CON/General/TBT-CON-033
Rebar Impalement Prevention Measures
Concrete & Formwork › General › Rebar Impalement Prevention Measures
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Rebar Impalement Prevention Measures
Exposed reinforcement bar ends are an impalement hazard that has caused fatal and life-changing injuries on UK construction sites. Workers falling onto unprotected starter bars or kicker bars can suffer deep penetrating wounds to the torso, head, or limbs. Protecting exposed rebar ends is a simple but essential control that must be maintained throughout the reinforcement phase of any concrete structure.
Key Hazards
Fatal or life-changing impalement injuries from falling onto exposed starter bars
Deep puncture wounds from tripping onto unprotected horizontal rebar ends
Eye and facial injuries from walking into vertical bars at head height
Impalement risk increasing as more reinforcement is fixed ahead of concrete pours
Control Measures
- Fit mushroom caps or purpose-made rebar end protectors to all exposed vertical starter bars.
- Use timber boards or proprietary guards over horizontal rebar mats where workers must walk or access.
- Install rebar caps immediately after each bar is fixed — do not leave protection until later.
- Bend exposed bar ends over where the design allows to eliminate the impalement hazard entirely.
- Maintain impalement protection throughout the construction phase and replace any caps that are dislodged.
- Include impalement hazards in the pre-task briefing for all reinforcement fixing and concrete activities.
- Provide safe access walkways across reinforcement mats using scaffold boards or designated paths.
- Inspect rebar protection at the start of each shift and before any concrete pour commences.
- Ensure all subcontractors are briefed on the site standard for rebar end protection on this project.
Remember
- Fit mushroom caps or rebar end protectors to all exposed vertical starter bars immediately
- Rebar caps must be installed as each bar is fixed, not left until a later stage
- Bending exposed bar ends over eliminates the impalement hazard where the design permits
- Maintain impalement protection throughout the reinforcement phase and replace dislodged caps
- Provide safe walkways across rebar mats using scaffold boards or designated access paths
- Inspect all rebar protection at the start of each shift and before every concrete pour
Applicable Legislation: CDM Regulations 2015 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
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