safety and

environment
pocket manual

safety and
environment

pocket manual

Index

Introduction page 5

2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4

General rules page 7

Conduct
Information
Health and hygiene
Workplace tidiness

3
Personal protective equipment page 11
3.1 Recommendations
3.2 Survey of personal protective equipment
4

Warning signs page 13

5
5.1
5.2
5.3

Emergency page 14
Conduct
First aid
Fire fighting

6
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
6.10
6.11
6.12

Working safely page 17

Road network regulations within workplaces
Excavation work
Scaffolding
Tools and equipment
Working on live plant
Hoisting
Hoisting with cranes
Manual handling of loads
Working at heights
Work in confined spaces
Electricity hazard
X-RAYS (non destructive investigation)

Flammable and dangerous substances page 29

Environmental protection page 30

Delivery receipt of the pocket manual page 31

Introduction

This document has been produced to provide an

instrument of quick reference and support for
people working at building sites. The aim is to offer
a simple and effective survey of the many aspects
relating and relevant to safety issues.
We would like to emphasize how important it is to
consider matters dealing with safety as open issues,
which should be continuously updated and capable
of responding to the synergic interaction which
develops on a day to day basis in complex working
environments like industrial building sites.
Without going into excessive in-depth analysis,
which would be beyond the scope, this booklet
offers a number of recommendations with the aim
of improving safety conditions at building sites and
enhancing the protection of the surrounding
environment by promoting awareness and active
cooperation of all those involved.

General rules

2.1 Conduct

2.1.1
Always follow the rules, the procedures and the instructions regarding
safety. A correct conduct of each individual is vital for the safety of all.
Cooperate with colleagues especially with those who are
inexperienced and help them to act consistently with regards to safety.

2.1.2
It is important to have knowledge of risks in order to develop awareness
and deal with them appropriately.
Take part in training activities and information sessions regarding
safety and environmental protection issues.
2.1.3
When procedures require it, make sure
you wear your ID card and always keep
to authorised walks and gateways.
Be always informed and aware of the
work that is being carried out in the
area surrounding you.
2.1.4
Use tools and equipment correctly:
always inform your supervisor of
any danger or hazard you may
discover or be informed of.
In case of emergency always
behave within the boundaries of
your competence and capabilities.

General rules

2.2 Information

2.2.1
Carefully follow the instructions
and make use of the information
that has been given to you.
Read all information and procedure
papers that are given to you with
care. Never use equipment, tools
or devices without first having
read the instruction manuals.

2.2.2
Safety officers and the workers
representatives for safety are there
to help you: cooperate with them
and consult them whenever you
think it necessary.

2.2.3
Comply with the rules: dont smoke,
dont drink alcohol on duty, etc.
Do not wear or carry objects or
appliances which are not relevant
to the job. If in doubt, ask first!

General rules

2.3 Health and hygiene

2.3.1
Take special care in looking after your own personal hygiene and keep
your workplace clean and tidy, especially when poisonous substances are
stored. Think of other peoples safety: keep dangerous substances in
safe and secured places.

2.3.2
Undergo the scheduled medical
check-ups your employer provides
for you: it is in your interest to keep
updated on your state of health in
relation to the work you do.

General rules

2.4 Workplace tidiness

2.4.1
Respect yourself, your colleagues
and your workplace environment.
Do not leave leftover material
or rubbish about.

2.4.2
Always keep emergency exits and
escape routes unhindered.
Report any irregularity.

2.4.3
Low level of hygiene and
untidiness can cause accidents.
Tools and equipment must always
be put back in their proper place
after being thoroughly cleaned.

10

Personal
protective equipment

3.1 Recommendations

3.1.1
Even when, in a working area, all
collective safety measures have
been deployed, residual risks and
snags connected to the work
carried out can still represent a
threat. Protect yourself by wearing
your personal protective equipment.
3.1.2
Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) must be used consistently.
Wear the right equipment according
to the work you have to carry out.
Appropriate and up to date
standard PPE equipment must be
used. In specific cases, appropriate
training is essential prior to using
the equipment.
Make sure you know how to use
your PPE at the right time and in
the right way.

3.1.3
Look after your PPE and keep it in
perfect order.
Never make alterations to your PPE
and, after using it, always be sure
you put it back in order and in the
proper place.
Immediately ask for your PPE to be
replaced, should it have been
damaged or proven to be faulty.
3.1.4
PPE can save your life: this is why
wearing your personal protective
equipment must become a natural
habit and become part of your
method of work.

11

Personal
protective equipment

3.2 Survey of personal protective equipment

3.2.4
acoustic
protection:
earplugs
earmuffs

3.2.1
body
protection:
boiler suit
body harness to
prevent falling
from heights

3.2.2
protection for
head and eyes:
protective cap
goggles
3.2.3
protection
of lungs:
anti-gas
anti-dust masks
and breathing
apparatus

3.2.5
protection of
feet and hands:
shoes
boots
gloves

12

Warning signs

4.1
The aim of warnings and signs is
to draw attention to possible
hazards and to the need for safety
measures to be adhered to.
Upon entering a workplace for the
first time carefully observe all the
warning signs.
In particular, read any information
regarding emergencies and keep
an eye on the notice board for
further information.

4.2
Observe and adhere both to visual
and sound warnings regarding safety.
Emergency information may be
conveyed through loudspeaker
systems to which you must pay
attention.

4.3
All warning signs must be visible at all times.
They must be placed in the most effective position.

13

Emergency

5.1 Conduct

5.1.1
Take part in the emergency drills with a positive and active frame of mind:
these training sessions are organized for your safety.

5.1.2
In case of emergency follow evacuation instructions from your workplace
carefully and be sure to take note of the different kinds of alarm signals
of which you must understand the meaning.
Dont panic, stop whatever work you are engaged in, make sure you turn
off the power of machines and any other equipment you were using.
5.1.3
In order to avoid the recurrence
of events which could cause harm
to people or that could damage
equipment always report accidents
and near misses.
5.1.4
Raise the alarm without hesitation
when you witness an accident or
a fire outbreak.
It is always advisable to keep
emergency telephone numbers
at hand.

14

Emergency

5.2 First aid

5.2.1
Follow the first aid instructions provided by the authorised personnel.
Give assistance only if you are asked to: in case of injury, only a few
accurate and efficient actions are needed.

5.2.2
The conduct to be held when
dealing with someone who has
suffered personal injury must be
of utmost caution: you must make
sure that whoever is dealing with
the injury doesnt get involved in
the accident or make things worse.
5.2.3
Follow the instructions delivered
by the rescue teams.
Remember that the people
manning these teams, are
motivated, aware of their task and
of the risks involved.

15

Emergency

5.3 Fire fighting

5.3.1
A number of workers has the task
of implementing fire prevention
measures and to actively fight
fire outbreaks. They have been
specially trained and are provided
with the appropriate equipment.
Follow the instructions of fire
fighter teams; remember they are
motivated people, aware of their
task and of the risks involved.
5.3.2
If you should discover a fire
outbreak, immediately raise the
alarm, call the supervisors and the
emergency numbers.
Give information of the exact
location, the nature of the fire
(the kind of material burning) and
the level of threat.

5.3.3
Follow fire prevention procedures
strictly. In all cases raise the alarm
and act individually only if you are
sure of being able to control the fire.

5.3.4
The emergency/evacuation procedure is as follows:
fire alert siren is activated
internal fire teams and/or the fire brigade are called into action
evacuation towards the mustering stations.
Follow the rules you know or the instructions delivered by the authorized
personnel or the instructions given through the loudspeaker system.
Hurry towards the mustering station following the signs.

16

Working safely

6.1 Road network regulations within workplaces

6.1.1
Always respect speed limits
and road signs.

6.1.2
Do not enter restricted areas
without having first obtained a
permit to work.

6.1.3
Before using a vehicle check
brakes, oil level, water levels,
tires, etc.
Make sure everything is in order
and, last but not least, check
the petrol tank.

17

Working safely

6.2 Excavation work

6.2.1
Do not stand within the operating
area of excavating machines or on
the edge of an excavated area.
It is forbidden to stand within the
swivel range of an excavator.

6.2.2
Reinforcement of the
walls of an excavation
must be carried out as
soon as possible and as the excavation proceeds. Never overestimate
the compactness of the ground texture and always act cautiously.

6.2.3
Any excavation must be carried out
under the supervision of expert
personnel and only after having
obtained the endorsement of a
permit to work.

ok
1m

6.2.4
Any kind of excavation must
be fenced off by rails and made
evident by visible warning signs.
It is forbidden to heap rubble on
the brow of an excavation.

18

no

Working safely

6.3 Scaffolding

6.3.1
Scaffoldings are to be assembled
by specialized personnel only and
in compliance with the book of
instructions provided by the
manufacturer and according to
law. Scaffoldings must be inspected
and authorization must be granted
before they can be used.
6.3.2
At any stage, when assembling or
dismantling a scaffolding, be sure
to wear your PPE (Personal
Protection Equipment).

6.3.3
Never load the work surface of a
scaffolding with heavy weights.

6.3.4
Try to avoid working under a
scaffolding unless absolutely
necessary; in any case remember
to wear your safety cap!

6.3.5
When climbing up or down a
scaffolding always use the
provided steps.

19

Working safely

6.4 Tools and equipment

6.4.1
Tools and equipment must be
inspected before use and replaced
or repaired when damaged.
Take care of your tools, put them
back in their proper place after
cleaning them.

6.4.2
Follow the instructions provided,
regarding the correct way to use
tools and equipment.
6.4.3
Never remove protection devices
from tools.

6.4.4
Always wear your protective
equipment and act cautiously
when using compressed air
equipment.

20

Working safely

6.5 Working on live plant

6.5.1
Carrying out work correctly helps to avoid serious damage.
Make sure the plant line involved has been correctly
identified, cleared and isolated.

6.5.2
Work on electrical components of live plant may be carried out by
qualified and authorized personnel only.
6.5.3
Before starting work on live plant,
be absolutely sure the protection
devices are operating and that
all lockout notices are placed
according to instructions.
6.5.4
Follow the instructions given to
you with the permit to work.
Read them carefully and if in doubt
ask your supervisor.

21

Working safely

6.6 Hoisting

6.6.1
Manual and mechanical hoisting of loads must be carried out by
authorized personnel only.
The appliances used must be appropriate for the weight of the load.
6.6.2
Suspended loads must never be guided by hand. Use cables and ropes
to keep the load steady; never push with your hands. Pull on the guiding
ropes and cables to keep them taut and prevent the load from swaying
or swivelling. It is forbidden to stand beneath a suspended load.
6.6.3
Be always aware of the hand and voice signalling provided by the person
in charge of hoisting operations.
6.6.4
Never alter harnesses, ropes, hooks or chains: after using them never
leave them near corrosive substances or on the ground where they could
be trampled or crushed. After using equipment always put it back in
the proper storage place.

22

Working safely

6.7 Hoisting with cranes

6.7.1
The operating area of a crane
must be fenced off.
Make sure obstacles and overhead
power lines are not in the way.

6.7.2
Check the hoisting equipment and
its stability, make sure the load is
properly harnessed before lifting it.

6.7.3
Carefully follow the instructions
provided by the manufacturer of
all the hoisting equipment,
when assembling a crane on
site and when operating it.

6.7.4
Personnel responsible for operating
a crane must make sure that all
alarm devices are in working order
and active. Weight indicators must
be operational. The weight of the
load and the integrity of hoisting
equipment must be checked before
any lifting is carried out.

6.7.5
Never use hoisting equipment in
bad weather conditions.

23

Working safely

6.8 Manual handling of loads

6.8.1
Before attempting to handle a
load by hand, check it and find
out which side is heavier, look out
for cutting edges, nails, etc.
Never lift a weight exceeding
30 Kg by your self and take into
account that the following are
stress enhancers:
lifting and twisting at the same
time while your back is bent;
frequency of lifting;
distance from your body of the
load you are lifting.
6.8.2
Here are a few useful
recommendations:
make sure your body is well
balanced and that the environment
conditions are favourable for the
movement you want to make;
bend your knees, not your back
which must stay straight;
keep one foot further forward
compared to the other in order
to obtain a better balance;
carry out the lifting movement
slowly straightening your legs,
dont jerk;
when carrying a load keep it as
close as possible to your body
without bending your back over
backwards although;
when moving a load beware not
to twist your body, turn your
whole body using your legs.

24

Working safely

6.9 Working at heights

6.9.1
When carrying out work at a height
use a body harness and connect it
to a safety cable with a lanyard.

6.9.2
Always remember to check your fall
arrest PPE before using it.
Lanyards must always be fitted with
an energy absorber device.

6.9.3
People must be lifted using
appropriate systems, equipped
with devices to prevent people
or objects falling out of the lift
carriage and prevent it from
capsizing.
6.9.4
Workers hoisted in baskets must
be able to communicate with the
operator and safety supervisors
through safe and effective means
of communication.

25

Working safely

6.10 Work in confined spaces

6.10.1
Ask for a permit to work before
accessing confined spaces.

6.10.2
Never take gas cylinders or
flammable material inside confined
spaces; organize your work with
the greatest care.

6.10.3
Always make sure a supervisor stands by to backup, control and assist
while you carry out work inside a confined space.

26

Working safely

6.11 Electricity hazard

6.11.1
Only a qualified electrician with a
permit to work is allowed to install,
modify and repair electric plant.

6.11.2
Immediately report any
malfunctioning of electric equipment.
Always keep clear of overhead or
underground power lines.

6.11.3
Before using any electric tool
make sure the power cable and
plugs are in good order.

6.11.4
Remember that all electric motors,
appliances, lights, automatic tools
and switchboards must be earthed.
On the other hand appliances
and devices fitted with double
isolation must not be earthed.

27

Working safely

6.12 X-RAYS (non destructive investigation)

6.12.1
X-ray investigations can be carried
out only after having received a
written authorisation to that effect.
In any case only qualified
personnel may carry out the work.

6.12.2
When X-ray investigations are
carried out danger warning signs
must be set up and a safety area
signalled out. Always comply with
the warning signs and do not stand
near the danger area.

6.12.3
Once the job has been carried
out, the personnel involved will
put the equipment away in safe
and guarded places.

28

Flammable and dangerous

substances

7.1
When handling flammable and
dangerous substances follow the
instructions received and the ones
written on labels and safety charts.
After using such substances make
sure they are put back in a safe
and sheltered place.

7.2
Handle gas cylinders with care.
Make sure the cylinders are well
fastened to prevent them from
falling; dont drag them, dont roll
them, and dont allow them
to collide with one another.
Keep them away from heat and
store them in ventilated places.
The valves, pipes and manometers
must be regularly checked and
protected.
7.3
For your safety and that of others
it is forbidden to smoke when
flammable substances are used.
7.4
Flammable and dangerous materials
must be kept and stored inside
suitable containers.

29

Environmental
protection

8.1
8.1 Releases into the air.
Avoid discharging polluting
substances and dusts into the air,
in any case keep such emissions
within the limits set by law.
8.2
Noise.
Avoid making noise or reduce it as
much as possible by using machinery
and equipment appropriately and
according to law.
.
8.3
Liquid Waste.
Avoid or keep the production of
liquid waste to the minimum.
When produced, it must be
collected and appropriately disposed
of according to law.

8.4
Waste.
Avoid or keep the production of waste to the minimum.
Waste must be collected, stored and disposed of according to law.

30

___________________________________________________________________

Delivery receipt
of the pocket manual

name

of the firm

By signing this paper

I acknowledge receipt of the
pocket manual and I undertake
to keep it and follow the
recommendations and advice
it contains.

signature

31

published by:

edited by:

produced by:

Edison
Foro Buonaparte, 31
20121 Milano (Italy)
Tel. +39 02 6222.1

Edison
Health, Safety and Environment
Protection Service

CPT Milano and pibistudio

Milan, July 2003