Plant & machinery safety in construction

Site plant and machinery drive construction productivity.  This article will deal with how to safely use, maintain and include these machines in your workflow. It will focus on the main types of plant and machinery that are found on construction sites.  This specialised machinery must only be operated by trained persons that are authorised to do so and include:

• Brick cutting machines.
• Electric arc welders
• Woodworking machinery
• Compressors
• Batch plant and concrete mixers
• Gas cutting equipment.
• Gas welding equipment.

It is critically important to always wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) when using site plant and machinery. This includes safety glasses, gloves, earplugs and a respiratory mask.

 Brick Cutting Machines 

• Operators using brick cutting machines must always use the correct PPE to ensure eye, face, hearing, foot, hand and body protection.
• Only authorised persons are permitted to use brick cutting machines.
• Emergency stop switches must be clearly marked and accessible.
• 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 area around the machines must be kept dry, as well as slip and trip-free and clear of offcuts.

 Electrical arc welders 

• The correct PPE to use when performing arc welding is a welding helmet (with correct lenses to protect the welder from UV and IR rays), gloves, overall, boots and protective spats.
• Only authorised 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 where other persons are working, use welding screens to enclose the welding area. It is also good practice to erect warning signs to inform people that welding is taking place.

 Woodworking machinery 

• Only trained and authorised persons may use woodworking machinery.
• Use the correct PPE which must include eye, face, hearing and foot protection.
• Make sure that woodworking machinery is provided with guards that are correct for the type of machine. The guards must be secured into position and working.
• If the machine is fitted with anti-kickback devices, these must be used.
• A correctly fitted riving knife will help prevent the wood from “biting” and eliminate kickbacks.

 Compressors

• Compressors must be pressure tested and inspected internally and externally by a competent person every 36 months.
• The logbook with the pressure test and inspection results must be kept on the premises where the compressor is used.
• The relief valve must be set, locked and sealed on the maximum safe working pressure (MSWP). This seal must not be tampered with.
• Make sure that the MSWP is clearly marked on the face of the pressure gauge.
• When air is compressed, it forms a liquid which eventually corrodes the metal parts of the compressor. Therefore, make sure that the pressure receiver and lines are drained on a daily basis to remove accumulated liquid.
• Most compressors have drives and pulleys. Ensure that all these moving parts are adequately guarded.
• Check that 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 have no restraining chains fitted. Fitted restraining chains prevent the hose from separating and moving violently whilst under pressure. An uncontrolled hose under pressure can “whip” about, seriously injuring workers.

Batch plant and concrete mixer

Batch plants and concrete mixers are used to produce concrete for slabs and decks. Only trained persons that are authorised 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 so that you are prepared for 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 authorised to do so.
• The correct face, eye, hand and body protection must be worn when performing 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. The register must be kept on the premises where the equipment is used.
• Make sure that the torches and gauges are in good condition.
• Flashback arrestors must be fitted at the cylinders. When specified by the manufacturer or when 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 flam cutting or welding, make sure that a fire extinguisher is in close proximity.

 Summary

 Regardless of the plant and machinery that you use, the basic safety principles remain the same:

• Only use the equipment if you are trained and authorised to do so.
• Always use the correct PPE that is prescribed.
• Make sure the equipment has been inspected and tested by a competent person.

Neil Enslin

Head: Occupational Health and Safety.