
1. What is panels?
2.Key Hazards of panels
3. 5-Step Risk Assessment Procedure for panels
4. Sample panels Risk Assessment Table
5. Practical Tips
6. Relevant Regulations & References (Korea-based)
7. Conclusion
🧱 1. What Are Panels?
Panels are construction materials used for both interior and exterior finishing of buildings. They serve multiple purposes including thermal insulation, waterproofing, fire resistance, and aesthetics. Common types include sandwich panels, aluminum (AL) panels, zinc panels, and EPS/polyurethane panels, mostly applied to walls and roofs.
Although panels are lightweight, they are large and long, posing significant risks of falling, tipping, and cutting injuries during transport and installation.
⚠️ 2. Major Hazards of Panels
| Category | Hazard | Description |
| Falling | Panel drop accidents | Risk of dropping from cranes, poor securing, or during high-elevation installation |
| Cuts | Sharp panel edges | Risk of lacerations from cut edges or fixing pins |
| Pinching | Pinch points during installation | Hands or feet can be caught between panels or during positioning |
| Falls | Working at height | Panel installation is often done at elevated locations |
| Fire | Flammable core ignition | Polyurethane-filled panels may ignite from welding or heat sources |
| MSD | Musculoskeletal disorders | Repetitive posture and load handling may cause fatigue and strain |
🛠️ 3. 5-Step Risk Assessment Procedure for Panels
- Identify Hazards
→ Detect hazards in each phase: transportation, lifting, securing, cutting, and finishing. - Determine Risk
→ Quantify the Likelihood (F) and Severity (S) of each hazard. - Evaluate Risk Level
→ Calculate Risk = F × S and determine acceptability. - Set Priorities
→ Prioritize high-risk tasks for control measures. - Implement Controls
→ Install fall prevention systems, conduct pinch-hazard training, use PPE, etc.
📊 4. Example Panel Risk Assessment Table
Example 1)
| Task | Hazard | Frequency (F) |
Severity (S) |
Risk (F×S) |
Risk Level | Control Measures |
| Crane lifting | Falling panels | 3 | 5 | 15 | High | Use double hooks, verify securing before lifting |
| Cutting panels | Sharp edge cuts | 3 | 3 | 9 | Medium | Wear gloves, inspect cutting tools |
| Installation at height | Falling from height | 4 | 5 | 20 | High | Use harnesses and install working platforms |
| Panel assembly | Finger pinching | 2 | 4 | 8 | Medium | Conduct pinch-hazard training, maintain spacing |
| Repetitive installation | Musculoskeletal fatigue | 3 | 3 | 9 | Medium | Schedule breaks, rotate workers |
| Welding nearby panels | Fire due to flammable core | 3 | 5 | 15 | High | Use fire blankets, place fire extinguishers nearby |
Example 2)
| No | Material | Task | Hazard Risk | Grade (A/B/C) |
Safety Measures | Execution Notes |
| Panel | Stacking | Collapse hazard | Stack below 1.5m, use two support bases | Flat ground required | ||
| Transport | Collision/Falling | Use forklift for movement | Secure properly during loading | |||
| Lifting | Drop hazard | Use sling belts with dual hooks, process holes | Guide ropes at both ends | |||
| Storage Area | Trip hazard | Use cones and signs to define area |
Risk levels (A, B, C) and control stages (1–4) should be adjusted to site conditions.
Example 3)
| Material | Task | HazardRisk | Grade (A/B/C) | Control Level (1~4) |
Safety Measures | Execution Notes |
| Panel | Crane lifting | Falling due to detachment or poor rigging | A | 1 | Use double-hook slings, inspect fixings before lifting | Signalman required, check lifting holes |
| Transport | Falling or collision during loading/unloading | B | 2 | Secure panels with straps, load evenly | Do not stack over 1.5m, use support bases | |
| Cutting | Blade injury, dust, heat | B | 2 | Wear cut-resistant gloves, safety goggles, dust/heat mask | Use designated cutting area, ventilation needed | |
| Installation (height) | Falling from roof or scaffold | A | 1 | Install guardrails, use full-body harness | Anchor points must be pre-installed | |
| Assembly | Hand/finger pinching between panels | B | 2 | Maintain spacing, teamwork during positioning | Conduct pinch prevention training | |
| Welding nearby | Fire due to flammable core (e.g., EPS, PUR) | A | 1 | Install fire blankets, keep extinguishers at site | Check core material flammability | |
| Repetitive installation | Musculoskeletal strain from posture/loading | B | 3 | Schedule job rotation, encourage stretching | Apply ergonomic planning | |
| Storage (yard) | Collapse or trip hazard in poorly managed area | C | 3 | Use cones or signs to define storage zones, stack on flat surface | Minimum two support blocks |
Risk levels (A, B, C) and control stages (1–4) should be adjusted to site conditions.
🧰 5. Practical Safety Tips
- Secure Before Transport: Panels must be firmly strapped and fixed before truck transport.
- Use Double Hooks: Always use double hooks for crane lifts — never single hooks.
- Dust & Heat Protection While Cutting: Wear dust masks and heat-resistant PPE during cutting.
- Fall Prevention on Roof Work: Install safety rails and anchor points at all working sections.
- Fire Precautions: For EPS or polyurethane-filled panels, set fire blankets and extinguishers before any hot work.
📚 6. Related Laws & Guidelines
- OSHS Regulation Article 74: Use of Lifting Equipment
- OSHS Regulation Article 53: Working at Heights
- Ministry of Employment and Labor: “Safety Guidelines for Metal and Panel Installation”
- KOSHA: “Sandwich Panel Installation Safety Manual”
✅ 7. Conclusion
Panel installation may seem simple due to the lightweight material, but the large size and high-altitude work create complex safety hazards.
Falling objects, worker falls, and fire incidents can lead to major accidents, so pre-task risk assessments, PPE, and rigging checks are essential.
🔒 "Thin and light? Yes. But prepare for safety in thick layers."
The safety of panel installation relies on worker communication, task planning, PPE compliance, and training — all working together on site.
👉This article is an English version based on the original Korean text.
👉 Go to the original text (Korean version) : 원문(한국어 버전) 보러가기https://chacha13.tistory.com/entry/%ED%8C%90%EB%84%AC-%EC%9C%84%ED%97%98%EC%84%B1%ED%8F%89%EA%B0%80%ED%91%9C-%EC%9E%91%EC%84%B1%EB%B2%95-%EB%B0%8F-%EC%A3%BC%EC%9A%94-%EC%9C%A0%ED%95%B4%EC%9A%94%EC%9D%B8-%EC%A0%95%EB%A6%AC
'Material Risk Assessment and Hazardous F' 카테고리의 다른 글
| Glass Risk Assessment Guide and Key Hazards (0) | 2025.08.20 |
|---|---|
| Gang Form Risk Assessment Guide and Key Hazards (0) | 2025.08.20 |
| What Is Risk Assessment? Essential Step for Construction Site Safety Management (0) | 2025.07.18 |
| Precast Concrete (PC) Material Risk Assessment Guide and Key Hazards (0) | 2025.07.16 |
| Steel Pipe Risk Assessment Guide and Major Hazards (0) | 2025.07.16 |