A new standard intended to increase public safety around construction sites has been published by the American Society of Safety Engineers.

A10.34-2001, Protection of the Public on or Adjacent to Construction Sites, establishes safety guidelines for employers, contractors, building owners and rescue personnel to protect the public from construction hazards in the air, on land or at sea. The standard was approved by the American National Standards Institute on Aug. 11, 2001, and covers issues such as cutting, welding, forming and pouring concrete, blasting or pile-driving, hoisting, shoring and other activities that can jeopardize public safety.

"The public needs to be made aware of the potential hazards at or around construction sites and protected to the highest extent possible," says Barry A. Cole, chairman of subgroup A10.34. "This consensus standard covers virtually all construction, including new or renovated office buildings in city environments, roadway construction, work on or near harbors, waterways, airports and even light, commercial and home building construction."

A10.34-2001 is available in print and as an electronic file. The cost is $37 for ASSE members and $53 for nonmembers. To order a copy of the standard, click here.