(a) Purpose The purpose of this Regulation is to prevent accidents resulting in personal injury and financial loss during construction operations and to ensure the safety and technical protection of the workforce employed at construction sites.
(b) Scope of application The provisions of this Regulation are drawn up pursuant to Article 85 of the Labour Code of the Islamic Republic of Iran and are mandatory for all construction sites.
(c) Definition of the client at a construction site The client is a natural or legal person who is the owner, or the legal successor of the owner, of a construction site, and who entrusts the performance of one or more types of construction operations to one or more contractors, or who directly engages one or a number of workers at a construction site belonging to that person in accordance with the provisions of the Labour Code - in which latter case that person is deemed to be the employer.
(d) Definition of the employer at a construction site The employer at a construction site is a natural or legal person who engages one or a number of workers at a construction site in accordance with the provisions of the Labour Code and at that person's own expense, whether as the main contractor, a subcontractor, or the client.
(e) Definition of the supervising engineer The supervising engineer is a natural or legal person who, under the Act on the Engineering System and Control of Construction, holds an engineering practice licence from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, and who, within the limits of that person's competence, is responsible for supervising all or part of the construction operations.
(f) Definition of an occupational accident An occupational accident, pursuant to Article 60 of the Social Security Act, is an accident that occurs to a worker in the course of, and by reason of, performing duties, and that causes physical or psychological injury to the worker. Accidents that occur to a worker while attempting to rescue or assist other persons injured in an accident at the site are likewise deemed to be occupational accidents.
(g) Definition of a competent person A competent person, for the purposes of this Regulation, is a person who holds an engineering or associate-engineering practice licence from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, or a technical skill licence from the Technical and Vocational Training Organization of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, in the relevant field.
Chapter 1: Purpose, Scope of Application and Definitions
Chapter 2: General Provisions
Before the commencement of construction operations, the necessary licences and permits shall be obtained by the owners and clients from the competent legal authorities.
Before the commencement of construction operations relating to the establishment of new construction sites or the expansion of existing construction sites, the building drawings and the relevant plans shall, in accordance with Article 87 of the Labour Code, be submitted to the local Labour and Social Affairs Department for comment and approval with regard to the provisions made for technical protection (occupational safety) and occupational health.
Responsibility for implementing the provisions of this Regulation rests with the employer, pursuant to Articles 91 and 95 of the Labour Code.
Where the client entrusts the performance of the entire construction operation, from beginning to end, wholly to a single contractor, that contractor shall be responsible for implementing the provisions of this Regulation at the site.
Where the client entrusts the performance of different parts of the construction operation to different contractors, each contractor shall be responsible for implementing the provisions of this Regulation within the scope of that contractor's own contract, and contractors working simultaneously at the same construction site shall cooperate with one another in implementing those provisions; the client shall be responsible for coordinating between them.
Where the main contractor entrusts the performance of different parts of the construction operation to another contractor or contractors, each subcontractor shall be responsible for implementing the provisions of this Regulation within the scope of that subcontractor's own contract, and the main contractor shall be responsible for supervision and for coordinating between them.
Where supervising engineers observe deficiencies in the manner in which construction operations are being carried out that carry a probable risk of an accident occurring, they shall immediately notify the relevant employer or employers in writing, together with the necessary guidance and instructions, and shall submit a copy of that notice to the local Labour and Social Affairs Department and to the authority that issued the building permit. The employer shall immediately stop work in all or part of the site to which the deficiency and the notice of danger relate, remove workers from the danger area, and take the appropriate measures to eliminate the danger.
The employer shall report in writing, as soon as possible and before the signs and evidence of the accident have disappeared, the occurrence of any occupational accident resulting in death or disablement to the local Labour and Social Affairs Department.
The employer shall notify the occurrence of any occupational accident to the local branch of the Social Security Organization within three working days, and shall complete and submit the special accident report form.
The construction site shall be securely and safely fenced off, and the entry of unauthorised and unrelated persons into it shall be prevented. It is also necessary to install warning signs and boards around the construction site that are visible both by day and by night.
Placing and stockpiling work equipment, construction materials and construction debris on public thoroughfares is not permitted, and where this proves unavoidable for a temporary and limited period, it shall be carried out subject to the following conditions: (a) The necessary permit shall be obtained from the authority issuing the building permit and from the other relevant and responsible authorities. (b) The manner of placing, stacking or depositing this equipment and material, and the choice of its location, shall be such as not to cause accidents to pedestrians or vehicles, and movable barriers, traffic-control devices, and warning signs and boards visible from a suitable distance both by day and by night shall be installed around it.
To prevent construction materials and work tools from falling onto workers and other persons passing through the construction site area adjacent to a building under demolition, erection, or repair and renovation, a protective canopy of sufficient width and strength, made of metal mesh or timber planking, shall be installed around the perimeter wall of the building, subject to the following conditions: (a) The protective canopy shall be designed and constructed, having regard to the height and condition of the building, so that no danger is posed to persons passing beneath it as a result of falling materials and work tools striking it. (b) The angle of the protective canopy relative to the horizontal plane may be set at between 30 and 45 degrees, sloping towards the building.
The construction of a temporary covered walkway along a public thoroughfare adjacent to a construction site is necessary in the following cases: (a) Where the distance of a building under demolition from the public thoroughfare is less than 40 percent of its original height. (b) Where the distance of a building under erection or repair and renovation is less than 25 percent of its final height. (c) Where the distance of a building under demolition, erection, or repair and renovation from public thoroughfares exceeds the thresholds specified in paragraphs (a) and (b), but, having regard to the particular circumstances and requirements, a temporary covered walkway is judged necessary by the labour inspector, the authority issuing the building permit, or the supervising engineer.
Covered walkways referred to in Article 13 shall meet the following conditions: (a) The height of the covered walkway shall not be less than 2.5 metres, and its width shall not be less than 1.5 metres or the width of the existing pavement, whichever is greater. (b) The walkway shall be free of any obstruction and shall have adequate permanent natural or artificial lighting. (c) The roof of the walkway shall be capable of withstanding a load of at least 700 kilograms per square metre; in addition, its other parts shall also be able to withstand the relevant load and that pressure. (d) The roof of the walkway shall be constructed of planking at least 5 centimetres thick, and the planks shall be laid together in such a way as to prevent construction materials from falling into the walkway. (e) The outer sides of the walkway roof shall be enclosed by a sloping barrier of wood or sturdy metal mesh; the angle of this barrier relative to the roof may be set at between 30 and 45 degrees, sloping outward. (f) Where the walkway has side doors for the entry and exit of materials, construction debris, and the like, these doors shall remain closed at all times, except when in use, in which case adequate care shall be taken.
All edges and open openings in the various parts of the construction site and its surrounding area that carry a risk of persons falling shall, until they are finally enclosed or covered, or until permanent and main guards, covers and rails are installed, be securely and adequately protected by means of temporary rails or covers.
The temporary protective rail referred to in Article 15 shall meet the following conditions: (a) Its height shall be at least 75 centimetres for stairways and sloped surfaces, and at least 90 centimetres in other cases. (b) It shall have sturdy vertical posts at intervals of not more than 2 metres. (c) Its components shall be free of sharp or cutting parts.
The temporary protective cover referred to in Article 15 shall meet the following conditions: (a) For open openings with dimensions of less than 45 centimetres, boards or timber planks at least 2.5 centimetres thick shall be used. (b) For open openings with dimensions of more than 45 centimetres, boards or timber planks at least 5 centimetres thick shall be used.
Where there is a risk of materials and work tools falling from platforms and work stages, or from the edges of drops and open openings, timber toe-boards at least 2.5 centimetres thick and 15 centimetres high shall be installed.
Where a work platform is required at the location before permanent floors/roofs are laid, planks 5 centimetres thick and 25 centimetres wide, firmly fastened and joined together side by side, shall be used.
To prevent the danger of electric shock and to reduce the harmful effects of electromagnetic fields arising from high-voltage power lines, the regulations concerning the right-of-way of power transmission and distribution lines shall be observed in all construction operations and also in determining the location for the erection of buildings and installations.
Before commencing construction operations in the vicinity of low-voltage overhead power lines, the matter shall be reported to the responsible persons and competent authorities so that the necessary precautionary measures - such as cutting off the current, temporarily or permanently rerouting the line, or sheathing the lines adjacent to the building with suitable materials such as polyethylene pipes or rubber hoses, and the like - may be taken.
All conductors, lines and electrical installations within the area and vicinity of construction operations shall be presumed to be live, unless proven otherwise.
All construction sites shall be equipped with safety helmets and safety footwear. In addition, where the circumstances and the type of work so require, other items of personal protective equipment - such as protective gloves, safety goggles, protective face shields, respiratory protection masks, rubber boots and half-boots, safety belts, restraint lanyards and rescue ropes - shall be provided to workers in accordance with the provisions of the Regulation on Personal Protective Equipment.
Chapter 3: Construction Machinery and Equipment
All drivers or operators of construction machinery and equipment shall have received the necessary training on the operation of such equipment in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations, and shall hold a technical skill licence or a special certificate from the competent authorities.
The use of construction machinery and equipment in the vicinity of power transmission lines shall be carried out in compliance with Articles 20 and 21.
The various parts of lifting equipment and hoisting machines shall be subject to periodic inspections, or to technical examination and testing, according to the following programme. (a) Daily inspection, by the operator and the person responsible for the equipment, of all load-attaching and lifting fittings, such as hooks, couplings, cables, chains and the like, for wear, breakage and any other visible defects. (b) Technical inspection of all parts of the equipment, once a week, by a specialist or the technical officer responsible for the equipment, with a report submitted to the relevant supervisor. (c) Technical examination and testing of all parts of the equipment by specialists, and issuance of a work authorisation certificate, once every three months, and also before the equipment is first used and after any relocation and installation at a new location.
All major repairs and replacements of main parts and fittings carried out on hoisting machines shall be recorded in a dedicated log and signed by the relevant specialist. This log, together with the work authorisation certificates referred to in paragraph (c) of Article 26, shall be kept by the owner and operator of the equipment and produced when required.
All components of lifting equipment and hoisting machines and their parts shall be designed, calculated and manufactured in accordance with sound technical principles and rules and with the standards and safety factors set out in the 'Protective Regulation for Materials-Handling and Transport Equipment at Workplaces', and shall be installed, adjusted and made ready for operation by competent persons.
The maximum permissible load capacity, as well as the safe operating speed, of each item of lifting equipment shall be written on a plate and fixed at a suitable location on the equipment, and its provisions shall be strictly observed.
The hook of lifting equipment and hoisting machines shall meet the following conditions: (a) It shall be fitted with a safety latch or catch to prevent the accidental release of the load. (b) The maximum load that may be lifted by it shall be clearly stamped on it. (c) Where the type of work so requires, it shall be fitted with a suitable handle so that it can be repositioned and placed in the correct position while suspended.
The maximum safe working load of chains, cables and other load-lifting and load-attaching equipment shall be marked on a metal plate attached to them.
Fixed lifting equipment, such as tower cranes and winches, shall be securely anchored at its place of installation, and its counterweights shall be calculated and provided in proportion to the maximum load-carrying capacity. In the case of tower cranes, the strength and bearing capacity of the ground at the equipment's location shall be assessed before the installation and assembly operations begin. Furthermore, the method of anchoring such equipment shall be such as to provide adequate resistance against the maximum wind and storm forces at the site.
In addition to the operator or driver, every item of hoisting equipment shall have an assistant operator or signaller. This person shall have received the necessary training on how to give signals with the hands or with warning devices and on the standard, uniform system of signals used. Where, owing to the operator's limited field of vision or to any other special circumstances, more than one signaller is required, movement signals shall be given only by the one of them who is designated as the principal signaller. The operator shall, however, in all cases comply with a stop signal given by any of them in the event of danger.
The route of travel and the position for setting up cranes and other lifting equipment shall be carefully inspected and surveyed in advance, so that no danger to the operator, workers, or other persons arises during movement and operation from contact with electric wires and cables, existing installations and structures, or falling into excavated areas and the like.
No load shall be passed by lifting equipment over public thoroughfares and open spaces adjacent to a construction site; where this is unavoidable, such thoroughfares and spaces shall be enclosed, restricted, or closed off using suitable means, and effective warning signs, such as boards, special flags, or flashing lights, shall also be used.
Drivers or operators of lifting equipment shall not be assigned any other duties. Such persons are also not permitted to leave and abandon the equipment while it is running or while a load is suspended.
The driver or operator of hoisting equipment and the assistant and signalling personnel shall not eat, drink, or smoke while performing their duties.
Workers shall under no circumstances be permitted to ride on a load being carried, or to use lifting equipment for their own transport.
When operating motorized mobile cranes, care shall be taken that the outrigger jacks are used correctly and set up in a suitable position.
During wind, storms, and heavy rain, work with lifting equipment shall be suspended.
The driver's or operator's cab of road-building and construction machinery shall meet the following conditions: (a) It shall protect the driver or operator against weather conditions and dust, and shall also provide adequate visibility. (b) All door and window glass shall be of a resistant, shatterproof type. (c) It shall have a step and a handrail enabling the driver or operator to mount and dismount easily and with complete safety. (d) The steps and running board shall preferably be of a grated, perforated type so that mud does not accumulate on them and cause the driver's or operator's foot to slip; in addition, contamination by oil, grease, or other slippery substances shall be prevented.
Where the field of vision of the driver or operator of road-building and construction machinery is limited, the presence of an assistant or signaller is mandatory.
Before leaving road-building and construction machinery, the driver or operator shall apply the brake and, if the machine has a blade, bucket, or excavating attachment, lower it to the ground, and switch off the machine.
Where the stability of an earth-moving machine would be endangered owing to loose ground or an excessive slope, the machine shall not be started or used.
While road-building and construction machinery is in operation, the entry of persons within its working radius shall be prohibited.
Road-building and construction machinery shall not be parked at night on the shoulders of public roads. Where this proves unavoidable in special cases, the area around it shall be delimited and marked with suitable warning devices, such as red flags, reflective signs, flashing red lights, and the like.
The use of road-building and construction machinery for purposes other than those for which it is designed is prohibited.
While an excavator is travelling, its bucket or excavating attachment shall be empty; its boom shall also be aligned with the direction of travel.
When repairing the bucket or excavating attachment of an excavator or loader, or replacing its teeth, it shall first be securely blocked in place, to prevent its sudden movement and the resulting occurrence of an accident.
Bulldozer blades shall not be used as a brake, except in exceptional and emergency cases.
At sites where earth-moving machinery or motor vehicles specifically for hauling and transporting construction materials are used, safe and suitable access and egress routes shall be provided for them, and suitable hazard and warning signs shall be installed.
In loading and unloading motor vehicles specifically used for hauling and transporting construction materials, the following points shall be observed: (a) The approximate weight of the loaded material shall not exceed the permissible capacity of the vehicle. (b) The height of the load shall not exceed the sides of the load bed; where the type and condition of the load make this unavoidable, the load shall be securely and safely restrained by means of a suitable metal cable or rope. (c) Materials such as bricks, stone, and the like shall be covered and secured with tarpaulin or sturdy netting, unless the height of the load is lower than the sides of the load bed. For fine-grained materials, covering the load is mandatory. (d) When loading heavy and bulky parts and materials such as steel beams, prefabricated steel-frame components, large pipes, and the like, they shall be stacked in such a way as to prevent them from sliding against one another and causing an accident when the load is unloaded and the sides of the load bed are opened. The loading and distribution of these parts on the load bed shall also be such as not to shift the truck's centre of gravity to one side, and to maintain its balance while travelling. (e) Mechanical means shall be used for loading and unloading heavy and bulky parts and materials. (f) When loading materials such as gravel, sand, stone, brick, soil, debris, and construction waste by loader or excavator, or heavy and bulky parts and materials by crane, the occupants of the vehicle shall leave it and remain in a suitable location until loading is complete. (g) When loading or unloading motor vehicles, in addition to using the handbrake, suitable chocks, such as wooden blocks, shall also be used to prevent the vehicle's accidental movement and to secure it. (h) Where loading and unloading work is carried out in enclosed environments, adequate and sufficient ventilation shall be provided; otherwise, the vehicle's engine shall be switched off.
The openings of construction-material silos and the feed hoppers of truck mixers and concrete pumps shall be guarded with a set of mutually perpendicular bars, to prevent persons from falling into them.
The floor of the parking area for heavy construction machinery and motor vehicles specifically used for hauling and transporting construction materials shall meet the following conditions: (a) It shall be level and, as far as possible, washable. (b) It shall have sufficient strength that, when a jack is placed under machinery or motor vehicles, the jack does not slip and cause an accident. (c) Suitable drainage channels shall be provided so that, in the event of spillage or leakage of fuel, such substances are directed to pits and drainable tanks.
Chapter 4: Temporary Access Equipment (Scaffolds and Ladders)
Section 1: Scaffolds
Definition: A scaffold is a temporary structure consisting of one or more platforms, supporting members, connections and supports, used during the execution of any construction operation to provide access to a structure and to support and hold workers or materials at height. General provisions on scaffolds. Necessity of using scaffolds and competence of the persons concerned. In all construction operations that cannot be safely and without danger carried out from the ground, from a building floor, or by using a ladder, a scaffold shall be used.
Erecting, dismantling, and making major alterations to scaffolds shall be carried out under the supervision of a competent person and by workers with sufficient experience in such work. Quality of scaffold components.
The components of scaffolds and all equipment used in them shall be made of suitable, high-quality materials, and shall be designed, constructed and prepared in such a way as to meet the safety requirements for workers and to be able to withstand four times the intended load.
Timber components used in the construction of scaffolds shall be of good quality and have long fibres. They shall likewise be free of any defect, and free of knots, bark, worm damage and rot, and shall not be painted.
Boards and planks used in scaffolds shall be protected against cracking.
Materials used for constructing scaffolds shall be kept in good condition in storage and shall be kept separate from unsuitable materials.
Fibre ropes shall not be used in locations where there is a risk of such ropes being damaged.
Ropes that have been in contact with acids or other corrosive and abrasive substances, or that are defective, shall not be used.
Nails used to connect the components of timber scaffolds shall be of suitable size and sufficient number, and shall be driven in fully rather than being driven in part-way and then bent over. Cast-iron nails shall likewise not be used in scaffolds. Stability and strength of scaffolds.
Scaffolds shall be designed with a safety factor of up to four times the maximum loading and shall be safely anchored.
Except for free-standing (independent) scaffolds, every scaffold shall be securely anchored to the building at suitable intervals, in both the vertical and horizontal directions.
Every structure and every piece of equipment used as a support and work platform shall be constructed in accordance with sound technical principles, shall have a firm base, and shall be made stable by suitable bracing.
The posts of a scaffold shall be securely and firmly anchored to prevent the scaffold from swaying, shifting, or slipping.
In free-standing (independent) scaffolds, at least one-third of the platform-supporting beams shall remain in place until the scaffold is completely dismantled, and shall be firmly fastened, as applicable, to the horizontal members or to the vertical members.
Loose bricks, barrels, boxes, or other unreliable materials shall never be used to support a scaffold or in its construction.
Metal parts of a scaffold shall be free of cracks, corrosion, or other defects.
Each part of a scaffold shall be connected and braced in such a way that it does not shift during use of the scaffold. Inspection and control of scaffolds.
A scaffold shall be inspected and checked by a competent person, in the cases set out below, so as to verify its stability, strength and safety, and a written certificate shall be issued. (a) Before it is first put into use. (b) After any alterations, replacement of components, or a lengthy interruption in its use. (c) After exposure to wind, storms, earthquakes, or the like, where the strength and stability of the scaffold are in doubt.
No part of a scaffold shall be dismantled leaving it in a condition in which the remaining parts could be used, unless the remaining part complies with these Regulations.
Where a part of a scaffold requires repair, workers shall not be permitted to work on it before the defect has been remedied and the scaffold repaired.
At the end of each day's work, all tools and materials shall be removed from the scaffold.
When dismantling a scaffold, due care shall be taken to remove all nails from the dismantled timber components. Use of scaffolds.
Throughout the period a scaffold is in use, it shall be constantly monitored to ensure that it is not overloaded and that unnecessary construction materials are not placed on it.
As far as possible, the load on a scaffold shall be distributed evenly, to prevent dangerous imbalance of the scaffold.
Scaffolds shall not be used for storing construction materials, except for materials needed for a short period for urgent work.
When the weather is stormy and strong winds are blowing, work shall be halted until all necessary precautions have been taken.
Where snow or ice is present on a scaffold platform, workers shall not work on it unless the snow or ice has first been removed from the platform and fine sand has been spread on it.
Parts of a scaffold cable or rope that are liable to be cut or abraded shall be protected by means of padding.
Where a scaffold needs to be erected in the vicinity of power lines, this shall be done in compliance with Articles 20 and 21. Installation of hoisting equipment on scaffolds.
Where it becomes necessary to install hoisting equipment on a scaffold, the following shall be observed: (a) The scaffold's components shall be carefully inspected and, where necessary, its strength suitably reinforced. (b) Movement and displacement of the horizontal members built into the wall shall be prevented. (c) The vertical posts shall be firmly connected and anchored to a strong part of the building, at the location where the hoisting equipment is to be installed.
Where a load, while being raised or lowered, may strike the scaffold, the scaffold shall, to prevent the load from catching on it, be enclosed along its full height in the path of the load's travel with vertical guard rails. Work platform.
All scaffolds shall have a sufficient number of work platforms.
No part of a work platform shall be supported on loose bricks, water pipes, chimneys, or other unreliable and unsuitable materials.
A scaffold platform shall be used only once its construction has been completed and the necessary protective equipment has been properly installed.
The width of the work platform shall be suitable for the type of work, and a clear passage at least 60 centimetres wide, free of any obstruction, shall be provided in every part of it.
In no case shall the width of the work platform be less than the following dimensions: (a) 60 centimetres, if the platform is used only for the passage of persons. (b) 80 centimetres, if the platform is used for placing construction materials. (c) 110 centimetres, if the platform is used to support another, higher platform or stage. (d) 130 centimetres, if the platform is used for installing or dressing the building's facing stone. (e) 150 centimetres, if the platform is used both to support another, higher platform and for installing and dressing the building's facing stone.
The total width of a platform supported by members built into the wall shall not exceed 150 centimetres.
A clear headroom of at least 180 centimetres shall be provided above the work platform.
The platform of every scaffold shall be located at least one metre below the top ends of the vertical posts.
Planks forming part of the work platform shall meet the following conditions: (a) Their thickness, having regard to the spacing between the platform's supporting beams, shall provide the necessary safety. In no case shall the thickness of the planks be less than 5 centimetres, and the thicknesses shall be equal. (b) Their widths shall be equal and at least 25 centimetres.
No plank forming part of the work platform shall overhang the end of its support by more than 4 times its thickness.
Planks shall not be laid overlapping one another, so as to minimise the risk of workers' feet striking the edges of the planks and falling, and to allow the easy movement of hand trolleys.
Planks forming part of the work stage shall be supported by at least three supports, unless the spacing between the supports and the thickness of the planks are such that there is no risk of excessive sagging or of the other end of the board lifting.
Work platforms shall be constructed in such a way that the planks forming them do not shift during use.
Every stage or platform located more than 2 metres above the ground or floor shall have its boards laid close together so that no tools, equipment or materials can fall through the gaps between them. In addition, the boards shall be laid in line with one another in such a way that it is not possible for a foot to strike their edges. Guarding of work platforms.
Every part of a work platform or worksite that is more than 120 centimetres high and from which a fall is possible shall have a guard rail meeting the following conditions: (a) The guard shall be made of good-quality, suitable material and shall have sufficient strength. (b) The top rail shall be positioned between 90 and 110 centimetres above the platform surface. (c) To prevent workers from slipping, or construction materials and work tools from falling off the platform, a toe-board at least 15 centimetres high and at least 2.5 centimetres thick shall be installed at the open edge of the platform. (d) An intermediate rail shall be placed between the toe-board and the top rail. (e) As far as possible, a suitable protective canopy shall be installed at the outer edge of the platforms.
Rail guards and edge toe-boards of a scaffold platform shall be fixed on the inner side of the vertical post.
Rails, toe-boards and other protective equipment used on a scaffold platform shall not be removed except for such time and to such extent as is necessary for the entry of persons or for carrying or moving construction materials.
Platforms of suspended scaffolds shall have a rail guard and a toe-board on every side. However: (a) Where the nature of the work is such that a guard meeting the conditions of paragraph (b) of Article 100 cannot be installed, the height of the guard on the wall side may be set at 70 centimetres. (b) Where workers perform their work seated on the stage or platform, installation of a guard and toe-board on the wall side is not mandatory; in this case, however, the platform shall be equipped with ropes, cables, or chains so that workers, if they slip, can use them as a handhold.
The distance between the wall and the platform shall be as small as possible, except where workers perform their work seated on the platform, in which case the distance between the wall and the platform may be set at a maximum of 45 centimetres. Special provisions for metal tube scaffolds. General provisions.
Metal tube scaffolds shall meet the following conditions: (a) They shall be constructed of suitable materials, such as steel tubes or a similar metal having a strength equivalent to that of steel. (b) They shall have sufficient strength to support the intended load with a safety factor of four.
All vertical and horizontal components of metal tube scaffolds shall be securely connected to one another.
Tubes used in metal tube scaffolds shall be straight and free of rust, corrosion, dents, and other defects.
The end faces of metal tubes shall be flat, so that when the height of the scaffold is increased, the bearing and connection points fit exactly onto one another.
Tubes shall be selected of a size and strength suitable for the load they must bear, and in no case shall their outside diameter be less than 5 centimetres.
Posts in metal tube scaffolds shall always be kept in a vertical position, and their point of contact with the ground shall have sufficient bearing capacity and shall, as far as possible, be fitted with metal base plates having a suitable bearing surface. Vertical posts.
Connections at vertical posts shall be made as follows: (a) They shall be connected to horizontal members or other rigid components that prevent their displacement. (b) They shall be staggered so that adjacent connections do not lie at the same level.
The spacing between vertical posts shall not exceed the following dimensions: (a) 8.1 metres for heavy-duty work with a load capacity of 350 kilograms per square metre. (b) 3.2 metres for light-duty work with a load capacity of 125 kilograms per square metre. Horizontal members.
Horizontal members shall extend across at least 3 vertical posts and shall be securely connected to each vertical post.
Joints between horizontal members shall be fixed at vertical posts and shall not be located directly above one another at different levels.
The vertical spacing between horizontal members shall not exceed 2 metres.
When work platforms are removed, all horizontal members shall remain in place to preserve the stability of the scaffold. Putlogs. Definition: Putlogs are the part of a scaffold on which the work platform rests. In scaffolds having only a single row of posts, one end of each putlog is built into the wall; in scaffolds erected with two rows of posts, however, both ends of each putlog rest on the horizontal members.
In metal tube scaffolds, a putlog shall be placed alongside every vertical post.
The length of each putlog in metal tube scaffolds shall not exceed 1.5 metres.
The spacing of putlogs for heavy-duty work in metal tube scaffolds shall not exceed 90 centimetres, and for medium-duty work shall not exceed 115 centimetres.
Where one end of a scaffold's putlogs rests against the building wall, it shall be embedded at least 10 centimetres into the wall. Anchoring of scaffolds.
A scaffold shall be securely anchored to the building wall, and the tie tubes shall be connected as follows: (a) Tie tubes shall be fastened to the scaffold at the points where the posts meet the horizontal members. (b) The other end of the tie tubes shall be firmly fastened to the fabric of the building. (c) The first post, the last post, and every second post in between shall be anchored to the building by tubes. Joints.
Joints and couplings of metal tube scaffolds shall: (a) Be made of malleable, corrosion-resistant steel, or of a similar material with the same properties and strength. (b) Be connected to the bearing surfaces used, along the full length of the components, by means of couplers with sleeves, or three-way and four-way connectors, in such a way that the connections do not work loose and show no movement or vibration.
Couplings shall not cause deformation of the tubes, nor shall they themselves become deformed.
Bolted couplings shall be fully threaded and tightened to the last thread. Suspended scaffolds with manual operation.
Outrigger beams shall: (a) Have sufficient strength and cross-section to ensure the strength and stability of the scaffold. (b) Be installed perpendicular to the outer face of the building.
The projecting portion of these beams from the building shall be such that, when the work platform is stationary in its suspended position, the distance of the platform from the outer face of the building does not exceed 30 centimetres, except in the exceptional cases referred to in Article 104.
Outrigger beams shall be securely connected and anchored to the main structural elements of the building by means of bolts or similar devices.
Anchor bolts shall be properly tightened and shall securely connect the outrigger beams to the frame and fabric of the building.
Where outrigger beams are anchored using sandbags or counterweights, these devices shall be securely fastened to the outrigger beams.
Stop bolts shall be fitted at the end of each outrigger beam or each supporting steel beam.
Suspension ropes shall: (a) Be made of good-quality natural or synthetic fibres, or of steel wire. (b) Have a safety factor of at least 10 for fibre ropes, and a safety factor of at least 6 for steel wire ropes.
Suspension ropes shall run over suitable pulleys and sheaves, so that the platform can be raised and lowered easily and safely.
Suspension ropes shall be suitably protected against abrasion and corrosion.
The length of work platforms of manually operated suspended scaffolds shall not exceed 8 metres, and their width shall not exceed 60 centimetres.
Work platforms shall: (a) Be suspended by two or more ropes or chains, spaced not more than 3.5 metres apart. (b) Be protected by rails resting on metal stirrups, these stirrups being connected to the suspension ropes and chains.
At no time shall the middle rope be pulled tighter than either of the two side ropes.
The stirrups of the work platform shall pass beneath the platform boards and be firmly fastened to them.
No more than two workers shall work at the same time on the platform of a manually operated suspended scaffold.
When a manually operated suspended scaffold is not in use, it shall be secured to the fabric of the building or lowered to ground level, and its tools and materials shall be removed from it.
Before being put into use, a manually operated suspended scaffold shall be tested by means of two trial loadings over a short distance.
In manually operated suspended scaffolds on which workers perform their work seated on the platform, devices shall be provided to keep the platform at least 45 centimetres from the fabric of the building, so as to prevent workers' knees from striking the wall when the scaffold moves. Power-operated suspended scaffolds.
Outrigger beams shall comply with the provisions of Articles 125 to 128 and Article 130.
In power-operated suspended scaffolds, sandbags or counterweights shall not be used as devices for holding and anchoring the outrigger beams.
Only steel suspension cables complying with the provisions of paragraph (b) of Article 131 shall be used in power-operated suspended scaffolds.
The length of the suspension cables shall be such that, when the platform is at its lowest position, at least two turns of cable remain wound on each drum.
The ends of the suspension cables shall be securely fastened to the hoisting machine by means of clamps or other effective devices.
Scaffold hoisting machines shall be constructed and installed in such a way that their moving parts are readily accessible for inspection.
The housing of hoisting machines shall be securely connected to the platform's supports and putlogs by means of bolts or other effective devices.
Winches on suspended scaffolds shall: (a) Be of the automatic-stop type; or (b) Be fitted with a catch, pawl, or other effective locking device, such that the platform can be safely stopped at any level and the catch engages automatically when released from manual control. Furthermore, where the catch must necessarily be released before the platform is lowered, a suitable safety device shall be provided to prevent the winch from running back.
The start button or lever of the hoisting machine shall be such that, when hand pressure on it is released, the motor stops immediately and the platform is safely held in place.
The moving parts of the hoisting machine shall be inspected at least once a week.
Whenever the hoisting machine is relocated, it shall undergo a full inspection and examination before being put back into use.
Work platforms shall comply with the provisions of Article 135.
The length of work platforms shall not exceed 8 metres, and their width shall not exceed 1.5 metres.
When workers are working on heavy-duty suspended scaffolds, the safety of the suspension cables shall be ensured by locking the winches or by other effective means.
Suspended scaffolds shall be prevented from swaying or striking the fabric of the building by means of guides, buffer rails, and the like.
When a power-operated suspended scaffold is not in use: (a) All tools and other portable equipment shall be removed from it. (b) It shall be securely fixed in place, or lowered to ground level. Bracket scaffolds. Definition: A bracket scaffold consists of a work platform, in the form of a balcony, connected and anchored to the fabric of the building by means of angle-shaped brackets.
The brackets of a bracket scaffold shall have sufficient strength, shall be made of suitable metal, and shall be securely anchored to the fabric of the building by means of bolts, nuts, and washers.
A bracket scaffold shall be used only by workers, such as carpenters, painters, and electricians, who do not require heavy equipment or tools.
The width of the work platform of a bracket scaffold shall not exceed 75 centimetres.
The brackets of a bracket scaffold shall be designed to withstand a load of at least 175 kilograms applied to their front portion.
The spacing between the brackets of a bracket scaffold shall not exceed 3 metres. Ladder scaffolds.
A ladder scaffold shall be used only for light work in which little material is used, and in general it shall be suitable for the work in question (such as painting, plastering, and the like).
Two-part (double-sided) ladders used as supports for a ladder scaffold, in addition to having adequate strength and stability, shall also meet one of the following two conditions:
(a) Either they are sunk into the ground to a depth determined with regard to the type of soil.
(b) Or they are placed on base plates or boards in such a way that both feet of each ladder rest on a level surface. Their feet shall also be firmly secured to prevent them from slipping.
Where a two-part ladder is used to form a scaffold, the height of the scaffold shall not exceed (2.5) metres. Also, the platform board shall be placed on a level surface and shall not be positioned higher than the third rung from the top of the ladders.
No more than one person at a time shall use a ladder scaffold.
Section 2: Ladders
The stiles and rungs of a wooden ladder shall be made of good-quality timber, with the wood grain running in the direction of the length of the components. Also, the components of the ladder shall be free from any visible defect such as cracks, breaks, or rot.
The rungs of a wooden ladder shall be securely fitted to the stiles by mortise and tenon; the use of a wooden ladder whose rungs are fixed to the stiles only by nails and screws shall be avoided.
The rungs of a metal ladder shall be ribbed to prevent the foot from slipping on them.
A two-part ladder shall be fitted with a locking device or stay to prevent the legs from opening beyond the permitted limit. In addition, when open, its height shall not exceed (3) metres.
The length of a single (portable) ladder shall not exceed ten metres.
The rungs and stiles of a ladder shall be free from oil and slippery substances.
Painting a wooden ladder in a manner that conceals its defects shall be avoided, and a transparent protective material shall be used to protect it against rot.
Metal ladders shall be protected against corrosion and rust by anti-rust treatment or other suitable material, unless they are made of a rust-resistant metal such as aluminium.
A ladder constructed on a single support by joining horizontal pieces of wood shall not be used.
Two short ladders shall not be joined together and used in place of a long ladder.
Increasing the height of a ladder by placing a box, drum, or similar object under its feet shall be avoided.
A two-part ladder shall not be used in place of a single ladder by folding its two sides together.
The hinges at the top of a two-part ladder shall be lubricated at appropriate intervals so that they move easily and to prevent them from breaking.
A ladder whose rungs are loose or defective, or which is missing a rung, or whose stiles are defective, cracked, or broken, shall on no account be used. If the ladder cannot be repaired, it shall be destroyed immediately so that no one can use it.
For fixed ladders, a landing shall be provided for every (9) metres of height, and each section of ladder between two landings shall be positioned so that it is not in line with the preceding section.
A ladder shall not be placed in front of a door that opens, unless the door has first been securely closed and locked.
In places with heavy traffic, and also in buildings of more than two storeys, separate ladders shall be used for going up and coming down.
No more than one person at a time shall use a single ladder.
When positioning a ladder, the distance between the foot of the ladder and the base of the wall shall be set at approximately one quarter of the length of the ladder.
In cases where it is not possible to lean and position the ladder at a suitable and safe angle, the support or foot of the ladder shall be firmly fastened or secured to prevent the ladder from moving.
Where a ladder is placed on a surface where slipping is likely, the feet shall be prevented from slipping on the ground by means of a wedge, a grooved rubber shoe, or other similar devices and obstacles. Also, the upper support of the ladder shall have the necessary strength.
The length of the ladder shall be chosen so that, once correctly positioned, its upper end is about one metre above the level of the place where the worker steps off, and this extra portion shall be free of rungs. This extra portion may also consist of a single stile only.
Leaning a ladder against a cylindrical column, such as a metal pipe or wooden post, and likewise against the corner of a wall, shall be prevented.
Workers shall not be required to raise or lower heavy or bulky loads by means of a ladder.
Raising hot asphalt or bitumen by means of a ladder is not permitted.
Chapter 5: Demolition
Section 1: Preliminary Demolition Operations
Before demolition operations begin, a thorough inspection shall be carried out of all parts of the building to be demolished, and, where hazardous parts liable to collapse are found, precautionary measures such as the installation of props, shoring, and temporary supports and columns shall be taken to secure those parts.
Before work begins, the supply of electricity, gas, water, and other similar services shall be safely disconnected with the knowledge and under the supervision of the relevant organisations, and, if temporary reconnection of these is required, this shall likewise be carried out with the agreement and supervision of the relevant organisations and in compliance with all relevant safety precautions and regulations.
The danger zone around the building being demolished shall be completely fenced off, and danger and warning signs shall be installed, and unauthorised persons shall be prevented from entering the fenced-off area.
At night, the boundary of the fenced-off area shall be marked by the installation of red lights or other distinguishing signs such as reflective boards and the like.
All entrances and exits of the building being demolished, except for the route designated for the passage of workers and responsible persons, shall be closed off.
All glass in doors and windows shall be removed before demolition operations begin and stored in a suitable location.
Section 2: General Principles of Demolition
Demolition operations shall begin from the highest part or storey and proceed down to the lowest part or storey, except in special cases where demolition is carried out all at once and by the use of explosives in the foundation and from a distance, in compliance with all relevant precautions and safety regulations and after obtaining the necessary permits, or is carried out by pulling with cables and overturning, or by striking with swinging weights.
In cases where demolition is carried out by pulling and overturning, strong metal cables shall be used, and all workers and responsible persons shall be stationed at a suitable and safe distance, well clear of the danger zone.
In cases where swinging weights are used for demolition, a working area with a width of (1.5) times the height of the building shall be allowed around the point of impact of the weight.
The swinging weights referred to in the preceding Article shall be controlled in such a way that they strike nothing other than the building being demolished.
Demolishing parts of a building in a manner that causes the sudden collapse of other parts of the building shall be prevented.
At the end of the day's work, the parts under demolition shall not be left in an unstable condition vulnerable to wind pressure or vibration.
Materials and debris resulting from the demolition of each part or storey shall be moved to a suitable location in good time, and their accumulation in a manner that obstructs the work or endangers the stability of the lower storeys shall be prevented.
Nails present in beams and boards resulting from demolition shall be immediately driven into the wood or removed.
Where necessary, to prevent the spread of dust from demolition, the parts under demolition shall be dampened with a water spray at suitable intervals.
All drop-offs and openings existing in floor slabs and other areas, except for openings used for the transport and movement of demolition materials and debris or work equipment, shall be fenced off or covered with suitable railings or guards.
In the demolition area, safe passageways shall be provided for the movement of workers. These passageways shall be well lit and free of any obstruction.
With the exception of staircases, corridors, ladders, and doors used by workers, all other communication routes of the building shall be closed off for the entire duration of demolition.
At points where workers enter and exit the building being demolished, covered walkways at least three metres long and half a metre wider than the entrance door shall be constructed, to prevent materials falling on them.
Building materials shall not be thrown outside by free fall, unless the throwing is carried out through wooden or metal chutes.
Wooden or metal chutes used to guide materials to the outside, if inclined at more than 45 degrees, shall be completely enclosed on all four sides, except for the openings provided for the entry and exit of materials.
The outer opening of wooden or metal chutes shall be fitted with a sturdy gate, shall be attended by one worker while in use, and shall be closed at other times. Also, at the top of these chutes, the necessary measures and precautions shall be taken to prevent workers from accidentally falling into the entry openings.
The storage location for tools and construction equipment and temporary structures for workers shall be situated where they are not exposed to the danger of collapse or falling materials and debris from demolition.
Section 3: Demolition and Dismantling of Walls
A wall, or part of a wall, whose height exceeds (22) times its thickness shall not be left free-standing without lateral supports.
For the manual demolition and dismantling of thin, tall walls lacking adequate strength, a scaffold shall be used.
In cases where a wall is demolished by the application of force and pressure, all workers and persons shall be kept clear of the collapse zone.
Before demolishing any interior or exterior wall, holes and openings located within three metres of the point of demolition in the floor of the storey shall be covered with resistant material of adequate dimensions, unless no worker whatsoever is working on the lower storeys or the access routes to those storeys have already been closed off.
Walls constructed to retain soil or adjacent buildings shall not be demolished unless the soil has previously been removed or the building concerned has been protected by props and shoring.
Section 4: Demolition and Dismantling of Vaults
For jack arches, whether when an opening is being made in them or when they are being demolished, the bricks and material between the two steel beams, up to the arch supports, shall be completely removed.
When demolishing a vault, after part of the vault has been removed, boards at least (5) centimetres thick and (25) centimetres wide shall be placed transversely across the steel beams or joists in sufficient number so that workers can stand on them and continue their work.
When demolishing a vault, the storey beneath it shall be closed off so that none of the workers can move about in it.
Section 5: Demolition and Dismantling of the Building's Steel Frame
Where a crane is used to lower steel beams and steel members, the provisions of the Regulation on the Protection of Materials Handling and Lifting Equipment in Workplaces shall be observed.
If, after demolition and removal of the vault, it is necessary to install a construction crane on the steel beam, all sides of the crane installation area, except for the part needed for carrying equipment and materials, shall first be covered with boards and firmly and securely fixed in place.
When lowering cut steel beams by crane, a guide rope shall also be used to maintain balance and prevent the load from swinging.
Workers shall be prevented from hanging on the cable of lifting equipment or standing on steel beams being carried.
When a crane is used to carry oxygen and acetylene cylinders, enclosures shall be used in which these cylinders are securely held in place.
Before cutting a steel beam, the necessary precautions shall be taken to prevent free swinging of the beam after cutting, so that no harm is caused to persons or equipment.
The lowering of cut steel beams shall be carried out slowly, and dropping them from above is strictly prohibited.
Where the demolition of a steel-framed building is carried out without the use of a crane, before removing the steel beams and columns of each storey, the floor immediately below shall be covered with boards.
Section 6: Demolition of Tall Chimneys, Towers and Similar Structures
Tall chimneys, towers, and similar structures shall not be demolished by explosion or by overturning, unless a protected and safe area of sufficient extent has first been established around them.
Where the structures referred to in Article 231 are to be demolished manually, a scaffold shall be used.
As the demolition of the above-mentioned structures proceeds from top to bottom, the scaffold platform shall likewise be gradually lowered, in such a way that the position of the workers concerned is always below the top point of the structure, and this difference in height is not less than 50 centimetres and not more than 150 centimetres.
Workers shall be prevented from standing or being positioned on top of the aforementioned structures.
Material resulting from the demolition of the structures in question shall be dropped down from the inside, and, to prevent the accumulation of material, an opening shall first be created at the lowest part of the structure for its discharge.
The discharge of the material referred to in the preceding Article shall be carried out only after demolition work has stopped.
Where a hoist is used, its support shall be independent of the scaffold.
Chapter 6: Excavation and Trenching
Section 1: Preliminary Excavation and Trenching Operations
Before excavation and trenching operations begin, the following measures shall be carried out:
(a) The ground in question shall be carefully examined for stability.
(b) The location of underground installations, such as sewage channels, water and gas piping, electricity and telephone cables, and the like, which could give rise to danger and accidents during excavation work or could themselves be damaged, shall be identified, and, where necessary, they shall be permanently or temporarily rerouted or their supply cut off.
(c) Where rerouting or cutting off the supply of the installations referred to in paragraph (b) is not possible, they shall be protected by appropriate means, such as suspending them or enclosing them, and the like.
(d) Obstructions such as trees, boulders, and the like shall be removed from the ground in question.
(e) Where excavation and trenching operations pose a risk to the stability of adjacent walls and buildings, their safety and stability shall be ensured before work begins, by installing props, shoring, and suitable supports and maintaining a suitable and safe excavation distance, and, where necessary, by constructing retaining structures.
Section 2: General Principles of Excavation and Trenching
If workers engaged in other work are present near the excavation and trenching site, precautionary measures shall be taken for their safety.
The sides of any excavation whose depth exceeds (120) centimetres and where there is a risk of collapse shall be protected by the installation of sturdy and suitable props, shoring, and supports, unless the sides have a suitable slope (less than the stable angle of repose of the excavated soil).
Where excavation and trenching operations are carried out near railway lines, highways, or centres and installations that generate vibration, precautionary measures such as the installation of suitable props, shoring, and supports shall be taken to prevent the risk of collapse.
Material resulting from excavation and trenching shall not be deposited within less than half a metre of the edge of the excavation. Also, this material shall not be piled up on pavements and public thoroughfares in a manner that obstructs passage.
The sides of the excavation and trenching site shall be carefully examined and inspected in the following cases, and, at points where a risk of collapse has arisen, safety devices shall be installed or the sides shall be reinforced:
(a) After a work stoppage of (24) hours or more.
(b) After any blasting operation.
(c) After a sudden collapse.
(d) After significant damage to the supports.
(e) After severe frost.
(f) After heavy rain.
In places where there is a risk of objects falling into the excavation or trenching site, protective barriers shall be provided to prevent injury to workers. Likewise, to prevent workers and passers-by from falling into the excavation or trenching site, precautionary measures such as fencing off the excavation area, installing railings, barriers, route-control devices, warning signs, and the like shall be taken.
At night, adequate lighting shall be provided in all thoroughfares and pavements around the excavation and trenching site, and night warning signs, such as caution lights, reflective boards, and the like, shall also be installed around the fenced-off area, so that all passers-by and vehicle drivers are made aware of the danger from a sufficient distance and in good time.
Before positioning machinery and mechanical equipment, such as cranes, excavators, trucks, and the like, or piling up soil resulting from excavation and trenching and construction materials near the edges of the excavation, props, shoring, and supports necessary to increase resistance to additional loads on the sides of the excavation shall be installed.
Where hoisting equipment is used to carry soil and material resulting from excavation and trenching, the legs of this equipment shall be firmly and securely installed, and the soil and material in question shall also be raised in safe and secure containers.
Where a wall is used to protect one of the sides of an excavation, its stability shall be ensured by the necessary supports.
Where internal combustion engines are used inside the excavation, technical measures shall be taken to ensure that the gases produced by the operation of the engine are effectively removed from the workers' working area.
Where the condition of the excavation or trench is such that adequate lighting is not provided by natural light, artificial lighting sources shall be used to prevent accidents resulting from a lack of light.
Where there is a risk of the leakage and accumulation of toxic and hazardous gases inside a channel, technical measures shall be taken and ventilation equipment installed to effectively ventilate the air in the workers' breathing zone. Likewise, where water accumulates in the channel, it shall be drained.
In cases where trenching beneath pavements is necessary, precautionary measures, such as the installation of suitable supports with adequate strength, shall be taken to prevent the risk of collapse, and, by installing barriers, railings, and warning signs, the danger zone shall be completely fenced off and the passage of persons prevented.
In excavations and trenches whose depth exceeds one metre, workers shall not be assigned to work alone.
In trenching carried out with a shovel and pick, workers shall be positioned at a sufficient distance from one another.
In deep, long trenches whose depth exceeds one metre, a ladder shall be installed for every thirty metres of length at most. The top of the ladder shall extend to about one metre above the edge of the trench.
Section 3: Access and Egress Routes to Excavation and Trenching Sites
Suitable and safe entry and exit routes shall be provided for the movement of workers to the excavation site. At excavation sites whose depth exceeds (6) metres, a platform or landing shall be provided for every six metres for ladders, stairs, and ramps. These platforms or landings, as well as the ramps and stairs, shall be protected by suitable railings.
The width of thoroughfares and ramps intended for vehicles shall not be less than four metres, and sturdy, suitable barriers shall be installed on both sides. If this guard is made of wood, its diameter shall not be less than twenty centimetres.
At the excavation site, one guard shall be responsible for supervising the entry and exit of trucks and heavy machinery, and warning signs shall also be installed at the entry and exit route of trucks and machinery to alert workers and other persons.
Ramps and thoroughfares constructed on firm ground (without the use of wooden boards) shall be free of bumps, unevenness, and irregularities.
Persons engaged in excavation and trenching operations shall have sufficient experience, and their work shall also be supervised by competent persons.
Section 4: Manual Excavation of Water and Sewage Wells
All well-digging contractors shall have sound and defect-free tools and work implements, as well as personal protective equipment in accordance with the requirements of the Regulation on the Protection of Manual Well-Digging and the Regulation on Personal Protective Equipment, in particular safety helmets, air pumps, rubber boots, safety belts, and rescue ropes, and shall provide these to their workers and supervise their correct use.
Persons engaged in the digging of water and sewage wells shall have sufficient experience in this work, and the relevant contractors shall supervise their work.
In selecting the site for digging a sewage well, the location of existing sewage wells shall be taken into account, and the distance of the new well from the existing well shall be determined, on the advice of the supervising engineer and the employer or the employer's main contractor, at a distance sufficient to eliminate the risk of collapse and the two wells becoming connected to each other; alternatively, before digging begins, the existing sewage well shall be emptied and filled with soil, grout, or other suitable material.
Each time the well-digger enters the well, an examination shall be carried out for the presence of toxic and hazardous gases as well as for oxygen deficiency.
To prevent hazards and harm related to oxygen deficiency and the presence of harmful and hazardous gases, the air in the well shall be ventilated by means of an air pump, and, where these measures are not sufficient and effective given the working conditions, the well-digger shall be equipped with a compressed-air breathing mask with a hose.
Before entering the well, the well-digger shall attach a rescue rope and safety belt to themselves, and the free end of the rescue rope shall be securely fastened at a fixed point above the well.
After the end of the day's work, the mouth of the well shall be safely covered with sturdy, resistant, and suitable panels and marked accordingly.
The mouth of the well shall be lined with brick and cement mortar to a depth of at least (1.5) metres, and, at the end of operations, shall be closed and covered in such a way as to have adequate resistance to the loads imposed on it and to weather conditions. Also, in ground where fill soil has been deposited, the lining work shall be carried out after the fill soil has been removed.
Sewage pipes shall be connected to the well by means of a funnel/collar. The funnel/collar shall also have adequate strength, and its position at the mouth of the well shall be such that it directs the sewage vertically along the axis of the well shaft and prevents water from running down the wall of the well.
Where the mouth of the well has a cover, this cover shall be fitted with a suitable and secure lock and fastening.
For every type of well, whether for water or sewage, a suitable vent pipe shall be provided.
The location of the well shall be precisely indicated on the final building plan. Also, at the completion of construction operations, distinguishing signs shall be installed at the site of construction or over the cover of the well's mouth.
In well-digging operations using manual means, in addition to the foregoing, the provisions of the Regulation and Protection Rules on Manual Well-Digging shall also be observed.
Chapter 7: Construction and Erection of Steel and Concrete Frames
When erecting a steel frame and installing columns, beams, and trusses, the crane's supporting cable shall not be detached from them until the necessary welding has been carried out or at least half of the bolts and nuts have been tightened.
Before installing one steel beam on top of another, the lower steel beam shall be one hundred percent bolted and nutted or welded.
For raising steel beams and other components of the steel frame, chains shall not be used; instead, strong and suitable metal cables or ropes, with the safety factors specified in the 'Regulation on Materials Handling and Lifting Equipment in Workplaces', shall be used.
Also, to prevent excessive bending of the metal cable, wood or other suitable material shall be placed between the steel beam and the cable.
Beams and columns shall be inspected immediately after installation and welding or bolting and nutting, to ensure that the work has been carried out correctly and completely.
When raising steel beams and other components of the steel frame by crane, their movement shall be controlled manually by means of several ropes, to prevent severe swinging and the occurrence of an accident.
At suitable points on the components of the steel frame, adequate connection points shall be provided for the hooks of guide ropes and suspended scaffolds.
During periods of heavy rain or strong winds, or in cases where the risk of an accident is increased owing to inadequate lighting, the continuation of steel-frame erection operations shall be prevented.
Steel beams and other components of the steel frame shall not be coated with snow, ice, or other slippery substances at the time of installation.
When erecting a steel frame, persons shall be prevented from entering the danger zone.
Electric welding of the steel frame from scaffolds suspended by cables is not permitted.
The cables of electric welding equipment shall have a sound, undamaged insulating covering.
All components of concrete formwork, as well as equipment such as jacks, beams, and props used for supporting, propping, and securing the formwork, shall have adequate strength and resistance and shall be designed and constructed with a loading safety factor of at least 5.2.
The concrete formwork shall be inspected before concreting, and the strength and stability of all formwork components, supports, and the like shall be verified, to prevent the formwork from collapsing during concreting.
When removing concrete formwork, it shall be ensured that the concrete has fully set, and the necessary precautions shall be taken to protect workers from the risk of falling concrete or formwork.
In the area where concrete is being poured, barriers shall be provided at the edge to prevent handcarts or wheelbarrows from falling into the concreting area.
Where masonry work is being carried out on lower storeys, the installation of steel beams and carrying out concrete work and the like on upper storeys shall only be permitted if the relevant floor slabs have been fully completed.
The concrete mixer shall be fitted with a locking device to prevent it from accidentally starting up while being cleaned.
The operations of erecting steel frames and likewise carrying out concrete structures, such as formwork, rebar work, and the mixing and pouring of concrete into forms, shall be carried out by competent persons.
Chapter 8: Storage of Materials
Where the temporary storage of construction materials and debris on or near a public thoroughfare is unavoidable, this shall be done in strict compliance with the provisions of Article (11).
The storage of construction materials near the edge of an excavation, the mouth of a well, or any kind of drop-off shall be prevented.
Bricks and tiles shall not be stacked higher than two metres, and their surroundings shall be fenced off with suitable barriers.
The piling up of materials such as gravel, sand, soil, and the like against partition walls shall be prevented. Also, where such materials are piled up against walls, this shall be done in such a way that excessive pressure is not applied to the wall.
Stockpiles of sand, gravel, and stone shall be regularly inspected to prevent their removal from causing collapse onto workers and resulting in an accident.
Bags of cement, plaster, and the like shall not be stacked more than ten rows high, unless they are secured on all sides by reliable means, in which case, for every five rows stacked, one bag shall be set back on each side.
When removing bags, each horizontal row shall be completely removed before starting on the next row.
The removal of stored materials shall begin from the highest part.
Timber boards shall be placed on cross-pieces of wood so that they do not rest directly on the ground, and, where the height of stacked boards exceeds one metre, cross-pieces of wood shall be placed between the rows at every one metre of height.
Steel beams shall be stacked with a low height in such a way that they cannot roll.
Metal sheets shall be stacked horizontally on top of one another, and their height shall not exceed one metre.
When storing metal pipes, both ends shall be secured with suitable stops to prevent them from rolling and causing an accident.
Chapter 9: Miscellaneous Provisions
Workers shall be prevented from working on building roofs during wind, storms, and heavy rain, or when the roof surface is covered with ice.
The assignment of inexperienced and newly hired workers to work on sloped roofs shall be prevented.
When working on roofs covered with fragile sheeting, such as corrugated skylight sheets or asbestos-cement (Iranite) sheets, ladders or crawling boards at least (25) centimetres wide shall be used. There shall be at least two ladders or crawling boards, so that moving one of them does not require standing on the fragile sheeting.
At the edge of sloped roofs, suitable and adequate barriers shall be provided to prevent workers or tools from slipping and falling.
Workers working on a sloped roof with a slope exceeding (20) degrees shall be equipped with a safety belt and rescue rope, and, where possible, safety nets shall be installed below the work area.
The sheets referred to in Article (306) shall be free of any defect, crack, or breakage, and the spacing of the supports beneath them shall be such that the sheets can bear the loads imposed on them.
Passageways constructed for the movement of handcarts or wheelbarrows shall have a level surface, and a width of at least one metre shall be allowed for the passage of each wheelbarrow.
Placing loads on, applying pressure to, or leaning a scaffold or ladder against masonry work whose mortar has not yet fully set and hardened shall be prevented.
Open flames, torches, lit matches, and the like shall not be placed near the openings of sewage ducts, main gas lines, and similar ducts.
The installation of stone cladding panels on a building facade is permitted only where they are firmly and securely fixed by means of cladding anchors or other suitable devices, preventing them from becoming detached and falling.
When covering the floors of rooms and halls with carpet or plastic materials, smoking shall be strictly prohibited, and suitable fire extinguishers, such as the dry chemical powder type, shall also be available and ready for use.
Before starting to cover the floors of rooms and halls with carpet using plastic-based materials, the windows shall be fully opened and natural ventilation of the work area ensured. Also, where mechanical ventilation is also required, an extractor fan shall be installed on the outside of the window and switched on before work begins. The use of petrol and other highly flammable substances as an adhesive thinner is dangerous and prohibited.
Jacks used in construction operations shall be completely sound and free from defects such as cracking, wear, and distortion. Also, the maximum capacity of the jack shall be engraved on it, in Persian, at a suitable location, or otherwise clearly indicated.
A jack shall not be loaded beyond its maximum rated capacity.
A jack found to have a technical defect shall be clearly marked and removed from the reach of persons at the construction site.
A container holding hot bitumen shall not be kept in an enclosed area, unless part of the area is open and ventilation is fully provided.
For heating drums containing solid bitumen, arrangements shall be made so that the upper part of the bitumen in the container melts first, and heating and exposure of the lower parts of the bitumen container to flame at the start of the work shall be prevented.
The use of short stepstools in light construction operations and minor repairs is permitted only where they have adequate strength and a sufficiently stable and reliable base.
The manual hoisting of heavy and bulky objects, including steel beams, steel members, and the like, by rope, cable, or similar means is not permitted, and suitable mechanical hoists shall be used.
The transport of construction workers in the load-carrying section of motor vehicles or by other construction machinery is not permitted.
All temporary structures at the site, such as rest areas, office buildings, material stores, access routes to the site, and the like, shall have adequate strength and resistance.