General Safety at Habitat Work Sites:

Habitat volunteers recognize that quality and safety are primary on a job site and that there is no speed contest for your specific task. You are expected to be alert, use common sense and watch especially for three things:

    1. Watch all pathways, fill in trip holes in rough terrain, remove any obstructions to free movement
    2. Watch for ladders askew or not properly positioned
    3. Watch for nails sticking out of dimension lumber; bend or remove them

Crew leaders are expected to anticipate any potential dangers and take appropriate measures. Crew leaders should over these basic points with your work crew:

    1. Are you using circular saws, chopsaws, and sawzalls? Refer to Saw Safety below but at least summarize these rules:
      • wear safety goggles
      • if you’re unsure or uncomfortable with a tool, ask for help, instruction, or a demonstration
      • watch the power cord; get a helper/catcher
      • never talk to or touch a saw operator while saw is on
    2. Know the location of your work site, such as street name and address, incase you have to call 911. All Habitat supervisors have cell phones, if you need to contact them.
    3. Protruding nails from small blocks or wall braces occur frequently. Stop and pull them out.
    4. Ladder Safety:
      • A-type ladders ought to be fully extended on deck or, if placed against wall, secure footing so it will not tip or slide.
      • Extension ladders must be set at a safe angle. The base of the ladder should be set away from the house ¼ of the height of the ladder. To make sure of this, you can stand with your toes touching the ladder feet and extend your hands to reach a rung. If you can do this without leaning, then you have the proper angle-not too flat nor too steep.
      • If terrain is uneven, don’t use small blocks to make ladder base even. Use your hammer claw to dig out the high side. Test the ladder by climbing three rungs.
      • Never leave anything on a ladder. If it gets shifted, whatever tool is on the ladder will fall…maybe on you!
      • It is always best not to climb a ladder with a tool in your hands; put it in your nail apron and use two hands to climb
    5. If you feel uncomfortable climbing a ladder or being on a roof, it’s okay. No one should force you to do roof work.
    6. Hard hats must be worn by anyone working where there is overhead activity.
    7. If you’re carrying something heavy, get help. Lift with you legs, not your back.
    8. Special weather conditions:
      • -If it’s super hot outside, take frequent breaks with water. Stop heat exhaustion before it happens.
      • -If it rains more than a sprinkle, stop working and resume when rain stops