General Safety Requirements
Universal safety protocols applicable to all phases of construction.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Eye Protection
Requirement: MANDATORY at all times when power tools, hammers, or overhead work is occurring.
Minimum Standard: ANSI Z87.1 rated safety glasses with side shields
When to upgrade to goggles:
- Grinding or cutting metal
- Working with chemicals (concrete, cleaners, solvents)
- Overhead drilling or cutting (debris falls into face)
- Pressure washing
When to use face shield:
- Operating grinder or cutoff wheel
- Chipping concrete or masonry
- Nail gun use (in addition to safety glasses)
Critical: Regular glasses are NOT safety glasses. Prescription safety glasses are available if needed.
Hand Protection
Task-Specific Glove Selection:
| Task | Glove Type | Protection Against |
|---|---|---|
| Lumber handling | Leather work gloves | Splinters, abrasions |
| Concrete work | Nitrile-coated | Chemical burns, abrasion |
| Electrical work | Rated insulated gloves | Electrical shock |
| Metal work | Leather welding gloves | Heat, sharp edges |
| Finish work | Nitrile or latex | Stains, solvents |
| Demo/rough work | Heavy leather | Impact, punctures |
NEVER wear gloves when:
- Operating table saws, drill presses, or other rotating equipment (glove can catch and pull hand into blade)
- Climbing ladders (reduces grip)
Maintain clean gloves: Oily or slippery gloves are a hazard when handling tools.
Foot Protection
Requirement: Steel-toed or composite-toe boots (ASTM F2413 rated) for all construction phases.
Features to look for:
- Puncture-resistant sole (protects against nails, screws)
- Ankle support (prevents sprains)
- Slip-resistant tread
- Electrical hazard (EH) rating if doing electrical work
- Water-resistant for wet conditions
Replace when:
- Toe protection is cracked or dented
- Soles are worn smooth
- Upper separates from sole
- Any structural damage visible
Hearing Protection
Required when noise exceeds 85 dB (normal conversation requires raising voice).
Common Construction Noise Levels:
- Circular saw: 105-110 dB
- Impact driver: 95-100 dB
- Table saw: 95-100 dB
- Compressor: 85-95 dB
- Nail gun: 95-105 dB
Protection types:
- Foam earplugs: 29-33 dB reduction (disposable, cheap, effective)
- Reusable earplugs: 25-30 dB reduction (washable, longer life)
- Earmuffs: 22-33 dB reduction (easy on/off, comfortable for long wear)
- Electronic earmuffs: Allow conversation, block loud impulse noise (best option)
Best practice: Use both earplugs AND earmuffs when operating very loud tools (muffs over plugs provides maximum protection).
Warning: Hearing damage is cumulative and permanent. Ringing ears after work means damage occurred.
Respiratory Protection
Required for:
- Cutting pressure-treated lumber (copper, arsenic compounds)
- Drywall sanding (fine silica dust)
- Fiberglass insulation installation
- Spray painting or staining
- Demolition work (unknown dust/mold)
- Concrete cutting or grinding (silica dust)
Protection levels:
| Hazard | Minimum Protection | Better Option |
|---|---|---|
| Nuisance dust (wood) | N95 disposable mask | Reusable half-mask with P100 filters |
| Drywall dust | N95 or P100 | P100 with exhalation valve |
| Fiberglass particles | N95 (minimum) | P100 required |
| Paint/solvent vapors | Organic vapor cartridge | Full-face with organic vapor |
| Silica dust (concrete) | P100 (minimum) | Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) |
Fit testing: Respirators don’t work if they don’t seal. Test fit:
- Cover filter/cartridge with hands
- Inhale sharply - mask should pull tight to face
- If air leaks in around edges, adjust straps or try different size
Facial hair: Beards and stubble prevent proper seal. If you can’t shave, use powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) with hood.
Replace filters when:
- Breathing becomes difficult (dust filters clogged)
- Can smell vapor/odor (organic vapor cartridges exhausted)
- Per manufacturer schedule (typically 40 hours for dust, varies for vapor)
Head Protection
Hard hat required when:
- Working below others (framing, roofing, any elevated work)
- Working under temporary supports
- Overhead electrical hazards present
- Building inspector requires (some do for all site visits)
Types:
- Type I: Top impact only (most construction)
- Type II: Top and side impact (better protection)
- Class E: Electrical protection up to 20,000V
- Class G: General electrical protection up to 2,200V
- Class C: Conductive, no electrical protection (not for garage work)
For this project: Type II, Class E recommended if doing electrical work yourself.
Inspection: Check for cracks, dents, degraded suspension. Replace after any impact. UV degrades plastic over time (3-5 year max life).
Knee Protection
Required for:
- Framing (kneeling on subfloor)
- Tile or flooring installation
- Drywall finishing
- Any prolonged kneeling
Types:
- Foam pads (straps): Comfortable, good for moving around
- Hard-shell pads: Better impact protection, less comfortable
- Built-in work pants: Most comfortable, expensive
- Foam mats: For stationary work (not wearable)
Prevents: Permanent knee damage (bursitis, cartilage wear). Once knees are damaged, they don’t heal.
Tool Safety - General Principles
Before Each Use - Tool Inspection
- Power cord intact (no cuts, cracks in insulation)
- Plug ground pin present and intact (3-prong)
- Guard in place and functioning
- Blade/bit tight and not damaged
- Handles secure
- Trigger/switch working properly (doesn’t stick)
- Air hose connections secure (pneumatic tools)
Tag out damaged tools immediately. Don’t leave for the next person to discover.
Power Tool Safety Rules
Universal rules (apply to ALL power tools):
- Unplug before adjusting - Blade changes, bit changes, guard adjustments
- Let tool come to complete stop - Never set down spinning blade
- Secure workpiece - Use clamps, not your hand to hold material
- Keep guards in place - Removed guards are the #1 cause of severe cuts
- One hand on tool, one on work - Never use two hands on tool unless designed for it
- Maintain stable footing - Don’t overreach, move your feet
- Know where the cord is - Don’t cut your own power cord
- Use sharp blades/bits - Dull tools require more force, slip more easily
- Don’t force the tool - Let the blade do the work
- Remove adjustment keys - Chuck keys, allen wrenches left in tool will fly out
Never operate when:
- Fatigued or impaired
- Distracted by phone/conversation
- In poor lighting
- Rushed or pressured
- Uncomfortable or awkward position required
Better to: Take a break, set up better, ask for help, or come back tomorrow.
Specific Tool Hazards
Circular saw:
- Kickback when blade binds - keep firm grip, support cut properly
- Lower guard can stick - never tie guard open
- Cut depth should only extend 1/4” below material
Nail gun:
- Sequential vs. contact trip - sequential is safer (one nail per trigger pull)
- Never bypass safety tip
- Disconnect air when not in use
- Angle-shooting increases risk of double-fire
Table saw:
- #1 cause of severe finger injuries in construction
- Always use push stick for narrow cuts (within 6” of blade)
- Never reach over or behind spinning blade
- Use riving knife to prevent kickback
- Keep blade guard in place unless physically impossible
Miter saw:
- Wait for blade to stop before raising
- Keep hands at least 6” from blade path
- Support long pieces on both sides of cut
- Never cut freehand (always against fence)
Drill/Impact driver:
- Bit can catch and spin material into your hand
- Use clamps, not your hand to stabilize
- Side handle provides better control for large bits
Grinder:
- Tool with highest injury severity
- Always use face shield (plus safety glasses underneath)
- Blade can shatter if dropped or bound
- Only use blades rated for grinder RPM
- Death grip not needed - light touch is safer
Ladder Safety
Ladder accidents are the leading cause of death in construction. Most are preventable.
Ladder Selection
- Step ladder: Max height = 4 feet below top (6’ ladder = 2’ standing height)
- Extension ladder: Must extend 3’ above roof edge for safe access
- Load rating: Type IA (300 lbs) or Type I (250 lbs) for construction
For this project: 8’ step ladder and 24’ extension ladder will cover most needs.
Setup Rules - EVERY TIME
- Inspect first - Bent, cracked, or loose parts = do not use
- Stable surface - Level, firm ground (use plywood under legs if needed)
- 4-to-1 ratio - Extension ladder base should be 1’ out for every 4’ up
- Extend 3’ - Above roof or platform for safe transition
- Tie off top - For extension ladders, secure to prevent sliding
- Lock spreaders - On step ladders, spreaders must be fully locked
- Clear area - 3’ radius at base, nothing to trip over
Climbing Safety
- 3-point contact - Always have 2 hands + 1 foot OR 2 feet + 1 hand touching
- Face the ladder - Never climb backwards
- Center your belt buckle - Don’t lean side to side
- Keep hips inside rails - If you can’t reach, move the ladder
- One person at a time - Unless rated for multiple users
- Tool belt or hoist - Never carry tools in hands while climbing
Weather considerations
- No ladders in high wind - 20+ mph gusts can blow you off
- No wet/icy rungs - Slip risk too high
- No electrical storms - Aluminum or wet wood conducts electricity
Electrical Safety
Assumption for this section: Licensed electrician will do panel work and final connections. This covers temporary power and tool use.
Temporary Power Requirements
- GFCI protection - All outlets, all cords, all the time
- Proper gauge extension cords:
- 50’ or less: 12 AWG minimum
- 50-100’: 10 AWG minimum
- High-amp tools (saw, compressor): 10 AWG regardless
- No daisy-chaining - Don’t plug extension cords into extension cords
- Inspect daily - Damaged cords cause fires and electrocution
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
What it does: Detects current leakage and shuts off in 1/40th of a second.
Why critical outdoors/construction: Wet conditions, damaged cords, and metal contact increase electrocution risk.
Types:
- Portable GFCI adapters (plug into outlet, then plug tools in)
- GFCI extension cords (built-in protection)
- GFCI outlets (permanent installation)
Test monthly: Press “Test” button - should trip. Press “Reset” to restore.
Working Around Electrical
- Assume all wires are live - Until proven otherwise with tester
- Call before you dig - 811 for utility locates (overhead AND underground)
- Maintain clearance - 10’ from overhead power lines with ladder/materials
- Don’t drill blind - Know where wires run before drilling into walls
- Turn off circuits - Before changing fixtures, outlets, switches
Lockout/Tagout for Electrical Work
- Identify circuit - Which breaker controls the work area
- Turn off breaker - At panel
- Lock the panel - Padlock or tape to prevent others from turning on
- Tag the breaker - “DO NOT ENERGIZE - WORK IN PROGRESS”
- Test with tester - Confirm power is off (non-contact voltage tester)
- Only person who locked can unlock - Don’t remove others’ tags
Housekeeping & Site Organization
Poor housekeeping causes more injuries than any single tool.
Daily Cleanup Checklist
- Scrap lumber stacked or removed (not scattered)
- Cords coiled and hung (not on floor)
- Tools returned to storage or belt
- Sawdust and debris swept
- Nails removed from boards or boards disposed
- Liquids cleaned (oil, water, paint)
- Clear path to exits maintained
- Fire extinguisher access clear
Material Storage
- Stack lumber flat - Prevents warping and trip hazards
- Lean sheets at angle - Drywall, plywood (with support, not free-standing)
- Heavy items low - Nothing overhead that can fall
- Separate by phase - Framing, electrical, drywall materials in designated areas
- Weather protection - Tarps over materials sensitive to moisture
Waste Management
- Nail hazard: Pull nails from scrap lumber immediately or mark clearly
- Separate containers: Wood, metal, drywall, general waste
- Sharp disposal: Coffee can or heavy box for saw blades, razor blades, broken glass
- Chemical disposal: Follow local hazardous waste rules (paint, solvents, treated wood)
Trip Hazard Control
Most common accident type - easiest to prevent.
- Cords against walls or overhead, never across walkways
- Hoses coiled when not in use
- Materials stacked, not scattered
- Work lights on stands, not floor
- Adequate lighting (can’t avoid what you can’t see)
Lifting & Material Handling
Back injuries are career-ending and permanent. Lift smart, not strong.
Proper Lifting Technique
- Assess first - Too heavy/awkward = get help
- Feet shoulder-width - Stable base
- Bend knees, not back - Squat down
- Grip firmly - Hands under load, not on top
- Lift with legs - Keep back straight
- Hold close - Extended arms multiply strain
- Turn feet, not spine - Pivot with whole body
- Set down same way - Controlled squat
When to Get Help (Two-Person Carry)
- Drywall sheets (awkward more than heavy)
- Lumber over 12’ long
- Anything over 50 lbs
- Any load you can’t see over/around
- Awkward shapes (doors, cabinets)
Equipment Assistance
- Hand truck/dolly - For moving heavy items across site
- Come-along/lever hoist - For pulling/positioning heavy beams
- Block and tackle - For lifting to roof
- Wheelbarrow - For concrete, soil, aggregate
Rent equipment rather than risk injury. Your back is worth more than the rental fee.
Weather & Environmental Hazards
Heat Stress
Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache Serious: Confusion, slurred speech, seizures (heat stroke - call 911)
Prevention:
- Start early, break during hottest hours (11 AM - 3 PM)
- Drink water continuously (not just when thirsty)
- Light-colored, breathable clothing
- Shade for breaks
- Recognize early symptoms and cool down immediately
Cold Stress
Symptoms: Shivering, numbness, loss of dexterity Serious: Confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness (hypothermia - call 911)
Prevention:
- Layer clothing (remove layers if sweating)
- Keep dry (wet = rapid heat loss)
- Insulated boots and gloves
- Warm beverages on breaks
- Limit exposure time in extreme cold
Electrical Storms
STOP WORK IMMEDIATELY if:
- Lightning visible
- Thunder audible (if you hear it, you’re in range)
- Dark clouds with rising wind
Resume work: 30 minutes after last lightning/thunder
Shelter: Inside vehicle or building (not under trees, in shed, or touching metal)
High Winds
Stop work if:
- Sustained winds over 20 mph
- Gusts over 30 mph
- Working on roof or ladder
- Handling sheet materials (plywood, drywall)
Wind can: Blow you off ladder, rip materials from hands, blow dust into eyes, topple stored materials.
Fatigue & Impairment
Most dangerous tool on the job site is poor judgment from fatigue.
Signs You’re Too Tired to Work Safely
- Difficulty focusing or maintaining attention
- Increased irritability or frustration
- Near-misses or small mistakes increasing
- Forgetting steps or procedures
- Slower reaction time
- Physical exhaustion (muscles shaking)
Response: STOP. Take a break, eat food, hydrate, or call it a day.
Substances
Zero tolerance:
- Alcohol
- Recreational drugs
- Impairment from prescription medications
If medication affects alertness/coordination: Don’t operate power tools. Do planning, measuring, material organization instead.
First Aid & Minor Injury Response
On-Site First Aid Kit - Required Contents
- Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
- Gauze pads (4x4 and 2x2)
- Rolled gauze
- Adhesive tape
- Antibiotic ointment
- Burn cream
- Eye wash solution
- Scissors and tweezers
- Disposable gloves
- CPR face shield
- Ice packs (instant cold packs)
- Splint material
- Triangular bandage (sling)
- First aid manual
Check monthly - Restock used items, replace expired items.
Minor Injury Response
Cuts (minor):
- Rinse with clean water
- Apply pressure with clean gauze
- Once bleeding stops, antibiotic ointment and bandage
- Monitor for infection (redness, swelling, pus)
When to seek medical care:
- Won’t stop bleeding after 10 minutes pressure
- Deep enough to see fat or muscle
- Caused by rusty metal or dirty object (tetanus risk)
- On joint or hand (may need stitches for full mobility)
- Any signs of infection
Splinters:
- Clean tweezers with alcohol
- Pull out in same direction it entered
- Wash area and apply antibiotic ointment
- If deep or breaks off, see doctor (infection risk)
Burns (minor):
- Cool water (not ice) for 10-20 minutes
- Burn cream and loose bandage
- Do NOT pop blisters
- If larger than palm of hand, see doctor
Eye irritation:
- Flush with clean water for 15 minutes
- Don’t rub eye
- If pain persists or vision affected, seek medical care immediately
Tetanus: Construction sites are high-risk. Ensure tetanus vaccination is current (booster every 10 years, or 5 years if dirty wound).
Summary - Daily Safety Routine
Before Starting Work
- Site walkthrough - identify new hazards
- Check weather - any conditions that require postponing work?
- Inspect tools needed today
- Verify PPE is available and in good condition
- Confirm first aid kit accessible
- Identify evacuation routes and fire extinguisher locations
During Work
- Wear appropriate PPE for each task
- Keep work area clean and organized
- Take breaks before fatigue sets in
- Hydrate regularly
- Stop if conditions become unsafe
End of Day
- Return tools to storage
- Clean work area
- Secure site (lock doors, close windows)
- Turn off/unplug all equipment
- Check for fire hazards
- Note any safety issues for tomorrow’s briefing
Next: Review 02 - Phase-Specific Safety for detailed guidance on upcoming construction phases.