In the construction sector, as in any other work activity, maintaining acceptable safety levels depends largely on ensuring proper order and housekeeping during the execution of the work.
A large number of accidents on construction sites occur due to failure to comply with this basic rule at any workplace. The lack of order and housekeeping leads to accidents related to falls on the same level or from height, as well as collisions and impacts.
We have all encountered, at some point, risk situations associated with a lack of order and housekeeping. One such situation may be the accumulation of surplus or unusable material. We also find tools and materials that are not stored in their proper place. Improper stockpiling and storage of materials. It is also common to find substances on the ground that make surfaces slippery.
In this regard, Article 10 of Royal Decree 1627/97 already establishes the maintenance of order and housekeeping as one of the general principles applicable during the execution of the work. Likewise, it is worth mentioning other activities clearly related to order and housekeeping and the risk situations mentioned, such as:
- Delimiting and preparing storage areas
- Collecting the hazardous materials used
- Removal and disposal of waste and rubble
But what guidelines should be followed when managing and organizing areas intended for storage and stockpiling? On the other hand, where should workshop areas be located?
The objective will be to determine the main preventive measures that reduce the amount of waste and allow corrective measures to be implemented to reduce the negative impact of these situations.
Below, we provide some basic prevention rules to keep workstations tidy and clean and thereby contribute to more efficient and safer work.
Basic tips for keeping the site in good order and housekeeping
To keep a workplace in appropriate order and housekeeping conditions, proper organization and planning of the work to be carried out on site are essential.
In this regard, it will be essential to locate workshop and storage areas in the appropriate place. Transport from the waste generation area to the stockpiling area must be taken into account. Likewise, the inherent risks of transport and storage tasks must be carefully considered.
When planning and organizing the areas, it will also be important to consider possible interference with other site tasks. Reducing the distances between the origin and destination of materials will help when implementing preventive and corrective measures. Efforts should be made to ensure that material stockpiling areas are not located near access routes used by transport and delivery vehicles coming from outside the site.
Of vital importance will be classifying hazardous products and chemical substances in accordance with storage incompatibilities.
Likewise, it will be important to consider the specific characteristics for storing certain substances, such as the need for spill containment trays, etc.
On the other hand, the signage for these areas must be appropriate according to the materials stored and the risks on site, in compliance with the provisions of Royal Decree 485/1997 on Safety and Health Signage.
Basic order and housekeeping guidelines
As we have seen, planning is extremely important to avoid risk situations related to stockpiling and storage areas. However, as general guidelines to consider to improve order and housekeeping in the workplace, we could highlight aspects such as:
- Eliminate what is unnecessary and classify what is useful
- PREPARE THE means TO STORE and LOCATE
- Avoid making a mess and clean up afterwards
- Promote order and cleanliness
Applying these recommendations will be reflected in the overall condition of the site in terms of order and housekeeping. Therefore, it must always be taken into account in health and safety inspections and in the coordinator’s technical site visits. It will directly influence the level of accident risk, as we mentioned at the beginning.
It would also be important to take into account, together with the aspects mentioned in this article, everything related to the specific waste management regulations. It is essential to be fully aware of which provisions apply to each job and the responsibilities arising from them.
