Stone works belong to activities with increased danger. Falling from height, collapse of structures, injuries from falling objects — these risks can be prevented if the established requirements are strictly observed. We remind you of the basic rules and typical violations identified during inspections.

Regulatory framework

Requirements for occupational safety when performing stone works are established by: Rules on occupational safety when performing construction works (Decree of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Belarus and the Ministry of Architecture and Construction of the Republic of Belarus dated 31.05.2019 No 24/33); Occupational safety rules for work at height (Decree of the Ministry of Labour of the Republic of Belarus dated 28.04.2001 No 52).

Organization of work

The organization and construction of facilities must be carried out in accordance with technological documentation. In the construction organization project (COP) and the work execution project (WEP) provisions for occupational safety must be provided. Workers must be familiarized with the WEP in writing with signature before the start of construction work.

Work may be performed by workers who have undergone, in the procedure established by legislation, instruction, knowledge testing on occupational safety issues, medical examination, and who use personal protective equipment.

Main safety requirements

Safety of stone works must be ensured by implementing the provisions contained in the COP, WEP and other technological documentation: organization of workplaces with indication of the structure and location of necessary scaffolding, lifting devices, containerization means and packaging; sequence of work taking into account ensuring the stability of erected structures; determination of the structure and location of collective protection means against a person falling from height and falling objects near the building; determination of fastening points for safety belts; additional safety measures to ensure the stability of stone masonry in cold weather.

Deviation from occupational safety provisions in the COP and WEP without agreement with the organizations that developed and approved them is not allowed.

When laying external walls of buildings higher than 7 m from internal scaffolding, a hazardous zone must be delineated around the entire perimeter of the building with a sparse panel fence 1.2 m high, and for heights up to 7 m — with a signal fence and safety signs. The boundary of the hazardous zone is established for the entire period of erection of the building, taking into account its height.

When moving and delivering bricks, ceramic blocks, and small blocks to work areas using cranes, it is necessary to use pallets, containers, and gripping devices prescribed in the PPR, equipped with devices that prevent the load from falling during lifting, and manufactured in the established manner.

Wall masonry should be carried out from interfloor slabs or scaffolding. The design of the scaffolding and permissible loads must comply with the requirements prescribed in the PPR. For lifting and lowering workers, the scaffolding must be equipped with platforms. The platforms on the scaffolding and scaffolding should have a flat surface with gaps between elements not exceeding 5 mm and be fastened to the crossbars of the scaffolding. The width of the platforms on the scaffolding and scaffolding for masonry work should be at least 2 m.

Vertical elements of the scaffolding, such as posts, frames, support ladders, and others, are installed and secured with ties according to the scaffolding project. Under the ends of each pair of scaffolding posts in

Typical violations (based on inspection materials):

• scaffolding not equipped with ladders providing ascent and descent for workers;
• workers performing masonry are at a height of more than 1.3 m and a distance of less than 2 m from the edge of an unguarded height difference, without using personal fall protection equipment;
• random objects are used as scaffolding for masonry work;
• masonry work is performed from scaffolding erected on random objects (scaffolding stability not ensured), by workers not using personal protective equipment – hard hats;
• technological openings in floors near workplaces and passages to them are not closed, not fenced.

Remember! Compliance with occupational safety requirements when performing masonry work is not a formality, but a condition for preserving life and health. Take care of yourself and your colleagues!