Jobsite Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Safety questions are usually rule-recall questions with a Massachusetts overlay. Fall protection: OSHA construction rules require protection at 6 ft above a lower level for walking/working surfaces, at 10 ft for scaffolds, and wherever there is an unprotected edge, hole or excavation. Systems are guardrails, safety nets or personal fall arrest with proper anchorage and trained users. Ladders are set at a 1-in-4 pitch (about 75 degrees), extend 3 ft above the landing, and are secured.
Excavations: a competent person inspects daily; protective systems at 5 ft and deeper; spoil and equipment at least 2 ft back; ladder access within 25 ft of travel; Massachusetts requires a trench permit at 5 ft and deeper.
Scaffolds: sound footing, plumb and braced at about a 4:1 base ratio, fully planked, guardrails at 42 in with midrails, and no work until the scaffold is complete and inspected. General: hard hats, eye and hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves, silica controls when cutting or grinding concrete or masonry, and hazard communication with SDS available.
Massachusetts compliance: lead-safe renovation under the EPA RRP rule combined with the Massachusetts lead law (deleading requires a state-licensed deleading worker, and the lead law applies where a child under six lives); asbestos survey and MassDEP notification before renovation or demolition; workers' compensation for every employee; and HIC registration for home improvement work.
Worked example: to reach an 18–20 ft eave, base the ladder about 5 ft out and use a 24 ft ladder so it extends 3 ft above the landing.