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Scaling a highwall

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Pre-Task Plan: Highwall Scaling

Date: [DATE] Work Area: [WORK AREA] Task Supervisor: [SUPERVISOR NAME]

1. Task Description

Visually inspect the highwall for loose material and use hand tools (scaling bars, picks) to remove loose rock and debris to prevent potential falls.

2. Task Duration

Estimated Start: [START TIME] Estimated Completion: [END TIME]

3. Personnel Involved

  • Scaler
  • Spotter
  • Equipment Operator (if applicable)

4. Task-Specific Hazards and Controls

HazardRiskControl Measures
Falling rocks/debrisInjury to personnel belowEstablish a clear exclusion zone. Use spotters to warn of falling material. Scale from top to bottom whenever possible. [1]
Instability of highwallHighwall collapse, potential for burialConduct thorough geotechnical assessment. Implement proper slope support techniques. Monitor highwall for signs of instability (cracks, bulging).
Dust inhalationRespiratory irritation, silicosis (long-term)Use respirators (NIOSH approved). Implement dust suppression methods (water spraying). [2]
Slips, trips, and fallsInjuries from loss of balanceEnsure good footing. Wear appropriate footwear. Use fall protection equipment when working at heights.
Manual handling of toolsMusculoskeletal injuriesUse proper lifting techniques. Take frequent breaks. Rotate tasks to reduce strain.

5. Required PPE for Today's Task

  • Hard hat
  • Safety glasses or goggles [2]
  • Steel-toed boots
  • Gloves
  • Respirator (NIOSH approved) [3]
  • High-visibility vest
  • Fall protection harness and lanyard (if applicable)

6. Tools and Equipment Needed

  • Scaling bars
  • Picks
  • Shovels
  • Rock hammer
  • Air compressor (if using pneumatic tools)
  • Water sprayer for dust suppression
  • Communication devices (radios)

7. Pre-Start Checklist

Area Preparation

  • [ ] Establish and clearly mark exclusion zone.
  • [ ] Ensure adequate lighting.
  • [ ] Check stability of the highwall face.

Equipment Checks

  • [ ] Inspect scaling tools for damage.
  • [ ] Verify proper functioning of fall protection equipment.
  • [ ] Check communication devices.

Communication

  • [ ] Conduct pre-task briefing with all personnel.
  • [ ] Establish clear communication signals between scalers and spotters.

8. Task Steps Overview

  1. Conduct a visual inspection of the highwall.
  2. Establish exclusion zone and post warning signs.
  3. Begin scaling from top to bottom, removing loose material.
  4. Use spotters to monitor for falling rocks and debris.
  5. Regularly assess the stability of the highwall.

9. Emergency Response for This Task

  • Rock fall causing injury → Provide immediate first aid, call for emergency services, clear the area.
  • Highwall collapse → Evacuate the area immediately, account for all personnel, notify supervisor.

10. Task-Specific Precautions

  • Never work directly below another scaler.
  • Be aware of changing weather conditions.
  • Do not scale if the highwall is wet or icy.

Pre-Task Briefing Confirmation

All workers understand the task, associated hazards, and required controls.

Team Lead Initials: [___] Date: [DATE] Time: [TIME]

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3 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Sakrete - Stone Veneer Mortar

Page 7

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Stone Veneer Mortar Safety Data Sheet according to the Hazard Communication Standard (CFR29 1910.1200) HazCom 2012. <table><tr><th colspan="2">Calcium oxide (1305-78-8)</th></tr><tr><td colspan="2">USA - OSHA - Occupational Exposure Limits</td></tr><tr><td>Local name</td><td>Calcium oxide</td></tr><tr><td>OSHA PEL (TWA) [1]</td><td>5 mg/m3</td></tr><tr><td>Regulatory reference (US-OSHA)</td><td>OSHA Annotated Table Z-1</td></tr></table> ## 8.2. Appropriate engineering controls <table><tr><th>Appropriate engineering controls</th><th>: Use ventilation adequate to keep exposures (airborne levels of dust, fume, vapor, etc.) below recommended exposure limits. Ensure good ventilation of the work station. Provide readily accessible eye wash stations and safety showers.</th></tr><tr><td>Environmental exposure controls</td><td>: Avoid release to the environment.</td></tr></table> ## 8.3. Individual protection measures/Personal protective equipment <table><tr><th>Hand protection:</th></tr><tr><td>Wear suitable waterproof gloves</td></tr><tr><td>Eye protection:</td></tr><tr><td>Wear approved eye protection (properly fitted dust- or splash-proof chemical safety goggles) and face protection (face shield).</td></tr><tr><td>Skin and body protection:</td></tr><tr><td>Wear suitable waterproof protective clothing</td></tr><tr><td>Respiratory protection:</td></tr><tr><td>A NIOSH approved dust mask or filtering facepiece is recommended in poorly ventilated areas or when permissible exposure limits may be exceeded. Respirators should be selected by and used under the direction of a trained health and safety professional following requirements found in OSHA's respirator standard (29 CFR 1910.134) and ANSI's standard for respiratory protection (Z88.2).</td></tr></table> ## Other information: Handle according to established industrial hygiene and safety practices. Do not eat, smoke or drink where material is handled, processed or stored. Wash hands carefully before eating or smo

[2] LATICRETE - MVIS™ Premium Pointing Mortar Base

Page 10

Open source document

Source excerpt

# MVIS™ Premium Pointing Mortar Base Safety Data Sheet According To Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 58 / Monday, March 26, 2012 / Rules And Regulations And According To The Hazardous Products Regulation (February 11, 2015). <table><tr><th>Northwest Territories</th><th>OEL STEL (mg/m³)</th><th>20 mg/m3 (inhalable fraction)</th></tr><tr><td>Northwest Territories</td><td>OEL TWA (mg/m³)</td><td>10 mg/m3 (inhalable fraction)</td></tr><tr><td>Ontario</td><td>OEL TWA (mg/m³)</td><td>10 mg/m3 (inhalable)</td></tr><tr><td>Prince Edward Island</td><td>OEL TWA (mg/m³)</td><td>10 mg/m3 (inhalable particulate matter)</td></tr><tr><td>Québec</td><td>VEMP (mg/m³)</td><td>10 mg/m3 (fume)</td></tr><tr><td>Saskatchewan</td><td>OEL STEL (mg/m³)</td><td>20 mg/m3 (inhalable fraction)</td></tr><tr><td>Saskatchewan</td><td>OEL TWA (mg/m³)</td><td>10 mg/m3 (inhalable fraction)</td></tr><tr><td>Yukon</td><td>OEL STEL (mg/m³)</td><td>10 mg/m3 (fume)</td></tr><tr><td>Yukon</td><td>OEL TWA (mg/m3)</td><td>10 mg/m3 (fume)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Tremolite ([redacted postal code]-73-8)</td></tr><tr><td>Alberta</td><td>OEL TWA (mg/m3)</td><td>0.1 fibers/cm3</td></tr><tr><td>Québec</td><td>VECD (mg/m3)</td><td>5 fibers/cm3 (respirable (Asbestos)</td></tr><tr><td>Québec</td><td>VEMP (mg/m³)</td><td>1 fibers/cm3 (respirable (Asbestos)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">Chromium, ion (Cr6+) ([redacted postal code]-29-9)</td></tr><tr><td>USA OSHA</td><td>OSHA PEL (TWA) (mg/m³)</td><td>5 µg/m³</td></tr><tr><td>Calcium sulfate hemihydrate</td><td>([redacted postal code]-76-1)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>USA ACGIH</td><td>ACGIH TWA (mg/m³)</td><td>10 mg/m3 (inhalable particulate matter (Calcium sulfate)</td></tr><tr><td>Manitoba</td><td>OEL TWA (mg/m³)</td><td>10 mg/m3 (inhalable particulate matter (Calcium sulfate)</td></tr><tr><td>Newfoundland &amp; Labrador</td><td>OEL TWA (mg/m³)</td><td>10 mg/m3 (inhalable particulate matter (Calcium sulfate)</td></tr><tr><td>Nova Scotia</td><td>OEL TWA (mg/m3)</td>

[3] USG - Sheetrock Brand Wall and Ceiling Spray Texture - Unaggregated

Page 3

Open source document

Source excerpt

# SAFETY DATA SHEET (cont.) ## 8. Exposure controls/personal protection ## Occupational exposure limits US. OSHA Specifically Regulated Substances (29 CFR 1910.1001-1053) <table><tr><th>Specifically Components</th><th>Regulated</th><th>(29 Type</th><th>Value</th><th></th></tr><tr><td>Crystalline silica (Quartz)</td><td></td><td>TWA</td><td>0.05 mg/m3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>(CAS [redacted postal code]-60-7)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">US. OSHA Table Z-1 Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) for Air Contaminants</td><td>(29 CFR 1910.1000)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="5">Components Type Value Form</td></tr><tr><td>Limestone (CAS 1317-65-3)</td><td></td><td>PEL</td><td>5 mg/m3</td><td>Respirable fraction.</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>15 mg/m3</td><td>Total dust.</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">US. OSHA Table Z-3 Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) for Mineral Dusts (29 CFR 1910.1000)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Components</td><td></td><td>Type</td><td>Value</td><td>Form</td></tr><tr><td>Crystalline silica (Quartz)</td><td></td><td>TWA</td><td>0.1 mg/m3</td><td>Respirable.</td></tr><tr><td>(CAS [redacted postal code]-60-7)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>2.4 mppcf</td><td>Respirable.</td></tr><tr><td>Limestone (CAS 1317-65-3)</td><td></td><td>TWA</td><td>5 mg/m3</td><td>Respirable fraction.</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>15 mg/m3</td><td>Total dust.</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>50 mppcf</td><td>Total dust.</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>15 mppcf</td><td>Respirable fraction.</td></tr><tr><td>Mica (CAS [redacted postal code]-26-2)</td><td></td><td>TWA</td><td>20 mppcf</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>US. ACGIH Threshold Limit</td><td>Values (TLV)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Components</td><td></td><td>Type</td><td>Value</td><td>Form</td></tr><tr><td>Crystalline silica (Quartz) (CAS [redacted postal code]-60-7)</td><td></td>

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