Friday, March 05, 2010 @ 10:02:00 AM - Written by Paula McClean | 0 comments
Need a handicap ramp built?
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Thursday, March 04, 2010 @ 9:47:00 AM - Written by Paula McClean | 0 comments
We've been named cause of the week at About.com
Friday, February 26, 2010 @ 9:53:00 AM - Written by Paula McClean | 0 comments
Help turn struggle from a verb to a noun and you will help someone change their life.
Friday, January 22, 2010 @ 11:24:00 AM - Written by Paula McClean | 1 comments
How does the decision to build in Prineville make a difference?
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Our Safety Policy
Bend Area Habitat for Humanity's Construction Policy: Safety is everybody's concern and is always an important consideration at any construction site. Building construction can be one of the most dangerous occupations. Because a large proportion of Habitat homes are built by volunteers with minimal experience, safety becomes a high priority. This also means being conscious of your safety as well as others. An observer can often see danger better than a worker involved in the project. Be cautious at all times, and DO NOT be afraid to ask questions. If you are not certain of how to do a specific task, ask before you start it up. Safety is based on knowledge, skill and an attitude of care and concern for everybody involved. Supervisors should instruct each worker about the correct and proper procedures for the performance of each task. It is important that everybody who volunteers at Bend Area Habitat knows and understands safe work practices.
Guidelines for a safe attitude:
Think before you do any task.
If you are uncertain about how to do a task or operate a power tool, ASK A SUPERVISOR.
Concentrate on your task and eliminate distractions
Know where the first aid kit is located, and how to get emergency help
Inspect all power tools, hand tools, ladders and scaffolding on a regular basis
Advise your supervisor IMMEDIATELY about any unsafe or hazardous tools or work conditions.
Proper Safety Equipment
Proper clothing is as essential as the use of power tools
Wear clothes/gloves that are appropriate for the task/weather conditions
Loose clothing is dangerous around power tools
Workers shall wear work boots or thick soled shoes at all times on the construction site
Hard hats are to be worn during demolition work, training phase of construction
Protective glasses will be available for each construction worker and must be worn at all times while operating power tools
Workers must wear a dust mask when installing insulation or sanding
Ear plugs must be worn when using a power tool for a prolonged period of time
Construction supervisors may request a worker to use any of the above devices when on site.
Power Tools & Other electrical equipment
A power tool should not be used without proper instruction
Instruction should come from a qualified person, and should be given to all workers.
Trainee should demonstrate their new skill with the instructor before using it on site
Do not lower or carry a power tool by its cord
Clean tools daily, check power tools for defective switches, cords, plugs and grounding. Report any defective tool immediately to the supervisor To avoid electrical shock the following rules must be adhered to
- A 3 pronged plug must be used on all electric power tools
- Extension cords must NOT have any frayed parts, repaired with staples, hung from nails or suspended from wires.
- All temporary lights must be equipped with non-conductive guards
Hand tools
Always select the correct type and size of tool for the assigned task.
Do not use a tool if the handle is loose or in poor condition
Dull tools are hazardous to use
Oil and dirt on a tool can cause it to be slippery
Avoid using your hand or fingers as a guide to start a cut, if necessary at all times use extreme caution
Handle and carry tools with care
Keep pointed and edged tools turned downward
Carry only a few tools at one time unless safely mounted differently
If you are using a hammer loop or tool belt is necessary
Do not carry sharp tools in your pockets
Tools should be kept in a safe place such as a tool-box, chest or cabinet
Saw safety
- Don't bind the blade of any saw
- Maintain the blade guard
- Support what you are working on properly
Ladders
ALWAYS inspect a ladder before you use it
Check for wear and tear, loose rungs and other defects
Use a ladder that reaches the area you are working on
An extension ladder should reach 3 feet above the work level
When using an extension ladder always use the 4 to-1 rule
For every 4 feet of height, move the bottom of the ladder 1 foot out from the wall
Always place your ladder on solid footing
Always face the ladder
Never use an aluminum ladder in the vicinity of electrical lines or on inclement windy weather days
Transport tools and materials in proper carrying devices, keep your hands free for climbing. Scaffolding
All scaffolding that is elevated to 10 feet or more must be equipped with a safety railing. All scaffolds must be equipped with a toe-board to eliminate tools and debris from falling onto people below
A scaffold must be designed and able to support four times the weight of the workers, materials and equipment resting on it
It is important to inspect all scaffolding each day before use
A large portion of scaffolding accidents are caused by defective planking
It is important to use ONLY properly graded and inspected lumber for scaffold planking
Daily inspections of planking for splits and knots and remove defective planking
Clean Work site
A clean work place/site is a safe work site.
Position building materials and supplies in neat piles to allow adequate space / paths for moving about
Clean up all rubbish and scrap daily
Keep tools in chests, panels or boxes when not in use
Always leave tools/site secured from vandalism when not working
Poisons and toxic substances
Most commonly found poisons/toxins found on a construction site: asbestos, lead oxides, animal feces (such as rodent droppings)
Special care must be used with handling/ or coming in contact with any of the above or other unfamiliar substances
If you discover asbestos fiber being used as pipe, boiler or heating duct insulation CONTACT your supervisor immediately!
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO HANDLE/REMOVE ASBSESTOS FIBER ON YOUR OWN.
Other exposure to lead chips, dust, particles and other toxic materials can come from scraping exterior woodwork, demolition of lead-paint walls and stripping old mill work
Masks are the BEST protection to avoid breathing toxic fumes or air-borne germs which include rodent droppings
Emergency medical care
If somebody is injured on the job, contact your supervisor immediately and summon any needed medical help. If necessary use the first aid supplies in the site first aid kit, to assist in stabilizing the injury until medical assistance arrives.
Your supervisor is trained in first and will be able to assist an injured worker
Insurance forms should be available in the first-aid kit.
ALWAYS FILL OUT AN ACCIDENT REPORT
Steps to implement safety: Establish a board policy on safety Have a written safety policy Emphasize the following�. As we are so appreciative of your volunteer efforts we want you to have a great experience today, which includes ANY type of work-site accident. 1. Simple guidelines to follow on the construction site include: 2. Be aware of situations which can lead to risky or dangerous situations, your attitude is important 3. Help maintain a clean work area...clutter leads to accidents 4. Be sure you are ALWAYS wearing the proper protective equipment, including glasses, hard hats, shoes, dust masks and ear plugs 5. Do NOT take chances 6. Report all unsafe conditions to your supervisor 7. If there is an injury know who to contact and be familiar with the first-aid kit and its location 8. Be careful about the use and handling of power tools and saws 9. Ladder safety is a MUST as is scaffolding 10. It is the goal of Bend Area Habitat to ensure your experience and make it a positive one out on the construction site which means have a safe work environment! This safety policy must be posted on the construction site visible to all volunteers and paid staff. Bend Area Habitat for Humanity, with God's guidance, works in partnership with deserving families and the community, to build affordable quality homes.
If you have specific questions about safety on the construction site, call our Construction Director, Glen McClean at 541.815.7999 or email gmcclean@bendhabitat.org
