Contractors, manufacturers, architects, project engineers and others engaged in the sealant, waterproofing, and restoration business are exposed to a wide range of hazards. The issues of greatest concern to the industry relate to lead and silica exposures, poor scaffolding, improper fall protection, and confined space entry.

This page is maintained as a product of OSHA's Alliance with the Sealant Waterproofing, and Restoration Institute (SWRI).

OSHA requirements for the sealant, waterproofing, and restoration industry are addressed in specific standards for the construction industry.

OSHA Standards

This section highlights many of the construction industry standards.

Note: Twenty-five states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted different standards applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement policies.

Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926)

• 1926.22, Recording and reporting of injuries
  


• 1926.28, Personal protective equipment
  


• 1926.52, Occupational noise exposure
  


• 1926.55, Gases, vapors, fumes, dusts, and mists
  


• 1926.56, Illumination
  


• 1926.57, Ventilation
  


• 1926.59, Hazard communication
  


• 1926.62, Lead
  


• 1926 Subpart F, Fire protection and prevention
  


• 1926 Subpart G, Signs, signals, and barricades
  


• 1926 Subpart I, Tools - Hand and power
  


• 1926 Subpart J, Welding and cutting
  


• 1926 Subpart K, Electrical
  


• 1926 Subpart L, Scaffolds
  


• 1926 Subpart M, Fall protection
  


• 1926 Subpart N, Cranes, derricks, hoists, elevators, and conveyors
  


• 1926 Subpart P, Excavations
  


• 1926 Subpart Q, Concrete and masonry construction
  


• 1926 Subpart R, Steel erection [related topic page]
  


• 1926 Subpart S, Underground construction, caissons, cofferdams, and compressed air
  


• 1926 Subpart T, Demolition
  


• 1926 Subpart V, Power transmission and distribution
  


• 1926 Subpart W, Rollover protective structures; overhead protection
  


• 1926 Subpart X, Ladders
  


• 1926.1101, Asbestos

Hazards and Controls

The hazards experienced in the sealant, waterproofing, and restoration industry are common to the construction industry in general. These include health hazards; such as asphalt fumes, lead, silica, and solvents; as well as safety hazards, such as falls from elevation, awkward and heavy lifting, flammables, and power tools. An important step in addressing these hazards is to conduct task-specific hazard analyses to identify what hazards to expect and to then plan for their control.

Confined Spaces

• Confined Spaces. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page.

Falls

• Fall Protection. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page.

Lead

• Lead. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page.

Scaffolding

• Scaffolding. OSHA eTool. Provides illustrated examples of safe scaffolding. Hazards are identified, as well as the controls that keep those hazards from becoming tragedies.
  


• Scaffolding. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page.

Silica

• Silica. OSHA eTool. Includes information that will assist businesses and workers in identifying potential silica hazards in their workplaces by choosing appropriate sampling and analytical techniques, comparing monitoring results with the silica exposure limits, and selecting appropriate short and long-term control options.
  


• Silica, Crystalline. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page.

General

• Standards for Restoration and Guidelines for Restoring Historic Buildings: Health + Safety Considerations. National Park Service (NPS). Describes recommended work practices to preserve both worker safety and the historical appearance of buildings.
  


• Construction. OSHA eTool. A Spanish version is also available. Contains information that helps workers identify and control the hazards that cause the most serious construction-related injuries.

Additional Information

• Small Business. OSHA.
  • On-Site Consultation
    • Program Information and Benefits
• Sealant, Waterproofing, and Restoration Institute (SWRI). OSHA Alliance Page.
  


• Small Contractor Develops a Safety and Health Training Manual. OSHA/SWRI Alliance, (2007, June). Through the OSHA and SWRI Alliance, OSHA collaborated with the George D. Alan Company to develop a success story highlighting the company’s work with the Texas On-Site Consultation Program and SWRI that lead to a number of positive results including two years with no-lost time injuries.
  


• Alliance Program Construction Roundtable. OSHA. Through the Alliance Program's Construction Roundtable and its Design for Safety and Fall Protection Workgroups, a number of products and resources have been developed for the construction industry.
  


• Fall Protection [816 KB PPT^*, 26 slides]. OSHA/SWRI Alliance. A 852 KB PPT^* (Spanish version) is also available. Addresses fall protection issues in the construction industry including fall protection systems. This slide presentation was developed through the OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable's Fall Protection Workgroup.
  


• SWR Institute and OSHA Alliance. OSHA/SWRI Alliance.
  


• SWRI Safety and Health Manual. The SWRI Safety and Health Manual is a product of the OSHA/SWRI Alliance. Covers topics such as hazard communication, confined space, fall protection, recordkeeping, personal protective equipment, respiratory protection, and scaffolding.

Accessibility Assistance: Contact the OSHA Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management at (202) 693-2300 for assistance accessing PDF and PPT materials.

^*These files are provided for downloading.