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NEBOSH

WEEK 2 – ELEMENT 8
Construction Activities
Hazards & Control
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH
Effective Management

 That there is sufficient time allowed for

planning, preparation and the work itself

 Early appointment of key people, including

competent Consultants, Designers, Principal
Contractor and if necessary other Contractors

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

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NEBOSH
Effective Management (con’t)
 All the parties involved co-operate and co-
ordinate their activities to ensure effective
management of health and safety throughout
the project

 Risk assessment and risk management

processes are integral to the project

 All parties involved in the project have clearly

defined roles

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

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NEBOSH
Management of significant
construction projects

The Five key parties are:

1) The Client
2) Consultants
3) Designers
4) The Principal Contractor
5) Other Contractors
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH

Clients Duties

Appoint competent consultants

Appoint competent designers
Appoint competent principal contractor
Ensure those appointed have adequate
resources

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

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NEBOSH

Consultants Duties
 Advise client on selection of
designers, contractors etc.
 Collect pre-construction information
 Ensure co-operation between
different designers
 Give advice to clients and contractors
 Provide client with relevant
documentation
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH

Designers Duties
 Ensure clients kept informed
 Structures designed to avoid risks
to health and safety while being
built and maintained
 Ensure to avoid or minimise risks
 Provide information about materials
 Co-operate with other designers
 Provide information to consultant © TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH

Principal Contractor
Provide information to the Client and Consultant
Consider health & safety when preparing tender
Develop safety plan for construction
Co-ordinate activities of all contractors
Ensure all on site comply with health & safety
rules
Take steps to ensure only authorised persons on
site
Provide health and safety information to all
necessary
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH

Other Contractors
(sub-contractor) Duties
 Must co-operate with Principal
Contractor
 Provide relevant information to
Principal Contractor
 Comply with directions given by
Principal Contractor
 Should provide Principal Contractor
with information on accidents
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH

Other requirements

 Pre Construction information

 Construction phase of the project

 The project file

 Site Precautions

 Additional precautions for Children

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH
Site Security
Precautions for preventing children to
gain access include :

 Fencing
 Hoardings
 Warning Signs
 Security Patrols
 Visiting Schools
 Viewing Panels
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH
Site Security
Precautions to be taken
should access be gained
by unauthorised
trespassers

• Covering or Fencing excavations

• Removing Ladders
• Immobilising plant/machinery
• Locking away chemicals/tools
• Reducing height of materials
• Isolating services
• Clearing away rubbish and debris
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH

Main Construction Hazards

Falls from height Vehicles

Fragile roofs Traffic movements

Falling objects, slips, trips Plant and equipment

Excavations Doors and gates

Demolition Lighting & Weather

Explosives Stability

Working in or over water Fire

Working in tunnels Material storage

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH
Main Hazards of Roof Work
Roof Types
Fragile roof materials pitched roofs
extensive works
Roof edges short duration work
flat roofs
Slippery sloping roof surfaces fragile roofs
Materials falling from roof
Contact with overhead
electricity cables
Hot Bitumen
Liquified Petroleum Gases
Manual handling © TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH

Roof Work

Falling Off Falling Through

No edge protection Fragile materials

Slippery surfaces Skylights covered over
Handling materials No crawling boards

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

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NEBOSH
Pitched roofs precautions
(Over 10 degrees)
Carry out survey
Safe means of access
Roof
edge barriers
Roof ladders/crawling boards
Identifying and
covering roof lights
Facilities to raise and lower materials
Protection for persons
below Provision of © TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH

Bitumen Flat Roof Precautions

Safe use of Bitumen boilers
Safe use of burning gases
Training in manual handling

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

NEBOSH
The Working at Heights
Regulations 2005
Hierarchy of working at height Reg 6:
Avoid work at height if possible
Use work equipment or other measures to prevent
falls when they cannot avoid working at height
Where they cannot eliminate the risk of falls use
work equipment or other measures to minimise
the distance and consequences of a fall should
one occur
Risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
NEBOSH

Fragile Roofs - Precautions

Crawl boards
430mm wide
spanning purlins
Boarded valleys
Running line and
safety harness
Barriers or covers to
roof lights

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

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NEBOSH

Fall Arrest Systems

- Lowest level of the
hierarchy
- Aim to minimise the
risk of injury if
there is a fall

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

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NEBOSH

Main hazards when using Ladders

 Over-reaching from ladder
 Unsecured/unstable ladder
 Ladder not extended above step off point
 Using a damaged/worn ladder
 Metal ladder contact with electrical cables
 Falling material being carried up ladder
 Vehicle collision with base of ladder
 Manual handling – carrying and erecting

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

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NEBOSH

Unsuitable use of Ladders

Stand ladderStand
on unsteady
ladderbase
on Overload
unsteady base

Makeshift and
Overreaching
too short
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NEBOSH

Minimising Hazards of
ladder use (1)
 Ladder rested on a firm level base
 Use of stabilization devices or otherwise
footed
 Secure ladder by: Correct angle 75% or 1:4
ratio.
 Tied off at top
 Extend suitable distance above step off point
(1.00 metres min)
 The top of the ladder against a solid surface
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH

Minimising Hazards of
ladder use (2)
 Use wooden ladders near overhead
cables/erect ‘goal posts’ and signs
 Provide equipment to raise materials
 Provide holsters to carry tools
 Only one person at a time on a ladder
 Rungs should be clear of grease, oil or other
slippery substance.

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

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NEBOSH

Minimising Hazards of
ladder use (3)

 Barrier off base and display warning

signs
 Use of ladder by only trained users
 Assistance when moving/erecting ladder
 Inspection and maintenance of ladders
 Ladder register

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

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NEBOSH

Step Ladder precautions

• Inspected for defects before use
• Correctly positioned on even ground
• Suitable for task
• Footed if necessary
• Avoid over-reaching
• Not overloaded
• Positioned on even ground
• No work carried off top step
• Worker maintains three point contact
• Properly erected and legs fully extended
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH

Scaffolding

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

 Page: 263
NEBOSH

Handrail/guard rail
HAND RAIL/ HAND GUARD

Toe board
TOE BOARD

Couplers COUPLERS
Transome
TRANSOM

Standard
STANDARD

Boards
DECKING
Ledger
LEDGER

Bracing BRACING
Base plate
BASE PLATE

SOLE PLATE
Sole plate

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NEBOSH

Independent Tied Scaffold

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

NEBOSH
Through Tied Scaffold Page: 266
Guard Rail (Approx 1.0 m high)
Brick Guard
Intermediate guard rail (Max gap of 470 mm)
END OF Toe Board (Min 150 mm high)
SCAFFOLD
Scaffolding Planks
(Deck area min of 600 mm wide)

Transom

Facade Brace
Large
Through Tie Ledger Brace Eye Bolt

Reveal Tie

Couplers at joints

Ledger

Standard

Eye Bolt
and Strap
Base Plates © TWI Gulf WLL 2008
Sole Plates
 Page: 266
NEBOSH

Through Tie

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

 Page: 266
NEBOSH

Reveal Tie

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

 Page: 266
NEBOSH

Box and Eyebolt Tie

Box Tie Eye Bolts

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

 Page: 138
NEBOSH
Maximum span of scaffold
boards
Nominal Maximum Minimum Maximum
thickness span between overhang overhang
of boards transoms

38mm 1.5m 50mm 150mm

50mm 2.6m 50mm 200mm

63mm 3.25m 50mm 250mm

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NEBOSH
Scaffold Types and Spacings
Duty Use of Platform Max. bay

very light Inspection, Painting, 2.7 m (3 bds)

duty stone cleaning, and
access
Light duty Plastering, painting, 2.4m (4 bds)
stone cleaning, glazing,
pointing
General General Building e.g. 2.1m (5bds)
purpose brickwork, window fixing.
Heavy duty Blockwork, Brickwork, 2.0m (6 bds)
heavy cladding
Masonry or Masonry, Concrete Block, 1.8m (7 bds)
special duty very heavy cladding © TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH
Scaffold Inspection

After Erection

Every 7 days

Adverse weather

After struck by vehicle

After modification

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NEBOSH

Reasons for Scaffold Collapse

 Wrong materials
 Unstable foundations
 Improperly designed
 Improper erection
 Overloading
 Modified incorrectly
 Undermined by excavations
 Hit by machinery
 Excessive winds/Rain © TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH

Inspection of scaffolds
 Base – Firm ground and sole plates
 Line of standards and ledgers
 Spacing of transoms to support boards
 Boards good condition
 Guardrails and toe boards
 Bracing
 Means of access
 Ties – number and position
 Correct couplers
 Joints staggered
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NEBOSH Putlog Scaffold
Brick Guard Guard Rail (Approx 1.0 m high)

Intermediate guard rail (Max gap of 470 mm)

Toe Board (Min 150 mm high)
Scaffolding Planks
(Deck area min of 600 mm wide)

Putlog

Through Tie

Facade Brace

Couplers at joints

Ledger

End Brace

Standard
Putlog
Base Plate © TWI Gulf WLL 2008
Sole Plate
 Page: 271
NEBOSH

Putlog Scaffold

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

 Page: 272
NEBOSH

Putlog Scaffold – Through

Tie

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

NEBOSH

Scaffold Towers

• Main Hazards
• Overturning
• Collapse
• Fall from height
• Falling objects
• Overhead
obstructions

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

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NEBOSH

Scaffold Towers - Ratios

Height/ Width Ratio

Static internal 4:1
Static external 3.5:1
Mobile internal 3.5:1
Mobile external 3:1

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NEBOSH

Scaffold Towers - Stability

Affected by:
• sheeted in strong winds
• overloaded with equipment
or materials
• used to hoist heavy materials
or support rubbish chutes
• used for operations such as
grit blasting or water-jetting
• climbed from the outside
• used to support ladders

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

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NEBOSH

Precautions using of scaffold Towers

 Mobile Towers only be used on firm &level ground
 Tower only be moved by pulling or pushing at base
 Working platform be clear of men and materials when
scaffold is being moved
 Wheels be turned outwards and locked when tower
being used
 Correct height to width ratio
 Diagonal bracing
 Platforms must be fully boarded with guardrails and
toe boards
 Not overloaded
 Access be on the inside of the narrowest side
 Inspected every 7 days
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
NEBOSH

MEWPs
Hazards
• Equipment failure
• Unsuitable ground conditions
• Defective or unused
outriggers
• Overloaded carrier
• Carrier struck by a slung load
• MEWP struck by another
vehicle

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

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NEBOSH
Mobile Elevating Work Platforms
(MEWPs) Precautions

Trained & Competent

Guardrails and toeboards
Firm/level ground
Not overloaded
Clear of overhead obstructions
Area cordoned off
Outriggers extended
Procedures If machine fails
Well lit

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

NEBOSH

Self Propelled AWP

Aerial Work Platform

Will pass through

standard doorways
1.36m long
0.76m wide
Turns 360 degrees in
1.5 m radius
Max Height 5.8m
SWL 227 kg
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
NEBOSH

Self Propelled AWP

Do Not
Work close to
overhead
cables
Allow arm to
protrude into
traffic route
Move with
platform raised
Check
limitations
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NEBOSH
Suspended Access Equipment
Main precautions should be :

Regular inspection
Safe working load
Competent staff
Safety equipment working
Platform edge protection
Guard rails and toe boards fitted
Adverse weather rules
Protected electricity supplies
Communication
Emergency procedures
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
NEBOSH

Excavation Hazards
 Collapse Of The Sides
 Over Running Of Vehicles
 Persons Falling Into The Excavation
 Materials Falling Into Excavations
 Underground Services
 Access And Egress
 Hazardous Atmospheres
 Undermining Adjacent Structures
 Flooding
 Buried Services
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH

Excavation Inspection
Excavations should be inspected:

1) At the start of every shift before

work starts
2) After any event likely to affect the
strength
3) Any accidental fall of rock earth or
other materials

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NEBOSH

Excavations Assessment
 Soil types and conditions
 Existing structures and roads
 Underground services
 Flooding
 Protection of Public
 Depth-support?
 Surcharge loads
 Access and egress
 Lighting
 Experienced Operatives
 PPE
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
NEBOSH

Precautions To Prevent
Trench Collapse
Slope or bench the sides of the excavation,
Support the sides of the excavation, or
Place a shield between the side of the excavation
and the work area

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

NEBOSH

Methods of Demolition
By Hand
By machine
Pusher arm
Wire rope pulling
Demolition ball
Impact hammer
Power grabs

By Chemical agent
Demolition by explosives
Gas expansion bursters
Hydraulic bursters
Expanding demolition agents
Hot cutting
High pressure water jetting
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH

Main Hazards of Demolition

 Falling debris, masonry
 Premature collapse of building
 Falls from height or on the same level
 Services (electricity, gas and water)
 Explosion and fire
 Chemical contamination - Lead dust,
silica dust, asbestos, gases vapours and
fumes

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

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NEBOSH

Main Hazards of Demolition

 Asbestos
 Biological - Weils disease, hepatitis
(syringes) sewage contamination
 Manual handling e.g. Strains, fractures
 The use of explosives
 Collisions with heavy plant, plant
toppling over
 Noise e.g. Heavy plant, pneumatic drills,
power tools
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH

Demolition
Protection of Public
Restricted areas
Safe distances
Airborne contamination
Protection of Workforce
Sequence of demolition
Permit systems
Existing/temporary services
Flammables
Segregation
PPE

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

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NEBOSH

Safety precautions for

Demolition
 Identification and isolation of services
 Barriers, Fences, Restricted access
 Means of preventing falls
 Use of “Elephant Trunks” to remove debris
 Means of suppressing dust
 Identification/Removal of hazardous
substances
 Competent Staff – Clear responsibilities
 Preventing premature collapse
 Sequence of demolition followed
 Properly maintained equipment
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH

Construction Health Hazards

Noise Dusts
Vibration Saw dust
Solvent and cleaners Lead dust
Fumes and radiation
Silica dust
Biological hazards
Asbestos fibres

Cement
Irritant dermatitis
Allergic dermatitis
Skin burns and
ulcers
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

NEBOSH
Storage of materials
Main hazards
Falling from lorries
Tripping hazards
Obstructing
traffic/walkways
Materials falling from piles
Causing dust hazards
Page: 281
Sand and aggregate
Bricks, Blocks, Roof tiles
Roof trusses
Various pipes
Precautions
Minimum quantities
Effective storing
Low as possible
Clearly marked areas
Ensure good housekeeping
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH

Storage of Flammable Materials

 Keep quantities to a minimum
 Secure storage areas
 Storage area properly ventilated
 Containers and cylinders returned to
storage at end of day
 Prohibit smoking and other ignition
sources from storage area

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

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NEBOSH

Storage of Flammable Materials

 Suitable and properly labelled
containers for decanted materials
 Protection of storage area from
vehicle impact
 Inspection of gas cylinders to ensure
valves fully closed
 Correct and right number of fire
extinguishers

© TWI Gulf WLL 2008

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NEBOSH
Safe Practices for the use, collection
and removal of skips from site

Suitable skip from reputable supplier/ contractor

Hazardous waste stored
separately Skip in
good condition
Skip not overloaded
Located on firm level ground
Adequate room for delivery/removal
Chutes for filling
Netting or sheeting for removal
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH

Safe use of portable tools on site

 Ensuring suitable equipment
 Reduced voltage 110V supply system
 Extra low voltage for wet locations
 Use of Residual Current Devices
(RCDs)
 Double insulated tools
 Battery operated tools
 Suitable connections
 Pre-use inspections
 Inspection, testing and maintenance
 Competence of workers
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH
Precautions for Electricity
on Construction Sites

Underground Crossing points

Goal Posts
CAT Scanner
Underground Cable Detector CAT up to 3meters © TWI Gulf WLL 2008
NEBOSH

Overhead power cables

The MINIMUM recommended safe working distance is 6
METRES from the nearest part of the crane (usually the jib)
even when the crane is working in the opposite direction

Overhead high voltage

electrical cable

6 metres

If the minimum distance cannot be maintained the electricity

supply should be disconnected
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH

Overhead Electrical Services

 Isolation of power if possible
 Safe path marked (Use of barriers,
fencing)
 Height restrictions marked by goalposts
 Warning notices
 Ban equipment capable of reaching
overhead lines
 Limiters fitted to cranes
 Supervision
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
NEBOSH

Underground Services
Service Hazards
Electricity Explosive effects of arcing current & consequential
cables fires
electric shock
Gas pipes Noxious or flammable atmospheres
Water High pressure jets
pipes Flooding - drowning or undermining the excavation
Sewerage Risk of contamination
Other Flammable liquids and gases
pipelines Toxic liquids and gases
Inert gases that may displace oxygen and asphyxiate
Liquids under pressure
Telecoms Business interruption
Gases from other sources may accumulate in cable
ducts
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
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NEBOSH

Underground Services Controls

Planning the work

Locating the services
Identifying the services
Safe Digging practices
PLID

All services should be assumed live

unless proven otherwise
© TWI Gulf WLL 2008
NEBOSH

Safe Digging Practice

 Trial holes using suitable hand tools
 Special care when digging above or close to
the line of a service
 No hand-held power tools or mechanical
excavators close to underground services
 Excavations alongside the service rather than
directly above it
 Final exposure by horizontal digging using
hand tools
 Spades and shovels with curved edges /
gentle foot pressure
 Proprietary air digging tools © TWI Gulf WLL 2008