RISK ASSESSMENT FOR BRICKLAYING

RISK ASSESSMENT FOR BRICKLAYING

This document "Bricklaying Risk Assessment" uploaded by RAMSPROZONE outlines the potential hazards associated with bricklaying activities and the control measures to mitigate those risks. It covers common dangers like manual handling, slips, falls, and exposure to hazardous materials. By following the recommended precautions, bricklayers can ensure a safe and healthy work environment. To download the complete file, click on the link at the bottom.

1. Task / Job Component

1.1. Bricklaying.

2. Hazard

2.1. Falling from height.

2.2. Collapse of scaffold.

2.3. Falling objects hitting the head or body, including feet.

2.4. Manual Handling.

2.5. Workers struck or crushed by moving vehicles on site.

2.6. Slips and trips.

2.7. Stepping on nails and sharp objects.

2.8. Hazard to eyes, cutting bricks.

2.9. Hazardous substances, mortar.

2.10. Dust from cutting bricks.

2.11. Operating cement mixer.

2.12. Noise from the use of equipment, e.g. angle grinder.

2.13. Vibration from the use of equipment such as an angle grinder.

2.14. Fire/explosion

2.15. Welfare/first aid

3. Persons at risk

3.1. Serious injury or even fatal injury could occur if a worker falls.

3.2. All operatives on the scaffold may incur crush injuries, or worse if the scaffold collapses on top of them.

3.3. Serious head and other injuries to workers, others on site, and members of the public.

3.4. All workers could suffer from back injury and long-term pain if regularly lifting/carrying heavy or awkward objects.

3.5. Workers could suffer serious or even fatal injuries from vehicles and machines on site – particularly when reversing.

3.6. All workers may suffer sprains or fractures if they trip over waste including brick bands and pallet debris. Slips at height could result in a serious fall.

3.7. All workers could suffer foot injuries.

3.8. Bricklayers could suffer eye injury through flying brick fragments.

3.9. Direct skin contact with the mortar could also cause bricklayer contact dermatitis and burns.

3.10. Dust exposure could cause silicosis.

3.11. Workers could be crushed or cut if the mixer topples or they get caught in moving parts. Damage to electrics could result in a shock.

3.12. Workers using grinders or working near people who may suffer hearing loss.

3.13. Exposure to vibration can lead to the development of a ‘vibration white finger’ (VWF).

3.14. All operatives in the vicinity could suffer from smoke inhalation or burns.

3.15. Good facilities help prevent dermatitis etc.

4. Controls / Precautions to Reduce Risk

4.1. Agree on scaffolding requirements at the contract stage, including appropriate load rating and provision of loading bays.

4.2. Bricklayers’ supervisor to check with the site manager that the correct scaffold is provided and inspected.

4.3. Workers instructed not to interfere with or misuse scaffold – supervisor to keep an eye out for problems.

4.4. Ladders in good condition, adequately secured (lashed), and placed on firm surfaces.

4.5. Bandstands with handrails to be used for work on internal walls.

4.6. Workers trained to put up bandstands.

4.7. Scaffold requirements agreed upon, including loading bays and appropriate load rating.

4.8. The supervisor is to speak regularly to the site manager to arrange scaffold alterations and ensure that weekly inspections have been carried out.

4.9. Agree on scaffolding requirements at the contract stage, including appropriate load rating and provision of loading bays.

4.10. Bricklayers’ supervisor to check with the site manager that the correct scaffold is provided and inspected.

4.11. Supervisor to keep a check to make sure that the scaffold is not overloaded with materials.

4.12. Brick guards are kept in position on scaffold lifts.

4.13. Waste materials were removed from the scaffolding and placed in the skip.

4.14. Safety helmets and protective footwear (with steel toecaps and mid-soles) are supplied and worn at all times.

4.15. Supervisor to monitor the use of safety hats and protective footwear.

4.16. Bricks, mortar, etc. to be transported and lifted to the scaffold using a Telehandler provided by the main/primary contractor.

4.17. Provision of lifting bay agreed with principal contractor.

4.18. Bricks/blocks are to be covered with tarpaulin when stored on-site to prevent taking up water.

4.19. Spot boards are to be raised with blocks to easy working height.

4.20. Trolley to be used for moving loads of bricks around the scaffold lift. 

4.21. Check at the tender stage for any blocks or lintels over 20kg and make arrangements.

4.22. The heaviest blocks are 15kg, no special arrangements are necessary.

4.23. Concrete lintels are well over 20kg, to be positioned using a Telehandler (all are accessible).

4.24. All workers are to be instructed not to carry materials up by hand.

4.25. The manager is to agree safe route to the work area with the principal contractor based on the construction phase health and safety plan.

4.26. Induction to each site is to be carried out for all workers on the first day.

4.27. Safe route agreed with principal contractor.

4.28. Supervisor to liaise with the site manager to ensure the safe route stays clear.

4.29. Instruct staff that they must never drive vehicles and plant on this site.

4.30. High-visibility vests are to be provided.

4.31. Supervisor to check vests are worn on all sites where the principal contractor requires them.

4.32. Good housekeeping is maintained at all times.

4.33. Waste including brick bands and pallet debris disposed of in the skip.

4.34. Safety footwear is provided to all workers.

4.35. Safe route to workplace agreed with a principal contractor based on the construction phase health and safety plan.

4.36. Temporary storage locations are to be agreed upon with the site manager.

4.37. Supervisor to ensure that workers wear safety footwear whenever on site.

4.38. Safety boots with steel toecaps and mid-soles are provided to all workers.

4.39. Waste is disposed of in skips.

4.40. Explain the need to wear safety boots and dispose of waste in skips – repeat annually.

4.41. Supervisor to check that safety boots are always worn and waste is disposed of properly.

4.42. Safety goggles (EN 166 B standard) worn when breaking bricks.

4.43. Use of goggles monitored by supervisor.

4.44. Risk of dermatitis or cement burns and precautions explained to all workers.

4.45. Use cement or cement-containing products within the use-by date.

4.46. Direct skin contact is to be avoided, CE marked PVC gloves are used when handling mortar.

4.47. Good washing facilities on site, with hot and cold water, soap, and basins large enough to wash forearms.

4.48. Principal contractor’s first aid includes emergency eyewash. 

4.49. Training on how to treat exposure is to be given to all operatives.

4.50. Supervisor to be aware of anyone with early signs of dermatitis.

4.51. Angle grinders replaced with block splitter, removing the risk of significant dust exposure.

4.52. The use of a grinder for chasing etc. is not needed on this job.

4.53. The cement mixer is located on firm, level ground

4.54. The mixer is fully guarded and guards are in place during operation.

4.55. The mixer is 110 volts and PAT is tested every three months.

4.56. Supervisor to check mixer daily for obvious damage.

4.57. Angle grinders replaced with block splitter, removing high noise levels from our work.

4.58. The Construction phase plan shows other trades using grinders etc. should not be working close enough to cause problems.

4.59. Supervisor to monitor and talk to site manager if noisy work does start close by.

4.60. Angle grinders replaced with block splitter. No significant vibration is left.

4.61. Suitable fire extinguisher kept in the site office and welfare block.

4.62. Good housekeeping is monitored by the supervisor.

4.63. Supervisor to brief all workers on the first day on emergency arrangements agreed with the principal contractor.

4.64. The principal contractor will have facilities on site by the time bricklaying starts, including:

4.65. Flushing toilet

4.66. Hot and cold running water, soap, towels, and full-size washbasins

4.67. Heated canteen with kettle etc.

4.68. First-aid equipment

4.69. The principal contractor will arrange clearing and ensure the necessary electrical and heating safety checks are made and

4.70. The site agent is appointed person for first aid.

4.71. Supervisor to brief workers on facilities and keep them clean.