When I was at a larger design company before leaving the office we filled out a form of where we going, contact info, local emergency facility location, time and day, etc, all on a networked system.
We also required completing the OSHA 10 hour as a minimum, plus annual safety training.
Then review the Contractor's site safety plan prior to stepping on site.
This email, including any attachments, is intended only for the use of the recipient(s) and may contain privileged and confidential information, including information protected under the HIPAA privacy rules. Any unauthorized review, disclosure, copying, distribution or use is prohibited. If you received this email by mistake, please notify us by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.
Original Message:
Sent: 1/29/2025 8:57:00 PM
From: Tyler D. Schaffer AIA
Subject: Safety Moment - Safety Recommendations and Personal Protection Equipment on the Job Site
Architects should follow a few safety rules when visiting construction sites:
- Notify the on-site personnel when you arrive on site. Often, they require you sign in before walking the site.
- Follow the on-site personal protection equipment (PPE) requirements of the General Contractor(GC) or Construction Manager(CM). See recommended PPE requirements below.
- Ensure equipment operators see you! Do not assume they know you are there and do not walk behind heavy machinery.
- When possible, walk with someone from the GC/CM's team. They know what's currently happening on site and the areas to avoid.
Recommended PPE Requirements:
- Hard hat:
- Conforms to ANSI Z89.1
- Note: some contractors require an ANSI Type II or an EN12492 hard hat.
- Confirm hard hat is within manufacturer's expiration date. Recommendation is to replace after 5 years from the manufactured date, stamped on the inside of the helmet.
- Hi-Visibility Vest or Coat:
- Footwear:
- Closed-toe boots or heavy above-the-ankle shoes with a thick, slip-resistant sole.
- Waterproof/resistant and steel toe construction are preferred (may be required at some construction sites).
- Eye Protection:
- Conforms to ANSI Z87.1
- Ensure proper fit when using over prescription eyewear or consider clip on side protection.
- Hand Protection:
- Snug fitting protective gloves.
- Consider abrasion resistant and/or touch-screen compatible gloves.
- Hearing Protection:
- Optional unless required by specific jobsite rules: Recommended depending on exposure to high sound levels and durations.
- Recommend keeping a set of ear plugs with you on the jobsite.
- Respiratory Protection:
- Optional unless required by specific jobsite rules: coordinate with GC/safety coordinator.
- N95 or KN95 masks required when Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 150.
Do others have similar or more stringent PPE requirements?
------------------------------
Tyler Schaffer AIA
LMN Architects
Seattle, WA
------------------------------