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The Philippines, Occupational Safety and Health Standards

RULE 1410

CONSTRUCTION SAFETY

Source:
Occupational Safety and Health Standards (As Amended).
Bureau of Working Conditions, Department of Labour and
Employment, Manila, Philippines. Second Publication, as amended,
1990. Copyright Reserved per P.D. 49

RULE 1410

1411 : Definitions:

When used in this Rule, the following shall have their meanings
except when otherwise provided:

(1)  "Sheating" shall mean the vertical member of shoring and
     timbering which directly resists pressure from side of an
     excavation.

(2)  "Wale" shall mean the longitudinal member of shoring and
     timbering which directly resists pressure from sheating.

(3)  "Strut" shall mean the transverse member of shoring and
     timbering which directly resists pressure from sheating or
     wales.

(4)  "Scaffold" shall mean a temporary structure of timber or
     metal work with a platform used in the construction,
     alteration or demolition of a building, or other
     maintenance work used to support workers or to allow the
     hoisting and lowering of worker$ their tools and materials.

(5)  "Standard or Upright" shall mean the vertical member of
     scaffold transmitting the load to the ground or to a base
     plate.

(6)  "Ledger or Stringer" shall mean a scaffold bracing which
     extends horizontally from standard to standard forming
     right angles with the putlogs and forms a tie between the
     standards.

(7)  "Putlogs"or"Bearer" shall mean a scaffold member spanning
     between a ledger and a building wall or between two ledgers
     upon which the platform rests.

(8)  "Brace" shall mean a scaffold member that holds standards
     or uprights in a fixed position to prevent any lateral
     movement.

(9)  "Single Scaffold" shall mean a platform supported by a
     single row of uprights or standards tied along the wall,
     connected horizontally by a ledger and supporting putlogs
     which rests on ledger on one side and in holes left in
     walls on the other.

(10) "Double Scaffold" shall mean a platform supported on two
     rows of uprights or standards parallel to the wall of a
     building connected by horizontal ledgers and is independent
     from the building wall.

(11) "Suspended Scaffold" shall mean a scaffold suspended by
     means of ropes or chains capable of being lowered or raised
     by winch, pulley, block or such other means.

(12) "Trestle Scaffold" shall mean scaffolds in which the
     supports for the platform are step ladders, tripods or
     similar movable contrivances.

(13) "Hoist" shall mean a lifting machine with a carriage,
     platform or cage which moves on guides.

(14) "Lifting Appliance" shall mean a crab, winch, pulley block
     or gin wheel used for raising or lowering, a hoist crane,
     sheer legs excavators, draglines, pile driver, or pile
     excavators.

(15) "Lifting Gear" shall mean a chain sling, rope sling, ring,
     link, hook, shackle, swivel, or eyebolt.

(16) "Mobile Crane" shall mean a crane capable of travelling
     under its own power.

(17) "Plant or Equipment" shall include any plant, equipment,
     gear, machinery, apparatus or appliances, or any part
     thereof.

1412    : General Provisions

1412.01 : Health and Safety Committee:

At every construction site there shall be organized and
maintained a Health and Safety Committee conforming with Rule
1040 and a medical and dental service conforming with Rule 1960.

1412.02 : Alternative Methods and Materials:

In the application of this Rule, the construction, composition,
size, and arrangement of materials used may vary provided that
the strength of the structure is at least equal to that herein
prescribed.

1412.03 : Electrical :

Before any construction is commenced, and during the
construction, steps shall be taken to prevent danger to the
workers or operating equipment from any live electric cable or
equipment either by rendering the cable or apparatus electrically
dead or by providing barriers to prevent contact.

1412.04 : Machine Guarding:

All moving parts of machinery used shall be guarded in accordance
with the requirements of Rule 1200.

1412.05: Fire Protection:

(1)  Fire Protection equipment shall be provided in accordance
     with the requirements of Rule 1940.

(2)  Permanent stand pipe installed in a construction site
     shall:

     a.   be installed progressively as the construction work
          proceeds.      
     b.   be provided with a valve at every hose outlet.    
     c.   have a hose outlet to which is connected a hose that
          is:       
          i.   at least 4 cm. (11/2 in.) in diameter,       
          ii.  equipped with a combination straight stream and
               fog nozzle, and          
          iii. installed in all storeys in locations where every
               part of the building shall be protected by a hose
               having a length of not more than 25 m. (75 ft.)
                    
     d.   have a connection of the size used by the local fire
          department:         
          i.   located on the street side not more than l m. (3
               ft.) and not less than 0.33 m (1 ft.) above the
               ground level.       
          ii.  to which there must be a clear access at all
               times, and          
          iii. protected from mechanical damage.

1412.06 : Lighting of Work Areas:

Every work-area and approach thereto, every place where raising
or lowering operations with the use of a lifting appliance are
in progress, and all openings dangerous to workers, shall be
lighted with the minimum requirements provided in Rule 1210.

1412.07 : Lifting of Weights:

For continued lifting, a male worker shall not be made to lift,
carry or move any load over fifty kilograms (50 kgs.) and female
workers over twenty-five kilograms (25 kgs.) Weights over these
shall either be handled by more than one worker or by mechanical
means.

1412.08 : Pipelines:

Repair work on any section of a pipeline under pressure shall not
be undertaken until the pipeline is released of the pressure or
the section under repair is blocked off the line pressure to
ensure that no worker will be endangered.

1412.09 : Protection of the Public:

A safe covered walkway shall be constructed over the sidewalk for
use by pedestrians in a building construction work less than 2.3
m. (7 ft.) from a sidewalk or public road.

1412.10 : Protection from Falling Materials :

(1)  Steps shall be taken to protect workers from falling
     materials, such as the provision of safety helmets and
     safety shoes.

(2)  Tools, objects and materials (including waste materials)
     shall not be thrown or tipped from a height, but shall be
     properly lowered by crane, hoist or chutes. If such is not
     practicable, the area where the material is thrown or
     lowered shall be fenced and no person allowed in the fenced
     area.

1412.11 : Protruding Nails and Loose Materials:

(1)  Material or lumber with protruding nails shall not be used
     in any work or be allowed to remain in any place where they
     are a source of danger to the workers.

(2)  Loose materials shall not be placed or left on working
     platforms, gangways, floors or other workplaces but shall
     be removed, stacked or stored not to obstruct passage.
     Materials shall not be stacked in a manner causing danger
     to the workers or overload and render unsafe any platform,
     gangway, floor, roof or other part of a building or
     structure.

1412.12 : Protection against Collapse of Structure:

(1)  All temporary structure shall be properly supported by the
     use of guys, stays, and other fixings necessary for
     stability during construction.

(2)  Where construction work will likely reduce the stability of
     an existing or adjacent building, shoring shall be
     undertaken to prevent the collapse or fall of any part of
     the structure.

1412.13 : Safe Means of Access:

Safe means of access and egress shall be provided and maintained
to and from every place where work is undertaken.

1412.14 : Storage of Materials:

(1)  Building materials and equipment shall not be placed or
     stored on a permanent or temporary structure exceeding its
     safe load carrying capacity.

(2)  Lumber structural steel and similar building materials
     shall be properly stored and secured against collapsing or
     tipping. Cross pieces shall be used in a pile of lumber
     more than 1 m. (3 ft.) high.

(3)  Pipes and reinforcing steels shall be stacked in racks or
     frames supported to prevent movement.

(4)  Gangways and platforms shall not be used as storage for
     materials and tools.

1412.15 : Storage of Cylinders:

Compressed gas cylinders shall be stored in upright position
protected against heat and overturning and when not in use, the
control valves shall be covered by protective caps screwed to
proper positions

1412.16 : Traffic Control:

In construction sites where a worker's safety is likely to be
endangered by a vehicular traffic, flagmen, warning signs,
barriers or lane control devices shall be installed.

1412.17 : Vehicular Loading:

No person shall remain on or in a vehicle during loading or
unloading except those required to be there and only when all
necessary protection against hazards are provided.

1412.18 : Vehicle Driving:

No person shall operate any vehicle or equipment in a
construction site unless he has adequate training and experience
to operate such vehicle or equipment and is authorized by his
immediate supervisor.

1412.19 : Internal Combustion Engine:

No internal combustion engine shall be operated in an enclosed
area unless:

(1)  the exhaust gases or fumes are discharged directly outside
     to a point where the discharge gases or fumes cannot return
     to the enclosure.

(2)  the place is ventilated to protect workers from exhaust
     gases.

1412.20 : Personal Protective Equipment:

Personal Protective equipment as required in Rule 1080 shall be
provided the workers.

1412.21 : Other Standards:

The provisions of this Rule are minimum requirements and any
other regulation of other government authority of the same nature
but with higher numerical values shall prevail.

1413    : Excavation:

1413.01 : Shoring and Timbering:

(1)  The walls of every excavation over l m. (3 ft.) deep shall
     be supported by adequate shoring and timbering to prevent
     collapse, provided that this shall not apply to an
     excavation:

a.   in which a worker is not required to enter for any purposes.
b.   cut in solid rock.
c.   the walls are sloped to forty-five degree (45) angle from
     the vertical or cut to the angle of repose.
d.   in which a worker is engaged in timbering or other work for
     the purpose of compliance with this Rule if precautions are
     taken to ensure his safety.

(2)  Shoring or timbering in excavation over 6.6 m. (20 ft.)
     deep and those installed to prevent the movement, collapse
     of an adjacent structure shall be designed by a structural
     engineer and approved by the proper authority.

(3)  No excavation in an adjacent building or structure shall be
     undertaken unless steps are taken to prevent danger to
     workers.

(4)  Before shoring or timbering, the walls of an excavation
     shall be stripped of loose rocks or other materials that
     might slide, roll or fall on workers.

(5)  Every excavation over 1 m. (3 ft.) shall be kept free of
     water at all times.

1413.02 : Minimum Berm :

(1)  Excavated material shall be kept from the edge of the
     excavation to provide a clear berm of a distance not less
     than one third of the depth of the excavation.

(2)  Where the disposal area is limited, a berm of reduced width
     of not less than 1 m. (3 ft.) may be allowed, provided the
     materials being excavated are stable, the shoring is
     designed to carry the additional load, and barriers are
     provided to prevent roll back of the excavated materials.

1413.03 : Tools, Materials and Machinery:

(1)  Tools or materials shall be kept a minimum of l m. (3 ft.)
     away from the edge of the excavation to prevent their being
     knocked down into the excavation.

(2)  No vehicle or other machinery shall be driven, operated or
     located near the edge of an excavation at least a distance
     one-third (1/3) of its depth.

1413.04 : Provision for Barricades:

The top of the walls of an excavation more than 2.0 m. (6 ft.)
deep shall be barricaded to a height of at least 1 m. (3 ft.) to
prevent the fall of workers.

1413.05 : Means of Access and Escape:

(1)  Every excavation over 1 m. (3 ft.) deep shall be provided
     with means of access and escape in case of flooding or
     collapse of the excavation work.

(2)  Every excavation shall have at least one (1) ladder in
     every 16.6 m. (50 ft. ) of length or fraction thereof, of
     a length which shall extend at least 0.83 m. (2'6") above
     the top of the excavation to provide a firm handhold when
     stepping on or off the ladder.

1413.06 : Inspection and Examination of Excavation:

Every part of an excavation over 2 m. (6 ft.) deep where workers
work shall be inspected by the person in charge at least once
everyday.

1413.07 : Supervision and Execution of Timbering and other Work:

(1)  Timbering or support for any excavation shall be erected,
     added, altered or dismantled only under the direction of
     the project supervisor.

(2)  Timbering and other support for any excavation shall be of
     good construction, sound materials, and of adequate
     strength for the purpose for which it is used and properly
     maintained.

(3)  All struts and bracings shall be properly secured to
     prevent displacement.

(4)  Timber giving off toxic saps or substance soluble in water
     shall not be used for timbering

1413.08 : Harmful Dust, Gases, Fumes:

(1)  When harmful dusts, gases and fumes are present in an
     excavation to such a degree hazardous to the safety and
     health of the workers, all measures shall be taken either
     by exhaust ventilation or by other means to free the area
     of such contaminants.

(2)  Internal combustion engine shall only be operated in an
     excavation when provision is made to ensute that the
     exhaust gases and fumes are rendered harmless or discharged
     to a point away from the excavation.

1413.09 : Sizes and Spacing of Members:

Sheating shall not be less than 5 cm. x 15 cm. (2" x 6") in
section, wales not less than 10 cm. x 15 cm. (4" x 6") in section
and struts not less than 10 cm. x 15 cm. (4" x 6") in section;
the length, section and spacing of timbering members shall be
designed considering the nature of soil, depth and the
surroundings.

1414    : Scaffoldings:

(1)  Every scaffold shall be of good construction, of sound
     materials and strength for the purpose for which it is
     intended.

(2)  Timber used for scaffolds shall be in good condition, the
     bark completely stripped off, and not painted or treated in
     any manner that defects cannot be easily seen.

(3)  All materials and parts of scaffold not in use or intended
     for re-use shall be kept under good condition and separate
     from other materials unsuitable for scaffolds.

(4)  Timber/bamboo scaffoldings shall be limited to a height of
     20 meters from the ground or base provided that, over a
     height of 10 meters, the scaffolding and all other
     installations constructed over the scaffolding shall be
     designed by a structural engineer and duly approved by the
     appropriate authority.

(5)  At heights over 20 meters, structural metals should be used
     designed by a structural engineer and duly approved by the
     appropriate authority;

(6)  Structural steel when used as load bearing members of
     scaffolding shall be distressed at welded or bent joints
     and design construction approved by the proper authority.

1414.01 : Maintenance of Scaffolds:

(1)  All scaffolds shall be properly maintained and every part
     shall be kept, fixed and secured in position to prevent
     displacement.

(2)  No partly dismantled scaffold shall be used unless it is
     rendered stable, strong and safe for the purpose.

(3)  Scaffoldings left standing for four (4) months shall not be
     used until damaged members are replaced and the whole
     structure returned to its original strength.

1414.02 : Supervision and inspection of Scaffolds:

(1)  Scaffold shall be erected, added, altered or dismantled
     only under the supervision of the person in charge of the
     construction.

(2)  All materials used in any scaffold shall be inspected
     before use.

(3)  Lumber with two (2) nailholes aligned crosswise or four (4)
     nailholes along its length shall not be used as horizontal
     load bearing member of scaffolds.

1414.03 : Strength and Stability of Scaffolds:

Every scaffold shall:

(a)  be capable of supporting twice the maximum load to which it
     may be subjected without exceeding the allowable unit
     stresses of the materials used;

(b)  have all standards diagonally and horizontally braced to
     prevent lateral movement; and

(c)  have no splices between the points of support of horizontal
     members and secured to prevent lateral movement.

1414.04 : Construction of Timber Scaffolds:

(a)  In single scaffold, the standard shall be placed at 1.18 to
     2.43 meters (4 to 8 ft.) apart at a distance of 1 m. (3
     ft.) from the wall, connected horizontally by ledgers  
     spaced vertically at 1.51 m. (5 ft.) to 1.81 m. (6 ft.) on
     centers. Putlogs shall be placed in the holes left in the
     Walls

(b)  The size of the standard shall not be less than 8.9 cm. (3
     in.) in diameter or its equivalent and when it is necessary
     to extend a standard, the overlaps shall not be less than
     60 cm. (23 in.).    

(c)  In double scaffold, the outer row shall be at a distance of
     1.22 to 1.32 m. from the wall. The putlogs shall rest
     entirely on the ledgers. In addition to the diagonal
     braces, inclined supports shall be provided to prevent the
     scaffold from leaning away from the wall. The supports
     shall be strutted at intermediate heights against the
     standards.

(d)  The size of the standards for double scaffold shall not be
     less than 10 cm. in diameter or its equivalent and when it
     is necessary to extend a standard the overlap shall not be
     less than 15 cm.    

(e)  Ledgers, standards and putlogs shall be securely fastened
     by bolts, dogs, or ropes.     

(f)  The distance between two consecutive putlogs shall be
     designed with due regard to anticipated load and the nature
     of the platform flooring. As a minimum rule, the       
     spacing shall be as follows:       

          for 3.2 cm. thick planks, spacing shall not exceed 1
          m., for 3.8 cm. thick planks spacing shall not exceed
          1.5 m.    

(g)  The displacement of the foot of the standard shall be
     prevented either by sinking it into the ground or by fixing
     it on a base plate.

1414.05 : Types of Scaffolds:

(1)  Traveling scaffold shall 

     (a)  be of stable construction and weighted at the base to
          prevent overturning 
     (b)  be used only on firm and even surface. 
     (c)  be securely braced, 
     (d)  not be moved when any worker is on the scaffold. 
     (e)  be moved only from or near the base.

(2)  Suspended scaffold shall not be used unless:

     (a)  the fixed support or outriggers to which it is
          attached are capable of supporting at least four (4)
          times the maximum load to which they may be subjected
          without exceeding the allowable unit stresses of the
          material used; 

     (b)  the platform is at least 25 cm. wide, suspension
          points shall not be more than 3 m. apart, and provided
          with devices to keep the platform at a distance from
          the wall to allow working in sitting position

     (c)  When suspended scaffold is raised or lowered, it shall
          have rope pulls equipped with pulley blocks, and
          mechanical hoisting equipment with a positive device
          to prevent the scaffold from falling freely

(3)  Cantilever, jib, figure and bracket scaffolds:

     (a)  Every cantilever or jib scaffold shall be properly
          supported, fixed and anchored on Opposite side of the
          supports, have outrigger of designed strength and
          properly strutted or braced to ensure rigidity and
          stability.

     (b)  Figure or bracket scaffold shall not be supported or
          held by dogs, spikes or similar fixing devices that
          will pull out.

(4)  Skips, brackets, boatswain chair:

     (a)  Skep, bracket, basket and boatswain chair shall not be
          used as substitute for a suspended scaffold unless the
          work is of such short duration and the work is under
          the supervision of the person responsible for the
          construction.

     (b)  No skip, bracket, or basket shall be used as a
          suspended scaffold unless it is:

          i.   at least 76 cm. deep and 
          ii.  either constructed of metal or carried by two
               strong bands of metal fastened around the sides
               and bottom.

(5)  Ladder Scaffolds or Ladderjack Scaffolds:

     A ladder scaffold shall be used only when:

     (a)  the work is of such light nature and the material
          required for the work is light and can be hung on the
          ladder.

     (b)  the distance between the ladders of the scaffold is
          less than 3 m.

(6)  Trestle Scaffolds:

     (a)  Trestle scaffolds shall not be used if the working
          platform is more than S m. from the ground or floor or
          other surface upon which the scaffold is erected.

     (b)  A trestle scaffold shall not be erected on a scaffold
          platform unless:

          i.   the platform is sufficiently wide for the
               transport of materials, 
          ii.  the uprights are firmly attached to the platform
               and braced to prevent displacement, and 
          iii. designed by structural engineer and approved by
               the proper authority if erected on a scaffold 10
               meters or over in height.

     (c)  No trestle scaffold shall erected on suspended
          scaffold.

(7)  Outrigger Scaffold:

     An outrigger scaffold shall have:

     (a)  its platform within 8 cm. from the wall, and

     (b)  shall have outrigger secured against horizontal and
          vertical movements

(8)  Bamboo Scaffold:

Bamboo scaffold may be used for painting or light construction
work constructed and maintained.

     (a)  the material and construction shall be sufficient to
          carry at least four (4) times the imposed load.

     (b)  only one worker shall be allowed in any one span;

     (c)  the maximum span between posts shall be 266 cm. (8
          ft.)

     (d)  when the height or fall is over 6.6 m. (20 ft.), the
          use of safety belt shall be required.   

     (e)  when erected over a height of 10 meters (30 ft.), the
          design shall be by a structural engineer approved by
          the proper authority and construction shall be under
          expert supervision, and  

     (f)  the maximum height allowed is 20 meters (60 ft.) 

1414.06 : Platform, Runways, Ramps and Stairs:

(1)  All working platforms, runways and ramps from which workers
     are liable to fall a distance of more than 2 m. (6 ft.)
     shall be:

     (a)  for platform with minimum width of 70 cm. (28 in.) the
          runways and ramp shall be 45 cm. (18 in.) and if
          runways are used for the passage of materials, the
          width shall not be less than 70 cm. (28 in.).

     (b)  provided with strong guard rails up to a height of 91
          cm. (35 in.) above the working surface and toeboatds
          of at least 20 cm. (8 in.) in height.

(2)  The following shall be the minimum width of platform for
     various types of scaffolds:

     (a)  When the platform is not more than 2 m. (6 ft. ) above
          the ground floor:

          i.   for painters, decorators and similar types of
               workers, 30 cm. (12 in.); 
          ii.  for all other types of workers and tools, 50 cm.
               (90 in. )

     (b)  When the platform is more than two 2 m. (6 ft. ) above
          the ground or floor:

          i.   for men tools and materials 1 m. (3 ft.) 
          ii.  for men, tools, materials and vehicles, 1.5 m. (5
               ft. )

     (3)  Every platform, runway, ramp or stairs shall be kept
          free from any obstruction, materials, rubbish and
          projecting nails. When they become slippery due to the
          nature of work, steps shall be taken by way of
          sanding, cleaning or by any other means to roughen the
          surface.

     (4)  Supporting members used in the construction of
          platforms, runways, ramps and stairs shall be securely
          fastened and braced. The supporting members shall be
          placed in a firm and rigid foundation to prevent
          lateral displacement.

     (5)  The uniformly distributed minimum design load of
          platform, runway, ramp or stair shall be 650 kg./sq.
          m. (133 lbs./sq. ft.). The stress due to concentrated
          loads at any point in the floor shall not exceed those
          caused by the uniformly distributed load used in the
          design. Planking used shall not be less than 3 cm. (2
          in.) thick.

     (6)  A scaffold platform shall not project beyond its end
          support to a distance exceeding four (4) times the
          thickness of the plank, unless secured to prevent
          tipping.

     (7)  All planks, platforms, runways and ramps shall be
          fixed and supported to prevent sagging and moving.

     (8)  Slope of runway or ramp shall not exceed 2 in 3.

(9)  When the slope of runway or ramp requires additional
     foothold using stepping laths. they shall:

     i.   have a minimum section 5 x 8 cm. (2 in. x 3 in.)
          placed at maximum intervals of 46 cm. (18 in.) on
          centers.

     ii.  extend to the full width of the runway or ramp except
          that they may be interrupted over a width of not more
          than 10 cm. (4 in.) to facilitate the passage of
          barrows.

1415    : Construction Equipment:

1415.01 : Lifting Appliances:

(1)  Every lifting appliance including working gear and all
     other plant equipment used for anchoring or fixing shall:

     a.   be of good mechanical construction, of sound material
          and adequate strength for the load it will carry.

     b.   be properly maintained and inspected at least once a
          week and the result of such inspection shall be
          recorded in a log book maintained by the employer or
          user of the equipment, open to enforcing authority.

(2)  Any anchoring or fixing arrangement provided in connection
     with a lifting appliance shall be adequate and secure to
     hold the imposed load.

1415.02 : Brake Controls and Safety Devices:

(1)  Every crane, crab and winch shall be provided with a brake
     to prevent the fall of the load and to control operation
     when the load is lowered.

(2)  Every handle or lever of a lifting appliance provided for
     controlling its operation shall be provided with suitable
     locking arrangement to prevent its accidental movement.

(3)  Every lever or handle provided for controlling the
     operation of a lifting appliance shall have upon it clear
     marking to indicate purpose and mode of operation.

1415.03 : Protection of Crane Driver:

(1)  Platform for crane drivers and signallers shall be:

     (a)  of sufficient area, 
     (b)  closely planked, plated and 
     (c)  provided with safe means of access and egress.

(2)  Every side of a platform more than 2.16 meters (6.5 ft.)
     high shall be provided with guard rails and toeboards.

(3)  The driver of every power driven lifting appliance shall be
     provided with a cabin which shall:

     (a)  afford protection from the weather and falling
          objects, and
     (b)  be constructed to afford ready access to operating
          parts of the lifting appliance within the cabin and
          shall be periodically inspected and maintained.

1415.04 : Anchorage and Load Test of Cranes:

(1)  When lifting appliances are used on soft or uneven ground
     or on a slope, adequate measures shall be taken to ensure
     their stability or undue movement.

(2)  No crane shall be used for raising or lowering loads
     unless:

     (a)  it is securely anchored. 
     (b)  adequately balanced by a weight properly placed and
          secured

(3)  Every crane after erection altered or any kind of change
     shall be tested by the contractor/supervisor with the
     imposition either:

     (a)  of a load of twenty-five per cent (25%) above the
          maximum load to be lifted by the crane as erected at
          the position when the maximum pull is applied on each
          anchorage, or

     (b)  of lesser load arranged to provide an equivalent test
          of the anchorages or balancing arrangements.

(4)  A report of the test shall be recorded in a log book to be
     maintained by the employer.

(5)  The maximum load allowed shall be affixed in a place where
     it can be readily be seen by the crane operator.

(6)  No crane shall be used or erected under conditions likely
     to endanger stability.

1415.05 : Drums and Pulleys:

Every chain or rope that terminates at the winding drum of a
lifting appliance shall be properly secured thereto and at least
two turns or such chain or rope shall remain on the drum in every
operating maximum end position of the appliance.

1415.06 : Cranes and Derricking Jibs:

(1)  When the derricking jib of a crane is operated through a
     clutch, there shall be an effective inter-locking
     arrangement between the derricking drum in such a way that
     the clutch cannot be operated unless the pawl is in
     effective engagement with the derricking jib and the pawl
     cannot be disengaged unless the clutch is in effective
     engagement with the derricking drum. This requirement shall
     not apply when the derricking drum is independently driven
     and the mechanism driving the derricking drum is
     self-locking.

(2)  The hosting mechanism of a crane shall not be used to pull
     the load sideways unless it is ascertained that no undue
     stress is imposed on the crane structures and its stability
     is not endangered.

1415.07 : Crane Operation and Signalling:

(1)  A lifting appliance shall not be operated other than by a
     person trained, competent, physically fit, and authorized
     to operate the appliance.

(2)  When the operator of a lifting appliance has no clear and
     unrestricted view of the load for safe working, there shall
     be appointed one or more signal men to give the necessary
     signals to the operator.

(3)  Every signal given for the movement or stopping of a
     lifting appliance shall be distinctive in character and the
     person to whom it is given is able to hear or see it
     easily.

1415.08 : Safe Working Loads:

(1)  Safe working loads shall be plainly marked on every lifting
     appliance and in case of a crane with variable operating
     radius, safe load at various radii of the jib shall be
     marked on the jib displayed in the driver's cabin or fitted
     with an automatic safe load indicator.

(2)  In every derricking jib, the maximum radius at which the
     jib may be worked shall be plainly marked on it.

(3)  No lifting appliance shall be loaded beyond its safe
     working load.

1415.09 : Guy Derrick Cranes:

(1)  The jib of guy derrick cranes shall not be erected between
     the back stays of the crane.

(2)  Measures shall be taken to prevent the foot of the king
     post of any derrick crane from being lifted out of its
     socket.

1415.10 : Testing and Examination of Lifting Appliances:

(1)  No lifting appliance shall be used unless it has been
     tested and examined thoroughly initially and every year
     thereafter by a competent person by way of his training and
     experience in such work.

(2)  No lifting appliance which has undergone substantial
     alteration or repair affecting its strength or stability
     shall be used unless it is tested and thoroughly examined
     by a competent person

1415.11 : Hoist:

Every hoistway shall be efficiently protected by enclosures and
when access to the hoist is necessary, it shall be fitted with
gates. Such enclosures and gates shall extend to 2.16 m. (6' 6")
except when lesser height is sufficient to prevent the fall of
persons and where there is no risk of any worker coming in
contact with any moving part of the hoist, but shall in no case
be less than 2.16 m. (6' 6").

1415.12 : Marking of Safe Working Loads on Hoist:

The safe working load or the number of persons that can be
carried in a hoist shall be plainly marked on every platform or
cage of the hoist. A notice prohibiting overloading of the hoist
shall be placed on the platform or cage of the hoist.

1415.13 : Operation of Hoist:

(1)  Hoist for the carriage of goods and materials shall be of
     such construction that it is operated outside of the cage
     unless the doors of the cage and the enclosure are of the
     interlocked type.

(2)  Hoist for the carriage of persons shall have the doors of
     the cage and enclosure of hoistway of interlocked type and
     the cage completely covered and fitted with overrun
     devices.

1415.14 : Carriage of Persons by Means of Lifting Appliances:

No person shall be raised, lowered or carried by a power driven
lifting appliance except:

(1)  on the driver's platform in case of a crane or a hoist, or

(2)  on an approved suspended scaffold, or

(3)  when the use of hoist or suspended scaffold is not
     reasonable, provided that:

     (a)  the appliance can be operated from one position only;

     (b)  the winch used is so constructed that when control
          lever or switch is not held in operating position,
          brake is applied and disengages from pawl and ratchet
          gears; and 
     (c)  no person is carried except in:

          (i)       a chair or cage, or 
          (ii)      a safe skip or other receptacle at least 1
                    m.(3 ft.) deep, and
          (iii)     measures are taken to prevent the chair,
                    cage, skip or receptacle from spinning or
                    tipping in a manner dangerous to any
                    occupant.

1415.15 : Test and Examination of Hoists:

(1)  After erection or alteration, every hoist shall be tested
     and examined every six (6) months by a competent person and
     the result of such tests and examination shall be recorded
     in a log book maintained for the purpose.

(2)  The log book shall be made available for inspection by the
     enforcing authority.

1415.16 : Chains, Ropes and Lifting Gears:

(1)  No chain, rope or lifting gear shall be used unless:

     (a)  it is of good construction, sound material, of
          adequate strength, suitable quality and free from
          potent defects. 

     (b)  it has been tested and examined by a competent person
          specifying the safe working load.

(2)  No wire rope shall be used for lifting and lowering of any
     load if in any 10 meters length, the total number of
     visible broken wires exceed five percent of the total
     number of wires in the rope.

(3)  No chain, rope of lifting gear shall be loaded beyond its
     safe working load except for the purpose of testing.

(4)  No chain, ring, hook, link, clamp, shackle, swivel or
     eyebolt altered or repaired by welding shall be used unless
     it is tested and examined and its working load specified in
     the test.

(5)  Hooks for raising or lowering of load shall have- devices
     to prevent displacement of sling or load.

(6)  No double or multiple sling shall be used if the upper ends
     are not connected by means of shackle, ring or link of
     adequate strength or the safe working load is exceeded.

(7)  Chains with knots or chains shortened by means of bolts and
     knots inserted through the links or by welding shall not be
     used.

(8)  No chain, rope or lifting gear shall be used unless it is
     thoroughly examined by a competent person at intervals of
     six (6) months and the result of examination recorded in a
     log book maintained for the purpose open for inspection by
     the enforcing authority.

(9)  A chain or lifting gear shall not be used unless it is
     annealed or heat treated as required by the manufacturer.

1416 : Plant and Equipment:

(1)  When the operator of a power driven crane, shovel, forklift
     truck, front end loader and similar machinery is exposed to
     overhead hazards, a cab, screen or other overhead
     protection shall be provided.

(2)  When any equipment or part thereof is being dismantled, or
     repaired and a worker maybe endangered by the collapse or
     movement of the equipment, blocking shall be installed to
     prevent collapse or movement.

(3)  When a worker is endangered by the rotation or uncontrolled
     motion of a load being hoisted by a crane or similar
     hoisting machine, one or more guide ropes or tag lines
     shall be used to prevent rotation on uncontrolled motion.

(4)  A friction type clamp used in hoisting materials shall be
     constructed in a manner that accidental slacking of the
     hoisting cable will not release the clamp.

(5)  When the operator of a shovel or similar machine is
     obstructed in the view of the path of travel of any part of
     the shovel or similar machine, one or more signal men shall
     assist the operator by:

     (a)  keeping that part of the shovel or similar machine
          under observation when it is out of view of the
          operator, and

     (b)  communicating with the operator using prearranged
          signals or where these signals are impracticable, by
          audible communication system.

(6)  Every lifting jack shall:

     (a)  have its rated capacity legibly cast or stamped in
          plain view on the jack, and

     (b)  be equipped with a positive stop to prevent over
          travel or where a positive stop is impracticable, it
          shall be provided with a device indicating maximum
          allowable travel.

(7)  Where a vehicle, crane, machine or other equipment is
     driven in reverse in a location where a worker or the
     operator may be endangered, operation shall be directed by
     another worker who shall be stationed in full view of the
     operator and the path of travel.

(8)  An unattended vehicle parked on sloping ground or adjacent
     to an excavation shall have its brakes applied and the
     wheels blocked to prevent movement.

(9)  A hose supplying steam or air to 3 hammer or a pile driver
     or to a drill carriage shall have attached thereto a wire,
     rope or chain to prevent the hose from whipping.

(10) Piles or sheet piling shall be adequately supported at all
     times during hoisting, phasing, removal or withdrawal and
     no worker who is not directly engaged in such operation
     shall be in the area where the operation are being carried
     out.

1417    : Demolition:

1417.01 :

All demolition operations of building or other structure over six
(6) meters high shall be under supervision of a competent person.
No person except the workers who are directly engaged in the
demolition shall enter a demolition area to within a distance
equal to 1 1/2 times the height of the structure being
demolished, where this distance is not possible the structure
shall be fenced around and no unauthorized person shall be
allowed within the fenced area.

1417.02 : Demolition Work:

(1)  On every demolition work, danger signs shall be posted
     around the structure and all doors and opening giving
     access to the structure shall be kept barricaded or
     guarded.

(2)  Demolition work shall not commence until:

     (a)  all necessary steps have been taken to prevent injury
          to any person or damage to adjoining property, and

     (b)  all existing gas, electrical and other services likely
          to endanger a worker shall have been shut off or
          disconnected.

(3)  Prior to demolition all glass shall: 

     (a)  be removed from windows and other locations, or

     (b)  otherwise shall be protected so that there is no
          possibility of breakage at any stage of the
          demolition.

(4)  Shoring or other necessary measures shall be taken to
     prevent the accidental collapse of any part of the building
     or structure being demolished or any adjacent building or
     structure endangering the workers.

(5)  Demolition shall proceed systematically, storey by storey,
     in a descending order and the work on the upper floors
     shall be completely over before removing any of the
     supporting members of the structure on the lower floor.
     This shall not prohibit the demolition on section, in the
     same descending order if means are taken to prevent injury
     to workers and damage to property.

(6)  All precautions shall be taken to avoid damage from
     collapse of a building being demolished or any part of it
     when any part of the framing is removed from a framed or
     partly framed building.

(7)  No building or any part of the structure shall be
     overloaded with debris or materials to render it unsafe and
     hazardous to persons working.

(8)  Adequate precautions shall be taken to avoid danger from
     any sudden twisting, springing or collapse of any steel or
     ironwork cut or released.

(9)  No workers shall stand on top of wall, pier or chimney more
     than six (6) meters (18 ft.) high unless safe flooring or
     adequate scaffolding or staging is provided on all sides of
     the wall, three (3) meters (9 ft.) away from where he is
     working.

(10) A truss, girder, or other structural member shall not be
     disconnected until it has been: 

     (a)  relieved of all loads other than its own weight, and
     (b)  provided with temporary supports.

(11) Stairs and stair railings, passageways and ladders shall be
     demolished last.

(12) When demolition is suspended or discontinued all access to
     the remaining part of the building shall be fenced or
     barricaded.

1418.00 : Mechanical Demolition :

The demolition area where work is done by mechanical devices such
as weight balls or power shovels shall:

(a)  be barricaded for a minimum distance of 1 1/2 times the
     height of the structure. 
(b)  not allow entrance of unauthorized persons.
(c)  arranged and maintained so the mechanical devices used
     shall not cause any damage to adjacent structures, power
     lines or public road.

1419.00 : Explosives:

1419.01 : Supervision :

(1)  A competent person shall be appointed in charge of and
     personally present at all blasting operations who shall
     supervise the fixing of all charges and other blasting
     activities.

(2)  The names of persons designated to handle, transport,
     prepare or use dynamite or other high explosives shall be
     posted in the field office and on or in the magazine.

(3)  No person inexperienced in handling dynamite or other high
     explosives shall handle, transport, prepare or use
     dynamite, unless the inexperienced person work under the
     personal supervision of a person with experience in
     blasting operations.

(4)  A record of explosives received and used shall be properly
     maintained and open for inspection by the enforcing
     authority.

1419.02 : Blasting:

(1)  Only the quantity of dynamite required for immediate use in
     blasting of a part of a building or other structure shall
     be removed from the magazine.      

(2)  No holes shall be drilled:         

     (a)  within 3.3 m. (10 ft.) of a hole containing explosives
          or blasting agents.

     (b)  within 6.6 m. (20 ft.) of a hole being loaded with
          explosives or blasting agents.

(3)  Every firing circuit in connection with blasting operations
     shall be broken in a suitable manner at a safe distance
     from the blasting area.

(4)  When a charge is fired, steps shall be taken to see that
     persons employed are in a position free from the explosives
     or from flying objects.

(5)  The applicable provisions of Rule 1140 shall also apply to
     the use, handling, and storage of explosives in
     construction safety.

The International Labour Organization is a United Nations specialized agency.

Updated by PAP/SUT/TRS. Approved by BKL. Last updated on 5 March 2001