PHYSICAL PLANT SAFETY MANUAL

Safety Manual
1st Page

Introduction to Safety

General Work Habits

Clothing & Personal Protective Equipment

Work Area Houskeeping

Asbestos

Hand & Power Tools

Equipment & Machinery

Tag-Out Procedure

Fire Protection

Welding

Compressed Gas Cylinders

Electrical

Construction

Ladders & Scaffolding

Back Safety

Lifting

Vehicle Safety

Work Area Safety Awareness

Emergency Procedures

Off-the-Job Safety

Safety Equipment

Employee Statement

Updated April 2001

Construction Safety

When working on or near construction or renovation projects, always wear the proper personal protective equipment, (i.e., hardhat, goggles, and gloves).

Prior to the start of construction or renovation, all areas should be inspected for the presence of asbestos and lead, and all sources of potentially hazardous energy in the area should be located.

Supervisors should ensure employees receive training in the proper use of tools and protective equipment. If a respirator is required, only those employees who have had a physical examination and fit test shall be allowed in the area.

Excavations and trenches more than four feet deep shall have proper sloping or shoring. Employees should never enter a cave-in site in an attempt to rescue another worker without shoring in place.  (See the OSU Trenching & Shoring Manual for detailed information.)

General Excavation Safety Tips:

• Underground utilities must be located and marked.
• Trenches over 4 feet deep must have a safe exit such as a ramp or ladder within 25' of every worker.
• Trenches 5 feet or deeper will be inspected daily by Environmental Health & Safety.
• Excavated material and other objects must be kept at least 2 feet from a trench opening.
• No one works on the sides of sloped or benched excavations above other employees unless the lower worker is protected from falling material.
• Station a Top Person outside the trench to detect moving ground and warn workers to leave a trench.

• Any excavating under the base or footing of a foundation or wall requires a support system designed by a registered professional engineer.

Construction or renovation projects may require the placement of barricades, guardrails, or toeboards for employee protection. If barricades are left in place at night, adequate safety-flasher lighting is necessary.

Special precautions must be taken when constructing or repairing roofs. Refer to Safety Guidelines for Roof Labor.

"I guess I got in over my head," he said crushingly.