Work Site Rules
Habitat for Humanity of Shawnee

Habitat for Humanity of Shawnee values the time and expertise offered by volunteers and dislikes turning away, or restricting the activities of, any potential workers.  However, in the interest of safety and in order to conform to federal and state labor regulations, we impose the following rules.  

Children under age 14 are not allowed at the construction site.

Volunteers who are 14-15 years of age may not work near construction but may perform duties for Habitat if the following requirements are met:

1. They must be accompanied by an adult who remains with them through the workday.  (If they come in groups, there must be one accompanying adult for each four young people.)

2. They are not permitted to engage in, or work near, active construction but may work on the perimeter of the construction site or work inside the house on cleanup or painting when no construction is being done.

3. They may not use power tools or work near power tools being used by others.

4. They may not use any motor vehicles.

5. They may not participate in a Habitat Blitz Build.

6. They may do landscaping (without power equipment) and may do cleanup and painting in areas where no construction is taking place.

7. They are only allowed to work outside school hours. 

Volunteers who are 16-17 years of age may engage in  construction work with the following restrictions:

1. They may not use any power tools.

2. They may not use any motor vehicles.

3. They may not work on the roof.

4. They may not do demolition.

5. They may not do excavation for construction.

6. They may not participate in a Habitat Blitz Build.

(Exception: Volunteers in this age range may do some of the normally prohibited activities if they are in a vocational program and are supervised by their teacher or other qualified          instructor.) 

Volunteers who are 18 years of age or over may participate in any aspect of the construction process.  However, they should be guided by their knowledge of their own capabilities.  They will not be encouraged to perform any task that they do not feel comfortable in performing.

All volunteer workers are required to sign a "Waiver of Liability" form at the beginning of their first day of work at the Habitat site.  A parent or guardian must co-sign the waiver for volunteers under 18 years of age.

Safety goggles, dust masks, and earplugs are available on-site for all volunteers.  The volunteers are responsible for obtaining these items from the Habitat supplies and using them as needed.

Power tools are available for use by volunteers.  However, the tools should be used only by volunteers who have had previous experience in their use or who have been given instructions in their use at the construction site.