2008 Habitat
for Humanity
and Holy Hammers Project
VOLUNTEER PACKET
CONFIRMATION LETTER
We really count on you to help build our homes, and we greatly appreciate your volunteering to
assist in the construction of the home on 887 Randolph in St. Paul, MN. Accordingly, we have sent
a Confirmation Letter to each individual who
signed-up at church, detailing the scheduled dates and category of work.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Site Host:
Please arrive by 8:15 a.m. Sign in on the Habitat forms and make a name tag. elcome and sign in
volunteers including name tags, log in book, and waiver sheets; coordinate services of food and
drink; provide assistance to volunteers needing directions; etc. Make the coffee and serve it during
mid-morning break. Take pictures and give them to your Holy Hammers contact person. Make sure a
prayer is said sometime during the work day. May also help with construction tasks or managing the
tool crib. Your packet includes guidelines for general workers, crew leaders, and project managers
to help answer questions. Hours: 8:15-4:30 p.m.
Crew Leaders:
Please arrive by 8:15 a.m. Sign in on the Habitat log-in book, sign waiver, and make a name tag.
(The site host can show you.) Meet with the Church Project Manager (On-site Coordinator) and Habitat
Site Supervisor to discuss the day’s tasks. Work with 4-5 volunteers to do an assigned job. Instruct
your crew in how to do the construction tasks. You do not need to be a professional but should
possess some building knowledge and be willing to show others. May be asked by the site supervisor
to bring additional tools, if you have them (e.g., pliers, levels, skill saws, chop saws, drills,
outdoor extension cords, cat’s paws—be sure to put your name on them). Hours: 8:15-4:30 p.m.
General Labor:
Please arrive by 8:25 a.m. Sign in on the Habitat log-in book, sign waiver, and make a name tag.
(The Site Host can show you.) There will be a brief meeting at 8:30 a.m. when instructions will be
given and crews will be organized. Work with crew leader to perform the construction tasks. Hours:
8:30-4:30 p.m.
Tool Crib Manager:
Please arrive by 8:25 a.m. Duties include keeping the tools and supplies organized and help the
construction workers find the tools and supplies during the day. As tools are returned, make sure
they are put back in the proper area. Also, monitor the charging of batteries for the
battery-operated tools. Notify the Site Supervisor when tools and/or supplies are needed. Try to
work multiple days so they are familiar with the tool crib organization. Hours: 8:30-4:30 p.m.
Project Manager (On-site Coordinator):
Please arrive by 8:00 a.m. Act as direct liaison between the Habitat Site Supervisor and the
volunteer group while on-site, ensuring positive experience as well as compliance with safety and
policy procedures. Hours: 8:00-4:30 p.m.
Habitat Staff Site Supervisor & AmeriCorps/Construction Assistant:
Site Supervisor oversees the entire construction site and volunteer groups, including planning
the day’s tasks, managing the overall flow and progress of the build. The AmeriCorps/Construction
Assistant provides direct support to the Site Supervisor and is in charge when the Site Supervisor
is absent.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Safety is the highest priority on the site. The following rules for volunteer workers apply:
- Arrive on time in order to hear the important safety instructions and Habitat guidelines.
- Report any condition that looks unsafe to the site supervisor or construction assistant.
- Wear a hard hat when someone is working above you, or if instructed to by a site supervisor.
- Wear earplugs in high noise areas, or when operating power tools.
- Wear safety glasses or other eye protection when operating power saws or other equipment that
may throw off small hard particles.
- Make sure blade guards are in place when operating power saws.
- Use a dust mask when working in dusty atmospheres.
- Wear leather gloves when handling wood or metal products.
- Try to keep electrical power cords off the ground.
- Avoid stepping on electrical power cords if they are on the ground, especially in wet areas.
- Make sure that GFCI is in place before plugging in electrical power cords.
- Do not use broken or malfunctioning tools, especially those with electrical problems. Please
report any problems with tools to the site supervisor.
- Do not use ladders as work platforms. Use scaffolding instead.
- Do not use aluminum ladders around electrical power lines.
- Make sure that guard rails and toe boards are in place when working on scaffolding platforms more
than 10' high.
- If you injure yourself, report to your supervisor immediately for first aid.
- If someone else injures him/herself and is bleeding, report this immediately to your supervisor.
- Do not enter a trench more than 5' in depth unless a co-worker is present on ground level to sound
an alarm and render assistance in case of emergency.
- If asbestos is present, avoid touching, handling, or disturbing it. Let specialists handle it.
- If working with lead-based paint use extra precautions--wear dust mask and wash hands before eating.
- When lifting heavy objects, be careful not to strain your back. ASK FOR ASSISTANCE!
LIABILITY WAIVER
Volunteers must complete and sign a Release and Waiver of
Liability form when they arrive at the site. The downloadable form covers the following areas:
Activities, Safety Rules, Release and Waiver, Medical Treatment, Assumption of Risk, Insurance and
Photographic Release.
