MBL General Contractor Flashcards
WHAT’S DOES A LETTER OF INTENT/ SHORT TERM CONTRACT DO?
Used for fast track projects, must be signed and dated by both parties.
Have attorney review Letter of Intent
2 TYPES OF LETTER OF INTENT:
“I’ll Pay you When It’s Done.” Fuck That. Get Full Subcontract.
Subcontract agreement + Letter of intent for penalties on not showing up
What are some things you have to account for with a subcontract agreement + letter of intent
You have to account for change orders, weather/ground conditions increases in materials, debris in the ground, etc.
LUMP SUM CONTRACT=
MOST COMMON
Document relates to specific job
Provides Total scope of work
Provides lump sum amount for stated work
UNIT PRICE CONTRACT
Relates to specific task
Requires owner/architect to compile a list of total quantities
Requires contractor to provide price per unit
Owner must provide their own staff to measure and verify completed work
Unit price will remain regardless of quantity of problems during construction/installation
Price increases/Markups may not be tolerated
COST PLUS FEE CONTRACT (CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT)
Total construction costs unknown to owner
Drawings and specs not completed for bidding
Contractor provides target estimate
Both Owner and Contractor prefer sub-contracting bidding
Must have written agreement concerning payment of contractor fees
Must have written agreement concerning accounting methods
Contractor must have a written agreement concerning what is reimbursable and non reimbursable
Cost plus fee example:
HOMEOWNER KNOWS HOW TO BUILD HOUSE BUT DOESN’ T HAVE TIME. HOMEOWNER KNOWS FROM ARCHITECT WHAT IT COSTS, HOMEOWNER ASKS ‘HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT TO BE PAID?’
YOu WILL NOT GET 20-30 percent. YOU INTERVIEW BIDDERS AND HAvE Them COMPETE
Tip for personnel
FRAMERS ARE VERY IMPORTANT. EVERYTHING HAS TO BE SQUARE. WORK WITH EXPERIENCED GUYS that YOU HAVE WORKED WITH BEFORE WHENEVER POSSIBLE. DON’T DO BIG JOBS WITH GUYS YOU CAN’T VOUCH FOR.
Cost plus percentage of cost contract:
Used when the scope of work is poorly defined
Used to cover emergency repairs and renovations to occupied facilities
No incentive to reduce cost
Contractors must be modest in their profits
*Obtain copy of construction contracting
(DEMOLITION WORK SHOULD BE TIME+MATERIAL)
Specific Contract Items:
See Google doc
What needs to happen for metal in/under a pool?
All metal under/in a pool has to be grounded??
Sheep’s foot roller
Commonly used for clay, slower, leaves a rougher surface
Why should general contractors have employees?
GENERAL CONTRACTORS NEED EMPLOYEES. MIOSHA SAYS YOU NEED COMPETENT PERSON.
Your contracts should include:
Contractor does not guarantee concrete under any circumstances.
Notice of completion??
Cleanup Crew should be included in price
Per project number #X, last revised on Such and Such date.
Can the Owner Carry out work, Can the owner subcontract?
What part of the contract allows second bid if plans are refused.
Per project number #X, last revised on Such and Such date.
Verbal changes are called _____________
Modifications
Double hungs circle tops
Porticot
Aka half moon, arch top, etc. (both window panels slide on a double hung.)
The owner automatically owns the plans of the build.
False: Ownership of plans isn’t guaranteed to the owner
Who is charged with protecting the installed appliances?
Whoever installs it, protects it. And Subcontractor
How to protect bathtubs
Bathtubs come in boxes that are designed to be cut out and used to protect the tub, must be taped.
How to protect cabinets
cardboard/foamboard used to protect cabinets
How to protect countertops?
½ inch carpet padding with w/ cardboard or luon on top extending 2 inches past the edge of the countertop. Gooseneck faucets need to be protected as well.
How to protect hardwood floors?
½ inch carpet padding on hardwood floors, 5” from the wall to allow for baseboard trim. ¼ inch luon taped with Gorilla tape for the walkways
Tell the homeowner to leave floor protection on until they finish the move.
Wall corners must be protected as well
Can you substitute materials?
You can only substitute materials with signed permission of owner
REMOBILIZATION-
the cost of moving equipment back out.
For drywall ceilings
Measure joist before covering them up
Be very careful about 24” on center joists
You need 5/8” to prevent sag
Liquid nail on joists might help???
Dimple bit doesnt damage paper??
1 5/8” screws minimum.
Screw 1’ apart per joist????
Be careful about vent fans, etc.
Laying Tile
Lay it out to map it. Cut it.
RUBBER Spacers,
Tile mortar AND grout
What type of compound do you use on fiberglass mesh tape (drywall)???
Use a setting type compound on the first coat, not an all purpose joint compound.
MEDIATION:
(Should ALREADY be in place)
Third party (mediator) reviews the matter, documents, and other evidence of a claim
Mediator recommends methods of settlement
Any settlement is non binding unless the disputant agrees to it
Less formal than arbitration
Disputants mutually agree upon the mediator. This is VOLUNTARY
ARBITRATION:
Both parties must agree to arbitration
Third party (arbitrator) has a professional background as an arbitrator
Arbitrator has knowledge of contractual obligations related to construction industry
The Arbitrator reviews the matter, documents, and other evidence of a claim
The arbitrator submits his/her findings of an award to both disputants
The awarded settlement is binding
No further action can be taken by the disputants
THERE IS NO APPEAL PROCESS
FACILITATION:
This method is relatively new to the construction industry in MI
Both disputants or their attorneys select a third pary (facilitator)
The facilitator has a professional legal and construction background
The method is not binding
The facilitator interviews both parties separately but within the same time frame
The facilitator provides options for both parties to accept the facilitator’s recommendations for settlement
The facilitator may also inform the disputant’s attorneys of the same recommendations
Who initiates the Arbitration process?
The contractor will initiate the arbitration process.
Arbitrator will do depositions for a long time.
Contractor is obligated to provide (implied) warranties for:
Any construction defects related to installation or materials within the first year after substantial completion or occupancy. This is sometimes called an implied warranty
What is substantial completion?
Substantial completion of work is obtain when the owner can take possession and use the structure for its intended purpose. Minor defects or punch list items may still need correction.
When is final payment due?
In general the contractor receives up to 95% of the contract sum with the balance due within 30 days or whatever contract says (final payment upon final inspection.
What to do if a fixture breaks?
Fixtures and equipment installed by the contractor or sub trades have their own mfg warranty. These warranties and receipts must be retained for your records
The following is a partial list of warrantied appliances that should be retained in contractor’s file
Sump, furnace, electronic air filter/humidifier, faucet. Garbage disposal, light fixtures, built in dishwasher, built in microwave, windows, garage doors and electric openers, roofing materials,
Do subcontractors need to include warranty?
Subcontractors are to include warranty service during the warranty window which includes material and labor!
Progress Payments:
The owner of the construction or lender provides payments, can be time based or work based.
When are submissions due for Fixed price contract progress payments?
Fixed Price contracts require submission at least 10 days before payments are due.
How do contractors/subcontractors apply for progress payments?
Application can be submitted to the architect or owner
Contractor must have all of his/her sub-contractors’ requests for payment and sworn statements prior to completing the contractors request for payment. (If the contractor’s request for payment is due on the 30th of each month, subcontractors need to submit their request by the 25 of each month.)
Fixed price progress payments require what?
Fixed price payment requires a percentage of work to be done before payment request can be fulfilled.
If percentage of work is complete, the architect will issue a certificate of payment to the lender/owner.
Progress payments should be listed where?
All Contract needs to contain a progress payment schedule.
If the architect is the owner’s agent, you’ll have to submit additional documents.
What years are worst for LBP?
1978-present shouldn’t be too bad
1960-1978 concerning
Pre 1960 lead paint is highly common
Who inspected for lead?
Certified lead inspector or lead inspector risk assessor should do the testing.
Test the entire house.
Lead safety best practices
Keep children and pregnant women out of the work area.
Keep pets away.
Tell tenants where and when the work will take place.
Ask neighbors to close doors.
CONTRACTORS: Protect your family from lead in your home. Ask them to sign a receipt for the booklet, explain the work being done.
Move all furniture and toys etc.
Cover floor, counter, air vents, built-ins, plastic sheeting,
Shut down AC, close all windows.
Hepa filter vacuum
If using a ladder, Cut small slits in the plastic so the ladder doesn’t slip
Wear disposable hat,gloves, coveralls, and throw away after use.
Don’t smoke or eat in the work area
WORK WET, WORK CLEAN
Lead safety donts
Don’t use a broom, don’t dry sand/chip, don’t grind or burn, don’t use uncontained powerwashing, don’t use dimethyl chloride(carcinogen)
Lead safety procedure
Heavy pieces in heavy duty bag and seal with duct tape.
Clean up plastic in a bag and seal with duct tape.
HEPA vacuum floor
Wash walls with water and detergent, as well as rinse water, change rinse water often.
Throw away all sponges and gloves, etc.
Miosha PART 609 (cadmium in construction) employer responsibilities:
Determine if employees PEL is greater than 50 microns over 8 hours
Provide Work clothes, including respirator and body protection
Provide for the disposal of contaminated items.
Provided for showers, washing facilities, clean eating facilities, medical surveillance, training, posting of signs, record keeping, MSDS, maintain Data for 30 years.
According to EPA, Contractors are required to be certified renovators to do the following: (Workers class ROP training 1 day.) (Lead supervisor, 1 week class, must pass test in Lansing, Can then apply to be a lead safe certified renovator, for about 600 dollars.)
Work on homes built before 1978
Disturb and interior painted surface of 6 sq ft or greater
Disturb exterior painted surface of 20 sq ft or greater
Work at “Child Occupied facilities”
Provide owners/tenants with a “Renovate Right” pamphlet and obtain proof of delivery
Prevent lead contamination of occupants and employees
Follow lead safe work practices
Lead facts
Lead ingested by children can create lead poisoning, brain damage, behavioral problems, and death
Lead dust breathed in by adults can cause disorders including: fetus complications, kidney damage, brain damage, and death
Lead is a heavy metal
Human bodies treat lead similar to iron and calcium
Lead stays in the bloodstream for 30 days
Lead stays in soft organs for 6-8 months
Lead stays in the bones and teeth up to 30 years. It’s accumulative, the more you come in contact, the more you absorb.
Ppl with severe lead poisoning have blue lines in their teeth and bones
Identifying lead paint can be done with the following techniques
X-ray fluorescence
Lab Analysis
Chemical test kit (user error, not getting deeper layers)
3rd party inspections (risk assessment) (Double bag the samples)
Controls for LBP
Removal through safe work practices
Enclosure
Encapsulation??
LBP Cleaning Verification
Certified renovators can do their own test wipes and assume related liability
Certified renovators can contract with a testing company to obtain test results
Let someone else do it so they incur the risk. Give the homeowner a card for risk assessment, whoever calls has to be there. Get the lead assessor back when you’re done so your hands are clean. If there is lead paint, get 3rd party abatement company.
Lead paint can go in the regular trash if it’s bagged.
Tape off a sq ft. area. Save the wipes from testing the site.
Hire a risk assessor to verify to cover your ass, certified EPA lab technician.
Is it possible to cover up lead based paint?
You can go over a lead painted plaster wall with ¼” drywall, tape and mud the seams and finish it. Must spray in orange paint “LEAD PAINT” on the wall before covering.
What is the exception to the certified renovator requirement for LBP?
Exclusions:
Certified renovators isn’t required for demolition of unoccupied structures. MIOSHA 30 still applies.
What is radon?
Naturally occurring radioactive gas in the ground. It’s pushed through the ground through water tables, cracks in the basement floor, it can aerate itself through steam, e.g. showers. Radon is number two cause of lung cancer after smoking.
How are radon mitigation plans removing the radon?
Pipes transport gas trapped under the slab by way of an industrial fan that’s always running. Fresh air is brought in from outside to prevent negative air pressure. It is pumped to the attic, but it’s 9 times heavier than air, smh. Attic doors/windows should be closed.
Who to contact with radon concerns?
1 800 SOS RADON, or EPA.gov/radon
Radon Control Measures:
Gas permeable layers of 4” depth gravel beneath floor slabs
Soil gas retarder made of 6 mil Visquene placed above the gas permeable areas.
The use of sealants to reduce entry through cracks
Venting of concealed spaces with 3” to 4” PVC pipe which may include power venting
Capping off masonry block with solid materials
Solid covers over sump and well pits.
Acceptable Standards of Radon:
There are no safe or acceptable standards of radon. 21,000 deaths/yr
The natural outdoor radon level .4 PCI/L. This is the target level for indoor radon levels established by congress
⅔ of all US homes exceed the target level.
The average level in US homes is 1.25 PCI/L
PCI/L-Pico Curies per Liter
What is the Action Level of radon and how is it detected?
The EPA has set a take action level of 4 PCI/L (equivalent to 10 cigarettes per day)
Levels of Radon can be determined by testing kits and testing companies
Well water should also be tested.
Plugin style Radon detectors?? (Safety Siren
When was asbestos commonly used?
Asbestos was commonly used until the 80s
How to contain asbestos
60”by 60” plastic bags to contain asbestos, fill with soapy water, cut materials.
What do asbestos shingles look like?
Asbestos shingles look like asphalt shingles, ribbed, without tabs. Sometimes a few layers down. (Used to be an ordinance for asbestos sheet board on roofs housing highly flammable things.)
Part 602 scope:
Applies to asbestos exposure in the construction industry. It includes demo, salvage, removal, transportation, emergency cleanup, etc.
What kinds of asbestos aren’t included in part 602
Part 602 does not include asbestos containing asphalt, roof coatings, cement, and mastics. These are somewhere else.
PACM:
Asbestos includes chrysolite, etc, etc, etc PACM-Possible asbestos containing materials
ACM:
ACM *Asbestos containing material: Any material containing more than 1 percent asbestos.
Competent person (29 CFR1926.32 (Federal Osha)) (asbestos)
means one who is capable of identifying asbestos hazards in the workplace and selcting the appropriate control strategy for asbestos exposure, who has the authority to make prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. One who is specially trained and meets the criteria of EPAs Model Accreditation Plan
What does it mean to disturb ACM
Disturbance means activities that disrupt the matrix of ACM or PACM. In no event shall the amount of ACM or PACM so disturbed exceed that which can be contained in one glove bag or waste bag which shall not exceed 60 inches in length or width???
What’s the max exposure of asbestos an employer can allow
0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter of air as an 8 hour time weighted average. Employers ensures competent person on site.
Asbestos employers’ responsibilities
The employer shall be responsible for: Medical surveillance, monitoring exposure, engineering controls, the cleanup of employees, equipment and work areas. Also placement of critical barriers, training , work practices, removal transportation of ACM, and record keeping.
Where do you find asbestos:
9x9” floor tiles are ALWAYS considered asbestos, Steam pipes, boilers, furnace ducts, (Grey paper tape on old ductwork), Glue on vinyl sheet flooring. Cement sheet, millboard, paper used around furnaces and wood burning stoves, Popcorn ceilings. Patching joint compounds for walls and paint. Asbestos siding and roofs (used to pull it off, then they covered it, but the nails were disturbing the asbestos underneath. Artificial ashes and embers for gas fireplaces. Fireproof gloves, stovetop pads ironing board covers (late 70s) hair dryers(82-83). Brake pads and linings. Vermiculite (Looks like cat litter and can be behind insulation) from 1923-1990, insulation 1930-1950, ALWAYS DOUBLE BAG PACMs, textured paint (1977), soundproofing
WW2 ships have highest asbestos illness.
Silica Action Level
‘Action Level’ means a concentration of airborne respirable crystalline silica of 25 micrograms per cubic meter of air, (NO DUST) calculated as an 8hr TWA
Competent Person (Silica)
“Competent person” means an individual who is capable of identifying existing and foreseeable respirable crystalline silica hazards in the workplace who has the authorization to make prompt corrective measures to eliminate or minimize them. THe competent person must have the knowledge and ability necessary to fulfill the responsibilities set forth in paragraph (g) of 1926.1153
High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter
High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter means a filter that is at least 99.97 percent efficient in removing mono-dispersed particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter.
‘Respirable crystalline silica”
‘Respirable crystalline silica” means quartz, cristobalite, and/or tridymite contained in airborne particles that are determined to be respirable by a sampling device.
Masonry saws and silica dust
Masonry saws need to be fed water, no mask is needed
Handheld power saws and silica
(Any blade length), use water, needs a respirator even if under 4 hrs. (APF10) (masonry saws don’t require masks)
Handheld power saws (includes motabo) for silica dust
Handheld power saws (includes motabo) for cutting fiber cement board (blade diameter<8”), outdoors only, no mask needed. HEPA dust collector must be installed. SOME TOOLS have Replacement guards for integrated HEPA filters.
Employer shall establish a written exposure plan that contains at least:
Description of the tasks
Description of the engineering controls
Description of the housekeeping measures
Description of the procedures used to restrict access to work areas.
The employer shall review and evaluate the effectiveness of the written plan at least ________ and update
Annually
Who has access to the written exposure plan?
The employer shall make the written exposure control plan readily available for examination and copying upon request, to the employees, their representatives, assistant secretary, and director
Silica competent persons
COMPETENT PERSONS NEED 10 hour OSHA card at a minimum, 30 hr OSHA card PREFERED.
How do newer vacuums prevent dust?
Newer Jackhammers have a shroud, can either mist the area under the shroud to prevent dust, or a HEPA filter vacuum.
(Workers comp)
If a roofer falls and hurts himself, doctor says he can’t lift enough to be a roofer,
he can get a job on the ground and if the pay scale is less, worker’s comp will cover the difference.
Who chooses the doctor for workers comp cases?
Employer chooses doctor for the first 28 days, after that, Employee can choose whomever
What paperwork needs to be filed after a workplace injury?
Employer MUST fill Employer’s Basic Report of Injury (form 100) with Michigan’s Worker’s Compensation Agency (WCA) for all wage loss cases, promptly upon notification of injury.
Notify insurer of medical only case
Forward medical bills to insurer
How much time off does a workers comp claim need before it gives money/how much money?
Worker must have a wage loss of at least one week.
Generally employees receive 80% of their wages
What paperwork has to be submitted to MIOSHA? (Basic injury report)
The 301 must be submitted to MIOSHA, they may take Basic Injury Report
Which Employers must carry Worker’s Comp Coverage?
All private employers regularly employing 1 or more employees 35 hours or more per week for 13 weeks or longer during the preceding 52 weeks (35/13/52)
All private employers regularly employing 3 or more employees at one time. (Including part time workers.)
Agricultural employees if they employ 3 or more employees 35 hrs or more/wk for 13 consecutive weeks
Householders employing domestic servants if they employ anyone 35 hours or more per week for 13 weeks or longer during the preceding 52 weeks.
All public employers
Who is an employee.
An employee is any person in the service of another under any contract of hire, express or implied. A partner is an employee of a partnership. Corporate officers are employees of the corporation, members are considered employees of LLC.
Is a sole proprietor considered an employee?
A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS NEVER CONSIDERED AN EMPLOYEE OF HIS OWN BUSINESS!!
Sole proprietors are only required to have worker’s comp if they have 1 full time or 3 part time employees.
Does liability insurance cover workers?
Liability doesn’t cover workers, so the employee would sue you, the homeowner, and anyone else involved. GET WORKERS COMP INSURANCE TO MITIGATE LIABILITY
Exlusion form-
A form provided by the insurance compliance division (WC-337) which is completed by the employer and filled out with the Agency. The form may be used by employers who only employ persons who can be excluded under the Workers’ Disability Compensation Act. The proper filing of this form allows employer to comply with insurance requirements of the Act without purchasing a policy of workers compensation insurance. After the completed form is filed with the Agency, the excluded employees are barred from receiving workers compensation benefits.
Which Employers May Use An Exclusion Form? 418.161
Sole Proprietorship: If it has one or more employees and all employees are the spouse, child, or parent of the sole proprietor.
Partnership: If all employees are partners
Stock Corporation: If all employees are corporate officers and own 10% or more stock in the corporation.
LLC: If all the employees are members and are also managers and own 10% or more interest in the business.
Can sole propreitors use exclusion forms to prove you’re a independent contractor?
No. Sole proprietors with no employees can not use exclusion form to prove that he/she is an independent contractor
How to get a workers comp exclusion form
You can call the Workers’ Comp department and ask for exclusion form. You can’t just download it. If you qualify, then they will send you a form and you fill it out, make copies send it back with proof of identity. It’s only good for 1 year.
Subcontractor workers comp
Do not hire a subcontractor without getting a worker’s comp policy or exclusion form
Types of insurance
All risk building insurance, Contractor’s property insurance, Liability Insurance, Automobile insurance
All risk building insurance:
protects project and materials from external forces. Endorsements can be made for fire, wind, storms, vandalism, and ‘act of God’.
Contractor’s property insurance:
Protects the contractor’s office and related equipment. There are ‘floaters’ which could include contractor’s equipment, transportation of equipment and materials.
Liability Insurance:
Protects contractor in reference to risks related to non-employee injuries or damages caused by the contractor to someone else’s property. This type of insurance could include
Completed operations insurance
Owner’s protective liability insurance
Automobile insurance:
Protects contractor in cases related to employees legally driving company owned vehicles in the course of doing business. Ask insurance company to verify that the employee is a legal driver.Contractors can’t verify, but insurance companies can. If they take their own car to work, make sure they have their insurance on file. NEVER ask the employee to do work for your company in his own car.
Who owns the lumber for a house?
Contractor owns lumber, not homeowner. Once it’s built, installed, etc., They now own it, so they need the insurance. If you put a roof, windows, siding, etc. on an existing house, then you can’t rip it off in case of nonpayment, it is legally the homeowners’.
Workers’ Comp protects contractor from injured employee suing you, but may still be on the hook for gross negligence.
Premiums are based on description of work, can range from varying percentages for different jobs.
Workers’ Comp protects contractor from injured employee suing you, but may still be on the hook for gross negligence.
Premiums are based on description of work, can range from varying percentages for different jobs.
Workers comp premiums?
Workers’ Comp protects contractor from injured employee suing you, but may still be on the hook for gross negligence.
Premiums are based on description of work, can range from varying percentages for different jobs.
What kind of insurance protects against family
Family can sue for additional damages, you need employer’s liability insurance to protect against that
What insurance guarantees you own the property?
TItle insurance guarantees that you own the property
What insurances are subcontractors required to have at a minimum
Subcontractors are required to carry at a minimum: Liability insurance, Workers’ Comp insurance, Vehicle insurance. You have to track expiration dates. NEVER get insurance from subcontractor, ONLY from insurance provider.
Bid Bond:
Provided by the contractor, if he wins, he has to do the job.
5-10% of the project
2 forms of bid bonds???
damages’ if he/she loses the entire bond
“Difference in price” if he/ she pays the difference in costs related to the next lowest bid
Generally only on jobs over $500,000
Performance Bond:
A bond that guarantees that if the contractor fails after accepting the job, the bonding company will foot the bill.
Payment Bond:
A bond provided by the general contractor usually at the request of the owner/owner’s agent that guarantees payment to all subcontractors and suppliers by the general contractor. The private owner and the lending provider are therefore protected against property liens.Payment bonds are factored into overhead.
What kind of paperwork Can suppliers sometimes ask for?
Suppliers can lien properties. Sometimes they ask for notice of commencement too.
Marketing
Tip#1; Set a goal, don’t stop till you reach it.
Relate to people as human beings
Teamwork, everybody carries their share.
If the contractor’s request for payment is due on the 30th, subcontractors are due on the
25th
Don’ts for working with lead
Don’t use a broom, don’t dry sand/chip, don’t grind or burn, don’t use uncontained powerwashing, don’t use dimethyl chloride(carcinogen)
PEL for working with lead
50 microns in 8 hrs
PEL for working with lead
50 microns in 8 hrs
Asbestos Containing Materials thresholds
1%
Radon target level and action level
.4 PCI/L; 4PCI/L
Solid action level
25 micrograms/cubic liter
Main ingredients in mortar
Mortar = Portland cement+hydrated lime+sand+water
Type M mortar:
Type M will always be below grade. High compression strength, foundations, sewers, retention walls, etc. Maintains strength in severe frost, wind, and soil pressure.
Type N mortar
Type N has medium compression strength for general use above grade, exterior masonry, walls, and chimneys
Type S mortar
Type S has medium to high strength capability recommended where bond and lateral strength are important, such as when fixtural bending/moving is required or where mortar is the only bonding agent. (Really long walls that are subjected to wind loads)
Type O and K mortar
Types O and K are mainly low strength for interior use.
What do air entraining admixtures do?
Air entraining admixtures allow the mortar to be high resistant to freeze/thaw cycles
How are accelerators used in concrete?
Accelerators may be used in cold weather conditions. Accelerators help dissipate moisture which in turn reduces freezing. (alcohol dissipates the water)
What does calcium chloride do?
Calcium Chloride (liquid form) helps prevent mortar mix from freezing
Addition of sand and lime to mortar
Addition of sand increases the compression strength
The approved addition of lime reduces strength but increases flexibility and makes the mortar “stickier”
Mortar Properties (Plastic and Hardened???)
Plastic mortar properties must be workable, soft, and adhere to masonry units and not fall off or drop away. Mortar must have good water retention for bonding
Placement of Mortar
Placement of mortar should be done during temperatures between 70 degrees and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Re-tempering (adding water) should not be done
Plastic (wet) mortar should be used within 2 ½ hours of being mixed.
Masonry shall be protected from freezing for at least 48 hours
When temperature exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit with winds 8 mph or greater, mortar beds shall not exceed 4 feet ahead of the masonry units.
How can water weaken mortar?
the brick drinks up the water in the mortar and in the process sucks up the mortar itself. Tht’s why wet bricks reduce strength of mortar.
What is grout?
Grout
Grout is similar to mortar but has a greater slump (more liquid). It may contain pea stone, sand, or other approved materials based upon the ASTM standards for a particular use.
Grout is used in the cavities of assembled masonry unit and cavity walls to add strength. (when the plans say to do it)
What is the desired slump, PSI, and max lift for grout?
Desired slump is between 8“ and 10”
PSI should not be less than 2000 PSI
Plastic grout should be used within 1 ½ hours of mixing
Lifts (height of fill) should not exceed 5 ft and shall be vibrated
CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS (CMU’s)(You’ll see it again)
Concrete block comes in various sizes and shape but the most common is 8”,10” and 12”
All are nominal sizes allowing for a ⅜” head and bed join. Example: An 8” block actually measures 7 ⅝” x 7 ⅝” x 15 ⅝”
Shapes CMU’s
Stretchers: Most common for the main wall area.
Corners: Have one flush end used at the end of a course.
Solid top: Has a solid top for use as a bearing surface. (spoke stone?)
Veneer wall
Veneer walls: Carry their own weight. If used as a facing over block with an air space of less than 2” between it is a veneer wall system. (That’s why they call brick on house, veneer brick.
Cavity walls
Cavity Walls Are similar with block laid over with brick or other block the cavity. between is greater than 2”. All blocks are 8” x 16”, the sizes refer to the depth, so surface area doesn’t change. Cavity gets filled with styrofoam peanuts? And other insulating materials.
CMU wall construction process
The first course of CMU’s are laid in the full mortar bed.
Corners (aka leads) are laid first, then the area between is filled.
The use of story pole or course pole is used to gage the top of each course.
Use of wire reinforcement, ladder or truss type, can be used in every other course.
Caution is required when cutting CMU’s due to the harmful effects of silica dust. PPE required
Face Brick (size):
Face brick, aka clay masonry units are used on exposed exterior surfaces where appearance is important.
Generally face brick is self supported with the additional use of brick ties.
The standard is 3 ¼” x 2 ¼” x 8
Face brick must be approved for the yearly weather conditions they will encounter. In Michigan the brick needs to be rated for severe conditions. In florida the brick rating would be negligible.
How are face bricks packaged?
Face bricks come in cubes that are shrink wrapped. Inside that cube will be a label that tells manufacturer, size, model. It has to say SW (severe weather)
Face Brick Construction
Face bricks are installed similar to CMUs. Corner leads are built first and then the area between corners is filled in.
Use of story poles/course poles is required.
Brick ties or other reinforcements are used.
Caution in cutting brick is required due to harmful silica dust.
7 standard brick is required to cover 1 sq ft of wall area.
Mortar joints are ⅜” to ½” wide
Face Brick Construction
Face bricks are installed similar to CMUs. Corner leads are built first and then the area between corners is filled in.
Use of story poles/course poles is required.
Brick ties or other reinforcements are used.
Caution in cutting brick is required due to harmful silica dust.
7 standard brick is required to cover 1 sq ft of wall area.
Mortar joints are ⅜” to ½” wide
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a white powder like substance on completed masonry walls which is caused by water soluble salts within brick and/or mortar coming into contact with moisture (rain, humidity) Efflorescence requires chemical salts and moisture in the wall in order to form. Eliminate moisture and you eliminate efflourescence.
What is required for brick wall construction?
Training
Wall bracing
Restricted zones for walls greater than 8 ft. (height of wall + 4 ft.) (in case of topple)
Warning signage
Monitoring wind speeds
Emergency egress
Written certification of employee training
What is a pumper truck
Pumper trucks are expensive ways to move concrete from the mixer (few thousand dollars a day) and are used when ground conditions are too soggy
What are control joints in concrete?
Control Joints tell the concrete where to crack/shrink. You can fill the joint with caulk if you want.
What affect does cure seal have on drying time?
Cure seal extends dry time, because too fast drying time could damage the concrete. (Used to use straw, visqueen, or burlap bags and keep it wet
What is a Darby?
A darby is a shorthand bullfloat for tight corners.
A tool that consists of two handles on a flat plate with slightly lipped edges, similar to a bullfloat, except larger.
Why do honeycombs/bugouts form in concrete?
someone didn’t vibrate the forms, Take your hammer and tap the forms. It causes air voids that ruin the concrete. You can’t repair bugouts
What is the math on the weight of a 10 yd mixer truck?
Empty concrete trucks are 40,000 lbs
A cubic ft of concrete is 150 lbs.
27 cubic feet in a cubic yard.
4,050 lbs per cubic yd.
40,500 per truck+ 40,000 lb truck
80,500 pounds total
How far away from the basement wall should a concrete truck be?
NEVER back up a concrete truck near a basement wall. (20ft+ distance???)
If there’s a 40 ft wall, how many 16 inch masonry bricks are needed for the first course?
X*12/16 = 30 bricks
(3/4)
How many courses of concrete block will you have for a 10 ft high wall?
10*12/8=15 bricks
How many Standard Brick for a 400 sq ft wall ?
400 sq ft * 7 (bricks per sq ft.)
2800
How to perform slump test?
SLUMP TEST:
Fill conev ⅓ of the way,
Jab it 25 times with a rod.
Fill it another ⅓
Jab it 25 times
Fill it the final ⅓
Jab it 25 times, refilling as necessary
Smooth it out (strike it off)
Slowly remove cone.
Lift up siderail
Measure slump
Where can you find more resources on pouring concrete?
St. Mary’s Cement Offers Classes.
Journal of Light Construction magazine!!!
What is the desired slump for residential concrete?
In Residential work, slump is between 4 & 6
You don’t have to do this for residential, but on Commercial, it’s done on every truck
Fixtures leading to the supply line??? Should have how much play?
Fixtures leading to supply line (outside the wall) should be rigid with no play
Post tensioned concrete process
Post tensioned concrete cables have a blue sleeve on them and are held stationary on one end and allowed to run loose to the other end.
Blue cables feed into stationary end that’s tied into reinforcing system
Other end you have greased pocketed end and they run long outside the form. A pneumatic machine pulls the cables and cuts the end off
What is a monolithic pour?
Monolithic pour: Pour trench footing and slab all at the same time. Out west, this requires Post tensioned cables because the earth moves so much.
Who decides when to tension the concrete?
A concrete engineer is on site, and he samples the concrete periodically for air temp, air humidity, and concrete temp. It’s pretty much dry when he pulls the trigger.
Pre Stressed Concrete
We put an arc on some floors to better brace it for large loads, e.d double T’s on apartment structures
Accelerated curing can be done with live steam or radiated heat??? (Commercial)
Concrete slabs sometimes have 6 or so holes that run all the way through them, they add rigidity.
They use it in hotels, and also in instances where the garage is over the basement.
What are the ingredients in concrete?
(Portland cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate. And water
What is cement made of and how many types are there?
Cement: is made with portland cement, a mixture of limestone, clay, and other elements including gypsum. There are 5 types, the most common is type 1 for general use.
Fine aggregate vs. course aggregate in concrete
Fine Aggregate: such as sand which passes through a ¼” sieve
Coarse Aggregate: such as pea stone and gravel. Ranges is size due to required spec. Generally, the maximum size will be 1 ½” or less.
Water in concrete
Must be clean and free of chemicals, the cement to water ratio is critical
Ready mix concrete considerations
Ready mix is mixed to spec for a particular use. Coarse aggregate must be free of soft stones or cherts which will cause ‘pop outs’ in freezing weather. If water is added, the spec of the concrete will change. Each 1 gallon of water added to 1 yard of concrete will reduce strength by 150 psi. Ready mixed concrete should be totally discharged from the truck within 1 ½ hours of being mixed or prior to 300 revolutions of the mixer, whichever comes first. (In residential, we’re only concerned about the time If the trip ticket is more than 1 ½ hr, don’t accept it. If it’s clumpy or warm, don’t accept it.)
What is the purpose of air entrained concrete?
Air entrainment: Generally 5 to 7 percent in mixes with ¾” to 1” aggregate when used in severe weather conditions. Air entrainment can also be used in warm weather to reduce water ratios. The purpose of air entrainment is to reduce internal expansion of hardened concrete and to aid in closing off channels during curing time. The closing off of channels thus keeps winter rain and melt water from entering into the slab, where it could freeze and spall the concrete.
What are channels and what do they have to do with spalling?
You have to watch concrete dry. You can see tiny streams of water surface from the concrete. They’re called rivulettes, but we call them channels. When the concrete dries, the channels remain open, the water can soak into the concrete and peel (spall) the top which continues and worsens. There’s air bubbles pushing up but there’s a thin film of cement that causes them to bubble up and trap. You MUST use air entrained concrete on all exposed exterior concrete 5-7%
What do water reducers do?
Water reducers, accelerators: Help to remove water from the plastic concrete in freezing weather.
What are superplasticizers
Superplasticizers: reduce the water required in a mix design and improves flow and workability. This is added at the mixing location according to required specs. Superplasticizers provide a high slump of 10” for concrete that would normally have a slump of 4”. The end product will be the same but with improved workability. This product is generally considered during hot weather or when PUMPING of the concrete is specified. You have regular, mid range, and super plasticizers
How is freezing concrete protected?
freezing weather calls for fresh concrete to be protected. In most cases, a construction blanket will suffice.
Bearing wall strip footings:
Generally used in residential construction when a basement is involved. These footings will sometimes have reinforcement often called “re-rod”. The width and depth of the footing will be indicated on the plan as well as being prescribed in the building code. The developer already had soil tested for subdivisions. In all types of footing the known bearing capacity of the soil is required in order to determine footing size. See diagram below. (Girders for add-ons like decks require you to go down to the footing, because backfilled soil is no good, Helical Piers is a much better alternative You can build a house on Helical piers???)
Mat, raft, or floating foundations:
this type of footing is used over soil which has a poor load bearing capacity. A mat footing generally will cover the entire foot print of the structure. Poor bearing soils need serious consideration and will generally need a soils engineer to determine size of footings and foundations.
How much concrete coverage do metal reinforcements need?
Metal reinforcement in footings requires a minimum of 3 inches of concrete coverage. (Wire mesh and re-rod to an outside wall requires ¾” of coverage to outside face of wall.)
What’s the maximum fall that concrete can have and why?
Concrete can’t drop more than 4 or 5 feet without segregating the aggregate. You can lay a stud the width of the wall, lay it at an angle on the snap ties and feed the concrete in that way without segregating the aggregate.
Cold seam prevention
Where the layers between one truck and another meet, you have to seriously vibrate that concrete to prevent a cold seam. Cold seams are a very big deal, inspectors can demand you do it over again.
How long until you can take the concrete form off?
In mild weather conditions, foundation forms can generally be removed after 12 hours of placement. In severe weather conditions, wait a MINIMUM of 5 to 6 days, more like 10. Concrete must be kept above 50 degrees for 5 days in cold weather.
Rebar considerations (sizes, overlaps, fabric coverage)
Rebar is measured in ⅛” and therefore a #3 bar is ⅜” thick, etc.
Splices in rebar should not be less than 12” overlaps
Wire fabric requires 2” of concrete coverage. (10 ga wire with 6”x6” squares, used to come in rolls, not any more
Control joints
New concrete shrinks as it sets. For example, 100 lineal feet of concrete will shrink ¾”.
Control joints in slabs isolate random cracking caused by shrinkage, moisture, and temperature changes, and load stresses. Control joints in walls are generally 20’ apart.
Expansion joints
Expansion joints permit total freedom of movement. Generally, expansion joint materials will be used in seams. The expansion joint will often be used where a basement floor butts up to a foundation wall. Concrete from the floor slab MUST NOT BOND to the foundation wall (this causes cracks 14”-16” off the wall. Instead, fill that space later with bacharat foam rope and finish with self leveling caulk (quado???)). We no longer do this; we spray form releasing agent
How to saw cut fresh concrete
Saw cut control joints which are a quarter of the depth of the concrete must be made within 4-12 hrs of placement (hairline fractures will appear otherwise). Completing a slab with a trowel finish should be done as the sheen disappears.
What do you do before concrete placement?
You moisten the sub grade
How much do you have to mix concrete if adding water?
Adding water to the mixer truck requires 30 revolutions to complete mixing
Can you heat concrete in enclosed spaces?
Yes, but enclosed spaces heated with fossil fuels must be vented (concrete will not harden properly with carbon monoxide/kerosene gasses. You can rent heaters where large ducts bring in heated air.)
How is concrete cured?
Curing is accomplished by spraying with a pre-mix surface curing agent, or using a fog sprayer to keep top surface damp
How is concrete tested?
Concrete testing is accomplished by using 3 test cylinders of concrete. If concrete is to have a 4000 psi at 28 days one of the cylinders can be tested at 7 days. At 7 days it should resist 65-70% of 4000 PSI.
How long until people can drive on fresh concrete?
No one should drive on fresh concrete for 7 days, but really 28-30 days.
What are some steps for trusses?
Brace all exterior walls, decide where the crane goes, brace to each other as you go.
_____ _______ are required to brace trusses to side of building
Strong backs
Short blocks used for bracing are called _______ _________
Suicide blocks. Suicide blocks must be removed ASAP and replaced by 12’ studs.
How long does the crane have to hold the truss?
Crane holds truss until suicide blocks are replaced??? Suicide blocks must be removed ASAP and replaced by 12’ studs.
How often do you have to install diagonal bracing?
Diagonal top chord bracing must be installed every 20 feet and at either end
Can you store materials on your trusses?
DON’T store materials on installed trusses w/o engineer signing off.
How far can trusses be out of plumb for temporary bracing?
2”, but must be perfect when permanently placed.
How far can trusses be out of plumb for temporary bracing?
2”, permanent bracing must be perfect
What are lacers and where are they installed?
LATERAL BRACING, or LACERS (12’) in the upper third of the truss
Miosha library has what important book?
Construction Safety Standards, which you are required to have as a business owner.
What can you do to mitigate OSHA fines
Take pictures when you post violations as proof that you posted it. This may mitigate the $7,000 fee of not posting the violation.
What’s the most serious violation?
Hazard communication: failure to provide a written hazard communication to people coming on jobsite. There are some violations that if you appeal it in 15 days, you pay 50%.
Accident prevention program
Program where employer trains employees on avoidance and recognition of hazards
Where do you get toolbox talks?
You can print toolbox talks right off of MIOSHA website. After your employees sign it, put it in the 3 ring binder on the jobsite.
Delete
How do we prove subcontractors have MIOSHA training?
“We have trained our employees in all MIOSHA training requirements related to our scope of work.” We can get this from subcontractor to cover our ass.
Where do you find safety videos?
Companies do safety videos, most important is the first day on the job video. New guys don’t go out the first day, they watch videos and sign paperwork. Videos are a couple hundred dollars.
What are the 4 types of noxious weeds in Michigan?
Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Sumac (swamps), and Hogweed(everywhere)
Brown recluse
you won’t notice it right away, but you’ll start itching and you’ll need to go to the hospital. Brown recluses like damp spaces like crawl spaces
In the event of bee allergy, who provides the anti venom?
If someone’s allergic to bee bites, they need to supply their own antivenom. It ain’t cheap.
First Aid
A competent person needs a first aid card in his possession. NO ONLINE CLASSES ALLOWED
All jobsites needs a first aid kit. Throw it in a bright yellow ammo can, also add.(Add freezer bags, add tourniquets,)
How to administer epipen?
Crew has to be trained on how to administer it.
Remove cap,
Stab leg,
Wait a minute,
DO NOT restab, a safety cap has automatically sealed it
Who has to provide water?
Employer has to provide water.
What’s wrong with Gatorade?
Gatorade can fuck with someone’s high blood pressure.
How high can you stack brick?
Maximum height is 6 ft or two cubes of brick.
How many employees per toilet?
1 toilet per 20 people up to 40, then 1 additional toilet per 40
What do you need in order to send a prospect to concentra?
You can’t send an employee to concentra without a conditional job offer. Then, you can refuse the employee if the exam results hinder his ability to work.
Posting emergency info:
You should have the location and phone number of the hospital, physician, and emergency service posted at the jobsite
How many foot candles could you read a book by?
10 footcandles is enough to read a book by.
What size hole in the wall or floor need protection?
MIOSHA says 2” floor holes need protection and 3” wall holes need protection
Minimum rating for anchor bolts?
Anchor points need 5,000 lbs minimum, or twice intended load.
How long can you hang in a harness before injury?
Can’t hang in a harness for more than 15 minutes.
Where to get harnesses?
National ladder and Scaffold.
Get quality harnesses that you can sit/stand on.
Guardrails:
42”+/-3 inches , 21” midrails, 3” toeboards
Vertical guardrails can’t be more than 8 ft.
Guard rails subjected to >200 lbs need to be heavier stock.
Safety nets distance:
Safety nets have to be less than 30’
The Net has to extend 8’ out if lower than 5’ under employee.
Hole coverings weight rating (employees/tools)
Hole covers need to be marked, has to be stronger than twice the weight of employee and tools he’s carrying.
Ladders ratings
Ladders need a duty rating. You need type 1 at a minimum.
How far do ladders have to extend?
Ladders have to extend 3’ above roof. Ladders can have safety rails and swing gates for added protection when entering/exiting roof.
What must happen before scaffolding can be used?
Scaffolding must be inspected by competent person.
Seminars for competent person??
When guarding is required on scaffolding
Scaffolds require guards at 10’ instead of 6
What had to happen before using a generator?
Generators need to be grounded
Distance from aluminum ladders/cranes to power lines.
ALUMINUM LADDERS AND CRANES HAVE TO BE AT LEAST 20’ FROM POWER LINES. Non metal ladders can be 10’
You can put velcro on power lines if you need to put a ladder???
Ladders in excavation
Ladders needed in excavations 4’ deep, and every 25’ down
How far away do spoils have to be from the excavation?
Spoils have to be 2’ or more away from excavation.
When screeding areas wider than ___ ft, you have to do what?
You gotta hold the screed down @ 16’???
What ppe does the employer always provide?
Employer ALWAYS provides hands, face, eye, and ear protection
You can’t use powder actuated tools on what?
DO NOT use a powder actuated tool on live rock (coral)
All table saws NEED _____ ______
If you have a table saw on the job site, you need a PUSH STICK next to it.
How do you train your employee on tools?
You have to train your employee on every tool he’ll be using on day one, he has to sign, and put it in the 3 ring binder
What guard does a portable saw need?
Portable saw should have upper and lower guard shielding the blade,
Technically, what’s the rules for cleaning yourself with compressed air?
Compressed air shall NOT be used for cleaning of clothes, hands, or face
Air pressure for portable air gun shall not exceed ______
Air pressure for portable air gun shall not exceed 30 psi
Never use compressed air on ________
Never use compressed air on concrete
Powder actuated equipment operators need what?
Powder actuated equipment needs to have an operators card on their person while operating the equipment. Must be trained by MFR or MFR rep, either HILTE, or possibly Sunbelt, (Dequindre&696??)
Powder actuated tools can’t be used on what?
NEVER leave powder actuated tools unattended.
Fastener shall not be driven into brittle material like brick, cast iron.
Powder actuated tool misfire steps:
Operator has to fire, wait 30 seconds, fire again, wait 30 seconds, then remove explosive load and put in metal container filled with water.
Fire classifications???
Memorize fire classifications. P. 242
What size fire extinguisher is necessary???
10 lb fire extinguisher.
Are propane heaters permitted in the workplace?
Yes, Propane heaters are permitted in the workplace.
Demo permits???
YOU need letters of clearance from utility companies to get a demo permit, sanitation is a tough one to get.
Garbage chute height requirements:
Chute has to be within 8 ft of the lowest level
Do you need a barricade for excavations?
Some cities have an ordinance about excavations, otherwise you don’t need a barricade if it’s open and clear to see.
What are low sloped roofs?
Low sloped roofs: 4/12 and less
When can you use a safety monitor on a roof?
On low slope roofs smaller than 50 feet wide a safety monitoring system alone can be used.
What tool requires increased guardrails?
stilts.
What is the minimum rating for fall protection?
Fall protection vests need to be 1800 lb rated because of the shock
Warning lines,for roofs and heights.
Warning lines, 6 foot from edge perpendicular, and 10’ in direction of travel for buggy
Warning lines specs
Warning line shall be 34” tall at its lowest, and 39” at its highest.
Shall be capable of resisting 16 lbs applied horizontally against the stanchion
Flags and cones can be bought from POCO or wimset
Floor coverings weight ratings
Covers should be able to hold twice weight of vehicles.
Toeboard clearances
Toeboards can have ¼” clearance from the floor, and can’t have a hole bigger than 1”
Clearances for materials around masons and roofers
No material shall be located within 4’ for masons except mortar and brick
No material shall be located within 6’ for roofers.
What is the minimum clearance for a lanyard
Should be able to fall 18 ½’ to have clearance for fall protecion.
6 foot lanyard
3 ½ feet for deceleration device
1 foot slack in cable
5 feet workers back to D ring
3 foot safety factor
Minimum ladder overlap
Ladder must extend 3’ or more above upper level
MINIMUM LADDER OVERLAP 3 ft under 36’, 4 ft otherwise
Job built ladders
Job built ladders can’t be over 24’ in length
IN REAL LIFE, YOU CAN NOT USE JOB BUILT LADDERS.
Step ladder requirements
METAL LOCKING MECHANISM NEEDED ON STEP LADDER.
EACH LEG SHALL BE IN CONTACT WITH SOLID FOOTING.
Places to get ladders and scaffolds
NATIONAL LADDER AND SCAFFOLD
Personal fall arrest systems specs
Personal fall arrest systems, when stopping a fall, shall:
limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1800 LBS when used with a body harness
be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet, nor contact any lower level
Warning lines for mechanical operations
When mechanical equipment is being used, the warning line shall be erected not less than 6 feet from the roof edge which is parallel to the direction of mechanical equipment operation, and not less than 10 feet from the roof edge which is perpendicular to the direction of mechanical equipment operation
When are ladders required?
A ladder shall be provided at all personnel points of access if there is a break in elevation of 19 inches or more and if a ramp, runway, sloped embankment, stairway, or personnel hoist is not provided
What is a catch platform?
Catch platform is a scaffold next to roof. Most builders rent them
What is the proper way to pour basement walls?
Guy can’t pour from on top of the basement walls, have to use a ladder or another type of safety measure.
What is a cleat?
A cleat is a structural block used at the end of the platform???
All crawling boards??? need cleats that are equally spaced to keep things in place.
What is the weight rating for a heavy duty scaffold?
Heavy duty scaffold: working load of 75 lbs per sq ft
What is a ladder jack scaffold?
Ladder jack scaffold means a scaffold that is supported by brackets attached to ladders
What is a pump jack scaffold?
Pump Jack Scaffold, vertical poles, pump up or down as needed (siding guys like these)
What is a roof bracket scaffold?
Roof bracket scaffold means a rooftop supported scaffold on angular shaped supports
What is a rough terrain forklift?
Rough terrain forklift- vertical mast or pivot boom
What is a pick?
Pick- something you can stand on to work on roof.
What do you need to climb a scaffold?
Can’t climb a scaffold without equally spaced ladder from ground to desired level. Some scaffolds have integrated ladders, some don’t
Rule for reaching out to MIOSHA for a hospitalized incident:
HOSPITAL CALLS MIOSHA, YOU SHOULD CALL FIRST.
Rules for scaffolding:
Scaffold has to be assembled under competent person. Scaffold has to bear 4 times the intended load. Can’t lean anything on a building
How close can an employee be to energized electrical lines?
Employees should not be within 10 feet of energized electric lines.
When planking a scaffold, how many planks do you need?
Fully planked working platforms, 2 planks climbing platform, 12” overlap
Distance between uprights and planks not more than 9 ½”
Max distance from scaffold to wall?
Front of platform shall not be more than 14” from wall, 18 if plastering and lathing
What distance do you have to tie and brace scaffolding?
Guy, tie and brace 4 to 1 ratio, horizontally every 20’ if 3’ wide every 26’ if >3ft wide
How tall can a scaffolding pole be?
Poles can be 10’ with wood, since aluminum picks come in 24’ lengths poles can be greater with aluminum.
Poles can’t be more than 30’ in height
What’s the max employees allowed on a pump jack?
2 employees on pump jack in between every 2 braces
Are toe guards required with a gate?
Toe guards are required on all sides, including gate side
Which platforms need a harness?
ANY WORK PLATFORM THAT CAN ROTATE,GO UP AND DOWN< OR BOOM IN AND OUT, must have harness.
Who can operate a skytrack?
Must have operators card for operating a skytrack
Can you reposition with guys riding a sky track?
You can’t reposition with guys riding a skytrack, they gotta get off for repositioning.
Do you need an operators card for a ladder jack scaffold?
Ladder Jack Scaffolds, have to have an operators card for that specific piece of equipment. You can get multiple vehicle certifications on a single card.
Length for scaffolding planks???
Wood can’t exceed 8’
Aluminum Picks can’t exceed 24’
At what height does scaffolding require guardrails?
Scaffolds require guard rails at 10’ and accessed through ladders. (Osha has it at 6’, i believe)
What is a brace, guy, and a tie?
BRACE KEEPS SAFFOLD FROM GOING IN, TIES KEEP IT FROM GOING OUT, GUYS KEEP FROM MOVING LATERALLY
What is the distance to brace a scaffold? (Contradictory???)
if scaffold is 4’ wide, 16’ the first tie and brace up from the bottom, and down from the top.
Pump jack bracket requirements:
Pump jack brackets, braces, and accessories shall be fabricated from metal plates and angles. Each bracket shall have 2 positive gripping mechanisms to prevent any failure or slippage
When is it ok to use a ladder jack?
A ladder jack scaffold shall be used only for light duty on type I manufactured ladders at heights not more than 20 feet from the ground or floor level
What do excavators tend to do on sanitary lines?
Excavators like to go too steep and too deep on sewer and water connections. DON’T let them. They need proper angle of repose or trench box.
Clay derives its strength from what?
Clay: derives strength (resistance to displacement) from cohesion.
What is the strength of Soft Clay?
‘Soft clay’ has an unconfined strength of less than 1 ton per sq ft.
What is the strength of Medium Clay?
Medium clay: (plastic) minimum unconfined strength of 1 ton per sq ft
What is the strength of firm soil(clay?)?
Firm soil: minimum unconfined strength of 1.5 sq. ft.
What is the strength of Stiff Clay?
Stiff clay: 2 ½ tons per sq ft
How do you tell if soil is rated for 1 ton?
You take a 1 sq ft. plate and sit a ton on it, if it oozes out, it’s not rated for 1 ton
What is fill?
Fill- a manmade soil condition that may be constructed of any type of soil or any combination
Where does granular soil get its strength?
Granular Soil: derives its strength from internal friction
What is running soil?
Running soil- any type of soil that has insufficient strength to stand unsupported
What makes soil organic?
Organic soil- soil that contains significant amounts of peat, muck, or marl.
What is the ‘toe’ of a slope?
Toe of slope, point at which the side meets the valley
What had to happen before digging?
No digging until you ascertain whether there’s utility lines.
Where do most gas lines come from?
Most gas lines come from the front, but sometimes they come from the rear.
What is the rule on excavations?
Excavations 48” or greater that are occupied by an employee will be provided ladder extending not less than 3 feet above the top as a means of access or with a ramp meeting requirements of subrule 6 of this rule. Lateral travel along the wall of a trench to a ladder or other means of egress shall not exceed 25 ft.
How deep can an excavation be before it needs to be sloped?
Excavation need to be sloped if they’re more than 5 ft deep
What is the injured employee log?
300 and 300a-
Slope for dry sand and medium clay???
(1 ton per sq ft.) 45 degrees
Which injuries have to be posted?
Injuries less than 1 year old are posted for employees to see
What is the timeline/ppl per incident for reporting fatalities?
Fatalities,
ANY NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: Amputation, loss of eye, in-patient hospitalization
3 or more employees hospitalized has to be reported to MIOSHA in 8 hrs.
What documents are filed in case of injury?
3 documents needed, WOrker’s Comp 100, MIOSHA 300 injury log (posted in office), MIOSHA 300a (end of year summary).
(Workers comp 100 can be filed instead of MIOSHA 301)
When shall an ongoing inspection of an excavation or trench be made by a qualified person?
After every rainstorm or other hazard-producing occurrence
financial statement analysis:
Financial ratios that are calculated for comparison purposes and are used to make business decisions.
What are journals?
books of ORIGINAL entry; they include as much information as possible recorded with each transaction
Do you really need an accountant?
You NEED a professional to cover your ass, too many changes
How much should you commonly have at the end of a job?
Common practice, have at least 10% profit at the end of every job.
Liability insurance is based on what?
Liability insurance is based on gross sales
What is the rules on reporting cash?
Cash is difficult, if you dont report cash, don’t report the expenses on that particular job. It has to balance out.
What’s a way you can get audited?
Mixing personal and business can get you audited.
Meals are NOT deductible
Cash basis:
Revenue is recorded when received, expenses are recorded when paid
(small B=businesses)
Accrual Basis
Revenue is recorded when earned (might be 60 days out from payment), expenses are recorded when incurred (large-medium sized businesses)
Accounts payable:
Current Liability
Equity:
Amt of assets remaining after all liabilities are paid, The true ownership value
Accounts Receivable:
Current assets, money coming in.
Current assets:
assets that can be turned into cash in 1 year
Current liabilities:
Payments of debt within 1 year
Fixed Assets:
Fixed Assets are long term assets, e.g land, computers, buildings, etc
Long Term Libility:
debts that exceed 1 year.
NET WORTH=
ASSETS-LIABILITIES (AKA OWNER”S EQUITY)
How long should business and personal records be kept?
Business records should be kept >7 yrs.’Personal records should be kept >3 yrs
Required records:
W-2, end of year
1099 goes to subcontractors January 31st
W4 beginning of year.
I9 Authorization
What kind of documents go into journals?
Receipts, invoices, Purchase orders, and sales all go into journals.
5 Journals
Sales
Purchase Journal
Cash receipts
Cash Disbursement Journal
General Journal
(Everything goes into general journal after the quarter.)
Why might it be better to file quarterly instead of yearly?
You may owe penalties/interest if you file yearly instead of quarterly
What is a subcontractor?
Subcontractor isn’t an employee, has to provide his own tools, training, and vehicles. Doesn’t ‘have to’ be there.
Double entry bookkeeping??
Debit on one side, credit on the other side.
Positive Negative
Balance sheet, assets on left side, liabilities on right side, both sides should balance out at end of year.
Sales Journal:
recording of sales on credit
Purchases Journal:
Recording of purchases on credit
Cash Receipts Journal:
Incoming Cash Business Transactions
Cash Disbursements Journal:
Recording of all Outgoing Cash Transactions
General Journal:
Record of adjusting and closing entries, i.e non cash expenses, depreciation, lost/damaged/ bad debts? Etc.
4 financial statements
Income statement-
Statement of ownership-
Balance sheet-
Statement of cash flow-
Income statement:
net profit
Statement of ownership-
value of statement date, capital paid, draws and investments
Balance sheet-
Assets, liabilities, and equity
Statement of cash flow-
shows where cash flow went-bank statements
A good rule of thumb for ratio of assets and liabilities
A good current ratio of 2:1 usually indicates good liquidity.
