Safe Work Procedure: Sidewalk Shed Installation and Maintenance in NYC

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 safety requirements and procedures for the installation, maintenance, and dismantling of sidewalk sheds in New York City. It applies to all workers involved in these activities to ensure pedestrian safety and worker safety during construction, demolition, or facade work. This SWP is designed to comply with applicable local laws and regulations in New York City.

2. Definitions

Sidewalk Shed: A temporary structure erected over a sidewalk to protect pedestrians from hazards associated with construction or demolition activities on adjacent buildings.

Competent Person: An individual who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them [1].

Qualified Person: A person designated by the employer who possesses a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project [2].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all workers are adequately trained and competent to perform their assigned tasks [3].
Conduct regular inspections of the sidewalk shed and work area to identify and correct any hazards [3].
Enforce the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) [3].
Ensure that the sidewalk shed is properly designed, installed, and maintained according to applicable regulations and engineering specifications [4].
Conduct pre-job briefings to discuss potential hazards and safety procedures [3].

3.2 Workers

Follow all safety procedures and instructions provided by the supervisor [3].
Use required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times [3].
Inspect tools and equipment before each use and report any defects to the supervisor [3].
Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately [3].
Participate in pre-job briefings and safety meetings [3].

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Conduct regular site safety audits to ensure compliance with this SWP and applicable regulations [3].
Investigate incidents and near misses related to sidewalk shed activities [3].
Provide recommendations for improving safety procedures and practices [3].

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Falling objects from the building	Injury to pedestrians and workers	Install debris netting and overhead protection on the sidewalk shed. Implement a controlled access zone. [3]
Structural collapse of the sidewalk shed	Injury or fatality to pedestrians and workers	Ensure proper design and installation by a qualified engineer. Conduct regular inspections and maintenance. [4]
Tripping hazards on the sidewalk	Injury to pedestrians and workers	Keep the sidewalk clear of obstructions and debris. Provide adequate lighting. [5]
Electrical hazards from nearby power lines	Electrocution	Identify and maintain safe distances from overhead power lines. Use insulated tools and equipment. [6]
Weather conditions (high winds, snow, ice)	Collapse or instability of the shed, slips, trips, and falls	Monitor weather conditions and suspend work during hazardous weather. Remove snow and ice from the sidewalk. [6]
Improper use of tools and equipment	Injury to workers	Provide proper training on the use of tools and equipment. Inspect tools and equipment regularly. [3]
Lack of pedestrian control	Pedestrians entering the work zone	Implement pedestrian traffic management plan with signage, barriers, and flaggers. [7]

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be worn at all times while working on or near sidewalk sheds to minimize the risk of injury [3].

Hard hat - Protects the head from falling objects and impacts [3].
Safety glasses - Protects the eyes from dust, debris, and other projectiles [3].
High-visibility safety vest - Increases visibility to other workers and pedestrians [3].
Steel-toe boots - Protects the feet from impacts and punctures [3].
Gloves - Protects the hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure [3].
Fall protection harness - Required when working at heights of 6 feet or more [3].

Inspect all PPE before each use for damage or defects. Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately [3].

6. Equipment and Tools

Use the correct tools and equipment for the task to prevent injuries and ensure the structural integrity of the sidewalk shed [3].

Scaffolding - Used for erecting and dismantling the sidewalk shed [8].
Hand tools (hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers) - Used for assembling and disassembling the shed components [3].
Power tools (drills, saws) - Used for cutting and fastening materials [3].
Lifting equipment (cranes, hoists) - Used for lifting heavy materials [3].
Barricades and signage - Used to delineate the work zone and direct pedestrian traffic [7].

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Remove any damaged or defective equipment from service [3].

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All workers must be trained in the proper procedures for installing, maintaining, and dismantling sidewalk sheds [3].
Workers must be trained in hazard recognition and control measures [3].
Operators of lifting equipment must be certified and competent [3].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing with all workers to discuss the scope of work, potential hazards, and safety procedures [3].
Review the SWP and ensure that all workers understand their roles and responsibilities [3].
Discuss emergency procedures and contact information [3].

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Inspect the work area for potential hazards, such as overhead power lines and underground utilities [6].
Establish a controlled access zone around the work area using barricades and signage [7].
Ensure that the sidewalk is clear of obstructions and debris [5].
Provide adequate lighting in the work area [5].

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

8.1 Installation of Sidewalk Shed

Step 1: Site Assessment and Planning
- Review site plans and identify potential hazards [6].
- Obtain necessary permits and approvals [6].
- Develop a traffic management plan to ensure pedestrian safety [7].
Step 2: Foundation and Support
- Ensure the foundation is level and stable [4].
- Install vertical supports according to the design specifications [4].
- Brace and secure the supports to prevent movement [4].
Step 3: Frame Erection
- Assemble the frame components according to the manufacturer's instructions [9].
- Use appropriate lifting equipment to raise the frame sections into place [3].
- Securely fasten the frame components together [4].
Step 4: Overhead Protection and Decking
- Install overhead protection (e.g., plywood, steel plates) to protect pedestrians from falling objects [3].
- Secure the decking to the frame to create a stable walking surface [3].
- Install debris netting to prevent small objects from falling through gaps [3].
Step 5: Guardrails and Signage
- Install guardrails along the open edges of the sidewalk shed to prevent falls [3].
- Install signage to warn pedestrians of potential hazards and direct traffic [7].

8.2 Maintenance of Sidewalk Shed

Step 1: Regular Inspections
- Conduct regular inspections of the sidewalk shed to identify any damage or deterioration [3].
- Check for loose connections, damaged supports, and missing components [3].
- Inspect the overhead protection and debris netting for holes or tears [3].
Step 2: Repairs and Replacements
- Repair or replace any damaged or deteriorated components immediately [3].
- Use only approved materials and follow the manufacturer's instructions [9].
- Ensure that all repairs are performed by competent personnel [3].
Step 3: Cleaning and Housekeeping
- Keep the sidewalk shed and surrounding area clean and free of debris [5].
- Remove any accumulated snow or ice from the walking surface [6].
- Ensure that the lighting is adequate and that all signs are visible [5].

8.3 Dismantling of Sidewalk Shed

Step 1: Planning and Preparation
- Develop a dismantling plan and review it with all workers [3].
- Obtain necessary permits and approvals [6].
- Disconnect any electrical services or utilities [6].
Step 2: Removal of Overhead Protection and Decking
- Carefully remove the overhead protection and decking materials [3].
- Lower the materials to the ground using appropriate lifting equipment [3].
- Dispose of the materials properly [3].
Step 3: Frame Disassembly
- Disassemble the frame components in reverse order of the installation process [9].
- Use appropriate tools and equipment to loosen and remove fasteners [3].
- Lower the frame sections to the ground using lifting equipment [3].
Step 4: Site Restoration
- Remove all remaining materials and equipment from the site [3].
- Repair any damage to the sidewalk or surrounding area [3].
- Ensure that the site is left in a clean and safe condition [5].

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Pedestrian Safety: Implement a pedestrian traffic management plan to minimize the risk of pedestrian injuries [7].
Fall Protection: Use fall protection equipment when working at heights of 6 feet or more [3].
Electrical Safety: Identify and avoid contact with overhead power lines [6].
Weather Conditions: Monitor weather conditions and suspend work during hazardous weather [6].
Housekeeping: Keep the work area clean and free of debris [5].
Load Limits: Do not overload the sidewalk shed or any of its components [3].
Securing Materials: Ensure equipment or material is contained, restrained or protected to eliminate the potential danger [10].

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately stop work and assess the situation [3].
Evacuate the area if necessary [3].
Contact emergency services (911) and provide them with the location and nature of the emergency [3].
Provide first aid to any injured persons [3].

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Structural Collapse: Evacuate the area immediately and contact a structural engineer to assess the damage [3].
Electrical Contact: De-energize the circuit if possible and call for medical assistance [6].
Fall from Height: Call for medical assistance and do not move the injured person unless necessary to prevent further harm [3].

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
[Project Manager Phone Number]
[Site Supervisor Phone Number]
[Health and Safety Representative Phone Number]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near misses, and hazards to the supervisor immediately [3].
Conduct a thorough investigation of all incidents to determine the root cause and prevent recurrence [3].
Implement corrective actions to address the identified hazards [3].

12. References and Related Documents

NYC Department of Buildings regulations
OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L - Scaffolds
Manufacturer's instructions for scaffolding and equipment [9]

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