MODULE FIVE – SMALL CREW COMPLIANCE

Small Crews: Crews of two to three employees that are tasked with completing service type work, roof repair or punch list items Small Crew Compliance: Creating a safe jobsite that is OSHA compliant for these employees

Small Crew Two to three employees working together Typical “Search and Repair” May visit multiple jobs in one day More variables to the work conditions Large crews Large work areas Typical “Rip and Replace” or new construction Well thought out from bid to completion Jobs last anywhere from a few days to a few months GC may provide fall protection systems Production

The service employee was climbing a ladder to ascend a rooftop that was approximately 20’ in height. The employee was carrying a bucket of roofing screws in his right hand. The bucket was estimated as weighing pounds. As the employee reached the top of the ladder he lost his grip and fell approximately 14 feet to the ground below. The employee suffered two fractured vertebrae that required surgery, a hairline fracture of his hip, and two cracked ribs.

A two-man maintenance crew was replacing a canopy roof over the entrance of a bank. The two employees had torn off the roof, and were beginning to install EPDM membrane on the canopy. The employees cut & folded the membrane while on the main roof, and placed it onto the canopy roof. One employee went to the ground to retrieve roller pads & handles to spread adhesive, while the second employee went to get a 5 gallon bucket of glue which was on the main roof. While retrieving the glue, the employee noticed the wind had begun to blow the rubber off of the canopy roof. The employee decided to go down onto the canopy and catch it before it blew off. While doing so, he tripped over the 16” parapet wall, fell head first onto the canopy 3’ below and bounced off the canopy, flipping over and landing feet first on the ground 10’ below the canopy roof. The employee felt he was a little sore and shaken up, and was sent to the hospital to be evaluated. The employee received no serious injury, and returned to work the next day.

Ensure the person taking the service call is gathering the right information Use a “cheat sheet” Understand the work being completed Determine the nature and location of the leak Know the building layout- Google Earth Ask the safety questions Height Skylights Bad Deck Required PPE by the Building Owner Special Restrictions of the building Access

Training before the job starts Building walk around Under Deck Inspection Looking for the leak/ Inspectors exemption Complete the Second Side of the Inspection Sheet Getting Materials to the Roof Completing the Work Break down

Best location for ladder setup Power lines Damaged areas

Interior Evaluation Water stains Rust Sagging Cracked/Peeling Paint Humidity Owner’s Representative Age of Building Structural Design Constant Leaks

Metal Deck: look for heavy rust or areas that appear to be rotten or sagging. Deck may be repainted. Gypsum Deck: look for signs of water saturation. Broken or cracked panels. Avoid dropping rolls. Tectum Deck: beware of sagging deck, water saturation and cracks. Avoid dropping rolls. Wood Deck: look for rotted areas and cracks. Concrete Panels: look for spalling and cracks. Poured Concrete: Generally never a problem. Look for openings from removed equipment which may be improperly covered and/or hidden. Push up ceiling tiles using a 6’ stepladder and use a flashlight to inspect underside of deck. Immediately mark off bad deck areas and WARN all employees.

Inspector exemption From the OSHA Code of Federal Regulations Part Number:1926 Part Title:Safety and Health Regulations for Construction Subpart:M Subpart Title:Fall Protection Standard Number: Title:Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart (a)(1) This subpart sets forth requirements and criteria for fall protection in construction workplaces covered under 29 CFR part Exception: The provisions of this subpart do not apply when employees are making an inspection, investigation, or assessment of workplace conditions prior to the actual start of construction work or after all construction work has been completed.

Occupied buildings only Consider the building layout Consider building access Consider environmental conditions. Consider the type of work Calling system (Employee Observations Program)

Fall protection is still required Safety monitor is not approved for hoisting area Try and find a good load location while completing the pre-job walk though

Easy to set from the ground. Cost effective The one pictured at right, can be attached to almost any standard ladder to eliminate the need for more equipment.

Mark off the area of bad deck Setup proper skylight protection

Understand how long the job will take Know what options are available for fall protection Ensure the crew uses the right PPE Breakdown the job in a safe manner.

Employees must have the proper equipment to ensure they can do their work safely. A list of recommended equipment has been provided.

(1) Retractable (At Least) (2) Full Body Harnesses (2) 6' Shock Absorbing Lanyards At Least One Fire Extinguisher (10 LB ABC) One Roll of Caution Tape (3) Carabiners Rope Grabs w/Attached Lanyard Rope For Rope Grab (100') (2) Cross Arm Strap Safety Monitor Vest (2) Eyewash bottles Clear Safety Glasses Smoked Safety Glasses Impermeable Gloves Leather Gloves Hard Hat Disposable Earplugs First Aid Kit Horizontal Lifeline Fold Up Flagstands 100 Linear feet of Warning line Cordless Screw Gun (2) 100' Pull-up Ropes (3) Safety Anchorage Plates (1) Backpack Hazard Communication Manual Safety & Loss Control Manual Six Foot Step Ladder Flashlight Camera Shoe booties

Small crews are exempt from OSHA standards because the job only lasts a few minutes? Small crews must follow the same safe work practices as production crews? Small crews need to carry additional safety equipment because every job is a little bit different? Knowing what size ladder is required to access the roof is good information to have before getting to the jobsite? Small crews don’t have to worry about deteriorated deck because two people are lighter than a whole production crew?