Plant & Machinery Safety in Construction

Site plant and machinery are the workhorse and backbone that drives construction productivity.  This article will deal with how to safely use, maintain and implement these machines into your workflow as well as inform you about the dangers they carry.  There are many types of Site Plant and Machinery. 

This article will cover the main types of plant and machinery that are found on construction sites.  These include; Brick Cutting Machines, Electrical Arc Welders, Woodworking Machinery, Compressors, Batch plant and concrete mixers and Gas Cutting and Gas Welding Equipment. These are all specialized machinery and must only be operated and used by trained persons that are authorized to do so.  Remember it is very important that you always wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) when using Site Plant and Machinery; this will include safety glasses, gloves, earplugs and a respiratory mask.

Brick Cutting Machine:

Operators using Brick Cutting Machines must, at all time use the correct PPE to ensure eye, face, hearing, foot, hand and body protection. Only authorized persons are permitted to use brick cutting machines. Emergency stop switches must be clearly marked and accessible and all moving drive parts must be guarded. The electrical supply cable must be protected from the water that is used as the coolant and cutting fluid. The areas around the machines must be kept dry, as well as slip and trip free and clear of off cuts.

Electrical Arc Welders:

The correct PPE to be used when doing arc welding is a welding helmet with correct lenses to protest the welder from UV and IR rays, gloves, overall, boots and protective spats. Only authorized persons are permitted to use electrical welders. Make sure the welder is properly earthed and that the cables, clamps and connectors are secured and in good condition. Make sure the area in which the welding machine is used is dry and protected from water. Always make sure that a fire extinguisher is readily available. If the welding is taking place in an area were other persons are performing work make sure to use welding screens to enclose the welding area. It is also good practice to place warning signs warning persons of the welding that is taking place.

Woodworking Machinery:

Only trained and authorized persons may use wood working machinery. Use the correct PPE which must include eye, face, hearing and foot protection. Make sure that the wood working machinery is provided with guards that are correct for the type of machine and that it is secured in position and working. If the machine is fitted with anti-kickback devices it must be used. A correctly fitted riving knife will help prevent the wood from "biting" and eliminate kick-backs.

Compressors:

Compressed air is a very useful and powerful source of power which is used on many construction sites and plants yards.  But with this power comes much responsibility.  Compressed air could be dangerous if released suddenly and not controlled, take the utmost care to follow these procedures and protocols to insure your site is safe and danger-free regarding Compressors. Compressors must be pressure tested and inspected internally and externally by a competent person every 36 months. The log book with the pressure test and inspection results must be kept on the premises were the compressor is used. The relief valve must be set, locked and sealed on the maximum safe working pressure (MSWP). NEVER tamper with this seal!  Make sure MSWP is clearly marked on the face of the pressure gauge. When air is compressed it forms a liquid, this liquid and eventually it will start to corrode the metal parts of the compressor.  Make sure the pressure receiver and lines are drained on a daily basis to remove accumulated liquid. Most compressors have drives and pulleys; make sure that all these moving parts are adequately guarded.  Check the air hoses are in good condition and that they are properly clamped and not wired, and that restraining chains or "Whip-Checks" have been installed. NEVER use a compressor with hoses that have been joined incorrectly or that has no restraining chains fitted, fitted restraining chains will prevent the hose separating and reacting violently whilst under pressure.  An uncontrolled hose under pressure can "whip" about, hitting and seriously injuring workers.

Batch Plant and Concrete Mixer:

Let's take a look at Batch Plants and Concrete Mixers. These are used in the production of concrete used for laying slabs and decks. Only trained persons that are authorized to operate a batch plant or concrete mixer may operate it. Before using a batch plant it is important to check that the following is in place. Check that the top platforms of the Batch Plant are fitted with adequate guardrails. Check that all moving drive parts are guarded, protecting the workers from dangerous exposure to these components. There must be emergency stops installed and these must be clearly identified and easily accessible to workers.  Know where these emergency stops are positioned, this will prepare you in case of an emergency. The area surrounding Batch Plants and Concrete Mixers must always be kept clean, dry and free from trip and slip hazards. Ensure that there are adequate dust abatement methods in place and used.

Gas Cutting and Gas Welding Equipment:

This equipment must only be used by trained persons that are authorized to do so. The correct face, eye, hand and body protection must be worn when doing gas welding or cutting. The equipment must be inspected by a competent person on a regular basis and the findings must be recorded in a register and kept on the premises were the equipment is used. Make sure that the torches and gauges are in good condition. Flashback arrestors must be fitted at the cylinders. Were specified by the manufacture or where long hoses are used flashback arrestors must also be fitted at the gauges.

The hoses must be in good condition, of the correct type and connected with the correct hose clamps.

The cylinders must at all times be stored, used or transported in an upright position. They must be secured in the trolley or cradle when used or individually to the structure where it is stored.

When doing flam cutting or welding work make sure that a fire extinguisher is in close proximity.

Summery:

There are other types of plant and machinery used in construction, whether you use the ones that were discussed in this article or whether you use any other type of plant or machinery the safety basic principals remains the same: Only use the equipment if you are trained and authorized to do so. Always use the correct PPE that is prescribed and make sure the equipment has been inspected and tested by a competent person.

For more information on Plant & Machinery Safety and other related safety topics visit www.safebuild.co.za

Neels Nortje | Health & Safety Manager