Masonry Safety

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1. Page 1

   Masonry Safety

   • Electrical
   • Electrica
   • Struck by/Caught between Golpeado por / atrapado entre
   • Falls/Scaffolding
   • Proteccion contra las caidas/Andamios
   • English y Español
2. Page 2
   • This material was produced under grant number SH-17793-SH8 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily refl ect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
   • Images shown in this booklet may depict situations that are not in compliance with applicable OSHA requirements. These photos are clearly marked as non-compliant.
   • It is not the intent of RMMI to provide compliance-based training in this presentation, the intent is more to address Focus Four hazard awareness in the masonry construction industry, and to recognize the overlapping hazards present in many construction workplaces.
   • It is the responsibility of the employer, its subcontractors, and its employees to comply with all pertinent rules and regulations in the jurisdiction in which they work. Copies of all OSHA regulations are available from www.OSHA.gov. This booklet is intended to discuss Federal Regulations only. If this training is held in a state that is operating under an OSHA-approved State Plan, State OSHA requirements for that state must be included in the training. It is assumed that individuals using this presentation or content to augment their training programs will be “qualifi ed” to do so.
   • ©2008-2009 Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute
   • 686 Mariposa St. Denver, CO 80204 focus four booklet.indd 2
3. Page 3

   Contents

   • Section
   • 1: Electricity
   • Page
   • 2: Struck by
   • 3: Caught between
   • 4: Falls
   • Scaffolding
   • Lifts
   • Sección
   • 1:
   • Pagina
   • 2:
   • 3:
   • 4:
4. Page 4

   COMPETENT PERSON

   • A person who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
5. Page 5

   Electricity

   • Electrical Safety for Masonry
6. Page 6

   Electrical Safety for Masonry

   • Electricity is the second leading cause of death in construction. Take your safety seriously when dealing with electricity.
   • Leading Causes of Electrical Accidents:
   • Drilling and cutting through cables
   • Using defective tools, cables and equipment
   • Failure to maintain clearance distance of 10”
   • Failure to de-energize circuits and follow Lockout/Tagout procedures
   • Failure to guard live parts from accidental worker contact
   • Unqualifi ed employees working with electricity
   • Improper installation/use of temporary electrical systems and equipment
   • By-passing electrical protective devices
   • Not using Ground Fault Circuit Interrpter devices
   • Missing ground prongs on extension cords
7. Page 7

   Electrical Safety for Masonry

   • Hazards of Electricity
   • Shock – Most common and can cause electrocution or muscle contraction leading to secondary injury from falls
   • Fires – Enough heat or sparks can ignite combustible materials
   • Explosions – Electrical spark can ignite vapors in the air
   • Arc Flash - can cause burns ranging from 14,000 degrees f. to 35,000 degrees f.
   • Arc Blast - In a short circuit event sopper can expand 67,000 times. The expansion causes a pressure wave. Air also expands adding to the pressure wave.
8. Page 8

   Electrical Safety for Masonry

   • Current Flows in a Loop or Circuit
   • Circuits are AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current).
   • Current is usually AC.
   • AC current has fi ve parts:
   • Electrical source
   • HOT wire to the tool.
   • The tool itself
   • NEUTRAL wire returns electricity from the tool
   • GROUND
   • How Shocks Occur:
   • 1.Current travels in closed circuits through conductors (water, metal, the human body). 2.Shock occurs when the body becomes a part of the circuit.
   • 3.Current enters at one point & leaves at another.
9. Page 9

   Electrical Safety for Masonry

   • Shocks Occur in Three Ways
   • 1. Contact with both conductors
   • 2. Contact with one conductor and ground
   • 3. Contact with a tool: contact with “hot” metal part and ground
   • Severity of the Shock depends on:
   • Amount of current
   • Determined by voltage and resistance to fl ow
   • Path through the body
   • Duration of fl ow through the body
   • Other factors such as general health and individual differences.
10. Page 10

    Electrical Safety for Masonry

    • Employers must follow the OSHA Electrical Standards (Subpart K)
    • Subpart K includes four proactive methods:
    • Electrical Isolation
    • Equipment Grounding
    • Circuit Interruption
    • Safe Work Practices
11. Page 11

    Electrical Safety for Masonry

    • Keep electricity away by:
    • Insulating the conductors
    • Rubber and plastic is put on wires to prevent shock, fi res, short circuits and strain relief.
    • It is always necessary to check the insulation on equipment and cords before plugging them in.
    • Even the smallest defect will allow leakage.
    • Elevating the conductors
    • Wires are often elevated by the power company.
    • It is always necessary to check the location of overhead lines before you begin work each day.
    • Never allow yourself, your tools, or the materials you are working with to be within 10 feet of energized lines.
    • Enclosing the conductors
    • Covers, boxes, and enclosures are often put around conductors to prevent worker contact.
    • It is always necessary to check that electrical boxes and panels are covered and free from missing “knock-outs”.
    • Electric equipment operating at 50 volts or more must be guarded.
12. Page 12

    Electrical Safety for Masonry

    • Ground the equipment
    • Provide a separate, low resistance pathway for electicity when it does not follow normal fl ow. Grounding gives the stray current somewhere to go and keeps you from becoming part of the circuit.
    • Grounding will not work if the electricity can fl ow through you more easily than the ground. This can happen when:
    • Your tool doesn’t have a ground pin.
    • You’re working in wet locations.
    • You’re touching a metal object.
    • What must be grounded?
    • All circuits and extension cords.
    • All noncurrent carrying metal parts.
    • Portable & semi-portable tools and equipment unless double insulated, and portable generators if more than 5 kV.
13. Page 13

    Electrical Safety for Masonry

    • Do not eliminate the ground
    • Do not reverse polarity
14. Page 14

    Electrical Safety for Masonry

    • Automatically shut off the fl ow of electricity in the event of leakage, overload, or short circuit.
    • Circuit breakers & fuses protect equipment, not the worker, because they take too much current and too much time to trip.
15. Page 15

    Electrical Safety for Masonry

    • Circuit Breakers and Fuses only protect the building, equipment, and tools from heat build-up.
    • Never depend on circuit breakers or fuses to prevent shocks.
    • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
    • is the only device which will protect the worker from shock and electrocution.
16. Page 16

    Electrical Safety for Masonry

    • All temporary circuits are required to have GFCI protection or:
    • Equipment & cords must be included in an Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program
    • An extension cord is a temporary circuit. There are three types:
    • receptacle,
    • circuit breaker
    • portable
    • Extension cords must be wired correctly and tested.
    • The GFCI detects ‘leakage’ of 4-6 milliamps & opens the circuit in 1/40th of a second. It will work without the ground plug but not fast enough if you are the ground.
    • A 220V GFCI breaker must be installed to protect workers using masonry saws.
17. Page 17

    Electrical Safety for Masonry

    • An Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program requires:
    • Written program and specifi c procedures
    • Program implemented by a Competent Person
    • Equipment grounding conductors must be tested (tools, extension cords, and circuits) at least every three months for cords tools and at least every six months for receptacles.
    • The results must be recorded and the equipment coded with colored tape.
18. Page 18

    Electrical Safety for Masonry

    • Extension Cords and Cables
    • Must be in good shape without splices. Cords cannot be secured with staples, nails or bare wire. They must be protected from damage and they must have a ground pin. All extension cords and cables should be inspected regularly and pulled from service if defective.
    • Cords cannot be repaired with electrical or duct tape. They must be repaired with heatshrink sleeve or bonding/vulcanizing tape to retain original insulation properties.
    • No fl at cords allowed on construction sites
    • Acceptable Cord Types
    • All cords must meet the National Electric Code’s (NEC) requirement for Hard/Extra Hard type.
    • Look for markings stamped on cords.
    • Extra Hard Use Markings: S, ST, SO, STO Hard Usage Markings: SJ, SJO, SJT, SJTO
19. Page 19

    Electrical Safety for Masonry

    • Temporary Wiring
    • There must be separate circuits for electric tools and lighting, each labeled as such.
    • Light circuits do not require a GFCI unless used in a wet location.
    • Test branch circuits before use.
    • Maintain vertical clearances.
    • Insulate wires from their supports.
    • Temporary lighting
    • All bulbs must be guarded
    • No broken bulbs or empty sockets Not suspended by wiring
    • Low voltage for wet locations
    • Portable generators
    • The frame of the portable generator need not be grounded if the generator supplies only cord and plug connected equipment or the non-current carrying metal parts of equipment and the equipment grounding conductor terminals of the receptacles are bonded to the generator frame. Refer to the generator’s owners manual to determine specifi c grounding requirements. GFCI is required if >5kV
20. Page 20

    Electrical Safety for Masonry

    • Safe Work Practices
    • Before work begins, the employer must determine where exposed and concealed electrical circuits are located. Once found, warning signs/labels must be posted. Workers need to know the location, hazards, and protective measures.
    • A Competent Person must determine if performance of work could bring contact with energy. Distance of the worker to the energy source should be considered fi rst.
    • Tools, materials, and processes should also be considered to see if they could potentially shorten the safe separation distance.
    • No work near electric circuits unless the worker is protected by de-energizing the circuit and grounding it, guarding it effectively by insulation or other means maintaining safe separation. De-energized circuits and equipment must be locked/tagged out.
    • No metal ladders for or near electrical work.
    • No wet hands when plugging or unplugging cords/equipment.
    • No raising or lowering tools by the cord.
    • No using equipment in damp and wet locations, unless it is designed for that purpose.
21. Page 21

    Struck-by Prevention for Masonry

22. Page 22

    Struck-by Prevention for Masonry

    • Hardhats, as well as other personal protective equipment (PPE), must be provided by the employer: hardhats, safety glasses, hearing protection, respiratory protection.
    • Employees must be trained on the use of PPE and be required to use it
23. Page 23

    Struck-by Prevention for Masonry

    • Primary causes of struck-by fatalities
    • Falling Objects
    • Rigging Failure
    • Loose or Shifting Materials
    • Equipment Tipover or Malfunction
    • Lack of Overhead Protection
    • Vehicle and Equipment Strikes
    • Backing Incidents
    • Workers on Foot
24. Page 24

    Struck-by Prevention for Masonry

    • Rigging Failure
    • Inspect all rigging
    • Slings must be inspected before each use
    • Slings should have tags with capacities, inspection requirements, service dates, etc.
    • The information on all tags must be readable!
    • DO NOT use makeshift devices for lifting any material
    • Slings and other lifting devices must be properly stored.
    • Hang them up in a dry place.
    • Never allow them to lay on the ground or fl oor where damage can occur.
25. Page 25

    Struck-by Prevention for Masonry

    • Loose or Shifting Materials
    • All material should be properly stacked to ensure stability
26. Page 26

    Struck-by Prevention for Masonry

    • Overhead Protection
    • Protection from overhead hazards must be provided and required at all times
    • A limited access zone should be erected below all lifting operations
    • No one should be allowed in this area while lifts are being made
    • A canopy structure can be built to protect workers and pedestrians below and behind the scaffold.
    • Debris nets may also be used to catch material before it falls to the ground below.
27. Page 27

    Struck-by Prevention for Masonry

    • Lack of Overhead Protection
    • No worker may ever work under a suspended load. This includes loads handled by forklifts.
    • Always pay attention to warning signs.
    • Always secure cylinders to prevent them from falling over.
28. Page 28

    Struck-by Prevention for Masonry

    • Backing Incidents
    • Forklift loads limit the operator’s forward view. Operators cannot be out of the seat with a raised load. The equipment confi guration can make it diffi cult to see behind the forklift as well.
29. Page 29

    Struck-by Prevention for Masonry

    • Workers on foot
    • Always use a fl agger when the operator does not have a clear view of their path of travel. Most local and state laws require a fl agger when construction equipment uses public streets or highways. Most states require fl aggers to complete a class that teaches basic procedures and safety rules. Check the traffi c control and fl agger certifi cation requirements for your area.
30. Page 30

    Struck-by Prevention for Masonry

    • OSHA requires all workers to wear refl ectorized vests when working near vehicular traffi c.
    • There are different types of vests for specifi c working conditions . Your supervisor or competent person will ensure you are using the correct type for the work you are doing.
31. Page 31

    Caught Between Hazards in Masonry

32. Page 32

    Caught Between Hazards in Masonry

    • Rotating/Unguarded Equipment
    • Mixers represent a hazard due to their rotating parts. NEVER put any part of your body inside a running mixer. Mixers weigh between 300-600 lbs. Never operate a mixer unless the motor cover in closed.
    • Place all masonry saws on a stable, level surface.When operating a masonry saw use the correct PPE and never put your hands where they can contact the rotating blade.
    • Hand-held equipment, such as a demo saw, can kick back. Always hold fi rmly with both hands and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.Never disable any guard or protective device on your equipment.
33. Page 33

    Caught Between Hazards in Masonry

    • Equipment Operation/Maintenance
    • Only trained and certifi ed employees are allowed to operate forklifts. Always wear your seatbelt when operating equipment. You must stay in the vehicle to survive if it rolls over.
    • Never be in a position where an equipment operator cannot see you
    • Never be in a position where equipment can crush or kill you! Follow the manufacturer’s guidance when performing maintenance
    • Ensure the backup alarm is working on all equipment.
    • When unloading trailers always watch for shifting material as well as overhead loads.
    • When moving scaffolding with a forklift, use a spotter since the operator’s view is
34. Page 34

    Caught Between Hazards in Masonry

    • Loading/Unlaoding Equipment
    • Make sure the trailer is secure and on a level surface. Inspect the deck for debris, blocking or chains. Have a spotter help properly align the equipment up/down the ramps.
    • Be sure equipment is properly secured
    • Working in darkness creates other hazards such as reduced visibility. Keep the area well lit and make sure the operator can see everyone
35. Page 35

    Caught Between Hazards in Masonry

    • Excavations
    • All excavations must be inspected by a competent person each day prior to the start of work and as needed throughout the day.
    • When masonry work is done below grade, you must comply with OSHA requirements for working in excavations. The excavation must be properly sloped or benched to provide the required employee protection.
36. Page 37

    Fall Prevention for Masonry

    • General Fall Protection
37. Page 38

    General Fall Protection

    • General fall protection is required when working above 6 feet in construction. When working on a silo, ensure guardrail chains are closed
    • When masonry work must be done on a roof or other elevated surface, a guardrail system must be installed or a Personal Fall Arrest system must be used above 6 feet.
38. Page 39

    General Fall Protection

    • On a construction site, fl oor holes greater than 2 inches in any dimension must be covered or guarded. If covered, the cover must be marked and secured as such.
    • There must be a stairway or ladder at points of access where there is an elevation break of 19 inches or more. At least one point of access must be kept clear
39. Page 40

    General Fall Protection

    • Stairways with four or more risers or more than 30 inches high must have a stair rail along each unprotected side or edge and have at least one handrail
    • Stair rails must be able to withstand a force of 200 pounds outward and downward along its entire length
    • Only use pan stairs if fi lled with fi ller material at least to the top edge of each pan, has stair rails/ handrails installed and the unprotected sides of landings have a standard 42 inch guardrail system.
40. Page 41

    Fall Prevention for Masonry

    • Scaffolding
    • 29 CFR 1926 Subparts L & M
41. Page 42

    Scaffolding Fall Prevention

    • Each employer must have a competent person determine the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds at each jobsite.
    • A Competent Person one who is capable
    • of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. This individual determines if it’s safe to work on a scaffold during storms or high winds. He or she trains workers to recognize hazards and selects qualifi ed workers to conduct work. Competent person inspects scaffolds for visible defects before each shift and after any alterations or unusual occurrences.
    • For each jobsite, the employer must train all employees involved in erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, maintaining, or inspecting a scaffold. The training must be done by a competent person to recognize any hazards associated with the work in question.
42. Page 43

    Scaffolding Fall Prevention

    • Inspect all scaffold components prior to erecting scaffold. Look for bent frames and cross braces, broken pins, damaged planks, etc. Component pieces used must match and be of the same type.
    • Place supported scaffold poles, legs, posts, frames, and uprights on base plates and mud sills or other adequate foundations. Erect the scaffolding on stable and level ground. Lock wheels and braces. Where uplift can occur, pin scaffold frames together.
    • Use scaffold grade wood for platforms. The wood may not be painted.
    • Install ladders as soon as scaffold erection has progressed to a point that permits safe installation and use.
    • Install guard-rail systems before the scaffold is released for use by employees other than the erection crews.
    • Wear a harness/lanyard while erecting or dismantling scaffolding.
43. Page 44

    Scaffolding Fall Prevention

    • Platforms
    • The height of the scaffold should not be more than four times its minimum base dimension unless guys, ties, or braces are used.
    • Install platforms so that the space between adjacent units and the space between the platform and the uprights is no more than 1 inch wide, except where the employer can demonstrate that a wider space is necessary.
44. Page 45

    Scaffolding Fall Prevention

    • Platforms
    • Extend each end of a planked deck over the centerline of its support at least 6 inches but not more than 12 inches, unless it is cleated or otherwise secured by hooks.
    • Overlap planks over supports. The overlap must be 12 inches or more unless the platforms are nailed together or otherwise restrained to prevent movement.
    • Use ladders, stair towers, ramps or similar structures when scaffold platforms are more than 2 feet above or below a point of access. Walkways, integral prefabricated scaffold access, or direct access from another scaffold, structure, personnel hoist, or similar surface is also acceptable.
    • Place the front edge of platforms 14 inches or less from the face of the work, unless guard-rail systems are erected along the front edge and/or personal fall arrest systems are used.
45. Page 46

    Scaffolding Fall Prevention

    • Ladders
    • Hook-on and attachable ladders shall have a minimum rung length of 11 1/2 inches and have uniformly spaced rungs with a maximum spacing between rungs of 16 3/4 inches.
    • Check that all rungs are intact and free from grease or oil
    • Inspect ladder for visible defects, dents or bent areas.
    • Verify that all braces are secure
    • Use the 4 to 1 rule: Set the ladder 1 foot out for every 4 feet up to the point of support.
    • Extend all ladders 36 inches above the landing and tie or otherwise secure the base of the ladder and anchor the top
46. Page 47

    Scaffolding Fall Prevention

    • Ladders
    • Choose the correct type of portable ladder:
    • Type IAA Special Duty up to 375 lbs.
    • Type IA Heavy Duty up to 300 lbs.
    • Type I ladders up to 250 lbs.
    • Type II ladders up to 225lbs.*
    • Type III ladders (light duty) up to 200lbs*
    • Do Not use Cross braces on tubular welded frame scaffolds as a means of access or egress, even by erectors building or dismantling the scaffold.
    • Type II and III ladders are not acceptible for construction use
47. Page 48

    Scaffolding Fall Prevention

    • Stair towers must have stairrails/handrails as well as guardrails on the open sides of all landings.
48. Page 49

    Scaffolding Fall Prevention

    • Integral prefabricated scaffold access frames must be specifi cally designed and constructed for use as ladder rungs and have a rung length of at least 8 inches.
49. Page 50

    Scaffolding Fall Prevention

    • Guardrails
    • Install Guardrails (38” - 45” above the deck) on the open sides and ends of each working level when it is 10 feet or more above a lower surface Each top rail must withstand, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds applied in any downward or horizontal direction at any point along its’ top edge
    • Install Mid rails, screens, etc. of a guardrail system midway between the toprail and the deck. They should withstand, without failure, at least 150 pounds.
    • Cross bracing is acceptable in place of a midrail when the crossing point of the two braces is 20” - 30” above the work platform or as a top rail when the crossing point of the two braces is 38” - 48” above the work platform
50. Page 51

    Scaffolding Fall Prevention

    • Guardrails
    • Be sure Guardrails do not injure an employee from puntures or lacerations, and that they have a smooth surface to prevent snagging of clothing
    • Provide Fall protection at the exposed ends of the walk planks as well as openings in front of the workers
    • Do Not use Makeshift devices, such as, but not limited to, ladders, boxes and barrels, on top of scaffold platforms to increase the working level height of employees
    • Do Not use shore, lean-to or makeshift scaffolds
51. Page 52

    Scaffolding Fall Prevention

    • Employees may not work on scaffolds with snow, ice, or other slippery material except as necessary for removal of such materials. Do not work on scaffolds during storms or high winds.
52. Page 53

    Fall Prevention for Masonry

    • Lifts
53. Page 54

    Lifts Fall Prevention

    • Using a forklift as an aerial lift can only be done when two requirements are met:
    • The forklift manufacturer approves the use of their equipment for such purposes
    • An engineered/approved platform meeting the OSHA requirements for fall protection is used
54. Page 55

    Lifts Fall Prevention

    • The following requirements must be met as well:
    • 1. The work platform must be equipped with standard guardrails and must be fi rmly secured to the lifting carriage or forks.
    • 2. The hydraulic system must be designed such that the lift mechanism will not drop faster than 135 feet per minute in the event of a failure in any part of the system.
    • 3. The operator must be in the driving seat while workers are on the platform.
    • 4. The operator must be in the driving seat while raising or lowering the platform.
    • 5. The area between the personnel on the platform and the mast must be guarded to prevent contact with chains or other pinch points.
55. Page 56

    Lifts Fall Prevention

    • When working in a straight up and down scissors type lift, a harness/ lanyard is not required unless your work requires you to reach outside of the guardrail system
56. Page 57

    Lifts Fall Prevention

    • When using extensible and articulating boom platforms a harness shall be worn and a lanyard attached to the boom or basket when working from the lift. Employees shall always stand fi rmly on the fl oor of the basket, and shall not sit or climb on the edge of the basket or use planks, ladders, or other devices for a work position