Safety is our First Priority
Please keep in mind that our build sites are construction sites, and the safety of all participants is our first priority. In the event of inclement weather, work may be delayed or cancelled, but we ask scheduled groups to report to the Construction Manager or Volunteer Coordinator for confirmation.
Workcrew Safety Info
Youth Volunteer Policy
All volunteers, regardless of age or past participation, must sign a waiver. Minors must have their parents or legal guardians sign the form.
Release and Waiver of Liability 18+
Release and Waiver of Liability for Minors under 18
Workcrew Safety Info
Safety is everybody's concern and is always an important consideration at any construction site. Building construction can be one of the most dangerous occupations. Since HFHWC work crews have a high proportion of inexperienced workers, either homeowners or volunteers, everyone must pay attention to detail in regards to safety. Try to be conscious of the safety of others as well as yourself. An observer can often see danger better than the worker involved in the project. Be cautious at all times and ask questions. Do not go ahead with a task if you are uncertain as to how it is done or if you are unable to do it.
Safety is based on an attitude of care and concern, knowledge and skill. Supervisors will instruct each worker on the correct and proper procedures for performing work tasks. This should familiarize you with the potential hazards of doing the task and advise you as to how such hazards can be minimized or eliminated. It is very important that we at HFHWC know about safe work practices and follow them.
Guidelines for a Safe Attitude
- Think before you do your work or task.
- If you are uncertain about how to do a task or how to operate a power tool, ask a supervisor.
- Concentrate on your task and eliminate distractions.
- Know where the first aid kit is located and how to get emergency help.
- Inspect all power tools, hand tools, electrical cords, ladders and general work-site conditions daily.
- Advise your supervisor immediately of any unsafe or hazardous tool or conditions.
Proper Safety Equipment
Proper clothing is as essential to safety as the proper selection and use of tools. Wear clothes and gloves that are appropriate for the work and weather conditions. Loose clothing is dangerous around power tools.
Workers shall wear work boots or thick-soled shoes at all times when on a construction site. Any worker wearing sandals or other types of inappropriate footwear will not be permitted to remain at a construction site.
Hard hats are to be used during the framing phase of construction if and when workers are working above you, or when required by a supervisor, and are to be made available to workers on each job site at all times.
Protective glasses will be available for every construction worker. A worker must wear protective glasses any time he or she is operating a power tool or when instructed by a supervisor.
Each worker much wear a dust mask when installing insulation, sanding or when instructed by a supervisor.
Earplugs must be work when using a power tool for a prolonged period of time or when instructed by a supervisor. Earplugs will be made available to you on each job site at all times.
Power Tools and Other Electrical Equipment
A power tool shall not be used without proper instruction on its use and on what can happen if the tool is not used properly. A qualified HFHWC employee will give instruction on the use of power tools; even experienced do-it-yourselfers should receive instruction. The HFHWC employee will monitor the use of the power tool until he or she is satisfied that the worker knows how to use the power tool properly.
Never lower or carry a power tool by its cord. Clean tools daily. Power tools should be checked for defective switches, cords, plugs and proper grounding. Defective tools shall not be used and must either be reported to the supervisor or labeled and brought to the tool room for repair immediately.
Nail Guns
If for any reason you come into contact with the use of a nail gun, be advised that this is a very dangerous tool. All workers shall be shown the 10 minute video on nail gun safety and operation along with reading the brief safety hand-out for nail gun use. All instructions must be followed completely. Any apprehension about using the nail gun needs to be addressed immediately with the site supervisor.
Hand Tools
Always select the correct type and size of tool for your work and be sure it is sharp and properly adjusted. Guard against using any tool if the handle is loose or in poor condition. Dull tools are hazardous to use because excessive force must be used to make them cut. Oil or dirt on a tool may cause it to slip and cause an injury. When using tools, hold them correctly. Most edged tools should be held in both hands with the cutting action away from yourself. Avoid using your hand or fingers as guides to start a cut, however, do use extreme caution.
Handle and carry tools with care. Keep edged and pointed tools turned downward. Carry only a few tools as one time unless they are mounted in a special holder or carried in a tool belt. Anyone working with a hammer at a height should wear a hammer loop or tool belt and when not in use, the hammer should be kept in the loop or belt and placed on a sloping surface or in a precarious position. Do not carry sharp tool in your pocket. When not in use, tools should be kept in special boxes, chest or cabinets.
A Special Word on Saws
- Don't bend the blade of any saw. When cutting long panels, the blade may bend and the sawmill will catch and kick back toward the operator. Use small wood edges or shim shingles to spread the saw cut as you go along.
- Keep the blade guard working. A spring-actuated blade guard often can become bent and won't slide quickly; or the spring can become stretched so the return is slow. Report any damage to a supervisor as soon as it happens, and never tie the guard back out of the way.
- Support what you are working on properly. Never attempt to cut something that could tilt or fall and cause the saw to slip.
Ladders
Inspect a ladder before you use it. If the ladder is unsafe, don't use it. Look for wear and tear, loose rungs and defects.
Use a ladder that will reach the work. An extension ladder should reach three feet above the work level. Move your ladder with your work. If both of your shoulders are extended outside the ladder while you are working, you are reaching too far. When using an extension ladder, use the four-to-one rule: For every four feet of height, move the bottom of the ladder one foot away from the wall. A ladder is pitched at the proper, safe angle if you can grasp a rung at should height.
Place your ladder on solid footing. If there is a danger of the ladder moving while you work, tie it down. If there is a danger that the ladder will be hit, barricade it. If the feet of the ladder are not level, dig the ground out under one foot with the claw of a hammer rather than raise one foot with blocks.
Aluminum ladders shall not be used in the vicinity of electrical lines, outdoors during inclement weather, or on very windy days.
Carry tools and materials in proper carrying devices and keep your hands free from climbing. When climbing, always face the ladder.
Clean Work Site
A clean work place is a safe workplace. This refers to the neatness and good order of the construction site. Maintaining good housekeeping contributes to the efficiency of the worker and is important in preventing accidents. Clean up all rubbish and scrap materials on a daily basis. Position building materials and supplies in carefully laid-out stacks to allow adequate aisles and walkways. Do not permit build-up of wood, nails, bolts, empty cans, pipe, wire or other materials to accumulate on the work site; they interfere with work and can constitute a hazard. Keep tools and equipment that are not being used in chest, panels or toolboxes. This protects the tools and the workers. Never leave a work site unguarded unless all tools and materials
have been properly secured.
Poisons and Toxic Substances
The poisons and toxic substances that can be found most often on a work site are asbestos, lead oxides, solvents and animal feces. Special care must be taken when you come in contact with any of these substances or any unfamiliar substance.
If you discover asbestos fiber being used as pipe, boiler or heating duct insulation, contact your supervisor immediately. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE ASBESTOS FIBER ON YOUR OWN.
Scraping exterior woodwork, demolishing lead-painted walls and stripping old millwork are the principal ways that workers can be exposed to lead chips, dust and particles. Contact your supervisor immediately if you discover any lead-painted surfaces.
Masks are the best protection against breathing germs that can be borne in dust containing animal feces (such as rodent droppings).
Emergency Medical Care
If anyone is injured on the job, contact your supervisor and a HFHWC staff person immediately. HFHWC personnel trained in CPR and first aid will assist with any medical emergency. These individuals should be pointed out to you the beginning of the day. All HFHWC construction personnel should have first aid kits in their possession.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a concern during our Tennessee summers. Remember to drink fluids regularly.
- If you or other workers develop a problem:
- loosen tight clothing,
- take small sips of cool water,
- lie in a cool place, and if necessary, be taken to a medical facility.
Any safety incidents need to be reported to HFHWC personnel, and a report filled out.
Youth Volunteer Policy
VOLUNTEERS UNDER THE AGE OF 16 ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE WORKSITE
Age 16 to 17
*Light construction duties to include: painting, landscaping, blue board & windows, siding installation and those framing tasks which are done standing on the ground (no trusses).
*Individuals may go to the site without a parent.
Age 18 and up
*Allowed to perform all HFHWC volunteer tasks with proper HFHWC supervision
Minors must obtain written parental consent prior to volunteering with HFHWC by completing the Release Waiver. Minors who have not completed this form will not be allowed on the worksite regardless of supervision.
Credit to the Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville, Inc. affiliate and their website, www.habijax.org, for the information included in this section.