CE 315
SAFETY ENGINEERING
Chapter 2 – Basic Safety Procedures
Hazard Analysis
Hazardous Energies
Confined Spaces
Electrical Safety
Fall Protection Barricades and Scaffolds
Fire Safety
Industrial Hygiene
Hazard Communication & Chemical Safety
Basic Safety Procedures
• This chapter outlines essential safety procedures,
covering hazard identification and mitigation across
various workplace scenarios. It includes hazard analysis,
managing hazardous energies, safe practices for confined
spaces, electrical safety, fall protection, barricades and
scaffolds, fire safety, industrial hygiene, and hazard
communication regarding chemical safety.
1. Hazard Analysis
• This involves identifying potential hazards in the
workplace and assessing the associated risks to minimize
the chance of injury, property loss, or environmental
harm. It's a systematic way to understand how hazards
might lead to accidents and to determine appropriate
control measures.
Example of assessing the associated risks to
minimize
1. Working at heights
Risks
• The risk could be a fall, leading to serious injury or death.
Control measures
• could include providing safety harnesses, nets, and guardrails, or eliminating the
need to work at heights by assembling structures on the ground first.
2. Welding
Risks
• Inhalation of harmful fumes causing respiratory problems, skin burns from sparks,
eye damage from sparks.
Control Measures:
• If possible, use pre-fabricated components to minimize on-site welding.
• Provide adequate ventilation to remove fumes.
• Train welders on proper techniques and safety procedures.
• Ensure welders use respirators, welding helmets, gloves, and other appropriate gear.
2. Hazardous Energies
• This covers the management of energy sources that can
cause harm, such as electrical, mechanical, hydraulic,
pneumatic, chemical, and thermal energy. Proper
procedures, like lockout/tagout, are crucial for preventing
accidental release of stored energy during maintenance or
repairs.
• Lockout/tagout (LOTO) - Procedures are safety protocols
designed to prevent the unexpected energization or start-
up of machinery and equipment, or the release of stored
energy, during maintenance or servicing. These
procedures are crucial for protecting workers from
hazardous energy sources and potential injuries.
3. Confined Spaces
• Confined spaces, with limited entry and exit points, pose
unique risks. These include poor air quality, asphyxiants,
and potential for engulfment. Safe entry and work
procedures, including ventilation, monitoring, and proper
equipment, are essential.
Examples of Confined Spaces in Construction
1. Manholes - Access points to underground utilities like
sewer and water lines.
Examples of Confined Spaces in Construction
2. Sewers - Underground networks for wastewater and
stormwater.
Examples of Confined Spaces in Construction
3. Tanks - Above ground and underground storage tanks
for various materials.
Examples of Confined Spaces in Construction
4. Crawl spaces - Enclosed areas under buildings, often
with limited access. An unfinished area beneath a
house, serves as a foundation, provides access to utilities,
and helps control moisture and pests.
Examples of Confined Spaces in Construction
5. Trenches - Excavated areas for laying pipes or
foundations, which can become confined if access is
limited.
Examples of Confined Spaces in Construction
6. Vaults - Enclosed spaces for electrical equipment or
other utilities.
Examples of Confined Spaces in Construction
7. Tunnels - Underground passageways for utilities or
transportation.
Examples of Confined Spaces in Construction
8. Silos - Storage structures for bulk materials, often found
in agriculture or industrial settings. They are designed to
store harvested grains like corn, wheat, or soybeans,
protecting them from moisture, pests, and other external
elements.
Examples of Confined Spaces in Construction
9. HVAC Ducts - Enclosed spaces for heating, ventilation,
and air conditioning systems. Ducts deliver and remove air,
including supply air (heated or cooled air), return air, and
exhaust air, ensuring proper ventilation and thermal comfort
Examples of Confined Spaces in Constructions
10. Elevator pits - Enclosed spaces at the bottom of
elevator shafts.
Confined spaces in construction can be dangerous due to:
• Hazardous Atmospheres: Lack of oxygen, presence of toxic or
flammable gases.
• Engulfment: Being buried or trapped by materials like soil,
grain, or liquids.
• Limited Access/Egress: Difficult to enter or exit, making
rescue operations challenging.
• Physical Hazards: Sharp objects, electrical hazards, or
potential for falls.
• Mechanical Hazards: Moving parts of machinery or equipment.
• Restricted Airflow: Can lead to oxygen deficiency or buildup of
hazardous gases.
• Fall Hazards: Especially in elevated confined spaces like
rooftops or water towers.
Safety Precautions
• Confined Space Program: Employers must have a comprehensive
program for managing confined spaces.
• Permit-Required Confined Spaces: Spaces with serious hazards
require specific permits and procedures.
• Training: Workers must be trained on confined space hazards and
safety procedures.
• Atmospheric Monitoring: Testing air quality before and during entry.
• Ventilation: Providing adequate ventilation to maintain safe air
quality.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensuring workers have
appropriate PPE, including respirators if needed.
• Rescue and Emergency Plans: Having procedures in place for
rescuing workers in case of an emergency.
• Communication: Maintaining clear communication between workers
and supervisors.
4. Electrical Safety
• This covers safe practices when working with or near
electricity, including inspecting equipment, using insulated
tools, and ensuring proper grounding.
• Electrical safety measures are essential to ensure the
protection of workers and the public from electrical
hazards in the workplace. Electrical accidents are a major
concern in the construction industry, and it is the
responsibility of employers to take all necessary
precautions to prevent such incidents. Here are some of
the essential electrical safety measures that should be
implemented on the work site.
Essential Electrical Safety Measures Implemented on Construction Site
• Conducting Regular Electrical Safety Measures - Regular
inspections of electrical systems and equipment should be
carried out by a qualified electrician to identify and rectify any
potential electrical hazards. This includes checking for damaged
electrical cords, frayed wires, damaged switchboards and
exposed electrical parts.
• Proper Use Of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Workers
must be provided with and trained in the proper use of PPE,
such as rubber gloves, protective eyewear, and hard hats. This
will help to protect them from electrical shock, burns, and other
electrical hazards.
• Electrical Hazard Signage - Warning signs should be displayed
in areas where electrical hazards exist to alert workers of
potential danger. This includes warning signs for high voltage,
electrical shock, and hazardous electrical equipment.
Essential Electrical Safety Measures Implemented on
Construction Site
• Electrical Equipment Maintenance - All electrical equipment
must be regularly maintained and repaired to ensure that it
is in safe working condition. Any damaged or defective
electrical equipment should be removed from service and
replaced immediately.
• Proper Grounding And Bonding- Grounding and bonding
are essential to prevent electrical shock and electrocution.
All electrical equipment and systems must be properly
grounded and bonded to reduce the risk of electrical
hazards.
• Electrical Safety Training - Workers must be trained in
electrical safety procedures, including the proper use of
electrical tools and equipment, the dangers of electrical
hazards, and emergency response procedures.
Essential Electrical Safety Measures Implemented on
Construction Site
• Use Of Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) - GFCIs
are designed to protect workers from electrical shock by
quickly shutting off electrical power when a ground fault is
detected. GFCIs should be installed in areas where
electrical hazards exist, such as near water sources.
5. Fall Protection
• Fall protection focuses on preventing falls and mitigating
injuries when falls occur, particularly when working at
heights. This involves using guardrails, harnesses, and
other safety equipment.
Guardrails
• in construction, when working at heights, serve as a
crucial physical barrier to prevent falls and are considered
a primary means of fall protection. They must meet
specific height and strength requirements to ensure
worker safety.
Harnesses
• Safety harnesses are crucial for workers operating at
heights, providing fall protection and enhancing
stability. They are designed to distribute the impact of a
fall across the body, minimizing injury and preventing falls
altogether. Full-body harnesses are the most common
type, featuring straps that secure the worker to a fall
protection system anchored to the structure.
6. Barricades and Scaffolds
• Proper use of barricades and scaffolds are essential for
controlling access to hazardous areas and providing safe
working platforms.
Scaffolding
• in construction is a temporary elevated platform that
provides access and support for workers and materials
during construction, maintenance, or repair of
structures. It's crucial for safety and efficiency when
working at height or in hard-to-reach areas.
Types of Scaffolding
Supported Scaffolding - This is the most common type,
where platforms are supported by poles, frames, and
braces extending from the ground. It's versatile and
adaptable to various construction projects.
Types of Scaffolding
Suspended Scaffolding - This type is suspended from
above using ropes or cables and is often used for façade
work or when ground-based support is impractical.
Types of Scaffolding
Mobile Scaffolding - This type is mounted on wheels or
casters, allowing it to be easily moved around the
construction site.
Barricades
• on high-rise construction sites serve to protect workers,
the public, and equipment by restricting access to
hazardous areas and preventing accidents. They are
crucial for managing pedestrian and vehicular traffic,
controlling access to designated work areas, and
mitigating risks associated with falling objects, heavy
machinery, and other potential hazards.
Types of Barricades Used
Perimeter Fencing - Metal fencing (steel or aluminum) is
commonly used to enclose the entire construction site,
providing a robust barrier against unauthorized entry and
potential hazards.
Types of Barricades Used
Water-filled Barriers - These plastic barriers can be filled
with water or sand to create a stable and visible barrier,
often used near roads or pedestrian walkways.
Types of Barricades Used
Hybrid Barricades - Combinations of materials (e.g., steel
framing with vinyl or geotextile coverings) offer a balance of
strength, durability, and weather resistance.
Types of Barricades Used
Temporary Barricades - These are used for specific tasks
or areas within the site and can be adjusted as needed.
Types of Barricades Used
Signage and Lighting - Bright colors, reflective elements,
and signage enhance visibility and warn of potential
hazards.
Types of Barricades Used
Mobile Elevated Platforms - These platforms require
specific barriers to prevent falling objects from injuring
workers or the public.