Page 81 - Safety and health in construction
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Pile-driving
12.4.6. Steel pile-driver hulls should be divided into watertight compartments.
12.4.7. Watertight compartments should be provided with siphons for the removal
of water seepage.
12.4.8. Deck hatches should have firmly fastened covers that fit flush with the
deck.
12.4.9. Sufficient sheaves should be provided on deck to enable the pile-driver to
be safely manoeuvred in any direction and safely secured in position.
12.4.10. Regular head counts should be taken of the pile-driving crew members.
12.5. Sheet piling
12.5.1. If necessary to prevent danger from wind or other sources, handlines
should be used to control the load.
12.5.2. Where practicable, a "gate support system" made up from timber "H"
frames should be considered. If the gates are over 2 m high they should not be used as a
working platform unless fitted with guard-rails, toe-boards and ladder access.
12.5.3. Remote release shackles should be used where possible. The length of the
operating rope should be less than the length of the pile and the rope should be secured
around the pile to prevent snagging, or being caught in the wind and becoming
inaccessible.
12.5.4. If piles are too heavy for a remote release shackle and work cannot be
carried out safely from a ladder, a lifting cage should be provided to gain access for
unscrewing the shackle.
12.5.5. Long sheet piles should be pitched with a pile spreader. When this is not
possible, a pile-pitching cage should be used which should hang from the adjacent pile.
The operatives should be provided with a safety harness to be attached to the adjacent
pile.
12.5.6. Workers handling sheets should wear gloves.
12.5.7. While it is being weighted with stones, etc., sheet piling should be
securely moored.
12.5.8. Adequate pumping facilities should be available at cofferdams to keep
them clear of water.
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