Before placing or advancing a pile driver, the ground shall be inspected and, where necessary for firm and level footing, cribbing or timber mats shall be provided to assure stability for the pile driver. After placing or advancing a pile driver, inspection and correction of the footing shall be made as necessary to maintain such stability.

All pile driving equipment shall be inspected daily before the start of work and every defect or unsafe condition shall be immediately corrected before pile driving operations are begun.

The operator of every pile driver shall be protected from falling objects or materials, steam, cinders and water by a substantial covering.

Each member of the pile driving crew shall be properly instructed in the work he is to perform and the pile driving operation shall be in charge of a trained, designated person who alone shall direct the work and give the operating signals.

The preparation of the piles shall be done at a safe distance from the driving operation. During the hoisting of piles, all persons not actually engaged in operating the equipment and handling the piles shall be kept from the area.

When any pile driver is not in use the hammer shall be chocked or blocked in the leads or lowered to the ground or grade level.

The operator of every pile driver shall remain at the controls when the driving is interrupted until the hammer has been chocked or blocked in the leads, or has been lowered and is resting on a driven pile or on the ground.

Steam and air hose shall be securely fastened in place at couplings and intermediate points to prevent dangerous whipping of such hose in the event of a break. The control valves for steam and air lines shall be located within easy reach of the operator at his operating position.

Driving plates, cushions and striking heads shall be securely and positively fastened in such manner as to prevent their dislodgment during the driving operations.

A ladder extending from the bottom of the leads to the overhead sheaves shall be permanently attached to the structure supporting the leads.

Where a structural tower supports the leads, working platforms consisting of planking at least two inches thick, full size, laid tight shall be provided on all levels of the leads at which it is necessary for persons to work. Such platforms shall be provided with safety railings constructed and installed in compliance with this Part (rule) on all sides, except on the hammer or lead side of the platforms. Where such platforms cannot be provided approved safety belts and lifelines shall be provided.

Mandrils shall be attached to the leads by safety chains or cables to prevent dislodging or falling during connection to piles.