SMD

Structural Floor and Roof Solutions

SITE TOOLBOX
TALKS
BY STEVE ORR | 2023.03.30
Toolbox Talks | Introduction and Content

Toolbox talks help construction workers to understand the risks of specific health and
safety issues and to think about ways to deal with them when on site.

SMD Foreman are required to present one Toolbox talk each week. The talk should be
presented to other SMD staff who they are working with on any particular contract. The talk
should focus on a single topic that may be suggested by the Training Manager, or choose a
topic based on any issue that might have been flagged in the previous week, but certainly
a topic that is relevant to the site you’re working on. All topics should be given on a rotation
basis.

Use this booklet to undertake each talk and use the Site Toolbox Talk Record Sheet to record which topic has
been delivered along with the attendees that the talk has been presented to.

Toolbox Talk 01 – Good Housekeeping

Toolbox Talk 02 – Prevention of Hand Injuries
Toolbox Talk 03 – General Health & Safety Duties
Toolbox Talk 04 – Eye Protection
Toolbox Talk 05 – Noise
Toolbox Talk 06 – Alcohol & Substance Abuse
Toolbox Talk 07 – Fire Prevention & Protection
Toolbox Talk 08 – Fire Extinguishers
Toolbox Talk 09 – Direct Fastening Tools
Toolbox Talk 10 – Portable Electrical Tools
Toolbox Talk 11 – Protecting Others When Cutting & Welding
Toolbox Talk 12 – Abrasive Wheels
Toolbox Talk 13 – Manual Handling
Toolbox Talk 14 – COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
Toolbox Talk 15 – Ladders
Toolbox Talk 16 – MEWP, Mobile Elevating Working Platforms
Toolbox Talk 17 – Working at Height
Toolbox Talk 18 – Exclusion Zones
Toolbox Talk 19 – Safety Nets

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SMD-STA-2103 V6 2 of 21
Toolbox Talk 01 | Good Housekeeping

Good Housekeeping

Secure Loose Materials

• Any loose materials MUST be secured overnight and at weekends.
• Keep an eye on the weather and secure loose materials before high winds commence.
• In windy conditions, reduce the amount of packs split and spread out.
• Consider using a debris net to cover large amounts of scrap.

Storing stock Items

• Stock items like TEK screws, cutting wheels and Hilti Fixings must be stored responsibly. DO NOT leave on the
deck as they are likely to go missing.
• Ensure you collect all netting ancillaries when moving from one area to the next.
• Don’t Leave netting ropes or net claws lying around. These need to be returned with the safety nets.
• All the above cost US money.

Cable Runs
• Prevent all cables becoming a trip hazard.
• Look out for walkways and access points.
• Lift stud welding cables out of water.
• Position welding cables to avoid potential damage to other trades materials (i.e. cladding).

Tidy up as you go
• Tidy all your scrap as you go.
• Do not expect others to tidy up after you.
• Use offcuts for patches as you go.

Slips, Trips & Falling Objects

• Untidy work areas create slip and trip hazards.
• There is potential for offcuts to fall on others when working at height.
• Make sure all cutting operations take place away from the edge.

Putting waste in Skips

• When putting waste in the skips, make sure it goes in the correct one.
• Segregate metal, wood, general waste and hazardous materials.
• Return unfired cartridges, empty foam cans and used gas canisters to the yard for responsible disposal.

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Toolbox Talk 02 | Prevention of Hand Injuries

Prevention of Hand Injuries

Causes of injuries
• Lacerations & Cuts from steel decking, edge trim, end Caps & restraint straps.
• Trapped & crushed hands from moving decking sheets, landing deck or trim bundles. Entrapment in MEWPS.
• Muscle strains from lifting too much, incorrectly or using hand held tools for long periods.

Preventing Injury
• Wear the correct gloves for the task in hand
• Make sure you keep your hands clear of any pinch points
• Keep hands in the MEWP basket when manoeuvring
• Only lift what you feel comfortable lifting. Remember your manual handling training
• Consider swapping tasks if using hand held tools for long periods.

Glove cut levels

• Glove cut levels in line with EN 388:2016+AI2018
• Level A - Light material handling / Small parts assembly / Light duty general use. 4X44 F
ISO Cut Resistance (A-F)
• Level B - Packing / White goods manufacturing / Warehouse and Logistics. Puncture Resistance (0-4)
Tear Resistance (0-4)
• Level C - Metal Handling / Light Assembly / Maintenance Works Blade Resistance (0-5)
Abrasion Resistance (0-4)

• Level D - Electrical installation / Automotive assembly / Engineering / Utilities.

• Level E - Metal stamping and fabrication / Glass manufacturing / Automotive assembly / Waste Management.
• Level F - Heavy metal handling and stamping / Pulp and Pepper / Waste Management / recycling.

Glove condition
• Ensure gloves are fit for purpose.
• Damaged or worn gloves must be replaced.
• Make sure gloves fit correctly.

First Aid
• In the event of a hand injury, report to the nearest first aider.
• Keep any cuts clean.
• Run trapped fingers or hands under cold water and seek medical advice if needed.

HAVS
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome is a condition caused by using vibrating hand tools for more than the exposure
limits.
Symptoms include:-
• Tingling and Numbness in the Fingers.
• Pins and Needles.
• Not being able to feel things properly.
• Loss of strength in your hands.
• Tips of your Fingers going White then Red.

Report any symptoms of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome to your Line Manager or HR and seek medical advice –
don’t ignore early warning signs!

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Toolbox Talk 03 | General Health & Safety Duties

Health & Safety Duties

Site Inductions
• Always attend a site induction on your first day at a new site.
• Vital information will be given on evacuation procedures, safety and all site rules.
• If you don’t understand any details in the induction, ask for clarification.

Safe Working Practices

• Read, understand and sign the SMD Method statement.
• Sign up to permits required to complete a given task. Hot works, Ladders and any others needed by the princi-
pal contractor.
• Erect an exclusion zone using ratchet straps with SMD signage to warn others of your works.

Safety Signs
Look out for and adhere to all safety signs.
• Prohibition - You Must Not or Do Not
• Mandatory- You Must Do or follow instruction given in the sign
• Warning – Caution or risk of danger. Hazard ahead.
• Safe Condition – The safe way to go in an emergency

Site Rules
Follow ALL site rules including:-
• Smoking in designated areas only.
• No Alcohol.
• No Drugs.

Responsibilities
• You are responsible for your own Health & Safety, and of others who are affected by what you do or don’t do.
• Make sure you are following the risk assessment & method statement at all times.
• Report any unsafe acts you see on site. DON’T JUST WALK BY!

Other trades and public

• Ensure other trades are protected from your works.
• Ensure exclusions zones remain intact. Check these regularly.
• Report to contract teams and site management if other trades are entering the exclusion zones.
• Protect the public by ensuring nothing can fall from height, always direct sparks inside the building and use fire
blankets when stud welding at perimeters.

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Toolbox Talk 04 | Eye Protection

Eye Protection

RAMS
• The risk assessment and method statement say you must wear light eye protection at all times. Check what
you have signed up to!
• All SMD employees are obliged to wear safety glasses, even if not mandatory on site.
• Remind others if you see them without safety glasses.

Safety Goggles
• Must be able to withstand small objects travelling up to 120 meters per second (‘B’ rated).
• Must be worn when using all direct fastening tools, cutting with a petrol disc cutter and using a hammer to
remove fixings.
• Ensure safety goggles are in good condition. If not replace before starting works.
• Your eye has a similar consistency to a grape. Would a grape stop the force of a sheared nail or Abrasive
wheel?

Other people
• Make sure other operatives or trades are protected from your works.
• When fixing edge trim, both operatives must be wearing safety goggles.

Welding operations & Plasma cutting

• Ensure the goggles are appropriate to block the UV rays when stud welding.
• Use safety appropriate goggles/glasses to block UV rays when using a plasma cutter.

The Sun
• If the sun is shining use tinted safety glasses to reduce glare.
• Using tinted glasses will stop your eyes straining.
• Steel decking will become very bright in direct sunlight.

If you get something in your eye

• Do not poke your finger in it to get it out.
• Ask a colleague to have a look.
• Report any eye injuries to a trained first aider.
• If in doubt, get it checked out.

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Toolbox Talk 05 | Noise

Noise

Noisy Areas
• You are in a noisy area if you have to shout to be heard.
• Look out for mandatory ear protection signs.
• Ask yourself, do the tools you use require you to wear hearing protection.

Ear protection
• Ensure ear defenders fit correctly.
• If your ear defenders are damaged, replace before continuing noisy works.
• Make sure you are using the correct rated ear defenders for your works. These must reduce noise levels by 30
dB or more, but not reduce the level at ear to below 70dB.
• Cutting metal deck with a petrol cut off saw – 105dB (A).
• Shot firing with a gas actuated nail gun – 114dB (A).

Noise induced hearing loss

• Exposure to high noise levels can cause permanent hearing damage, often without the sufferer being aware
until it is too late. It may lead to tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or deafness.
• It’s estimate, that more than 2 million people in Great Britain are exposed to unacceptable levels of noise at
work.

Symptoms and signs of hearing loss:-

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
• Shouting when having a normal conversation.
• Not hearing when being spoken to.
• Having the TV or radio too loud for others.

Other people
• Ensure your colleagues are wearing ear protection when working in noisy areas.
• Do you need signs to warn others?

Plant
• Turn off plant when not in use.
• Use ear defenders when near running stud welding generators.
.
Site Rules
• Are you working in a built up area?
• Are there specific times you can make noise?
• What are the site working hours?

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Toolbox Talk 06 | Alcohol & Substance Abuse

Alcohol & Substance Abuse

Driving
• Do not drink and drive.
• Do not drive under the influence of Drugs.
• If you think your colleague shouldn’t be driving, make them stop, and take over the driving. Report the incident
to SMD Management.

Plant
• Strictly no plant or machinery should be operated whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.
• All drugs can affect your ability to work safely.
• Some effects of drugs: slow reaction times, clumsiness, poor decision making, and distorted vision. Is this a
safe working practice?

Random Testing
• SMD undertake random drug & alcohol testing
• Most sites will randomly test for drugs & alcohol on a regular basis

The next day

• You could still be under the influence of drink the next day. Make sure you leave enough time from your last
drink to when you need to either drive or start work.

Prescription Drugs
• You must notify HR if you need to take prescription drugs. We need to know what the side effects may be.
• If you are asked to take a drug & alcohol test, let the tester know of any prescription drugs you are taking.
• Remember they may ask for proof of the prescription.

Possession
• The possession, concealment, transportation, promotion or sale of prohibited substances is strictly forbidden
on all SMD sites, including sites we are working on and when travelling in SMD vehicles.

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Toolbox Talk 07 | Fire Protection & Prevention

Fire Protection & Prevention

Permits
• A hot works permit must be in place before starting any hot works.
• Ensure you have read the permit and have everything in place.
• Do you need to keep the permit with you?
• Comply with the cooling down period.
• Check all permit areas for hot spots before signing the permit off.

Prevention
• Check all hot works areas for flammables.
• Remove any flammables.
• Do not start hot works until flammables have been removed.

Protection
• Use fire blankets at building perimeters when stud welding.
• Make sure fire blankets are pulled into the floor below and tied off.
• Do Not use fire blankets in high winds.
• Do Not stud weld at building perimeters in high winds.
• Direct cutting sparks into the building, not over the edge.
• Do Not direct cutting sparks towards windows or objects that could be damaged (cladding etc)..

Evacuation
• In the event of a fire alarm, stop what you are doing and evacuate as per the site evacuation plan.
• Go to the muster point and stay there until told otherwise by the site management.

Reporting
• Do you need the emergency services? Call 999.
• If you have a small fire and extinguish it, report to your supervisor.
• Has the fire damaged anything?

Extinguishers
• Have you got enough to cover the hot works permit.
• Is the extinguisher in date and have the right pressure?
• Is the pin still intact?
• If the extinguisher isn’t right. Get it exchanged immediately.
• Do Not use site extinguishers to cover your hot works. Use the ones provided by SMD.
• If you need to use an extinguisher, use it all. Then get a replacement from the SMD stores.
• Ensure extinguishers are secured adequately when being transported.

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Toolbox Talk 08 | Fire Extinguishers

Fire Extinguishers

Types of Fire
• Ensure you have the correct fire extinguisher for the type of fire you may have to put out
Class A – Paper & Wood
Class B – Flammable Liquids
Class C – Flammable Gasses
Class F – Cooking Oils
Electrical Equipment Fires

Foam Water Powder CO2

Wood & Paper, Flammable Used on Paper & Wood Used on Paper & Wood, Used on Flammable
Liquids only Flammable Liquids, liquids & Electrical Fires
Flammable Gases,
Take extra caution if using
Electrical Fires
indoors

After use
• Report the incident to your supervisor.
• Replace the extinguisher.
• Foreman to investigate why the fire started and how to prevent it happening again.
• Report incident to SMD construction supervisor.

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Toolbox Talk 09 | Direct Fastening Tools

Direct Fastening Tools

PPE
• Always wear the correct PPE when using any direct fastening tool.
• Safety Goggles must be ‘B’ rated.
• Ear defenders must fit correctly and be worn at all times when using any direct fastening tool.
• Steel toe cap boots with steel midsole must be worn.
• Suitable safety gloves to be worn for the task in hand.

Using the Tool

• Use the direct fastening tool as per you training.
• Do not point the gun at others or yourself.
• Remember the 30 second misfire procedure.
• Only fire into steel or masonry.
• Use the correct fixings for the tool model being used and the material being fired into.

Other people
• Ensure others near you are wearing the same PPE as you the user.
• Do not use without an exclusion zone below.
• Do not leave a loaded tool unattended for the untrained to use.

Maintenance
• Clean any cartridge tools regularly using the cleaning kit provided.
• Replace any worn or broken parts, such as pistons and piston rings.

Hazardous waste
• Gas canisters and unfired cartridges are classed as hazardous waste.
• Remove all hazardous waste from site.
• Return all hazardous waste to SMD stores for responsible disposal.

Faults
• Report any faults immediately to your foreman or SMD stores.
• Return faulty tools to SMD stores with a ticket attached detailing the fault.

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Toolbox Talk 10 | Portable Electrical Tools

Portable Electrical Tools

Portable Appliance Testing

• Ensure all 110v equipment has a valid PAT certificate and label.
• Make sure all 110v equipment is checked regularly and returned/replaced before it’s 3 month expiry date.
• All electrical items must be visually inspected before every use.

Inspection
• Check the cables jacket for cuts, exposed wire and deformation.
• Ensure any guards are correct for that tool and in good working order.
• Damage to plugs and sockets must be reported, and tools taken out of service.
• Report and remove from service any tools with damage to the casing.
• Any tools returned to stores must have an SMD damaged tool label filled out and attached to the returning tool.

Cables
• Do Not try to stretch 110v cables, use another cable if needed.
• The maximum cables to be used for plasma cutters is 2.
• Avoid cables creating trip hazards by routing away from walkways.

PPE
• Always wear the correct PPE for the tool being used.
• If you haven’t got the correct PPE, Don’t use the tool.
• Replace any damaged PPE immediately.

Usage
• Only use the tool for the purpose it was designed for.
• Make sure all drill bits are sharp.
• Cutting blades must be in date, correct for the job and un-damaged.
• Ensure TEK gun ends are replaced when the magnet strength fades.

Tool allocation
• Do not swap tools issued to you.
• Regularly check the tools you have with the Hilti On Track allocation.
• Check replacement tools from stores have been updated on Hilti On Track.
• Your van and tools may be subject to regular spot checks.
• Scan below for Hilti On Track.

Google App Store Apple App Store

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Toolbox Talk 11 | Protecting Others When Cutting & Welding

Protecting Others When Cutting & Welding

Exclusion Zones
• Exclusion zones must be in place prior to starting work.
• Must be inspected regularly.
• SMD signage must be present to warn others of the exclusion zone.
• Ratchet straps must be used.

Other Trades
• Report any other trades ignoring exclusion zones.
• Remove any objects that could be damaged beneath stud welding works.

Fire Blankets
• Fire blankets must be used at perimeters where exclusion zones cannot protect others.
• Blankets must be ‘pulled in’ to the floor below and tied off.
• In high winds blankets should not be used.
• Fire blankets should not be left out when SMD staff are not in attendance.

Cutting
• Cutting of decking sheets should be done away from the safety nets.
• Always lift decking sheets being cut off laid deck to avoid damage.
• Sparks from the disc cutter should never go outside the building footprint.
• Sparks should be directed away from access points or walkways.
• Avoid damage to any other trades materials when cutting.

Fire Watch
• A Fire watch is there to stop others entering the exclusion zone.
• They must have the correct fire extinguisher.
• Communication must be good and a clear understanding of the works being undertaken.

Noise
• Will others be affected by the noise created when cutting?
• Are there noise restriction times on the contract?
• Have you and those near you got the correct ear defenders?

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Toolbox Talk 12 | Abrasive Wheels

Abrasive Wheels

Training
• Only trained and competent workers can use abrasive wheels.
• Remember the training you received when using abrasive wheels.

Using
• Start a petrol disc cutter from the floor. Do Not drop start.
• Do not force when cutting. Let the machine do the work.
• Direct sparks into the building, away from walkways or access points.
• Pull sheets to be cut away from safety nets. Do not cut above to avoid damage to safety nets.

PPE
• Hard hat, Ear defenders, ’B’ rated safety goggles, cut resistant gloves & steel toe cap boots MUST be worn.
when using abrasive wheels.
• Ensure all PPE is in good condition.
• Replace any damaged PPE before using abrasive wheels.

Wheels
• Ensure you have the correct wheel for the machine being used.
• Is the speed rating correct for that machine. Remember the max machine RPM must be the same or less than
the wheel speed rating.
• Only cut with cutting wheels and grind with grinding wheels. Never grind paint off beams with a cutting wheel.

Hot works permit

• Do not create any hot works without a hot works permit in place.
• Make sure you have read and understand the hot works permit.
• Do you have the correct type and number of fire extinguishers?

Inspection
• Make sure you inspect both the tool and abrasive wheel before using.
• Report any defects to the tool including damage to the casing or guards, stopping & starting issues and faults
with any cables or plugs to your foreman or SMD stores.
• Ensure the correct fuel is used on a petrol disc cutter and two stroke oil is added in the correct ratio as per the
manufacturers recommendations.

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Toolbox Talk 13 | Manual Handling

Manual Handling

Planning
• All manual handling should be planned prior to moving the object.
• Can manual handling be avoided by using mechanical aids?
• Have you checked the route is clear of trip hazards?
• Can you lift the object on your own, does it need a two person lift?

PPE
• Are you wearing the correct PPE for the manual handling task set out by the method statement and risk as-
sessment.
• Is your PPE in good condition, if not stop work and replace.

The load
• Have you assessed the load, is it within your lifting capabilities?
• Can the load be made easier to lift with handles or a mechanical aid?

When lifting use the FLUENCY lifting technique.

F - Feet shoulder width or slightly further apart.
L - Load assessed.
U - Unlocking of hips and knees. Thighs no lower than parallel with the ground.
E - Even. Knees similar height above ground.
N - Natural. Raising the head before raising the load.
C - Control. Lifting in a smooth and controlled manner.
Y - Yes you can lift the load safely.

Avoid
• Lifting more than you are capable of. Don’t be a hero and lift too much.
• Avoid twisting whilst lifting.
• Do not lift in slippery environments such as snow and ice.

Mechanical aids
• Using trolleys or pump trucks is still manual handling.
• Ensure you have been trained to use any mechanical equipment you use.

Injuries
• Many injuries can occur from manual handling with the most common being back injuries.
• Ensure you are warmed up before lifting. Think about moving lighter loads before the heavier ones if possible.
• Report any injuries in the site accident book and inform the SMD construction supervisor. It may prevent the
same incident happening again.

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Toolbox Talk 14 | COSHH

COSHH

Description
• COSHH = Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

Risk Assessment
• Management must carry out a risk assessment to find out whether:
Exposure to a substance can be eliminated
Alternative work methods can reduce exposure
A less hazardous substance can be used
• Any substance with a hazard warning label has the potential to cause harm – assess the risk before using it!

The Hazards
• How you could be affected by a hazardous substance:
Ingestion – eating contaminated food
Inhalation – breathing harmful dust or fumes
Absorption – chemicals entering through cuts etc.

Hazardous Substances
Examples of hazardous substances on construction sites:
• Contaminated ground
• Concrete admixtures
• Cement
• Solvent fumes
• Hardwood dust
• Resins
• Epoxy-based paints
• Welding fume

Control measures
• When using hazardous substances, check the COSHH data sheet before use.
• Wear the correct PPE and know how to use and look after it.
• Know where washing and first-aid facilities are on site.
• Ensure hazardous substances are put back into a secure location after use and not left out on site.

Use of substances
• Make sure you are trained to use hazardous substances.
• Read and comply with the information on the hazard data sheet and the instructions on the product label.
• Don’t eat, drink or smoke when handling substances.
• Don’t expose workers to fumes, dust, gas or other dangers from hazardous substances due to your work.
• Always wash your hands at the end of each shift and before eating

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Toolbox Talk 15 | Ladders

Ladders

Permit
• Does the site require a permit to use a ladder?
• If so, follow the rules set out in that permit.

Inspection
• Inspect the ladder before using it. This must be recorded on a SMD ladder inspection sheet.
• Check the ladder for damage, corrosion, unauthorised repairs and the information label is present and
readable.
• Do Not use the ladder if there are any defects.

Whilst using the ladder

• Ensure the ground conditions are firm and level.
• Ensure where the ladder rests is strong enough to withstand the weight of you
and the ladder. Do not lean against drainpipes or windows.
• Use a ratio of 1m out for every 4m up or an angle of 75 degrees.
• Have 3 points of contact at all times.
• Do not over reach.
• Keep three steps clear from the top.
• The ladder must be footed at all times.

Exclusion zone
• Have an exclusion zone to prevent others knocking the ladder.
• Prevent accidents from falling objects by using a tool belt and stopping other
trades working below you.

Transportation
• Ensure you use good manual handling techniques when carrying and erecting ladders.
• Secure ladders in your van to avoid damage when driving.

Reporting defects
• If a Ladder is found to be defective, stop work and report to SMD Stores.
• Damaged ladders must be sent back to SMD Stores for responsible disposal and replaced.

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Toolbox Talk 16 | MEWP, Mobile Elevating Working Platforms

MEWP’S

Training
• All MEWP operators must be trained and have the correct IPAF licence for the machine they are using.
• The licence should be renewed every 5 years.
• Familiarisation training should take place for each make and model of machine within the category on their
licence.

Hazards
• Collision with another vehicle.
• Parts of the machine encroaching onto a traffic lane.
• Proximity of overhead cables.
• Falls of persons or materials.
• Persons being caught or trapped in moving parts or "nip" points.
• Overturning.
• Incorrect use.

Inspections
• A detailed inspection must be undertaken every day the machine is used.
• The SMD MEWP inspection sheet must be used when conducting the inspection.
• Any faults identified must be reported to the hiring company. Do not use the machine until the faults have been
rectified.

Ground conditions
• Use the correct machine for the ground conditions of the site.
• Do not use an indoor machine outside on rough terrain conditions.
• Do not use any machine in soft ground conditions or where the ground conditions could lead to the machine
overturning.

Using
• Wear a harness and restraint lanyard when using a MEWP in normal conditions.
• Harnesses must not be attached to the MEWP when working over water.
• Do not overload the basket. Look out for the maximum loading weights.
• Ensure you know the max wind speeds for the machine and do not use if the wind speed exceeds this.
• Use the machine within the manufactures guidelines.

Fuelling
• Ensure the correct fuel is used when refilling on site.
• Have a spill kit to hand in case of any spills.
• Report any spills to the site management.

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Toolbox Talk 17 | Working at Height

Working at Height

Edge Protection
• Max vertical gap 470mm between handrails.
• Min. handrail height of 1000mm
• Do not alter unless trained and authorised.
• Ratchet straps are not to be used as edge protection.

Safety Nets
• Net ‘test date’ must be valid.
• Max gap of 100mm or 225mm in exceptional circumstances.
• If overlapped min 2m overlap.
• Minimum of 3m at leading edge.
• Check for damage and report if found.
• Handover nets before working above them.
• Netclaw at max. 1500mm spacings.

Access
• Must be secure.
• Have protection to stop falls from the work area.

Pack Placement
• Must have adequate bearing - check bearing of bottom sheet in the pack
• Do not break bands if bearing not adequate.
• Packs loaded out as per SMD Drawing.
• ‘End to End’ loading to be avoided.
• Report to client/team any issues with deck pack placement or bearing.

Exclusion Zone
• Must be a ratchet strap with SMD sign.
• Must be in place prior to works starting.
• Must be checked after breaks.
• Work must stop if other trades enter.

Tethering
• All edge trims to be tethered before moving into position at the building edge.
• All hand tools must be tethered when using within 3m of the building edge.

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Toolbox Talk 18 | Exclusion Zones

Exclusion Zones

The exclusion zone

• Is there to protect other trades and the public from harm.
• Is there to protect you from harm if falling into a safety net.
• Must not block an emergency exit route.

Ratchet straps
• The exclusion must be made up of SMD branded ratchet straps.
• Red & White bunting or ticker tape must not be used.
• Ratchet straps must not be used as edge protection.

Signage
• SMD signage must be present at any exclusion zone.
• Signage must explain the hazards within the exclusion zone.

Where and When

• An exclusion zone must be in place prior to any SMD works taking place.
• Must stop other trades walking or working beneath SMD works.
• Must stop other trades entering your work area at the same level.
• Must be in place where any welding sparks may fall.
• Must be checked regularly for other trades working or materials.

Other Trades
• Try to work with other trades. Can you reduce your exclusion zone?
• Stop work if other trades enter.
• Report to the contracts team or site management if other trades are persistently entering.

RAMS
• The erection of an exclusion zone is written in the Risk assessments and Method Statements which you sign at
the start of every contract.
• If you didn’t create an exclusion zone and someone got hurt or killed in your work area, who’s fault would it be?

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Toolbox Talk 19 | Safety Nets

Safety Nets

Rigging methods
• Remote attachment device (net pole & claw). Clearance & Sag
• MEWP using IPAF or CPCS trained operator. • For clearance distances refer to the FASET
• Ladders (should not exceed 4.5m). guidelines.
• Specialist Rigger - using primary steelwork to hang • Rule of thumb for UK construction is 3m from
from or work from above. anchor point of the net.
• IRATA Rope access – using ropes to hang and rig • Look out for scaffold tubes or other trades materials
nets. under your work area.
• Aluminium Tower – must be flat surface, with • Sag is needed to soften the fall in a controlled
outriggers used at the correct angle. manner.
• Sag should be between 5 and 10% of the smallest
The Net span.
• Made of 5 parts • A 6m span should have between 300mm and
Mesh 600mm sag.
Border Chord • Do not over tighten the safety net, it will induce a
Label higher load on both the faller and the anchor point.
Unique serial number
UV Test meshes Damage
• The net must be at least 10% bigger than the area Safety nets are made of polypropylene and can be
being covered. easily damaged by: see bullets below
• When fitting the net, excess net must be under • Hot works from stud welding and cutting above the
rolled where possible. net.
• Gaps must be kept to a minimum with a max. • Site plant moving to near to the net.
100mm gap in normal circumstances and 225mm. • Nets loaded by objects or people falling in them.
in exceptional circumstances. • Temporary repairs can be made by a trained
competent rigger.
Attachments • Damage must be reported immediately, and net
• The structure the net is attached to must be strong damage sheet filled out.
enough to withstand a minimum of 6kn of force at
45 degrees Handovers
• All netted areas must be handed over by a trained
Net Claw and competent rigger (Blue CSCS card holder).
• Must be the correct size for the beam flange.
• Spaced at a max. of 1.5m.
• Must pick up the border chord.
• Attached to the net at perimeters above the second
floor.

Ropes
• Must be designated rope ties, not string or blue
twine.
• Spaced at 1.5m – 2.0m (good practice).
• Max spacing 2.5m.

[Link]
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