Build Site Safety

HABITAT’S SAFETY GOAL: ZERO ACCIDENTS

Safety is everybody’s concern and is always an important consideration at any construction site. We want every volunteer work crew to be aware of and pay particular attention to safety. Be conscious of the safety of others as well as yourself.

Many volunteers may be working in a construction environment for the first time and with that in mind everyone needs to be alert to;

Houston Heat- Please drink enough fluids if you are building during hot weather. We have also been advised to encourage you to eat before coming out, it helps against the heat. Most important, STOP and seek shade if you start feeling bad!!

Always ask questions of any available Red Hat (Supervisor) about any tool or task that you are not familiar with or uncertain on how to proceed or accomplish it.

Proper clothing is an essential part of your safety. Wear clothes and gloves that are appropriate for the work and weather conditions. Thick-soled shoes or work boots are most appropriate footwear on any build site.

Protective glasses – are available and should be worn whenever working with power tools or instructed to do so by a supervisor.

Ear plugs are available and should be worn when operating power tools for a prolonged time period.

Hardhats are also available when others are working above you on scaffolding, ladders or roof work, just ask any Red Hat and they will provide you with one.

Age Specific Guidelines

Age 14 – Minimum age to work on Habitat build site
Age 16 – Minimum to work on a ladder and to work on roof
Age 18 – Minimum to work with power tools or a nail gun.

General Site Safety Guidelines

Power Tools - A power tool should not be used without proper instruction on its use. Never lower or carry a power tool by its cord.



Hand Tools - Guard against use of any tool if the handle is loose or in poor condition. Dull tools are hazardous to use because excessive force is used to make them work. Hold tools correctly; most edged tools should be held in both hands with cutting action away from yourself. Anyone working with a hammer at a height should wear a hammer loop or tool belt, and when not in use the keep the hammer in the loop and not placed on slopping surface, ladder or other precarious position.

Circular and Chop Saws –

       Do not bind the blade of any saw to avoid kick back toward the operator. Use small wood wedges or
          have second person assist to keep long panel cuts from binding.
       Maintain the spring actuated blade guard when using a power saw.
       Support what you are working on properly. Do not attempt to cut anything that could tilt or fall and
          cause the saw to slip. Always ask for second person to assist by holding materials to avoid unsafe
          actions.
       Wear eye and ear protection.

Ladders & Scaffolding –

       Place ladders on solid, level footing.
       Move the ladder with your work to avoid overreaching.
       Select and use a ladder that will reach the work. An extension ladder should extend three feet (3’)
          above the step-off point.
       Scaffolding should be placed only on solid, level footing. Dig out an area if needed. Do not stack loose
          material under scaffolding legs to level. Use leg-leveling devices provided with the scaffolding.
       Ensure that walk boards are fastened securely and are adequate for the number of workers on the
          scaffolding.

Nailing & Framing –

       Hold the nail firmly until it is started in the wood; otherwise it could suddenly fly out and hit someone.
       Be aware of your surroundings. Wear safety glasses.
       Nail Gun Use; you must be 18 years old to use a nail gun. Point the nail gun down at all times. Do not
          look into the gun or point it at anyone at any time. Always assume that the tool contains nails. Both
          user and assistant, keep hands clear of immediate work surface. Be aware and ensure that air hose
          will not create a tripping hazard. If nails do not shoot out, the nail gun is either out of nails or
          jammed.    DO NOT keep pulling the trigger. CONTACT A SUPEVISOR (RED HAT) for assistance.
       When framing, watch for pipes that may be protruding from floor slab.
       Remove all nails from any discarded lumber.
       When carrying 2” x 4”s, do not make sudden turns without checking behind you.
       Work in teams when framing and when lifting walls and or plywood/OSB.

Truss Installation –

       Do not overdo it. If there are not enough people to safely lift a truss, wait until more people can help
          out.
       When using Y-shaped poles to lift and support trusses, be sure to have at least two poles supporting
          the truss from either side.
       Do not stand directly below the trusses as they are being placed and moved about. It is not
          uncommon to have a truss drop and swing down suddenly, with potential of causing injury.
       Hardhats are available for anyone working on truss installation.

Sheathing & Roofing –

       Never step back to review your work! Be aware of your surroundings.
       There are only two places for your hammer – your hand or your tool belt.
       If you are on the roof, always be aware of those working underneath you. A hammer left on top of a
          ladder or a roof can easily fall and leave a lasting impression on those working underneath them.
       Make all plywood/OSB cuts on the ground and pass them to those working on the roof. Work in teams
          when lifting plywood sheets onto the roof – with support from below pushing and several above
          pulling onto the roof.
       Drink plenty of water and take breaks frequently.
       Wear safety glasses, earplugs and dust masks when cutting.
       Take care when handling drip edge. Edges are very sharp.
       Be careful walking on the roof. Sweep loose gravel and any debris periodically.
       Retract utility blades when not in use. Make sure that hands are clear of the path of a utility knife.
          They can cut deeply very fast.

Windows & Doors –

       Do not use window openings as ladders.
       When using ladder, work within comfortable distance from the ladder.
       Ensure someone holds each window or door in place until it is permanently secured.

Insulation Installation –

       For your safety always wear a respirator mask available on-site.
       Installers should also wear a long sleeve shirt, hat, gloves, and safety glasses whenever handling
          fiberglass materials.
       Primary tools for installation are staple gun, staple hammer and utility knife. Ensure proper instruction
          on-site if you are not familiar with these tools.
       Frequently change utility knife blades when cutting insulation material.
       Retract utility blades when not in use. Make sure that hands are clear of the path of a utility knife.
          They can cut deeply very fast.

Nail Gun Safety Tips –

       Nail guns while efficient can be a very dangerous tool.
       For your safety always wear safety glasses.
       Always keep your finger off the trigger when gun is not in use.
       Never assume the tool is empty.
       Never point the nail gun at anyone.
       Keep you free hand and others working with you out of the line of fire.
       Never try to nail beyond your reach.
       Always disconnect the tool before clearing jams or any maintenance.
       Only use sequential nail guns when possible.
       Never leave a nail gun unattended.
       Do not use coil guns in automatic mode, rather only use in sequential mode for your safety and the
          safety of others nearby.