11
©Alcor 2011 All rights reserved
Many solvents evaporate quickly at roof temperatures. Explosive mixtures of vapours can be readily formed within confined
spaces like high parapet walls, in atriums or in any space where little or no ventilation exists. And any kind of spark or flame
can ignite the vapours.
Electrocution
Low voltage electricity can cause shock, muscle contractions, breathing difficulty, irregular heartbeat, severe burns and death.
The route that the current takes through the body affects the degree of injury. Current flowing from one finger to another
would not pass vital organ, while from one hand to another would pass through the heart and lungs.
Electrical tools should be properly grounded. The electrical cord should end in a three-prong grounding contact, or the wires
should be enclosed in a metal case with a special grounding attachment.
Employers are required to provide ground fault circuit interrupters for all outlets on construction sites that are not part of the
permanent wiring of the building. This is actually a fast-acting circuit breaker, which can shut off electricity in a fraction of a
second.
Aluminum or other metal ladders pose a serious electrical hazard around electrical equipment and energized lines.
Falling Objects
Tools, bricks, materials, buckets, boxes, pallets or almost anything dropped from a sufficient height can cause severe damage.
Head injuries, one of the highest compensated injuries to workers, often include brain damage.
Workers need protective head gear when working beneath people, tools and equipment.
Flying Objects
Objects can be projected by machines, from welding or grinding operations and can be windblown. Tear-off operations,
where power cutters, power brooms and power spudders are generally used, are the major source of flying substances.
The part of the body most often injured is the eyes.
Unguarded Machinery
Exposed blades and chains on powered machinery like hoists and roof cutters can severely lacerate and crush parts of the
body. Guards should always be fitted over moving parts to protect workers.
