Devices and methods are provided for protecting pipe ends that project
upwardly during building construction and for reducing the safety hazard
posed by such pipe ends. The devices include a rigid body suitable for
positioning on a base on which concrete will be poured, having two
opposed end walls, two opposed side walls, a recess therebetween, a top
end, a bottom end, and a lateral tab extending from at least one end
wall. A shield is securable to at least one side wall for protecting the
pipe ends during later construction. In two embodiments, a plate
positioned at the bottom end has an opening dimensionally and spatially
configured to correspond to each pipe end requiring protection. The
method comprises: (a) positioning a device in accordance with the
invention on the base so the pipe ends project into the recess and the
body forms a barrier between the pipe ends and the concrete slab to be
formed; (b) securing the device to the base by inserting a securing
structure through each lateral tab; and (d) after the concrete layer has
been formed, removing any securing structure from above the surface of
the concrete to continue with the construction of the building.