Construction Safety > Chapter - 3 > Topic- General Safety Measures > Subtopic- At Ground level: House Keeping , Electrical Hazards ,Handling and storage of construction material at site. Safety Precautions in storage , handling ,and stacking of material.

Housekeeping, Electrical Hazards, Handling and storage of construction material at site. Safety Precautions in storage, handling, and stacking of material.

Housekeeping:

The term good housekeeping is sometimes loosely understood as a simple floor cleaning or broom stick operation. Housekeeping is not just need base cleaning. It is more than that, in addition to regular daily cleanliness, it includes orderly arrangements of tools, equipment, materials and process flow. In short it can be explained as place for everything and everything in its place.  It is integral part of industrial activity that reduces accidents, increases production, and improves employees morale and public relation.

 

It is essential to know the items of poor or bad housekeeping so that they can be recognized, detected, and removed. Such indicators of poor housekeeping are many and a list may become long. Some main indicators are listed below:

1. Objects & Materials on Floor: Excessive material, waste, debris, tools lying anywhere, congested aisles, walkways and workplace, spillage of oil, grease, acid etc., dropped or thrown down materials and disorderly piled materials as obstruction.

2. Poor Storage Practices: Unsafe store design and unsafe piling i.e., too high or improper piling, overloaded waste bins, storing in aisles or obstructing doors, passageways, storage of excessive material in work room.

3. Equipment out of Place: Wrongly parked vehicles, trucks, trolleys and wrongly placed tools, equipment, material, ladder, wire ropes etc. where they should not be

4. Dirty walls, windows, ceilings, floors etc.: Dirty walls, windows, ceilings, floors, lighting fixtures, lint and dust on bearings or moving parts, open locker/drawer, slippery or dirty washrooms, latrines, urinals, canteens, and workplaces.

5. Poor waste disposal system: Failure to provide receptacles or containers for waste and scrape, lack of overflow pans, dripping containers and unsafe reclamation of cutting oils etc., inadequate or leaking exhaust system, scrubber, treatment plant etc., emission of gas, fumes, vapors, accumulation of dust and no provision for cleaning device.

6. Fire Hazards:  Accumulation of rubbish, oil, oil-soaked rags or cotton waste, paper and packing material, substances causing spontaneous ignition e.g., dusts, oils, solvents, fertilizers, sugar, leather etc., uninsulated hot piping, hot bearings, sparks, welding-cutting in flammable scraps, jute, hem, hay etc.

7. Chemical Hazards: Nowadays chemical factories or uses of chemicals in factories are increasing. This spoils the atmosphere and housekeeping and workplace pollution due to chemical exposure is also increasing. This spoils the atmosphere and housekeeping. Splashes, leakage, dripping and escape of chemicals pose danger to health and safety and result in bad housekeeping. Acids, alkalis, solvents, pesticides, and many dangerous chemicals change the colour and status of a factory.

8. Others: Poor lighting, dark colors, poor ventilation, noise and vibration, broken tools, ladders , stools etc. open or loose electric wiring ,no hand railing , no toe guard , no machine guarding , no fencing on pits , platforms and floor openings ,drawers left openings ,drawers left open.

Methods of Good Housekeeping at Construction Site: 

• Gather up and remove debris to keep the work site orderly.

• Plan for the adequate disposal of scrap, waste and surplus materials.

• Keep the work area and all equipment tidy. Designate areas for waste materials and provide containers.

• Keep stairways, passageways, ladders, scaffold and gangways free of material, supplies and obstructions.

• Secure loose or light material that is stored on roofs or on open floors.

• Keep materials at least 2m (5 ft.) from openings, roof edges, excavations or trenches.

• Remove or bend over nails protruding from lumber.

• Keep hoses, power cords, welding leads, etc. from laying in heavily travelled walkways or areas.

• Ensure structural openings are covered/protected adequately (e.g. sumps, shafts, floor openings, etc.)

• Do not permit rubbish to fall freely from any level of the project. Use chutes or other approved devices to materials.

• Do not throw tools or other materials.

• Do not raise or lower any tool or equipment by its own cable or supply hose.

• Store flammable or explosive materials such as gasoline, oil and cleaning agents apart from other materials.

• Keep flammable and explosive materials in proper containers with contents clearly marked.

• Dispose of greasy, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved containers.

• Store full barrels in an upright position.

• Keep gasoline and oil barrels on a barrel rack.

• Store empty barrels separately.

• Post signs prohibiting smoking, open flames and other ignition sources in areas where flammable and explosive materials are stored or used.

• Store and chain all compressed gas cylinders in an upright position.

• Mark empty cylinders with the letters "mt," and store them separately from full or partially full cylinders.

• Ventilate all storage areas properly.

• Ensure that all electric fixtures and switches are explosion-proof where flammable materials are stored.

• Use grounding straps equipped with clamps on containers to prevent static electricity build-up.

• Provide the appropriate fire extinguishers for the materials found on-site. Keep fire extinguisher stations clear and accessible.

Electrical Hazards

1) Overhead Power Lines:

Hazard : Overhead powered and energized electrical lines have high voltages which can cause major burns and electrocution to workers.

Preventive measures: Remember to maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet from overhead power lines and nearby equipment. Conduct site surveys to ensure that nothing is stored under overhead power lines. Also, safety barriers and signs must be installed to warn nearby non-electrical workers of the hazards present in the area.

2) Damaged Tools and Equipment:  

Hazard: Exposure to damaged electrical tools and equipment can be very dangerous.

Preventive Measure: Do not fix anything unless you are qualified to do so. Thoroughly check for cracks, cuts, or abrasions on cables, wires, and cords. In case of any defects, have them repaired or replaced. Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) procedures should be always performed before commencing electrical maintenance and repairs. LOTO procedures are there to protect all workers on a worksite.

3) Inadequate Wiring and Overloaded Circuits

Hazard: Using wires of inappropriate size for the current can cause overheating and fires to occur.

Preventive Measure: Use the correct wire suitable for the operation and the electrical load to work on. Use the correct extension cord designed for heavy-duty use. Also, do not overload an outlet and use proper circuit breakers. Perform regular fire risk assessments to identify areas at risk of bad wiring and circuits.

4) Exposed Electrical Parts

Hazard: Examples of exposed electrical parts include temporary lighting, open power distribution units, and detached insulation parts on electrical cords. These hazards can cause potential shocks and burns.

Preventive Measure: Secure these items with proper guarding mechanisms and always check for any exposed parts to be repaired immediately.

5) Improper Grounding

Hazard: Improper grounding can cause fire and electric shock

Preventive Measure: Proper grounding can eliminate unwanted voltage and reduce the risk of electrocution. Never remove the metallic ground pin as it is responsible for returning unwanted voltage to the ground.

6) Damaged Insulation

Hazard: Defective or inadequate insulation can cause damage of equipment and can cause electric shock electrocution.

Preventive Measure: Turn off all power sources before replacing damaged insulation and never attempt to cover them with electrical tape.

7) Wet Conditions

Hazard: Water increases the risk of electrocution and damage the equipment.

Preventive Measures: Never operate electrical equipment in wet locations. Have a qualified electrician inspect electrical equipment that has gotten wet before energizing it. 

Handling and storage of construction material at site. Safety Precautions in storage, handling, and stacking of material.

1) Cement:

Storage and Stocking - Cement shall be stored at the work site in a building or a shed which is dry, leakproof and as moisture-proof as possible. The building or shed for storage should have minimum number of windows and de -fitting doors and these should be kept closed as far as possible. Cement received in bags shall be kept in such a way that the bags are kept free from the possibility of any dampness or moisture coming in contact with them. Cement bags shall be stacked off the floor on wooden planks in such a way as to keep them about 150 mm to 200 mm clear above the floor. The floor may comprise lean cement concrete or two layers of dry bricks laid on a well consolidated earth. A space of 600 mm minimum shall be left all around between the exterior walls and the stacks . In the stacks the cement bags shall be kept close together to reduce circulation of air as such as possible. Owing to pressure on bottom layer of bags sometimes 'warehouse pack' is developed in these bags. This can be removed easily by rolling the bags when cement is taken out for use. Lumped bags, if any should be removed and disposed off. The height of stack shall not be more than 10 bags to prevent the possibility of lumping up under pressure. The width of the stack shall be not more than four bags length or 3 meters. In stacks more than 8 bags high, the cement bags shall be arranged alternately length-wise and cross-wise so as to tie the stacks together and minimize the danger of toppling over. Cement bags shall be stacked in a manner to facilitate their removal and use in the order in which they are received; a table showing date of receipt of cement shall be put on each stack to know the age of cement. For extra safety during monsoon, or when it is expected to store for an unusually long period, the stack shall be completely enclosed by a water proofing membrane such as polyethylene, which shall close on the top of the stack. Care shall be taken to see that the waterproofing membrane is not damaged any time during the use. Cement in gunny bags, paper bags and polyethylene bags shall be stored separately. In case cement is received in drums, these shall be stored on plane level ground, as far as possible near the concrete mixing place. After taking out the required quantity of cement, the lid of the rum shall be securely tied to prevent ingress of moisture. In case cement is received in silos, Silos shall be placed near the concrete batching plan. Proper access shall be provided for the replacement of silos. Different types of cements shall be stacked and stored separate

Handling - Hooks shall not be used for handling cement bags unless specifically permitted by the engineer-in-charge.

2) Lime

Quicklime Before Slaking

Storage and stacking - Quicklime should be slaked as soon as possible. If unavoidable it may be stored in compact heaps having only the minimum of exposed area. The heaps shall be stored on a suitable platform and covered to avoid direct contact with rain or being blown away by wind. In case quick lime is stored in a covered shed, a minimum space of 300 mm should be provided all round the heaps to avoid bulging of walls. Unslaked lime shall be stored in a place inaccessible to water and because of fire hazards, shall be segregated from the combustible materials.

Hydrated Lime-

 Storage and stacking - Hydrated lime is generally supplied in containers, such as jute bags lined with polyethylene or craft paper bags. It should be stored in a building to protect the lime from dampness and to minimize warehouse deterioration. The building should be with concrete floor and having least ventilation to eliminate draughts through the walls.

Dry slaked Lime-

Storage and stacking – The lime shall be stored in dry and closed go-down.

Handling of Cement and Lime- Workmen, handling bulk cement or lime shall wear protective clothing, respirators, and shall be instructed in the need of cleanliness to prevent dermatitis, and shall be provided with hand cream, petroleum jelly, or similar preparation for protection of exposed skin. Bulk cement stored in silos or bins may fail to feed to the ejection system. When necessary to enter a silo or bin for any purpose, the ejection system employed shall be shut down and locked out electrically as well as mechanically. When necessary for a workman to enter such storage area, he shall wear a lifeline, with another workman outside the silos hopper attending the rope.

 

2) Masonry Units -

a) Stones- Stones of different sizes, types and classification shall be stored separately. Stones shall be stacked on dry firm ground in a regular heap not more than 1 min height. Veneering stones shall be stacked against vertical support on a firm dry ground in tiers, up to a height of 1.2 m. A distance of about 0.8 m shall be kept between two adjacent stacks.

b) Bricks - Bricks shall be stacked in regular tiers as and when they are unloaded to minimize breakage and defacement. These shall not be dumped at site. In the case of bricks made from clays containing lime KANKAR, the bricks in stack should be thoroughly soaked in water (docked) to prevent lime bursting.  Bricks shall be stacked on dry firm ground. For proper inspection of quality and in counting, the stacks shall be 50 bricks long, 10 bricks high and not more than 4 bricks width, the bricks being placed on edge, two at a time along the width of the stack. Clear distance between adjacent stacks shall not be less than 0.8 m. Bricks of each truck load shall be put in on Stack. Bricks of different types, such as, clay bricks, clay fly ash bricks, fly ash lime bricks, sand lime (calcium silicate) bricks shall be stacked separately. Bricks of different classifications from strength consideration and size consideration (such as, conventional, and modular shall be stacked separately. Also bricks of different types, such as, solid, hollow, and perforated shall be stacked separately. -

c) Blocks- Blocks are available as hollow and solid concrete blocks, hollow and solid light weight concrete blocks, autoclaved aerated concrete blocks, concrete stone masonry blocks and soil-based blocks. Blocks shall be unloaded one at a time and stacked in regular tiers to minimize breakage and defacement. These shall not be dumped at site. The height of the stack shall not be more than 1.2 m, the length of the stack shall no more than 3.0 m, as far as possible and the width shall be of two or three blocks. Normally blocks cured for 28 days only should be received at site. In case blocks cured for less than 28 days are received, these shall be stacked separately. All blocks should be water cured for 10 to 14 days and air cured for another 15 days; thus no blocks with less than 28 days curing shall be used in building construction. Blocks shall be placed close to the site of work so that least effort is required for their transportation. The date of manufacture of the blocks shall be suitably marked on the stacks of blocks manufactured at factory or site.

d) Handling- Brick stacks shall be placed close to the site of work so that least effort is required to unload and transport the bricks again by loading on pallets or in barrows. Unloading of building bricks or handling in any other way likely to damage corners or edges or parts of the bricks shall not be permitted.

 

3) Floors, Wall and Roof Tiles-

a) Storage and Stacking - Floor, wall and clay roof tiles of different types, such as, cement concrete tiles (plain, coloured and terrazzo) and ceramic tiles (glazed and unglazed) shall be stacked on regular platform as far as possible under cover in proper layers and in tiers and they shall not be dumped in heaps. In the stack, the tiles shall be so placed that the mold surface of one faces that of another. Height of the stack shall not more than 1 m. Tiles of different quality, size and thickness shall be stacked separately to facilitate easy removal for use in work. Tiles when supplied by manufacturers packed in wooden crates shall be stored in crates. The crates shall be opened one at a time as and when required for use.

b) Handling - Ceramic tiles and roof tiles are generally supplied in cartons which shall be handled with care to avoid breakage. It is preferable to transport these at the site on platform trolleys.

 3) Aggregate

 Storage and Stacking - Aggregates shall be stored at site on hard dry and level patch of ground. If such a surface is not available, a platform of planks or old corrugated iron sheets, or a floor of bricks, or a thin layer of lean concrete shall be made so as to prevent the mixing with clay, dust, vegetable and other foreign matter. Stacks of fine and coarse aggregate shall be kept in separate stock piles sufficiently removed from each other to prevent the material at the edges of the piles from getting intermixed. On a large job it is desirable to construct dividing walls to give each type of aggregates its own compartment. Fine aggregates shall be stacked in place where loss due to the effect of wind is minimum.

b) Handling - When withdrawals are made from stock piles, no overhang shall be permitted. Employees required to enter hoppers shall be equipped with safety belts and life-lines, attended by another person. Machine driven hoppers, feeders, and loaders shall be locked in the off position prior to entry electrically as well as mechanically.

4) Pulverized Fuel Ash/Fly Ash –

 Storage and Stacking -- Fly ash shall be stored in such a manner as to permit easy access for proper inspection and identification of each consignment. Fly ash in bulk quantities shall be stored in stack like fine aggregates, avoiding any intrusion of foreign matter. Fly ash in bags shall be stored in stacks not more than 10 bags high.

 

5) Cinder-

Cinder shall be stored in bulk quantities in stacks similar to coarse aggregates avoiding any extrusion of foreign matter.

6) Timber-

Storage and Stacking - Timber shall be stored in stacks upon well treated and even surfaced beams, sleepers or brick pillars so as to be above the ground level by at least 150 mm to ensure that the timber will not be affected by accumulation of water under it. Various members shall preferably be stored separately in different lengths, and material of equal lengths shall be piles together with wooden battens, called crossers, separating one layer from another. The crossers shall be of sound wood, straight and uniform in thickness. In case, where separate crosser are not available smaller sections of the available structural timber may be employed in their place. In any layer an airspace of about 25 mm shall be provided between adjacent members. Then longer pieces shall be placed in the bottom layers and shorter pieces in the top layers but one end of the stack shall be in true vertical alignment. Most suitable width and height of a stack are recommended to be about 1.5 mm. Distance between adjacent stacks is recommended to be at least 450 mm. In case the stacking with the help of battens is not possible, the timber may be close piled in heaps on raised foundations with the precautions specified above. The stacks shall be protected from hot dry winds or direct sun and rain. Heavy weights, such as metal rails or large sections of wood rerecommended to be placed on the top of the stack to prevent distortion or warping of timber in the stack. In case timber is to be stored for about a year or more, to prevent end-cracking in the material, the ends of all members shall be coated with coal tar, aluminum leaf paints (hardened gloss oil), microcrystalline wax or any other suitable material. Care must be taken that handler or workmen are not injured by rails, straps, etc, attached to timber. This applies particularly to planks and formwork for shuttering.

7) Bamboo

The site shall be properly inspected and termite colonies or mounds if detected shall be destroyed. All refuse and useless cellulosic materials shall be removed from the site. The ground may then be disinfected by suitable insecticides. The area should have good drainage. Bamboo may preferably be stacked on high skids or raised platform at least 300 mm above ground. Storage under cover reduces the liability to fungal attack. 

Bamboo dries by air-seasoning under cover in the storage yards from 6 to 12 weeks time. Prophylactic treatment of bamboo during storage prevents losses due to fungi and insects even under open storage.

8) Partially Prefabricated Wall and Roof Components-

 Storage and Stacking - The wall components comprise blocks, sills, lintels, etc. The blocks shall be stacked in accordance with 4.5(c). These shall be stacked on plane level ground having a floor of bricks or a thin layer of lean concrete. The roof components such as precast RC joists, prefabricated brick panels, RC planks, channel units, cored units, waffle units, L-panel, single tee and double tee sections, ferrocement panels, etc shall be unloaded as individual components.  These shall be stacked on plane level ground having a floor of bricks or a thin layer of lea concrete. RC planks, prefabricated brick panels and ferrocement panels shall be stacked again a brick masonry wall in slightly inclined position on both sides of the wall. Channel units, cored units and L-panels shall be stacked one over the other up to five tiers. Its shall be stacked upside down as individual units. The RC joists, single tee and double tee shall be stacked as individual units one adjacent to the other. The distance between any two adjacent stacks shall not be less than 450 mm

Handling- The components shall be handled by holding the individual component by holding a specified point so that the stresses due to handling are minimized.

9) Steel

Storage and Stocking --- For each classification of steel, separate areas shall be earmarked. It is desirable that ends of the each class be painted in distinct separate colours.

The steel reinforcement shall be stored in a way as to prevent corrosion and distortion. It is recommended to coat reinforcement with cement wash before stacking to prevent scaling and rusting.

The bars of different classification, sizes, and lengths shall be stored separately to facilitate issues in such sizes and lengths to minimize wastage is cut from standard lengths.

In the case of long storage or coastal areas, reinforcement bars shall be stacked above ground level by a least 15 cm, and a layer of cement wash shall be given to prevent rusting and scaling. The structural steel of different sections, sizes, and lengths shall be stored separately, which shall be stored above floor level by at least 150mm upon platforms, or any other suitable supports to avoid distortion of sections. The ends of bars shall be painted with separate nominated colours for different diameter of the rebar.

10) Aluminum Section –

Storage and Stacking – Aluminum sections of different classification , sizes , and lengths, shall be stored separately ,on level platform and under cover.

Handling- The aluminum sections shall not be pulled or pushed from the stack nor shall be slide over each other to protect the anodizing layer.

11) Doors Windows and ventilators –

Storage and Handling - Metal and plastic doors, windows and ventilators shall be stacked upright (on their sills) on level ground preferably on wooden battens and shall not come in contact with dirt or ashes. If received in crates they shall be stacked according to manufacturer’s instructions and removed from the crates as and when required for the work. Metal and plastic frames of doors, windows and ventilators shall be stacked upside down with the kick plates at the top. These shall not be allowed to stand for long in this manner before being fixed so as to avoid the door frames getting out of shape and hinges being strained and shutters drooping. During the period of storage of aluminium doors, windows and ventilators, these shall be protected from loose cement and mortar by suitable covering, such as tarpaulin. The tarpaulin shall be hung loosely on temporary framing to permit circulation of air to prevent moisture condensation. All timber and other lignocellulosic material based frames and shutters shall be stored in a dry and clean covered space away from any infestation and dampness. The storage shall preferably be in well-ventilated dry rooms. The frames shall be stacked one over the other distances to keep the stack vertical and straight. These cross battens should be of uniform thickness and placed vertically one above the other. The door shutters shall be stacked in the form of clean vertical stacks one over the other and at least 80 mm above ground on pallets or suitable beams or rafters. The top of the stack shall be covered by a protecting cover and weighted down by means of scantlings or other suitable weights. The shutter stack shall rest on hard and level surface. If any timber or other lignocellulosic material based frame or shutter becomes wet during transit, it shall be kept separate from the undamaged material. The wet material may be dried by stacking in shade with battens in between adjacent boards with free access of dry air. Separate stacks shall be built up for each size, each grade each type of material. When materials of different sizes, grades and types are to be stacked in one stack due to shortage of space, the bigger size shall be stacked in the lower portion of the stacks. Suitable pallets or separating battens shall be kept in between the two types of material. Precast concrete door and window frames shall be stored in upright position adopting suitable measures against risk of subsidence of soil support.

Handling- While unloading, shifting, handling, and stacking timber or other lignocellulosic material based, metal and plastic door and window frames and shutters, care shall be taken that the pieces are not dragged one over the other as it may cause damage to their surface particularly in case of the decorative shutters. The pieces should be lifted and carried preferably flat avoiding damage to corners or sides. Metal frames of doors, windows and ventilators shall be stacked with the kick plates at the top. They shall not be kept in this manner for long and should be taken to the fixing position as soon as possible.

12)  Sheets & Boards –

Storing and handling - Sheets and boards, such as asbestos sheets, CGI sheets, particle boards, gypsum boards etc., the following requirements shall be fulfilled:

a) sheets and boards shall be stacked to a height of not more than 1 m on dry, clean, firm and level ground with timber or other packing beneath them.

 b) bottom of the stack shall be raised adequately from the ground level where there is a risk of water coming on the floor

c) sheets and boards shall be stacked under cover and protected from damage due to wind, rain and sun.

 d) at least one edge of the stack shall be in true vertical alignment; the top sheet in each stack shall be suitably weighed down.

 e) damage to the corners and surface of sheets and boards shall be prevented and damaged sheets shall not be stacked with sound materials.

 f) sheets shall not be pushed forward against the lower sheet for more than one-fourth of the sheet length.

g) they shall be lifted into position by two workmen, if necessary.

h) sheets and boards shall be lowered or raised gently and not thrown; and suitable hand protection like gloves, jelly etc. shall be provided to the workmen wherever necessary. CGI sheets shall be stacked in not more than 100 bundles per stack built solidly.

Corrugations of sheets in one stack shall run in the same direction. One end of the stack shall be raised by at least 100 mm to drain accumulated water, if any. Sheets not for immediate use shall be stacked under roof. Plywood, fiber board, particle board, block board etc. shall be stacked on a flat dunnage on top of which a wooden frame shall be constructed with battens of suitable size in such a way that it supports all four corners and edges of the boards. For boards up to a length of 2 m, minimum of one intermediate batten and for boards longer than 2 m, at least two intermediate battens shall be provided to avoid warping.

13) Cast Iron, Galvanized Iron and Asbestos Cement Pipes and Fittings –

Storage & Stacking - The pipes shall be unloaded where they are required, when the trenches are ready to receive them. Storage shall be provided at the bottom layer to keep the stack stable. The stack shall be in pyramid shape or the pipes placed length-wise and cross-wise in alternate layers. The pyramid stack is advisable in smaller diameter pipes for conserving space in storing them. The height of the stack shall not exceed 1.5 m. Each stack shall contain only pipes of the same class and size. Each stack shall contain only pipes of same class and size, with consignment or batch number marked on it with particulars or suppliers wherever possible. Cast iron detachable joints and fittings shall be stacked under cover and separated from the asbestos cement pipes and fittings. Rubber rings shall be kept clean, away from grease, oil, heat and light.

Handling- Pipes in the top layer shall be handled first. At a time only one pipe shall be handled by two laborers while conveying to the actual site and shall be carried on shoulders. Fittings shall be handled individually.

14) Paints, Varnishes, Thinners, Bitumen and Road Tar –

Storage & Stacking - Paints, varnishes, lacquers, thinners, and other inflammable materials shall be kept in properly sealed or closed containers. The containers shall be kept in a well-ventilated location, free from excessive heat, smoke, sparks, or flame. The floor of the paint store shall have 100 mm thick loose sand on it. Paint materials in quantities other than required for daily use shall be kept stocked in the regular storage place. The manner of storage shall facilitate removal and use of lots in the same order in which they are received. Temporary electrical wiring and fittings shall not be installed in the paint store. When electric lights, switches or electrical equipment are necessary to be stored or used in the same room, the room shall be designed in a way to reduce explosion risk. Sources of ignition, such as open flame and exposed heating elements, shall not be permitted in paint store, nor shall smoking be allowed there. Drums or containers containing bitumen, road tar, asphalt, etc. shall be stacked vertically on their bottoms in up to 3 tiers. Leaky drums shall be either totally removed or separated. Empty drums shall be stored in pyramidal stacks neatly in rows. Bituminous roofing felts shall be stored away from other combustible or flammable materials. They shall be handled gently to prevent cracking and damages. Workers engaged on jobs involving handling of hot bitumen, tar, and bituminous mixtures shall use protective wears, such as boots and gloves, preferably of asbestos or otherwise of rubber, goggles and helmet. No workers shall be permitted to handle such materials without wearing the needed protective covering. Bitumen/tar shall not be heated beyond the temperature recommended by the manufacturer of the product. While discharging heated binder from the boiler, workers shall not stand opposite to the jet so as to avoid the possibility of hot binder falling on them. The container shall be handled only after closing the control valve. While handling hoi bitumen/tar, workers shall exercise scrupulous care to prevent accidental spillage thereof. The buckets and cans in which the hot material is carried from boiler shall be checked before use to ensure that they are intact and safe. Mops and other applicators contaminated with bituminous materials shall not be stored inside buildings. Outdoor storage of drums containing flammable materials like hydraulic brake and transmission fluid, gasoline and lubricants shall be such that contamination from moisture and dirt is avoided. The storage shall be free of spilled products, debris and other hazardous material. Compressed gases and petroleum products shall not be stored in the same building or close to each other. Proper identification by markings, tags etc. shall be used for petroleum products delivered to the job site and stored there in drums. Highly flammable liquids shall be stored in fire resisting containers in a special storeroom secluded from the main working site. For uses of up to 50 litres, liquids can be stored in the workroom in fire resistant cupboards or bins. Stores of liquids shall be clearly marked highly flammable. All empty containers shall be returned to the store.

Handling - The workmen shall dispose off any clothing or apparel spilled over by or soaked in flammable materials immediately. They shall not be allowed to continue work unless affected clothing and apparels are changed.  

​15) Water

Water to be stored for construction purposes shall be stored in proper tanks or event any organic impurities. The aggregate capacity of storage tanks shall be determined considering requirements of firefighting.

16) Sanitary Appliances-

Storage and Stacking - All sanitary appliances shall be carefully stored under cover to prevent damage. When accepting and storing appliances consideration shall be given to the sequence of removal from the store to the assembly position Vitreous fittings shall be stacked separately from the metal ones.

Handling- Bigger sanitary appliances shall be handled one at a time. Traps, water seals and gullies shall be handled separately. While handling sanitary fittings they shall be free from any oil spilling, etc. The hands of the workers shall also be free from any oily substance. Before lowering the appliances in their position the supporting brackets, pedestals, etc., shall be checked for their soundness and then only the fixtures be attached.

​17) Other Material - materials such as coatings, sheeting, reflective surfacing/sheeting, etc. shall be stored as per the manufacturers' instructions. Special precautions shall be taken in case of storage, handling and usage of toxic materials. Small articles like screws, bolts, nuts, door and window fittings, polishing stones, protective clothing, spare parts of machinery, linings, packings, water supply and sanitary fittings, and electrical fittings, board, etc., shall be kept in suitable and properly protected containers or store rooms.

 

​UNLOADING RAIN ROAD WAGONS AND MOTOR VEHICLES -

Loading and unloading Rail/Road Wagons

Appropriate warning signals shall be displayed to indicate that the wagons shall not be coupled or moved. The wheels of wagons shall always be sprigged or chained while the wagons are being unloaded. The brakes alone shall not be depended upon. Special level bars shall preferably be used for moving rail wagons rather than ordinary crow bars. Where gangplanks are used between wagons and platforms of piles (heaps), cleats at lower end of gangplank, or pin through end of gangplanks, shall be used to prevent sliding. If gangplank is on a gradient, cleats or abrasive surface shall be provided for the entire length.

​When rail/road wagons are being loaded or unloaded near passageways or walkways, adequate warning signals shall be placed on each end of the wagon to warn pedestrians.

Loading and Unloading from Motor Vehicles

The motor vehicles shall be properly blocked while being loaded or unloaded; brakes alone shall not be depended upon to hold them. When motor vehicles are being loaded or unloaded near passageways or walkways, adequate warning signs shall be placed on each end of the vehicle to warn the pedestrians. Handling Heavy/Long Items Loading and unloading of heavy items, shall, as far as possible, be done with crane or gantries. The workman shall stand clear of the material being moved by mechanical equipment. The slings and the ropes used shall be of adequate load carrying capacity, so as not to give way and result in accidents.

While heavy and long components are being manually loaded into motor vehicle, wagons, trailer, etc, either wooden sleepers or steel rails of sufficient length and properly secured in position shall be put in a gentle slope against the body of the wagon/vehicle at 3 or 4 places for loading. These long items shall be dragged, one by one, gently, and uniformly along these supports by means of ropes, being pulled by men with feet properly anchored against firm surface. As soon as the items come on the floor of the vehicle, the same may be shifted by crowbars and other suitable leverage mechanism, but not by hands to avoid causing accident to the workmen.

 

 Reference : 

NSO Notes 

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www.hse.gov.uk