CORE CURRICULUM Module 101 Basic Safety

(Construction Site Safety Orientation)

SY 2021-2022

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Introduction

A. Ensure your safety by following these three (3) rules:

1. Follow safe work practices and procedures

2. Inspect safety equipment before use

3. Use safety equipment properly

B. Safety Culture – means everyone is working safely

C. Benefits of strong safety culture:

1. Fewer at-risk behaviors

2. Lower incident and accident rates

3. Less turnover

4. Fewer absenteeism

5. Higher productivity

Safety is a learned behavior and attitude. It is a way of working that must be

incorporated into the company as a culture.

There are many benefits to having a safety culture. Companies with strong safety
cultures usually have the less turnover.

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Section 1.1.0 Incidents and Accidents

A. Definition

1. Incident – unplanned event that may or may not result in property damage.
NO personal injury has occurred.

2. Accident – unplanned event that results in personal injury and/or property damage.

Section 1.1.1 Incident Categories

B. Definition

• Near-miss: no one was injured and no damage to property occurred, but during
which either could have happened. These are warnings that should ALWAYS be
reported.

• Property damage: resulted in damage to tools, materials, or equipment, but NO

personal injuries.

• Minor injuries: Personnel may have received minor cuts, bruises, or strains, but
the injured workers returned to full duty on their next regularly scheduled work shift.

• Serious or disabling injuries: Personnel received injuries that resulted in

temporary or permanent disability.

• Fatalities: Deaths resulting from unplanned incidents.

C. Leading Causes of Death in Construction Work

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Big 4, Fatal 4 or Focus 4:

1. Falls
2. Struck-by hazards
3. Caught-in or caught-between hazards
4. Electrical hazards

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Section 1.2.0 – Incident and Accident Causes

• Failure to communicate • Unsafe acts

• At-risk work habits • Rationalizing risks
• Alcohol or drug abuse • Unsafe conditions
• Lack of skill • Housekeeping
• Intentional acts • Management failure

1.2.1 Types of Signs

1. Information signs are blue in color 3. Caution Signs are yellow in color
 No Entry  No Smoking
 No Trespassing  Respirator is Required
 For Employees only  PPE is required

2. Safety Signs are green in color 4. Danger Signs are red, black and
white in color
 First Aid Station
 Emergency eye wash stations  Defective equipment
 Evacuation route  Flammable Liquid
 High Voltage
Note:

 Safety Tags are temporary warnings.

 Tool box meeting or Tool box talk – 5-10 minute meeting to review
specific health and safety issue.
1.2.2 At-risk work habits

 Procrastination – delaying the repair of damage tools can cause accident

 Carelessness – in using tools or equipment can hurt you
 Horseplay – joking or playing at work is not allowed

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1.2.3 Alcohol and Drug Abuse

 Alcohol and drug abuse kills

 A drunk person is an incident waiting to happen-possibly fatal accident.
 If your doctor gives any medication, ask about its effects.
1.2.4 Lack of skill

 Never operate or use a power tool or machine if you do not know how to use it.

1.2.5 Intentional Acts (if worker is angry or dissatisfied)

 If someone at work threatens to get even or pay back someone, report to your
supervisor at once.

1.2.6 Unsafe Acts

 Failing to use Personal  Operating equipment at

Protective Equipment (PPE) improper speeds
 Failing to warn others of hazards  Servicing equipment in motion
 Lifting improperly  Taking an improper working
 Loading or placing equipment position
 Making safety devices inoperable  Using defective equipment
 Using equipment improperly

1.2.8 Unsafe Conditions

 Crowded workplace  Inadequate warning systems

 Defective tools, equipment, or  Cluttered work area
workplace  Poor lighting
 Excessive noise  Poor ventilation
 Fire and explosive hazards  Radiation exposure
 Hazardous atmospheric  Unguarded moving parts (pulleys,
conditions (gas, dusts fumes) drive chains, belts)
 Inadequate supports or guards

1.2.9 Good Housekeeping

 Remove all scrap materials

 Clean up spills
 Proper storage of equipment

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  Use containers with cover
 Keep all Aisles and walkways clear

Section 1.3.0 – Hazard Recognition, Evaluation, and Control

A. Definitions

HAZCOM – means Hazard Communication. All contractors are required to educate all
employees bout hazardous chemicals and how to work with them safely.

SDS – means Safety Data Sheets. A document that shows the details of the chemical
like name, characteristics, exposure limits, and safety precautions.

B. Your HAZCOM Responsibilities

• Know the location of the SDSs

• Report to your supervisor any hazards you see on the job site

• Know the physical and health hazards of any hazardous materials

• Know what to do in an emergency, including planned evacuation routes and

locations of emergency phones.

• Know the location and content of your employer’s written HAZCOM program.

Section 1.3.1 Hazard Recognition

A. To recognize any hazard, you need to answer this question:

"What could go wrong with this situation or operation?"

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 B. Sources Of Energy Release

• Mechanical
• Thermal (heat or cold)
• Pneumatic • Radioactive
• Hydraulic • Gravitational
• Electrical • Stored energy
• Chemical

Section 1.3.2 Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and Task Safety Analysis (TSA)

Performing a Job Safety Analysis (JSA), also known as Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), is
one approach to hazard recognition.

In a JSA, the task is broken down into its individual parts or step and is analyze for its
potential hazards.

Another common technique is performing a Task Safety Analysis (TSA), also called a
Task Hazard Analysis (THA).

Sections 1.3.3 Risk Assessment

Risk is a measure of the probability, consequences, and exposure related to an event.

 Probability is the chance that a given event will occur

 Consequences are the results of an action, condition or event
 Exposure is the amount of time someone is expose to an unsafe condition

A safe operation is one in which there is an acceptable level of risk. This means there
is a low probability of an incident and that the consequence and exposure risk are all
acceptable.

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Sections 1.3.4 – Incident Reporting

All on-the-job injuries or other incidents,

no matter how minor, must be reported
to your !
US employers with more than are required to maintain a log of
significant work-related injuries and illnesses using specific forms and
documents.

Section 1.3.5 – Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

SDS/MSDS
• Each product used on a construction site must have a Safety Data Sheet or a
Material Safety Data Sheet available for immediate use.

• The four (4) most important things to look in for are the specific hazards,
personal protection requirements, handling procedures, and first aid
information.

Trade Terms

Hazard Communication Standard (HAZCOM)

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard that requires contractors to
educate employees about hazardous chemicals on the job site and how to work with them
safely.

Hydraulic

Powered by fluid under pressure.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, a law that applies to more than more
than 111 million workers and 7 million job sites in the US.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

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Equipment or clothing designed to prevent or reduce injuries.

Pneumatic

Powered by air pressure, such as a pneumatic tool.

Respirator

A device that provides clean, filtered air for breathing, no matter what is in the surrounding
air.

Safety data sheet (SDS)

The SDS identifies the substance and gives the exposure limits, the physical and
chemical characteristics, the kind of hazard it presents, precautions for safe handling and
use, and specific control measures.

Trench

A narrow excavation made below the surface of the ground that is generally deeper than
it is wide, with a maximum width of 15 feet (4.6 m). Also see excavation.

Sections 2.1.0 Two groups of Falls

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 1. Falls from elevation – scaffolds, platforms, decking, ladders, stairs
2. Falls from the same level – tripping, slipping

Sections 2.1.1 Walking and working surfaces

Guidelines:
• Keep all walking and working areas clean and dry.

• Keep all walking and working surfaces clear of clutter and debris.

• Run cables, extension cords, and hoses overhead or through crossover plates.

• Do not run on scaffolds, work platforms, decking, roofs, or other elevated work

areas

2.1.2 Unprotected Sides, Wall Openings, and Floor Holes

There are two types of protection for opening in the wall or floor:

1. they can be guarded

2. they can be covered.

Warning Barricade Color Codes

RED = DANGER

YELLOW = CAUTION

YELLOW/PURPLE = RADIATION

NOTE: Never remove a barricade if you are not authorized.

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Sections 2.2.0 and 2.2.1 – Fall Arrest System (PFAS)

Components of complete PFAS:

1. Anchor points

2. Body harness

3. Connecting devices

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ANCHOR POINTS – Permanent and Temporary

Section 2.2.2 – Harnesses

Full body Harness - The back D-ring is the only one used to connect the
harness to the anchor point for primary fall arrest purposes unless you are climbing a
ladder. The back D-ring location is vital to proper fall arrest. Position this ring between
the shoulder blades.

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Suspension Trauma Strap

The strap is stored in a pouch attached to the harness. It relieves pressure that could
affect blood flow by allowing a worker to stand up in the harness. Simple and effective.

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Examples of connecting devices

Carabiner Double-Locking Snap hook

2.2.3 PFAS Inspection

 The PFAS should be inspected monthly by a competent person.

 Lanyards used for fall arrest are either shock absorbing or self-retracting.

 Non-shock absorbing lanyards are used for positioning and fall restraint.

Self retracting Shock Absorbing

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 Non Shock
Absorbing

Section 2.2.4 – Determining Fall Distance

The fall distance must be determined by a person qualified to make that decision. It
determines the type of lanyard chosen.

Using a self-retracting lanyard

Using a shock absorbing lanyard

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Section 2.2.5 – Vertical and Horizontal Lifelines

Vertical lifelines must have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds (2,267 kg).
One worker is connected at a time.

WARNING!
Horizontal lifelines are rated for a maximum number of connected workers. Check with your
supervisor or the manufacturer before connecting to a lifeline that is being used by other workers.
Section 2.2.6 – Guardrails

Guardrails must be of a specified minimum height and have a toe board.

Section 2.3.1 Straight Ladders

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Figure 1. Parts of Straight Ladder Figure 2. 4:1 ladder position Figure 3. Securing ladder

Types and characteristics of Straight Ladders

 Aluminum – Lightweight; corrosion-resistant

 Fiberglass – Very durable
 Wood – Sturdy; suitable for heavy loads

Important notes:

1. Never use metal ladders around electrical installations.

2. Position the foot on smooth surface like concrete.

3. The foot of the ladder should be ¼ of the height from the base of the wall (see figure

4. Secure the top and bottom of the ladder to keep it from slipping (figure 3).

5. Maintain three points of contact and keep your weight centered on the ladder.

6. Before using a ladder, check for damage or loose rungs; oil or grease on the rungs
be removed.

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Section 3.1.0 – Struck-by hazards

Section 3.1.1 – Falling Objects

 Always wear an approved hard hat at all times

 Use tool lanyards when working at height.

 When working near machinery and equipment such as cranes, NEVER stand

beneath or work in the fall zone

 When performing overhead work Use protective measures such as toe boards,

debris nets, catch platforms, or canopies

 Do not stack materials higher than 4:1 height-to-base ratio.

Section 3.1.2 – Flying Objects

• Use eye and face protection.

• Ensure that protective guards are in place and in good condition.

• Make sure you are trained in the proper operation of pneumatic and powder-

actuated tools.

• Use shielding to block flying debris.

Section 3.1.3 – Vehicle Hazards

• Stay alert at all times.

• Maintain eye contact with vehicle or equipment operators.

• Never get into the blind spots of equipment operators.

• Keep off of mobile equipment unless authorized.

• Wear reflective or high-visibility vests or other suitable garments.

• Never stand between pieces of equipment unless they are secured.

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Section 3.2.0 – Caught-in and caught-between hazards

Four (4) Causes Caught-in and caught-between hazards:

1. Trench collapse
2. Excavation collapse
3. Rotating equipment
4. Unguarded parts

Section 3.2.1 – Trenches and excavation

To be safe, treat soil as if it Type C soil, a competent person must inspect excavations
daily and decide whether cave-ins or failures of protective systems could occur,benching
system cannot be used Type C soil.

WARNING!

Just 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 1 m) of soil can put enough pressure on your lungs to prevent you from

breathing. Each year in the US, more than 100 people are killed and many more are seriously

injured in cave-in incidents. The chances of a trapped worker being killed can be as high as 50%.

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Section 3.2.2 – Guards
These tools and machines must have guards:

 Grinding tools  Rolling machines

 Shearing tools  Tools or machines with pin points

 Presses  Tools or machines with sharp

 Punches edges

 Cutting tools

CARE OF TOOL AND MACHINE GUARDS

• Do not remove a guard from a tool or machine except for cleaning purposes,

changing a blade, or performing other service.

• Make sure the machine is turned off and tagged out during servicing.

• When cleaning or maintenance is finished, replace the guard immediately.

• Do not use any material to wedge a guard open.

• Only use attachments that are specifically designed for that tool or machine.

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Section 3.2.3 – Crushing Hazards

Any type of moving heavy equipment can trap and crush a worker in the wrong place.

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Section 4.1.0 – Energy Release Hazards

 ALL energy sources must be removed (turn off power) to place equipment in
safe work condition.

 Put Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) to all sources to prevent someone from opening

power the source.

Section 4.1.0 – Electrical Safety

Types of Electrical Incidents:

WARNING!
1. Burns
Less than one (1) ampere of electrical current can kill.
2. Electric Shock
Always take precautions when working around
3. Explosions
electricity.
4. Falls caused by shock
5. Fires

Section 4.1.2 – Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

CAUTION
• Do not plug a GFCI-protected device into a GFCI-
protected circuit.

• Always test a GFCI before use.

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Section 4.1.3 – Electrical Safety

ELECTRICAL SAFETY SUMMARY

• All tools used in construction are ground-fault protected.

• Make sure that panels, switches, outlets, and plugs are grounded.

• Never use bare electrical wire.

• Never use metal ladders near any source of electricity.

• Inspect electrical power tools before you use them.

• Never operate any piece of electrical equipment that has a danger tag or lockout

device attached to it.

• Never use worn or frayed power cords. If the cord is frayed or worn, disconnect

power and dispose of the cord.

• Make sure light bulbs have protective guards to prevent accidental contact.

WARNING!
When someone is shocked,

Do NOT touch the victim or the electrical source with your hand, foot, or any part of
your body or with any object or material

Section 4.1.4 – Overhead Power Lines

HIGH-VOLTAGE POWER SOURCES

A common cause of electrical shock is coming into contact with overhead wires

with metal ladders, cranes, or excavating equipment. A distance of at least 10 feet (3 m)

must be maintained from any conductor carrying 50,000 volts or less. Greater distances

are required for higher voltages.

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A. Demonstration/practice in properly setting up and climbing/descending an
extension ladder, demonstrating proper 3-point contact.

B. Inspecting Power Cords (Good/Worn) and GFCI

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Section 5.1.0 – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

THE MOST COMMON PPE

•
• Hard hats • Hearing protection
• Eye protection • Respiratory protection
• Gloves • High-visibility clothing
• Safety footwear

Rules in using PPE: WARNING!

Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry that could get
1. Always inspect it.
caught in machinery or otherwise cause an incident.
2. Properly care for it. You must wear a shirt at all times; some tasks will
require long-sleeved shirts. Your shirt should always
3. Use it properly when it is needed. be tucked in unless you are performing welding.

4. Never alter or modify it in any way

Section 5.1.1 – Hard Hats

WARNING!
No articles should be worn under the hard hat that interferes with fit and visibility.
That includes ball caps or hoodies that obscure peripheral vision. Only employer-
approved gear is to be worn under the hard hat.

Most of hard hats are made of reinforced plastic or fiber glass. Face shields are

required for grinding, chipping, sand blasting, and similar operations involving flying

particles. They are normally required when working with

chemicals as well.

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Section 5.1.2 – Eye and Face Protection

Some sort of eye protection like glasses and goggles are required at all times on a job
site, regardless of the activity.

Section 5.1.3 – Hand Protection

Wearing gloves that are too big for your hands can lead to injury. Never wear gloves
around rotating or moving equipment.

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Section 5.1.4 – Foot and Leg Protection

FOOTWEAR RULES
• Never wear canvas shoes or sandals on the job.
• Wear boots that are suited to the site conditions.
• Inspect boots often and replace them when worn or
damaged.

Section 5.1.5 – PPE

Exposure to intense sound over time can result in severe hearing loss.

Here is a good rule to follow: if the noise level is so great that you have to raise your voice to be
heard by someone who is less than 2 feet (61 cm) away, you need to wear hearing protection.

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Section 5.2.0 – Respiratory Hazards and Protection

You need wear respirators for the following job site conditions:
• Dust from metal grinding
• Toxic fumes from welding or flame cutting of some metals
• Working with cleaning solvents
• Working in low-oxygen environments such as confined spaces
• Spray painting
• Sand blasting
• Drilling concrete
• Working with chemicals such as chlorine or ammonia

WARNING!
Silica dust from concrete, masonry, and rock are severe respiratory hazards that
can result in a lung disease known as silicosis.

Asbestos must not be disturbed. It must be dealt with by specially trained and
properly equipped workers.

Sections 5.2.1 to 5.2.3 – Respirators

USING A RESPIRATOR

• Workers must be medically evaluated before using a respirator.

• Respirators must be properly fitted and fit checks must be performed before each use.

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If asbestos is encountered or suspected on the job site, a supervisor must be notified and

all work must stop until the asbestos is either sealed or removed by licensed professionals. A

half mask or mouthpiece with a mechanical filter is used in areas where you might inhale

dust or other solid particles.

Section 6.1.0 – Site Hazards

SOME SIGNIFICANT HAZARDS

 Lead
 Blood borne pathogens
 Chemicals

Be sure you are familiar with exposure hazards on the job site, recognize
the warning signs, and take the required precautions against exposure.

Sections 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 – Site Hazards

LEAD

• Used in piping, batteries, and casting metals.

• Commonly found in paint before 1978.
• Sanding dust from lead-based paint is very hazardous

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BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

• Blood borne infectious diseases include HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

• Transmitted through contact with blood and other bodily fluids.
• Use gloves, eye protection, and masks as needed.
• Report any known contact.

Section 6.1.3 – Chemical hazards

• Acids, solvents, and other chemicals can produce toxic vapors or may be flammable.
• Some adhesives, paints, and other chemicals can be poisonous. Contact may cause skin
irritation, breathing problems, or allergic reaction.
• Compressed gases in cylinders such as acetylene and oxygen represent an explosion
hazard.

Section 6.1.4 – Container labeling

WARNING!
Any material in a container must have a label.

Never use chemicals from container with no label.

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Some types of Labels

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Sections 6.1.5 and 6.1.6 – 6.1.7 Radiation and Biological hazards

WARNING!
Learn to recognize the symbols for radiation and biohazards.
Stay away unless you are properly trained and equipped.

Radiation hazard Biological hazards

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Sections 6.2.0 to 6.2.4 – Site Hazards

HEAT-RELATED HEALTH CONCERNS

• Heat stress
• Heat cramps Learn to recognize the symptoms of heat
• Heat exhaustion exhaustion and heat stroke and know when to seek
• Heat stroke medical attention. Heat stroke is life threatening.
What to do

• Drink plenty of water.

• Wear lightweight clothing if possible.
• Keep your head covered and your face shielded.
• Take short breaks in the shade if possible.
• Symptoms of heat stroke is extremely high body temperature

Sections 6.2.5 to 6.2.7

FROSTBITE
• Frostbite damages tissue, commonly fingers, toes, and nose
• Symptoms include pale, waxy-white skin or hard, numb skin
• Never rub the affected area
• Move to a warm area and apply warm (not hot) water
HYPOTHERMIA
• Loss of body heat and reduced body temperature
• Look for shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness, confusion, and weakness
• Move to a warm, dry area and replace wet clothing
• Provide warm drinks, but avoid caffeine and alcohol

COLD-RELATED INJURY
• Dress in layers
• Wear waterproof, wind-resistant fabrics and waterproof boots when working outdoors
• Wear a hat or cap to reduce heat loss
• Carry extra clothing in case of rain

Section 6.3.0 – Hot Work Hazards

ARC WELDING SAFETY

• Exposure to the welding arc can result in flash burns to the eyes.
• Welding curtains must be used to shield nearby workers from the welding arc.
• When people are working near a welding operation, welding curtains must be set
up.

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Section 6.3.2 – Oxyfuel cutting

Oxygen and fuel gases should be physically

separated by a partition on a cart…

… and when in storage.

Sections 6.4.0 to 6.4.2 – Fire

All three components are necessary to start a fire:

 Oxygen
 Heat
 Fuel

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Section 6.4.3

FIRE PREVENTION

• Always work in a well-ventilated area.

• Never smoke or light matches when working with or near flammable materials.
• Keep oily rags in approved, self-closing metal containers.
• Store combustible materials only in approved containers

Section 6.4.4 – Basic Fire Fighting

It is crucial to select the right extinguisher and to use it correctly.

WARNING!
Section use a–CO
Do not6.4.5 Fire Extinguisher:
2 extinguisher on PASS
a Class D fire, as it can cause the fire to spread. Also
note that CO2 is heavier than air, so it will concentrate in low areas, displacing oxygen.
P – Pull
For that reason, A – Aimmust never
a CO2 extinguisher S –be
Squeeze S – Sweep
taken into, or used in, a confined
space.

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37
Review: Types of Extinguisher and Types of Fire

Demonstration: How to Use a Fire Extinguisher PASS

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