Cal Osha Pocket Guide For The Construction Industry This Guide
Cal Osha Pocket Guide For The Construction Industry This Guide
POCKET GUIDE
FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRY
CAL/OSHA
POCKET GUIDE
This guide is not meant to be either a substitute for
or a legal interpretation of the occupational safety
FOR THE
and health regulations. CONSTRUCTION
Readers are cautioned to refer directly to Title 8 of
the Califonia Code of Regulations and the Labor
INDUSTRY
Code for detailed information regarding the
regulation’s scope, specifications, and exceptions
and for other requirements that may be applicable
to their operations.
Introduction 1
Work Site Safety A written Injury and Illness Prevention (IIP)
Program should be the foundation of every safety
In addition to the general requirement to provide a safe plan in California and is required for every
and healthful work site, the California employer is workplace regulated under Title 8. A summary of
required to do the following: the basic elements of an IIP Program has been
included in this publication starting on page 103.
• Comply with all applicable Cal/OSHA safety orders. Employers are also encouraged to use Cal/OSHA
• Meet the reporting and recordkeeping requirements Consultation Service’s model IIP programs, which
for injuries, illnesses, exposures, and deaths. were developed to help employers design specific
• Inform employees of their rights and obligations IIP programs for their own workplaces.
under the Cal/OSHA Program.
• Display the Cal/OSHA poster “Safety and Health About Cal/OSHA
Protection on the Job.”
• Implement a workplace Injury and Illness Cal/OSHA, also known as the Division of
Prevention Program (IIP Program). Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), is best
known for its enforcement inspections and its
The most effective way to prevent job-related injuries issuance of citations for noncompliance with the
and illnesses is to implement and maintain a proactive safety orders (SOs).
safety program. A proactive safety program is one in
which safety is a part of every decision made and However, within Cal/OSHA a separate consultation
activity performed during the course of the workday, program is carried out by the Cal/OSHA
the skill level of employees matches the job Consultation Service.
assignment, appropriate training is provided, and both
the employers and the employees help to keep the The main purpose of the Consultation Service is to
workplace safe. The benefits of a proactive safety reduce worker exposure to job-site hazards by
program are numerous and include the following: providing free consultation to California’s
employers. Because the Cal/OSHA Consultation
• Fewer worker injuries Service is separate from the Cal/OSHA
• Lower compensation insurance Enforcement Unit, the consultant does not issue
• Lower absenteeism citations. Instead, the consultant presents the
• Lower employee turnover employer with a list of violative conditions
• Higher job efficiency found, a corrective action plan, and
• Higher employee morale recommendations to better control the hazards at the
• Higher quality of work employer’s workplace.
2 Introduction Introduction 3
In addition to consultation and technical support, B. Multi-employer work site regulations: AB 1127
Cal/OSHA Consultation Service staff gives added multi-employer work site regulations
presentations to industry groups and provides affecting any work site where more than one
publications, such as this pocket guide, free of employer and his or her employees work. The
charge. Employers may arrange for this free and categories of citable employers are identified in
voluntary service by calling the nearest Cal/OSHA T8 CCR Section 336.10 (see page 117).
Consultation Office listed in the back of this guide.
C. Fines or prison terms: AB 1127 increased fines
Cal/OSHA News and prison sentences that a court may impose
for certain Title 8 violations charged:
Cal/OSHA has implemented several laws and
regulations that affect the construction industry. The 1. Fines for each serious violation can be as
following is a summary: high as $25,000, with an initial base
penalty of $18,000.
I. Two of the most significant changes are 2. Fines for failure to abate a violation can be
contained in the following Title 8 Sections: as high as $15,000 for each day that the
violative condition is not corrected.
A. Structural Steel Erection: New additions
add comprehensive language to T8 CCR D. Exemption for governmental entities: AB 1127
Section 1710. deleted the exemption from Cal/OSHA civil
penalties for governmental entities.
B. Wood and Light Gage Steel Frame
Construction, Residential/Light Commercial: E. Enforcement of ergonomics: AB 1127 reaffirms
New Section 1716.2 has specific requirements the need to enforce the ergonomics standard.
for this type of construction activity.
III. Respirator standard (T8 CCR Section 5144):
II. Assembly Bill 1127 (AB 1127): This legislation This standard has been amended.
became effective on January 1, 2000, and made
many changes to the Cal/OSHA program. These IV. Forklift regulations (T8 CCR Sections 3660-
changes include the following: 3668): Specific training requirements have been
identified).
A. Discrimination complaints: The time period to
file a Cal/OSHA discrimination complaint with
the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
has been increased to six months.
4 Introduction Introduction 5
V. Cal/OSHA Construction Safety and Health
Inspection Project (CSHIP): IMPORTANT
Construction ranks first among private-
sector industries in the number of A boom in construction increases the demand for
nonfatal injuries, and it ranks second in new workers along with the importance of
the number of fatal injuries. Falls from communication about safety standards and work
heights of at least one story (usually from practices.
roofs and scaffolds) are one of the most
common causes of death. Employers must ensure that new workers
understand what constitutes hazards and unsafe
A. Cal/OSHA will increase enforcement work practices. Employers must encourage workers
investigations and consultations in the to express safety concerns and to make suggestions
construction industry, and it will emphasize but during safety meetings and training. To ensure
not be limited to the following: effective communication, provisions must be made
for workers who do not speak English, who have
1. Fall hazards limited comprehension of English, or who speak
2. Employee training English as a second language.
3. Electrical hazards
4. Machinery, equipment, and tool-related See also the “Training” section of this publication.
hazards (see also “Lock-out/Block-out
Procedures”)
5. Excavation and trenching hazards
6. Heat stress Access
7. Musculoskeletal hazards (see “Ergonomics”)
8. Hazards causing chronic illnesses, such as The employer must provide safe access to and from
exposure to lead, asbestos, and other all work levels or surfaces. Regulated means of
cancer-causing products (see “Carcinogens”) access are as follows:
B. CSHIP began in June 2000 and is a part of A. Stairways, ramps, or ladders must be
Cal/OSHA’s Strategic Plan to reduce the number provided at all points where a break in
of fatal and nonfatal serious construction injuries elevation of 18 in. or more occurs in a
and illnesses. frequently traveled passageway, entry, or exit.
...........................................................1629(a)(3)
6 Introduction Access 7
B. Aerial devices, such as cherry pickers and H. Ramps and runways provide means of access
boom trucks, may be vehicle-mounted or self- for foot or vehicle traffic. .................1623-1625
propelled and used to position employees,
tools, and materials...........................3637, 3648 I. Stairways must be installed in buildings that
have two or more stories or are 24 ft. or more
C. Elevating work platforms, such as vertical in height.............................................1629(a)(1)
towers and scissor lifts, are designed to raise
and to hold a work platform in a substantially 1. For buildings of two and three stories, at
vertical axis.......................................3637, 3642 least one stairway is required....1629(a)(4)
2. For buildings of more than three
D. Industrial trucks, such as rough terrain stories, two or more stairways are
forklifts, may be used to elevate and position required......................................1629(a)(4)
workers under specific conditions………..3657
J. The following routes of access are
E. Elevators (construction) are required as prohibited:
follows:
1. For structures or buildings 60 ft. or more 1. Endless-belt-type manlifts......1604.1(a)(3)
above ground level or 48 ft. below ground 2. Single- cleat more than 30ft or double-
level................................................1630(a) cleat ladders more than 24 ft. long 1629(c)
2. At demolition sites of seven or more 3. Cleats nailed to studs.....................1629(b)
stories or 72 ft. or more in height...1735(r) 4. Rides on loads, hooks, slings, or concrete
buckets of derricks, hoists, or cranes
Note: Elevators must be inspected and tested ....................................1718(a), 1720(c)(3)
in the presence of a DOSH representative
before use. A permit from DOSH to operate Administrative Requirements
is required.......................................1604.29(a)
Employers must meet certain administrative
F. Personnel hoists may be used at special requirements that may include Cal/OSHA
construction sites, such as bridges and dams, if notification, specific registration, permitting,
approved by a registered engineer.........604.1(c) certification, recordkeeping, and the posting of
information in the workplace. Some of these
G. Ladders can be used to gain access to working requirements depend on the construction trade or
surfaces above and below ground level under type of activity in which employers are involved.
certain conditions.........................1629, 1675(a) The more common requirements are listed below:
B. Postings required at the job site include the C. Recordkeeping requirements are included in
following: T8 CCR for the purpose of establishing a
historical record of compliance. These
1. Cal/OSHA poster “Safety and Health requirements include the following:
Protection on the Job”...........................340
2. Code of Safe Practices.............1509(b), (c) 1. OSHA Log 300. New rules and forms took
3. Emergency phone numbers............1512(e) effect in January 2002.
4. Employee access to records notification,
to show that employees have the right to Note: You can request a package of forms
gain access to medical and exposure and instructions for Log 300 recordkkeeping
records............................................3204(g) fromthe Cal/OSHA Consultation Service on
5. Operating rules for industrial trucks, and the Internet at www.dir.ca.gov/dosh and
tow tractors (if used), where employees review additional information at
operate forklifts...................................3664 www.californiaosha.info .
6. Authorized access, at controlled access
zones (CAZs).................................1671(a) 2. Lock-out/block-out activity records
7. Variances...............................407.2, 411.03 3. Operation and maintenance activity records
8. Cal/OSHA registration..........341.4, 341.10 4. Medical surveillance program and records
9. Citations.............................................332.4 5. Training records
10. Hazard warning signs at the following job 6. Inspection records
sites:
Employers must obtain a DOSH permit for the air • Excavations where asbestos-bearing rock
tanks of air compressors operated at a outcroppings are at or near the surface
work site..........................................................461(a) • Fireproofing for steel-frame high-rise buildings
• Pipe and boiler insulation
• Insulators of electrical conductors Plaster,
cement, drywall, and taping compounds
• Floor tile and tile adhesives
18 Asbestos Asbestos 19
C. Training is required for all employees engaged 1. Initial exposure assessment must be made
in Class I through IV work and all work in by all employers subject to 1529 before or
which they are likely to be exposed in excess of at the onset of the project...........1529(f)(2)
the PELs. The training must be provided: 2. Daily exposure monitoring of employees
1. At the employer’s expense must be conducted by all employers
2. Before or at the time of initial assignment disturbing materials that contain more
3. Annually after initial training than 1% asbestos in Class I and II
4. In accordance with 1529(k)(9) work...........................................1529(f)(3)
3. Periodic exposure monitoring of
D. Permissible exposure limits: The employer employees must be conducted when
must ensure that employee exposures do not disturbing asbestos-containing materials
exceed the following PELs: (ACMs) in operations involving other than
Class I and II work during which the PELs
1. Eight-hour time-weighted average of 0.1 might be exceeded......................1529(f)(3)
fibers/cc
2. Thirty-minute excursion limit of 1 f/cc Exception: Periodic exposure monitoring is
........................................................1529(c) not required if a negative exposure
assessment has been made within the past 12
E. Multi-employer work sites are regulated months..................................................1529(f)
under 1529:
G. Respirator protection requirements are
1. The general contractor on the project must specific to asbestos-related activities and
exercise general supervisory exposures as outlined in 1529(h):
authority........................................1529(d)
2. An employer doing work involving 1. The employer must provide respirators.
asbestos must notify other employers at 2. The appropriate respirator must be
the site............................................1529(d) selected from Table 1 of 1529........1529(h)
3. All employers on site must ensure that 3. A written respiratory protection program
their own employees are not exposed to must be implemented in accordance with
asbestos fibers because of a breach in 5144(c)......................................1529(h)(2)
containment or control methods used by
the creating employer.....................1529(d) H. Methods of compliance and work practices
are noted below:
F. Exposure assessments and monitoring are
required as follows:
20 Asbestos Asbestos 21
1. The wet method must be used unless the Blasting (Abrasives/Sand)
employer can demonstrate that it is not
feasible.......................................1529(g)(1) Regulations for blasting with abrasives and sand
2. Vacuum cleaners with high-efficiency include the following:
particulate air (HEPA) filters must be used
to clean up ACM and presumed asbestos- A. Employees must wear supplied-air respirators
containing material (PACM).....1529(g)(1) (covering the head, neck, and shoulders):
3. Prompt cleanup and disposal in leak-tight
containers are required except as specified 1. During abrasive blasting when dust may
in 1529(g)(8)(B)........................1529(g)(1) exceed limits specified in 5155
4. Specific work practices for different .............................................5151(b)(1)(B)
activities are also outlined in 2. During abrasive blasting with silica sand
1529......................................1529(g)(4-11) or where toxic material evolves
.............................................5151(b)(1)(C)
I. Prohibited work practices and controls are as
follows: Note: A dust filter respirator may be used for
2 hours during abrasive blasting if the
1. Spraying of any substance containing any concentration of silica dust is less than ten
amount of asbestos (see exception) 1528 times the limit specified in 5155.
2. High-speed abrasive disc saw cutting of
ACM or PACM without appropriate local B. Hearing protection must be worn as required
exhaust or point-of-cut by 1521.
ventilation .................................1529(g)(3)
3. Using compressed air to remove asbestos C. Body protection must be worn as required
or materials containing asbestos by 1522.
...................................................1529(g)(3)
4. Dry sweeping, shoveling, or other dry Blasting (Explosives)
cleaning of dust or ACM or PACM debris
...................................................1529(g)(3) A person must hold a valid California Blaster’s
5. Rotating employees as a means of License and must be physically present when
reducing exposure to asbestos...1529(g)(3) performing, directing, and supervising blasting
operations.......................................................5238(a)
• Concrete burns from exposure to wet concrete a) The LAZ shall be established before
• Silicosis from exposure to concrete dust during the start of construction.......1722(a)(1)
such operations as concrete cutting, drilling, b) The LAZ shall be established on the
grinding, or sandblasting unscaffolded side.................1722(a)(2)
• Broken bones, lacerations, and crushing injuries c) The width of the LAZ shall be equal
caused by falls from elevated work surfaces; to the height of the wall to be
impalement by rebar or other objects; and impact constructed plus 4 ft. and shall run the
from falling objects, form and shoring failure, and entire length of the wall..... . 1722(a)(3)
structural failure of components of the project d) The LAZ shall be entered only by
employees actively engaged in
Because the hazards associated with concrete constructing the wall. No other
construction are great, employees must use employee shall be permitted
appropriate personal protective equipment and entry.....................................1722(a)(4)
conform to safe work practices at all times (see e) The LAZ shall remain in place until
below). the wall is adequately supported to
prevent collapse unless the height of
A. Forms/falsework and vertical shoring (see the wall is more than 8 ft., in which
page 90)......................................................1717 case the LAZ shall remain in place
until the requirements of 1722(b) have
been met..............................1722(a)(5)
Protruding
D. Rebar and other impalement hazards....1712 reinforcing steel
1” x 6”
2” x 4”
1. Employees working at grade or at the
same surface level as exposed protruding
rebar or similar projections shall be 1” x 8”
protected against impalement by guarding
exposed ends that extend up to 6 feet
11/2”
above grade or other work surface, with
approved protective covers or troughs (see
illustrations 1 and 2).......................1712(c)
3”
2. Employees who work above grade or
14 Gauge Steel Trough
above any surface and who are exposed to
protruding rebar or similar 24”
projections shall be protected from maximum
impalement by: Troughs can be used for impalement protection providing the
following applies:
a) The use of guardrails, or • The trough designs shown above can be used when
b) Approved fall protection systems, or employees are working at heights of 6 ft. or less “above
grade.”
c) Approved troughs and covers per
• If employees are working at heights above 6 ft., the design
........................... . ........344.90, 1712(c) must be specified by an engineer (Ca PE).
• Job-built wood troughs must be constructed of at least
“standard grade” Douglas fir.
30 Concrete Construction Concrete Construction 31
Illustration 2
Protective Covers
4” square or
4 1/2” diameter
Protruding rebar or
other impalement hazard
32 Concrete Construction
Exception: Personal fall protection is not
required during point-to-point horizontal or
vertical travel on rebar up to 24 feet above
the surface below if there are no
impailment hazards.
E. Concrete finishing
Confined Spaces
Confined Spaces 33
• Implement the safety orders effectively. C. Employers must check initially and if
conditions can change, employers must check
Note: For most construction work 5158 on an ongoing basis to discern whether work
applies; however, work in confined spaces locations exhibit confined-space conditions.
during refurbishing operations may be subject If confined-space conditions have been
to the permit-required confined space identified, the following must be completed
regulations in 5157 (see 5156). before employees may begin work:
Corrosive Liquids
Cranes
B. Crane inspections......................................5031
1. Cranes must be inspected before each shift
and daily. .......................................5031(b)
2. Periodic inspections must occur at least
four times a year.............................5031(c)
38 Cranes Cranes 39
Illustration 4 2. Boom-type mobile cranes
40 Cranes Cranes 41
3. Tower cranes (climbing cranes) (8) Damaged boom sections or
a) Tower cranes are composed of a components must be repaired to
vertical mast supporting a boom that not less than the capacity of the
rotates on the mast in the horizontal original section or components.
plane only.................................4965(a) ...............................................5035
b) The following standards apply to (9) Repairs to critically stressed
tower cranes: members of a boom or boom
extension must be in accordance
(1) The manufacturer’s specifications with manufacturers’ or certified
regarding design, erection, agents recommendation and new
operation, and safety must be or replacement boom or boom
available at the job site.....4965(b) extensions must be tested in
(2) A DOSH permit is required before accordance with 5022, before
a tower crane is erected, climbed, use.........................................5035
or dismantled......................344.70
(3) A new certification by a DOSH- D. Slings and attachments
licensed certifier is required for a
fixed crane relocated to a new 1. Slings and attachments must be inspected
position on the same project or daily for damage or defects................5043
erected at a new site...........344.81 2. A manufacturer’s label with capacity listed
(4) A DOSH permit to operate is must be attached to the sling. 5042,5048(a)
required before operating a fixed 3. Damaged or defective slings must be
or mobile tower crane....344.70(b) removed from service
(5) DOSH may require a capacity test immediately...............................5042(a)(1)
at any time. 4. Chain or wire rope slings must not be
(6) A test load of 110%-capacity shortened by knots, bolts, or other
rating must be available at the job means.........................................5042(a)(1)
site............................... . 4966(f)(2) 5. Sling legs must not be kinked.. . 5042(a)(3)
(7) Booms are normally allowed to 6. Slings must not be overloaded..5042(a)(4)
freely weathervane; however, if 7. Slings must be padded to protect against
the boom is lashed, the lashing damage from sharp loads...........5042(a)(7)
must be in accordance with the 8. Suspended loads must be kept clear of all
certifying agent’s obstructions...............................5042(a)(8)
recommendations..................4967 9. Alloy chains must not be
annealed...................................5042(a)(14)
42 Cranes Cranes 43
10. Employers must avoid operations that A. A DOSH permit is required for demolition of
expose employees to overhead loads. 5002 structures (buildings) more than 36 ft.
11. Safety-type hooks (or their equivalent) high........................................................341(a)(3)
must be used when loads must pass over
workers or occupied passageways .....5002 B. A predemolition survey must be made to
12. Deformed or defective sling hooks and determine whether the planned work will cause:
rings must not be used.................. . 5049(a)
13. Chains with deformed links must not be 1. Any structure to collapse.............1734(b)(1)
used................................................5044(h) 2. Worker exposure to asbestos......1529(k)(1),
1735(b)
Note: For safety rules regarding alloy steel 3. Worker exposure to lead...........1532.1(d)(1)
chain, wire rope, metal mesh, and fiber and
synthetic web slings, see GISOs 5044-5048. C. Utilities to the structure being demolished must
be turned off or protected from damage...1735(a)
14. The use of a man basket is prohibited
unless no other choice is available and the D. Demolition techniques include the following:
conditions of 5004(d) and 5004(e) are
met..................................................5004(c) 1. Entrances to multi-story buildings must be
protected by a sidewalk shed or a
Note: Heavy equipment that is used as a canopy...............................................1735(j)
crane or a hoist must meet the applicable 2. The demolition work on floors and
crane standards. exterior walls must progress from top to
bottom......................... . ...............1735(f)(1)
46 Demolition Demolition 47
Dust, Fumes, Mists,Vapors, and Gases Electrical
Oxygen deficient atmospheres or harmful dusts, Each year a large number of employees are injured
fumes, mists, vapors, or gases in concentrations or killed because they come into contact with
sufficient to present a hazard to employees must be energized electrical wiring or equipment. The
controlled when possible by removing the employee Electrical Safety Orders (ESOs) are designed to
from the exposure, limiting daily exposure, or control or to eliminate these often deadly exposures
applying engineering controls............................1528 and include:
A. Whenever the above controls are not practical A. General requirements for low-voltage
or fail to achieve full compliance, respirator systems ( ≤ 600 V)
protection must be used, according to
5144........................................................1528(a) 1. Only qualified persons may work on
electrical equipment or systems. 2320.1(a)
B. Ventilation must comply with Article 4 in the 2. Maintenance of electrical installations is
GISOs if it is used as an engineering control required to ensure their safe
method....................................................1528(c) condition..........................................2340.1
3. Electrical equipment and wiring must be
C. Common sources of the above hazards protected from mechanical damage and
include the following: environmental deterioration.
................2340.26, 2340.11(a)(2), 2340.23
1. Engine exhaust emission (carbon 4. Covers or barriers must be installed on
monoxide) boxes, fittings, and enclosures to prevent
2. Blasting (CO2, asbestos, silica, dust) accidental contact with live
3. Concrete and rock cutting (asbestos, silica, parts...........................................2340.17(a)
dust)
4. Fuel storage tanks (harmful vapors) B. Main service equipment
5. Lead abatement (lead particles) Whenever the electric utility provides service
6. Asbestos abatement (asbestos fibers, via overhead lines, the installation must:
vapors)
7. Demolition (asbestos, silica, lead, dust, etc.) 1. Consist of an acceptable service pole
8. Welding (fumes) .........................................................2405.3
9. Painting and spraying (vapors, lead) 2. Be suitably grounded..................2395.5(b)
10. Sand blasting (asbestos, silica, lead, dust) 3. Provide suitable over current protection
.........................................................2390.1
50 Electrical Electrical 51
(1) All equipment grounding a) For boom-type equipment in transit, 6 ft.
conductors shall be tested for b) For boom-type equipment in
continuity and shall be electrically operation, 10 ft.
continuous. c) For people working near overhead
(2) All plugs and receptacles must be lines, 6 ft.
tested for proper attachment to the
equipment grounding conductor. Note: See 2946 for minimum required
clearances from voltages greater than 50,000 V.
e) The tests shall be performed as
follows: 3. The following activities are prohibited
unless overhead power lines have been de-
(1) Before the first use of newly energized and visibly grounded:
acquired equipment
(2) Before equipment is returned to a) Work over high-voltage
service lines ....................................2946(b)(1)
(3) Before equipment is used after an b) Work within required
incident that may have caused clearances ...........................2946(b)(2)
damage
(4) At intervals not to exceed three Note: When work is to be performed within
months minimum required clearances, the power line
operator must be notified........................2948
(f) The employer shall not make available
or permit the use of equipment that G. High-voltage warning signs......................2947
has not met the requirements of 2405.4(d). High-voltage warning signs must be posted in
g) A means of identifying tested plain view of equipment operators.
equipment shall be provided.
H. Lock-out procedures
F. High-voltage power lines (> 600 V) Lock-out procedures must be followed during
the cleaning, servicing, or adjusting of
1. Great care must be taken when working or machinery...................GISO 3314, ESO 2320.4
operating equipment near overhead high-
voltage power lines.
2. The required minimum safe distances
(clearance) from overhead lines energized
by 600 V to 50,000 V are: ................. 2946
52 Electrical Electrical 53
F. Powered units must be equipped with an
Elevating Work Platforms emergency lowering means....................3642(c)
Elevating work platforms, such as vertical towers
G. Powered units must have guarded and plainly
and scissor lifts, are designed to raise and to hold a
marked upper and lower controls...........3642(d)
work platform in a substantially vertical axis. 3637
H. All units must guard rotating and moving parts
Selected requirements are as follows:
and pinch and shear points......................... 3643
A. An operations and instruction manual must be
I. Devices must be designed to applicable ANSI
available where the platform is in use....3638(a)
standards................................................3638(b)
I. Landings must be provided at the top floor and C. Employees must be informed of the
at least at every third floor.....................1630(d) procedures to follow in case of an injury or
illness. ...................................................1512(d)
J. Landing doors must be mechanically locked so
that they cannot be opened from the landing D. Proper equipment for prompt transport of
side. A hook-and-eye lock is the injured or ill person to an EMS facility or
prohibited............................................1604.6(b) an effective communication system for calling
an emergency medical facility, ambulance, or
K. For hoists located outside of a structure, the fire service must be provided. Telephone
hoistway enclosures must be 8 ft. high on the numbers for listed emergency services must be
building side or the scaffold side at each floor posted (see OSHA poster S-500)............1512(e)
landing and 8 ft. high on all sides of
the pit...................................................1604.5(c) E. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens is
considered a job-related hazard for construction
L. Hoistway doors shall be at least 6 1/2 ft. high. workers who are assigned first-aid duties in
Solid doors must contain a vision panel. (See addition to construction work. Although
1604.6[a] for specific requirements.)..1604.6(a) construction employers are specifically
exempted from GISO 5193 requirements, they
Emergency Medical Services are required to provide appropriate protection
for employees who may be exposed to
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) must be bloodborne pathogens when providing first aid
readily available......................................1512(a), (e) ....................................................................3203
Ergonomics is the study of improving the fit B. Requirements that employers must follow:
between the worker and the physical demands of the
workplace. Knowledge of ergonomics is used to 1. Employers must establish and implement
design the workplace and work activities to help the a program designed to minimize RMIs if
worker avoid injury and to improve productivity. more than one person is diagnosed with
RMIs as follows:
The primary type of injuries or traumas that
ergonomics deals with are the repetitive motion a) The RMIs are work related.
injuries (RMIs). As the name implies, RMIs are b) The employees incurred the RMIs
caused by activities that are repeated on a regular while performing a job process or
basis. RMIs primarily affect the neck, back, operation of identical work activity.
shoulders, and extremities. The symptoms of RMIs c) The RMIs were reported in the past 12
may not be noticeable until after months or even months.
years of exposure. Symptoms may appear to be d) A licensed physician objectively
acute after a sudden and severe onset. They can identified and diagnosed the
include chronic pain, numbness, tingling, and RMIs.........................................5110(a)
limited range of motion.
2. The program must include the following:
A. Factors that can contribute to RMIs:
a) A work site evaluation
1. Awkward posture b) Control of exposures that caused the
2. Forceful exertion, including heavy lifting RMIs
3. Repetitive work c) Training of employees.............5110(b)
4. Vibration from tools and equipment
5. Pinching (contact stress) during tool use C. Techniques for reducing RMIs:
and material handling
1. Proper lifting and material handling
This is a silt
illustrations 6-8 on pages 70-72).
But check
Type B
Table 1
Does the soil exhibit:
4. Protective systems for excavations deeper
No
No
enough to be seen with the naked eye?
But check
≥ 1.5 tsf
Type A
Table 1
6. Excavations must be inspected as needed
after every rainstorm, earthquake, or other
Estimate the unconfined
compressive strength
hazard increasing occurrence. (Water in
This is a clay
0.5–1.5 tsf
But check
the excavation may require a
Type B
Table 1
Yes
Illustration 5
Type C
protective barriers, or other
methods.......................................1541(j)(1)
No
No
Are at least 50% of
Is soil submerged or is water freely seeping
trench..........................................1541(j)(1)
9. Employees must be protected from
Yes
through the sides of the excavation?
devices........................................1541(j)(2)
This is a gravel
Type C
But check
Table 1
Yes
Illustration 7
(3) The lower end of the vertical Exception: A PFP system is not required
lifeline must extend to within 4 ft. during point-to-point horizontal or vertical
from the ground.....................1504 travel on rebar up to 24 feet above the surface
(4) A horizontal lifeline system must below if there are no impailment
be designed, installed, and used hazards................................................1712(e)
under the supervision of a
qualified person and maintained 2. A fall distance of 7 1/2 ft. or greater
with a safety factor of at least during the following:
two................................1670(b)(2)
a) Work from the perimeter of a
Note: The use of a body belt or safety belt as a structure, through shaft-ways and
part of a PFA system is prohibited......1670(b) openings...................................1670(a)
b) Work anywhere on roofs with slopes
4. Safety belts and body belts are to be used greater than 7:12......................1670(a)
only as positioning devices or in PFR c) Work from thrust-outs or similar
systems. A PFP system may be required locations when the worker’s footing is
while an employee uses a safety belt, as less than 3 1/2 in. wide............1669(a)
specified in certain safety orders. Safety d) Work on suspended staging, floats,
belts must limit the maximum arresting catwalks, walkways, or advertising
force on an employee to 900 lbs. and the sign platforms..........................1670(a)
free-fall distance to 2 ft..................1670(c) e) Work from slopes steeper than 40
5. Safety nets may be used in place of all degrees......................................1670(a)
other fall protection systems if the nets are
installed properly................................1671 3. A fall distance of 15 ft. or greater during
the following:
C. A PFP system must be used if guardrailing or
safety nets are not installed for the following a) Work from buildings, bridges,
fall distances and work activities: structures on construction members,
such as trusses, beams, purlins, or
plates that are of at least 4" nominal
width.........................................1669(a)
78 Fall Protection Fall Protection 79
b) Ironwork other than D. A fall protection plan (FPP) must be
connecting............................1710(g)(2) implemented when a fall protection (FP)
c) Work on structural wood framing system is required but cannot be used because
systems and during framing activities the system creates a greater hazard or is
on wood or light gauge steel frame impractical.............................................. 1671.1
residential/light commercial The fall protection plan must: .........1671.1(a)(1)
construction.....1716.1(c)(1), 1716.2(e)
1. Be prepared by a qualified person (QP)
Exception: For residential/light commercial who is identified in the plan.
frame construction, workers are considered 2. Be developed for a specific site or
protected when working on braced joists, developed for essentially identical
rafters or roof trusses spaced on 24 inch (or operations.
less) centers when they work more than 6 feet 3. Be updated by the QP.
from unprotected sides or edges. 4. Document why a conventional FP system
cannot be used.
4. An eave height of 20 ft. or greater, during 5. Identify the competent person to
all roofing operations (see exceptions in implement and supervise the FPP.
2a above and 6a and 6b below)......1730(b) 6. Identify the controlled access zone for
5. A fall distance of 30 ft. or greater, when each location where a conventional FP
ironworkers are connecting structural system cannot be used.
beams.........................................1710(g)(1) 7. Identify employees allowed in the CAZ.
6. Any height during work: 8. Be implemented and supervised by the
competent person.
a) On roofs having a pitch of 4:12 or
greater, while workers use pneumatic Note: An up-to-date copy of the fall
nailers.......................................1704(d) protection plan must be at the job site.
b) On roofs, while an operator uses a
felt-laying machine or other E. The controlled access zone must be
equipment that requires the operator to established and maintained as follows: ..1671.2
walk back-wards (see prohibitions
noted in 1730[d]) 1730(d) 1. A control line or its equivalent must
c) From boatswain’s chairs..........1662(c) control access to the CAZ and must:
d) From float scaffolds.......... ..1663(a)(5)
e) From needle-beam a) Consist of ropes, wires, tapes, or
scaffolds.............................1664(a)(12) equivalent materials and be supported
f) From suspended scaffolds........1660(g) by stanchions.
80 Fall Protection Fall Protection 81
b) Be flagged or marked at not more than A. Fire-fighting equipment must be:
6 ft. o.c.
c) Be rigged not fewer than 39 in. and 1. Freely accessible at all times....... ..1920(b)
not more than 45 in. from the working 2. Placed in a conspicuous location 1920(c)
surface. 3. Well maintained.............................1920(d)
d) Have a breaking strength of 200 lbs.
(min.). See 1671.2 for greater detail. B. A water supply that is adequate to operate fire-
fighting equipment must be made available as
2. Signs must be posted to keep out soon as combustible materials
unauthorized persons. accumulate..............................................1921(a)
3. A safety monitoring system is required &
must include a designated safety monitor C. Fire extinguisher use must comply with the
who is able to: following:
a) Monitor the safety of other employees. 1. Fire extinguishers must be kept fully
b) Recognize fall hazards. charged, inspected monthly, and serviced
c) Warn an employee when it appears annually..........................................1922(a)
that the employee is unaware of a fall 2. At least one fire extinguisher, rated not
hazard or is acting in an unsafe less than 2A, must be provided at each
manner. floor.
d) Stay in sight of and in communication 3. At least one fire extinguisher, rated not
with the employee being monitored. less than 2A, must be provided adjacent to
e) Have no other responsibilities. 1671.2 the stairway at each floor level.
4. Fire extinguishers rated not less than 2A
must be provided for each 3,000 ft. of
Note: A. Only an employee covered by a fall floor area or a fraction thereof.
protection plan shall be allowed in a CAZ. 5. Fire extinguishers must be kept within 75
ft. of the protected area..................1922(a)
A. A first aid kit must be provided by each Flaggers must be used at locations on a construction
employer on all job sites and must contain the site as soon as barricades and warning signs cannot
minimum of supplies as determined by an effectively control moving traffic. The employer
authorized licensed physician or as must ensure the following:
listed in 1512(c).
A. Flaggers must be placed in locations so as to
B. Trained personnel in possession of a current give effective warning............................1599(b)
Red Cross First Aid certificate or its equivalent
must be immediately available at the job site to B. Warning signs must be placed according to the
provide first aid treatment.......1504(a), 1512(b) Manual of Traffic Controls for Construction
and Maintenance Work Zones, published in
C. Emergency medical services, including a 1996 by Caltrans.....................................1599(c)
written plan, must be provided......1512(a), (e)
C. Flaggers must wear orange or strong yellow-
green warning garments, such as vests, jackets,
shirts, or rainwear...................................1599(d)
E. Flammable liquids must not be used: ....5417(c) a) The platform must be properly secured
to the forks or the mast.
1. To wash floors, structures, or equipment b) The platform must be equipped with
except where there is adequate ventilation guardrails, toe boards, and a back
2. To spray for cleaning purposes unless the guard.
liquids are used in a spray booth or c) It must have no spaces or holes larger
outdoors where there is no ignition source than 1 in.
within 25 ft. of their use d) It must have a slip-resistant platform
surface......................................3657(a)
86 Flaggers Forklifts 87
2. The operator must be at the controls while 7. Forks must be carried as low as possible.
the employees are elevated............3657(d) 8. The operator must lower the forks, shut
3. The operator must be instructed in the off the engine, and set the brakes (or block
operating rules for elevating the wheels) before leaving the forklift
employees....................................... 3657(i) unattended (that is, when the operator is
4. Employees shall not sit, climb, or stand on out of sight of the vehicle or 25 ft. away
platform guardrails or use planks, ladders, from it).
or other devices to gain elevation. 3657(h) 9. Trucks must be blocked and brakes must
be set before a forklift is driven onto the
Note: When guardrails are not possible, fall truck bed.
protection is required........................ 3657(b) 10. Extreme care must be taken when tilting
elevated loads.
C. All forklifts must have parking brakes. 3661(b) 11. The forklift must have operable brakes
capable of stopping it safely when it is
D. All forklifts must have an operable horn. 3661 (c) fully loaded.
E. When the operator is exposed to the possibility G. An employee must be properly trained (as
of falling objects, the forklift must be equipped certified by the employer) before operating a
with overhead protection (canopy)........3657(c) forklift....................................................3668(a)
F. The employer must post and enforce a set of 1. An evaluation of the operator’s
operating rules that include the performance must be conducted at least
following: ..............................................3650(s) once every three years................... 3668(d)
2. Refresher training in relevant topics must
1. Only trained and authorized drivers may be provided to the operator
operate forklifts. when: .......................................3668(d)(1)
2. Stunt driving and horseplay are prohibited.
3. Employees must not ride on the forks. a) The operator is observed operating the
4. Employees must never be permitted under vehicle in an unsafe manner.
the forks (unless forks are blocked). b) The operator has been involved in an
5. The driver must inspect the vehicle once accident or near-miss incident.
during a shift. c) The operator’s evaluation reveals that
6. The operator must look in the direction of he or she is not operating the truck
travel and must not move the vehicle until safely.
all persons are clear of the vehicle.
88 Forklifts Forklifts 89
d) The operator is assigned to drive a 3. Falsework plans must be available at the
different type of truck. job site.......................................1717(b)(3)
e) Changes in workplace conditions 4. Minimum design loads are as
could affect safe operation of the truck. follows: ....................................1717(a)(2)
C. The employer must protect employees from D. Flaggers are required at all locations where
heat stress by: barricades and warning signs cannot control
the moving traffic (see pages 85-86). 1599(a), (d)
1. Operable service, emergency, and parking 1. Every vehicle having a body capacity of
brakes...............................1591(c), 1597(a) 2.5 cu. yds. or more must be equipped
2. Two operable headlights and taillights for with an automatic backup alarm that
night operation...............................1597(b) sounds immediately on backing.....1592(a)
3. Windshield wipers and defogging 2. All other vehicles operating when rear
equipment as required....................1597(d) vision is blocked must be equipped with
4. Seat belts if the vehicle has rollover an automatic backup alarm or its
protection structures ......................1597(g) equivalent.......................................1592(b)
5. Fenders or mud flaps........1591(f), 1597(I) 3. All vehicles must be equipped with a
6. Adequate seating if the vehicles are used manually operated warning
to transport employees ...................1597(f) device..............................................1592(c)
4. Haulage vehicles in operation must be
F. Vehicles and systems must be checked for under operator control and must be kept in
proper operation at the start of each gear when descending grades...... ..1593(b)
shift..........................................................1597(j) 5. The brakes on a haulage vehicle must
meet the criteria specified by the
G. Rollover protection structures and seat belts CSOs...............................................1591(c)
must be installed and used for the following 6. The control devices on a haulage vehicle
equipment with a brake horsepower rating must be inspected at the beginning of each
above 20: shift.................................................1593(d)
7. Exposed scissor points on front-end
1. Crawler tractor loaders must be guarded.................1593(i)
2. Bulldozer 8. Engines must be stopped during
3. Front-end loader refueling.........................................1594(a)
4. Motor grader 9. Lights are required for night
5. Scraper operation.........................................1591(g)
6. Tractor (except side boom pipe laying) 10. Vehicles loaded by cranes, shovels,
7. Water wagon prime mover loaders, and similar devices must have an
8. Sheeps foot-type rollers and compactors adequate cab or canopy for operator
9. Rollers and compactors (weighing more protection........................................1591(e)
than 5,950 lbs.) ..............................1596(a) 11. Dust control is required when dust
seriously limits visibility...............1590(b)
102 Heavy Construction Equipment Injury and Illness Prevention Program 103
7. Safety and health training..........3203(a)(7) c) First aid procedures in the event of
8. Recordkeeping...............................3203(b) injury.........................................1510(c)
B. Special IIP Program requirements are as D. General safety requirements are as follows:
follows:
1. No worker shall be required or permitted
1. Employers must adopt and post a Code of to work in an unsafe workplace. .. . 1511(a)
Safe Practices at each job site. Plate A-3 in 2. Before starting work the employer must
Appendix A of the CSOs illustrates a survey the job site for hazards and use
general format.........................1509(b), (c) necessary safeguards to ensure that work
2. Periodic meetings of supervisors must be is performed safely.........................1511(b)
held to discuss the safety program and
accidents that have E. Specific requirements are as follows:
occurred...............................1509(d), 3203
3. Supervisors must conduct tailgate or If an employer is subject to specific safety orders,
toolbox safety meetings at least every ten the requirements of these SOs must be considered
working days; however, weekly meetings when developing the employer’s IIP Program.
are recommended...........................1509(e) These SOs may include specific procedures or
processes as well as requirements for reporting,
C. Safety training for employees is regulated as training, exposure limits, personal protection, and
follows: registration and certification.
1. New workers must be instructed in safe F. Employees have numerous rights under the
work practices, job hazards, and safety IIP Program, including the following: ..3203(a)
precautions and must be required to read
the Code of Safe Practices.............1510(a) 1. The right to work in a safe and healthy
2. The employer shall permit only qualified workplace
or experienced employees to operate 2. The right to inform the employer of
equipment or machinery................1510(b) workplace hazards without fear of reprisal
3. Workers must be instructed in the 3. The right to receive training that is readily
following: understandable
104 Injury and Illness Prevention Program Injury and Illness Prevention Program 105
1. Supervisors should be qualified in safety B. Job built ladders must meet the following
procedures and held accountable. requirements:
2. The effectiveness of the safety program
should be monitored. 1. Job-built ladders must safely support the
intended load. ................................1676(a)
Note: The Guide to Developing Your 2. Cleats must be made from clear, straight-
Workplace Injury and Illness Prevention grained lumber and must be uniformly
Program is available free of charge from spaced 12 in. apart vertically..........1676(c)
Cal/OSHA. 3. Cleats must be nailed at each end with
three 10d nails or the equivalent.....1676(j)
4. Cleats must be blocked or notched into the
Ladders side rails..........................................1676(j)
5. The width of single-cleat ladders shall be
Ladders may be used to provide access when no 15 in. to 20 in..................................1676(f)
other means of access is required in the SOs. Falls 6. Rails must be made from select Douglas
are the most common cause of worker injury fir without knots
associated with ladder use and are primarily caused (or the equivalent)..........................1676(b)
by (1) use of faulty ladders; (2) improper set-up of a 7. Rail splicing is permitted only when there
ladder; or (3) the incorrect use of ladders. SOs to is no loss of strength to the rail......1676(b)
control these hazards are listed below. 8. Single-cleat ladders must not exceed 30 ft.
in length.........................................1676(d)
A. Ladder specifications are as follows: 9. Double-cleat ladders must not exceed
24 ft. in length................................1676(d)
1. Extension ladders shall not exceed 44 ft.
in length.........................................1678(a) C. Two types of stepladders are allowed as
2. Single-cleat ladders shall not exceed 30 ft. follows: ..................................1675, 3278, 3287
in length..........................................1629(c)
3. Double-cleat ladders shall not exceed 24 1. Type I, Industrial, 3 ft. to 20 ft., for heavy
ft. in length. ...................................1676(d) duty, such as work on utilities, use by
4. Double-cleat ladders are required for two- contractors, and industrial use.
way traffic or when 25 or more employees 2. Type II, Commercial, 3 ft. to 12 ft., for
are using a ladder............................1629(c) medium duty, such as use by painters,
5. An overlapping section should not be less office use, and light
than 10% of the working length of the industrial use. ................................3278(d)
ladder..............................................1678(b)
Because of these serious and, in many cases, life- B. The permissible exposure limits (PELs) for
threatening health effects, laws and regulations have airborne lead are 0.05 milligrams per cubic
been enacted to protect people from lead exposure. meter of air (mg/m3) and an action level of
0.03 mg/m3, both as an 8hour time-weighted-
A. Cal/OSHA enforces the “Lead in Construction average (TWA). ...........................1532.1(b), (c)
Safety Orders” that make employers
responsible for the following: C. Trigger tasks are certain highly hazardous
tasks that carry the presumption of airborne
1. Before engaging in any work during exposure above the PEL. They require special
which an employee may be exposed to protective measures until it is determined that
lead, the employer must be thoroughly worker airborne exposures to lead are below
knowledgeable about the requirements of levels specified in 1532.1. Following are the
CSO 1532.1. three levels of trigger tasks involving lead-
2. For each job site the lead hazard must containing materials and associated respirator
be assessed. ........................... 1532.1(d)(1) requirements:
3. Where lead is present the following is
required:
B. Moveable parts shall be mechanically blocked • Gears, sprockets, and chain drives.........4075(a)
or locked out. • Belt and pulley drives............................4070(a)
• Belt conveyor head and tail pulleys.......3999(b)
C. Employees shall be trained and made familiar • Screw conveyors ...................................3999(a)
with the safe use and maintenance of such tools. • Exposed shafts and shaft ends 4050(a), 4051(a)
• Collars and couplings.............................4050(a)
D. Equipment that has lockable controls or that is • Hazardous revolving or reciprocating
readily adaptable to lockable controls shall be parts .......................................................4002(a)
locked out or positively sealed in the off position.
Multi-employer Work Sites
E. Accident prevention signs or tags shall be
placed on the controls of equipment, machines, Multi-employer work sites are work locations where
and prime movers during repair work. more than one employer and his or her employees
work, usually but not necessarily at the same time.
F. An energy control procedure shall be developed Most construction sites are multi-employer work
and used by the employer...........................3314 sites, and therefore more than one employer is
responsible for safety at these work sites. Each
G. For heavy construction equipment repair, employer is required to notify the other employers of
1595(a) requires that repairs must not be made hazards and to guard against exposing their own
until workers are protected from movement of employees as well as all other employees on the site.
the equipment or its parts.
The four categories of employers who may be cited
Note: The Lock-out/Block-out booklet is by Cal/OSHA for employee exposures to violative
available free of charge from Cal/OSHA. conditions are identified in 336.10.
Qualified Person
A. General requirements
d) Boatswain’s chair..........................1662
D. In steel frame buildings, a stairway must be K. Stair steps must be illuminated (with at least 5-
installed lead ing up to each planked floor. ft. candles of light) and all lamps must be
...........................................................1629(b)(2) guarded...................................................1626(c)
E. One washing station must be provided for each A. Power-operated tools must be grounded or of
20 employees or fraction thereof...........1527(a) the double-insulated type. They should be kept
out of wet locations................................2395.45
1. The following tools must be equipped 3. The PAT must be provided with the
with a constant-contact (dead-man) on-off following:
switch: ...........................................3557(a) a) An operating and service manual
b) A power load and fastener chart
a) Drills c) An inspection and service record
b) Tappers d) Repair and servicing tools.......1687(b)
c) Fastener drivers
d) Grinders 4. Limitations on the use of PATs are as
e) Disc and belt sanders follows:
f) Reciprocating saws
g) Circular saws a) Workers must not leave the tool
h) Chain saws unattended................................1690(b)
i) Concrete vibrators b) Workers must not use the tool:
j) Concrete breakers
k) Concrete trowels (1) In an explosive environment
l) Powered tampers ..........................................1690(a)
m) Jack hammers (2) On hard or brittle material
n) Rock drills ..........................................1690(c)
o) Tools similar to those above (3) On unbacked, thin, or soft
material ............................1690(d)
2. Hoisting or lowering electric tools by their (4) Within a 1/2 in. of the edge of
cords is prohibited..........................1707(a) steel...................................1690(e)
(5) Within 3 in. of the edge of
D. Powder-actuated tools (PAT) must meet the masonry............................. 1690(f)
ANSI A10.3 1977 standard or have a California (6) On thin concrete ........ ......1690(g)
approval number......................... 1684(a)(1), (2) (7) On spalled areas ..............1690(h)
(8) On existing holes ..............1690(i)
1. Only trained workers holding a valid
operator’s card may use a PAT. 1685(a)(1) 5. Requirements for operating PATs are as
noted:
152 Tools Tools 153
a) Eye or face protection is required for 1. Teeth on the upper half of the saw blade
operators and assistants...........1691(b) must be permanently guarded........4307(a)
b) Operators must inspect the tool before 2. Teeth on the lower half of the saw blade
using it..................................... 1691(c) must be guarded with a telescopic or
c) Defective tools must not be used. hinged guard..................................4307(b)
.................................................1691(d) 3. Saw guards must not be blocked open to
d) Tools must not be loaded until ready prevent guards from functioning....4307(c)
for use......................................1691(g)
e) Tools must be unloaded if work is H. Miter (chop) saws are regulated as follows:
interrupted..............................1691 (h) .................................................................4307.1
f) Operators must never point a loaded
tool or an empty tool at anyone. 1. With the carriage in the full cut position, a
.................................................. 1691(i) guard must enclose the upper half of the
g) The tool must be held in place for 30 blade and at least 50 percent of the arbor
seconds on misfire.................... 1691(l) end..............................................4307.1(a)
h) Different power loads must be kept in 2. With the carriage in the full retract (raised)
separate compartments...........1691(m) position, lower blade teeth must be fully
i) Warning signs that say POWDER- guarded, and the guard must extend at
ACTUATED TOOLS IN USE must be least 3/4 in. beyond the teeth......4307.1(b)
conspicuously displayed within 50 ft. 3. Employers shall instruct employees to
of a PAT operation...................1691(n) keep hands and fingers outside the area
j) Misfires and skipped power charges below the blade until the blade has come
must be stored and disposed of to a complete stop........................4307.1(c)
properly......................1689(c), 1691(a)
I. Radial arm (horizontal pull) saws are
E. Concrete-finishing tools must be equipped regulated as follows:
with a dead-man-type control................1698(d)
1. The upper half of the saw blade and arbor
F. Airless spray guns must have an automatic— ends must be completely covered. 4309(a)
or visible manual—release safety device or a 2. An anti-kickback device must be used
diffuser nut and tip guard....................3559.1(a) during ripping operations...............4309(c)
3. Saws must return automatically to the
G. Portable circular power saws are regulated as table’s back when released............4309(d)
follows: 4. Saws must have a stop provided to prevent
the saw blade from passing the front edge
of the table.....................................4309(b)
154 Tools Tools 155
J. Table saws are regulated as follows: 2. Pneumatic nailers and staplers that operate
at more than 100 psi of pressure must have
1. A hood must cover the saw to at least the a safety device that prevents the tool from
depth of the teeth............................4300(a) operating when the muzzle is not in
2. Table saws must be equipped with an anti- contact with the surface. 3559(c), 1704(a)
kickback device during ripping operations. 3. Pneumatic nailers and staplers must be
.......................................................4300(d) disconnected from the air supply when not
in use..............................................1704(b)
Note: The arbor speed of circular saw blades 4. The air hose of a tool must be secured at
shall not exceed speeds recommended by the roof level to provide ample but not
manufacturer. excessive amounts of hose when an
operator works on a roof of 3:12 pitch or
K. Band saws are regulated as follows: steeper............................................1704(d)
5. An operator must wear fall protection
1. All portions of the band saw blade must be when using pneumatic tools on roofs of
guarded except between the guide rolls 4:12 pitch and steeper.
and the table..............................4310(a)(1) 6. All tools with air hoses having diameters
2. Band saw wheels must be enclosed . larger than a 1/2 in. must have a pressure
...................................................4310(a)(2) reduction safety device at the source of
compressed air................................1704(c)
L. Chain saws are regulated as follows: 7. Jack hammer operators must wear
personal protective equipment when
1. Chain saws must be equipped with a required, including foot protection and
constant-pressure control that returns the hearing protection when noise levels
saw to idling speed when released. exceed allowable exposure levels (see
...................................................3425(a)(2) pages 119)........... .................3385, 5096(a)
2. Chain saws must have a clutch adjusted to
prevent the chain drive from engaging at Traffic Control
idling speed.............................. 3425(a)(3)
Regulations concerning traffic control are noted
M. Pneumatic tools are regulated as follows: below:
E. Licensed blasters: All blasting at tunnel sites a) Non-flammable gloves with gauntlets
shall be carried out or directed by California ......................................................1520
licensed blasters as required by TSO 8560. b) Appropriate foot protection..........3385
c) Aprons (leather) and shirts that have
Welding, Cutting, and Heating (HotWork) sleeves and collars...................1522(a)
d) Helmets, hoods, and face shields
Each year numerous deaths from explosions, suitable for head protection
electrocutions, asphyxiation, falls, and crushing ...................................3381(a), 3382(a)
injuries are associated with welding activities. e) Suitable eye protection.................3382
These deaths often involve confined or restricted f) Respiratory protection (as required)
spaces. In addition, numerous health hazards are ......................................................5144
associated with exposure to fumes, gases, and
ionizing radiation formed or released during 7. Screens must be provided to protect the
welding, cutting, and brazing, including heavy eyes of nonwelders from flash burns and
ultraviolet light rays.......................3382(b)
162 Tunnels and Tunneling Welding, Cutting, and Heating (Hot Work) 163
B. Gas welding is regulated as follows: g) A fire extinguisher rated at least 10
B:C must be kept near the operation.
1. Fuel gas and oxygen hoses must be .................................................. 1743(j)
distinguished from each other........1742(a) h) Backflow protection is required.
2. Couplings must not disconnect by means .................................................4845(b)
of a straight-pull motion.................1742(g)
3. Oil or grease must never come into C. Arc welding is regulated as follows:
contact with oxygen equipment... . .1743(c)
4. Oxygen from a system without a pressure 1. Cables in poor condition must not be used;
regulation device must never be used. no cable may be spliced within 10 ft. of
........................................................1743(e) the electrode holder....................4851(e)(2)
5. Gas cylinders must be stored and used as 2. The frames of arc welding and cutting
follows: machines must be grounded. 4851(f)(5)
3. Electrodes and holders that are not in use
a) Cylinders must be protected from all shall be protected so they cannot make
heat sources..............................1740(a) electrical contact with employees or
b) They must be secured upright and conducting objects...... . ..................4851(g)
placed so they will not fall or be 4. Defective equipment must not be used.
knocked over............................1740(c) ........................................................ 4851(j)
c) Cylinders must be handled in suitable
cradles, with their valve caps installed; D. Ventilation requirements for welding, cutting,
they must never be lifted by magnet, and brazing operations aim to minimize the
rope, or chain.... . ...............1740(c), (d) worker’s exposure to hazardous fumes, gases,
d) They must be guarded so that they and vapors ........................................1536, 1537
never form a part of any electrical
circuit.......................................1740(e) 1. Outdoor operations
e) Fuel gas cylinders in storage must be
separated from oxygen cylinders by a Respirators are required for any operation
minimum distance of 20 ft. or by a involving beryllium, cadmium, lead, or
noncombustible barrier that is at least mercury. For other operations and
5 ft. high and has a fire-resistance materials, respirators are not required when
rating of a 1/2 hour...................1740(g) natural or mechanical ventilation is
f) Valve stem wrenches must be left in sufficient to prevent exposure to airborne
place while cylinders are in use. contaminants in excess of the PELs noted
.................................................1743(g) in 5155...........................................1536(c)
164 Welding, Cutting, and Heating (Hot Work) Welding, Cutting, and Heating (Hot Work) 165
2. Indoor operations
Index 167
clean-up, 102–103 techniques, 45–47 explosives, 23–25, 96 grounding, 50–51
Code of Safe Practices, derricks, 9, 13 eye protection, 118 assured equipment
26 grounding, 51–52
drinking water, 99, 151 eye wash, 37 tools, 50, 151
combustible dusts, 74 dust, 16, 28, 48, 74 fall protection, 75–82 guardrails, 92–95
combustible liquids, 86–87 earthmoving equipment, controlled access
zone, 81–82 guards (tool), 152
competent person, 26 101–102
asbestos, 26–27 fall protection plan, hand protection, 118
electrical, 49–53 81
bolting, riveting, 27 GFCI, 51 hand signals (cranes), 38, 40
cadmium, 27 residential construction,
grounding, 50–51 61 haulage and earthmoving
excavation, 65–66 high voltage, 52–53 equipment, 101–102
fall protection, 81 low voltage, 49–52 safety monitoring
lift-slab construction, 27 system, 82 hazard communication
minimum safe distances, program, 95–96
compressed-air work sites, 27–28 52–53 falsework/forms, 90–92
design and loading, 90–91 hazardous substances, 96–97
concrete construction, 28–33 elevating work platforms, 8,
finishing tools, 33 54–55 DOSH permits, 13 head protection, 120
forming/falsework, 90–92 guarding, 92
elevators, construction, 55–56 hearing protection, 119
masonry, 29 inspection, 91–92
emergency medical heat stress, 97–99
precast, 30 fire extinguishers, 83–84
rebar, 30–33 services, 56–57, 84,–85 heat exhaustion, 98
first aid, 57, 84–85 fire protection and preven- heat stroke, 98–99
tilt-up, 30 tion, 82–84
training, 57 heavy construction
confined spaces, 33–37 first aid, 57, 84–85
employee rights, 2, 105 equipment, 99–102
construction elevators, 55–56 flaggers, 85–86, 158
engine exhaust emissions, 48, high voltage, 52–53
controlled access zone, 81–82 58 flammables, 86–87 highlift trucks, forklifts,
corrosive liquids, 37 erection/construction, 58–61 flexible cords, wiring, 50 87–90
covers (floor and roof open- erection plan, 59 float scaffolds, 141 hitches and knots, 142–143
ings), 94, 128 flooring, 59–61
floor requirements, 59–61, 84 hoists and hoisting, 55–56
cranes, 37–44 structural steel, 59–60
wood frame, 60–61 foot protection, 118 horn, warning, 88, 101
certification, 13–14, 38
inspection, 38–39 ergonomics in construction, forklift/highlift trucks, 87–90 horse scaffold, 144–145
mobile cranes, 39–41 62–64 hot work (cutting, heating,
forms/falsework, 90–92
repairs, 43 excavations, trenching, welding), 162–166
slings, 43–44 framing, 60–61
earthwork, 64–74 housekeeping/site
testing, 39, 42 fumes, 16, 48, 162
tower (climbing) cranes, DOSH permit, 13, 64 cleaning, 102–103
42–43 shoring/sloping, 69–72 gas, 48, 75 hydraulic cranes, 39
soil classification, 66–68 cylinder storage, 164
demolition, 44–47 Injury and Illness Prevention
explosion hazard, 74–75 generators, 50–51
crane use, 47 (IIP) Program, 103–106
GFCl, 50–51
172 Index
List of Acronyms
AB 1127: Assembly Bill 1127
ACCM: asbestos-containing construction material
ACM: asbestos-containing material
AEGC program: assured equipment grounding
conductor program
ANSI: American National Standards Institute
Ca PE: California Registered Professional Engineer
CASOs: Compressed Air Safety Orders
CAZ: controlled access zone
CCR: California Code of Regulations
CFR: Code of Federal Regulations
CSHIP: Construction Safety and Health Inspection
Project
CSOs: Construction Safety Orders
dBA: a unit of sound level as measured on the A-
scale of a standard sound level meter
DOSH: Division of Occupational Safety and Health
EMS: emergency medical service
ESOs: Electrical Safety Orders
FP: fall protection
FPP: fall protection plan
GFCI: ground-fault circuit interrupter
GISOs: General Industry Safety Orders
haz-com program: hazard communication program
HEPA: high-efficiency particulate air
HP: hearing protection
IIP Program: Injury and Illness Prevention Program
LAZ: limited access zone
MSDS: material safety data sheet
MSHA: Mine Safety and Health Administration
NIOSH: National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health
PACM: presumed asbestos-containing material
Acronyms 173
PAT: powder-actuated tool Division of Occupational
PEL: permissible exposure limit
Safety and Health
PFA: personal fall arrest
PFP: personal fall protection
PFR: personal fall restraint Headquarters
PPE: personal protective equipment 455 Golden Gate Avenue, 10th Floor,
QP: qualified person San Francisco 94102
RMI: repetitive motion injury
SO: safety order Regional Offices
Anaheim (714) 939-8611
T8 CCR: Title 8 of the California Code of Sacramento (916) 263-2803
Regulations Santa Rosa (707) 576-2419
tsf: tons per square foot West Covina (626) 472-0046 Ext. 5408
TSOs: Tunnel Safety Orders
TWA: time-weighted average District Offices
Anaheim (714) 939-0145 Sacramento (916) 263-2800
Concord (925) 602-6517 San Bernadino (909)383-4321
Foster City (650) 573-3812 San Diego (619) 767-2280
Fremont/San Jose (510) 794-2521 San Francisco (415) 972-8670
Fresno (559) 445-5302 Santa Rosa (707) 576-2388
Los Angeles (213) 576-7451 Torrance (310) 516-3734
Modesto (209) 576-6260 Van Nuys (818) 901-5403
Oakland (510) 622-2916 Ventura (805) 654-4581
Monrovia/Pico Rivera (626) 256-7913 West Covina (626) 472-0046
Field Offices
Chico (530) 895-4761
Eureka (707) 445-6611
Redding (530) 224-4743
1 Northern California
2424 Arden Way, Suite 410
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 263-0704
1
2 San Francisco Bay Area 2
1515 Clay Street, Suite 1103 3
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 622-2891
4 6
3 Central Valley 5
176
12 REU March 05