build me a safe work procedure for 25th floor of a high rise

Generated on: May 21, 2025

Safe Work Procedure: Working on the 25th Floor of a High-Rise

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 all work activities conducted on the 25th floor of a high-rise building. It applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors involved in any construction, maintenance, inspection, or related tasks on this floor. This SWP aims to minimize potential hazards and ensure a safe working environment. It covers all aspects of work, including fall protection, falling object protection, hazard communication, and emergency procedures.

2. Definitions

Competent Person: A person who is qualified because of knowledge, training, and experience to organize the work and is familiar with the provisions of the applicable regulations, and has the knowledge and training to identify existing and predictable hazards and to take appropriate corrective measures [1].

Fall Protection System: Equipment or methods used to prevent workers from falling from heights, including guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest systems, and travel restraint systems 10, 12, 14.

Guardrail System: A barrier erected along an unprotected or exposed side, edge, or other area of a walking-working surface to prevent employees from falling to a lower level [2].

Personal Fall Arrest System: A system used to arrest an employee’s fall, consisting of an anchorage, connectors, a body harness, and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combinations of these 10, 12, 14.

Unprotected Sides and Edges: Any side or edge (except at entrances to points of access) of a walking/working surface, e.g., floor, roof, ramp, or runway where there is no wall or guardrail system at least 39 inches (1.0 m) high [3].

Walking/Working Surface: Any surface, whether horizontal or vertical on which an employee walks or works, including, but not limited to, floors, roofs, ramps, bridges, runways, formwork and concrete reinforcing steel but not including ladders, vehicles, or trailers, on which employees must be located in order to perform their job duties [3].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all workers are adequately trained and competent to perform their assigned tasks [1].
Conduct regular site inspections to identify and mitigate potential hazards [4].
Enforce the use of required PPE and safety equipment [4].
Provide pre-job briefings to discuss potential hazards and safety measures [1].
Ensure that all incidents and near misses are promptly reported and investigated [1].

3.2 Workers

Follow all safety procedures and instructions provided by the supervisor [1].
Use required PPE and safety equipment correctly and consistently [4].
Report any hazards, incidents, or near misses to the supervisor immediately [1].
Participate in pre-job briefings and training sessions [1].
Refrain from any unsafe acts that could endanger themselves or others [1].

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and implementation of safety procedures and training programs [1].
Conduct regular audits of safety practices and provide recommendations for improvement [1].
Investigate incidents and near misses to identify root causes and prevent recurrence [1].
Serve as a liaison between workers and management on health and safety issues [1].

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Falls from height	Serious injury or death	Use guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems when working at heights of 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels 10, 12, 14. Ensure fall protection equipment is inspected before each use [4].
Falling objects	Injury to workers below	Use toeboards, screens, or guardrail systems to prevent objects from falling from higher levels 10, 15. Implement a barricade system to prevent unauthorized entry into areas where objects may fall [5].
Struck by moving equipment	Injury or death	Establish clear traffic routes and use spotters when operating heavy equipment. Ensure equipment operators are trained and competent [6].
Electrical hazards	Electrocution, burns	Identify and de-energize electrical sources before starting work. Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) when working with electrical tools [7].
Hazardous materials	Chemical burns, respiratory issues	Identify hazardous materials present on-site. Use appropriate PPE, such as respirators and gloves. Ensure proper ventilation and follow SDS guidelines [7].
Ergonomic hazards	Musculoskeletal disorders	Use proper lifting techniques and equipment. Take frequent breaks and rotate tasks to reduce strain [7].
Weather conditions	Slips, trips, and falls	Monitor weather conditions and postpone work during hazardous weather. Use non-slip footwear and clear walkways of snow and ice [8].

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be worn at all times while working on the 25th floor to minimize the risk of injury [4].

Hard hat - Protects the head from falling objects and impacts 10, 15.
Safety glasses - Protects the eyes from dust, debris, and chemical splashes [7].
High-visibility vest - Increases visibility to prevent struck-by incidents [7].
Safety boots - Provides foot protection from punctures, impacts, and slips [7].
Gloves - Protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure [7].
Fall Protection Harness - Full body harness that is part of a personal fall arrest system 10, 12, 14.

Inspect all PPE before each use to ensure it is in good condition and fits properly. Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately [4].

6. Equipment and Tools

Use the right tool for the job and ensure all equipment is in good working condition [1].

Hand tools - Use appropriate hand tools for the task, such as hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches [9].
Power tools - Use power tools with proper guarding and safety features, such as drills, saws, and grinders [7].
Ladders - Use ladders that are in good condition and appropriate for the height of the work area 11, 19.
Scaffolds - Use scaffolds that are erected and maintained according to safety standards 9, 15, 18.
Hoists and lifting equipment - Use hoists and lifting equipment that are inspected and certified for the load being lifted 13, 20.

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use to ensure they are in good working condition. Remove any damaged or defective equipment from service [4].

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All workers must have the required training and certifications to perform their assigned tasks safely [1].

Fall protection training for anyone working at heights 1, 3, 5.
Equipment-specific training for operating machinery and tools [1].
Hazard communication training for working with hazardous materials [7].
First aid and CPR certification [1].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing before starting any work activity to discuss potential hazards, safety procedures, and emergency plans [1].

The briefing should cover:

Task-specific hazards and control measures [1].
Proper use of PPE and safety equipment [4].
Emergency procedures and contact information [1].
Any changes to the work plan or site conditions [1].

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Prepare the work area to ensure a safe and organized environment [8].

Clear the area of any obstructions or tripping hazards [8].
Ensure adequate lighting and ventilation [8].
Establish barricades and warning signs to restrict access to hazardous areas [10].
Inspect walking/working surfaces to ensure they are stable and can support the intended load 17, 19.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Accessing the 25th Floor

Detailed description of step 1: Safely access the 25th floor using designated elevators or stairwells.

Sub-step 1.1: Use passenger elevators or designated construction elevators to access the 25th floor.
Sub-step 1.2: If using stairwells, ensure they are well-lit and free of obstructions. Use handrails for support [10].
Sub-step 1.3: Wear appropriate footwear to prevent slips and falls [8].

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure elevators are inspected and in good working condition. Stairwells should be regularly inspected for hazards [4].

Step 2: Fall Protection Measures

Detailed description of step 2: Implement appropriate fall protection measures based on the work being performed and the height of the work area.

Sub-step 2.1: For work at heights of 6 feet (1.8 m) or more, use guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems 10, 12, 14.
Sub-step 2.2: Inspect fall protection equipment before each use to ensure it is in good condition [4].
Sub-step 2.3: Ensure proper anchorage points are used for personal fall arrest systems [11].

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure workers are trained in the proper use of fall protection equipment. Regularly inspect fall protection systems for defects [4].

Step 3: Hazard Communication

Detailed description of step 3: Communicate potential hazards to all workers on the 25th floor.

Sub-step 3.1: Review safety data sheets (SDS) for any hazardous materials being used [7].
Sub-step 3.2: Post warning signs to alert workers to potential hazards, such as falling objects or electrical hazards [10].
Sub-step 3.3: Conduct regular safety meetings to discuss potential hazards and safety procedures [1].

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure all workers understand the hazards and how to protect themselves. Keep SDSs readily available [7].

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Housekeeping: Keep the work area clean and free of debris to prevent slips, trips, and falls [8].
Weather Conditions: Monitor weather conditions and take appropriate precautions, such as postponing work during high winds or storms [8].
Equipment Safety: Inspect all equipment before use and remove any damaged or defective equipment from service [4].
Emergency Preparedness: Know the location of emergency exits, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers [1].
Communication: Maintain clear communication between workers and supervisors [12].

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, follow these general procedures:

Assess the situation and ensure your safety [1].
Activate the emergency alarm system [1].
Evacuate the area if necessary, following the designated evacuation routes [1].
Provide first aid to injured personnel, if trained to do so [1].
Contact emergency services and provide them with accurate information about the situation [1].

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Fire: Activate the fire alarm, evacuate the building, and contact the fire department [1].
Medical Emergency: Provide first aid and contact emergency medical services [1].
Fall from Height: Do not move the injured worker. Call for emergency assistance and provide first aid [1].

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
Site Supervisor: [PHONE NUMBER]
First Aid: [PHONE NUMBER]
Security: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards to the supervisor immediately [1].

Complete an incident report form with all relevant details [1].
Cooperate with the investigation to determine the root cause of the incident [1].
Implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence [1].