Assignment 1

Construction site supervisor

Unit 3 LO1

Andrius Pocius
 Assignment 2

Contents
Construction Site Supervisor....................................................................................................................1
Review of Health & Safety Regulations and Legislation Associated With The Storage, Handling,
and Use Of Materials On A Construction Site.......................................................................................4
Health & Safety Management Regulations............................................................................................4
Design Management Regulations..........................................................................................................5
Meeting the Demands Requirement.....................................................................................................5
Quality of Materials.............................................................................................................................5
Time Management...............................................................................................................................6
Provision of Space...............................................................................................................................6
Provision and Use of Equipment Regulations.......................................................................................6
Control and Management Of Hazardous Materials Through Storage, Movement, and Use...............7
Usage...................................................................................................................................................8
Movement............................................................................................................................................8
Storage................................................................................................................................................8
Materials Handling and Installation......................................................................................................9
Risk Assessments and Method Statements.............................................................................................9
Identify hazards...................................................................................................................................9
Materials Storage..................................................................................................................................10
Moving Materials Safely....................................................................................................................10
Working in Confined Spaces..............................................................................................................10
Working at a Height.......................................................................................................................... 10
Occupational Health Risks Associated with Materials........................................................................11
Asbestos-Related and Respiratory Disease........................................................................................11
Dermatitis and Skin Problems...........................................................................................................11
Musculoskeletal Disorders Like hand-arm Vibration........................................................................11
Eye diseases.......................................................................................................................................12
Personal Protective Equipment............................................................................................................12
Benefits of using PPE........................................................................................................................12
Face, Eye, and Head..........................................................................................................................13
Respiratory System............................................................................................................................13
Body Protection.................................................................................................................................13
 Assignment 3

Hands and Feet Protection................................................................................................................13

Falling from Height...........................................................................................................................13
References................................................................................................................................................14
 Assignment 4

Review of Health & Safety Associated With The Storage, Handling, and Use Of
Materials On A Construction Site
Regulation and proper handling of materials used in any
type of environment is a must but for construction sites, it is
essential not only for the health and safety of employees but
also for the effective use of the materials used at the site. These
materials are normally conventional materials whose properties
have been upgraded for more productive use. These materials
are regarded as advanced materials. Their proper handling, storage, and risks that may occur if
not properly regulated will be discussed below. In the said context, regulation and guidance are
the rules and requirements that are implied by some authority on the working of an organization.
They are necessary for the smooth and productive running of any organization.

Health & Safety work out Regulations

After the achievement of land, the next step in construction is the availability of materials to
be used. Different rules have been formed for the proper and safe handling of materials at the
site. So that the safety of the employees can be insured .Some multiple regulations and
organizations assigned this task, for example, Health and Safety at Work Act (HASWA) is an act
that ensures that all the safety and health requirements are a must. Different organization’s like
Construction Occupational Safety And Health (COSH) provide 40 Hour training to the workers
on the importance of health and safety measures and how to act upon them as protecting the
health and safety of workers who may be affected by the activities of an organization is crucial

Following are some of the rules that should be implemented.

 Employees must also notify the employer or the person responsible for health and safety
of any serious or immediate danger to health and safety or any shortcoming in health and
safety arrangements. For example, when employees open bags of plaster without wearing
a mask. They should ask their employer to provide the safety mask free of charge.
 While dealing with materials proper investigations must be done so we know what kind
of material are we dealing with and their ways of handling it must be understood. The
workers must also be briefed about the regulation and properly be guided on how to use
 Assignment 5

them safely. Like using the new materials e.g. insulation boards there must be a datasheet
that states a risk assessment needs to be carried out.
 Assumptions must be made on how the material can be damaged or can cause harm
during working and the management must find ways to reduce them. For example,
cement bags can react to moisture on the floor or in the atmosphere. They must be stored
on a high platform in an area with no windows or ventilation.
 People who are well equipped to handle materials must be present to overlook the entire
process done by the workers. For example, a trained supervisor must be present to make
sure material for example water is used correctly and without mismanagement according
to the manufactures instructions.
 Well-sought-out plans must be formed for the well-being and safety of storing and
movement of the material. For example, a proper room must be designed where
hazardous material can be stored and where there are fewer chances of unnecessary
contact with external agents.
 In case of any emergency or mishap, a crisis system must be present and ready to be
executed at any time. For example in case of fire, There must be an emergency exit
constructed at the site and the workers must be informed about their location and how to
act during this situation
 A complete audit and measuring section must be formed to evaluate safety and health
performance and after the collection of data, it must be compared with the rules to see if
they are up to standards and if any improvement is needed. For example Interview the
employees about what they think there is lacking, after discussing it with the focus group
implement measures and after a while asks the employees about the effectiveness of the
measure.

Design Management Regulations

Design Management is the strategy that is implemented in the organization for its smooth
running. Design management encompasses the ongoing processes of business that deals with
administrations, services, communications, and conditions. So they give productive results in the
end. This helps in analyzing where the processes in the organization are lacking and we can
innovate some new ideas for resolving issues. The materials that are involved in an industry are a
part of design management and have their branch called Materials management. It is a strategy
 Assignment 6

for arranging, disguising, monitoring, and storing the materials at the site.. Many regulatory
authorities help in this regard like COSH, HASAWA and LOLER etc. Following are some of the
ways by which the regulations are implemented.

Meeting the Demands Requirement

As the world progresses the need for new infrastructure expands and thus the need for
construction material is skyrocketing. The designing of a management system will help us in
understanding and knowledge of the need for supplies and materials at the site. The management
will have an idea of how much material is remaining and how much is required. This will allow
them to arrange the material to be used on time.

Quality of Materials
Before acquiring the materials, we must make sure that the product is of good quality.
The quality of materials to be used is a major factor in determining whether the structure will be
up to the required task or not. The reasons why a structure might fail could be the use of low-
grade or damaged materials. The material could be damaged due to a lack of proper handling or
storage. The cost of the material must also be kept in mind in deciding what type of material
should be used. The material must always be bought from a government-approved agency whose
standards are least likely to be compromised.

Time Management
Time as we all know is an important factor in not only the construction field but also in
every other field. When it comes to construction the materials must be available at the beginning
of the construction and must be prepared and executed at the proper time. It must be allowed to
settle according to the standards provided by the relevant organization. For example, the curing
time of ordinary Portland cement concrete is a minimum of 7 days after placement. So we must
give it proper time for it to settle. So it may provide us with the maximum strength possible. The
time frame is different for different types and places of construction and the category of cement
used in the construction is also considered.
 Assignment 7

Provision of Space
After maintaining the smooth supply and assuring the quality of the material, now comes
the storing of the material. The experts must assign a place for the proper handling and storing of
the materials. The material must be present at a place where they are easily in reach and can be
moved to the required area when needed. The area must be properly inspected so that no damage
may occur to the material. Like cement must always be stored in a higher place and where there
is no ventilation because lumps can occur when it reacts with air and moisture The skilled
personnel must know about the capacity of the storage facility areas and make sure that all the
spaces are properly used so no unnecessary wastage may occur. Thus this management
incorporates overseeing the materials quality, cost, and storage of the material. They coordinate
with the supply chain to make sure materials are available when they are required at the right
place and time. They arrange and handle the materials so that they are present according to the
specifications for usage.

Provision and Use of Equipment Regulations

For the handling of the materials at construction sites we use different equipment like
conveyors, cranes, loaders shovels, asphalt mixing plants, excavators and trucks, etc. Providing
this equipment is not a difficult task for an established company on the other hand its proper
usage and handling are because construction sites are a commonplace of more hazards and
fatalities than any other. Material handling problems in the construction field contribute to the
highest amount of mishaps. To reduce these events, different areas should be considered in the
improvement, for example, equipment, budget allotment, management, and above all the
implementation of the rules and regulations set by the respective authority.

It has been observed that small-scale industries have lesser prepared safety features in
comparison to medium-scale businesses. Complete regularization should be implemented in
small-scale industries and medium-scale businesses require improvement in management and
know-how to properly handle the types of equipment. Construction equipment usually does the
majority of construction tasks and hence, safety management with them is essential. Each piece
of equipment requires a safety system and a strategy for its work. These strategies generally are
known as the regulatory measures for the development of the site. The following are the steps for
implementing these measures.
 Assignment 8

 The construction company should provide all the equipment required for the handling of
the materials and they must not be faulty and in well operating condition. For example, in
a concrete mixer, its motor can become loose so it must be certain that the motor is
properly fixed before using it.
 Machinery and equipment that is present there all have some safety measures and
requirements which must be followed. For example, powder-actuated tools me always be
unloaded and pointed in a safe direction when leaving them unattended.
 The management must make sure these laws are being implemented and respected. For
example, proper counseling of workers on the rules and regulations and penalties if the
procedure is not followed.
 The purpose of the equipment must be known and be used accordingly and no irrelevant
work should be taken from them. For example, we must not use the equipment for
entertaining acts as it can turn into a serious situation instantly.

Control and Management Of Hazardous Materials Through Storage, Movement,

and Use
Materials that can cause harm to living things or the environment are called hazardous
materials. For example, pollutants, industrial waste, toxins, or any other chemical components. It
could be harmful to the environment and living beings whether the material is independent or
when reacting with another agent as well. These materials can contaminate water bodies and
cause land and air pollution. In living beings, it can create health issues. Proper disposal of these
substances is necessary which is why a hazardous-waste management system should be
implemented to prevent accidents from happening. They might cause harm when leaked during
transportation to a lack of safe storage.

Usage
Before working with any hazardous material, we must ensure that we have complete
knowledge about the substance and know about their guidelines (how to use them). The material
should exclusively be used for what purpose it is intended, for example, petrol to clean utensils.
While handling these types of materials. It is essential to avoid potential risks while working near
them or with them. You can avoid any mishap by following the regulations which are as follows.
 Assignment 9

 Completely cover yourself so you won’t be in direct contact with it. For example, wear
gloves, boots, headgear, and glasses.
 Make sure that two different substances are not allowed to react with one another. For
example electrical or fire agents near flammable chemicals.
 Never smell, touch, or open any container to find out which type of chemical instead see
the labels on it. For example lead is a poisonous substance that must not be directly
contacted with proper PPE.

By implementing these regulations Not only the lives and health of the workers are secured but
in case of any mishap, the workers would know how to respond in case of any incident.

Movement
In construction, we not only transfer materials within the site but also transport them in
the proper container from their place of availability (manufacturing plant) to their destination
(site). During its transportation different machineries are used and if they are not careful with
them the material might leak which then harms the environment. So proper regulatory measures
are implemented for its prevention and handling. If any leakage happens, we must try to contain
it before it becomes unmanageable If it happens, close all the valves and to avoid altogether any
leakage use proper fittings, and lines, and continuously examine it, use sand or fire extinguisher
and make sure all electrical appliances are turned off. For example, volatile compounds from
solvents, paints, and adhesives are very harmful and can leak if the containers are not properly
closed or if they fall during their transportation. They must be handled with the help of gloves
that have a strong grip so they do not slip.

After implementation of regulations like Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
(LOLER) lifting equipment, loading and unloading of materials is much safer and not only that
fine is also avoided by the organization if the regulations are followed

Storage
Proper storage of these materials is necessary because even if they are not being used, they
might still spill and cause harm. Following are the ways by which we can avoid this
 Assignment 10

 Do not store substances in the same place which tend to react with one another. For
example, water and cement (not in use) must be stored apart
 Make sure materials that can catch fire are kept away from electrical wires or heat.
 Using relevant storage techniques concerning the material to be stored. For example,
plastic containers should not store volatile acids, etc.

The allocation of an appropriate storage area and implementation of the rules not only help
reduce the risk of an explosive event but also helps in the reduction of materialistic and
economic losses. As it prevents the construction material from l being damaged and wasted .

It has been observed that in implementing the regulations such as COSH, LOLER and HASWA
There have been an improvement in the productivity and efficiency in the construction industry.
Because due to a lack of proper storage and poor handling measures there is a lot of loss of
materials, and lives and an overall increase in the budget. After its implementation, there is a
reduction in wastage and cost of materials. The workers are at less risk of threats during working.
On the whole, it has a positive effect on the industry.

Materials Handling and Installation

The process of transporting, inspecting, placing, and storing materials is called the
handling of materials. It involves qualitative and quantitative analysis of the substance and the
risk involved in using it.
 Assignment 11

Risk Assessments and Method Statements

Risk assessments are done to figure out the probability of an accident happening and
understand its effect if it may occur and then implement control measures to prevent them. It also
involves knowing the type of material and its quantity to be
used at the site.

Identify hazards
First of all, we must identify where hazards might occur.
Proper equipment for the overview of the site and evaluating
the type of material should be present. Maintain proper
records and then share them with the risk assessing team.

 Evaluate the Risks

After getting the data we must categorize it in terms of likelihood from most to least of
happening. The risk rating is assigned and then control measures are taken in terms of
priority. For example falling is considered a high-risk event as it is very common on
construction sites.

 Assigning Control Measures

Categorizing the risks helps you work on the most hazardous risk. After a careful
examination, we find a solution for it and then implement it. For example in case of falling
proper caution tapes must be used for the workers to know where the boundary is present.

 Reviewing and Updating Your Risk Assessment

The reports are stored in a safe area so that we make take guidance from them and if
needed improve them with the progressing time. For example, if any leakage in a pipe has
occurred we can pinpoint the location with the help of previous data and understand what
measures need to be taken.

Materials Storage
Site storage is the arrangement of a specific place designed for the safety and movement
of materials. The equipment used for handling the materials is also stored here.
 Assignment 12

Moving Materials Safely

Materials are moved not only at the site but also during transportation from the origin to
the site. The material must be kept in well-built containers following the substance being moved.

Working in Confined Spaces

The area has restricted openings for passage or exit and has space for working but it is
not enough for proper working. There are chances of combustion of material in these small faces.
It also causes issues in waste management. The unavailability of proper ventilation causes a great
effect on the person’s health. It requires more effort and resources to work in confined spaces.
The lesser the space available the more hazardous the environment becomes.

Working at Height
Cranes are used as material handling equipment which is mostly used for lifting material
at a higher elevation in high-rise building construction. In low-rise buildings, a small lift is
installed to transport the materials like concrete to the upper floors.
 Assignment 13

Occupational Health Risks Associated with Materials

Building materials present at the site which are utilized in the development of the
structure can cause many health problems for the workers there. So the admiration along with the
employees must work together. So they can come up with a solution. The solution may involve
using more protective gear, innovative ideas of proper storage or handling, getting less harmful
materials, etc. It is also to the benefit of the organization to implement proper health regulations
because if it lacks them it not only cause health issue to its employees but also damages the
reputation of the company, creates lawsuit and the overall performance of workers is not good.
Following are some of the diseases a lack of health measures can cause.

Asbestos-Related and Respiratory Disease

Breathing in an atmosphere that is pollutant filled is quite dangerous for health.
Especially for our respiratory system. It can cause suffocation, difficulty in breathing, and even
cancer. Asbestos is one of the chemicals that cause harm to lung tissues. The diseases can be
treated by ways of operation, chemotherapy, oxygen therapy radiation therapy, laser treatment,
etc.

Dermatitis and Skin Problems

Handling hazardous material can cause damage to the skin through direct contact in ways
like droplets, spilling, and deposition. The damage, these toxins cause to the skin are irritation,
absorption of material into the blood, and then further illnesses, cancer, infection, loss of
pigments, etc. Dermatitis is a common ailment when it comes to skin disease. It can cause an
irritating sensation, and skin to flake away creating rashes. Or it might cause the skin to blister to
form, and cause infections to occur which causes pus and other bodily fluids to form. Dermatitis
is not a transmissible disease, but it does make you feel uncomfortable. Its solution involves
moisturizing the skin by using lotion, creams, and oils.

Musculoskeletal Disorders Like hand-arm Vibration

When working at a construction site we have to move the materials around sometimes
manually or equipment. This can cause injury in our musculoskeletal. In the body like in joints,
muscles, backbone, ligaments arms, legs, etc. Musculoskeletal disorders can arise from a sudden
impact on the body when lifting a load mostly of materials present at the site. They can also arise
from making the same motions repeatedly repetitive strain, and the wrong posture when
 Assignment 14

working. It can be treated with a little exercise routine and some medications prescribed by the
doctor e.g. painkillers etc.

Eye diseases
The pollutant present in the atmosphere at a construction site can cause damage to your
sight and eyes. The most harmful one is one chemical
(liquid form) that is in direct contact with the eyes. It is
an emergency that must be treated immediately. The
effects the materials at the site can have on eyes are
feeling of burning and redness. Tears coming out
constantly and distorted vision. We must consult with a
specialist immediately and in the meantime splash
water continuously on them. There are many more illnesses like them which are caused when
materials at sight are not properly managed. It is necessary to avoid these diseases we must have
safety measures implemented.

Personal Protective Equipment

It is equipment that is used to limit exposure to dangers that can cause serious injuries
during work. These wounds and diseases might result from contact with harmful materials
present at the construction site. They can create illnesses in the body physically and also
genetically. This equipment consists of things like gloves, shielding glasses, boots earplugs,
caps, and full-body suits. These items are necessary because the management cannot protect the
employees at all levels. This is where personal protective equipment helps us. All protective
equipment must be safely arranged and assembled, It should fit properly and the employees must
know how and when to use them.

Benefits of using PPE

 They help to reduce injuries during work. For example, the construction hat can prevent
injury to the head if something falls on the worker there.
 They reduce exposure to hazardous materials. For example, wearing a face mask can
prevent harmful matter from being inhaled.
 Assignment 15

 They prevent infectious diseases from spreading to the other workers if one of them is
infected. For example, if they are wearing gloves then there is no direct contact and thus
no mass spread.
 Increase employee productivity and efficiency because they are not ill. Which means they
are fit to complete their assigned task.

The risk assessment report can help identify which type of gear is required at a specific place
or time. Depending upon the area of expected exposure the PPE can be categorized in the
following ways.

Face, Eye, and Head

For the safety of the face and eyes, safety glasses and shields should be used for work
that can cause eye infection and blurriness, and burns. Hats are used for the safety of the head
that can prevent any damage if anything falls on the worker's head.

Respiratory System
To prevent any type of harm to the lungs it is necessary to have masks, gas masks, and
respirators to provide fresh oxygen in case of emergency.

Body Protection
To protect the overall body a proper suit is a must that prevents burns, chemical
exposure, and electrical shocks.

Hands and Feet Protection

To protect hands from burns, hazardous substances, and cuts we should use proper gloves
and for feet, safety boots should be used when doing tasks that may have a risk of falling or
slipping.

Falling from Height

In construction sites, there is a high risk of falling as more open spaces are there and the
number of workers as well. So we should use harnesses and lanyards to prevent injury.
 Assignment 16

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