AOMAFFILIATE - ICA
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BRAMPTON
* * *
Construction Manual
Adopted from Affiliates Operations Manual –Construction
Issue: 1.0
November 2001
WELCOME
You have embarked on a life-changing mission. Habitat’s construction process combines the ordinary act of building a home with the extraordinary possibilities of human love. This constructive combination renews lives and opens doors for Habitat families and volunteers alike. The construction of simple, decent, healthy Habitat homes testifies to the abilities and determination of the affiliate.
Table of Contents
I N T R O D U C T I O N
• Mission of the Construction Committee
• Building a sermon of God’s love
C H A P T E R O N E
• Organization of the construction committee
• Working with the professional community
• Relationships with government agencies
C H A P T E R T W O
• Selecting and Acquiring Sites
• Identifying and working in the community of need
• Establishing conditions for site selection
• Property acquisition
C H A P T E R T H R E E
• Designing Simple, Decent Homes
• New construction
• Basic house description
• Rehabilitation
• Drawings
• A house repairs ministry
• Working with the partner family
C H A P T E R F O U R
• Organizing the Building Process
• The construction plan
• The construction process
• House pricing guidelines
• Accounting and cost tracking
C H A P T E R F I V E
• Coordinating the Work Force
• Defining the work force
• Quality construction
• Surveying volunteer needs and resources
• Tips on working with habitat volunteers
• How to schedule volunteer construction workers using the crew method
• Recognizing volunteers
C H A P T E R S I X
• Procuring and Handling Materials and Tools
• Building specifications
• Materials list
• Materials solicitation
• Delivery and warehousing
• Determining tools and equipment needs
C H A P T E R S E V E N
• Construction Safety Guide
A P P E N D I C E S
ia ordering information for construction resources
1a construction-related job descriptions
1b construction-related committee checklists
1c construction-related committee plans
1d (sample) committee meeting notes
1e (sample) committee report
2a flow diagram for site selection committee
2b flow diagram for construction committee
2c site acquisition checklist
2d house lot checklist
2e home inspection sheets
2f site selection pre-acquisition budget estimate
2g site selection neighborhood assessment worksheet
3a (sample) construction drawings
3b basic house descriptions
• South Brevard (Fla.) HFH
• HFH of Greater Canton (Ohio)
• Mt. Diablo (Calif.) HFH
• • options list
• HFH of Chester County (Penn.)
• Metro Louisville
• options list
3c the uniform construction index code
3d new construction, rehabilitation or house move?
3e rehabilitation checklist
4a (sample) home maintenance instruction checklist
4b (sample) punchlist
4c (sample) house take-off list and budget
4d (sample) house information sheet and 12-week schedule
4e (sample) calendar schedule
4f HFHI guidelines for determining the selling price of a Habitat house
4g house closing costs sheet (Americus-Sumter County HFH)
5a (sample) daily site schedule
6a tool requirements list
7a accident report form
7b work crew safety manual
7c releases and waivers of liability
• release and waiver of liability
• release and waiver of liability for minor
• parental authorization for treatment of minor
7d construction industry digest
7e OSHA form 200
Habitat for Humanity® International
121 Habitat St. Americus, GA 31709-3498 USA
phone: (229) 924-6935 fax: (229) 924-6541
e-mail: info@
World Wide Web:
Construction and Environmental Resources department
phone: (229) 924-6935 fax: (229) 924-0577
e-mail: Const&Env@
Habitat Help Line (800) 422-4828, ext. 2551, 2552, 2553
Affiliate Operations Manual: Construction.
Copyright © 1999 Habitat for Humanity International
All rights reserved.
Published by Habitat for Humanity® International Inc.
Printed in the United States of America
1525/2.5C/PM-AR/2-02
INTRODUCTION
As you begin…
Keep in mind that no manual can provide a specific answer for every potential construction issue or circumstance that may arise. Use this manual for general guidance, then look to your regional centre or HFHI’s Construction and Environmental Resources department for information and help in dealing with any special or unique situations.
Missions of the Construction Committee
The Construction committee works with Site Selection to evaluate potential sites, creates workable house plans, develops systems and schedules for organizing families and volunteers for construction, and establishes contacts in the professional community. The opportunities offered to the community to participate in the construction process are vital to the continued growth of the affiliate. Volunteer participation, recognition and encouragement spreads the good news of Habitat throughout the community and sustains the health and growth of the affiliate.
The Construction committee is responsible for:
• Construction coordination and schedules.
• Construction supervision.
• Material procurement.
• Safety.
Building a Sermon of God’s Love
By Millard Fuller, founder and president of Habitat for Humanity International
When we explain in our literature, news releases and speeches that Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates “simple, decent houses,” we also mean well-built, sturdy, lasting houses. We are in partnership with God and put love into the mortar joints, which means that we also put our sweat, expertise and plain hard work into every Habitat home.
Good construction involves pre-planning, selection of good materials, worker safety and careful follow-through. All of these aspects, and others, are covered in this volume, Construction, which is an integral part of the Affiliate Operations Manual. We’ve drawn upon the expertise of many supporters and the experience of thousands of house-raisings and rehabilitations to compile this valuable resource. Please use it, other listed resources, the lessons of other affiliates, and the support of HFHI’s regional centres and headquarters’ departments to gain valuable information collected from the building of tens of thousands of Habitat homes.
An important aspect of our outreach is construction design. We insist on “simple and decent.” Our mission is to eliminate poverty housing and to build and rehabilitate houses that give people the opportunity to become all that God intended them to be. We favour house designs that reflect Habitat’s basic philosophy:
Habitat houses must be affordable for low-income families and adequate for their needs. Basic, simple and decent housing is the key to fulfilling the mandate God has given us.
Habitat for Humanity affiliates are the local part of the larger organization, Habitat for Humanity International. All affiliates are united by the Habitat Affiliate Covenant. Approved affiliates agree to follow the standards set forth by HFHI. The insistence on simple, decent house designs is one such standard—a critical one.
We are transforming families, neighbourhoods and communities with each house built. Every Habitat for Humanity house is a visible statement about our work and is a sermon of God’s love. If we keep that in mind, we’ll remain true to our mission.
CHAPTER 1
Role of the Construction Committee
The Construction committee develops the affiliate’s standardized house plans and manages all phases of construction.
This committee should include design and construction professionals, people with knowledge of building materials, practices and codes, and people skilled in the organization of labour and managing volunteers. The Construction committee works closely with the Site Selection, Family Selection and Family Support committees, and volunteer coordinator, and reports to the board of directors.
In addition to these duties, the Construction committee, in cooperation with the Family Selection and Family Support committees, determines and implements sweatequity opportunities and special events. Construction committee members also develop the affiliate’s own construction manual for its house plans; help identify long-term “crew leader” volunteers; and plan training for crew and house leaders.
NOTE: The Site Selection and Construction committees are equal partners in the Habitat construction process. It is crucial that the members of each committee work together closely and maintain clear channels of communication. It is the Construction committee’s responsibility to develop a few standard house plans that meet Habitat’s basic design criteria as well as local needs, codes and homeowners’ incomes. It is the Site Selection committee’s responsibility to locate buildable property that can accommodate those approved house plans. In developing these house plans, the Site Selection Committee should have input by providing information about the affiliate’s focus area and the type of properties located within it. Affiliates also must maintain a certain level of flexibility, recognizing that there may be some circumstances when a standard house plan should be adapted to fit an available lot. For additional guidance on such issues, contact HFHI’s Construction and Environmental Resources department.
Organization of the Construction Committee
Leadership positions for construction include:
• Construction committee chairperson.
• Construction coordinator.
• Site supervisor.
• Crew leader.
• Green Team representative.
• Materials coordinator.
NOTE: One individual may fill multiple roles. Responsibilities for these positions are detailed below.
Construction Committee Chairperson
Habitat is more than a nonprofit construction company. Therefore, the chairperson of the Construction committee should thoroughly understand and support the overall goals of the organization. A builder who is knowledgeable about construction, but has no desire to meet partner families or work with volunteers is not an appropriate chairperson. A good chairperson solicits people who are adequately familiar with the policies of Habitat for Humanity and have the skills to build a balanced team, delegate responsibilities (building, volunteer coordination, design, cost estimation, procurement, training, etc.), and provide the board clear information on the committee’s progress.
This role should not be confused with the actual management of construction but these tasks may be handled by the same person.
Construction Manager/Coordinator
The construction manager must have professional construction and supervisory experience. Specific responsibilities include:
• Overseeing the entire building process, including project budget, schedules, all building sites, materials procurement and coordination of contractors.
• Creating a construction schedule with each site supervisor.
• Being available to be on the job site at various key times such as when subcontractors are at work.
• Working with the site supervisor at all times.
• Attending Construction committee meetings.
Site Supervisor
This person must work well with people and have good organizing skills. The site supervisor can be a Habitat volunteer and is responsible for:
• Overseeing the construction schedule at one site, start to finish.
• Working with the volunteer coordinator to identify potential crew leaders and other skilled workers.
• Scheduling each workday with appropriately sized crews.
• Serving as the primary contact with the Habitat staff, specifically the construction manager/coordinator.
• Attending Construction committee meetings during the building of the project.
• Maintaining a site log.
• Ensuring the safety of volunteers and ensuring that safety practices are followed.
NOTE: A site log is a daily diary of significant events during the project. It provides continuity of the progress for all those in leadership positions. The log should note issues raised during site visits or issues discussed during meetings, important phone calls to the site and the number of volunteers present on site daily. The log always should be on site for any member of HFHB to review the notes on the progress of the project.
Crew Leaders
The site supervisor can’t oversee all construction at one time. He/she should work with three or four skilled persons who can supervise the major tasks being performed each construction day. Crew leaders have four basic responsibilities:
• Providing on-the-job training and supervision for semi-skilled and unskilled volunteers.
• Ensuring necessary tools are on the site for specific tasks.
• Maintaining safety—use of equipment, protective measures for workers, pacing workers, watching for heat problems, etc.
• Maintaining quality—the crew leaders should perform tasks that require a high level of skill. Crew leaders also should be able to quickly assess the abilities of volunteers. He/she must be able to teach crew members proper construction techniques, answer their questions and show patience.
NOTE: You can build a house with unskilled volunteers but not without skilled supervisors and crew leaders.
Green Team Representative
The Green Team, a network of individuals who educate affiliates in sustainable building practices, is part of HFHI’s Environmental Initiative. By joining the Green Team, HFHB will learn how to build more energy-efficient homes, find out about relevant training sessions and receive information on building recommendations.
For more information, contact HFHI’s Construction and Environmental Resources department at (800) 422-4828, fax: (229) 924-0577, e-mail: Const&Env@. Also check out our Web page at env. It includes links to other Web pages with helpful information.
Materials Coordinator
The materials coordinator (and his/her assistants) works with the Development committee’s in-kind solicitation efforts by maintaining contact with national and regional Habitat suppliers; coordinating solicitation for current needs; and selecting, handling and storing donated materials.
HFHB has several people who seek donations and reduced-cost purchases of building materials. The materials coordinator is responsible for ensuring that this process is accomplished smoothly.
A materials coordinator must:
• Have a general understanding of residential construction, though specific construction skills are not necessary.
• Understand how to solicit materials from the appropriate businesses or professionals.
• Have contacts in the construction industry.
• Have thorough understanding of Habitat’s commitment to partnership, and the ability to communicate this to construction professionals.
• Obtain bids for materials and services.
• Work closely with the construction coordinator and supervisors so that the proper materials are on site, on time.
• Work with the affiliate’s warehouse manager to see that the materials are available and consistent with the needs of the affiliate.
• Work as a liaison between the Construction and the Development committees.
• Consider future affiliate projects by ordering bulk items.
• Have a thorough understanding of Canadian regulations regarding charitable donations.
Working with the Professional Community
Working with the professional community involves establishing and maintaining relationships with a variety of professionals.
Establishing Relationships
The wide range of activities involved in the operation of HFHB during the design and construction phases inevitably links us with various professional groups. A positive relationship with local building professionals is an important goal. The first step is to communicate the work of Habitat and provide a positive witness to the overall Habitat program by maintaining personable, yet business-like relationships with the professional community.
HFHB should create an atmosphere where professionals (lawyers, builders, surveyors, suppliers, etc.) want to provide materials or services at little or no cost for particular projects. This important partnership with professionals is an example of Habitat’s “theology of the hammer,” where diverse people unite to accomplish Habitat’s goals.
Utilizing Professional Services
Surveyors, Architects and Engineers
Specific regulations and codes may sometimes require retaining the services of surveyors, architects or engineers. Obtaining a clear title to properly convey property to the partner family often involves a survey.
Given the “simple, decent” nature of Habitat houses and the standardized house plans that are available from HFHI and other sources, Habitat construction often does not require the services of an architect or engineer. Check with your local building department on the procedures required for approval of building plans, including the circumstances when an architect and/or engineer will be necessary (rehabs or multifamily units, for example).
Whenever an architect is involved in a Habitat build, there should be a written agreement that specifies Habitat’s house design criteria and the affiliate’s expectations for the house. Architects must understand Habitat’s emphasis on simple, decent housing and the need for Habitat houses to be affordable for low-income families.
Realtors and Lawyers
Real estate agents are a vital source of knowledge and experience in locating building lots. Often real estate agents, assisted by volunteers, are very effective in researching and tracking available property. Contact agents through realty associations in the area where you plan to build.
You will need a lawyer knowledgeable in construction law for review of all contract documents. HFHB may be able to secure free legal services—don’t hesitate to ask!
A good source for sample documents is through the CCDC, which offers standard contract forms, subcontractors’ agreements, bid forms, etc.
Builders, Contractors and Subcontractors
HFHB is the general contractor in the task of construction. As such, we require that subcontractors provide copies of their liability insurance and workmen’s compensation certificate to the construction coordinator. We always have the authority to accept or reject any contractor or subcontractor whose work is unsatisfactory or is not performed in a professional manner.
NOTE: HFHB is liable for a subcontractor’s injuries if he/she or his/her company does not carry workmen’s compensation insurance. HFHB also can be liable for injuries sustained by anyone on the work site if the subcontractor does not carry liability insurance. For more information on HFHB construction liabilities, contact your regional centre or HFHI’s Construction and Environmental Resources department.
Some construction phases require a skilled contractor. While volunteers are the backbone of our building process, a skilled tradesman can ensure efficient project work and quality in certain aspects of the building process. Local electrical, heating and plumbing unions are good sources of volunteer labor and materials, especially those with well-supervised apprenticeship programs. Some affiliates arrange to get their houses wired by professionals who volunteer on a rotating basis. Ask to speak at a union meeting and post affiliate information in union halls.
The following tasks often are subcontracted to construction professionals. These professionals may work for free or at reduced fees. And even if full price must be paid, using a professional for these tasks may be safer, more efficient and cost effective in the long run than using unskilled or semi-skilled volunteers.
• Plumbing • Electrical
• Drywall taping & finishing • Mechanical/HVAC
• Masonry • Flooring
• Excavation • Foundation installation
Material Suppliers
Materials often are provided as in-kind donations to HFHB as well as to HFHI headquarters in Americus, Ga. Local retailers, wholesalers and material distribution centres may consider making donations to local affiliates because they have a vested interest in the betterment of the community.
A NOTE ON DONATED MATERIALS: At first glance, donated building materials may look very appealing. However, it is important that Construction committee members evaluate those materials both for quality and for appropriateness. Materials that do not meet your minimum quality specifications should not be accepted. Thank the donor, but explain why the materials are not appropriate.
Similarly, when donors wish to give items that go beyond your simple, decent specifications, you should be prepared to explain why you cannot use the oversize tub, specialty light fixtures, bay window, etc. Not only may such items necessitate expensive alterations in your basic house plan, but they also may create unrealistic expectations for the next Habitat family: Fancy windows or floor coverings donated for one house may not be available for the next house.
If a donor offers useable materials that do not meet your standards or specifications, you may want to consider accepting the items with the understanding that they will be resold by HFHB to raise funds for the building program. Be sure the donor understands and approves of this resale before accepting the donation.
Relationships with Government Agencies
House building requires designs, plans, specifications, permits, surveys, insurance and legal documentation. It also may involve planning and zoning hearings for variances, etc., and complex engineering issues. Most of these issues find their way into, and eventually out of, governmental agencies (i.e., the building department or the local historic preservation commission).
Although Habitat for Humanity places restrictions on government funding for the construction of houses, a part of Habitat’s work is to establish, maintain and strengthen favourable relationships with various governmental authorities. The following suggestions facilitate working with professionals in government agencies:
• Make good, personal contacts with government officials. Do not be afraid to ask for advice or solutions to problems. They often can make introductions to other helpful resources.
• When someone helps you in any way (even when they’re just doing their job), express your appreciation. Thank them in person, send them (and their supervisor) a note and add them to your mailing list.
• Ask questions about the issuance of permits or alteration notices. Make notes about the answers for future use by others. Some local governments publish guidelines; others hold workshops. Record this information for future use. Find out what steps are required for the affiliate to receive a waiver of permit fees.
• Do not assume that building permits are not required, even if there is no evidence that permits must be obtained. Some municipalities fine owners and builders for proceeding without the necessary levels of insurance and permits for the work to be done.
• Never attempt to bypass or ignore regulations, no matter how inappropriate the regulation may seem. Doing so is unethical and may have devastating effects on your future work.
•
crimes and danger to children. One strategy is to encourage local government entities to acquire these buildings to raze them and remove their menace.
Single-family vs. Multifamily Construction
This decision is based on local factors and knowledge of the legal and practical issues involved. Many neighbourhoods are made up solely of either single-family or multifamily dwellings.
Developing multifamily units has economic, legal, architectural and social ramifications. The higher density of multifamily development reduces the per-unit cost of acquiring the site. However, the development costs are higher. The total costs for the affiliate can be much higher because of the financing needed to complete multiple units at one time. Developing a sound financial plan before acquisition is crucial.
The attendant codes and restrictions are considerably more complex for multifamily units. Such buildings usually fall under a completely different code than single family units and generally require a registered architect or engineer’s seal. Under the Fair Housing Act, projects that house four or more families must be accessible to people with disabilities.
Establishing Conditions for Site Selection
The Site Selection committee works closely with the board to develop a strategy and outline specific conditions for selection of desirable properties. Are the best opportunities in rehabilitation or new construction? Should the committee concentrate on large pieces of land or closely related single lots? The answers to these questions are based on the focus area research and the affiliate’s short- and long-term goals.
More specific conditions help in decision-making on a site-by-site basis. Certain conditions must always be met:
• Will the property accommodate the affiliate’s basic house design?
• Can a clear title be obtained? Do a title search.
• Is the site properly zoned? Check zoning records and the building department.
• Are there use restrictions? Check with the building department.
• Does the site meet other ordinances such as minimum size requirements? Check with the building department and request variances if required.
• Have all possible hazards been researched? These include toxic waste, flood plain and drainage issues, incompatible soil, setback requirements, and wetlands or other natural habitat restrictions.
• Are there unusual conditions present that will affect development costs? (Retaining walls, extra structures to be removed, etc.)
The affiliate may set guidelines specific to its goals and scrutinize each property against these standards. The affiliate may want to establish minimum size requirements, maximum acquisition and development costs, and adjacency concerns (i.e., is it within reasonable distance from current projects?)
Overcoming Neighborhood Opposition
Few people oppose the concept of decent, affordable housing for all. However, when Habitat for Humanity puts that concept into concrete and starts building, these same people may suffer from NIMBY syndrome: “Not In MY Backyard!” Misconceptions about Habitat’s work and stereotyped attitudes about low-income housing lead residents of existing neighborhoods to oppose Habitat houses being built there and Habitat homeowners moving in among them. People may assume the presence of Habitat houses will diminish the value of their own homes, or they fear the new homeowners will bring drugs, crime or other undesirable elements to the area.
The best way to overcome these obstacles is to keep them from developing in the first place. This means getting into the focus neighborhoods early and spending a great deal of time talking to community leaders and residents. Carefully explain Habitat’s mission, the homeowner application process and the building plans. Listen to their concerns and be prepared with the facts on how Habitat building improves neighborhoods. Allow them to have reasonable input into the project and invite them to visit completed Habitat homes.
It is crucial to overcome strong negative sentiments in the focus neighbourhood BEFORE you invest time and money in actual property acquisition and building. A neighbourhood that is clearly and openly hostile to Habitat’s work and its homeowners is not a good choice, no matter how affordable its property may be.
For more information on overcoming NIMBY syndrome and related issues, contact your regional centre.
Property Acquisition
Actual property acquisition involves numerous considerations, from legal issues through acquisition methods. Affiliates must be prepared to pay for certain required professional services throughout the process. Licensed professionals can be asked to provide those services for free—many will do so. However, even if professional services must be paid for at full price, it will be far less expensive in the long run than the costly mistakes that could be made by relying on volunteers with no expertise in these crucial areas. Issues or tasks requiring licensed professionals include:
• Survey
• Title search
• Environmental assessment
Acquisition and Development of Real Estate
Before purchasing or accepting donated property, the affiliate must carefully examine the property, including construction feasibility, legal and practical use restrictions, existence of a good title and any environmental liabilities. If these factors limit the property’s value, the affiliate may negotiate a better price or eliminate consideration of that property.
Land Use Regulations
In selecting a site, the affiliate must determine applicable zoning and other land-use regulations (e.g., sewage disposal, flood plain, earthquakes, wetlands, density requirements, setbacks, historic areas and development and impact fees). Conventional zoning divides land use into categories, and zoning ordinances divide communities into zoning districts. Be aware that rezoning property can be a lengthy and expensive process.
Title Examination
The affiliate must perform a title and lien search to determine whether the current owner has good title and whether there are any liens or encumbrances against the property. Check the tax office to ensure that all property taxes have been paid.
Environmental Concerns
If the affiliate plans to acquire a large tract of land or land used for non-residential purposes in the past, environmental concerns are especially important. While the potential liability is great, the affiliate’s exposure can be reduced through appropriate risk management techniques.
When the Site Selection committee inspects the property and reviews the chain of title, the committee must watch for any indications that the previous owner used the land for dumping toxic or hazardous substances. The use history of adjacent lands also should be reviewed. This review includes checking with the Federal Environmental Protection Agency and its state equivalent to determine whether toxic waste sites are nearby.
Unless a committee member has the technical expertise and/or license to perform an environmental assessment of the property, hire a qualified assessment consultant. Unfortunately, these services can be very expensive; the affiliate might ask the professional to donate the services or discount the fee. Consult the affiliate’s attorney if you have any questions in the following areas:
• Hazardous and toxic wastes (e.g., oil, chemicals, batteries)
• Underground storage tanks
• Radon
• Asbestos
• Lead paint
Contact HFHI’s Construction and Environmental Resources department for more information addressing these issues.
Surveys
Unless existing physical evidence clearly establishes the boundaries and corners of a particular lot or tract of land, the affiliate should obtain a current survey before acquiring the land.
NOTE: The physical description of the property listed on the deed does not always match a current physical survey. This could affect the decision to acquire the property. A current survey also provides a description of the zoning for that property.
CHAPTER TWO
Designing Simple, Decent Homes
Working with the Government
In recent years, government entities have sought to help Habitat not only through the donation of property or services, but also through the direct donation of funds. To assist affiliates, Habitat for Humanity International’s board of directors adopted the following government funds policy, which is included in the Habitat Affiliate Covenant.
… Habitat for Humanity welcomes partnership with governments that includes accepting funds to help set the stage for the construction of houses, provided it does not limit our ability to proclaim our Christian witness, and further provided that affiliates do not become dependent on or controlled by government funds thus obtained. Setting the stage is interpreted to include land, houses for rehabilitation, infrastructure for streets, utilities and administrative expenses. Funding from third parties who accept government funds with sole discretion over their use shall not be considered as government funds for Habitat purposes.
This statement means that a governmental agency can be included in the partnership of Habitat for Humanity as long as its involvement is part of “setting the stage” for building and not part of actual house building. For information on government programs and similar private-sector programs, contact your Regional Centre.
New Construction
No single design can account for the diversity among all Habitat affiliates and the conditions under which they build. Therefore, HFHI has developed house design criteria and guidelines to ensure that affiliates have the flexibility needed to respond to their particular circumstances while remaining true to the Habitat Affiliate Covenant’s mandate of simple, decent housing.
House Design Criteria
Selecting or developing an appropriate house design is a challenging yet rewarding process. The key is PARTNERSHIP between the affiliate and applicant family. By recognizing the needs of the family, an affiliate builds a house that will not burden the homeowner in care and maintenance. Affiliates should develop a few standard house designs that can be used again and again (with minor adaptations for any family’s specific needs). Building sites should be sought to fit those house plans.
Each affiliate must have a detailed description of what is and is not included in its basic house. Applicant families, new board members, architects, construction coordinators, public speakers and the press all benefit from a clear understanding of what Habitat means by “a simple, decent house.”
For new houses, the following Habitat House Design Criteria are approved by Habitat for Humanity International’s board of directors.
1. The living space provided—not including stairwells (except to a basement) and exterior storage—should not be more than:
• 900 square feet for a two-bedroom house
• 1,050 square feet for a three-bedroom house
• 1,150 square feet for a four-bedroom house
2. The basic house has one bathroom. The bathroom may be compartmentalized for increased usefulness. Additional baths may be added by the family as part of the their budget.
3. Each family should have an opportunity to affect the design of their house as much as possible. A budget with a predetermined limit (e.g., $300 – $1,000) should be established to allow the family to personalize their home with such things as picture windows, fencing, half-bath, etc.
4. Each house should have a covered, primary entrance.
5. When feasible, at least one entrance to the house should be accessible to persons who have difficulty with mobility.
6. All passage doors, including the bathroom door, should be 3’-0” and the hall should be 3’-4” minimum frame to frame. These standards allow for simple access for disabled and elderly persons. Further adaptation may be needed for a family member’s specific disability.
7. Homes should have no garages or carports.
NOTE: Rehabilitations may prevent some guidelines from being met. However, affiliates must maintain the intent and spirit of the guidelines when determining the specifics of the proposed rehabilitation.
Adaptable and Accessible Housing
HFHI strongly encourages affiliates to incorporate design features for houses to be minimally adaptable to persons with physical disabilities. Adaptable features typically add very little to the cost of a house; the expense associated with making a house accessible is also negligible.
An ADAPTABLE building is designed and built so that a person with a physical disability will have a certain minimum accessibility to it. Features that provide complete accessibility can be added or altered later, though including them from the outset will minimize future costs and inconvenience.
Features typical of an ADAPTABLE residence are:
1. Kitchens that permit wheelchair manoeuvrability.
2. Provision of grab bars or reinforcement of the wall to accommodate the installation of grab bars at a later date.
3. Electrical outlets at least 18 inches (260 mm) above the floor.
4. Electrical switches and thermostats, at most, 42 inches (1,065 mm) above the floor.
5. Provision of an accessible bathroom when possible (essential for full accessibility).
6. Main electrical panel on ground floor.
An ACCESSIBLE building can be approached, entered and used by individuals with physical disabilities. This means routes are unobstructed, thresholds can be crossed with wheelchairs or other mobility aids, and interior spaces can be entered and maneuvered in a wheelchair. These conditions require special care in the design of entrances, halls, kitchens and bathrooms.
Features typical of an ACCESSIBLE dwelling are grab bars for support in the bathrooms; tub seats or accessible showers; roll-in sinks and counter areas; and ramps to entrances. Maintaining these standards ensures the affiliate that if a Habitat family member has or develops a disability limiting his or her mobility, the quality of his or her life in the home will remain high.
Call HFHI’s Construction and Environmental Resources department at (800) 422- 4828, for more information on ways to make Habitat homes more adaptable or accessible.
Basic House Description
Each affiliate should develop a basic house description outlining features of the typical house. For buildings to be rehabilitated, a general description of the conditions acceptable to the affiliate will be used as the guideline.
Energy Efficiency
In Habitat projects, whether for a new building or a major renovation, there are thousands of issues that must be resolved by the affiliate, the design professionals and the construction supervisors. A large number of these issues deal with the design, selection and integration of the building’s energy systems (the building envelope, the heating/cooling/ventilation systems, the lighting and other energy-consuming equipment and appliances). Typically these issues get very little attention in the design process. This is a serious and costly mistake because over the life of a building, the energy costs alone will exceed the initial cost of all of the energy systems. HFHI is committed to helping affiliates design comfortable and efficient buildings and has resources and partnerships to educate affiliates about good energy design standards and practices.
Energy-efficient homes benefit Habitat homeowners in several ways. First, they make the homes more affordable than just the no-profit, no-interest mortgage alone. One affiliate found that by reducing the utility costs in its houses (and therefore the families’ total monthly housing expenses) it was able to reduce income qualifications for the applicant families even though actual construction costs increased slightly.
Second, an energy-efficient home improves the indoor environment and can reduce health risks from mold, dust mites, radon, combustion by-products (such as carbon monoxide) and other pollutants. Such homes also offer fewer entry points for dust, pollen, insects, rodents, etc.
Energy efficiency at HFHI is more than an option—it is a necessity if we are to meet our goal of building simple, decent, affordable homes. A no-profit, no-interest mortgage is only part of the puzzle. If the utilities for the home outweigh the mortgage, the home is not affordable!
Studies show that low-income families may spend between 15 percent and 30 percent of their income on utility costs, yet basic energy-efficiency steps can reduce these costs by more than 40 percent. Furthermore, energy-efficient construction improves building durability by reducing moisture-related problems.
An example of energy-efficient and earth-friendly construction comes from Metro Denver (Colo.) HFH. In addition to following HFHI’s guidelines for a simple, decent dwelling, the house includes the following:
Energy savings features
• Four large, south facing, low-e insulated vinyl windows for passive solar heating.
• Enhanced insulation values: fiberglass in the walls to R-21, cellulose in the ceiling to R-30 and fiberglass batts in the floor joist to R-19.
• Code requirements for Colorado call for R-11 in the wall and R-19 in the attic. Floor insulation is not required.
• 2x6 exterior walls to accommodate R-21 batts. 24” o.c. layout reduces lumber use and potential for thermal bridging.
• Programmable thermostat.
• Raised heel trusses enable full R-values to be maintained over the exterior walls.
• Two-foot overhangs provide shade for the windows in the summer while allowing solar heat gain in the winter months.
• Efficient 60,000 Btu gas furnace instead of customary 80,000 Btu as a result of warmer envelope.
• Compact fluorescent lighting throughout.
Environmental and health features
• Both active and passive solar heating design.
• Low volatile organic compound (VOC) paint.
• Finger jointed framing on partitions.
• Engineered floor joist.
• Synthetic carpet fiber composed of recycled soft drink containers.
• Eco-Products decking consisting of recycled wood and plastic composites.
• Xeriscaping landscape materials require far less water and maintenance.
• Low flow toilets, faucets and showerheads.
The results? The homeowners paid only $45 for their highest utility bill for the 1997-98 winter.
To find out more about building energy and resource efficient homes, contact HFHI’s Construction and Environmental Resources department.
Design Criteria Exceptions
The design criteria serve as the guidelines for the basic house. Substantial departures from these guidelines should be adopted only after they are challenged and discussed by the affiliate’s board of directors, in consultation with HFHI’s regional center staff.
For example, an affiliate might build with exceptions to the design criteria if a building being considered for rehabilitation was 1,200 square feet. In new construction, government regulations or subdivision covenants may require homes to be a minimum square footage. These examples lead the affiliate to consider exceptions to the design criteria, build in different locations or work to change the requirements.
Rehabilitation
An affiliate with rehabilitation goals should produce a document that will ensure consistency in the decision-making process. This policy should outline what types of structures will be undertaken in terms of both conditions and size. This document should contain guidelines that outline the general conditions encountered in completing rehabilitation projects. For example, if the houses needing rehabilitation in the affiliate’s focus area are brick, the affiliate needs a general approach to improving brick structures and increasing energy efficiency. The approach should cover items such as the window standard, acceptable roof conditions, acceptable percentage of beam replacement, and what types of mechanical systems will be replaced or retained.
Evaluation of the interior should include a standard based on the existing interior walls, doors, windows and ceilings. The evaluation of the first building an affiliate considers for rehabilitation assists the affiliate in setting standards for selecting the others.
Three areas of stewardship are important in a rehabilitation effort:
• Existing resources.
• Affiliate’s resources.
• Partner families’ resources.
Guardianship of Existing Resources
Rehabilitation of structurally sound buildings in the affiliate’s focus area is good stewardship of resources.
Prudent Investment of an Affiliate’s Resources
If an affiliate undertakes a rehabilitation project, the affiliate must focus on its definition of rehabilitation. If this focus is lost, financial, physical, emotional and volunteer resources will be unduly expended.
Stewardship of the Homeowner’s Resources
The homeowner’s up-front expenditures and ongoing maintenance and utility costs are critical stewardship issues. Return-on-investment issues must be considered when evaluating existing structures.
Drawings
Once a house design is selected, further refinements may be necessary. Before entering the lengthy process of securing a building permit, the architect or another individual appointed by the Construction committee must check the design against local site conditions, building codes and ordinances.
The process will go faster if the Construction committee and the involved designers are familiar with local demands. Affiliates must obtain a copy of the local building code, often based on a model code with certain additions, and any local ordinances that affect design. This material contains information such as whether an architect’s stamp is required for your project, whether special design considerations must be made (i.e., flood plain construction, historic district design criteria), and what specifications and standards of construction must be satisfied.
The number, type and extent of drawings required for a project are dictated by the needs for clarity of construction and by the permit process. The building department’s needs usually are the controlling factor. Check with the building department to ensure that you prepare and submit all necessary drawings.
While drawings are being completed and brought into compliance with codes and ordinances, any changes must be evaluated for the effect they will have on the building’s specifications. If material quantities or qualities are changed, the changes must be accounted for. Information about changes must be passed on to the material coordinator who may already be acquiring the project materials. If the changes are extreme, re-evaluation of the design against cost concerns may be necessary.
The product that legally permits the affiliate to get the building permits issued is a document that is stamped “Working Drawing For Construction.” It is with this drawing that an affiliate can get the best take-off (materials list), or price, to do any subcontracted work. Don’t use preliminary drawings for the take-off (materials list); doing so creates a margin of error in ordering the correct quantities of materials and provides a subcontractor an opportunity to request numerous change orders.
A House Repairs Ministry
Our Habitat mission is to provide decent shelter for all God’s people in need. A repairs ministry allows an affiliate to reach homeowners whose income is too low to allow them to pay for necessary repairs to their homes.
Signing a Letter of Intent for repair projects is as important as it is for rehabilitation or construction of new homes. This letter should clearly identify what work is to be done. The affiliate’s board of directors should approve the family selection for repairs just as it does for home-purchase applicants. A simple sales contract or carpenter’s lien usually is sufficient to handle amounts up to $4,000. For repairs more than $4,000, the affiliate may have the family take out a first or second mortgage and treat the repair as a minor rehabilitation.
To avoid overworking the Construction committee members, establish a house repair committee. This group handles the details of locating partners, scheduling volunteers, getting project coordinators and raising funds for repairs. All decisions are subject to approval by the board of directors.
The regular construction supervisors or crews should not have responsibility for repair projects. Many people in your community have maintained homes for years and are qualified to oversee most house repairs. With encouragement, some of them would volunteer to lead a work crew on a house repair. In most affiliates, an army of volunteers is willing and anxious to help.
For more information on the many aspects of organizing and maintaining a house repairs ministry, contact your regional center or HFHI’s Construction and Environmental Resources department.
Working with the Partner Family
An affiliate’s work with Habitat families is ongoing. The following paragraphs detail the family’s involvement in construction.
House Design
Habitat partner families must participate in selecting their house design. Remember, the affiliate is building the house WITH the family, not for them. The Construction committee presents the partner family with several options that meet Habitat’s design criteria and have appropriate responses to factors such as site, neighbourhood contacts, family size and special family needs.
Establishing an Options List
The options list allows families to personalize their homes. A discretionary sum of money should be established; the amount should remain consistent. Some affiliates designate $300 – $1,000 to allow the family to add another bathroom; put up ceiling fans, storm doors, and shutters, etc. The amount varies among affiliates.
Sweat Equity
NOTE: The information presented here focuses on sweat equity’s role in the construction process.
Sweat equity is the actual hands-on involvement of partner families in the construction of their own homes, as well as participation in other Habitat and community activities.
Sweat equity is designed to meet three important goals:
• Partnership—Sweat equity provides meaningful interaction between partner families, affiliate representatives and Habitat volunteers.
• Pride in homeownership—Investing sweat-equity hours on their home helps families in the construction phase begin to make the transition to ownership.
• Development of skills and knowledge—On the building site, partner family members should gain a real understanding of the construction of their home and maintenance issues they will face after occupancy.
Sweat equity requirements should include:
• The number of required hours.
• Who is eligible to work the hours.
• The type of tasks that qualify as sweat equity.
These requirements should be detailed in the letter of acceptance. The sweat equity timeline, which must be individually tailored for each partner family, also should be agreed to at the time the letter of acceptance is signed.
Affiliates should NOT place a dollar value on sweat equity; and sweat equity should NEVER be interpreted as part of or in lieu of a down payment on the home. To do so could result in a legal requirement to pay wages or provide fiscal reimbursement if a partnership with a family is unexpectedly terminated before they purchase their Habitat home.
To ensure that all families are investing their share of sweat equity, affiliates must require a minimum number of volunteer work hours per family. The hour requirement should be realistic and in tune with the building schedule so that partner families will not feel overwhelmed but also will be working enough that the sweat-equity purposes are accomplished. Requirements in the 300-500 hour range seem to be the most workable.
In keeping with the purpose of pride in homeownership, construction on the partner family’s own home should always be the priority. The sweat-equity policy also can assign a pre-determined number of hours to specific tasks. These tasks should be jobs that any family can accomplish (installing the insulation, maintaining the site, landscaping the lawn). Affiliates should schedule construction so that families have ample time to complete the required hours.
Remember that one of the three purposes of sweat equity is the development of skills and knowledge in construction and home maintenance. The affiliate should make sure that the family is involved in meaningful construction work throughout all phases of the building process, even if that slows the process or inconveniences site supervisors. HFHI strongly recommends that sweat-equity hours be completed prior to occupancy and closing.
CHAPTER FOUR
Organizing the Building Process
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
The Construction Plan
The successful construction and completion of a Habitat house requires a thorough construction plan. Key elements of the construction plan include:
1. The Construction Team—The construction coordinator must determine the construction team to be used on the project (e.g., the house leader, crew leaders, subcontractors and volunteers). Partner families also must be involved in meaningful ways both in decision-making and in construction.
2. Administration and Logistics—The construction committee, construction coordinator and crew leaders should discuss various administrative requirements and any site logistics. This should include:
• The project budget
• The project schedule
• Site management
• Materials handling
• The volunteer base
3. Plans and Specifications—The construction team should review the plans and specifications to assist in determining labor requirements and equipment needs.
4. Codes and Regulations—Affiliates must understand local building codes, permit requirements and building department procedures. It is best to seek the advice of the building inspector and licensed professionals when dealing with issues of building code interpretations or other legal requirements. Even if those professionals will not donate their services or discount their fees, their expertise may save the affiliate from making perhaps very costly mistakes.
5. Permits—A building permit is required before beginning any construction. Permits are applied for at the inspection office using the specific forms furnished. The application process includes providing a description of the house and its location, site and drainage plans, signature of the construction coordinator, tax map information, and other information as requested by the inspection office. Permits must be displayed on the construction site so that they are visible from the principal road. The permit process can be lengthy, so affiliates should begin the process as soon as they acquire their site. To obtain a permit in some code jurisdictions, the drawings and specifications require other information due to environmental concerns or local ordinances. These requirements include a potable water test, a soil percolation test, an environmental impact report (and attendant fees), energy calculations or evidence of zoning clearance. Because Habitat for Humanity is providing a service to the community, there are ways to reduce permit fees. Apply for a waiver of fees. Meet with the director of the building department. You may be exempt from fees because of the affiliate’s non-profit status. Develop a working relationship with the building department that handles permits.
NOTE: It may be necessary to work with local governing officials for passage of an ordinance or resolution that will allow waiver of fees for non-profit affordable housing organizations such as Habitat.
6. Inspections—An affiliate can limit claims and misunderstandings from homeowner families by inspecting the property with the homeowner and communicating clearly and fully, through discussions and contract documents, how the construction process works and what the homeowner should expect from the affiliate. Two kinds of inspections are essential.
Instructional Inspection
The purpose of one type of inspection should be home maintenance instruction. The construction supervisor or another affiliate representative should walk through the house with the homeowner, explaining what has been done and how the equipment, appliances and other items work. Maintenance and care of household components for which the homeowner will be responsible should be fully explained. A home maintenance checklist detailing the items that should be discussed during this inspection is a helpful tool for both the affiliate and the homeowner. The instructional inspection and checklist can prevent many problems since the homeowner will see and will have in writing the items that are the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain. (See Appendix,“(Sample) Home Maintenance Instruction Checklist”)
Punch List Inspection
The second type of inspection checks the house for defects or problems and creates a “punch list” of items to be corrected or improved before the homeowner accepts ownership and moves into the house. The punchlist form should include all components of the house. The homeowner either approves an item “as is” by initialing it or indicates the improvement needed. The affiliate representative and the homeowner should agree on a timetable for making the required corrections. Then, as items are corrected, the homeowner should initial and date each item, indicating approval of the correction. The completed punchlist should be kept in the affiliate’s files. (See Appendix, “(Sample) Punch List”)
The punch list is good evidence of the condition of the house and of the homeowner’s satisfaction with the condition of the house. The list may also serve as evidence that, in fact, the homeowner was satisfied with the items in the house at one point in time. It also demonstrates the affiliate’s efforts to identify and correct problems.
The Construction Process
The Project Budget
Each house built must have a completed budget before construction is started. The construction team should have a clear indication of what materials are needed for the house and of what each item costs. These costs should include everything needed to complete the house including, but not limited to:
• Legal costs
• Permit fees
• Site preparation
• Materials
• Subcontracted labour
Another advantage of a house budget is that it highlights some of the larger costs so you can work on reducing the cost of these items. For example: After completing a materials take off and budget, you see that you are spending what seems to be a lot of money on roof plywood. You find out that you are cutting 2’ 6” off your last sheet of plywood at the top of the roof and are not able to use the off cut. You determine that if you reduced your roof pitch by 10 degrees you could then cut the last sheet in half and use the off cut on the roof, saving you money not only on the plywood, but also on the trusses and shingles.
Without a complete materials take off and budget, you will be unable to identify these situations before construction. It is also good construction management to know what each house costs to build. In addition, it helps the affiliate to better manage cash flow.
Build the House “on Paper” First
As the house is being built, the costs should be tracked and reviewed monthly by the Construction committee. Any variances should be noted and acted on to determine the course of the problem. (See Appendix, “Take-Off List and Budget”)
The Project Schedule
Next to the budget, the schedule is the most important item to establish. When arranging a schedule, determine the following:
• Site preparation work
• First “framing day” date
• Material needs each week
• Volunteer needs for each workday
• Subcontractor times
• Completion date and family move-in date
The construction schedule enables you to:
• Predict how many volunteers are needed for each workday.
• Let volunteers know what is expected of them.
• Advise contractors in time to secure a place on their schedule. They will respect you for giving them advance notice and for being ready when you say you will.
• Advise house sponsors when to show up and how many volunteers to bring.
• Readily integrate partner families in the completion of their home.
• Reduce the worry so that building is fun!
The schedule should be determined by members of the Construction, Volunteer and Development committees and approved by the executive director. If the Construction committee determines the schedule without input from the other committees, conflict could arise. The whole affiliate must “own” the schedule for it to be successful.
Adhering to a schedule will give volunteers and sponsors confidence in the affiliate and will ensure continuation of needed resources.
Steps to take are:
• Discuss the milestones that must be determined (start date, completion date and potential family move-in date).
• Determine volunteer needs for workdays (including house sponsor volunteers and construction supervision).
• Schedule material deliveries and subcontractors.
• Determine special event days (media days, house dedication).
Construction Schedule Planning
An affiliate decides to undertake a 12-week construction schedule. What must happen next? The lot must be cleared, foundation completed, plans and survey approved, permits secured, and power and water brought to the site. Materials must be ordered and subcontractors scheduled.
How many volunteers are needed for each workday?
Work with the volunteer coordinator, partner family representative and the house’s sponsor contact person to determine who fills the available slots. Include crew leaders when determining numbers.
What materials must be on site by what date?
Identify what needs to be ordered now and when deliveries need to take place.
When is the house dedication?
It is good to have a date when the volunteers, house sponsor and family can come together for the house dedication. Allow a couple of weeks after the scheduled completion date to allow for any delays due to unforeseen circumstances.
NOTE: HFHI strongly recommends that partner families not be allowed to move in to the completed home prior to the house dedication ceremony and the formal closing, including 100 percent completion of the required sweat equity.
Computer programs can be used for this, but if you do not have access to them, it can be worked out easily with a calendar. (See Appendix, “(Sample) House Information Sheet and 12-weekSchedule”)
HFHI House Pricing Guidelines
(See Appendix, “HFHI Guidelines for Determining the Selling Price of a Habitat House”)
These HFHI guidelines are offered to help your affiliate arrive at a standard workable policy for your area. Christian love, common sense and good business practices must guide each situation. Contact your Regional Centre if you have questions or concerns about the final selling price of your houses.
NOTE: When estimating the cost of a Habitat house, the Construction committee must work closely with the Family Selection and Family Support committees to ensure that the cost of the house truly is affordable for families whose incomes fall within the range approved by the board. A Habitat house must be made affordable for the family selected. Affiliates must not build a house first and then look for a family who can afford it.
Accounting and Cost Tracking
Construction accounting methods must be established at the very beginning of the project.
Seeking the advice of an accountant knowledgeable in construction is advisable for three reasons:
1. Construction accounting is very different from accounting in other industries because of the constant day-to-day material deliveries (some purchased and some in-kind).
2. Habitat uses various kinds of labour - partner families, volunteers and/or paid professionals.
3. A cost tracking module should be part of your Affiliate Accounting package.
This assesses the cost of each project as it progresses and allows you to track the cash flow.
The affiliate should monitor its cash expenditures for materials so that cash flows are managed and bills are paid on time. This plan alleviates overspending and helps prevent building too costly a house.
Adopting a purchase order (PO) system increases control over costs and accounting.
Creating special forms is not necessary; generic PO forms are available at most office supply stores. A job number should be assigned to each project and should be used on the PO. Ask suppliers to use these same numbers on their invoices. The purchase orders themselves should be numbered sequentially. The affiliate should have a policy stating who is authorized to sign POs. If these practices are carefully maintained, accounting is greatly simplified. These practices create a “paper trail” that leads back to the origin of errors and costly order duplications.
NOTE: One of the most difficult aspects of operating an affiliate is the proper use, organization and management of the work force. Difficulties experienced by the Construction committee often are rooted in the misunderstanding of why and when to use partner families, volunteers and paid professionals. The executive director, volunteer coordinator, construction coordinator and others involved in the recruitment and use of volunteers must work together to see that this part of the building process runs smoothly.
CHAPTER FIVE
Coordinating the Work Force
Defining the Work Force
The work force is comprised of partner families and volunteers.
Partner Families
Selected families are our partners and fellow volunteers. The construction process must be accomplished with the family members, and they should share as much of the construction as possible.
Concern for productivity often limits the opportunities for partner family involvement.
The affiliate should never leave partner families behind. As with all volunteers, they require instruction and supervision. The Construction committee must recognize that it is HOW Habitat builds houses that makes Habitat different from other housing organizations. A partnership requires mutual respect and trust. The primary partnership relationship in any affiliate is the one between the affiliate and the partner families.
Volunteers
In discussing the work force, the term “volunteer” must not be confused with a particular skill level. Volunteers are affiliate board and committee members, skilled people invited into the partnership and many others. Volunteers are a vital part of the philosophy of the Christian partnership in Habitat’s ministry.
Construction volunteers also work to raise community awareness and funds. Their participation is vital in developing partnership, respect and understanding within the larger community. This benefit alone justifies volunteer involvement regardless of the degree of productivity. Since volunteers also comprise our primary labour source, we must work to keep them productive and to keep their involvement meaningful.
Quality Construction
Habitat for Humanity builds low-cost houses, not CHEAP houses! It is imperative that everyone involved understands how important it is for Habitat homes to be well-built, quality structures that will stand the test of time.
Habitat houses must meet all applicable safety and construction codes, and they must be built to withstand the climate extremes of their locales. Habitat homeowners have the same rights as any other homeowners to expect that their houses will be free of defects and that all systems will be in sound working order.
Volunteers with little construction experience may not even recognize when their work is unacceptable. Site supervisors and construction coordinators must evaluate the ongoing work and make sure that shoddy workmanship (whether by volunteers or paid professionals) is corrected immediately. It is integral to Habitat’s partnership with the community that unskilled volunteers successfully learn construction skills through the guidance and patience of skilled supervisors.
Supervisors, coordinators and trainers should stress quality as often as they stress safety, and everyone working on a Habitat house should treat it with the same care and concern they would want for their own home.
Surveying Volunteer Needs and Resources
Few affiliates are at a loss for construction volunteers. The greatest need is for skilled labour. Identifying the available resources of SKILLED volunteers is the best starting point.
• Solicit volunteers from the professional community. This is a good option, but few affiliates can meet all their needs this way.
• Pay professionals as staff or subcontractors. Under certain circumstances, this is the best choice, but this option should be used as little as possible.
• Train people who are willing to learn. Training is not new to affiliates. When a new group of unskilled volunteers works, the group goes through a certain amount of training. The training ranges from a structured time of explaining the day’s activities to attempting to stay ahead of the group, answering questions and solving problems. For an affiliate just starting out, this is fine. However, as the affiliate grows, the training process can become more refined. Before any refinement can begin, you must determine what skills the project needs and in what quantity.
Tips on Working with Habitat Volunteers
• The volunteer coordinator should work with construction management in deciding how many workers are needed each day. Although a few extra workers should be recruited to cover for people who do not show up, remember that having too many workers is just as detrimental as too few.
• Try not to have too many workers early on and too few late in the process. The finishing steps are time-consuming and somewhat tedious but are just as crucial to a quality project as framing and roofing. Emphasize the importance of the jobs done after drywall: trim, doors, painting, window treatments, cleaning, etc.
• A supervisor who knows answers or where to find them should be on site whenever volunteers are working, unless the workers know exactly what to do. Supervisors should concentrate on supporting other volunteers rather than doing jobs themselves.
• Try to give each volunteer a sense of accomplishment. If someone is really not needed on a particular job, find something else for that person to do.
• If the point comes when everyone is tired and non-productive, quit before someone gets hurt. This can be particularly important if the weather is very hot, cold, wet or windy.
• Volunteer coordinators for sponsoring organizations play a crucial role. They must understand that while most workers can be recruited for particular times, some skilled workers are needed for particular jobs. Examples of this include doing trim work and hanging cabinets. The volunteer coordinator must work with the construction coordinator to arrange for workers as needed.
• BE FLEXIBLE!
How to Schedule Volunteer Construction Workers Using the “Crew Method”
NOTE: Whenever volunteers are working, materials and tasks must be evaluated to fit the volunteers.
Training
Training is defined as “to instruct as to make proficient or qualified.” In other words, training means to share knowledge. In volunteer organizations, the volunteers change; therefore training must be ongoing to be effective. Training most often takes place on the job site to allow the volunteer to practice the newly acquired skill. This enables the trainer to review the skills and make adjustments whenever necessary. It is helpful to have a group of volunteers who can train together and become a crew that works on more than one job site.
One of the most important elements in any training program is adequate repetition. For Habitat to establish that repetition, the construction coordinator, trainers and crews must understand the part they play.
It is extremely helpful if the crew can make a commitment of one day a month for a year (weekend crews) and the trainers, who can be either skilled volunteers or staff, work with the crew until they can work independently. The construction coordinator, who is often a staff person, designs and maintains the work schedule.
Two major considerations in designing the training schedule are:
• Workdays are scheduled at regular intervals.
• Schedules are maintainable.
Regular Intervals
If a crew returns more frequently than every four weeks, its members risk burnout, and you risk losing a crew. If a crew does not return more frequently than every eight weeks, members tend to forget information.
Therefore, every effort should be made to keep the interval between four and eight weeks, although circumstances such as bad weather sometimes force changes. Also, affiliates with only a few houses and crews may have to group sessions closer together from time to time.
Last-minute changes in the schedule should be avoided. All activity, regardless of the interval, should be scheduled well in advance. The single most important element in a successful training process is that everyone comes to trust the predictability of the schedule.
For some larger affiliates, creating a four- to eight-week training interval can be accomplished by running a number of units simultaneously, in varying stages of construction, rather than one unit at a time. Scheduling in this way does not necessarily increase costs, yearly goals or demands on staffing and volunteers. However, an affiliate building fewer than two houses a year might have to schedule training for different tasks at different times of the year.
Maintainable Schedule
Anyone who has tried to schedule a work crew at the last minute will know the importance of scheduling workers well in advance. Of course, doing so is easy if it’s not important what they’re going to do. However, for training, you must be able to predict exactly what will be happening on that day.
Scheduling a specific task is not as difficult as it seems. The greatest difficulty is overcoming the professional builders’ perception that predictability is impossible. For professional builders, time is money and their energy goes into fitting the labour resources to the task at hand. Habitat’s edge as a non-profit organization is the ability to focus our energy in a different direction. By establishing a schedule that allows more than adequate time for each task to be accomplished and by focusing our energy on maintaining that schedule, Habitat can do what few builders can—create a predictable schedule.
Worst-Case Work Schedule
By staggering the construction process to provide regular intervals for training and designing a schedule that is totally predictable, an affiliate can extend the construction process to make optimal use of a primary work force that is available only one day a week.
As you plan, first establish a worst-case work schedule. Using the barest labour resources (staff, board members and partner families) under the worst situations (bad weather possible in that season and location), determine a pace that can be maintained.
This will not be as extreme as it sounds. A good volunteer framing crew can “dry a house” in four Saturdays. That doesn’t sound like much allowance until you realize that you have four weeks to accomplish a four-day task.
The construction coordinator must take into consideration how long materials can remain exposed to the weather. For example, the schedule may need to be shortened if bad weather is causing damage to an uncovered floor system.
As you approach the third week, you will know how well you are maintaining the schedule. If weather or a slow crew has put you behind, you can pick up the lost time during the week, or with one of your other labour resources. (One of your strongest resources may be a crew that works during the week. Don’t include them in calculating the schedule and they can help you maintain it.)
Job Descriptions
The typical workday will require the following workers:
One or two site supervisors or one house leader
Their job is to organize the construction so you meet your goals by the end of the day.
• Site supervisors list tasks needed to be accomplished that day and match crew leaders with crew members to do each task.
• Site supervisors are responsible for the day’s schedule, job safety and maintaining the quality of workmanship.
3–4 crew leaders (per house). Crew leaders can be assigned per house or per task.
Crew leaders lead a group of 4-6 crew members in completing a specific task. Crew leaders are the teachers on the job site, so they need construction and teaching skills.
• Crew leaders are responsible for their crew only. If they see another crew doing something that doesn’t look right to them, they should find that crew’s leader and discuss it with him/her, not with the crew.
12–20 crew members
Their job is to complete a specific task in a crew of 4–6 people with a crew leader guiding them.
• These are the people who will be supporting Habitat financially, as well as with their time.
• It is important that they have a good time and accomplish something of value while doing the work right.
• We want them to return because the more times they come the more experience they get.
• They could be your future crew leaders, so you have a supply of experienced help for the future.
• The more experienced people you get, the easier it will be to stay on schedule as you build more houses.
• Don’t forget your partner families. They are a resource that you have for 500 hours or more. Train them and use them as crew leaders when needed.
On-site volunteer host
His/her job is to register volunteers, nurture volunteers and answer any non-construction questions. An on-site volunteer host:
• Takes a lot of pressure off the construction staff.
• Builds a relationship with the crew leaders and crew members so they can schedule future workdays with them.
• Communicates with the site supervisor on how many will be coming on that day and where they are from (group, sponsor, church).
• Leads the on-site orientation.
• Ensures waivers are signed by volunteers.
Family partner representative
His/her job is to make sure the Habitat partner family is on site each workday and to answer any non-construction questions the family has. This person also records sweat-equity hours.
Recognizing Volunteers
Treat volunteers with decency and respect. They are Habitat’s most precious resource. Volunteers are valuable friends and partners. Let them know how much their participation is needed and appreciated. Give them meaningful work and abundant thanks.
For more information on recruiting, managing and recognizing volunteers, contact your Regional Center.
CHAPTER SIX
Purchasing and Handling Materials and Tools
Building Specifications
Building a house requires two levels of instructions. The first concerns the spatial organization of the building—the plans, elevations and related drawings.
The second covers the physical means by which the spatial organization will be achieved—the building specifications.
The development of the building specifications is a lengthy process involving a study of how the home will be built, from structural systems to the finish materials. Many possibilities exist for any building. A productive research of various materials should provide an acceptable level of quality in the items to be used. For example, single-pane glass or glazing should not be used when thermal break windows would ensure better insulation. Some affiliates have an architect evaluate their specifications periodically.
A balance struck between multiple factors determines the single best choice for a given material or system from a list of available options. The next step is to integrate the various elements to make sure that they are compatible. Out of this process comes a list of specifications that creates a cost-efficient, energy-efficient building.
The Construction committee develops the specifications to be followed in construction. The specifications, along with the plans, become the basic house description.
The specifications, as noted above, should be periodically evaluated to ensure that new construction materials and technologies are employed when appropriate. These documents are then given to the construction coordinator to prepare for construction. The items on the working drawings create the materials list.
Materials List
The materials list, known in the construction industry as a “take-off,” (See Appendix, “House Take-Off List and Budget”), is a list of the materials and the quantities needed to build the house according to the plans and specifications. An accurate materials list gives direction to the materials solicitation and helps create an accurate building cost estimate. This estimate is much more reliable than a “guess-timated” square foot cost.
If the affiliate does not have anyone skilled in preparing a materials list, it can contact local supply houses. Most major suppliers have staff trained in doing take-offs and will provide this service free for the potential business. (There also are computer software packages that can create take-offs based on the house plans and specifications.)
The completed materials list is then passed to the materials coordinator.
The solicitation of building materials and services is demanding and requires creativity and dedication. Several goals are pursued simultaneously. First, materials are sought by donation or lowest purchase price for the immediate project. Second, long-term relationships are developed, either on an item-by-item basis (i.e., donation of all windows) or on a supplier-by-supplier basis (i.e., 15 percent off all purchases) that pay off in direct costs or efficiency.
The materials coordinator and Development committee members must work together and get involved in the local building community. They must canvass the area to know what opportunities exist. A list of all local suppliers should include information such as discount and delivery policies, inventory, prices and other relevant services (i.e., free take-offs), along with notes about any special relationships the affiliate has with people at the local suppliers.
After completing a general survey of the suppliers, the materials coordinator determines specifically what services the affiliate can expect from each of them. A purchase account, contractor’s discounts or bulk discounts, invoicing, delivery and return policies should be discussed. Emphasize that the affiliate relies on volunteer labor but is a serious builder and requires all the courtesies of a contractor. Avoid being classified with amateur home-improvement customers.
Also make it clear that the affiliate intends to build many houses, so it must keep material costs down. You will shop around and seek donations whenever possible. This factor encourages better service and opens the door for special discounts or even partial or full donations. Have available information that clearly states the goals of Habitat fund raising and the benefit to donors, including the applicable tax deductions.
NOTE: The materials and construction coordinators should compile a list of people who may purchase materials on Habitat accounts. In some cases, affiliates use account cards that staff can carry to identify themselves as purchasers. Limit the number of people with this authority and closely monitor the situation to maintain control over individual project accounts.
Materials Donations
When donations from a supplier, the public or a manufacturer are being considered, compare their quality and performance against the standards in the specifications. Specifications often list a product by name followed by the words “or equivalent.” This notation ensures that the quality will not be sacrificed if the purchasers find a bargain. Therefore, the materials coordinator should discuss possible donations with the construction coordinator. Objections or limitations may be placed on the material use.
More important, a donation that does not meet expectations may be ruled out for use on the affiliate’s projects.
If an item in the specifications is replaced with a donation, that item must somehow be accounted for in the house price. House price is not diminished by the value of donations because a donation of materials is like a cash donation. House price is kept low through better design and construction practices. (See Appendix, “HFHI Guidelines for Determining the Selling Price of a Habitat House”)
Some donated items that cannot be used or other accumulated items can be auctioned or sold at an annual affiliate event. Some affiliates have found these events to be good publicity and a worthwhile fund-raiser. (Items also could be sold through a recycle store. See below.) Discuss this possibility with the donor. Explain that by selling the items the affiliate expects to raise enough money to buy the components it typically uses. This arrangement allows the donor an opportunity to participate in a way that is most beneficial to the most partner families.
HFHI’s Corporate Partners
Many leaders in the homebuilding and home-maintenance industries have formed partnerships with Habitat for Humanity International. These partnerships make it easier and less costly for Habitat affiliates throughout the nation to take advantage of free or reduced-cost building materials, tools, supplies and expertise. In some cases, the participating companies also encourage their employees to volunteer with Habitat.
For more information on these valuable partnerships, call your regional center.
Recycling Stores and ReStores
Some Habitat affiliates have begun operating used materials stores to augment their fund-raising efforts and make use of salvageable building materials. A store also gives affiliates a permanent presence in the community.
Habitat stores come in two distinct varieties. The most popular, commonly called Habitat Home Store, deals in household furniture and appliances.
The second type is the Habitat ReStore, which trades in used, discarded, salvaged and refurbished building materials. Such an operation is an excellent match for the mission of Habitat since it allows any homeowner to keep his/her home in decent repair at a reduced cost.
ReStores require the talents of a skilled staff augmented with a crew of volunteers. When there is a demolition to be done, the ReStore will contract with the owner to remove all salvageable materials: doors, windows and frames, electrical and plumbing fixtures of all varieties and even some appliances.
ReStores and Habitat Home Stores accept mainly donated materials. For more information on either of these programs, contact the Construction and Environmental Resources department at HFHI.
Acknowledgements
Affiliates must honour all commitments to materials suppliers and donors. The materials coordinator must ensure that payments are made according to schedule and that donations are acknowledged. This follow-up is the first step toward future relationships. The affiliate’s image in the community is determined by its ability to meet its commitments.
When persons donate items, it is their responsibility to specify the value of the items. Send donors a thank-you letter that describes the items donated so they have a receipt for tax purposes.
NOTE: Generally, affiliates should not indicate the dollar value of donated materials on the receipt the donor will use to document a charitable tax deduction. The donor should make the declaration of value. However, the fair market value of donated building materials must be factored into the cost and selling price of the house.
Ask donors at the time of their gift whether they want their name published in your newsletter, event program or on a specific site sign. (Not all donors want public recognition, so be sure to honour their wishes if they prefer to remain anonymous.) Also ask if you can put them on the affiliate’s mailing list. This “keeping in touch” may lead to a donor’s greater involvement, perhaps in other areas of the affiliate’s work.
Delivery and Warehousing
Proper materials handling, transport and storage are vital to controlling costs. Carefully coordinating deliveries and finding secure, accessible warehouse space substantially increase the benefits of bulk purchasing and reduce the costs of material damage and loss.
Warehouse space can be acquired many ways. Many affiliates acquire warehouses either free or quite reasonably in old industrial quarters of a city or in unused agricultural buildings. Other affiliates have used creative options such as soliciting unused storage space in operational warehouses or converting unused buildings (i.e., former schools, factories, etc.). Warehouse space is a necessary part of the affiliate’s total building program.
Warehouse space also may be suitable for foul-weather activities such as staining cabinets or prebuilding framing headers, trusses or wall sections.
Determining Tools and Equipment Needs
As proper tools and equipment are necessary for the operation of a construction project, a policy regarding the acquisition, care and storage of these items also is necessary.
Construction tools and equipment are costly. Most affiliate volunteers should provide their own tools (e.g., hammers, tool belts, nail aprons, pry bars, boots and gloves). Only tools that cannot be provided in any other way or tools that can be justified economically or functionally should be purchased or rented. Such items should be evaluated for their relative necessity to the work.
Construction coordinators and crew leaders often provide their own tools. This practice varies somewhat with the involvement level of these people. If an affiliate employs someone full time or part time, it is courteous to provide the necessary tools.
The volume of work that justifies hiring staff probably also mandates the purchase of certain tools for practicality and efficiency. (See Appendix, “Tool Requirement List” for a list of tool requirements for each component of a Habitat house’s construction)
Rental of Tools and Equipment
Certain items that are too costly to purchase or are used infrequently can be rented rather than bought. This includes heavy equipment such as backhoes and other grading equipment, cement mixers, scaffolding or chainsaws. When renting equipment, the affiliate should arrange the project to maximize the investment. If the affiliate is renting equipment to clear and grade a site, any nearby sites also should be prepared even if they will not be used for some time.
Identification
All equipment and tools owned by the affiliate must be clearly identified. This mild theft deterrent reduces confusion on the job site and eases site clean up at day’s end.
An effective way of marking the tools is to select an identifying colour and apply it generously to the affiliate’s property. Select a bright colour that is readily available in both cans and spray paint. Be sure the paint does not impede the use of the item. This system is not unique to Habitat affiliates, so use care in selecting a colour that is not too common. Consider using two colours or a stenciled design. Once a unique identification scheme has been developed, “register” it with local pawnshops and second hand stores. This step may help to locate and reclaim stolen items.
Maintenance and Storage
Affiliates must develop maintenance and storage policies. Unskilled volunteers can be hard on equipment. If the affiliate upholds an organized storage and maintenance system and actively teaches these habits to the volunteers, it conveys the proper sense of respect that tools deserve. This practice saves money and creates a safer work environment.
Even small items become costly when they must be constantly replaced because of careless use. Maintenance and proper storage are even more important with larger items. No affiliate can afford to keep replacing tools destroyed by poor storage and maintenance. To reduce the risk of injury by damaged equipment, check tools regularly to ensure they are in proper working condition.
Acquiring warehouse space that also can accommodate a tool shop has many benefits. This space makes a sound maintenance policy much easier to enforce and improves control of the equipment. Some affiliates use house designs that include a freestanding shed. In addition to providing a safe place for bicycles or yard equipment after the family moves in, the shed can provide on-site construction storage if it is built before the house.
Repair and Replacement
Affiliates should have a repair and replacement policy for tools and equipment. Be aware of what equipment is covered for theft or damage under the affiliate’s insurance policy.
An affiliate must clearly state to volunteers that it is not responsible for any repair or replacement of volunteers’ tools. This policy may seem severe, but it is not unreasonable.
Given the many household projects or major jobs to which the volunteers’ tools may have been subjected, breakage or malfunction usually is not due to the relatively small amount of use they get on the Habitat site.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Construction Safety Guide
Objective Statement
Habitat for Humanity is committed to providing a safe and healthful construction site for volunteers and employees. Habitat for Humanity’s project safety goal is ZERO ACCIDENTS. In order to reach this goal, each volunteer and employee must think of safety as his or her responsibility.
Safety Management
Safety is the affiliate’s responsibility; however, the affiliate is not the only party responsible for maintaining a safe work site. Volunteers should be careful not to cause injury to themselves or others. It is important that volunteers understand that responsibility for their own safety is a crucial part of being a volunteer.
Each Volunteer Should:
• Comply with all safety rules and regulations.
• Report all accidents and injuries immediately.
• Obtain the proper tools and personal protective equipment for the job at hand.
• Report all unsafe conditions to the supervisor in charge.
• Know what emergency telephone number to call in case of fire or an accident (911 service is not available everywhere).
• Help maintain a safe and clean work area.
Each Supervisor Should:
• Monitor the work site’s safety status by personally conducting daily safety inspections of the work site and initiating needed corrective action.
• Conduct accident investigations, analyse the causes and formulate recommendations for corrective and preventive action.
• Maintain accurate records of all accidents.
• Conduct on-site safety training for all volunteers.
• Monitor the safety performance of all subcontractors to ensure compliance with the affiliate’s safety standards.
Each Affiliate Should:
• Begin each work day with prayer.
• Provide safety training for all volunteers.
• Appoint a safety committee or safety supervisor to oversee the affiliate’s safety program.
• Develop a comprehensive safety program for its construction projects.
• Communicate safety requirements to all construction supervisors.
• Provide first aid and CPR training for all construction supervisors.
• Have a trauma kit at all work sites.
• Hold supervisors responsible for the safety of their projects. In the case of employees, make it part of their performance review.
• Make sure the affiliate has adequate insurance and that all subcontractors have adequate insurance.
Prayer
Habitat for Humanity is God’s ministry. We can have no better protection than to ask God’s blessing on our work. Each work day should begin with prayer.
However, God also expects us to be good stewards of the gifts He gives us, including the gift of people—people who lovingly give their service to Habitat for Humanity. Therefore, prayer is only one component of an effective safety program.
Affiliate Management
Safety requires planning and organization. The affiliate should establish a safety committee or appoint a safety coordinator for the affiliate. The safety committee or coordinator should be separate from the construction committee because their responsibilities are different. The responsibility for safety should not be assigned to the construction committee since the construction committee’s responsibility is to ensure construction is completed with a minimum of delay.
The affiliate should establish work rules for its construction sites. Observing these rules should ensure that safe practices are followed at the work site. Moreover, work rules help to educate volunteers about safe work practices. For example, requiring hard hats during certain phases of construction alerts an untrained volunteer to the danger from falling objects. Work rules also make clear to supervisors the affiliate’s expectations regarding safety. Volunteers should receive a copy of the work rules before construction day. (See Appendix, “(Sample) Work Crew Safety Manual”)
Training
The best way for an affiliate to avoid accidents is to provide its volunteers with a training program that promotes safety. Safety should be the first consideration at the work site and the first topic to be covered on any work day. As part of the safety orientation program, the supervisor should review the work rules with volunteers. The supervisor should not assume that a volunteer will read them on his or her own.
In addition to an on-site safety orientation, adequate on-site supervision of all volunteers is critical to the success of any safety program. There should be a designated person at each job site responsible for safety. Each volunteer should be assigned to a crew leader. The affiliate should ensure that a volunteer does not use any tool or undertake any task without adequate supervision and training.
Record Keeping
Each affiliate should also establish a system for reporting and keeping records of accidents and injuries. The record should include such information as a description of what happened, who was injured and how, and whether any first aid or other medical assistance was provided. There also should be a mechanism to encourage the reporting of safety concerns and for ensuring follow-up on safety matters. (See Appendix, “(Sample) Accident Report Form)
Volunteers
Volunteers should receive a Work Crew Safety Manual before construction day. (See Appendix, “(Sample) Work Crew Safety Manual”) There is a sample manual in Appendix B. Providing this information will let volunteers know that safety is a priority.
It also will inform inexperienced volunteers about what to expect on the site and what the safety concerns are. Then, on construction day, the sections addressing the relevant safety issues should be reviewed at the site.
Volunteers should be required to sign a Release and Waiver of Liability.
Volunteers under 18 years of age should be required to submit a Parental Authorization form in addition to the Release. (See Appendix, “(Sample) Release and Waiver of Liability, (Sample) Emergency Medical Information, (Sample Release and Waiver of Liability for Minors and (Sample) Parental Authorization”)
Children at the Work Site
Construction is a hazardous occupation. Under Federal labour laws, children under the age of 16 are not allowed to work at a construction site, and children under the age of 18 are not allowed to engage in hazardous activities such as roofing (?). Please note, however, that some provinces have laws that restrict the activities of minors even more. Therefore an affiliate should consult with its attorney to see what rules apply.
Children under the age of 16 should not be allowed on the actual construction site, but should be allowed to participate in the Habitat project by helping with such tasks as preparing food, watching younger children, etc.
Subcontractors
Contractual agreements with subcontractors should outline safety responsibility and accountability. Reference checks should be completed before the contract is signed. It is important to note that, regardless of any agreements or contractual provisions to the contrary, the general contractor may be held responsible for overall compliance with provincial safety requirements.
It is important to obtain validated Certificates of Insurance from all subcontractors to show that they have workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. Make sure that the name on the certificate is correct, check the expiration date, and verify that the coverage meets the minimum coverage requirements that your affiliate has established. This is important. If you hire a subcontractor who does not have workers’ compensation and his or her employee is hurt on the job, the employee may look to your affiliate for coverage.
Additional References
HFHI’s AOM: Business Operations contains valuable information on worker and work site safety.
General Job Safety Standards
Security and Housekeeping
Poor housekeeping can lead to a variety of accidents that could have been easily prevented.
For example, poorly stacked lumber or boards with protruding nails expose workers to unnecessary risks. The following list identifies some safety considerations and security measures to help protect workers and materials; however, it is by no means exhaustive.
Affiliate
• Preplan with fire department.
• Inform police and community/neighbourhood watch groups of your activities.
• Have a working telephone at work site at all times. Arrange a temporary phone with the telephone company if necessary.
• Post emergency phone numbers (fire, police, EMT).
• Have an adequate supply of fire extinguishers—extinguishers should be posted for every 3,000 square feet of building space, separated by no more than 100 feet and accessible on each floor level. Check annual service tags.
• Place appropriate warning signs. Post “No Smoking” signs in proper areas. Tag unsafe equipment.
• Exhaust internal combustion engines away from combustible material.
• Store flammables and rags soaked with flammable liquids in approved, labelled canisters. Dispose of all chemicals in accordance with environmental requirements.
• Do not store flammable or combustible materials inside the building.
• Do not permit open burning.
• Use only approved temporary heaters and use to manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Arrange deliveries to minimize value of materials stored on job site.
• Trailers and storage sheds should be of sound construction with heavy-duty locks. Covers for lockout can further prevent entry.
• Do not leave materials unsecured in trucks. Use Kingpin locks on appropriate type trailers.
• Mark equipment in both inconspicuous and conspicuous places. Take pictures of equipment and keep records, such as receipts.
• Where possible, provide exterior lighting to improve security of the work site.
Volunteers
• Keep waste and trash accumulation away from construction.
Personal Protection
The affiliate should make available to every volunteer basic safety equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, dust masks, ear plugs, etc. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to check the work site each day to ensure that safety equipment is available for workers and that workers use it appropriately.
Affiliate
• Have protective equipment available at all job sites.
• Make sure that the equipment is well maintained and sanitary.
• Please be advised that NIOSH says that back belts do not provide adequate protection against back injuries due to lifting and may actually increase the risk of injury by lulling the worker into a false sense of security.
• Ensure that operations requiring the use of respirators are performed only by qualified professionals.
• Have potable water at the job site.
Volunteers
• Wear appropriate protective equipment for the job, including hard hats, eye and hearing protection, gloves and foot protection, such as thick soled-shoes and toe guards.
• Do not wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Obtain updated vaccinations such as tetanus shots.
Hand and Power Tools
The affiliate should provide participants with tools that are safe to use. If volunteers bring their own equipment to the job site, the affiliate should ensure that it is safe. DO NOT assume that because the volunteer is using his or her own equipment, the affiliate would not be liable for any injury.
Affiliate
• Maintain tools in safe condition. Keep blades sharp. Make sure wooden handles of tools do not have splinters or cracks. Regularly check foot handles and inspect tools for loose or chipped heads.
• Regularly inspect power tools. Do not take power tools to the site without first inspecting them to ensure that they are in safe condition (this includes tools supplied by volunteers).
• Ensure that there are appropriate guards on tools. Tools designed to accommodate guards should be equipped with guards while in use.
• Ground electric power-operated equipment by means of a separate ground wire or use the double-insulated type tools. Ground plug should NOT be cut off.
• Plug electrical equipment into a ground fault circuit interrupter.
• Tag unsafe tools to prevent their use.
Volunteers
• Use tools only for their intended purpose.
• Wear eye protection when needed, such as when there is a possibility of flying or falling particles.
• If unfamiliar with a tool’s use, ask for assistance and take time to practice using the tool.
• Do not operate power tools without approval or supervision. Do not operate a tool if you have not been trained to use it.
• Don’t over exert yourself or the tool; this can lead to slips or strains.
• Place yourself in a good body position—most hand tool accidents result from being struck by the tool.
• Store tools out of the way.
• Disconnect power source when moving or repairing tool.
• Do not use the electric cord to lift or lower the tool.
• Never use worn or frayed electrical cords.
• Do not fasten extension cords with staples, hang from nails or suspend by wire.
Stairways and Ladders
Ladders expose workers to a variety of safety risks. Accidents often are caused by improper use, such as carrying a large load while ascending or descending. Proper use of ladders is important because misuse poses a hazard to all workers in the area.
Affiliate
• Conduct regular inspections of ladders.
• Do not paint ladders, because it makes them slippery. Ladders must be maintained free of oil, grease and other slipping hazards.
• Provide a stairway or ladder at personal points of access where there is a break in elevation of 19 inches or more and no ramp, runway, sloped embankment or personal hoist is provided.
• Post signs noting sudden changes in elevation less than 19 inches when conditions are not obvious to users of the passageway.
• Equip stairways having four or more risers or rising more than 30 inches, whichever is less, with one handrail and one stair rail system along each unprotected edge. Stair rails shall not be less than 36 inches or more than 37 inches from the upper surface of the stair rail system to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread. Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members or equivalent intermediate structural members shall be provided between the top rail of the stair rail system and the stairway step.
• Provide guardrail systems for unprotected sides and edges of stairway landings.
Volunteers
• Use ladders only for the purposes for which they were designed. Do not use ladders for other purposes such as skids, braces or work benches.
• Make sure ladder size meets job demands.
• Do not use step ladders as straight ladders, always open all four feet and lock spreaders in place on the step ladder and set in a level condition. Be aware of possible changes in ground condition such as frozen ground becoming soft.
• Do not place tools or material on steps or platform.
• Use proper angles when using straight and extension ladders. When using a non-self-supporting ladder use the “four-to-one” rule: for every 4 feet of height of the working length of the ladder, move the bottom of the ladder 1 foot away from the wall.
• Secure straight and extension ladders by tying off the top or securing base.
• Top of extension of straight ladders must extend at least 3 feet beyond the supporting object when used as an access to an elevated work area.
• Before climbing extension ladders, make sure latches are properly engaged.
• Extension ladders must be overlapped a minimum of three rungs.
• Keep body near middle of the ladder. Always have two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand in secure contact with the ladder.
• Do not reach out too far. Do not step on the top rung or above on a stepladder.
• Do not carry anything that will prevent holding on with both hands while ascending or descending a ladder. Use a tool belt or a hoist to transport materials.
• Use a safety harness and tie off when working above 6 feet. If conditions do not enable you to tie off, work from an elevated work platform.
• Only one person should be on a ladder at a time.
• If it becomes necessary to place a ladder in or over a doorway, barricade the door and post warning signs.
• Do not use metal ladders near electrical exposures.
Scaffolding
The risks associated with scaffolding are similar to those associated with ladders. Stability should be a primary concern. Scaffolding must be placed on a firm base.
Affiliate
• Inspect all scaffolding before starting work to determine if safety features are in place and of sound construction.
• Ensure that the footing and anchorage for scaffolds are sound. Unstable objects such as bricks or concrete blocks should not be used to support scaffolds. Scaffold frames should be erected level and plumb and on a firm base.
• All scaffolding platforms above 10 feet must be equipped with standard railing consisting of top rail, intermediate rail, toeboard and posts, which must have a vertical height of approximately 42 inches from upper surface of the top rail to the floor, platform, etc. Railings should be installed on all open sides and ends of the platform.
• Use outriggers to stabilize scaffolding when height is more than three times the smaller base dimension.
• Tie scaffolds off horizontally every 30 feet and vertically every 26 feet.
Volunteers
• Never change or remove scaffold members unless authorized. Do not alter scaffolding members or use makeshift securement.
• Do not ride on rolling scaffold when it is being moved. Secure locking mechanisms on all rolling scaffolds before anyone gets on it.
• Get approval of project manager before erecting any scaffolding siderails.
• Know safe working loads of scaffolds and work within those limits.
• Do not allow tools, materials and debris to accumulate on scaffolds.
Floor and Wall Openings
Wall and floor openings can pose a significant threat to safety, and steps should be taken to reduce the danger of someone falling through an opening.
Affiliate
• Employees and volunteers working on, at or near wall openings (including those with chutes attached) when the outside bottom edge of the wall opening is 4 feet or more above lower levels and the inside bottom edge of the wall opening is less than 3 feet above the walking/working surface, shall be protected from falling by the use of a guardrail system, a safety net system or personal fall arrest system, such as a body harness and anchor.
• Each employee or volunteer working or walking on potentially unstable surfaces shall be protected from falling through holes (including sky lights) and unprotected sides and edges which are 6 feet or more above lower levels, by a guard rail system erected around such hole or edge, covers, or a personal fall arrest system, such as a body harness and anchor.
• Provide protection so that holes or unprotected edges do not promote tripping hazards or allow others to be struck by falling debris when working underneath such openings.
• Provide training to each employee or volunteer who might be exposed to fall hazards. Training should be done by a competent person and include:
- the nature of the fall hazard in the work area.
- the correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, disassembling and inspecting the fall protection system to be used.
- the use and operation of guardrail systems, limited entry areas and other protections to be used.
- what steps the employee or volunteer is responsible for taking to prevent falls.
- the correct procedures for the handling and storage of equipment and materials and the erection of overhead protection.
Vehicle Safety
Any accident involving a vehicle being used for Habitat for Humanity purposes exposes the affiliate to a potential lawsuit. It is important that vehicles are maintained in safe conditions and that only licensed and insured drivers are permitted to operate vehicles on any affiliate business.
Affiliate
• Approve drivers of affiliate vehicles and those operating their own vehicles on affiliate business. Maintain a designated driver list.
• Make sure driver has the appropriate license for equipment being operated.
• Never allow anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs to operate an affiliate vehicle or their own vehicle for Habitat purposes.
• Obtain certificates of insurance on volunteers operating their own vehicles.
• Place a fire extinguisher in each vehicle.
• Ensure vehicles are properly equipped with mirrors and that storage does not prevent driver from seeing rear views clearly.
• Do not permit radar detectors in affiliate vehicles.
• Inspect vehicle each day before using. All vehicles in use should be checked at the beginning of each work shift to assure that the following parts, equipment and accessories are in safe operating condition: service brakes, including trailer brake connections; parking system; hand brake; emergency stopping system (brakes); tires; horns; steering mechanisms; coupling devices; seat belts; operating controls; lights; reflectors; windshield wipers; defrosters; fire extinguishers and other safety devices.
Volunteers
• Follow posted speed limits.
• Wear seat belts and have passengers wear seat belts.
• Properly secure loads being hauled.
• Secure tools and materials to prevent movement when transporting them in the same compartment with people.
• Shut off motor when re-fuelling.
• Get help when backing, and use horn before backing if vehicle does not have a backing alarm.
• Set parking brake and place vehicle in gear or in park when parked.
• Never allow passengers to ride in the back of open bed trucks. All passengers must be seated and secured by a seat belt.
• Truck drivers must dismount from the cab and remain clear while truck is being loaded by power equipment.
Temporary Lighting/Electrical
Electrical work must be performed by licensed and insured electricians. However, all workers should be informed of the dangers associated with power tools and electric cords. Equipment should never be used in a manner for which it was not designed. For example, a multiple receptacle box designed to be mounted should not be fitted with a power cord and placed on the floor to provide power for various tools. Also, equipment labelled for indoor, dry locations should not be used outdoors.
Affiliate
• Qualified electricians should install temporary lighting and wiring.
• Outlets or electrical connections used to power tools, equipment or other apparatus on the job site should be protected by ground fault circuit interrupters.
• Temporary lights must not be suspended by their cords, unless they are so designed. Lamps should be protected from general breakage.
• Extension cords must be of three-wire type and designed for heavy-duty usage. Cords should not be frayed or have exposed wiring. Cords should be regularly checked to ensure their integrity.
• Tag and lock out power sources on equipment or circuits being repaired, serviced or maintained to avoid unexpected start-up.
• Regulate program to ensure proper operability of ground fault circuit interrupters and continuity tests.
• Install and use listed, labelled or certified equipment in accordance with instructions.
Volunteers
• Only licensed and insured professionals should do electrical work.
Excavation/Trenching/Shoring
The key to safe excavations is having a competent person who has been trained to recognize and control hazards oversee excavations greater than 4 feet.
Affiliate
• Contact appropriate utilities within established or customary local response time.
• Provide proper securement/sloping.
• Use only persons qualified to do the work.
• Conduct daily inspections of the work site.
• When excavation is over four feet deep, or when roadways or load-bearing structures could possibly collapse, a trained, competent person must oversee excavation and only allow authorized persons to enter.
• Evaluate confined space exposure and take appropriate safety measures.
• Cover or adequately mark all excavations to prevent trip and fall exposure to volunteers and general public.
• Properly mark excavation work by roadways according to appropriate regulations.
Volunteers
• Qualified professionals must supervise excavation/trenching/shoring work.
Demolition
Affiliate
• Plan demolition activities. Provide constant supervision by qualified person. Determine if any health hazards, such as lead paint, asbestos or PCB, are present.
• Mark structural supports in high-risk areas. Only experienced persons should do work in these areas.
• Brace wall sections with temporary lateral support when lateral support has been removed unless deemed structurally sound by a qualified engineer.
• If the job requires a respirator, the job should be subcontracted out to a qualified professional.
• Properly secure homes to prevent unauthorized access. This is particularly important for buildings that are condemned or have health hazards or structural defects.
• Shut off or block energy sources. Purge pipes and vessels. Mark locations of utilities in building.
• Be aware of work areas and properly mark them to protect others. Know what is on the other side of a wall before tearing it down.
• Schedule housekeeping to limit combustible debris within the building structure. Empty combustible debris and trash from the building at the end of each work shift. Determine that collapsing walls and build up of materials will not exceed the safe carrying capacities of the floors.
• Remove or bend nails in boards or place boards in secure place to minimize exposure to others.
• Remove hazards that exist from fragmentation of glass.
• The demolition area should be fenced off or secured.
Volunteers
• Wear appropriate protections.
• Only use power tools, torches or welding equipment if authorized.
Framing
Affiliate
• Guard wall openings from which there is a drop of more than 4 feet with a top rail and intermediate rail when the bottom of the opening is less than 3 feet above the working surface. In addition, if the bottom of the wall opening is less than 4 inches above the working surface, provide a toe board. Other openings with exposed hazards such as vertical rebar should also be guarded. Railings should be secured to withstand expected forces.
• Anyone who makes a hole or opening should be responsible for having it barricaded.
• Cover openings in floors and roofs when greater than 12 inches. Covering should be adequately constructed and secured to withstand expected forces. If a covering cannot be provided, opening must be protected with a standard top rail, midrail and toeboard. If openings cannot be protected, install a warning line. Any worker inside the warning line must wear a safety harness.
• Cover floor holes that are less than 12 inches but more than 1 inch across when there is an exposure of tripping or of debris falling through the hole and striking others.
• Remove or bend nails in scrap wood or forms to prevent puncture wounds. Dispose of nails and trash—do not leave them on the ground.
• Remove scrap debris regularly.
• When standing up walls, make sure there are enough people to hold up the wall, and have bracing ready so it can be fastened as soon as possible.
• Make sure the wall is fully supported until the bracing is up.
• Do not allow pneumatic nailers on the job site, even if brought by a professional.
Volunteers
• Always wear a hard hat during the framing stage of construction. Watch for materials falling from above.
• Use appropriate safety measures when working from ladders or at elevated conditions. Do not overreach, as this increases exposure to falls as well as muscle strains.
• Be aware of others working in the vicinity. The nail you are driving could miss the intended mark and strike someone helping to support the framework or working in an adjacent area.
• When lifting a wall, and the wall does not stand or is placed back on the slab, go to open spaces like door and window openings, so the wall does not hit you.
Plumbing and Electrical
Affiliate
• Only licensed and insured professionals should do work in both of these areas.
• Limit hot water setting to 125° F to minimize burn exposure.
• Mark energy sources and lock out or guard to prevent access/exposure to hot electrical sources.
• Perform electrical work to appropriate building code regulations.
• De-energize or provide proper protection for work within 10 feet of electrical lines.
• Be aware of job tasks or trucks that may come in contact with overhead wiring and adequately warn and protect those that may be involved.
Volunteers
• Only qualified professionals should do plumbing and electrical work.
Drywall/Painting
Affiliate
• Borax and flammable or combustible solvents should be disposed of in approved non-combustible containers.
• When installing drywall on the ceiling, make sure there is enough support. If using a panel lifter, make sure it is used by someone who is trained in its use.
Volunteers
• Ensure ladder/scaffold are in good condition and properly used.
• Move loads as close as possible to work place to minimize lifting.
• Don’t lift or handle more than is comfortable. Get help when needed.
• Maintain good housekeeping in work area.
• Wear dust mask when sanding or painting as necessary. If respirators are required, a qualified professional should do the work.
• Utilize appropriate hand tools and store properly after each use to minimize danger.
• If not familiar with the operation of a tool, seek assistance of Project Manager or designated trainer.
• Be aware of others working in the vicinity. You don’t want to miss your intended mark and strike someone working in an adjacent area.
Roofing
Affiliate
• Employees and volunteers working on the roof shall be protected from falling by the use of a guardrail system, a safety net system or personal fall arrest system, such as a body harness and anchor.
• Each employee or volunteer working or walking on roof surfaces shall be protected from falling through holes, including sky lights and unprotected sides and edges which are 6 feet or more above lower levels, by a guard-rail system erected around such hole or edge, covers, or a personal fall arrest system, such as a body harness and anchor.
• Provide protection so that holes or unprotected edges do not promote tripping hazards or allow others to be struck by falling debris when working underneath such openings.
• Provide training to each employee or volunteer who might be exposed to fall hazards. Training should be done by a competent person and include:
- The nature of the fall hazard in the work area.
- The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, disassembling and inspecting the fall protection system to be used.
- The use and operation of guardrail systems, limited entry areas and other protections to be used.
- What steps the employee or volunteer is responsible for taking to prevent falls.
- The correct procedures for the handling and storage of equipment and materials and the erection of overhead protection.
- The limitations on the use of mechanical equipment during the performance of roofing work.
• Do not store materials on roof—this reduces the risk of falling material striking others and also prevents breach of structure stability of roof.
• Ensure hoists are properly designed to handle load. Check for load securement before beginning lift.
• Do not allow volunteers to work under areas being roofed.
Volunteers
• Remove scrap debris regularly as it accumulates. This limits slip exposure while working on roof.
• Do not carry heavy material/tools up ladder—use a hoist.
• Be aware of your position on roof. Wear a fall protection system, such as a harness, or have a spotter to warn against hazards.
• Wear a good gripping shoe.
• Never work on a roof alone.
Siding
Affiliate
• Make sure ladders and scaffolds used are in good condition and properly secured.
• Move material as close as possible to work area to minimize carrying distance.
• Do not use stepladders as straight ladders.
• Remove nails from scrap—dispose of properly.
Volunteers
• To reduce risk of falling, do not overextend when working at elevations.
• Get help to brace or support material—do not overexert yourself.
• Wear eye protection if chipping is possible.
• Wear hard hat, particularly if others are working above you.
• Do not use power tools unless authorized.
• Use proper hand tools.
• Use good body positioning—limit reaches above head or to sides of body since these are more stressful for muscles.
Landscaping
Affiliate
• Read hazards of chemicals being used. Wear appropriate protection.
• Use proper tools for job—store properly when done.
• Do not overlift—place supplies as close to work area as possible and get help if needed.
• Contact electric, gas, telephone and cable-TV companies for the location of buried cables/lines prior to digging. Mark utility lines carefully and avoid them when digging.
Volunteers
• Be aware of dust exposure that may occur and take proper precaution, such as wetting ground.
• Use caution—excessive force swings or jabs with hand tools can result in injuries. If unfamiliar with tool, ask supervisor to demonstrate.
Hazardous Materials
Special health concerns exist when volunteers may be exposed to asbestos, lead paint, solvents or other hazardous materials. Affiliates must identify hazardous materials and inform volunteers of the risks associated with working with the materials present. The affiliate should never allow any volunteer to work with a hazardous material unless such worker has been properly trained as to the proper care and handling of such material.
Affiliate
• Proper identification, training and disposal is critical.
• Develop a written program for handling hazardous waste and communicate it to supervisors.
• Dust-control measures should be taken, especially when using pressure-treated wood.
• Proper ventilation is necessary for internal combustion engines.
• Jobs that require respirators should be done only by qualified professionals.
• Maintain material safety data sheets (MSDS) at job site.
• Ensure that workers are aware of hazards of chemicals being used.
Volunteers
• Only qualified professionals or properly trained volunteers should do work involving hazardous materials.
First Aid—Emergency Response
Even with an effective safety program, an affiliate may still have accidents. Therefore, minimizing the severity of accidents should be a part of the safety management program. Ensuring that the injured worker receives proper first aid at the work site, and if needed, receives appropriate emergency medical care as soon as possible can do this.
Two persons with first-aid training should be available at the work site. An affiliate should maintain a well-stocked trauma and first-aid kit at the job site and provide first-aid and CPR training for its construction supervisors and other key volunteers.
Affiliates also should ensure that help could be summoned if needed. The affiliate should have a temporary phone installed at the work site, and emergency telephone numbers should be posted. If there is no access to a telephone at the construction site, the affiliate should ensure that there is a cellular phone at the work site.
It also may be prudent for the affiliate to inform the local emergency room and other authorities, such as police, as to when and where it will be constructing houses. Such notice would allow the authorities to respond promptly to an emergency. The affiliate also may want to speak to the local hospital to find out what kind of form it would require in the event of an emergency involving an injured minor.
Affiliate
• Provide first-aid and CPR training for all construction supervisors.
• Develop a regular inspection program to ensure first-aid supplies are adequately stocked. Inspect before each job.
• Establish procedures for handling serious injuries.
• Post emergency numbers and have a phone on job site.
• Have two trained first-aid associates per job.
• Maintain approved first-aid and trauma kits.
• Provide potable water, washing facilities and toilet facilities.
• Avoid exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
• Ensure that volunteers take needed breaks.
Volunteers
• First-aid treatment should be provided only by those trained.
• Volunteers should know how to report an accident correctly.
• Volunteers should be able to identify the crew members trained in first aid.
• Volunteers should not overexert themselves. Volunteers should be sure to drink plenty of liquids, especially on hot days, and should wear a hat and sunscreen.
CONSTRUCTION APPENDICES
ORDERING INFORMATION FOR Construction Resources
Habitat for Humanity International has construction professionals and a vast array of materials to help affiliates develop a successful building program.
• Construction professionals with expertise in energy-efficiency, environmental protection, appropriate technology, Site Selection and preparation, recycling, geographic modifications, design criteria, house plans and many other building-related issues are available for consultation. Call HFHI’s Construction and Environmental Resources department at (800) 422-4828.
• Affiliates and other authorized HFHI partners can log on to to access, distribute and share information. A large library of construction materials is available along with discussion round tables. With no software to download, affiliates will only need a computer and an Internet service provider to take advantage of PartnerNet. First-time users must register and create an individual login and password for future access. The PartnerNet Webmaster can be reached at (800) 422-4828, ext. 2554.
HFHI Construction Resources—Printed Materials
NOTE: Printed materials can be ordered through HFHI’s Order Entry by calling toll-free (800) 422-5914. (Exceptions are noted.)
Welcome to Habitat, Part I
An Introduction to Habitat for Humanity, with appendices. This volume is provided to groups interested in forming a Habitat affiliate. It also contains practical information appropriate for established affiliates. This item can be downloaded from PartnerNet () or requested from your regional centre.
Welcome to Habitat, Part II
Application for Affiliation Workbook. This document is provided to groups ready to begin the formal affiliation process. It also contains important information for Site Selection and Construction committees. This item must be obtained through your regional centre.
Welcome to Habitat, Part III
A Housewarming Package. Part III is sent to new affiliates upon completion of their application process and approval by HFHI’s board of directors. Included in this document is an expanded Affiliate Guide to House Pricing. This item can be downloaded from PartnerNet or requested from your regional centre.
Affiliate Operations Manual volumes
Family Selection (second edition, 1998) Item #1524 $7.50
Family Support (second edition, 1998) Item #1564 $7.50
Construction (second edition, 1999) Item #1525 $7.50
Organizational Development (first edition, 1993) Item #1521 $7.50
Business Operations (first edition, 1993) Item #1522 $7.50
Resource Development (first edition, 1993) Item #1523 $7.50
Habitat Planbook Item #3998 $10
A variety of basic house plans that meet HFHI’s design criteria.
Blueprints Item #3175 $20
Detailed construction drawings for Habitat house plans, including general notes.
Energy Bulletin Series Item #1556 Free
A series of fact sheets on energy-efficient construction.
Accessible Housing Manual Item #3801 $2.50
A guide to designing and building an accessible house.
Materials Management Program Item #3386 $6
Guidelines for building resource-efficient houses and material recycling.
Work Crew Safety Poster Item #3310 $6
3' x 2' yellow and black plastic poster with safety guidelines, for use on construction sites.
NOTE: Prices subject to change.
Other Resources
Green Team Training manual
Energy-efficient workshop handout. (Available directly from Construction and Environmental Resources department. Request by phone at (800) 422-4828, fax at (229) 924-0577 or e-mail at Const&Env@)
Accelerated Building Guide
A guide for “blitz building.” (Available directly from Construction and Environmental Resources department.)
Habitat House Design Criteria
Available for download on PartnerNet ().
Outside Resources—Recommended Reading
Understanding House Construction
By John A. Kilpatrick, second edition, 1993, Home Builder Press, National Association of Home Builders, 1201 15th St., NW, Washington, DC 20005-2800, ISBN 0-86718-382-9
Cost Cuts Manual
The Enterprise Foundation, Communications Department Publication No.10-10, 10227 Wincopin Circle, Suite 500, Columbia, MD 21044.
Builders Guide—Climate Zone Specific
Building Science Corporation, 70 Main St., Westford, MA 01886,
CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE Position Description
Position: Chairperson of the Construction Committee
Accountable to: Board of Directors
Description:
The chairperson, appointed by the board president, is committed to carrying out the stated purpose of the committee and Habitat for Humanity. The chairperson will supervise the work of the committee, delegate responsibilities to accomplish its goals and report back to the full board.
Expected Commitment:
1. Remain active a minimum of one year after which you may continue or train a board-appointed replacement.
2. Attend monthly committee meetings.
Responsibilities:
1. Call and convene regular committee meetings as needed.
2. Set the agenda for committee meetings.
3. Assign responsibilities to committee members and coordinate activities.
4. Prepare reports to the board on committee activities and actions.
5. Welcome and orient new members to the Construction committee.
6. Develop a training program for new committee members.
7. Provide direction for and improve the construction process via standards, specification, budgets, goals and policies.
8. Direct the writing of an annual report of all committee activities with recommendations for next year.
9. Direct the development of an annual plan and submit budget request to the board.
10. Meet with your successor and transfer records, files, etc.
Qualifications:
1. Understand the Habitat for Humanity philosophy and have the desire to promote it.
2. Strong organization background.
3. Able to assess individual’s skill and commitment levels.
4. Able to build consensus.
5. Have, or be willing to develop, strong networking connections in the community.
CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE Position Description
Position: Safety Coordinator
Accountable to: Chairperson of the Volunteer Relations Committee
(This position also could be a member of the Construction committee.)
Description:
The safety coordinator is committed to carrying out the stated purpose of the committee and Habitat for Humanity, and will work to ensure the safety of all the volunteers while at the work site.
Expected Commitment:
1. A minimum of one year.
2. Attendance at monthly meetings.
Responsibilities:
1. Discern the safety needs of the affiliate related to building practices, nature of sites, materials, tools and equipment used.
2. Design a safety program and provide a process for its implementation, including training and use of HFHI’s Construction Safety Manual. (See Chapter 7)
3. Provide periodic monitoring and feedback on safety practices.
4. Ensure an appropriate system is in place to handle accidents.
Qualifications:
1. Understand the Habitat for Humanity philosophy and desire to promote it.
2. Know the many different reasons people volunteer, and the reasons Habitat builds houses with volunteers.
3. Understand job site and tool safety issues and be able to communicate rationales and safety practices to others.
4. Be able to communicate rationale for group size limitations, site supervisor needs and age restrictions.
CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE Checklist
The following is a list of process and protocol items this committee should have or be
working to develop.
_____ Job Descriptions for:
_____ Chairperson
_____ Site supervisors (paid and volunteer)
_____ Board liaison
_____ A Basic House Description approved by the board of directors, to be shared with homeowners and the committees.
_____ Guidelines for ensuring safety on site.
_____ Materials for organizing crews on site.
_____ List of acceptable and unacceptable in-kind donations.
_____ Clearly defined process for soliciting bids.
_____ Access to simple, decent house plans that meet HFHI’s design criteria.
_____ System to maintain receipts for materials and services.
_____ System for reporting and acknowledging in-kind donations.
_____ Warehousing capabilities.
_____ Clearly defined walk-through process and “Punch List”.
_____ Cost estimates for projects and defined cost-containment measures.
_____ Scheduling of projects to ensure timely completion.
_____ Partner family involvement in design and decorating decisions.
_____ Builder’s risk, liability and volunteer insurance.
_____ Construction Safety Manual (included in this AOM volume). (See Chapter 7)
_____ *HFHI House Design Criteria. (See Chapter 3)
_____ *Affiliate Guide to House Pricing. (See Chapter 4)
*These items can be ordered from HFHI. Call (800) 422-5914.
___________________________________________________________________________ ( S A M P L E )
Construction Committee Meeting Notes
NOTE: This outline can be adapted and duplicated for all relevant committees.
MONTH OF REPORT: DATE: / /
PERSON FILING REPORT:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STATISTICS FOR THE MONTH:
NUMBER OF PROJECTS IN PROGRESS:
ADDRESS:
PROJECT PROGRESS REPORT:
ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE:
ADDRESS:
PROJECT PROGRESS REPORT:
ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE:
BUSINESS REPORT:
CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE Report
NOTE: This outline can be adapted and duplicated for all relevant committees.
MONTH OF REPORT: DATE: / /
PERSON FILING REPORT:
MEETING NOTES ATTACHED: Yes No
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS THIS MONTH:
GOALS FOR NEXT MONTH:
AREAS OF DIFFICULTY:
POLICY DECISIONS NEEDED:
REQUEST TIME ON AGENDA FOR:
COMMITTEE MEMBER: PHONE:
COMMITTEE MEMBER: PHONE:
COMMITTEE MEMBER: PHONE:
PRAYER REQUESTS:
CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE Flow Diagram
Receive site from Site Selection committee
Investigate/begin permitting
Develop design/layout with project manager
Develop estimated costs with project manager
Acquire approval from board on design and costs
Modify design and/or adjust costs as required
Establish construction schedule
Procure materials
Coordinate manpower with Volunteer committee and project manager
Accepted
Rejected
(SAMPLE)
Basic House Description
All the housing references are from the United States. Recommend getting some Basic House Descriptions from Canadian Affiliates to ensure proper building techniques.
The Uniform Construction Index Code
DEVELOPING A BASIC HOUSE DESCRIPTION BASED ON BUILDING TRADES
The guideline presented here can be used in developing the Basic House Description. Developed by the Construction Specifications Institute, the specifications for a house are divided into 16 divisions.
Division 0. Bidding and Contract Requirements, including instructions to any bidders, agreement forms, bonds and certificates, samples and shop drawings, addenda and modifications.
Division 1. General Requirements, including summary of work, field engineering coordination schedules and reports, submittals, starting, testing, adjusting and balancing systems, temporary facilities, clean up, project closeout, allowances and alternatives.
Division 2. Site Work, including clearing of site, earthwork, piling caissons, shoring and bracing, site drainage, site utilities, road and walks, site improvements, lawns and planting.
Division 3. Concrete, including formwork, reinforcement, cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete and cementitious decks.
Division 4. Masonry, including unit masonry, stone and masonry restoration.
Division 5. Metals, including structural joists, decking, lightage framing, miscellaneous metals, ornamental metals and special formed metals.
Division 6. Carpentry, including rough, finish, glue laminated and custom woodwork.
Division 7. Thermal and Moisture Protection, include waterproofing, dampproofing, insulation, shingles and roof tiles, performed roofing and siding, membrane roofing, sheet metal work, wall flashing, roof accessories, caulking and sealants.
Division 8. Doors, Windows and Glass, including metal doors and frames, wood doors, special doors, metal windows, wood windows, finish hardware, weatherstripping, glass and glazing.
Division 9. Finishes, including lath and plaster, gypsum, tile, terrazzo, veneer stone, acoustics, wood flooring resilient flooring, special flooring, special coatings, painting and wall coverings.
Division 10. Specialties, including toilet and bath accessories (for persons with disabilities).
Division 11. Equipment, including construction industry equipment (backhoe, cherry-pickers, scaffolding, etc.).
Division 12. Furnishing, including carpet, furniture.
Division 13. Special Construction (not applicable to HFH).
Division 14. Conveying Systems, including elevators, hoists and cranes, moving stairs, lifts.
Division 15. Mechanical, including general provisions, basic materials and methods, plumbing, heating ventilating and air conditioning, soil waste, roof drainage, plumbing fixtures, gas piping, fuel handling, steam, hot water, chilled water, and controls and instruments.
Division 16. Electrical, including general provisions, basic materials and methods, electric service, distribution, fixtures, TV, power, heating controls and lighting protections.
This format has met industry and professional acceptance and is the established form for writing specifications.
New Construction, Rehabilitation
Or House Move?
As affiliates consider construction projects, the following issues should be evaluated:
AVAILABILITY
Assess the availability of the following in your community
___ Land—empty, buildable lots at reasonable prices; donated lots; or land available from the city or county government. This land can be used for new construction or house moves.
___ Rehab structures—boarded-up or abandoned homes that are in condition to be rehabbed.
___ House donations or purchases to be moved.
ECONOMY
___ Since the partner family will pay for the expenses incurred in the project, the finished home must be affordable.
___ In some cases, it may be more reasonable to rehab or move a house, provided the house is in quality condition and does not require extensive cost to bring it up to standard.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
___ New construction requires initial cash flow, at least until the house is “shelled-in” or “dried-in.”
___ Rehab projects can be worked on as money and resources are available.
___ Some in-kind donations are appropriate only for new construction, and others are appropriate only for rehabs. For example, odd-sized doors, carpet and vinyl remnants, hardware or fixtures.
___ If it is a rehab or house move, unforeseen and unexpected tasks can mean a higher cost.
LABOR
___ House moves require professional movers, precise foundations, code requirements and many other details.
___ Rehabs could involve working with hazardous materials such as lead-based paint, asbestos and chemical toxins.
___ Rehab work that can be done by volunteers offers many opportunities for UNSKILLED volunteers.
___ New construction offers the most opportunities for SKILLED volunteers.
TIME
___ New construction is dependent on the building season, weather conditions and skilled supervisors. New construction also relies on the availability of contractors for excavations and foundations.
___ House moves rely on the availability of professional movers and subcontractors. House moves also depend on the availability and preparation of the land, as well as on deadlines for removal from the existing site.
___ Rehab projects usually can be worked on year-round. Although every project requires planning, the task of scheduling and decision-making in rehab projects may be more extensive.
SECURITY
___ If security on site is an issue, an enclosed structure is easier to secure than new construction. This also offers options for secured storage.
___ Before a lot or structure is accepted, the safety and security of the neighborhood must be evaluated.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Any time it is possible to salvage some material and convert it into a usable product, it means that we send less waste to the landfill. If a house can be recycled, either through moving or rehabbing, that option should be considered. New construction offers the most opportunities for environmental friendly products, energy efficiency and solar possibilities, both active and passive.
OTHER ISSUES
___ Building codes—once a house is moved it often is considered new construction and must abide by those codes. Always check with your local building inspector before beginning any project.
___ Accessibility—new construction offers more opportunities for accessible doors, hallways, bathrooms and egress.
___ Assessments for future improvements—in this community, will the homeowner be burdened with future street, curb or other city/county assessments?
___ Taxes—will the homeowner be able to afford the property taxes?
___ Architectural environment—does the house move or new construction project blend with the style of architecture in the neighborhood?
(SAMPLE)
Home Maintenance Instruction Checklist
Homeowner’s name ______________________________________ Date __________________
Property address _______________________________________________________________
Plumbing
______ 1. Instruction on use of faucets (emphasize cleaning of aerator); show water cutoffs; and explain how to change washers, if used.
______ 2. Instruction on use of shower and tub drains and care of fiberglass surfaces; show water cutoffs.
______ 3. Instruction on adjustment of toilet tank mechanism.
______ 4. Explain care of hot water heater.
______ A. Periodically check pop-off valve and line.
______ B. If water is not hot, check the pilot first.
______ C. Always turn off pilot (or circuit breaker with electric water heaters) before draining tank completely.
______ D. Periodically flush tank.
______ 5. Show location of water meter, main cutoff, and sink and sewer cleanouts (in case of an emergency, remove cap and allow sewer to overflow outside.)
______ 6. Show location of any plumbing access panels and their purpose.
______ 7. Show location of well and septic tank, if any; how to care for tank and field; and pumping of tank. Provide instruction on care of well-pump.
Electrical
______ 8. Show buyer which outlets are switch-controlled.
______ 9 Explain correct bulb size for lighting fixtures.
______ 10. Show location of main entrance panel.
______ 11. Explain circuit breakers and “no fault” circuit breakers and how to operated them.
______ 12. Explain operation and testing of smoke detectors.
______ 13. Explain operation of security system, intercom, telephone, doorbells and cable connection for television, if any of these are installed. Show all electrical outlets.
Heating and Air Conditioning
______ 14. Explain warranty.
______ 15. Show location and operation of thermostats.
______ 16. Show location of filters and explain when they should be changed.
______ 17. Explain how to balance forced-air systems in heating and cooling seasons.
______ 18. Explain operation of heat pump, if installed, and back-up electric resistance heat.
______ 19. Explain operation of hot-water heating system and zones or electric baseboard heating, if installed.
______ 20. Explain that, if problems with heating or cooling develop, owner should do the following in the order listed:
______ A. Check thermostat setting.
______ B. Check breaker box (be sure breaker is on; explain that breaker switch should be turned all the way off first, then turned back on.)
______ C. Reset switches.
______ 21. Furnish name of company to call for service.
Appliances
______ 22. Instruction on use and care of all appliances.
______ 23. Explain limited warranties and give owner other literature.
______ 24. Explain filter and cleaning of range hood.
______ 25. Explain how to clean dryer vent pipe and filter.
______ 26. Explain that, if appliances do not operate, owner should:
______ A. Check to be sure they are plugged in.
______ B. Check breakers (see item 20).
______ C. Reset.
______ 27. Furnish name of service company to call for direct service.
General Interior
______ 28. Explain care, cleaning and treatment of floors: wood, carpet, tile; suggest use of casters under furniture (no warranty for damage caused by neglect).
______ 29. Explain care of paint (not warranted) and that affiliate does not do touch-ups.) Remind owner not to scrub latex-painted interior walls. Provide names of paints used and color numbers to owner.
______ 30. Explain use of spackling for normal cracks in Sheetrock and nail pops (not warranted).
______ 31. Explain use of caulk for cracks in tile and to reseal tub when required (not warranted).
______ 32. Explain care of counter tops (knives will cut the surface.)
______ 33. Doors:
______ A. Clean weep holes in sliding glass door thresholds.
______ B. Replace weather stripping when it wears out or is damaged.
______ C. Oil hinges if doors squeak.
______ D. Avoid paint buildup on door and window sash edges to keep them from sticking.
______ 34. Explain operation of fireplace (if installed). Use of seasoned wood to prevent creosote build-up, and the necessity of regularly having the flue cleaned.
______ 35. Explain types of cleaning products (e.g. nonabrasive materials to be used on counter tops, wood finishes, bathroom tile, fiberglass showers and tubs, porcelain, marble and cultured marble, if used, etc.).
______ 36. Explain that bathroom and privacy locks can be unlocked from the outside with a small screwdriver or coat hanger.
______ 37. Demonstrate removal of window sash for cleaning.
______ 38. Explain operation of exterior door and window locks.
General Exterior
______ 39. Show location of and explain secondary air-conditioning drain.
______ 40. Explain hairline expansion cracks in concrete surfaces.
______ 41. Explain that sunken utility lines and washed-out areas are not warranted.
______ 42. Explain that grass and shrubs are not warranted. (Be certain that grass and shrubs are alive now.) Explain needs for fertilizer and water.
______ 43. Light fixtures (bulbs not warranted).
______ 44. Explain that hairline cracks in concrete pad and puddles of 1/4 inch are normal.
______ 45. Explain that treated lumber used in wood decks, steps or railings should weather one year prior to staining.
______ 46. Wood siding (if used) must be repainted or stained every four to five years. Mildew can be removed by scrubbing with weak water-and-bleach solution. Aluminum siding will dent if struck; it can be repainted. Vinyl siding can crack or break if struck.
______ 47. Brick.
______ 48. Roof.
______ 49. Windows.
______ 50. Glass.
______ 51. Other.
I/We have discussed and understand each of the items listed above with a representative from ___________________________________ (affiliate name). I/We have been instructed in the use and care of the above-listed items in my/our new home and find my/our home completed in a manner satisfactory and acceptable to me/us.
_________________________________ ___________________________________
(homeowner’s signature) (Habitat for Humanity affiliate name)
_________________________________ By _________________________________
(city, state) (affiliate representative signature)
Date ______________________________ Title ________________________________
Date _________________________________
(SAMPLE)
Punch List
(This letter is presented to the buyer along with the checklist at the time of the pre-settlement walk-through to prepare the punch list.)
Instructions
____________________________________ (affiliate name) is proud to welcome you to your new home.
Attached to this letter, you will find a checklist to help you inspect your new home. A separate sheet has been provided for each room and area of construction. Please go through your new home, room by room, and carefully check to see whether all items are in satisfactory condition. Initial the space provided after you have satisfied yourself that the item’s condition meets with your approval. If any repairs or adjustments are needed, describe the problem in the “Improvement Needed” column, using the back of the page if necessary. Be sure to write in any additional items that are not listed and describe their condition fully. If a listed item does not apply, put an X in the space for your initials.
Before you occupy your home, we will do our best to bring the items that require improvements up to satisfactory condition, consistent with the standards of construction in _________________________ (city, state) and with our affiliate’s limited warranty. After needed improvements are made, you will have the opportunity to check all the items to make sure they meet with your approval.
Sincerely,
____________________________________ ________________________________
(affiliate representative ) (affiliate name)
Buyer’s Checklist
Date ____________________________________
Vanity ___ __________________ Light Fixture _____ ___________________
Sink _______________________ (not bulbs)
Medicine cabinet _____ ___________________ Baseboard heater/ _____ ___________________
Bathtub _____ ___________________ vent
Shower _____ ___________________ Floor _____ ___________________
Shower curtain _____ ___________________ Walls _____ ___________________
bar/door Ceiling _____ ___________________
Toilet _____ ___________________ Woodwork _____ ___________________
Towel bars _____ ___________________ Windows _____ ___________________
Paper holder _____ ___________________ Doors _____ ___________________
Other _____ ___________________
Item Initials Improvements Needed Item Initials Improvements Needed
Bathroom
Sink _____ ___________________ Countertops _____ ___________________
Burner, unit _____ ___________________ Floor _____ ___________________
Oven, range _____ ___________________ Walls _____ ___________________
Hood, exhaust fan _____ ___________________ Ceiling _____ ___________________
Appliances _____ ___________________ Light fixtures _____ ___________________
Refrigerator _____ ___________________ Windows _____ ___________________
Freezer _____ ___________________ Doors _____ ___________________
Disposal _____ ___________________ Baseboard heater, _____ ___________________
Cabinets _____ ___________________ vent
Drawers _____ ___________________ Other _____ ___________________
Item Initials Improvements Needed Item Initials Improvements Needed
Kitchen
Doors _____ ___________________ Ceiling fan _____ ___________________
Windows _____ ___________________ Floor _____ ___________________
Shades _____ ___________________ Walls _____ ___________________
Closets _____ ___________________ Ceiling _____ ___________________
Clothing bar _____ ___________________ Baseboard heater, _____ ___________________
Closet Doors _____ ___________________ vent
Light Fixtures _____ ___________________ Other _____ ___________________
Item Initials Improvements Needed Item Initials Improvements Needed
Living Room, Dining Room, Den, Family Room, Bedroom
Interior Doors _____ ___________________ Cabinets _____ ___________________
Hardware _____ ___________________ Bookcases _____ ___________________
Paneling _____ ___________________ Woodwork _____ ___________________
Insulation _____ ___________________ Tile work _____ ___________________
Wallpaper, paint _____ ___________________ Other _____ ___________________
Fireplace(s) _____ ___________________
Item Initials Improvements Needed Item Initials Improvements Needed
General Interior
Closets _____ ___________________ Ceiling _____ ___________________
Walls _____ ___________________ Light fixtures _____ ___________________
Floors _____ ___________________ Doors _____ ___________________
Item Initials Improvements Needed Item Initials Improvements Needed
Hallway
Washer _____ ___________________ Doors _____ ___________________
Dryer _____ ___________________ Walls _____ ___________________
Hot water heater _____ ___________________ Glass _____ ___________________
Furnace, _____ ___________________ Ceilings _____ ___________________
heatpump
Item Initials Improvements Needed Item Initials Improvements Needed
Basement or Utility Room
Paint _____ ___________________ Light switches _____ ___________________
Siding, brick _____ ___________________ Light fixtures _____ ___________________
Chimney _____ ___________________ Outlets _____ ___________________
Roof _____ ___________________ Shades _____ ___________________
Doors _____ ___________________ Vents (dryer, _____ ___________________
Walkways _____ ___________________ range hood,
Balcony _____ ___________________ bathroom fan)
Baseboard heater, _____ ___________________ Other _____ ___________________
Item Initials Improvements Needed Item Initials Improvements Needed
General Exterior
I understand each of the items on the preceding pages and have discussed each item with a representative of __________________________________ (affiliate). I have been instructed in the use and care of the items listed on the preceding pages of this punch list. With the sole exception of the items listed under “Improvement Needed,” I find my new home to be completed in a manner satisfactory and acceptable to me.
I understand that, with the exception of those items that I have stated under “Improvement Needed,” I am purchasing the house as is, and I understand that the builder makes no other guarantees or warranties other than those that are clearly stated in the contract and other contract documents.
_________________________________ ___________________________________
(homeowner’s signature) (Habitat for Humanity affiliate name)
_________________________________ By _________________________________
(homeowner’s signature) (affiliate representative signature)
Date ______________________________ Title ________________________________
Date _________________________________
(SAMPLE)
House Take-Off List and Budget
FOR 1,120-SQUARE-FOOT, FOUR-BEDROOM HOUSE
CODES BASED ON THE CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS INSTITUTE
00.000 Contracting Requirements
00.890 Supplementary Requirements Building Permit $100.00
00.890 Supplementary Requirements Electrical Permit $30.00
00.890 Supplementary Requirements Plumbing Permit $35.00
00.890 Supplementary Requirements Water Deposit $50.00
01.000 General Requirements
01.500 Facilities & Temp. Controls Porta-let 3 Month $79.50 $238.50
01.500 Facilities & Temp. Controls Insurance 3 Month $39.00 $117.00
01.500 Facilities & Temp. Controls Utility Usage 3 Month $20.00 $60.00
01.720 Execution Requirements Survey $300.00
02.000 Sitework
02.140 Maintenance Services Dump charges $100.00
02.360 Maintenance Services Pest control $150.00
02.660 Water Distribution Water Tap $175.00
02.700 Sewage & Drainage Sewer Tap $225.00
02.900 Landscaping Shrubery 12 Plants $50.00
02.900 Landscaping Pine Straw 2 Bale $3.44 $6.88
02.900 Landscaping Grass seed 0.5 Bag $300.00 $150.00
02.900 Landscaping Fertilizer 2 Bags $25.00 $50.00
02.900 Landscaping Sod 4 Pallets $75.00 $300.00
03.000 Concrete
03.010 Mass Concrete Foundation Concrete 6 Sq. Yds $64.50 $387.00
03.010 Mass Concrete Slab Concrete 22 Sq. Yds $64.50 $1,419.00
03.100 Concrete Formwork 2x4 - 12' SYP 10 Lengths $4.42 $44.20
03.100 Concrete Formwork 2x4 - 16' SYP 1 Lengths $7.38 $7.38
03.100 Concrete Formwork 2x4 - 16' SYP 1 Lengths $7.38 $7.38
03.100 Concrete Formwork 2x4 - 12' SYP 1 Lengths $4.42 $4.42
03.100 Concrete Formwork 2x6 - 12' SYP 1 Lengths $5.73 $5.73
03.100 Concrete Formwork 2x6 - 16' SYP 2 Lengths $9.97 $19.94
03.100 Concrete Formwork 1x2 1 Bundle $6.81 $6.81
03.100 Concrete Formwork 10' Screed Key 6 Lengths $4.60 $27.60
03.100 Concrete Formwork 2x4 - 12' SYP 10 Lengths $4.42 $44.20
03.100 Concrete Formwork 1x2 1 Bundle $6.81 $6.81
03.200 Concrete Reinforcement Rebar #4 (1/2") x 20' 5 Lengths $3.00 $15.00
03.200 Concrete Reinforcement Reinforcing Wire 3 Roll $52.50 $157.50
03.200 Concrete Reinforcement Wire Ties 1 Each $0.03 $0.03
03.300 Cast - in place Concrete Quikcrete Mix 3 Bags $2.76 $8.28
Code Category Description Quantity Unit Unit Cost Extension
04.000 Masonry
04.100 Mortar & Masonry Grout Mortar Mix 9 Bags $4.83 $43.47
04.100 Mortar & Masonry Grout Masonry Sand 1.5 Ton $14.50 $21.75
04.150 Masonary Accessories Fill sand 6 Loads $140.00 $840.00
04.150 Masonary Accessories Nylon string 250' 1 Roll $4.18 $4.18
04.200 Unit Masonry 8x8x16 - Block 370 Each $0.90 $333.00
04.200 Unit Masonry 4x8x16 - Block 21 Each $0.79 $16.59
04.200 Unit Masonry 8x8x16 Ledger 104 Each $1.20 $124.80
06.000 Wood & Plastics
06.010 Framing 2x4 x 92 1/4" 343 Studs $2.35 $806.05
06.010 Framing 2x6 x 92 1/4" 9 Studs $5.43 $48.87
06.010 Framing 2X4 - 12' PT 13 Lengths $4.81 $62.53
06.010 Framing 2X4 - 16' PT 12 Lengths $7.40 $88.80
06.010 Plate/Roofing 2X6 - 16' PT 13 Lengths $10.86 $141.18
06.010 Trusses 2x4 - 12' SYP 68 Lengths $4.42 $300.56
06.010 Trusses 2x4 - 14' SYP 59 Lengths $5.48 $323.32
06.010 Trusses 2x4 - 16' SYP 49 Lengths $6.70 $328.30
06.010 Plate & Bracing 2X4 - 12' Sp. 26 Lengths $4.81 $125.06
06.010 Plate & Bracing 2X4 - 16' Sp. 24 Lengths $7.38 $177.12
06.010 Plate 2X6 - 16' Sp. 1 Lengths $10.86 $10.86
06.010 Window Headers 2X6 - 12' SYP 6 Lengths $8.14 $48.84
06.010 Window Headers 2X6 - 14' SYP 1 Lengths $9.30 $9.30
06.010 Porch Beam/Roof 2X8 - 16' PT 4 Lengths $12.00 $48.00
06.010 Porch Beam/Roof 2x8 - 8' PT 1 Lengths $4.28 $4.28
06.010 Porch Beam/Roof 1x6 - 8' PT 8 Lengths $2.60 $20.80
06.010 Roofing 2x4 - 12' SYP 9 Lengths $4.42 $39.78
06.010 Roofing 2X6 - 12' Sp 10 Lengths $8.14 $81.40
06.010 Roofing 1X4 - 12' Pine 8 Lengths $2.10 $16.80
06.010 Ply for Trusses 4' x 8' - 1/2" CDX 11 Sheets $9.26 $101.86
06.010 Plywood Sheathing 4' x 8' - 1/2" CDX 61 Sheets $9.26 $564.86
06.010 Mailbox Post (4x4-8' PT 3) 1 Each $6.00 $6.00
06.010 Clothsline Post (2x4 - 12' PT 3) 2 Each $4.81 $9.62
06.050 Fasteners Mud Sill Anchors 41 Each $0.77 $31.57
06.050 Adhesives (Trusses) Wood Glue 3 Gal. $12.45 $37.35
06.050 Nails (Trusses) 6d Sinkers 1.5 Box $23.75 $35.63
06.050 Nails 16d Sinkers 3 Box $15.00 $45.00
06.050 Nails 8d Sinkers 1 Box $15.00 $15.00
06.050 Nails 8d Spiral Galv. 10 lb $0.60 $6.00
06.050 Nails 8d Spiral Galv. Screw Shank 5 lb $0.70 $3.50
06.050 Nails 3/4" Simplex 0.5 Box $8.50 $4.25
06.050 Nails 1 1/2" Simplex 0.5 Box $32.00 $16.00
06.050 Nails 1" Roofing 1.5 Box $20.00 $30.00
06.050 Nails 1 3/8" Drywall 1 Box $30.00 $30.00
06.050 Nails 2" Roofing 1.5 Box $20.00 $30.00
06.050 Nails 8d Finish 15 lb $0.48 $7.20
06.050 Nails 16d Finish 1 lb $0.64 $0.64
06.050 Nails 16d Galv. Screw Shank 4 lb $0.64 $2.56
06.050 Nails 2 1/2" Power Nails 2 Box $6.20 $12.40
06.050 Nails #4 Loads (Power Nails) 2 Box $4.25 $8.50
06.050 Nails Plywood Clips 250 Each $0.03 $7.50
06.050 Adhesives Silicone Caulk 12 Tube $2.00 $24.00
06.050 Adhesives Latex Caulk 24 Tube $2.00 $48.00
06.050 Adhesives Construcion Adehesive 24 Tube $2.00 $48.00
06.050 Misc. Hardware Spray Foam Insulation 2 Can $3.47 $6.94
06.050 Misc. Hardware Door Shims 1 Bundle $9.50 $9.50
06.050 Misc. Hardware 2x6 Joist Hangers 10 Each $0.32 $3.20
06.050 Nails Fascia Nails 2 lb $0.26 $0.52
06.050 Misc. Hardware Rafter Ties 60 Each $0.11 $6.60
06.050 Misc. Hardware 1/4" Staples 2 Box $3.00 $6.00
06.050 Drywall Glue 24 Tubes $2.00 $48.00
06.050 Flooring Floor Glue 9 Gallons $31.74 $285.66
06.050 Clothesline Wire (50') 2 Roll $1.86 $3.72
06.050 Clothesline 4" Eyebolts w/Nuts 8 Each $0.40 $3.20
06.150 Bracing "T" Bracing 10 Lengths $1.80 $18.00
06.200 Interior Finish Baseboard 490 Foot $0.41 $200.90
06.200 Interior Finish 2 1/4" Casing 71 Foot $0.55 $39.05
07.000 Thermal & Moisture Protection
07.100 Waterproofing 6mil Black Plastic 1 Roll $40.00 $40.00
07.100 Waterproofing House Wrap Tape 3 Rolls $8.50 $25.50
07.180 Roof Felt 15 # felt 4 Rolls $8.00 $32.00
07.180 Roof Felt 90 # felt 2 Rolls $11.65 $23.30
07.200 Insulation Board 4' x 8' - 1/2" 46 Sheets $6.54 $300.84
07.200 Insulation (Wall) R - 13 (178 sq.ft.) 7 Bundles $30.00 $210.00
07.200 Insulation (ceiling) Cellulose 50 Bags $4.45 $222.50
07.240 Vinyl Siding Regular Profile 16 Squ. $38.00 $608.00
07.240 Vinyl Siding Outside Corners 4 Each $5.75 $23.00
07.240 Vinyl Siding Inside Corners 1 Each $5.75 $5.75
07.240 Vinyl Siding Starter Strip 15 Lenghts $1.14 $17.10
07.240 Vinyl Siding "J" Channel 36 Lengths $2.01 $72.36
07.240 Vinyl Siding "F" Track 18 Lengths $1.99 $35.82
07.240 Vinyl Siding Undersill 26 Lengths $1.99 $51.74
07.240 Vinyl Siding Solid Soffit 2 Squ. $44.80 $89.60
07.240 Vinyl Siding Perferated Soffit 1 Squ. $44.80 $44.80
07.300 Shingles Shingles 16 Square $21.00 $336.00
07.700 Flashing & Sheet Metal Metal Drip Edge 19 Lengths $1.59 $30.21
07.700 Flashing & Sheet Metal Ridge Vent 4 Lengths $11.50 $46.00
07.700 Flashing & Sheet Metal Ridge Vent Connector 3 Each $0.85 $2.55
07.700 Flashing & Sheet Metal Ridge Vent End Cap 2 Each $0.63 $1.26
07.700 Flashing & Sheet Metal Aluminum Coil Fascia 2 Rolls $46.41 $92.82
07.700 Flashing & Sheet Metal Step Flashing 22 Pieces $0.50 $11.00
Code Category Description Quantity Unit Unit Cost Extension
08.000 Windows & Doors
08.100 Ext. Door 3068 R/H 2 Each $99.68 $199.36
08.200 Int. Door 2868 L/H 7 Each $51.55 $360.85
08.200 Int. Door 2868 R/H 3 Each $51.55 $154.65
08.200 Int. Door 2068 L/H 1 Each $45.00 $45.00
08.200 Int. Door 1668 L/H 1 Each $41.60 $41.60
08.200 Int. Door 5068 Bifold 1 Each $110.00 $110.00
08.300 Ext. Door (special) Storm Door 2 Each $70.00 $140.00
08.600 Windows 2850 7 Each $72.48 $507.36
08.600 Windows 2844 3 Each $68.50 $205.50
08.600 Windows 2830 1 Each $60.51 $60.51
08.600 Windows 2030 1 Each $54.72 $54.72
08.600 Windows 44 Mull bars 1 Each $10.30 $10.30
08.700 Door Hardware Exterior Knobs 2 Each $8.38 $16.76
08.700 Door Hardware Exterior Deadbolts 2 Each $9.80 $19.60
08.700 Door Hardware Interior Privacy 6 Each $10.34 $62.04
08.700 Door Hardware Interior Passage 6 Each $5.80 $34.80
08.700 Interior Finish Door Stops 11 Each $0.50 $5.50
08.700 Interior Finish Hinge Stops 3 Each $1.90 $5.70
08.700 Interior Finish Mini Blinds 8 Each $5.00 $40.00
09.000 Finishes
09.250 Drywall 4'X12' - 1/2" 84 Sheets $9.96 $836.64
09.250 Water Resistant 4'X8' - 1/2" 19 Sheets $8.51 $161.69
09.250 Drywall Drywall Tape 6 Rolls $1.50 $9.00
09.250 Drywall Joint Compound 7 Buckets $8.93 $62.51
09.250 Drywall Ceiling Texture 3 Bags $6.89 $20.67
09.250 Drywall Corner Bead 8' 28 Each $0.78 $21.84
09.250 Drywall "J" Bead 18 Each $0.75 $13.50
09.700 Flooring Floor Tile 30 Cartons $32.00 $960.00
09.900 Paint Exterior Primer 1 Gallon $10.59 $10.59
09.900 Paint Exterior White 1 Gallon $18.00 $18.00
09.900 Paint Block Filler 5 Gallon $64.49 $322.45
09.900 Paint Interior Primer 15 Gallon $10.60 $159.00
09.900 Paint Interior Paint 15 Gallon $13.99 $209.85
09.900 Paint Interior Trim 2 Gallon $13.99 $27.98
09.900 Paint Stain 1 Gallon $16.84 $16.84
09.900 Paint Varnish 1 Gallon $27.00 $27.00
09.900 Paint Rags 1 Bundle $13.10 $13.10
09.900 Paint Thinner 1 Gallon $2.27 $2.27
09.900 Paint Sand Paper 6 Sheets $0.60 $3.60
09.900 Paint Sanding Screen 6 Sheets $3.51 $21.06
09.900 Paint 1 1/2" Sash Brushes 4 Each $2.90 $11.60
09.900 Paint 2" Brushes 2 Each $3.00 $6.00
09.900 Paint 4" Brushes 2 Each $2.90 $5.80
09.900 Paint Roller Covers 8 Each $0.60 $4.80
09.900 Paint Roller Frames 2 Each $7.52 $15.04
09.900 Paint Duct Tape 2 Roll $3.24 $6.48
Code Category Description Quantity Unit Unit Cost Extension
10.000 Specialties
10.400 Identifying Devices Brass House Numbers 4 Each $0.85 $3.40
10.400 Identifying Devices Mail box numbers 4 Each $0.43 $1.72
10.550 Postal specilties Mailbox 1 Each $4.60 $4.60
10.670 Shelving 1x12 - 12' Sp. 3 Lengths $10.49 $31.47
10.670 Shelving 1x4 - 12' Sp. 9 Lengths $3.32 $29.88
10.670 Shelving 1x6 - 12' 3 Lengths $7.49 $22.47
10.800 Bathroom Acces. Accessory Kit 1 Each $13.43 $13.43
10.800 Bathroom Acces. Shower Rod 1 Each $2.06 $2.06
10.800 Cabinetry & Tops Kitchen $1,250.00
10.800 Cabinetry & Tops Bathroom $200.00
10.900 Interior Finish 48" - 72" Closet Rods 3 Each $3.71 $11.13
10.900 Interior Finish 18" - 30" Closet Rods 1 Each $2.80 $2.80
15.000 Mechanical
15.400 Plumbing Plumbing package (Materials only) $1,300.00
15.400 Plumbing Water Heater 1 Each $170.00 $170.00
15.400 Plumbing Tub/Shower Unit 1 Each $195.00 $195.00
15.500 HVAC Materials & Labor $1,400.00
16.000 Electrical
16.050 Electrical Electrical Package (Materials Only) $760.00
16.050 Electrical House Fan 1 Each $160.00 $160.00
Totals
House Total (City) $23,042.70
Variable Costs Septic Tank & Permit (County Only) $1,435.00
Variable Costs Well (County Only) $2,150.00
Variable Costs Extra Permit Fees (County Only) $50.00
House Total (County) $26,677.70
Code Category Description Quantity Unit Unit Cost Extension
12 Saturday Build Schedule FOR CONVENTIONAL FRAMING ON STEM WALL FOUNDATION
Volunteer
Week # & Task requirement
1 Build floor system (if not slab on grade) / Form up sidewalks (if not done) 10–15
• Roll joist • Lay decking • Layout walls if time permits
• Form up for all remaining concrete flatwork
2 Build walls (framing) 15–20
• Stand exterior walls • Stand as many interior walls as time allows
3 Complete all walls (framing) 10–15
• Stand any remaining walls • Run all top plate
• Plumb and string line everything • Brace everything
• Prepare for trusses
4 Stand trusses (framing) 15–20
• Stand truss system • Run sub fascia • Sheath roof
5 Windows, siding & shingles (exterior trim) 15-20
• Install windows and exterior doors • Install fascia and soffit
• Install siding components • Install siding • Start shingles
6 Sheetrock, siding and shingles 15-20
• Install sheetrock • Continue siding and shingles
7 Sheetrock/siding 10–15
• Finish Sheetrock • Finish siding
8 Interior trim/doors 15–20
• Hang interior doors • Trim windows • Install base
• Install bathroom accessories
9 Interior trim/doors 10–15
• Finish what is left of week 8 • Chalk all trim, prepare for paint
10 Paint walls/trim 10–15
• Doors and trim should have been spray-painted by Habitat already
• Paint walls and ceiling • Touch up doors and trim
11 Landscape/storm doors 10–12
• Establish finish grade • Plant shrubbery • Install storm doors
12 Finish detail 5–10
• Check all paint detail • Install door stops • Clean everything
Week 1
CHECKLIST: BUILDING THE FLOOR SYSTEM
Address _________________________________________ Date ________________________
Supervisor _____________________________________ No. of volunteers ________________
Preparation
_ Prior to this Saturday, we should have positioned the center beam and fastened a 2x6 to top.
_ Prior to the arrival of the volunteer crew, site the elevations of the sill plate with a transit, mark the highest point. Using wood shims, raise the entire sill plate to this elevation by fastening the shims on top of sill plate every 16”. Beam is adjusted by turning adjustment screw. If you have sufficient crew, and there is flatwork left to do, assign a small team to form up for it.
Saturday
_ Flat work done. Percentage of forming left to be done: ______________________.
_ Measure the stem wall for square. Mark the exact corners. (Rim joist shall fasten flush to EPS stem wall blocks. It is permissible to oversize as much as 1/2” to flush to blocks.)
_ Snap lines to indicate the interior edge of the rim joist.
_ Mark the layout of the joist 16” O.C. (double joist under parallel walls) Note location of bathtub and allow for plumbing penetrations. If necessary, create a box by installing joist headers.)
_ Have a volunteer mark the crowns of each joist. Roll out your joist, crowns up.
_ Frame the floor system.
_ Seal any space between the rim joist and the sill plate with caulk or injection foam. (Any foam that protrudes from the outside of the rim joist can be trimmed after it dries.)
_ Install bridging
_ Snap lines to layout decking.
_ Lay down decking (glue to joist with Liquid Nail) 8d nails every 8”.
Percentage left to be done: ______________________.
Preparation For Next Saturday
As most of your crew packs the storage bin and cleans the site, you can start to snap lines on the deck for next Saturday. (Spray clear lacquer on the lines to preserve them.)
_ Deck layout. Percentage of deck layout left to be done: ______________________.
If you had a really good day and your deck is snapped out with time to spare, you can layout plates.
_ Plate layout. Percentage of plate layout left to be done: ______________________.
_ Pack storage box in orderly manner. DO NOT SKIP THIS PART.
• Have tools returned to toolboxes.
• Empty all nail bags.
• Clean up the site.
Week 2
CHECKLIST: FRAMING THE HOUSE
Address _________________________________________ Date ________________________
Supervisor _____________________________________ No. of volunteers ________________
NOTE: Supervisor, divide your crew into teams led by the most experienced people available.
See the construction manual for more details on the framing process.
_ Check information for widow and door R.O.’s.
_ Pre-fab headers, trimmers and corners.
_ Frame, stand and brace all exterior walls.
_ Frame, square, stand and brace interior partitions. Indicate number of walls left to build at the end of the day: _____________________.
_ Frame, stand and brace plumbing wall.
_ Plumb and string line exterior walls. Indicate walls that are done:
_ north _ south _ east _ west
_ Install post and supports and porch/carport beams.
_ Hang sheathing on exterior walls (may be done before walls are stood if that is your preferred technique; be sure to square the walls first if you do it this way.) Indicate how much sheathing is left to be done: _____________________.
_ Plumb interior partitions.
_ String line interior partitions if the wall is 20’ or greater in length. Indicate which walls are done: _____________________
_ Plumb and string line interior partitions (if that is your preferred technique).
Indicate how much sheathing is left to be done: _____________________.
_ Install all top plate providing overlap on corners (NOTE: top plate intersecting exterior walls need not cut clear through the exterior top plate, as this creates another point of air infiltration.)
Indicate the number of walls left to be done: _____________________.
_ Pack storage box in orderly manner. DO NOT SKIP THIS PART.
• Have tools returned to toolboxes.
• Empty all nail bags.
• Clean up the site.
Week 3
CHECKLIST: COMPLETION OF FRAMING THE WALLS AND
PREPARATION FOR SETTING TRUSSES
Address _________________________________________ Date ________________________
Supervisor _____________________________________ No. of volunteers ________________
The following checklist is what needs to be accomplished on the third day of construction.
Please check the items off as they are completed.
_ Complete items from week No. 2 that have not been done.
_ Prefabricate gable trusses if applicable.
_ Sheath with OSB or insulation board (check for installation of gable venting).
_ Prefab 2x6 sub fascia with lookouts every 4’ to lace back to first field truss.
_ Energy efficiency applications:
_ Assign people to caulk all framing components too close to insulate and caulk or foam seal all utility penetrations.
_ Caulk sill plate to slab or deck.
_ Check all the top plates to ensure that they are securely fastened (2-16d nails in the end of each plate, 1- 16d over every stud).
_ Ensure that all the walls are securely braced and will not move when trusses are set.
_ Layout truss marks on top plate if this hasn’t been done.
_ Install blocking for ceiling rock, kitchen cabinets, towel rods and bath mirror.
_ Pack storage box in orderly manner. DO NOT SKIP THIS PART.
• Have tools returned to toolboxes.
• Empty all nail bags.
• Clean up the site.
Week 4
CHECKLIST: I N S TALLING THE TRUSSES AND ROOF SHEATHING
Address _________________________________________ Date ________________________
Supervisor _____________________________________ No. of volunteers ________________
_ Be certain that the checklist for weeks 2 and 3 have been completed.
_ Double check the bracing and straightness of the walls.
_ Stack trusses on top of house (domino style).
_ Stand gable trusses (use stiff back bracing) plumb, brace and secure. String line peak to peak.
_ Stand and brace field trusses. Use the truss brace system if it is available. Brace laterally and diagonally.
_ Install permanent lateral bracing as per engineering specs.
_ Install hurricane clips (truss clips) as soon as the truss is nailed in place.
_ Run 2x6 sub fascia down sides (flush to top of truss top chord). Tie into gable fascia. Percentage of sub fascia not completed: ________________________.
_ Lay OSB roof sheathing. Install sheathing clips between each truss on the seams. Overhang sheathing past fascia 1/2” all edges. Percentage of sheathing not completed: ________________________.
_ Check for style and location of roof ventilation.
_ Install air baffles between trusses to underside of roof sheathing. They must extend at least 4” to the outside over the exterior walls.
_ Install duct for radon abatement system
_ Double check the entire envelope of the house for air penetration points.
_ Install doors and windows if time permits and materials are available.
_ Caulk under nailing fin or brick mould.
_ Pack storage box in orderly manner. DO NOT SKIP THIS PART.
• Have tools returned to toolboxes.
• Empty all nail bags.
• Clean up the site.
Week 5
CHECKLIST: WINDOWS, SIDING AND SHINGLES
Address _________________________________________ Date ________________________
Supervisor _____________________________________ No. of volunteers ________________
_ Wrap house in house wrap or felt paper (as supplied). If using house wrap, overlap joints and seal with tape. Cut an “X” into your openings and wrap the paper over the sill, lintel and jambs. Cut flush to the interior. If using felt, overlap your horizontal seams by at least 4”.
_ Locate all utility service penetrations, cut, seal and install vinyl Mountmasters as needed.
_ electric service panel _ gas line _ hose bib _ dryer vent
_ rear door light _ door bell _ other ________________
_ Install windows and exterior doors (caulk under nailing fin or brick mould and under door threshold.)
_ Have team inside stuffing sill seal or backerod around doors and windows between frame of window/door and the rough framing. If gap is too small, then use caulk. Also have this team check to make sure the air baffles have all been installed between the trusses.
_ Install J-channel around window and doors.
_ Install corner trim (terminate at soffit).
_ Caulk all corners of J-channel.
_ Snap lines at:
1. On walls, level to bottom edge of sub fascia.
2. On walls, to indicate top edge of starter strip.
_ Install vinyl soffit.
Percentage of soffit completed: Front ______ Rear ______ R side ______ L side ______
_ Install metal fascia covers.
Percentage of metal fascia covers on: Front _____ Rear _____ R side ____ L side _____
_ Install siding starter strip.
_ Install siding.
Percentage of vinyl siding completed: Front _____ Rear _____ R side _____ L side ____
_ Start shingles.
Percentage of shingles completed: Front _____ Rear ______ R side _____ L side _____
_ Pack storage box in orderly manner. DO NOT SKIP THIS PART.
• Have tools returned to toolboxes.
• Empty all nail bags.
• Clean up the site.
Week 6
CHECKLIST: SHEETROCK INSTALLATION, SIDING AND SHINGLES
Address _________________________________________ Date ________________________
Supervisor _____________________________________ No. of volunteers ________________
_ Continue siding and shingles
There are two weeks scheduled for Sheetrock. If your house is too crowded, and you have sufficient supervisors, you can use some people to continue/finish work on exterior siding.
_ Install ceiling insulation (if to be done in batts).
_ Locate all electrical boxes and furnace vents, mark locations on floor.
_ Install wall insulation (overlap kraft paper on inside face edge of studs.)
• Ensure that the entire stud cavity is filled, tape top and bottom.
• Cut out for electrical boxes; do not compress insulation behind them.
• Tape top and bottom edge of batts to plates.
_ Install ceiling rock.
• Use router w/1/8” bit; cut close around electrical boxes.
• Use 1 5/8” screws every 8”.
Percentage of ceiling rock left to be hung _____________________________________.
If ceilings are complete and you have 1/2” wall rock available, you may continue to install.
Otherwise, begin clean up.
_ Install wall rock
• Use router w/1/8” bit; cut close around electrical boxes.
• Use 1 5/8” screws or 1 1/2” drywall nails every 8” on exterior walls.
• On interior walls, use glue on studs (keep glue away from edges) fasten every 8” around edges and just two fasteners in the field of rock for each stud. Percentage of wall rock left to be hung: _____________________________________.
_ Double check for all electrical box location (be sure none are concealed).
_ Double check for thorough fastening.
_ Double check for high fasteners (run taping knife over all fasteners).
_ Pack storage box in orderly manner. DO NOT SKIP THIS PART.
• Have tools returned to toolboxes.
• Empty all nail bags.
• Clean up the site.
Week 7
CHECKLIST: SHEETROCK INSTALLATION/SIDING
Address _________________________________________ Date ________________________
Supervisor _____________________________________ No. of volunteers ________________
This is week two of Sheetrock installation. Be sure to put enough people on the Sheetrock task as possible; it must be completed today!
_ Locate all electrical boxes and furnace vents, mark locations on floor.
_ Install any remaining ceiling rock.
• Use router w/1/8” bit; cut close around electrical boxes.
• Use 1 5/8” screws every 8”.
_ Install wall rock
• Use router w/1/8” bit; cut close around electrical boxes.
• Use 1 5/8” screws or 1 1/2” drywall nails every 8” on exterior walls.
• On interior walls, use glue on studs (keep glue away from edges) fasten every 8” around edges and just two fasteners in the field of rock for each stud.
_ Double check for all electrical box location (be sure none are concealed).
_ Double check for thorough fastening.
_ Double check for high fasteners (run taping knife over all fasteners).
_ This house is completely ready for the drywall taper.
except for: _________________________________.
_ Pack storage box in orderly manner. DO NOT SKIP THIS PART.
• Have tools returned to toolboxes.
• Empty all nail bags.
• Clean up the site.
Week 8
CHECKLIST: INTERIOR TRIM AND DOORS
Address _________________________________________ Date ________________________
Supervisor _____________________________________ No. of volunteers ________________
Divide your crew into teams for door installation and window jamb/casing. There are two weeks
to perform all interior trim work. Do a very clean job of it.
_ Hang all interior doors.
• Check print for proper swing.
• Check for 1/8” spacing between door and frame on all sides.
• Elevate door jambs 3/8” off floor.
_ After doors are hung in a room, install base trim.
• Keep base elevated 3/8” off floor.
• Have teams pin in place and one person secure thoroughly with finish nail gun.
_ Cut and install all window jambs.
• Rip 1x stock to fill jamb. Flush to surface of Sheetrock.
• Shim jamb to square to window frame.
_ Install window casing.
• Maintain 1/8” reveal of jamb all the way around.
Do not concern yourself with caulking until all trim installation is complete next week. But if you
are out of work before you are out of day, go ahead:
_ Have caulk crew follow all COMPLETELY FASTENED trim work.
• Inspect their work for clean, tight finish (no globs, blobs or streaks).
• Caulk everywhere trim meets wall.
• Caulk all seams where casing meets jambs on windows and doors.
_ Use wood filler (or featherlite filler) for patching nail holes.
• Sand down wood where fasteners have caused lumps.
• Sand after filler has dried if necessary.
_ Have caulking crew caulk between all electrical boxes and Sheetrock prior to the installation of fixtures and covers.
_ Pack storage box in orderly manner. DO NOT SKIP THIS PART.
• Have tools returned to toolboxes.
• Empty all nail bags.
• Clean up the site.
Week 9
CHECKLIST: WEEK TWO OF TRIM
Address _________________________________________ Date ________________________
Supervisor _____________________________________ No. of volunteers ________________
_ See checklist for last week to determine what trim is left to complete.
_ All doors hung and secured.
_ All window jambs installed.
_ All window casing installed.
_ All base board installed.
_ Have caulk crew follow all COMPLETELY FASTENED trim work.
• Inspect their work for clean, tight finish (no globs, blobs or streaks).
• Caulk everywhere trim meets wall.
• Caulk all seams where casing meets jambs on windows and doors.
_ Use wood filler (or featherlite filler) for patching nail holes.
• Sand down wood where fasteners have caused lumps.
• Sand after filler has dried if necessary.
_ Have caulking crew caulk between all electrical boxes and Sheetrock prior to the installation of fixtures and covers.
_ All caulk and fill is inspected and ready for paint
except: ___________________________________________________________.
_ Mask off all windows and door hinges.
• Use tape and plastic or paper to cover all vinyl on windows.
• Use tape to cover all door hinges.
_ If time permits and you have the paint and materials, begin painting the ceiling.
• Flat white.
• You do not need to cut in the ceiling around the walls.
_ Thoroughly clean all painting equipment.
_ Pack storage box in orderly manner. DO NOT SKIP THIS PART.
• Have tools returned to toolboxes.
• Empty all nail bags.
• Clean up the site.
Week 10
CHECKLIST: PAINTING
Address _________________________________________ Date ________________________
Supervisor _____________________________________ No. of volunteers ________________
We will hope to have been able to paint all the doors and trim in the house using an airless sprayer. If we were not able to do so, then you will paint them with brushes.
The order in which the interior should be painted:
1. Ceiling Flat white Roller No cut in necessary
2. Trim and doors Semi gloss white Brushes No cut in necessary
3. Walls Semi gloss antique white Roller and brushes Cut in ceiling and trim
_ All ceilings painted and inspected.
_ All trim painted and inspected.
_ All doors painted and inspected.
_ All walls painted and inspected.
_ Bathroom accessories installed.
• Two towel bars
• Toilet roll dispenser
• Mirror
• Soap dish optional
_ Pack storage box in orderly manner. DO NOT SKIP THIS PART.
• Have tools returned to toolboxes.
• Empty all nail bags.
• Clean up the site.
Week 11
CHECKLIST: LANDSCAPE AND STORM DOORS
Address _________________________________________ Date ________________________
Supervisor _____________________________________ No. of volunteers ________________
_ See plan for landscape layout.
_ Remove rocks from surface.
_ Thoroughly clear the entire property of all trash, debris and branches.
_ Cut back limbs as needed.
_ Ensure that there is positive drainage away from the house for at least 3’ on all sides.
_ Ensure that there is a clear 6” of foundation visible between earth and siding.
_ Use top soil to fill low spots; rake down high spots.
_ Place landscape timbers, rocks or borders.
_ Dig and place shrubbery and trees.
_ Rake down all yard area for hydra seeding.
_ Install front and rear storm doors.
• Check for proper swing.
_ Excess volunteers may complete any leftover siding work.
_ Pack storage box in orderly manner. DO NOT SKIP THIS PART.
• Have tools returned to toolboxes.
• Empty all nail bags.
• Clean up the site.
Week 12
CHECKLIST: FINAL TOUCH-UP AND CLEAN-UP
Address _________________________________________ Date ________________________
Supervisor _____________________________________ No. of volunteers ________________
_ Install door latches.
_ Install door stops for all doors.
_ Install heat registers.
_ Install outlet and switch covers.
_ Install range hood.
_ Install light covers.
_ Clean windows.
_ Clean bathroom.
_ Clean kitchen.
_ Vacuum carpet.
_ Mop floors.
_ Sweep porches.
When you leave, the house should be ready to move in, except for the placement of the
appliances
HFHI Guidelines FOR DETERMINING THE SELLING PRICE OF A HABITAT HOUSE
NOTE: The Construction committee must work closely with the Family Selection and Family Support committees to ensure that the cost of the house truly is affordable for families whose incomes fall within the range approved by the board. Refer to the Family Selection volume of the AOM for an in-depth discussion of the factors involved in setting partner family income qualification guidelines for your affiliate.
I. Introduction
An important component of Habitat’s ministry is that houses are SOLD to low-income partner families, not given away. It is vitally important, however, that the house be a blessing to the family and not an additional burden. Therefore, AFFORDABILITY is an equally vital component. The following guidelines will help your affiliate set a fair selling price for a Habitat house.
First, there is a list of the principles that must be taken into account in determining the selling price.
Then there is a formula that affiliates can use to work though the variables. This formula is divided into two sections: one dealing with the actual cost of construction, and the other with the cost of site acquisition (land or rehabable property) and site development.
The board of directors of your prospective affiliate or affiliate should review these guidelines and determine the policies of your affiliate in setting a selling price for Habitat houses. In some situations you may encounter “grey” areas that call for creativity and flexibility. Contact your regional director for advice and information as you define your selling price policies. Your regional director is your best source of guidance in this matter. A separate publication, the Affiliate Guide to House Pricing, is available from your Regional Center.
II. Principles for Determining the Selling Price of a Habitat House
1. Habitat for Humanity is not a give-away program. HFHI believes that low-income families need capital, not charity. Therefore, Habitat houses are sold under the terms of no-profit construction and no-interest mortgages. The HFHI board of directors does not sanction the use of lease-purchase agreements.
2. Each family’s monthly house payment must go into a local revolving Fund for Humanity that is dedicated to pay for the construction of additional Habitat houses.
3. HFHI recommends that the target population of Habitat affiliates be genuinely low-income families— currently living in substandard housing—who cannot obtain decent housing through any other means. HFHI recommends targeting families whose incomes fall within the range of 25 percent to 50 percent of median income for your area. It is important to determine the income of your target population FIRST; then determine the cost of a house that your potential homeowners can afford. Avoid the tendency to reverse the process, i.e., determining the cost of construction and then choosing a family who can afford the predetermined cost.
4. In figuring affordability, your affiliate should use the guideline that no more than 30 percent of a family’s monthly income should be spent on housing. (This is the percentage recommended by HUD and includes utilities as well as mortgage payment, taxes and insurance.) In some cases, a family may be able to handle a higher percentage, especially in areas where families regularly spend the majority of their incomes for housing.
5. The length of a Habitat mortgage is generally 15 to 30 years, depending on a family’s income and/or other circumstances. The mortgage may include graduated, accelerated mortgage payments if the family anticipates an increase in income over the payment period.
6. The selling prices of Habitat houses should be fair and consistent among homeowners within the same area or neighborhood. One homeowner should not be charged significantly more or less than another for a comparable house.
7. Habitat house payments should reflect affordability to the partner family, rather than market value within a particular real estate market. Habitat affiliates can use a number of methods to prevent speculation or windfall profits in the resale of Habitat houses. Consult your regional director for more information on ways to prevent windfall profit-taking.
8. There are also strategies already available to make Habitat houses affordable to very low-income families. These strategies include building smaller, simpler houses and/or extending the length of the mortgage.
9. In general, the actual cost of construction (or its cash equivalent) of a house according to Habitat house design criteria should not vary significantly from one part of the United States to another. The chief variable for an affiliate is the cost of the site acquisition (land and/or rehabable property) and site development. For that reason, the formula to determine selling price is divided into two distinct sections.
10. Beware of “creeping affluence”—the tendency to build larger and more expensive houses. The trend in every affiliate should be to build simpler and less expensive houses for increasingly lower-income families.
III. Formula for Determining the Construction Costs of a Habitat House
Use this formula for determining total construction costs:
Cost of purchased building materials $ ___________
Value of donated building materials $ ___________
Contracted labor $ ___________
Administrative costs $ ___________
i.e., salaries, insurance, etc. (should total no more than $4,000 per house)
Total construction costs $ ___________
There are certain assumptions built into this formula. One is that NO dollar value should be added for UNSKILLED VOLUNTEER LABOR. Most people who give their time and talents as Habitat volunteers do so with the understanding that their efforts make housing more affordable to partner families. However, affiliates have some latitude in this area when considering whether or not to add the dollar value of DONATED PROFESSIONAL LABOR to the construction cost. Typically, an affiliate will have to pay for some contracted labour and will get other professional labour donated. In such cases, affiliates should estimate the percentage of professional labour that will be paid for over a given number of homes and charge each homeowner that percentage. For example, if an affiliate builds two homes and pays for electrical labour on only one, each homeowner would be charged 50 percent.
The dollar value of DONATED MATERIALS should be factored into the cost of the house. Factoring in the value of these materials helps keep the cost equitable for all families, no matter how large the in-kind donation is for a particular house.
It also is acceptable to add a portion of your administrative expenses to the cost of each house. Your goal, however, should be to keep this figure as low as possible. HFHI recommends adding no more than $4,000 to each house an affiliate builds to cover administrative costs.
IV. Formula for Determining the Cost of Site Acquisition and Site Development
There are many issues to consider in determining the effect of site acquisition and site development costs on the final selling price of a Habitat house. In many areas of inflated real estate value, the cost of site acquisition and site development can be double or triple the actual construction cost of the house. This factor often keeps affordable housing out of reach for low-income families. However, careful planning and diligent searching by the Site Selection committee can result in affordable building sites.
There are three methods commonly used for acquiring and developing building sites:
• Donation by government entity or private individual.
• Purchase using government funds.
• Purchase using donated funds.
Many affiliates have found that as their work grows and gains credibility in the community, it becomes easier to obtain donated sites and services. The use of government funds IS allowed for the purchase and development of sites and the purchase of rehabable sites, but IS NOT allowed for the actual construction and rehab of houses.
The cost or value of sites acquired or developed by any of these methods can be added to the final selling price of the house within the limits explained below. This includes the acquisition of existing houses for rehab. The rule for determining the cost of site acquisition and site development should be affordability to the low-income family rather than market value. Resale of the house on the open market can be protected by a second mortgage and other methods, rather than by increasing the actual house payments of a low-income family.
With an understanding of site acquisition and site development issues, affiliates may add such value or costs to the final selling price of the house, as long as the final selling price does not exceed the already determined affordability limit of the selected partner family. Many affiliates establish a set, nominal sum that is charged for land, regardless of whether the land is donated or purchased at a higher cost.
This land value guideline is provided to maintain the affordability of Habitat houses for the affiliate’s target population. This practice also serves as an incentive to avoid “creeping affluence” in the acquisition and development of sites.
If an affiliate absolutely cannot find a site within these affordability guidelines, it may be necessary to consider a land trust option, the lease of land to the homeowner, or the inclusion of only a PORTION of the value of donated land and/or services in the final selling price. (This last option is not intended to discount actual “hard” costs but rather to discount the value of donated or “soft” costs.) Contact your regional director if your affiliate is considering any of these options for dealing with high land and/or site development costs.
Use this formula for determining the site acquisition costs that should be added to the final selling price:
Value of donated property and/or services $ ___________
(whether by government entity or private donation)
Cost of property and/or services purchased $ ___________
with government funds
Cost of property and/or services purchased $ ___________
with donated funds
Total site acquisition and site development costs $ ___________
V. Final Selling Price
By adding the cost figures calculated in Sections III and IV, your affiliate can determine the selling price of a Habitat house:
Total construction costs $ ___________
Total site acquisition and site development costs $ ___________
Selling price for a Habitat house $ ___________
Compare this selling price to the price in the affordability range for the selected partner family. If the selling price is higher than the family can afford, consider simplifying the house design, lengthening the mortgage or re-evaluating the cost of site acquisition and site development. If the mortgage is so high that you must use the land trust option, contact your regional director.
These guidelines were approved by the U.S. Affiliate Committee of the HFHI board of directors, October 1990.
Beginning Note added for this publication, March 1999.
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House Closing Costs Calculations
Family name Account #
House address
Calculated and approved by:
Construction Director Date
Basic House Price — City
Two Bedroom and shed $29,050
Three Bedroom and shed $30,230
Four Bedroom and shed $31,350
House plan #
Options
Specify: 1/2 Bath Appliance Fan Other: $300
Plus additional county costs where applicable
Extra permit fees $50
Well and pumphouse: $1,925
Septic tank and permit: $1,210
Other additional work where applicable
Foundations:
Back porch steps:
Backhoe work:
Other:
Land cost:
Total house cost:
COSTS
( S A M P L E )
Daily Site Schedule
7:15 A.M. Arrive at the job. Discuss the day’s activities with crew leaders. Assign crews.
• Crew leaders should be on site between 7:15-7:30 AM so the site supervisor can discuss the days schedule with them and assign tasks and work crews.
• This is a good time to walk the site and talk before the other volunteers arrive.
• The volunteer host must be there early to set up the registration table and to convey any last minute changes to volunteer numbers.
• There is nothing worse than turning up late and starting work straight away without anything organized.
• Being a crew leader is a big commitment.
7:30 A.M. Crew leaders get out their tools and materials
• Once the tasks and crews have been assigned, get all the tools and materials out that you will need for the day.
• Set everything up so that as soon as devotions are over you can take your crew to the task you are leading for the day.
8:00 A.M. Volunteer Orientation, safety talk and prayer
• Tell volunteers that work starts at 8 a.m. It is very disrupting to crew leaders if they have to constantly explain the job each time someone new arrives.
• Once most of the volunteers have turned up, start the morning’s orientation, safety talk and devotions.
• The orientation should include introductions of the partner family members, any sponsor groups and special volunteers, explain what the schedule will be for the day and what you hope to accomplish. The safety talk is outlined in the handout.
• The devotions should be a reading or a story, ending in prayer.
8:15 A.M. Start Work
• The volunteers should know whom they will be working with and what they will be doing. Crew leaders take their volunteers to their specific task.
NOON Lunch with a 30-minute or 1-hour break
• Provide a shady place for people to congregate.
• If the affiliate is providing lunch, make sure it is ready early so people are not standing around waiting for it.
• Discourage volunteers from leaving the site for lunch. They may not return for the afternoon!
4:00 PM Clean up, put tools away and dismiss for the day
• Crews are responsible for putting their tools and materials away.
• The site supervisor is responsible for making sure all the tools are locked away safely and all the materials are away. Make sure the site is tidy and the houses are secure.
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Tool Requirements List
From “Adopt-a-House Project House Leader’s Kit” developed by Charlotte (N.C.) Habitat for Humanity.
Equipment Habitat Will Provide at Each Site
• (4) saw horses
• Siding saw table
• Metal scaffolding with walk boards
• Pump jack scaffolding with walk boards
• (4) drywall T-posts
• Chemical toilet
Basic Tools Each Construction Volunteer Must Bring
• Framing hammer (16 oz. minimum)
• Nail apron or tool belt
• Retractable utility knife with extra blades
• Measuring tape (16’ minimum)
• Square (speed or combination square)
• Pencils (at least 2)
• Safety glasses
• Work gloves
Tools Each House Leader Must Bring
• Two 7 1/4” circular saws
• Electric miter saw (10”)
• Reciprocating saw with extra blades
• Drop cords—(2) 50’ and (1) 100’
• 4-way electrical box (splitter)
• 30’ measuring tape
• Levels—(2) 4’ and (1) 2’
• Framing square
• Hand saw
• (2) chalk boxes with extra chalk (red and blue)
• (2) handy bars or crow bars
• (2) cat’s paws (nail pullers)
• Wood chisel
• Tin snips
• Hacksaw
• Broom
• (2) drop lights or clip-on lights with extra bulbs
• (2) 16’ extension ladders (heavy-duty, 300 lb. minimum)
• (2) 6’ step ladders (contractor quality)
• (2) 8’ step ladders (contractor quality)
• (4) 2’ – 3’ step ladders
• Chain and lock to secure ladders
Special Tools Each Task Leader Must Bring
Framing
• 50’ to 100’ measuring tape
• No. 8 sledge hammer
• 300 yards nylon string
• (2) red lumber marking crayons
• Hook blades (roofing blades) for utility knives (1 pack)
Siding
• (4) aviation snips—yellow handle
• Duckbill or tin snips
• (2) snap lock punches
• (2) nail slot punches hand held seamer/bender
• 7 1/4” panel saw blade
Drywall
• (3) 4’ drywall squares
• (3) keyhole saws
• Drywall hand saw
• Radius cutter
• (2) toe operated drywall lifters
• (2) electric drywall screw guns with extra bits
• (2) sureform drywall planes
Trim Carpentry
• (4) coping saws with extra blades
• Carpenter’s glue
• Pocket note pad
• (4) sheets 100 grit sand paper
• Electric saber saw with extra blades
• 1/2” electric drill with 1 3/8” wood bit
• Power screwdriver with special cabinet screw bits
• (4) nail sets
• Hammer drill with 1/4” masonry bit
Painting
• Paint brushes—(6) 4” and (4) 2”
• (6) roller frames and pans with (10) 3/8” roller covers
• (4) 4’ roller extension handles
• Box of rags
• (4) drop cloths
• Putty knife and utility knife
• Screwdriver for opening paint cans
• Phillips screw driver for removing door hinges
• Felt tip marker for marking door hinges
• (2) caulking guns
Landscaping, Cleaning, Hardware
• (4) steel yard rakes
• (2) hoes
• (2) round point shovels
• Wheelbarrow
• 50’ garden hose
• Mop and mop bucket
• Sponges and rags
• Single edge razor blades with holders
• Cleaning supplies—409, Spic-n-Span, Soft Scrub
• Power screwdriver
• Small screwdriver for installing bath accessories
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Accident Report Form
Name Date of birth
Address
City State Zip
Position: _ Volunteer _ Staff
Date of injury Time of injury
Place of injury
Who was present at the time of the injury?
How did the injury occur? Describe the injury in detail.
Was first aid administered at the time of the injury? If so, describe.
Was professional medical treatment sought? If so, give name and address of treating practitioner/hospital.
Describe treatment.
Signature Date
( S A M P L E )
Work Crew Safety Manual SAMPLE OF FORM WHICH MAY BE DISTRIBUTED TO VOLUNTEERS
Introduction
Safety is everybody’s concern and is always an important consideration at any construction site. Building construction can be one of the most dangerous occupations. Since Habitat work crews normally have a high proportion of inexperienced people, everyone must pay particular attention to safety. Try to be conscious of the safety of others as well as yourself. An observer can often see danger better than the worker involved in the project. Be cautious at all times and ask questions. Do not go ahead with a task if you are uncertain how it is done, or if you are unable to do it.
Safety is based on knowledge, skill and an attitude of care and concern. Supervisors should instruct each worker about the correct and proper procedures for performing each task. This should familiarize the worker with the potential hazards of doing the tasks and advise him or her as to how such hazards can be minimized or eliminated. It is very important that we at Habitat know about safe work practices and follow them.
Guidelines for a safe attitude
1. THINK before you do your work or task.
2. If you are uncertain about how to do a task or how to operate a power tool—ASK A SUPERVISOR.
3. Concentrate on your task and eliminate distractions.
4. Know where the first-aid kit is located and how to get emergency help.
5. Inspect all power tools, hand tools, ladders and scaffolding on a daily basis.
6. Advise your supervisor IMMEDIATELY of any unsafe or hazardous tool or condition.
Proper safety equipment
Proper clothing is as essential to safety as the proper selection and use of tools. Wear clothes and gloves that are appropriate for the work and weather conditions. Loose clothing is dangerous around power tools.
Workers shall wear work boots or thick-soled shoes at all times when on a construction site. Any worker wearing sandals or other types of inappropriate footwear shall not be permitted to remain at a construction site.
Hard hats are to be worn while doing demolition work, during the framing phase of construction, or when required by a supervisor, and are to be made available to workers on each job site at all times.
Protective glasses will be available for every construction worker. A worker must wear protective glasses any time he or she is operating a power tool or when instructed by a supervisor.
Each worker must wear a dust mask when installing insulation, sanding or when instructed by a supervisor.
Ear plugs must be worn when using a power tool for a prolonged period of time or when instructed by a supervisor. Ear plugs are to be made available to workers on each job site at all times.
Power tools and other electrical equipment
A power tool should not be used without proper instruction on its use and on what can happen if the tool is not used properly. The instruction should be done by a qualified person and should be given to all workers; even experienced do-it-yourselfers should receive instruction. The trainee should use the power tool in the presence of the instructor, until the instructor is satisfied that the trainee knows how to use the power tool properly.
Never lower or carry a power tool by its cord. Clean tools daily. Power tools should be checked for defective switches, cords, plugs and proper grounding. Defective tools should not be used and should either be reported to the supervisor or labeled and brought to the tool room for repair immediately. (Do not wait until the end of the day.)
To avoid electrical shock, the following rules must be obeyed:
1. A three-pronged plug must be used on all electric power tools.
2. Extension cords must not have frayed insulation or be fastened with staples, hung from nails or suspended from wires.
3. All temporary lights must be equipped with non-conductive guards.
Hand tools
Always select the correct type and size of tool for your work and be sure it is sharp and properly adjusted.
Guard against using any tool if the handle is loose or in poor condition. Dull tools are hazardous to use because excessive force must be used to make them cut. Oil or dirt on a tool may cause it to slip and cause an injury. When using tools, hold them correctly. Most edged tools should be held in both hands with the cutting action away from yourself. Avoid using your hand or fingers as a guide to start a cut, but if it is necessary, use extreme caution.
Handle and carry tools with care. Keep edged and pointed tools turned downward. Carry only a few tools at one time unless they are mounted in a special holder or carried in a tool belt. Anyone working with a hammer at a height should wear a hammer loop or tool belt, and, when not in use, the hammer should be kept in the loop or belt and not placed on a sloping surface or in a precarious position. Do not carry sharp tools in your pockets. When not in use, tools should be kept in special boxes, chests or cabinets.
A special word on saws:
1. Don’t bind the blade of any saw. When cutting long panels, the blade may bind, and the saw mill will catch and kick back toward the operator. Use small wood wedges or shim shingles to spread the saw cut as you go along.
2. Maintain the blade guard. A spring-actuated blade guard often can become bent and won’t slide quickly, or the spring can become stretched so the return is slow. Repair any damage to the guard as soon as it happens, and NEVER tie the guard back out of the way.
3. Support what you are working on properly. Never attempt to cut something that could tilt or fall and cause the saw to slip.
Ladders
Inspect a ladder before you use it. If the ladder is unsafe, don’t use it. Look for wear and tear, loose rungs and defects.
Use a ladder that will reach the work. An extension ladder should reach 3 feet above the work level. Move your ladder with your work. If both of your shoulders are extended outside the ladder while you are working, you are reaching too far. When using an extension ladder, use the “4-to-1” rule: For every 4 feet of height, move the bottom of the ladder 1 foot away from the wall. A ladder is pitched at the proper, safe angle if you can grasp a rung at shoulder height.
Place your ladder on solid footing. If there is a danger of the ladder moving while you work, tie it down.
If there is a danger that the ladder will be hit, barricade it. If the feet of the ladder are not level, dig the ground out under one foot with the claw of a hammer rather than raise one foot with blocks.
Never use an aluminium ladder in the vicinity of electrical lines and never use a ladder outdoors during inclement weather or on very windy days.
Carry tools and materials in proper carrying devices and keep your hands free for climbing. When climbing, always face the ladder.
Scaffolding
All scaffolding that is elevated 10 feet or more must be equipped with a safety railing. All scaffolds must be equipped with a toeboard to eliminate the possibility that tools or debris will be kicked or pushed onto people below. A scaffold must be designed to support four times the weight of the workers and the materials resting on it. Scaffolding components that are not designed to be compatible should not be mixed.
Inspect all scaffolding each day before using it. Never use damaged or defective equipment and avoid rusted parts since their strength is unknown. When erecting scaffolding, provide adequate sills for the scaffold posts and use base plates. Use adjusting screws, not blocks, when on an uneven grade. Make sure to plumb and level scaffolding and do not force end braces when constructing the scaffolding.
Many scaffolding accidents are caused by defective planking. Use only properly graded and inspected lumber for planking. Inspect planking daily for splits and knots, and remove defective or damaged planking.
Clean work site
A clean work place is a safe work place. This refers to the neatness and good order of the construction site.
Maintaining good housekeeping contributes to the efficiency of the worker and is important in preventing accidents.
Position building materials and supplies in carefully laid out piles to allow adequate aisles and walkways.
Clean up all rubbish and scrap materials on a daily basis. Do not permit blocks of wood, nails, bolts, empty cans, pipe, wire or other materials to accumulate on the work site. They interfere with work and can constitute a hazard. Keep tools and equipment that are not being used in chests, panels or tool boxes. This protects the tools and the workers. Never leave a work site unguarded unless all tools and materials have been properly secured.
Poisons and toxic substances
The poisons and toxic substances that can be found most often on a work site are asbestos, lead oxides, solvents and animal feces. Special care must be taken when you come in contact with any of these substances or any unfamiliar substance.
If you discover asbestos fiber being used as pipe, boiler or heating duct insulation, contact your supervisor immediately. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE ASBESTOS FIBER ON YOUR OWN.
Scraping exterior woodwork, demolishing lead-painted walls and stripping old mill work are the principal ways that workers can be exposed to lead chips, dust and particles. Contact your supervisor immediately if you discover any lead-painted surfaces.
Masks are the best protection against breathing germs that can be borne in dust containing animal feces (such as rodent droppings).
Emergency medical care
If someone is injured on the job, contact your supervisor immediately and summon any needed medical help.
You also should use the supplies located in the first-aid kit to stabilize the injury as much as possible until medical help arrives. Your supervisor is trained in first-aid and will help any injured worker. Insurance forms necessary to obtain emergency medical care are located in every first-aid kit.
( S A M P L E )
Acknowledgement Form
I acknowledge that I have received a copy of Habitat for Humanity Work Crew Safety; that I have read it and reviewed it with my supervisor; and that I understand its contents.
Signature of worker
Name of worker (please print)
Date
This form must be completed and returned to the supervisor of your work crew.
( S A M P L E )
Twin Cities HFH Safety Check List
Safety first!
Safety rules for volunteer workers
1. Report any condition that looks unsafe.
2. Wear a hard hat when someone is working above you.
3. Wear ear plugs in high noise areas.
4. Wear safety glasses or other eye protection when operating power saws or other equipment that may throw off small hard particles.
5. Make sure blade guards are in place when operating power saws.
6. Use a respirator when working in dusty atmospheres.
7. Wear leather gloves when handling wood or metal products.
8. Avoid stepping on electrical power cords, especially in wet locations.
9. Keep electrical power cords off the ground as much as possible.
10. Make sure that ground fault circut interrupter (GFCI) is in place before plugging in electrical power cords.
11. Do not use broken or malfunctioning tools, especially those with electrical problems.
12. Do not use ladders as work platforms; use scaffolding instead.
13. Do not use aluminum ladders around electrical power lines.
14. Make sure that guardrails and toe boards are in place when working on scaffolding platforms more than 10 feet high.
15. If you cut yourself, report to your supervisor immediately for first aid.
16. If someone else cuts him/herself and blood gets on you, report this immediately to your supervisor.
17. Do not enter a trench more than 5 feet in depth unless a co-worker is present on ground level to sound an alarm and render assistance in case of emergency.
18. If asbestos is present, avoid touching, handling or disturbing it. Let specialists handle it.
19. If lead-based paint is present, use extra precautions—wash hands before eating.
Caution: This sample document is intended to be used as an example only. Certain provisions contained herein may not be suitable for a particular affiliate or state. All legal documents should be reviewed by the affiliate’s attorney.
( S A M P L E )
Release and Waiver of Liability
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT THAT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS!
This Release and Waiver of Liability (the “Release”) executed on this _____ day of __________________, ______, by __________________________ (the “Volunteer”) in favor of Habitat for Humanity International, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, and Habitat for Humanity of [Insert name], Inc., a [Insert name of state] nonprofit corporation, their directors, officers, employees, and agents (collectively, “Habitat”).
The Volunteer desires to work as a volunteer for Habitat and engage in the activities related to being a volunteer (the "Activities"). The Volunteer understands that the Activities may include constructing and rehabilitating residential buildings, working in the Habitat offices, and living in housing provided for volunteers of Habitat.
The Volunteer hereby freely, voluntarily, and without duress executes this Release under the following terms:
1. RELEASE AND WAIVER. Volunteer does hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless Habitat and its successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from Volunteer’s Activities with Habitat.
Volunteer understands that this Release discharges Habitat from any liability or claim that the Volunteer may have against Habitat with respect to any bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from Volunteer’s Activities with Habitat, whether caused by the negligence of Habitat or its officers, directors, employees, or agents or otherwise. Volunteer also understands that Habitat does not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide financial assistance or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health, or disability insurance in the event of injury or illness.
2. MEDICAL TREATMENT. Volunteer does hereby release and forever discharge Habitat from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid, treatment, or service rendered in connection with the Volunteer’s Activities with Habitat.
3. ASSUMPTION OF THE RISK. The Volunteer understands that the Activities included work that may be hazardous to the Volunteer, including, but not limited to, construction, loading and unloading, and transportation to and from the work sites.
Volunteer hereby expressly and specifically assumes the risk of injury or harm in the Activities and releases Habitat from all liability for injury, illness, death, or property damage resulting from the Activities.
4. INSURANCE. The Volunteer understands that, except as otherwise agreed to by Habitat in writing, Habitat does not carry or maintain health, medical, or disability insurance coverage for any Volunteer.
Each Volunteer is expected and encouraged to obtain his or her own medical or health insurance coverage.
5. PHOTOGRAPHIC RELEASE. Volunteer does hereby grant and convey unto Habitat all right, title, and interest in any and all photographic images and video or audio recordings made by Habitat during the Volunteer’s Activities with Habitat, including, but not limited to, any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits derived from such photographs or recordings.
6. OTHER. Volunteer expressly agrees that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of [Insert name of State], and that this Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of [Insert name of State]. Volunteer agrees that in the event that any clause or provision of this Release shall be held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining provisions of this Release which shall continue to be enforceable.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Volunteer has executed this Release as of the day and year first above written.
Witness _____________________________ Volunteer ________________________________
Address: ____________________________
____________________________
Phone: (H) ________________________________
(W) _______________________________
( S A M P L E )
Release and Waiver of Liability FOR MINORS
Caution: This sample document is intended to be used as an example only. Certain provisions contained herein may not be suitable for a particular affiliate or state. All legal documents should be reviewed by the affiliate’s attorney.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT THAT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS!
This Release and Waiver of Liability (the “Release”) executed on this ____ day of ___________________, ______, by _____________________________________, a minor child (the “Volunteer”), and __________________________________, the parent having legal custody and/or the legal guardian of the volunteer (the “Guardian”), in favor of Habitat for Humanity International, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, and Habitat for Humanity of [Insert name], Inc., a [Insert name of state] nonprofit corporation, their directors, officers, employees, and agents (collectively, “Habitat”).
The Volunteer and Guardian desire that the Volunteer work as a volunteer for Habitat and engage in the activities related to being a volunteer (the "Activities"). The Volunteer and the Guardian understand that the Activities may include constructing and rehabilitating residential buildings, working in the Habitat offices, and living in housing provided for volunteers of Habitat.
The Volunteer and Guardian do hereby freely, voluntarily, and without duress execute this Release under the following terms:
1. Release and Waiver. Volunteer and Guardian do hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless Habitat and its successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from Volunteer’s Activities with Habitat.
Volunteer and Guardian understand that this Release discharges Habitat from any liability or claim that the Volunteer or Guardian may have against Habitat with respect to any bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from Volunteer’s Activities with Habitat, whether caused by the negligence of Habitat or its officers, directors, employees, or agents or otherwise.
Volunteer and Guardian also understand that Habitat does not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide financial assistance or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health, or disability insurance in the event of injury or illness.
It is the policy of Habitat that children under the age of 14 not be allowed on an Habitat worksite while there is construction in progress. It is further the policy of Habitat that, while children between the ages of 16 and 18 may be allowed to participate in construction work, ultra hazardous activity such as using power tools, excavation, demolition or working on rooftops is not permitted by anyone under the age of 18.
2. MEDICAL TREATMENT. Volunteer and Guardian do hereby release and forever discharge Habitat from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid, treatment, or service rendered in connection with the Volunteer’s Activities with Habitat or with the decision by any representative or agent of Habitat to exercise the power to consent to medical or dental treatment as such power may be granted and authorized in the Parental Authorization for Treatment of a Minor Child.
3. ASSUMPTION OF THE RISK. The Volunteer and Guardian understand that the Activities may include work that may be hazardous to the Volunteer, including, but not limited to, construction, loading and unloading, and transportation to and from the work sites.
Volunteer and Guardian hereby expressly and specifically assume the risk of injury or harm in the Activities and release Habitat from all liability for injury, illness, death, or property damage resulting from the Activities.
4. INSURANCE. The Volunteer and Guardian understand that, except as otherwise agreed to by Habitat in writing, Habitat does not carry or maintain health, medical, or disability insurance coverage for any Volunteer.
Each Volunteer is expected and encouraged to obtain his or her own medical or health insurance coverage.
5. PHOTOGRAPHIC RELEASE. Volunteer and Guardian do hereby grant and convey unto Habitat all right, title, and interest in any and all photographic images and video or audio recordings made by Habitat during the Volunteer’s Activities with Habitat, including, but not limited to, any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits derived from such photographs or recordings.
6. OTHER. Volunteer and Guardian expressly agree that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of [Insert name of State], and that this Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of [Insert name of State]. Volunteer agrees that in the event that any clause or provision of this Release shall be held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining provisions of this Release which shall continue to be enforceable.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Volunteer and Guardian have executed this Release as of the day and year first above written.
Witness _____________________________ Volunteer _________________________________
Witness _____________________________ Parent/Guardian ___________________________
Witness _____________________________ Parent/Guardian ___________________________
Address: ________________________________
________________________________
Phone: (H) ________________________________
(W) _______________________________
( S A M P L E )
Parental Authorization FOR TREATMENT OF A MINOR
I, ___________________________________, am the parent or legal guardian having custody of _____________________________, a minor child. As such parent or legal guardian, I hereby authorize and appoint ______________________________, an adult in whose care the minor child has been entrusted or a duly authorized agent of Habitat for Humanity of ______________________________, Inc., as my agent to act for me with respect to my minor child, ________________________________, and in my name in any way I could act in person to make any and all decisions for me with respect to my minor child, _____________________________, concerning my minor child’s personal care, medical treatment, hospitalization and health care and to require, withhold or withdraw any type of medical treatment or procedure, including x-ray examination, anesthetic, medical or surgical diagnosis of treatment which may be rendered to my minor child under the genaral or special supervision and on the advice of any physician or surgeon licensed to practice in the state in which treatment is sought. My agent shall have the same access to my minor child’s medical records that I have, including the right to disclose the contents to others.
Witness _____________________________ Parent/Guardian ___________________________
Witness _____________________________ Parent/Guardian ___________________________
This Parental Authorization for Treatment of a Minor Child sworn to and subscribed before me by
___________________________________, and ___________________________________, the Parents or Legal Guardian of _____________________________________, a minor child, this ____ day of ____________________, ______.
Notary Public _________________________________
My commission expires _________________________
Construction Industry Digest
OSHA STANDARDS IN THE WORKPLACE
Construction Industry Digest
U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA 2202 1998 (Revised) Construction Industry Digest
Forward
The Construction Industry safety and health standards contained in this booklet are to aid employers, supervisors, and safety and health personnel in their efforts to comply with OSHA standards in the workplace.
Although the digest does not contain all OSHA Construction Industry safety and health standards,
those presented are (1) standards most frequently overlooked by the employer, and (2) standards
covering particularly hazardous situations. The standards are presented alphabetically followed by the reference to the appropriate regulation. With few exceptions, standards in this digest are from Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 1926.
In addition, this booklet contains (1) a brief discussion of the essential elements of a generally applicable safety and health program, (2) a reminder to the employer of the advisability of regular employee training for job safety and health, and (3) a description of OSHA’s voluntary programs such as Onsite Consultation Program and Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) available to the employer.
Remember … this booklet is only a digest of basic applicable standards and should not be considered a complete substitute for any provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, or for any standards promulgated under the Act. The requirements contained herein are summarized and abbreviated. The actual source standards are referenced at the end of each topic discussed; the CFR should be consulted for a more complete explanation of the specific standards listed.
Copies of OSHA standards and additional copies of this digest can be ordered from the U.S. Government Printing Office by using the tear-out form at the end of this booklet. Information on OSHA programs and activities also is available from OSHA’s Web site—.
General
Employers and contractors are advised and encouraged to institute and maintain in their establishments a program that provides adequate systematic policies, procedures, and practices to protect their employees from, and allow them to recognize, job-related safety and health hazards.
An effective program includes provisions for the systematic identification, evaluation, and prevention or control of general workplace hazards, specific job hazards, and potential hazards that may arise from foreseeable conditions.
Contractors and employers who do construction work also must comply with standards in 29 CFR
1926. Subpart C—General Safety and Health Provisions—as well as other specific sections of these standards, includes the responsibilities for each contractor/employer to initiate and maintain safety and health programs to provide for a competent person to conduct frequent and regular inspections, and to train each employee to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions and to understand the regulations applicable to the work environment.
Special Programs
OSHA uses Special Emphasis Programs (SEPs), Local Emphasis Programs (LEPs) and National Emphasis Programs (NEPs) to find ways to help control accidents, injuries and illnesses in occupations where employee exposure to unusally physical and or health risk exists.
These programs also may be conducted for assessing the actual extent of suspected or potential
hazards, determining the feasibility of new or experimental compliance procedures, or evaluating other legitimate reasons.
In addition, the programs are limited in scope and time, are usually established before a program is implemented, and include employer awareness training.
The most recent SEP was developed to prevent workers’ overexposure to crystalline silica in the construction industry. OSHA implemented this special emphasis program to teach the public about silicosis and to increase the number of inspections to ensure that employers use appropriate engineering controls, personal protective equipment, respirators and work practices to protect employees exposed to crystalline silica containing dust.
OSHA also developed in 1985 the National Emphasis Program to examine injuries and deaths
associated with trenching and excavation. This program requires compliance officers to be on the
lookout for excavations and to make inspection if hazards are identified.
Other Initiatives
Other hazards in the construction industry where a standard may not exist include, but may not be limited to, exposure to asphalt fumes during paving operations. To help prevent exposure, manufacturers, through partnership with OSHA, voluntarily agreed to install engineering controls on their paving machines. This initiative became effective Jan. 1, 1997.
Another initiative involves OSHA’s construction Focused Inspection Initiative, (see Construction Focused Inspection Guidelines at end of this publication), which recognizes contractors who have established and fully implemented a corporate safety and health program and site-specific plans.
Contractors who qualify for a focused inspection receive an abbreviated inspection focusing on safety and health program implementation and the four leading hazards—falls, struck by, caught in or between, and electrical—that cause 90 percent of deaths and injuries in construction. If you have questions about OSHA’s Focused Inspection Program or other construction issues, contact your nearest OSHA area or regional office listed at the end of this booklet, or visit OSHA’s Web site at .
Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines
In 1989, OSHA issued recommended guidelines for the effective management and protection of worker safety and health. These guidelines are summarized in the following paragraphs.
An effective occupational safety and health program will include the following four main elements: management commitment and employee involvement, work-site analysis, hazard prevention and control, and safety and health training.
Management Commitment and Employee Involvement
The elements of management commitment and employee involvement are complementary and form the core of any occupational safety and health program. Management’s commitment provides the motivating force and the resources for organizing and controlling activities within an organization. In an effective program, management regards worker safety and health as a fundamental value of the organization and applies its commitment to safety and health protection with as much vigor as to other organizational goals.
Employee involvement provides the means by which workers develop and/or express their own commitment to safety and health protection for themselves and for their fellow workers.
When implementing a safety and health program, there are various ways to provide commitment and support by management and employees. Some recommended actions are described briefly as follows:
• State clearly a work-site policy on safe and healthful work and working conditions, so that all personnel with responsibility at the site (and personnel at other locations with responsibility for the site) fully understand the priority and importance of safety and health protection in the organization.
• Establish and communicate a clear goal for the safety and health program and define objectives for meeting that goal so that all members of the organization understand the results desired and measures planned for achieving them.
• Provide visible top management involvement in implementing the program so that all employees understand that management’s commitment is serious.
• Arrange for and encourage employee involvement in the structure and operation of the program and in decisions that affect their safety and health so that they will commit their insight and energy to achieving the safety and health program’s goal and objectives.
• Assign and communicate responsibility for all aspects of the program so that managers, supervisors and employees in all parts of the organization know what performance is expected of them.
• Provide adequate authority and resources to responsible parties so that assigned responsibilities can be met.
• Hold managers, supervisors and employees accountable for meeting their responsibilities so that essential tasks will be performed.
• Review program operations at least annually to evaluate their success in meeting the goals and objectives so that deficiencies can be identified and the program and/or the objectives can be revised when they do not meet the goal of effective safety and health protection.
Work-site Analysis
A practical analysis of the work environment involves a variety of work-site examinations to identify existing hazards and conditions and operations in which changes might occur to create new hazards.
Unawareness of a hazard stemming from failure to examine the work site is a sign that safety and health policies and/or practices are ineffective.
Effective management actively ANALYZES the work and work site to ANTICIPATE and prevent harmful occurrences. The following measures are recommended to identify all existing and potential hazards:
• Conduct comprehensive baseline work-site survey for safety and health and periodic comprehensive update surveys and involve employees in this effort.
• Analyze planned and new facilities, processes, materials and equipment.
• Perform routine job hazard analyses.
• Assess risk factors of ergonomics applications to workers’ tasks.
• Conduct regular site safety and health inspections so that new or previously missed hazards and failures in hazard controls are identified.
• Provide a reliable system for employees to notify management personnel about conditions that appear hazardous and to receive timely and appropriate responses and encourage employees to use the system without fear of reprisal. This system utilizes employee insight and experience in safety and health protection and allows employee concerns to be addressed.
• Investigate accidents and “near miss” incidents so that their causes and means of prevention can be identified.
• Analyze injury and illness trends over time so that patterns with common causes can be identified and prevented.
• Use OSHA’s Computer-Disk, Read-Only-Memory (CD-ROM)2 to review case studies that might be pertinent to work-site analyses and hazard identification.
Hazard Prevention and Control
Where feasible, workplace hazards are prevented by effective design of the job site or job. Where it is not feasible to eliminate such hazards, they must be controlled to prevent unsafe and unhealthful exposure.
Elimination or control must be accomplished in a timely manner once a hazard or potential hazard is recognized. Specifically, as part of the program, employers should establish procedures to correct or control present or potential hazards in a timely manner. These procedures should include measures such as the following:
• Use engineering techniques where feasible and appropriate.
• Establish, at the earliest time, safe work practices and procedures that are understood and followed by all affected parties. Understanding and compliance are a result of training, positive reinforcement, correction of unsafe performance, and enforcement through a clearly communicated disciplinary system.
• Provide personal protective equipment when engineering controls are infeasible.
• Use administrative controls, such as reducing the duration of exposure.
• Maintain the facility and equipment to prevent equipment breakdowns.
• Plan and prepare for emergencies, and conduct training and emergency drills, as needed, to ensure that proper responses to emergencies will be “second nature” for all persons involved.
• Establish a medical program that includes first aid on site as well as a nearby physician and emergency medical care to reduce the risk of any injury or illness that occurs.
Safety and Health Training
Training is an essential component of an effective safety and health program. Training helps identify the safety and health responsibilities of both management and employees at the site. Training is often most effective when incorporated into other education or performance requirements and job practices.
The complexity of training depends on the size and complexity of the work site as well as the characteristics of the hazards and potential hazards at the site.
Employee Training
Employee training programs should be designed to ensure that all employees understand and are aware of the hazards to which they may be exposed and of the proper methods for avoiding such hazards.
Supervisory Training
Supervisors should be trained to understand the key role they play in job-site safety and to enable them to carry out their safety and health responsibilities effectively. Training programs for supervisors should include the following topics:
• Analyse the work under their supervision to anticipate and identify potential hazards.
• Maintain physical protection in their work areas.
• Reinforce employee training on the nature of potential hazards in their work and on protective measures through continual performance feedback and, if necessary, through enforcement of safe work practices.
• Understand their safety and health responsibilities.
NOTE: See also standard requirements, 1926.21, for safety training and education.
OSHA Assistance in Training and Education
OSHA’s area offices offer a variety of information services, such as publications, audiovisual aids, technical advice and speakers for special engagements.
OSHA’s Training Institute in Des Plaines, Ill., provides basic and advanced courses in safety and health for federal and state compliance officers, state consultants, federal agency personnel, and private sector employers, employees, and their representatives.
The OSHA Training Institute also has established OSHA Training Institute Education Centers to address the increased demand for its courses from the private sector and from other Federal agencies.
These centers are nonprofit colleges, universities and other organizations that have been selected after a competition for participation in the program.
OSHA also provides funds to nonprofit organizations, through grants, to conduct workplace training and education in subjects where OSHA believes there is a lack of workplace training. Grants are awarded annually. Grant recipients are expected to contribute a matching share of at least 20 percent of the total grant cost.
For more information on grants, training and education, contact the OSHA Training Institute, Office of Training and Education, 1555 Times Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 297-4810; (847) 297-4874 (fax); or visit OSHA’s Web site at .
For further information on any OSHA program, contact your nearest OSHA area or regional office listed at the end of this booklet.
Free On-site Consultation
Free on-site safety and health consultation services are available in all states to employers who want help in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful workplace. Primarily developed for smaller employers with more hazardous operations, the OSHA Consultation Service is largely funded by OSHA and is delivered by state governments employing professional safety consultants and health consultants. The full service assistance that is offered includes an appraisal of all mechanical systems, physical work practices, and occupational safety and health hazards of the workplace, and all aspects of the employer’s present job safety and health program.
In addition, the service offers assistance to employers in developing and implementing an effective workplace safety and health program that corrects and continuously addresses safety and health concerns.
This program is completely separate from OSHA’s inspection efforts. No penalties are proposed or citations issued for any safety or health problems identified by the consultant. The service is confidential.
The employer’s name, the firm’s name, and any information about the workplace, plus any unsafe or unhealthful working conditions the consultant uncovers, will not be reported routinely to the OSHA inspection staff.
The only obligation is the employer’s commitment to correct serious job safety and health hazards in a timely manner. The employer is asked to make this commitment prior to the actual visit.
The on-site consultants perform the following:
• Help recognize hazards in the workplace.
• Suggest general approaches or options for solving a safety or health problem.
• Assist the employer in developing or maintaining an effective safety and health program.
• Identify the kinds of help available for further assistance.
• Offer training and education for the employer and employees at the workplace.
• Provide the employer a written report summarizing findings.
• Under specified circumstances, recommend the employer’s work site for recognition by OSHA and a one-year exclusion from general scheduled enforcement inspections.
• Maintain lists of local providers of safety and industrial hygiene services.
• Routinely report possible violations to OSHA enforcement staff unless serious conditions identified by the consultant are not corrected within agreed upon time frames.
The on-site consultants will not:
• Issue citations or propose penalties for violations of OSHA standards.
• Routinely report possible violations to OSHA enforcement staff unless unabated, serious conditions exist.
• Guarantee that the workplace will “pass” an OSHA inspection.
For more information on consultation programs and other sources of help, see the listings at the end of this booklet.
Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)
OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs are designed to recognize and promote effective safety and health program management. In the VPP, management, labor and OSHA establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have implemented strong programs.
Work sites in the construction industry are eligible to apply for participation in the VPP’s STAR or MERIT programs, or may be interested in participating in the VPP’s Construction Safety Excellence Demonstration Program. Sites qualifying for the VPP have met, and must continue to meet, rigorous participation standards. Benefits of VPP participation include improved employee motivation to work safely, leading to better quality and productivity; lost workday case rates that generally are 60 percent to 80 percent below industry averages; reduced workers’ compensation and other injury- and illness-related costs; positive community recognition and interaction; further improvement and revitalization of already good safety and health programs; and partnership with OSHA.
Voluntary Protection Programs and on-site consultation services, when coupled with an effective enforcement program, expand worker protection to help meet the goals of the Act.
For additional information about the VPP, contact the VPP Manager in your OSHA regional or area office listed at the end of this booklet.
Construction Standards
Abrasive Grinding
All abrasive wheel bench and stand grinders shall be provided with safety guards that cover the spindle ends, nut and flange projections, and are strong enough to withstand the effects of a bursting wheel. 1926.303(b)(1) & (c)(1)
An adjustable work rest of rigid construction shall be used on floor and bench-mounted grinders, with the work rest kept adjusted to a clearance not to exceed 1/8 inch (0.3175 centimeter) between the work rest and the surface of the wheel. 1926.303(c)(2)
All abrasive wheels shall be closely inspected and ring-tested before mounting to ensure that they are free from cracks or other defects. 1926.303(c)(7)
Access to Medical and Exposure Records
Each employer shall permit employees, their designated representatives and OSHA direct access to employer-maintained exposure and medical records. The standard limits access only to those employees who are, have been (including former employees), or will be exposed to toxic substances or harmful physical agents. 1926.33(a) & .33(b)(3). Text can be found in 29 CFR 1910.1020
Each employer must preserve and maintain accurate medical and exposure records for each employee. Exposure records and data analyses based on them are to be kept for 30 years. Medical records are to be kept for at least the duration of employment plus 30 years. Background data for exposure records such as laboratory reports and work sheets need to be kept for only one year.
Records of employees who have worked for less than one year need not be retained after employment, but the employer must provide these records to the employee upon termination of employment.
First-aid records of one-time treatment need not be retained for any specified period. 1926.33(d)(1). Text can be found in 29 CFR 1910.1020(d).
Accident Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements
Each employer shall maintain in each establishment a log and summary (OSHA Form No. 200 or equivalent) of all recordable injuries and illnesses (resulting in a fatality, hospitalization, lost workdays, medical treatment, job transfer or termination, or loss of consciousness) for that establishment, and enter each recordable event no later than six working days after receiving the information. Where the complete log and summary records are maintained at a place other than the establishment, a copy of the log that reflects the injury and illnesses experience of the establishment must be complete and current to date within 45 calendar days and must be available at the original site. 1904.2(a) & (b)(2)
In addition to the log of occupational injuries and illnesses, each employer shall have available for inspection at each establishment within six working days after notification of a recordable case, a supplementary record (OSHA Form No. 101 or equivalent) for each occupational injury or illness for that establishment. 1904.4
Each employer shall post an annual summary of occupational injuries and illnesses for each establishment, compiled from the collected OSHA Form No. 200, which includes the year’s totals, calendar year covered, company name, establishment name and address, certification signature, title, and date.
An OSHA Form No. 200 shall be used in presenting the summary. The summary shall be posted by Feb. 1 of each year and shall remain in place until March 1 of the same year. 1904.5(a) & (d)(1)
The log and summary, the supplementary record and the annual summary shall be retained in each establishment for five years following the end of the year to which they relate. Records shall be made available, as authorized, upon request. 1904.6 & .7(a) – (b)
Within eight hours after its occurrence, an employment accident that is fatal to one or more employees or that results in the overnight hospitalisation of three or more employees shall be reported by the employer, either orally or in writing, to the nearest OSHA area director. 1904.8
Aerial Lifts
Aerial lifts, powered or manual, include, but are not limited to, the following types of vehicle-mounted aerial devices used to elevate personnel to job sites above ground: extensible boom platforms, articulating boom platforms and vertical towers. 1926.453(a)(2)
When operating aerial lifts, employers must ensure employees are:
• Trained.
• Authorized.
• Setting brakes and using outriggers.
• Not exceeding boom and basket load limits, wearing personal fall protection and attaching the lanyard to the boom or basket, when required.
• Not using devices such as ladders, stilts, or step stools to raise the employee above the basket.
In addition, manufacturers or the equivalent must certify, in writing, all modifications to aerial lifts. 1926.453(b) & 1926.454
Air Tools
Pneumatic power tools shall be secured to the hose in a positive manner to prevent accidental disconnection. 1926.302(b)(1)
Safety clips or retainers shall be securely installed and maintained on pneumatic impact tools to prevent attachments from being accidentally expelled. 1926.302(b)(2)
The manufacturer’s safe operating pressure for all fittings shall not be exceeded. 1926.302(b)(5)
All hoses exceeding 1/2-inch (1.27-centimeter) inside diameter shall have a safety device at the source of supply or branch line to reduce pressure in case of hose failure. 1926.302(b)(7)
Asbestos
Each employer who has a workplace or work operation where exposure monitoring is required must perform monitoring to determine accurately the airborne concentrations of asbestos to which employees may be exposed. 1926.1101(f)(1)(i)
Employers also must ensure that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of asbestos in excess of 0.1 f/cc as an eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA). 1926.1101(c)(1)
In addition, employers must ensure that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of asbestos in excess of 1 f/cc as averaged over a sampling period of 30 minutes. 1926.1101(c)(2)
Respirators must be used during (1) all Class I asbestos jobs; (2) all Class II work where an asbestos-containing material is not removed substantially intact; (3) all Class II and III work not using wet methods, except on sloped roofs; (4) all Class II and III work without a negative exposure assessment; (5) all Class III jobs where thermal system insulation or surfacing asbestos-containing or presumed asbestos-containing material is cut, abraded, or broken; (6) all Class IV work within a regulated area where respirators are required; (7) all work where employees are exposed above the PEL or STEL; and (8) in emergencies.1926.1101(h)(1)(i) – (viii)
The employer must provide and require the use of protective clothing—such as coveralls or similar whole-body clothing, head coverings, gloves and foot coverings—for:
• Any employee exposed to airborne asbestos exceeding the PEL or STEL.
• Work without a negative exposure assessment.
• Any employee performing Class I work involving the removal of more than 25 linear or 10 square feet (10 square meters) of thermal system insulation or surfacing asbestos-containing or presumed asbestos-containing materials.
1926.1101(i)(1)
The employer must provide a medical surveillance program for all employees who—for a combined total of 30 or more days per year—engage in Class I, II, or III work or are exposed at or above the PEL or STEL; or who wear negative-pressure respirators. 1926.1101(m)(1)(i)
Belt Sanding Machines
Belt sanding machines shall be provided with guards at each nip point where the sanding belt runs onto a pulley. 1926.304(f)
The unused run of the sanding belt shall be guarded against accidental contact. 1926.304(f)
Formwork shall be designed, fabricated, erected, supported, braced and maintained so that it is capable of supporting—without failure—all vertical and lateral loads that may reasonably be anticipated to be applied to the formwork. 1926.703(a)(1)
Forms and shores (except those used for slabs on grade and slip forms) shall not be removed until the employer determines that the concrete has gained sufficient strength to support its weight and superimposed loads. Such determination shall be based on compliance with one of the following:
• The plans and specifications stipulate conditions for removal of forms and shores, and such conditions have been followed.
• The concrete has been properly tested with an appropriate American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) standard test method designed to indicate the concrete compressive strength, and the test results indicate that the concrete has gained sufficient strength to support its weight and superimposed loads. (ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428; (610) 832-9500). 1926.703(e)(1)(i) thru (ii)
A limited access zone shall be established whenever a masonry wall is being constructed. The limited access zone shall conform to the following:
• The limited access zone shall be established prior to the start of construction of the wall.
• The limited access zone shall be equal to the height of the wall to be constructed plus Construction Standards 4 feet (1.2192 meters) and shall run the entire length of the wall.
• The limited access zone shall be established on the side of the wall that will be unscaffold.
• The limited access zone shall be restricted to entry by employees actively engaged in constructing the wall. No other employees shall be permitted to enter the zone.
• The limited access zone shall remain in place until the wall is adequately supported to prevent overturning and to prevent collapse; where the height of a wall is more than 8 feet (2.4384 meters), the limited access zone shall remain in place until the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section have been met. 1926.706(a)(1) – (5)
Chains (See Wire Ropes, Chains and Hooks) Compressed Air, Use of
Compressed air used for cleaning purposes shall be reduced to less than 30 pounds per square inch (psi) (207 KPa) and then only with effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment. 1926.302(b)(4)
This requirement does not apply to concrete form, mill scale and similar cleaning operations. 1926.302(b)(4)
Compressed Gas Cylinders
Valve protection caps shall be in place and secured when compressed gas cylinders are transported, moved or stored. 1926.350(a)(1)
Cylinder valves shall be closed when work is finished and when cylinders are empty or are moved. 1926.350(a)(8)
Compressed gas cylinders shall be secured in an upright position at all times, except if necessary for short periods of time when cylinders are actually being hoisted or carried. 1926.350(a)(9)
Cylinders shall be kept far enough away from the actual welding or cutting operations so that sparks, hot slag or flame will not reach them. When this is impractical, fire-resistant shields shall be provided. Cylinders shall be placed where they cannot become part of an electrical circuit. 1926.350(b)(1) thru (2)
Oxygen and fuel gas regulators shall be in proper working order while in use. 1926.350(h)
Concrete and Masonry Construction
No construction loads shall be placed on a concrete structure or portion of a concrete structure unless the employer determines, based on information received from a person who is qualified in structural design, that the structure or portion of the structure is capable of supporting the loads. 1926.701(a)
No employee shall be permitted to work under concrete buckets while buckets are being elevated or lowered into position. 1926.701(e)(1)
To the extent practical, elevated concrete buckets shall be routed so that no employee or the fewest number of employees is exposed to the hazards associated with falling concrete buckets. 1926.701(e)(2)
All masonry walls more than 8 feet (2.4384 meters) in height shall be adequately braced to prevent overturning and to prevent collapse unless the wall is adequately supported so that it will not overturn or collapse. The bracing shall remain in place until permanent supporting elements of the structure are in place. 1926.706(b)
Confined Spaces
All employees required to enter into confined or enclosed spaces must be instructed as to the nature of the hazards involved, the necessary precautions to be taken, and in the use of required protective and emergency equipment. The employer shall comply with any specific regulations that apply to work in dangerous or potentially dangerous areas.
Confined or enclosed spaces include, but are not limited to, storage tanks, process vessels, bins, boilers, ventilation or exhaust ducts, sewers, underground utility vaults, tunnels, pipelines, and open top spaces more than 4 feet deep (1.2192 meters) such as pits, tubs, vaults and vessels. 1926.21(b)(6)(i) – (ii)
Cranes and Derricks
The employer shall comply with the manufacturer’s specifications and limitations. 1926.550(a)(1)
Rated load capacities, recommended operating speeds, and special hazard warnings or instructions shall be conspicuously posted on all equipment. Instructions or warnings shall be visible from the operator’s station. 1926.550(a)(2)
Equipment shall be inspected by a competent person before each use and during use, and all deficiencies corrected before further use. 1926.550(a)(5)
Accessible areas within the swing radius of the rear of the rotating superstructure shall be properly barricaded to prevent employees from being struck or crushed by the crane. 1926.550(a)(9)
Except where electrical distribution and transmission lines have been de-energized and visibly grounded at point of work, or where insulating barriers not a part of or an attachment to the equipment or machinery have been erected to prevent physical contact with the lines, no part of a crane or its load shall be operated within 10 feet (3.048 meters) of a line rated 50 kilovolts (kV) or below; 10 feet (3.048 meters) plus 0.4 inches (10.16 centimeters) for each kV over 50 kV for lines rated over 50 kV, or twice the length of the line insulator, but never less than 10 feet (3.048 meters). 1926.550(a)(15)(i) – (iii)
An annual inspection of the hoisting machinery shall be made by a competent person. Records shall be kept of the dates and results of each inspection. 1926.550(a)(6)
All crawler, truck, or locomotive cranes in use shall meet the requirements as prescribed in the ANSI B30.5-1968, Safety Code for Crawler Locomotive and Truck Cranes. (ANSI, 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036; (212) 642-4900.) 1926.550(b)(2)
The use of a crane or derrick to hoist employees on a personnel platform is prohibited, except when the erection, use and dismantling of conventional means of reaching the work site—such as a personnel hoist, ladder, stairway, aerial lift, elevating work platform or scaffold—would be more hazardous or is not possible because of structural design or work-site conditions. Where a decision is reached that this is the case, then 29 CFR 1926.550(g) shall be reviewed and complied with. 1926.550(g)(2)
Disposal Chutes
Whenever materials are dropped more than 20 feet (6.096 meters) to any exterior point of a building, an enclosed chute shall be used. 1926.252(a)
When debris is dropped through holes in the floor without the use of chutes, the area where the material is dropped shall be enclosed with barricades not less than 42 inches high (106.68 centimeters) and not less than 6 feet (1.8288 meters) back from the projected edges of the opening above. Warning signs of the hazard of falling material shall be posted at each level. 1926.252(b)
Drinking Water
An adequate supply of potable water shall be provided in all places of employment. 1926.51(a)(1)
Portable drinking water containers shall be capable of being tightly closed and equipped with a tap. 1926.51(a)(2)
Using a common drinking cup is prohibited. 1926.51(a)(4)
Where single service cups (to be used but once) are supplied, both a sanitary container for unused cups and a receptacle for used cups shall be provided. 1926.51(a)(5)
Electrical Installations
Employers must provide either ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) or an assured equipment grounding conductor program to protect employees from ground-fault hazards at construction sites. The two options are detailed below.
1. All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles that are not part of the permanent wiring must be protected by GFCIs. Receptacles on smaller generators are exempt under certain conditions.
2. An assured equipment grounding conductor program covering extension cords, receptacles, and cord- and plug-connected equipment must be implemented. The program must include the following:
• A written description of the program.
• At least one competent person to implement the program.
• Daily visual inspections of extension cords and cord- and plug-connected equipment for defects. Equipment found damaged or defective shall not be used until repaired.
• Continuity tests of the equipment grounding conductors or receptacles, extension cords, and cord- and plug-connected equipment. These tests must generally be made every three months.
• Paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(11) of this standard contain grounding requirements for systems, circuits and equipment.
1926.404(b)(1)(i) thru (iii)(E)
Light bulbs for general illumination must be protected from breakage, and metal shell sockets must be grounded. 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(E)
Temporary lights must not be suspended by their cords, unless they are so designed. 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(F)
Portable lighting used in wet or conducive locations, such as tanks or boilers, must be operated at no more than 12 volts or must be protected by GFCIs. 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(G)
Extension cords must be of the three-wire type. Extension cords and flexible cords used with temporary and portable lights must be designed for hard or extra hard usage (for example, types S, ST, and SO). 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(j)
Worn or frayed electric cords or cables shall not be used. 1926.416(e)(1)
Extension cords shall not be fastened with staples, hung from nails or suspended by wire. 1926.416(e)(2)
Work spaces, walkways and similar locations shall be kept clear of cords. 1926.416(b)(2)
Listed, labeled or certified equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with instructions included in the listing, labeling or certification. 1926.403(b)(2)
Electrical Work Practices
Employers must not allow employees to work near live parts of electrical circuits, unless the employees are protected by one of the following means:
• De-energizing and grounding the parts.
• Guarding the part by insulation.
• Any other effective means. 1926.416(a)(1)
In work areas where the exact location of underground electrical power lines is unknown, employees using jack hammers, bars or other hand tools that may contact the lines must be protected by insulating gloves, aprons or other protective clothing that will provide equivalent electrical protection. 1926.416(a)(2) & .95(a)
Barriers or other means of guarding must be used to ensure that workspace for electrical equipment will not be used as a passageway during periods when energized parts of equipment are exposed. 1926.416(b)(1)
Flexible cords must be connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided which will prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws. 1926.405(g)(2)(iv)
Equipment or circuits that are de-energized must be rendered inoperative and must have tags attached at all points where the equipment or circuits could be energized. 1926.417(b)
Excavating and Trenching
The estimated location of utility installations—such as sewer, telephone, fuel, electric, water lines, or any other underground installations that reasonably may be expected to be encountered during excavation work—shall be determined prior to opening an excavation. 1926.651(b)(1)
Utility companies or owners shall be contacted within established or customary local response times, advised of the proposed work and asked to establish the location of the utility underground installations prior to the start of actual excavation. When utility companies or owners cannot respond to a request to locate underground utility installations within 24 hours (unless a longer period is required by state or local law), or cannot establish the exact location of these installations, the employer may pro-ceed, provided the employer does so with caution, and provided detection equipment or other acceptable means to locate utility installations are used. 1926.651(b)(2)
When excavation operations approach the estimated location of underground installations, the exact location of the installations shall be determined by safe and acceptable means. While the
excavation is open, underground installations shall be protected, supported, or removed, as necessary, to safeguard employees. 1926.651(b)(3) thru (4)
Each employee in an excavation shall be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system except when:
• Excavations are made entirely in stable rock, or excavations are less than 5 feet (1.524 meters) in depth and examination of the ground by a competent person provides no indication of a potential cave-in. 1926.652(a)(1)(i) – (ii)
• Protective systems shall have the capacity to resist, without failure, all loads that are intended or could reasonably be expected to be applied or transmitted to the system. 1926.652(a)(2)
Employees shall be protected from excavated or other materials or equipment that could pose a hazard by falling or rolling into excavations. Protection shall be provided by placing and keeping such materials or equipment at least 2 feet (0.6096 meters) from the edge of excavations, or by the use of retaining devices that are sufficient to prevent materials or equipment from falling or rolling into excavations, or by a combination of both if necessary. 1926.651(j)(2)
Daily inspections of excavations, the adjacent areas and protective systems shall be made by a COMPETENT PERSON for evidence of a situation that could result in possible cave-ins, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions. An inspection shall be conducted by the competent person prior to the start of work and as needed throughout the shift. Inspections shall also be made after every rainstorm or other hazard increasing occurrence. These inspections are only required when employee exposure can be reasonably anticipated. 1926.651(k)(1)
Where a COMPETENT PERSON finds evidence of a situation that could result in a possible cave-in, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions, exposed employees shall be removed from the hazardous area until the necessary precautions have been taken to ensure their safety. 1926.651(k)(2)
A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress shall be located in trench excavations that are 4 feet (1.2192 meters) or more in depth so as to require no more than 25 feet (7.62 meters) of lateral travel for employees. 1926.651(c)(2)
Explosives and Blasting
Only authorized and qualified persons shall be permitted to handle and use explosives. 1926.900(a)
Explosives and related materials shall be stored in approved facilities required under the applicable provisions of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms regulations contained in 27 CFR part 55, Commerce in Explosives. 1926.904(a)
Smoking and open flames shall not be permitted within 50 feet (15.24 meters) of explosives and detonator storage magazines. 1926.904(c)
Procedures that permit safe and efficient loading shall be established before loading is started. 1926.905(a)
Eye and Face Protection
Eye and face protection shall be provided when machines or operations present potential eye or face injury. 1926.102(a)(1)
Eye and face protective equipment shall meet the requirements of ANSI Z87.1-1968, Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection. 1926.102(a)(2)
Employees involved in welding operations shall be furnished with filter lenses or plates of at least the proper shade number. 1926.102(b)(1)
Employees exposed to laser beams shall be furnished suitable laser safety goggles that will protect for the specific wave length of the laser and the optical density adequate for the energy involved. 1926.102(b)(2)
Fall Protection
Employers are required to assess the workplace to determine if the walking/working surface on which employees are to work have the strength and structural integrity to safely support workers. Employees are not permitted to work on those surfaces until it has been determined that the surfaces have the requisite strength and structural integrity to support the workers. 1926.501(a)(2)
Where employees are exposed to falling 6 feet (1.8288 meters) or more from an unprotected side or edge, the employer must select either a guard-rail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system to protect the worker. 1926.501(b)(1)
A personal fall arrest system consists of an anchorage, connectors, a body harness and may include a lanyard, a deceleration device, lifeline or a suitable combination of these. Effective Jan. 1, 1998, body belts used for fall arrests are prohibited. 1926.500(b) & 1926.502(d)
Each employee in a hoist area shall be protected from falling 6 feet (1.8288 meters) or more by guardrail systems or personal fall arrest systems. If guardrail systems (or chain gate or guardrail) or portions thereof must be removed to facilitate hoisting operations, as during the landing of materials, and a worker must lean through the access opening or out over the edge of the access opening to receive or guide equipment and materials, that employee must be protected by a personal fall arrest system. 1926.501(b)(3)
Personal fall arrest systems, covers or guardrail systems must be erected around holes (including skylights) that are more than 6 feet (1.8288 meters) above lower levels. 1926.501(b)(4)
Each employee at the edge of an excavation 6 feet deep (1.8288 meters) or more shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, fences, barricades or covers. Where walkways are provided to permit employees to cross over excavations, guardrails are required on the walkway if it is 6 feet (1.8288 meters) or more above the excavation. 1926.501(b)(7)
Each employee using ramps, runways and other walkways shall be protected from falling 6 feet (1.288 meters) or more by guardrail systems. 1926.501(b)(6)
Each employee performing overhand bricklaying and related work 6 feet (1.8288 meters) or more above lower levels shall be protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems or personal fall arrest systems, or shall work in a controlled access zone. All employees reaching more than 10 inches (25.40 centimeters) below the level of a walking/working surface on which they are working shall be protected by a guardrail system, safety net system or personal fall arrest. 1926.501(b)(9)
Each employee engaged in roofing activities on low-slope roofs with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet (1.8288 meters) or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail, safety net or personal fall arrest systems or a combination of a:
• Warning line system and guardrail system.
• Warning line system and safety net system.
• Warning line system and personal fall arrest system.
• Warning line system and safety monitoring system. 1926.501(b)(10)
On low-slope roofs 50 feet (15.24 meters) or less in width, the use of a safety monitoring system without a warning line system is permitted. 1926.501(b)(10)
Each employee on a steep roof with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet (1.8288 meters) or more above lower levels shall be protected by guardrail systems with toeboards, safety net systems or personal fall arrest systems. 1926.501(b)(11)
Fire Protection
A firefighting program is to be followed throughout all phases of the construction and demolition work involved. It shall provide for effective firefighting equipment to be available without delay, and designed to effectively meet all fire hazards as they occur. 1926.150(a)(1)
Firefighting equipment shall be conspicuously located and readily accessible at all times, shall be periodically inspected, and be maintained in operating condition. 1926.150(a)(2) – (4)
A fire extinguisher, rated not less than 2A, shall be provided for each 3,000 square feet (270 square meters) of the protected building area, or major fraction thereof. Travel distance from any point of the protected area to the nearest fire extinguisher shall not exceed 100 feet (30.48 meter). Acceptable substitutes are a 1/2–inch (1.27–centimeters) diameter garden-type hose not to exceed 100 feet (30.48 meters) and capable of discharging a minimum of 5 gallons per minute, or a 55–gallon drum of water with two fire pails. 1926.150(c)(1)(i) – (iii)
One or more fire extinguishers, rated not less than 2A, shall be provided on each floor. In multistory buildings, at least one fire extinguisher shall belocated adjacent to stairway. 1926.150(c)(1)(iv)
The employer shall establish an alarm system at the work site so that employees and the local fire department can be alerted for an emergency. 1926.150(e)(1)
Flagmen
When signs, signals and barricades do not provide necessary protection on or adjacent to a highway or street, flagmen or other appropriate traffic controls shall be provided. 1926.201(a)(1)
Flagmen shall be provided with and shall wear a red or orange warning garment while flagging. Warning garments worn at night shall be of reflectorized material. 1926.201(a)(4)
Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Only approved containers and portable tanks shall be used for storing and handling flammable and combustible liquids. 1926.152(a)(1)
No more than 25 gallons (94.75 liters) of flammable or combustible liquids shall be stored in a room outside an approved storage cabinet. No more than three storage cabinets may be located in a single storage area. 1926.152(b)(1) – (3)
Inside storage rooms for flammable and combustible liquids shall be of fire-resistive construction, have self-closing fire doors at all openings, 4-inch (10.16 centimeter) sills or depressed floors, a ventilation system that provides at least six air changes within the room per hour, and electrical wiring and equipment approved for Class 1, Division 1 locations. 1926.152(b)(4)
Storage in containers outside buildings shall not exceed 1,100 gallons (4,169 liters) in any one pile or area. The storage area shall be graded to divert possible spills away from buildings or other exposures, or shall be surrounded by a curb or dike. Storage areas shall be located at least 20 feet (6.096 meters) from any building and shall be free from weeds, debris and other combustible materials not necessary to the storage. 1926.152(c)(1),(3),(4) – (5)
Flammable liquids shall be kept in closed containers when not in use. 1926.152(f)(1)
Conspicuous and legible signs prohibiting smoking shall be posted in service and refuelling areas. 1926.152(g)(9)
Gases, Vapors, Fumes, Dusts and Mists
Exposure to toxic gases, vapors, fumes, dusts and mists at a concentration above those specified in the Threshold Limit Values of Airborne Contaminants for 1970 of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) shall be avoided. (ACGIH, 1330 Kemper Meadow Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45240-1634; (513) 742-2020.) 1926.55(a)
Administrative or engineering controls must be implemented whenever feasible to comply with TLVs. 1926.55(b) When engineering and administrative controls are not feasible to achieve full compliance, protective equipment or other protective measures shall be used to keep the exposure of employees to air contaminants within the limits prescribed. Any equipment and technical measures used for this purpose must first be approved for each particular use by a competent industrial hygienist or other technically qualified person. Whenever respirators are used, their use shall comply with §1926.103. 1926.55(b)
General Duty Clause
Hazardous conditions or practices not covered in an OSHA standard may be covered under Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which states: “Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.”
Hand Tools
Employers shall not issue or permit the use of unsafe hand tools, including tools that may be furnished by employees or employers. All hand tools must be properly maintained. 1926.300(a) & 1926.301(a)
Wrenches shall not be used when jaws are sprung to the point that slippage occurs. Impact tools shall be kept free of mushroomed heads. The wooden handles of tools shall be kept free of splinters or cracks and shall be kept tight in the tool. 1926.301(b) thru (d)
Electric power operated tools shall either be approved double-insulated, or be properly grounded in accordance with subpart K of the standard. 1926.302(a)(1)
Hazard Communication
Employers shall develop, implement and maintain at the workplace a written hazard communication program for their workplaces. Employers must inform their employees of the availability of the program, including the required list(s) of hazardous chemicals, and material safety data sheets required. 1926.59(e)(1)(i) – (ii). Text can be found in 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1) & (e)(4)
The employer shall ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked with the identity of the hazardous chemical(s) contained therein; and must show hazard warnings appropriate for employee protection. 1926.59(f)(5)(i) – (ii). Text can be found in 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(2) & (f)(1)
Chemical manufacturers and importers shall obtain or develop a material safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Employers shall have a material safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical they use. 1926.59(g)(1). Text can be found in 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(1)
Employers shall provide employees with information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard is introduced into their work area. Employers shall also provide employees with information on any operations in their work area where hazardous chemicals are present, and the location and availability of the written hazard communication program, including the required list(s) of hazardous chemicals, and material safety data sheets required by the standard. 1926.59(h)(1)(i) – (iii). Text can be found in 29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1) & (2)(i) – (iii)
Employers who produce, use or store hazardous chemicals at multiemployer workplaces shall additionally ensure that their hazard communication program includes the methods the employer will use to provide other employer(s) with a copy of the material safety data sheet for hazardous chemicals other employer(s) employees may be exposed to while working; the methods the employer will use to inform other employer(s) of any precautionary measures for the protection of employees; and the methods the employer will use to inform the other employer(s) of the labeling system used in the workplace. 1926.59(e)(2). Text can be found in 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(2)
Hazardous Waste Operations
Employers must develop a written safety and health program for employees involved in hazardous waste operations. At a minimum, the program shall include a comprehensive workplan, standard operating procedures, a site specific safety and health plan (which need not repeat the standard operating procedures), the training program, and the medical surveillance program. 1926.65(b)(1)
A site control program also shall be developed and shall include, at a minimum, a map, work zones, buddy systems, site communications—including alerting means for emergencies—standard operating procedures or safe work practices, and identification of the nearest medical assistance. 1926.65(d)(3)
Training must be provided for all site employees, their supervisors and management who are exposed to health or safety hazards. 1926.65(e)
Head Protection
Head protective equipment (helmets) shall be worn in areas where there is a possible danger of head injuries from impact, flying or falling objects, or electrical shock and burns. 1926.100(a) Helmets for protection against impact and penetration of falling and flying objects shall meet the requirements of ANSI Z89.1-1969. 1926.100(b)
Helmets for protection against electrical shock and burns shall meet the requirements of ANSI Z89.2-1971. 1926.100(c)
Hearing Protection
Feasible engineering or administrative controls shall be utilized to protect employees against sound levels in excess of those shown in Table D-2. 1926.52(b)
When engineering or administrative controls fail to reduce sound levels within the limits of Table D-2, ear protective devices shall be provided and used. 1926.52(b) & .101(a)
In all cases where the sound levels exceed the values shown in Table D-2, a continuing, effective hearing conservation program shall be administered. 1926.52(d)(1)
A hearing conservation program in construction should include the following elements:
• Monitoring employee noise exposures.
• Using engineering, work practice and administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.
• Fitting each overexposed employee with appropriate hearing protectors.
• Training employees in the effects of noise and protection measures.
• Explaining procedures for preventing further hearing loss.
• Record keeping. 1926.21(b)(2), 1926.52, & 1926.101
Exposure to impulsive or impact noise should not exceed 140 dB peak sound pressure level. 1926.52(e)
Plain cotton is not an acceptable protective device. 1926.101(c)
Heating Devices, Temporary
When heating devices are used, fresh air shall be supplied in sufficient quantities to maintain the health and safety of workers. 1926.154(a)(1)
Solid fuel salamanders are prohibited in buildings and on scaffolds. 1926.154(d)
Hoists, Material and Personnel
The employer shall comply with the manufacturer’s specifications and limitations. 1926.552(a)(1)
Rated load capacities, recommended operating speeds, and special hazard warnings or instructions shall be posted on cars and platforms. 1926.552(a)(2)
Hoistway entrances of material hoists shall be protected by substantial full width gates or bars.
1926.552(b)(2)
Hoistway doors or gates of personnel hoist shall be not less than 6 feet 6 inches (198.12 meters) high and shall be protected with mechanical locks that cannot be operated from the landing side and that are accessible only to persons on the car. 1926.552(c)(4)
Overhead protective coverings shall be provided on the top of the hoist cage or platform. 1926.552(b)(3) & (c)(7)
All material hoists shall conform to the requirements of ANSI A10.5-1969, Safety Requirements for Material Hoists. 1926.552(b)(8)
Hooks (See Wire Ropes, Chains and Hooks) Housekeeping
Form and scrap lumber with protruding nails and all other debris shall be kept clear from all work areas. 1926.25(a)
Combustible scrap and debris shall be removed at regular intervals. 1926.25(b)
Containers shall be provided for collection and separation of all refuse. Covers shall be provided on containers used for flammable or harmful substances. 1926.25(c)
Table D-2
Permissible Noise Exposures
Duration per Sound Level/dBA
day, hours: slow response
8 90
6 92
4 95
3 97
2 100
1 1/2 102
1 105
1/2 110
1/4 or less 115 1926.52(d)(1)
Wastes shall be disposed of at frequent intervals. 1926.25(c)
Illumination
Construction areas, ramps, runways, corridors, offices, shops, and storage areas shall be lighted to not less than the minimum illumination intensities listed in Table D-3 while any work is in progress.
Table D-3
Minimum Illumination Intensities in Footcandles
Footcandles: Area of Operation
5 : General construction area lighting.
3 : General construction areas, concrete placement, excavation, waste areas, accessways, active storage areas, loading platforms, refueling and field maintenance areas.
5 : Indoor warehouses, corridors, hallways, and exitways.
5 : Tunnels, shafts and general underground work areas. (EXCEPTION: minimum of 10 footcandles is required at tunnel and shaft heading during drilling, mucking and scaling. Bureau of Minesapproved cap lights shall be acceptable for use in the tunnel heading.)
10: General construction plant and shops (e.g., batch plants, screening plants, mechanical and electrical equipment rooms, carpenters shops, rigging lofts and active store rooms, barracks or living quarters, locker or dressing rooms, mess halls, indoor toilets and workrooms).
30. . First-aid stations, infirmaries and offices.
1926.56(a)
Jointers
A jointer guard shall automatically adjust itself to cover the unused portion of the head and the section of the head on the working side and the back side of the fence or cage. The jointer guard shall remain in contact with the material at all times. 1926.304(f)
Ladders
Portable and fixed ladders with structural defects— such as broken or missing rungs, cleats or steps, broken or split rails, or corroded components— shall be withdrawn from service by immediately tagging “DO NOT USE” or marking in a manner that identifies them as defective, or shall be blocked, such as with a plywood attachment that spans several rungs. Repairs must restore ladder to its original design criteria. 1926.1053(b)(16), (17)(i) – (iii) & (18)
Portable non-self-supporting ladders shall be placed on a substantial base, have clear access at top and bottom, and be placed at an angle so the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one-quarter the working length of the ladder. Portable ladders used for access to an upper landing surface must extend a minimum of 3 feet (0.9144 meters) above the landing surface, or where not practical, be provided with grab rails and be secured against movement while in use. 1926.1053(b)(1) & (b)(5)(i)
Ladders must have nonconductive siderails if they are used where the worker or the ladder could contact energized electrical conductors or equipment. 1926.1053(b)(12)
Job-made ladders shall be constructed for their intended use. Cleats shall be uniformly spaced not less than 10 inches (25.40 centimeters) apart, nor more than 14 inches (35.56 centimeters) apart. 1926.1053(a)(3)(i)
A ladder (or stairway) must be provided at all work points of access where there is a break in elevation of 19 inches (48.26 centimeters) or more except if a suitable ramp, runway, embankment or personnel hoist is provided to give safe access to all elevations. 1926.1051(a)
Wood job-made ladders with spliced side rails must be used at an angle where the horizontal distance is one-eighth the working length of the ladder.
• Fixed ladders must be used at a pitch no greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal, measured from the back side of the ladder.
• Ladders must be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidentalmovement.
• Ladders must not be used on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental movement. Slip-resistant feet must not be used as a substitute for the care in placing, lashing, or holding a ladder upon a slippery surface. 1926.1053(b)(5)(ii) thru (b)(7)
Employers must provide a training program for each employee using ladders and stairways. The program must enable each employee to recognize hazards related to ladders and stairways and to use proper procedures to minimize these hazards. For example, employers must ensure that each employee is trained by a competent person in the following areas, as applicable:
• The nature of fall hazards in the work area.
• The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining and disassembling the fall protection systems to be used.
• The proper construction, use, placement and care in handling of all stairways and ladders.
• The maximum intended load-carrying capacities of ladders used.
In addition, retraining must be provided for each employee, as necessary, so that the employee maintains the understanding and knowledge acquired through compliance with the standard. 1926.1060(a) & (b)
Lasers
Only qualified and trained employees shall be assigned to install, adjust and operate laser equipment. 1926.54(a)
Employees shall wear proper (antilaser) eye protection when working in areas where there is a potential exposure to direct or reflected laser light greater than 0.005 watts (5 milliwatts). 1926.54(c)
Beam shutters or caps shall be utilized, or the laser turned off, when laser transmission is not actually required. When the laser is left unattended for a substantial period of time—such as during lunch hour, overnight or at change of shifts—the laser shall be turned off. 1926.54(e)
Employees shall not be exposed to light intensities in excess of the following: direct staring—1 microwatt per square centimeter, incidental observing —1 milliwatt per square centimeter diffused reflected light—2-1/2 watts per square centimeter. 1926.54(j)(1) – (3)
Employees shall not be exposed to microwave power densities in excess of 10 milliwatts per square centimeter. 1926.54(1)
Lead
Each employer who has a workplace or operation covered by this standard shall initially determine if any employee may be exposed to lead at or above the action level of 30 micrograms per cubic meter (30 mg/m 3 ) of air calculated as an eight-hour time-weighted average. 1926.62(d)(1)
The employer shall assure that no employee is exposed to lead at concentrations greater than 50 micrograms per cubic meter (50 mg/m 3 ) of air averaged over an eight-hour period (the permissible exposure limit PEL). 1926.62(c)(1)
Whenever there has been a change of equipment, process, control, personnel, or a new task has been initiated that may result in exposure above the PEL, the employer shall conduct additional monitoring. 1926.62(d)(7)
Training shall be provided in accordance with the Hazard Communication Standard and additional training shall be provided for employees exposed at or above the action level. 1926.62(1)
Prior to the start of the job, each employer shall establish and implement a written compliance program. 1926.62(e)(2)
Where airborne concentrations of lead equal or exceed the action level at any time, an initial medical examination consisting of blood sampling and analysis shall be made available for each employee prior to initial assignment to the area. 1926.62 Appendix B, VIII-paragraph (j)
Lift Slab
Lift-slab operations shall be designed and planned by a registered professional engineer who has experience in lift-slab construction. Such plans and designs shall be implemented by the employer and shall include detailed instructions and sketches indicating the prescribed method of erection. 1926.705(a)
Jacking equipment shall be cable of supporting at least two and one-half times the load being lifted during jacking operations. Also, do not overload the jacking equipment. 1926.705(d)
During erection, no employee, except those essential to the jacking operation, shall be permitted in the building or structure while jacking operations are taking place unless the building or structure has been reinforced sufficiently to ensure its integrity. 1926.705(k)(1)
Equipment shall be designed and installed to prevent slippage; otherwise, the employer shall institute other measures, such as locking or blocking devices, which will provide positive connection between the lifting rods and attachments and will prevent components from disengaging during lifting operations. 1926.705(p)
Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Each system shall have containers, valves, connectors, manifold valve assemblies and regulators of an approved type. 1926.153(a)(1)
Every container and vaporizer shall be provided with one or more approved safety relief valves or devices. 1926.153(d)(1)
Containers shall be placed upright on firm foundations or otherwise firmly secured.
1926.153(g) & (h)(11)
Portable heaters shall be equipped with an approved automatic device to shut off the flow of gas in the event of flame failure. 1926.153(h)(8)
All cylinders shall be equipped with an excess flow valve to minimize the flow of gas in the event the fuel line becomes ruptured. 1926.153(i)(2)
Storage of liquefied petroleum gas within buildings is prohibited. 1926.153(i)
Storage locations shall have at least one approved portable fire extinguisher rated not less than 20-B:C. 1926.153(l)
Medical Services and First Aid
The employer shall ensure the availability of medical personnel for advice and consultation on matters of occupational health. 1926.50(a)
When a medical facility is not reasonably accessible for the treatment of injured employees, a person trained to render first aid shall be available at the work site. 1926.50(c)
First-aid supplies approved by the consulting physician should be readily available. 1926.50(d)(1)
The telephone numbers of the physicians, hospitals or ambulances shall be conspicuously posted. 1926.50(f)
Motor Vehicles and Mechanized Equipment
All vehicles in use shall be checked at the beginning of each shift to ensure that all parts, equipment and accessories that affect safe operation are in proper operating condition and free from defects. All defects shall be corrected before the vehicle is placed in service. 1926.601(b)(14)
No employer shall use any motor vehicle, earthmoving or compacting equipment having an obstructed view to the rear unless:
• The vehicle has a reverse signal alarm distinguishable from the surrounding noise level.
• The vehicle is backed up only when an observer signals that it is safe to do so.
1926.601(b)(4)(i) – (ii) & 602(a)(9)(i) – (ii)
Heavy machinery, equipment or parts thereof that are suspended or held aloft shall be substantially blocked to prevent falling or shifting before employees are permitted to work under or between them. 1926.600(a)(3)(i)
Noise (See Hearing Protection) Personal Protective Equipment
The employer is responsible for requiring the wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment in all operations where there is an exposure to hazardous conditions or where the need is indicated for using such equipment to reduce the hazard to the employees. 1926.28(a) & 1926.95(a) – (c)
Employees working over or near water, where the danger of drowning exists, shall be provided U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets or buoyant work vests. 1926.106(a)
Powder-Actuated Tools
Only trained employees shall be allowed to operate powder-actuated tools. 1926.302(e)(1)
All powder-actuated tools shall be tested daily before use, and all defects discovered before or during use shall be corrected. 1926.302(e)(2) – (3)
Tools shall not be loaded until immediately before use. Loaded tools shall not be left unattended. 1926.302(e)(5) – (6)
Power Transmission and Distribution
Existing conditions shall be determined before starting work, by an inspection or a test. Such conditions shall include, but not be limited to, energized lines and equipment, condition of poles, and the location of circuits and equipment including power and communications, cable television and firealarm circuits. 1926.950(b)(1)
Electric equipment and lines shall be considered energized until determined otherwise by testing or until grounding. 1926.950(b)(2) & .954(a)
Operating voltage of equipment and lines shall be determined before working on or near energized parts. 1926.950(b)(3)
Rubber protective equipment shall comply with the provisions of the ANSI J6 series and shall be visually inspected before use. 1926.951(a)(1)(i) – (ii)
Power Transmission, Mechanical
Belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, sprockets, spindles, drums, flywheels, chains, or other reciprocating, rotating or moving parts of equipment shall be guarded if such parts are exposed to contact by employees or otherwise constitute a hazard. 1926.307(a) – (f), (h) – (i), & (k)
Guarding shall meet the requirement of ANSI B15.1-1953 (R 1958), Safety Code for Mechanical Power Transmission Apparatus. 1926.300(b)(2)
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals
Employers shall develop a written plan of action regarding employee participation and consult with employees and their representatives on the conduct and development of process hazards analyses and on the development of the other elements of process safety management. 1926.64(c)(1) – (2)
The employer, when selecting a contractor, shall obtain and evaluate information regarding the contract employer’s safety performance and programs. 1926.64(h)(2)(i)
The contract employer shall assure that each contract employee is trained in the work practices necessary to perform his/her job safely. 1926.64(h)(3)(i)
The employer shall perform a pre-startup safety review for new facilities and for modified facilities when the modification is significant enough to require a change in the process safety information. 1926.64(i)(1)
The employer shall establish and implement written procedures to maintain the on-going integrity of process equipment. 1926.64(j)(2)
Program Safety and Health Requirements
The employer shall initiate and maintain such programs as may be necessary to provide for frequent and regular inspections of the job site, materials and equipment by designated competent persons. 1926.20(b)(1) thru (2)
The employer should avail himself of the safety and health training programs the Secretary provides. 1926.21(b)(1)
The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and in the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury. 1926.21(b)(2)
The use of any machinery, tool, material or equipment that is not in compliance with any applicable requirement of Part 1926 is prohibited. 1926.20(b)(3)
The employer shall permit only those employees qualified by training or experience to operate equipment and machinery. 1926.20(b)(4)
Radiation, Ionizing
Pertinent provisions of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) (10 CFR Part 20) relating to protection against occupational radiation exposure shall apply. 1926.53(a)
Any activity that involves the use of radioactive materials or X-rays, whether or not under license from the Atomic Energy Commission, shall be performed by competent persons specially trained in the proper and safe operation of such equipment. 1926.53(b)
Railings
Top edge height of top rails or equivalent guardrail system members shall have a vertical height of approximately 42 inches (106.68 centimeters), plus or minus 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) above the walking/working level. 1926.502(b)(1)
Guardrail systems shall be smooth-surfaced, with a strength to withstand at least 200 pounds (90 kilograms), the minimum requirement applied in any outward or downward direction, at any point along the top edge. 1926.502(b)(3) & (6)
A stair railing shall be of construction similar to a standard railing with a vertical height of 36 inches (91.44 centimeters) from the upper surface of top rail to the surface of tread in line with face of riser at forward edge of tread. 1926.1052(c)(3)(i)
Reinforced Steel
All protruding reinforced steel onto and into which employees could fall shall be guarded to eliminate the hazard of impalement. 1926.701(b)
Respiratory Protection
In emergencies, or when feasible engineering or administrative controls are not effective in controlling toxic substances, appropriate respiratory protective equipment shall be provided by the employer and shall be used. 1926.103(a)(1)
Respiratory protective devices shall be approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health or acceptable to the U.S. Department of Labor for the specific contaminant to which the employee is exposed. 1926.103(a)(2)
Respiratory protective devices shall be appropriate for the hazardous material involved and the extent and nature of the work requirements and conditions. 1926.103(b)(2)
Employees required to use respiratory protective devices shall be thoroughly trained in their use. 1926.103(c)(1)
Respiratory protective equipment shall be inspected regularly and maintained in good condition. 1926.103(c)(2)
Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS)
Rollover protective structures (ROPS) apply to the following types of materials handling equipment: All rubber-tired, self-propelled scrapers, rubber-tired front end loaders, rubber-tired dozers, wheel-type agricultural and industrial tractors, crawler tractors, crawler-type loaders, and motor graders, with or without attachments, that are used in construction work. This requirement does not apply to sideboom pipelaying tractors. 1926.1000(a)(1)
Safety Nets
Safety nets must be installed as close as practicable under the walking/working surface on which employees are working, but in no case more than 30 feet (91.44 meters) below such level. When nets are used on bridges, the potential fall area from the walking/working surface to the net shall be unobstructed. 1926.502(c)(1)
Safety nets and their installations must be capable of absorbing an impact force equal to that produced by the drop test. 1926.502(c)(4)
Saws, Band
All portions of band saw blades shall be enclosed or guarded, except for the working portion of the blade between the bottom of the guide rolls and the table. 1926.304(f)
Band saw wheels shall be fully encased. 1926.304(f)
Saws, Portable Circular
Portable, power-driven circular saws shall be equipped with guards above and below the base plate or shoe. The lower guard shall cover the saw to the depth of the teeth, except for the minimum arc required to allow proper retraction and contact with the work, and shall automatically return to the covering position when the blade is removed from the work. 1926.304(d)
Saws, Radial
Radial saws shall have an upper guard that completely encloses the upper half of the saw blade. The sides of the lower exposed portion of the blade shall be guarded by a device that will automatically adjust to the thickness of and remain in contact with the material being cut. 1926.304(g)(1)
Radial saws used for ripping shall have nonkickback fingers or dogs. 1926.304(f)
Radial saws shall be installed so that the cutting head will return to the starting position when released by the operator. 1926.304(f)
Saws, Swing or Sliding Cut-Off All swing or sliding cut-off saws shall be provided with a hood that will completely en-close the upper half of the saw. 1926.304(f)
Limit stops shall be provided to prevent swing or sliding type cut-off saws from extending beyond the front or back edges of the table. 1926.304(f)
Each swing or sliding cut-off saw shall be provided with an effective device to return the saw automatically to the back of the table when released at any point of its travel. 1926.304(f)
Inverted sawing of sliding cut-off saws shall be provided with a hood that will cover the part of the saw that protrudes above the top of the table or material being cut. 1926.304(f)
Saws, Table
Circular table saws shall have a hood over the portion of the saw above the table, so mounted that the hood will automatically adjust itself to the thickness of and remain in contact with the material being cut. 1926.304(h)(1)
Circular table saws shall have a spreader aligned with the blade, spaced no more than ½ inch (1.27 centimeter) behind the largest blade mounted in the saw. This provision does not apply when grooving, dadoing or rabbiting. 1926.304(f)
Circular table saws used for ripping shall have nonkickback fingers or dogs. 1926.304(f)
Feeder attachments shall have the feed rolls or other moving parts covered or guarded so as to protect the operator from hazardous points. 1926.304(c)
Scaffolds
General Requirements
Scaffold means any temporary elevated platform (supported or suspended) and its supporting structure (including points of anchorage) used for supporting employees or materials or both. 1926.450(b)
Fall protection—such as guardrail and personal fall arrest systems—must be provided for each employee working on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.048 meters) above a lower level. 1926.451(g)(1)
Effective Sept. 2, 1997, the employer shall have a competent person to determine the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds.
1926.451(g)(2)
Each scaffold and scaffold component shall support, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it. Scaffolds shall be designed by a qualified person and constructed and loaded in accordance with such design. Scaffolds and scaffold components shall not be loaded in excess of their maximum intended loads or rated capacities, whichever is less. 1926.451(a)(1), (a)(6), & (f)(1)
The scaffold platform shall be planked or decked as fully as possible with the space between the platform and uprights not more than 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) wide. When side brackets or odd shaped structures result in a wider opening between the platform and the uprights, the space shall not exceed 9.5 inches (24.1 centimeters). The platform shall not deflect more than 1/60 of the span when loaded. 1926.451(b)(1) & (f)(16)
The work area for each scaffold platform and the walkway shall be at least 18 inches (45.72 centimeters) wide. When the work area must be less than 18 inches (45.72 centimeters) wide, guardrails and/or personal fall arrest systems shall be used. 1926.451(b)(2)
Access must be provided when the scaffold platforms are more than 2 feet (60.96 meters) above or below a point of access. Direct access is acceptable when the scaffold is not more than 14 inches (35.56 centimeters) horizontally and not more than 24 inches (60.96 centimeters) vertically from the other surfaces. Crossbraces shall not be used as a means of access. 1926.451(e)(1) & (e)(8)
A competent person shall inspect scaffolds, scaffold components and ropes on suspended scaffolds before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect the structural integrity. He or she also must ensure that prompt corrective action is taken. 1926.450(b) & 1926.450(f)(3) & (f)(10)
Stilts may be used on a large area scaffold. (A large area scaffold is a pole, tube and coupler, systems or fabricated frame scaffold erected over substantially the entire work area.) 1926.451(b)
When a guardrail system is used, the guardrail height shall be equal to the height of the stilts. Any alterations to the stilts shall be approved by the manufacturer. 1926.452(y)
Bricklaying
Employees doing overhand bricklaying from a supported scaffold shall be protected by a guardrail or personal fall arrest system on all sides except the side where the work is being done. 1926.451(g)(1)(vi)
Erectors and Dismantlers
Effective Sept. 2, 1997, the employer shall provide safe means of access for each employee erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds where the provisions of safe access is feasible and does not create a greater hazard. The determination shall be made by a competent person based on his or her analysis of the site conditions. 1926.451(e)
Fall Arrest Systems
Personal fall arrest systems include body belts or harnesses, and components of the harness belt, such as Dee-rings, snaphooks, lifelines and anchorage points. Effective Jan.1, 1998, body belts are prohibited. 1926.451(g)(3)
Vertical or horizontal lifelines may be used. 1926.451(g)(3)(ii) – (iv)
Lifelines shall be independent of support lines and suspension ropes and shall not be attached to the same anchorage points as the support or suspension ropes. 1926.451(g)(3)(iii) – (iv)
When working from an aerial lift, the lanyard shall be attached to the boom or basket. 1926.453(b)(2)(v)
When lanyards are connected to horizontal lifelines or structural members on single or two point adjustable scaffolds, the scaffold shall be equipped with additional independent support lines that are equal in number and strength to the suspension lines and have automatic locking devices. 1926.451(g)(3)(iii)
Guardrails
Guardrails systems shall be installed along all open sides and ends of platforms. Guardrails systems shall be installed before the scaffold is released for use by employees other than erection/ dismantling. Guardrails are not required on the front edge of a platform if the front edge of the platform is less than 14 inches (35.56 centimeters) from the face of the work, when plastering and lathing is being done 18 inches (45.72 centimeters) or less from the front edge, and when outrigger scaffolds are 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) or less from the front edge. 1926.451 (b)(3) & (g)(4)
The top edge height of toprail for scaffolds manufactured and placed in service before Jan. 1, 2000, can be between 36 inches (91.44 centimeters) and 45 inches (114 centimeters). The height of the toprail for scaffolds manufactured and placed in service after Jan. 1, 2000, can be between 38 inches (97 centimeters) and 45 inches (114 centimeters). 1926.451(g)(4)(ii)
Midrails shall be installed approximately halfway between the toprail and the platform surface. 1926.451(g)(4)(iii)
When screens and mesh are used, they shall extend from the top edge of the guardrail system to the scaffold platform and along the entire opening between the supports. 1926.451(g)(4)(v)
Crossbracing is not acceptable as an entire guardrail system; but crossbracing is acceptable for a toprail when the crossing point of the two braces is between 38 inches (97 centimeters) and 48 inches (1.3 centimeters) above the work platform. Crossbracing is also acceptable for midrails when between 20 inches (50.80 centime-ters) and 30 inches (76.20 centimeters) above the work platform. The end points of the crossbracing shall be no more than 48 inches (1.3 centimeters) apart vertically. 1926.451(g)(4)(xv)
Planking
Scaffold planking shall be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the intended load. Solid sawn wood, fabricated planks and fabricated platforms may be used as scaffold planks following the manufacturer, a lumber grading association or an inspection agency’s recommendations. (See Appendix A of Subpart L for tables showing maximum permissible spans, rated load capacity and nominal thickness.) 1926.451(a)(1)
Supported Scaffolds
Supported scaffolds are platforms supported by legs, outrigger beams, brackets, poles, uprights, posts, frames or similar rigid supports. The structural members—poles, legs, posts, frames and uprights—shall be plumb and braced to prevent swaying and displacement. 1926.451(b) – (c)
Supported scaffold poles, legs, posts, frames and uprights shall rest on base plates and mud sills, or other adequate firm foundations. 1926.451(c)(2)(i) – (ii)
Supported scaffolds with a height-to-base-width ratio of more than 4-to-1 shall be restrained from tipping by guying, tying, bracing or equivalent means. 1926.451(c)
Guys, ties and braces shall be installed according to the scaffold manufacturer’s recommendations or at the closest horizontal member to the 4:1 height and be repeated vertically at locations of horizontal members every 20 feet (6.096 meters) or less thereafter for scaffolds 3 feet (0.9144 meters) wide or less, and every 26 feet (7.9248 meters) or less thereafter for scaffolds greater than 3 feet (0.9144 meters) wide. The top guy, tie or brace of completed scaffolds shall be placed no further than the 4:1 height from the top. Such guys, ties and braces shall be installed at each end of the scaffold and at horizontal intervals not to exceed 30 feet (9.144 meters) (measured from one end [not both] towards the other). 1926.451(c)(1)
Suspension Scaffolds
A suspension scaffold means one or more platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid means from an overhead structure. 1926.450(b)
Each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.048 meters) above a lower level shall be protected by guardrails, a personal fall arrest system, or both. 1926.451(g)
Fall arrest and guardrail systems must be used when working on single and two point adjustable suspension scaffolds and on self-contained adjustable scaffolds that are supported by ropes. 1926.451(g)(1)
A competent person shall inspect the ropes for defects prior to each workshift and after every occurrence which could affect a rope’s integrity, evaluate the direct connections that support the load, and determine if two-point and multi-point scaffolds are secured from swaying. 1926.451(d)(3)(i), (d)(10), (d)(18), & (f)(3)
The use of repaired wire rope is prohibited. 1926.451(d)(7)
Drum hoists shall contain no less than four wraps of the rope at the lowest point. 1926.451(d)(6)
All support devices shall rest on surfaces capable of supporting at least four times the load imposed on them by the scaffold when operating at the rated load of the hoist (or at least 1.5 times the load imposed on them by the scaffold at the stall capacity of the hoist, whichever is greater). The stall load of any scaffold hoist shall not exceed three times its rated load. The stall load is the load at which the prime-mover of a power-operated hoist stalls or the power to the prime-mover is automatically disconnected. 1926.451(a)(5) & (d)(1)
When scaffold platforms are more than 24 inches (60.96 centimeters) above or below a point of access, ladders, ramps, walkways or similar surfaces shall be used. When using direct access, the surface shall not be more than 24 inches (60.96 centimeters) above the surface or 14 inches (35.56 centimeters) horizontally from the surface. 1926.451(e)(1) & (e)(8)
Counterweights, used to balance adjustable suspension scaffolds, shall be capable of resisting at least four times the tipping moment imposed by the scaffold operating at the rated load of the hoist, or 1.5 (minimum) times the tipping moment imposed by the scaffold operating at the stall load of the hoist, whichever is greater. 1926.451(a)(2)
Only those items specifically designed as counterweights shall be used. 1926.451(d)(3)(iii)
Counterweights used for suspended scaffolds shall be made of materials that can not be easily dislocated. 1926.451(d)(3)(ii)
Counterweights shall be secured by mechanical means to the outrigger beams. 1926.451(d)(3)(iv)
Vertical lifelines shall not be fastened to counterweights. 1926.451(g)(3)(i)
Sand, gravel, masonry units, rolls of roofing felt and other such materials shall not be used as counterweights. 1926.451(d)(3)(ii) – (iii)
A single tie back shall be installed perpendicular to the face of the building or structure. Two tie backs installed at opposing angles are required when a perpendicular tie back cannot be installed. 1926.451(d)(3)(x)
Tie backs shall be secured to a structurally sound anchorage on the building or structure. Tie backs shall not be secured to standpipes, vents, other piping systems or electrical conduits. 1926.451(d)(3)(ix) & (d)(5)
Training
Each employee who performs work on a scaffold shall be trained by a person QUALIFIED to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold used and to understand the procedures to control or minimize those hazards. The training shall include such topics as the nature of electrical hazards, fall hazards, falling object hazards, the maintenance and disassembly of the fall protection systems; the use of the scaffolds, handling of materials, and the maximum intended load carrying capacity. 1926.454(a)
Employers who erect, disassemble, move, operate, repair, maintain or inspect a scaffold shall be trained by a COMPETENT PERSON. The training shall include such topics as the nature of the hazards, and the correct procedures for erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, inspecting and maintaining the type of scaffolds in use. Recommended training includes erection and dismantling planning, personal protective equipment, access, guys and braces and parts inspection. 1926.454(b) & Appendix D
Stairs
A stairway or ladder must be provided at all worker points of access where there is a break in elevation of 19 inches (48.26 centimeters) or more and no ramp, runway, sloped embankment or personnel hoist is provided. 1926.1051(a)
Except during construction of the actual stairway, skeleton metal frame structures and steps must not be used (where treads and/or landings are to be installed at a later date), unless the stairs are fitted with secured temporary treads and landings. 1926.1052(b)(2)
When there is only one point of access between levels, it must be kept clear to permit free passage by workers. If free passage becomes restricted, a second point of access must be provided and used. 1926.1051(a)(3)
When there are more than two points of access between levels, at least one point of access must be kept clear. 1926.1051(a)(4)
All stairway and ladder fall protection systems must be provided and installed as required by the stairway and ladder rules before employees begin work that requires them to use stairways or ladders and their respective fall protection systems. 1926.1051(b)
Stairways that will not be a permanent part of the structure on which construction work is performed must have landings at least 30 inches deep and 22 inches wide (76.20 x 55.88 centimeters) at every 12 feet (3.6576 meters) or less of vertical rise. 1926.1052(a)(1)
Stairways must be installed at least 30 degrees, and no more than 50 degrees, from the horizontal. 1926.1052(a)(2)
Where doors or gates open directly onto a stairway, a platform must be provided, and the swing of the door shall not reduce the effective width of the platform to less than 20 inches (50.80 centimeters). 1926.1052(a)(4)
Except during construction of the actual stairway, stairways with metal pan landings and treads must not be used where the treads and/or landings have not been filled in with concrete or other material, unless the pans of the stairs and/or landings are temporarily filled in with wood or other material. All treads and landings must be replaced when worn below the top edge of the pan. 1926.1052(b)(1)
Stairways having four or more risers, or rising more than 30 inches in height (76.20 centimeters), whichever is less, must have at least one handrail. A stair rail also must be installed along each unprotected side or edge. When the top edge of a stair rail system also serves as a handrail, the height of the top edge must not be more than 37 inches (93.98 centimeters) nor less than 36 inches (91.44 centimeters) from the upper surface of the stairrail to the surface of the tread in line with face of riser at forward edge of tread. 1926.1052(c)(1)(i) thru (ii)
Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, or equivalent intermediate structural members must be provided between the top rail and stairway steps of the stairrail system. 1926.1052(c)(4)
Midrails, when used, must be located midway between the top of the stair-rail system and the stairway steps. 1926.1052(c)(4)(i)
The height of handrails must not be more than 37 inches (93.98 centimeters) nor less than 30 inches (76.20 centimeters) from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread in line with face of riser at forward edge of tread. 1926.1052(c)(6)
The height of the top edge of a stair-rail system used as a handrail must not be more than 37 inches (93.98 centimeters) nor less than 36 inches (91.44 centimeters) from the upper surface of the stair-rail system to the surface of the tread in line with face of riser at forward edge of tread. 1926.1052(c)(7)
Temporary handrails must have a minimum clearance of 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) between the handrail and walls, stair-rail systems and other objects. 1926.1052(c)(11)
Unprotected sides and edges of stairway landings must be provided with guardrail systems. 1926.1052(c)(12)
Steel Erection
Permanent floors shall be installed so there is not more than eight stories between the erection floor and the uppermost permanent floor, except when structural integrity is maintained by the design. 1926.750(a)(1)
During skeleton steel erection, a tightly planked temporary floor shall be maintained within two stories or 30 feet (9.144 meters), whichever is less, below and directly under that portion of each tier of beams on which any work is being performed. 1926.750(b)(2)(i)
During skeleton steel erection of buildings and structures not adaptable to temporary floors, and where scaffolds are not used, safety nets shall be installed and maintained whenever the potential fall distance exceeds two stories or 25 feet (7.62 meters). 1926.750(b)(1)(ii)
A safety railing of 1/2-inch (1.27-centimeter) wire rope or equivalent shall be installed around the perimeter of all temporarily floored buildings, approximately 42 inches high (106.68 centimeters), during structural steel assembly. 1926.750(b)(1)(iii)
When placing structural members, the load shall not be released from the hoisting line until the member is secured by at least two bolts, or the equivalent, at each connection, and drawn up wrench tight. 1926.751(a)
For all types of steel erection, including skeleton steel, towers, tanks and bridges, safety nets and personal fall arrest systems must be used as fall protection when working more than 25 feet (7.62 meters) above the ground, water or other surfaces. 1926.104 & 105
Storage
All materials stored in tiers shall be secured to prevent sliding, falling, or collapsing. 1926.250(a)(1)
Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear and in good repair. 1926.250(a)(3)
Storage of materials shall not obstruct exits. 1926.151(d)(1)
Materials shall be stored with due regard to their fire characteristics. 1926.151(d)(2)
Tire Cages
A safety tire rack, cage or equivalent protection shall be provided and used when inflating, mounting or dismounting tires installed on split rims or rims equipped with locking rings or similar devices. 1926.600(a)(2)
Toeboards
Toeboards, when used to protect workers from falling objects, shall be erected along the edge of the overhead walking/working surface. 1926.502(j)(1)
A standard toeboard shall be at least 3-1/2 inches (9 centimeters) in height and may be of any substantial material either solid or open, with openings not to exceed 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) in greatest dimension. 1926.502(j)(3)
Toilets
Toilets shall be provided according to the following: 20 or fewer persons—one facility; 20 or more
persons—one toilet seat and one urinal per 40 persons; 200 or more persons—one toilet seat and one urinal per 50 workers. 1926.51(c)(1)
This requirement does not apply to mobile crews having transportation readily available to nearby toilet facilities. 1926.51(c)(4)
Underground Construction
The employer shall provide and maintain safe means of access and egress to all work stations. 1926.800(b)
The employer shall control access to all openings to prevent unauthorized entry underground. Unused chutes, manways, or other openings shall be tightly covered, bulkheaded, or fenced off, and shall be posted with signs indicating “Keep Out” or similar language. Complete or unused sections of the underground facility shall be barricaded. 1926.800(b)(3)
Unless underground facilities are sufficiently completed so that the permanent environmental controls are effective and the remaining construction activity will not cause any environmental hazard or structural failure within the facilities, the employer shall maintain a check-in/check-out procedure that will ensure that above-ground designated personnel can determine an accurate count of the number of persons underground in the event of an emergency. 1926.800(c)
All employees shall be instructed to recognize and avoid hazards associated with underground construction activities. 1926.800(d)
Hazardous classifications are for “potentially gassy” and “gassy” operations. 1926.800(h)
The employer shall assign a competent person to perform all air monitoring to determine proper ventilation and quantitative measurements of potentially hazardous gases. 1926.800(j)(1)(i)(A)
Fresh air shall be supplied to all underground work areas in sufficient quantities to prevent dangerous or harmful accumulation of dust, fumes, mists, vapors or gases. 1926.800(k)(1)(i)
Wall Openings
Each employee working on, at, above or near wall openings (including those with chutes attached) where the outside bottom edge of the wall opening is 6 feet (1.8288 meters) or more above lower levels and the inside bottom edge of the wall opening is less than 39 inches (1 meter) above the walking/working surface must be protected from falling by the use of a guardrail system, a safety net system or a personal fall arrest. 1926.501(b)(14)
When an employee is exposed to falling objects, the employer must ensure that each employee wear a hard hat and erect toeboards, screens, or guardrail systems; or erect a canopy structure and keep potential fall objects far enough from the edge of the higher level; or barricade the area to which objects could fall. 1926.501(c)
Washing Facilities
The employers shall provide adequate washing facilities for employees engaged in operations involving harmful substances. 1926.51(f)
Washing facilities shall be near the work site and shall be so equipped as to enable employees to remove all harmful substances. 1926.51(f)
Welding, Cutting and Heating
Employers shall instruct employees in the safe use of welding equipment. 1926.350(d) & 1926.351(d)
Proper precautions (isolating welding and cutting, removing fire hazards from the vicinity, providing a fire watch) for fire prevention shall be taken in areas where welding or other “hot work” is being done. No welding, cutting or heating shall be done where the application of flammable paints or the presence of other flammable compounds or heavy dust concentrations creates a fire hazard. 1926.352(a) – (c) & (f)
Arc welding and cutting operations shall be shielded by noncombustible or flameproof screens to protect employees and other persons in the vicinity from direct arc rays. 1926.351(e)
When electrode holders are to be left unattended, the electrodes shall be removed and the holder shall be placed or protected so that they cannot make electrical contact with employees or conducting objects. 1926.351(d)(1)
All arc welding and cutting cables shall be completely insulated and be capable of handling the maximum current requirements for the job. There shall be no repairs or splices within 10 feet (3.048 meters) of the electrode holder, except where splices are insulated equal to the insulation of the cable. Defective cable shall be repaired or replaced. 1926.351(b)(1) – (2), & (4)
Fuel gas and oxygen hoses shall be easily distinguishable and shall not be interchangeable. Hoses shall be inspected at the beginning of each shift and shall be repaired or replaced if defective. 1926.350(f)(1) & (3)
General mechanical ventilation, local exhaust ventilation, air-line respirators and other protection shall be provided, as required, when welding, cutting or heating:
• Zinc-, lead-, cadmium-, chromium-, mercury- or materials bearing, based or coated with beryllium in enclosed spaces.
• Stainless steel with inert-gas equipment.
• In confined spaces.
• Where an unusual condition can cause an unsafe accumulation of contaminants.
1926.353(b)(1); (c)(1)(i) – (iv); (c)(2)(i) – (iv); (d)(1)(iv) & (e)(1)
Proper eye protective equipment to prevent exposure of personnel shall be provided. 1926.353(e)(2)
Wire Ropes, Chains and Ropes
Wire ropes, chains, ropes and other rigging equipment shall be inspected prior to use and as necessary during use to ensure their safety. Defective gear shall be removed from service. 1926.251(a)(1)
Job or shop hooks and links or makeshift fasteners formed from bolts, rods or other such attachments shall not be used. 1926.251(b)(3)
When U-bolts are used for eye splices, the Ubolt shall be applied so that the “U” section is in contact with the dead end of the rope. 1926.251(c)(5)(i)
When U-bolt wire rope clips are used to form eyes, the following table shall be used to determine the number and spacing of clips. 1926.251(c)(5)
Woodworking Machinery
All fixed, power-driven woodworking tools shall be provided a disconnect switch that can be either locked or tagged in the off position. 1926.304(a)
All woodworking tools and machinery shall meet applicable requirements of ANSI 01.1- 1961, SafetyCode for Woodworking Machinery. 1926.304(f)
Number and Spacing of U-Bolt Wire Rope Clips
Improved plow steel, Number of clips rope diameter (inches) Drop forged Other material Minimum spacing (inches)
1 / 2 (1.27 cm) 3 4 3 (7.62cm)
5 / 8 (.625 cm) 3 4 3 3 / 4 (8.37 cm)
3 / 4 (.75 cm) 4 5 4 1 / 2 (11.43 cm)
7 / 8 (.875 cm) 4 5 5 1 / 4 (12.95 cm)
1 (2.54 cm) 5 6 6 (15.24 cm)
1 1 / 8 (2.665 cm) 6 6 6 3 / 4 (15.99cm)
1 1 / 4 (2.79 cm) 6 7 7 1 / 2 (19.05cm)
1 3 / 8 (2.915 cm) 7 7 8 1 / 4 (20.57cm)
1 1 / 2 (3.81 cm) 7 8 9 (22.86 cm)
1926.251(c)(5)
OSHA Related Publications
OSHA Related Publications Single free copies of the following publications can be obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA Publications Office, P.O. Box 37535, Washington, DC 20013- 7535, (202) 219- 4667, (202) 219-9266 (fax), or from the nearest OSHA regional or area office listed at the end of this publication. Send a self-addressed mailing label with your request.
• All About OSHA—OSHA 2056
• Chemical Hazard Communication—OSHA 3084
• Concrete and Masonry Construction—OSHA 3106
• Consultation Services for the Employer—OSHA 3047
• Employee Workplace Rights—OSHA 3021
• Employer Responsibility and Course of Action Following an OSHA Inspection—OSHA 3000
• 4,4’Methylendianiline (MDA) in the Construction Industry—OSHA 3137
• Ground Fault Protection on Construction Sites—OSHA 3007
• Lead in Construction—OSHA 3142
• Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens—OSHA 3127
• Occupational Safety and Health Poster—OSHA 2200
The following publications are available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, Washington, DC 20402, (202) 512- 1800, (202) 512-2250 (fax). Include GPO Order No. and make checks payable to Superintendent of Documents.
• Hazard Communication-A Compliance Kit—OSHA 3104 Order No. 029-016-00147-6: $18, (Foreign $22.50).
• Job Hazard Analysis—OSHA 3071 Order No. 029-016-00142-5; $1.00.
• Job Safety & Health Quarterly—Order #JSH; $9.50/year (Foreign $11.90)
• OSHA Handbook for Small Businesses—OSHA 2209 Order No. 029-016-0017-60; $6.50.
• Training Requirements in OSHA Standards and Training Guidelines—OSHA 2254 Order No. 029-016- 00160-3; $6.00.
States with Approved Plans
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 encourages states to develop and operate their own job safety and health plans. States with plans approved under section 18(b) of the Act must adopt standards and enforce requirements that are at least as effective as federal requirements. There are currently 25 state-plan states and territories: 23 covering both private and public (state and local government) employees and two covering public-sector employees only.
Plan states must adopt standards comparable (but not necessarily identical) to federal standards within 6 months of a federal standard’s promulgation.
Until a state standard is promulgated, OSHA will provide interim enforcement assistance, as appropriate, in these states. The following states operate approved plans:
• Commissioner, Alaska Department of Labor, 1111 West 8th St., Room 306, Juneau, AK 99801 (907) 465-2700
• Director, Industrial Commission of Arizona, 800 W. Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007 (602) 542- 5795
• Director, California Department of Industrial Relations, 45 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 972-8835
• Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Labor, 200 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield, CT 06109 (860) 566-5123
• Director, Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, 830 Punchbowl St., Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 586-8844
• Commissioner, Indiana Department of Labor State Office Building, 402 West Washington St., Room W195, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 232- 2378
• Commissioner, Iowa Division of Labor Services, 1000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50319 (515) 281-3447
• Secretary, Kentucky Labor Cabinet, 1047 U.S. Highway, 127 South, Suite 2, Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 564-3070
• Commissioner, Maryland Division of Labor and Industry Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation, 1100 N. Eutaw St., Room 613, Baltimore, MD 21202-2206 (410) 767-2215
• Director, Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services, 4th Floor, Law Building, PO Box 30004, Lansing, MI 48909 (517) 373-7230
• Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, 443 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul, MN
55155 (612) 296-2342
• Administrator, Nevada Division of Industrial Relations, 400 West King St., Carson City, NV 89710 (702) 687-3032
• Secretary, New Mexico Environment Department, 1190 St. Francis Drive, PO Box 26110, Santa Fe, NM 87502 (505) 827-2850
• Commissioner, New York Department of Labor, W. Averell Harriman State Office Building-12, Room 500, Albany, NY 12240 (518) 457-2741
• Commissioner, North Carolina Department of Labor, 319 Chapanoke Rd., Raleigh, NC 27603 (919) 662-4585
• Administrator, Department of Consumer and Business Services Occupational Safety and Health Division (OR–OSHA), 350 Winter St., N.E., Room 430, Salem, OR 97310-0220 (503) 378-3272
• Secretary, Puerto Rico Departmentof Labor and Human Resources, Prudencio Rivera Martinez Building 505 Munoz Rivera Ave., Hato Rey, PR 00918 (809) 754-2119
• Director, South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, Koger Office Park- Kingstree Building 110, Centerview Drive, Columbia, SC 29210 (803) 896-4300
• Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Labor Attention: Robert Taylor, 710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243-0659 (615) 741- 2582
• Commissioner, Industrial Commission of Utah, 160 East 300 South, 3rd Floor, PO Box 146650, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6650 (801) 530-6898
• Commissioner, Vermont Department of Labor and Industry, National Life Building—Drawer 20, 120 State St., Montpelier, VT 05620 (802) 828-2288
• Commissioner, Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, Powers-Taylor Building 13 South 13th St., Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 786-2377
• Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Labor, 2131 Hospital St., Box 890 Christiansted St. Croix, VI 00820-4666 (809) 773-1994
• Director, Washington Department of Labor and Industries, General Administration Building PO Box 44001, Olympia, WA 98504-4001 (360) 902-4200
• Administrator, Workers’ Safety and Compensation Division (WSC) Wyoming Department of Employment, Herschler Building 2nd Floor East 122 West 25th St.,Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307) 777-7786
OSHA Consultation Project Directory
State Telephone
Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (205) 348-7136
Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (907) 269-4957
Arizona. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (602) 542-5795
Arkansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (501) 682-4522
California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (415) 972-8515
Colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (970) 491-6151
Connecticut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (860) 566-4550
Delaware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (302) 761-8219
District of Columbia . . . . . . . . . . (202) 576-6339
Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (904) 488-3044
Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (404) 894-2643
Guam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 011 (671) 475-0136
Hawaii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (808) 586-9100
Idaho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (208) 385-3283
Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (312) 814-2337
Indiana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (317) 232-2688
Iowa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (515) 965-7162
Kansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (913) 296-7476
Kentucky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (502) 564-6895
Louisiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (504) 342-9601
Maine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (207) 624-6460
Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (410) 880-4970
Massachusetts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (617) 727-3982
Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (517) 332-1817 (H)
(517) 322-1809 (S)
Minnesota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (612) 297-2393
Mississippi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (601) 987-3981
Missouri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (573) 751-3403
Montana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (406) 444-6418
Nebraska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (402) 471-4717
Nevada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (702) 486-5016
New Hampshire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (603) 271-2024
New Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (609) 292-2424
New Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (505) 827-4230
New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (518) 457-2481
North Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (919) 662-4644
North Dakota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (701) 328-5188
Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (614) 644-2246
Oklahoma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (405) 528-1500
Oregon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (503) 378-3272
Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (412) 357-2561
Puerto Rico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (787) 754-2188
Rhode Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (401) 277-2438
South Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (803) 896-4300
South Dakota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (605) 688-4101
Tennessee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (615) 741-7036
Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (512) 440-3809
Utah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (801) 530-7606
Vermont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (802) 828-2765
Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (804) 786-6359
Virgin Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (809) 772-1315
Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (360) 902-5638
West Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (304) 558-7890
Wisconsin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (608) 266-8579 (H)
(414) 521-5063 (S)
Wyoming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (307) 777-7786
(H) - Health (S) - Safety
OSHA Area Offices
Area Telephone
Albany, NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (518) 464-4338
Albuquerque, NM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (505) 248-5302
Allentown, PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (610) 776-0592
Anchorage, AK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (907) 271-5152
Appleton, WI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (414) 734-4521
Austin, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (512) 916-5783
Avenel, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (908) 750-3270
Baltimore, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (410) 962-2840
Bangor, ME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (207) 941-8177
Baton Rouge, LA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (504) 389-0474
Bayside, NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (718) 279-9060
Bellevue, WA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (206) 553-7520
Billings, MT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (406) 247-7494
Birmingham, AL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (205) 731-1534
Bismarck, ND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (701) 250-4521
Boise, ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (208) 334-1867
Bowmansville, NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . (716) 684-3891
Braintree, MA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (617) 565-6924
Bridgeport, CT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (203) 579-5581
Calumet City, IL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (708) 891-3800
Carson City, NV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (702) 885-6963
Charleston, WV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (304) 347-5937
Cincinnati, OH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (513) 841-4132
Cleveland, OH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (216) 522-3818
Columbia, SC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (803) 765-5904
Columbus, OH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (614) 469-5582
Concord, NH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (603) 225-1629
Corpus Christi, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . (512) 888-3420
Dallas, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (214) 320-2400
Denver, CO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (303) 844-5285
Des Plaines, IL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (847) 803-4800
Des Moines, IA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (515) 284-4794
Englewood, CO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (303) 843-4500
Erie, PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (814) 833-5758
Fort Lauderdale, FL . . . . . . . . . . . . (954) 424-0242
Fort Worth, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (817) 428-2470
Frankfort, KY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (502) 227-7024
Harrisburg, PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (717) 782-3902
Hartford, CT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (860) 240-3152
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ . . . . . . . . . (201) 288-1700
Guaynabo, PR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (787) 277-1560
Honolulu, HI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (808) 541-2685
Houston, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (281) 286-0583
Houston, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (281) 591-2438
Indianapolis, IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (317) 226-7290
Jackson, MS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (601) 965-4606
Jacksonville, FL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (904) 232-2895
Kansas City, MO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (816) 483-9531
Lansing, MI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (517) 377-1892
Little Rock, AR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (501) 324-6291
Lubbock, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (806) 472-7681
Madison, WI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (608) 264-5388
Marlton, NJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (609) 757-5181
Methuen, MA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (617) 565-8110
Milwaukee, WI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (414) 297-3315
Minneapolis, MN . . . . . . . . . . . . . (612) 348-1994
Mobile, AL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (334) 441-6131
Nashville, TN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (615) 781-5423
New York, NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (212) 466-2482
Norfolk, VA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (804) 441-3820
North Syracuse, NY . . . . . . . . . . . . (315) 451-0808
North Aurora, IL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (630) 896-8700
Oklahoma City, OK . . . . . . . . . . . . (405) 231-5351
Omaha, NE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (402) 221-3182
Parsippany, NJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (201) 263-1003
Peoria, IL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (309) 671-7033
Philadelphia, PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . (215) 597-4955
Phoenix, AZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (602) 640-2007
Pittsburgh, PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (412) 644-2903
Portland, OR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (503) 326-2251
Providence, RI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (401) 528-4669
Raleigh, NC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (919) 856-4770
Salt Lake City, UT . . . . . . . . . . . . . (801) 487-0073
Sacramento, CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (916) 566-7470
San Diego, CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619) 557-2909
Savannah, GA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (912) 652-4393
Smyrna, GA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (770) 984-8700
Springfield, MA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (413) 785-0123
St. Louis, MO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (314) 425-4249
Syracuse, NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (315) 451-0808
Tampa, FL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (813) 626-1177
Tarrytown, NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (914) 524-7510
Toledo, OH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (419) 259-7542
Tucker, GA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (770) 493-6644
Westbury, NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (516) 334-3344
Wichita, KS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (316) 269-6644
Wilkes-Barre, PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . (717) 826-6538
Wilmington, DE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (302) 573-6115
OSHA Regional Offices
• Region I (CT*, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT*)
JFK Federal Building, Room E-340, Boston, MA
02203 Telephone: (617) 565-9860
• Region II (NJ, NY*, PR*, VI*)
201 Varick St., Room 670, New York, NY 10014
Telephone: (212) 337-2378
• Region III (DC, DE, MD*, PA, VA*, WV)
Gateway Building, Suite 2100, 3535 Market St.,
Philadelphia, PA 19104 Telephone: (215) 596-
1201
• Region IV (AL, FL, GA, KY*, MS, NC, SC*, TN*)
Atlanta Federal Center, 61 Forsyth St., S.W.,
Room 6T50, Atlanta, GA 30303 Telephone: (404)
562-2300
• Region V (IL, IN*, MI*, MN*, OH, WI)
230 South Dearborn St.,Room 3244, Chicago, IL
60604 Telephone: (312) 353-2220
• Region VI (AR, LA, NM*, OK, TX)
525 Griffin St., Room 602, Dallas, TX 75202
Telephone: (214) 767-4731
• Region VII (IA*, KS, MO, NE)
City Center Square 1100 Main St., Suite 800,
Kansas City, MO 64105 Telephone: (816) 426-
5861
• Region VIII (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT*, WY*)
1999 Broadway, Suite 1690, Denver, CO 80202-
5716 Telephone: (303) 844-1600
• Region IX (American Samoa, AZ*, CA*, Guam,
HI*, NV*, Trust Territories of the Pacific)
71 Stevenson St., Room 420, San Francisco, CA
94105 Telephone: (415) 975-4310
• Region X (AK*, ID, OR*, WA*)
1111 Third Ave., Suite 715, Seattle, WA 98101-
3212 Telephone: (206) 553-5930
These states and territories operate their own OSHA-approved job
safety and health programs (Connecticut and New York plans
cover public employees only.) States with approved programs
must have a standard that is identical to, or at least as effective
as, the federal standard.
Construction Focused Inspection Guidelines
This guideline is to assist the compliance officer to determine if there is an effective project plan to qualify for a Focused Inspection.
_ Yes _ No PROJECT SAFETY AND HEALTH COORDINATION: Are there procedures in place by the general contractor, prime contractor or other such entity to ensure that all employers provide adequate protection for their employees?
_ Yes _ No Is there a DESIGNATED COMPETENT PERSON responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the project safety and health plan who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards and has authority to take prompt corrective measures?
_ Yes _ No PROJECT SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM/ PLAN* that complies with 1926 Subpart C and addresses, based upon the size and complexity of the project, the following:
_ Project Safety Analysis at initiation and at critical stages that describes the sequence, procedures and responsible individuals for safe construction.
_ Identification of work/activities requiring planning, design, inspection or supervision by an engineer, competent person or other professional.
_ Evaluation monitoring of subcontractors to determine conformance with the Project Plan. (The Project Plan may include or be utilized by subcontractors.)
_ Supervisor and employee training according to the Project Plan including recognition, reporting and avoidance of hazards and applicable standards.
_ Procedures for controlling hazardous operations such as cranes, scaffolding, trenches, confined spaces, hot work, explosives, hazardous materials, leading edges, etc.
_ Documentation of training, permits, hazard reports, inspections, uncorrected hazards, incidents and near misses.
_ Employee involvement in the hazard: analysis, prevention, avoidance, correction and reporting.
_ Project emergency response plan.
*FOR EXAMPLES, SEE OWNER AND CONTRACTOR ASSOCIATION MODEL PROGRAMS,
ANSI A10.33, A10.38, ETC.
The walkaround and interviews confirmed that the Plan has been implemented, including:
_ The four leading hazards are addressed: falls, struck by, caught in-between, electrical.
_ Hazards are identified and corrected with preventative measures instituted in a timely manner.
_ Employees and supervisors are knowledgeable of the project safety and health plan, avoidance of hazards, applicable standards, and their rights and responsibilities.
THE PROJECT QUALIFIED FOR A FOCUSED INSPECTION.
CONSTRUCTION
GLOSSARY
A
Accessible house—A house that can be approached, entered and used by individuals with physical disabilities.
Adaptable house—A house designed and built so that a person with a physical disability will have a certain minimum accessibility to it.
B
Building code—Local regulations that control design, construction and materials used in construction.
Building permit—Permission to build a structure issued by a local building department.
Building specifications—Description of materials and workmanship required in a structure.
C
Closing costs—Expenses (over and above the price of the property) incurred by buyers and sellers in transferring ownership of a property. Also called “settlement costs.”
Concentrated development—A parcel of land divided into blocks, lots or plots for immediate or future use. Also called subdivision.
Crew method—A form of setting up the leadership for the construction of a house (house leader, crew leader, crew member).
D
Drawings—Documents showing in graphic or pictorial form the design, location and dimensions of the project. Also called blueprints.
E
Environmental assessment—An assessment of the site to determine whether there are any hidden environmental hazards such as asbestos or industrial waste.
F
Focus area—Neighborhood or specified area in which to concentrate the building of houses.
G
Government partnership policy—Part of the Affiliate Covenant that addresses use and acceptance of government funds.
Green Team—A network of individuals who educate affiliates in sustainable building practices. A part of HFHI’s Construction and Environmental Resources department, the Green Team stresses energy-efficient housebuilding.
I
In-kind donations—Donations of building materials or labor to the affiliate to help reduce the cost of the house.
Instructional inspection—A type of house inspection involving an affiliate representative, usually the construction supervisor, and the new homeowner. The homeowner is instructed how equipment, appliances and other items work.
L
Liability insurance—Insurance coverage that offers protection against claims alleging that a property owner’s negligence or inappropriate action resulted in bodily injury or property damage to another party.
Lien—A legal claim against a property that must be paid off when the property is sold.
M
Multifamily construction—The construction of a building that will house more than one family.
N
New construction—The building of a house from the foundation up.
NIMBY—“Not In MY Backyard!” A syndrome Habitat for Humanity sometimes encounters when a community’s residents oppose Habitat houses being built nearby. It is often based on misconceptions and stereotypes about low-income housing.
O
Option to buy—An agreement that allows an affiliate to provide consideration to the owner in exchange for the right to buy the property at a future date.
Options list—Discretionary features such as another bathroom, ceiling fans, storm doors, shutters, etc., from which homeowners may choose to include in their new Habitat home. The number of allowable features varies by affiliate.
OSHA—The Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets out standards in its OSHA Construction Industry Digest that must be followed by all affiliates, their subcontractors and volunteers.
P
Partner family—(Specific to Habitat for Humanity) An individual or family from board approval of their application until occupancy and closing on their house, as contrasted with an applicant family or homeowner.
Project budget—A list of materials and related costs for house construction.
Project schedule—A timeline of events for house construction.
Punch list—An itemization of unfinished items in a completed construction project.
R
Rehabilitation—The renovation of an existing building that has previously been uninhabitable.
ReStore—Habitat stores that trade in used, discarded, salvaged and refurbished building materials.
Right of first refusal—An agreement that allows an affiliate to buy a piece of property by matching any legitimate offers made on the property during a given time period.
S
Scattered development— The construction of new houses on empty lots in an existing neighborhood. Also known as in-fill.
Single-family construction—Construction of buildings that will house one family per structure.
Site log—A daily diary of significant events during the project. Usually compiled by the site supervisor, it informs leaders of on-site issues, activities and numbers of volunteers.
Survey—A drawing or map showing the precise legal boundaries of a property and the location of improvements, easements, rights of way, encroachments and other physical features.
Sweat equity—(Specific to Habitat for Humanity) The unpaid labor invested by homeowner partners in the Habitat for Humanity ministry. These hours are a requirement of Habitat homeownership. Sweat equity reduces the monetary cost of the house and increases the personal stake of family members in their home. Sweat equity fosters partnership with Habitat volunteers and staff. Sweat equity is a key principle of Habitat and is important in building partnerships across economic, racial and national divisions. The number of sweat-equity hours required of homeowners varies from affiliate to affiliate, but is usually between 150 to 250 hours per adult family member.
T
Take-off list—A list of materials and the quantities needed to build a house according to plans and specifications. Also known as materials list.
Title—A legal document evidencing a person’s right to or ownership of a property.
Title search—An examination of the public records to ensure that the seller is the legal owner of the property and that there are no liens or other claims outstanding.
V
Visitable house—A house that includes design features that make it possible for persons with mobility limitations at least to enter (visit) the home and utilize the bathroom.
W
Work rules—Regulations developed by affiliates to ensure safety among volunteers and others at construction sites.
Habitat for Humanity International
121 Habitat St., Americus, GA 31709-3498 USA
phone: (229) 924-6935 fax: (229) 924-6541
e-mail: Const&Env@ fax: (229) 924-0577
World Wide Web:
Affiliate Operations Manual: Construction
Copyright © 1999 Habitat for Humanity International.
1525/2.5C/PM-AR/2-02
Habitat for Humanity International
121 Habitat St., Americus, GA 31709-3498 USA
phone: (229) 924-6935 fax: (229) 924-6541
e-mail: Const&Env@ fax: (229) 924-0577
World Wide Web:
Affiliate Operations Manual: Construction
Copyright © 1999 Habitat for Humanity International.
1525/2.5C/PM-AR/2-02
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