• In addition to this form, all volunteers and staff will have read and signed a Release and Waiver of Liability Form prior to working.
• Each work crew should identify one volunteer to be a safety officer—responsible for having emergency contact information for each crew and volunteer and to be aware of the location of the first-aid kit.
• Everyone is responsible for the safety of fellow workers.
• If you are uncertain about how to do a task or how to operate a power tool or perform a task—ask a supervisor.
• If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe performing a task, step away and ask a supervisor for help.
• Concentrate on your task and eliminate distractions such as horseplay.
• Inspect all power tools, hand tools, ladders and scaffolding on a daily basis.
• Advise your supervisor IMMEDIATELY of any unsafe or hazardous tool or condition.
• An accident investigation and report need to be completed on all accidents even if the volunteer or staff member determines that they are not in need of medical attention.
• The local covenant partner is responsible for setting any age restriction guidelines for types of tools that can be used and tasks that can be performed.

GOOD PRACTICES FOR AVOIDING ACCIDENTS OR INJURY

Proper attire

• No sandals or open-toed shoes may be worn on site; boots are recommended.
• Wear a shirt at all times.
• Long pants are preferred; shorts may be worn depending on job to be performed.
• Do not wear jewelry that might get caught in tools.
• Do not wear loose clothing when operating power tools.

Lifting/carrying

• Lift with legs, bend knees and keep a straight back.
• Have the appropriate number of people to lift/carry an object.
• Do not lift more than you can handle alone; have a partner help if needed.
• When carrying an object, watch for others to avoid hitting them.
• Watch for tripping hazards.

Allow Time for End of Day Clean-up

• Keep site orderly throughout the day.
• Pick up/straighten up site at the end of each day (i.e. tools, scrap materials, etc.).
• Return and secure all tools to prevent risk of theft.
• Stack building materials in a safe manner.
• Stack materials out of main traffic flow areas.
• Remove all nails from boards that will not be used again or are scrap.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Wear a hard hat when appropriate, or when directed by a leader/supervisor .
• Wear goggles or safety glasses when operating any type of power nailer or saw (table saw, roto-zip, skill saw, etc) to prevent dust, debris, or flying objects from entering eye.
• Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts, dust masks and safety glasses when installing insulation, carrying building materials etc.
• Wear dust mask when sanding drywall or when someone is sweeping causing heavy airborne dust.
• Ear plugs or ear covers should be used when operating table saws, pneumatic nailers, roto-zips, etc in a confined area.

Ladders:

• Use ladders for the purposes for which they were designed. Do not use ladders for skids, braces or workbenches, etc.
• Make sure ladder size meets job demands.
• Do not use step ladders as straight ladders, always open all four feet and lock spreaders in place on a step ladder and place in a level condition.
• Use proper angles when using straight and extension ladders. When using a non-self-supporting ladder use the “four-to-one” rule: for every four feet of height, moves the bottom of the ladder one foot from the wall.
• Top of extension ladders must extend a minimum of three feet beyond the supporting object when used as an access to an elevated work area.
• Before climbing extension ladders, make sure latches are properly engaged.
• Extension ladders must be overlapped a minimum of three rungs.
• Keep body near the middle of the ladder. Avoid leaning off the edge of a ladder. Move the ladder frequently so as not to be tempted to lean too far.
• Do not step on the top rung or platform on a step ladder.
• Do not carry anything that will prevent holding on with both hands while ascending or descending the ladder. Use a tool belt, bucket or a tool bag to lift tools.
• Only one person on a ladder at a time.
• When climbing, always face the ladder.
• Place your ladder on solid footing. If there is a danger of the ladder moving while you work, tie it down. If there is a danger that the ladder will be hit, barricade it. If the feet of the ladder are not level, dig the ground out under one foot with the claw of a hammer rather than raising one foot with blocks.

Utility Knives:

• Close retractable blades when not in use
• Cut in a direction away from your body.

Power Tools:

• Ask for instructions if you are not experienced using power tools.