Site-planning-and-layout.docx

SITE PLANNING AND LAYOUT I. Site Layout A badly planned and untidy site is the underlying cause of many accidents resulting from falls of material and collisions between workers and plant or equipment. a) Space Contraints particularly in urban work sites, are nearly always the biggest limiting factor and a layout which caters best for the safety and health of worker may appear to be difficult to reconcile with productivity. b) Proper planning by management is the essential part of the preparation and budgeting for the safe and efficient running of a construction operation. c) Bad site layout and lack of space prevent safe movement of workers and vehicles and can cause accidents. Before work even begins on site, thought needs to be given to: a) Sequence or order in which work wil be done and to any especially hazardous operations or processes. b) Access for workers on and around the site. Routes should be free from obstruction and from exposure to hazard such falling materials, materials handling equipment and vehicles. Suitable warning notices should be posted. Edge protection will be required at the edge of floor openings and stairs. c) Routes for vehicles. There should be one way as far as practicable. Traffic congestion prejudices the safety of the workers. d) Storage areas for materials and equipment. Materials need to be stored as close as possible to the appropriate workstation. e) The location of construction machinery. Usually dependent on operational requirements. Main objective is to avoid the need to slew the load over workers. f) The location of trade workshops. These are not usually moved after they are built. g) The location of medical and welfare facilities. On the large site sanitary facilities for both sexes should be provided. h) Artificial lighting at places where work continues or workers pass after dark. i) Site security. The site should be fenced in to keep out unauthorized persons and give protection from the equipment. j) Arrangements to keep the site tidy and for the collection and removal of waste. k) Portable tools and equipment. The need for low-voltage electric power suuplies for temporary lighting. l) Training needs of both workers and supervisors.

Point to remember:  The time spent on planning will make for a safer site and save money.

II. Site tidiness As a worker you can make a major contribution to safe working conditions on site by attention to tidiness. Common accident on construction site a) Tripping b) Slipping, c) Falling Steps to avoid some accidents on the construction site 1. Clean as you go – do not leave rubbish and scrap for the next person to clear 2. Keep gangways, working platforms and stairways clear of equipment and materials not in immediate use. 3. Clean up spilled oil and grease. 4. Dispose waste material properly at a recognized disposal 5. Remove or hammer down any nails you see projecting from timber. 6. Point to remember:  An untidy site is a dangerous site.