Site Housekeeping Toolbox Talk
Good housekeeping helps keep construction sites, warehouses, and other workplaces safe and tidy. This toolbox talk on housekeeping outlines ways to maintain a safe working environment. Access the free site housekeeping toolbox talk below. For more helpful toolbox talks visit our online toolbox talk library.
Construction housekeeping toolbox talk
Introduction
The Construction (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations require that sites be maintained in good order. Poor housekeeping is a common, but easily preventable, cause of accidents.
Main points
- There should be a place for everything, and everything should be in its place.
- Do not rely on others to clean up – they won’t.
- Put tools away when not in use. As well as reducing a trip hazard it will keep them safe.
- If working with oils/lubricants then have some means of cleaning up any spillages at hand.
- Suspend power/light cables where practicable. Where not practicable avoid trailing them across walkways if possible.
Discussion points
- Remove all nails from dismantled/unused timber – where not possible then hammer flat.
- Stack both stores and waste neatly – ensure that walkways/escape routes are not obstructed.
- Clean up waste as it is created. Small waste can be bagged, larger waste stacked and then skipped as soon as is practicable.
- Use racks when storing lengths of pipe or timber. Where pallets are used don’t stack them too high.
- If working at height then loose objects must not be left on walkways or platforms where they could fall and injure persons below.
- Beware muddy sites – these will greatly increase the risk of slips. Keep footwear as clean as is reasonably practicable, ensure loose mud is removed before climbing ladders.
- Try and allocate a set period each day for general site housekeeping (possibly at the end of the day).
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