SAFETY Archives - Page 9 of 9

Any airborne contaminants are a cause for concern, but one of the main offenders in the dust world is wood dust.

Workplace dust is unavoidable on-site. Whether your cutting, sawing, sanding, or drilling, many day-to-day tasks produce both fine and large dust particles which, when inhaled, can be harmful to your body.

What’s the damage?

Our bodies are able to filter out any large particles that may enter our respiratory system, however the smaller particles can go deep into our lungs which overtime can lead to damage and scarring of lung tissue.

This damage reduces the lungs ability to take in oxygen, which means over a period of time, it’s going to make it harder to breathe and can cause problems such as asthma and lung cancer. It’s not just the wood that’s the issue either… glue, resin and other treatments on the wood are also harmful and increase the risk even more.

As well as our breathing, dust can also cause issues with our eyes, causing irritation and damage, and our skin, which can lead to irritation and dermatitis.

That’s why it’s important that you cover your bases, which we’ve outlined below.

Controlling wood dust in the workplace

If you can, buy pre-cut or processed wood materials
Use a Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system to capture dust at the source. You can use these when cutting, shaping and sanding wood either by hand or machine
Use on-tool extraction on saws and grinders
Dampen down your working area with water to stop dust from becoming airborne.
Use a HEPA filtered vacuum to pick up dust, do not dry sweep
Limit the time each person spends doing dusty work
Ensure workers wear respiratory protection equipment (RPE) and other personal protection equipment (PPE) suitable for the task.
Advise workers to remove work clothing such as overalls at the end of the task or shift
Provide washing facilities at work so dust is not taken home.
Advise workers to wash their face and hands immediately after finishing the task and before eating, drinking or smoking.

Education is key when it comes to making sure your workers understand the risks of wood dust. To ensure you and your team are up to speed, we recommend regular training, which can be done at your weekly toolbox talks.

Outline the health risks from exposure to wood dust
Discuss safe work methods for when wood dust is created
How to use and maintain LEV systems
The correct use and care of PPE, including protective clothing and RPE

Mobile & tower scaffolding units are a common sight on most construction sites. Commonly used by tradies from all walks of life, they do help us with those hard to reach areas.

But with that, like anything on-site, they do come with a certain level of risk. Whether this be falling over, equipment, tools or people falling off, or even rolling away because the breaks aren’t on, these are all real threats.

The risk of tipping over

Being a mobile unit means tipping over or swaying is a huge risk. The issues and potential consequences that present itself if a unit falls over can be devastating, for your team, your business and clients.

Falling over is a risk that presents itself in several circumstances, including:

While moving the unit from location to location – two issues can arise here – firstly, stopping the scaffolding suddenly, secondly, bumping into something or being hit while moving
When the unit is top-heavy – this ideally shouldn’t happen but this occurs when the top platform is greater than the dimension of the lowest platform
When people stand too close or lean, or objects hang too far over the edge – this can cause the whole unit to become off balance
When the load on the scaffold exceeds the maximum limit. Scaffolds load limits are based on distributed capacity, so when there is too much weight at one point you run the risk of toppling the unit
The scaffold is too narrow and light to withstand the work or conditions
Adverse weather conditions or events – excessive winds, storms or earthquake are scaffoldings worst enemy, and mobile units are no different

How can you improve stability?

While the risk of falling is a major risk, you can reduce the risk by:

Closing the gap – place the scaffold as close as possible to the surface being worked on
Use the breaks – if your scaffold is on castors, make sure you clip the breaks on
Increase the base stability – below we outline four options to increase the stability of your scaffolding units.
- Follow height to width ratio guidelines
  - For units over 2m ensure the top working height is no more than three times that of the base
  - For units under 2m ensure the top working height is no more than two times that of the base
- Increase the base platforms dimensions
- Increase or place weight on the base platform
- Use outrigger bracing to provide support
Know the Safe Working Load (SWL) and stick to it – before using the scaffolding, make sure you know what the SWL is and don’t exceed it
If the days forecast calls for windy or extreme weather conditions, don’t use the scaffold if you can avoid it

Like anything that requires working at heights, mobile and towered scaffolding units come with their own unique risks. To avoid these risks becoming an issue on-site make sure you put all precautions in place. Talk to the manufacturer, have it erected by a qualified and trusted supplier, and work on and around the unit safely. This way, the site is safer for all.

If you have any questions reach out to the HazardCo team today.

Heights are not for everyone. Some people love being high above the ground, others it’s their worst fear. For some, heights are part of the job. Working on a roof or on a multi-story building is just another day at the office. But with greater heights, comes greater risk of injury or things falling. Due to these increased risks, it is critical all your corners are covered – literally – because without edge protection, you’re putting everyone in danger.

Here’s what you need to know:

What is edge protection

Edge protection is a protective measure that helps prevent people, tools, and materials from falling. This includes:

Around the perimeters of an elevated work area
Around openings
To stop access onto brittle material which cannot safely support a person

When you need edge protection

Whenever your site involves working above the ground or on elevated surfaces.

Edge protection is required on all exposed edges of a roof, including the perimeter of buildings, skylights or other fragile roof materials, and any openings in the roof – this also includes openings and edges of floor areas, such as balconies.

What it involves

Edge protection comes in a series of forms including:

A proprietary (engineered) system:
- This needs to be installed by a competent person with suitable training in safe work methods
- It must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications
- If the roof pitch is less than 25 degrees: must be rated
- If the roof pitch is greater than 25 degree: must be rated and a barrier between the bottom and mid-rail to prevent anything from falling
Materials to form a guardrail and/or physical barriers
- Must be installed by a competent person
Erected scaffolding that supports a temporary edge-protection system
- Installed by a certified scaffolder or competent person depending on the height of the scaffold.

Planning for it

Like anything, failing to plan is planning to fail. And, edge protection is no different.

If you know your site will require edge protection at some stage in the project, make sure to build it into your initial planning and considerations. Don’t wait until a few weeks before you need it, to start designing a plan.

Consider what the potential risks are, how they will impact your team, people on-site and the general public, and how it will be installed and taken down.

With proper and thorough planning you decrease the risk of anyone getting hurt or damaging property as a result of working at heights.

Installing edge protection

Get your edge protection sorted as early as possible on a job. Make sure you have a clear timeline in place for when you’ll require edge protection on-site.

And, keep everyone on-site in the loop. Let your team and other contractors know when edge protection is being installed, how long it’ll be on-site for and then when it is scheduled to come down.

Checking its integrity

There’s no use having edge protection if it isn’t doing the job. So, ensure edge protection is:

Erected, used and maintained in accordance with its design information
Regularly inspected by a competent person
Inspected after a storm or other weather events, or natural disasters, such as an earthquake
Free of any defects before use

Keeping your team safe should be a top priority on any construction site – and edge protection is a huge part of that. If you’re still unsure how best to move forward and protect your team, you can get in touch with the HazardCo team today.

On pretty much every kiwi building site, you’ll see scaffolding. But, how many of us really know the correct rules and regulations around fixed scaffolding?

Below we outline the key aspects and what you should look for when using scaffolding on your current, or next, site.

What is fixed scaffolding?

Scaffolding – by definition – is a temporary platform that is used to elevate, offer support, and provide materials during a construction process for building, repairing or cleaning of a structure.

Why does the construction industry use scaffolding?

Let’s break it down:

Safety: Scaffolding is there as a secure structure for those working at height providing a flat and balanced working platform that allows multiple workers to work at the same time.
Access: With scaffolding wrapping areas of a building, it allows people to access parts of a building that may have been unattainable beforehand, such as wall or section of the roof.
Positioning: With scaffolding, workers are smack bang in front of the area they are working on. No need for getting into awkward and unsafe positions.

The need-to-knows

Scaffolding can be a tricky subject, and because of this, there are many areas that we get asked to advise on. Below we outline some of the most important aspects of working with or around scaffolding.

Tagging and retagging

All scaffolds must be checked by a competent person before handover. This involves tagging the scaffolding. All scaffolds, regardless of height, must have a tag clearly displaying important safety information at access points. Included on the tag:

The status of the scaffold (i.e. scaffold unsafe or scaffold safe)
The name and contact phone number of the certified scaffolder (or erector if under 5 m)
The purpose (intended use) of the scaffold
The duty (or weight) loadings of the scaffold
The maximum number of platforms or bays that may be loaded
Any limitations on the use of the scaffold
A record of each inspection (these should be done weekly or after a significant storm or earthquake or alteration), including who inspected or altered the scaffold and when it was done.

Requirements on putting fixed scaffolding up

Depending on the height of the scaffolding there are varying regulations and qualifications that determine who can construct scaffolding.

For scaffolding up to 5 metres a competent person – someone who has the knowledge and skills to carry out a particular task must erect the scaffolding. Skills and knowledge may be acquired through training, qualification, or experience.

For greater than 5 metres the person who erects the scaffold must hold the appropriate class of certificate of competence (COC) for that type of scaffolding.

Access to Scaffolding

Access to working platforms must be adequate and safe for the working conditions and type of work to be carried out. Plan for the number of people using a scaffold and the weight and size of materials on the platform.

Other points to consider:

Where possible, install stair access rather than ladder access.
Access openings and stairways must not have sharp edges.
Openings in scaffolding at access points to stairways and ladders must be protected by gates or be sufficiently distant from the platform.
Gates must open inwards onto the platform and be self-closing.
Where a personal hoist is used, an alternative, non-mechanical means of egress such as stairs or a ladder should also be provided.
Platforms must allow 450mm of clear access past ladder openings.

Distance between the workface and structure

Once you’re up and working on the scaffolding be aware of the following rules around the distance between you and the surface you’re working on:

Scaffolding must be as close to the surface as feasibly possible
If the distance is more than 300 mm, you are required to have internal guard rails on the workface side

Planks

Non-proprietary platforms must have a minimum bay width of 675mm wide. All platforms must allow 450mm of clear access past stacked material and obstructions.

Guardrails

Guardrails must be between 900 and 1100mm high with a mid-rail located halfway between the work platform and the top rail. Toeboards are also to be fitted to prevent materials falling from the platform.

Following the correct guidelines and having adequate health and safety measures in place is critical when you’re working with scaffolding. Whether you’re organising scaffolding for a site, constructing the scaffolding or working on it, the key is to take your time and be careful.

If you have any further questions regarding scaffolding, we’re always here to lend a hand. Get in touch.

There were 36 vehicle fatalities across New Zealand last year. Needless to say, anything with wheels and an engine should be at the forefront of your mind on site.

From delivery trucks to excavators, if it moves, and it’s got some weight and power behind them, it’s going to cause some damage.

The key vehicle issues

Keeping pedestrians and vehicles apart
- Separate the two wherever you can with careful planning at the design stage.
Minimizing vehicle movements
- Provide car and van parking away from the work area. Also control entry and plan storage areas so that vehicles don’t need to cross the site.
Turning and reversing vehicles
- A spotter wearing high-vis clothing should guide the driver who can’t see clearly behind their vehicle. Mirrors, reversing, warning alarms, sensors and cameras can also make all the difference.
People on site
- When untrained workers drive vehicles without authority, you’re in trouble. Always manage the training and activities of drivers, including those visiting.
Visibility
- The more the better. From on-site lighting to aids for drivers (mirrors, CCTV cameras and reversing alarms) to high-vis clothing for those on the ground.

Accidents are preventable when risk is managed. How do you manage risk? You get a plan – a good one.

Traffic management plans

A traffic management plan documents and helps explain how risks will be managed. This might include details of:

Designated travel paths for vehicles including entry and exit points
Pedestrian and traffic routes
Designated delivery and loading/unloading areas
Travel paths on routes remote from the workplace, including places to turn around, dump material, access ramps and side roads
The responsibilities of people expected to interact with traffic onsite

Every site is different, but your plan should be monitored and reviewed regularly. It should also be adapted when there are changes to your work situation.

#SortYourSafety today, save lives tomorrow. It really is as simple as that.

If you have any questions get in touch with the HazardCo team today

Explosive. Flammable. Oxidising. Toxic. Corrosive.

When you put it like that, hazardous substances sort of sound worthy of a certificate, don’t they?

So it’s hardly a surprise that from 1 December 2019, if you store class 6 and 8 substances over certain thresholds you are now required to have a Location Compliance Certificate.

A-who-where-what-now?

A certificate to keep hazardous substances in check. Protecting everyone on site from harm caused by toxic and corrosive materials. A location compliance certificate is issued for 1 year and is required in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017.

And how do I know if I need one?

If you are working with any big, bad substances on site, it’s vital you check whether you do.

To see whether a hazardous substance location exists for the substances at your site you can use this handy hazardous substances calculator. This will give you a pretty good idea of what’s what.