64 Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDING UPGRADES
DUST
Assessments Actions
Determine whether the work will
generate dust. Use best practice
measures to manage and control
air contaminants in areas of work.
• Educate workers about dust containment procedures and how to control dust and
debris created by equipment used in construction activities.
• Use work methods that minimize dust and prevent dust from spreading to other areas
of the building.
• Isolate areas where work is being performed (e.g., sealed with plastic sheeting) to
contain any dust that is generated during construction activities.
• Turn off forced-air, central heating and air conditioning systems (including local,
window air conditioning units) while work that generates dust is under way.
• Collect and remove all construction dust and debris.
• Conduct a careful cleanup routinely and at the end of the project.
• See OSHA's websites on wood dust and combustible dust for additional information
and resources.
• See EPA's RRP Program Rule requirements at 40 CFR Part 745 for recommended
actions to prevent, contain and clean up lead dust.
ELECTRICAL
Assessments Actions
Determine whether workers will be
exposed to electrical hazards.
• Follow OSHA rule 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart K requirements for protecting workers
from electrical hazards (not an exhaustive list):
o Employers must make sure that all non-double-insulated electric equipment is
equipped with a grounding conductor (three-wire type).
o Worn or frayed electric cords must not be used.
o Employers must provide either ground-fault circuit interrupters or an assured
equipment grounding conductor program (which includes the regular testing of all
equipment grounding conductors) to protect employees from ground faults.
• See OSHA's Electrical Incidents E-Tool for additional information on electrical safety.
FALLS
Assessments Actions
Determine whether workers will be
required to work at heights of
6 feet or more.
• If work is required at heights of 6 feet or more, protect workers with guardrails or by
properly securing to prevent falls.
• See OSHA rule at 29 CFR Part 1926.501 for additional information on requirements.
• See OSHA's Web page on fall protection and OSHA's Falls E-Tool for additional
information on protecting workers from fall hazards.
LADDERS
Assessments Actions
Determine whether workers will be
using ladders.
• Follow OSHA rule at 29 CFR Part 1926.1053, which includes the following
requirements (not an exhaustive list):
o Portable ladders must be able to support at least four times the maximum
intended load.
o Ladders that must lean against a wall are to be positioned at a 4:1 angle.
o Ladders are to be kept free of oil, grease, wet paint and other slipping hazards.
o The area around the top and bottom of a ladder must be kept clear.
o Ladders must not be tied or fastened together to provide longer sections.
o Metal ladders must not be used while working on electrical equipment or electrical
wiring.
• See the OSHA rule at 29 CFR Part 1926.1053 for additional information on
requirements.
• See OSHA's publication Stairways and Ladders: A Guide to OSHA Rules for additional
resources on ladder safety.
