2. Session 3: Struck-By, Caught-In or Between, and Energy Release Hazards

3. Session Three Objectives
Related Performance Tasks:
Inspect a typical power cord and GFCI to ensure their serviceability.
When trainees have completed this session, they should be able to do the following:
Identify and explain how to avoid struck-by and caught-in-between hazards.
Identify and explain how to avoid caught-in and caught-between hazards.
Identify common energy-related hazards and explain how to avoid them.
Describe basic job-site electrical safety guidelines.
Explain the importance of lockout/tagout and describe basic LOTO procedures.
Basic Safety (Construction Site Safety Orientation)

4. Section 3.1.1 – Falling Objects
Use tool lanyards when working at height. When working near machinery and equipment such as cranes, never stand or work beneath the load. Barricade hazard areas where rigging equipment is in use, and post warning signs to inform other workers of falling object hazards.
Describe the different ways in which workers can be struck by falling objects. Discuss the importance of barricading areas where falling objects may be a hazard. Explain how toeboards, debris nets, tool lanyards, and other measures are used to prevent falling tools and other objects.
Explain how to use the interlocking method to stack material.
Basic Safety (Construction Site Safety Orientation)

5. Section 3.1.2 – Flying Objects
Use eye and face protection.
Ensure that protective guards are in place and in good condition.
Make sure you are trained in the proper operation of pneumatic and powder-actuated tools.
Use shielding to block flying debris.
Describe the various ways in which workers can be harmed by flying objects while using power tools. Review the case histories from this section to emphasize the types of incidents that can occur. Discuss the importance of using eye and face protection, protective tool guards, and training in the use of certain tools.
Basic Safety (Construction Site Safety Orientation)

6. Section 3.1.3 – Vehicle Hazards
Keep off of mobile equipment unless authorized.
Wear reflective or high-visibility vests or other suitable garments.
Never stand between pieces of equipment unless they are secured.
Never stand under loads handled by lifting or digging equipment, or near vehicles being loaded or unloaded.
Stay alert at all times and keep a safe distance from vehicles and equipment.
Maintain eye contact with vehicle or equipment operators to ensure that they see you.
Never get into the blind spots of equipment operators.
WARNING!
When a vehicle is operated indoors, the carbon monoxide in the exhaust can kill or sicken anyone in the vicinity unless there is good ventilation. Make sure there is adequate ventilation before operating a motorized vehicle or equipment, such as a generator, indoors.
Point out the hazards that exist from moving vehicles and equipment on a job site, especially from those operating in reverse. Explain why maintaining eye contact with vehicle and equipment operators and listening for backup alarms is important. Use the bulleted list in the text to review the safety requirements for vehicle and equipment operators.
Basic Safety (Construction Site Safety Orientation)

7. Section 3.2.1 – Excavation Safety
WARNING!
Just 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 1 m) of soil can put enough pressure on your lungs to prevent you from breathing. Each year in the US, more than 100 people are killed and many more are seriously injured in cave-in incidents. The chances of a trapped worker being killed can be as high as 50 percent.
Describe the hazards related to trenches and excavations, including cave-ins, water accumulation, falling objects, and hazardous atmospheres. Remind the trainees that more than 1,000 trench cave-ins occur every year and that the fatality rate is much higher than that for other types of hazards. Explain how changing soil conditions can affect a trench. Discuss the warning signs that can indicate the potential for a trench collapse.
Use the table to describe the different types of soils and their stability.
Basic Safety (Construction Site Safety Orientation)

8. Section 3.2.1 – Excavation Safety
SLOPING AND BENCHING FOR TYPE B SOILS
TRENCH SHIELD
Point out that a competent person must inspect a trench every day and must select a protection system suitable for the soil type and operating conditions. Describe the different protective methods, including sloping, benching, shoring, and shielding and the conditions under which each type is used.
Explain the proper placement of a spoil pile in relation to an excavation. Describe the approved methods for entering and exiting a trench. Point out that ladders must be available every 25 feet if the trench is more than 4' deep.
Basic Safety (Construction Site Safety Orientation)

9. CARE OF TOOL AND MACHINE GUARDS
Section – Guards
CARE OF TOOL AND MACHINE GUARDS
Do not remove a guard from a tool or machine except for cleaning purposes, changing a blade, or performing other service.
Make sure the machine is turned off and tagged out during servicing.
When cleaning or maintenance is finished, replace the guard immediately.
Do not use any material to wedge a guard open.
Only use attachments that are specifically designed for that tool or machine.
Discuss the purpose of tool and machine guards and identify the types of tools that typically require protective guards. Describe how guards are applied to moving and rotating machinery. Emphasize that protective guards must never be removed or bypassed. Use the example of the guard on a circular saw being held back to expose the blade. Point out that only the guard designed for a tool or machine should be used on it.
Basic Safety (Construction Site Safety Orientation)

10. Section – Pinch Points
There are many potential pinch points on heavy equipment as well as other places on the job site.
Describe the hazards associated with cranes and heavy equipment. Identify common pinch points on equipment such as excavators and backhoes.
Basic Safety (Construction Site Safety Orientation)

11. Section 3.2.3 – Crushing Hazards
Any type of moving heavy equipment can trap and crush a worker in the wrong place.
Explain how the upper rotating structure of some equipment, such as cranes and excavators, extends beyond the tracks, creating a caught-between hazard.
Basic Safety (Construction Site Safety Orientation)

12. Section 4.1.0 – Electrical Safety
WARNING!
Less than one amp of electrical current can kill. Always take precautions when working around electricity.
Explain what lockout/tagout is and point out that any source that can release energy—electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, thermal, etc.—is subject to LOTO requirements. Describe the different hazards that can result from exposure to an electrical energy release.
Use the table to discuss the effects of an electric shock. Emphasize that even a small electric current can result in death.
Basic Safety (Construction Site Safety Orientation)

13. Section – GFCI
CAUTION
Do not plug a GFCI-protected device into a GFCI-protected circuit.
Always test a GFCI before use.
Explain the purpose of a GFCI and briefly describe how it works. Show the trainees a GFCI and point out the test and reset buttons. Explain that a GFCI should be tested before use. Point out that a GFCI-protected device must not be plugged into a GFCI.
Basic Safety (Construction Site Safety Orientation)

14. Section 4.1.3 – Electrical Safety
ELECTRICAL SAFETY SUMMARY
All tools used in construction are ground-fault protected.
Make sure that panels, switches, outlets, and plugs are grounded.
Never use bare electrical wire.
Never use metal ladders near any source of electricity.
Inspect electrical power tools before you use them.
Never operate any piece of electrical equipment that has a danger tag or lockout device attached to it.
Never use worn or frayed power cords. If the cord is frayed or worn, disconnect power and dispose of the cord.
Make sure light bulbs have protective guards to prevent accidental contact.
Review the summary of electrical safety guidelines. Point out that work on electrical equipment should be done whenever possible with circuits de-energized and locked out. Discuss the case history in the text and ask trainees to describe how the incident could have been avoided; e.g., inspecting and replacing the extension cord; using a wooden or fiberglass ladder; using a GFCI.
Basic Safety (Construction Site Safety Orientation)

15. Section 4.1.4 – Overhead Power Lines
HIGH-VOLTAGE POWER SOURCES
A common cause of electrical shock is coming into contact with overhead wires with metal ladders, cranes, or excavating equipment. A distance of at least 10 feet (3 m) must be maintained from any conductor carrying 50,000 volts or less. Greater distances are required for higher voltages.
Explain what proximity work is and give examples. Point out that minimum distances from electrical devices have been established and must be respected. Discuss the hazards associated with overhead power lines and how these hazards are avoided.
Basic Safety (Construction Site Safety Orientation)

16. Section 4.2.0 – Lockout/Tagout
…a unique locking device may be required.
Depending on the device to be locked out…
Explain that some systems such as hydraulic, pneumatic, and some electrical systems, retain stored energy even after being disabled. Show the trainees some lockout/tagout devices and explain how they are used.
Basic Safety (Construction Site Safety Orientation)

17. Wrap Up – Trade Terms Ground
Proximity work
Work done near a hazard but not actually in contact with it.
Shielding
A structure used to protect workers in trenches.
Shoring
A support system designed to prevent a trench or excavation cave-in.
Signaler
A person who is responsible for directing a vehicle when the driver’s vision is blocked in any way.
Spoil
Material such as earth removed while digging a trench or excavation.
Ground
The conducting connection between electrical equipment or an electrical circuit and the earth.
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
A device that interrupts and de-energizes an electrical circuit to protect a person from electrocution.
Lockout/tagout (LOTO)
A formal procedure for taking equipment out of service and ensuring that it cannot be operated until an authorized person has removed the lock and/or warning tag.
Review the Trade Terms introduced in this session to help reinforce learning. Have the trainees review the definition, and then click to have the terms appear, one at a time.
Basic Safety (Construction Site Safety Orientation)

18. Next Session… PPE AND SITE SAFETY
Read Sections through Complete the and Section Reviews.
Basic Safety (Construction Site Safety Orientation)