Expanding Your Learning Workplace Skills help you understand what you can anticipate and expect in the workplace. Green Notes highlight key items related to sus- tainability, energy efficiency, and environmen- tal issues. End-of-Chapter Content End-of-chapter material provides an opportu- nity for review and application of concepts. A concise Summary provides an additional review tool and reinforces key learning objectives. This helps you focus on important concepts presented in the text. Know and Understand questions enable you to demonstrate knowledge, identifi- cation, and comprehension of chapter material. Apply and Analyze questions extend learning and help you analyze and apply knowledge. Critical Thinking Questions develop higher- order thinking, as well as problem-solving, per- sonal, and workplace skills. Activities extend your learning and help you apply knowledge. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 12 Laying Brick 245 concern is that all of the ties are in place, remain oper- ative, and are firmly embedded in and bonded to the mortar. In order to achieve this, the two wythes must be laid with completely filled bed joints and the ties must be in the correct position so later disturbance of the wall assembly is unnecessary. Wall ties do their job if properly embedded. Ties should be 3/16″ in diameter or #9 gauge wire and placed in every 4 1/2 sq ft of wall space when the cavity is no more than 4″. The most common type of wall tie for brick masonry construction is the Z tie. Rectangular and U-shaped ties may also be used when the backup units are hollow masonry units with cells laid vertically. See Figure 12-59. The most important factors affecting performance of wall ties are as follows: ■ Corrosion resistance. ■Placement of ties at proper spacing. Twice as many ties should be used if they have drips. Crimping the ties reduces the strength. ■ Full bedding of the bed joint and placing the wall tie in the mortar 5/8″ from either edge of the masonry unit. Prefabricated horizontal joint reinforcement may be used to tie the interior and exterior wythes, but truss type joint reinforcement should not be used to tie the wythes of a brick and block cavity wall together. Rather, ladder type reinforcement, which allows for the in-plane movement between the wythes, is recom- mended. Horizontal joint reinforcement is generally not required in brick masonry walls because they are not subject to shrinkage stresses. Storage of Materials The proper storage of materials at the construction site may have an important influence on their future performance. Masonry units should not be allowed to become wet from rain or snow or to be contami- nated by salts or other chemicals that may contribute to efflorescence and staining. ■ Masonry units. Masonry units should be stored off the ground to avoid contamination by dirt and groundwater that may contain soluble salts. Also, masonry units should be kept dry from rain or snow. ■ Cementitious materials. Cementitious materials should be protected from the elements and stored off the ground. ■ Sand. Sand for mortar should be placed on high ground or off the ground to prevent contamination. A protective cover is advisable in cold weather to prevent saturation and freezing.hazards Air space Joint reinforcement Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 12-59. Rectangular ties and joint reinforcement used in cavity wall construction. Workplace Skills Professional Behavior No matter what career or skill area you select in the masonry field, there are certain professional behaviors that a new or seasoned employee should possess or strive to develop. A few tips to keep in mind when hired by an employer: ■ Show respect for your employer and team members you work with during the day. Everyone will need to work together in a cohesive manner from the laborer to the superintendent to accomplish the task at hand or project being constructed. ■ Arrive earlier to the job, at least 15 minutes before the schedule time when work begins. Use the extra time to prepare for the day. For example, grab your masonry tool bag from your pick-up and move to the location on the worksite where you will begin the day. Review yesterday’s work to make plans for how you will begin working today. ■ Continue to work throughout the day without being told to stay busy. If the project you were performing has been completed, contact your supervisor to be assigned a new task. ■ When the work day is coming to an end, continue to work and stay busy. The employer is paying for a full day’s work. Do not start thinking about what you will be doing after work. There is plenty of time to do this after leaving the jobsite. These tips will help you advance in your masonry career. They will also help you shine as a valuable employee. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 65 Chapter Review Summary ■Accidents are caused by unsafe actions as well as unsafe conditions. ■ Employers are responsible for training employees about jobsite hazards. ■Job hazard analysis (JHA) involves a walk-through of the jobsite by a foreman or supervisor and selected employees to look for and document and unsafe conditions. Afterwards, actual and potential hazards are discussed, as well as procedures to reduce or eliminate those hazards. ■ Company safety programs are an ongoing effort between a contractor, crew leaders, and the workers. ■ Training is required before the operation of an unfamiliar tool or piece of equipment. ■ OSHA mandates that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) be worn in operations where there is an exposure to hazardous conditions or where such equipment is needed to protect an employee from injury or health hazards. ■ Keeping tools in good repair and using them properly are two ways to avoid accidents with them. Knowing and following the rules pertaining to use of power equipment such as mixers, masonry saws, and sandblasters is crucial to safety. ■ Electrical safety includes checking cords and guards prior to using them. ■The three main sources of injury associated with scaffolds are falling from the scaffold, being struck by tools or materials falling off the scaffold, and faulty scaffolding. ■ Following all ladder safety rules can greatly reduce accidents. Report a damaged ladder and do not use it. ■Before using any chemical or material, read and follow the manufacturer’s product safety data sheet (SDS) for usage and safety procedures. If unsure about proper usage of the chemical or material, contact your supervisor for training. ■First aid should be sought immediately after an injury or accident. A doctor should be seen for serious injuries and eye injuries. All accidents should be reported to a supervisor. Know and Understand Answer the following questions using information pro- vided in this chapter. 1. _____ is the organization that enforces safe work practices. A. OSHA B. MHS C. JHA D. PPE 2. True or False? Job hazard analysis involves conducting an inventory of materials on the job site. 3. True or False? A safety program is a written and distributed document. 4. Heavy objects should be lifted _____.findings A. with both the arms and back bent B. with the back as straight as possible C. without using the leg muscles D. with the legs straight and the back bent 5. True or False? When potential exposure exists, a hard hat is required on construction sites. 6. Which of the following is not a safe practice when working with a power mixer? A. Check that the machine is in a stable position before operating it. B. Allow your shovel to extend past the grate when adding ingredients. C. Wear a respirator when mixing dry ingredients. D. Wear ear protection. 7. Lockout/tagout is performed on _____. A. power supply devices B. chemicals C. tools D. crystalline silica 8. True or False? Bags of cement or mortar can be stored on concrete floors. 66 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 9. True or False? According to OSHA standards, a foreman must direct the erection of a scaffold. 10. According to OSHA, the most cited violation in the construction industry is lack of _____. A. scaffolding B. fall protection C. hearing protection D. lockout/tagout materials 11. True or False? Gas-fired heaters give off deadly carbon monoxide. 12. True or False? To use a ladder safely, be sure that it extends at least 2′ above the point where you plan to step off it. 13. True or False? Documents that outline the product information and procedures to be used when working with chemicals or materials are called MHS documents. 14. According to OSHA, if a construction site is at a greater time distance than _____, the company must ensure a qualified employee trained in first aid and CPR is present. A. 10 minutes B. three to four minutes C. one to two minutes D. 30 minutes 15. True or False? Contact with cement can cause skin irritation. Apply and Analyze 1. Why should a respirator be worn when you are sawing concrete or stone products? 2. Where should the load in a wheelbarrow be placed? 3. What is the maximum height allowed for an open, unsupported stack of brick? 4. What is the purpose of a safety net? 5. Why should the use of aluminum ladders be avoided? 6. Explain what can happen when exposed to wet concrete or mortar. Critical Thinking Questions 1. Research in greater detail the cause of cement burns, and present your to the class. Also identify safety procedures pertaining to cement exposure that can be implemented in the lab or construction site to improve safety conditions for your classmates or other workers. 2. Currently, your masonry program does not have fall protection equipment. Research some of the different fall protection manufacturers to determine which one would be the best company to purchase equipment as it relates to your program. Use your research to justify the company being selected. Develop a proposal that can be presented to your class on the research finding and recommendations. 3. You are a masonry foreman in a small block and brick laying company. You have noticed that a number of employees are not wearing hearing protection when operating masonry saws. What steps do you take as the foreman to ensure they will wear appropriate PPE? 4. What first aid measures should be immediately taken if you get a chemical such as lime, cement, or a cleaning agent in your eyes? Activities 1. (SCIENCE) Use the internet to find an example of a safety data sheet pertaining to muriatic acid used to clean brick or another chemical commonly used in the masonry field. Using the information in the SDS, prepare a report summarizing the health hazards of the acid, the personal protection equipment needed to handle the acid, and safe storage methods. 2. (ELA) Observe the work activities taking place at a construction site. Make an oral report to the class explaining the safety precautions and equipment you observed being used. Also include in your report any unsafe conditions you may have observed. xi