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Write a toolbox talk on housekeeping

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Workplace Housekeeping Safety =============================

Date: 2026-06-28

Duration: \[DURATION] minutes

Presenter: \[PRESENTER NAME]

Location: \[LOCATION]

Objective

To reinforce practical housekeeping practices that prevent slips, trips, and falls; reduce fire and struck-by hazards; improve material storage and waste control; and support OSHA-compliant workplace safety performance through daily employee accountability and regular inspections.

Introduction

Good housekeeping is a core safety control, not a cosmetic task. A clean, orderly, and dry work area helps prevent slips, trips, and falls, reduces fire loading, improves access to emergency equipment, and makes other hazards easier to see and correct. Poor housekeeping is consistently linked to workplace injuries, damaged materials, production delays, and higher cleanup costs. On construction and industrial sites, housekeeping must be performed continuously throughout the shift by everyone, not only at the end of the day. [1] [2] [13]

Presenter Note: Open by asking workers where housekeeping problems are most likely to develop on this site, then connect the discussion to recent near misses, cluttered access routes, or cleanup delays.

Key Points

  • 1\. Housekeeping is a daily safety task: Housekeeping must happen as work proceeds, not only at the end of the shift. Workers should clean up their own work areas, return tools to designated storage, and remove scrap before it accumulates. This prevents clutter from becoming a trip hazard and keeps the site organized enough for safe movement of people, tools, and equipment. [1]

[14]

  • Clean as you go instead of waiting for a final cleanup.
  • Return tools, cords, hoses, and leads to storage when not in use.
  • Remove trash and scrap before it spreads into walkways and work zones.
  • 2\. Keep walking and working surfaces clear and dry: Floors, stairs, ramps, passageways, and platforms must be kept free of waste, debris, cords, hoses, and other obstructions. Wet, oily, or dirty surfaces should be cleaned promptly because they create slip hazards and can hide other defects such as protruding nails, broken flooring, or openings. Good lighting also supports housekeeping by making hazards easier to see. [1]

[2] [14]

  • Remove spills immediately or isolate the area until it is cleaned.
  • Keep cords and hoses out of heavily traveled routes; route them overhead when practical.
  • Repair or report damaged flooring, loose boards, and broken walking surfaces.
  • 3\. Store materials so they cannot fall, slide, or block access: Materials must be stacked, blocked, or stored in designated areas so they remain stable and do not create struck-by or collapse hazards. Storage should never interfere with workers, material flow, exits, fire equipment, or emergency access. Keep materials away from openings, edges, excavations, and trenches, and secure loose items so wind or vibration cannot move them. [1]

[2] [3]

  • Use designated storage areas and keep them orderly.
  • Do not store materials in stairwells, exits, or in front of fire protection equipment.
  • Secure stacked materials so they cannot topple or spread.
  • 4\. Control waste, debris, and combustible materials: Waste must be collected in suitable containers and removed regularly. Separate containers should be used for trash, oily rags, flammable waste, and other refuse when needed. Combustible debris should not be allowed to accumulate because it increases fire risk and can hide other hazards. Oily or used rags and flammable waste should be stored in covered, fire-resistant containers until removed from the site. [1]

[5] [7]

  • Provide enough bins and empty them before they overflow.
  • Separate ordinary trash from oily rags, flammables, and hazardous waste.
  • Remove combustible debris from hot work and ignition sources immediately.
  • 5\. Inspect, correct, and document housekeeping conditions: Regular inspections are necessary to verify that cleanup is complete, storage is stable, and access routes remain clear. Inspections should identify hazards such as protruding nails, broken containers, blocked exits, spills, and poor storage practices. When problems are found, they must be corrected promptly and communicated to the crew so the same issue does not recur. [1]

[6] [11]

  • Inspect work areas during the shift, not only at the end of the day.
  • Correct hazards immediately when possible and report issues that need maintenance.
  • Use inspection findings to improve the housekeeping plan and assign responsibilities.

Hazard Identification

Poor housekeeping creates multiple hazards at the same time. A cluttered site can hide defects, restrict movement, increase manual handling, and create conditions for fire or injury. The most common hazards are often simple to prevent when workers stay alert and clean as they work. [3]

  • Loose debris, tools, packaging, and materials left in walkways, stairs, ramps, or work areas: Trips, slips, and falls; sprains, fractures, head injuries, and falls down stairs or from elevations. [2]

[2]

(Risk: High)

  • Wet, oily, dirty, or poorly maintained floors and walking surfaces: Loss of footing, slips and falls, secondary impacts with objects, and injuries caused by hidden defects such as broken flooring or protruding nails. [11]

[1]

(Risk: High)

  • Improperly stacked, unsecured, or overfilled material storage: Falling materials, collapsing loads, struck-by injuries, crushed hands or feet, and property damage. [5]

[5]

(Risk: High)

  • Accumulated combustible waste, oily rags, flammables, and debris near ignition sources: Fire ignition, rapid fire spread, smoke exposure, burns, evacuation, property loss, and possible fatalities. [7]

[10]

(Risk: High)

  • Blocked exits, fire equipment, first aid stations, or emergency access routes: Delayed evacuation, inability to reach emergency equipment, increased severity of injuries, and reduced emergency response effectiveness. [1]

[2]

(Risk: High)

Presenter Note: Ask the crew to name the top three housekeeping hazards in their own work area before showing the prepared list. Encourage them to describe what could happen if each hazard is ignored.

Control Measures

Use the hierarchy of controls to reduce housekeeping risk. Eliminate clutter and waste at the source, substitute safer storage and disposal methods where possible, engineer the site with adequate bins, racks, hooks, and designated storage areas, and reinforce safe behaviors through training, inspections, and accountability. PPE is important, but it is the last line of defense and should not be relied on to compensate for poor housekeeping. [15] [15] [16]

  • Clean as you go throughout the shift: Do not wait until the end of the day. Pick up scrap, packaging, and debris as work progresses so hazards do not build up. [1]

[13]

  • Keep access routes, stairs, and work surfaces clear: Maintain clear passageways for workers and equipment. Remove cords, hoses, leads, boxes, and materials from travel paths, and keep emergency exits unobstructed at all times. [1]

[8]

  • Provide adequate waste containers and empty them regularly: Place bins where waste is generated, use separate containers when needed for trash, oily rags, and hazardous waste, and remove contents before containers overflow. [15]

[6]

  • Store materials in designated, stable, and orderly stacks: Use racks, blocking, interlocking, or other stabilizing methods so materials cannot slide, tip, or collapse. Keep stacks within safe height limits and away from openings, edges, and traffic routes. [4]

[5]

  • Remove combustible waste and control ignition sources: Dispose of combustible debris promptly, store oily rags in covered metal or fire-resistant containers, and keep flammables away from heat, welding, cutting, and other ignition sources. [7]

[10]

  • Inspect housekeeping conditions and correct deficiencies immediately: Use routine walkarounds to verify that cleanup is complete, storage is stable, spills are addressed, and hazards are removed or flagged. Assign corrective actions and follow up until closed. [4]

[11]

  • Assign responsibility and build housekeeping into the work plan: Make housekeeping part of daily job expectations. Supervisors should set standards, crews should clean their own areas, and the team should know who is responsible for bins, storage, and end-of-shift cleanup. [1]

[15]

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Before starting work, identify housekeeping hazards in the area, including debris, spills, blocked access routes, unstable storage, and combustible waste. Correct what you can immediately and report the rest to supervision. [3]

[11]

  1. During the shift, keep your immediate work area orderly by removing scrap, returning tools, coiling cords and hoses, and placing waste in the proper container as soon as it is generated. [14]

[14]

  1. At the end of the shift, verify that floors, stairs, walkways, and storage areas are clear, that waste has been removed, and that emergency equipment and exits remain accessible. [1]

[2]

  1. If you find protruding nails, sharp scrap, broken containers, or damaged flooring, make the area safe by removing, bending down, flagging, or reporting the hazard before someone gets hurt. [11]

[4]

  1. Use approved methods for waste disposal and material handling. Do not throw debris from levels unless the site controls are in place, and never allow waste to accumulate in a way that blocks movement or creates a fire hazard. [5]

[7]

Presenter Note: Walk the crew through the site-specific cleanup expectations: where waste goes, who empties bins, where cords should be routed, and what storage areas are approved.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Heavy-duty work gloves: Wear heavy gloves when handling scrap, broken packaging, sharp-edged debris, or waste that may contain nails, wire, or strapping. Gloves help reduce cuts, punctures, and abrasions during cleanup and material handling, but they do not replace careful handling or proper disposal. [11]

[1]

  • Inspect gloves before use for tears or worn areas.
  • Replace gloves that are damaged or contaminated.
  • Use the correct glove type for the material being handled.
  • Safety footwear with slip-resistant soles: Wear sturdy safety shoes or boots with good traction to reduce slip and trip risk on uneven, wet, or debris-covered surfaces. Footwear should support the ankle and protect against punctures, dropped objects, and sharp scrap on the ground. [9]

[12]

  • Keep soles clean so traction is not reduced by mud or oil.
  • Replace worn-out tread before it becomes a slip hazard.
  • Use footwear appropriate for the site conditions.
  • Eye protection: Wear eye protection when sweeping, cutting, handling dusty debris, or working near flying particles. Housekeeping activities can create dust, chips, and fragments that may injure the eyes, especially when debris is disturbed or removed. [3]
  • Use the correct lens type for the task.
  • Keep eye protection clean and in good condition.
  • Wear it whenever there is any risk of eye injury.
  • Task-appropriate PPE for cleanup and storage work: Depending on the task, additional PPE may be needed, such as high-visibility clothing, hearing protection, or respiratory protection for dusty cleanup. PPE selection should match the hazard and the work area, and workers should be trained to use, inspect, and maintain it properly. [1]
  • Match PPE to the hazard, not just the job title.
  • Inspect PPE before each use.
  • Replace damaged or contaminated PPE immediately.

PPE is the last line of defense. It must be worn correctly, kept in good condition, and used together with housekeeping controls such as cleanup, storage, and inspection. Damaged or poorly fitted PPE can create a false sense of security and leave workers exposed to preventable injuries. [1] [11]

Real-World Example or Case Study

A carpenter working on a second-story framing job left wood scraps, sawdust, cords, and piles of materials around the work area. At the end of the day, she tripped over the clutter and fell down the stairwell, injuring her neck. The lesson is simple: housekeeping failures often happen gradually, but the injury can happen instantly. If the crew had cleaned as they worked, kept the stairwell clear, and stored materials properly, the fall likely could have been prevented. [2] [2]

Presenter Note: Use this example to show that housekeeping problems are often ordinary and familiar, which is why they are easy to ignore until someone gets hurt.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What housekeeping issue on this site is most likely to cause a slip, trip, fall, or fire if it is not corrected today?
  2. Who is responsible for cleaning up scrap, packaging, cords, and waste in your work area, and when should it be done?
  3. Are our storage areas, exits, and fire equipment currently clear and accessible? If not, what needs to change?

Presenter Note: Pause after each question and let workers describe actual site conditions. Reinforce good answers and turn any identified issue into a specific action item.

Emergency Procedures

  1. If a slip, trip, or fall occurs, stop work, make the area safe, and provide first aid or call for medical assistance as needed. Do not move an injured person unless there is an immediate danger. [2]
  2. If a fire hazard is discovered, remove nearby combustibles if it can be done safely, alert others, and notify supervision or emergency responders immediately. Use the correct extinguisher only if the fire is small and you are trained to do so. [10]

[10]

  1. If exits, fire alarms, or extinguishers are blocked, clear the obstruction immediately or report it so access is restored before work continues. [1]

Questions and Answers

Encourage questions and site-specific examples. If a worker raises a concern, treat it seriously, discuss the hazard, and agree on a follow-up action before the talk ends. [16]

  • Q: What is the main purpose of good housekeeping?

A: The main purpose is to keep the workplace free from hazards, organized, and clutter-free so workers can move safely, find hazards more easily, and reduce the chance of injury, fire, and damage. [1]

  • Q: Who is responsible for housekeeping?

A: Everyone is responsible for housekeeping: workers, supervisors, and all levels of the jobsite. It is not a task for one person or one trade only. [1] [13]

  • Q: How often should housekeeping be done?

A: Housekeeping should be done continuously throughout the day as work proceeds, with regular inspections and end-of-shift verification to ensure the area remains safe. [14] [1]

  • Q: What should be done with oily rags and flammable waste?

A: They should be placed in covered, approved, or fire-resistant containers and removed from the work area regularly to reduce fire risk. [7] [5]

Summary

Recap of main points:

  • Keep work areas clean, dry, and free of clutter to prevent slips, trips, and falls. [2]
  • Store materials and waste properly so they cannot fall, block access, or create fire hazards. [5]
  • Inspect housekeeping conditions regularly and correct problems immediately. [1]
  • Make housekeeping everyone’s responsibility and build it into daily work habits. [13]

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

  1. Clean your work area as you go and remove scrap, packaging, and debris before it accumulates. [1]
  2. Keep cords, hoses, and leads out of walkways and return tools to designated storage when not in use. [14]
  3. Check that exits, fire equipment, and access routes are clear before leaving the area. [2]
  4. Report unsafe storage, spills, damaged flooring, protruding nails, or overflowing waste containers immediately. [11]
  5. Take ownership of housekeeping on your crew and hold each other accountable for keeping the site orderly. [1]

Remember: Clean as you go. Store it right. Keep it clear. Stay safe.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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16 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Toolbox Talk - Preventing Slip and Fall Injuries from Heavy Equipment

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# Preventing SLIP and FALL Injuries from Heavy Equipment TOOLBOX TALK ## The Problem: Each week, public sector workers are injured while getting into or getting out of heavy equipment vehicles. These tips are provided to help reduce work-related injuries and medical costs. ## What You Can Do: • Maintain three points-of-contact while ascending and descending. Keep two hands, and at least one foot, in contact with the vehicle ladder and steps at all times. • Always face the ladder. - Repair broken steps and handrails. - Remove snow, ice, and mud from steps and handrails. • Target your foot landing to avoid pot holes and "ankle breaker" stones. • Do not jump out of vehicles. - Wear sturdy construction boots with a deep tread. • Always use your seat belt when equipment is in operation. • Keep doors closed when equipment is in operation-operators have fallen out of vehicles when leaning out of the door to get a better view of the ground. Maintain three points-of-contact when getting into and getting out of vehicles. MASS safety Works! Workplace Safety is No Accident THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STANDARDS WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM www.mass.gov/dols/wshp

[2] Toolbox Talk: Fire Safety

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# FIRE SAFETY Date Posted: 05/31/2024 On average, between 2016 and 2020, firefighters responded to more than 11 fires a day at buildings under construction in the U.S. Those fires led to an annual average of five civilian deaths, 62 civilian injuries, and over $376 million in direct property damages. Construction site fires create a significant risk of property damage, personal injury, and even death. Structures with wood framing are particularly susceptible to fires. Although steel-frame buildings are just as vulnerable to fire risk, wood-framed facilities are more likely to collapse when on fire. Construction site fires often happen before sprinkler systems and alarms have been installed so that fires can spread with little warning. Since there are reserves of combustible materials, a stray spark or smoldering debris can lead to a large disaster. ## HOW DO FIRES START? Fire is a chemical reaction that requires three elements to be present for the reaction to take place and continue. The three elements are: • Heat or an ignition source • Fuel Oxygen These three elements are typically referred to as the "fire triangle." Fire results from the chemical reaction between the fuel and oxygen in the air. Heat, fuel, and oxygen must combine precisely for a fire start and continue to burn. If one element of the fire triangle is not present or removed, fire will not start or, if already burning, will extinguish. Ignition sources can include any material, equipment, or operation that emits a spark or flame, including apparent items, such as torches, and less obvious items, such as static electricity and grinding operations. to ## COMMON SOURCES OF CONSTRUCTION FIRES Hot work: Hot work operations pose a significant risk because they can introduce ignition sources into many worksite areas. Even several hours after welding, soldering, grinding, or other hot work has been completed, a spark can smolder and ignite combustibles, sometimes after crews have left for the…

[3] Housekeeping Checklist

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# SAFETY WALKAROUND CHECKLIST HOUSEKEEPING 2001 Date Prepared: Project Name/No: By: Location: • Check the box if the statement is true. - Citations in brackets are from Title 8 of the California Administrative Code. ## HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, REMOVAL, AND CLEANUP NOTES - The company has a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) that meets all Cal/OSHA requirements. It includes identification of hazardous housekeeping problems on the site, regular inspections, accident investigation, and correction of hazardous conditions. [1509] - Debris is kept cleared from work surfaces, passages, and stairs. [1513(a)] - Ground within 6 feet of a building under construction is free of irregularities. [1513(b)] - Storage areas and walkways are reasonably free of dangerous depressions, obstructions, and debris. [1513(c)] - All walking and working surfaces are reasonably dry and free from grease or oil. [3273(a)] - Spills of oil, grease, and other liquids are removed at once, or covered with sand or other absorbent material until cleaned up. [3273(a)] - Sufficient waste or trash containers are provided, used and emptied when appropriate. [1513(f)] - Workers wear heavy gloves and heavy soled or safety shoes when handling scrap material. [1520 and 3385] - All walking and working surfaces are free of protruding nails. [1513(a)] - Nails or fasteners are removed when opening crates, cartons, kegs, or when stripping small forms. - Nails are bent down or removed before scrap material is discarded. California Tailgate Training Housekeeping-Page 1

[4] Toolbox Talk: Housekeeping

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# HOUSEKEEPING Last Review: 08/01/2025 Date Posted: 05/13/2025 # Housekeeping Maintaining a clean and tidy work area is a crucial practice on construction sites. Every individual working on the job site plays an essential role in ensuring good housekeeping. It refers to a workplace that is free from hazards and is organized and clutter-free. Good housekeeping is an integral part of daily work activities and plays a vital role in ensuring a safe working environment. All employees at all levels are responsible for maintaining good housekeeping standards, and it is an ongoing process that everyone must contribute to. ## HAZARDS OF POOR HOUSEKEEPING According to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), poor housekeeping is a leading cause of workplace accidents and injuries. A construction site with poor housekeeping can pose several hazards and risks to workers. When tools and materials are left lying around, it can create tripping hazards that can cause slips, trips, and falls. Clutter and debris can also obstruct walkways, causing workers to bump into objects, resulting in cuts, bruises, and other injuries. Good job site housekeeping is not just about cleanliness; it is a fundamental element for job site accident and fire prevention. It requires attention to detail, such as job site layout, internal job site travel routes, identification of potential hazards, and ensuring adequate storage areas and waste disposal areas. Poor housekeeping be a cause of accidents, such as: the can • Tripping over loose objects on floors, stairs, and platforms. - Being struck by falling objects. - Slipping on wet, oily, or dirty surfaces. - Striking against projecting, poorly stacked items, or misplaced materials. - Cutting, puncturing, or tearing the skin of hands or other parts of the body on projecting nails, wire, or steel strapping. ## HAZARD PREVENTION To avoid workplace hazards, maintain good housekeeping practices throughout the workday. Regular…

[5] Housekeeping Inspection – Safety Checklist

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# Housekeeping Inspection - Safety Checklist (cont.) <table><tr><th>18. Are combustibles and flammables stored in appropriate, approved containers?</th><th></th><th></th><th></th><th></th><th></th></tr><tr><td>Storage</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>N/A</td><td>Comments &amp; Action Needed</td><td>Completed Date</td></tr><tr><td>19. Are boxes and pallets stacked in an orderly fashion?</td><td> </td><td> </td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>20. Are storage materials placed in such a manner not to interfere with workers or the flow of materials?</td><td></td><td></td><td>ㅁㅁㅁ</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>21. Are all storage areas clearly marked?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Machinery, Tools, &amp; Equipment</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>N/A</td><td>Comments &amp; Action Needed</td><td>Completed Date</td></tr><tr><td>22. Are tools and/or equipment stored in designated areas when not in use?</td><td> </td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>23. Are individual work areas kept clean, organized and orderly?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>24. Are machinery and/or equipment checked weekly for leaks and any leaks repaired and cleaned up?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>25. Are tools, machinery and equipment cleaned on a regular basis?</td><td></td><td></td><td>ㅁㅁㅁ</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Waste Disposal &amp; Chemicals</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td><td>N/A</td><td>Comments &amp; Action Needed</td><td>Completed Date</td></tr><tr><td>26. Is all trash and/or waste collected and placed in designated and/or appropriate containers?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>27. Is all trash/waste taken out for collection on a regular basis?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>28. Are separate approved containers provided to separate waste (i.e. trash, oil, used rags, hazardous waste, flammables, etc.)?</td><td><…

[6] IHSA Safety Tool Box talks

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# Housekeeping List housekeeping hazards on site. ## Explain dangers We all know how fast rubbish builds up on a site- scrap lumber, broken bricks, pieces of drywall, strap-bands, and packaging. How can you concentrate on your work when you're worried about slipping, falling, or tripping over garbage and debris? Production and installation time go up while quality tails off. Every year, poor housekeeping and storage practices cause many accidents and injuries. Construction rubbish is often irregular in shape, hard to handle, and full of sharp objects. One of the biggest problems is packaging. Too often it gets removed from material and left wherever it falls. This creates tripping and slipping hazards. It also makes other hazards hard to see. Even worse, it invites more mess. When a site isn't cleaned up, no one cares about leaving garbage where it drops. When that happens, you can't see faulty wiring, protruding nails, damaged flooring, and missing scaffold planks. Clutter left around work and travel areas also makes it difficult to use material-handling equipment. As a result, more material gets handled manually, which increases the risk of injury and property damage. Housekeeping means cleaning up scrap and debris, putting it in containers, and making sure the containers are emptied regularly. It also means proper storage of materials and equipment. Effective housekeeping and storage will prevent incidents and injuries. ## Identify controls • Keep work and travel areas kept tidy, well-lit, and ventilated. Clean up as work proceeds. - Keep equipment and the areas around equipment free of scrap and debris. - Pick up, store, or dispose of tools, material, or debris that may cause tripping or other hazards. - Keep stairways, passageways, ramps, and other travel areas clear at all times. • Secure loose or light materials stored on roofs and open floors to keep them from blowing away in the wind. Resecure the material after removing any of it. • Nev…

[7] Toolbox Talk: Material Storage & Disposal

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# MATERIAL STORAGE & DISPOSAL Date Posted: 05/13/2025 ## Material Storage & Disposal It is essential to pay close attention to how things are loaded, unloaded, and stored, especially when there is a lot of pressure to complete tasks quickly and keep up with schedules. Improper loading and storage practices can result in more than just minor injuries such as cuts and bruises. Workers must follow safety guidelines when stacking or storing materials prevent accidents. Failure to do so can result in falling materials and collapsing loads, leading to serious injuries or even death due to workers being crushed or pinned. to ## GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MATERIAL STORAGE Storage of materials should not pose any risk to the workers. It is important to consider the height and weight of the materials, accessibility to the stored materials, and the condition of the containers where the materials are being stored. To avoid any hazards while storing materials, it is crucial to keep the storage areas free from any accumulated materials that may cause tripping, fires, explosions, or harbor rats and other pests. Proper handling practices of materials can help prevent injuries and damage to property. Segregating non-compatible materials during storage is an effective way to prevent fires. instance, it is advisable to keep all solvent waste, oily rags, and flammable liquids in fire-resistant covered containers until they are removed from the work site. For • Stack, rack, block, or interlock materials stored in tiers to prevent sliding, falling, or collapse. If not racked, cylindrical materials such as structural steel, poles, pipe, bar stock, etc. must be stacked and blocked to prevent spreading or tilting. Failure to do so may cause materials to slide around and injure employees. • When stacking bagged materials, step back the layers and cross-key the bags at least every 10 bags high. Keep the length even when removing bags from the pile and maintain the necessary step-bac…

[8] Toolbox Talk: Housekeeping

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CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING TALK # Housekeeping Housekeeping refers to making sure materials are in good condition and keeping the areas we work in and walk in clean, orderly, sanitary, and dry. Bad housekeeping is dangerous at any time. It can lead to production delays, property damage, and higher costs. ## Sharon's Story Sharon, a carpenter, was doing framing for a custom-sized space on the second story of a house. A lot of wood pieces, scraps, and sawdust had accumulated around the sawhorses, power tools, cords, and piles of materials. When leaving for the day, she tripped over some of the items on the floor and fell down the stairwell, injuring her neck. - What could have been done to prevent this incident? - Does your worksite have a lot of lumber, debris, or flammable materials lying around? - How often are materials organized and placed where they belong? ## Remember This - Keep floors dry, clean, and clear of waste. - Keep workplaces well-lighted. - Keep hoses, power cords, and welding leads out of heavily travelled walkways or areas. - Keep materials away from openings, roof edges, excavations, and trenches. - Keep all work areas, walkways, and stairs in and around buildings or other structures clear. - Don't allow materials or garbage to build up. Remove unused materials. - Don't block emergency exits, fire equipment, or first aid stations. ➤ Don't store chemicals and gases near heat sources or electrical equipment. - Place, stack, or store materials and equipment where they will not cause injury to workers. - Provide separate, covered containers for collecting different wastes, such as trash, oily rags, dry rags, and flammable or hazardous materials (acids, harsh or harmful dusts, etc.). How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to promote housekeeping? 1. 2. OSHA Regulation: 1926.25 ©2017, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR …

[9] Guides for Managing Lead Control Programs in Construction

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# Conducting Toolbox Talks ## Who should conduct the Toolbox Talks? • Supervisors, foremen, and union stewards are the best people to help plan and deliver Toolbox Talks. • At times, others with a particular expertise or interest, like the company safety officer, project staff, insurance representative, or industrial hygienist may be recruited to lead a talk. Use the completed worksheet for the talk. Read it directly or use the high- lighted points as discussion starters. It's a matter of style. Some people are more comfortable reading the sheet and others like to use their own words. Use the filled in worksheet for a handout and encourage workers to participate. Be prepared to follow up on issues that arise. See the Toolbox Talk Tips below. ## Toolbox Talks Tips • Adults learn best when the topic: - relates to what they do 。 gives them a chance to discuss the issues. • allows them to use what they have learned. • Back up the Toolbox Talk with questions. Ask the group questions about the topic and conditions at the site. Give people a chance to answer. • Ask about personal experience. What are the conditions at this site? Has this issue come up at other sites? How were any problems fixed? • Encourage participation from the group but don't let a single person dominate. Wait till he/she catches their breath, say "Thank You" and move on. • Never make fun of any one and treat all comments seriously. • Respond to all legitimate complaints and make a point to follow up. • If you don't know an answer - say so - make a note of the question and follow up. • Allow a little time for general discussion, e.g. accidents or near misses. This is not a gripe session. SECTION 2 Toolbox Talks for Lead Hazards F-5

[10] Slips, Trips, and Falls - Module 2

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# Maintaining Work Areas: Housekeeping Organized and tidy work space • Securely fasten unanchored loose rugs or mats with skid-resistant backing and carpet tape. - Close desk, cabinet, and file drawers and doors immediately after each use. • Keep the floor around work spaces free of boxes, cords, cables, materials, and other objects. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries 11

[11] Toolbox Talk: Fire Prevention

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# FIRE PREVENTION Date Posted: 09/14/2016 When workers think of fire prevention, they often think of fire extinguishers and having them close by to prevent a larger fire. When fire prevention is done right, it eliminates the need of a fire extinguisher. ## STORAGE OF FLAMMABLES Store flammable liquids in a secure storage container Oily or used rags, flammable or hazardous wastes, such as caustics, acids, harmful dusts or similar materials are to be disposed of into flammable storage containers with covers. More than 25 gallons of flammable liquids must be stored in an approved cabinet ## YOU MUST KNOW • The location of the fire extinguisher nearest to your work area • The limitations and proper use of A, B, C, and D type fire extinguishers • Which type of fire extinguisher you should use on each type of fire. Using the wrong extinguisher (e.g., water on burning oil) can cause a fire to spread ## FIRE EXTINGUISHERS • Fire extinguishers are to be accessible and visible within 100 feet • Fire extinguisher, rated not less than 2A, shall be provided for each 3,000 square feet of a combustible building area. • A 2A rated fire extinguisher should be provided for each floor • A 10B rated fire extinguisher shall be provided within 50 feet whenever more than 5 gallons of flammable liquids or 5 pounds of flammable gas are being used on the jobsite. • All fire extinguishers must be visually inspected monthly and must receive an annual maintenance check. Keep records of all annual maintenance reports and make available upon request. Make sure that a hydrostatic test is conducted per WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code]. ## IN CASE OF FIRE • Warn others and yell for help if required. • Use the proper fire extinguisher if the fire is small. • Always call 911 or your local emergency number. Turn on the fire alarm immediately. Post lookouts to direct firefighters to the fire. In the case of electrical, propane, or gas fires, the first step is to shut off the supp…

[12] Common Ground: Housekeeping

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# Eight simple housekeeping solutions 1. Provide enough garbage and recycling bins and empty them regularly. "I've seen people carry out a handful of garbage and look at the dumpster and it's full. So what do they do? They find a place on the floor. They set it aside and that's where it sits until somebody else picks it up for them." -- Electrician 2. Encourage workers to clean as they go. "I usually have a tea cart and I keep a large box, say a caddy box or whatnot around to stick all wire and conduit scrap mainly in that box on that cart and stow it away... We kind of have a policy that makes it look like you weren't there." -- Electrician 3. Set aside 15 minutes of paid time at the end of each day for clean up. 4. Motivate employees. - One company motivates their employees and raises safety awareness by explaining injury costs. Injuries can increase the overhead for a company and affect their ability to win competitive bids. 5. Use hangers and hooks to keep extension cords and hoses off the floor. 6. Develop a written housekeeping policy. 7. Assign dedicated staff to keep the site clean. 8. Provide positive feedback and recognition for good housekeeping practices. 2

[13] Toolbox Talk: Equipment: Getting On and Off

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Equipment Safety: Construction Toolbox Talk NIOSH CPWR [● Getting On and Off Workers can be injured getting on and off equipment when they lose their footing or the equipment moves suddenly. Injuries can range from sprains, cuts, and bruises to fractures and even death. ## Joe's Story Joe was climbing down from the cab of a front-end loader and lost his footing on the muddy steps. He fell to the ground and sprained his ankle. - What caused this incident? *How could this have been prevented? * Have you ever been injured while getting on or off equipment, or do you know someone who has? If so, what happened? ## Remember This • Set the parking brake to prevent the equipment from moving. - Check the handholds and steps for mud or other con- ditions that could make them slippery. • Face the equipment ladder and use both hands when climbing up or down. - Wear footwear that will provide support and traction. . Keep work areas clean and free of waste such as scraps, extra materials, and garbage to prevent trip and slip hazards. ## How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to prevent injuries from getting on and off equipment? OSHA Standards: 1926.600, 1926.602, and 1926.20 CD C National and Health NIOSH CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION CPWR 【● THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

[14] Housekeeping Training Guide

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TRAINING GUIDE HOUSEKEEPING Before you begin the meeting... 2001 - Does this topic relate to the work the crew is doing? If not, choose another topic. Did you read this Training Guide and fill in the blanks where the appears? (To find the information you need, look over the Safety Walkaround Checklist for this topic.) Begin: Today we'll talk about housekeeping. Some people think it's a waste of time. But if you spend five minutes picking up junk and litter, you might keep someone from slipping or tripping. You could prevent an injury that keeps them off work for weeks or even months. Five minutes to save months off work-it's a good investment. And next time, it could be you who gets hurt. Housekeeping is everyone's job-every trade, every worker, every supervisor. And it's a job you should do every day—not just once a week or when a project is over. The first rule is to do your work neatly in the first place, and clean up after yourself. Good housekeeping does more than prevent injuries—it can save you time, and it can keep your tools from being lost, damaged, or destroyed. You or a crew member may want to add a personal story about the hazards of poor housekeeping. Next, discuss with the crew any housekeeping problems you have found at this particular job site: ## ASK THE CREW THESE QUESTIONS: After each question, give the crew time to suggest possible answers. Use the information following each question to add points that no one mentions. 1. What can you do to prevent slips, trips, and falls? • If you see a mess, take care of it. Don't wait for someone else to clean it up. Pick up anything you see lying around, especially if it could trip a person or fall on them. • If you find someone's tools or equipment around, move them out of the way. Put them somewhere safe, but visible. California Tailgate Training Housekeeping-Page 1

[15] Housekeeping Checklist

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# SAFETY WALKAROUND CHECKLIST HOUSEKEEPING (cont.) ## HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, REMOVAL, AND CLEANUP (cont.) NOTES - Scrap and debris are piled neatly. - Materials, waste, or tools are not thrown from buildings or structures to areas where workers may be located. [1513(g)] - Any object protruding at head height has been removed or flagged. - Protective caps are used on exposed rebar. [1712(a)] ## BULK MATERIAL STORAGE - All piled or stacked material is stable and cannot fall, slip, or collapse. [1549] - The face of a pile of bags (containing cement or other material) more than 5 feet high is tapered back, or the sacks are tied in horizontal layers to prevent them from falling or collapsing. [1549(b)] - Lumber piles are no more than 16' high if handled manually or 20' high if handled by equipment. Headpieces, crosspieces, or other means are used to prevent slipping, tipping, or collapsing. [1549(c)] - Piles of bricks, tiles, masonry blocks, and similar materials are stabilized by the use of headers at least every sixth layer. [1549(a)] - Brick stacks are not over 7 feet high. Brick stacks over 4 feet high are tapered back. [1549(a)] - Masonry stacks over 6 feet high are tapered back. [1549(a)] - The way that material is going to be taken off the pile is planned at the time the material is first stored. - Workers and their equipment have room to move material off a pile. - Material is piled on surfaces that will hold its weight. [1549(f)] - Material is piled on ground stable enough for a heavy load (not too near an excavation). - Pipe or rod is stored in racks if more than one layer high. - Surplus materials are returned to the stockpile. ## HAZARDOUS MATERIAL STORAGE AND DISPOSAL - Flammable material is always stored in closed containers. [1513(e)] - Incompatible chemical products (which may cause a hazardous reaction if they come in contact) are not stored together. [1549(g) and 1931(b)] - Smoking is prohibited in flammable liquid storage areas.…

[16] Housekeeping Checklist

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# SAFETY WALKAROUND CHECKLIST HOUSEKEEPING (cont.) ## SANITATION (cont.) NOTES ## ENVIRONMENT - Lighting and ventilation are adequate. [1523] - Burned out lights are reported and replaced. ## WORK PRACTICES - Housekeeping occurs constantly on the job, not just once a week or at the end of the project. [1513(a)] - Everyone does housekeeping, not just laborers. - Workers pick up anything they see lying around that can trip a person or fall on them. - Extension cords, lines, welding leads, hoses, etc. are coiled up when not in use. - Tools are returned to the gang box or tool room. California Tailgate Training Housekeeping-Page 4

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