Safety Study
Safety Study
Safety Study,
Safety Plan & Risk Assessment
CONTENTS
The scope of this Method Statement is to provide safe scaffolds and platforms for subscribers use in mill
site.
This Method Statement is coherently integrated with the Technical Project, preventive measures and
technical protections necessary for the control of risks and correct execution of the works in site, in the
proper safety and health conditions. Likewise, the Safety Plan integrated in this document describes the
general safety instructions of the work processes, providing rules and basic procedures necessary to
eliminate or minimize potential dangers, causes of injuries, damages and losses.
It includes main procedures to ensure safety and quality of works.
The Scope of work is to execute scaffolding works for TAURUS project in UPM Mill site in Uruguay. It
includes the following main items:
Scaffolding:
Scaffolding material
Installation work
Scaffolds, which fulfil all the quality and safety requirements
Dismantling
All needed transportations
All needed liftings
Work planning
Planning and calculation
Supervising
Acceptance inspection for built scaffolds before the use
Quantity survey and documentation
Invoicing the users
Weekly inspections for scaffolds
Compliance with the measures established in this document is mandatory for all persons who enter the
work area, including owners, operators of the main contractor, operators of any eventual sub-contract
and special guests.
2. MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE
In Gulf Square we focus, and we work for the following Safety principles when we continuously improve
in HSE matters:
• All incidents can be prevented.
• We want to guarantee a safe working place to everybody.
• Zero incidents is possible
GS shall coordinate the scaffolding services in such a high level together with UPM that no delay will
appear for subscribers. GS shall be proactive and carry out active cooperation on the site.
Management
Establish high standards
o focus on sustainable improvements to safety processes and monitor progress
o support ideas to improve safety performance and actively promote them
o make sure that appropriate training and safety resources are available
Promote open communication
o Visit workplaces and personally speak to employees and contractors about their concerns
and performance regarding Safety.
Tackle risks
o ensure that incidents are properly investigated, the conclusions are communicated, and
the relevant measures are taken
Be an active participant
o keep safety messages simple and direct, and explain its advantages
o Constantly recognize good safety behavior and challenge unacceptable behaviors.
Supervisors
Guarantee compliance
o visit the work areas to guarantee compliance with working standards
o help the team to solve the problems that production poses to Safety, guaranteeing that
Safety is never compromised
Motivate your team
o know your team members’ limitations and strengths
o recognize good performance in terms of Safety and will act diligently when faced to any
non- compliance in this matter
Promote risk awareness
o re-evaluate the risks and dangers when changes to working conditions occur
o stop work when you see unnecessary risks taken
Involve the team
o support, train and involve the team in implementing improvements to safety aspects
3. COMPETENCE AND INDUCTION
COMPETENCE
All employees should be competent for the type of scaffolding work they are undertaking and should
have received appropriate training relevant to the type and complexity of scaffolding they are working
on.
Appropriate levels of supervision is provided taking into account the complexity of the work and the
levels of training and competence of the scaffolders involved.
Competence of scaffolders is classified into four categories
Foreman
Advanced Scaffolder
Competent Scaffolder
Trainee Scaffolder / Helper
GS maintains “Scaffolding competence list” where every scaffolder’s competence and authorizations
are evaluated and updated
As a minimum requirement, every scaffold group should contain a competent scaffolder who has
received training for the type and complexity of the scaffold to be assembled, modified or dismantled.
Trainee scaffolders should always work under the direct supervision of a trained and competent
scaffolder. Scaffolders are classed as ‘trainees’ until their competence have been evaluated and
approved by Supervisor.
Assembling, modification and dismantling of all scaffolding structures (basic or complex) should be
done under the direct supervision of a competent person. For complex structures this would be an
Advanced
Scaffolder or Foreman who has received training in a specific type of system scaffold for the
complexity of the configuration involved.
Scaffolders should be up to date with the latest changes to safety guidance and working practices
within the scaffolding industry.
INDUCTION
All personnel working for GS project will be inducted. Induction is executed both face to face induction
and on-line induction. Induction material is available on-line at GS homepage.
UPM has as a requirement of entry to work on the project of the new Pulp Mill Plant and its
associated works, the participation of all staff in an induction course in the most relevant aspects in
terms of safety.
In order to complete the course staff must be previously registered in the OVAL system to reserve time
for induction
3.2.1 General Site Safety Induction
General site safety inductions and info sessions organized by the UPM are mandatory for all the
Contractor’s and sub-contractor’s personnel accessing the site. General induction for visitors and
orientation program for workers include, among others:
site security practices
smoking, alcohol and drugs rules
information on workplace hazards and safe procedures for control OHS hazards
requirements for PPE
working at height and liftings
electric works
hot work and fire prevention
hazardous chemicals
emergency and evacuation procedures
location of first aid facilities
housekeeping
environmental practices
reporting practices
3.2.2 Health and safety training on site
In addition to the general safety trainings according to the specific needs of the work additional
mandatory trainings will be organized for Contractors. Trainings for each specific topic are agreed
and coordinated between UPM and the Contractor.
Additional safety trainings are among others:
mobile and elevating equipment
confined spaces
crane operation
lock out / tag out
accident prevention and safety promotion
accident and emergency response
safety practices
Equipment and machinery.
The Client organizes a safety induction as prerequisite safety training. For all working at site.
Participation in the induction is a requirement for working in the project. The site management is
responsible for own and subcontractors’ staff to follow agreed arrangements.
GS Induction
Induction includes
Clients inductions (check above General site safety induction and Health & safety training)
o For all personnel
Scaffolders induction
o Uruguay Etiquette
o GS Code of Conduct
o Scaffolding practices
Supervisors induction
o All above
o Scaffolding measurement
o Purchase order practices
4 RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1 The responsibilities of the site management and supervisors
Someone responsible for the HSE matters has to be appointed for the work site and usually the
person is the installations or site’s supervisor. His/her tasks include:
Responsibility of the safety, health, well-being and environmental matters in the site
operations of the work in question.
Ensuring that all staff is familiar with the site's HSE instructions and regulations and follow
them.
Ensuring that all employees has been inducted and trained for the tasks expected from
them.
Ensuring that sufficient amounts of the right kind of safety PPE and equipment have been
Reserved for the staff and that the staff can use them.
Ensuring that the staff knows how to act in cases of fire and emergencies.
4.2 The every-day responsibilities of the supervisor
Some of acts which supervisor is responsible in daily basis:
Work supervision
Responsible for safe working conditions in the fields under his/her authority.
Responsible for the purchase and maintenance of safe tools.
Ensures that the tools and materials are used in accordance with the instructions.
Gives instructions and is present at special work.
Reports immediately after an accident or a near-miss event.
Discusses with the staff about safety, health, well-being and environmental matters.
4.3 Responsibilities of employee
It is the responsibility of every employee to think, behave and operate safely and take care of the
safety of the colleagues.
Every employee must follow the safety instructions and use the required personal protective
equipment. Some of employee’s responsibilities:
Using the correct tools, materials, and methods for the work concerned.
Taking care of the condition and safety of the tools and equipment.
Reporting to the supervisor the shortcomings observed on the site and in the condition of
the tools.
Avoiding risky operations.
Taking care of the tidiness and order of the work environment.
Taking care that he/she has the required training and has sufficient skills to undertake the
work given.
Participation in HSE training and events.
Participation in risk assessment as required.
Reporting all the HSE accidents and near-miss events to his/her supervisor.
5 SCAFFOLDING DESIGN
Scaffoldings are assembled, modified and dismantled according to the manual. If work is not done
according to manual, separate plans are drawn up. For main equipment drawings and calculations are
done even though scaffolding is done according to the manual.
5.1 WIDTH OF SCAFFOLDING
One of the critical features of scaffolding safety is the width of the scaffolding. When
purchasing the scaffolding subscriber evaluates works to be done on scaffolding.
Width of scaffolding is determined by the most demanding work to be done on the scaffolding A
clear passageway at least 500mm wide, should be between Persons to pass each other. 500mm
passageway should be also possible between equipment or temporary stored materials on the
platform.
Platforms should be kept free from construction
materials and waste to avoid causing an
obstruction or a trip hazard. (EN 12811-1)
Width classes and head room of working areas
B. width of passage clearance, 500 mm is the minimum
requirement, and (c – 250 mm)
C. width of clearance between standards
h1a, h1b width of clearance between working areas and
transoms or tie members
H2 clear shoulder height
H3 clear height between working areas
Clear width in the head area; 300 mm is the minimum
requirement, and (c – 450 mm)
Width of working areas
5.2 WIDTH CLASSES
Width class W06
Width of scaffolding 0,73m
Only persons on scaffolding. Not much traffic
on scaffolding. No need for storage, machines
or equipment.
Typical work: visual inspections, hand work with hand tools for
example painting, light grinding with sandpaper etc.
Width class W09
Width of scaffolding 1,09m
Personnel working with equipment.
Typical work: grinding (angle grinder), welding
equipment, works including cables and hoists
Width class W12
Width of scaffolding 1,40m
Working with larger equipment, temporary storage possibly needed
Typical work: welding, insulation works, piping works, heat exchanger works and similar
Typical work to be done at TAURUS project:
Welding
Grinding
Painting
Lifting
Electrical works
Piping
Insulation works
Inspection works
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6. SCAFFOLD MATERIAL
Scaffolding parts are visually inspected before assembling. All parts should be free from visual damage.
Similar parts should be identical: even minor bending could be hazardous.
Do not throw scaffolding parts! Maximum dropping height to stack is 0,5m.
Damaged scaffold components shall not be used. They must be immediately replaced by flawless material
and damaged part is returned to storage for inspection.
7. SCAFFOLDING EQUIPMENT
HAMMER
Use 500 g hammer to get tight wedges
LEVEL
Scaffolding is constructed on a level surface to ensure safety, high quality, and best performance. Use
a quality level to check whether scaffold has been placed on a level surface. Spirit levels are
traditionally used, but electronic levels are now becoming also more common.
LIFTING EQUIPMENT
The machine may only be operated by persons who can
guarantee to handle it appropriately based on their training
knowledge and practical experience.
These persons must
a. Be authorized by the company to operate
the machine
b. Be correspondingly instructed and informed
about the risks
c. Be inducted to the assembly and operating manual
8. LOGISTICS AT SITE
MOVING MATERIALS
At site a large volume of scaffolding material is moved. Detailed planning of the delivery sequence for
all scaffolding components and assemblies is very important and done accurately and precisely.
a. Use designated and safest routes only
b. Keep emergency routes clear
Most of deliveries at site are done with trucks without a crane. Most of loading and unloading is done
manually. For moving scaffold stacks for example forklift and telescopic handlers are used.
Vehicles and machines must be:
i. Inspected and in condition required by authorities
ii. Serviced
iii. Safe to use
All personnel using vehicles receive thorough and up to date training. Only fully qualified and
authorized person can use vehicles. Authorization is documented.
Some vehicle types to be used for material transport at site:
c. Boom Truck
d. Trailers
Check also “Risk assessment” part 1.3
LIFTING MATERIALS
8.2.1 MANUAL LIFTING
Before beginning any handling procedure (lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or carrying) of
heavy or large objects, assess the situation:
Check the overall size and shape of the load.
Check the weight of the load. If too heavy, use a lifting device such as a forklift.
Lifting heavy objects incorrectly can put unnecessary strain on the back. Two common
errors when lifting are:
Using the wrong muscles, i.e. back muscles instead of leg and buttock muscles
Holding the object too far away from the body – the closer the object, the less the pressure
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on the body.
When manually lifting an object, carry out the following procedure:
Assess the load.
Stand close to the load, centered over it and with feet set shoulder width apart for
balance.
Bend your hips and knees but keep your back straight.
Firmly grip the object with both hands at opposite corners to keep the load balanced.
Keep the load close to your body.
Raise your head to look ahead.
Straighten your legs and make sure your back also remains straight.
Do not lift:
with a rounded back
while bent from the waist
with feet close together
with a tense or arched neck
if the load is too heavy for you
With an unbalanced load.
8.2.2 MECHANICAL LIFTING
Minimize the possibility of back strain, damaged fingers, or other injuries by using
mechanical lifting equipment such as a pulley wheel or an electrically powered hoist.
Move heavy objects with a forklift, crane, or other mechanical lifting equipment.
Mechanical lifting equipment must only be used by fully qualified and authorized
person. Authorization is documented with “Lifting equipment and forklift license”
Do not work underneath a load!
Mechanically lifting a load
before lifting a load:
warn anyone nearby to keep clear
check that all slings, ropes and chains are in shape and securely attached to the
load and the hook
slowly and gently start to raise the load
raise steadily until the load is just off the ground
check that the load is stable and has not accidentally become loose
Ensure everyone is standing well clear before continuing the lift.
Mechanically lowering a load before lowering a load:
check that the ground is clear of obstacles
use suitable supports to load the load onto and place supports on the
ground where the load is to be lowered down to
supports makes sling removal easier
lower the load gently onto the supports
guide the load manually if necessary
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
e. Planned Size L x W x H (m x m x m)
O Length, width and height of scaffolding
f. Scaffold load
o normally Light (150 kg/m2) if other load class, then what (kg/m2)
o Possible special loads, what?
SCAFFOLD TYPE
Relevant manual, drawings and documentation to clarify needed scaffolding
g. Multi according instructions
O Normal situation when scaffolding assembled according to manual
h. According to drawing n: o
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O If design, drawing and /or calculations are done, then information here
i. Weather protection cover needed, if yes -> mark
j. Is scaffolding outside or inside
PLANNED WORKS ON SCAFFOLD
k. To ensure safety of scaffolding GS must know works to be done
l. When ordering a scaffolding the work to be done is reviewed and its risks and
requirements for the scaffolding are assessed
m. Depending on type of work, equipment in use, storage needed etc. scaffolding can be
planned to fulfil safety and quality demands for every work to be done
n. Pay special attention to:
o Lifting: how is material lifted to scaffolding and further to the target
o Hoses: routes for hoses, cables
o Hot Work: Hot work protection
o Storage needed for material, tools, equipment
INFORMATION
o. Additional information can be given
SIGNATURES
p. Both ordered and GS representative signs document.
q. Ordered can sign document also by sending approval e-mail or message to GS
representative
r. Only authorized person can sign
9. RESPONSE AND EXECUTION TIMES
Response time is time limit for preparing the assembly/modification/dismantling work after
receiving the order.
Execution time is time limit for assembly/modification/dismantling work.
Small modifications and modifications work must be ordered during previous working day at
4:00PM.
Working days means days from Monday to Saturday.
Shift work must be used case by case to perform the scaffolding work in execution times
described above with no price effect.
Definitions of modifications
Small modification = no additional scaffolding parts needed, only modification of existing
scaffolding.
Modification = new scaffolding material must be added to existing scaffolding.
Response maximum times for different scaffolding orders are listed below:
• Acceptance inspection notifications Immediately
• Small modification: 2 hours
• Modification: 4 hours
• Less than 50 m³: 1 working day
• Less than 150 m³: 2 working days
• Less than 500 m³: 4 working days
• Less than 1000 m³: 5 working days
• Over 1000 m³: To be agreed each time
Execution maximum times for different scaffold services are listed below:
• Small modification: 4 hours
• Modification: 1 day+, depends on modification size
• Less than 50 m³: 2 working days
• Less than 150 m³: 3 working days
• Less than 500 m³: 5 working days
• Less than 1000 m³: 7 working days
• Over 1000 m³: To be agreed each time
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10. RISK ASSESSMENT
This method statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached risk assessment that will be
regularly reviewed. Risks will be assessed for each task, site and project according to the method
specified for GS.
10.1 GS Risk Assessment principals
i. All ACTIVITIES and works to be done are divided into appropriately sized phases.
ii. The HAZARDS associated with the work are identified
iii. PERSONNEL EXPOSED to hazards are evaluated
iv. RISK ASSESSMENT with NO CONTROLS is done by evaluating probability and severity
v. Result is RISK CATEGORY
10.2 Risk Category leads to Conclusions.
After conclusions corrective measures (CONTROLS) will be decided
b.CONTROLS are decided to eliminate or minimize the risks
c. RISK ASSESSMENT with CONTROLS is done.
d.After controlled measures Risk Category must be D or lower.
10.3 Risk controls hierarchy principle
The most effective method is elimination for example physically remove the
hazard. PPE is the least effective but still necessary method
11. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
The following PPE’s are mandatory at the site all the time for scaffolding works:
helmet (EN 397)
eye protection (EN 166)
foot protection (safety class S3)
High visibility work clothing (ISO
20471 Class 2).
work clothes must be long-sleeved
Fall protection (full harness with 2
lanyards, etc.)
Control the risk of a fall into the internal gap. The gap between the inner edge of the of the
platform and the face of the building or structure is max 250 mm (Eurocode)
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ix. edge protection (rails, PPE)
x. Extra scaffold planks/platform to minimize the size of the internal gap.
After enough components of the scaffold have been erected to support it, immediately install:
Platforms
Guard rails
Using more ties if:
Increased wind loadings
it is used as a loading platform for materials or equipment
Lifting equipment is attached.
Scaffold working platforms should:
Have a slip-resistant surface
Be secure so it cannot be kicked off or uplift or displaced during normal use
Be positioned so no single gap between platforms exceeds 30 mm
As long as the scaffolds are not ready for use, especially during their assembly, disassembly, or their
transformation, signs will be used to warn of their disabling. The sign will be a white card and on a red
background it will have inscribed the legend DO NOT USE SCAFFOLD - DO NOT USE SCAFFOLD (figure 1
- Red Tag - DO NOT USE SCAFFOLD - DO NOT USE SCAFFOLD).
DISABLED SCAFFOLD
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Likewise, when the scaffolds are on conditions, it will be signaled proving their authorization, placing a
green card with the data of their scaffolds authorization (figure 2- Green tag - SCAFFOLD COMPLETED -
SCAFFOLD ENABLED).
Enabled scaffold
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13. SURROUNDINGS - SAFETY SIGNS AND BARRIERS
When scaffolding operations are in progress the surrounding must
be protected. Steps to ensure this will include:
a. No simultaneous work when scaffolding work in progress
b. Temporary routes for traffic (pedestrians and vehicles)
possible traffic closure during operations are carried out
c. Using of barriers and signs
d. Handling and storing scaffold parts safely
e. Not lifting or lowering materials over any people.
14. INSPECTION AND HANDOVER PROCEDURE
14.1 INSPECTION
GS representative shall do the acceptance inspection for scaffold immediately after installing
together with the SUBSCRIBER’s representative.
Only authorized Subscriber’s persons can make inspections (List of authorized persons)
Acceptance inspection shall be documented by filling and signing the acceptance inspection certificate
and Green Tag.
GS representative inspection focuses on construction and safety of the scaffolding:
a. Foundation
b. Vertical supports
c. Horizontal supports
d. Diagonal braces (end and horizontal if needed)
e. Platforms: no gaps, does not move unintentionally
f. Safety rails: no gaps, Rail = handrail, middle rail and toe board
g. Stairs and ladders: do not move unintentionally
h. Anchoring
i. Signs and markings
Subscriber’s representatives shall accept the scaffold for its use by signing the Green Tag and
inspection certificate. The representative shall ensure that scaffolding is suitable for their work and
work can be carried out safely.
15. DOCUMENTATION
Scaffolding inspection certificate
a. Inspection and acceptance document for scaffold in file
Green Tag for scaffold
b. To verify that the scaffolding fulfils safety requirements and ordered quantity and design
c. Attached to the entrance of scaffold
The rent time will start when Scaffold inspection certificate is filled and signed by SUBSCRIBER and
SCAFFOLDING CONTRACTOR. Green Tag is filled and signed to verify that scaffold is ready for use.
16. USING SCAFFOLDING PROCEDURE
All personnel using scaffolding will attend a site induction. When ordering a scaffolding the work to be
done is reviewed and its risks and requirements for the scaffolding are assessed.
Users of the scaffold.
a. Are directly responsible for ensuring the structure is used only for its intended purpose and
within its specified loading limits.
b. Users must ensure not to move or dismantle any ties, guardrails, platform boards or other
scaffolding parts.
c. must check the scaffolding visually before use
d. must check before use that scaffolding is suitable for their work
Any modifications to the scaffold must be carried out only by trained scaffolders.
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17. DISMANTLE PROCEDURE
Dismantling is high risk work and statistically the most dangerous phase of scaffolding work.
Before dismantling
a. Turn Green Tag to STOP. Clear the area around the scaffolding site. Use flag line or similar.
b. The scaffold structure should be examined from the base to the top for any visible hazards, loose items on the working platforms, or hung
items on the piping
c. Clear a space where the scaffolding parts can be set down and stacked in an organized and safe manner.
d. Clear path to carry parts to a vehicle to transport the parts to storage.
e. Check you have all necessary PPE. Falling protection, hard hat, and safety glasses against falling trash is especially needed.
Dismantling
f. Dismantling proceeds in the reverse order of erection, beginning at the top.
Dismantle whole floor before proceeding lower. The scaffold will then be dismantled methodically
Ties and braces will not be removed from below before upper floors
Parts can be passed down from person-to-person or lowered to the ground using a rope system or hoist.
Never throw down any material. All parts will be lifted or passed by hand to ground level.
Immediately remove components that have been loosened.
Parts should not be stacked or left on the structure temporarily but brought to the ground straight away.
The scaffolding components should be inspected when they have been dismantled. Possibly damaged parts are set away from parts that
are fit for use.
Ensure that the structure remains stable and that it does not become overloaded with dismantled materials at any time.
In general, scaffolds will be dismantled in reverse order to the erection procedure.
After dismantling
On completion all materials will be cleared from the work area and stored in an agreed position or removed from site.
A final visual check will be made
18. INCIDENT REPORT
We want everyone to report incidents, positive safety observations and near-misses to serve as learning material for the future.
GS has a process of collecting safety data from our organization to recognize the root causes of incidents and learn how to prevent them in the
future.
We systematically analyse and identify lessons learned and best practices from incidents, near misses and audit findings. Investigation of safety
incidents and near misses identify any potential underlying causes and define corrective actions and effective control measures to prevent a
similar incident from recurring.
Type of Incidents
a. Near miss
b. Accident
c. Safety Observation
d. Environment incident
e. Quality incident
19. MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE
Management will monitor and enforce this method statement by periodic auditions and visits to site, throughout the whole duration of the job.
Frequency of such visits determined by the requirements of the client and/or by the complexity and the level of assessed risks.
This document will be updated and modified to reflect possible changes in the working procedures, risks, or other relevant changes in work.
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The most effective method is elimination for example physically remove the hazard.
PPE is the least effective but still necessary method