Construction site hygiene encourages good housekeeping and provides workers with clean drinking water, sanitary restrooms, and washing facilities to clean up. The OSHA Sanitation Standard for Construction, 29 CFR 1926.51, requires employers to:
- Provide accessible sanitary facilities for all personnel
- And, ensure these facilities are maintained in an appropriately clean and sanitary condition
Housekeeping
Good housekeeping practices lead to better hygienic conditions and improved health. There are a few examples of good housekeeping practices, including:
- Dispose of trash and debris in the proper receptacles on the job site
- Clean up the job site after major tasks or at least daily. Avoid the buildup of hazardous, flammable, or combustible materials
- Stack scrap lumber out of the way and remove protruding nails
- And, keep walkways, stairs, and work areas clear
Drinking Water
Drinking water must be available at all construction sites, regardless of the number of employees. Provide clean water through plumbed drinking fountains or clearly labeled portable containers. Use spouts or faucets on portable containers to fill single-use cups; never dip water from the container. Clearly mark any non-drinkable water sources on site to warn that they are unsafe for drinking, washing, or cooking.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE plays an important role in maintaining good hygiene by creating a protective barrier over the skin with items such as gloves, coveralls, and boots. Workers should regularly check their PPE for contamination, wear, tears, or pinholes, and replace it as needed. Clean, decontaminate, or replace protective gear frequently to prevent it from collecting harmful substances. If PPE becomes too soiled during a task, stop and switch to clean equipment immediately to stay protected.
Handwashing and Washing Facilities
Basic hand washing and skin care are key to preventing workplace exposure and disease. Washing with soap and water removes germs, chemicals, and contaminants while reducing the risk of ingestion or spreading them to surfaces. Workers should wash their hands regularly throughout the day, especially before and after restroom use, food preparation, or breaks. Hand washing is also essential after coughing, sneezing, blowing the nose, or being around someone who is sick. These simple habits help control the spread of illnesses like the flu and common cold.
Washing facilities on the job site allow workers to wash their hands and avoid cross-contamination. These facilities can be used to wash away harmful substances from the body and to decontaminate PPE. There are a few things washing facilities should include, such as:
- One washing station for every 20, or fewer, employees on a job site
- Wash areas should be clean with a good supply of water and soap, other skin cleansing agents, or special hazardous substance cleansing compounds
- Wash stations require single-use drying towels or a warm-air hand dryer
- Washing facilities must be located outside, but convenient to, bathroom facilities and should be labeled
- And, on job sites with less than 5 employees and only 1 portable toilet facility, the washing facility may be located inside the portable toilet station
Hygiene Practices
There are additional hygiene practices workers should follow, including:
- Smoke, eat, and drink only in designated areas away from where hazardous substances are used or stored
- Do not mix contaminated clothing with home laundry
- Perform first aid measures if hazardous materials splash on the eyes, skin, or clothing
- Always wash before applying makeup, lotion, lip balm, or gloves
- Remove contact lenses when working in an area where vapors are present
- And, keep hazardous material storage areas clean
Conclusion
Maintaining proper hygiene on construction sites is essential for protecting workers from illness, contamination, and workplace hazards. Regular hand washing, proper use and care of PPE, and clean work practices help reduce exposure to harmful substances and prevent the spread of germs.