Safety & Risk Management

Module 6: Safety & Risk Management

6.1 Working at Heights (Scaffolding, Swing Stages, MEWPs)

Access Systems & Best Practices

1. Scaffolding

• Tube & Coupler: Requires 1:4 base-to-height ratio

• Mobile Towers: Must have outriggers beyond 3m height

• Critical Checks:

• Daily inspection tags

• Guardrails (top rail 42" ±3", mid-rail 21")

2. Swing Stages (Suspended Scaffolds)

• Load Testing: 4x working load before first use

• Fall Arrest: Dual lanyards (100% tie-off during movement)

• Wind Limits: Shutdown at 25 mph (40 km/h)

3. MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms)

• Selection Criteria:

• Boom lifts for irregular façades

• Scissor lifts for linear installations

• Stability Factors:

• 10° max slope with outriggers

• 50% reduction in capacity with wind >12 mph

Fall Protection Hierarchy

1. Elimination: Pre-assemble at ground level

2. Passive Systems: Guardrails with 200lb top-rail capacity

3. Active Systems: Harnesses with 5,000lb anchor points

6.2 Handling Heavy Glass & Panels

Lifting & Positioning Protocols

• Weight Thresholds:

• Manual handling limit: 50kg with 2-person lift

• Mechanical aid required above 100kg

• Specialized Equipment:

• Vacuum Lifters:

• Dual-pump system (redundancy)

• 3:1 safety factor (e.g., 300kg lifter for 100kg panel)

• Spreader Beams: Prevent sling angles <30°

Critical Handling Scenarios

1. Tower Crane Lifts:

• 3-point tagline control

• 10m exclusion zone during lifts

2. High-Wind Procedures:

• 15 mph (24 km/h): Reduce panel size

• 25 mph (40 km/h): Suspend operations

3. Temporary Bracing:

• 1/500 of span deflection limit during installation

• Anti-walk devices for unitized panels

6.3 PPE & OSHA Compliance

Mandatory Protection Systems

1. Head Protection:

• Class E hardhats (20kV electrical rating)

• Chin straps for work over 6m

2. Cut-Resistant Gear:

• Level 5 gloves (EN 388) for glass handling

• Arm guards with 360° coverage

3. Respiratory Protection:

• N95 for silica during sealant prep

• Full-face for isocyanate spraying

OSHA 1926 Key Requirements

• Training:

• 8-hour fall protection certification

• Annual MEWP operator competency

• Documentation:

• JSA (Job Safety Analysis) for each façade zone

• Rescue plans updated weekly

• Critical Violations:

• $15,625 per violation for unguarded edges

• $156,259 for willful repeat offenses

Emergency Preparedness

1. Rescue Kits:

• 6:1 pulley systems for suspended access

• 30-minute SCBA for confined spaces

2. Medical:

• Blood spill kits (glass injuries)

• AED within 3-minute reach

Key Takeaways

• Height Work: 60% of curtain wall fatalities are from falls - guardrails prevent 85% of incidents

• Glass Handling: 300% more injuries occur during unloading vs installation

• Compliance: OSHA's Focused Inspection Program targets façade work first

Pro Tip: Implement "Take 5" safety pauses before high-risk tasks - reduces incidents by 40%