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Occupational Safety and Health (Industrial Safety and Health Act, Fall Prevention, Rigging/Slinging, Machinery, Electrical & Gas Safety)

Rebar Worker Certificate 鉄筋技能士 (Grade 1/2 theory) · 技能検定「鉄筋施工」1級・2級 学科 · Written by Tokutei Pass based on the official study texts; not copied verbatim.

Safety Management System and Hazard Prediction Activities (KY, 4S, Risk Assessment)

Because construction sites involve a prime contractor and multiple subcontractors working together, the Industrial Safety and Health Act requires the prime contractor on sites above a specified scale to appoint an 'Overall Safety and Health Controller,' while each subcontractor appoints a 'Safety and Health Person-in-Charge (foreman)' for coordination.

For hazardous operations designated by Cabinet Order (such as erecting, dismantling, or altering scaffolding or formwork shoring), an 'Operations Chief (sagyō shuninsha)' who has completed the required Skill Training Course must be appointed to determine work methods and directly supervise workers.

Before starting work each day, all crew members conduct 'KY (Hazard Prediction) activities' and toolbox meetings to identify hazards and countermeasures, confirming key safety targets through point-and-call checks ('Yoshi!').

In addition, '4S activities (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize)' are strictly maintained to prevent trip-and-fall accidents, and 'New-Entrant Safety Orientation' is provided to workers entering the site for the first time.

Key points


  • Prime contractors appoint an 'Overall Safety and Health Controller,' subcontractors appoint a 'Safety and Health Person-in-Charge,' and an 'Operations Chief' supervises designated hazardous tasks

  • Daily pre-work 'KY (Hazard Prediction) activities' and point-and-call checks prevent unsafe acts and accidents

  • Thorough '4S (Seiri, Seiton, Seisō, Seiketsu)' housekeeping and mandatory new-entrant safety orientation are enforced on site
WordMeaning
Overall Safety and Health Controller and Safety and Health Person-in-Charge
Operations Chief (sagyō shuninsha, appointed from skill-training graduates)
KY (hazard prediction) activity and point-and-call
4S activities (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Heat Stroke Prevention

To protect the head from both falling/flying objects and falls from height during rebar work, workers must wear a dual-rated safety helmet ('for flying/falling objects and fall protection') equipped with an internal shock-absorbing liner, with the chinstrap securely fastened.

Workers must wear long-sleeved shirts and full-length trousers with cuffs fastened, steel-toe 'safety shoes (anzengutsu)' with puncture-resistant soles, and 'safety glasses (or shade goggles)' during cutting, wire-brushing, or gas pressure welding.

When operating rotating machinery (such as drill presses, rebar benders, or circular saws), wearing 'knitted cotton gloves (gunte)' is strictly prohibited because loose fibers can catch and pull the hand into rotating parts.

During outdoor summer rebar work, the 'WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) heat stress index' (combining air temperature, humidity, and radiant heat) must be monitored continuously, and workers must regularly replenish both 'water and salt (sodium)' before feeling thirsty while taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned rest areas.

Key points


  • Wear a dual-rated safety helmet with an internal shock-absorbing liner ('for flying/falling objects and fall protection') and fasten the chinstrap

  • Never wear 'knitted cotton gloves (gunte)' around rotating machinery to prevent entanglement hazards

  • Monitor the 'WBGT heat index' and regularly replenish both 'water and salt' to prevent heat stroke
WordMeaning
safety helmet (flying/falling object & fall protection, shock-absorbing liner)
safety shoes and safety glasses
prohibition of cotton gloves (gunte) on rotating machines
heat stroke prevention and WBGT (heat stress index)

Work at Height and Prevention of Fall Accidents

Under Article 518 of the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health, whenever work is performed at a 'height of 2 m or more' (including platform edges and floor openings), a safe 'working platform (sagyō yuka)' must in principle be provided by erecting scaffolding or equivalent means.

Along the edges of working platforms at heights of 2 m or more and around openings, fall-prevention guardrails consisting of a 'top rail at least 85 cm high' and a 'mid-rail (nakasan) at a height of 35 cm to 50 cm' (or equivalent protection), together with toeboards at least 10 cm high, must be installed.

Where providing a working platform or guardrails is extremely difficult, safety nets must be rigged and workers must wear 'certified fall-arrest equipment.' In principle, a 'full-body harness' must be used (mandatory by law above 6.75 m), and the lanyard hook must be attached to a lifeline or anchor point 'above waist level' to minimize free-fall distance (Type 1 shock absorbers must not be anchored at foot level).

High-elevation work and scaffold erection must be suspended during adverse weather meeting statutory thresholds: 'strong wind (10-minute mean wind speed of 10 m/s or more),' 'heavy rain (50 mm or more per rainfall event),' 'heavy snow (25 cm or more per snowfall),' or an 'earthquake of moderate intensity (seismic intensity 4) or greater.'

Work at Height and Prevention of Fall Accidents

Key points


  • Work at a 'height of 2 m or more' requires a working platform in principle, equipped with a 'top rail ≥ 85 cm high' and a 'mid-rail at 35–50 cm'

  • Fall-arrest equipment should be a 'full-body harness' (mandatory above 6.75 m), with the hook anchored 'above waist height'

  • Suspend work at height during strong wind (10-min mean ≥ 10 m/s), heavy rain (≥ 50 mm), heavy snow (≥ 25 cm), or seismic intensity ≥ 4
WordMeaning
working platform at height ≥ 2 m; top rail (≥ 85 cm) and mid-rail (35–50 cm)
certified fall-arrest equipment (full-body harness type)
shock absorber and anchoring hook above waist level
strong-wind threshold (suspend work at 10-min mean wind speed ≥ 10 m/s)

Safety Standards for Scaffolds, Working Platforms, Access Ramps, Stepladders, and Shoring

A scaffold 'working platform (sagyō yuka)' must have a width of '40 cm or more,' a gap between floor planks of '3 cm or less,' and a gap between standards (uprights) and planks of 'less than 12 cm,' and must be securely fastened to two or more supports to prevent displacement.

In single-pipe steel scaffolding (tankan ashiba), upright spacing must be '1.85 m or less longitudinally and 1.5 m or less transversely,' with the first ledger above ground (dai-ichi no nuno) placed at a 'height of 2 m or less.' The maximum load per span is '400 kg or less' in principle, and scaffolds must be inspected before starting work each day and after severe weather or alterations.

Temporary 'access ramps and inclined walkways (nobori sanbashi)' must have a slope of '30° or less,' and cleats or non-slip treads (fumisan) must be installed whenever the slope 'exceeds 15°.' Ramps 8 m or more in height require landings at intervals of 'every 7 m or less.' Portable ladders must be at least 30 cm wide, pitched at about 75°, and extend 'at least 60 cm' above the upper landing.

When using a 'stepladder (kyatatsu),' the spreader bars must be locked securely, and working while standing on or straddling the top cap is prohibited. Furthermore, tubular steel 'pipe supports' used in formwork shoring must never be spliced three or more high (when joining two pipe supports, at least 4 bolts must be used).

Key points


  • Scaffold working platforms must be '≥ 40 cm wide with plank gaps ≤ 3 cm'; single-pipe scaffolds require the first ledger at '≤ 2 m height' and span load ≤ 400 kg

  • Temporary ramps must have a slope '≤ 30°' (with cleats if '> 15°'), and ramps ≥ 8 m high require landings 'every 7 m or less'

  • Portable ladders must extend '≥ 60 cm' above the upper floor; standing on a stepladder top cap and splicing '3 or more pipe supports' are prohibited
WordMeaning
working platform (width ≥ 40 cm; gap between planks ≤ 3 cm)
single-pipe scaffold (first ledger ≤ 2 m; span load ≤ 400 kg)
temporary ramp (slope ≤ 30°; cleats required over 15°)
portable ladder (top extension ≥ 60 cm) and stepladder spreader lock

Crane & Slinging (Tamagake) Safety and Wire Rope Discard Criteria

Slinging (tamagake) operations for a crane or mobile crane with a lifting capacity of '1 ton or more' may only be performed by workers who have completed the 'Slinging Skill Training Course (Tamagake Ginō Kōshū)' (special education applies under 1 ton). Operating a mobile crane of 1 to under 5 tons requires the 'Small Mobile Crane Operation Skill Training Course,' and 5 tons or more requires a 'Mobile Crane Operator License.'

The 'safety factor' of slinging wire ropes must be '6 or more' under the Ordinance on Safety of Cranes and Similar Equipment. Wire ropes must be discarded (prohibited from use) if: (1) '10% or more of the individual wires (excluding filler wires) are broken within one lay,' (2) 'diameter reduction exceeds 7% of nominal diameter,' (3) 'the rope is kinked,' or (4) 'severe deformation or corrosion is present.'

Because sling tension increases sharply as the sling angle widens, the standard 'slinging angle must be kept within 60°.' Long rebar bundles must be lifted using a balanced 'two-point choke hitch' around the center of gravity, and crane hooks must be equipped with a working 'safety latch (hazure-dome).'

At the start of every lift, perform a 'lift-off check (chigiri kakunin)' by raising the load 10–20 cm off the ground and pausing to verify balance and rigging security. Use 'tag lines (kaishaku rōpu)' to control load swing, and never allow anyone to enter 'under a suspended load.'

Crane & Slinging (Tamagake) Safety and Wire Rope Discard Criteria

Key points


  • Slinging for cranes with a lifting capacity of '1 t or more' requires the 'Slinging Skill Training Course,' and wire ropes must have a safety factor of '6 or more'

  • Discard wire ropes with '≥ 10% broken wires in one lay,' 'diameter wear > 7% of nominal diameter,' or 'kinking, severe distortion, or corrosion'

  • Keep the slinging angle 'within 60°,' use two-point rigging for long rebar bundles with a 'lift-off check (chigiri),' and strictly prohibit entering 'under suspended loads'
WordMeaning
Slinging Skill Training Course (lifting capacity ≥ 1 ton)
slinging wire rope (safety factor ≥ 6)
wire rope discard criteria (≥ 10% broken wires, > 7% wear, kinking)
slinging angle ≤ 60°, lift-off check (chigiri), and tag line (kaishaku rōpu)

Safety Measures for Rebar Machinery, Electricity, and Arc Welding

When operating electric rebar cutters, rebar benders, and portable power cables, an 'earth-leakage circuit breaker for electric-shock prevention' (rated sensitivity current ≤ 30 mA, operating time ≤ 0.1 s) must be connected, and the metal machine enclosure must be securely 'grounded (earthed).'

Inspect brakes, clutches, foot switches, and emergency stops before starting work. Keep protective guards in place to stop flying bar ends during cutting, and remove hands from rollers before stepping on the foot pedal. Whenever cleaning, lubricating, changing blades/rollers, or adjusting a machine, it is an absolute rule to 'shut down the machine and turn off the main power.'

Performing flare welding or tack arc welding requires 'Special Education for Arc Welding,' and AC arc welding machines must be equipped with an 'automatic electric-shock prevention device (low-voltage reducer).' Welders must wear a filter faceplate and leather gloves to prevent arc eye from UV radiation and avoid welding when clothes or skin are wet from rain or heavy sweat.

When operating mobile cranes or handling long rebars near 'overhead power lines (kakū densen),' maintain the required safe clearance distance, install insulating protective sleeves on the lines, and assign a dedicated 'watcher (kanshinin)' to prevent electrocution.

Key points


  • Equip electric machines with an 'earth-leakage circuit breaker' and 'grounding (earth),' and always turn off the power before cleaning, oiling, or adjusting

  • AC arc welding machines must be fitted with an 'automatic electric-shock prevention device,' and operators must complete 'Special Education for Arc Welding'

  • Near overhead power lines, maintain safe clearance, install insulating protective tubes, and station a dedicated watcher
WordMeaning
earth-leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) and grounding (earth)
stopping machine and cutting power during adjustment/cleaning
automatic electric-shock prevention device on AC arc welders
insulating protective tubes on overhead lines and dedicated watcher

Gas Pressure Welding Operations and High-Pressure Gas Cylinder Safety

Gas pressure welding uses high-pressure 'oxygen' and flammable 'dissolved acetylene gas.' Under the High Pressure Gas Safety Act, cylinder paint colors are standardized as 'black (kokushoku)' for oxygen cylinders and 'brown (kasshoku)' for dissolved acetylene cylinders.

Gas cylinders must always be kept at a temperature of '40°C or below' in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. In particular, if a dissolved acetylene cylinder is laid horizontally, the internal acetone solvent will leak out and create a severe flashback/explosion hazard; therefore, cylinders must always be kept 'upright (vertical)' and secured against tipping with chains or ropes during both storage and use.

Fit dedicated pressure regulators and a 'dry-type flashback arrestor (kanshiki anzenki)' securely to the hoses, and check connections for leaks using soapy water before work. Because oil or grease in contact with high-pressure oxygen can ignite explosively, never touch oxygen valves or regulators with oily hands or gloves.

When 'lighting' the blowpipe (torch), 'slightly open the oxygen valve first, then open the acetylene valve and ignite.' Conversely, when 'extinguishing' the flame (or if a flashback occurs), always 'close the acetylene valve first, and then close the oxygen valve.' Remove combustibles from the work area and keep a fire extinguisher on hand.

Key points


  • Cylinder colors are 'Oxygen = black' and 'Dissolved acetylene = brown'; keep cylinder temperature at '40°C or below' and secure cylinders 'upright'

  • Install a 'dry-type flashback arrestor' on the acetylene line, and keep all oxygen fittings strictly free of oil and grease

  • Operate torch valves in the order 'Oxygen → Acetylene' when lighting, and 'Acetylene → Oxygen' when extinguishing
WordMeaning
gas cylinder paint colors (oxygen = black; acetylene = brown)
cylinder temperature ≤ 40°C and upright anti-tipping storage
dry-type flashback arrestor (kanshiki anzenki) and no oil/grease
torch lighting order (oxygen first) and extinguishing order (acetylene first)

Preventing Rebar-Specific Site Accidents (Impalement Caps, No Climbing on Rebar, Bracing Against Collapse)

One of the most severe hazards unique to rebar sites is 'impalement (tsukisashi saigai)' when a worker trips or falls onto upward-protruding column/wall 'starter bars (sashikin)' or anchor bolts projecting from foundations or slabs. To prevent impalement, bright yellow 'rebar protective caps (safety caps)' or continuous trough covers must always be fitted over exposed bar ends.

Second, 'climbing up or down assembled column hoops or horizontal wall bars' as a makeshift ladder is strictly prohibited. Stepping on tied bars can snap tie wires and cause a fall, as well as distort bar spacing or collapse the entire rebar cage.

Third, newly erected freestanding column bars, tall wall rebar mats, and preassembled cages have low lateral stability and can topple in high winds or upon impact ('rebar collapse accidents'). Therefore, temporary 'guy wires, stay ropes, or pipe-support braces (hikae-zai)' must be securely installed in multiple directions during and after assembly.

Fourth, when two or more workers manually carry long reinforcing bars on their shoulders, the front and rear workers must carry the bars on the 'same shoulder,' walk in step, attach a warning flag to the tip, and call out clearly to each other when turning corners or setting the load down.

Preventing Rebar-Specific Site Accidents (Impalement Caps, No Climbing on Rebar, Bracing Against Collapse)

Key points


  • Always fit 'protective caps (safety caps)' over protruding 'starter bars (sashikin)' to prevent impalement accidents

  • Never climb on assembled column hoops or horizontal wall bars, which can snap tie wires, cause falls, and deform the rebar cage

  • Install 'temporary guy wires or pipe braces (hikae-zai)' to prevent freestanding column/wall cages from toppling, and use the 'same shoulder' when team-carrying long bars
WordMeaning
starter-bar impalement prevention (protective cap / safety cap)
prohibition of climbing on column hoops and horizontal wall bars
temporary bracing/guy wires against rebar cage collapse (hikae-zai)
manual carrying of long rebars (same shoulder and vocal signaling)

Occupational Safety & Health

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