BUILD CAPTAINS

Build captain instruction sheets

Build captain for assembling components

You will be leading one of several component teams. Your team will be given one to four components to assemble and you'll be provided with a bucket of hardware, installation instructions and a list of tools needed for each component. Yo

While your team is assembling the components you have been assigned, other teams will also be assembling components. Meanwhile, a team will be working with the installer on the fence and posts. Listed below are some more specific responsibilities for your team:

·                                 Encourage the team members to READ the directions. People will be eager to jump in and start the assembly, so put the brakes on and review the entire process step by step.

·                                 We won't include tamper-resistant bolts in the buckets. The construction captain will be responsible for these, because once they go in, they're really hard to get out.

·                                 Some of the components can be tough...be patient, and carefully read and follow the directions.

·                                 There will be some extra hardware and tools in a central location; if you need something you don't have, you might find it there.

·                                 Attach all of the parts to the component. This will make it easier to transport, even if they'll have to partly disassemble the component to attach it to the main structure. Just loosely attach the pieces that may come off. All other pieces should be tight and secure.

·                                 Keep your team working together — make sure everyone has a chance to contribute!

·                                 Follow the lead of the Construction Team captain and the installer about when to attach your components.

·                                 When carrying big components over, remind people to watch out for holes! Have someone go in advance to clear people out of the way.

·                                 Keep your folks taking breaks, especially if they are working too quickly. Keep in communication with the other Construction Team captains.

·                                 When the building process is stalled, keep your team working. Look around for other teams that need help. Could the surfacing team use extra people? Did you clean up any plastic or cardboard from your components? Have you collected and turned in all your tools? Or just take a break together!

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Tool pros:
Build captains should be responsible for distributing tools among their team members and for the tools’ safe return at the end of the day. Make sure captains can identify all the tools they’ll need.  Make sure to have the correct wrenches

Safety monitors:
Educate on possible safety hazards — the more eyes, the better! Common safety hazards include improper use of machinery and tools, tools lying around, volunteers not taking rest/water breaks, improper installation, and children on the construction site.

 

Build captain concrete

Your team will be responsible for mixing the concrete that will hold the playground in place. This is a critical job and one that really gets going toward the second half of your day. You'll be mixing the concrete in wheelbarrows, and pouring it into holes where posts have been set. Timing is important, because the concrete needs to be ready as soon as (but not until!) the playground is level and ready to be made permanent. You will be cued by the construction team captain at the right time. Remind everyone that the concrete will take 72 hours to set before the kids can play on it.

Listed below are some more specific responsibilities for your team:

·                                 Keep a close eye on the action. If you aren't being cued, check in with the construction team captain.

·                                 Ensure that the concrete you are mixing is the right consistency, not too runny, not too thick and thoroughly mixed throughout (with no dry powder).

·                                 You might want to have one person responsible for controlling the water and making sure that the concrete is mixed to the correct consistency...the concrete quality control volunteer!

·                                 This is a hard, back-breaking job. Keep your volunteers switching up and taking breaks.

·                                 Assign someone to be "chief bag counter." They should count concrete bags regularly and let you know how many are left. When you get down to 20 bags, let the construction team captain know.

·                                 Make a list of everything that needs concrete — there may be more than just the playground! Pace your team for the different assignments.

·                                 Dust masks will help prevent people from inhaling cement particles; encourage your team to use them.

·                                 If the site has had rain, water may have partially filled the holes for the playground posts. Communicate with the Construction Team captain about how much water to add to the concrete; they may need a drier mix to accommodate these conditions

Skill-level tagging and site safety

Once you divide the build into manageable tasks, you'll need to decide which jobs require specialized skills. If someone with construction experience were to show up, where would you put them? Do you want unskilled volunteers leveling decks or fastening hardware? This is also a personal safety issue; unskilled volunteers shouldn't be handling power tools or doing heavy lifting. Work with your safety and recruitment captains to create a system of labeling volunteers' name tags with an appropriate skill level, and make sure the people signing in and assigning volunteers are in the loop. Another option is to pre-assign volunteers; not only does this give you more control, it also helps volunteers build team spirit and prepare for the day. It's also important to decide which safety accessories are required, and for how many people. Draw up a list and discuss it with your safety captain; he or she can be responsible for soliciting or purchasing the items. Remember that it's better to have too many.

*Safety Accessories:
Safety goggles,  hard hats, work gloves, dust masks, plywood to cover holes, ear plugs, fire extinguisher.

Facilitators:
The build will run more smoothly when the volunteers are well-managed. Captains should become familiar with their tasks and remain with their teams throughout the build.

Team builders:
Volunteers have a more rewarding Build Day experience when they work together, and when they feel that they're genuinely contributing. Build captains should encourage people to pool their efforts, and keep their eyes open for signs that one person is dominating the work and the team.

Communicators:
Volunteers need guidance and assurance, especially when assembling unfamiliar equipment. The build captain is the person they should turn to with any construction questions.  Build captains  first check the installation instructions yourselves — and to try to use your own good judgment! For questions they can’t answer, they should come to one of the logistic supervisors.

Tool pros:
A build captains will be responsible for distributing tools among  teams  and for the tools’ safe return at the end of the day. Make sure captains can identify all the tools they’ll need. If you’re concerned about security, you might establish a system whereby build captains are the only people “authorized” to approach the tool storage area.

Safety monitors:
Educate your build teams on possible safety hazards — the more eyes, the better! Common safety hazards include improper use of machinery and tools, tools lying around, volunteers not taking rest/water breaks, improper installation, and children on the construction site.