Construction Volunteering

Safety is everyone’s concern:

Try to be conscious of the safety of others as well as yourself. If you see a dangerous situation, speak up. If you are not sure how to proceed with a project, ask questions. Many of our volunteers have little construction experience, and we need to help each other. Never put yourself or others at risk. A first aid kit is in the tool trailer. In an emergency, call 911. Drink lots of water!

Ask for whatever protective items you need:

hard hat, safety goggles, dust mask, ear plugs, or gloves. When people are working above you, you must wear a hard hat.

A word of caution from Habitat for Humanity International to senior volunteers:

Older volunteers should not work from heights, work alone, carry heavy loads, or perform other tasks that require a lot of upper body strength.

Inspect hand tools:

Make sure they are free from dirt and oil, and sharp enough for the job. Check for loose handles. Find out the best way to use them. Carry sharp tools pointed downward.

Use power tools carefully:

Find out how to use them safely with your construction supervisor. Check the tool, its cord, the extension cord, and plug for any dirt or defects. You must be 18 or older to use power tools on our job sites.

Be especially careful with power saws:

Power saws can bind and result in a severe kick back. Support what you are working on properly – never attempt to cut something that could tilt or fall and cause the saw to slip. A spring-actuated blade guard often can become bent and won’t slide quickly, or the spring can become stretched, so the return is slow. Alert the site supervisor to any needed repairs. Never tie the blade guard back out of the way. Keep your fingers away from the blade! You must wear safety goggles or tempered eyeglasses when using the power saw or when assisting someone who is.

Be careful with ladders:

Check for defective rungs and test the ladder to make sure it is secure at the top and bottom. In sandy soil use scrap lumber to stabilize the ladder. Put your tools in a tool belt to keep both hands free for climbing, and never leave your tools unattended on top of the ladder. Never lean both shoulders away from the ladder. Keep metal ladders away from electrical lines!

Roofs are dangerous:

No one in poor health should go up on the roof. Move about very carefully. Don’t let your hammer slide off the roof. Scrape sand off your shoes before you start up the ladder. Do not work on a wet roof.

Clutter leads to accidents:

Help maintain a clean work area. Pick up nails and other sharp items. Please put tools away when you are not using them so that no one steps on them or trips over them. Always watch your step.

Heavy lifting can injure your back:

Don’t do it! Ask the site supervisor for help.