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Unit 3: Safety in Construction and Demolition Operation

Safety in Conventional Construction Operations: Underground works, above ground

works, underwater portions, movements of construction machinery, special works.

Ensuring safety in conventional construction operations involves implementing comprehensive

safety measures and protocols across various aspects of the construction process. Here are
guidelines for safety in different construction operations – (1) underground works : In underground
works there are the various types of safety operation is adopted – (a) Ensure that all excavations are
properly shored and braced to prevent collapse (b) Provide adequate ventilation to prevent the
buildup of harmful gases (c) Use proper lighting to ensure that workers can see clearly (d) Wear
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, safety glasses, and respirators
(e) Be aware of the location of underground utilities to avoid striking them. (2) Above ground works:
In above ground works there are the various types of safety operation is adopted – (a) Ensure that all
scaffolds and ladders are properly erected and maintained (b) Provide adequate fall protection for
workers who are working at heights (c) Use proper lifting and rigging techniques to prevent injuries
from falling materials (d) Wear appropriate PPE, such as hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves (e) Be
aware of the location of overhead power lines to avoid striking them . (3) Underwater portion : (a)
Ensure that all divers are properly trained and certified (b) Provide adequate communication and
signalling equipment for divers (c) Use proper diving equipment and procedures to prevent
decompression sickness (d) Monitor weather conditions to avoid working in hazardous conditions (e)
Wear appropriate PPE, such as wetsuits, gloves, and boots etc. (4) Movements of construction
machinery : (a) Ensure that all construction machinery is properly maintained and operated (b)
Provide adequate training for all operators of construction machinery (c) Establish and enforce safe
work practices for the movement of construction machinery (d) Use warning signs and barricades to
control traffic around construction machinery (e) Wear appropriate PPE, such as hard hats, safety
glasses, and hearing protection etc. (5) Specials works : (a) Obtain the necessary permits and
approvals for all special work activities (b) Develop and implement a safe work plan for each special
work activity (c) Provide adequate training for all workers who will be involved in special work
activities (d) Use appropriate PPE for each special work activity (e) Monitor special work activities
closely to ensure that they are being conducted safely.

Safety in use of explosives : Explosives are dangerous substances that can cause serious injury
or death if not handled properly. It is important to follow strict safety guidelines when using
explosives to prevent accidents. Here are some guidelines - (a) Only trained and authorized
personnel should handle explosives (b) Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment
(PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection (c) Store explosives in a secure,
designated location away from heat, sparks, and open flames (d) Transport explosives in accordance
with all applicable regulations (e) Never use explosives in a confined space (f) Always have a fire
extinguisher and a first aid kit readily available (g) Never use blasting agents in areas where there is a
risk of fire or explosion (h) Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for loading and firing
blasting agents etc.

Safety in stacking, storage and transport of construction materials: Here are some
guidelines for stacking, storage & transport of construction material are - (1) Reinforcement : (a)
Stacking: Ensure reinforcement bars are stacked on level, firm ground to prevent tipping or collapse
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(b) Storage: Store reinforcement bars in a designated area away from traffic and footpaths. Use
appropriate racks or supports to prevent them from falling over (c) Transport: Secure reinforcement
bars tightly to the transport vehicle using ropes, chains, or straps. Avoid overloading the vehicle and
ensure proper weight distribution. (2) Cement : (a) Stacking: Stack cement bags on a level, firm
surface. Use pallets or dunnage to prevent direct contact with the ground and moisture (b) Storage:
Store cement bags in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Protect
them from moisture and water damage (c) Transport: Transport cement bags securely on a flatbed
truck or trailer. Cover the bags with a tarp to protect them from rain or dust. (3) Sand & Aggregate :
(a) (a) Stacking: Stack sand and aggregates on level, firm ground. Create sloping sides to prevent
avalanches (b) Storage: Store sand and aggregates in designated areas away from traffic and
footpaths. Use containment walls or berms to prevent them from spreading (c) Transport: Transport
sand and aggregates in dump trucks or trailers. Cover the load with a tarp to prevent spillage and
dust. (4) Chemical : (a) Stacking: Stack chemical containers on level, firm ground. Use pallets or
dunnage to prevent direct contact with the ground and moisture (b) Storage: Store chemical
containers in a designated area away from incompatible materials, heat sources, and ignition
sources. Ensure proper ventilation and spill containment(c) Transport: Transport chemical containers
securely on a flatbed truck or trailer. Use appropriate hazardous materials packaging and labelling.
(5) Gas cylinder : (a) Stacking: Store gas cylinders upright and secured to a stable support or rack.
Never stack cylinders on their sides or roll them (b) Storage: Store gas cylinders in a designated area
away from heat sources, ignition sources, and combustible materials. Ensure proper ventilation and
fire protection (c) Transport: Transport gas cylinders securely on a specialized cylinder rack or trailer.
Use appropriate protective caps and straps to prevent damage and leakage.

Safety in use of construction machinery and equipment: Ensuring safety when using
construction machinery and equipment is crucial to prevent accidents and injuries. Here's a
comprehensive guide to safety practices for various types of construction equipment such as –
Batching plan, Mixers, Earthmoving equipment, cranes, pile driving equipment, excavators, drilling
equipment, welding equipment, gas cutting equipment, grinding equipment, derricks, compressors,
crushers, layers etc. Here are some guideline to safety practice for various types of work : (a) Always
wear appropriate PPE. This includes a hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection (b)
Inspect equipment before each use. Look for any damage or defects that could cause a hazard (c)
Report any hazards to your supervisor immediately (d) Do not operate equipment if you are not
trained to do so (e) Follow all safety procedures and signs (f) Be aware of your surroundings. Look
for other workers, vehicles, and obstacles before moving equipment (g) Never operate equipment
under the influence of drugs or alcohol etc.

Safety in Special Construction Operation: Transmission towers, railways, power plants &
transformer installation :

Special construction operations, such as those involving - transmission towers, railways, and power
plants, require specific safety measures due to the complexity and unique challenges associated with
each. Here are safety considerations for these special construction operations : (1) Transmission
Tower : There are some common types of safety consideration in this type of work – (a) Provide
workers with proper fall protection equipment (b) Regularly inspect and maintain all equipment,
including cranes, hoists, and rigging gear etc. (c) Use appropriate personal protective equipment for
safety against electric wire (c) Site access control (d) Monitoring weather condition etc. (2) Railways:
(a) Ensure that workers are trained in railway safety regulations and procedures (b) Implement
proper signage and warning systems at railway crossings (c) Ensure that the equipment meets
railway safety standards (d) ensure effective communication system between worker’s & authority.
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(3) power plants : (a) Identify and label all hazardous materials used in power plant construction (b)
Identify and evaluate confined spaces in the power plant (c) Provide radiation safety training and
proper protective equipment for workers (d) Follow manufacturer guidelines for equipment use and
maintenance (e) Implement fall protection measures for workers operating at heights within the
power plant etc. (4) Transformer installation : (a) Strictly adhere to electrical safety guidelines
during transformer installation (b) Use proper lifting equipment and rigging techniques for
transformer installation (c) Establish clear communication between workers involved in the
installation process (d) Protection against falling hazardous material/equipment etc.

High incidence of serious accidents in working at heights : Working at heights is a

hazardous activity that can lead to serious injuries and fatalities. Falls from heights are the leading
cause of workplace deaths, accounting for 20% of all fatal occupational accidents worldwide. In the
United States, falls from heights are the second leading cause of workplace fatalities, accounting for
14% of all fatal occupational accidents in 2020. There are a number of factors that can contribute to
falls from heights, including: (a) Lack of fall protection equipment (b) Unsafe work practices (c)
Inadequate training (d) Poor housekeeping etc.

Design and use of gangways, floors : Gangways and floors are essential components of many
workplaces, providing safe passage for workers and equipment. They must be designed and used in
a way that minimizes the risk of slips, trips, and falls. (1) Gangways are raised walkways that provide
access to different levels or areas of a workplace. They must be - Adequately wide and unobstructed
to allow workers to pass safely, Provide with guardrails on both sides to prevent falls, Made of non-
slip materials to prevent slips and trips, Well-lit to ensure workers can see where they are walking .
(2) Floors must also be - Level and smooth to prevent slips and trips. Made of non-slip materials to
prevent slips and trips .Free of clutter and debris to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Well-lit to ensure
workers can see where they are walking etc.

ladders of different types, scaffolds of different types : Certainly! Ladders and scaffolds
are essential tools in various industries and construction projects. Here's an overview of different
types of ladders and scaffolds: (1) ladder : There are various types of ladder – (a) step ladder (b)
extension ladder (c) straight ladder (d) platform ladder (e) telescoping ladder (f) attic ladder etc. (2)
scaffolds : there are the various types of scaffolds are – (a) frame (b) system (c) mobile (d) cantilever
(e) hanging (f) tube scaffolds etc.

Safety requirements while working at height : Working at height poses a significant risk of
falls, which can lead to serious injuries or even death. Therefore, it is crucial to implement and
enforce safety requirements to protect workers from these hazards. Here are some of the key safety
requirements while working at height: (a) Plan and assess the work (b) Use guardrails or safety nets
(c) Use personal fall protection systems (PFPS) (d) Train workers (e) Inspection and maintenance (f)
Supervision (g) Housekeeping (h) Emergency procedures etc.

Prevention of falls at floor level : Preventing falls at floor level is essential for maintaining a
safe working environment, both in industrial settings and general workplaces. Here are some key
measures to prevent falls at floor level : (a) proper housekeeping (b) proper lightning (c) proper floor
surface (d) use safety sign (e) use anti-slip mats (f) use suitable footwear (g) use fall protection
barrier (h) regular inspection of damaged area in floor etc.
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Potential tripping, slipping hazards : Preventing tripping and slipping hazards is crucial for
maintaining a safe environment, whether at home, in the workplace, or in public spaces. Here are
common potential hazards and measures to prevent tripping and slipping: (1) Tripping hazards:
There are the common types of tripping hazards are – (a) clutter (b) uneven surface (c) cable & wire
(d) loose carpeting & mats (e) change in floor elevation (f) poor lightning etc. (2) Slipping hazards :
the common types of slipping hazards are – (a) wet or slippery surface (b) oily or greasy surface (c)
ice or snow accumulation (d) polished or smooth floor (e) rainwater indoors (f) inadequate traction
on footwear etc.

Laws and Regulations – Relevant Provisions of Building and Other Construction

Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act and Rules –
National Building Codes: Here is a summary of the relevant provisions of the Building and Other
Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 (the Act) and
the Rules made thereunder, and the National Building Codes (NBC), as they relate to the safety and
welfare of construction workers: (1) Building & other construction workers ‘Act 1996’ : This act is
provide a comprehensive regulations of construction workers. It covers – (a) Registration of
establishments (b) Issue of welfare cards (c) Working hours and overtime (d) Wages (e) Safety and
welfare (f) Grievance redressal etc. (2) Building & other construction workers ‘Act 1998’ : The Rules
made under the Act provide further details on the implementation of the Act. Some of the key
provisions of the Rules include- (a) Definition of construction worker (b) Registration of
establishments (c) Issue of welfare cards (d) Working hours and overtime (e) wages (f) safety &
welfare etc. (3) National Building Codes (NBC) : The NBC are a set of guidelines and standards for
the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings and other structures. The NBC include a
number of provisions that relate to the safety and welfare of construction workers. Some of the key
provisions of the NBC include – (a) provision of scaffolding (b) provision of safety nets (c) use of
personal protective equipment’s (d) training of workers etc.