Construction Contract Administration

Architects should follow a few safety rules when visiting construction sites:

 

1. Notify the on-site personnel when you arrive on site. Often, they require you sign in before walking the site. 
2. Follow the on-site personal protection equipment (PPE) requirements of the General Contractor(GC) or Construction Manager(CM).  See recommended PPE requirements below.
3. Ensure equipment operators see you! Do not assume they know you are there and do not walk behind heavy machinery.
4. 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:
• Class 2 minimum.
• 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?

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Tyler Schaffer AIA
LMN Architects
Seattle, WA
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Original Message:
Sent: 1/31/2025 7:50:00 PM
From: Donald A. Koppy AIA
Subject: RE: Safety Moment - Safety Recommendations and Personal Protection Equipment on the Job Site

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.

Donald A. Koppy, CSI, CCS, CDT, AIA, NCARB Master Construction Specifier / Architect | Architecture & Building Engineering Direct: 813-222-8691 | Cell: 314-568-3363 | Don.Koppy@meadhunt.com" style="text-decoration: none">Transfer Files

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We also have a pre-site visit brief where the team knows the nearest hospital routes and muster points and has contact information for all relevant parties. It may seem a bit much, but having that information is calming if things ever go awry. Also, during the meeting, we go over the necessary PPE for the site, and everyone packs their bags, reducing the chance of missing or forgetting something. 

I also usually carry, a water bottle, snack, and sunscreen and have the mantra of "keep your head on a swivel". 

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Shaili Patel AIA
Colby Company Engineering
Palmer AK
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