J
ob sites become messy and trashy
fairly quickly, especially when inside work begins in earnest or site
conditions are muddy.
Critical needs include:
1. Keep floors clean.
2. Keep trash removed or at least in barrels.
3. Keep stairways and exits clear.
4. Keep storage towards the middle of rooms.
Clean floors reduce the risk of tripping, slipping or falling. Dangerous sharp
objects may be among the trash on the floor. Cuts, scrapes and puncture wounds
increase on sloppy sites. Trashy work sites are a greater fire hazard too; a
carelessly discarded cigarette or hot tool in a trash pile can ignite the
jobsite.
Smoking should be banned completely on some sites, and tightly controlled on
others with a designated area, plenty of butt pails, and a maintenance schedule
to keep it clean.
Plenty of trash barrels scattered throughout the site makes disposal
convenient. Designated recycling barrels for plastic, glass, wood scraps (which
can be used on site) and metals and copper helps achieve LEEDs points, if
desired, and a lunch fund for special events like building completion.
The object of these barrels or any other "straightening up" idea is
to keep as little trip hazard on the floors as possible without adding to the
cost of labor on site for specialty maintenance workers.
Life and safety rules which become compromised on sites frequently involve
doors and fire escape routes. Vitally important to keep hallways clear of
debris and stairwells and doors fully operational. Create a zero tolerance
policy for leaving anything in a hallway, stairwell, or blocking a door, for
any length of time.
Closely associated with hallways and stairwells is the need to store materials
in the middle of floors. Work is generally performed on the perimeters of the
rooms. A clear path around the room must be maintained for workers to access an
exit without climbing over supplies.
Take a few moments during the design phase to regulate debris and housekeeping
on the site. Be sure all contractors understand the importance of cleanliness
and orderliness. Safety and efficiency improve with proper housekeeping.