Construction Safety Tool Box Talks

Working with Hazardous Materials Working Safely in Confined SpacesKnow the Hazard Communication Standard 1 How Much Do You Know About Confined Spaces? 28Material Safety Data Sheets 2 Trenching Safety 29Working Safely With Flammable Liquids 3Responding to Emergencies Involving Flammables 4 Avoiding Accidents and InjuriesWorking Safely With Compressed Gases 5 The Price of Accidents 30

Always Be on the Lookout for Hazards 31Using Personal Protective Equipment Fall Protection for Scaffold Work 32

Save Your Sight 6 Beware of Extreme Temperatures 33Protect Your Face 7 Beware of Stairs and Slippery Surfaces 34Keep Your Head 8 Horseplay Can Be Deadly 35Protect Your Lungs 9 Working Safely Around Holes and Other Openings 36Protect Your Hearing 10 Beware of Puncture Wounds 37Keep Your Hands Safe 11 Watch Out for Fatigue 38Protect Your Feet 12 Strains and Sprains: What You Should Know 39

Lifting Basics 40Using Tools, Equipment and Machinery How Much Do You Know About Back Safety? 41

Know the Rules of Forklift Safety 13 Tips for Lifting and Moving Awkward Loads 42Cornerstones of Crane Safety 14Welding and Cutting Safety 15 Driving and Vehicle SafetyUsing Machine Guards for Safety 16 Know Your Driving Personality 43Using Hand Tools Safely 17 Vehicle Safety on the Site 44Using Power Tools Safely 18 Fill'er Up - Safely 45Staying Safe Around Scaffolds 19Keys to Ladder Safety 20 General Safety AwarenessAerial and Scissor Lift Safety 21 The Importance of Hazard and Job Safety Analysis 46

Know Your Emergency Action Plan 47Working with Electricity Fire Extinguishers: They're Not All Alike 48

Understanding Electricity and Conductivity 22 Safety Is Everyone's Responsibility 49Working Near Overhead Power Lines 23 A Clean Job Site Is a Safe Job Site 50Preventing Electrical Fires and Explosions 24 Alcohol and Other Drugs Spell Trouble On and Off the Job 51What to Do About Electrical Shocks and Bums 25 Protect Your Skin 52Why Electrical Grounding Is Important 26 Fire Prevention at the Site 53Fifteen Things to Remember When Working With Electricity 27

TABLE OF CONTENTSCONSTRUCTION SAFETY TOOL BOX TALKS

Aerial and Scissor Lift Safety Man lifts and scissor lifts are two pieces of equipment that many workers can't imagine working without. This equipment, if used correctly, provides quick and safe access to work areas that at one time could only be reached from scaffolding or a crane's man basket. These lifts, collectively called Aerial Work Platforms, are important tools. But as with any tool, there are right and wrong ways to use them safely. The most important tip to remember before operating any aerial lift platform is always read and follow the manufacturer's safety and operation manual! This information must be kept on the rig, and can usually be found in a PVC tube that's tied to the machine's frame or rails. Safe Operating Procedures for Both Man lifts and Scissor Lifts: • Only trained and authorized people should operate the lift. A qualified

instructor must make sure that every operator reads and\or understands the equipment's safety and operating instructions. This includes all of the warning decals and labels mounted on the machine.

• Always check for overhead obstructions before driving or elevating the platform.

• Refuel tanks only when the unit is turned off. If battery powered, the batteries should be charged only in a well ventilated area, away from any open flame.

• Prior to each shift a safety inspection should be completed by the operator; this includes both a visual inspection and a function test. If a problem is found, get the lift repaired.

• Elevate the platform only when it is on a firm, level surface. Although many lifts look like a rough terrain piece of equipment, they are not. Their large tires do allow the equipment to access somewhat difficult areas, but once in position they are designed to be out of level only 5o while in operation. This amounts to 10 inches in a 10 foot wheel span. In addition, the lift must have a tilt alarm that activates when the machine is more than 5o out of level.

Scissor lifts are efficient one-direction lifts. They provide a solid surface to work from, but always remember: • Guardrails, midrails and toeboards must be in place. The toe board can be omitted at the door. The platform must be equipped with a mechanical parking brake that will hold the unit securely on any slope it is capable of climbing. The brake should be tested periodically. • Never use the lift's rails, planks across the rails, or a ladder, to gain additional height. Unique hazards for man lifts: Man lifts can move in more than a single direction, increasing the risk of mishaps, so it's important to remember the following: • Whenever working out of a man lift, a full body harness must be worn, and properly attached to the

basket. A sudden jolt has thrown people from man lifts, before they could react. • Always maintain a safe distance from debris piles, drop-offs, floor openings, etc. • Never drive the man lift when it is elevated above the limit the manufacturer considers safe. Each

piece of equipment will state what the maximum extension can be while being driven. Used correctly, aerial work platforms can be priceless, timesaving assets. Operate them without regard to their limitations, and this same equipment will put you and those around you, at undue risk.