26 May 2009
The latest Build Safe UAE (BSU) safety alerts focus on issues covering MEP floor openings, guidelines for building stair towers, causes of fires in workers' accommodations and overturning of mobile cranes.
As a general safety practice, Ascon said that it ensured that all floor openings must be protected with secure covers. "However, we faced problems," said the company. "We found that the plywood was removed by sub-contractors to perform necessary works but it incorrectly replaced. This created a serious hazard of trips and falls."
Ascon's solution was to connect a wooden leg to the plywood to make it easier to replace small MEP openings once the protection was removed. "We have now educated staff in their respective languages through toolbox talks to carry out this important practice," said Ascon.
It was observed by BSU that unsafe handmade wooden stair towers were built on sites. They were abolished after HSE experts worked with contractors to remedy the installation procedures. BSU recommendations included guidelines such as the stair towers must have slip resistant surfaces on all treads and landings, be installed between 40 degrees and 60 degrees height from the floor, it must give uniform tread depth, within one-fourth of an inch, for each flight of stairs, the bottom step must be no more than 24 inches above the level on which the scaffold is supported and it must have a stair rail, consisting of a top and a mid rail on each side.
Stair rails and hand rails must be designed and constructed to prevent punctures, lacerations, snagged clothing and projection.
In another situation, a camp occupant returned from the bus to his room because he forgot to bring his tape measure. A fire was already consuming the bed located at the left side. The fire was put out that allegedly started from a wooden shrine nailed on the wall.
BSU recommends that camp officials must inspect the site to ensure that each unsafe condition is corrected, banning not only open flames but also use of electrical cooking appliances and smoking inside the rooms.
In another incident, a mobile crane overturned because it reversed without a banksman. BSU recommended that contractors must ensure that all plant operators on site are competent, licensed and properly documented.
The latest Build Safe UAE (BSU) safety alerts focus on issues covering MEP floor openings, guidelines for building stair towers, causes of fires in workers' accommodations and overturning of mobile cranes.
As a general safety practice, Ascon said that it ensured that all floor openings must be protected with secure covers. "However, we faced problems," said the company. "We found that the plywood was removed by sub-contractors to perform necessary works but it incorrectly replaced. This created a serious hazard of trips and falls."
Ascon's solution was to connect a wooden leg to the plywood to make it easier to replace small MEP openings once the protection was removed. "We have now educated staff in their respective languages through toolbox talks to carry out this important practice," said Ascon.
It was observed by BSU that unsafe handmade wooden stair towers were built on sites. They were abolished after HSE experts worked with contractors to remedy the installation procedures. BSU recommendations included guidelines such as the stair towers must have slip resistant surfaces on all treads and landings, be installed between 40 degrees and 60 degrees height from the floor, it must give uniform tread depth, within one-fourth of an inch, for each flight of stairs, the bottom step must be no more than 24 inches above the level on which the scaffold is supported and it must have a stair rail, consisting of a top and a mid rail on each side.
Stair rails and hand rails must be designed and constructed to prevent punctures, lacerations, snagged clothing and projection.
In another situation, a camp occupant returned from the bus to his room because he forgot to bring his tape measure. A fire was already consuming the bed located at the left side. The fire was put out that allegedly started from a wooden shrine nailed on the wall.
BSU recommends that camp officials must inspect the site to ensure that each unsafe condition is corrected, banning not only open flames but also use of electrical cooking appliances and smoking inside the rooms.
In another incident, a mobile crane overturned because it reversed without a banksman. BSU recommended that contractors must ensure that all plant operators on site are competent, licensed and properly documented.
By Staff Writer
© Emirates Business 24/7 2009
