24 Oct After-Hours Safety and Security

After-Hours Safety and Security

After-hours safety and security helps protect employees, the public, company property, equipment, and the jobsite from hazards, unauthorized access, theft, vandalism, and other incidents. Securing a facility or temporary jobsite involves much more than simply locking the doors and turning off the lights.

Before Leaving the Site

A designated employee should conduct a final inspection before the facility or jobsite is left unattended. A checklist can help ensure important safety and security items are not overlooked.

Check the following, as applicable:

• Perimeter fencing, barricades, and gates are intact and secured.
• Exterior doors and accessible windows are closed and locked.
• Vehicles and mobile equipment are secured and keys are properly stored.
• Machinery and equipment are shut down and left in a safe condition.
• Tools, materials, and portable equipment are secured against unauthorized use or theft.
• Fuel tanks, compressed gas cylinders, and chemical storage areas are secured.
• Flammable and combustible materials are properly stored.
• Electrical equipment is de-energized when required, and temporary electrical installations are left in a safe condition.
• Open containers are closed or properly stored.
• Dumpsters and recycling containers are appropriately located and secured when necessary.
• Exterior and security lighting is operating properly.
• Roof, scaffold, ladder, and other elevated access points are secured against unauthorized entry.

Secure Hazardous Areas

Construction sites can contain hazards that are especially dangerous to someone unfamiliar with the work area.

Before leaving, verify that:

• Excavations, trenches, pits, and holes are properly guarded, covered, barricaded, or otherwise protected.
• Floor and wall openings are protected.
• Elevated platforms and other fall hazards are secured.
• Ladders and other means of unauthorized access are removed or secured when appropriate.
• Hazardous energy sources are properly controlled.
• Exposed electrical hazards are eliminated or properly guarded.
• Unstable materials and stored loads are secured.
• Hazardous chemicals are properly closed, labeled, and stored.
• Fire protection and emergency equipment remain accessible.

Never leave a known serious hazard uncorrected merely because employees have finished work for the day.

Prevent Unauthorized Access

Unauthorized persons entering a workplace or construction site can be exposed to hazards they do not recognize. They can also create hazards that employees encounter when returning to work.

• Maintain fences, gates, locks, and other security controls.
• Post appropriate warning and restricted-access signs.
• Do not leave gates, doors, or access points unsecured.
• Secure equipment that could be started or operated by an unauthorized person.
• Do not leave keys in unattended vehicles or equipment.
• Report damaged fencing, locks, lighting, or other security measures.
• Report suspicious activity according to company procedures.

Never confront a suspected intruder when doing so could place you in danger. Follow company security and emergency procedures and contact the appropriate authorities when necessary.

Protect the Public

Temporary jobsites can attract children, pedestrians, and other members of the public. Equipment, excavations, scaffolds, materials, and machinery that employees recognize as hazardous may not appear dangerous to an unauthorized visitor.

Barriers and other protective measures should be maintained after working hours whenever hazards remain accessible to the public.

Returning to the Site

Employees should remain alert when returning after the site has been unattended.

Before beginning work:

• Look for signs of unauthorized entry, theft, or vandalism.
• Check whether barriers, guards, or warning signs have been moved.
• Inspect equipment for damage or tampering.
• Look for new electrical, fire, fall, or other hazards.
• Report suspicious conditions immediately.
• Do not operate equipment that appears to have been damaged or tampered with until it has been inspected and determined safe.

Remember

The workplace must be left in a condition that protects employees and others even when no work is taking place. Take the time to secure equipment, control hazards, restrict unauthorized access, and report anything that could compromise safety or security.