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CNF Precision Engineering LimitedHealth & Safety Manual

CNF Precision Engineering Limited

Health and Safety Manual

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INTRODUCTION

The guidance and control measures in this manual have been prepared to ensure the Health & Safety of CNF Precision Engineering Limited and Sub-Contractor employee’s; other people in the workplace and the public. However, it is not possible to give comprehensive guidance on all of the relevant Health & Safety Legislation, where more information is required, you should ask your Manager or consult the relevant Legislation; Regulation; Approved Code of Practice or Guidance note.

You can also consult the HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk

Part 1 provides guidance for ALL staff, additionally; Part 2 provides guidance for maintenance and construction workers though much of this will not be relevant to us as a company. You may however find some useful hints and tips in section 2 for general health & safety issues.

This manual should be read in conjunction with the CNF Precision Engineering Limited Health & Safety Policy.

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CONTENTS

Part 1Health & Safety Policy Statement Section 1Health & Safety at Work, Etc. Act 1974 Section 2Health & Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations Section 3Fire Action Procedure Section 4General Fire Information Section 5Guide to Fire Extinguishers Section 6Primary Assembly Point Section 7Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations Section 8Health & Safety (Signs & Signals) Regulations Section 9Manual Handling Operations Regulations Section 10Display Screen Equipment Regulations Section 11Noise at Work Regulations Section 12Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations Section 13Risk Assessments Section 14Method Statements Section 15Electricity at Work Regulations Section 16The Workplace Health, Safety & Welfare Regulations Section 17Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations Section 18Personal Protective Equipment Regulations Section 19Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations Section 20Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls Section 21Sub-Contractors Working On Site Section 22Lone Working Section 23Smoking and Alcohol & Drugs Section 24Safety Monitoring Section 25Stress Section 26Driving on Company Business Section 27General Health & Safety Guidance Section 28Security Alert Procedure Section 29Maintenance & Housekeeping Section 30

Part 2Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations Section 1Confined Spaces Regulations Section 2The Highly Flammable Liquids and Liquefied Petroleum Gases Regulations Section 3Construction (Design and Management) Regulations Section 4Asbestos Regulations Section 5Working with Lead Section 6Working at Heights Section 7Scaffolding Section 8Suspended Scaffolding Section 9Debris Chutes Section 10Mobile Tower Scaffolds Section 11Mobile Elevating Work Platforms Section 12Ladders Section 13Step Ladders, Trestles and Stagings Section 14Hoists Section 15Cranes Section 16Lifting Gear Section 17Cradles Section 18Roof Work Section 19Fork Lift Trucks Section 20Power Tools Section 21Working with Glass Section 22Woodworking Machines Section 23Gas/Arc Welding, Brazing & Cutting Section 24Pipework Section 25Working with Sewage Section 26Hand-Arm Vibration Section 27Demolition Section 28Radiation Section 29

Part 1 Section 1

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HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT Purpose

This document provides a statement of Health & Safety Policy for CNF Precision Engineering Limited Ltd. The arrangements, organisation and responsibilities for its implementation and revision are detailed in the full Policy document.The Policy is intended to ensure that the activities of members of staff and contractors working on our behalf do not put the Health and Safety of themselves and others at risk.

Scope

This Policy applies to all activities carried out by CNF Precision Engineering Limited employees at all sites.

Policy

In CNF Precision Engineering Limited our aims are to:

Comply with all Health & Safety Legislation, Regulations, Codes of Practice and Guidance Notes

Ensure our activities are conducted safely, protecting the health of employees and all others who may be affected

Manage our activities to meet all relevant laws and regulations Set Health & Safety targets and maintain an improvement plan to address areas

where measurement has indicated an improvement is necessary

In order to achieve our aims we will:

Provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions for all our employees and all others who work on our behalf

Identify risks and where they cannot be eliminated, control them to an acceptable level

Value the efforts of all employees in the field of Health & Safety equally with their other contributions to the business

Require every employee, and others who work on our behalf, to exercise personal responsibility in preventing harm to themselves and others

Actively work to prevent all workplace accidents and near miss incidents Encourage the open reporting of all accidents and near miss incidents and their

investigation to facilitate the prevention of recurrence Provide such information, instruction and training as needed to enable employees

to co-operate fully with us in achieving compliance with the policy.

Part 1 Section 2

HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK, ETC. ACT 1974

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Signed (on original) Date (on original)

Neil FearnleyCNF PRECISION ENGINEERING LIMITED - Director


The Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 is the central piece of UK Health and Safety legislation. The duties of Employees and employers are summarised below.

Duties of Employee’s:

Section 7 requires you to ‘take reasonable care’ for the health and safetyof yourselves and others.

You must also co-operate with their employer in complying with health and safety laws

Section 8 requires everyone not to interfere with or misuse anything provided for protection, safety or welfare

Duties of Employer’s:

Section 2 of the Act puts a duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of their employees.

‘Reasonably practicable’ means a balance between the cost and effort involved in reducing risk, and the possible effects (injury or ill health) if this money and effort is not spent.

In particular, employers must ensure that the following are safe and without risks to health:

Machinery, equipment and methods of working Use, handling, storage and transport of chemicals and equipment Workplace Working environment.

Employers must also provide for Employees:

Information, instruction, training and supervision Adequate welfare facilities and arrangements.

Employers of five or more employees must draw up a written statement of their health and safety policy, including the organisation and arrangements for carrying out the policy. Policies must be kept up to date and brought to the notice of all employees.

Sections 3 and 4 of the Act require employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that people other than Employees are not put at risk. Other people could be visitors, passers-by, clients, patients, pupils, contractor employees' etc.Health and safety arrangements should take into account risks to these people, as well as to employees.

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Part 1 Section 3

HEALTH & SAFETY(CONSULTATION WITH EMPLOYEES) REGULATIONS

HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE

A Health & Safety representative is active within CNF Precision Engineering.

The function of the Health & Safety representative is to discuss and approve future Health & Safety developments and recent internal and external accidents and near misses.

If you would like to offer a subject for discussion, please the Health & Safety Representative.

COMMUNICATION

Health & Safety information is communicated:

Health & Safety representative Health & Safety notice boards Health & Safety Manual

Part 1 Section 4

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FIRE ACTION PROCEDURE

Alert as many staff as possible of the fire

Dial 999 and ask for Fire Brigade

Report Fire Location as:-

CNF Precision Engineering LimitedCNF FactorySouthern RoadAylesburyBucksHP19 9AY

You should NOT attempt to tackle the fire unless you have been trained to do so.

Leave by the nearest available exit. Do not stop to unlock doors.

Do NOT return for personal belongings like coats, bags etc

Goto the designated assembly point and report to senior member of staff taking roll call.

Designated Assembly Point:- Gates At End Of Factory

Obey all instructions from senior members of staff and DO NOT return to the building until authorised to do so.

Once the fire service are in attendance you MUST obey all instructions given by their staff. At this point their instructions overrule any given by CNF staff.

Once the all clear is given by the Fire Service you may return to the building

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Part 1 Section 5

GENERAL FIRE INFORMATION

This document sets out general Fire prevention, safety and information to be followed by CNF Precision Engineering Limited staff.

FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY

It is the responsibility of all members of staff within the building to ensure the safety of themselves and those with whom they work. In addition it is a legal requirement that all staff are familiar with the emergency procedures in the event of fire.

Staff should be familiar with:

The actions to be taken on discovery of fire and on hearing the alert.

The location of fire fighting equipment within the building and the methodof operation

All escape routes within the building The purpose of fire resisting doors and their location within the building. Evacuation procedures for the building and the location of the assembly

point

All staff should be familiar with the methods of fire prevention as detailed below:

Should a member of staff consider that something or someone presents a fire risk within the building, they should report the matter

Staff should not allow the accumulation of large amounts of combustible materials around workplaces, escape routes or in lift lobbies

Staff should not obstruct fire escapes, fire exits or any fire-related equipment

Staff should not obstruct ventilation grilles on electrical equipment Staff should ensure that self-closing fire/smoke doors are not wedged in the

open position Staff should observe the NO smoking policy for the building Staff should maintain as best as possible a clear desktop policy to prevent

the rapid spread of fire should it occur

FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT

All areas within the building are supplied with suitable fire fighting equipment for the specific risks to be found within that area.

All staff have a duty to ensure no person is put at risk when and if a fire is tackled; i.e. there must be no misuse of equipment and a person tackling a fire must ensure their escape route is clear.

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The company would far prefer staff to compartment the fire by closing all doors to the affected area and for all staff to evacuate the building.

FIRE ALARM TESTING

Our method of Fire Alarm is to make everyone aware of incidents verbally by shouting to alert staff. The building is small enough so everyone should hear.

EVACUATION DRILLS

Evacuation drills will be conducted from time to time to ensure that all staff are familiar with the fire and emergency procedures for the building.

FIRE DOORS

Fire Doors are an important part of a building’s fire defences.

The two functions of a fire door are: To compartment the building to prevent the spread of fire To provide a safe means of escape for those persons evacuating the

building

All staff are to ensure that all fire doors, particularly those affording access to stairwells, are kept shut at all times.

FIRE ESCAPE STAIRWELLS AND EXITS

Fire escape stairwells are provided to afford egress from floor areas to Fire exits, which terminate to open air. Do not obstruct these exits or routes in any way.Staff should familiarize themselves with all fire escape stairwells and exits at their site.

INCIDENT CONTROL POINT

An Incident Control Point will be established where possible outside the front entrance to the building.

ASSEMBLY POINT

A primary evacuation Assembly Point in the event of fire will be established at Gates at end of factory

This point is of primary nature and can be relocated as necessary at any time to maintain the safety of staff.

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Part 1 Section 6

GUIDE TO FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

This document details the appropriate usage of portable fire fighting equipment.

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Part 1 Section 7

PRIMARY ASSEMBLY POINT PLAN

THE FIRE ASSEMBLEY POINT IS LOCATED AT THE GATES AT THE END OF THE BUILDINGAT THE BOTTOM OF WILLOW ROAD

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Part 1 Section 8

REPORTING OF INJURIES, DISEASES AND DANGEROUS OCCURRENCES REGULATIONS

All accidents, near misses, diseases and dangerous occurrences that involve, or may be attributed, to a CNF Precision Engineering Limited employee or a member of the public must be reported to a First Aider.

See Health & Safety Notice Boards for names of First Aiders, First Aid box and Accident Book locations. Accidents must be recorded in the Accident Book provided.

Ensure you know:

Who the First Aiders are Where the First Aid boxes are

Certain accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences have to be reported to the Incident Contact Centre (ICC) under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR).

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Reportable Dangerous Occurrences: Collapse, overturning or failure of lifting equipment: Explosion, collapse or bursting of any closed vessel: Plant/equipment in contact with overhead power lines; Electrical short circuit/overload causing fire or explosion: Malfunction of breathing apparatus while in use; Collapse or partial collapse of a scaffold over 5m high: Explosion/fire causing suspension of work for over 24hrs; Accidental release of substance that may damage health; Unintended collapse of any structure where over 5 tonnes

of material falls.


INCIDENT REPORTING & INVESTIGATION PROCESS

The above information is a summary – refer to HSE RIDDOR guidance note for full list of reportable incidents.

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Incident(Injury, near miss)

Record in the Accident Book Complete incident report form

Inform the Management

Report to the ICC using the appropriate F2508 form within

10 days

Reportable Major Injuries: Death Fracture other than to fingers, thumbs or toes: Amputation Dislocation of the shoulder, hip, knee or spine; Loss of sight (temporary or permanent) Chemical, hot metal burn or penetrating injury to the eye; Injury leading to unconsciousness, or requiring

resuscitation: Injury leading to hypothermia or heat induced illness: Injury leading to hospital admittance for more than 24hrs; Acute illness requiring medical treatment caused by

contact with harmful substances.

Report to the ICC using quickest method within 24 hrs &

investigate using company incident investigation form

Investigate using company incident investigation form

Yes NoDid the incident

cause harm to a

person?

Was the incident

reportable under

RIDOOR?

No

Yes

File report appropriately

Investigate using company incident investigation form

Management action

Incident Contact Centre (ICC)

W www.riddor.gov.ukT 0845 3009923F 0845 3009924A Incident Contact Centre

Caerphilly Business ParkCaerphillyCF83 3GG

First Aider action

Staff action

Key

http://www.riddor.gov.uk/


Part 1 Section 9

HEALTH AND SAFETY (SIGNS AND SIGNALS) REGULATIONS

Employer’s duties:

Employers are required to provide, display and maintain sufficient safety signs to warn of circumstances where risks to Health and Safety exist and to advise of precautions that need to be taken.

These safety signs can be categorised as: MandatoryWarningProhibitionSafe ConditionFire Fighting

Employees duties:

You MUST comply with any notice or sign.

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EXAMPLES OF SAFETY SIGNS

Example Meaning Safetycolour

Contrast colour

Graphical symbol colour

Mandatory (MUST DO)

These signs prescribe specific behaviour that

must be taken

Blue White White

Warning (Caution, beware)

These signs give warning of a hazard or

danger.

Yellow Black Black

Prohibition (DO NOT DO)

These signs prohibit behaviour likely to increase or cause

danger.

Red White Black

Safe Condition (the safe way)

These signs indicate emergency exits or first aid/rescue equipment.

Green White White

Fire Sign (fire equipment)

These signs indicate the location of fire fighting

equipment.

Red White White

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GUIDE TO FIRE EXIT SIGNS

Fire Exit Sign Meaning

Progress forward from here or, progress forward and through from here

Progress down from here

Progress to the right from here

Progress up to the right from here

Progress down to the right from here

Progress to the left from here

Progress up to the left from here

Progress down to the left from here

Fire Exit - final exit to open air/place of safety

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Part 1 Section 10

MANUAL HANDLING OPERATIONS REGULATIONS

Manual handling operations means physically lifting, carrying or moving any load. These Regulations apply wherever manual handling operations are carried out.

There are no maximum weight limits set for loads. Instead, the Regulations require a full assessment of all risks including the task, load and working environment. The Regulations are based on ergonomics, which means fitting the job to the person rather than the person to the job.

Duties of Employees:

Make full and proper use of any system of work provided for you by your employer to reduce the risk of manual handling injuries

Duties of employers:

Avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as is reasonably practicable. This may be done by redesigning the task to avoid moving the load or by automating or mechanising the process.

Make a suitable and sufficient assessment of any hazardous manual handling operations that cannot be avoided.

Reduce the risk of injury from those operations to the lowest level reasonably practicable. Particular consideration should be given to the provision of mechanical assistance but where this is not reasonably practicable then other improvements to the task, the load and the working environment should be explored.

Review risk assessments if there is a reason to suspect it is no longer valid, or if there have been any significant changes in the manual handling operations.

Provide training and information for employees, and specific information about the load.

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GOOD HANDLING TECHNIQUE

This document describes good handling technique that Employees are advised to follow when manually handling loads.

Think before lifting/handling

Plan the liftCan handling aids be used?Where is the load going to be placed?Will help be needed with the load?Remove obstructions such as discarded wrapping materialsFor a long lift, consider resting the load midway on a table or bench to change grip.

Keep the load close to the waist

Keep the load as close to the body for as long as possible while lifting.Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the body.If a close approach to the load is not possible, try to slide it towards the body before attempting to lift it.

Adopt a stable position

The feet should be apart with one leg slightly forward to maintain balance (alongside the load, if it is on the ground).You should be prepared to move your feet during the lift to maintain your stability.Avoid tight clothing or unsuitable footwear, which may make this difficult.

Get a good hold

Where possible the load should be hugged as close as possible to the body. This may be better than gripping it tightly with hands only.

Start in a good position

At the start of the lift, slight bending of the back, hips and knees is preferable to fully flexing the back (stooping) or fully flexing the hips and knees (squatting).

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Don’t flex the back any further while lifting

This can happen if the legs begin to straighten before starting to raise the load.

Avoid twisting the back or leaning sideways

Especially while the back is bent. Shoulders should be kept level and facing the same direction as the hips.Turning by moving the feet is better than twisting and lifting at the same time.

Keep the head up when handling

Look ahead, not down at the load, once it has been held securely.

Move smoothly

The load should not be jerked or snatched as this can make it harder to keep control and can increase the risk of injury.

Don’t lift or handle more than can be easily managed

There is a difference between what you can lift and what you can safely lift. If in doubt, seek advice or help.

Put down, then adjust

If precise positioning of the load is necessary, put it down first, then slide it into the desired position.

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Part 1 Section 11

DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS

The Display Screen Equipment Regulations require CNF Precision Engineering Limited to take action in a number of areas, which include:

Informing you of the need to adopt a sound and comfortable workingposition at the screen

Make available provision for regular eye tests on request by displayscreen users and publish this entitlement

Assess the workstations to ensure that the furniture and equipment isacceptable

Information for all display screen equipment users

Safe working practices

This DSE Information Sheet and the DSE Assessment Form are intended to meet the requirements and it is important that you read, understand and apply the advice in them. If you do not understand any of the instructions, ask your Line Manager for help.

Possible risks

Although there are very few possible health risks associated with display screen equipment work it is possible, as in any other type of work, for you to experience physical or visual fatigue. In fact research shows that the risk to the individual user from typical display screen work is very low. As in any other job, however, ill health can result from poor work organisation, working environment, equipment and job design. For these reasons it is particularly important that you make some simple adjustments to your workstation to ensure that you are comfortable and the display is clear. A workstation assessment will be carried out by your Line Manager to ensure you are working with DSE correctly.There are four main areas of consideration which must be applied to all display screen and keyboard work.

Working position

The working position is of prime importance and you must make every reasonable effort to ensure that this is correct and comfortable for the task. Wherever possible, place your desk in such a way that you are able to sit sideways to a window and other sources of bright light in the room (glare from outside may cause discomfort and headaches). Keep trailing cables out of the way or secured properly with tie wraps or tape. Do not use multi-point adaptors in wall sockets.

In all keyboard work situations where the majority of time is spent on input, the surface on which the keyboard is placed must be at normal desk level so that the forearms are horizontal, just above the level of the desktop.

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The chair that you use should be adjustable for both seat and backrest height and the backrest must be able to rake forward sufficiently to offer posture support. It should be of a wheeled or glide type, depending on the floor surface. The chair must be adjusted to a suitable height to allow a comfortable keyboard position and the seat back adjusted to give support to the small of the back. The design of the chair must enable it to get close enough to the desk.

Adopt a suitable seated posture – for example; adjust the height of your chair until your elbows are roughly the same height as the keyboard so that you are at the right height for keying. Sit with your wrists reasonably straight, forearms approximately horizontal or sloping slightly downward and upper arms hanging comfortably down from relaxed shoulders. Then check that your feet are comfortable on the floor and that your legs are not hitting the underside of the desk. You may need a footrest to avoid their legs being unsupported and to prevent your thighs being squashed by the front of the chair. If you use a footrest adjust its tilt and height so your feet can rest flat on its surface.

Making these quite minor adjustments each time you sit at the keyboard, particularly when more than one person uses the workstation, can increase comfort greatly and also reduce fatigue.

The conditions under which wrist discomfort is possible are removed as the hands and arms are in a position of rest and not forced into adopting an awkward or unnatural position.

The screen

The screen should be about an arm’s length away from the face. Adjust the height of your monitor to minimise head and neck movements. Position your screen so that you are looking comfortably down at an angle of between 15 and 30 degrees. (A useful tip is that the top of the display casing should be approximately at eye level when you are sat down).

Adjust the display using the brightness and contrast controls, so that the print is clear against the background but not causing glare. You should be able to work at the screen without bright glare sources in your field of view and without distracting reflections. The effect of reflected light can be reduced or eliminated by either turning the screen away from the light source or tilting it downwards.

If window blinds are available these can be closed or adjusted to direct any sunlight away from the screen.

If none of these adjustments improve the reflections the problem can be solved using a screen filter. These are a last resort but in really difficult situations may be the only solution.

Working practices

Prioritise the layout on your desk, locating closest to you those things that you use most without twisting or stretching. If you use a keyboard a lot, sit straight on to it.

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Use a document holder so that the documents are within your field of view when using the keyboard. Adjust the document holder so that it is the same height, slope and viewing distance as your screen and locate it as close to the side of the screen as possible. If you spend more time working on documents, put them in front and the keyboard to the side.

Make sure that you have enough room for the equipment that you use, documents and other reference materials. Make sure you have enough free surface to allow some flexibility in the way you sit.

Provide a small space in front of your keyboard where you can rest your hands while not typing. Provide enough space to use your mouse and use a mouse mat. Adjust your software by selecting easy-to-use fonts, limit the number of colours you use on the screen, and avoid large areas of white if your screen appears to flicker. Use pastel background colours if reflections are a problem on your screen. Reduce clutter on the screen by removing unused toolbars. Keep the screen clean.

Sit as close to your desk as possible when using the computer. Keep the curve in the lower back, and try not to lean to one side while seated. Periodically vary the way that you sit and occasionally lean back and relax.

Move your keyboard closer if you feel you are stretching too much to use it. Keep your wrists straight and try not to bend them upwards when typing. Use a soft touch while typing and rest your arms while not typing. Be careful not to rest the soft inner part of your wrist (where you would take your pulse) on the wrist rest or table edge – either surface may dig in and reduce the circulation to your hands and fingers.

Do not stretch to use the mouse – use the mouse as close to you as possible. Do not bend your hand up at the wrist while using the mouse and vary the way that you grasp it. Use a light touch when holding and depressing the mouse button(s).

Move your eyes rather than you head when reading on the screen. You are encouraged to intersperse your keyboard activity with other tasks.

These need not be lengthy and can usually form part of the overall task, i.e. changing paper feeds, collecting and delivering work, answering the telephone or other clerical duties. The purpose of this is to take you away from the keyboard at fairly regular intervals. This effectively helps to relax the arms and wrists, exercises the body and breaks the monotony of solid input.

Keyboard jobs should be designed to take into account the need for this mix of tasks. The solution is not to increase the number of rest breaks; rest breaks are in fact less helpful than a change or other short duty.

The main reason for this is that during a ‘rest break’ you tend to sit with a drink or something to read, where arms and hands remain in virtually the same position, relative to the body, as they are during input.

Eye care

The display screen does not damage the eyes nor does it cause eyestrain. It may, however, as with any other concentrated reading task, cause the eyes to tire.

It could also make any eye defect that you may already have, more noticeable. For this reason display screen users should have regular eye tests.

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A refund of the average cost of these tests is available to all DSE users. Should a testing optician prescribe spectacles specifically for DSE work, the cost of lenses and a standard frame may be refunded to the user.

It must be emphasised that this refund does not apply to long sight correction or reading prescriptions.

Working environment

Where it is under your control make your environment comfortable. Adjust lighting to complement the brightness of your screen – a screen with a dark background will require lower overall room lighting levels.

Reduce bright lights from outside by using blinds or curtains. Ensure that the air is not too dry and avoid drafts, as dryness can make eyes sore. For this reason you should make sure that the heat that the equipment gives off, blows away from you. Blink often to keep your eyes lubricated and prevent them from drying out.

Summary

Provided that all keyboard users, and their managers, pay heed to these recommendations, no one will suffer discomfort when carrying out the DSE tasks.Remember these key points:

seat height adjusted sit well back in the seat lumbar region of back supported no pressure on underside of thighs foot support if necessary sit as close to your desk as possible keep your wrists straight

Part 1 Section 12

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NOISE AT WORK REGULATIONS

The Noise at Work Regulations requires that where there is noise above a defined level and/or duration, an assessment must be made and the level and/or duration controlled.

Hearing Damage

Exposure to high noise levels can cause incurable hearing damage. The important factors are:

The noise level, given in decibel units as dB (A). How long you are exposed to the noise

Ear Protection

If you enter a marked zone, even for a short time, you MUST use ear protection.

Part 1 Section13

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MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK REGULATIONS

Employee’s duties:

Use equipment and dangerous substances in accordance with the trainingthey have received

Report dangerous situations and any shortcomings in their employers’Health and Safety arrangements

Follow instructions and training given by your employer

Employer’s duties:

Assess risks to the health and safety of their employees and others who may be affected in order to identify the measures needed to comply with relevant health and safety law. Employers with five or more employees must record the significant findings of the risk assessment

Make arrangements for implementing the health and safety measures identified as being required by the risk assessment.

Employers with five or more employees must record their arrangements Appoint competent people (either from inside the organisation or from

outside) to help with the implementation of health and safety arrangements Set up emergency procedures Provide information to employees that can be understood, as well as

adequate training and instruction Work together with other employers sharing the same workplace

Part 1 Section 14

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RISK ASSESSMENTS

Guidance for the completion of Risk Assessments

The law specifies that the employer is responsible for assessing the risks in the workplace and to employee’s. Staff completing these assessments must be competent to do so, competence should be regarded as having the knowledge, skill and training to recognise the hazard and evaluate the risk.

0a

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IDENTIFY THE HAZARDSBe pro-active, not re-active.

Look for the hidden problems.

ASSESS THE RISK ATTRIBUTED TO THOSE HAZARDS

REMOVE THE RISK WHEREVER POSSIBLE

REDUCE THE RISKIs there an alternative method?

CONTROL THE RISKEmploy a safe system of work. Consider Legislation,

Regulations, Codes of Practice, Guidelines, Good working practice

MONITORIs it working?

If YES No further action required

If NO


RISK ASSESSMENT KEY

Multiply A x B

Use this table to quantify the risk elements of the taskA - SEVERITY OF RISK B - LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURENCE

5 – Very Serious Danger of major harm. Possible death or very serious

illness. (Electric Shock/ Asphyxiation/Serious Falls/ Hazardous

Substance Exposure)

5 – Very HighNo Control Measures in place.

4 – Serious Physical harm likely to incapacitate for lengthy period or

cause serious illness. (Falls/Burns/Scalds/Noise/Illness/Visual/ Musculoskeletal injuries)

4 – High Poor management/supervision. Severely inadequate system of work. Totally inadequately trained personnel. Severely restricted space/poor

environmental conditions.

3 – Moderate Harm likely to limit capabilities.

(Musculoskeletal injuries)

3 – MediumInadequate system of workInadequately trained personnelLack of supervisory co-ordinationRestricted space

2 – Minor Minor physical discomfort.

2 – Low Some experience/training lacking

1 – Nuisance Nuisance discomfort.

1 – Very Low (Good controls in place, i.e.)Safe system of workGood supervisionAdequate training

SCORES BETWEEN:

1 – 4 = LOW RISK - Very little action required other than verbal instructions during supervision.

5 – 7 = LOW TO MEDIUM RISK - Minor control measures required.

8 – 14 = MEDIUM RISK - Some control measures needed ASAP.

15 – 19 = MEDIUM TO HIGH RISK - Controls required urgently.

20 – 25 = HIGH RISK – Immediate action required. Work task should cease until complete removal of risk and extensive controls in place.

5 10 15 20 254 8 12 16 203 6 9 12 152 4 6 8 101 2 3 4 5

Severity

Part 1 Section 15- 28 -

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METHOD STATEMENTS

Once a risk assessment has been carried out it will identify controls required. Some controls are in the form of a set of safety rules/instructions (safe systems of work) that should be followed. These can be specific to the peculiarities of the site, or an industry standard and it is a systematic approach to carrying out the task in a controlled way.

The process for carrying out the work safely (the way it must be done – method). This is a Method Statement and one will be required for all work.

When a method statement is required to be drawn up:

Ensure all staff have been provided with a copy and instructed on the content Keep a copy of the method statement with the risk assessment Review when circumstances change

Part 1 Section 16

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ELECTRICITY AT WORK REGULATIONS

The main hazards arise from:

Contacting overhead or underground services Poor maintenance of electrical systems Poor protection of electrical systems, e.g. lack of adequate earthing, fuses

replaced by silver paper etc.

The electrical installation and all plant equipment and tools supplied by it will be examined and tested at appropriate intervals to ensure continued safe use.

The details of all circuits, equipment and tools will be recorded on site, and records of all examinations and/or tests will also be kept.

The following basic precautions must be complied with:

Ensuring the safety of yourselves and others by NOT using or repairing equipment which is obviously defective – work on any electrical equipment

must only be carried out by authorised and competent persons who must comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations and the relevant Codes of Practice

Never work on any equipment and/or services unless there is a suitable means to isolate it from all its energy sources. A safe system of work must be used, this may involve placing warning signs on isolators, valves etc.

Reporting any defective equipment Ensure the electrical equipment you use on a regular basis is used

appropriately Ensure you DO NOT bring your own mains-operated electrical equipment

onto site Ensure you DO NOT use electrical equipment outside its operating limits e.g.

in wet conditions

Part 1 Section 17

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THE WORKPLACE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE REGULATIONS

This document sets out Employees and the Controllers of Premises duties under the Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations.

The Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations lay down minimum standards for workplaces and work in or near buildings.

Workplaces must be suitable for all who work in them, including workers with any kind of disability. This applies especially to Regulations dealing with traffic routes; seating and workstations; toilet, washing and changing facilities; rest and meal facilities. All workplaces should be as accessible as possible to people with disabilities and new buildings or conversions must be designed with this in mind.

Controllers of Premises duties:

Maintenance

Ensure work equipment, devices and systems are maintained in an efficient state and working order, and in good repair. Where appropriate, they must be subject to a suitable system of maintenance.

Ventilation

Enclosed workplaces must be ventilated by a sufficient quantity of fresh and purified air.

Temperature

A reasonable temperature must be maintained inside buildings during working hours; a sufficient number of thermometers must be provided.

Lighting

Lighting must be suitable and sufficient, and natural so far as is reasonably practicable. Emergency lighting must be provided where lighting failure would cause danger.

Cleanliness

Workplaces and furnishings must be kept sufficiently clean. Waste materials must not accumulate, except in suitable receptacles.

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Space

Workrooms must have sufficient floor area, height and unoccupied space. Existing workplaces previously covered by the Factories Act must comply with certain requirements for space and toilets.

Workstations

Workstations must be suitable for the worker and work. A suitable seat must be provided where necessary.

Floors

Floors must be suitable and not be uneven or slippery, so presenting a safety risk. They must be kept free from obstructions likely to cause a slip, trip or fall. Handrails must be provided on staircases, except where they would obstruct traffic.

Falls

Suitable and sufficient measures should be taken to prevent persons falling or being struck by falling objects. Tanks must be securely covered and fenced where there is risk of a person falling into a dangerous substance.

Windows

Windows, and transparent and translucent surfaces, must consist of safe material; be clearly marked; and be safe when open.

Traffic

Workplace traffic must be organised to allow safe circulation by pedestrians and vehicles.

Doors

Doors and gates must be suitably constructed and comply with certain specifications.

Toilets

Suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences must be provided at readily accessible places.

Washing

Suitable and sufficient washing facilities must be provided at readily accessible places.

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Water

An adequate supply of wholesome drinking water, and cups, must be provided, readily accessible and conspicuously marked.

Clothing

Suitable and sufficient accommodation for clothing must be provided, as well as changing facilities where special clothing is worn.

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Part 1 Section 18

PROVISION AND USE OF WORK EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations apply to all work equipment and cover ‘any machinery, appliance, apparatus or tool and any assembly of components’.

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, all employers are required to assess the risks to the health and safety of workers and others that may be affected by the work. This will include assessing the risks of work equipment. Where risks are identified, these should be eliminated or reduced immediately.

Safety representatives have rights to be consulted in good time, on all aspects of health and safety including selection of suitable work equipment and maintenance procedures.

Guidance to the Work Equipment Regulations states that where there is an overlap with other Regulations, compliance with the more specific Regulation will normally be sufficient to comply with the Work Equipment Regulations.


There are no specific duties on you in the Work Equipment Regulations. However, you have a general duty, under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act, not to endanger yourselves or others at work.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations requires you to use work equipment correctly, in accordance with training and instructions.

Employers’ duties:

Suitability

Ensure that work equipment is constructed or adapted to be suitable for the purpose for which it is used or provided; have regard to working conditions and risks to health and safety when selecting equipment; and ensure that work equipment is used only for operations for which and under which it is suitable. Suitable means ‘in any respect which it is reasonably foreseeable will affect the health and safety of any person’.

Maintenance

Ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state and working order, and in good repair. Ensure that where there is a maintenance log, it is kept up to date.

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Information

Ensure that all persons who use, or who supervise the use of, work equipment have available to them comprehensible and adequate health and safety information and, where appropriate, written instructions on use. These must also include the conditions and methods of use, and foreseeable abnormal situations and action to be taken in such circumstances.

Training

Ensure all persons who use, or supervise the use of, work equipment have received adequate health and safety training.

Specific requirements

Concerning dangerous parts of machinery; protection against specific hazards; high or very low temperatures; controls and control systems; isolation from sources of energy; stability; lighting; maintenance operations; markings; and warnings are also included; compliance must be ensured.

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Part 1 Section 19

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes protective clothing. Hearing and most respiratory protective equipment are covered by other Regulations and guidance.


Use protective equipment provided, in accordance with training andinstruction given by your employer

Report any loss or obvious defect in protective equipment provided by youremployer

Take all reasonable steps to ensure that your protective equipment isreturned to the accommodation provided for it after use.

Duties of employers:

Provide Personal Protective Equipment to Employees whenever healthand safety risks are not adequately protected against by other means

Select PPE that is suitable for the risk; for Employees who will be using it; and the working environment

Assess the PPE available to ensure it is suitable Maintain the PPE in a clean and effective condition Provide suitable accommodation for PPE provided Ensure that the PPE provided is properly used Provide information, training and instruction for employees.

Note: All personal protective equipment provided under these or otherRegulations must be free of charge to Employees.

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Part 1 Section 20

CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH REGULATIONS

Duties of Employers:

Assess the risk to health arising from the work and what precautions are needed (produce a Risk Assessment and Method Statement for each chemical used)

Introduce appropriate measures to prevent or control the risk Ensure that control measures are used and that equipment is properly

maintained and procedures observed Inform, instruct and train employees about the risks and the precautions to be

taken Adhere to any system of work, training and information given

Guidance

Storage

Chemicals must have specific storage areas defined. These storage areas must be kept locked when not in use.

Chemical Inventory

A chemical inventory must be produced detailing the chemical name, trade name (if applicable), use, Safety Data Sheet Reference number, area(s) of use and storage area.

Areas of Use

Areas of use for all chemicals must be defined within the Chemical Inventory.

Safety Data Sheets

All chemicals stored and used must have a corresponding COSHH Safety Data Sheet supplied. These sheets must be kept wherever chemicals are stored. A master copy should also be kept.These sheets should not be removed from the storage area (unless in an emergency).

Labels

All chemicals should have a label giving basic information about the chemical.If no label is present, do not touch it and inform your Line Manager.

Personal Protective Equipment

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The COSHH Safety Data Sheets will specify what PPE should be worn when handling chemicals.Safety

General precautions include:

Warning signs must be displayed when cleaning floors PPE should be worn appropriate to the task Cleaning stores must be kept locked when not in use Chemicals must be stored according to labels on shelving Hands should be washed after using chemicals Ensure lids/caps etc. are on bottles/containers All cleaning equipment should be rinsed after use e.g. buckets, mops, cloths

etc. Chemicals should be diluted and must be used as per manufacturers

instructions PPE should be cleaned and stored after use Chemicals must never be mixed Deliveries of chemicals must be removed to the appropriate store

immediately Chemicals must never be decanted into unmarked containers

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Part 1 Section 21

PREVENTING SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS

To minimize injuries caused by slips, trips and falls, the following should be adhered to:

Assess the risks from slips, trips and falls. Look for slip and trip Hazards around the workplace such as uneven floors, trailing cables, areas

slippery due to spillages Lighting should enable people to see obstructions, potentially slippery areas

etc. so they can work safely. Lighting should be replaced, repaired or cleaned before levels become too low for safe work.

Floors need to be checked for loose finished, holes and cracks, worn rugs and mats etc.

Obstructions and objects left lying around can cause trips. Keep work areas tidy and if obstructions can’t be removed warn people with signs or barriers. Cardboard should not be used to absorb spillages as this itself presents a tripping hazard

Footwear can play an important part in preventing slips and trips. Clean up spills immediately, if a liquid is greasy, make sure a suitable

cleaning agent is used. Dry the floor where possible or use appropriate barriers to tell people the floor is wet

Position equipment to avoid cables crossing pedestrian routes, use cable covers to securely fix to surfaces, restrict access to prevent contact. Use cordless tools where possible

Keep areas clear, remove rubbish and do not allow it to build up. Try to avoid changes of level, add high visibility tread nosings to steps if the

lighting is poor Improve visibility, provide hand rails and use floor markings by slopes

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Part 1 Section 22

SUB-CONTRACTORS WORKING ON SITE

Before starting work, all sub-contractors must provide to CNF Precision Engineering Limited:

A copy of their Company Health & Safety Policy A copy of their Employers Liability Insurance Certificate A Risk Assessment and Method Statement for all works


All sites must have a Permit to Work system in place Sub-Contractor site rules must be produced, issued and signed for All sub-contractor employee’s must have a site specific Induction covering the

emergency arrangements for the site and sign off All sub-contractor records must be kept for future reference

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Part 1 Section 23

LONE WORKING

To minimize the risk to lone or isolated workers, the following should be adhered to:

Assess the risks to lone or isolated workers Ensure staff are physically capable of working alone Ensure staff are not exposed to significantly more risks than they would if

working with others Ensure staff only handle substances and goods that can be safely handled by

one person Provide suitable and adequate arrangements to safeguard staff Where radios or other communication devices are provided, they must be

carried at all times by lone working staff

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Part 1 Section 24

SMOKING

CNF Precision Engineering Limited is a non-smoking building and must be strictly adhered to.

ALCOHOL & DRUGS

Staff are not allowed on site under the influence of non-prescribed drugs.

Prescribed drugs which have detrimental safety implications must be notified to your Line Manager.

Any person deemed unfit for work by their Line Manager will be removed from site.

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Part 1 Section 25

SAFETY MONITORING

Safety monitoring should take place at pre-determined intervals by the Health & Safety Manager or equivalent:

Type Description Frequency

Audit Full investigation into every aspect of Health & Safety throughout the organisation

Yearly

Sampling Planned inspection following a pre-designed checklist of specific safety aspects

Half yearly

Survey In-depth examination of specific procedures/ methods of work

Quarterly

Inspection Inspection of a specific standard (e.g. PPE) Monthly

Tour Unplanned inspection of work premises by the Health & Safety Manager or equivalent: and Line Managers

As and when required

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Part 1 Section 26

STRESS

Stress is an adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure. If stress is intense and goes on for some time it can lead to mental and physical ill health (e.g. depression, nervous breakdown, heart disease).

Where stress caused or made worse by work could lead to ill health, a Risk Assessment must be produced that involves:

Looking for pressures at work that could cause high and long-lasting levels of stress

Deciding who might be harmed Deciding whether you are doing enough to prevent that harm

Any person who feels under stress should discuss the matter with their Line Manager or Health & Safety Representative.

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Part 1 Section 27

DRIVING ON COMPANY BUSINESS

The following basic precautions must be taken to reduce the likelihood of accidents whilst driving:

Make regular inspections of your vehicle for obvious defects and ensure any noted are rectified without delay

Drive in a safe manner at all times and be particularly careful when driving on construction sites to consider the conditions of temporary access roads or roads that are under construction and being used for access purposes

Ensure before reversing that there are no obstructions or people behind the vehicle

Report all accidents or damage, however minor, to your Line Manager. Ensure any traffic violations you are involved in which, result in you yourself

being prosecuted, are reported to your Line Manager Never use a mobile phone whilst driving

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Part 1 Section 28

GENERAL HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDANCE

Report spillages, breakages and trip hazards Use a lid when carrying hot drinks Hold the handrail whilst using the stairs Keep walkways clear at all times DO NOT carry loads that obstruct your vision Avoid cables running across floors Avoid storing items above head height NEVER stand on a chair to reach items DO NOT sit on desks, cupboards etc.

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Part 1 Section 29

SECURITY ALERT PROCEDURE

Suspicious package

If a member of staff discovers a suspicious package or vehicle in the vicinity of the building, the following procedure should be followed:

Do not touch it Move other people away from the object Inform the Duty Manager or person in charge T he Duty Manager will evaluate the situation and take appropriate action

Telephone Threat

If any member of staff is in receipt of a telephone threat they should carry out the following actions:

Obtain as much information as possible: Location of the security threat Type of threat (e.g. bomb) Time set for detonation Description of explosive or container

Any information that may be of use to the Police: Gender of caller Regional Accent Age Any background noises etc.

This information ideally should be written down.

On completion of the call:

Inform the Duty Manager or person in charge Limit the numbers of staff who need to be informed of this incident to a

minimum. The Duty Manager will evaluate the situation and take appropriate actionEvacuation

Depending on the nature of the incident, an assessment will be made.The action may be either to evacuate the building via a specific route and or to remain within the building in designated areas.

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Part 1 Section 30

MAINTENANCE & HOUSEKEEPING

If you wish to report a maintenance (blocked sink etc.) or cleaning issue (spillage /breakage etc.), this should be done via complete procedure.

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Part 2 Section 1

LIFTING OPERATIONS AND LIFTING EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS

The main hazards associated with lifting operations are:

Overloading of lifting appliance Overloading or incorrect use of lifting gear Incorrect positioning of lifting appliance Insecure attachment of load Contact with overhead electricity cables (see separate section). Improper methods of use of equipment Failure of equipment due to lack of maintenance Incorrect signals


Ensure you follow the site specific Risk Assessment and Method Statement

Only authorised operatives will be permitted to operate lifting appliances, sling loads or give signals. The authorised persons must be over the age of 18 and be competent to carry out the duties. Where there is any doubt of the competency of the authorised operatives, your Line Manager must be informed immediately

Any defect noted in any lifting appliance machine, gear or tackle must be reported immediately and the equipment taken out of use if the defect could affect its safe use

All personnel working with, or near lifting appliances will wear safety helmets

All lifting appliances must be secured and left in safe condition at the end of each working period taking into account the safety of children.

Areas where lifting operations are to be carried out must be cleared and loads must not be carried over personnel

If it is necessary to inspect the bottom faces of heavy loads, purpose made, tested stands must be used

Loose items must be secured or fully covered when being handled by a lifting appliance

If any lift, hoist, crane or excavator collapses or overturns on site or any load bearing part fails, the procedures detailed for the reporting of dangerous occurrences in this policy must be carried out



CONFINED SPACES REGULATIONS

The main hazards associated with confined spaces are:

Asphyxiation due to oxygen depletion Poisoning by toxic substance or fumes Explosions due to gases, fumes, dusts Fire due to flammable liquids, oxygen enrichment etc. Electrocution from unsuitable equipment Difficulties of rescuing injured personnel Drowning

Risk Assessments must be carried out for any work in confined spaces, considerations include:

Testing the atmosphere Safe access and egress Emergency rescue arrangements Correct equipment to be used Information, instruction and training provided Only authorized personnel are permitted to enter the confined space

Confined spaces include:

Storage tanks Silos Reaction vessels Enclosed drains Sewers Open-topped chambers Vats Combustion chambers in furnaces Ductwork Unventilated or poorly ventilated rooms



Part 2 Section 3

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THE HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES REGULATIONS

HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

The main hazards involving flammable liquids are fire and explosion, toxic vapours and toxic or dermatitis effects as a result of contact with skin.



Containers must be adequately sealed and are undamaged to prevent leaks of liquid or vapour

Drums stored in the open air must be securely fenced and surrounded by a bund sufficient to contain the contents of the largest drum plus 10%.

Transfer of liquid from one vessel to another should be carried out in the open air using syphonic devices or funnels and wearing suitable protective clothing.

Adequate ventilation must be provided where flammable liquids are used in enclosed spaces.

No sources of ignition e.g. naked lights, naked flames, unprotected electrical equipment, smoking, etc. is permitted in the vicinity where flammable liquids are stored or used. Notices to this effect should be displayed.

Fire fighting equipment must be well maintained, suitable and ready for use.

Workplaces must be kept free from rubbish and waste materials and flammable liquids not longer required must also be disposed off immediately

Waste material contaminated with flammable substances (e.g. cloths, rags), must be disposed of correctly

Flammable liquids stored in workrooms must not exceed 50 litres and kept in a fire-resisting cupboard

LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) can be extremely dangerous. It is supplied in red (propane) and blue (butane) cylindersThe following basic precautions must be complied with:


Cylinders must be stored separately from other flammable materials Cylinders should be stored in locked cages and at least 3 meters away

from oxygen No Smoking signs must be displayed where LPG is stored Do not use Butane (blue cylinders) when the air temperature is at freezing

point or below

Follow your site specific procedures in the event of a gas leak.

Part 2 Section 4

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CONSTRUCTION (DESIGN & MANAGEMENT) REGULATIONS

Brief overview of duties of clients under the CDM Regulations 1994.

If you are a client (other than a domestic client) for a construction project, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 (CDM for short) will probably apply. The purpose of CDM is to ensure that health and safety is co-ordinated and managed throughout all stages of a construction project in order to help reduce accidents, ill-health and costs. Where CDM applies, you will have legal duties to discharge (which are enforceable in a court of law). Your duties are the same whatever the size of project. However, how much you will actually need to do will vary from project to project. Where any potential risks are low, little will be required of clients. Where they are higher, you will need to do more. It is important that what you do is proportionate to the risks and does not create any unnecessary paperwork.

NB: A domestic client is someone who lives, or will live, in the premises where the work is carried out. The premises must not relate to any trade, business or other undertaking.

Does CDM APPLY

CDM applies to all demolition and structural dismantling work, except where it is undertaken for a domestic client

CDM applies to most construction projects. There are a number of situations where CDM does not apply

These include:

Some small-scale projects which are exempt from some aspects of CDM

Construction work for domestic clients, (although there are always duties on the designer, and the contractor should notify HSE where appropriate)

Construction work carried out inside offices and shops, or similarpremises, that does not interrupt the normal activities in thepremises and is not separated from those activities

The maintenance or removal of insulation on pipes, boilers or other parts of heating or water systems

What are my duties as a client?

As a client, you have to:

Appoint a planning supervisor (either an individual or a company, e.g. a design team). The appointment should be made in sufficient time to allow the planning supervisor to develop a suitable pre-tender health and safety plan before arrangements are made for construction work

Ensure that the planning supervisor is provided with health and safety information about the premises or site where construction works is to be carried out. A planning supervisor has responsibility

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for co-ordinating the health and safety aspects of design and for ensuring a pre-tender health and safety plan is prepared. Your designer may be able to advise you on this appointment

Appoint a principal contractor. Do this in sufficient time to allow the principal contractor to develop a suitable construction-phase health and safety plan before construction begins. A principal contractor has responsibility for co-ordinating health and safety aspects during the construction phase

Be reasonably satisfied that all those you appoint are competent and adequately resourced to carry out their health and safety responsibilities for the job in hand

Ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable that a suitable construction-phase health and safety plan has been prepared by the principal contractor before construction begins

Take reasonable steps to ensure that the health and safety file you will be given at the end of the project is kept available for inspection by those considering future construction work

The health and safety file is a record of information which tells you (and others) about the key health and safety risks that have to be managed during any future maintenance, repair, construction work or demolition. Domestic clients do not have duties.

Can I appoint someone else to carry out my duties?

You can appoint an agent to act on your behalf as client if you wish. If you do, you should ensure that they are competent to carry out your duties. If you appoint an agent, they should send a written declaration to HSE.It should: State that the agent is acting on your behalf Give the name and address of the agent Give the exact address of the construction site Be signed by or on behalf of your agent

Can I appoint myself to carry out other duties?

You can appoint yourself as planning supervisor and/or principal contractor providing you are competent and adequately resourced to comply with their health and safety responsibilities. You need to be a contractor in order to appoint yourself as principal contractor.

CDM Regulations (The Role of the Client)

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If you are a client you have specific duties to carry out. The CDM Regulations are aimed at improving the overall management and co-ordination of health, safety and welfare throughout all stages of a construction project to reduce the large number of serious and fatal accidents and cases of ill health, which happen every year in the construction industry.The CDM Regulations place duties on all those who can contribute to the health and safety of a construction project. Duties are placed upon clients, designers and contractors and the Regulations create a new duty holder - the planning supervisor. They also introduce new documents - health and safety plans and the health and safety file.The degree of detail as well as the time and effort required to comply with your legal duties need only be in proportion to the nature, size and level of health and safety risks involved in the project. Therefore for small projects with minimal health and safety risks, you will only be required to take simple, straightforward steps and few, if any, specialist skills will be needed.

To which projects do the CDM Regulations apply?

The CDM Regulations apply to most construction projects. However, there are a number of situations where the Regulations do not apply. These include: Construction work other than demolition that does not last longer than 30

days and does not involve more than four people Construction work for a domestic client Construction work carried out inside offices and shops or similar premises

without interrupting the normal activities in the premises and without separating the construction activities from the other activities

The maintenance or removal of insulation on pipes, boilers or other parts of heating or water systems

People who as part of their business construct houses for subsequent transfer with land (whether by sale or other means) to domestic clients are known as developers under the CDM Regulations and have duties as clients

If you have any doubt about whether the CDM Regulations apply to your project, or whether you have legal duties as a client, you should contact your local HSE office.

If the Client wishes to using an agent

If you wish, you can appoint someone else to carry out your duties as a client. The CDM Regulations allow you to appoint an agent for this purpose. If you appoint an agent, you first have to ensure that they are competent to carry out your duties as a client. This may involve making enquiries about their previous track record, experience and management arrangements for carrying out these duties.

If you have decided someone will act, as your agent a written declaration has to be sent to HSE by either you or the agent. The declaration should:

Explain the agent is acting on your behalf; Include the name and address of the person making the declaration; Contain the exact address of the site; Be signed by or on behalf of your agent.

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What are the client and client's agent duties under the CDM Regulations?

You have the following duties under the CDM Regulations, whether you are a client or client's agent: Appoint a planning supervisor Provide information on health and safety to the planning supervisor Appoint a principal contractor Ensure those you appoint are competent and adequately resourced to

carry out their health and safety responsibilities Ensure that a suitable health and safety plan has been prepared by the

principal contractor before construction work starts Ensure the health and safety file given to you at the end of the project is

kept available for use

If you arrange for someone to prepare a design or for a contractor to carry out construction work on the project, you also have duties to ensure they are competent and are adequately resourced to carry out their health and safety responsibilities.

Appointing a planning supervisor

You have to appoint a competent and adequately resourced planning supervisor. You should make this appointment as early as possible during the design and planning work for the project so that they can carry out their duties and advise you if necessary on the subsequent appointment of others.The planning supervisor has responsibility for coordinating the health and safety aspects of design and for ensuring the pre-tender stage health and safety plan is prepared.

Providing information to the planning supervisor

You have to provide the planning supervisor with any information you possess that is relevant to health and safety of the project. This could be information about the site, the premises, work processes or activities where the construction work is to be carried out. You may have the information to hand (e.g. existing drawings) or you might have to arrange for surveys of the site or premises to obtain the relevant information (e.g. determining the location and presence of asbestos). It might also involve obtaining information from utility companies on the location of services.

Appointing a principal contractor

Before construction work starts, you have to appoint a competent and adequately resourced principal contractor to carry out or manage the health and safety aspects of the work. In most cases this will be the contractor who will be in charge of the construction work (e.g. the main, design and build or management contractor). You could ask prospective principal contractors how they intend to deal with the health and safety issues highlighted by the planning supervisor in the pre-tender stage health and safety plan. This will help you determine whether the prospective principal contractor is competent and adequately resourced.

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Enquiries about their previous track record, experience, general arrangements for managing health and safety and references will also help in assessing competence. You can also ask the planning supervisor to advise you on the issues of competence and resources for health and safety. They have to do this if you request it.Making arrangements for designers or other contractors to carry out work.

If you arrange for a designer to prepare a design or for a contractor to carry out construction work, you have to be reasonably satisfied they are competent and are adequately resourced to carry out their health and safety responsibilities. This means that where you arrange for a designer to be novated to a contractor, when you nominate a preferred contractor or arrange for any designer or contractor to undertake work, you also have to be reasonably satisfied of their competence and resources.

Ensuring a suitable health and safety plan has been prepared before construction work begins

Before construction work starts you have to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable that the principal contractor has prepared a suitable health and safety plan. You can ask your planning supervisor to advise you on whether the plan is suitable. They have to do this if you request it.You are only expected to make a decision on whether the health and safety plan is suitable from the information, which is available at the start of the construction phase. For many projects, not all information relevant to the project may be available to develop the health and safety plan fully before the construction phase starts. For example, not all thedesign work may have been completed or many of the subcontractors who will be carrying out the work have yet to be appointed. However, the health and safety plan should be sufficiently developed so that:

the general framework for dealing with the management organization, emergency procedures, arrangements for monitoring, communications, and welfare is in place; and

it addresses the key tasks of the early work packagesThe degree of detail in the health and safety plan should be in proportion to the nature, size and level of health and safety risks involved in the project. Projects involving minimal risks will call for simple, straightforward plans. Large projects, or those involving significant risks, will need further detail.

The Health and Safety file

The health and safety file is a record of information which tells you (and others who might be responsible for the structure in the future) of the key health and safety risks that have to be managed during future maintenance, repair or construction work. The planning supervisor has to ensure the health and safety file is prepared. They have to hand it over to you at the end of the construction work. You have to ensure that it is available to those who need it in the future (e.g. maintenance contractors).

Part 2 Section 5

ASBESTOS REGULATIONS

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Breathing air containing asbestos dust can lead to asbestos related diseases. These are mainly cancers of the chest and lungs.

You must not at any time, work with or remove asbestos insulation, coating or insulation boards. This includes drilling, cutting or abrading them.

Under the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations, Controllers of premises have a duty to make information on the location and condition of asbestos available to anyone liable to work or disturb asbestos.



Ensure you are aware of the location of any asbestos (inspect the Asbestos Register)

If you have any doubts about any of the materials at any site, you must presume it contains asbestos

Part 2 Section 6

WORKING WITH LEAD

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Lead can damage health if it is inhaled as dust, ingested whilst eating, drinking or smoking or if it is absorbed through the skin in the form of lead compounds.

The Control of Lead at Work Regulations and its Approved Code of Practice cover any work involving lead and must be strictly observed. The Regulation applies to any work that exposes anyone to lead, suck as handling, moving, storing or processing lead that causes contact:

In the form of lead dust, fumes or vapour in suck a way that it could be inhaled

In any form which is liable to be ingested such as powder, dust, paint or paste

In the form of lead compounds, such as concentrations of lead alkyls that could be absorbed through the skin



A competent person must assess the degree of exposure to lead poisoning (the risk assessment should determine whether the exposure is significant or not significant)

Wear suitable protective equipment Don’t eat, drink or chew gum Don’t smoke When eating use designated areas that are free from lead

contamination

Part 2 Section 7

WORKING AT HEIGHT

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The main hazards associated with work at heights are:

Falls of person from working places or accesses Falls of materials or articles

In order to prevent falls of persons or objects from a height, the following measures are to be taken:


The safety of the public and particularly children must be a priority consideration during the working period. Access to the working areas must be removed or fenced outside working hours. Warning notices must be displayed

Plan work in advance to anticipate potential problems and implement safe procedures

Whenever practicable, arrange for work to be carried out at ground level or provide adequate platforms

Before any work at height, check that there is adequate clearance for equipment e.g. overhead power lines

Ensure adequate edge protection is provided to working platforms whenever someone could fall 2m or more, in the form of guard rails (at least 910 mm above any edge, intermediate guard rails not exceeding 470 mm) and toe boards (at least 150 mm high) or other barriers.

All floor openings to be covered or barriered off to prevent falling through

All equipment must be inspected before use by a competent person, e.g. scaffolding, working platforms, etc.

Any defects found must be reported immediately to the responsible person

Scaffolding

Scaffolding must be designed, erected and dismantled by competent people and work directed by a competent supervisor

Scaffolding should usually tied to a supporting structure

Mobile elevating platforms (MEWPs)

Mobile elevating platforms (MEWPs) should not be used on uneven or sloping ground and must be footed on a stable ground or on a stable support or structure

Surfaces of working platforms, gangways and runs are kept free of slipping and tripping hazards and are of adequate size (at least 600 mm wide) and strength to accommodate workers, tools and materials

Tower Scaffolds

Whenever possible tower scaffolds can be used instead of ladders. The tower scaffold must rested on firm, level ground and lock the wheels and outriggers

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Ladders

Ladders may only be used where the work can be reached without stretching; the ladder can be fixed to prevent slipping; and a good handhold is available. Check before use that the stiles and rungs are not damaged and any safety feet are not missing

Ladders must be angled to minimise the risk of slipping outwards, as a rule of thumb the ladder must be ‘one out for every four up’

Ladder more than 3 m long, must be secured from falling or footed by a second person.

A ladder must extend about 1 m above any landing place where people will get on and off

Ladders with a vertical distance of more than 9 m, suitable landing areas or platforms must be provided (exception steeplejacks’ ladders)

Safety Harnesses and Belts

Full body safety harnesses are used to limit the distance of any fall and therefore minimize the risk of injury. They are not a substitute for a proper working platform. The performance of the fall arrest system depends completely on a suitable anchorage being provided.



Use safety harnesses and belts, or safety nets where necessary but only as a last resort

Before use, check the harness and lanyard to make sure that they are in good condition. Do not use the harness or the lanyard if it is not safe to use

Attach yourself from a safe position before you move into a position where you will need to rely on the protection provided by the harness

Wherever possible, fix the harness lanyard to a secure anchor point above yourself, this will limit the distance of any fall

Look after all equipment Hang equipment up after use

Part 2 Section 8

SCAFFOLDING


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All materials used for scaffolding will be provided in accordance with the relevant British Standards and will be checked before use

All materials will be properly stored and maintained on sites. No person, other than a competent scaffold will be permitted to alter,

erect, dismantle or otherwise interfere with any scaffold erected Scaffolders erecting scaffolds with platforms more than 5 metres above

the ground must hold a current CITB record card All scaffolds must be tied in accordance with the Code of Practice

requirements. Where the provision of ties is impracticable, then the method of ensuring that the scaffold is adequately supported must be clearly specified and recorded

Any scaffold being erected, altered or dismantled, or otherwise not suitable for use by employees, must have a notice erected warning that it is not to be used

All scaffolds must be checked at the end of each working day to ensure that access to the scaffold by children has been prevented.

Scaffolding should be fully inspected every 7 days and the results recorded. Inspections should also take place after adverse weather conditions, alterations, or when the strength/stability of the scaffold may have been affected

Double guardrails and toe boards must be fitted when the working height is higher than 2 metres from the ground

Access to working platforms must be achieved by proper access ladders built into the scaffold structure, with intermediate landing places at not more than 9 metre intervals

Unless the scaffold has been designed and erected to carry weight, do not load with either scaffold or work material

Materials, including scaffold components, must not be dropped or thrown from scaffolds but lowered to ground level

Part 2 Section 9

SUSPENDED SCAFFOLDING

The main hazards associated with suspended scaffolds are:

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Building or structure not adequate to take load of suspension rig Suspension rig not constructed properly Insufficient counterweights Defective ropes, equipment, connections etc. Overloading of platform (safe working load to be clearly displayed) Materials falling from platform Interference with power supply, if fitted Electrocution due to faulty equipment. Misuse or abuse of equipment, safety devices etc. Debris, tools, snow etc cluttering platform High winds Projections, open windows in building Use of corrosive substances affecting ropes



Only authorised personnel will be allowed to erect, alter or move suspended scaffold suspension structures

Safety helmets must be worn by operatives working in suspended platforms or in areas where items may fall from suspended platforms

Barriers, signs and any other appropriate measures must be taken to prevent hazards to the public. Suspended platforms must be securely fixed outside of an accident to operatives in suspended scaffolds

Depending on equipment used, emergency procedures must be prepared in the event of an accident to operatives in suspended scaffolds

All operatives in suspended scaffolds will be provided with safety harnesses which must be attached to a safety line secured to a safe independent anchorage

Notices will be provided adjacent to power sully to suspended scaffold when in use warning that it is not to be interfered with. Where possible, power supply connections to be boxed in and secured with a lock

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Part 2 Section 10

DEBRIS CHUTES

The main hazards associated with chutes are:

Collapse of the chute due to inadequate support Collapse due to the blockage and overloading with debris at any level Persons being struck by debris being discharged from the chute. Eye injuries from dust Collapse of support scaffold of chute due to inadequate ties and bracing Falls of debris from loading area of chute due to lack of toe boards,

careless handling of debris while loading etc.



Chutes constructed from prefabricated tube sections are normally only designed to hang vertically and should not be inclined unless specially designed

Winches provided for the erection of prefabricated chutes must not be used for any other purpose

Safety helmets must be worn by all personnel working in the area of a debris chute

Where chute is used in area where the public have access suitable protective measures are required by means of solid hoardings etc.

No piece of debris longer than the smallest chute internal dimension must be placed in the chute

The discharge end of the chute must be kept clear to prevent a build-up of material

Where the chute causes an obstruction, warning signs and lighting may have to be provided and maintained

A temporary barrier must be set up around the hopper at the top of the chute. This will prevent any debris that may accidentally miss the hopper falling directly to the ground

Regularly check the equipments general condition paying attention to all the retaining clips and bolts

Before each use, warn everyone below to stand clear. The chute must never be used when anyone is directly beneath it



MOBILE TOWER SCAFFOLDS

All operatives required to use mobile tower scaffolds will be instructed in the safe use and movement of scaffolds.

The following precautions must be complied with:


Only persons attending a PASMA (Prefabricated Aluminium Scaffold Manufacturers Association), or equivalent may erect, alter or dismantle a mobile tower

Height must be relative to effective base dimension (normally a maximum height to least base dimension ratio of 3.5 to 1 is specified for towers used inside a building and 3 to 1 used outside, however, lower ratios may be specified by manufacturers of very light mobile towers)

Outriggers or stabilisers must be extended where applicable Tower must not be used or moved on sloping, uneven or obstructed

surfaces Tower must be tied to building where required Tower must be moved from ground level Floor must be free from openings, ducts, steps etc. No person to remain on platform while being moved Materials and tools to be removed or secured on platform Overhead obstructions must be noted (in particular overhead electricity

cables) Bracing members must be fitted Double guardrails and toe boards must be fitted when the working

height is higher than 2 metres from the ground Wheels must be locked when platform is in use Tower must not be used in adverse weather Safe working load of platform must not be exceeded When mobile tower scaffolds are not in use, measures must be taken to

ensure that children cannot reach or climb scaffolds All operatives erecting, altering, dismantling or working around the base

of mobile tower scaffolds must wear safety helmets Mobile tower scaffolds should be limited to a height of 12 metres Outriggers must be fitted to tower scaffolds over 9.8 metres

Part 2 Section 12

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MOBILE ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS

The main hazards associated with the use of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWP) are:

Falls of persons or materials from the platform. Trapping in the MEWP mechanism or structure Overturning between the platform and fixed obstruction Overturning due to overloading, uneven ground, wind etc. Collisions when in motion or use Failures of the MEWP structure Unintentional movement due to accidental or incompetent use of

controls Persons stranded at high level due to power failure or breakdown. Contact with electricity Persons struck by the MEWP Use of MEWP on public roads or at night

When using a MEWP following must be ensured:


Person operating the MEWP must have attended a IPAF (International Powered Access Federation), or equivalent course

The work platform is provided with guardrails and toe boards or other suitable barriers.

It is used on firm and level ground Its tyres are properly inflated Outriggers are extended and chocked as necessary before raising the

platform Information to all concerned as what to do if the machine fails with the

platform in the raised position MEWP is not operated close to overhead cables or dangerous

machinery A knuckle, or elbow, of the arm should not be allowed to protrude into a

traffic route when working near vehicles The MEWP must not be moved with the platform in the raised position

unless designed to do so Where MEWP is moved with the platform in raised position, a harness

with a lanyard must be worn and attached to the platform All persons working on or near to mobile elevating work platforms must

wear safety head protection as specified in their site specific Risk Assessment and Method Statement

Part 2 Section 13

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LADDERS

The main hazards associated with ladders are:

Not securing the ladder properly Unsafe use of ladder (over reaching, sliding down etc.) Using ladder where safer method should be provided. Using ladder with defect. (Note - painting of timber ladders, which could

hide defects, is prohibited by regulations) Unsuitable base to ladder Insufficient handhold at top of ladder or at stepping off position. Insufficient foothold at each rung Using ladder near overhead electrical cable, crane contacts etc. Ladder at unsuitable angle, swaying, springing etc (recommend angle 1

in 4 or 75 degrees) Insufficient overlap of extension ladders



Ladders may only be used where the work can be reached without stretching; the ladder can be fixed to prevent slipping; and a good handhold is available. Check before use that the stiles and rungs are not damaged and any safety feet are not missing

Ladders must be angled to minimise the risk of slipping outwards, as a rule of thumb the ladder must be ‘one out for every four up’ i.e. 75 degree angle

Ladder more than 2 metres long, must be secured from falling or footed by a second person

A ladder must extend about 1 m above any landing place where people will get on and off

Ladders with a vertical distance of more than 9 m, suitable landing areas or platforms must be provided (exception steeplejacks’ ladders).

Only one person must be on the ladder at a time Suitable footwear must be worn when using a ladder Methods of use which will result in damage to the ladder will not be

permitted e.g. securing ladder with scaffold clip, placing board on rung to form a working platform or ramp etc.

Face the ladder when climbing or descending Do not over reach Never throw equipment down – always carry it down the ladder To prevent the ladder from running sideways or slide away from the

wall it must be secured by rope or suitable stabilisation devices Ladders will be removed to storage or made inaccessible by some

means at the end of each working day to ensure that unauthorised access to scaffolds etc.

Part 2 Section 14

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STEP LADDERS, TRESTLES AND STAGINGS

The main hazards associated with stepladders, trestles and stagings are:

Unsuitable base, e.g. uneven, packing pieces, loose, material etc. Unsafe use of equipment (on scaffold platforms, roof, etc where special

precautions not taken) Overloading Use of equipment where safer method should be provided Excessive span of scaffold boards when used with trestles (must not

exceed 1.5m where 38mm thick boards used) Overhang of boards or staging at support (trap ends) Using defective equipment. (Note - painting of timber, step ladders,

trestles, stagings etc which could hide defects is prohibited by Regulations)



Do not use the top platform of a stepladder unless it is designed with special handholds

Ensure stepladders are positioned on level ground and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions

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Part 2 Section 15

HOISTS

The main hazards associated with hoists are:

Hoists not adequately tied to the building Defects in ropes, safety brake, over run devices etc. Unsecured materials on platform Failing to close gates Overloading platform Operating hoist from more that one position Hoist not fully enclosed at loading positions Misunderstanding signals Unsafe access at loading positions



Only competent persons will be permitted to erect, alter, dismantle and maintain hoists

Hoists shall be thoroughly examined and tested after erection, substantial alteration or repair and at six monthly intervals. Regular weekly checks shall be carried out and results recorded

A passenger hoist will not be used on site until it has been tested and thoroughly examined. A further test and thorough examination will be carried out after an increase in the height of the hoist

A goods hoist will not be used until a test and thorough examination certificate is available specifying the safe working load when it was manufactured or substantially altered or repaired

All tests and thorough examinations will be carried out by an insurance company engineer, surveyor or other competent person

Only a trained, authorised hoist operator will be permitted to operate the hoist. Any person required to give signals to a hoist operator will be given instruction. Only persons over 18 years of age are permitted to operate hoists or give signals

The hoist platform shall not be overloaded and loads are to be evenly distributed

Hoists shall be used in such a way as to prevent falling of materials from its platform

The hoist way shall be enclosed at places where people might be struck by working platforms and fenced where people could fall down it

The landing gates must be kept closed except during loading and unloading

No one shall be allowed to ride on a goods hoist and notice to that effect shall be put in place

All personnel working with or near a hoist will wear safety helmets

Part 2 Section 16

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CRANES

Only authorised, and where appropriate, certificated persons will be permitted to operate cranes or to give signals and sling loads. The authorised persons must be over the age of 18 and competent to carry out the duties. Where there is any doubt of the competency of authorised operatives, the contracts manager must be informed immediately.

Where any defect is noted or reported in any crane or item of lifting gear and the defect could affect the safe use of the equipment, it must be taken our of use until the defect is rectified.

The main hazards associated with cranes are:

Overloading due to failure to correctly estimate loads or by incorrect use of crane

Inadequate maintenance of equipment, use of defective equipment. Unsafe methods of erection, alteration or dismantling of crane Unsafe slinging, incorrect slings used Insecure loads Handling of loads in high winds Contact with electricity cables (see separate section) Incorrect signals Unsuitable base for crane



All personnel working with, or near cranes must wear safety helmets. All cranes must be secured and left in a safe condition at the end of

each working period taking into account the safety of children. Loads must not be left suspended when the crane is unattended

Loads must not be carried out personnel or public areas unless precautions taken to remove risk. Loose materials must be fully secured or covered when being handled

Safety equipment must be provided to persons carrying out inspections or maintenance of cranes where a fall of 2 metres or more is possible

If any crane collapses or overturns on site or any part fails, the safety officer must be contacted immediately and the procedures detailed for reporting dangerous occurrences in this policy must be carried out

Part 2 Section 17

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LIFTING GEAR

The main hazards associated with lifting gear are:

Overloading Incorrect use, i.e. too wide an angle between legs of sling, use of

eyebolt at an angle etc. Abuse i.e. use of sling as towing rope etc. Damage to sling, i.e. lack of packing to load Incorrect slinging method



Only authorised slingers over 18 years of age are permitted to use lifting gear

Where defects are noted or reported with lifting gear, the equipment must be taken out of use immediately

All personnel working with or near lifting appliances must wear safety helmets

‘Dynamo’ type eyebolts must not be used Repairs to lifting gear must not be carried out on site. A test certificate

must be obtained for any repaired item of lifting gear Slings and other lifting gear must not be used for operations for which

they were not intended and must not be altered or adapted by unsafe methods, e.g. knots, bolt through links etc.

Sufficient materials for packing between sling and load must be provided

Part 2 Section 18

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CRADLES



Only operate a cradle if you have been properly trained to do so Position barriers and warning notices below cradles to warn people

below of the overhead work Secure the cradle when not in use Check the cradle before use Wear safety helmets and use a safety harness with a lanyard that is

attached to the cradle fall arrest system Establish a procedure in case of an emergency e.g. mechanical

breakdown Enter and leave the cradle platform at floor level or other safe access

point Do not exceed the maximum safe working load or number of persons

that may be in the cradle at any one time

Part 2 Section 19

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ROOF WORK



Do not go onto any roof or undertake any roof work until you are properly trained to do so

Consider emergency rescue arrangements Provide a safe working platform with guardrails and toe boards Avoid working on roofs in bad weather (e.g. in strong winds)

Only if the first level of protection cannot be achieved in practice, are the following acceptable:

Safety nets Safety harnesses with lanyards or inertia wheels, attached to a suitable

anchorage point

Part 2 Section 20

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FORK LIFT TRUCKS

The main hazards are overturning, instability of load, riding and also working off raised forklifts and failure of the truck due to poor maintenance.



Only trained and authorised persons will be permitted to operate fork lift trucks

Under no circumstances should the fork lift be used for persons to stand on and reach heights

The truck must not be overloaded in excess of manufacturer's loading table

All loads must be transported securely and correct. Well maintained pallets must be used

Trucks must be parked in their designated positions following completion of the task, including for charging of batteries

There will be strictly no smoking where batteries of electrically operated trucks are being charged. Adequate ventilation should always be ensured

Topping up of battery acid must only be carried out by trained and competent personal and they must use the protective equipment provide, especially safety goggles, gloves and apron

Safety mechanisms provided by the manufacturers should not be tempered with or over-ridden

All defects, however small must be reported immediately to the supervisor

Trucks will be maintained and serviced in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations

Part 2 Section 21

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POWER TOOLS

HAND TOOLS



Carry out visual checks of the equipment before use

COMPRESSED AIR TOOLS



When moving compressors on site, care must be taken to ensure that jockey wheel or towing arm stand is not damaged

When changing tools connected to compressed air lines not fitted with automatic cut off valves the air must be turned off at source (lines must not just be folded and held or tied)

Wear suitable protective footwear when using compressed air equipment, breakers, rammers etc.

Compressed air will not be used to blow down clothing etc and disciplinary action will be taken against any operative seen directing live compressed air hose at any other person

Part 2 Section 22

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WORKING WITH GLASS

Proper handling of glass is essential if accidents are to be avoided.



Glass always has a cut edge which will cut any soft material with which it comes into contact

Wear appropriate protective equipment, in particular gloves and goggles

Read warning notices when unloading glass from delivery vehicles Never handle glass with slippery conditions underfoot – if necessary

scatter sand, sawdust or similar on the ground to avoid slipping Wind pressure can cause a large sheet of glass to become

unmanageable when outside or in a doorway or similar opening Ensure there is adequate assistance before handling large sheets of

glass If using suction pads, ensure that the surface of the glass is clean and

dry. Release and refix them at frequent intervals if the operation is lengthy

Suitably dispose of broken glass, do not pick it up, always use a brush and shovel

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Part 2 Section 23

WOODWORKING MACHINES

The main hazards associated with woodworking machines on site are:

Contact with cutters due to guarding, push sticks not provided Work piece being ejected due to blunt cutters Unsafe working methods, safety devices inoperative Loose clothing becoming entangled in moving parts Falling into machine due to debris, slippery or uneven floors Fires due to a build up of chips, saw dusts etc. Health hazards due to dusts, resins of certain woods or fumes from

adhesives Insufficient lighting Noise Other persons passing near woodworking machinery in use



Wear suitable protective equipment



GAS/ARC WELDING, BRAZING & CUTTING



Only trained and competent persons may use welding and/or cutting equipment

Appropriate goggles must be worn when carrying out welding and cutting

Suitable face shields and protective clothing must be worn during arc welding, screens should be erected to protect people from arc glare and possible eye injury

Ensure the area is properly ventilated Do not cut galvanized metal with an oxy-acetylene torch as this causes

poisonous fumes to be given off Flashback arrestors will be fitted to all oxygen and fuel gas regulators. No painted metal will be cut or welded until advice is obtained on the

precautions required Information must be obtained from suppliers of welding rods on

possible health risks and precautions before work starts Welding or gas cutting in confined spaces will not be carried out until

advice is obtained on the precautions required

During arc welding make sure:

The return lead is clamped as close to the point of welding as possible Avoid arc welding on plant that is fitted with rubber anti-vibration joints To protect against an insulation failure when using mains powered

welding transformers, make sure it is earthed Generators that are used for welding are positioned so that the exhaust

fumes and noise do not enter the main areas of work

See RADIATION - Part 2 Section 29

Part 2 Section 25

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PIPEWORK

Some of the hazards involved in pipework are:

Explosions due to: Welding operationsStatic electricityLeaks into ducts of fumesRupture of pipes under pressure

Fire due to: Leaking flammable liquidSpontaneous combustionLagging soaked with flammable liquid

Burns from: Hot metal workWelds

Scalds from: Hot water/steam leaks

Asphyxiation from: Oxygen depletion in ductsGases used for purging/freezing

Health hazards: Inhalation of dusts, fumes etcIngestion of toxic substancesSkin contact with fuels, chemicals etc



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Part 2 Section 26

WORKING WITH SEWAGE

Work activities that bring you into contact with sewage and sewage products expose you to the risk of contracting a work-related illness:

Weil’s Disease (Leptospirosis) Hepatitis Gastroenteritis

The microbe responsible usually enters through unprotected cuts and scratches.

How to protect yourself:


Wear appropriate protective clothing Do not touch your face, smoke, eat or drink, unless you have washed

your hands and face thoroughly with soap and water Cleanse all exposed wounds, however small, and cover with a sterile

waterproof dressing Change out of contaminated clothing before eating, drinking or smoking

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Part 2 Section 27

HAND-ARM VIBRATION

If your hands are regularly exposed to high vibration you may suffer from several kinds of injury to your hands and arms, including impaired blood circulation and damage to the nerves and muscles. Collectively these injuries are known as ‘hand-arm vibration syndrome’, though other names are sometimes used, including ‘dead finger, ‘dead hand’ or ‘vibration white finger.

Signs of vibration injury:

Pain, tingling or numbness in the fingers, hands, wrists or arms In the cold and wet, fingers go white, then blue, then red and are painful Unable to feel things with your fingers (may be unable to pick up small

objects such as screws or nails

If you experience any of the above after 5 to 10 minutes of continuously operating a machine or power toll, stop what you are doing and inform your Line Manager.

Who is at risk?

You are at risk if you regularly use hand-held powered tools such as: Concrete breakers, chipping hammers, jigger picks Vibrating pokers Sanders, angle grinders Vibrating compactors Hammer drills, jigsaws Scabblers, needle guns

The following basic precautions must be taken to reduce the likelihood of hand-arm vibration:

Use a low vibration tool Always use the right tool for the job Check tools before using them to make sure they have been properly

maintained and repaired to avoid vibration caused by faults and general wear

Make sure cutting tool are kept sharp Reduce the amount of time you use the tool in one go, by doing other

jobs in between Avoid gripping or forcing the tool more than you have to Use padded gloves that are intended to provide a level of vibration

isolation Make sure that your hands are kept warm to maintain a good flow of

blood to the fingers, particularly in cold weather

Part 2 Section 28

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DEMOLITION



A competent person must be nominated to take charge of the operation. They must be aware of, and understand, legislation and safety requirements

Carry out demolition work in accordance with British Standards and Health & Safety Executive guidance notes

Check the present condition, age and state of preservation of the structure affected by the work

Check for any special hazards e.g. asbestos, chemicals, lead or paint Check for the route or existence of services both overhead and

underground and where necessary where these should be isolated Check that buildings, containers, ground areas etc. have not been

contaminated or used for strong toxic, explosive or radioactive material

Part 2 Section 29

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RADIATION

IONISING RADIATION

The main hazards associated with ionising radiation are:

X-rays and gamma rays, which cause burns, dermatitis, cancer, cell damage or blood changes.

X-rays and gamma rays are emitted from x-ray machines, bomb scanners, some radiography machines, radioactive sources and substances.


You must not work with any ionising radiation equipment, device or substance without prior consultation with your Line Manager or the Health, Safety & Quality Manager


NON-IONISING RADIATION

Lasers

Lasers have the ability to physically destroy tissue.

Lasers can be classified according to their relative hazard potential:

Class 1 lasers are safeClass 2 lasers are low power devices emitting radiation at the visible band. Protection is afforded by the aversion response or the blink reflex of the eyeClass 3a lasers emit radiation in the visible band. Eye protection is afforded by the aversion response. Direct intrabeam with optical aids is hazardous and must be avoided.Class 3b lasers are high-powered devices. Direct intrabeam viewing is hazardous and optical viewing aids must not be usedClass 4 lasers are high-powered devices. Intrabeam viewing, specular and diffuse reflections are hazardous. There is also a potential fire risk and injuries to the skin. Use of class4 lasers require extreme caution.



Use fixed shielding using enclosures of the source and screening of the working area

Use of non-reflective surfaces in the working area Use of eye protection with specially designed optical filters to absorb

strong radiation

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Ultraviolet Radiation

Ultraviolet radiation is produced by arc welding; the natural source is the sun.

The Sun

Exposure from the sun can cause skin damage including sunburn, blistering, skin ageing and in the long term can lead to skin cancer.

UV radiation is considered an occupational hazard for staff that work outdoors.A tan is not healthy – it is a sign that skin has already been damaged by the sun.



Cover up exposed skin during the summer months, especially at lunch time when the sun is at its hottest – wear a long sleeved top, and a hat with a brim or flap that protects the ears and neck

Use sunscreen of at least SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 15 on any part of your body you cannot cover up and apply as directed on the product.

Take breaks in the shade Schedule work to minimize exposure Water points should be sited in the shade Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration Check your skin regularly for unusual spots or moles that change size,

shape or colour and seek medical advice if you find anything that causes you concern

Arc Welding

The main hazards associated with arc welding are:

An effect on the eye from ultraviolet radiation called ‘arc eye’ or ‘welders flash’



Wear protective equipment – face shields must not be able to be penetrated by ultraviolet radiation. Eye protection must be able to absorb ultraviolet radiation

Other employees and the public must be protected by screens around the work area

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FURTHER INFORMATION

WebsitesHealth & Safety Executive (www.hse.gov.uk)RoSPA - Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (www.rospa.com)London Fire Brigade (www.london-fire.gov.uk)Incident Contact Centre (www.riddor.gov.uk)

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http://www.riddor.gov.uk/

http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/fire_safety/fire_safety.asp

http://www.rospa.com/CMS/index.asp

http://www.hse.gov.uk/


HEALTH & SAFETY MANUAL

Name (PRINT)

Signature

Date

I have read and understood the CNF Precision Engineering Limited Health & Safety Manual.

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