Risk Assessment: Electromechanical Erection
Workers Affected by Works Hazards
RISK
30/40/50 Objects falling due to collapsing or landslide when being handled or due to coming loose.
RISK FACTORS
- When carrying out work on higher levels.
- When using mechanical means for elevating loads (cranes, truck-mounted cranes, the client’s overhead cranes, etc.) and auxiliary equipment (slings, straps, etc.).
- Equipment and packaging (due to poor procedures).
- Falling objects that have come loose or landslides during work inside trenches, pits or galleries.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Rules for acting
- Hand tools tied or in a tool bag.
- Signpost the work area.
- Respect safety distances.
- Plan in advance operations in which mechanical means for elevating loads and auxiliary equipment is going to be used. Manoeuvres are to be directed by one single person to avoid accidents caused by the lack of coordination.
- Check CE auxiliary equipment previously (slings, straps, ropes, chains, etc.).
- Guiding loads manually is forbidden, as is the transit of personnel below suspended loads.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Excavation, pit or gallery works:
- Unless the inclination of the cut coincides with the natural slope of the ground, it will be necessary to adopt protection measures (shuttering, continued examination of the conditions of the ground, etc.).
- Do not get into trenches with a depth > 1.30 metres without shoring.
- Equipment and materials is generally to be stockpiled at a reasonable distance from the top of slopes depending on the depth of the trench or pit.
- Trenches are to be provided with metal ladders that stick out 1 m above the upper level of the cut, unless there are safe access ramps (with a suitable slope).
- Pit and gallery mouths with a dangerous slope are to be protected with solid handrails with an intermediate rail and skirting that impede materials and personnel from falling in.
- One or more workers are to remain at all times outside the trench, pit or gallery to help in the case of an emergency and evacuation.
- In deep pits and trenches and in narrow galleries, workers are to use harness-type safety belts joined to a fall and rescue device.
Personal protection
- Helmet, goggles and safety footwear with reinforced toecaps.
Procedures to apply
- ITL20.
- Work at heights and Mechanical handling of loads: PC0526.
