The jobsite dictionary · Construction
🦺 Safety & OSHA
150 safety & osha terms with how to say them in Spanish, an example from the job, and audio. From ChambaTalk's free construction glossary.
Marked terms are safety-critical: the app translates them with their urgency intact.
- air monitoring AIR MON-ih-ter-ingmonitoreo del aire moh-nee-toh-REH-oh del AH-ee-reh Safety-critical
Measuring the air with a meter to prove it is safe to breathe before and during work.
Air monitoring runs the whole time anybody is down in that vault. — El monitoreo del aire corre todo el tiempo que alguien esté abajo en esa bóveda.
Also: monitoreo atmosférico (general)
- anchor point ANG-ker poyntpunto de anclaje POON-toh deh ahn-KLAH-heh Safety-critical
A structural point rated for 5,000 pounds where fall protection connects.
The beam clamp is your anchor point on this bay. — La abrazadera de viga es tu punto de anclaje en esta crujía.
- arc flash ARK flasharco eléctrico AR-koh eh-LEK-tree-koh Safety-critical
An explosive release of electrical energy that can burn or kill workers nearby.
Only qualified electricians in arc flash gear open that gear. — Solo electricistas calificados con equipo contra arco eléctrico abren ese tablero.
Also: arco voltaico (general)
- asbestos ass-BES-tusasbesto ahs-BES-toh Safety-critical
An old insulating material whose fibers cause cancer; only licensed crews may disturb it.
Stop demo, that pipe wrap tested positive for asbestos. — Para la demolición, ese forro de tubo salió positivo a asbesto.
Also: amianto (MX) · amianto (general)
- atmospheric testing at-mus-FEH-rik TES-tingprueba atmosférica PRWEH-bah at-mos-FEH-ree-kah Safety-critical
Checking oxygen, flammable gas and toxic gas levels with a meter before entering a space.
Do the atmospheric testing from the top down, all three levels. — Haz la prueba atmosférica de arriba hacia abajo, en los tres niveles.
Also: medición atmosférica (general)
- authorized personnel only AW-thor-yzd per-suh-NEL OHN-leesolo personal autorizado SOH-loh per-soh-NAL ow-toh-ree-SAH-doh Safety-critical
A sign meaning only workers with specific training or clearance may go past this point.
Authorized personnel only past the fence, you need the crane sticker. — Solo personal autorizado pasando la malla, necesitas la calcomanía de grúa.
Also: únicamente personal autorizado (general)
- backup alarm BAK-up ah-LARMalarma de reversa ah-LAR-mah deh reh-BEHR-sah Safety-critical
The beeper that sounds when equipment moves in reverse.
If you hear a backup alarm, look before you step. — Si oyes una alarma de reversa, mira antes de dar el paso.
- barricade BAIR-ih-kaydbarricada bah-ree-KAH-dah Safety-critical
A rigid barrier that physically blocks people from walking into a hazard.
Tape isn't enough by the shaft, set a hard barricade. — La cinta no basta junto al cubo, pon una barricada dura.
Also: valla (MX) · barrera (general)
- base plate BEYS pleytplaca base PLAH-kah BAH-seh Safety-critical
The flat plate under each scaffold leg that spreads the load on the ground.
Every leg gets a base plate; no legs on bare dirt. — Cada pata lleva su placa base; nada de patas sobre pura tierra.
- benching BEN-chingescalonamiento es-kah-loh-nah-MYEN-toh Safety-critical
Cutting the trench walls into steps so they can't collapse on workers.
This soil allows benching instead of a trench box. — Este suelo permite escalonamiento en lugar de cajón de zanja.
- blind spot BLAHYND spotpunto ciego POON-toh SYEH-goh Safety-critical
The area around equipment where the operator cannot see you.
Never walk through a blind spot without eye contact with the operator. — Nunca camines por un punto ciego sin hacer contacto visual con el operador.
- caught-in hazard KAWT-in HAZ-erdpeligro de quedar atrapado peh-LEE-groh deh keh-DAR ah-trah-PAH-doh Safety-critical
The danger of being caught, crushed, or buried between objects or in a cave-in.
Working between the wall and the machine is a caught-in hazard. — Trabajar entre la pared y la máquina es un peligro de quedar atrapado.
- caution KAW-shunprecaución preh-kow-see-OHN Safety-critical
A yellow-sign warning of a hazard that could cause a minor or moderate injury if ignored.
Caution, that slab is still green, stay off it. — Precaución, esa losa todavía está fresca, no la pises.
Also: cuidado (MX)
- caution tape KAW-shun taypcinta de precaución SEEN-tah deh preh-kow-see-OHN Safety-critical
Yellow or red plastic ribbon strung to mark off a hazard area you should not cross.
Run caution tape around the whole swing radius before you start. — Pon cinta de precaución alrededor de todo el radio de giro antes de empezar.
Also: cinta amarilla (MX) · cinta de peligro (general)
- cave-in KEYV-inderrumbe deh-RROOM-beh Safety-critical
The sudden collapse of trench or excavation walls; the top killer in dirt work.
One yard of dirt in a cave-in weighs as much as a car. — Una yarda de tierra en un derrumbe pesa lo mismo que un carro.
- chin strap CHIN strapbarbiquejo bar-bee-KEH-hoh Safety-critical
The strap that keeps your hard hat on when working at height or in wind.
Use a chin strap on the lift so your hard hat doesn't fall on someone. — Usa barbiquejo en la plataforma para que el casco no le caiga a alguien.
- citation sy-TAY-shuncitatorio see-tah-TOH-ree-oh Safety-critical
The official written penalty an OSHA inspector issues for a hazard found on the job.
That open hole cost us a citation and a twelve thousand dollar fine. — Ese hueco abierto nos costó un citatorio y una multa de doce mil dólares.
Also: multa (MX) · citación (general)
- combustible kom-BUS-tih-bulcombustible kohm-boos-TEE-bleh Safety-critical
Can burn if it gets hot enough; wood, paper, and some liquids are combustible.
Keep combustible material away from the welding area. — Mantén el material combustible lejos del área de soldadura.
- combustible storage kum-BUS-tih-bul STOR-ijalmacenamiento de combustibles al-mah-seh-nah-mee-EN-toh deh kom-boos-TEE-blehs Safety-critical
The approved cabinet or fenced area where fuel, solvents and burnable material are kept away from ignition.
Gas cans go in combustible storage at the end of the shift, not the conex. — Los botes de gasolina van al almacenamiento de combustibles al final del turno, no al contenedor.
Also: bodega de inflamables (MX) · almacén de combustibles (general)
- competent person KOM-peh-tent PER-sonpersona competente pehr-SOH-nah kom-peh-TEN-teh Safety-critical
The trained worker with authority to spot hazards and stop the work to fix them.
The competent person inspects the scaffold every morning. — La persona competente inspecciona el andamio cada mañana.
- compressed gas cylinder kom-PREST GAS SIL-in-dercilindro de gas comprimido see-LEEN-droh deh GAHS kohm-pree-MEE-doh Safety-critical
A pressurized tank of gas that becomes a rocket if the valve breaks; keep it capped and chained.
Chain every compressed gas cylinder upright, even the empties. — Encadena parado cada cilindro de gas comprimido, hasta los vacíos.
- cone KOHNcono KOH-noh Safety-critical
An orange traffic marker used to channel vehicles and people away from a hazard.
Set cones every twenty feet on the taper into the lane closure. — Pon conos cada veinte pies en la transición al cierre de carril.
Also: cono de tránsito (MX) · cono de seguridad (general)
- confined space kun-FYND spaysespacio confinado es-PAH-see-oh kon-fee-NAH-doh Safety-critical
A tank, vault, manhole or pit big enough to enter but with limited exit and dangerous air.
Nobody enters that confined space without a permit and an attendant up top. — Nadie entra a ese espacio confinado sin permiso y un vigía arriba.
- confined space permit kun-FYND spays PER-mitpermiso de espacio confinado per-MEE-soh deh es-PAH-see-oh kon-fee-NAH-doh Safety-critical
A signed form listing the gas readings, rescue plan and attendant before anyone may enter.
The confined space permit is only good for this shift, we re-test tomorrow. — El permiso de espacio confinado solo sirve para este turno, mañana volvemos a medir.
- cross brace KROS breyscruceta kroo-SEH-tah Safety-critical
The X-shaped braces that keep scaffold frames rigid and square.
Never climb the cross braces; use the ladder. — Nunca te subas por las crucetas; usa la escalera.
- cut-resistant gloves KUT ree-ZIS-tant gluvzguantes anticorte GWAHN-tes ahn-tee-KOR-teh Safety-critical
Rated gloves that resist blades and sharp edges.
Cut-resistant gloves are required for handling sheet metal. — Los guantes anticorte son obligatorios para manejar lámina.
- danger DAYN-jerpeligro peh-LEE-groh Safety-critical
The strongest warning word on a sign; it marks a hazard that will kill or seriously injure you.
Red sign says danger, that means death, not maybe. — El letrero rojo dice peligro, eso significa muerte, no tal vez.
- de-energize dee-EN-er-jahyzdesenergizar des-eh-nehr-hee-SAR Safety-critical
To shut off and verify zero power before working on equipment or wiring.
De-energize the circuit and test it before you cut that conduit. — Desenergiza el circuito y pruébalo antes de cortar ese conducto.
- debris duh-BREEescombro es-KOM-broh Safety-critical
Scrap wood, broken material and trash that has to be cleared before it causes falls or fires.
Chute that debris down, don't throw it off the edge. — Baja ese escombro por el ducto, no lo avientes por la orilla.
Also: cascajo (MX) · desechos (general)
- dust mask DUST maskmascarilla contra polvo mahs-kah-REE-yah KON-trah POHL-boh Safety-critical
A disposable mask that filters dust; not enough for silica or chemical fumes.
A dust mask is fine for sweeping, but grinding concrete needs a respirator. — La mascarilla contra polvo sirve para barrer, pero esmerilar concreto pide respirador.
- ear muffs EER mufsorejeras oh-reh-HEH-rahs Safety-critical
Hearing protection that covers the whole ear like headphones.
Use ear muffs over plugs when you're next to the pile driver. — Usa orejeras encima de los tapones cuando estés junto al martinete.
- ear plugs EER plugztapones para los oídos tah-POH-nes PAH-rah lohs oh-EE-dohs Safety-critical
Foam or rubber plugs that go in your ears to block loud noise.
Wear ear plugs when you run the jackhammer. — Ponte tapones para los oídos cuando uses el martillo neumático.
- electrical shock ee-LEK-trih-kal SHOKdescarga eléctrica des-KAR-gah eh-LEK-tree-kah Safety-critical
Current passing through the body; it can stop your heart even at low voltage.
He got an electrical shock from that damaged cord; report it now. — Le dio una descarga eléctrica ese cable dañado; repórtalo ahora.
Also: toque (MX)
- emergency contact ee-MER-jen-see KON-taktcontacto de emergencia kon-TAK-toh deh eh-mer-HEN-see-ah Safety-critical
The person and phone number the company calls if you are hurt on the job.
Update your emergency contact on the badge form, that number is dead. — Actualiza tu contacto de emergencia en la forma del gafete, ese número ya no sirve.
- energized EN-er-jahyzdenergizado eh-nehr-hee-SAH-doh Safety-critical
Connected to a power source and carrying electricity.
That panel is still energized; don't open it. — Ese tablero sigue energizado; no lo abras.
- evacuation ee-vak-yoo-AY-shunevacuación eh-vah-kwah-see-OHN Safety-critical
Getting everyone off the site by the safest route when there is a fire, gas leak or other emergency.
Three horn blasts means evacuation, drop your tools and walk out. — Tres bocinazos significa evacuación, suelta la herramienta y sal caminando.
Also: desalojo (general)
- excavation eks-kah-VEY-shunexcavación eks-kah-bah-SYOHN Safety-critical
Any man-made cut or hole in the ground.
The excavation gets inspected daily and after every rain. — La excavación se inspecciona a diario y después de cada lluvia.
- extension cord eks-TEN-shun kordextensión eléctrica eks-ten-SYOHN eh-LEK-tree-kah Safety-critical
A portable power cord that must be rated for the job and free of damage.
Take that taped-up extension cord out of service. — Saca de servicio esa extensión eléctrica encintada.
- eye protection AHY proh-TEK-shunprotección para los ojos proh-tek-SYOHN PAH-rah lohs OH-hohs Safety-critical
Any rated gear — glasses, goggles, or shield — that guards your eyes.
Eye protection is required everywhere past this gate. — La protección para los ojos es obligatoria en todo lo que pasa de este portón.
Also: protección ocular (general)
- eye wash station EYE wosh STAY-shunestación lavaojos es-tah-see-OHN lah-vah-OH-hos Safety-critical
A fixture that flushes chemicals or dust out of the eyes with clean water for fifteen minutes.
Got concrete in your eye? Straight to the eye wash station, don't rub it. — ¿Te entró cemento al ojo? Directo a la estación lavaojos, no te lo talles.
Also: lavaojos (MX) · fuente lavaojos (general)
- face shield FEYS sheeldcareta kah-REH-tah Safety-critical
A clear shield that covers the whole face for grinding or cutting.
Use a face shield over your glasses on the chop saw. — Usa la careta encima de los lentes en la sierra de corte.
Also: protector facial (general)
- fall protection FAWL proh-TEK-shunprotección contra caídas proh-tek-SYOHN KON-trah kah-EE-dahs Safety-critical
The system of rails, harnesses, and anchors that keeps workers from falling.
Above six feet you need fall protection, no exceptions. — Arriba de seis pies necesitas protección contra caídas, sin excepciones.
- fire alarm FYR uh-LARMalarma contra incendios ah-LAR-mah KON-trah een-SEN-dee-ohs Safety-critical
The horn or bell that signals fire and orders everyone to evacuate immediately.
If the fire alarm sounds, out the west stair, no elevators. — Si suena la alarma contra incendios, salgan por la escalera oeste, sin elevadores.
Also: alarma de incendio (MX)
- fire extinguisher FAHYR eks-TING-gwish-erextintor eks-teen-TOHR Safety-critical
The portable device for putting out small fires; know where the nearest one is.
There's a fire extinguisher within fifty feet of every hot work area. — Hay un extintor a menos de cincuenta pies de cada área de trabajo en caliente.
Also: extinguidor (general)
- fire watch FAHYR wochvigilancia de fuego bee-hee-LAHN-syah deh FWEH-goh Safety-critical
The worker who watches for fire during hot work and for 30 minutes after it ends.
You're on fire watch while they weld the deck. — Tú estás de vigilancia de fuego mientras sueldan la cubierta.
- first aid FERST aydprimeros auxilios pree-MEH-ros ow-KSEE-lee-ohs Safety-critical
Immediate care given on site for a cut, burn or injury before professional help arrives.
Miguel is certified in first aid, he's on days this week. — Miguel está certificado en primeros auxilios, él está de día esta semana.
- first aid kit FERST ayd kitbotiquín de primeros auxilios boh-tee-KEEN deh pree-MEH-ros ow-KSEE-lee-ohs Safety-critical
The stocked box of bandages, gauze and supplies that must be on site and easy to reach.
The first aid kit is in the gang box by the trailer. — El botiquín de primeros auxilios está en la caja de herramienta junto al tráiler.
Also: botiquín (MX) · maletín de primeros auxilios (general)
- flagger FLAG-erbanderero bahn-deh-REH-roh Safety-critical
The trained worker who stops and directs traffic through a work zone with a sign or flag.
Nobody backs the truck onto the road without a flagger out front. — Nadie mete el camión de reversa a la calle sin un banderero adelante.
Also: abanderado (MX) · señalero (general)
- flammable FLAM-ah-bulinflamable een-flah-MAH-bleh Safety-critical
Catches fire easily; keep it away from sparks, flames, and heat.
That solvent is flammable; no cutting or grinding near it. — Ese solvente es inflamable; nada de cortes ni esmerilado cerca de él.
- floor opening FLOR OH-pen-ingabertura en el piso ah-behr-TOO-rah en el PEE-soh Safety-critical
A hole in a floor or deck big enough for a person or tools to fall through.
Every floor opening gets a cover or a guardrail today. — Cada abertura en el piso lleva tapa o barandal hoy mismo.
- fully planked FOOL-ee planktcompletamente entablado kom-pleh-tah-MEN-teh en-tah-BLAH-doh Safety-critical
A scaffold platform with planks across its whole width, no gaps.
That level isn't fully planked yet, so stay off it. — Ese nivel todavía no está completamente entablado, así que no se suban.
- GFCI jee-ef-see-AHYinterruptor de falla a tierra een-teh-rroop-TOHR deh FAH-yah ah TYEH-rrah Safety-critical
The outlet or breaker that cuts power instantly if current leaks, preventing electrocution.
Every extension cord on site runs through a GFCI. — Cada extensión en la obra pasa por un interruptor de falla a tierra.
- grounding GROWN-dingconexión a tierra koh-nek-SYOHN ah TYEH-rrah Safety-critical
Connecting equipment to the earth so stray current flows away instead of through you.
Check the grounding on the generator before you plug in. — Revisa la conexión a tierra del generador antes de conectar.
- guardrail GARD-reylbarandal de seguridad bah-rahn-DAHL deh seh-goo-ree-DAHD Safety-critical
The rail system along edges and openings that keeps workers from falling.
Don't lean on the guardrail; it's not made for that. — No te recargues en el barandal de seguridad; no está hecho para eso.
Also: baranda (general)
- hard hat HARD hatcasco KAHS-koh Safety-critical
The protective helmet that guards your head from falling objects and bumps.
Put your hard hat on before you step out of the trailer. — Ponte el casco antes de salir del tráiler.
- hard hat area HARD hat AIR-ee-uhárea de casco obligatorio AH-reh-ah deh KAHS-koh oh-blee-gah-TOH-ree-oh Safety-critical
Any zone where head protection must be worn at all times because of overhead work.
Past the gate is a hard hat area, no exceptions for visitors. — Pasando la puerta es área de casco obligatorio, sin excepción para visitantes.
Also: zona de casco (MX) · área de uso obligatorio de casco (general)
- hazardous material HAZ-er-dus mah-TEER-ee-almaterial peligroso mah-teh-RYAHL peh-lee-GROH-soh Safety-critical
Any substance that can harm people or the environment, from solvents to asbestos.
Only trained workers handle hazardous material on this site. — Solo trabajadores capacitados manejan material peligroso en esta obra.
- hearing protection HEER-ing proh-TEK-shunprotección auditiva proh-tek-SYOHN ow-dee-TEE-bah Safety-critical
Any gear, plugs or muffs, that protects your ears from noise damage.
Hearing protection is required inside the generator room. — La protección auditiva es obligatoria dentro del cuarto del generador.
- heat exhaustion heet eg-ZAWS-chunagotamiento por calor ah-goh-tah-mee-EN-toh por kah-LOR Safety-critical
A heat illness with heavy sweating, weakness, headache and nausea that turns deadly if ignored.
Pull him out of the sun, that's heat exhaustion starting. — Sácalo del sol, eso es agotamiento por calor que empieza.
Also: fatiga por calor (MX) · extenuación por calor (general)
- heat stroke HEET strohkgolpe de calor GOL-peh deh kah-LOR Safety-critical
A medical emergency where the body stops cooling itself; the worker gets confused, hot and dry, and can die within minutes.
He stopped sweating and doesn't know where he is, that's heat stroke, call 911 now. — Dejó de sudar y no sabe dónde está, eso es golpe de calor, llama al 911 ya.
Also: insolación grave (general)
- high voltage HAHY VOHL-tijalto voltaje AHL-toh bohl-TAH-heh Safety-critical
Dangerous electrical levels that can arc and kill even without direct contact.
That cabinet is high voltage; stay behind the barrier. — Ese gabinete es de alto voltaje; quédate detrás de la barrera.
Also: alta tensión (general)
- high-visibility vest hahy viz-ih-BIL-ih-tee vestchaleco reflejante chah-LEH-koh reh-fleh-HAHN-teh Safety-critical
The bright vest with reflective stripes that makes you visible to drivers and operators.
High-visibility vests on at all times around the haul road. — Chaleco reflejante puesto todo el tiempo cerca del camino de acarreo.
Also: chaleco reflectante (general)
- hole cover HOHL kuv-ertapa de hueco TAH-pah deh WEH-koh Safety-critical
A secured, marked cover strong enough to walk on, placed over a floor opening.
Never pull a hole cover without permission and fall protection. — Nunca quites una tapa de hueco sin permiso y sin protección contra caídas.
- hot work HOT wurktrabajo en caliente trah-BAH-hoh en kah-LYEN-teh Safety-critical
Any work that makes sparks or flame, like welding, torch cutting, or grinding.
All hot work stops thirty minutes before the end of shift. — Todo trabajo en caliente se detiene treinta minutos antes del fin del turno.
- hot work permit HOT wurk PER-mitpermiso de trabajo en caliente pehr-MEE-soh deh trah-BAH-hoh en kah-LYEN-teh Safety-critical
The written authorization required before welding, cutting, or grinding with sparks.
No torch work until the hot work permit is signed. — Nada de soplete hasta que esté firmado el permiso de trabajo en caliente.
- housekeeping HOWS-kee-pingorden y limpieza OR-den ee leem-PYEH-sah Safety-critical
Keeping walkways, work areas and stairs clean and clear; it is the cheapest way to stop injuries.
Last thirty minutes is housekeeping, I want that deck broom clean. — Los últimos treinta minutos son de orden y limpieza, quiero esa losa barrida.
Also: limpieza de obra (MX) · aseo del área (general)
- hydration hy-DRAY-shunhidratación ee-drah-tah-see-OHN Safety-critical
Drinking enough water through the shift to keep from going down with heat illness.
Hydration starts before you get thirsty, one cup every fifteen minutes. — La hidratación empieza antes de que te dé sed, un vaso cada quince minutos.
- incident report IN-sih-dent ree-PORTreporte de incidente reh-POR-teh deh een-see-DEN-teh Safety-critical
The written record of what happened, filled out the same day as any injury or close call.
Before you go home we fill out the incident report together. — Antes de que te vayas llenamos juntos el reporte de incidente.
Also: acta de accidente (MX)
- job hazard analysis JOB HAZ-erd uh-NAL-ih-sisanálisis de riesgos del trabajo ah-NAH-lee-sees deh ree-ES-gos del trah-BAH-hoh Safety-critical
A written breakdown of a task step by step listing each hazard and how the crew will control it.
No steel goes up until the job hazard analysis is signed by every hand. — No se levanta acero hasta que el análisis de riesgos del trabajo esté firmado por cada trabajador.
Also: ART (MX) · análisis de seguridad del trabajo (general)
- keep out KEEP owtno pase noh PAH-seh Safety-critical
A posted order not to enter an area because of an active hazard.
Keep out, they're pouring the deck above you. — No pase, están colando la losa arriba de usted.
Also: prohibido el paso (MX) · no entrar (general)
- knee pads NEE padzrodilleras roh-dee-YEH-rahs Safety-critical
Pads worn over the knees to protect them when working on the floor.
Wear knee pads if you're setting tile all day. — Ponte rodilleras si vas a poner azulejo todo el día.
- ladder inspection LAD-er in-SPEK-shuninspección de la escalera eens-pek-SYOHN deh lah es-kah-LEH-rah Safety-critical
Checking a ladder for cracks, bent rungs, and missing feet before using it.
Do a ladder inspection; that one has a cracked rail. — Haz la inspección de la escalera; esa tiene un riel rajado.
- lanyard LAN-yerdlínea de vida corta LEE-neh-ah deh BEE-dah KOR-tah Safety-critical
The short line that connects your harness to the anchor point.
Hook your lanyard to the anchor before you step onto the beam. — Engancha tu línea de vida corta al anclaje antes de pisar la viga.
Also: cabo de vida (general)
- lead paint LED payntpintura con plomo peen-TOO-rah kon PLOH-moh Safety-critical
Old paint containing lead; sanding or burning it releases poison dust and fumes.
Anything built before 1978, treat it as lead paint until it's tested. — Todo lo construido antes de 1978, trátalo como pintura con plomo hasta que lo prueben.
- leading edge LEE-ding ejborde de avance BOR-deh deh ah-BAHN-seh Safety-critical
The unprotected edge of a floor or deck that moves as the work advances.
Everyone on the leading edge ties off, period. — Todos en el borde de avance se amarran, punto.
- lifeline LAHYF-lahynlínea de vida LEE-neh-ah deh BEE-dah Safety-critical
A cable or rope, vertical or horizontal, that fall protection attaches to.
Stay clipped to the lifeline the whole way across. — Quédate enganchado a la línea de vida todo el trayecto.
- live wire LAHYV wahyrcable con corriente KAH-bleh kon koh-RRYEN-teh Safety-critical
A wire carrying electricity; touching it can kill you.
Treat every wire as a live wire until it's tested. — Trata cada cable como cable con corriente hasta que se pruebe.
Also: cable vivo (general)
- lockout-tagout LOK-owt TAG-owtbloqueo y etiquetado bloh-KEH-oh ee eh-tee-keh-TAH-doh Safety-critical
Locking and tagging an energy source off so equipment can't start while it's being worked on.
Nobody touches that panel until lockout-tagout is complete. — Nadie toca ese tablero hasta que el bloqueo y etiquetado esté completo.
- means of egress MEENZ of EE-gressalida de la zanja sah-LEE-dah deh lah SAHN-hah Safety-critical
The ladder or ramp that lets you exit a trench within 25 feet of where you work.
Add another ladder; the means of egress is too far from the crew. — Pon otra escalera; la salida de la zanja está muy lejos de la cuadrilla.
- mid rail MID reylbarandal intermedio bah-rahn-DAHL een-tehr-MEH-dyoh Safety-critical
The middle bar of a guardrail, halfway between the top rail and the floor.
That section is missing its mid rail; flag it off. — A esa sección le falta el barandal intermedio; acordónala.
- mold MOHLDmoho MOH-oh Safety-critical
Black or green fungus growing on wet materials that makes people sick to breathe.
Don't tear out that wet drywall bare-handed, it's full of mold. — No arranques ese tablaroca mojado con las manos peladas, está lleno de moho.
Also: hongo (MX) · hongos (general)
- mudsill MUD-sildurmiente door-MYEN-teh Safety-critical
The wood plank under scaffold base plates that keeps legs from sinking into soft ground.
Set mudsills under the scaffold; that ground is soft from the rain. — Pon durmientes bajo el andamio; ese suelo está blando por la lluvia.
- muster point MUS-ter poyntpunto de reunión POON-toh deh reh-oo-nee-OHN Safety-critical
The marked spot outside where everyone gathers to be counted after an evacuation.
The muster point is the flagpole across the street, not the parking lot. — El punto de reunión es el asta bandera cruzando la calle, no el estacionamiento.
Also: punto de encuentro (MX) · zona de reunión (general)
- near miss NEER miscasi accidente KAH-see ak-see-DEN-teh Safety-critical
A close call where nobody got hurt but easily could have; report it so it doesn't happen again.
That brick fell six feet from him, log it as a near miss. — Ese tabique cayó a dos metros de él, regístralo como casi accidente.
Also: cuasi accidente (MX) · incidente sin lesión (general)
- no entry NOH EN-treeprohibida la entrada proh-ee-BEE-dah lah en-TRAH-dah Safety-critical
A hard barrier notice that nobody at all may pass, usually over a hazard or unfinished work.
No entry on the third floor, the shoring isn't set yet. — Prohibida la entrada en el tercer piso, todavía no está puesto el apuntalamiento.
Also: no hay paso (MX)
- noise exposure NOYZ ek-SPOH-zherexposición al ruido eks-poh-see-see-OHN al roo-EE-doh Safety-critical
How much loud sound hits your ears over a shift; above 85 decibels you must wear hearing protection.
Noise exposure by the breaker is over the limit all day, plug up. — La exposición al ruido junto al martillo rompedor pasa el límite todo el día, ponte tapones.
- one hundred percent tie-off wun HUN-dred per-SENT TAHY-offamarre al cien por ciento ah-MAH-rreh al SYEN por SYEN-toh Safety-critical
The rule that you stay connected to an anchor at all times at height, even while moving.
This site runs one hundred percent tie-off above six feet. — Esta obra maneja amarre al cien por ciento arriba de seis pies.
- OSHA recordable OH-shuh reh-KOR-duh-bulcaso registrable de OSHA KAH-soh reh-hees-TRAH-bleh deh OH-shah Safety-critical
An injury serious enough that federal rules require it be logged, beyond simple first aid.
Stitches make it an OSHA recordable, so we log it on the 300. — Con puntadas se vuelve un caso registrable de OSHA, así que lo anotamos en la 300.
Also: lesión registrable (general)
- outrigger OWT-rig-erestabilizador es-tah-bee-lee-sah-DOHR Safety-critical
The extendable leg that widens the base of a scaffold, crane, or lift so it can't tip.
Set the outriggers on pads before you raise the boom. — Extiende los estabilizadores sobre placas antes de levantar la pluma.
Also: pata de apoyo (general)
- overhead power lines OH-ver-hed POW-er lahynzlíneas eléctricas aéreas LEE-neh-ahs eh-LEK-tree-kahs ah-EH-reh-ahs Safety-critical
Energized lines above the site; equipment must stay at least ten feet away.
Watch the boom — overhead power lines on the east side. — Cuidado con la pluma — hay líneas eléctricas aéreas del lado este.
- oxygen deficient OK-sih-jen dih-FISH-untdeficiente en oxígeno deh-fee-see-EN-teh en ok-SEE-heh-noh Safety-critical
Describes air below 19.5 percent oxygen, which can knock a worker out in one breath.
The meter says 18 percent, that tank is oxygen deficient, nobody goes in. — El medidor marca 18 por ciento, ese tanque está deficiente en oxígeno, nadie entra.
Also: atmósfera deficiente de oxígeno (general)
- personal fall arrest system PER-son-al FAWL ah-REST SIS-temsistema personal de detención de caídas sees-TEH-mah pehr-soh-NAHL deh deh-ten-SYOHN deh kah-EE-dahs Safety-critical
The harness, lanyard, and anchor working together to stop a fall.
Your personal fall arrest system gets inspected before every shift. — Tu sistema personal de detención de caídas se inspecciona antes de cada turno.
- pinch point PINCH poyntpunto de atrapamiento POON-toh deh ah-trah-pah-MYEN-toh Safety-critical
Any spot where moving parts or loads can catch and crush fingers or limbs.
Keep your hands away from the pinch point when the box sets down. — Aleja las manos del punto de atrapamiento cuando baje el cajón.
- PPE pee-pee-EEequipo de protección personal eh-KEE-poh deh proh-tek-SYOHN pehr-soh-NAHL Safety-critical
The safety gear every worker must wear, like hard hat, glasses, and boots.
No PPE, no entry — that's the site rule. — Sin equipo de protección personal no se entra — esa es la regla de la obra.
Also: EPP (general)
- propane PROH-peyngas propano GAHS proh-PAH-noh Safety-critical
Flammable gas in cylinders used for heaters and torches; store upright and chained.
Shut the propane off at the tank, not just the heater. — Cierra el gas propano en el tanque, no nomás en el calentador.
- rescue plan RES-kyoo planplan de rescate PLAHN deh res-KAH-teh Safety-critical
The written plan for getting a fallen worker down from their harness fast.
Review the rescue plan before anyone ties off on this tower. — Repasen el plan de rescate antes de que alguien se amarre en esta torre.
- respirator RES-pih-rey-terrespirador res-pee-rah-DOHR Safety-critical
A mask with filters that protects your lungs from dust, fumes, and vapors.
You need a respirator to spray that primer indoors. — Necesitas respirador para rociar ese primario adentro.
Also: mascarilla con filtros (general)
- rigging RIG-ingaparejo de izaje ah-pah-REH-hoh deh ee-SAH-heh Safety-critical
The slings, shackles, and hardware used to connect a load to a crane hook.
Only a qualified rigger sets up the rigging for this pick. — Solo un aparejador calificado prepara el aparejo de izaje para esta maniobra.
- rigging inspection RIG-ing in-SPEK-shuninspección del aparejo eens-pek-SYOHN del ah-pah-REH-hoh Safety-critical
Checking slings and hardware for cuts, wear, and damage before every lift.
The rigging inspection found a frayed sling; it's cut up and trashed. — La inspección del aparejo encontró una eslinga deshilachada; se cortó y se tiró.
- rubber boots RUB-er bootsbotas de hule BOH-tahs deh OO-leh Safety-critical
Waterproof boots for concrete pours and wet or muddy work.
Bring your rubber boots; we're pouring the footings tomorrow. — Trae tus botas de hule; mañana colamos las zapatas.
- safety glasses SEYF-tee GLAS-eslentes de seguridad LEN-tes deh seh-goo-ree-DAHD Safety-critical
Impact-rated glasses that protect your eyes from flying particles.
Safety glasses stay on even when you're just watching the cut. — Los lentes de seguridad se quedan puestos aunque nomás estés viendo el corte.
Also: gafas de seguridad (general)
- safety goggles SEYF-tee GOG-elsgoggles de seguridad GOH-gles deh seh-goo-ree-DAHD Safety-critical
Sealed eye protection for dust, chemicals, or grinding.
Wear safety goggles, not just glasses, when you grind concrete. — Usa goggles de seguridad, no nomás lentes, cuando esmeriles concreto.
Also: gafas protectoras selladas (general)
- safety harness SEYF-tee HAR-nesarnés ar-NEHS Safety-critical
The body straps that catch you if you fall while working at height.
Inspect your safety harness before every use. — Inspecciona tu arnés antes de cada uso.
- safety meeting SAYF-tee MEE-tingjunta de seguridad HOON-tah deh seh-goo-ree-DAHD Safety-critical
A scheduled meeting where the whole crew reviews rules, incidents and upcoming hazards.
Monday safety meeting is mandatory and it's paid time. — La junta de seguridad del lunes es obligatoria y es tiempo pagado.
Also: reunión de seguridad (general)
- safety net SEYF-tee netred de seguridad RED deh seh-goo-ree-DAHD Safety-critical
A net hung below the work area to catch falling workers or debris.
The safety nets go up before steel erection starts. — Las redes de seguridad se colocan antes de empezar el montaje de acero.
- safety orientation SAYF-tee or-ee-en-TAY-shuninducción de seguridad een-dook-see-OHN deh seh-goo-ree-DAHD Safety-critical
The training every new worker takes before setting foot on the site, covering site rules and hazards.
No safety orientation, no badge, no gate access, simple as that. — Sin inducción de seguridad, no hay gafete ni acceso a la puerta, así de simple.
Also: plática de inducción (MX) · orientación de seguridad (general)
- safety violation SAYF-tee vy-uh-LAY-shunviolación de seguridad vee-oh-lah-see-OHN deh seh-goo-ree-DAHD Safety-critical
Breaking a required safety rule, which can mean a write-up for the worker and a fine for the company.
No harness at that height is a safety violation, come down now. — Sin arnés a esa altura es una violación de seguridad, bájate ya.
Also: falta de seguridad (MX)
- scaffold SKAF-oldandamio ahn-DAH-myoh Safety-critical
A temporary elevated platform for working at height.
Only trained workers build or move the scaffold. — Solo trabajadores capacitados arman o mueven el andamio.
- scaffold plank SKAF-old planktablón de andamio tah-BLOHN deh ahn-DAH-myoh Safety-critical
A rated board that forms the walking surface of a scaffold.
Cracked scaffold planks come down and get destroyed, not reused. — Los tablones de andamio rajados se bajan y se destruyen, no se vuelven a usar.
- scaffold tag SKAF-old tagtarjeta del andamio tar-HEH-tah del ahn-DAH-myoh Safety-critical
The tag on a scaffold showing if it is safe to use: green is good, red means keep off.
Check the scaffold tag before you climb; no green tag, no climbing. — Revisa la tarjeta del andamio antes de subir; sin tarjeta verde no se sube.
- SDS es-dee-EShoja de datos de seguridad OH-hah deh DAH-tohs deh seh-goo-ree-DAHD Safety-critical
The sheet that explains a chemical's hazards, first aid, and safe handling.
Check the SDS before you use that adhesive in a closed room. — Revisa la hoja de datos de seguridad antes de usar ese adhesivo en un cuarto cerrado.
- seat belt SEET beltcinturón de seguridad seen-too-ROHN deh seh-goo-ree-DAHD Safety-critical
The belt that keeps the operator in the seat if equipment rolls over.
Seat belt on every time the machine moves, even ten feet. — Cinturón de seguridad puesto cada vez que la máquina se mueve, aunque sean diez pies.
- self-retracting lifeline self ree-TRAK-ting LAHYF-lahynlínea de vida retráctil LEE-neh-ah deh BEE-dah reh-TRAHK-teel Safety-critical
A fall device that pays out line and locks up fast like a seat belt.
Use the self-retracting lifeline on the leading edge. — Usa la línea de vida retráctil en el borde de avance.
- shade break SHAYD braykdescanso a la sombra des-KAHN-soh ah lah SOM-brah Safety-critical
A required rest period out of the sun so the body can cool down on hot days.
Over ninety degrees everybody takes a shade break every hour. — Arriba de noventa grados todos toman un descanso a la sombra cada hora.
Also: sombreada (MX) · pausa de sombra (general)
- shoring SHOR-ingapuntalamiento ah-poon-tah-lah-MYEN-toh Safety-critical
Supports installed against trench walls or structures to keep them from collapsing.
The shoring goes in as the trench gets deeper. — El apuntalamiento se instala conforme la zanja se hace más profunda.
Also: ademe (general)
- silica dust sih-LIH-kuh dustpolvo de sílice POL-voh deh SEE-lee-seh Safety-critical
Fine dust from cutting concrete, block or stone that scars the lungs permanently if you breathe it.
Run water on the saw, that silica dust will kill your lungs. — Échale agua a la sierra, ese polvo de sílice te va a matar los pulmones.
Also: polvo de sílica (general)
- slip hazard SLIP HAZ-erdpeligro de resbalón peh-LEE-groh deh res-bah-LOHN Safety-critical
A slick surface from water, oil, ice or mud that can put a worker on the ground.
That hydraulic leak is a slip hazard, throw absorbent on it. — Esa fuga de aceite hidráulico es un peligro de resbalón, échale absorbente.
Also: riesgo de resbalón (MX) · riesgo de resbalamiento (general)
- sloping SLOH-pingcorte en talud KOR-teh en tah-LOOD Safety-critical
Cutting the excavation walls back at a safe angle so they can't cave in.
The plan calls for sloping at one and a half to one. — El plan pide corte en talud de uno y medio a uno.
- soil classification SOYL klas-ih-fih-KEY-shunclasificación del suelo klah-see-fee-kah-SYOHN del SWEH-loh Safety-critical
The rating of how stable the dirt is, which decides what trench protection is required.
The competent person does the soil classification before we dig. — La persona competente hace la clasificación del suelo antes de excavar.
- spill SPILderrame deh-RRAH-meh Safety-critical
A release of fuel, oil, or chemicals that must be contained and reported.
Get the spill kit and report the spill to the safety officer. — Trae el kit contra derrames y reporta el derrame al encargado de seguridad.
- spoil pile SPOYL pahylmontón de tierra excavada mohn-TOHN deh TYEH-rrah eks-kah-BAH-dah Safety-critical
The dug-out dirt, which must sit at least two feet back from the trench edge.
Move that spoil pile back; it's too close to the edge. — Hazte para atrás ese montón de tierra excavada; está muy cerca del borde.
- spotter SPOT-erseñalero seh-nyah-LEH-roh Safety-critical
The worker who guides equipment and watches blind spots so no one gets hit.
The truck doesn't back up without a spotter. — El camión no se echa en reversa sin señalero.
Also: guía (general)
- sprinkler head SPRINK-ler hedrociador contra incendios roh-see-ah-DOR KON-trah een-SEN-dee-ohs Safety-critical
The fire suppression nozzle in the ceiling; hitting one floods the building and must never be hung from.
Keep your material eighteen inches below the sprinkler heads. — Mantén el material dieciocho pulgadas abajo de los rociadores contra incendios.
Also: regadera contra incendios (MX) · aspersor (general)
- steel-toe boots STEEL toh bootsbotas con casquillo BOH-tahs kon kahs-KEE-yoh Safety-critical
Work boots with a protective toe cap that guards your feet from crushing.
Steel-toe boots are mandatory; tennis shoes get you sent home. — Las botas con casquillo son obligatorias; con tenis te mandan a la casa.
Also: botas con punta de acero (general)
- stop work authority STOP werk aw-THOR-ih-teeautoridad para parar el trabajo ow-toh-ree-DAHD PAH-rah pah-RAR el trah-BAH-hoh Safety-critical
The right of any worker, no matter their rank, to shut down a job they believe is unsafe.
You have stop work authority here, nobody gets fired for using it. — Aquí tienes autoridad para parar el trabajo, a nadie lo corren por usarla.
Also: derecho a detener el trabajo (general)
- struck-by hazard STRUK-bahy HAZ-erdpeligro de golpe peh-LEE-groh deh GOHL-peh Safety-critical
The danger of being hit by moving vehicles, swinging loads, or falling objects.
Struck-by hazards are why we wear high-vis near the haul road. — Los peligros de golpe son la razón de usar chaleco reflejante cerca del camino de acarreo.
- sunstroke SUN-strohkinsolación een-soh-lah-see-OHN Safety-critical
Collapse from too much sun and heat on the head and body, with dizziness, fever and fainting.
Two hours on that black roof with no hat and he got sunstroke. — Dos horas en ese techo negro sin gorra y le dio insolación.
Also: asoleada (MX)
- swing radius SWING REY-dee-usradio de giro RAH-dyoh deh HEE-roh Safety-critical
The barricaded zone an excavator or crane counterweight sweeps through when it turns.
Stay out of the swing radius; the operator can't see you there. — No te metas al radio de giro; el operador no te ve ahí.
- tag line TAG lahyncuerda guía KWEHR-dah GHEE-ah Safety-critical
The rope tied to a suspended load so workers can control it without touching it.
Control the truss with the tag line; never put your hands on the load. — Controla la armadura con la cuerda guía; nunca pongas las manos en la carga.
- three points of contact THREE poynts of KON-takttres puntos de apoyo TRES POON-tohs deh ah-POH-yoh Safety-critical
Keeping two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder at all times.
Keep three points of contact; don't climb with tools in your hand. — Mantén tres puntos de apoyo; no subas con herramienta en la mano.
- tie off TAHY offamarrarse ah-mah-RRAR-seh Safety-critical
To connect your harness to an anchor before working at height.
Tie off before you step past the warning line. — Amárrate antes de pasar la línea de advertencia.
Also: anclarse (general)
- tie-off point TAHY-off poyntpunto de amarre POON-toh deh ah-MAH-rreh Safety-critical
The approved spot where you connect your lanyard when working at height.
Find your tie-off point before you get on the roof. — Ubica tu punto de amarre antes de subirte al techo.
- toe board TOH bordrodapié roh-dah-PYEH Safety-critical
The low board at the edge of a platform that stops tools from falling off.
Install toe boards before you stack material on the scaffold. — Instala los rodapiés antes de apilar material en el andamio.
- toolbox talk TOOL-boks tawkplática de seguridad PLAH-tee-kah deh seh-goo-ree-DAHD Safety-critical
A short crew huddle at the start of the shift covering one safety topic and the day's hazards.
Toolbox talk at 6:30 sharp, today it's ladder safety, sign the sheet. — Plática de seguridad a las 6:30 en punto, hoy es sobre escaleras, firma la hoja.
Also: charla de cinco minutos (MX) · charla de seguridad (general)
- top rail TOP reylbarandal superior bah-rahn-DAHL soo-peh-RYOHR Safety-critical
The upper bar of a guardrail, set at about 42 inches.
The top rail has to take two hundred pounds of force. — El barandal superior tiene que aguantar doscientas libras de fuerza.
- trench TRENCHzanja SAHN-hah Safety-critical
A narrow excavation deeper than it is wide; deadly if it collapses on you.
Nobody enters the trench until it's protected. — Nadie entra a la zanja hasta que esté protegida.
- trench box TRENCH bokscajón de zanja kah-HOHN deh SAHN-hah Safety-critical
The steel shield placed in a trench that protects workers if the walls collapse.
Work only inside the trench box, never outside it. — Trabaja solo dentro del cajón de zanja, nunca fuera de él.
- trip hazard TRIP HAZ-erdpeligro de tropiezo peh-LEE-groh deh troh-PYEH-soh Safety-critical
Anything sticking up or lying across a walkway that can catch a boot and put a worker down.
Those cords across the doorway are a trip hazard, hang them overhead. — Esos cables cruzando la puerta son un peligro de tropiezo, cuélgalos arriba.
Also: riesgo de tropezón (MX) · riesgo de tropiezo (general)
- underground utilities un-der-GROWND yoo-TIL-ih-teezservicios enterrados sehr-BEE-syohs en-teh-RRAH-dohs Safety-critical
Buried gas, electric, water, and communication lines that can kill if you hit them.
Hand-dig near the underground utilities; no machine within two feet. — Excava a mano cerca de los servicios enterrados; nada de máquina a menos de dos pies.
- utility locate yoo-TIL-ih-tee LOH-keytlocalización de servicios loh-kah-lee-sah-SYOHN deh sehr-BEE-syohs Safety-critical
The marking of buried lines — gas, power, water — before any digging starts.
No digging until the utility locate is done and marked. — No se excava hasta que la localización de servicios esté hecha y marcada.
- ventilation ven-tih-LEY-shunventilación ben-tee-lah-SYOHN Safety-critical
Moving fresh air through a space to clear out fumes, dust, and gases.
Set up ventilation before anyone paints in that basement. — Pon ventilación antes de que alguien pinte en ese sótano.
- warning WOR-ningadvertencia ad-ver-TEN-see-ah Safety-critical
An orange-sign notice of a hazard that could cause death or serious injury; one step below danger.
That's your last warning about walking under the crane load. — Esa es tu última advertencia por caminar debajo de la carga de la grúa.
Also: aviso (general)
- warning line WAR-ning lahynlínea de advertencia LEE-neh-ah deh ad-behr-TEN-syah Safety-critical
A flagged line set back from a roof edge that marks where fall protection starts.
Nobody crosses the warning line without being tied off. — Nadie cruza la línea de advertencia sin estar amarrado.
- watch your step WOCH yer STEPfíjate por dónde pisas FEE-hah-teh por DOHN-deh PEE-sahs Safety-critical
A spoken warning that the walking surface ahead is uneven, cluttered or open.
Watch your step, there's rebar dowels sticking up all through here. — Fíjate por dónde pisas, hay varillas paradas por todos lados aquí.
Also: aguas donde pisas (MX) · cuidado al pisar (general)
- water accumulation WAH-ter ah-kyoo-myoo-LEY-shunacumulación de agua ah-koo-moo-lah-SYOHN deh AH-gwah Safety-critical
Water building up in an excavation, which weakens the walls and requires extra protection.
Everyone out — there's water accumulation in the trench. — Todos fuera — hay acumulación de agua en la zanja.
- welding gloves WEL-ding gluvzguantes de soldador GWAHN-tes deh sohl-dah-DOHR Safety-critical
Thick leather gloves that protect against sparks, heat, and hot metal.
Put on welding gloves before you grab that fresh weld. — Ponte los guantes de soldador antes de agarrar esa soldadura reciente.
- welding hood WEL-ding hoodcareta de soldar kah-REH-tah deh sohl-DAR Safety-critical
The dark-lens helmet that protects your eyes and face from the welding arc.
Never look at the arc without your welding hood down. — Nunca mires el arco sin bajarte la careta de soldar.
- wet floor WET florpiso mojado PEE-soh moh-HAH-doh Safety-critical
A slick walking surface from water, mud or curing compound that has to be signed and dried.
Put a wet floor sign at both doors until the mop dries. — Pon un letrero de piso mojado en las dos puertas hasta que seque el trapeado.
Also: suelo mojado (general)
- wheel chocks WEEL chokscalzas KAHL-sahs Safety-critical
Blocks placed against wheels so a parked vehicle or trailer cannot roll.
Set the wheel chocks before you unhook the trailer. — Pon las calzas antes de desenganchar el remolque.
Also: cuñas (general)
- work gloves WURK gluvzguantes de trabajo GWAHN-tes deh trah-BAH-hoh Safety-critical
Gloves that protect your hands from cuts, splinters, and abrasion.
Grab your work gloves before handling that steel. — Ponte los guantes de trabajo antes de agarrar ese acero.
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