Phase-Specific Safety Guide
Detailed safety protocols for each construction phase, organized chronologically.
Current Status: Foundation Complete (Curing)
Foundation Curing Period Safety
Timeline: Typically 7-28 days depending on cure requirements and loading.
Current Hazards:
| Hazard | Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Exposed rebar | Impalement injury | Cap all vertical rebar with plastic safety caps |
| Fresh concrete edges | Trip/fall, ankle injury | Barricade perimeter with caution tape |
| Curing chemicals | Chemical burns | Avoid contact; wear gloves if touching surface |
| Uneven access | Slips, trips, falls | Establish safe access paths; maintain lighting |
| Material delivery | Vehicle accidents | Designate delivery/staging zones away from foundation |
Action Items Before Framing Starts:
- Cap all exposed rebar with mushroom caps (inexpensive, life-saving)
- Install temporary barricade around foundation perimeter
- Post “WET CONCRETE - KEEP OFF” signs during cure period
- Verify foundation anchor bolts are protected from damage/debris
- Clear staging area for lumber delivery
- Install temporary lighting for evening/early morning access
- Verify drainage is working (no standing water on or near foundation)
Inspection before closing this phase:
- Foundation fully cured per engineer specifications
- All anchor bolts present, undamaged, and in correct locations
- No cracks wider than hairline (consult engineer if found)
- Surface clean and ready for framing
- Perimeter graded to drain away from foundation
Phase 1: Framing
Timeline: Typically 2-4 weeks for garage structure
Overall Hazard Level: HIGH - Most injuries occur during framing
Framing-Specific PPE Requirements
- Safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1) - MANDATORY at all times
- Work gloves (leather) - For lumber handling
- Steel-toed boots - MANDATORY
- Hearing protection - During saw/nail gun use
- Hard hat - When working below elevated workers
- Fall protection - For work above 6 feet (roof framing)
- Knee pads - For floor-level framing
Lumber Handling Safety
Hazards:
- Splinters (infection risk)
- Heavy/awkward loads (back injury)
- Falling lumber (crush injury, head trauma)
- Nails protruding from ends (puncture wounds)
Safe Practices:
- Inspect lumber delivery: Check for protruding nails or bands before handling
- Wear gloves: Prevents splinters, but remove when operating power tools
- Two-person carry: Anything over 12’ long or 50 lbs
- Stable stacking: Flat, supported at multiple points, blocked to prevent rolling
- Watch the ends: Rotating a long board can strike someone nearby
- Announce movements: “Turning board” or “coming through” with long pieces
Storage:
- Stack flat on level blocking (prevents warping)
- Separate by length/type for easy access
- Cover with tarp if rain expected (wet lumber = heavy lumber)
- Keep away from foundation edge (could fall and damage anchor bolts)
Nail Gun Safety
Most common serious injury in framing. Nail guns fire with enough force to penetrate skull or chest.
Types & Trigger Systems:
- Sequential trip: Requires safety tip contact, THEN trigger pull (safest)
- Contact trip (bump fire): Trigger held + bumping safety fires nail (faster but dangerous)
- Full sequential: Safety released between each shot (required in some jurisdictions)
For DIY/owner-builder: ONLY use sequential trip mode. Disable contact trip if present.
Pre-Use Inspection:
- Air pressure set to manufacturer spec (typically 90-120 PSI)
- Safety tip moves freely and returns to position
- No damaged housing or guards
- Air hose connections secure
- Magazine feeding smoothly
- Exhaust not pointed at face
Safe Operating Procedures:
- Never point at anyone - Treat like a firearm (it is essentially)
- Disconnect air when not shooting - Quick-disconnect at gun, not compressor
- Keep hands away from nose - 12” minimum clearance
- Secure workpiece - Material can kick from nail force
- Full surface contact - Angled shots can cause double-fires or ricochet
- Watch for others - Nails can pass through material or ricochet
- Clear jams safely - Disconnect air first, follow manual procedure
- Wear eye protection - Metal fragments can fly back
DANGER - Double-Fire: Occurs when safety tip bounces off work surface and gun fires second nail. Prevent by:
- Firm, steady contact
- Hold gun in place 1 second after firing
- Use sequential trigger mode
DANGER - Pass-Through: Nails can pass completely through material and:
- Strike person on other side
- Hit electrical/plumbing in walls
- Penetrate into room below
Always know what’s on the other side before nailing.
Medical emergency: Nail penetrations to head, chest, or abdomen = call 911 immediately. DO NOT REMOVE NAIL (can cause severe bleeding).
Saw Safety (Circular Saw, Miter Saw)
Circular Saw:
Kickback prevention:
- Support cut on both sides of blade
- Don’t twist blade while cutting
- Keep blade sharp
- Set depth to only 1/4” below material
- Let blade reach full speed before contact
Lower guard:
- Must move freely
- Never tie open or remove
- Inspect before each use
- If sticking, clean sawdust and oil pivot
Setup:
- Secure workpiece (clamps or sawhorses)
- Clear path behind saw (cord, debris)
- Stand to side of cut line (not behind saw)
- Firm footing, both hands on saw
Miter Saw:
Most dangerous moments:
- Raising spinning blade (wait for complete stop)
- Reaching across blade (keep hands 6” away)
- Cutting without workpiece against fence (kickback risk)
Setup:
- Secure to stable work surface
- Support long pieces on both sides
- Use clamps for small pieces
- Dust collection connected (visibility + respiratory)
Operating:
- Workpiece against fence, hand 6” from blade path
- Lower blade guard positioned
- Start saw, let reach full speed
- Lower blade through cut in controlled motion
- Release trigger, wait for COMPLETE stop
- Raise blade
Never:
- Cut freehand (always against fence)
- Reach behind or over blade
- Remove blade guard
- Force the cut
Fall Protection (Roof Framing)
OSHA Requirement: Fall protection required at 6 feet or higher.
For residential garage: Roof framing at 10’+ height = serious fall risk.
Fall Protection Systems:
1. Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS):
- Full-body harness (NOT a belt)
- Shock-absorbing lanyard
- Anchor point rated 5,000 lbs per person
- Anchor above work surface (reduces fall distance)
Setup:
- Anchor to structural member (roof trusses, not sheathing)
- Keep lanyard short (minimize fall distance)
- Inspect harness/lanyard before each use
- Ensure anchor won’t cut lanyard if you fall
2. Guardrails:
- Top rail at 42” height
- Mid rail at 21” height
- Toe board at floor level
- Must withstand 200 lbs force
For garage roof: Temporary guardrails at perimeter during sheathing.
3. Safety Net:
- Installed below work surface
- Maximum 30’ below working level
- Extends 8’ beyond edge
Practical for garage: Unlikely. PFAS or guardrails more feasible.
Best Practice Combination:
- Guardrails at roof perimeter during sheathing
- PFAS for workers near openings or before guardrails complete
- Restrict roof access to minimum necessary workers
Weather restrictions:
- No roof work in rain, ice, or snow
- No roof work in winds over 20 mph
- No roof work if thunderstorms forecast within 2 hours
Additional roof safety:
- Chicken ladders (roof ladders with hooks) for steep pitches
- Rope and harness even if below 6’ (peace of mind)
- Remove debris from roof (trip hazards)
- Adequate lighting if working early/late
Framing Phase Checklist
Before starting framing:
- Lumber delivery scheduled and staging area prepared
- Nail gun inspected and set to sequential mode
- Saw blades sharp and guards functioning
- Fall protection equipment available and inspected
- First aid kit stocked and accessible
- Fire extinguisher on site (nail gun compressor = fire risk)
- Hard hats available for all workers
Daily framing safety:
- Morning site walk - identify hazards
- Tool inspection before use
- Clear work area of trip hazards
- Monitor weather (stop if conditions unsafe)
- Disconnect nail gun air when not in use
- Stack lumber securely at end of day
Phase completion:
- All framing members secured (no loose boards aloft)
- Protruding nails removed or bent over
- Fall protection remains until roof complete
- Scrap lumber cleared or stacked safely
Phase 2: Roofing
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Overall Hazard Level: EXTREME - Highest fatality risk in construction
Roofing-Specific Hazards
- Falls from height (most common roofing fatality)
- Heat stress (black shingles absorb heat, roof temps 40°F higher than air)
- Material weight (shingle bundles = 70-80 lbs each)
- Nail gun injuries
- UV exposure (sunburn, skin damage)
Roofing PPE Requirements
- Fall protection harness - MANDATORY
- Non-slip work boots (not steel toe, softer sole grips better)
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Wide-brim hat or cap
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Knee pads (for shingle installation)
Roofing Safety Requirements
Fall protection: See framing section above - required for roof work.
Roof access:
- Secure, properly-angled extension ladder
- Ladder extends 3’ above roof edge
- Ladder secured at top
- Roof ladder (chicken ladder) for steep pitches
Material handling:
- Use roof hoist or boom to lift shingles (don’t carry up ladder)
- Distribute weight (don’t stack all bundles in one spot)
- Stack bundles flat on multiple trusses/rafters
Heat safety:
- Start early (6-7 AM), break during hottest hours
- Hydrate constantly (1 quart per hour in hot weather)
- Watch for heat stress symptoms (see General Safety doc)
- Light-colored clothing
- Shade for breaks
Weather:
- No work on wet roof (extremely slippery)
- No work in high winds
- Start early before dew evaporates (wet shingles slip)
Tool safety:
- Roofing nail gun requires same safety as framing
- Keep cords/hoses secured (trip hazard on roof = fall)
- Tool belt to keep hands free while moving
Best practice: Hire professional roofers. Roofing has highest fatality rate for a reason. If doing yourself, invest in proper fall protection and do not work alone.
Phase 3: Electrical Rough-In
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Overall Hazard Level: HIGH - Electrocution and fire risk
Recommendation: Licensed electrician for panel work, service connection, and final inspection.
Electrical-Specific Hazards
- Electrocution (permanent injury or death from shock)
- Arc flash (severe burns from electrical arc)
- Fire from improper wiring
- Falls (working from ladder in confined spaces)
- Drill through existing wiring
Electrical PPE Requirements
- Voltage-rated gloves (if working on energized circuits)
- Safety glasses with side shields
- Non-conductive tools (insulated handles)
- Rubber-soled shoes (not steel toe if near live circuits)
- Face shield (for panel work)
Electrical Safety Protocols
PRIMARY RULE: Work de-energized whenever possible.
Lockout/Tagout Procedure:
- Identify circuit to be worked
- Turn off breaker at panel
- Lock panel closed (padlock) or tape breaker off
- Tag breaker: “DO NOT ENERGIZE - WORK IN PROGRESS - [Your Name]”
- Test circuit with voltage tester to confirm power off
- Proceed with work
- Only person who applied lock/tag can remove it
Voltage testers:
- Non-contact voltage tester: Quick check, can give false positives/negatives
- Multimeter: Accurate voltage reading
- Test before AND after work to ensure power still off
Temporary power safety:
- All outlets GFCI protected
- Extension cords 12 AWG minimum, 10 AWG preferred
- Inspect cords daily (damaged cord = electrocution risk)
- No daisy-chaining extension cords
Drilling safety:
- Know where existing wiring runs before drilling
- Use shallow drill depth when near wiring areas
- Inspect bit after drilling through wall (metal shavings = hit wire)
- Insulated drill handle
Arc flash prevention: When working in panel (even turning off breakers):
- Main breaker terminals are ALWAYS energized (fed from utility)
- Don’t touch terminals or bus bars
- Use insulated tools
- Keep face and body clear of panel interior
- If unsure, call electrician
Wire capacity and safety: Never exceed wire ampacity:
| Wire Gauge | Maximum Breaker | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 14 AWG | 15A | Lighting, outlets |
| 12 AWG | 20A | Outlets, appliances |
| 10 AWG | 30A | Large appliances, EV |
| 8 AWG | 40A | Range, large AC |
Overloading wire = fire.
Grounding:
- All metal boxes must be grounded
- All outlets must have ground wire connected
- GFCI outlets in garage (required by code)
- Never use ground wire as neutral (fire hazard)
Electrical Phase Checklist
Before starting electrical:
- Electrical permit pulled (required in most jurisdictions)
- Plan reviewed by licensed electrician
- Voltage tester (non-contact AND multimeter)
- Insulated tools
- GFCI temporary power established
- Fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires (Class C)
During rough-in:
- All work de-energized and locked out
- Test circuits before touching wires
- Proper wire gauge for breaker size
- All boxes grounded
- Wires secured per code (within 8” of box, every 4.5’ along run)
- Label all circuits at panel
Before inspection:
- All connections tight
- No exposed wire outside boxes
- All boxes accessible (not covered by insulation)
- Ground fault testing on GFCI outlets
- Panel labeled with circuit directory
Phase 4: Plumbing Rough-In
Timeline: 3-5 days for garage (if including bathroom/utility sink)
Overall Hazard Level: MODERATE
Note: Many garages have minimal plumbing. Adjust based on your design.
Plumbing-Specific Hazards
- Water damage (from testing or mistakes)
- Torch burns (soldering copper)
- Chemical exposure (PVC primer/cement, flux)
- Confined space (crawling under/around structures)
- Heavy pipe (cast iron, long runs)
Plumbing PPE Requirements
- Safety glasses (especially for overhead work)
- Work gloves (chemical-resistant for PVC work)
- Knee pads
- Respirator (for PVC primer, confined spaces)
- Leather gloves (for torch work)
Plumbing Safety Protocols
Water shutoff:
- Know location of main water shutoff
- Test shutoff before starting work (verify it actually stops flow)
- Keep clear access to shutoff
Torch safety (soldering copper):
- Fire extinguisher within reach - MANDATORY
- Fire-resistant cloth behind joint being soldered
- Keep torch away from framing, wiring, plastic pipes
- Allow joints to cool before moving pipe
- Shut off torch immediately when done
- Never leave torch unattended while lit
- Check for smoldering 30 minutes after torch work complete
PVC primer & cement:
- Extremely flammable vapors
- Use in ventilated area
- No open flames nearby
- Respirator with organic vapor cartridge
- Can dry skin - use barrier cream or gloves
- Keep containers sealed when not in use
Pressure testing:
- Test before insulation/drywall cover pipes
- Air test safer than water test (water leak = damage)
- Follow code requirements for test pressure and duration
- Stand clear of pressurized pipes
- Release pressure slowly
Working in confined spaces:
- Crawl spaces, under slab, tight corners
- Adequate lighting
- Cell phone or radio to call for help
- Someone aware you’re in confined space
- Watch for nails, sharp metal, spiders/rodents
Heavy pipes:
- Cast iron = very heavy, can crush fingers/toes
- Use proper lifting technique
- Two-person carry
- Secure overhead pipes immediately (don’t leave supported by temporary prop)
Plumbing Phase Checklist
Before starting plumbing:
- Plumbing permit if required
- Water main shutoff identified and tested
- Fire extinguisher on-site (for torch work)
- Adequate ventilation for PVC work
- Pressure test equipment available
During rough-in:
- Torch work supervised, fire watch maintained
- All supply lines secured with proper hangers
- Drain lines properly sloped (1/4” per foot)
- Vent pipes extend through roof
- No cross-connections between potable and non-potable water
Before inspection:
- System pressure tested and holding
- All connections accessible for inspection
- Pipes protected from freezing (if applicable)
- Shutoff valves functional
Phase 5: Insulation
Timeline: 2-4 days
Overall Hazard Level: MODERATE - Respiratory and skin irritation
Insulation-Specific Hazards
- Fiberglass particles (skin/eye/respiratory irritation)
- Confined spaces (attic, tight walls)
- Falls (working overhead, on ladders)
- Heat stress (attics can exceed 120°F)
- Buried hazards (nails, wiring covered by insulation)
Insulation PPE Requirements
- Respirator - P100 filters MANDATORY (fiberglass particles extremely fine)
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Long sleeves, long pants (tightly woven, tucked in)
- Work gloves
- Disposable coveralls (optional but recommended)
- Hat or hood (keep particles out of hair)
Insulation Safety Protocols
Fiberglass handling:
- Never touch skin to fiberglass - causes intense itching, rash
- If particles contact skin: Do NOT scratch or rub. Rinse with cold water, then shower with cold water before hot (opens pores)
- Wash work clothes separately from other laundry
- Respirator prevents lung irritation (permanent damage from repeated exposure)
Ventilation:
- Adequate airflow while working
- Fans to exhaust dust
- Take breaks in fresh air
- Hydrate (especially in attics)
Heat stress in attics:
- Work early morning
- Take frequent breaks
- Hydrate constantly
- Watch for heat stress symptoms
Lighting:
- Attics and wall cavities are dark
- Adequate lighting to see nails, wires, sharp objects
- Headlamp recommended (keeps hands free)
Overhead work:
- Installing insulation in ceiling cavities
- Particles fall into face - goggles, not just glasses
- Respirator prevents breathing particles
- Working from ladder - fall risk
Buried electrical:
- Don’t cover junction boxes with insulation
- Maintain clearance around recessed lights (fire hazard)
- Don’t compress wiring with insulation
Vapor barrier:
- Cut with knife - keep fingers clear
- Stapling overhead - watch for kickback into face
Insulation Phase Checklist
Before starting insulation:
- P100 respirators available and fit-tested
- Protective clothing (long sleeves, pants, gloves)
- Adequate lighting (headlamps or work lights)
- Ventilation fans available
- Heat stress mitigation plan (water, breaks, early schedule)
During installation:
- Full PPE worn at all times
- Frequent breaks for fresh air
- Junction boxes remain accessible
- Recessed lights have proper clearance
- Vapor barrier on correct side (warm side)
After installation:
- Shower and wash all clothes immediately
- Dispose of or wash coveralls
- Clean work area of debris
- Verify all electrical boxes accessible
Phase 6: Drywall
Timeline: 1-2 weeks (hanging, taping, finishing)
Overall Hazard Level: MODERATE - Heavy lifting, dust, stilts
Drywall-Specific Hazards
- Heavy sheets (1/2” 4x8 sheet = 50 lbs, 1/2” 4x12 sheet = 75 lbs)
- Awkward lifting (overhead, extended arms)
- Dust (during sanding - silica and gypsum)
- Stilts (fall risk)
- Utility knife cuts
Drywall PPE Requirements
- Safety glasses (for overhead work, falling dust)
- Dust mask (N95 minimum during sanding)
- Work gloves (for sheet handling)
- Knee pads (for floor-level work)
- Steel-toed boots (falling sheet can break toes)
Drywall Safety Protocols
Lifting drywall:
- Two-person carry for all sheets - too awkward for one person safely
- Proper lifting technique (bend knees, not back)
- Sheet carriers/panel lifters reduce strain
- Drywall lift for ceilings (strongly recommended)
Hanging overhead:
- Drywall lift for ceilings
- If holding manually: multiple people, proper bracing
- Beware fatigue - arms give out, sheet falls
- Wear hard hat when others working overhead
Stilts safety: Drywall stilts allow finishing ceilings without scaffolding, but:
- Practice on flat, clear surface before using on job
- Only on smooth, level floor (trip hazards = fall)
- Don’t overreach or bend over
- Use handrails/walls for balance
- Never carry heavy items while on stilts
- Start with low stilts, only increase height when comfortable
Alternative to stilts: Scaffolding or sturdy platform (safer but slower)
Utility knife safety:
- Always cut away from body
- Retract blade when not cutting
- Replace dull blades (dull = more pressure = more slip risk)
- Keep fingers behind blade path
- Most common injury in drywall work
Dust control: Drywall sanding creates enormous amounts of fine dust:
- Respirator during sanding (not just dust mask - P100 filter)
- Wet sanding reduces dust (slower but safer)
- Ventilate area with fans
- Seal off rest of building to contain dust
- Clean daily (dust accumulation = respiratory hazard)
Screw gun safety:
- Bit can slip and strip screw (hand can hit wall)
- Keep firm grip
- Don’t overtighten (can punch through drywall)
- Depth stop prevents over-driving
Drywall Phase Checklist
Before starting drywall:
- Drywall lift available (for ceilings)
- Utility knives with sharp blades
- Dust control plan (ventilation, containment)
- Stilts if using (practice first)
- Two or more people available for sheet carrying
During hanging:
- Two-person carries for all sheets
- Overhead work uses lift or multiple people
- Utility knives kept sharp, blades retracted when not in use
- Hard hat worn when working below others
During finishing:
- Adequate ventilation
- Dust masks/respirators during sanding
- Stilts used only on clear, level surfaces
- Daily cleanup of dust
Phase completion:
- All dust cleaned thoroughly
- Scrap drywall removed
- Ventilation fans cleaned of dust
Phase 7: HVAC Installation
Timeline: 1-3 days for mini-split system (per your design notes)
Overall Hazard Level: MODERATE to HIGH (refrigerant, electrical, elevated work)
HVAC-Specific Hazards
- Refrigerant exposure (chemical burns, asphyxiation in confined space)
- Heavy equipment (outdoor condensers = 100+ lbs)
- Electrical (high voltage connections)
- Elevated work (installing wall-mounted units)
- Sharp metal edges (ductwork, units)
HVAC PPE Requirements
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves (for handling equipment, sheet metal)
- Steel-toed boots
- Respirator (if refrigerant leak)
- Insulated gloves (for electrical connections)
HVAC Safety Protocols
Refrigerant safety:
- R-410A (common in mini-splits): Non-toxic but displaces oxygen
- Leak in confined space = asphyxiation risk
- Ventilate area before and during work
- Don’t breathe refrigerant vapors
- Skin contact can cause frostbite
- EPA certification required to handle refrigerant
Lifting heavy equipment:
- Outdoor condenser units: 100-150 lbs
- Two-person lift
- Use appliance dolly for moving
- Secure on pad before releasing
Electrical connections:
- Turn off power before making connections
- Lockout/tagout breaker
- Verify voltage with tester
- Follow wiring diagram exactly (miswiring = equipment damage, fire)
- Use wire nuts rated for voltage/amperage
- GFCI may not be required but is good practice
Working at height:
- Wall-mounted units installed 7-8 feet up
- Ladder safety critical
- Don’t overreach - move ladder
- Have helper stabilize ladder
- Use tool belt to keep hands free
Line set installation:
- Pre-charged lines reduce refrigerant handling
- Don’t kink lines (reduces efficiency, can cause failure)
- Support lines properly (every 3-4 feet)
- Protect from physical damage
Condensate drain:
- Must drain properly or water damage results
- Test drain before closing walls
- Slope away from unit
Startup:
- Follow manufacturer procedure exactly
- Verify all electrical connections tight
- Check refrigerant pressures (if EPA certified)
- Test all functions before leaving
HVAC Phase Checklist
Before installation:
- Equipment delivered and inspected for damage
- Electrical circuit installed and tested
- Mounting location verified (per manufacturer specs)
- EPA-certified technician if handling refrigerant
During installation:
- Power locked out during electrical work
- Equipment lifting done with two people
- Line set properly supported and protected
- Condensate drain tested
- All connections tight
Startup:
- Manufacturer startup procedure followed
- All functions tested
- Airflow verified
- No refrigerant leaks detected
- User manual reviewed
Phase 8: Finish Work (Paint, Flooring, Trim)
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Overall Hazard Level: LOW to MODERATE (chemical exposure, repetitive strain)
Finish Work Hazards
- Chemical exposure (paint, stain, adhesive vapors)
- Ladder falls
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Slips on wet floors
- Sharp tools (trim saw, utility knife)
Finish Work PPE Requirements
- Respirator with organic vapor cartridges (painting, staining)
- Safety glasses (cutting trim)
- Work gloves (staining) or nitrile gloves (painting)
- Knee pads (baseboards, flooring)
Finish Work Safety Protocols
Paint/stain ventilation:
- Oil-based products emit toxic VOCs
- Adequate ventilation (fans, open doors/windows)
- Respirator with organic vapor cartridge (not just dust mask)
- Take breaks in fresh air
- Never sleep in freshly painted room with oil-based paint
Fire hazard - spontaneous combustion:
- Rags with oil-based stain/finish CAN spontaneously ignite
- Lay used rags flat to dry outdoors
- OR soak in water in sealed metal container
- Never pile oily rags in heap
- Dispose per hazardous waste guidelines
Ladder safety:
- Finish work = lots of ladder time
- Follow ladder safety in General Safety doc
- Don’t overreach
- Use scaffolding or platform for large areas
Repetitive strain:
- Painting ceilings/walls, installing flooring
- Take breaks, stretch
- Alternate tasks to vary muscle groups
- Stop if pain develops (tendinitis = long recovery)
Floor finish fumes:
- Polyurethane is highly toxic while wet
- Extreme ventilation required
- Respirator mandatory
- Keep pets/people away until fully cured
Trim saw safety:
- Miter saw (same as framing section above)
- Sharp blades for clean cuts = less effort, safer
- Eye protection for flying chips
- Hearing protection
Finish Phase Checklist
Before finishing:
- Organic vapor cartridges for respirators
- Adequate ventilation capability
- Safe disposal plan for oily rags
- Ladders/scaffolding in good condition
During finishing:
- Respirator worn when using VOC products
- Frequent breaks to avoid repetitive strain
- Ladder safety practices followed
- Oily rags disposed safely
Phase completion:
- All VOC products fully cured/aired out
- All chemical containers properly sealed or disposed
- Tools cleaned and stored
- Area ventilated thoroughly
Phase 9: Final Systems & Inspection
Timeline: Ongoing through project
Overall Hazard Level: LOW (unless energizing systems)
Final Systems Hazards
- Energizing electrical (arc flash, electrocution)
- Pressurizing plumbing (burst pipe)
- Testing HVAC (refrigerant, electrical)
- Operating new equipment (garage door, lift, compressor)
Final Systems Safety
Electrical energizing:
- Hire licensed electrician for first energizing
- Utility connection = high voltage, high risk
- Test all circuits before use
- GFCI outlets tested and functioning
- Main panel labeled accurately
Plumbing pressurizing:
- Open faucets to release air before pressurizing
- Watch for leaks at all connections
- Know where shutoff is
- Fix leaks before covering/finishing
HVAC testing:
- Follow manufacturer startup procedure
- Verify proper operation
- Check for refrigerant leaks
- Ensure condensate draining properly
Garage door:
- Professional installation recommended (high tension springs dangerous)
- Test auto-reverse safety (place 2x4 on floor, should reverse)
- Emergency release tested and understood
- Keep area clear during operation
2-post lift:
- Professional installation REQUIRED
- Anchor bolts must be properly installed in foundation
- Load tested before use
- Safety locks engaged before working under vehicle
- Never exceed weight capacity
- Annual inspection
Air compressor:
- Located per your design (exterior or utility room)
- Proper electrical circuit (high amperage)
- Pressure relief valve functional
- Drain moisture regularly
- NEVER exceed rated pressure
Summary - Phase Progression Checklist
Use this to track safety readiness as phases begin:
- Foundation Curing - Rebar capped, barricaded, protected
- Framing - Fall protection, nail gun safety, PPE ready
- Roofing - Fall arrest system, heat safety plan, professional roofers
- Electrical - Licensed electrician, lockout/tagout, voltage testers
- Plumbing - Fire extinguisher for torch, ventilation for PVC
- Insulation - P100 respirators, protective clothing, heat plan
- Drywall - Drywall lift, dust control, two-person teams
- HVAC - EPA-certified for refrigerant, electrical lockout
- Finishing - Organic vapor respirators, oily rag disposal plan
- Final Systems - Licensed professionals for energizing, testing protocols
Remember: Each phase has specific hazards. Review relevant section BEFORE starting that phase, not during.
Next: Review 03 - Fire Prevention Plan for fire safety protocols throughout construction.