Critical Safety Procedures and Hazard Controls for Working at Height on High-Rise Construction Projects

Working at height on high-rise construction projects presents significant safety challenges. This document outlines critical safety procedures and hazard controls to mitigate risks associated with falls, dropped objects, and emergency evacuations, ensuring worker safety and regulatory compliance.

Fall Protection Measures

A comprehensive fall protection program is essential for any high-rise construction project. This program should include the following elements:

Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS): Provide and ensure the proper use of PFAS, including full-body harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points. Inspect all PFAS equipment before each use for damage or wear.
Guardrails: Install guardrails along all open edges and platforms. Guardrails must meet regulatory height requirements and be capable of withstanding the required force.
Safety Nets: Utilize safety nets as an alternative fall protection measure where guardrails or PFAS are not feasible. Ensure nets are properly installed and maintained.
Controlled Access Zones: Establish controlled access zones where work at height is being performed without conventional fall protection. Clearly mark these zones and limit access to authorized personnel only.
Fall Protection Training: Provide comprehensive training to all workers on fall hazards, the proper use of fall protection equipment, and relevant regulations.

Emergency Evacuation Plans

A well-defined emergency evacuation plan is crucial for ensuring the safe and orderly evacuation of workers in the event of a fire, medical emergency, or other hazardous situation.

Evacuation Routes: Clearly mark and maintain unobstructed evacuation routes, including stairwells and emergency exits.
Emergency Drills: Conduct regular emergency drills to familiarize workers with evacuation procedures and identify potential bottlenecks or areas for improvement.
Communication Systems: Establish a reliable communication system, such as a two-way radio or alarm system, to alert workers of emergencies and provide instructions.
Designated Assembly Areas: Identify and clearly mark designated assembly areas where workers can gather after evacuation to be accounted for.
Trained Emergency Personnel: Designate and train personnel in first aid, CPR, and emergency response procedures.

Protocols for Dropped Objects

Dropped objects pose a significant hazard on high-rise construction sites. Implementing effective control measures is essential to prevent injuries and property damage.

Tool Tethering: Require workers to tether all tools and equipment when working at height to prevent them from falling.
Toe Boards and Debris Netting: Install toe boards and debris netting around work areas to contain loose materials and prevent objects from falling to lower levels.
Designated Drop Zones: Establish designated drop zones for lowering materials and equipment. Clearly mark these zones and ensure that workers below are aware of the potential hazard.
Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of work areas to identify and remove potential falling hazards.
Worker Training: Train workers on the proper handling of materials and equipment at height, as well as the importance of securing objects to prevent them from falling.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

In addition to fall protection, appropriate PPE is crucial for worker safety on construction sites. This includes:

Head Protection: Always wear approved safety helmets to protect against head injuries.
Eye Protection: Wear approved safety goggles to protect against dust and debris.
Hand Protection: Wear appropriate chemical resistant gloves.
Skin protection: Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and rubber boots.

Dust and Respiratory Protection

Construction activities can generate dust, which may contain hazardous materials. Exposure limits for various components are:

Crystalline Silica (Quartz): TWA of 0.025 mg/m3 (respirable particulate matter) [4].
Portland Cement: TWA of 1 mg/m3 (respirable fraction) [2].
Calcium sulfate dihydrate: PEL 5 mg/m3 Respirable fraction, 15 mg/m3 Total dust [6].
Cellulose: PEL 5 mg/m3 Respirable fraction, 15 mg/m3 Total dust [6].
Starch: PEL 5 mg/m3 Respirable fraction, 15 mg/m3 Total dust [6].

To mitigate dust exposure:

Provide sufficient ventilation for operations causing dust formation [3].
Observe occupational exposure limits and minimize the risk of exposure [3].
Wear approved safety goggles [3].
If engineering controls do not maintain airborne concentrations below recommended exposure limits, an approved respirator must be worn [2].
Use a NIOSH/MSHA approved air purifying respirator as needed to control exposure [2].
Always observe good personal hygiene measures, such as washing after handling the material and before eating, drinking, and/or smoking [2].
Routinely wash work clothing and protective equipment to remove contaminants [2].

Additional Safety Considerations

Material Handling: Structural panels weigh between 140 to 150 pounds per panel and are designed to be carried and installed by two people [5].
Panel Storage: Panels must never be stored in an upright position, on their edges, leaning against a wall or other vertical support. If these panels tip over they could cause serious injury or death [5].
Cutting Panels: Cut panels with a carbide tipped circular saw equipped with a dry dust collection device or a dust wetting device to limit the amount of airborne dust. When cutting panels always wear a NIOSH approved dust mask and wear safety glasses [5].

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations regarding workplace safety, including OSHA standards for fall protection, hazard communication, and emergency preparedness. Regularly review and update safety procedures to reflect changes in regulations and industry best practices.