contract workers.

EXCAVATIONS
• Ascertain the location and nature of electricity, water, gas or other similar services which may be affected by the
work to be performed and ensure the safety of all persons involved.
• Every excavation must be inspected by a competent person before every shift and afterrain.
• Every excavation must be adequately shored and braced or battered back sufficiently.
• The stability of any building or road adjacent to an excavation must be ensured.
• Every excavation must be provided with safe and convenient access.
• Every excavation accessible to the public or where the safety of persons is endangered, must be protected by a
barrier or fence at least 1m high.
• At night and where visibility is poor, red warning lights or other clearly visible indicators must be provided.
• Prevent excess material from collecting adjacent to an excavation, causing potential collapse.

• TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

1. Excavation deeper than 1.5 m must be adequately shored and braced. True False

2. Anyone can be appointed as an excavation inspector. True False

3. Prevent excess material from collecting adjacent to an excavation. True False

Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

WEEK 4

• PUBLIC SAFETY - NOTICES AND SIGNS

Company:
Contact Person:

No. of Employees Present:

Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

The lives of the innocent, those who are not directly involved in the construction process must be protected.

The following are important:

• Posting up of notices and warning signs at entrances/along perimeters indicating “ N o U n a u t h o r i s e d E n t r y ” .
• All site visitors must report to the site office before accessing the construction area and a sign “ V i s i t o r s t o r e p o r t t o
S i t e O f f i c e ” must be displayed at all entrances.

• All site visitors and non-employees must be made aware of the potential hazards and must be accompanied by a site
representative when and where hazards exist.
• All excavations accessible to the public must be barricaded to at least 1m high and at night or where visibility is poor,
be provided with red warning lights or other clearly visible indicator.
• All plant or machinery that is freely accessible to the public must be barricaded and provided with clear indicators.
• Where public roads are being encroached upon, a flag-person should be used to direct traffic.

General notices and signs must instruct visitors and non-employees who are not familiar with the conditions on a site what
to do, where to go and where to report on entering the site with clear directional signs. Hazardous activities such as
overhead work etc. must also be indicated as clearly as possible. Ensure that signs are colourful and eye catching.
Replace signs often to avoid faded meaningless warning signs. It is a good idea to record signs in a register to ensure
that there presence can be verified on a regular basis. People love to steal signs.

Remember that children and drunks sometimes perceive a construction site just as attractive as an amusement park and
they normally don’t or can’t read warning signs.

♦ TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

1. “Visitors to report to site office" sign is not important.

True False
2. Signs may be faded.
True False
3. All plant or machinery that is freely accessible to the public must be barricaded and True False
provided with clear indicators.
Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

WEEK 5

• PUBLIC SAFETY - SITE SAFEGUARDING

Company:
Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

THESE REGULATIONS ESTABLISH BROAD GUIDELINES TO KEEP A SITE SAFE.

IT IS OUR DUTY TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC AGAINST ANY RISK TO WHICH THEY MIGHT BE EXPOSED BY -
• Effectively locking the danger area;
• Effectively fencing off the danger area;
• Effectively guarding the danger area;
• Where the public may be exposed to falling objects, catch platforms, nets, and scaffold fans, pavement gantries or
similar must be erected, and/or the area must be fenced off.
• Public walkways must be kept free of waste material and obstructions.
• Where the public is permitted access to the site, keep all walkways, stairs, passages and gangways clear and free of
obstructions.
• All reasonable measures must be taken to reduce the levels of dust, noise and fumes arising from the work being
carried out.
• Where lack of natural light may cause a dangerous situation on stairways, passageways, tunnels, etc. the contractor
is obliged to light these areas sufficiently- (E.R. 3(6))
• Where there is danger that falling objects can harm the public, adequate precautions should be taken to prevent this.

When a member of public is injured it normally becomes Public liability Insurance claim or civil court case. Workman’s
Compensation Insurance does not cover these types of accidents.

♦ TEST - DISCUSS THE SITUATION ON SITE WITH REGARDS TO PUBLIC SAFETY

1. Identify possible hazardous areas on you site considering public safety.

True False
2. Discuss ways to improve or to prevent these risks.
True False
Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

WEEK 6

• PPE HEAD AND FOOT PROTECTION

Company:
Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

The brain is the control centre of the body. The skull protects the brain. When the slightest possibility of injury from falling
or flying objects exists, additional protection is required because:
• The force of a falling object can be calculated by multiplying the weight of the object by the distance of its fall. A
washer for example, falling 10 meters, will generate a force of 3 kilograms of impact. Think what a hammer or brick
can do.
• When a hard hat is worn the force of a falling object is transmitted to the neck and spine and reduce the impact to
approximately 24%.
• The weight of a hard hat is on average about 50 grams. The average man's head weighs 7 kilograms. Con-sider-ing
the protection offered, the weight discomfort theory is negligible.
• Regarding the so called heat discomfort, a test revealed the inside temperatures of hard hats to be 5 to 10 degrees
cooler due to the airspace depending on the material, colour and reflection of the hat.
• A hard hat must be properly worn and maintained for the best safety benefit.

Protective footwear is equally important. Non-slip, sturdy safety footwear with steel toecap is vitally important. No bare
feet or “tekkies" may ever be allowed on a constriction site, it will lead to injuries. In construction it is difficult to limit all
hazards by engineering and administrative methods. For this reason Personal Protective Equipment is the only
alternative. Today's technology offers manufactured safety footwear, which features comfort and aesthetic appeal with a
cushioning effect when the wearer walks. Features include isothermal lining to keep foot temperature consistent in all
seasons. A safety shoe usually keeps dirt out due to a padded collar more effectively than a normal shoe.

♦ TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

1. If an object of 1 kg falls 10 meters the impact is then 10 kg. True False

2. A hard hat is 5 - 10 degrees warmer. True False

3. Steel toecap safety shoe is not comfortable. True False

Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

WEEK 7

• PPE EYE AND FACE PROTECTION

Company:

Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

Section 8(2)(d) Indicates the need for a company to identify Hazards in the workplace and also to enforce the use of
Personal Protective Clothing and or Equipment in order to minimize exposure to risks.

The eye of the strongest man on earth and that of an average man is of equal strength. No exercise can improve the
physical hardness of the eyeball which is equivalent to a hard-boiled egg.

It is wrongly perceived that only direct penetration of flying particles leads to blindness and that a person can turn his
head or close his eyelids in time to avoid such an accident. 95% of Occupational blindness is due to eye infection
following an incident which damaged the eye to the extent that it led to irrevocable blindness.

Remember, a person only has one pair of eyes and to lose your eyesight on the account of stupidity is in the longer run
not worth it. Considering the discomfort when wearing sweaty safety glasses a really small price to pay to avoid pain and
suffering and ultimately blindness.

Protect eyes from exposure to arc. Never look at electric arc without protection. Looking at an arc momentarily can cause
retinal burn that may leave a permanent dark area in the field of vision.

Eye and Face protection must be used when operating the following: (Goggles, Face Shields, Welding Helmets, etc.)

• Jack/Kango Hammers • Concrete Vibrators/Pokers

• Angle/Bench Grinders • Hammers and Chisels
• Electric Drills (Overhead work into • Cutting/Welding Equipment
concrete/cement/bricks) • Skill/Bench Saws
• Explosive powered Tools • Spray-painting Equipment etc.

If you want to stay in a colourful world, then protect your eyes so that permanent darkness may never overwhelm you.

♦ TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

1. You do need to work with Safety goggles when you work with a hammer and chisel. True False

2. A person can turn his head quick enough to avoid flying particles. True False

3. A strong man have stronger eye than the normal person. True False
Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

WEEK 8

♦ PPE, HAND AND FALL PROTECTION

Company:
Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

Injuries to the Hand and Fingers constitute 30% of all injuries experienced in industry.

It is easy to see why as the hands and fingers are forever reaching/stretching out to feel/lift/push/move/wave/grab/ pick
up/take hold of/etc. In doing this they come into contact with sharp edges, hot cold or rough surfaces, they have things
dropped onto them, they drop things, etc.

From the above it is clear that we have to pay attention and think when we move our hand or fingers - think about what
we are doing, where we are placing them, what we are exposing them to.

Remember! Your hands and fingers are extremely useful tools without which your life will be much more difficult. Try
eating without hands or tying your shoelaces without fingers. You could achieve it, but with how much more effort?

Protect your hands and fingers with gloves or mittens when you have to place them in situations where they may be
injured. The correct hand protection will prevent or minimise injury and spare you considerable pain and suffering.

Fall prevention is mandatory e.g. the use of safety belts for scaffold/formwork erectors. Working in elevated positions
requires the use of safety belts in general. It may be a bit of discomfort but a moment of dizziness, slipping or support
giving way can mean the difference between life and death. Statistics reveal one fatal falling accident per every working
day in South Africa and in most cases it could have been avoided if workers didn’t have equipment fatalistic attitudes and
general failure to use appropriate personal fall protection. It is wrongly perceived that fall protection is for the newcomers
to the industry and that experienced men don’t need protection. It is also revealed by statistics that the majority of victims
are old experienced workers. Another myth is that the lower the fall e.g. 2m is less dangerous than a 3 or 4 m fall. It is the
opposite. The bodies usually from a 2-meter distance don’t get a change to turn and result in a fatal head landing. From 3
to 4 meters the body can sometimes turn and results in knee and feet landing with fractured bones but still alive.

♦ TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

1. Hands are the most useful tools you will ever own. True False

2. A 2 m fall is less dangerous than a 4 m fall. True False

3. Fall protection is for newcomers to the industry. True False

Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

WEEK 9

• PPE RESPIRATORY AND HEARING PROTECTION

Company:

Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

PERSONAL PROTECTION: RESPIRATORS and DUST MASKS

Respirators and dust masks are worn to protect your lungs against damage by dusts, solvents, vapours, acid gases etc. It
is, therefore, primarily a health care action and very important. Most dusts are inhaled and will not react chemically in the
lungs but, because it is hard and may have sharp ragged edges when inspected under a microscope, it may stick in the
lungs when inhaled and it is best to keep it out of the lungs. Fortunately this is easily done by wearing a suitable Dust
Mask. Persons using solvents, doing spray painting or working with herbicides and insecticides, must wear chemical
cartridge respirators with the correct type of Cartridge Filter for Vapours and Inorganic Acid Gases. Cartridges must be
replaced when the chemical being used can be smelt through the filter.

REMEMBER IT IS UP TO YOU TO PROTECT YOUR LUNGS BY WEARING THE RESPIRATOR OR DUST MASK

PROVIDED!! Hearing
Any “unwanted" sound (Maximum level 85 d BA) is defined as noise, and man has a growing knowledge of the harmful
effects produced by noise. Some of the effects are:

• Loss of hearing when exposed to excessive noise for long periods of time.
• A cause of accidents is if the hearing protection influences warning sounds or voice communications.
• A cause of general discomfort, annoyance and fatigue.

To protect you means the wearing of ear protectors, limiting exposure time in high noise levels, (above 85dBA),
performing noisy operations in acoustical enclosures, or any other means to reduce noise. Damage to hearing is usually
permanent of nature and cannot easily be reversed. If you can hear a humming sound even if it is totally quiet then it is a
sign of early hearing damage. The following examples of noise levels emitted by typical machines for guidance as to
when ear defenders are necessary:
DUMPER 98 dBA
CHAINS 109 dBA
VIBRATING ROLLER 94 dBA Identify areas where respirators, dust masks and
PNEUMATIC DRILL 106 dB 98
ear defenders should be worn and discuss why
PORTABLE dBA
GRINDER people neglect to do so.
Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

WEEK 10

♦ HOUSEKEEPING - SCRAP REMOVAL SYSTEM AND WASTE CONTROL

Company:

Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

HOUSEKEEPING: "A place for everything and everything in it's place."

SCRAP REMOVAL AND WASTE CONTROL

Good housekeeping is one of the most important factors in maintaining a safe job.

Thousands of workers in the construction industry are injured each year because they trip, stumble, or step on objects
that are in their way. Such accidents are too often blamed on the worker’s carelessness in not looking where he is going,
or being some place where he has no business to be. Actually, such accidents are the direct result of POOR
HOUSEKEEPING. Good housekeeping is also very important in fire prevention. Rubbish, oily rags and other scrap
material are often responsible for fires and often result in tragic loss of life.

Material left lying scattered around on floors or work areas take considerably more space than if arranged in piles or
stored in bins or shelves. It takes longer to sort and select needed items, and material is often damaged due to being
stepped on or knocked over.

Good housekeeping is not maintained by cleaning up once a week or even once a day, but by keeping clean all the time.
It is everyone’s responsibility. It involves many things. Material storage and scrap disposal are perhaps the most
important and most often neglected. We usually have ample space to store our materials without having them scattered
about for us to trip over.

Scrap material should never be mixed with usable material. It will lay there for days, presenting an untidy appearance,
and will inevitably get kicked around for people to trip over.

Keep all scrap separated from usable material, and stored in piles where it can be picked up for disposal.

Issue of hardware/nails/screws/cartridges, etc. must be controlled and return of unused items monitored.

♦ TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

True False
1. Off-cuts and re-useable material must be removed daily and kept to a minimum.
2. Scrap material can be mixed with useable material. True False

3. Waste material causes tripping and untidy conditions. True False

 S O U T H A F R I C A
Construction Industry Occupational Health and Safety Manual - 2015 Edition

Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

WEEK 11

• HOUSEKEEPING - STACKING AND STORAGE

Company:

Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

HOUSEKEEPING: "A place for everything and everything in its place."

Stacking of materials must always be:

• Stable
• On firm level or surface
• Not leaning or collapsing
• Irregular shapes bonded
• Not exceeding 3 x base

Storage of materials:
• In adequate storage
• Functional - e.g. racks/bins for tools
• Identified and demarcated e.g. Flammable, Gas, Cement, etc.
• Neat, safe, stable and square
• Clear of superfluous material.

Sub-contractors must be obliged by agreement to comply with Housekeeping requirements. Tools and equipment must
be kept in a store controlled by a competent store man and securely locked after hours.

See to it that all litter is placed in suitable containers/holders and disposed of properly. Remember bad housekeeping
leads to accidents. It is important that rules in terms of stacking and storage is adhered to at all times and also keeping
access paths clear and free of obstructions; keeping materials away from open edges.

If the workplace is neat and tidy the quality of work is perceived to be of higher quality, well organized and a positive
reputation of workmanship is achieved.

♦ TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

1. Stacking of materials may be 4x base. True False

2. Sub contractors don't have to adhere to housekeeping rules. True False

3. Storage of material must be neat, safe, stable and square. True False

2 . E d u c a t i o n , T r a i n i n g a n d P r o m o t i o n 1 1
 S O U T H A F R I C A
Construction Industry Occupational Health and Safety Manual - 2015 Edition

Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

Week 12

♦ HOUSEKEEPING - NAILS, TOOLS, MATERIALS, AND STAIRWAYS/PASSAGEWAYS

Company:

Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

Workbenches and toolboxes should be kept orderly. Tools in boxes should be kept properly arranged for easy and safe
selection. Rags, scrap paper, old rope, etc., are not only unsightly but present a fire hazard. Workbenches should be in
line with the building walls and free of scrap. Tools properly arranged on the bench make a better appearance and make-
work easier.
Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of good housekeeping is its benefit to “job moral". A man will certainly feel more
like doing a good day’s work if he steps into and orderly work place in the morning, than if the place is all cluttered up. Not
only that, but he can feel proud of his area. A visitor to our job is very apt to judge the quality of our work by its cleanliness
and order. An orderly job is a safe job, and a safe job is a No.1 Job.
To perform a certain task in a well-organized clean environment saves time and increases productivity. “There is not
enough time for cleaning up all the time" is a very common excuse on construction sites but the opposite result is
achieved. It takes twice as long to perform a certain task.
Smart foreman, supervisors and workers know they are creatures of habit and they know how to make habits work for
their own benefit:
1. Clean housekeeping habits eliminate mistakes that endanger lives.
2. Clean housekeeping habits carry workers safely through their shift without conditions that cause accidents.
3. Clean housekeeping habits are efficient, eliminating waste of time and making the job easier.
4. Clean housekeeping habits can reserve attention and energy that allows workers to be alert to dangers.

Set the example and soon it becomes a habit. The right habit and attitude is constructive, making many routines
automatic. Give it a try.

♦ TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

1. Good housekeeping improves productivity.

True False
2. Housekeeping means that somebody else must be appointed to clean up and take
responsibility. True False

2 . E d u c a t i o n , T r a i n i n g a n d P r o m o t i o n 1 2
 S O U T H A F R I C A
Construction Industry Occupational Health and Safety Manual - 2015 Edition

Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

WEEK 13

• HOUSEKEEPING - FACILITIES

Company:

Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

HOUSEKEEPING: "A place for everything and everything in its place."

Ablution and other facilities vary from site to site depending on the size and duration of the project. The facilities are used
by everybody and if they are not up to standard it should be reported to the supervisor, safety representative or team
leader. The following guidelines represent typical conditions:

EATING AREAS

• A demarcated eating area must be allocated for eating.

• Refuse bins must be provided and used for unwanted food or refuse.
• Where cooking utensils are provided they must be kept clean and stored hygienically.
• Floors must be kept clean and in a non-slip condition.
• The area must be disinfected and rodent/insect/vermin free.
• Dishwashing facilities must be kept clean, if provided.

TOILET BLOCK

• Floors/toilets/urinals must be clean and disinfected.

• Toilets flushing/cisterns not overflowing.
• Waste disposal bins must be supplied and cleared.
• Washbasins must always be clean/undamaged/taps not leaking/drains clear and plugs must be available.
• There must be 1 toilet for every 30 persons on site

CHANGE ROOMS

• Where sufficient lockers are provided they should be undamaged and no unnecessary items stored in or on top of
them.
• Floors should be dry/undamaged and slip free.
• Refuse bins must be used and emptied regularly.

TASK - Discuss areas where

improvement may be
necessary.

2 . E d u c a t i o n , T r a i n i n g a n d P r o m o t i o n 1 3
 S O U T H A F R I C A
Construction Industry Occupational Health and Safety Manual - 2015 Edition

Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

WEEK 14

• TEMPORARY WORKS AND SCAFFOLDING

Company:

Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

TEMPORARY WORKS

• All components must be in good condition • Safe access provided

• Foundation firm and stable • Areas under support work must always be tidy
• Adequate bracing to ensure stability • Same standards apply as for system scaffolding
• Good workmanship/uprights straight and plumb • A competent person must inspect formwork and
• Good cantilever construction record his findings in a register.

SYSTEM SCAFFOLDING

• Foundation always firm/stable

• Ensure that base plates are used
• Adequately tied to structure
• Sufficient bracing to prevent sway
• Platform boards must be in good condition free of nails and splinters
• Handrails and toe boards provided
• Access ladders/stairs provided
• Area/s under scaffolding tidy
• A competent person must inspect scaffolding and record his findings in a register.

Report defect or equipment that is at suspect immediately. You can save a life.

When stripping, ensure that persons carrying out the task have a good safe working platform where not possible fall
prevention gear must be used. This will prevent accidents, assist in efficiency and productivity. Timber must be stacked
properly for re-use

♦ TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

True False
1. Uprights must always be straight and plumb.

True False
2. Areas under formwork and scaffolding does not have to be clean.

3. Formwork and scaffolding must always be inspected by a competent person. True False

2 . E d u c a t i o n , T r a i n i n g a n d P r o m o t i o n 1 4
 S O U T H A F R I C A
Construction Industry Occupational Health and Safety Manual - 2015 Edition

Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

WEEK 15

• EDGES AND OPENINGS

Company:
Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

Materials and tools must be kept away from edges of slabs as these items could easily be knocked off the edges onto
workers below.

Edges and manholes must be barricaded to acceptable standards. Simple but effective barricades should not only serve
as a warning but also as a physical restraint.

The dangers of falls on construction sites are many and the following can be done to overcome them:

• Fencing 900mm to 1100mm height

• Boarded over
• Catch platform/nets
• Deck edges: handrails/barricaded
• Barricading of lift shafts
• Provide handrails to ramps
• Good edge barricading
• Barricading excavations
• Good supervision and safety discipline.

Where danger to the public or employees exists stems from human failings or shortcomings. Another reason why we
should start with the eliminating of potential unsafe conditions is that it is the responsibility of management to ensure that
working conditions are made as safe as possible.

Management cannot expect their employees to work safely if they have not done everything possible to provide a safe
environment. A lack of precautions such as barricading creates an unsafe condition/s.

♦ TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

1. Simple but effective barricades serve not only as a warning but also as a physical True False
restraint.

2. Edges and manholes must be barricaded to acceptable standards. True False

2 . E d u c a t i o n , T r a i n i n g a n d P r o m o t i o n 1 5
 S O U T H A F R I C A
Construction Industry Occupational Health and Safety Manual - 2015 Edition

Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

WEEK 16

♦ LADDER USAGE AND INSPECTION

Company:
Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

MAIN CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS INVOLVING LADDERS

1. Climbing or descending improperly.

2. Failure to secure ladder - top and bottom.
3. Structural failure of ladder itself.
4. Carrying objects in hands while climbing or descending.

SAFETY RULES FOR LADDERS

1. Build ladders to safe standards using thoroughly seasoned lumber, straight grained and free of knots, decay and
irregularities.
2. Inspect ladders at frequent, regular intervals; if any ladder is found defective, repair or discard it. NEVER use a
defective ladder.
3. If a preservative is necessary use shellac, clear varnish or two coats of oil; do not paint it conceals defects.
4. Avoid the use of metal ladders when the possibility of contact with electrical power exists.
5. Clean mud or greasy substances from your shoes before climbing up or down a ladder and help its rugs free from oil
or grease.
6. Place the ladder securely against a solid backing at a safe angle of about 75 degrees with the horizontal.
7. Secure the base with floor cleats, nails, non-slip feet or other safe means.
8. Place the ladder so the top extends 900mm above the point of bearing and tie off or secure the top against
accidental movement.
9. Always face the ladder and hold on with both hands, whether climbing up or down.
10. Work facing the ladder and hold on with one hand.
11. Move the ladder, as the work requires. It is dangerous to reach out too far from the ladder in any direction.
12. Use a safety belt if the type of work requires it.
13. Carry tools in pockets or sheaths designed for them or in suitable bags strapped to back. The best method is to hoist
tools and other objects with a rope and bucket.
14. It is unsafe to use a ladder as a horizontal member of a scaffold.

♦ TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

1. It is safe to use a ladder as a horizontal member.

True False
2. The top of the ladder doesn't have to extend above the point of bearing.
True False
3. You should climb down a ladder facing the ladder and using both hands.
True False

2 . E d u c a t i o n , T r a i n i n g a n d P r o m o t i o n 1 6
 S O U T H A F R I C A
Construction Industry Occupational Health and Safety Manual - 2015 Edition

Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

WEEK 17

• ELECTRICITY - DISTRIBUTION BOARDS AND EARTH LEAKAGE

Company:

Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

Electricity gives no advance warning of danger, and it can kill instantaneously. Every year there are fatalities and serious
injuries caused by electricity on construction sites.

The Electrical Machinery Regulations 9 and 10 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (85 of 1993) prescribe a
register to be used for inspecting Electrical Tools.

THE FOLLOWING IS IMPORTANT

• The distribution board and earth leakage should be checked at least once a month.
• Under no circumstances may the main switch be forced to stay in an upright position by means of a wedge or tied to
avoid tripping. It is the purpose of the switch to trip if something goes wrong.
• The panel of the Distribution board where the trip switches are fitted may not expose any bare wires.
• The Distribution board must have a door or lid to seal off the front. Never allow unqualified workmen to tamper with
distribution boards, connections or fuses.
• Never let electric cables connected to the Distribution board lie in pools of water.
• Use only insulated cables to carry power from the Distribution Board.

Check List

• Ensure that there is no visible damage.
• Check the casing for any cracks.
• Ensure that switches are in a good condition.
• The distribution board door must be closed.
• The leads must be fed from the bottom.
Area in front of the Distribution Board must be clear.
Ensure earth leakage function properly and that it has
not been tampered with.
Look for any visible damage or loose connections.
Ensure that cables are secure in plug.

♦ TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

1. The leads connecting to the DB must be fed in from the bottom.

True False
2. If the earth leakage keeps on tripping, it can be tied or wedged to stop the switch True False
from tripping.

3. The DB door can be left open.

True False

2 . E d u c a t i o n , T r a i n i n g a n d P r o m o t i o n 1 7
 S O U T H A F R I C A
Construction Industry Occupational Health and Safety Manual - 2015 Edition

Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

WEEK 18

♦ ELECTRICAL - EXTENSIONS AND WIRING

Company:
Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

EXTENSION CORD AND VOLTAGE DROP

The cord of the electrical power tool causes some voltage drop. Because electric power tools are marketed with a cord
approximately 1.5 to 3 meters in length, operators must use extension cords when the work area is located at some
distance from the distribution board or power source. If the capacity of the extension cord is not adequate (low ampere
rating, excessively long, etc.), it will cause power loss, possible motor damage through overheating and burning of the
motor because of excessive voltage drop. Accordingly, if an extension cord is necessary it is strongly recommended that
one with a large diameter and shortest possible length be selected. All cords must be plugged into a distribution board
operated through fitted wire earth leakage protection unit.

Under control, electricity is a good servant when standard and approved equipment is used. Efficient and safe operation
is up to the user. All voltages should be considered dangerous. Even a slow voltage shock may cause you to fall from a
ladder. When working on a circuit, it should be deactivated and danger tagged and only the man who tags a switch may
remove the tag. If you see a tag on a switch, don’t activate that circuit without permission from the person who put the tag
there.

Check extension cords for burned spots and bare wires. Turn in a defective cord immediately. Don’t decide to use it just
one more time because you are in a hurry. That “hurry" may result in your death.

Do not hang extension cords over sharp objects or allow traffic to travel over them. Heavy wear of this type will shorten
extension cord life dramatically. Don’t overload circuits either on or off the job. An overload may not cause trouble right
now but it will weaken and break down insulation - sooner or later you will have trouble. Don’t bridge fuses - that’s a sure
way to invite trouble. When a fuse needs to be replaced or repair are necessary call the man whose job it is to take care
of the situation. Don’t use or fool with electrical equipment while standing in water or on a wet surface.

Check plugs before use for loose connections. If you are using a light on an extension cord be sure the light has a guard.
Report unusual conditions, sparking, smoking or odours from electrical equipment.

♦ TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

1. Under control, electricity is a good servant. True False

2. The cord of the electrical power tool does not cause voltage drop. True False

3. When working on a circuit, it should be deactivated and danger tagged. True False

2 . E d u c a t i o n , T r a i n i n g a n d P r o m o t i o n 1 8
Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

WEEK 19

♦ ELECTRICITY - APPLIANCE AND TOOLS

Company:

Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

ELECTRICAL POWER TOOLS

To avoid possible damage to the power tool, abnormal operation (such as excessive overload) should be carefully
considered. Some of the consequences of abnormal operation are firstly its unsafe and it reduces the life of the tool.

Applying excessive pressure on the power tool lowers working efficiency because it reduces drilling, cutting or grinding.

Abnormal operation wastes electric energy.

Abnormal operation causes overheating and possible burnout of the armature and stator assemblies.

Abnormal operation causes excessive wear and eventual breakage of mechanical components.
The slightest tingle from electric tools should be reported and the tool removed from service. That tingle means insulation
is breaking down somewhere and it may result in a fatal shock the next time.

Report all electrical hazards

Use all portable electrical tools and extension cords in conjunction with earth leakage protection. If only 2-core cable
fitted, does the earth protection square symbol appear on the casing of the appliance/tool/machine?

♦ TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

1. Applying excessive pressure on the power tool lowers working efficiency. True False

2. Abnormal operation doesn’t waste electric energy. True False

3. The slightest tingle from electric tools should be reported. True False

4. Tingle means insulation is breaking down somewhere. True False

5. Use all portable electrical tools and extension cords in conjunction with earth leakage True False
protection.

2 . E d u c a t i o n , T r a i n i n g a n d P r o m o t i o n 1 9
WEEK 20

• FIRE PREVENTION

Company:
Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

All fires start small. If not extinguished they may rapidly get out of control and cause death or costly damage. It is
therefore, very important to keep emergency fire equipment properly maintained. This means that fire
extinguishers and hose reels must remain unobstructed and operable at all times and that employees must know
how to use the equipment and how to deal with fires.

CLASSES OF FIRE

• C l a s s A : COMBUSTIBLE REFUSE: Card Board, Plastic Bags. Packing Materials, Wood, Grass, Paper etc.
• C l a s s B : FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS: Petrol Diesel, Oil, Thinners, Solvents, Oil Based Paints, Certain Adhesives
• C l a s s C : ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT: Overloaded Circuits, Switchgear Failure, Cables/Leads in Poor

Condition
Causing Shorts

CAUSES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHING AGENTS

• Carelessly Discarded Cigarette Ends • WATER: For Class A Fires
• Hot Ashes/Smouldering Combustibles • DRY POWDER: For Class A, B and C (Most
• Overheating Moving Machinery Parts e.g Effective for Class B)
Worn/Dry Bearings • INERT GAS e.g. CO2: For Class A, B and C. Most
• Leaking Gas Effective For Class C
• Electrical Shorts/Overloaded Circuits • FIRE BLANKETS
• Static Electricity • SAND
• Spontaneous Combustion

l WATER BASED EXTINGUISHANTS MUST NEVER BE USED ON ELECTRICAL FIRES

♦ TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

1. Class A: fire is COMBUSTIBLE REFUSE: Card Board, Plastic True False

Bags. Packing Materials, Wood, Grass, Paper etc.

2. WATER is suitable to extinguish Class A Fires. True False

3. Water may be used on electrical fires. True False

WEEK 21

♦ HAND TOOLS

Company:
Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

TOOLS: HAND TOOLS

It would not be difficult to prevent hand tool accidents if every man who uses hand tools would remember and
follow just 4 simple rules:
1. Select the proper tool for the job.
2. Be sure it is in good condition e.g. cutting edges sharp, handles secured firmly.
3. Use it correctly.
4. Store tools in the proper place at the end of each shift.

Once you have selected the proper tool for the job you are doing, check it over. Is it in good shape? Is the cold
chisel end burred? Is the pick or hammer handle secure and free of splinters? Is the handsaw blade sharp? Be
sure to turn in defective tools for immediate repair.
Even a good tool must be used properly. So here are some precautions to remember when you use some of the
most common tools:
1. Saws blade must be kept sharp with the teeth properly set and clean. Start a cut slowly and cautiously as
the saw blade may jump out of the cut.
2. Discard worn wrenches with jaws that won’t hold. Be sure the adjusting screws are free of rust, and place
the wrench on a nut in the direction the handle is to move. Never use a wrench as a hammer.
3. Never use a file as a pry/crow bar. Keep the file clean to prevent it from slipping.
4. Be sure the hammer has a securely wedged handle suited to the type of head, and inspect for splinters.
Remember carpenter or claw hammers are designed primarily for driving and drawing nails. They should
never be used to strike cold chisels or other hardened steel tools because the heads are so tempered that
they may chip and cause you serious injury.
5. Have mushroomed chisel and drift pinheads dressed and cutting edge sharp.
6. Avoid flying nails by keeping hammer heads in good condition and by making sure the nail is set before
driving home.
7. During the day, keep tools not in use out of the way so they won’t be tripping hazards.

♦ TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

1. It would not be difficult to prevent hand tool accidents if every man follow 4 simple True False
rules.

2. Name the 4 simple rules. True False

WEEK 22

♦ PREVENTION OF DERMATITIS

Company:_______________

Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

Dermatitis is a skin disease. About two-thirds of all reported occupational illnesses could be blamed on skin
diseases and is a serious problem. There are two types of dermatitis: One is an irritation from friction, heat or
from an acid burn; the other type is caused by an allergic reaction. Both types can be serious and must be
avoided. The best way is to eliminate all contact of toxic materials with the skin. This isn’t always possible, but
there are a few rules we can follow to avoid skin problems:
1. First of all, you have to know a hazard exists. Read the warning label and follow the directions. If you are not
sure if some liquids or substances are toxic, ask.
2. Handling cement or grout is a sure ways to get burn so wear full arm protection and gloves. Apply some
barrier cream on your face and hands before you begin work.
3. Keep your work clothes as clean as you can and change them often if you are working with or around irritant
solvents or substances.
4. Wash frequently and take a daily bath.
5. If you are working with corrosive liquids, such as acids, wear protective clothing, gloves and eye protection.
6. If the vapours or fumes are irritating, wear a respirator.
7. All solvents are dangerous. Carbon tetrachloride, benzene, gasoline, turpentine, alcohol, paint thinner are all
hazardous. They can poison your system and cause skin irritation. Even the non-toxic solvents can lead to
dry your skin and can cause irritation. So use barrier creams, avoid excessive contact with these liquids,
and wash your hands right after using them.
8. Keep all hazardous liquids and substances closed up in containers when not in use.
9. At the first sign of inflammation or burning, report to first aid.

♦ TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

1. Some barrier cream on your face and hands will help before you begin work. True False

2. Frequent wash and a daily bath will not readily help to avoid Dermatitis. True False

3. There are two types of dermatitis. True False

Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

WEEK 23

♦ COMPRESSED AIR TOOLS

Company:
Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

Compressed air tools are safe and reliable when properly and sensibly used. But compressed air can be
dangerous if misused.

Compressed air still causes injuries, despite warnings from supervisors, because most people apparently think it
is “just air". Compressed air is driven at a high velocity, and like the killer winds of nature, pressure and velocity
make compressed air deadly. Most shop air lines in workshops are under high pressures, often exceeding
700kPa. Yet a blast of air under only 275 kPa. from 10cm away can rupture an eardrum or cause a brain
hemorrhage.

It can be very dangerous to use compressed air to blow dust or dirt off clothing or parts of the body. Do not dust
down with compressed air rather vacuum. As little as 82 kPa. can “pop" an eyeball from its socket. Air can enter
the navel, even through a layer of clothing, and inflate and rupture the intestines. And there are reports that
compressed air under 550 kPa. struck a small hand wound and inflated the arm, causing shooting pains from the
fingers to the shoulder. Compressed air can cause bubbles of air in the blood stream.

Horseplay is never funny when it causes an accident, and fooling around with compressed air can be lethal. One
authority estimates that as little as 30 kPa. can rupture the bowel. Directed at the mouth, it can rupture the lungs
and intestines.

So take advantage of compressed air as a valuable work-saving device. Play it safe by always wearing
prescribed personal protective equipment. Continuously check the condition of tools and air hose for damage or
signs of failure. Ensure that the govenor is functional/working. Make sure connections and couplings are tight. A
loose air hose under 550 kPa. makes a dangerous bullwhip.

Always observe the best precaution of all - NEVER LOOK INTO THE BUSINESS END OF A COMPRESSED
AIR DEVICE OR APPARATUS AND NEVER POINT IT AT ANY PART OF THE BODY. When you do, you
convert an everyday work tool into a lethal weapon.

♦ TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

1. It can be very dangerous to use compressed air to blow dust or dirt off clothing. True False

2. Horseplay is funny. True False

3. Compressed air as a valuable work-saving device. True False

Guide to Safety Toolbox Talks

WEEK 24

• Hazardous Chemicals

Company:

Contact Person:
No. of Employees Present:
Date Toolkit Talk Presented:
Presented by:
Designation:

Industrial chemicals can be described by their effect on the worker or by the physical form of the chemical.
Chemicals can enter the body by inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption. Toxic chemicals can cause a variety of
harmful effects on different parts of the body, including acute, local, chronic and systemic effects.

There are a number of factors that determine the type of toxic effect a chemical can have on you, including the
form of the chemical, route of entry, and individual response to the chemical. Workers may show different
physiological responses to industrial chemicals.

Chemicals in Common Use on Construction Sites include:

Flammable Liquids
Adhesives/Epoxies/Resins/Cat
alysts Mortar/Brick Cleaners
and Other Acids Paints
Household
Chemicals
Etc., etc.

Important

• Check Labels on Containers and Follow Instructions

• Wear/Use Prescribed Protective Equipment
• Decant Outside Store
• Keep Containers Closed when not in Use
• Apply Segregated Storage Methods
• Do Not Store Chemicals in Unmarked Containers
• Know Emergency Procedures

• TEST - ANSWER TRUE OR FALSE

Do not Store Chemicals in Unmarked Containers.

True False
2. Workers don’t show different physiological responses to industrial chemicals.
True False
3. You don’t have to know emergency procedures.
True False