Polk County Health Center
(417) 326-7250 / (417) 326-2766 fax
info@polkcountyhealth.net
1317 W Broadway St, Bolivar, MO 65613

Construction Safety Recommendations for Polk County, Missouri

This document is a VERY brief overview of some safety considerations during construction or remodeling of a structure in Polk County. The building construction process is lengthy and includes many stages and steps. Consider hiring a licensed architect and/or professional engineer to help you through this process. Click here for a list of Architects and Engineers in Polk County. Codes and Standards will also guide you through the design and construction process. In Polk County, there are several Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), so make sure you check with the local government (city, county, etc.). Click here for a contact list of AHJs. Also check with the AHJ for the specifics of any permitting, plan review, and/or inspection processes and/or fees.

Renovations to, and demolition of structures require additional safety measures. No matter what kind of construction is being performed, ensure personal protective equipment is used when working in a dangerous environment. Wear safety glasses when cutting, hammering, or when small projectiles may become airborne. Wear hearing protection in loud environments or mildly loud environments for long durations. Wear dust masks or respirators when particulates or fumes are present in the air. When working at heights, wear some form of fall protection. Other forms of personal protective equipment include steel-toed boots and leather gloves. It is also a violation of OSHA regulations and a health risk to work outdoors without a shirt.

Please download the checklist 55kb to use as a guide in your planning and construction process.

Site and Plot Planning

Meet easements from street, utilities, allies, property lines, etc.
Grade the site to drain rainwater from structure and collect excess runoff to minimize erosion.
Ensure the property and structures are accessible for emergency vehicles (corner radii, road surface width, vertical clearance, and address markings).
Eliminate or restrict access to trampolines, swimming pools, ponds, etc.
Construct decks, ramps, and porches using approved materials capable of supporting loads.
Store flammable liquids separate from living areas in a secure and ventilated structure.
Dispose of garbage appropriately and frequently.
Reduce or eliminate vegetation in close proximity to structure.

Utility Planning

Contact AHJ for proper domestic water utility and water meter installation.
Contact AHJ for proper sanitary sewer utility installation. If sanitary sewer service is not available for the location, contact the Polk County Health Center for a septic system installation permit.
Contact local electric company for electric utility installation.
Contact other local companies as needed for other utility installations such as propane, telephone, cable, etc.

Architectural Planning

Ensure all living areas have two means of egress (escape).
Ensure egresses are the correct widths and are accessible. Egress widths are based on NFPA 101, occupancy, occupancy load, and construction type. Egress accessibility include items such as stair construction and ramp angles.
Install only finishes (carpets, wallpaper, paint, etc.) that are new and meet safety standards.
Minimize, eliminate, or provide protection to all vertical penetrations (holes) through floors and horizontal penetrations through fire-rated walls.

Structural Planning

Calculate all live and static loads (structural loads, furniture, snow, wind, soil, etc.).
Ensure foundations are the correct depth and width.
Ensure all concrete has the correct rebar sizes, quantities, and securing method.
Anchor all mobile and manufactured homes to the ground using approved methods.
Avoid gusset-plate trusses.
Include all required lateral and diagonal bracing.
Anchor the roof to the exterior walls and anchor the exterior walls to the foundation.
Do not install more than three layers of roofing material.

Mechanical Planning

Install heating system in accessible location.
Ensure return air and combustion air are available as needed.
Install electrical disconnect on outside cooling units.

Electrical Planning

Ensure service amperage is sufficient for electrical demand.
Install over-current protection devices (circuit breakers) on all circuits in an accessible location and ensure they are of the correct amperage.
Ground all electrical equipment. Install grounding rod and strap at service entrance. Tie common and ground conductor together at main panel only.
Use only UL listed electrical wiring with a ground conductor.
Provide arc-fault protection devices in bedroom circuits.
Provide ground-fault protection devices in wet or damp locations (within six feet of a water source).
Install adequate lightning protection.

Plumbing Planning

Calculate fixture units to determine piping sizes (i.e. a residential toilet may require two cold water fixture units) .
Sanitize all water piping after installation and before use.
Install properly sized sanitary piping at the correct slope.
Install traps on all sanitary fixtures that are not internally trapped.
Vent all sanitary fixtures properly.
Install all fuel gas piping in a proper and secure manner.