Occupational Health and Safety, Rigging, and Hoisting

Occupational Health and Safety, Rigging and Hoisting

Chapter Introduction

This chapter covers all the knowledge required for the Red Seal exam in the bricklayer-mason trade concerning occupational health and safety, rigging, and hoisting. You must master these concepts not only to pass the exam but also to work safely on job sites. Exam questions cover federal regulations, CSA standards, and the physical principles of lifting. This chapter is structured to give you a comprehensive, prioritized view of the knowledge you need to acquire.

Occupational Health and Safety: Regulatory Framework

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

WHMIS is a national system designed to communicate information about hazardous materials. For the bricklayer, the most common products are cements, limes, additives, sealants, and acid cleaners. You must know how to interpret the three elements of WHMIS: labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and the training program.

Supplier labels must include: the product name, hazard pictograms (10 classes), hazard statements (H phrases), precautionary statements (P phrases), the supplier identifier, and the statement "See SDS". Pictograms are symbols within a red-bordered diamond. The main pictograms you will see on masonry products are: the exclamation mark (health hazard), corrosion (skin burns), environmental hazard, and flame (flammable).

The SDS must be available in the workplace and contains 16 sections. The most important sections for the bricklayer are Section 2 (hazard identification), Section 4 (first aid measures), Section 5 (fire-fighting measures), Section 6 (accidental release measures), and Section 8 (exposure controls and personal protection).

Portland Cement: Specific Hazards

Wet Portland cement has a very high pH (approximately 12 to 13). Prolonged skin contact can cause severe chemical burns, even if the burning sensation is not immediate. Prevention involves wearing impermeable gloves, protective clothing, tight-fitting goggles, and washing immediately upon contact. Never leave wet cement in your boots — this can cause third-degree burns requiring amputation.

The Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHSR)

The COHSR (SOR/86-304) applies to employers under federal jurisdiction, but its principles are adopted by all jurisdictions. The relevant sections for the bricklayer:

The Three Fundamental Worker Rights

The worker has: the right to know (about workplace hazards), the right to participate (in the health and safety committee), and the right to refuse dangerous work. To refuse work, the procedure is: report the hazard to the supervisor, wait for the investigation, and if the hazard persists, contact the health and safety committee. The Red Seal exam often tests this procedure.

The Canada Labour Code (CLC) — Part II

CLC Part II sets out the rights and responsibilities of employers, supervisors, and employees. The employer must provide a safe workplace, train employees, provide PPE, and post instructions. The supervisor must ensure employees follow procedures. The employee must use PPE, report hazards, and not endanger others.

Scaffolds and Work Platforms

Types of Scaffolds Used in Masonry

The bricklayer frequently works on scaffolds. Common types:

Erection and Use Rules

The CSA S269.2 standard (Access scaffolding for construction purposes) and the CSA S269.1 standard (Suspended scaffolds) are the references. Essential rules:

Scaffold Inspection

The scaffold must be inspected by a competent person before each use, after any event that could affect it, and at least once per week. Inspection points: welds, deformed frames, connections, platforms, guardrails, anchors, base plates.

Ladders

Portable ladders must comply with CSA Z11. The rules: 75° angle of inclination (4:1 ratio), extend 1 meter above the landing, stable base, ladder in good condition. Metal ladders are prohibited near electrical lines. The maximum working height of a single ladder is 9 meters.

Rigging and Slinging: Fundamental Principles

Essential Terminology

Wire Rope

Wire rope is designated by its construction, for example 6 × 19 (6 strands of 19 wires) or 6 × 37. The diameter is measured across the largest dimension (circumscribed circle diameter). Wire rope rejection criteria:

Chain Slings

Chains must comply with CSA G4 or ASTM A391. Rejection criteria: links elongated by more than 5%, cracks, deep corrosion, deformation. Chains must be lubricated regularly. The maximum working temperature is 200 °C for Grade 80 chain.

Textile Slings

Web slings must comply with CSA Z259.15. They are susceptible to cuts, abrasion, and UV damage. Rejection criteria: torn stitching, cuts, burns, deformation, illegible label. The maximum temperature is 100 °C for polyester, 80 °C for nylon.

Lifting Accessories

Load Calculations and Sling Angles

The Fundamental Formula

The tension in each sling leg is given by:

T = (P / n) × (1 / cos θ)

Where:

Angle Reduction Factor Table

Rule of thumb: the angle between the two legs of a two-leg sling must never exceed 90°. Beyond 120°, lifting is prohibited. The optimal angle is 60° or less.

Calculation Example

A load of 1,500 kg is lifted with a 2-leg sling forming a 45° angle with the vertical. The tension in each leg:

T = (1,500 / 2) × (1 / cos 45°) = 750 × 1.41 = 1,058 kg

Each leg must have a rated load of at least 1,058 kg. If the angle were 60°, the tension would be 1,500 kg per leg — the rated load must double.

Calculating the Weight of Masonry Materials

To estimate the weight of a load, use the densities:

Example: a pallet of 100 concrete blocks measuring 20 cm × 20 cm × 40 cm (density 2,200 kg/m³). Volume of one block: 0.20 × 0.20 × 0.40 = 0.016 m³. Mass of one block: 0.016 × 2,200 = 35.2 kg. Total mass: 100 × 35.2 = 3,520 kg.

The Centre of Gravity

The centre of gravity of a load must be located below the attachment point. If the load is asymmetrical, the attachment point must be moved, or slings of different lengths must be used. A load with an offset centre of gravity can tip over during lifting. For a uniform rectangular load, the centre of gravity is at the geometric centre.

Lifting Procedures and Signalling

Crane Hand Signals

The bricklayer must know the standard hand signals to communicate with the crane operator. Essential signals:

Safe Lifting Rules

The Lift Plan

For heavy or complex loads, a written lift plan is required. It includes: the weight of the load, the centre of gravity, attachment points, type of slings, crane capacity, reach, wind conditions, lifting sequence, and emergency measures.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Mandatory PPE for the Bricklayer

Crystalline Silica

Crystalline silica (quartz) is present in brick, block, mortar, and stone. Cutting, grinding, and sandblasting release respirable silica particles. Chronic exposure causes silicosis, an irreversible fibrotic lung disease. Control measures: use water to suppress dust, use tools with dust collection, wear at minimum an N95 respirator, wash hands before eating or smoking. The occupational exposure limit (OEL) is 0.025 mg/m³ (8 hours).

First Aid and Emergency Situations

Chemical Burns (Cement)

In case of contact with wet cement: remove contaminated clothing, rinse thoroughly with clean water for at least 20 minutes, seek medical attention. Do not neutralize with an acid or a base.

Falls

Falls are the leading cause of death on masonry job sites. In case of a fall: do not move the victim (risk of spinal cord injury), call for emergency services, cover the victim to maintain body temperature, do not give anything to drink.

Electrocution

Cut off the power source before touching the victim. If impossible, use a non-conductive material (dry wood) to move the victim away. Begin CPR if the victim is not breathing.

Equipment Inspection and Maintenance

Inspection Frequency

Inspection Records

Inspections must be documented. The record must include: the date, the inspector's name, the equipment inspected, defects found, and corrective measures. Defective equipment must be removed from service immediately and identified with a "OUT OF SERVICE" tag.

Summary

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

This chapter covers the essentials for the Red Seal exam. Review the rejection criteria tables and calculation formulas — these are the most frequently tested items. Good luck with your preparation.