NACE 2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPOSITION May 27 - May 30, 2008 New Orleans, Louisiana

Construction Volunteer Information

Tools Needed By Volunteers: Habitat will provide any tools needed for the workday, but if you have your own tools and are comfortable using them, you are welcome to bring the tools to the site. Remember to put your name or unique mark on your tools! Most regulars use a combination of colored electrical tape or spray paint to signify ownership.

If you are experienced in construction, you are welcome to use your judgment and experience and substitute or bring additional tools. The New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity (NOAHH) will provide power tools.

For safety reasons, Habitat requests that volunteers' personal power tools be checked by the construction staff prior to use onsite. We recommend that inexperienced volunteers use basic tools to fully enjoy the workday. Instruction is available for those interested in learning how to use new tools.

What to Wear: Steel-toed shoes or boots are optimal for the construction site, but thick-soled shoes will suffice. Please note: Slick dress shoes, thin-soled sneakers, sandals, thongs, or other open-toed shoes are not allowed on the job site.

When working on the roof, rubber-(no leather) soled shoes are essential. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a good idea. Bring a water bottle and drink plenty of fluids the day before you work and during the day you volunteer. Temperatures at the end of May/early June in New Orleans are typically in the mid-80s during the day; low 70s at night. The area is humid.

NOAHH works rain or shine; please bring appropriate raingear and hats. Note: experienced volunteers usually bring a change of socks and tops, along with a towel or two, if inclement weather is anticipated.

Transportation: NACE will provide transportation from the New Orleans Marriott located at 555 Canal St., to the work site and back. Separate transportation is not allowed. The departure time is 6:30 a.m. (late arrivals and early departures are not permitted) Work time is 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Volunteer Age Limitations: age 16 and older.

Volunteer Safety

Safety is always the primary consideration on any job site. Since Habitat work crews often have a high number of inexperienced people, everyone must pay particular attention to safety. Try to be conscious of the safety of others as well as yourself. Be cautious at all times. Ask questions if you are uncertain of something.

Here are a few safety points:

  • Drink lots of fluids. It is important to remain adequately hydrated. Begin by drinking more water several days in advance of your work. Although NACE will supply water, it is always a good idea to bring a personal water or beverage container and drink frequently during the day.
  • Be aware of your footing at all times. The ground may be uneven and footing which may seem secure often is not (e.g. un-nailed decking). This is especially true when roofing or working on scaffolding.
  • When on a ladder, be sure that it is stable and keep your hips within the rails of the ladder. Don't lean to one side!
  • Be aware of overhead or head-level material such as bracing or beams.
  • When carrying material, be aware of the length or height of the material; don't clobber your colleagues with the end of the board. In general, the one with the load (the carrier) has the right-of-way when passing.
  • When lifting, lift with your legs, not with your back.
  • When starting to nail, check behind you before you swing your hammer.
  • If you are asked to do something that is uncomfortable, seek further instruction or don't do it—there's always someone else who will!
  • Cellular phones and pagers are not permitted on the worksite.

Power Tools

  • Do not use power tools outside if it is raining. Use indoors or only under dry conditions and after assuring that any cord connections are protected as well.
  • Do not use power tools or extension cables if the cables or cords appear damaged.
  • When sawing, ensure that the power cable is behind and away from the saw.
  • Never use a power tool above shoulder height; use a ladder or scaffolding for high cuts.
  • Only use properly grounded equipment and cables. No two-core cables!

Location/Number of Work Sites: NACE volunteers will work at multiple sites, depending on the number of volunteers. The location and number of sites hasn't been determined yet.

Type of Work: NACE volunteers will be building new construction homes. A variety of tasks are available, so all levels of experience and ability are welcome. You will not be required to perform a task that you are uncomfortable doing.

Alcohol and other drugs are not permitted on any Habitat job site. Anyone obviously under the influence will be asked to leave the site and not return that day.

Pay attention to your activities and those of the workers around you!

Questions: Contact Nancy Mikkelsen or Maria Kaczmar; ext. 155 at 800/544-5272 or 610-868-1421.