Take caution and treat all electrical lines, wires, equipment and fixtures
as if they are energized until proven otherwise.
Immediately evacuate buildings if a gas leak or odor is detected, and
notify the site supervisor or competent person.
Motor Vehicles
Monitor local road conditions and obey closure signs. Don’t drive
though flowing water. Six inches of water may cause you to lose control
of your vehicle and two feet of water will carry most cars away.
Standing water may not carry you away, but you may not be able to tell
how deep it is. Unless you know how deep it is, it’s best to not
drive through standing water.
Be aware of seen and unseen road hazards such as building debris, tree
limbs, and pot holes. Also floods bring mud and roads can become very slick.
Respiratory Hazards
Gasoline, propane and diesel-powered equipment (such as portable generators,
power washers, compressors and pumps) should only be operated in well-ventilated
outdoor areas to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide gas.
Stay upwind of or away from dust-generating activities, in particular
involving crystalline silica-containing materials like concrete, brick,
tile, drywall, mortar, sand, or stone.
Identify building materials such as painted surfaces and pipes that may
contain lead.
If an area is known or suspected to contain asbestos, ensure that an
assessment has been done by a competent individual before entering the
area; if asbestos is present, wait until it is removed or contained.
Notify the supervisor immediately if asbestos is identified at the site
and stop work until it has been removed or contained.
Refrain from entering areas with extensive mold buildup.
Chemical Use/Exposure
Be aware of your surroundings. If there is evidence (sight or smell)
of chemicals or their use, avoid that area and request an Industrial Hygienist
accompany you.
Sharp, jagged debris
Tree limbs.
Construction or demolition debris.
Broken glass.
Animal bites, both stray pets and wild animals.
Roofing and Working from Heights
Ensure the use of fall protection systems: guardrails, safety nets
or fall arrest systems.
Identify areas of structural weakness.
Identify ladder hazards and ensure their safe use.
Power Tools
Ensure guarding on power tools is in good working order and always
used.
Inspect all extension cords, remove from service those that are
damaged, cut or have exposed wiring and inner insulation.
Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) or double-insulated
power tools that are approved by a Nationally Recognized Testing
Laboratory.
Flood Waters (Drowning/Walking)
Same as with driving, six inches of moving water may cause you
to lose your footing and two feet of water will carry you away. Stay
out of moving water.
Even standing water can present similar hazards. The water most
likely will not be clear; therefore you won’t see how deep
even a small puddle is. Avoid walking in standing water unless you
know it is safe to do so.
Be aware of seen and unseen hazards such as building debris, tree
limbs, and pot holes. Also floods bring mud and walkways can become
very slick.
Noise
Ensure the use of hearing protection when noise levels exceed 85
decibels. Generally, if you cannot hold a normal conversation at
arm’s length due to noise, then hearing protection should be
worn.
Personal Decontamination
Always wash hands with soap and water before eating, drinking,
smoking, applying lip balm or cosmetics to prevent contamination
of the mouth, nose or eyes with hazardous materials or infectious
agents. Use a waterless alcohol-based hand cleaner if water is not
available.
Decontaminate raingear and rubber boots that have been exposed
to potentially hazardous materials.
