Construction Safety Resources
Environmental Health and Safety has assembled this document to assist construction project managers, supervisors and workers as a reference to help assure that all work at UF facilities is carried out in a safe and healthful manner. This page gives managers and contractors much information in a single source, most OSHA, State of Florida and UF construction safety requirements. It should be noted that work performed by UF staff is additionally governed by UF policy that often exceed these basic OSHA requirements.
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General Construction Safety and Health
50 Most Frequently Cited Standards
General Construction eTools from OSHA – A good starting place for construction safety. eTools are electronic Compliance Assistance Tools which provide guidance information for the development of a comprehensive safety and health program. Therefore, they include elements which go beyond specific OSHA mandates, such as recommendations for good industry practice.
Construction Safety: Choice or Chance – A 15 minute video which highlights the four leading causes of fatalities on construction sites and stresses the responsibility for safety as a joint effort of government, management, and employees. (April 2000)
Electronic Library of Construction Safety and Health – Excellent Resource for all construction safety issues
Designations for General Industry Standards Incorporated Into Body of Construction Standards
Overview for Subpart C – General Safety and Health Provisions
Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines
Construction Focused Inspections Initiative
Concrete and Masonry
Silica Advisor – Cutting of concrete and other masonry materials can release airborne silica, a significant respiratory hazard
Confined Spaces
UF Confined Spaces Policy Applies to all work performed by UF staff and students
OSHA – Construction Confined Spaces
Cranes, Derricks, Hoists
Crane Safety for the Site Superintendent – This 8 minute video discusses some of the hazards and risks involved in crane operations. It identifies information project managers should be familiar with if cranes are operating on their site. (1992)
Sling Angle Information from Crosby
Electrical
Ground Fault Protection on Construction Sites – This 14 minute video provides information about shock and electrocution hazards and how these can be reduced through proper grounding. (1982)
Fall Protection
What’s the Fall Distance – This 22 minute video introduces fall distance calculations for personal fall arrest systems. Topics covered include anchor points, lanyard types, lanyard reach and various harness types. (July, 1998)
Note: OSHA 1926.501(b)(2)(i) states: Each employee who is constructing a leading edge 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems. Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the employer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (k) of 1926.502. OSHA further states: “There is a presumption that it is feasible and will not create a greater hazard to implement at least one of the above-listed fall protection systems. Accordingly, the employer has the burden of establishing that it is appropriate to implement a fall protection plan which complies with 1926.502(k) for a particular workplace situation, in lieu of implementing any of those systems.”
Hazard Communication
UF Hazard Communication Program
Documentation for IDLH Concentrations
Hot Work – Welding and Cutting
Hot work shall be carried out in accordance with OSHA and NFPA 51B. It includes: grinding, powder-driven fasteners, hot riveting, and similar applications producing a spark, flame, or heat
Welding, Cutting and Brazing Main OSHA Resource Page
Welding and Cutting – OSHA Overview Shee
Lockout Tagout (LOTO)
UF Lockout/Tagout Policy Applies to all work performed by UF staff and students
OSHA LOTO eTools Good Interactive Training Reference
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
UF Policy UF Personal Protective Equipment Policy Applies to all work performed by UF staff and students
Glove Selection Charts: Glove Selection Info from Best Gloves
Scaffolds
A scaffold is defined as an elevated, temporary work platform. There are three basic types of scaffolds:
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- Supported scaffolds, which consist of one or more platforms supported by rigid, load bearing members, such as poles, legs, frames, outriggers, etc.
- Suspended scaffolds, which are one or more platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid, overhead support.
- Other scaffolds, principally manlifts, personnel hoists, etc., which are sometimes thought of as vehicles or machinery, but can be regarded as another type of supported scaffold.
Common Hazards Associated With All Scaffolds
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- Falls from elevation, due to lack of fall protection;
- Collapse of the scaffold, caused by instability or overloading;
- Being struck by falling tools, work materials, or debris; and
- Electrocution, principally due to proximity of the scaffold to overhead power lines.
OSHA Scaffolding eTools is a useful tool to understand scaffolding systems and requirements.
Traffic Control
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices 2000 Edition serves as the standard for work on UF roads
Trenching and Excavations
OSHA Technical Manual – Hazard Recognition in Trenching and Shoring
UF Trenching and Excavation Policy Applies to all work performed by UF staff and students