home » construction » habitat construction/safety documents»
Safety Guidelines
The job site is a crowded place with activity everywhere. In this environment, please be aware of safety at all times. You are responsible for your own safety as well as the safety of others. If you see something unsafe, please mitigate the problem or notify your House Lead. No one younger than 16 years of age is permitted on a jobsite, as specified in Arizona State Labor Laws.
- Dress with safety in mind - Clothes should fit comfortably, but should not be baggy. Long sleeves should be buttoned. Pull back long hair. Do not wear jewelry. Work boots or hiking boots are best, but thick soled athletic shoes are acceptable. No open shoes/sandals allowed. Hard hats are required when overhead work is being done. Wear eye protection when operating power tools.
- Before working, survey the area - Look on the ground and overhead for obstacles. Be especially careful when carrying long objects; know where the ends are going. Watch for holes and slippery conditions.
- Tools - Always follow specific directions from your Crew Chief or Team Leaders regarding the use of tools. Don't pull knives toward you or anyone else. Use gloves when instructed. We provide tools for our volunteers, but if you choose to bring your own, please mark them with your name and keep them with you throughout the day.
- Power tools - Before operating any power equipment, always seek instruction from the Crew Chief or Team Leader. Inspect the cords, outlets and blades before using. Do not disable any safety features. Unplug prior to adjusting. Keep fingers away from moving parts. Ensure that power cord is out of cutting area. No one under 18 may use power tools.
- Roof and ladders - Exercise caution when using ladders. Use a partner to steady a ladder. Place it on a stable surface and take the time to move the ladder rather than leaning out too far. When working on the roof, move slowly and carefully. Never lay anything down on a pitched roof. Be careful with tools and other objects so that they do not fall off and injure someone. Falling objects are a major cause of injury on the construction site. Be aware of people working above and below you. No volunteer (or family member) under 18 may be on a roof.
- Maintain good housekeeping - A clean worksite is essential to your safety. You are responsible for disposal of personal refuse, including water bottles, lunch remains, etc. Please place trash in large dumpsters. Remove nails from scrap lumber. All jobsites need to be left clean at the end of the day.
- Lifting and carrying - When lifting, stand close to the load, bend your knees, grasp firmly, and then lift by straightening your legs. Keep your back straight and your body vertical. Get help with heavy or long loads.
- Flexibility is important - Remember that we run on volunteer power. Our houses are at various stages of construction. You may be assigned to a task that you were not expecting. If you are ever uncomfortable performing a task, let your crew leaders know immediately.
- Volunteers must sign a waiver before participating in construction. Volunteers should carry medical identification and emergency contact information on the jobsite. Volunteers must provide an emergency contact number at the beginning of each volunteer day.
Construction Rules
- All new volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation prior to volunteering.
- Volunteers must have a current signed waiver on file before volunteering on site.
- It is not legal for anyone under age 16 to be present on the construction site. This is an Arizona State Law. Younger volunteers are encouraged to volunteer in hospitality or other non-construction areas.
- Youths 16-17 years old are not allowed on a roof or to operate power tools.
Lunch / Refreshments
Unless you have been told by your group leader that lunch will be provided, you should plan to provide your own lunch. Water will be provided on site.
Donate Now
Make an on-line donation in support of Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona
Photo Gallery
Check out the progress of our latest homes and events
View Gallery »