Material Storage and Waste Disposal on Construction Sites

Secure what you stack

• Tiers: all materials stored in tiers must be stacked, racked, blocked, interlocked or otherwise secured to prevent sliding, falling or collapse
• Noncompatible materials: segregate them in storage
• Cylindrical materials: structural steel, poles, pipe, bar stock and other cylindrical materials, unless racked, must be stacked and blocked to prevent spreading or tilting

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.250(a)(1) · 29 CFR 1926.250(b)(3) · 29 CFR 1926.250(b)(9)

Stacking rules by material

Each material has its own stacking rule. Open each one.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.250(b)(4) · 29 CFR 1926.250(b)(6) · 29 CFR 1926.250(b)(7) · 29 CFR 1926.250(b)(8)

Floors and load limits

• The weight of stored materials on floors within buildings and structures must not exceed maximum safe load limits
• Employers must conspicuously post the maximum safe load limits of floors, in pounds per square foot, in all storage areas, except when the storage area is on a floor or slab on grade
• Posting is not required for storage areas in all single-family residential structures and wood-framed multi-family residential structures

Before you set down a heavy load on an upper floor, look for the posted limit. Where no limit is posted, ask your supervisor; the weight limit still applies.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.250(a)(2)(i) · 29 CFR 1926.250(a)(2)(ii)

Openings, scaffolds and runways

• Inside buildings under construction: do not place material within 6 feet of any hoistway or inside floor openings, nor within 10 feet of an exterior wall which does not extend above the top of the material stored
• Scaffolds and runways: do not store materials on them in excess of supplies needed for immediate operations

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.250(b)(1) · 29 CFR 1926.250(b)(5)

Clear aisles and tidy storage

• Aisles and passageways: keep them clear for the free and safe movement of material handling equipment or employees
• Storage areas: keep them free from accumulation of materials that constitute hazards from tripping, fire, explosion or pest harborage

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.250(a)(3) · 29 CFR 1926.250(c)

Waste, debris and chutes

• Dropping more than 20 feet outside the exterior walls: an enclosed chute of wood, or equivalent material, must be used
• Debris dropped through floor holes without chutes: the area where it lands must be completely enclosed with barricades not less than 42 inches high and not less than 6 feet back from the projected edge of the opening above, with warning signs posted at each level. Removal is not permitted in this lower area until debris handling ceases above
• Scrap and rubbish: remove all scrap lumber, waste material and rubbish from the immediate work area as the work progresses
• Solvent waste, oily rags and flammable liquids: keep them in fire resistant covered containers until removed from the worksite

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.252(a) · 29 CFR 1926.252(b) · 29 CFR 1926.252(c) · 29 CFR 1926.252(e)

Common test questions

How high can bagged materials be stacked before you step back and cross-key them?

Every 10 bags high - stack bagged materials by stepping back the layers and cross-keying the bags at least every 10 bags.

Rule: 29 CFR 1926.250(b)(4)

What do you need to do if your work includes disposing of waste material?

Use an enclosed chute when dropping material more than 20 feet outside a building, remove scrap and rubbish from the work area as work goes on, and keep solvent waste, oily rags and flammable liquids in fire-resistant covered containers (not trash bags) until removed.

Rule: 29 CFR 1926.252(a), (c), (e)

Waste materials should always be ___ from the immediate work area as work progresses.

Removed. Scrap lumber, waste material and rubbish must be removed from the immediate work area as the work progresses.

Rule: 29 CFR 1926.252(c)

How high can brick and lumber be stacked?

Brick stacks: no more than 7 feet. Lumber piles: no more than 20 feet, or 16 feet if handled by hand.

Rule: 29 CFR 1926.250(b)(6), (b)(8)(iv)

Practice these in the course