00101
NCCER Core Curriculum
Module 00101: Basic Safety (Construction Site Safety Orientation)
Course Description
This foundational module introduces the critical importance of safety in construction and industrial environments. Work at job sites can be hazardous, with most incidents resulting from at-risk behavior, poor planning, lack of training, or unrecognized hazards. The module emphasizes building a proactive safety culture, hazard recognition, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe practices to prevent common incidents. Trainees learn to incorporate safety into all job phases, involving employees at every level, including management.
Module ID
00101 (Current editions reference 00101-15 or similar from NCCER Core Curriculum, 5th/6th Edition)
Duration
12.5 contact hours (Typically delivered in five 2.5-hour sessions; adjustable based on class size and teaching style)
Prerequisites
None (This is the introductory module in the NCCER Core Curriculum)
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion, trainees will be able to:
- Explain the concept of a safety culture and its role in reducing incidents.
- Identify common causes of accidents and their financial/human impacts.
- Recognize and avoid major job-site hazards (e.g., falls, struck-by, caught-in-between, electrical).
- Inspect, select, don, use, and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Describe safe practices for working at heights, including fall protection, ladders, and scaffolds.
- Identify electrical hazards and proper use of ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and assured grounding programs.
- Explain fire prevention, extinguisher use, and confined space entry procedures.
- Recognize hazardous materials and interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
- Demonstrate safe material handling, lifting techniques, and excavation/trenching awareness.
- Understand incident reporting and the role of OSHA regulations in promoting safety.
Course Outline
Session 1: Introduction to Safety Culture (2.5 hours)
- Role of safety in construction crafts
- Benefits of strong safety programs
- Causes and costs of accidents
- At-risk behavior vs. safe practices
- Overview of OSHA and regulatory compliance
Session 2: Hazard Recognition and Prevention (2.5 hours)
- Common job-site hazards (struck-by, caught-in-between, etc.)
- Housekeeping and safe work procedures
- Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
- Incident reporting procedures
Session 3: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (2.5 hours)
- Types of PPE (head, eye/face, hearing, hand, foot, respiratory, fall protection)
- Inspection, fitting, donning, and removal
- Limitations and maintenance of PPE
Session 4: Elevated Work and Specialized Hazards (2.5 hours)
- Fall protection systems and equipment
- Ladder and scaffold safety
- Electrical safety, including lockout/tagout and GFCIs
- Confined spaces and excavation/trenching hazards (soil types, benching)
Session 5: Fire, Materials, and Comprehensive Review (2.5 hours)
- Fire prevention and extinguisher classes
- Hazardous materials and SDS
- Safe lifting and material handling
- Review and exam preparation
Performance Tasks (Where Applicable)
This module is primarily knowledge-based, but may include hands-on verification:
- Inspect common PPE items and determine if safe for use.
- Properly don, fit, and remove selected PPE.
- Inspect power cords and GFCIs.
- Safely set up, climb, and descend an extension ladder (maintaining three-point contact).
Teaching Methods
- Classroom lectures and discussions
- Multimedia presentations (videos on safety practices)
- Group activities and hazard recognition exercises
- Hands-on demonstrations with PPE and equipment
- Review quizzes and case studies
Assessment Methods
- Written module examination (multiple-choice; typically 13+ items)
- Performance profile verification (observed by NCCER-certified instructor, if required)
- Successful completion earns NCCER credential/badge for this module
Required Materials
- NCCER Core Curriculum Trainee Guide (Module 00101)
- Access to PPE samples for demonstrations (hard hats, safety glasses, harnesses, etc.)
- Extension ladder and other demo equipment
- Supplemental resources: OSHA guidelines, safety videos
Certification
Completion contributes toward NCCER Core certification. Trainees must pass the written exam and any performance tasks to receive credit in the NCCER Registry System.
This syllabus aligns with official NCCER guidelines and prepares trainees for safe entry-level work in construction trades. Adjustments may be made for specific program needs.