Last Updated on: September 09, 2026

 It is very important to carry out all construction operations in a safe and efficient manner. Workers in large number, both skilled and unskilled, are engaged in the innumerable construction works. Due to increased tempo of such a building activity and large scale mechanization, hazards of accidents could increase considerably. It is therefore, imperative that adequate safety rules are laid down for every phase of construction work.
Planning the various construction operations before hand and making adequate arrangements for procurement and storage of materials, and the machinery to get work done is as important as carrying out these constructional operations in accordance with good practice. Lack of planning or defective planning may result in avoidable delay in the completion of work and consequently increased hazards from the point of view of fire, health and structural soundness.
For more guidelines on the matter the following Indian Standards and Special Publications may be referred:

Is no.
Title

3696
Safety Code for Scaffolds and Ladders

(Part-1): 1987
Scaffolds

(Part-2): 1991
Ladders

3764:1992
Code of practice for excavation work (first revision)

4082: 1996
Recommendation on staking and storage of construction materials and components at site (second revision)

4130: 1991
Safety code for demolition of buildings (second revision)

4912: 1978
Safety requirement for floor and wall openings, railing and toe boards (first revision)

5121: 1969
Safety code for piling and other deep foundation

5916: 1970
Safety code for construction involving use of hot bituminous materials

7205: 1974
Safety code for erection of structural steel work

7969: 1975
Safety code for handling and storage of building materials

8989: 1978
Safety code for erection of concrete framed structures

13415: 1992
Safety code for protective barrier in and around buildings

13416
Recommendation for preventive measures against hazards at work places:

(Part 1): 1992
Falling material hazards prevention

(Part 2): 1992
Fall prevention

(Part 3): 1994
Disposal of debris

(Part 4): 1994
Timber structures

(Part 5): 1994
Fire protection

13430: 1992
Code of practice for safety during additional construction and alteration to existing buildings

A reference to SP 62: 1992 ‘Handbook on building construction practices (excluding electrical works)’ and SP 70: 2001 ‘Handbook on construction safety practices’ may also be made.

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