Page 99 - Safety and health in construction
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Health hazards, first aid and occupational health services
17.6. Radiation hazards
Ionising radiations
17.6.1. Stringent safety regulations should be drawn up and enforced by the
competent authority with respect to construction workers engaged in the construction,
maintenance, renovation, demolition or dismantling of any buildings in which there is a
risk of exposure to ionising radiations, in particular in the nuclear power industry, and
in work using radioactive sources or inside structures containing natural radioactive
materials.
17.6.2. Relevant provisions of the ILO code of practice on Radiation protection of
workers (Ionising radiations) should be followed.
Non-ionising radiations
17.6.3. Workers performing operations where they are exposed to non-ionising
radiations should be provided with adequate protection, and particularly in welding,
torch cutting and soldering operations, with eye and face protection.
17.6.4. For the purpose of detecting pre-cancerous lesions of the skin, workers
continually working under non-ionising radiation exposure, including exposure to the
sun, should be under medical surveillance, where appropriate.
17.7. Heat stress, cold and wet conditions
17.7.1. Whenever heat stress, cold or wet conditions are such that they can lead to
impairment of health or extreme discomfort, preventive measures should be taken, such
as:
(a) proper design of the workload and workstation, with special regard to workers in
cabins, and command or driving operations;
(b) training, to enable detection of early signs of disorders;
(c) supply of protective equipment;
(d) routine medical surveillance.
17.7.2. When working in hot conditions, preventive measures to avoid heat stress
should include rest in cool areas and an adequate supply of drinking water.
17.8. Noise and vibration
17.8.1. Employers should provide protection for workers from the harmful effects
of noise and vibration from machines and work processes, by measures including:
(a) replacing hazardous machines and processes by less hazardous ones;
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