Page 65 - Safety Memo

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Code of Safe Practices • Burns, rashes, and skin irritations from exposure to cement
dust or wet concrete
The Code of Safe Practices is a set of work site rules that • Silicosis, a respiratory disease caused by inhaling silica dust
stipulate how to perform job duties safely and to keep the work from exposure to concrete dust during such operations as
site safe. The following are selected requirements: concrete cutting, drilling, grinding, or sandblasting
A. The employer must develop and adopt a written Code of Safe • Broken bones, lacerations, and crushing injuries caused by
Practices. 1509(b)
falls from elevated work surfaces; impalement by rebar or
Note: Plate A-3 in Appendix A of 1938 is a suggested code. other objects; impact from falling objects, form and shoring
The code is general and should be used as a starting point for failure, and structural failure of components of the project
developing a code that fits the contractor’s operations.
Because the hazards associated with concrete construction
B. It must be specific to the employer’s operations. 1509(b) are great, employees must use appropriate personal protective
equipment and conform to safe work practices at all times
C. It must be posted at each jobsite office or be readily available
at the jobsite. 1509(c) (see below).
D. Workers, when first hired, shall be given instructions regarding A. Placement of Concrete. 1720
the hazards and safety precautions and directed to read the 1. Concrete pumping equipment and placing booms shall
Code of Safe Practices. 1510(a) be set-up and operated according to manufacturer’s
E. Supervisors shall conduct “toolbox” or “tailgate” safety guidelines and the Title 8 Safety Orders.
meetings, or the equivalent, with their crews at least every 10 2. The manufacturer’s operation manual shall be maintained
working days to emphasize safety. in legible condition and available at the jobsite.
3. Controls in the equipment shall have their function clearly
Competent Person marked.
4. Operation of concrete placing booms in proximity of
A competent person is defined in 1504(a) as one who is overhead high-voltage lines shall be in accordance with
capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the Article 37 of the High-Voltage Electrical Safety Orders.
surroundings or working conditions that are unsanitary or
dangerous to employees. The competent person has authority to 5. Equipment shall be inspected by a qualified operator prior
impose prompt, corrective measures to eliminate these hazards. to daily use and the inspection must be documented.
B. Forms/falsework and vertical shoring in the Forms, Falsework,
Some SOs identify specific requirements for the competent and Vertical Shoring section of this guide. 1717
person’s training, knowledge, abilities, and duties. The following
is a list of CSOs that require the use of a competent person: C. Masonry construction. 1722
(1) asbestos 1529(o); (2) excavation 1541, 1541.1; (3) cadmium 1. All masonry walls more than 8 ft. high must be braced
1532(b); (4) fall protection 1670, 1671.2; (5) bolting and riveting to prevent overturning and collapse unless the wall is
1716; (6) pressurized worksites 6075 and (7) lift-slab construction adequately supported through its design or construction
operations 1722.1(i). method. The bracing shall remain in place until permanent
supporting elements of the structure are in place. 1722(b)
Concrete Construction 2. A limited access zone (LAZ) shall be established whenever
a masonry wall is being constructed and must conform to
Injuries and illnesses common to the concrete construction the following:
industry are as follows: a. The LAZ shall be established before the start of
construction. 1722(a)(1)

18 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2015 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2015 19