Safe Work Procedure: Sidewalk Replacement

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the necessary safety requirements and procedures for the safe removal and replacement of sidewalks. It applies to all workers involved in sidewalk replacement activities, including but not limited to demolition, excavation, formwork, concrete pouring, and finishing. This SWP aims to minimize the risks associated with sidewalk replacement by providing clear guidelines and control measures.

2. Definitions

Competent Person: An individual who is qualified because of knowledge, training, and experience to organize the work and is familiar with the provisions of this safe work procedure, and capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards or working conditions that are hazardous, dangerous, or detrimental to employees, and who has the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate or control them [1].

Hazard: Any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects on something or someone under certain conditions at work.

Risk: The chance or probability that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect if exposed to a hazard.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure all workers are adequately trained and competent to perform their assigned tasks.
• Conduct regular site inspections to identify and correct hazards.
• Enforce the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Provide pre-job briefings to discuss potential hazards and safety measures.
• Ensure that all equipment is in good working order and properly maintained.

3.2 Workers

• Follow all safety procedures and instructions provided by the supervisor.
• Use required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.
• Participate in pre-job briefings and safety meetings.
• Operate equipment only if trained and authorized.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and review of safety procedures.
• Conduct workplace inspections and audits.
• Investigate incidents and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide guidance and support to workers and supervisors on health and safety matters.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Slips, trips, and falls	Injuries ranging from minor sprains to fractures	Maintain a clean and orderly work area, free of obstructions. Use non-slip footwear [2]. Remove ice, snow, or water from walking surfaces [2].
Struck by falling objects	Head injuries, fractures, or death	Wear hard hats. Secure or barricade objects to prevent them from falling.
Excavation collapse	Serious injury or death due to suffocation or crushing	Ensure proper sloping or shoring of excavations. Never enter an unprotected excavation.
Contact with underground utilities	Electrocution, explosion, or disruption of services	Identify and locate underground utilities before digging. Maintain safe clearance distances.
Dust and silica exposure	Respiratory illnesses, such as silicosis	Use water suppression or dust collection methods. Wear appropriate respiratory protection.
Noise exposure	Hearing damage	Use hearing protection in noisy environments.
Musculoskeletal injuries	Strains, sprains, and other injuries	Use proper lifting techniques. Take frequent breaks. Rotate tasks to reduce repetitive motions.
Traffic hazards	Injury or death from vehicle collisions	Set up barricades and warning signs to alert drivers and pedestrians [3]. Use a signal person to direct traffic.
Unguarded Machines	Lacerations, amputations, crushing injuries	Ensure all machines are properly guarded. Never remove or disable machine guards.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be worn at all times to minimize the risk of injury [4].

• Hard hat - Protects the head from falling objects and impacts.
• Safety glasses - Protects the eyes from dust, debris, and chemical splashes.
• Hearing protection - Earplugs or earmuffs to protect against excessive noise levels.
• Gloves - Protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure.
• Safety boots - Provides foot protection from impacts, punctures, and slips.
• High-visibility vest - Increases visibility to avoid being struck by moving vehicles or equipment.
• Respirator - Protects against inhalation of dust, fumes, and other airborne contaminants.

Inspect all PPE before each use for damage or defects. Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately.

6. Equipment and Tools

Only use equipment and tools that are in good working condition and that you are trained to operate.

• Excavator - Used for digging and removing soil and old sidewalk [5].
• Concrete saw - Used for cutting concrete sidewalks into manageable sections.
• Jackhammer - Used for breaking up concrete sidewalks.
• Shovels and hand tools - Used for removing debris and preparing the subgrade.
• Concrete mixer - Used for mixing concrete.
• Wheelbarrow - Used for transporting concrete and materials.
• Concrete finishing tools - Floats, trowels, and edgers used for finishing the concrete surface.

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Remove any damaged equipment from service. Follow manufacturer's instructions for safe operation and maintenance.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

• All workers must be trained in the safe operation of equipment and tools they will be using.
• Workers must be trained in hazard recognition and control measures.
• Ensure workers are trained and competent [1].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

A pre-job briefing must be conducted before starting any sidewalk replacement work. The briefing should cover:

• Review of the SWP and any specific hazards associated with the task.
• Identification of underground utilities and other potential hazards.
• Discussion of emergency procedures and contact information.
• Assignment of roles and responsibilities.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Establish a clear work zone using barricades, cones, and warning signs [3].
• Ensure adequate lighting is provided, especially during evening or nighttime work [6].
• Inspect the work area for any slip, trip, or fall hazards and correct them.
• Ensure that all necessary equipment and tools are available and in good working order.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Demolition and Removal of Old Sidewalk

• Saw cut the existing sidewalk into manageable sections using a concrete saw.
• Use a jackhammer to break up the concrete sections.
• Remove the broken concrete and debris using shovels and wheelbarrows.
• Dispose of the concrete debris in a designated area.

Safety considerations for this step:

• Wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection.
• Control dust using water suppression methods.
• Be aware of pinch points and avoid placing hands or feet in areas where they could be crushed.

Step 2: Excavation and Subgrade Preparation

• Excavate the area to the required depth for the new sidewalk.
• Compact the subgrade to provide a stable base for the concrete.
• Install any necessary base materials, such as gravel or crushed stone.
• Ensure proper drainage to prevent water from accumulating under the sidewalk.

Safety considerations for this step:

• Ensure proper sloping or shoring of excavations to prevent collapse.
• Identify and locate underground utilities before digging.
• Use caution when operating excavation equipment near underground utilities.

Step 3: Formwork and Concrete Pouring

• Set up formwork to define the edges of the new sidewalk.
• Ensure that the formwork is properly aligned and secured.
• Mix the concrete according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Pour the concrete into the formwork and spread it evenly.
• Use a vibrator to consolidate the concrete and remove air pockets.

Safety considerations for this step:

• Wear appropriate PPE, including gloves and safety boots.
• Avoid overexertion when lifting and pouring concrete.
• Be aware of pinch points when setting up formwork.

Step 4: Concrete Finishing and Curing

• Use floats and trowels to smooth and level the concrete surface.
• Create a non-slip surface by brooming or texturing the concrete.
• Apply a curing compound to prevent the concrete from drying out too quickly.
• Protect the concrete from damage during the curing process.

Safety considerations for this step:

• Wear appropriate PPE, including gloves and knee pads.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to wet concrete, which can cause skin irritation.
• Protect the curing concrete from traffic and other potential sources of damage.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Traffic Control: Implement traffic control measures to protect workers from vehicle traffic [3].
• Utility Awareness: Identify and locate all underground utilities before digging [4].
• Dust Control: Use water suppression or dust collection methods to minimize dust exposure [4].
• Lifting Techniques: Use proper lifting techniques to avoid musculoskeletal injuries [4].
• Housekeeping: Maintain a clean and orderly work area to prevent slips, trips, and falls [7].

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

• In the event of an emergency, immediately stop work and assess the situation.
• Evacuate the area if necessary.
• Provide first aid to any injured workers.
• Contact emergency services if required.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Excavation Collapse: Evacuate the area and contact emergency services. Do not attempt to enter the excavation to rescue anyone.
• Contact with Underground Utilities: Evacuate the area and contact the utility company and emergency services. Do not approach the area until it has been declared safe.
• Injury: Provide first aid and contact emergency services if required. Report the incident to the supervisor.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Services: 911
• [Company Safety Officer]: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [Project Supervisor]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards must be reported to the supervisor immediately. An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

• Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
• Company Safety Policy
• Equipment Manufacturer's Instructions

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Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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