Construction how-to's

Important Safety Information - Please read the safety information first and then explore other task lists.

• Think & concentrate on your task.  Speak up if something looks unsafe because it probably is. An observer can spot danger quicker than a worker can. Keep the entire work area, inside and out, free of trip and fall hazards.
• If you are uncertain about how to do a task, ask your crew leader.
• Habitat requires safety glasses, all the time.   Habitat requires hard hats except on paint days.
• Wear appropriate clothing for the task. No open-toed shoes allowed. No loose clothing or hair that can get caught on tools or materials. 
• Don't lift beyond your strength. Bend your knees.   Carry material in a responsible way, especially long lumber, to avoid hitting others with it. 
• Know where water & the first aid kit are located. Tell the house leader immediately in the event of an injury.
• Select the correct tool for your work. Make sure the tools are in a safe condition.  Carry only those you need in your tool belt.  Don’t leave tools on top of ladders, scaffolding, or the roof.
• Remove nails before discarding lumber.  Discarded lumber must be placed in the designated place.
• Utility Knives 

  • Keep your hand and body out of the blade’s path.
  • Retract blade when not in immediate use. 
  • A sharp blade is safer than a dull one.  Safely dispose of used blades.
  • Concentrate only on cutting: it’s easy to cut yourself if you talk or are distracted while cutting.
• Power Saws

  • Only crew members with power saw experience can use them.  A busy workday is not the time to teach or learn sawing skills.
  • Use the ear protection that the house leader provides when using power saws.
  • Don’t bind the blade of any saw – listen for it.  Back off and re-support lumber.
  • Keep electric cords out of the way of the saw and out from underfoot.  Don’t use in wet conditions.
  • Don’t cross hands over to stabilize material on the miter saw.  Find another way or get help.
  • Guards on saws must be in place and operating.  Cords with nicks or cuts should not be used.
• Ladders

  • An extension ladder should reach 3 feet above the step off point.   Block extension ladder at the top to prevent sideways movement. For every 4 feet of height, move the bottom of the ladder one foot away from the wall.
  • Use a ladder that will reach the work.  Move the ladder with your work, do not over reach. Place ladders on solid footing.
  • Use ladders not empty buckets.
• Scaffolding
• See your Site Supervisor for the many scaffolding safety requirements.