Chapter 2: Storage, Stacking and Handling Practices

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2.1 GENERAL PRACTICES

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2.1.1 General

Materials required in construction operations shall be stored, stacked and handled in a manner to prevent deterioration or intrusion of foreign matter, and to ensure the preservation of their quality for the work. Materials shall be stored and placed so as not to endanger the public, the workers or the adjoining property. Materials shall be stacked on well drained, flat and unyielding surface. Material stacks shall not impose any undue stresses on walls or other structures. Materials shall be separated according to kind, size and length and placed in neat, orderly piles. High piles shall be staggered back at suitable intervals in height. Piles of materials shall be arranged so as to allow a minimum 800 mm wide passageway in between for inspection and removal. All passageways shall be kept clear of dry vegetation, greasy substance and debris. Materials or equipment stored on the street, footpath and other public places with permission from the proper authority and conforming to Sec 1.5.3, shall not interfere with vehicular traffic or pedestrians on the highway or street. The piles shall be arranged to leave a safe walkway unobstructed for its full length, and adequately lighted at night and at all other necessary times. Material and equipment shall not be located within 7.5 m of a street intersection. These shall neither be so placed as to obstruct normal observation of traffic signals nor to hinder the use of public transit loading platforms.

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2.1.2 Protection against Fire

Timber, coal, paints and similar combustible materials shall be separated from each other. A minimum of two dry chemical powder (DCP) fire extinguishers shall be provided at both open and covered locations where combustible materials are stored. Flammable liquids like petrol, thinner etc., shall be stored in conformity with relevant regulations. Explosives like detonators, gun powder etc. shall be stored in conformity with Sec 2.2.17, Sec 3.10.2 and other fire protection provisions set forth in this Code.

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2.1.3 Housekeeping

Stairways, walkways, scaffolds, gangways and access ways shall be kept free of building material, tools, accumulated rubbish and obstructions.

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2.2 STORAGE, STACKING AND HANDLING OF MATERIALS

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2.2.1 Cement

Cement shall be stored at the work site in a building or a shed which is dry, leak proof and moisture proof. The building or shed shall have minimum number of windows and close fitting doors which shall be kept closed at all times except during loading and unloading. Cement received in bags shall be prevented from coming into contact with any dampness or moisture. Cement bags shall be stacked on wooden planks maintaining a minimum clearance of 200 mm from the floor. A minimum clear space of 450 mm shall be provided between the stacks and any external wall. Maximum height of the stack shall be 15 bags and the width not more than four bags or 3m. In stacks more than 8 bags high, the bags shall be arranged alternate length and crosswise. The bags shall be stacked closely as to minimize the surface area exposed to air. During monsoon, and for storage for more than 2 months, the stack shall be kept completely enclosed by a waterproofing membrane such as polyethylene sheet. The waterproofing membrane shall not be damaged during the use. Heavy containers of cement shall not be stacked more than two tiers high. Cement shall be used in the order they are received; storage shall facilitate this requirement. Hooks shall not be used for handling cement bags unless permitted by the supervisor. Workers handling cement shall put on protective hand and face coverings and use skin protective. They shall be instructed to the need of cleanliness from time to time. When entering a silo or bin for any purpose, the workman shall wear a lifeline attended by another workman outside. The ejection system shall be shut down and locked out during such operation.

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2.2.2 Steel Bars and Sections

Steel reinforcement bars and structural steel shall be stored in a way to prevent distortion, corrosion, scaling and rusting. Reinforcement bars and structural steel sections shall be coated with cement wash before stacking, specially in humid areas. In case of long time storage or storage in coastal areas, reinforcement bars and steel sections shall be stacked at 200 mm above ground level. Steel sections shall be stacked upon platforms, skids or any other suitable supports. Bars of different types, sizes and lengths and structural steel sections shall be stored separately to facilitate issues in required sizes and lengths without cutting from standard lengths. Ends of bars and sections of each type shall be painted with separate designated colours. Tag lines shall be used to control the load in handling reinforcing bars or structural steel when a crane is used. Heavy steel sections and bundles of reinforcing bars shall be lifted and carried with the help of slings and tackles.

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2.2.3 Bricks and Masonry Blocks

Bricks shall be stacked on dry firm ground in regular tiers. The stacks shall be 50 bricks long and 10 bricks high, the bricks being placed on edge. The width of each stack shall be two bricks. Clear distance between adjacent stacks shall be not less than 800 mm. Bricks made of clay containing lime shall be thoroughly soaked in water (docked) while in stack. Bricks of different types shall be stacked separately. Concrete blocks, stone blocks and other masonry blocks shall be stored in stacks of such height as not to damage the blocks in the lower layers or topple. Bricks shall be loaded or unloaded with care, and shall not be thrown or dumped. They shall be carried from the stack to the site of placement in small batches as and when necessary.

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2.2.4 Aggregate

Aggregates shall be stored at site on a hard, dry and level ground. If such a surface is not available, a platform of planks or old iron sheets, or a floor of bricks, or a thin layer of lean concrete shall be used. Contact with clay, dust, vegetable and other foreign matter shall be avoided. Fine and coarse aggregates shall either be stored separately or heaps be separated by dividing walls. Fine aggregate shall be stored in a place and manner where loss due to the effect of wind is minimum, viz. in the leeward side behind a wall, or by covering with a polyethylene sheet. When withdrawals are made from heaps, no overhang in the original heap shall be permitted.

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2.2.5 Water

Water to be used in construction shall be stored in tanks, bottom and the sides of which shall be constructed with brick or concrete. Contact with any organic impurities shall be prevented. The total capacity of the storage tank shall be determined taking into account the water required for fire fighting. Also See Part 4, Sec 4.2. The tank shall be so located as to facilitate easy storage and filling in, and supply both for construction work and for fire fighting. Passage to the water tank shall not be blocked at any time.

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2.2.6 Timber

Timber shall be stored in stacks on well treated and even surfaced beams, sleepers or brick pillars so as to be at least 200 mm above the ground level. Contact with water shall be avoided under all circumstances. Members shall be stored separately in layers according to lengths. Crossers or wooden battens of sound wood, straight and uniform thickness shall separate one layer from another. A 25 mm space shall be kept between members. The longer pieces shall be placed in the bottom layers and shorter pieces in the top layers. At least one end of the stack shall be in true vertical alignment. The crossers themselves shall be in vertical alignment. The recommended width and height of a stack are 1.5 m and 2.0 m respectively. Minimum distance between two stacks shall be 800 mm. In case stacking with battens is not possible, the timber may be close piled in heaps, and the precautions specified above observed. The ends of all members to be stored for a year or more shall be coated with coal tar, aluminum leaf paints (hardened gloss oil), microcrystalline wax or other suitable material. The stacks of timbers shall be protected from hot dry wind, direct sun and rain. Weights may be placed on top of the stacks to prevent warping of timber. Nails, metal straps, etc. attached to used timber, particularly planks and formwork for shuttering, shall be removed before stacking.

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2.2.7 Pipes and Tubing

Pipes shall be stored in stacks with stoppers provided at the bottom layer to keep the pipe stack stable. The stack, particularly of smaller diameter pipes, shall be in pyramid shape. Pipes shall not be stacked more than 1.5 m high. Each stack shall have pipes of the same type and size only. Removal of pipes shall start from the top layer and by pulling from one end. A pipe shall not be stored inside another pipe. The pipes may also be placed alternately length and crosswise. Asbestos cement pipes shall be unloaded at location, for example near trenches. Cast iron detachable joints and fittings shall be stacked under cover and separated from the asbestos cement pipes and fittings. Rubber rings shall be kept clean and away from grease, oil, heat and light. Pipe shall be carried one at a time on shoulders by at least two workmen. Pipe fittings and joints shall be handled individually. Black polyethylene pipes may be stored either under cover or in the open. However, natural coloured polyethylene pipes shall be stored under cover only and protected from direct sunlight. Coils of tubing shall be stored either on edge or stacked flat one on top of the other; in either case they shall not be allowed to come into contact with hot water or steam pipes and should be kept away from hot surface. Straight lengths of unplasticized PVC pipes shall be stored on horizontal racks supported throughout their lengths on a reasonably flat surface free from stones and sharp projections. Pipes shall not be stacked in large piles, especially under warm conditions. Socket and spigot pipes shall be stacked in layers with sockets placed at alternate ends of the stack to avoid top sided stack. DWC pipes shall be stored in a shaded area. The ends of pipe, particularly those specially prepared for jointing, shall be protected from abrasion. Damaged portion of a pipe shall be cut out completely. Pipes of conducting materials shall be stacked on solid level sills and contained in a manner to prevent spreading or rolling of the pipe. For storage in large quantity, suitable packing shall be placed between the layers. During transportation, the pipes shall be so secured as to prevent displacement/rolling. In stacking and handling of pipes and other conducting materials, the following minimum vertical safety distances from overhead power lines shall be provided (also see Table 3.1.3): 11 KV and below — 2.5 m Above 11 KV and below 33 KV — 3.5 m Above 33 KV and below 132 KV — 4.4 m Above 132 KV and below 230 KV — 5.3 m

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2.2.8 Timber Piles and Poles

Piles and poles shall be stacked on solid and level sills so as to prevent rolling or spreading of the stack. The storage area shall be maintained free of vegetation and flammable materials. Removal of piles and poles shall start from the top layer and by pulling from one end. Tag lines shall be used to control movement of piles and poles. In stacking and handling of piles and poles, precautions as laid down in Sec 2.2.7 shall be followed.

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2.2.9 Sanitary Appliances

All sanitary appliances shall be stored under cover. When receiving and storing appliances, consideration shall be given to the sequence of removal from the store to the assembly positions. Vitreous fittings shall be stacked separately from the metal ones. Bigger sanitary appliances shall be handled one at a time. Traps, water seals and gullies shall be handled separately. Sanitary fittings shall be protected from any oil spillages; hands of the workers shall be free of any oily substance. The supporting brackets, pedestals etc. shall be checked before lowering the appliances in their position.

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2.2.10 Doors, Windows, Ventilators and Grilles

Metal doors, windows, ventilators and grilles shall be stacked upright (on their sills) on level ground. They shall not come in contact with dirt and water. If received in crates, they shall be stacked according to the manufacturer’s instructions and removed from the crates as and when required for the work. Metal frames of doors, windows and ventilators shall be stacked with the kick plates at the top. They shall not be kept in this manner for long, and should be taken to the fixing position as soon as possible.

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2.2.11 Tiles

Tiles shall never be dumped at site and shall be stacked in such a way that would surface of one tile faces that of another. They shall be stacked in layers on a well treated hard surface. The maximum height of each stack shall be 1 m. Tiles of different types, quality, size and thickness shall be stacked separately. Tiles supplied in wooden crates shall be stored with the tiles in the crates. The crates shall be opened one at a time when required for placing. Removal of both the crates and the tiles shall start from top layer. Only on finishing the top course, tiles for the next course shall be fixed. Tiles shall be handled in pairs and should not be thrown.

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2.2.12 Sheets and Boards

For storing and handling of sheets and boards, such as asbestos sheets, CGI sheets, particle boards, gypsum boards etc., the following requirements shall be fulfilled: a) sheets and boards shall be stacked to a height of not more than 1 m on dry, clean, firm and level ground with lumber or other packing beneath them; b) bottom of the stack shall be raised adequately from the ground level where there is a risk of water coming on the floor; c) sheets and boards shall be stacked under cover and protected from damage due to wind, rain and sun; d) at least one edge of the stack shall be in true vertical alignment; e) the top sheet in each stack shall be suitably weighed down; f) damage to the corners and surface of sheets and boards shall be prevented and damaged sheets shall not be stacked with sound materials; g) sheets shall not be pushed forward against the lower sheet for more than one-fourth of the sheet length; they shall be lifted into position by two workmen, if necessary; h) sheets and boards shall be lowered or raised gently and not thrown; and i) suitable hand protection like gloves, jelly etc. shall be provided to the workmen wherever necessary. CGI sheets shall be stacked in not more than 100 bundles per stack built solidly. Corrugations of sheets in one stack shall run in the same direction. One end of the stack shall be raised by at least 100 mm to drain accumulated water, if any. Sheets not for immediate use shall be stacked under roof. Plywood, fibre board, particle board, block board etc. shall be stacked on a flat dunnage on top of which a wooden frame shall be constructed with battens of suitable size in such a way that it supports all four corners and edges of the boards. For boards up to a length of 2 m, a minimum of one intermediate batten and for boards longer than 2 m, at least two intermediate battens shall be provided. Decorative plywood and laminated and decorative boards shall be stacked in pairs facing each other. Sheets shall not be dragged one over another. Specification laid out in BDS 1159 shall be followed for packaging of plywood, particle board, hard board and flush doors.

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2.2.13 Plastic and Rubber sheets

Plastic and rubber sheets shall be stored according to manufacturer’s instructions. Sheets shall be stored in the coolest of the store rooms available. The room shall be well ventilated and kept dark; direct sun light shall not be allowed to fall on the stored sheets. The sheets shall be stored away from electric generators, electric motors, switchgears and other such electrical equipment. Contamination of the sheets with vegetable and mineral oil, grease, organic solvents, acid and their fumes, alkalis, dust and grit shall be prevented. All greasy contamination shall be removed immediately with kerosene or similar liquid, and the sheets thoroughly wiped dry and dusted with French chalk. Undue stretch and strain, kinks, sharp bends or folds of the sheets shall be avoided in case of long time storage. The sheets shall be turned over periodically and treated with fresh chalk. In addition, safety precautions common for all types of sheets, as laid down in Sec 2.2.12, shall be followed.

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2.2.14 Glass Sheets

All glass sheets shall be kept dry and stored in a covered space. Glass sheets shall be lifted and stored upright on their long edges and put into stacks of not more than 25 sheets. They shall be supported at two points at about 80 mm from each end by fillets of wood. The bottom of each stack shall be about 25 mm clear from the base of the wall and other support against which the stack rests. The whole stack shall be as close to upright as possible. Smooth floors shall be covered with gunny bags. Workmen handling glass sheets, remnants and waste glass pieces, and fibre glass shall be provided with gloves, jelly and other suitable hand protections. In removing glass sheets from crates, great care shall be taken to avoid damages from breakage. Glass edges shall be covered or protected to prevent injuries to workmen.

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2.2.15 Lime

Quicklime shall be slaked as soon as possible. If unavoidable, it may be stored in compact heaps having only the minimum of exposed area. The heaps shall be stored on a suitable platform under a roof protected from rain and wind. A minimum space of 300 mm shall be provided all-round the heaps to avoid bulging of walls. Unslaked lime shall be stored in a watertight place and shall be separated from combustible materials. Hydrated lime shall be supplied either in containers or sacks, such as jute bags lined with polyethylene or high density polyethylene woven bags lined with polyethylene or craft paper bags. It shall be stored in a dry room to protect the lime from dampness and to minimise warehouse deterioration. When dry slaked lime is to be used within a few days, it shall be stored on a covered platform and protected from rain and wind. It shall be kept in a dry and air-tight godown when immediate use is not required. However, it shall never be stored for more than two months. Workmen handling bulk lime shall wear protective clothing, respirators, and goggles, shall be instructed in the need of cleanliness to prevent dermatitis, and shall be provided with hand cream, petroleum jelly, or similar protectors.

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2.2.16 Paints, Varnishes, Thinners, Bitumen and Road Tar

Paints, varnishes, lacquers and thinners shall be kept in properly sealed or closed containers. The containers shall be kept in a well ventilated location, free from excessive heat, smoke, sparks or flame. The floor of the paint store shall have 100 mm thick loose sand on it. Paint materials in quantities other than required for daily use shall be kept in the regular storage place. The manner of storage shall facilitate removal and use of lots in the same order in which they are received. Temporary electrical wiring and fittings shall not be installed in the paint store. When electric lights, switches or electrical equipment are necessary to be stored or used in the same room, the room shall be designed in a way to reduce explosion risk. Sources of ignition, such as open flame and exposed heating elements, shall not be permitted in paint store, nor shall smoking be allowed there. Buckets containing sand shall be kept ready for use. A 5 kg dry powder fire extinguisher conforming to accepted standards shall be kept at an easily accessible position close to the paint store. Drums or containers containing bitumen, road tar, asphalt, etc. shall be stacked vertically on their bottoms in up to 3 tiers. Leaky drums shall be either totally removed or separated. Empty drums shall be stored in pyramided stacks in rows. Bituminous roofles sheets shall be stored away from other combustible or flammable materials. They shall be handled gently to prevent cracking and damages.

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2.2.17 Flammable Materials

Outdoor storage of drums containing flammable materials like hydraulic brake and transmission fluid, gasoline and lubricants shall be such that contamination from moisture and dirt is avoided. The storage shall be free of spilled products, debris and other hazardous material. Compressed gases and petroleum products shall not be stored in the same building or close to each other. Proper identification by markings, tags etc. shall be used for petroleum products delivered to the job site and stored there in drums. Highly flammable liquids shall be stored in fire resisting containers in a special store room secluded from the main working site. For uses of up to 50 litres, liquids can be stored in the workroom in fire resistant cupboards or bins. Stores of liquids shall be clearly marked highly flammable. All empty containers shall be returned to the store. The workmen shall dispose of any clothing or apparel spilled over by or soaked in flammable materials immediately. They shall not be allowed to continue work unless affected clothing and apparels are changed. The above requirements shall be considered additional to those mentioned in Sec 2.1.2 and 3.10.2.

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2.2.18 Explosives

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2.2.18.1 Transportation of Explosive

Loading, unloading and handling of explosives will be supervised by competent personnel. Also see Sec 4.3. Where the magazine is located near the construction site and blasting operations continue daily, actual requirements of explosives shall be issued from the magazine and transported to the site. Any left-overs shall be returned to the magazine after every use. For carrying upto 5 kg of explosives, insulated containers constructed of minimum 50 mm thick finished wood or 6 mm thick plastic or 10 mm thick pressed fibre shall be used. The containers shall have no metal parts, be waterproof and provided with a lid and nonconductive carrying device. Vehicles transporting explosives shall have a wooden or nonsparking metal floor with high sides and ends. In open bodied vehicles, the explosives shall be covered with a waterproof and fire-resistant tarpaulin. Electric wiring in vehicle shall be fully insulated. The nature of cargo in the vehicle shall be properly indicated on its body. Metal, flammable, or corrosive substances shall not be transported with explosives. Explosive and detonators or blasting caps shall not be transported in the same vehicle; they shall be transported in original containers or in securely locked separate nonmetallic containers. Smoking shall be prohibited in the vehicle carrying explosives.

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2.2.18.2 Storage of Explosives

Explosives shall only be stored in a clean, dry, well ventilated, cool, substantially constructed, and bullet and fire-resistant magazine. Blasting caps or primers shall not be stored with explosives. None of these shall be stored near oil, gasoline, cleaning solutions, radiators, steam pipes, or other sources of heat. Smoking, matches, fire or flame shall not be allowed near a magazine. No leaves, grass, bush or debris shall be allowed to accumulate within 8 m of an explosive magazine. No sparking metal or tools shall be stored in a magazine. Persons shall put off shoes with metal nails before entering a magazine. If nitroglycerin leaks down on the floor, the floor shall be immediately desensitized by washing thoroughly with an agent obtained beforehand from the supplier of the explosives.

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2.2.18.3 Handling of Explosives

No package containing explosives shall be dragged, dropped or handled roughly. These shall be opened only at a safe distance and properly shielded from the packages of explosives in bulk storage. The covers of the explosive cases or packages shall be replaced every time after taking out part of the contents. Sparking metal tools shall not be used to open kegs or cases of explosives. Smoking or carrying matches, fire, flame or devices capable of producing fire or flame, shall not be permitted while handling or using explosives. Explosives shall not be carried in the pockets of any clothing or on any person.

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2.2.18.4 Disposal of Explosives

No explosives shall be abandoned. They shall be disposed off in accordance with the approved methods; manufacturers or the appropriate authority shall be consulted in this matter. Explosives caps or packing shall not be left lying around. Paper of fibre materials used in packing explosives shall not be put in any subsequent use. Such materials shall be destroyed by burning.

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2.2.19 Asbestos-based Materials

Wherever possible, materials which do not contain asbestos shall be used. Special precautions as specified by the following sub-sections shall be taken while handling asbestos containing materials to minimise the risk of inhaling asbestos. Handling shall be limited to as few workers as possible.

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2.2.19.1 Handling of Asbestos-based Materials

When cutting, sawing or machining takes place in confined place, efficient local dust extraction equipment shall be installed. Alternatively, a wet method of machining by water type dust suppressed powered tools shall be used. The best standards of good housekeeping and hygiene shall apply to cutting areas which shall be segregated and used for no other purpose. Waste materials and dust shall not be allowed to accumulate in working area or store. A vacuum cleaning device with a high efficiency filter shall be used to keep floors, walls and fixtures free from dust accumulation. Alternatively all surfaces shall be cleaned with a wet rag and floors washed by gently spraying water. Dry sweeping or compressed air blowing shall never be used. Asbestos insulation boards shall preferably be supplied precut and drilled from the workshop using a suitable dust control equipment. On-site preparations shall be performed in the open. Polyethylene sheet shall be used to screen a work area in an enclosed space. Only authorised workers shall be allowed access to such areas. Appropriate signs shall mark an asbestos working area and warn against inhaling asbestos dust. A guillotine or knife die cutter shall be used to cut sheets. The use of hammer and chisel shall be avoided. At the end of the work shift, dust shall be either collected by a vacuum cleaner or after being wetted. The dust shall than be put into a sealable container. Any rejected material shall also be placed in an impermeable bag.

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2.2.19.2 Removal and disposal Asbestos-based Materials

Spray method shall be used for removal of asbestos-based materials which is not covered or coated by other materials. For removing thick asbestos-based materials, soaking method with total saturation shall be used. Dry method shall only be used where the spray or soaking method cannot be used. All moveable furniture and fittings shall be removed from the work area and other nonremovable items covered with plastic sheeting. Air conditioning systems shall either be isolated from the asbestos removal area or closed down. Before removal or stripping the asbestos, insulation coatings shall be thoroughly soaked with water or steam. In case of dry demolition of asbestos, a portable exhaust extraction plant shall be used. Transport and storage containers shall be labelled of the contents. Waste shall be kept in strong enclosed containers or in strong sealed impervious bags. These shall not be overfilled; care shall be taken to avoid damage or spillage before disposal. The filter bags used in a dust extracting system shall be impermeable and capable of being readily sealed and disposed off without further treatment.

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2.2.19.3 Protective Clothing and Equipment

Workmen engaged in works using asbestos-based material, shall wear a full body coveralls with pockets, and close fitted cuffs and necks together with a head cover. Protective clothing shall also be worn by all person in an area into which asbestos dust is liable to escape. The clothing shall be made of synthetic fibre. Wet weather overalls which can be hosed down may be used. The use of suitable working clothing shall not be necessary when minor handling of asbestos-containing insulation is carried out provided adequate dust control techniques are employed. Whenever, work methods create asbestos dust, suitable protective respirator shall be used. Respiratory protective equipment shall be properly maintained and regularly cleaned and serviced. Every person required to use protective equipment shall be fully instructed and trained in its use. Protective clothing and equipment shall be regarded as the means of last resort and used as a back-up of other techniques, or where effective asbestos dust control cannot be achieved by other means.

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2.2.19.4 Personal Hygiene

Changing room and shower facilities shall be provided for the exclusive use of persons working in an asbestos working area. Locker accommodation shall be provided for every person required to wear respirators and coveralls. Lockers for work clothes shall be separated from others. Contaminated clothing shall be placed in a dustproof container immediately on removal. Contaminated clothing or belongings shall not be shaken or brushed. These shall be superficially cleaned by vacuum cleaning or hosing down with water. Food and drinks shall not be handled, stored or consumed in the asbestos work area. Smoking shall be prohibited. Workmen shall take shower before changing back into their own clothing; work clothing shall not be taken home. Parts of the body exposed to asbestos dust shall be thoroughly washed after completion of the job or before taking any meal. Asbestos workers shall have a full size chest X-ray before commencement of work and also yearly. The reports shall be kept properly by the contractor for ready reference.

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2.2.20 Miscellaneous

Small articles like screws, bolts, nuts, door and window fittings, polishing stones, protective clothing, spare parts of machinery, hinges, packing, water supply and sanitary fittings, and electrical fittings, insulation board, etc. shall be kept in suitable and properly protected containers, boxes or store rooms. Valuable small materials shall be kept under lock and key. Materials constantly in use shall be kept nearer to the place of use. Heavy units, like precast concrete members, shall be stacked near the hoist or the ramp. Materials which normally deteriorate during storage shall be kept constantly moving by replacing old materials with fresh stock. Freshly arrived materials shall never be placed over materials which arrived earlier. Workmen handling excavated earth from foundations, particularly if the site is a reclaimed or marshy area or is contaminated, shall be protected against infection affecting the exposed portions of their body.

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2.3 LOADING AND UNLOADING OF MATERIALS

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2.3.1 Loading and Unloading Rail Road Wagons and Motor Vehicles

Each workman shall be instructed for the proper method of loading and unloading from rail wagons and motor vehicles, and provided with necessary equipment for safety. Supervisors shall ensure that the required number of workmen based on the weight and the distance involved in each job is available and engaged for the particular job. Warning signs shall be displayed to indicate that the rail wagons must not be coupled or moved while loading and unloading are carried out. The wheels of wagons and vehicles shall always be spragged or chained while these are being unloaded; brakes alone shall not be relied upon. Special lever bars, rather than ordinary crowbars, shall be used for moving rail wagons. Where gangplanks are used, either cleats at lower end of gangplank or pin through end of gangplanks shall be used to prevent sliding and slipping. If the gangplank is on a slope, cleats or abrasive surface shall be provided for the entire length. When rail road wagons and motor vehicles are being loaded or unloaded near passageways or walkways, adequate warning signals shall be placed on each end of the way.

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2.3.2 Manual Handling

Loading and unloading of heavy items shall be done with cranes or gantries, if available. The workmen shall stand clear of the path of the material being moved by mechanical equipment. The slings and the ropes used shall be of adequate load carrying capacity. For loading heavy and long components manually into motor vehicles, rail wagons, trailer etc. either wooden sleepers or steel rails of sufficient length and properly secured in position shall be put against the body of the wagon/vehicle at three or four places. The slope of such makeshift ramp shall be less than 30° with horizontal. Long items shall be dragged, one by one, gently and uniformly along the ramps by means of ropes (tag). Workmen pulling long items shall anchor their feet against a firm surface. Loaded items may be shifted by crowbars and other suitable leverage mechanism in their right position. These shall not be pushed or moved by hand. Similar procedures as outlined above shall be followed for manual unloading of long or heavy items. For regular and frequent handling, the maximum load a single workman is subject to carry shall be limited to 20 kg. Workmen to carry heavier loads shall be specially selected, and if necessary, trained. While lifting a load, the body shall be kept upright; weight shall be distributed evenly and supported on the bone structure, and held close to the body. Advantage shall be taken of any device provided for assistance.