Residential vs. Commercial Safety Standards

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Residential vs. Commercial

Materials used for residential construction are much different from those used in commercial buildings.

The average home uses timber frame because it is considered cost-effective and structurally appropriate for smaller-sized buildings.

Commercial construction usually uses steel frame as more complex designs demand a more resilient material that allows for larger and taller buildings with greater longevity.

Another factor in the material consideration is costs, as the average homeowner generally can’t afford that the materials used in commercial buildings

Common Construction Violations

Fall Protection

Falls are most common OSHA violation among construction-related projects including residential construction, guard rails, portable ladders and scaffolds.

Falls are the leading cause of fatalities both in residential and commercial construction, accounting for about one-third of all fatalities in the industry.

Fall protection is required when workers are working at heights of 6 feet or greater above a lower level.

Generally, fall protection can be provided through the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems which OSHA refers to as conventional fall protection.

While working in a construction area, the worker is exposed to flying objects, fragments, and particles, primary protective devices such as safety spectacles with side shields or goggles must be worn.

The majority of impact injuries result from flying or falling objects, or sparks striking the eye. Most of these objects are smaller than a pin head and can cause serious injury such as punctures, abrasions, and contusions.

Vision protection is paramount for workers and wearing the inappropriate eye & face protection could be just as dangerous as not wearing a protection.

Hazard Communication Contractors must ensure that their related hazards are documented and shared with the rest of the project team. Communications should include standard labeling in addition to data sheets Proper training must be provided in handling hazardous substance such as lead and silica dust. Hazardous chemicals or materials present must be listed and their containers labelled.

Residential Construction

Residential Construction is defined as any construction of a structure with the end-use of being built as a home or a dwelling.

The structure being built must be constructed using traditional wood frame construction materials and methods.

The limited use of structural steel in a predominantly wood-framed home, such as a steel I-beam to help support wood framing, does not disqualify a structure from being considered residential construction.

Residential Building refers to structures that are designed to be lived in and are used exclusively as private living quarters.

**Fall Protection & Fall Protection Training ** Employees should be properly protected at a height of 6 feet or more above a lower level. Adequate training to employees who might be exposed to fall hazards

Scaffolding Should be made of sturdy planking or supports to prevent slips & being struck by falling objects

Ladders Ladders should not be extended at least 3 feet above upper landing level and should be secured at top and used with a grab rail. Proper ladder angle for non-self-supporting ladders (4 to 1 rule) should be followed.

Stairways Temporary stairways must be constructed properly (proper dimensions, free of hazardous projections, and handrails)

Head Protection Employees working in areas where potential head injury exists, employees should always wear head protection that meets the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requirements

Commercial Construction

Commercial construction refers to any structure built for business activities or any other location for a business enterprise.

Commercial construction involves building projects that can be leased or sold in the private sector.

These spaces can be anything from offices and manufacturing plants to medical and retail shopping centers.

Fall Protection The construction standard states that fall protection is required when an employee is working on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge which is six feet or more above a lower level.

Personal Protective Equipment Protective equipment including PPE for the eyes, face, head, extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices and protective shields and barriers must be provided, used and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition.

Stairways & Ladders OSHA requires training for each employee using stairways and ladders and also for employers to have ladder safety or personal fall arrest systems for fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet, and phases out the use of cages or wells for fall protection.

Accident-Prevention Signs & Tags OSHA requires that an accident-prevention sign or tag be visible at all times when work is performed. Signs must be removed or covered as soon as the hazard no longer exists.