Chapter 2 Safety 23 Pro Tip Remove nails from lumber scraps before discarding them. Failure to do so could result in injury from a puncture and lead to lost time on the job. Chapter 4, Hand Tools, shows proper tools and methods for pulling nails. Keep tools and equipment in panels or chests when they are not being used. This provides pro- tection for the tools, as well as for workers on the jobsite. In addition to improving efficiency and safety, good housekeeping helps maintain a bet- ter appearance at the construction project. This will, in turn, contribute to the good morale of all workers. Thinking Green Damaged and lost materials create unnec- essary waste on a project. Store materials in a secure location to minimize theft. Protect stored materials from damaging weather. Locate materials away from worker pathways to reduce the chance of accidental damage. Keep materials neatly organized to ensure that the materials can be located when they are needed. 2.3 Clothing Wear clothing appropriate for the work and weather conditions. Wear rain gear in wet weather, winter weight clothing in cold weather, and cool clothing in hot weather. Working when you are uncomfortable or numb from the cold detracts from your alertness and is an invitation to accidents. It is equally unsafe to work in open- toed shoes or clothing that does not protect you from the work environment. For example, shorts and short-sleeve shirts do not provide adequate protection when welding. Trousers or overalls should fit properly and have legs without cuffs. Avoid loose-fitting or ragged clothing. They can catch on nails or pull hands or other parts of the body into cutting tools or moving machinery. Keep shirts and jackets but- toned. Sleeves should also be buttoned or rolled up. All clothing should be maintained in a good state of repair and washed when dirty. Shoes should be sturdy and have thick soles to protect feet from protruding nails. Never wear shoes with leather soles such as tennis or lightweight can- vas shoes. They will not provide satisfactory trac- tion on smooth wood surfaces or on sloping roofs. When you work at a site where heavy objects can be dropped on your feet, you should wear safety shoes. OSHA requires protective headgear to be worn, especially if there is work being performed overhead. Headgear should provide the necessary protection, be comfortable, permit good visibility, and shade your eyes. 2.4 Personal Protective Equipment Safety glasses are to be worn whenever work involves even the slightest potential hazard to your eyes, Figure 2-4. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) sets many of the standards that have been adopted by industry. Safety glasses that satisfy OSHA requirements are stamped with ANSI standard number Z87.1-2003. Clean your safety glasses as needed to remove dirt, dust, and other debris that may reduce your vision. Store safety glasses in a bag, box, or case when not in use. If lenses become scratched or pitted or if hinges become loose, replace the safety glasses. Safety boots and shoes are required on heavy construction jobs. OSHA standards Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 2-3. An on-site dumpster provides safe dis- posal for construction scrap. Properly used, it will help to keep the construction site clear of debris that could cause accidents and injuries. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.