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Safe System of Work - Health & Safety Policy

Bellwood Interiors Ltd© Issue 013 Revision 001/BWIL/ 01-04-13 1st April 2013 of 247

Suite 410 Jansell Business Centre

Hitchin Road Stopsley Luton

Bedfordshire LU2 7XH

Web: www.bellwoodinteriors.com

Company Policy on Health, Safety & Welfare in accordance with

Section 2(3) of the Health & Safety at Work Act etc 1974

1st April 2013



Contents Health & Safety Policy Amendment Sheet ............................................................................................. 5 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 9

Introductory Note .................................................................................................................................. 9 Compliance Review ............................................................................................................................ 10 Safety Programme .............................................................................................................................. 10 Planning, Organisation, Control, Monitoring & Review ........................................................................ 11

Section 1 ................................................................................................................................................. 14 Health and Safety Policy Statements.................................................................................................... 14

Health & Safety Policy Statement ....................................................................................................... 14 COSHH Policy Statement ................................................................................................................... 16 Environmental Policy Statement ......................................................................................................... 17 Smoking Policy ................................................................................................................................... 18 Drugs & Alcohol Policy ........................................................................................................................ 19

Section 2 ................................................................................................................................................. 20 Organisational Structure for Health & Safety ...................................................................................... 20 Section 3 ................................................................................................................................................. 21 Health & Safety Responsibilities ........................................................................................................... 21

Detailed Health & Safety Responsibilities ........................................................................................... 22 Directors (General Responsibilities) .................................................................................................... 22 Mr John Woods – Director with H&S Responsibility ............................................................................ 23 Mark Bellchambers – Director (General Responsibilities) ................................................................... 25 Office Management ............................................................................................................................. 27 Office Staff & Workers......................................................................................................................... 28 Contracts Management (carried out by Director’s) .............................................................................. 29 Site Designers & Engineers (where appropriate) ................................................................................ 31 Estimator’s & Quantity Surveyor’s ....................................................................................................... 32 Buyer’s (carried out by Director’s) ....................................................................................................... 33 Site Management ................................................................................................................................ 34 Site Supervisors .................................................................................................................................. 36 Site Operatives ................................................................................................................................... 38 Site Contractors .................................................................................................................................. 39 Apprentices (where applicable) ........................................................................................................... 41 Plant Operator’s .................................................................................................................................. 42 Drivers of Company Supplied Vehicles ............................................................................................... 43 Health & Safety Consultants – RCP Occupational H&S Consultants .................................................. 44

Section 4 ................................................................................................................................................. 45 CDM 2007 Duties & Responsibilities .................................................................................................... 45

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 - Duty Holder Duties .................................. 46 Works that fall under Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 ................................. 54

Section 5 ................................................................................................................................................. 55 General Arrangements for Health & Safety .......................................................................................... 55

The H&S (Miscellaneous Repeals, Revocations & Amendment) Regulations 2013……………………56 Monitoring & Review of Company Safety Policy ................................................................................. 57 Risk Assessment ................................................................................................................................ 58 Risk Assessment for New & Expectant Mothers ................................................................................. 60 Planning & Control .............................................................................................................................. 65 Method Statement Guidelines & Checklist .......................................................................................... 66 Planning for Health & Safety – (Method Statements) .......................................................................... 67 Method Statement Review Form ......................................................................................................... 69



Method Statement Approval Form ...................................................................................................... 70 Accident, Incident, Ill Health Reporting & Investigation ....................................................................... 71 Preliminary Procedures ....................................................................................................................... 84 Site Investigations ............................................................................................................................... 86 Environmental ..................................................................................................................................... 87 Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) ........................................................................................................ 89 Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) ............................................................................................................... 90 Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmospheres ............................................................................. 91 Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998 .............................................................................. 92 Site Preparation & Commencement .................................................................................................... 93 Statutory Notices, Posters, Forms & Notifications ............................................................................... 94 Waste Management ............................................................................................................................ 95 General House Keeping & Site Tidiness ............................................................................................. 99 Demolition/Refurbishment Works ...................................................................................................... 100 Selection of Contractors .................................................................................................................... 101 Contractors Health & Safety Assessment Questionnaire .................................................................. 105 Outside Contractors Working on Company’s Premises .................................................................... 114 Pre Start Project Meeting Agenda (suggested) ................................................................................. 115 Contract Notification Procedures ...................................................................................................... 123 Notification for Commencement of Work ........................................................................................... 124 Hire & Supply .................................................................................................................................... 125 New Employees Engaged by the Company ...................................................................................... 126 New Employees Engaged by Company or Transferred to Site ......................................................... 127 Employment of Temporary Workers.................................................................................................. 128 New Employees Under 18 Years Old................................................................................................ 129 Child - Work Experience Placements ................................................................................................ 130 Company Staff Visiting Hazardous Areas/Sites ................................................................................ 131 Consultation With Employees ........................................................................................................... 132 Individual Company Safety Rules ..................................................................................................... 133 Trade Contractors Safety Information ............................................................................................... 134 Communications on Site ................................................................................................................... 135 Training Arrangements...................................................................................................................... 136 Training Matrix Record Sheet ........................................................................................................... 137 Welfare & First Aid ............................................................................................................................ 138 Health, Safety & Welfare on Construction Sites ................................................................................ 139 Site Offices ........................................................................................................................................ 141 Fire & Emergency Arrangements ...................................................................................................... 142 Health, Safety & Welfare on Company Premises .............................................................................. 145 Company Offices .............................................................................................................................. 145 Office Fire Precautions...................................................................................................................... 146 First Aid ............................................................................................................................................. 148 Display Screen Equipment ................................................................................................................ 151 VDU Work Station Checklist Assessment ......................................................................................... 155 Manual Handling Operations ............................................................................................................. 161 Occupational Health Programmes & Health Surveillance ................................................................. 166 Health Hazards ................................................................................................................................. 171 Asbestos ........................................................................................................................................... 173 Legionnaires Disease ....................................................................................................................... 179 Noise ................................................................................................................................................. 190 Vibration ............................................................................................................................................ 197 Hand Arm Vibration ........................................................................................................................... 198



Lead .................................................................................................................................................. 204 Isocyanates ....................................................................................................................................... 206 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) .............................................................................................. 208 Safety Helmets .................................................................................................................................. 211 Working with Electricity ..................................................................................................................... 212 Compressed Air Tools....................................................................................................................... 216 Cartridge Tools ................................................................................................................................. 217 Abrasive Wheels ............................................................................................................................... 218 Woodworking Machines .................................................................................................................... 219 Welding Operations .......................................................................................................................... 220 Excavations & Earthworks ................................................................................................................ 221 Mobile Plant & Work Equipment ....................................................................................................... 222 Buried Services ................................................................................................................................. 225 Temporary Propping / Falsework ...................................................................................................... 226 Entry into Confined Spaces ............................................................................................................... 227 Lifting Operations .............................................................................................................................. 228 Tower Cranes ................................................................................................................................... 229 Fork Lift Trucks ................................................................................................................................. 230 Hoists ................................................................................................................................................ 231 Gin Wheels, Pulley Blocks & Other lifting Gear ................................................................................. 232 Working at Height ............................................................................................................................. 233 Scaffolding ........................................................................................................................................ 234 Mobile Tower Scaffolding .................................................................................................................. 235 Ladders ............................................................................................................................................. 236 Step Ladders, Trestles & Staging ..................................................................................................... 237 Mobile Elevating Work Platforms ...................................................................................................... 238 Roof Work ......................................................................................................................................... 239 Company Vehicles ............................................................................................................................ 240 Company Vehicles Weekly Checklist ................................................................................................ 241 Use of Mobile Telephones ................................................................................................................ 242 Smoking ............................................................................................................................................ 243 Drugs & Alcohol ................................................................................................................................ 244 Protection of the Public ..................................................................................................................... 245 Record of Health & Safety Policy Briefing ......................................................................................... 246 Notes: ............................................................................................................................................... 247



Health & Safety Policy Amendment Sheet

Issue No.s

Date/s

Index Ref.

Brief Description of Amendment

One - Eight

01-04-94 - 01-04-08

The following revisions & amendments have been made to the policy document as illustrated below -

The Control Lead at Work Regulations 2002

The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (As Amended) – to include Updating COSHH Assessments

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

All Changes Relevant to New Regulations – The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 to include replacing the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996

All Changes Relevant to New Regulations – The Work at Height Regulations 2005 – Policy (CP 7 Scaffolding; CP 8 Mobile Tower Scaffolds; CP 9 Ladders; CP 10 Step-Ladders, Proprietary Access Systems & Stagings; CP 12 Roofwork) and Risk Assessments (006 Mobile Towers; 012 Scaffold; 019 Excavations)

New Code of Practice – Fork Lift Trucks (CP 24)

Updated Risk Assessments – to include Record of Risk Assessment Briefing

Section 1 of the Policy – Updated Health and Safety Policy Statement

Section 1 of the Policy – Updated Environmental Policy Statement

Section 1 of the Policy – Add Planning, Organisation, Control, Monitoring & Review

Section 2 of the Policy – Responsibilities for Directors – More Information Added

Replace the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

CP 1 (Welfare & First Aid) & CP 2 (Company Offices) – replace Factories Act & Offices, Shops & Railways Act with the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992

CP 1 (Welfare & First Aid) – Updated Regulations

Updated Code of Practice for Company Offices (CP 2)

Updated Code of Practice for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) (CP 4) – Updated Regulations

Updated Code of Practice for Scaffolding (CP 7)



Updated Code of Practice for Ladders (CP 9)

Updated Code of Practice for Step-Ladders, Proprietary Access Systems and Stagings (CP 10)

CP 11 (MEWAP) – Reference made to Safety Harnesses – BS EN 361

CP 13 (Electrical Equipment) – More Information Added

Updated Code of Practice for Compressed Air Tools (CP 14)

Updated Code of Practice for Excavations and Earthworks (CP 19)

CP 20 (Buried Services) – Service Distance changed to 300mm

CP 25 (Health Hazards) – More Information Added to include Updating Regulations

Updated Code of Practice for Entry into Confined Spaces (CP 26)

Updated Code of Practice for Personal Protection – Protective Clothing and Equipment (CP 29)

New Code of Practice – Display Screen Equipment (CP 30) to include VDU Workstation Checklist Assessment

New Code of Practice – Mobile Telephones (CP 31)

New Code of Practice – Hand Arm Vibration (CP 32)

New Code of Practice – Noise (CP 33)

Updated Code of Practice for Fire Precautions and

Emergency Procedures on Site (CP 34) to include a Hot Work Permit

Updated Code of Practice for Manual Handling (CP 35) to include a Manual Handling Assessment

New Code of Practice – Legionnaires Disease (CP 36)

SP 1 (RIDDOR) – Updated Information

SP 2 (Procedures for New Employees Engaged by the Company) – Updated Information

SP 3 (Contract Notification) – Add Notification of Commencement of Work Form

SP 4 (Suppliers) – Add Contractors Evaluation Assessment

Add SP 7 – Risk Assessment for New and Expectant Mothers

Add SP 8 – Health & Safety Training Policy & Arrangements

Add SP 9 – Individual Company Safety Rules

Add SP 10 – Company Vehicles

Add SP 11 – Smoking Policy

Add Record of Health and Safety Policy Briefing



Nine

01-04-09

BWIL/01-04-09 Issue 9 Revision 001

The policy document has been restructured to conform with the recent development & introduction of a company health & safety filing system. The policy is now in six sections –

First section – Introduction (Compliance Review etc); Second section – Section 1 (Policy Statements); Third section – Section 2 (Organisation); Fourth section – Section 3 (H&S Responsibilities); Fifth section – Section 4 (CDM 2007 Duties &

Responsibilities); Sixth section – Section 5 (General Arrangements for H&S).

The following amendments were also added accordingly – CDM 2007 Principal Contractor Duties; All other CDM 2007 Duty Holder Duties; Arrangements for reviewing policy & procedure; Asbestos procedures for action to be taken upon finding

asbestos; Procedures & company requirements for asbestos training of

employees & staff; Add Drugs & Alcohol Policy Statement; Add COSHH Policy Statement; Add new Organisational Structure for H&S; Add additional duty holders to H&S Responsibilities; Add method statement Review & Approval Forms; Add Preliminary Procedures for projects; Add Site Investigation Procedures; Add Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Procedures; Add Site Preparation & Commencement Procedures; Add Waste Management Procedures; Add Pre-Start Project Meeting Agenda; Add Noise Exposure Ready-Reckoners for daily & weekly

exposures; Add Vibration Ready-Reckoners; Add Legionnaires Disease Arrangements & Procedures; Add Notes page.

Ten 01-04-10 BWIL/01-04-10 Issue

10 Revision 001

The following revisions have been made within the sixth section – Section 5 (General Arrangements for H&S) -

Add section on Asbestos – in accordance with the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006;

Add training requirements for persons who carry out gas installation & use works;

Add details for statutory notices required to be displayed on site;

Add amendments regarding the requirement to provide an adequate & appropriate number of suitable persons to administer first aid;

Amend the requirements & interpretation of ‘designed’ scaffolding;

Add comments regarding demolition works to be carried out in accordance with the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007;

Add comments regarding excavation works to be carried out in accordance with the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007;

Add comments regarding roof works & the requirements of temporary edge protection;

Add comments regarding the use of Quick Hitch devices.



Eleven 01-04-11 BWIL/01-04-11 Issue

11 Revision 001

The following revisions have been made throughout the whole document – The following revisions have been made within the sixth section – Section 5 (General Arrangements for H&S) -

Add comments on the withdrawal of BS5973:1993; Add comments on the updating of SG4:05 to SG4:10; Add section on Tower Crane – in accordance with the

Notification of Conventional Tower Cranes Regulations 2010; Add comments on asbestos survey types – in accordance

with the HSG 264, Asbestos, The Survey Guide.

Twelve 01-04-12 BWIL/01-04-12 Issue 12 Revision 001

The following revisions have been made within the sixth section – Section 5 (General Arrangements for H&S) -

Add & amend comments changes to RIDDOR – over-three-day changed to more than seven days;

Amend details regarding contacting the Incident Contact Centre for RIDDOR incidents or accidents.

Amend recommended contents of First Aid Box In accordance with BS8599 (1st January 2012).

Add new table recommending the suggested numbers of First Aid Personnel.

Add & amend comments on the introduction of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Thirteen 01-04-13 BWIL/01-04-13 Issue

13 Revision 001

The following revisions have been made within the sixth section – Section 5 (General Arrangements for H&S) - Add details regarding The Health and Safety (Miscellaneous

Repeals, Revocations and Amendments) Regulations 2013 which came into force on 6 April 2013. These Regulations repeal one Act and revoke twelve instruments (plus a related provision in the Factories Act 1961).

Add details of new Director (Mark Nixon). Amend company address details to new premises. Remove The Notification of Conventional Tower Crane

Regulations 2010 - the Regulations that set out the duty to notify the use of conventional tower cranes on construction sites to HSE, have been revoked, and the associated Register closed down with effect from 6 April 2013.

Remove The Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989, including all references, as these have been revoked with effect from 6 April 2013.

Amend comments to The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992 which now cover the use of head protection.



Introduction

Introductory Note

This document has been prepared to define the way that this company intends to manage health and safety and to meet the requirements of Section 2 (3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which requires an employer to prepare a statement of general policy with respect to the health and safety of employees and the organisation and arrangements set up to carry out the policy.

It has been drawn up taking into account the general duties of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which are simply summarised as follows: (Note that this is not a legal interpretation of the Act).

The Employer must ensure, so far is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of his employees by providing:-

A safe system of work;

Safe plant and equipment;

Safe means of handling, transporting, etc. articles and substances;

Adequate training, instruction, information and supervision;

A safe place of work with safe access to and egress from the place of work;

A safe and healthy environment;

Adequate welfare facilities;

Arrangements for joint consultation where Safety representatives have been appointed.

The Employer must also ensure that the way his work is carried out does not, so far as is reasonably practicable, affect the health and safety of persons other than his employees e.g. other contractors, visitors, public.

If the Employer controls a site or premises where other persons are required to work he must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the site or premises, or anything on the site or premises does not present a risk to their health and safety.

Persons who manufacture, supply etc. any articles and substances for use at work, or erect or install any plant or equipment, have duties to ensure the health and safety of those who will use etc. the article or substance etc.

Employees must look after their own health and safety and ensure that they do not endanger others. They must also co-operate with the Employer to assist in meeting the statutory requirement.

No person must recklessly or wilfully interfere with anything provided for health and safety.

Failure to comply with these duties or to breach any of the specific regulations for health and safety can lead to prohibition or improvement notices which will interfere with the progress of work and/or to prosecution of the Company, individual Directors, Managers, Supervisors or Operatives with fines of up to £20,000 for each offence on summary conviction or unlimited fines on indictment with up to 2 years imprisonment for certain offences.

This Company is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of its employees, so far as is reasonably practicable. We also fully accept our responsibility for other persons whose health and safety may be affected by our activities. We will take steps to ensure our statutory duties are met at all times to include the provision of adequate resources to protect both our employees and others who may be affected by our work activities.



Every new employee will be given Health and Safety guidance when they join the Company and each employee will be given refresher information, instruction and training as is necessary to enable the safe performance of work activities.

Adequate facilities and arrangements will be maintained to enable employees to raise issues of Health and Safety.

Our 'Competent Person' appointed under Regulation 7 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations is Robert Puchalski, Grad IOSH MIIRSM of RCP Occupational H&S Consultants. In the event of failings by either employees or contractors in implementing the requirements of both health and safety legislation or our company health and safety control procedures in particular where a serious incident has occurred and it is a clear indication of a failing by an individual or a contractor disciplinary procedures may result in the dismissal of either the individual or a contractor from the organisation. This Statement of the Company Health and Safety Policy will be displayed prominently at all sites and workplaces.

The organisation and arrangements for implementing the Policy will also be available and maintained at each site and workplace for reference by any employee as required.

Each individual has a legal obligation to take reasonable care for his or her own health and safety and for the safety of others who may be affected by his or hers acts or omissions.

The successful implementation of this policy requires total commitment and co-operation from all levels of management and employees within our company.

Compliance Review

Bellwood Interiors Limited Health and Safety Policy shall be formally reviewed annually as a minimum. This review shall cover all sections of the Policy and shall ensure that:

The responsibilities reflect the current staffing of the Company;

The arrangements remain unchanged;

The safe working procedures are still applicable.

Additionally, the Policy shall be reviewed as necessary to reflect any changes in legislation, appointments or working methods and materials used.

Safety Programme

An annual review of the Company’s Safety Programme shall be undertaken to ensure that the Company is in compliance with the Policy. This review shall check that:

All the responsibilities allocated in the Policy are understood and are being performed;

The procedures set up in the Policy are being complied with and remain effective;

Records, as required in the Policy, are being adequately compiled and retained;

All the necessary reports are being prepared and forwarded to the relevant persons within the Company and the relevant Enforcing Authorities.

The review shall also evaluate:

Management and employee attitudes to health and safety;

The effectiveness of the training carried out and the requirements for further training;

The effectiveness of the Policy to reduce the incidence of accidents, incidents, dangerous occurrences and ill health in the workplace.



The results of the review shall be compiled into a report for the Managing Director and shall include recommendations of the action to be taken to rectify any non-compliance.

Planning, Organisation, Control, Monitoring & Review

The following outlines our health and safety arrangements for the effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of the preventive and protective measures in place to ensure the management and control of health and safety within the organisation.

Health & Safety Policy

Control • Monitoring Individual

Performance

Planning • Risk Assessment

• Health & Safety Plan

Monitoring • Inspections

• Audits

Organisation • Information

• Training



The Policy

The policy outlines our commitment to provide an environment that minimises the risk of injuries and illness together with reducing the potential loss of damage to plant, equipment and materials. The policy will be reviewed on an annual basis taking into account both the active and reactive monitoring trends.

Planning

Planning of all our activities will take into account a systematic approach to the completion of risk assessments.

Our priority will be to eliminate risk through the selection and design of facilities, equipment and work methods to provide safe systems of work.

Protective and preventative measures will take into account the principles of Regulation 4 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Schedule 1 as detailed below.

General Principles of Prevention

Regulation 4

(This Schedule specifies the general principles of prevention set out in Article 6(2) of Council Directive 89/391/EDC)

(a) avoiding risks;

(b) evaluating the risks which cannot be avoided;

(c) combating the risks at source;

(d) adapting the work to the individual, especially as regards the design of workplaces, the choice of work equipment and the choice of working and production methods, with a view, in particular, to alleviating monotonous work and work at a predetermined work-rate and to reducing their effect on health;

(e) adapting to technical progress;

(f) replacing the dangerous by the non-dangerous or the less dangerous;

(g) developing a coherent overall prevention policy which covers technology, organisation of work, working conditions, social relationships and the influence of factors relating to the working environment;

(h) giving collective protective measures priority over individual protective measures; and

(i) giving appropriate instructions to employees.

Organisation

Employees and their representatives will be involved in the risk assessment process through consultation. Procedures will be implemented through both the provision of information and training to employees.

Control

All employees will have their health and safety responsibilities clearly identified in the organisation section of the health and safety policy and employees provided with training where necessary to enable them to fulfil their responsibilities.

The performance of supervisory staff will be monitored and reviewed on an annual basis taking into account good health and safety performance together with identification of where improvements are required.



Monitoring

Our health and safety monitoring strategy will include the following principles:

(a) Daily inspections by supervisors;

(b) Weekly recorded inspections by supervisors;

(c) Monthly monitoring where requested by the organisation;

(d) Annual review where requested by the organisation.

Review

On an annual basis a review will be undertaken of the whole of the management system to include the elements of planning, organisation, control and monitoring to ensure the whole system remains effective.

Active & Re-Active Trends

Monitoring

Active • Checks

• Inspections

Re-Active • Accident

Investigation

• Damage to Plant & Equipment



Section 1 Health and Safety Policy Statements

Health & Safety Policy Statement

It this Company's intention that its work will be carried out in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions and all reasonably practicable measures taken to avoid risk to its employees or others who may be affected by our operations.

It is the Company’s intention that by conducting our operations in a safe manner taking into consideration both our own employees, members of the public and the environment that our Policy will lead to both reducing injuries and ill health within our organisation, reducing unnecessary losses and liability and ensure the ongoing protection of the environment.

It is important that in order to implement this policy that all our employees and contractors who are associated with any of our construction operations demonstrate full commitment to meeting our health and safety objectives.

The Company will ensure that in terms of meeting the requirements of both legislation and good working practices that adequate financial and physical resources will be made to ensure the implementation of the policy. In particular resources will be made available for ensuring the competence of all employees by the provision of information, instruction and training together with the retention of health and safety consultants to provide advice and guidance on health and safety matters and as required by Regulation 7 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Management and supervisory staff have the responsibility for implementing this Policy throughout the Company and must ensure that health and safety considerations hare always given priority in planning and day-to-day supervision of work.

All employees and contractors are expected to co-operate with the Company in carrying out this Policy and must ensure that their own work, so far as is reasonably practicable, is carried out without risk to themselves or others.

The appointed Director Responsible for Safety as having particular responsibility for health, safety and welfare and to whom reference should be made in the event of any difficulty arising in the implementation of this Policy – Mr John Woods, Director.

The effectiveness of our Health and Safety Policy and procedures will be monitored both by the management and staff of our Company together with our Health and Safety Consultants.

In accordance with its duty under Section 2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, 1974, and in fulfilling its obligations to both employees and the public who may be affected by its activities, the Directors of Bellwood Interiors Limited have produced the following statement of policy in respect of health and safety.

It is our aim to achieve a working environment which is free of work related accidents and ill-health and to this end we will pursue continuing improvements from year to year.

We undertake to discharge our statutory duties by:

Identifying hazards in the workplace, assessing the risks related to them and implementing appropriate preventative and protective measures;

Providing and maintaining safe plant and work equipment;

Establishing and enforcing safe methods of work;

Recruiting and appointing personnel who have the skills, abilities and competence commensurate with their role and level of responsibility;



Ensuring that tasks given to employees are within their skills, knowledge and ability to perform;

Ensuring that technical competence is maintained through the provision of refresher training as appropriate;

Promoting awareness of health and safety and of good practice through the effective communication or relevant information;

Furnishing sufficient funds needed to meet these objectives.

All employees on their part are encouraged to contribute actively towards achieving a work environment, which is free of accidents and ill health.

Our health and safety policy will be reviewed annually to monitor its effectiveness and to ensure that it reflects changing needs and circumstances.

This policy is to be read in conjunction with the responsibilities, procedures and applicable safe systems of work that together form the Bellwood Interiors Limited health and safety filing system & manuals.

Signed: John Woods Date: 1st April 2011

Director (with H&S Responsibilities) – John Woods



COSHH Policy Statement

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, 2002 imposes a series of statutory duties on both the employer and employee. This Company is committed to safeguard the health of its employees and of those who may be exposed to substances hazardous to their health during our operations, as far as is reasonably practicable.

It is the intention of this Company, where work is likely to expose employees to any substances hazardous to health, to ensure that, as far as is reasonably practicable:

Suitable and sufficient assessments of any risks to health shall be carried out and such assessments are regularly reviewed and amended as required;

The necessary steps shall be taken to adequately control or minimise the exposure of persons to substances hazardous to health, in line with the requirements of the Regulations;

All control measures provided to meet these aims are properly and effectively used, maintained, inspected, examined and, where appropriate, tested;

Suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training are provided;

Where appropriate, exposure monitoring is carried out;

Where appropriate, health surveillance is undertaken;

All results of any tests, the findings of any assessment and all other relevant information is brought to the attention of the employees.

Each employee shall be required to:

Make full and proper use of all control measures provided, including the use of personal protective equipment;

Bring to the attention of their supervisor any defects or shortcomings in the control measures provided;

Present themselves for health surveillance procedures;

Provide, for the purpose of such surveillance, such information about their health as may be requested by the employment medical advisor or appointed doctor.





Environmental Policy Statement

This Company recognises that concern for the environment should be an integral and fundamental part of the business. We are aware of the impact of our day-to-day operations on the environment; our objective is to balance the need to achieve our business aims with an effort towards sustainable environmental improvement, which can be measured and monitored on a regular basis.

Company management has specific responsibility for policy development, coordination and evaluation of performance. The environmental policy will be maintained and upheld by the designated managers to meet the commitment. Environmental aspects of our processes and activities will be effectively managed in order to protect the health and safety of employees, customers and the public whilst contributing to the future well being of the environment.

We will undertake to provide the necessary training and support to all employees to ensure that they understand and are able to fulfil the relevant aspects of the policy in their day-to-day work. The policy shall be publicly available. We are committed to minimising the impact of our operations on the environment by means of a programme of continuous improvement and in particular will:

Set clear objectives and targets with the aim of ensuring continual improvement of the company's environmental performance and management system;

Conduct our operations to ensure compliance with all relevant environmental legislation;

Show a continual commitment to the prevention of pollution through the use of operational controls, training and risk assessment;

Make efficient use of resources, reuse rather than dispose where possible and promote the use of recycled materials;

Improve waste management and reduce waste to landfill where possible;

Continually aim to minimise energy consumption through effective energy management;

Reduce wherever practicable the level of uncontrolled atmospheric emissions;

Manage and control effluent discharges arising from our operations.

Appropriate resources will continually be made available to ensure that the environmental policy is implemented in full through managerial vigilance and regular auditing and review.





Smoking Policy

Effective from the 1st July 2007 employers are required to create a smoke-free workplace in order to protect both employees and visitors to the premises.

This applies not only to our premises but also to other public places such as shops and restaurants.

In order to comply with the legislation our Policy is as follows:

All areas within the Company Premises are designated as no-smoking areas and signs are displayed to confirm this, there will however be a single designated area on the premises for smoking during breaks.

With regards to Company vehicles these also are classed as a place of work and no-smoking is permitted in vehicles.

If you wish to smoke this must be in your own time outside your normal hours of work and not on the Company Premises. The Policy is that additional smoking breaks will not be permitted throughout the day.

Failure to comply with the Policy will be classed as a disciplinary offence.





Drugs & Alcohol Policy

To assist in the safe performance of our duties, this Company operates a strict policy of NO ALCOHOL and NO DRUGS in the workplace.

No alcohol or drugs will be tolerated on site. Anyone who presents themselves for work under, or apparently under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be refused entry to the workplace.

For their own safety, that of their workmates and members of the public any member of staff believing that another member of staff is under the influence of drugs or alcohol should report this immediately to their direct manager.

Drugs supplied by a medical practitioner or chemist may still affect safety performance and the employee’s direct manager must be informed of that circumstance.





Section 2 Organisational Structure for Health & Safety

Administration Office Staff

Site Management

Estimators/Quantity Surveyors/Buyers

Director Mark Bellchambers

Director

John Woods (with H&S responsibilities)

Direct Employed Labour

Site Supervisors

John woods & Mark Bellchambers Appointed in accordance with Regulation 11 of The Management

of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Sub-Contractors

Robert Puchalski Health & Safety

Consultant Appointed in

accordance with Regulation 7 of The

Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Director

Mark Nixon



Section 3 Health & Safety Responsibilities

Responsibility

Management will:

� Actively seek the cooperation and suggestions for improvements from all employees in relation to our Health and Safety Policy;

� Provide adequate information, instruction and training to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable the health and safety at work of employees;

� Provide and maintain a safe and healthy working environment, with statutory obligations as a minimum requirement;

� Maintain the workplace in a safe and risk-free condition and provide a safe means of access to and egress from the workplace;

� Have arrangements for ensuring the safe use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances;

� Provide and maintain plant, equipment and systems of works that are safe and without risks to health.

Employees will:

� Conform to rules, procedures and training regarding safe working;

� Use the correct methods of work and not improvise by using methods, tools or equipment which entail unnecessary risks;

� When there is a legal requirements to, or where the nature of the work requires it, wear the protective clothing and equipment specified;

� Report unsafe plant, tools and equipment and unsafe practices or methods of work;

� Report any potential Health and Safety hazard including infections or other diseases, accidents, injuries or concerns associated with the workplace;

� Assist in the maintenance of good housekeeping standards;

� Cooperate with us to enable all statutory duties to be complied with;

� Assist where necessary in the investigation of any accidents that occur.

Our Company arrangements for First Aid, Emergency Evacuation, Fire Safety and Accident Reporting are all displayed on our Company notice boards. These are clearly explained and detailed within our Company Health and Safety Manual documentation.



Detailed Health & Safety Responsibilities

Directors (General Responsibilities)

Director’s Health and Safety responsibilities are to ensure that:

There is an effective Policy for Safety, Health and Welfare within the Company;

All employees are made aware of the details of the Policy for Health, Safety and Welfare relating to them, especially with regard to their individual duties and responsibilities;

All employees are issued with the Statement of the Company Policy Currently applicable;

A copy of the statement of the Company Safety Policy is displayed at all Company premises and sites as appropriate;

Resources are available so that the requirements of the Company Policy for Health, Safety and Welfare and all applicable statutory legislation can be complied with;

Through Management, all employees are adequately instructed, trained and supervised to comply with the requirements of the Company Policy for Safety, Health and Welfare and all applicable safety legislation;

Any risk assessments and method statements that exist are relayed by way of adequate instruction and training to the personnel carrying out the works. Also to ensure that adequate supervision is provided so that the disciplined work procedures are carried out. This is also to include works being solely carried out by contractors on behalf of the Company.

All employees under his control, including contractors, are adequately instructed, trained and supervised to comply with the requirements of the Company Policy for Safety, Health and Welfare and all applicable statutory legislation. Any shortfall or requirements are to be brought to the attention of the Site Supervisor to arrange;

Compliance with the requirements of The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 together with the Approved Code of Practice;

The Directors, in conjunction with RCP Occupational Health & Safety Consultants will monitor the Company's safety performance this will include site inspection at a frequency as determined by the nature of the contract undertaken. The findings will be reviewed with remedial action taken where required to include, where necessary, amendments to the company Health and Safety Policy;

They reprimand and discipline as necessary, any employee failing to comply with their duties and responsibilities for health and safety;

As required, fire procedures are implemented to meet the requirements of the Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire on Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation;

They fulfil the responsibilities of the Estimator/Quantity Surveyor/Buyer;

To set a personal example.



Mr John Woods – Director with H&S Responsibility

Mr John Woods’s Health and Safety responsibilities are to ensure that:

He understands the Company's Health and Safety Policy and appreciates his role in the health and safety of all;

He and the board accepts formally and publicly its collective role in providing health and safety leadership in the Company;

He accepts his individual roles in providing health and safety leadership in the Company;

He understands that all board decisions need to reflect its health and safety intentions, as articulated in the health and safety policy statement;

He recognises his role in engaging the active participation of workers in improving health and safety;

The policy is effectively administered, monitored and that necessary alterations are made to the policy to reflect changes in legislation or company development;

All COSHH, Risk, PPE Noise, Vibration and Manual Handling Assessments are compiled and distributed;

Health surveillance is carried out when required and records are kept;

Adequate funds are made available to meet the requirements of the policy;

The appropriate insurance cover is provided and maintained;

The relevant legislation is complied with in all the Company's areas of operation;

All levels of management and employees understand the requirements placed upon them by this Policy;

Allowances are made in tendering, planning and production processes for the provision of adequate welfare facilities and the necessary equipment to avoid injury, ill health and damage;

Sound working practices are observed;

All levels of employees receive adequate and appropriate training in their tasks;

Procedures are put in place to ensure that disciplinary action is taken against all employees who do not comply with the requirements as detailed in the policy documents;

Procedures are put in place to ensure that liaison with external safety and health organisations are instigated;

Procedures are put in place to ensure that pertinent information is distributed throughout the Company;

Procedures are put in place to ensure that all equipment is in good condition, adequately maintained and guarded, is suitable for the purpose for which it is used and has any required certificates of inspection or examination;

Procedures are put in place to ensure that any hazardous substances are stored and handled in accordance with established rules and procedures;

Procedures are put in place to ensure that written instructions are provided to establish working methods, to explain the sequence of operations, to outline the potential hazards at each stage and indicate the precautions to be observed;

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Procedures are put in place to ensure that work is carried out as planned and the relevant legislation is complied with;

Procedures are put in place to ensure that all plant is operated by trained and experienced personnel and that all repairs to plant are carried out in the proper manner by a competent person/company;

Procedures are put in place to ensure that the required protective equipment is issued and used correctly

He sets a good personal example by using appropriate protective equipment and exhibiting appropriate behaviour.



Mark Bellchambers & Mark Nixon – Director (General Responsibilities)

Mark Bellchambers & Mark Nixon Health and Safety responsibilities are to ensure that:

They understands the Company's Health and Safety Policy and appreciate the allocated responsibilities;

They and the other directors accepts formally and publicly its collective role in providing health and safety leadership in the Company;

They accept their individual roles in providing health and safety leadership in the Company;

They understand that all company decisions need to reflect its health and safety intentions, as articulated in the health and safety policy statement;

They recognise their role in engaging the active participation of workers in improving health and safety;

They ensure adequate funds are made available to meet the requirements of the policy;

They ensure tenders are adequate to cover sound methods of work and the provision of adequate welfare facilities;

They ensure allowances are made in tendering, planning and production processes for the provision of adequate welfare facilities and the necessary equipment to avoid injury, ill health and damage;

The following are determined at the planning stage:

The most appropriate order and method of work;

The provision of adequate lighting;

Allocation of responsibilities with other contractors on site;

The hazards which might occur due to overhead or underground services and other situations which might lead to improvisation on site;

Facilities for sanitation and welfare;

The provision of basic fire precautions.

They ensure the necessary contacts with emergency services regarding first aid, medical care and rescue procedures are established. The necessary fire fighting arrangements are established;

They ensure written instructions are provided to establish working methods, to explain the sequence of operations, to outline the potential hazards at each stage and indicate the precautions to be observed;

They ensure precautions and work methods are checked with site management prior to commencing work;

That all COSHH, PPE, Noise, Vibration and Manual Handling Assessments are compiled and distributed;

That all levels of employees receive adequate and appropriate training in their tasks;

That health surveillance is carried out when required and records are kept;

That work is carried out as planned and the relevant legislation is complied with;

They set a good personal example by using the appropriate protective equipment whilst on site;

They ensure all equipment on site is safe and guarded in accordance with the relevant legislation

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and has the required certificates of inspection or examination;

They ensure all equipment is operated by trained and experienced personnel;

They ensure all repairs to equipment on site are carried out in the proper manner;

They ensure the required protective equipment is issued and used correctly.



Office Management

Office Management’s Health and Safety responsibilities are to ensure that:

They read and understand the Company Policy for Health and Safety and ensure that it is brought to the notice of all employees under their control;

Ensure that the requirements of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, and any other relevant statutory requirements are complied with;

Ensure that all office machinery is safe, fitted with any necessary guards or safety devices and is serviced and maintained as recommended by the manufacturer;

Ensure that a risk assessment has been carried out of any substance or work activity hazardous to employee’s health and safety and that appropriate control measures, training, instruction, protective clothing etc. have been provided;

Ensure that an assessment has been carried out of any noisy process or plant hazardous to health and that appropriate control measures, training, instruction, protective clothing etc. have been provided;

Ensure that staff required to use office machinery are trained in its use and are not permitted to carry out any repairs unless authorised;

Ensure that offices are laid out and maintained to ensure safety of staff and visitors;

Arrange all necessary insurances and carry out any necessary reporting of incidents to insurers. Provide an appropriate accident investigation report to insurers where necessary;

Ensure that a Fire Risk Assessment is carried out and/or obtained for the offices, if necessary, and that all fire fighting equipment is maintained, fire exits kept clear and fire drills organised on a regular basis;

Ensure that first aid facilities are available;

Ensure that all accidents are reported in accordance with Company Policy;

Ensure that staff works safely and do not take unnecessary risks;

Ensure all necessary welfare provisions are provided and maintained;

Set a personal example.



Office Staff & Workers

Office worker’s Health and Safety responsibilities are to ensure that:

� They are aware and understand the Company's Health and Safety Policy and carry out their work in accordance with its requirements;

� They co-operate with Management on all matters of health & safety;

� They only carry out work that adequate instruction and training has been provided for, this especially applies to repairs and maintenance of office machinery and equipment;

� They report any defects in office machinery or equipment immediately to the Manager/Supervisor in control of the office or work area;

� They are aware of arrangements for first aid treatment, procedures in the event of fire or fire drill and special conditions and hazards of work areas;

� Ensure that corridors, office floors, doorways, etc. are kept clear and free from obstruction;

� They request further instruction, training and supervision should new work practices arise;

� The clothing and particularly the footwear they wear at work is suitable from a safety viewpoint;

� They do not attempt to lift or move, on your own, articles or materials so heavy as likely to cause injury;

� They do not attempt to reach items on high shelves unless using steps or a properly designated hop-up, do not improvise or climb;

� They suggest ways of eliminating hazards and improving working methods;

� They do not smoke in designated "No Smoking" areas and dispose of spent matches, cigarette ends, etc. properly;

� They warn new employees, particularly young people, of any known hazards; and

� They set a personal example.



Contracts Management (carried out by Director’s)

Mr John Wood, Mark Bellchambers & Mark Nixon health and safety responsibilities are to ensure that:

They understand the Company Policy for Health and Safety and appreciates the allocated responsibilities placed upon them;

They will ensure that the Company Policy for Health & Safety is readily available on each site;

They plan all work in accordance with its requirements and ensure that it is regularly examined to establish if improvements or additions should be made;

They determine at the planning stage:

The most appropriate order and method of working;

Provision of adequate lighting and safe method of electrical distribution;

Allocation of responsibilities, and any necessary liaison requirements between this Bellwood Interiors Limited and others on site;

Hazards arising from underground and overhead services;

Welfare facilities required;

Fire precautions;

Any particular training or instruction required for site personnel;

Temporary works provision (scaffolding, excavation support, etc.);

An assessment of the risk involved with the use of any substance, process or work activity hazardous to health and safety;

Operations which may result in noise levels where action is necessary;

Areas on sites where safety helmets must be worn.

They assess the risks and provide written instructions in unusual situations not covered by company policy to establish working methods and sequences, outline potential hazards at each stage and indicate precautions to be adopted;

They obtain Method Statements from contractors carrying out high risk activities such as demolition, steel erection, asbestos removal, etc;

Obtain details from contractors of assessments of risk associated with substances, processes or any work activity hazardous to health and safety which they intend to carry out, and check that their planned control measures will provide protection to others on the site;

Inform contractors of the proposed areas on site where safety helmets will be worn;

Ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that work once started is:

Carried out as planned and that account is taken of changing or unforeseen conditions as work proceeds;

Carried out in accordance with the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 and other appropriate statutory requirements;

Health surveillance is carried out when required and records are kept;

Written instructions are provided to establish working methods, to explain the sequence of operations, to outline the potential hazards at each stage and indicate the precautions to be

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observed;

They co-ordinate accident reporting and investigation;

The precautions and work methods are checked with site management prior to commencement of work;

Work is carried out as planned and the relevant legislation is complied with;

All equipment on site is safe, guarded in accordance with the relevant legislation and has the required certificates of inspection or examination;

Young persons (under 18 years) do not drive any item of plant or operate any type of tool or equipment except under direct supervision;

All equipment is operated by trained and experienced personnel;

All repairs to equipment are carried out in the proper manner;

The required protective equipment is issued and used correctly.

Reprimand any member of site supervisory staff for failing to discharge safety responsibilities satisfactorily;

Check over working methods and precautions with site management and the Safety Supervisor before work starts (preferably at a pre-contract meeting);

Take appropriate action when notified of disregard on site of the Site Supervisor's advice;

Ensure that the H&S Coordinator is notified of all new sites giving as much notice as possible;

Carry out any necessary notifications to local Authorities, Police, etc. as required by Company Policy;

Set a personal example when visiting site by wearing appropriate protective clothing.



Site Designers & Engineers (where appropriate)

Site Designer’s & Engineer’s Health and Safety responsibilities are to ensure that:

They read and understand the Company Policy for Health, Safety and Welfare and ensure that it is brought to the notice of any employees under their control;

Information affecting the health and safety of any person on a proposed site is brought to the attention of the Contracts Manager, in particular:

The existence of overhead electricity cables;

Underground services;

Ground conditions affecting the stability of excavations or safety of operatives (soil, water table, toxic substances, gases, etc.).

They report to the Site Manager any unsafe situation observed whilst on site;

They carry out your own work in a safe manner, take precautions when working on or near public roads, wear any necessary protective clothing or equipment;

Records are maintained of any underground services laid on site and that, wherever possible, these are defined by marker posts and signs during the construction period;

All precautions are taken with laser surveying equipment as required by Company Policy;

They provide eye protection to persons required to use masonry nails for setting out purposes;

Any design calculations for unusual scaffolds, falsework, etc. are independently checked;

They set a personal example when working on site by wearing appropriate protective clothing.



Estimator’s & Quantity Surveyor’s

Site Estimator’s & Quantity Surveyor’s Health and Safety responsibilities are to ensure that:

They understand the Company Policy for Health and safety;

Tenders are adequate to cover sound methods of work and reasonable welfare facilities;

They report on unsafe practices observed when visiting sites;

They have knowledge of the various statutory requirements governing the Company's work;

Set a personal example by wearing appropriate protective clothing when visiting sites.



Buyer’s (carried out by Director’s)

The Buyer’s Health and Safety responsibilities are to ensure that they:

Read and understand the Company Policy for Health and Safety;

Ensure that all equipment or materials purchased by the Company are to the standards required by Company Policy;

Ensure that all suppliers are asked to provide full information on any hazards associated with the equipment or materials supplied and any precautions required and that this information is passed to relevant supervision;

Set a personal example by wearing appropriate protective clothing, if required, to visit sites;

Ensure that suppliers are informed of safe working loads of plant used for handling materials on site so that materials are delivered in suitable size loads;

Ensure that contractors have received lists of responsibilities and Company Policy Statement in accordance with this Policy;

Rates negotiated for work carried out by contractors must include all necessary safety precautions and, where appropriate, separate rates should be included for health and safety measures.



Site Management

The Site Manager’s Health and Safety responsibilities are to ensure that they:

Understand the Company Safety Policy for Health and Safety and ensure that it is brought to the notice of all employees, particularly new starters. Carry out all work in accordance with its requirements and bring to the notice of the Contracts Manager any improvements or additions which they feel necessary;

Organise sites so that work is carried out to the required standard with minimum risk to employees, other contractors, the public, equipment or materials;

Where necessary, issue written instructions setting out the method of work. Check that contractors engaged in high risk activities are working in accordance with their agreed Method Statement (Asbestos Removal, Demolition, Steel Erection, Roofing, etc.), and that details of other relevant risk assessments are available;

Know the requirements of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 and other relevant legislation and ensure that they are observed on site;

Ensure that a risk assessment has been carried out of any substance, process or work activity hazardous to health and safety, and that appropriate control measures, training, instruction, protective clothing etc. have been provided;

Ensure that an assessment has been carried out of any noisy process or plant hazardous to health and that appropriate control measures, training, instruction, protective equipment etc. have been provided;

Keep all registers, records and reports up to date and properly filled in and ensure that they are kept in a safe place (in accordance with the Project H&S Filing System). Ensure that copies of Regulations are available and statutory notices are prominently displayed;

Ensure that the "competent persons" appointed to make the necessary inspections of scaffolding, excavations, plant, etc. have sufficient knowledge and experience to evaluate all aspects of safety relating to the item being inspected;

Ensure that Supervisors and operatives under their control are aware of their responsibilities for safe working and that they are not required or permitted to take unnecessary risks;

Arrange delivery and stacking to avoid double handling and ensure that off-loading and stacking is carried out in a safe manner;

Ensure that any electricity supply is installed and maintained in a safe and proper manner;

Ensure that all information available relating to underground services on the site is obtained and that services are located, marked and plotted accurately before excavation work starts;

Do not allow the mechanical excavator within limits of the underground service laid down by the Service Company and Company Policy;

Protect all overhead services in accordance with the Service Company's recommendations and Company Policy before work starts;

Plan and maintain a tidy site;

Implement arrangements with contractors and others on site to avoid confusion about areas of responsibility for health, safety and welfare, and ensure liaison is maintained;

Check that all machinery and plant on site, including power and hand tools, are maintained in good condition and that all temporary electrical equipment is not more than 110 volts;

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Ensure that adequate supplies of protective clothing and equipment are maintained on site and that the equipment is suitable. Display signs on site where safety helmets must be worn;

Ensure that protective clothing and equipment is issued when required and that records are kept of issue in a "Protective Clothing and Equipment Issue Register";

Ensure that adequate first aid facilities are on site and that all persons on site are aware of their location and the procedure for receiving treatment for injuries;

Ensure that a system is organised, in the event of an emergency, for applying first aid and calling an ambulance;

Accompany Health & Safety Executive Inspectors on site visits, and act on his recommendations. In the case of the Inspector issuing a Notice (Prohibition or Improvement), contact the Contracts Manager immediately after complying with any requirements to stop work;

Co-operate with the H&S Coordinator. Ask for his advice before commencing new methods of work or potentially hazardous operations;

Ensure that adequate fire precautions are provided for site offices and welfare facilities and that any flammable liquids or liquefied petroleum gases are stored and used safely;

Examine drawing and soil investigation reports to determine excavation support requirements in advance and provide in accordance with Company Policy;

Set a personal example by wearing appropriate protective clothing on site.

� Ensure that any accident on site which results in an injury to any person (not just employees) and/or damage to plant or equipment is reported in accordance with Company Policy;

� Carry out regular and all necessary monitoring of site activities and to make and keep available suitable records of the monitoring processes.



Site Supervisors

The Site Supervisor’s Health and Safety responsibilities are to ensure that they:

Read and understand the Company's Health and Safety Policy and ensure that it is brought to the notice of operatives under their control. Carry out all work in accordance with its requirements

Know the Construction Regulations applicable to the work on which your operatives are engaged and insist that these Regulations are observed;

Ensure the legal requirements are observed on site and that all registers, records and reports are in order;

Ensure sites are so organised that work is carried out to the required standard with the minimum risk to personnel, equipment and materials;

Ensure all employees are given precise instructions on their responsibilities for the correct working methods and incorporate safety instructions in routine orders and see that they are obeyed;

Ensure arrangements are implemented with other contractors to avoid any confusion about areas of responsibility;

Arrange for all necessary measures required to keep the site tidy;

Ensure adequate background lighting is provided at all times;

Arrange for provisions to be made for the delivery and stacking of materials to avoid unnecessary handling;

Arrange for the electricity supply to be installed and maintained so as not to present a risk to operatives, third parties and equipment;

Check that machinery and equipment, including hand tools, are maintained in good condition;

Check all hazardous materials are correctly marked, stored, handled and used;

Arrange that suitable protective clothing is provided where appropriate and is correctly used;

Arrange the first aid equipment, as laid down, is available on site and that employees know where it is kept;

Do not allow operatives to take unnecessary risks;

Ensure that new employees, particularly apprentices and young people, are shown the correct method of working and all safety precautions;

Ensure that young employees (under 18 years) do not drive any item of plant or operate any type of tool or equipment except under direct supervision;

Commend operatives who, by action or initiative, eliminate hazards;

Do not allow "horseplay" or dangerous practical jokes and reprimand those who consistently fail to consider their own safety or that of others around them.;

Ensure disciplinary action is taken against any employee contravening the requirements of the legislation or the Company's Safety Policy;

Report immediately any defects of plant or equipment;

Report any accident, however minor, to Site Manager immediately;

Set a personal example by wearing protective clothing and by carrying out your own work in a safe manner;

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He/she co-operates with the Safety Adviser and H&S Coordinator and acts on their recommendations;

Inform management of any change to his/her state of health, either temporary or permanent, which might affect his/her working ability or his/her suitability to carry out any particular task or tasks;

Look for and suggest ways of eliminating hazards. Bring to the notice of management any improvements or additions to the Company Safety Policy which you feel should be made.



Site Operatives

The Site Operative’s Health and Safety responsibilities are to ensure that they:

Read and understand the Company Health and Safety Policy, appreciate its allocated responsibilities and carry out your work in accordance with its requirements;

Use the correct tools and equipment for the job;

Wear safety footwear at all times and use, where necessary, all protective clothing and safety equipment provided, e.g. safety helmets, goggles, respirators and so on;

Keep tools in good condition;

Report immediately to supervision any defects in plant or equipment;

The most appropriate order and method of work are determined and followed;

Work in a safe manner at all times. Do not take unnecessary risks which could endanger yourself or others. If possible, remove site hazards yourself, e.g. remove or flatten nails sticking out of timber, tie unsecured access ladders, etc;

Do not use plant or equipment for work for which it was not intended or if you are not trained or experienced to use it;

Warn other employees, particularly new employees and young people, of particular known hazards;

Do not play dangerous or practical jokes or "horseplay" on site;

Report to supervision any person seen abusing the welfare facilities provided;

Understand that all injuries and equipment damage will be taken into account when bonuses and promotions are being considered;

Report any injury to yourself which results from an accident at work, even if the injury does not stop you working;

Report any damage to plant or equipment;

Suggest safer methods of working;

They set a good personal example by using the appropriate protective equipment;

Ensure management is informed of any change to his/her state of health, either temporary or permanent, which might affect his/her working ability or his/her suitability to carry out any particular task or tasks.



Site Contractors

The Site Contractor’s (and Sub-Contractor’s) Health and Safety responsibilities are to ensure that:

They are to comply with all the requirements of this Safety Policy and are to provide copies of their own Safety Policies and any other documentation appertaining to health and safety, which may be requested by the Company or their Safety Advisers. Failure to do so will render the sub-contractor liable to suspension from the site and any financial penalties will be charged to that sub-contractor;

They arrange for all work to be carried out in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions and taking into account the safety of others on the site and the general public;

They carry out all assessment of risk associated with any substance, process or work activity on site which will be hazardous to health and safety, must be provided to our Contract Management before work commences. Any material or substance brought on site which has health, fire or explosion risks must be used and stored in accordance with Regulations and current recommendations and that information must be provided to any other person who may be affected on site;

All scaffolding used by contractor's employees (even when scaffold erected for other contractors) must be inspected by their employer or a competent person appointed by their employer to ensure that it is erected and maintained in accordance with the Regulations and Codes of Practice;

Their employees (or contractors) are not permitted to alter any scaffold provided for their use or use or interfere with any plant or equipment on the site unless authorised;

All plant or equipment brought onto site by contractors must be safe and in good working condition, fitted with any necessary guards and safety devices and with any necessary certificates available for checking. Information and assessment on noise levels of plant, equipment or operations to be carried out by the Contractor must be provided to our Company's Site Representative before work commences;

No power tools or electrical equipment of greater voltage than 110 volts may be brought onto site. All transformers, generators, extension leads, plugs and sockets must be to latest British Standards for industrial use, and in good condition;

Any materials or substance brought on site which has health, fire or explosion risks must be used and stored in accordance with Regulations and current recommendations and that information must be provided to any other person who may be affected on site. Assessment of risk associated with any substance or process hazardous to health which will be used on the site must be provided to our Contract Manager before work commences;

Any injury sustained or damage caused by contractor's employees must be reported immediately to this Company's Site Representative;

Contractor's employees must comply with any safety instructions given by this Company's Site Representative;

The contractor has appointed a Safety Supervisor to inspect sites and report on health and safety matters. Contractors will be informed of any hazards or defects noted during these inspections will be expected to take immediate action. Contractors will provide the Company's Site Representative with the name of the person they have appointed as Safety Supervisor;

Suitable welfare facilities and first aid equipment in accordance with the Regulations must be provided by contractors for their employees unless arrangements have been made for the contractor's employees to have the use of this Company's facilities;

Contractors are particularly asked to note that workplaces must be kept tidy and all debris, waste

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materials, etc. cleared as work proceeds;

All operatives, contractors, visitors, etc. on the Company's sites will wear safety helmets at all times other than in areas specifically designated as "no risk" areas by site management. Signs erected on site that safety helmets to be worn must be complied with by Contractor personnel;

A detailed Method Statement will be required from contractors carrying out high risk activities, e.g. asbestos removal, steel erection, demolition, roofing, entry into confined spaces, etc. The Method Statement must be agreed with our Company Site Representative before work begins and copies made available on site so that compliance with the agreed Method Statement can be maintained;

Sub-contractors whose works package includes a design function will present those designs to the principal contractor for onward transmission to the CDM Coordinator in sufficient time to allow those designs to be considered by the design team prior to work commencing. Any such design work shall be included in the information passed to the CDM Coordinator as part of the health and safety file;

The sub-contractors senior site representative shall attend safety meetings as they are called by the Principal Contractor or CDM Coordinator. These meetings shall be the principal point for the transfer of information.

Note// Labour only sub-contractors shall, for the purposes of health and safety only, be considered as employees of the company.



Apprentices (where applicable)

The Apprentice’s Health and Safety responsibilities are to ensure that they:

Use the correct tools and equipment for the task;

Use the protective equipment provided;

Only use tools which are in good condition;

Report all defects in tools, plant, equipment and materials, or any obvious safety or health hazards;

Do not endanger themselves or other persons through their actions or failures to act;

Avoid improvisation;

Warn new employees of known hazards;

Refrain from horseplay;

Do not abuse the welfare facilities;

Co-operate with the Company on all aspects of health, safety and welfare;

Do not operate any equipment or machinery without adequate supervision and authority;

Comply with the requirements of the Company's Safety Policy;

Inform management of any change to their state of health, either temporary or permanent, which might affect their working ability or their suitability to carry out any particular task or tasks.



Plant Operator’s

The Plant Operator’s Health and Safety responsibilities are to ensure that they:

Be aware and understand the Health and Safety Policy and carry out their work accordance with its requirements;

To know the legal requirements affecting the use of their machine and ensure that the machine is used in accordance with these requirements;

To ensure that any defect in the machine is reported immediately to the Supervisor and the Plant Manager (where applicable);

To undertake regular inspections of their machine for defects, at least once a week, and make a written record of these;

To suggest ways to eliminate hazards or improve working methods;

To ensure, when operating their machine, that other persons are well clear, especially when reversing;

To work with an assistant where necessary and, when doing so, to ensure before starting work, that both know the meaning of any signals which may be used;

To report all accidents or damage, however minor, to the Supervisor;

To exercise the greatest possible caution when crossing wet or slippery surfaces;

To exercise extreme care when a machine has to be used whilst members of the public, or other persons are present; restrict speed to walking pace or slower as circumstances dictate and the "hazard" light must be switched on to warn pedestrians of plant movements;

If plant movements have to be undertaken with the driver "unsighted" an assistant must be used to signal movements;

Do not try to use the machine for work for which it was not designed. If in doubt, ask the Supervisor for advice;

Do not, under any circumstances, drive over any unprotected electrical lead/s.

NOTE -

Only an employee aged 18 plus and specifically trained and authorised by Management to do so, may operate a ‘ride on’ piece of plant (i.e. a fork-lift truck etc). At the recruitment stage, the possession of a driving-licence is a likely indication that a person has the co-ordination necessary to handle a ‘ride on’ piece of plant and this will be regarded as a prerequisite by the Company. Each ‘ride on’ piece of plant must be specifically equipped with a notice listing those employees by name who are authorised by the Manager to operate that particular machine.



Drivers of Company Supplied Vehicles

The Driver’s Health and Safety responsibilities are to ensure that:

They comply with the requirements of the Company's Safety Policy;

Make daily inspections of their vehicle for obvious defects and ensure any defects noticed are rectified without delay;

Check lights, tyres, oil, water, windscreen wipers and washer reservoir, etc. at least every week to ensure that they are safe and roadworthy regular;

All defects are reported on vehicles and any ancillary equipment and any additional maintenance is carried out as and when required;

They do not drive any vehicle or machinery unless they have been fully trained and instructed in its operation;

Ensure the vehicle is serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements;

Drive in accordance with Road Traffic Legislation and the Highway Code at all times and be particularly careful when driving on 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 the Senior Management;

Ensure any traffic violations you are involved in, which result in yourself being prosecuted, are reported to the Senior Management;

Management is informed of any change to their state of health, either temporary or permanent, which might affect their working ability or their suitability to carry out any particular task or tasks;

Information is given to management of any medical or legal impediment to their driving licence or any pending prosecutions.

They do not drink alcohol or take medication, which could affect your driving ability, before driving a vehicle.



Health & Safety Consultants – RCP Occupational H&S Consultants

The Health and Safety Consultant shall provide a service (where requested) to include:

Meeting the Health and Safety needs of the Employing Company and ensure that the statutory obligations of the employer are fulfilled;

Inspect sites or premises to ensure compliance with statutory legislation;

Provision of publications, regulations, official forms need to ensure sites meet the necessary requirements;

Checking of First Aid boxes for deficiencies and advise on requirements or re-stock;

To co-ordinate accident investigations including dangerous occurrences. To inform the HSE in accordance with statutory requirements;

Provide safety training as identified;

Provide a report in triplicate on completion of every site visit leaving one copy on site, one to the Head Office and one retained by RCP Occupational H&S Consultants.

If any doubt exists as to the requirements of any of the sections of the Health & Safety Policy, the company Health and Safety Consultants, RCP Occupational H&S Consultants, should be contacted for advice, details of which are:

Robert Puchalski

RCP Occupational H&S Consultants

10 Edison Way

Fairfield Park Nr Stotfold

Hitchin

Hertfordshire

SG5 4BE

Tel: 01462 834644

Mobile: 07881 954 896

Fax: 0870 0516371

Email: [email protected]



Section 4 CDM 2007 Duties & Responsibilities

The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 requires that certain key appointments (see below) be made and details the responsibilities of these appointees.

Companies may fill between one and four of these posts, e.g., as a client, the company may make the in house appointments of CDM Co-ordinator, Designers and Principal Contractor. Whichever posts are being filled, the following relevant Parts will be the Company Policy for implementing the regulations:

Part One - Client

Part Two - CDM Co-ordinator

Part Three - Designers

Part Four - Principal Contractor

Part Five – Contractors



Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 - Duty Holder Duties

Part One - Duties of Client

Who are Clients?

A client is an organisation or individual for whom a construction project is carried out. Clients only have duties when the project is associated with a business or other undertaking (whether for profit or not). Domestic clients are a special case and do not have duties under the CDM Regulations 2007.

If there is doubt as to who the client is, take into account who:

Decides what is to be constructed, where, when and by whom;

Commissions the design and construction work;

Initiates the work;

Is at the head of the procurement chain;

Engages the contractors.

What Clients must do for all Projects (Part 2 of the Regulations) -

Clients must make sure that:

Designers, contractors and other team members are competent (or work under the supervision of a competent person), adequately resourced and appointed early enough for the work they have to do.

They allow sufficient time for each stage of the project, from concept onwards.

They co-operate with others concerned in the project so that other duty holders can comply with their duties under the regulations.

They co-ordinate their own work with others involved with the project in order to ensure the safety of those carrying out the construction work, and others who may be affected by it.

There are reasonable management arrangements in place throughout the project to ensure that the construction work can be carried out, so far as is reasonably practical, safely and without risk to health.

Contractors have made arrangements for suitable welfare facilities to be provided from the start of the project, and throughout the construction phase.

Any fixed workplaces (e.g. offices, shops, factories, schools) which are to be constructed will comply, in respect of their design and the materials used, with any requirements of the Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

Relevant information likely to be needed by designers, contractors or others to plan and manage their work is passed to them in a timely manner in order that they can comply with regulations.

Additional Duties for Clients for Notifiable Projects (Part 3 of the Regulations) -

In addition to the duties set out above, clients must:

Appoint a CDM Co-ordinator to advise and assist with their duties and to co-ordinate the arrangements for health and safety during the planning phase.

Appoint a Principal Contractor to plan and manage the construction work – preferably early enough for them to work with the designer on issues relating to buildability, usability and maintainability.

Ensure that the construction phase does not start until the Principal Contractor has prepared a suitable health and safety plan and made arrangements for suitable welfare facilities to be present



from the start of the work.

Make sure the health and safety file is prepared, reviewed, or updated ready for handover at the end of the construction work. This must then be kept available for any future construction work or to pass on to a new owner.

What Clients don't have to do -

Clients are not required or expected to:

Plan or manage construction projects themselves.

Specify how work must be done.

Provide welfare facilities for those carrying out construction work (though they should co-operate with the Principal Contractor to assist with his arrangements).

Check designs to make sure that the Regulations have been complied with.

Visit the site (to supervise or check construction work standards).

Employ third party assurance advisors to monitor health and safety standards on site (though there may be benefits to the client in doing so).

Subscribe to third party competence assessment schemes (though there may be benefits from doing so).



Part Two - CDM Coordinators

What CDM Co-ordinator must do for all Notifiable Projects (Part 3 of the Regulations) –

CDM Co-ordinators must:

Give suitable and sufficient advice and assistance to clients in order to help them to comply with their duties, in particular the duty to appoint competent designers and contractors; and the duty to ensure that adequate arrangements are in place for managing the project.

Notify HSE about the project.

Co-ordinate design work, planning and other preparation for construction where relevant to health and safety.

Identify and collect the pre-construction information and advise the client if surveys need to be commissioned to fill significant gaps.

Promptly provide in a convenient form to those involved with the design of the structure; and to every contractor (including the principal contractor) who may be or has been appointed by the client, such parts of the pre-construction information which are relevant to each.

Manage the flow of health and safety information between clients, designers and contractors.

Advise the client on the suitability of the initial construction phase plan and the arrangements made to ensure that welfare facilities are on site from the start.

Co-ordinate the production or updating of a relevant, user friendly, health and safety file suitable for future use at the end of the construction phase.



Part Three - Duties of Designer

Who are Designers?

A ‘designer’ has a wide definition under CDM 2007. If you design or specify building work, then you are a designer with duties under CDM. Duties apply to all projects, including non-notifiable and domestic projects.

It includes people who prepare:

Drawings.

Design details, analysis and calculations.

Specification and Bills of Quantities.

The design could be on paper, computer or verbal.

Designers include:

Civil and structural engineers.

Building services engineers.

Those specifying or purchasing materials.

Temporary works designers.

Interior fit out designers.

Clients who specify.

Design and construction contractors.

Statutory bodies that require features that are not statutory requirements.

Please note - Statutory requirements are exempted i.e. Building Regulation requirements are not designs under CDM 2007.

Where the design work is undertaken by oversees designers, the designers duties under CDM 2007 falls on:

Person who commissions it if in GB; or

The client for the work.

What Designers must do for all Projects (Part 2 of the Regulations) –

Designers have to:

Ensure clients are aware of their duties.

Make sure they (the designer) are competent for the work they do.

Co-ordinate their work with others as necessary to manage risk.

Co-operate with CDM co-ordinator and others.

Provide information for the health and safety file.

Designers have to avoid foreseeable risks SFAIRP by:

Eliminating hazards from the construction, cleaning, maintenance, and proposed use (workplace only) & demolition of a structure;

Reduce risks from any remaining hazard;



Give collective risk reduction measures priority over individual measures.

Designers must also:

Take account of the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992 when designing a workplace structure.

Provide information with the design to assist clients, other designers, & contractors.

In particular – inform others of significant or unusual/ “not obvious” residual risks.

Please Note –

Designers have to be given relevant information by the CDM co-ordinator

Risks which are not foreseeable do not need to be considered

CDM 2007 does not require “zero risk” designs

Amount of effort made to eliminate hazards should be proportionate to the risk

HSE’s expectation of Designers - apply the ERI(C) principles (Eliminate, Reduce, Inform, Control) -

Eliminate hazards -

By experience;

By red amber green lists (optional);

By challenging existing practice;

By considering implications of their actions;

By talking/listening to contractors;

By complying with Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

Reduce remaining risks -

Collective measures;

Individual measures.

Inform others -

Provide relevant information to project team: other designers, CDM co-ordinator, contractors;

In particular: highlight significant, “not obvious” risks, & those that are difficult to manage;

Provide the right information to the right people at the right time;

How to inform;

Method of informing is optional;

Notes on drawings;

Written information with the design;

Suggested sequence of construction (only if not obvious);

If in doubt – discuss it.

Co-operation a more managed approach will be necessary for larger projects -

Integrated team involving designers, principal contractor and other relevant contractors;

The appointment of a lead designer, where many designers are involved;



Agreeing a common approach to risk reduction during design;

Meetings of the design team (including the CDM co-ordinator) with contractors, and others;

Regular reviews of developing designs;

Encourage site visits, so designers can see how risks are managed on site and vice versa.

What Designers must do for all Notifiable Projects (Part 3 of the Regulations) –

Additional duties for notifiable projects:

Check that the client has appointed a CDM co-ordinator.

Only ‘initial’ design work is permitted until a CDM co-ordinator has been appointed.

Co-operate with the CDM co-ordinator, principal contractors and with other designers or contractors so all can confirm with their CDM duties.

Provide relevant information for the health and safety file.

What Designer are not required to do -

Designer do not:

And never have been asked to control risk on site - they can only influence what is within their control.

Take into account unforeseeable hazards and risks.

Design for possible future uses of structures that cannot reasonably be anticipated from their design brief.

Specify construction methods, except where the design requires a particular construction sequence.

Exercise a health and safety management function over contractors or others.

Have to consider trivial risks.



Part Four - Duties of Principal Contractors

Note - Client should appoint a PC for notifiable projects and appoint as soon as is practicable.

What Principal Contractors must do for all Notifiable Projects (Part 3 of the Regulations) –

Principal Contractors must ensure:

That client is aware of duties, CDM co-ordinator has been appointed and HSE notified.

Those they appoint are competent.

The construction phase is properly planned, managed, monitored and resourced.

Inform contractors of the minimum time allowed for planning and preparation.

Provide relevant information to contractors.

Ensure safe working, co-ordination and co-operation between contractors.

Construction phase health and safety plan is prepared and implemented.

Plan needs to set out the organisation and arrangements for managing risk and co-ordinating work.

Plan should be tailored to the particular project and risks involved.

Suitable welfare from the start.

Prepare and enforce site rules as required.

Give reasonable direction to contractors including client appointed contractors.

Prevent unauthorised entry.

Provide plan to those who need it.

Promptly provide the CDM co-ordinator with information for the file.

Liaise with CDM co-ordinator in relation to design and design changes.

Ensure all workers have been provided with suitable health and safety induction, information and training.

Ensure the workforce is consulted about health and safety matters.

Display key project information to workers.

What Principal Contractors don't have to do -

Principal Contractors are not required or expected to:

Provide training to workers they do not employ (but contractors do).

Undertake detailed supervision of contractors’ work.

Fill the construction phase plan with irrelevant information or endless generic paperwork.



Part Five - Duties of Contractors

What Contractors must do for all Projects (Part 2 of the Regulations) -

Contractors must ensure:

Clients are aware of their duties.

Not start work until they have obtained the pre-construction information from the client (or PC).

Plan, manage and monitor their own work to make sure that their workers are safe.

Ensure they and those they appoint are competent and adequately resourced.

Inform any contractor that they engage, of the minimum amount of time they have for planning and preparation.

Provide their workers (whether employed or self-employed) with any necessary information and training and induction.

Report anything that they are aware of that is likely to endanger the H&S of themselves or others.

Ensure that any design work they do complies with CDM design duties.

Comply with the duties for site health and safety.

Co-operate and co-ordinate with others working on the project.

Consult the workforce.

Not begin work unless they have taken reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised access to the site.

Obtain specialist advice (e.g. from a structural engineer or occupational hygienist) where necessary.

What Contractors must do for all Notifiable Projects (Part 3 of the Regulations) –

Additional duties for Notifiable projects:

Check that a CDM co-ordinator has been appointed and HSE notified before they start work.

Co-operate with the principal contractor, CDM co-ordinator and others working on the project.

Tell the principal contractor about risks to others created by their work.

Comply with any reasonable directions from the principal contractor.

Work in accordance with the construction phase plan.

Inform the principal contractor of the identity of any contractor he appoints or engages.

Inform the principal contractor of any problems with the plan or risks identified during their work that have significant implications for the management of the project.

Inform the principal contractor about any death, injury, condition or dangerous occurrence.

Provide information for the health and safety file.

Sources & References:

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007



Works that fall under Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007

This Company has the ability to assume roles and responsibilities under the above regulations, dependent upon the duty holder role decided upon at the pre tender stage of the works.

It is the aim of this company to comply with the Regulations insofar as they relate to our work activities and our relations with other duty holders during the course of the works; and to ensure that all duties and responsibilities assigned to us under the relevant statutory provisions are fulfilled in as competent a manner as possible.

It is the intention of this Company to adhere to its responsibilities in performing whatever role it assumes during a project which falls within the scope of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007. The details of the requirements of various roles under CDM are described in Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007; these have been detailed within the preceding pages of this policy.

Where necessary all duty holders will be subject to approval in accordance with the Core Criteria for demonstrating competence as illustrated within the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 ACOP.





Section 5 General Arrangements for Health & Safety



The H&S (Miscellaneous Repeals, Revocations & Amendment) Regulations 2013

The Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Repeals, Revocations and Amendments) Regulations 2013 were laid before Parliament on 4 March and came into force on 6 April (subject to Parliamentary approval). These Regulations repeal one Act and revoke twelve instruments (plus a related provision in the Factories Act 1961). These measures are being removed because they have either been overtaken by more up to date Regulations, are redundant or do not deliver the intended benefits.

These changes do not compromise essential health and safety protections. The aim is to make the legislative framework simpler and clearer.

This work is part of wider reforms to help employers understand quickly and easily what they need to do to manage workplace risks.

The full list of measures being removed are:

� Celluloid and Cinematograph Film Act 1922

� Gasholders (Record of Examinations) Order 1938

� Shipbuilding and Ship-repairing Regulations 1960

� Celluloid and Cinematograph Film Act 1922 (Repeals and Modifications) Regulations 1974

� Celluloid and Cinematograph Film Act 1922 (Exemptions) Regulations 1980

� Gasholders and Steam Boilers (Metrication) Regulations 1981

� Locomotives etc Regulations 1906 (Metrication) Regulations 1981

� Notification of Installations Handling Hazardous Substances Regulations 1982

� Docks, Shipbuilding etc (Metrication) Regulations 1983

� Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989

� Notification of Installations Handling Hazardous Substances (Amendment) Regulations 2002

� Notification of Conventional Tower Cranes Regulations 2010

� Notification of Conventional Tower Cranes (Amendment) Regulations 2010


The Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Repeals, Revocations and Amendments) Regulations 2013



Monitoring & Review of Company Safety Policy

Progressive improvement in Health and Safety can only be achieved through the constant development of policy, approaches to implementation and techniques of risk control. It is the policy of this company that a systematic audit of all safety arrangements will be carried out on a regular basis.

Regular inspections of work areas will be carried out at a frequency commensurate with the level of risk imposed by the activity within that area.

All employees will be expected to bring to the notice of their immediate Supervisor any areas where the Company Policy on Health, Safety and Welfare appears to be inadequate. The suggestions will be passed to the Director responsible for safety for consideration.

The Safety Supervisor will visit the Company sites/premises at regular intervals and will report on any hazards, defects or breaches of Regulations observed during the ‘Visit’.

Where appropriate the Company’s health and safety advisers will visit the workplace to carry out Safety Inspections and Audits.

Records of Safety Inspections and Audits will be kept in order that Management can monitor the performance of the Company and improve the overall safety culture within the workforce.

A report of the inspection will be left on site and a copy of this report will be sent to the Director responsible for safety so that it can be established where the appropriate procedures in Company Policy have not been complied with or are deficient and action taken to ensure similar problems do not recur on Company sites.

At 12 monthly intervals, or other intervals as arranged, a meeting will be held between the competent person appointed for the organisation and senior management of this Company to discuss the accident statistics for the previous half-year, the performance of the Company in accident prevention, compliance with its Policy, to establish areas where improvements in Company procedures, training, etc. could be made and to review and, where necessary, revise the Company Policy for Health, Safety and Welfare.


The Health & Safety at Work etc. Act, 1974

Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations, 1999

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations, 2007



Risk Assessment

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 place duties on employers and the self-employed to take certain actions as summarised below:

� Assess the risks to the health and safety of employees and any others who could be affected by work activities. This also includes contractors and temporary staff engaged for specific work. Relevant procedures must be specified to eliminate or minimise the risks. Generic assessments incorporated as arrangements within a Safety Policy document will be acceptable provided arrangements for identifying additional risks are in place. Individual risk assessments will be undertaken for women of child bearing age together with new and expectant mothers.

� Where the risk is considered to be significant, then this must be recorded in writing and, where relevant, identify those groups of employees being especially at risk.

� Risk assessments should be reviewed and altered if they are no longer valid or circumstances have changed significantly.

� Provide health surveillance where there is an identifiable disease or adverse health condition related to the work concerned, provided that it is able to be detected and there is a reasonable likelihood it may occur under working conditions.

� Appoint one or more nominated competent persons to assist in complying with requirements.

� Establish emergency procedures to be followed in the event of serious and imminent danger, and nominate sufficient competent persons to implement evacuation procedures.

� Provide relevant information to employees on the identified risks, the control measures to be taken, emergency procedures, names of competent persons, and risks where work areas are shared with other employers.

� Co-operate fully with other employers where work areas are shared, by exchanging information on the protective measures and risks associated with each other’s activities, and subsequently pass such information to employees in those areas.

� Provide relevant training to employees in respect of:

♦ Duties and tasks allocated to them;

♦ Induction on first being employed;

♦ When transferred to new work or given increased responsibility;

♦ When changes in work equipment or methods are introduced.

The training must be repeated periodically and take account of changes, and also take place during working hours.

Employees also have duties as follows:

� Use anything provided by the employer in accordance with the instructions and training given. This includes machinery, equipment, dangerous substances, means of transport, plant and safety equipment etc.

� Inform the employer (or nominated person) of any dangerous work situation or any matter that is considered to be a shortcoming in his employer's health and safety protection arrangements.

Definitions:

Hazard - this is the potential for harm

Risk - this is the likelihood that actual harm will occur

Assessment of risk will take into account the severity of the hazard, the number of people likely to be exposed and the possible consequences.



General Procedure:

� Identify the hazards and activities.

� Assess the risks i.e. what is the nature and extent of the risk.

� Are existing control measures or precautions adequate.

� Is there full compliance with the law.

� Are any further precautions required.

� Record the findings, and arrangements to be implemented if necessary.

For further information on Risk Assessment please refer to File 2 – Risk Assessment Manual.






Risk Assessment for New & Expectant Mothers

The risk assessment process is to ensure the protection of female staff within the operations of the organisation and consists of a two stage approach, with stage one considering the risk to female workers of child bearing age in the organisation with stage two being specific individual risk assessment carried out as a result of notification by the employee that she is pregnant.

Managers have responsibility to ensure that on notification of pregnancy or when a female returns to work following birth of a child, that RCP Occupational H&S Consultants is contacted and arrangements made for an individual risk assessment on the activities carried out by that person where requested.

Where the assessment shows that the activities may present significant risk which goes beyond the level of risk found outside the workplace consultation with RCP Occupational H&S Consultants, the Manager and the individual to reach one of the following conclusions:

� Temporarily adjust her working conditions and/or hours of work; of if this is not reasonable to do so, or would not avoid the risk action the following:

� Offer her suitable alternative work (at the same rate of pay) if available or if that is not feasible action the following:

� Suspend her from work on paid leave for as long as necessary to protect her health and safety and that of her child.




HSG 122 New and Expectant Mothers at Work – A Guide for Employers



Stage One Initial Risk Assessment for Females of Child Bearing Age Risk Assessment Protocol

Department:

Date of Assessment:

Names of Individuals or Tasks:

1.

6.

2.

7.

3.

8.

4.

9.

5.

10.

Inform employees of outcome

Are there any hazards present?

Assess risks, reduce or remove if possible

Inform workers of the risk and the need to notify

you of the pregnancy or if they are breastfeeding or have given birth in the last six months, as early

as possible

NO

YES



Hazards for Consideration that may Affect the Health & Safety of New or Expectant Mothers

Indicate with a �� where a hazard exists and X where no hazard exists

PHYSICAL HAZARDS WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Movements and postures 13. Facilities (including rest rooms)

2. Manual handling

14. Mental and physical fatigue and working hours

3. Shocks and vibrations

15. Stress (including postnatal depression)

4. Noise 16. Passive smoking

5. Radiation (ionising and non-ionising)

17. Temperature

6. Compressed air and divining

18. Working with visual display units (VDU’s)

BIOLOGICAL AGENTS 19. Working alone

7. Infectious diseases 20. Work at heights

CHEMICAL AGENTS 21. Travelling

8. Toxic chemicals 22. Violence

9. Mercury

23. Working with Personal Protective Equipment

10. Pesticides 24. Nutrition

11. Carbon monoxide

12. Lead

Where Hazards are Identified List how Persons may be Harmed & the Control Measures in Place

METHOD OF CONSULTATION WITH EMPLOYEES Individual

TO INFORM THEM OF ANY RISK Group Briefing

Name of Assessor: Distribution:



Stage Two Risk Assessment on Notification of Pregnancy Birth or Breastfeeding Risk Assessment Protocol

All the above actions should be monitored and reviewed on a regular basis. NAME OF INDIVIDUAL: DEPARTMENT: DATE OF ASSESSMENT: Is this assessment one of the following: Initial Assessment Review of Existing If review of existing, date of last assessment:

Has a risk been

identified?

Monitor and review

Can the risk be

removed?

Remove

risk

Adjust

conditions/hours

Action 1 Can the mother’s working conditions/hours of

work be adjusted

Action 3 Suspend her from

work on paid leave for as long as necessary to protect her health and safety, or that of

her child

Action 2 Can she be given suitable alternative

work? Give suitable alternative work on same terms and

conditions

NO YES YES

NO

YES

NO

NO

YES



Hazards for Consideration that may Affect the Health & Safety of New or Expectant Mothers

Indicate with a �� where a hazard exists and X where no hazard exists

PHYSICAL HAZARDS WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Movements and postures 13. Facilities (including rest rooms)

2. Manual handling

14. Mental and physical fatigue and working hours

3. Shocks and vibrations

15. Stress (including postnatal depression)

4. Noise 16. Passive smoking

5. Radiation (ionising and non-ionising)

17. Temperature

6. Compressed air and divining

18. Working with visual display units (VDU’s)

BIOLOGICAL AGENTS 19. Working alone

7. Infectious diseases 20. Work at heights

CHEMICAL AGENTS 21. Travelling

8. Toxic chemicals 22. Violence

9. Mercury

23. Working with Personal Protective Equipment

10. Pesticides 24. Nutrition

11. Carbon monoxide

12. Lead

Where Hazards are Identified List how Persons may be Harmed & the Control Measures in Place METHOD OF CONSULTATION WITH EMPLOYEES Individual

TO INFORM THEM OF ANY RISK Group Briefing

Name of Assessor: Distribution:



Planning & Control

Introduction

Management of health and safety is concerned with the controlling of risks leading to an improved injury and ill-health record. This can be achieved successfully by having a safety policy which fulfils both the spirit and the letter of the law by assisting to preserve both physical and human resources and reduce financial losses and liabilities.

Management Systems

Effective systems use the safety policy as a foundation to influence activities and decisions including those concerned with resources selection, design and operation of working systems, design and delivery of products/services, and the control/disposal of waste.

Structured organisations maintain high standards by putting their policy into effective practice thus creating positive attitudes, involvement and participation at all levels. This is achieved by effective communications and the promotion of competence, enabling all employees to contribute to the effort by good co-operation.

A planned and systematic approach to the policy implementation is aimed at minimising risks created by work activities. Risk assessment methods are used to set priorities and objectives for hazard elimination and thus risk reduction, by establishing performance standards and identifying specific actions required. Planning is the important feature of this system, by allowing hazards to be eliminated and risks reduced by designing the work method in advance rather than relying on individual protection.

Performance can thus be measured against the predetermined standards, and identify objectives for improvements. The control of risks is achieved by effective monitoring, which looks at the fixed elements of activities such as premises, plant, equipment, substances etc., and the variable elements such as people, procedures and working systems.

Reactive monitoring such as accident/incident investigation can identify failures of control, but proactive monitoring seeks to identify those failures before the accident/incident occurs. In both cases, the objectives are to identify not only the immediate causes of standard performance, but also any underlying causes which may have implications for the health and safety management systems.

Systematic reviews of performance based on data from both monitoring activities and independent audits of the whole management system allows a constant development and improvement in health and safety management. Information produced can then be used to revise the safety policy, implementation methods and techniques of risk control.

Action

The aims of the above will be achieved by:

� Regular review of the Safety Policy;

� Effective communication of the Safety Policy;

� Assessment of risks by good forward planning;

� Effective and consistent monitoring of performance standards;

� Consultation between staff at all levels;

� Quick and effective response when deficiencies in work systems are noted.




Health & Safety Executive publication:- HS(G) 65 - "Successful Health & Safety Management"



Method Statement Guidelines & Checklist

A method statement details how a work activity or particular element of the activity should be carried out so as to safeguard those Personnel involved in work requiring a "Safe System of Work" (SSW).

A SSW is a considered method of working that takes proper account of the potential hazards to the Contractors employees, and to any others having access to the site including employees of Sub-Contractors, Project Supervisor, visitors etc.

Key Points

Before a SSW is drawn up for a particular operation, the potential hazard should be removed, or reduced to the greatest extent practicable.

The following questions should be considered when establishing a "Safe System of Work" -

� What is the task?

� What hazards will be created by the task?

� Do any existing systems of work, HSC ACOP’s, HSE Guidance Notes or instructions apply?

� Who is going to carry out the task - Contractor, Sub-Contractor, specialists or combination of these?

� Which persons are required to carry out the work and what will be their individual roles?

� How will they be consulted?

� What techniques will be used?

� Will they need any specialist training?

� Who will control and supervise the task?

� What plant will be used and is this adequate?

� Are any special tools, equipment or clothing necessary?

� Does the task require entry into confined spaces or work at height?

� What precautions (e.g. electrical isolation, permits to work) are required & who will authorise them?

� What other precautions should be taken?

� Will personal protection (e.g. ear defenders, breathing apparatus, protective clothing etc) need to be used, and has adequate, up-to-date training in its use been given?

� Is edge protection required and what will the edge protection be?

� Is the work likely to interfere with other construction operations?

� How will persons involved, (if unable to hear or see each other), effectively communicate?

� What specifically is the working platform?

� Is this platform known to be secure?

� What is the means of access and is this satisfactory?

� Is a survey of the area or building necessary?

� Do services need to be located and/or installed?

� Will it be necessary to inform other contractors about the work.

� Should special emergency procedures be instituted e.g. Fire Drill, Fire Wardens, First Aiders etc?

� Are Authorisation and Notification procedures required for completion of high risk activity?

� Who will need to receive copies of the Safe System of Work?

� Has the Project Supervisor reviewed the Method Statement and Safe System of Work?


The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007





Planning for Health & Safety – (Method Statements)

There are various statutory requirements relating to the need to carry out detailed planning for health and safety:

� Section 2(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act requires the provision of safe systems of work;

� CDM requires the production of a construction phase plan;

� The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations require risk assessments to be carried out;

� Good business practice also dictates that methods of work are systematically planned.

Method statements have long been used within the construction industry as a means of describing the manner in which elements of work are to be undertaken. Whilst historically they may have simply described a sequence of events, it is now commonly accepted that all method statements must also address the health and safely issues involved in carrying out the work. However, much of the work carried out within the industry is of a standard nature and, although it must of course be carried out safely, job specific method statements are not necessarily required for basic, routine operations. The broad range of risks posed by such operations is commonly addressed in the formulation of the project health and safety plan or in standard company procedures.

There is no definitive standard within the industry as to which operations need to be covered by a method statement or what that method statement should contain. It is recommended that, as a minimum, method statements should be prepared for all high risk operations and any other operations where the control measures are not immediately obvious from the health and safety plan or other standard procedures. It is becoming increasingly common to require all subcontractors to produce method statements for all of their work. However, generalised statements of intent, dealing with large packages of work, as are often submitted with the tender, frequently prove to be of little use when it comes to carrying out the work. Method statements should be written for the benefit of those carrying out the work and their immediate supervisors. They therefore need to address specific tasks or jobs which may mean breaking down the work into its constituent elements. Such job specific method statements should be produced well in advance of the works and should address all aspects of the job programme, sequence, engineering, method, quality etc. as well as health and safely.

They should be clear and concise, using simple sketches where appropriate, with no ambiguities or generalisations which could lead to confusion. Whilst the content will vary according to the scale and complexity of the job and level of risk involved, all competent method statements should address the following issues:

� What is to be done?

♦ Precise scope of the job.

� Where is it to be done?

♦ Precise location.

� When is it to be done?

♦ By dates or by sequence of events i.e. preceding, concurrent, or following other operations.

� Who is to do it?

♦ Number and type of personnel including any specific skills, training or qualifications

required.

� How is it to be done?

Plant, equipment and material required, including access, storage and handling thereof.

Continued



♦ Safe means of access & egress.

♦ Safe place of work.

♦ Precise method and sequence of operations including any 'hold' points.

♦ Specific limitations or constraints upon the job e.g. adverse weather, out of sequence working.

� What are the risks and control measures?

♦ list the identified hazards, control measures?

♦ Who might be harmed and the precautions to be taken.

� References:

♦ Method statements should be self-sufficient but it is occasionally necessary to cross refer to specific drawings, specifications, standard procedures etc.

� Date and originator.

The following system controls also need to be specified, either as part of the method statement or as part of the project health and safety plan or company procedures:

� Communications - arrangements for ensuring that all involved understand the method statement or their part of it;

� Supervision -arrangements for ensuring that work proceeds according to the method statement;

� Amendments - arrangements for agreeing modifications to the method statement and communicating them to those concerned;

� Validation - arrangements for ensuring that the proposed method statement is reviewed by both the organisation producing it and by the principal contractor, including the seeking of advice from the respective safety advisers as may be appropriate.

The HSE have made it clear that they consider method statements to be an integral part of the construction phase health and safety plan and therefore within the responsibility of the principal contractor under CDM. Successful prosecutions have already been brought against principal contractors because of the inadequacy of subcontractors' method statements. Competent method statements, properly implemented, will eliminate the ad hoc methods of work and good intentioned improvisation which are so often the cause of accidents, sub-standard quality and poor productivity. Job specific method statements are therefore by far the most important element in planning for safety and working safely.

Principal Contractors are the key players in setting practical on-site safety standards and making sure that they are actually followed. Therefore, they should:

� Specify the activities for which they require method statements;

� Ensure that the method statements are submitted to themselves before the work commences;

� Thoroughly review the method statements, considering the work itself, any relevant site wide issues and interfaces with other work of which the subcontractor may not be fully aware;

� Approve method statements when they are considered appropriate and adequate;

� Monitor the work whilst in progress to ensure compliance with the agreed method statement.



Method Statement Review Form

Name of Contractor:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Title of Method Statement:………………………………………………………………… Reference No:…………………………………….. Date of Issue:……………………………………….. Revision No:…………………………..

Comments Action Is Method Statement site specific?

Y/N

Are task specific Risk Assessments included and do they address all the risks associated with the scope of works detailed?

Y/N

Are COSHH Assessments included?

Y/N

Are Manual Handling Assessments included?

Y/N

Are HAVS Assessments included?

Y/N

Are any other Assessments required e.g. noise?

Y/N

Has all plant and equipment been identified and are all necessary certificates and registers to be maintained?

Y/N

Does the Method Statement or Risk Assessments identify a specific training or require a special competences? If Yes has evidence of training been included?

Y/N

Is there provision in the Method Statement for all Operatives to sign that they will work in accordance with the agreed system of work?

Y/N

Has the Contractors Site Supervisor been named in the document?

Y/N

Is there provision for handling changes to the agreed system or dealing with unforeseen issues?

Y/N

Has the sequence and method of works been clearly identified?

Y/N

Have PPE and RPE requirements been identified?

Y/N

Does this work affect the H & S of others and if so how are they to be advised?

Y/N

Are any permits to work required? If yes specify

Y/N

If lifting operations are involved has the name of the Appointed Person/Slinger/Signaller been identified?

Y/N

Can works proceed safely in accordance with the system of work proposed? Y/N If not specify any other alterations, amendments or revisions which are required prior to commencement of works:

This review authorise work to proceed in accordance with the document provided. Any changes/deviations/ revised methods or sequences to the system of work must be agreed in advance of the work activity.

Signed:……………………………………………………… Name:………………………………………………….. Date:……………………. On Behalf of:……………………………………………………………………………….



Method Statement Approval Form

Contractor:………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………….. Reference:…………………………………………………………………….

Date:

Date Received:

Method Statement Title:…………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………..

Reference No.

Proposed date of Commencement of Works:…………………………………………

Prepared by:

Revision Date Reviewed by Comments Status Date of Return Returned to

Key to sign off status: Status A - Approved for implementation. Status B – Subject to comment, approved for implementation with revised detailed submission required within 24 hours. Status C – Not approved for implementation – resubmission required.

Method Statement Approved for Use: I am reasonably satisfied, to the best of my knowledge, that the proposals in the above noted method statement is adequate for the current stage of works. Name:…………………………………………………………… Date:………………………………......... Signed:................................................................................ On Behalf of:……………………………………………………………………………………………………. Note: Clearance to proceed with this method statement does not relieve the subcontractor of any of their contractual obligations, including safety, structural integrity or any implications to permanent works arising from these proposals.



Accident, Incident, Ill Health Reporting & Investigation

An accident can be defined as an unplanned, unwanted, unscheduled event or occurrence which may result in injury to a person or damage to property or both, and includes acts of non-consensual physical violence done to a person at work.

It is the policy of this Company that all accidents, whether they result in injury or not, MUST be reported to the supervisor or other premises management as soon as possible for recording in the accident book BI 510 and investigation purposes and, where necessary, for notifying the appropriate authority as required by the Regulations. The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrence Regulations 1995 stipulate the circumstances under which the enforcing authority must be notified immediately by the responsible person (normally by telephone) and a written report submitted using form F2508 within 10 days of the occurrence; these are: � Death at work. � Major injury at work. � A person not at work is injured and taken to hospital for treatment. � Dangerous occurrence. � Where an employee of the Company is unable to return to normal duties as a result of an injury

sustained during the course of work for a period of more than seven consecutive days the responsible person will, as soon as practicable, but within 15 days, send a report to the enforcing authorities.

� Where an employee suffers from an occupational disease it must be reported forthwith to the enforcing authority on the form F2508A. The disease must only be reported if the responsible person has received a written statement of diagnosis of the employee by a medical practitioner.

How to Report a RIDDOR Incident

The report can be reported in the following ways: � By Telephone – 0845 300 9923 (Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5 pm).

Please Note – Telephone services are for the reporting of major or fatal injuries only.

� On the Web – www.riddor.gov.uk

Records of accidents and injuries will be kept for 3 years from the date it was made. Extracts of the records will be sent to the enforcing authority if and when requested. Records of 3 day + absences will also be kept for 3 years from the date it was made.

Records of accidents will be kept confidential; accident records will be detached from the Accident Book and stored separately when complete, thus maintaining the confidentiality of the injured person’s details. The personal information will be kept confidential in a suitable locked cabinet within the office administration.

What is a Reportable Injury?

� Any fracture of any bone, other than finger, thumb or toes; � Any amputation (i.e. hand, foot, finger, thumb or toe etc); � Dislocation of the shoulder, hip, knee or spin; � Loss of sight (whether temporary or permanent) or any other listed eye injury (penetrating injury to

the eye or chemical or hot metal bum to the eye); � Electric shock or burn causing loss of consciousness, or requiring resuscitation, or requiring

admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours; � Any injury leading to hypothermia, heat induced illness or to unconsciousness requiring

resuscitation, or requiring admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours; � Unconsciousness due to asphyxia or by exposure to a harmful substance or biological agent;



� Acute illness or unconsciousness caused by any poisoning by any route;

� Acute illness or caused by exposure to infected material or a biological agent;

� Any other injury resulting in hospital admission for 24 hours or more.

What is a Dangerous Occurrence?

� The collapse of, the overturning of, or the failure of any load bearing part of any lift, hoist, crane, derrick or mobile powered access platform, access cradle, window cleaning cradle, excavator, piling rig or forklift truck;

� A collapse or partial collapse of any scaffold which is more than 5 metres high which results in a substantial part of the scaffold falling or over-turning; and where the scaffold is slung or suspended, a collapse or partial collapse of the suspension arrangements (including any outrigger) which causes a working platform or cradle to fall more than 5 metres;

� Any unintended collapse or partial collapse of any building or structure under construction, reconstruction, alteration or demolition, or of any false-work, involving a fall of more than 5 tonnes of material; or any floor or wall of any building being used as a place of work, not being a building under construction, reconstruction, alteration or demolition;

� Explosion, collapse or bursting of any closed vessel, including a boiler or boiler tube, in which the internal pressure was above or below atmospheric pressure, which might have been liable to cause the death of, or injury to, any person, or which resulted in the stoppage of the plant involved for more than 24 hours;

� Electrical short circuit or overload attended by fire or explosion which resulted in the stoppage of the plant involved for more than 24 hours and which, taking into account the circumstances of the occurrence, might have been liable to cause the death of, or injury to, any person;

� An explosion or fire occurring in any plant or place which resulted in the stoppage of that plant or suspension of normal work in that place for more than -24 hours, where such explosion or fire was due to the ignition of process materials, their by-products (including waste) or finished products;

� Uncontrolled release of 100kg or more of a flammable liquid, 10 kg or more of a flammable liquid above its normal boiling point or 10 g of a flammable gas inside a building, and 500 kg or more of such substances outside a building;

� Uncontrolled release or escape of biological substances or pathogens which could cause death or injury or ill health;

� Any ignition or explosion of explosives, where the ignition or explosion was not intentional;

� Failure of any freight container or failure of any load bearing part;

� The bursting, explosion or collapse of a pipe-line or any part thereof; or

� The unintentional ignition of anything in a pipe-line;

� Any incident in which a road tanker or tank container used for conveying a dangerous substance by road; overtures, or suffers serious damage to the tank or in which there is an uncontrolled release or escape of the dangerous substance being conveyed; or a fire which involves the dangerous substance being conveyed;

� Any incident where breathing apparatus malfunctions in such a way as to deprive the user of oxygen;

� Any incident in which plant or equipment either comes into contact with an uninsulated overhead electric line in which the voltage exceeds 200 volts, or causes an electrical discharge from such an electric line by coming into close proximity to it, unless in either case the incident was intentional;

� Any case of an accidental collision between a locomotive or a train and any other vehicle at a factory or at dock premises which might have been liable to cause the death of, or injury to any person.



What is an Industrial Disease?

The following diseases are to be reported to the Health and Safety Executive on Form F2508A as soon as a written diagnosis is received from a doctor.

Poisoning

acrylamide, arsenic, benzene and derivatives, beryllium, cadmium, carbon disulphide, diethylene dioxide, ethylene oxide, lead, manganese, mercury, methyl bromide, nitrogen oxide and phosphorus.

Skin Diseases

Chrome ulcer from work involving exposure to chromic acid or chromium compounds.

Folliculitis, acne or skin cancer from work involving exposure to mineral oil, tar, pitch or arsenic.

Radiation skin injury from work with ionising radiation.

Lung Diseases

Occupational asthma from work with isocyanates, platinum salts, fumes/dusts from various resin hardeners, fumes from soldering resins, proteolytic enzymes, animals/insects, agricultural dusts from grain etc.

Extrinsic alveolitis from exposure to moulds, fungal spores or heterologous proteins.

Pneumoconiosis from work with silica rock, sand or materials containing such substances. Work with flint. Sandblasting. Exposure to dust during work with castings in a foundry. Work with china/earthenware, granite, grindstone dressing, mineral working/mining etc., coal and slate operations, manufacture of carbon electrodes, boiler scaling.

Byssinosis from work with cotton or flax.

Mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis from work with asbestos or its products.

Bronchial or lung cancer from work in areas where nickel is produced from gas compounds.

Infections

Leptospirosis from handling animals or work in areas where rats may be present.

Hepatitis from work involving exposure to human blood and body products etc.

Tuberculosis from work with persons or animals, their remains, or materials, which might be infected.

Illness caused by work with pathogens.

Anthrax from any activity.

Other conditions

Bone cancer and blood dyscrasia from work with ionising radiation.

Cataracts from exposure to electromagnetic radiation including heat.

Decompression sickness or barotrauma from breathing gases at increased pressure.

Nasal or sinus cancer from work with wooden furniture, leather or fibre footwear, or nickel production from gases.

Angiosarcoma of the liver from work with vinyl chloride monomer.

Urinary tract cancer from exposure to specified substances.

Vibration white finger from work with chainsaws, handheld rotary tools, percussive metal-working tools, percussive drills/hammers/breakers etc.

Please note that the above lists are not exclusive. For full details please refer to the published Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995.



Bellwood Interiors Limited Incident Reporting Procedure

HSE Contacts: Incident Contact Centre

Caerphilly Business Park,

Caerphilly CF83 3GG

By telephone on 0845 300 9923

By Internet: www.riddor.gov.uk

RCP Contact: Robert Puchalski Grad IOSH MIIRSM RCP Occupational H&S Consultants

10 Edison Way Fairfield Park Nr Stotfold

Hitchin Hertfordshire SG5 4BE

Tel: 01462 834644 Fax: 0870 0516371 Mobile: 07881 954 896

Email: [email protected]

INCIDENT OCCURS

MAJOR INJURY AS DEFINED BY

R.I.D.D.O.R.

FIRST AIDER APPLIES FIRST AID AND ENTRY MADE BY

SUPERVISOR IN THE ACCIDENT BOOK

INCIDENT CONTACT CENTRE NOTIFIED BY THE CONTRACTS MANAGER AND RCP OCCUPATIONAL

HEALTH & SAFETY CONSULTANTS NOTIFIED

Please Note – only fatal & major injuries are to be notified by phone. All other RIDDOR incidents shall be notified by

online submission.

INVESTIGATION COMPLETED BY RCP OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY

CONSULTANTS AND F2508 COMPLETED AND FORWARDED TO THE INCIDENT

CONTACT CENTRE

MONITORED FOR TRENDS

MINOR INJURY

FIRST AIDER APPLIES FIRST AID AND ENTRY

MADE BY SUPERVISOR IN ACCIDENT BOOK

OVER 7 DAY

INJURY

DANGEROUS OCCURRENCE AS DEFINED BY

R.I.D.D.O.R.



All injuries or damage resulting from incidents on site or in other workplaces, however minor, will be reported by the Site Supervisor on the Incident Report Form and sent to RCP Occupational Health & Safety Consultants.

This applies to injuries received by contractors, members of the public, visitors, etc. as well as Company employees.

In the event of a fatal or major injury to any person or dangerous occurrence as defined by the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995, the Incident Contact Centre requires to be notified.

Please note as from 6th April 2012 that ALL incidents can be reported online but a telephone services remains for reporting fatal and major injuries only.

1. To report a fatal or major injury call 0845 300 9923

2. Go online at www.riddor.gov.uk to report a dangerous occurrence or other RIDDOR incident

RCP Occupational Health & Safety Consultants must be notified by telephone immediately by the Site Supervisor. In the case of an employee of another Company being killed or injured this duty is placed on his/her employer. However, in order to ensure that this Company has fully complied with legal requirements, the Site Supervisor will notify the Incident Contact Centre and RCP Occupational Health & Safety Consultants as for all other accidents.

RCP Occupational Health & Safety Consultants will check that the Incident Contact Centre have been informed of fatal or major injuries, accidents or notifiable dangerous occurrences, carry out an investigation as soon as possible and confirm (where relevant) details of accidents in writing to the Health and Safety Executive within 10 days on form F2508.

Accident book BI510 will be available on each site and workplace to ensure any injured employee can record details of his accident.

RCP Occupational Health & Safety Consultants will send a copy of any Incident Report Form received from site or workplaces to Bellwood Interiors Ltd’s Head Office.

Where any injury to any employee, self-employed operative or person undergoing training (other than those reported as in paragraph 3 above) results in the injured person being absent from work for more than 7 days, Bellwood Interiors Ltd will submit Form 2508 (www.riddor.gov.uk) to the Incident Contact Centre within 15 days of the incident if details have been received from site/workplaces in accordance with paragraph 1 above. These incidents will be investigated by RCP Occupational Health & Safety Consultants only on request from Bellwood Interiors Ltd.

If a medical certificate or other written diagnosis from a doctor has been received in respect of an employee who is absent from work and the disease diagnosed is one of those listed in the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995, then Bellwood Interiors Ltd will complete and submit Form F2508A (www.riddor.gov.uk) to the Incident Contact Centre. A copy of this form F2508A will be sent to RCP Occupational Health & Safety Consultants.

RCP Occupational Health & Safety Consultants will send a full report of any incident investigated to Bellwood Interiors Ltd together with any photographs, statements or other relevant material for use by Company Insurers or legal advisers. This investigation report is privileged information and must not be issued to any other person without the permission of the Company's insurers or legal advisers.

All fatalities, major injuries, reportable diseases, dangerous occurrences and other notifiable injuries (7 day +) will be recorded in a register. These records will be kept by Bellwood Interiors Ltd who are responsible for ensuring that all details are entered and that records are kept for at least 3 years from the date of the last entry.



If a form B176 is received from the DHSS in respect of a claim for Industrial Disablement Benefit this will be completed by the Head Office and returned as required. A copy of the completed form will be kept for record purposes.

If any employee dies as a result of an injury within 1 year of the incident RCP Occupational Health & Safety Consultants must be contacted and the HSE notified.



The Social Security (Claims & Payments) Regulations 1979

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (4th Edition)

The Data Protection Act 1998




ACCIDENT RECORD

1. About the person who had the accident:

Name: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………... ……………………………………………………………………………………………………...…………………. Occupation: …………………………………………………………………………………...……………………..

2. About you, the person filling in this record: If you did not have the accident, write your address and occupation.

Name: …………………………………………………………………………………………..……….…………… Address: ……………………………………………………………………………..………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………... Occupation: …………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

3. About the accident – Continue on the back of this form if you need to.

Say when it happened – Date: ………………………… Time: ……………………………….….…… Say where it happened. State which room or place: ……………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………... Say how the accident happened. Give the cause if you can. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………... ……………………………………………………………………………………………….………….…………….. If the person who had the accident suffered an injury say what it was: ……………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………... ……………………………………………………………………………………………..……………..…………... Please sign the record and date it: Signature: …………………………………………….. Date: ……………………………………………

4. For the employer’s use only

Complete this box if the accident is reportable under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) How was it reported?……………………………………………………………………………………………….. Date reported …………………………………………. Signature: ………………………………………………



Bellwood Interiors Limited Incident Investigation Report

Client:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Address:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Contact:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Tel:……………………………………………………….. Fax:………………………………………………………. E-mail:…………………………………………………… Details of Injured Person: Injured Person Injured Persons Employer Name:……………………………………………………………Name:…………………………………………… Address:…………………………………………………………Address:…………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Occupation:………………………………………………………….Date of Birth:............................................ Describe the circumstances which resulted in the incident to include the following

♦ Actions which led directly to the event. ♦ The direct cause of any injuries, ill health or other loss. ♦ The immediate causes of the event. ♦ The underlying causes such as failings in the management system.



Details of the Outcome Provide details of the injury, ill health or damage. Provide as much information as possible to include photographs and sketches where necessary. Potential Consequences Provide details of the possible worst consequences of the incident and what prevented this from happening. Recommendations Provide actions with responsibilities and targets for completion.



Sketch of the Area Where possible attach photographs to the report. Recommendations F2508 Submitted? Signed: Date:



The following documents require to be attached to the accident/incident investigation:

DOCUMENT ATTACHED

Yes/no

♦ The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

� The risk assessments provided under Regulations 3 in relation to the activity being carried out together with the review of the risk assessment following the incident.

♦ The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

� Where plant and equipment is involved the records of instruction and training given on the use of the equipment together with the records of the maintenance and examination of the equipment and where applicable, test certificates.

♦ The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (As Amended).

� Where the incident has resulted in adverse health conditions a copy of the COSHH Assessment relating to the substance or material in use.

♦ The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.

� Where the incident involves lifting equipment records of both the weekly inspection of the equipment together with the formal thorough examination and test.

♦ The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

� Records of training provided to the individual together with induction training, toolbox talks etc.

� The method statement available for the task being undertaken, where applicable, together with the record of the person being inducted into the health and safety method statement.

♦ The First Aid at Work Regulations 1981.

� A copy of the entry made in the accident book.

� A record of the first aid treatment provided by the first aider.

� The qualifications of the first aider or appointed person providing assistance. Attach copy of certificate.



STATEMENT OF WITNESS Sheet No.…….of………

Date of Accident: Time of Accident: Contract, Office or other Workplace Contract No.

Accident or dangerous occurrence concerning Full name of witness (please use block capitals) Home address of witness Name of witness' employer and address of registered office STATES:

Witness Signature: Witnessed by Signature: Statement Taken By: Date:

Continue statement on continuation sheet if necessary - note each sheet must be signed by the witness



STATEMENT OF WITNESS – CONTINUATION SHEET Sheet No.…….of………

Date of Accident: Time of Accident: Contract, Office or other Workplace Contract No.

Continue statement on continuation sheet if necessary - note each sheet must be signed by the witness

Witness Signature: Witnessed by Signature: Statement Taken By: Date:



Preliminary Procedures

Tendering & Planning

At tendering, negotiating and planning stages, the requirements of this Company Policy must be taken into account.

Any aspects of work not covered by this Policy must be planned by the site/workplace management in conjunction with advice from the Safety Supervisor and written procedures defined.

Pre-contract meetings will be held with the Safety Supervisor if particular health and safety matters require discussion.

Training

All operatives and supervisory staff will receive training in their responsibilities as defined in this Policy. Training will be repeated at 3 yearly intervals and/or whenever changing legislation or working methods require.

The operatives required to carry out key tasks (e.g. fork lift truck operation, erecting tower scaffolding, scaffolding, abrasive wheel mounting, etc.) will be provided with necessary specific training.

Contractors

The selection of contractors will take into account their Safety Policy, accident record and previous performance with respect to accident and ill health prevention on site. All contractors will receive a copy of the Company Policy Statement and a list of responsibilities with every order placed. The following paragraph will be inserted on all orders to contractors:

"Please see attached copy of our Company Policy Statement for Health, Safety and Welfare and list of responsibilities for contractors on this Company's sites. Your acceptance of this order will be deemed to include acceptance of the requirements of our Company Policy".

"Please contact the writer should you require further information on any matter in connection with health, safety or welfare".

Suppliers

The following paragraph will be inserted on all orders to suppliers of hire companies providing any article or substance for use at work:

"In accordance with Section 6 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, we would be pleased to receive your confirmation that the article or substance to be supplied is, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risk to health whilst being prepared for use, used, cleaned or maintained. Also, in accordance with the above, please supply details of any tests or examinations carried out and full instructions for the safe use etc., of the article or substance.

Please note that we also must be informed of any updated information in respect of this article or substance in the future".

All information received from suppliers will be passed to site/workplace supervision for implementation or reference on site.

Notifications

The respective Contract Manager/s will notify RCP Occupational H&S Consultants of all new sites using Notification Forms supplied, giving as much notice as possible. This also applies to new workshops, offices or other workplaces.

The respective Contract Manager/s will make any necessary notifications in respect of Fire, Offices or Ambulance Authority.

The respective Contract Manager/s will notify relevant Authorities as required by specific Policy sections, e.g. Underground and Overhead Services, Explosives, etc.



Protection of the Public

All necessary measures required for the protection of the public will be allowed for and planned. In particular, taking into account the recommendations contained in Health and Safety Executive Guidance Note HSG 151 Protecting The Public Your Next Move.

Documentation

The Contract Manager will ensure that a complete copy of the Company Policy for Health, Safety and Welfare is issued to the Site/Workplace for reference; also a copy of the current Employers' Liability Insurance Certificate is issued for display.

All necessary statutory notices, Regulations and registers and accident report forms will be issued to Site/Workplace by the Safety Supervisor.

The Site Manager must ensure that all documentation supplied is displayed as necessary and that Regulations and Company Policy is available for reference as required.

The Site Manager must ensure that all registers, site inspection reports and other documentation relating to health and safety are returned to the office for safe keeping at the completion of the contract and that the Company Secretary is responsible for ensuring that this documentation is maintained at the office in a safe place for a minimum of 3 years.

Joint Consultation

In accordance with the Health & Safety Consultation with Employees Regulations 1996 and the Codes of Practice and Guidance Notes relating to these Regulations, every facility will be afforded to officially appointed Safety Representatives and Committees.

Enforcement Action Notices – Prohibition / Improvement Notices

If a prohibition or improvement notice is issued by an Inspector of an Enforcement Authority (Health and Safety Executive, Local Authority), the person to whom it is issued must comply immediately with any instructions on the notice and contact the Director responsible for safety either directly or through their appropriate Manager.

The Safety Supervisor will be informed by the Director responsible for safety and asked to provide advice on the measures necessary to comply with the notice.

When remedial measures have been taken the Director responsible for safety will contact the Inspector who issued the notice to inform him/her of action taken. This will be confirmed in writing.







Site Investigations

Site Investigations

Introduction

Many hazards may exist on sites which have potential for development. Some hazards may be obvious to all, but others may be hidden in the ground, fabric or structure of existing buildings or on other nearby site. Some hazards only present themselves when existing ground, buildings etc are opened up. Personnel investigation the site may be at risk from electrocution, toxic materials, poisoning, fire and explosion, or disease caused by animals.

All respective information regarding site investigations & the information collected shall be provided by the Principal / Main Contractor as necessary.

The following various hazards will be considered and the following cheek list will assist to ensure that foreseeable hazards have been considered:

� Has the site been used for previous industrial use, which may lead to soil contamination generally, or in small pockets?

� Has the site ever been used as a tip or for landfill?

� Are there any landfills or tip sites in the surrounding area which could lead to the seeping of methane?

� Has the site any consecrated ground within its boundary?

� Has the site been used for the burial of animal carcasses in the past?

� Are there any public rights of way across the site?

� Are there any overhead services which present a hazard?

� Are there any underground such as electricity cables, telecommunication services, gas, water, or oil pipelines?

� Has the site any previous history of flooding?

� Are there existing buildings on the site and if so are they structurally safe and id there likely to be any toxic material contained within the fabric of the building?



Control of Pollution Act 1974 (Amended 1989)

Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002

Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH amended 2006)



BSDD 175:1988 – Code of Practice for the identification of potentially contaminated land & its investigation



Environmental

Introduction

In accordance with good environmental practice, care will be taken in all stages of operations to ensure that the least possible damage is done to the environment around the site by protecting trees, wildlife, and wild flowers and preventing unnecessary pollution of the environment

In addition, care will be taken to protect the interests of persons who occupy premises in the vicinity and construction operations will be carried out with the least possible disruption to the lives of the occupiers and other persons.

Key Points

� Poor management of a construction project can damage the environment. This creates a bad image for the industry and can have a dramatic effect on the company’s future workload.

� Appropriate environmental controls should be put in place to identify the likely impact of a project on air, water & land, including the production of waste, & to mitigate any consequences as far as practicable.

� Excessive emissions to the air, such as noise, dust, fumes and smoke, can be a nuisance to others, which may result in the project being stopped by the local authority.

� All work on or near watercourse, or which discharge water or trade effluent to a watercourse, require consent from the appropriate agency.

� The disturbance of protected animals, such as bats, badgers, great crested newts and others, is illegal without the proper licence.

� Some habitats and plants (including certain trees and hedges) are also protected by law and must not be disturbed without the proper licence.

� Contaminated land presents a risk to human health and the environment; and the treatment, clean-up and disposal of related waste requires careful management and may need a licence from the appropriate agency or authority.

Contact with the Authorities

Prior to the commencement of works the following organisations will be contacted and involved in the approval for the clearance and redevelopment of contaminated sites:

� The Environmental Agencies for the treatment or disposal of contaminated and other wastes;

� The Local Authority planning department, environmental health officers and building control officers;

� The water companies and Environment Agencies for the disposal of polluted water from contaminated sites.

Any contaminated site will be totally fenced off and adequate warning notices prominently posted, advising all members of the public that the site is dangerous and that they must refrain from entering.

Environmental Protection

The following matters will be given consideration during the pre-planning stage to ensure that the development is carried out with the least damage to the environment and the maintenance of aspects of local natural beauty:

� Where necessary, protection will be erected around trees, hedges, where wild flowers are growing;

� Care will be taken to ensure that existing water courses and ponds are not polluted, dirtied or obstructed during the construction period;

� The burning of rubbish on site will be prohibited at all times;

� All existing footpaths and rights of way will be protected throughout, the construction period;

� Diesel and fuel storage tanks will be adequately protected with bund walls;

� Noise pollution on site will be kept to the absolute minimum;



� All removal of contaminated waste will be carried out with the consent and approval of the necessary agency or authority; and in accordance with the respective Act, Regulation and/or code of practice;

� Damage, disturbance or removal of protected animals, plants and their habitats will not be undertaken without the necessary consent and licence from the respective agency or authority. These operations will, where necessary be carried out in accordance with the necessary Act, Regulation and/or code of practice;

� All necessary care and attention will be given to the species of plants that are considered to be aggressive and invasive (these include giant hogweed; giant kelp; Japanese knotweed; Japanese seaweed & Himalayan balsam).

Planning Sites with Consideration to Members of the Public

It is sound policy to ensure that good relationships are maintained with prospective purchasers and near neighbours. To this end, the following matters will be taken into account when commencing and planning work on site:

� Check that site boundaries are clearly identified to avoid disputes with adjoining sites or property;

� Make contact with persons in the vicinity of who are likely to be affected by building operations;

� Make early contact with local authority representatives or other parties to agree means of protection over or against public roads, footpaths or right of way;

� Ensure that adequate lighting, adequate protection, warning signs and lighting are available at all times;

� Erect all warning signs in agreed positions and in accordance with company policy;

� Make arrangements to reduce noise and vibration pollution on site to the minimum possible;

� Ensure that all plant and equipment is safe at the end of each working day;

� Regularly check procedures for preventing pollution by chemicals and fumes;

� Ensure that emergency notices are displayed in the site compound so that they are readily visible to all whim may require them;

� Ensure that appropriate fire fighting equipment is supplied;

� Ensure that all materials are stacked in safe and secure positions and do not present a hazard to children, visitors and occupiers on the site;

� Provide special support racks for roof trusses and ensure that lockable dry storage is available for hazardous materials and these are removed from the working area at the end of each day.



Control of Pollution Act 1974 (Amended 1989)

The Environmental Protection Act 1990

The Clean Air Act 1993

The Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 (amended 1998)

The Waste Management Regulations 1996

The Water Resources Act 1991

The Protection of Badgers Act 1992

The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981

The Hedgerow Regulations 1997





Control of Pollution (Oil Storage)

The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations impose requirements on persons with custody or control of oil to carry out works, take precautions or other such action to minimise the risk of oil-related water pollution.

The Regulations apply to the storage of oil , as follows

� oil of any kind, including petrol, solvents, mineral oil, heating oil, lubricating oil, vegetable oil and waste oil except where waste oil is within the meaning of regulation1(3) of the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 (as amended);

� in any kind of container which is being used and stored above ground and situated outside a building -meaning a fixed tank, intermediate bulk container, drum (oil drum or similar container used for storing oil) or mobile bowser – with a storage capacity which exceeds 200 litres;

� on any premises, except in certain circumstances listed at (d) below. For example, the following premises must comply with the Regulations:

♦ industrial businesses:

♦ small manufacturing premises such as food processing, textiles, paper and publishing, engineering, bricks and ceramics, metals, chemicals;

♦ commercial businesses: such as shops, offices, theatres, hotels, restaurants, pubs, building and construction firms, motor garages, transport depots, bus stations;

♦ institutions (residential and non-residential): in the public and private sector, charities and voluntary groups, such as schools, hospitals, churches, prisons, libraries, public sector buildings, nursing homes;

♦ and occupiers of multi-residential dwellings whether privately or publicly owned blocks of flats or other dwellings fed oil from communal storage facilities.

The Regulations exempt any premises:

� used wholly or mainly as a private dwelling for domestic heating purposes, if the storage capacity of the container is of 3,500 litres or less;

� used for refining oil or for the onward distribution of oil to other places. This includes sites where operations such as blending, filling and packaging are carried out, but does not include fuel installations for transport companies; and

� on any farm.

The Regulations exempt any road or rail tanker used for the transport of oil. This includes road tankers used at airports and non-self-propelled containers that are attached to road tankers.

It is the policy of this Company that all oils used by our employees, will be assessed with regard to the risks to the environment arising from the hazardous properties of oils in connection with work.

Where possible, oils will be substituted by another, less harmful substance. Where risks cannot be eliminated, this Company will apply measures to control risks and to mitigate the effects of oil pollution arising from harmful substances.

This Company will identify places in the workplace where contamination may occur and classify those places in accordance with the Regulations. Assessments made under the Regulations will be recorded & retained for future reference.

Sources& References:


The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002

The Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002

The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2002



Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)

The regulations that apply to Bellwood Interiors Limited’s operations are:

� The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2007.

Further guidance on the storage and use of LPG is contained in HSE Guidance Notes CS4 'The keeping of LPG in cylinders and similar containers and CS6 'The storage and use of LPG on construction sites'.

At premises where LPG is to be stored consideration must be given to the correct and safe methods of storage. Advice on this can be obtained from RCP Occupational H&S Consultants and when necessary, the local Fire Brigade will be consulted.

When LPG is used at site locations and it is necessary to store LPG at the site location, arrangements must be made for the provision of a suitable compound that is signed accordingly and located so it does not present a hazard to either the site or surrounding areas. Allowance must also be given for any LPG that may be used by contractors.

The Site Supervisor must ensure that provisions made are fully used and systems are adhered to.

When LPG cylinders are transported in company vehicles it is necessary that:

The vehicle should be suitable for the purpose with provision for sufficient ventilation and securing the cylinder to prevent movement and damage in transit.

The vehicle must be suitably signed.

The driver must be given written information on the dangers of LPG and the action to be taken in an emergency. This information must be kept on the vehicle when LPG is being carried. (Written information can be obtained from LPG suppliers).

The driver must be instructed in the hazards, action to take in an emergency and his responsibilities.

Highly Flammable Liquids

Highly flammable liquids include paints, adhesives, solvents and other products with the flammable liquid warning sign depicted on the container.

Storage should be a secure compound or cabinet. When circumstances dictate, i.e. when storage is inside a building, the storage cabinet must be of a fire-proof construction. Suitable signs must be prominently positioned where highly flammable liquids are stored.

The Site Supervisor must ensure that any facilities for the storage of highly flammable liquids are used correctly at all times.

Sources:


The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations, 1999

The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2007.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, 2002

The Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmospheres Regulations, 2002



Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmospheres

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations impose requirements on employers so far as is reasonably practicable to eliminate or reduce risks to safety from fire, explosion or other events arising from the hazardous properties of dangerous substances in connection with work.

A dangerous substances is defined as:

A substance or preparation which is explosive, oxidising, extremely flammable, highly flammable or flammable;

� Any other substance or preparation which because of its physico-chemical or chemical properties and the way it is used or is present at the workplace creates a risk;

� Any dust which can form an explosive mixture with air or an explosive atmosphere.

It is the policy of this Company that all substances used by our employees or affecting our employees, will be assessed with regard to the risks imposed on the employee and others from fire, explosion or other events arising from the hazardous properties of dangerous substances in connection with work.

Where possible, dangerous substances will be substituted by another, less dangerous substance.

Where risks cannot be eliminated, this Company will apply measures to control risks and to mitigate the effects of fire, explosion or harmful physical effects arising from dangerous substances.

This Company will identify places in the workplace where an explosive atmosphere may occur and classify those places in accordance with the Regulations.

Assessments made under the Regulations will be recorded and retained for future reference by employees and First Aiders. The procedure for making such assessments can be found in the Company Codes of Practice section of this policy.

Sources:


The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations, 1999

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, 2002

The Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmospheres Regulations, 2002



Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998

Bellwood Interiors Limited require:

� All persons (whether employees, self-employed or sub-contractor’s) who carry out gas work with the scope of the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998, must be registered with Gas Safe Register - this came into force from the 1st April 2009 & has replaced CORGI.

� All engineers that will be undertaking gas work for Bellwood Interiors Limited, must hold a valid (recognised) accreditation of competency (the evidence accepted by Gas Safe Register must be dated within the last five years.

Sources:



HSE L56 Safety in the installation & use of gas systems & appliances



Site Preparation & Commencement

Much can be done by site management at the start of a new project to develop good relationships with the persons and businesses in the area. If care is taken to involve all sections of the community, local authority, police force, statutory bodies and others, work will almost invariably progress more smoothly as the development progresses. The following check list will assist site management in this regard:

� Consider the environmental importance of the site and the impact that changes will have on the local community;

� Check the boundaries of the site to ensure that these are clearly defined so that there is little risk of disputes arising in the future;

� Make personal contact with persons living or working in adjoining properties, or others in the community e.g. schools;

� Consider the impact of noisy machinery or plant in the area and where necessary obtain advice from the Safety Supervisor about the best way of handling this;

� If work is very close or adjacent to public footpaths, rights of way or adjoining property, contact the local authority representative and agree suitable means of protection, warning signs and lighting;

� Consider carefully requirements for fencing the working area to exclude children who may he resident nearby;

� Erect all necessary warning signs in positions laid down in the company policy and make plans to erect additional signs in and around areas of special risk;

� Make prompt and correct application for all temporary services and ensure that installation is to the satisfaction of the local authorities requirement;

� Clearly mark all underground services so that contractors are aware of their location and if overhead cables cross or pass near to the site, adequate protection must be provided;

� Arrange the display of all statutory notices and ensure that the company safety policy, accident book and statutory inspection registers are available for inspection on the site;

� Prepare suitable first aid facilities and display necessary signs indicating who is responsible as the appointed person or trained first aider on site;

� Display the employers liability insurance certificate and contractors certificates so that all contractors can see it;

� Make sure that COSHH and noise assessment information is available on site and, if relevant, that a supply of site safety booklets are to hand;

� Make arrangements to provide adequate protective equipment sufficient for the number of persons engaged;

� Make arrangements to have fire fighting equipment distributed correctly and ensure that suitable means of escape is provided;

� Ensure emergency evacuation procedures for multi storey premises, have been drawn up and are brought to the attention of all personnel on site.







Statutory Notices, Posters, Forms & Notifications

It is the policy of this company that the following notices, posters, forms & notifications shall be displayed & utilised on site:

Mandatory to be displayed on site

� Health & Safety Law Poster (new style poster released 6th April 2009. Employers can, if they wish,

continue to use their existing versions of poster and leaflet until 5 April 2014, as long as they are

readable and the addresses of the enforcing authority and the Employment Medical Advisory

Service up to date. This information can be obtained from HSE's Infoline on 0845 345 0055);

� F10 Revision Notification of construction work that falls under notifiable CDM works);

� Employers Liability Insurance Certificate.

Required on site

� Accident recoding facility;

� When using lifting equipment – register of information regarding thorough examination & inspection;

� When using work equipment – register of information regarding inspection;

� When using scaffolding & excavations – register of information regarding handover arrangements &

records of inspection;

� When working in confined spaces or carrying out hot work etc – permit to work arrangements /

procedures;

� Etc.

Please Note –

These signs & notices will normally be displayed by the Principal / Main Contractor as necessary.






Waste Management

It is the policy of this company that where waste is generated during the course of company activities then that waste shall be disposed of in a controlled, safe and proper manner. Where such waste removal requires the application of special control measures to reduce hazards such as contamination, dust or risk of environmental pollution then laid down company procedures will be followed to render such waste removal inoffensive and free of risk so far as reasonably practicable. Such procedures are specified in the arrangement section Environmental.

Key Points

Demolition can be dangerous and should be left to competent persons. Many demolition projects will encounter asbestos.

The poor management of materials and resources on a construction project can lead to excessive amounts of waste, which is costly, is bad for the environment and can be unsafe.

The improper disposal of waste is illegal and can lead to prosecution and even imprisonment.

Producers of waste must correctly identify their waste as inert, non-hazardous or hazardous.

In England and Wales, producers of hazardous waste such as oils or asbestos must register their premises with the Environmental Agency.

Producers of waste have a legal duty of care to ensure that it is passed on to authorised persons with the correct technical competence.

All contractors who carry or collect waste should have a waste management licence and waste disposal facilities unless they are exempt.

\all waste transfers must be supported by the correct document, called a Controlled Waste Transfer Note. The transfer of hazardous waste requires a Consignment Note.

Skips placed on public highways must have a licence from the Local Authority and must have the appropriate signs and markings for the safety of other road users.

Introduction

Waste materials lying around on a building or construction site have the potential to cause people to trip and injure themselves.

Poor systems of supervision by the management and improper or unsafe systems of work on site can lead to the production of waste, which in turn may cause accidents that can lead to:

� Pain and suffering;

� Time off work for the injured person;

� Lost production time;

� Possible compensation claims;

� Damage to the company’s reputation;

� Increased insurance premiums.

Legislation that has been implemented in stages since 1974, imposes conditions and obligations on the building and construction industry, and on how contractors may dispose of any waste produced during work on site.

The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 specifically place a legal duty on the employer, the self-employed and any other person who controls the way in which construction work is carried out (which in this context includes the management of waste). Their duty is to:

� Keep construction sites in good order and in a reasonable state of cleanliness, as far as is reasonably practicable;

� Prevent risk of injury, as far as is reasonably practicable, arising from fire;



� Etc.

Definitions

Waste is defined in the Environmental Protection Act as:

� Any substance which constitutes a scrap material or effluent or otherwise. Any unwanted surplus arising from the application of any process;

� Any substance or article which requires to be disposed of as being broken, worn out, contaminated or otherwise spoilt.

Controlled Waste is:

� Building and demolition waste;

� Household, industrial and commercial waste.

It includes scrap metal, effluent and clinical waste.

Waste can be further divided into three types:

� Inert waste – waste that will not decompose to cause greenhouse gases, e.g. rubble, concrete, glass;

� Non-hazardous waste – waste which will rot and decompose, and does not contain dangerous substances, e.g. timber, food, paper;

� Hazardous waste – waste that contains dangerous substances and is dangerous to human health or the environment.

Waste Disposal

In order to conform to the requirements of the relevant regulations, and in addition to the statutory notifications, at the commencement of work on a new building, demolition or construction site, you are advised to:

� Obtain the address and telephone number of the Waste Licensing Officer in whose area you will be working;

� Contact the Waste Licensing Officer and advise them of your intension to start work;

� Advise them of the type of waste which you will be producing and, if possible, the approximate quantities and types which will be produced;

� Advise the Waste Licensing Officer of hoe you intend to move waste;

� Seek confirmation that the carrier you have chosen (if they are not your own organisation) is registered;

� Either advise where the waste will be deposited or seek advice as to where it may be deposited.

You should then confirm to the Waste Licensing Officer all the points (noted above) in writing and keep a copy of that notification, along with any acknowledgement or confirmation which you receive from them.

A building contractor who carries waste, and anyone else, such as plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers, decorators or odd jobbers, must be registered as a carrier, even if they carry only their own waste. They must have the necessary documentation to consign the waste to the management of a licensed site, which will in turn acknowledge receipt and give details in writing of where and when the waste is to be disposed of.

Use of Skips or Containers

When deciding the type and number of containers that you may be require, consider the type of waste that will be produced.

� Would a compactor skip be better than an open one?

� Would a compactor skip cut down on the number of skips you require?



� Would a tailgate skip be easier to use than a fixed one?

� How many skips will you need and how often will they need to be emptied?

� How many different types of waste will you produce? For example:

♦ Brick, rubble, concrete, cement, plaster and plasterboard;

♦ Empty paint tins or adhesive tins or drums;

♦ Wood, cardboard and paper, carpeting;

♦ Scrap metal such as pipes or wires;

♦ Various chemicals, oils and greases;

♦ PVC window mouldings, gutters and down pipes.

When you have decided on the type and number of containers you require, decide where they are to be sited. On a larger site with a number of subcontractors it may be necessary for you, or the main contractor, to exercise a degree of control over skips (to ensure that they are properly used) and waste disposal (to ensure that the skips are correctly transported).

Note:

� Skips will be placed where all contractors can easily reach them and/or where the carriers lorries can reach them;

� Access to skips will be kept clear at all times;

� Skips will not be permitted to be overloaded at any times;

� Skips will not be permitted to be loaded above the height of the sides;

� At no times will fires be permitted to be lit within and waste skips;

� No one will be permitted to be allowed to climb into or ride within a skip;

� Skips will be covered where required to prevent contaminated water run-off after rain.

All waste producers will guard against accidental leakage or spillage of anything placed into a container or skip.

After skips have been loaded all reasonable care will be taken to ensure that all waste stays contained and does not fall or blow out, both on site and when transported. All open containers will bee suitably netted. All necessary consideration and measures will be taken to prevent scavenging by vandals, children or animals.

All necessary security measures will be taken to ensure that waste skips are not accessed by vandals, children or arsonists respectively.

Where skips are required to be placed on a public roadway, the Highways Act 1990 requires all skips or containers to have a permit and to be suitably illuminated and coned off. In addition to the Highways Act 1990, the Builders’ Skips (Markings) Regulations 1984 and Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual will be considered when and where applicable.

Site Waste Management Plans

� The Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) will ensure site waste is reduced as far as is reasonably practicable. The following benefits will be afforded by the implementation of a suitable SWMP:

� Queries from the waste regulation authority can be simply and easily answered;

� Will help to avoid prosecution by ensuring all wastes being disposed of ends up in the correct location;

� Shows how waste is managed and can help to reduce costs;

� Materials and waste are managed responsibly and are therefore less risk to the environment;

� It provides valuable information for future projects on the costs and quantities of waste produced.



Site Waste Management Plans should consider and involve the following:

� Setting responsibilities for managing and updating the plan;

� Identifying the quantities and types of waste that will be generated and realistic targets for reduction, re-use and recycling;

� Identifying how each of the waste streams will be managed, for example – will it be reduced, re-used and recycled?

� Identifying where the project wastes will be disposed of to ensure that ‘duty of care’ requirements are met;

� Putting in place arrangements for managing and handling of materials and waste to reduce over-ordering damage, time and cost;

� Communication and raining of site staff and sub-contractors to ensure that everyone understands the project waste management arrangements;

� Putting in place arrangements for measuring, monitoring and reporting on the waste streams to ensure that waste targets are being met;

� Reviewing the plan after project completion to learn lessons from the future.

From April 2008 a standard waste management plan is compulsory for all projects with a value between £300,000 and £500,000.

A more detailed site waste management plan will be required for all projects of more than £500,000 in value.

For further information on the respective value thresholds visit –

www.netregs.gov.uk/legislation/380525/1555007


The Environmental Protection Act, 1990

The Clean Neighbourhoods & Environmental Act, 2005

The Highways Act, 1980

The Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994

The Builders’ Skips (Markings) Regulations 1984

The Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991

Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual

The Site Waste Management Plan Regulations 2008



General House Keeping & Site Tidiness

It is the policy of this company to ensure all sites are maintained to a high standard of housekeeping.

A number of Regulations deal with the need for workplaces and accesses to be kept clear of debris and other materials.

Notwithstanding the requirements of statutory Regulations, a tidy site and workplace results in increased efficiency and better public relations. Therefore, tidiness is to receive priority on Company sites and in Company workplaces.

Information on the requirements of the Regulations and advice on current good working practices can be made available from RCP Occupational H&S Consultants when required.

With estimated works, allowances will be made for the necessary labour and plant to maintain the required standards of housekeeping and site tidiness.

The Site Supervisor will ensure that all directly employed operatives and contractors alike are aware of the need to keep sites and workplaces in a tidy condition at all times.

The Site Supervisors will ensure that arrangements exist for the removal of accumulated waste in skips, etc., from sites and workplaces.

The Site Supervisors will ensure that provision is made for safe and defined stacking of materials and storage of equipment.

Any openings in floors or access ways must be, either securely covered, guarded off or clearly signed to show there is a hazard.

Debris and materials must not be thrown or dropped from scaffolds or buildings, provision should be made for a suitable safety method such as a rubbish chute or suitable lifting device.

Brick bundles will not be stacked more than 2 bundles high on a level base. Banded blocks will not be stacked more than 3 blocks high on a level base.

Particular emphasis is to be placed on instructions to all employees and contractors on the safe disposal of steel and nylon banding used to contain bundles of material delivered to the workplace.







Demolition/Refurbishment Works

Although demolition and refurbishment works carried out by us is generally of a relatively minor nature it is just as imperative, if not more so, that the requirements of statutory Regulations. British Standard Codes of Practice and HSE Guidance Notes are strictly complied with.

The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 also place specific duties on clients, designers & contractors. The regulations are applicable to any demolition or dismantling of a structure, regardless of the time taken to carry out the work, or the number of persons involved.

All demolition or dismantling work shall have all the necessary arrangements for carrying out the works in a safe & diligent manner, recorded in writing.

The Site Supervisor, in conjunction with a specialist contractor when necessary, will draw up a Method Statement and a programme of work detailing the methods to be used, plant, safe systems of work, special requirements for dealing with health hazards, precautions and sequence of work etc. This Method Statement and programme will be issued to the Supervisor responsible for the work, who will ensure the details are also clear to those carrying out the works.

Any training required by Supervisors or operatives enable them to be deemed competent will be arranged.

Consideration will be given to ensure that members of the public or others are not put at risk by the nature of the works.

Consultation will be made with RCP Occupational H&S Consultants who will assist in the planning and preparation of the Method Statement. RCP Occupational H&S Consultants will also support the Site Supervisor in monitoring compliance with the planned procedures.

For major demolition works being carried out by a specialist contractor it will be necessary for the specialist contractor to provide Bellwood Interiors Limited with proof of training of their operatives that will be carrying out the works.

The specialist contractor will also be required to provide all necessary COSHH assessments in connection with their works to Bellwood Interiors Limited and any other persons that may be affected by their works.







Selection of Contractors

The questionnaire at the end of this section must be read in conjunction with the following questions.

The questionnaire should be sent to prospective contractors prior to a contract being awarded and their response should be evaluated as follows before the contract is given:

1. Contractor's Safety Policy

2. Content of Contractor's Policy

2.1 Does the statement of general policy contain:

� A clear declaration of the Contractor's intention to provide safe and healthy working conditions for their own employees and to ensure that work done by them does not adversely affect the health and safety of anyone else e.g. other Contractors or Companies' employees or members of the public?

� Reference to employer/employee consultation?

� Reference to the Contractor's policy on obtaining advice necessary to determine the risks to health and safety in their work and the means by which they monitor the implementation of their policy?

� Information on how the policy is to be brought to the notice of all employees?

� Is the statement signed by a director or partner of the Company and dated to show when it was last reviewed and updated?

2.1.1 Organisation for carrying out the policy

The section of the policy which defines the organisation of the company for health and safety should include:

� The duties and responsibilities for health and safety allocated and recorded in a clear and logical way with everyone knowing who and what they are responsible for and to whom they are responsible. This is often shown by means of a "Family Tree" company structure diagram supported by detailed lists of health and safety duties for each function within the company.

� The organisation should show that final responsibility is placed on a named senior director or partner in the company.

2.1.2 Arrangements for carrying out the policy

The arrangements section of the policy defines the procedures, working methods, standards etc. that the Contractor has adopted to carry out its work safely and in compliance with the legal requirements and should refer to the following:

� The procedures for dealing with identified hazards associated with activities carried out as part of the normal work of the Contractor such as scaffolding, excavations, lifting operations, electrical equipment, health hazards, plant, transport, protection of machinery, effective inspection and maintenance of plant and equipment, housekeeping, work in premises occupied by others, etc.

� The identification of precautions and procedures for dealing with special risks relating to types of site, building, processes and work activities e.g. work at heights, work in zoned areas, electrical equipment for use in flammable atmospheres, approved, demolition, steel erection, falsework, asbestos materials, entry into confined spaces etc.



� Safe systems and methods of work for all company activities including maintenance and cleaning machinery and plant.

� Accident reporting and investigation procedures including arrangements for looking at and analysing accident statistics and near misses.

� Provision and use of protective clothing and equipment including the wearing of safety helmets.

� Procedures for introducing new machinery or processes.

� Assessments and planned control measures for substances hazardous to health used or encountered by the Contractor's workforce and procedures for the introduction of new substances.

� Emergency procedures for fire and explosion. Facilities for the use and storage of highly flammable liquids, LPG and other flammable or explosive substances.

� Arrangements for obtaining and communicating to employees information about health and safety matters, including the requirements of the Company policy and the requirements of any person who is in control of premises where the Contractor may be required to work. In particular the arrangements for new employees and young persons.

� Arrangements for identifying training needs and for providing adequate- training to all levels of personnel.

� Procedures for the selection and control of contractors.

� Arrangements for health and safety inspections, reporting procedures, safety audits etc. How the implementation of the Policy is monitored, updated, improved etc.

� Arrangements for welfare facilities and first aid.

2.2 The Contractor should indicate that he has informed all his personnel of his policy. This is achieved in various ways - display of the policy statement at sites, issue of booklets, issue of statement to all new starters etc.

3. Contractor's Health & Safety Services

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires any employer who employs more than 5 persons to appoint in writing a suitably qualified, persons to give the employer advice on the legal requirements and safety generally and to check that the Contractor's work is being carried out in accordance the legal requirements and recommended methods.

3.1 Does the Contractor have a Safety Department, Safety Adviser or use a Safety Consultant?

3.2 If so, do the personnel named possess appropriate qualifications? E.g. MIOSH – Corporate Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety, and Health, Grad IOSH – Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety, and Health etc.

3.3 All the services listed in the questionnaire should be available to the Contractor from their safety function.

3.4 Site inspection reporting procedures should include a written report which is copied to a high level manager in the Contractor's organisation. Examples of reports supplied should not be simple "tick-in-the-box" type reports but should ideally highlight hazards, provide advice and indicate other matters checked and discussed during the inspection of the site.



3.5 Inspections are usually made every 2 or 3 weeks but may be made more frequently on complex sites. Very large or potentially hazardous sites may require a full time on-site Safety Adviser which could be included as a requirement of the contract by Bellwood Interiors Limited if thought necessary.

3.6 If the contractor has answered NO to question 2.1 then the answers to this question should be studied carefully. It is unlikely that the required high standard of health and safety will be met without qualified personnel assisting the Contractor; however there are some Companies who provide extended training to all their managers and have introduced self-audit schemes etc. which work extremely well. The arrangements made must comply with the legal requirement to appoint a Safety Supervisor referred to above.

3.7 If the Contractor is a member of ROSPA, British Safety Council, Safety Group, or other health and safety organisation this can demonstrate a positive commitment especially if it is indicated that Senior Management are involved in the organisation by attending meetings, membership of committees etc. An Employers federation may also have a Safety Committee or similar function.

4. Contractor's Health & Safety Performance

4.1 The accident record of the Construction Industry is particularly bad therefore a careful study of any figures provided by the Contractor should be made. This is difficult however as the figures will be affected by a number of factors e.g. numbers of employees, type of work, accuracy of records, growth of company, etc.

In 2006-07 the fatal and incidence rate (i.e. the number of fatalities per 100,000 persons employed) was 3.7 per 100 000 workers as compared with 1.1 for all manufacturing industries.

If the Contractor cannot produce accident records this can be an indication of a lack of interest in health and safety matters.

4.2 Accident records should include details of accidents involving contractors, members of the public etc. This information is asked for in the accident summary if no other records are available. Any figures provided should be related to the size of the Contractor, numbers of employees. A low figure may be a result of poor administration on the part of the Contractor.

4.3 & 4.4 Prosecutions, Prohibition Notices, Improvement Notices provide information on the Contractor's past performance but may have been the event which made a Contractor begin to take health and safety seriously or to make changes in the way he carries out his work therefore the information on actions taken following the enforcement action should be checked to ensure that positive steps were taken to avoid a similar occurrence.

4.5 Safety Awards made by various bodies can be an indication of good standards depending on the criteria used for making the award. Examples of awards are ROSPA Gold, Silver or Bronze awards, FCEC Contractors' Safety Award, BEC Award etc.

5. Contractor's Experience

5.1 Information may be available on the experience of the Contractor from members of Bellwood Interiors Limited staff, and this should be checked.

5.2 If the Contractor has carried out work for Bellwood Interiors Limited before, were the health and safety aspects of the work dealt with satisfactorily? The Company Manager involved with the Contractor previously may provide an assessment based on the performance previously noted. Any deficiencies reported can be raised with the Contractor if necessary.

5.3 A long experience record of the type of work will be essential for high risk specialist activities such as demolition, asbestos removal, work in confined spaces etc.



6. Training

The response to these questions should be checked against the policy of the Contractor as noted above.

6.1 Directors and Senior Management should have attended health and safety appreciation courses – i.e. IOSH Directing Safely etc.

6.2 Site Supervision, in addition to a basic course, should attend courses on subjects relevant to the work of the Contractor and the supervisors' duties as defined in the Contractor's policy e.g. scaffold inspection, excavation safety, monitoring atmospheres in confined spaces, first aid etc. In addition to those noted, have supervisors attended and passed the CITB 2 Day Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme. Where site managers are concerned have they attended and passed the CITB 5 Day Site Managers Safety Training Scheme.

6.3 Operatives must be given appropriate practical training to enable them to carry out their work safely and to meet legal requirements for "competent persons" required to carry out certain work e.g. mounting of abrasive wheels, use of cartridge fixing tools, scaffold erection, plant operation, use of breathing apparatus, use of woodworking machines etc. In addition to those noted, do operatives hold the respective CSCS or CPSC Card/s.

In some cases schemes for certification are in operation and should be insisted upon e.g. scaffolding, operation of various categories of plant and transport.

Induction training procedures for new employees or when starting a new project should be considered a positive indication.

7. Contractors

7.1 Contractors should indicate that they adopt similar procedures for the selection and control of contractors as Bellwood Interiors Limited.

8. Joint Consultation

8.1 The appointment of Safety Representatives by recognised Trade Unions has not been widespread in the construction industry probably because of the mobile nature of the workforce therefore the lack of Safety Representatives and formal joint consultation procedures will not be unusual. If a Contractor does state that he has joint consultation procedures with, or without, Trade Union Safety Representation this will be a positive indicator.

9. Insurance arrangements

The insurance cover required by contractors may be specified by Bellwood Interiors Limited insurers and therefore as part of a Contract, specific insurance cover may be necessary.

If this is the case this section should be altered to ask whether the cover is to the minimum requirements of Bellwood Interiors Limited.

The response to this section should be checked by Bellwood Interiors Limited insurers.



Contractors Health & Safety Assessment Questionnaire

To be considered for work for Bellwood Interiors Limited the attached questionnaire (or the questionnaire under Appendices) must be completed and returned with all appropriate documents.

If you require your documents to be returned please enclose a suitable stamped addressed envelope.

If you have completed a Contractor's health and safety assessment form within the past year for the same type of work you need not complete all this form again but please return it together with details completed in any section where changes have taken place since you submitted your original form.

If any details of your Employers Liability, Public Liability and Contractor's All-Risks Insurances have changed since you were last asked to supply Bellwood Interiors Limited with details of your Insurance arrangements please enclose them with this form.



Contractor's Health & Safety Assessment Form Date:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. NAME OF COMPANY:…………………………………………………………………………………................. TYPE OF WORK:…………………………………………………………………………………………………… ADDRESS:………………………………………………………………………………………………................. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... TELEPHONE No:…………………………………………………………………………………………………… CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:……………………………………………………….................. 1. Safety Policy 1.1 You must return with this form a copy of the following:

� The statement of your General Policy with regard to Health and Safety; � The organisation for carrying out the policy - i.e. allocation of duties, delegation of

responsibility, name of the most senior person in organisation responsible for safety; � The arrangements for carrying out the policy - i.e. safety procedures, safety manuals etc.

1.2 Describe how the policy is brought to the notice of all your employees. 2. Health & Safety Services 2.1 Do you have an internal Safety Department, or Safety Adviser(s) or use the services of an

external Safety Consultancy? YES/NO

If NO go to question 2.4 2.2 If YES - give names, qualifications, locations or in the case of an external consultancy give

name and address. 2.3 Give details of the services provided to your Company by the Employees / Consultancy

named in 2.2 Information and advice - YES/NO Accident Investigation - YES/NO



Safety Inspections - YES/NO How often? Safety Audits YES/NO How often? If a proprietary Safety Audit system is used (ISRS, CHASE, SAFE etc.) please give details: Enclose copies of a few recent inspection/audit reports if possible. Copies of reports enclosed - YES/NO Do you have access to specialist health and safety advice and services e.g. Occupational

Hygiene services, noise level surveys etc. as appropriate to your work?

If YES give details below. YES/NO 2.4 If you answered NO to question 2.1 how do you meet the following health and safety

requirements?

� Obtain information and advice? � Investigate accidents?

� Ensure that work on site is carried out in accordance with legal requirements and your

Policy? � Obtain Occupational Health information and services'?

2.5 Membership of Groups etc. Is your company a member of any group, body, organisation, Trade Association or similar

which promotes or has an involvement in health and safety matters?

YES/NO If so give the name of the group etc. and what involvement employees of your company have

with it: 2.6 Would you have any objection to Bellwood Interiors Limited Safety Staff carrying out an

inspection of any site on which you are currently working?

YES/NO 3. Health & Safety Performance 3.1 Do you prepare summaries, statistics or reports of all accidents at regular intervals?

YES/NO



If YES please enclose relevant summaries, statistics or similar for the last three years. Summaries enclosed - YES/NO 3.2 If answer to 3.1 is NO please give an Accident Summary for the past three years below : Fatal accidents* : Major injuries* : "Over three day" accidents : Dangerous occurrences : (*RIDDOR requires accidents involving the self-employed and members of the public in these

categories to be reported by employers therefore these should be shown but as a separate total from employee’s accidents).

3.3 Has your Company or individuals employed by your Company been prosecuted for any

breaches of health and safety legislation within the past five years? YES/NO

If yes give details and action that was taken to prevent a reoccurrence. 3.4 Has any Prohibition, Improvement or other enforcement notice / notices been issued against

your Company within the past five years? YES/NO If yes enclose a copy and give details below of actions taken following the issue of the

enforcement notice 3.5 Has your company received an award for accident prevention in the last 5 years? If so give

the name of any awards and date received 4. Experience 4.1 Have you carried out work of this type for Bellwood Interiors Limited before?

YES/NO 4.2 If so please give details



4.3 Have you carried out work of this type for any other Company before?

YES/NO 4.4 If so please give details 5. Training 5.1 Have all the Directors and Managers within your Company attended a Health and Safety

Course within the last five years? YES/NO 5.2 Have all Site Supervisors within your Company attended health and safety courses within the

last five years? YES/NO 5.3 Have your operatives received appropriate training for their work and in the general health and

safety aspects of your type of work. YES/NO 5.4 Do you carry out induction training for new employees? YES/NO NOTE: You may be required to provide written confirmation of applicable training provided to any person who is employed on or involved in, any contract awarded to your company by Bellwood Interiors Limited. 6. Contractors 6.1 If you normally contract parts of this type of work how do you ensure that contractors have an

adequate policy for health and safety and an acceptable performance in accident and ill-health prevention?



7. Joint Consultation 7.1 Are there any Safety Representatives appointed within your workforce? YES/NO 7.2 Do you have a Safety Committee for joint consultation purposes? YES/NO 8. Insurance Information Please complete or enclose details of the following. It may be more appropriate for your

Insurers or Brokers to complete this section. Employers liability Policy No:………………………………………………..Renewal date:……………………. Insurer:…………………………………………………………………………………………. Business activities as defined in the policy:………………………………………………... ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Does the policy:

� contain an open 'Indemnity to Principals' clause? : YES/NO

� apply fully to the work to be carried out for Bellwood Interiors Limited and does not contain any height or depth of work limitations, or special exclusions (e.g. regarding the use of explosives etc.) and is otherwise entirely free from restricting endorsements?

YES/NO

� include liability assumed under contract? YES/NO

� provide an unlimited indemnity? YES/NO

� include, as Employees: labour masters and persons supplied by them, labour only

contractors and persons employed by them, self-employed persons and persons hired or borrowed from any Authority, firm or person?

YES/NO



Public liability Policy No:……………………………………………….Renewal date:…………………….. Insurer:…………………………………………………………………………………………. Business activities as defined in the policy:………………………………………………... ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Does the policy (and any excess layer policies): � apply fully to the work to be carried out for Bellwood Interiors Limited and does not contain

any height or depth or work limitations, or special exclusions (e.g. in connection with use of explosives)?

YES/NO

� include open liability assumed under contract? YES/NO

� provide full indemnity to Bellwood Interiors Limited as Employer? YES/NO

� provide an indemnity limit of any one occurrence, unlimited in the period of insurance? YES/NO

have no exclusion of :

� Fire or explosion risks? YES/NO

� Working Risk in connection with any type of plant? YES/NO

� Subsidence, collapse, removal or weakening of support or similar risks? YES/NO

� Flood, pollution or damage to under-ground services?

YES/NO

� include liability for accidents to or caused by Contractors? YES/NO

� include Product Liability for accidents caused by work after completion, or by products

supplied? YES/NO



� in respect of injury or damage has no advice or design exclusion? YES/NO Does the policy exclude:

� the premises in or upon which the work is being carried out? YES/NO � Property being worked upon? YES/NO

What is the amount of the policy Excess? Does the policy cover liability for use of motor vehicles (Licensed or otherwise) away from

public roads? YES/NO Contractors 'All Risks' Policy No:………………………………………………Renewal Date:……………………... Insurers and Branch:………………………………………………………………………….. Is the interest of Bellwood Interiors Limited as: The Employer protected? YES/NO Is the policy cover for a) All Risks? YES/NO or b) for Fire and specified perils only? YES/NO if b) please state perils insured:………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………... What is the indemnity limit or sum insured under the policy? What is amount of excess applicable?



Professional indemnity Policy No:……………………………………………..Renewal Date:………………………. Insurers and Branch:………………………………………………………………………….. Indemnity Limit (state whether any one incident or annual aggregate) Amount of excess applicable Please Note – Specific additional insurance requirements may be included in a Bellwood Interiors Limited contract.



Outside Contractors Working on Company’s Premises

It is the policy of this Company that in situations where outside contractors (e.g. utility company personnel, cleaners, maintenance personnel) enter our premises to perform tasks in areas where there may be a risk to their health and/or safety, measures will be taken to reduce that risk to the lowest level practicable under the circumstances. These measures may include any or all of the following:

� Induction training (to include the hazards and/or risks posed by this Company’s operations);

� Supervision by a competent representative of this Company who is aware of the hazards presented in the area of works to be performed;

� Ensuring that personal protective equipment has been provided and is being worn, as required;

� Verifying that the outside contractor is competent and trained to carry out the proposed tasks;

� Ensuring that outside contractors’ employers have received appropriate safety information relative to their proposed tasks, issued by this Company, and that outside contractor employees have been informed of such information prior to their works commencing.

The measures to be taken will be dependent upon the hazard presented and the control measures as recommended by the risk assessment procedures. Likewise, this Company requires that any proposed works by outside contractors’ employers which includes elements of risk or hazard to this Company’s employees, is communicated by that employer to this Company’s authorised representative in the form of a risk assessment or similar, prior to works commencing on the premises.

Source & References:






Pre Start Project Meeting Agenda (suggested)

The following format can be used as a standard agenda for contractor pre contract meetings.

� Company Job No:……………………………………………………………………………………………....

� Name & Address of Contractor:……………………………………………………………………………….

� Date of Meeting:………………………………………………………………………………………………...

� Persons Attending Meeting:…………………………………………………………………………………...

� Contractor's Safety Supervisor:…………………………………………………………………...................

� Contractor's Company Safety Officer:………………………………………………………………………..

� Contact Details:…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Matters for Discussion (Where Applicable)

Safety Policy

� Contractor to provide Project Management with a copy of their Company Safety Policy.

� Bellwood Interiors Limited issue the contractor with a copy of their Company Safety Policy.

Welfare Facilities

� Facilities that will be provided and by who.

� Any exceptions?

Personal Protective Equipment

� Contractor to issue each employee with a safety helmet, safety footwear and high visibility vest as a minimum requirement. In addition all employees will also be issued with suitable eye protection in compliance with the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, and with any other personal protective equipment which may be necessary.

NOTE – ALL BELLWOOD INTERIORS LIMITED SITES ARE HARD HAT SITES.

� Building and Civil Engineering Working Rule Agreements provide for the habitual wearing of safety helmets at all work places where there is risk of head injury (in accordance with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992 (as amended 2002).

Access Equipment

� What will be used?

� Who will provide and maintain? Scaffolding


� Who will provide and maintain?



� Who carries out weekly inspections and maintains the records?

� Design and construction to conform to the recommendations of BSEN 12811-1.

� Erected in accordance with SG4:05 (scaffold erection and safe use of harnesses).

� Scaffolding will not be adapted, altered or interfered with in any way, except by persons specifically authorised to do so by the Site Management. Ties and braces which have of necessity to be removed or adapted will be removed or adapted only by the aforementioned specifically authorised persons.

Roof Work

� Who provides and maintains roof edge protection?

� How will falls be prevented if/when the provision of edge protection becomes impracticable?

� Suitable safe access and/or work platforms and/or edge protection or fall arrest to be provided for men who have to work on, or walk across, fragile material.

� Fragile roof warning notices to be displayed as necessary.

� Attention is drawn to HSE Guidance HSG 33 Safety in Roofwork. Openings, Corners, Breaks & Edges

� Who covers or guards?

� Who replaces if they are removed? Cradles

� Who provides?

� Who erects?

� To be used in accordance with BS 2830: 1994 – Specification for Suspended Access Equipment.

� Who carries out weekly inspections and maintains the register?

� Safety belts/hamesses to be used by all persons using cradles. Cranes


� Will lifts be Contracted or Managed lifts?

� Who will provide Lifting Plan?

� Current test certificates to be available on site and photocopies to ....?

� Prescribed particulars of latest 12-monthly thorough examination required if test certificate is more than 12 months old.

� Additional Insurance thorough examinations – where required.



� Who carries out weekly inspection and maintains the records?

� Who will act as Appointed Person?

� Drivers/Slinger/Signallers/coordinator to be specifically appointed, competent and trained.

� Positioning of cranes to be agreed with the Site Management. Lifting Gear


� Who provides?

� Test Certificates to be available on site for inspection.

� Results of six-monthly thorough examination to be available on site for inspection.

� All hooks to be of an approved safe design.

� Safe lifting practices – i.e. plates, pipes, etc. not to be lifted on the points of hooks. Hoists


� Who provides?

� Current test certificate to be available on site for inspection.

� Results of periodic thorough examination to be available on site for inspection.

� Who carries out weekly inspections and maintain the register.

� Drivers to be over 18, competent and specifically appointed. Excavators

� Who provides?

� Who carries out weekly inspections and maintains the register.

� Drivers to be specifically appointed, competent and trained. Mobile Plant & Vehicles

� No plant or vehicles to be used without express permission of the Management.

� Banksmen to be provided for excavators, dozers, etc.

� Specific arrangements to be made to ensure that vehicles, etc. do not reverse without an attendant.

� Drivers, Banksmen, etc. to be specifically appointed, competent and trained.



Woodworking Machinery


� Who provides?

� Operator(s) to be responsible for maintenance and proper adjustment of guards.

� Operator(s) to be specifically appointed, competent and trained.

� Area around saw bench to be fenced off or enclosed and to be cleared of off-cuts and sawdust daily.

� Means of extraction – what will be expected and who will provide? Cartridge Fixing Tools

� Type to be used?

� Only low velocity tools to be used.

� Operators to be trained and certificated.

� Suitable arrangements to be made to ensure the security of tools and cartridges.

� Letter and photocopies of trained personnel to....? Compressed Air

� Who provides?

� Supplies to be turned off at valves before tools are changed.

� Silenced compressors and tools to be used (where applicable).

� Current certificate of thorough examination of air receivers to be available on site for inspection. Abrasive Wheels & Cutting Discs

� Person(s) who mount wheels/discs to be trained and specifically appointed.

� Register of persons appointed to be available on site for inspection. Electricity

� Who provides?

� What voltage will be used?

� Temporary lighting and hand-held tools to be 110 volt with valid 3 monthly portable appliance test certificates / labels.

� Temporary supplies not to be adapted or interfered with, any necessary electrical work being undertaken only by a nominated electrical contractor.

� Any portable/transportable equipment which has a necessity to be operated at voltages greater than 110 volt must have armoured supply cables and be authorised and controlled by a permit



to work system. Welding & Cutting

� What system will he used?

� Screens to be used for arc welding where necessary.

� Suitable fire extinguishers to be provided at the workplace.

� Gas cylinders to be secured in upright position.

� Only an amount of gas necessary for immediate use to be at the workplace. Fire Precaution

� Temporary site accommodation, including caravans, to be spaced at least to 3 meters apart.

� Any construction of temporary accommodation inside permanent works to be of non-combustible material.

� Fire extinguishers to be provided for all temporary accommodation.

� Fire extinguishers to be provided wherever highly flammable liquids or substances are stored or used.

� Rubbish fires will not be permitted unless specifically authorised by the Site Management.

� All hot works will be controlled and monitored by the use of Hot Work Permits. Asphalt/Bitumen Boilers

� Not to be placed upon combustible roofs.

� Fire extinguishers to be provided at site of operations.

� Hot work procedures will apply at all times. Liquefied Petroleum Gases

� Quantity at any workplace to be as small as practicable.

� All other cylinders, full and empty, to be stored upright in a secure cage, in the open air (or well-ventilated area) away from buildings, excavations, drainage, basements and flammable materials. Large quantities to be in locked compound area.

� Site of compound to be agreed with Site Management.

� Fire extinguishers to be provided at a site of operations and where gas is stored. Flammable Liquids & Compounds

� Quantity at workplace to be small as practicable.

� To be stored separately from other materials in a suitable container or lockable area.



� Storage to be agreed with the Site Manager.

� No smoking or naked flames at site of operations or at store.

� Fire extinguishers to be provided. Excavations

� Maximum depth?

� Before any excavation work is undertaken, express steps must be taken to establish the position of any underground services. Close liaison must be maintained with the Site Management over systems of work in the vicinity of any underground service.

� Suitable and sufficient shoring material to be available on site before excavation work is commenced.

� What method of shoring will be used?

� Instruction, supervision and training to be such to ensure that shoring is installed only by competent persons.

� Who carries out daily inspections, weekly thorough examinations, and maintains the register? Asbestos

� Type of asbestos?

� Asbestos Register – location and contents.

� Accidental find procedure – where applicable.

� System of work to be established to ensure compliance with Asbestos Regulations.

� Proposed system of work to be submitted to the Site Manager.

� Special arrangements to be made for the disposal of asbestos waste. Housekeeping

� Storage of materials to be agreed with Site Management.

� Who clears away waste material?

� What are the arrangements? Radiography

� Area to be enclosed with suitable barrier, with warning signs displayed, and lookout posted. Falsework

� Method or methods to be employed?

� Design details and calculations, and proposed systems of work for erection and dismantling of falsework to be submitted to the Construction Manager.



� Design, materials and work on site to conform to the recommendations of BS5975: 1982, Code of Practice for Falsework.

� It is the policy of the Company to comply so far as is reasonably practicable, with the main recommendations of the Bragg Report (copy available upon request). Accordingly a Temporary works Co-ordinator has been/will be appointed. The contractor's full co-operation is required in helping to ensure that his duties can adequately be fulfilled.

� Clear pedestrian access ways to be maintained at all times.

� All projecting nails to be removed or rendered harmless.

� Access to shutters and elevated workplaces to be by ladder or other suitable means. The climbing of walings, column clamps, etc. will not be permitted.

Steel Erection

� Proposed system of work, including details of any temporary works, and methods of ensuring stability, to be supplied to the Project Manager.

� Adequate and suitable access to be provided so as to avoid men having to climb steelwork.

� Each man who goes aloft to be issued with a suitable safety harness or belt.

� Attention is drawn to the following publications: o BS 5531: 1988 - Code of Practice for Erecting Structural Frames. o HSE - Safe Erection of Structures - Guidance note 28/1 - 4

Pressure Testing

� Proposed system of work for each test to be supplied to the Construction Manager.

� Attention is drawn to HSE Guidance Note GS 4 (3rd Addition) - Safety in Pressure Testing. Hazardous Substances

� Does work involve the use of any hazardous substance, e.g. epoxy resins, solvents, chemicals, corrosives, adhesives, acids, etc.?

� If so, manufacturers'/suppliers' information on storage/use/hazards/precautions, to be available on site, and

� Systems of work to be agreed with the Site Manager (briefing into COSHH and material safety data sheets etc).

Entry into Confined Spaces

� Does work involve entry into any live sewer or manhole or pipe connection with a live sewer?

� Does work involve entry into any tank, vessel, pit, duct, or other confined space where there could be danger from gas, vapours or fumes, or a deficiency of oxygen?

� If the answer to (a) and/or (b) is 'yes' before each such operation is commenced, a system of work which provides for testing the atmosphere, and the provision of personal protective equipment, and suitable rescue equipment, must be agreed with the Project Management



(controlled and monitored by a suitable Permit to Work). Accidents

� All injuries to be recorded forthwith in the Site Accident Book.

� Serious injury, dangerous occurrence of fire, to be reported forthwith to the Project Manager.

� Copies of Form F 2508 relating to notifiable accidents and dangerous occurrences to be forwarded to the Construction Manager.

Hazardous Conditions

� Should hazardous conditions exist which are outside the control of the contractor, but which might expose his employees to risk, e.g. unsafe scaffolding, holes in floors or roofs, dark areas, etc., the Contractor must report the condition to the Construction Manager or his deputy, and not permit his men to work in, or have access to, places where such conditions exist until the hazard has been eliminated.

Contractors

� Should the contractor employ any contractor, specific and precise arrangements must be entered into with the contractor to ensure safe methods and systems of work. The Principal Contractor must be informed of any subletting of works prior to commencement of works (sufficient time must be allowed for approval of competency assessments where applicable).

Young Persons (Under 18 Years of Age)

� Specific Young Person’s Risk Assessments must be submitted prior to commencement of works.







Contract Notification Procedures

Contract Notifications

The Director (responsible for health & safety) will notify RCP Occupational H&S Consultants of all new contracts, where site visits are required, using Contract Notification Form as attached, giving as much notice as possible.

This applies to workshops, offices or other workplaces.

RCP Occupational H&S Consultants will then (where requested):

� Inform the Health and Safety Executive in writing, where required, of the commencement of operations.

� Provide necessary statutory notices, regulations and registers, where requested.



Notification for Commencement of Work

Company Name:............................................................................................................. Site Address (in full): .................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................Postcode: …………………….. Site Telephone Number: ............................................................................................... Site Fax Number: ........................................................................................................... Description of works to be carried out: .......................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................... Contract start date: ....................................................... Probable duration of contract: ..................................... Visits required (i.e. monthly/weekly):........................................................................... Site Supervisor/Foreman: ............................................................................................. Additional information (location details i.e. map/sketch). Form to be returned to: RCP Occupational H&S Consultants 10 Edison Way Fairfield Park Nr Stotfold Hitchin Hertfordshire SG5 4BE Tel: 01462 834644 Fax: 01462 834644 RCP Occupational H&S Consultants use only Date received: ................................................................

First visit carried out: ......................................................



Hire & Supply

Hire

Where equipment is hired in from another organisation, this Company has a duty under The Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations, 1998 to ensure that:

� The equipment hired is suitable for the task and conditions that it is to perform;

� It has been properly maintained and inspected before work commences, with proof in the form of an inspection certificate or similar form;

� It is supplied with all relevant information (maintenance schedule, etc.) and operating instructions;

� Any necessary instruction and training is given to operatives;

� A qualified or competent person is available to use the equipment;

� Any maintenance/inspection required is carried out at the correct intervals by a competent person;

� Any equipment hired complies with The Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations, 1998.

Supply

Where equipment is supplied to another organisation, this Company has a duty under The Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations, 1998 to:

� Ensure it is supplied in good working order, accompanied by a current inspection/test certificate;

� Ensure it is supplied with all relevant information and instruction;

� Provide any training as required by the hirer;

� Provide maintenance/inspection schedules as required;

� Ensure that any equipment supplied complies with The Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

Suppliers or Hire Companies providing any material, plant or equipment to Bellwood Interiors Limited will be expected to comply with the requirements of Section 6 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

To meet this requirement they will be asked to confirm that any article or substance supplied is, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risk to health whilst being prepared for use, used, cleaned and maintained. They will also be requested to supply details of any tests or examinations carried out and full instructions for the safe use, etc. of the article or substance.

The responsibility to pass on the information received to those employees carrying out the work is that of the Site Supervisor.

Our procedures for the supply of contractors include the completion of the Contractors Health & Safety Assessment Questionnaire Form (please refer to page 113).

On completion of the Contractors Health & Safety Assessment Questionnaire Form Mr John Woods, Director with health & safety responsibilities, or nominated person will be responsible for undertaking a review of the information supplied to assess the competency of the contractor to undertake the work for which they are providing quotations.

Where necessary assistance will be provided by Robert Puchalski Grad IOSH MIIRSM of RCP Occupational H&S Consultants in this evaluation.

Where negative responses are obtained i.e. the company have been prosecuted this would not necessarily preclude the company if they could demonstrate action taken to prevent a re-occurrence of the situation.


The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974



The Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998



New Employees Engaged by the Company

The procedure is to be carried out by Mr John Woods, Director or nominated person for the induction of all new employees to the company.

� Explain to the new employee what he/she will be required to do and to whom he/she will be directly responsible.

� Issue the new employee with a copy of the Company Statement of Safety Policy and details of their responsibilities for safety matters. Also show the new employee where the complete Company Policy for Health, Safety & Welfare is kept and explain its purpose.

� Ascertain if the new employee has any disability or illness which could prevent him/her carrying out certain operations safely or require additional protective measure.

� Show the new employee where copies of Regulations are kept.

� Warn new employees of any potentially dangerous areas of operations on jobs or in the workplace.

� Warn the new employee of any prohibited actions, e.g. entering specific areas without a safety helmet, operating plant unless authorised etc.

� Ascertain whether there is any training or instruction required and liaise with RCP Occupational H&S Consultants, as appropriate, to arrange, e.g. abrasive wheels, cartridge tools, scaffold inspections etc.

� Issue to the new employees any protective clothing or equipment necessary, e.g. safety helmet, eye protection, ear defenders/ plugs, wet weather clothing etc., and obtain their signature for the items issued.

� Where necessary, inform the new employee of vehicle servicing procedures etc.

On-going Training

Our strategy for on-going training within the organisation is that we maintain a training plan for all existing employees which identifies the level of training when joining the company together with additional training required to reach a satisfactory level of competence for working within the organisation.

This is then reviewed at a three monthly frequency and any future training identified arranged. This review and implementation of the training is undertaken by Mr John Woods, Director or nominated person.







New Employees Engaged by Company or Transferred to Site

This procedure is to be carried out by the Site/Workplace Supervisor of the site/workplace where the new employee will be required to work.

� Explain to the new employee what he/she will be required to do and to whom he/she will be directly responsible.

� Show the new employee where the Company Safety Policy is kept, explain its purpose and ensure that the employee is aware of his/her responsibility.

� Ascertain if the new employee has any disability or illness which could prevent him/her carrying out certain operations safely or require additional protective measures.

� Show the new employee where copies of Regulations are kept.

� Warn new employees of any potentially dangerous areas of operations on site or in the workplace.

� Warn the new employee of any prohibited actions on site or in the workplace, e.g. entering specific areas without a safety helmet, operating plant unless authorised, etc.

� If there is any training or instruction required, inform management, e.g. abrasive wheels, cartridge tools, scaffold inspection, etc.

� Issue to the new employee any protective clothing or equipment necessary, e.g. safety helmet, goggles, ear defenders, wet weather clothing, etc., and obtain their signature for the items issued.

� Show the new employee the location of the first aid box and explain the procedure in the event of an accident, in particular, the necessity to record all accidents, however trivial it may appear at the time.







Employment of Temporary Workers

This Company recognises that it has duties to ensure the health and safety of employees who are temporary workers, or employees obtained from an employment business. These duties include the following:

� To provide any operative whom he has employed under a fixed term contract of employment (i.e. Temporary Worker), or who has been provided by an employment business with comprehensible information on:

o Any special occupational qualifications or skills required to be held by that employee if he is to carry out his work safely (e.g. working at height); and

o Any health surveillance required to be provided to that employee by legislation.

� To ensure that the person carrying on the employment business has been provided with comprehensive information on:

o Any special occupational qualifications or skills required to be held by the operative if he is to carry out his work for this Company safely; and

o The specific health and safety features of the jobs in this Company to be filled by operatives obtained from employment businesses.

� To check that the information provided by this Company, to an employer carrying on an employment business, is received by the operative (although it is appreciated that the person carrying on the employment business has a legal obligation to pass this information on once received from this Company).

� Informing the persons responsible for the provision of health and safety assistance to this Company of the employment of temporary workers or of operatives obtained from an employment business.

It is the policy of this Company to adhere to the requirements above, and the responsibility for its implementation will be accorded to this Company’s director, or a designated subordinate.





New Employees Under 18 Years Old

Should this Company employ young persons (defined in The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, 1999 as someone under 18 years of age) in the course of Company business (including for training purposes). As required by legislation, risk assessments will be carried out on any risks to young persons before they start work, or existing assessments will be reviewed where young persons are already in employment. The young person’s risk assessments carried out by this Company will follow the same procedure as that for other risk assessments in accordance with the company policy for Young Persons (please refer to Young Person Company Policy in File Number 8 for further information), but will specifically take into account the following:

� The young person’s inexperience, lack of perception of danger and immaturity;

� Their workplace and workstation;

� Any exposures to physical, chemical and/or biological agents;

� Any work equipment used;

� The work activities and processes to be undertaken;

� Any training provided, and any risks from specified agents and processes (listed in the Annex to European Council Directive 94/33/EC dated 24 June 1994).

As required by legislation, this Company will comply with the restrictions on work to be done by a young person.

All young persons will be Informed that they must not operate any plant (including dumpers), give signals to any crane driver, use any power tools or equipment unless being trained under the direct supervision of a competent person.

Young persons are entitled to a rest period of not less than twelve consecutive hours in each 24-hour period during which they work for their employer.

Where young persons’ daily working time is more than four and a half hours, they are entitled to take a rest break of at least 30 minutes, which shall be consecutive if possible, and they are entitled to spend it away from their workstation.



The Working Time Regulations 1999



Child - Work Experience Placements

Specific Child Risk Assessments must be carried out in accordance with the company policy for persons under the legal school leaving age participating in school work experience placements (please refer to Work Experience Company Policy in the respective file of the Office Filing System for further information).






Company Staff Visiting Hazardous Areas/Sites

“Hazardous Areas” in the context of this section relates to areas within the Company premises, or on external work sites (e.g. construction sites) where Company employees are required to work/visit on Company business.

It is the policy of this Company that when Company employees are required to work in/visit external work sites or parts of the Company’s premises that are deemed to be hazardous, then certain procedures will be put into place before entry or any works are undertaken. These procedures will either be in the form of a specific risk assessment or safe system of work as the case may be and might incorporate a permit to work system.





Consultation With Employees

The Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations, 1996, require the employer to consult with employees in good time on matters of health and safety in the workplace. It is the policy of this Company that all personnel will be regularly informed in good time regarding the introduction of any substantial measures which can affect health and safety at the workplace, including:

� The appointing or nominating of persons to co-ordinate emergency procedures & health & safety assistance;

� Planning & organising of required health & safety training & provision of information for employees;

� Any health & safety information the Company is required to provide to our employees by or under any relevant statutory provisions;

� The health & safety consequences for Company employees of the introduction (including the planning thereof) of new technologies into the workplace.

Persons to be Consulted

As required by law the consultation required with the employees of this Company will be with the employees directly, or if elected to the position by this Company’s employees, a representative of employee safety. Where a representative of employee safety has been elected then the Company management will inform Company employees of the names of those representatives and the group of employees represented by those representatives.

The company recognises its duties under the Health and Safety Consultation with Employees Regulations 1996 and the company undertakes within its procedures to include consultation with employees on the following matters:

� Notification to employees of any measures in the workplace which may substantially affect their health and safety. This includes the provision of both induction training and on-going training to keep persons aware.

� Notification to all employees of who is appointed as the ‘competent person’ to advise the employer of health and safety issues together with the representative of the employees appointed to represent the view of the employees.

� Notification to employees of the risk identified by the Risk Assessments for the works together with both the preventative and protective measures.

� Emergency procedures to include procedures for evacuation will also be advised to all employees.

� Representative of employee safety elected under the Health and Safety Consultation with Employees Regulations 1996 will be provided with relevant training to enable them to undertake their task.

Summary

Information provided will be enough to allow our employees to understand:

� What the likely risk and hazards are arising from their work together with any changes that are made to their work procedures;

� The measures in place, or will be introduced, to reduce them;

� What employees should do when encountering risks and hazards;

� What employees should not do when encountering risks and hazards;

� To whom they should report any short falling.



Health & Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996





Individual Company Safety Rules

Each individual has a duty to both assist the employer in complying with their duties under current legislation and to co-operate with their employer. The following are our basic arrangements for ensuring the ongoing health and safety of individuals and other persons whilst working on projects which are under our control:

1. On site locations you will be briefed into the contents of the method statements or risk assessments applicable to the work. You are required to implement the control measures within the requirements of the above.

2. Where personal protective equipment is identified as being required this should be worn at all times where identified. Examples of this include eye protection when using angle grinders.

3. In the event of any situation where you are of the opinion that it is unsafe you are to stop work and immediately report to the supervisor or the office the situation.

4. In the event of you receiving any injury this requires to be entered into the accident book.

5. Within the office environment particular care requires to be taken to ensure your safety at all times. In the event of you requiring to use display screen equipment an assessment will be provided on the use of the machine.

6. In the event of any extension leads requiring to be used these need to be positioned so as not to present a tripping hazard.






Trade Contractors Safety Information

Safety information, which forms an integral part of the Company's Health and Safety Policy, is applicable to all Trade Contractors and persons under their control and forms part of the Terms of Contract. Trade Contractors are required to ensure that:

� They, and all persons under their control, familiarise themselves with the site and any hazards to be found on the site;

� Their activities are conducted in accordance with the safe practices as detailed in this Policy, taking precautions to protect all employees and others who may be affected by their actions or failures to act;

� They comply with all the relevant legislation applicable to the workplace;

� They provide the correct protective equipment and clothing to their employees at the contractor's expense;

� Employees remain within the designated areas of their work;

� They only employ persons who are sufficiently trained and experienced in the performance of their duties. If persons under training are employed, the contractor is to ensure that they are adequately supervised.

Nothing in the above information relieves the contractor of their duties and obligations under Statute or Common Law. Failure to comply with our Company’s Health and Safety Policy or any legal requirements will lead, at our Company’s discretion, to suspension of the contractor's work, at no cost to the employer, or to termination of the contract.

All contractors will be subject to approval in accordance with the Core Criteria for demonstrating competence as illustrated within the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 ACOP.


Health & Safety at Work etc. Act, 1974





Communications on Site

Every effort will be made by both management and employees of this Company to keep other contractors, clients and other interested parties informed of health and safety issues pertinent to this Company’s operations on site.

The precise nature of the form of communication to be used will be dependent on the requirements of the site and/or the client (e.g. memos, formal safety meetings, verbal, compilation of documentation, etc). The mode of communication will be agreed upon before work starts and that both site management and operatives are aware of this requirement.

Communications between management and employees of this Company will be such that legislated requirements are adhered to and that employees are aware of matters having an impact on their health and safety during the course of works. Modes of such communication can be found in “Consultation with Employees Procedures” in the preceding sections of this Policy.

Trade contractors/sub-contractors carrying out work for our Company are expected to have a communications procedure in place, which is suitable and sufficient for the individual work circumstances. Proof of such communication procedures is part of our vetting procedure prior to works being awarded.







Training Arrangements

In order that personnel can work safely and efficiently it is important that each person receives training appropriate to the job they are required to do. Whilst appropriate qualifications are required by the Company before employment, it is not accepted that training will cease for that employee.

It is the policy of this Company that all employees continue training during the course of their employment by various methods ranging from attending residential courses to “toolbox talks”.

All employees will receive appropriate induction training that will include the standard introduction programme, making them aware of their statutory duties, the emergency procedures and an explanation of the Company Safety Policy.

An awareness of safety issues at all levels is an important feature in the promotion of this Safety Policy. Accordingly, in all forms of training, the safety requirements related directly or indirectly to the task or work area will be an integral part of occupational training and appropriate training will be given to anyone who undertakes a new task.

All training will be mandatory and records kept of courses and qualifications.

All contractors will be subject to approval in accordance with the Core Criteria for demonstrating competence as illustrated within the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 ACOP.




Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998




Training Matrix Record Sheet

On recruitment of new employees to the organisation the Director (with health & safety responsibility) will assess their competence against the skills matrix for the tasks they are to undertake.

In the event of further training being required examples of this may include such items of plant and equipment as abrasive wheels and tower scaffolds. Arrangements will be made for the employee to receive this training.

When new equipment is introduced to the organisation relevant information, instruction and training will be provided to employees on the use of this equipment.

All training for individuals will be recorded on a matrix chart as below.

Name:

Position:

Training Certificates held and courses attended:

Future training planned and dates of scheduled courses:



Welfare & First Aid

The following Regulations and statutory guidance will be used to set the required standards for welfare and first aid at all workplaces:

� The Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992

� The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981

� The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007

RCP Occupational H&S Consultants will give advice and guidance to achieve acceptable standards.

At the tender/negotiating stage of a contract, allowance will be made to achieve acceptable compliance with the statutory regulations on welfare and first aid.

Arrangements within the workplace are that first aid boxes will be maintained on every vehicle and the driver of the vehicle is responsible for maintaining the contents of the box and reporting any deficiencies.

Within the office environment the first aid box will be located in a prominent position and the Managing Director will be responsible for ensuring the maintenance of the box. This duty may be delegated to the office manager where applicable.

At each site location a first aid box will be located in accordance with the HSE requirements on contents and an appointed person will be available where there is less than 5 people. Where more than 5 people are employed this will be a first aider.

Every company vehicle will have a first aid kit which will be maintained by the driver.

The names of the persons appointed are to be displayed either on the first aid box or adjacent.

Responsibility for the checking of first aid boxes are as follows:

� Weekly inspections undertaken by the first aider at the work location and this inspection recorded on the sheet inside the first aid box;

� Four weekly inspections carried out when requested to the site and at this site inspection the contents of the first aid box checked.

� Where deficiencies are found in the first aid box these will be replenished by the first aider.





The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981

The Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992



Health, Safety & Welfare on Construction Sites

This Company is committed to providing a safe working environment for its employees required to work on construction sites. The standard that is used to achieve this goal, as well as monitoring of compliance, is Part 4 of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007, these being regarded as the minimum requirements for this Company’s operations. Where a particular site activity (e.g. erection of scaffolding) is not part of our Company operation then this Company will make all reasonable enquiries to ascertain compliance by other parties responsible for provision of such aspects of the works.

As a minimum the following Welfare Arrangements will be provided:

� Sanitary conveniences with warm & cold running water; dispensers for hand wash, barrier cream and moisturiser; paper towels or other suitable means of drying hands;

� Adequate fresh Drinking water;

� Means of heating water for the provision of hot drinks;

� Means of heating food for the provision of hot meals;

� Mess facilities for rest periods;

� Changing facilities;

� Drying Room Facilities;

� Storage facilities for protective clothing;

� Adequate first aid equipment.

Planning Procedures

All work will be tendered for or negotiated in accordance with the relevant standards as laid down by Part 4 of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations, 2007 and the appropriate risk assessments carried out.

The Contract Manager will establish the welfare requirements before work starts, taking into account contractors' requirements if applicable.

If the Company is working as a Contractor, the Site Manager will arrange with the main contractor before Company Employees are sent to site that all necessary welfare, arrangements are provided and ensure that the relevant section of the Health and Safety Plan has been received from the Contractor.

All necessary welfare facilities must be arranged before work commences, and if necessary, advice should be sought from the Safety Supervisor who can arrange the supply of materials if required.

The Client as identified under Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 will require to be satisfied that all necessary and appropriate welfare arrangements have been provided prior to the commencement of works.

Copies of the Regulations will be kept on sites or workplaces and the Safety Supervisor will provide advice on the requirements when requested.

Monitoring

The Site Manager will ensure that all planned welfare facilities are provided and that they are maintained to the required standards.

Where the Company has arranged to use the facilities provided by another Contractor, the Site Manager will report to management any deficiencies in facilities provided by the contractor.

The Contract Manager will issue confirmation of facilities provided to any contractor to whom facilities are provided and will keep the documentation available for inspection on site.



Special Welfare Arrangements

Where short term work is to be carried out on a site where the provision of temporary units or mobile units is not reasonably practicable, the minimum of equipment to be carried in vehicles is:

� Drinking water container;

� Means of boiling water (taking into account requirements for safety and ventilation if LPG used - see section in Policy);

� Hand cleanser in dispenser;

� Paper towels or other suitable means of drying hands;

� Storage facilities for protective clothing;

� Adequate first aid equipment.

Before work commences, the Contract Manager must make arrangements for the use by operatives of convenient sanitary facilities throughout the duration of the work.

Copies of the Regulations will be kept on each site. Information on the requirements of the legislation and guidance may be obtained from the Safety Supervisor.









Site Offices

� Where applicable, site offices will comply with the requirements of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (except on construction sites).

� A risk assessment will be provided for each location to meet the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

� All fire extinguishers shall comply with the relevant British Standard and will be serviced and maintained at regular intervals. Training will be provided to members of staff in their use.

� The Site Manager will ensure that all offices are cleaned out daily and waste paper is not allowed to accumulate.

� Any liquefied petroleum gas heating appliance shall be used in accordance with the requirements of Company Policy.

� Any electrical installation shall be to the requirements of the IEE Regulations and shall be installed, tested, altered and maintained by qualified electricians only.

� The Site Manager will ensure that any office machinery is installed safely and that it is maintained and serviced in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.

� Training will be provided in the use of office machinery and no person may operate or service any machinery unless authorised to do so.









Fire & Emergency Arrangements

Fire Prevention

In accordance with relevant legislation this Company recognises the need for effective and suitable fire prevention measures to combat risks to the health and safety of our employees and others affected by our activities.

To this end we are committed to the principle of fire risk assessment (the effective on-going evaluation of our premises and other workplaces where our employees may be required to work) to determine fire risks and the control measures required to eliminate or reduce the risk of fire to as low a level as possible.

Where necessary, the assistance of suitable persons and/or companies will be enlisted. This Company is also committed to the provision of suitable and sufficient fire fighting equipment, training for identified members of staff in the use of such equipment, and any other such measures as required by the stipulations contained in relevant legislation.

Emergency Procedures

In order to ensure the safety of employees, and any other person, it is the policy of this Company that documented procedures are put in place regarding situations presenting serious and imminent danger. The individual emergency procedures contained in the various sections of this policy, set out clear guidance on when employees and others at work should stop work and how they should move to a place of safety. In some cases this will require full evacuation of the workplace. In other cases it might mean some or all, of the workforce moving to a safer part of the workplace.

A sufficient number of competent persons within the workplace will be nominated to implement those procedures, which relate to evacuation of any part of the workplace.

Each site will be assessed in accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 in requirement to provide an adequate level of both fire precautions and emergency procedures in the event of a fire, explosion or spillage. This will be undertaken by the principal contractor on whose site were are undertaking work or where we are working on existing premises this will be by reviewing the work location and where necessary following risk assessments the implementation of additional fire precaution arrangements. Our procedure for undertaking this will be by assessing the risk following the hierarchy of controls as follows:

� Do we need to undertake hot works or can we select an alternative means?

� Adequate control of the risk that exist undertaking the work.

� Establishing emergency procedures in the event of fire occurring to include clear instructions for evacuation of the area.



At all locations the following notice will be clearly displayed to include the office:

ACTION IN THE EVENT OF FIRE

1.

� Raise the alarm

� Follow the instructions indicated on the fire notice instructions adjacent to each call point.

2. � Follow the instructions indicated on the fire notice instructions adjacent to each call point and tell the operator the fire is at:

……………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………. …………………………………………………….

3.

� On hearing the fire alarm:

♦ All personnel to leave the site and assemble at the fire point;

♦ All personnel to leave the site and assemble at the fire point;

♦ Nominated fire warden to take charge of emergency;

♦ Do not stop to collect personal belongings;

♦ Turn off powered equipment;

♦ Turn off all heat producing equipment;

♦ Attack fire with the equipment provided if it is safe to do so;

♦ Obey instructions from the Fire Warden or supervisory staff;

♦ Do not re-enter site until told it is safe.

Our company policy is to establish fire precaution arrangements to take into account the total amount of flammable substance or material to be stored on the premises or site.

On construction activities this will be clearly described & displayed on site as part of the health & safety plan where the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 are applicable, and where not this will be documented in our health & safety method statement for the works to be undertaken.

Our plans and procedures for containment of the spillage of substances will be that all substances will be either stored on the vehicle which will be used for the transport and where permanent facilities are required this will be in a bunded area to contain 110% of the total amount stored.

A fire risk assessment will be undertaken for our office premises with Mr John Woods, Director or a nominated person being responsible for ensuring that instruction and training is given to employees both on induction and annually on the evacuation procedures to be followed in the event of fire.

The evacuation procedure will be tested by Mr John Woods, Director or a nominated person at a frequency not exceeding every 6 months.

When persons are working away from the premises particular care requires to be taken by employees to familiarise themselves with the fire precaution procedures for the premises in particular when work is being undertaken in remote locations on the premises such as ceiling voids.



The Following procedures will be followed for all Hot Works that is carried out while working on site:

1. General

� Wherever possible and when weight and size allow, items to be welded or cut must be taken to a designated area;

� In buildings where sprinklers are fitted, it must always be ensured that the sprinklers are operative;

� All cutting and welding equipment must be in good repair and adequately secured.

2. Precautions Within 15 Metres of the Work

� Floors must be swept clean of combustible material;

� Work should be carried out on incombustible floors. If this is not possible then combustible floors must be protected by covering with a layer of sand, incombustible sheets or wetting down;

� Combustible materials and flammable liquids must be protected with non-combustible curtains or sheets. Hot work must never be carried out in a flammable atmosphere;

� All wall and floor openings, including any gaps therein through which sparks could pass, must be covered with sheets of non-combustible material;

� Where work is to be carried out above floor level, non-combustible sheets must be suspended below to collect falling sparks.

3. Work on Walls & Ceilings

� Combustible construction and ceiling voids must be protected by non-combustible curtains or sheets;

� Combustibles must be moved away from any metal likely to conduct heat, e.g. metal beams etc;

� The back of walls, ceilings and floors to which heat is being applied should be checked to ensure that there are no combustible materials attached to them or touching them.

4. Work in Enclosed Areas & Containers (Tanks, Drums, Dust Collectors etc)

� Equipment must be cleared of all combustibles;

� Special precautions must be taken when working with tanks or drums that have contained flammable materials. Such containers should be emptied, washed and purged of all flammable vapours and gases. Ensure that adequate ventilation is provided for both operatives and others who may be affected by resulting fumes.

5. Fire Watch

� Provision must be made for the attendance of an employee during the work to keep a fire watch. Such a person must be supplied with appropriate means of raising the alarm and for extinguishing fire and be trained in their use;

� A thorough examination should be made for fire in the vicinity of the work both immediately following completion of the work and 60 minutes after the end of the that period of work.

6. Operatives & Procedures

� All hot work should be carried out by trained and competent personnel only;

� The operatives must obtain a Hot Wok Permit from an authorised company before work commences, indicating that the work area is safe and all necessary precautions have been taken;

� After work has been completed the permit must be signed by the person carrying out the final fire inspection and returned to the authorised company who issued it.




The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005




Health, Safety & Welfare on Company Premises

It is the policy of this Company that close attention is paid to the provision of suitable and sufficient facilities and measures to ensure compliance with requirements on health, safety and welfare of its employees at work. Where such a duty extends to outside contractors, visitors or others attending our premises, then procedures will be implemented to ensure their health, safety and welfare whilst on our premises. The Company’s risk assessment procedure will be used to identify risks to health and safety on the Company’s premises.

Company Offices

� All offices and office facilities will be provided and maintained in accordance with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

� Fire precautions shall be provided and maintained in accordance with the requirements of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005. A risk assessment will be undertaken by a competent person for the premises which will be included as a separate document to the health and safety policy.

� The Managing Director will ensure that a procedure is drawn up to be followed in the event of fire and that key personnel are given training in the procedures and use of fire fighting equipment.

� All fire extinguishers will be provided in accordance with the latest British Standard and will be serviced and maintained at regular intervals as recommended by the manufacturer.

� The Managing Director will ensure that all office machinery is sited and maintained correctly and is serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

� All staff required to use office machinery will be given training and instruction in its use.

� All accesses, stairways, fire exits, etc. will be kept clear of all materials and well lit.

� Proper facilities will be provided for office staff required to reach items from high shelving.

� Offices will be planned to avoid trailing cables on floors to office equipment.

� All fire alarms, where applicable, will be checked weekly and test recorded.

� All fire exits will be checked at the start of each day by the nominated person.





The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005




Office Fire Precautions

A risk assessment will be provided for the office to meet the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Where any adaptations or alterations are planned for the premises a new assessment should be carried out.

The following checks and tests etc. will be carried out in accordance with the conditions specified in the certificate and those marked* will be recorded in the Fire Precautions Inspection Register.

Fire Extinguishers:

� Check monthly to see that they are in their proper position, have not been discharged or have lost pressure (if fitted with an indicator);

� Annual inspection by a competent person;

� Test discharge extinguishers on rotation basis (this should be combined with staff training);

� (Discharge frequency depends on type of extinguishers - the Safety Supervisor will provide information on requirements as requested).

Fire Alarm:

� Daily - inspect panel for normal operation;

� Weekly - test system. Operate each manual or automatic call position on a rotation basis. Examine batteries and connections;

� Quarterly and annual inspection and test by a competent person.

Fire Detection:

� Regular visual inspection;

� Annual test by competent person.

Automatic Door Releases:

� Weekly test in conjunction with fire alarm test.

Emergency Lighting:

� Monthly test of self-contained luminaries for sufficient time to check all luminaries;

� Six monthly test of self-contained and central battery systems for a continuous period of one hour;

� Three yearly test of full duration.

Fire Instructions:

� Two instruction periods should be given to new employees within their first month;

� Every six months all staff should receive fire instructions.

Instructions include - discovering a fire, hearing the fire alarm, the assembly point, calling the fire brigade, making safe power supplies etc., use of fire alarms and fire extinguishers and means of escape routes.

Fire Drills:

� A fire drill should be arranged by the Office Manager without advance warning at least annually, preferably every six months.

Fire Exits:

� All department heads must check that fire exits and routes are clear and unlocked at least daily preferably at the start of the working day.

Note –

When carrying out test of alarms, fire drills etc, the fire brigade must not be called out.



General Fire Precautions:

� Fire extinguishers must not be removed from their designated positions unless being used to fight a fire. They must never be used to stop open doors;

� Fire check doors must not be propped open;

� Fire instructions notices must be displayed in appropriate positions;

� Persons who smoke must only smoke in designated areas and ensure that spent matches and cigarette ends are placed in the cigarette butt disposal container and properly extinguished. Waste paper bins must never be used for this purpose.

Office Machinery & Equipment:

� Only persons who have been trained and appointed by the Office Manager are authorised to carry out any repairs or maintain office machinery;

� This includes equipment such as guillotines, printing machines etc. These machines will be marked with a notice to show that they must not be used by unauthorised persons;

� All guards, cover plates etc. must be kept in position;

� Machinery must be switched off and isolated when not in use EXCEPT in the case of data processing, facsimile transmission and other machinery designed to remain connected to a power supply;

� All cables must be routed safety to machinery. Where cables must cross access ways then purpose made cable covers will be provided and used;

� Electrical repairs must be carried out by qualified personnel;

� Adequate ventilation must be provided when using cleaners or when recharging machines with liquids, toners etc.

� Disposable gloves will be provided for use when handling solvent cleaners.

Office Health & Safety General:

� Information on any substances used in the offices must be obtained and all requirements relating to storage, use, disposal etc. must be fully complied with;

� Note that certain cleaning materials when mixed may react and give off toxic fumes e.g. bleach mixed with some form of acid based cleaner gives off chlorine;

� Filing cabinets, if not of the safety type which permits only one drawer to be open at a time, should be secured to the office wall and a notice fixed warning that only one drawer to be opened at one time;

� Filing cabinet or desk drawers must not be left open unattended;

� Mobile steps or hop-ups must be used to reach items on high shelves;

� Window cleaning to be carried out in a safe manner (See Health and Safety Executive Guidance Note GS 25.);

� Welfare facilities and first aid equipment must be provided and maintained.




The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005




First Aid

It is the policy of this Company to provide, or arrange to be provided, equipment and facilities which are adequate and appropriate for rendering of First Aid to employees. Additionally, a sufficient number of trained and suitable persons will be appointed to render First Aid to employees, taking into account the specific risks that an employee may encounter in the course of his daily tasks. The risk assessment process will be used to determine specific risks as necessary.

The Table below Suggested numbers of first-aid personnel

Category of risk Numbers employed at any location

Suggested number of first-aid personnel

Lower Risk

e.g. shops and offices, libraries

Fewer than 50

50-100

More than 100

At least one appointed person

At least one first aider

One additional first aider for every 100 employed

Medium Risk

e.g. light engineering and assembly work, food processing, warehousing

Fewer than 20

20-100

More than 100


At least one first aider for every 50 employed (or part thereof)


Higher Risk

e.g. most construction, slaughter houses, chemical manufacture, extensive work with dangerous machinery or sharp instruments

Fewer than 5

5-50

More than 50


At least one first aider


The recommendations noted above will be used as a guide to enable this Company to determine suitable numbers of First Aid trained personnel.

Employees will be informed of the arrangements concerning First Aid, including the location of the equipment, facilities and personnel. The location of First Aid boxes/equipment and the names of First Aiders will be indicated by signage. Wherever reasonably practicable COSHH data sheets and assessments will be available for use by First Aiders.

Employees are instructed to record all accidents, including injuries requiring First Aid only, in the accident book provided for this purpose. First Aiders/appointed persons are made responsible for the safekeeping and maintenance of First Aid boxes/equipment and their contents, and to report deficiencies to Company management for action.

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and statutory guidance will be used to set the required standards for first aid at all workplaces.

RCP Occupational H&S Consultants will give advice and guidance to achieve acceptable standards.

At the tender/negotiating stage of a contract, allowance will be made to achieve acceptable compliance with the statutory regulations on welfare and first aid.

Arrangements within the workplace are that first aid boxes will be maintained on every vehicle and the driver of the vehicle is responsible for maintaining the contents of the box and reporting any deficiencies.

Within the office environment the first aid box will be located in a prominent position and the Director (responsible for health & safety) will be responsible for ensuring the maintenance of the box. This duty may be delegated to the office manager where applicable.



At each site location a first aid box will be located in accordance with the HSE requirements on contents and an ‘emergency first aid’ trained person will be available where there is less than 5 people. Where more than 5 people are employed this will be a ‘first aid at work’ trained person.

Every company vehicle will have a first aid kit which will be maintained by the driver.

The names of the persons appointed are to be displayed either on the first aid box or adjacent.

Responsibility for the checking of first aid boxes are as follows:

� Weekly inspections undertaken by the first aider at the work location and this inspection recorded on the sheet inside the first aid box.

� Four weekly inspections carried out when requested to the site and at this site inspection the contents of the first aid box checked.

Where deficiencies are found in the first aid box these will be replenished by the first aider.

The following schedule confirms the minimum requirements for the contents of first aid boxes at all work locations:

Category of Hazard Number of Employees Kit Required

Low Less than 25 Small

Office or Shops 25-100 Medium

More than 100 1 large kit per 100 employees

High Less than 5 Small

Other 5-25 Medium

More than 25 1 large kit per 25 employees

Contents Quantity of Items

Small Medium Large Travel

Guidance Card 1 1 1 1

Contents List 1 1 1 1

Medium Dressing 4 6 8 1

Large Dressing 1 2 2 1

Triangular Ban 2 3 4 1

Safety Pins 6 12 24 2

Sterile Eyepad 2 3 4 -

Sterile Dressings 40 60 100 10

Alcohol Free Wipes 20 30 40 4

Adhesive Tape 1 1 1 1

Nitrile Gloves (Pairs) 6 9 12 1

Sterile Finger Dressing 2 3 4 -

Resuscitation Faceshield 1 1 2 1

Foil Blanket 1 2 3 1

Burn Dressing 1 2 2 1

Shears 1 1 1 1

Conforming Bandage 1 2 2 1

Eyewash 250ml - - - 1

In accordance with BS8599 (1st January 2012)



Where mains tap water is not readily available for eye irrigation, sterile water or sterile normal saline (0.9%) in sealed disposable containers should be provided. Each container should hold at least 300 ml and should not be re-used once the sterile seal is broken.

At least 900 ml should be provided. Eye baths/eye cups/refillable containers should not be used for eye irrigation.




The Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981




Health & Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992

Manual Handling Regulations 1992

Work at Height Regulations 2005



Display Screen Equipment

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations, 1992 require an employer to perform a suitable and sufficient analysis of workstations within the company for those employees deemed to be “users”, including those provided for use at home for the purpose of assessing the health and safety risks to which those persons using them are exposed in consequence of that use. It is the policy of this Company that a competent person will assess all workstations so as to ensure compliance with legislation, which in turn will ensure that employees are protected from potential harm. These assessments will be the subject of periodic review. The following definitions apply:

“Display screen equipment” is defined as any alphanumeric or graphic display screen, regardless of the display process.

� “User” means an employee who habitually uses display screen equipment as a significant part of their normal work.

� “Workstation” means an assembly comprising display screen equipment (plus ancillaries), desk, chair, work surface and the immediate surrounding area, together with any other equipment used at the place of work, e.g. telephone, printers, etc.

� “Operator” means a self-employed person who habitually uses display screen equipment as a significant part of their normal work.

This Company has put in place procedures for completing assessments and these can be found in the following section of this policy.

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 contains requirements to be complied with and the Office Manager or nominated person will establish a procedure to ensure compliance with the Regulations.

This will include arrangements to ensure a suitable and sufficient analysis of workstations is carried out as required by Regulation 2 together with ensuring that the workstation provided is in accordance with requirements of the schedule contained in the guidance on the above Regulations.

The Office Manager or nominated person will ensure all persons who are display screen users are provided with training to include guidance on the requirements of the Regulations.

Employees have the right to a free eye & eyesight test undertaken by a competent person where they are already users or becoming a user for the first time. For the purpose of the regulations a user is an employee who habitually uses DSE for a significant part of their normal day. An example of this would be an employee who uses display screen equipment for a continuous spell of an hour or more at a time.

All display screen equipment users are required to assist in co-operating with the Company to enable the Company to achieve compliance with the Regulations and so reduce the risk of injury and ill health to employees. This to include where using equipment to take a 10 minute break where equipment is used continuously in excess of 1 hour.

Any defect in display screen equipment will be reported to the Office Manager or a nominated person.

Hazards

The main hazards associated with this equipment include:

� Work related upper limb disorders e.g. temporary fatigue or soreness in the hands, arms, shoulders etc., occupational cramp, chronic soft tissue disorders such as peritendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome;

� Prolonged static posture or awkward positioning;

� Temporary visual fatigue - poor positioning, poor legibility of screen or documents, lighting, etc;

� Fatigue or stress;

� Photosensitive epilepsy;

� Environmental factors e.g. humidity, heating, ventilation, static electricity.



Planning Procedures

The Office Manager or nominated person will ensure that the following arrangements are carried out in connection with the use of this equipment:

� Identify the equipment which is classed as a workstation and assess the risks to health and safety of those operators who use them habitually or for continuous periods of an hour or more;

� Arrange for workstations to conform to the relevant standards;

� Plan work activities so that, where possible, short breaks away from the display screen are a regular feature. If this is not possible then deliberate breaks or pauses must be introduced;

� Organise eye/eyesight tests at the request of the operator and ensure the provision of suitable basic spectacles etc., where these are required for the display screen work concerned;

� Arrange for relevant health and safety training of operators, and provide adequate information regarding these aspects.

Training

Training will be provided for those persons defined as users or operators, and will cover the health and safety aspects associated with the equipment, including recognition of risks, and their causes, adjustment of seating and equipment positions, cleaning and maintenance, use of breaks, consultation arrangements, eye test arrangements.

Monitoring

The Office Manager or nominated person will:

� Ensure that agreed procedures are implemented;

� Ensure that defective equipment is reported promptly and rectified as soon as possible. Where there is a risk to health and safety, the equipment will, if appropriate, not be used until remedied;

� Ensure breaks are taken as planned, or as required, and organise work to accommodate them.

Control Measures

In order to minimise any potential risks to the health and safety of VDU operators, the following guidelines have been drawn up. It should be stressed that, where the terminal is not used continuously, minor faults in equipment placement or design are not crucial. Conversely when intense and continuous operation is required, the need for optimum workplace and screen characteristics become crucial. These guidelines should, therefore, be the subject of full consultation between Management and Operators.

Operator Selection:

� Any potential operator who suffers from photosensitive epilepsy must seek specialist medical advice before carrying out any work on a VDU;

� Any potential operator required to use equipment for continuous periods of 1 -hour or more must satisfactorily undergo an eyesight test before taking up their duties. Eyesight test should then be carried out at two-yearly intervals;

� Eyesight tests should also determine the suitability of potential operators who currently wear spectacles or contact lenses. If there are particular problems envisaged, an optician should be consulted to advise on such matters;

� Common tranquillisers e.g. Valium, Librium, etc., affect the speed of eye movements and could compound any eye strain problems. (Alcohol has a similar effect). Any potential operators being prescribed such drugs should consult their doctor to see whether such work will aggravate their condition.

Training:

� All operators will receive basic training and instruction in the use of VDU's including specific information and advice on health and safety aspects.



Work Organisation:

� Whenever possible, work should be arranged so as to prevent long periods of continuous viewing of the terminal by a single operator. Where work on VDU's is continuous then suitable regular breaks should be incorporated into the work cycle (many organisations have agreed that a break should be taken after one hour continuous viewing at VDU's). Periods of work not involving viewing of the VDU integrated into the overall job cycle will also assist in preventing operator fatigue.

Display Screen:

� The display screen should be set at right angles to the viewer's line of sight, and should be freely adjustable to suit the operator;

� Characters should be clear and easily legible, sharp and well-defined, with a stable image;

� Screens should be cleaned at regular intervals using the manufacturer's recommended method, and should be free of reflected glare and reflections;

� Equipment will be regularly maintained in line with the Manufacturer's recommendations in order that problems with display visibility do not occur;

� Wherever possible the operator should be able to adjust the brightness and contrast to suit the conditions.

Workplace Design:

� Seating - Comfortable chairs should be provided for use with VDU's which have both an adjustable back rest and adjustable seat height. The back rest should adjust both up/down and fore/aft in order to provide good lumbar support. Such facilities are crucial where the terminal is used by more than one person, and the ideal position is where the forearm is horizontal when operating the keyboard. For smaller operators, a foot rest may be required to attain a proper seated position and a proper relationship to the work surface.

� Viewing Distances - Where VDU's are used in conjunction with documents (i.e. to transfer information) then to enable easy reading of both the viewing distance (from the eyes) should be within the range 450mm to 550mm and should not exceed 700mm. The distance from the eyes to the screen and from the eyes to the document should be approximately equal in order to minimise changes in focus.

� Keyboard - Text entry ("regular" typing) requires equal use of both hands for keying, so that

� keyboard should be directly in front of the operator, at a comfortable height and with sufficient space in front to provide support for the hands and arms. Data entry, however, usually requires one hand for typing and the other for such activities as maintaining a source document reference position or manipulating source documents for data entry; then the keyboard should be directly in front of the keying hand leaving a large area free for the activity of the other hand. The keyboard should, therefore, be detachable from the display screen console, tiltable and a document holder should be provided where necessary.

� General - Where the operator uses many documents, sufficient desk space should be made available. The desk top and equipment should have matt surfaces in order to prevent reflections and glare. Cables and wiring should not be allowed to trail over desks or across floors.

Environmental Factors:

� Lighting - An illuminance of between 300 to 500 lux is recommended since this will permit the reading of source documents without impairing screen legibility. Alternatively a supplementary desk light may be provided to assist the reading of source documents. External windows whose light is reflected from the screen should be provided with curtains or preferably blinds in order to avoid glare.

� Heating - Heating standards for rooms in which VDU's are located should be the same as those for general office work. (Overheated rooms may cause drowsiness and dryness in the eyes). All VDU's



generate heat and so where a number of terminals are in use in one room consideration should be given to the provision of additional ventilation. Consideration should be also be given to humidity to ensure an adequate level is established and maintained.

� Noise - Care should be taken at the planning stage to avoid irritation and stress to operators (and other staff in the vicinity) from printer noise. The extent to which this may be a problem will depend on the equipment chosen, the sitting of it and the other operations being carried out; for example the replacement of conventional typewriters by word processors may well reduce the overall noise level.

Software:

� This must be suitable for the task, easy to use and adaptable to the operators experience / knowledge and must provide information in a suitable format and at a suitable pace.


The Health & Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992







VDU Work Station Checklist Assessment

This checklist can be used as an aid to risk assessment and to help comply with the Schedule to the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations.

Work through the checklist, ticking either the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ column against each risk factor:

� ‘Yes’ answers require no further action;

� ‘No’ answers will require investigation and/or remedial action by the workstation;

� Assessor - They should record their decision in the ‘Action to take’ column;

� Assessors should check later that actions have been taken and have resolved the problem.

Name: Department/Workstation Area:

…………………………… ……………………………

Date Started:

……………………………

Job Function:

……………………………

Daily Usage of DSE: Classified as User/Workstation Assessment required Does User currently require/wear contact lenses or corrective glasses:

……………………………

Yes � No �

Yes � No �

Assessment completed by: …………………………… Date of assessment: …………………………… Any further action needed?

YES/NO

Follow up action completed on:

……………………………

Remember the checklist only covers the workstation and work environment. You also need to make sure that risks from other aspects of the work are avoided, for example by giving users health and safety training, and providing for breaks or changes of activity. Advice on these is given in: The law on VDUs: An easy guide HSE Books 2003 ISBN 0 7176 2062 4



RISK FACTORS

Tick

answer

THINGS TO CONSIDER

ACTION TO TAKE

YES

NO

1 Display screens

Are the characters clear and readable

Make sure the screen is clean and cleaning materials are made available, Check that text and background colours work well together.

Is the text size comfortable to read?

Software settings may need adjusting to change text size.

Is the image stable, i.e. free of flicker and jitter?

Try using different screen colours to reduce flicker, egg darker background and lighter text. If problems still exist, get the set up checked, egg by the equipment supplier.

Is the screen’s specification suitable for its intended use?

For example, intensive graphic work or work requiring fine attention to small details may require large display screens .

Are the brightness and/or contrast adjustable?

Separate adjustment controls are not essential, provided the user can read the screen easily at all times .

Does the screen swivel and tilt?

Swivel and tilt need not be built in; you can add a swivel and tilt mechanism. However, you may need to replace the screen if:

• Swivel/tilt is absent or unsatisfactory; • Work is intensive; and/or

• The user has problems getting the screen to a comfortable position.



Is the screen free from glare and reflections?

Use a mirror placed in front of the screen to check where reflections are coming from. You might need to move the screen or even the desk and/or shield the screen from the source of reflections. Screens that use dark characters on a light background are less prone to glare and reflections.

Are adjustable window coverings provided and in adequate condition?

Check that blinds work. Blinds with vertical slats can be more suitable than horizontal ones. If these measures do not work, consider anti-glare screen filters as a last resort and seek specialist help.

2 Keyboards

Is the keyboard separate from the screen?

This is a requirement, unless the task makes it impracticable (egg where there is a need to use a portable).

Does the keyboard tilt? Tilt need not be built in.

Is it possible to find a comfortable keying position?

Try pushing the display screen further back to create more room for the keyboard, hands and wrists. Users of thick, raised keyboards may need a wrist rest.

Does the user have good keyboard technique:

Training can be used to prevent:

• Hands bent up at wrist; • Hitting the keys too hard; • Overstretching the fingers.

Are the characters on the keys easily readable?

Keyboards should be kept clean. If characters still can’t be read, the keyboard may need modifying or replacing. Use a keyboard with a matt finish to reduce glare and/or reflection.



3 Mouse, trackball etc

Is the device suitable for the tasks it is used for?

Most devices are best placed as close as possible, egg right beside the keyboard. Training may be needed to: Prevent arm overreaching; Tell users not to leave their hand on the device when it is not being used; Encourage a relaxed arm and straight wrist.

Is there support for the device user’s wrist and forearm?

Support can be gained from, for example, the desk surface or arm of a chair. If not, a separate supporting device may help. The user should be able to find a comfortable working position with the device.

Does the device work smoothly at a speed that suits the user?

See if cleaning is required (egg of mouse ball and rollers). Check the work surface is suitable. A mouse mat may be needed.

Can the user easily adjust software settings for speed and accuracy of pointer?

Users may need training in how to adjust device settings.

4 Software

Is the software suitable for the task?

Software should help the user carry out the task, minimise stress and be user-friendly. Check users have had appropriate training in using the software. Software should respond quickly and clearly to user input, with adequate feedback, such as clear help messages.

5 Furniture

Is the work surface large enough for all the necessary equipment, papers etc?

Create more room by moving printers, reference materials etc elsewhere. If necessary, consider providing new power and telecoms sockets, so equipment can be moved. There should be some scope for flexible rearrangement.



Can the user comfortably reach all the equipment and papers they need to use?

Rearrange equipment, papers etc to bring frequently used things within easy reach. A document holder may be needed, positioned to minimise uncomfortable head and eye movements.

Are surfaces free from glare and reflection?

Consider mats or blotters to reduce reflections and glare.

Is the chair suitable? Is the chair stable? Does the chair have a working:

• Seat back height and tilt adjustment?

• Seat height adjustment?

• Swivel mechanism?

• Castors or glides?

The chair may need repairing or replacing if the user is uncomfortable, or cannot use the adjustment mechanisms.

Is the chair adjusted correctly?

The user should be able to carry out their work sitting comfortably? Consider training the user in how to adopt suitable postures while working. The arms of chairs can stop the user getting close enough to use the equipment comfortably. Move any obstructions from under the desk.

Is the small of the back supported by the chair’s backrest?

The user should have a straight back, supported by the chair, with relaxed shoulders.

Are forearms horizontal and eyes at roughly the same height as the top of the VDU?

Adjust the chair height to get the user’s arms in the right position, then adjust the VDU height if necessary.

Are feet flat on floor, without too much pressure from the seat on the backs of the legs?

If not, a foot rest may be needed.



6 Environment

Is there enough room to change position and vary movement?

Space is needed to move, stretch and fidget. Consider reorganising the office layout and check for obstructions. Cables should be tidy and not a trip or snag hazard.

Is the lighting suitable, egg not too bright or too dim to work comfortably?

Users should be able to control light levels, egg by adjusting window blinds or light switches. Consider shading or repositioning light sources or providing local lighting, egg desk lamps (but make sure lights don’t cause glare by reflecting off walls or other surfaces).

Does the air feel comfortable? VDU’s and other equipment may dry the air. Circulate fresh air if possible. Plants may help. Consider a humidifier if discomfort is severe.

Are levels of heat comfortable? Can heating be better controlled? More ventilation or air-conditioning may be required if there is a lot of electronic equipment in the room. Or, can users be moved away from the heat source?

Are levels of noise comfortable? Consider moving sources of noise, egg printers, away from the user. If not, consider soundproofing.

7 Final questions to users

Yes No

Tick Answer

Ask if the checklist has covered all the problems they may have working with their VDU.

Ask if they have experienced any discomfort or other symptoms which they attribute to working with their VDU.

Ask if the user has been advised of their entitlement to eye and eyesight testing.

Ask if the user takes regular breaks working away from VDUs.

Write the details of any problems here:



Manual Handling Operations

Manual Handling means any transporting or supporting of a load including lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving by hand or by bodily force.

In accordance with the Regulations for Manual Handling, this Company will endeavour to avoid the need for employees to undertake manual handling operations that involve a risk of injury. If this is not reasonably practicable then the Company will make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the task and reduce the risk to the lowest level that is reasonably practicable. This will include, where possible, the provision of information and general indications on the weight of each load and the heaviest side of any load whose centre of gravity is not positioned centrally.

Assessment will be recorded and reviewed if no longer valid, or there is significant change in the matter to which it relates.

The requirement that the employee has a duty to make full and proper use of any system of work provided by this Company (as the employer) to alleviate or reduce the risk of manual handling operations, will be communicated to the Company’s employees.

The following Regulations apply to the manual handling or lifting of materials:

� The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Regulation 4 – Duties of employers;

� The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007.

These Regulations state "A person shall not be employed to lift, carry or move any load so heavy as to be likely to cause injury to him".

Guidance on the recommendations regarding handling and lifting are contained in Manual Handling Guidance on Regulation ISBN 0 11 886335 5.

Copies of the relevant regulations will be kept on site and information on the requirements of the regulations and recommendations contained in advisory literature will be provided by the Company's Health and Safety Consultants.

All work will be tendered for or negotiated taking into account the above standards.

The Site Supervisor will ensure that materials are handled as far as possible by machine. Where the use of a machine is impracticable, sufficient labour must be available to handle any heavy or awkward loads and instructions must be issued to site on the handling of these loads.

All supervisory staff will be given training in the correct methods of handling and lifting loads as part of their normal site safety training.

Supervisory staff will instruct any operative in the correct handling and lifting of loads as required.

Information, instruction and training on correct manual handling techniques to include kinetic lifting will be provided to all employees.

The Site Supervisor will ensure that a supply of suitable gloves are available for issue as required for the handling of materials which could cause injuries to the hands.

The Company will ensure the wearing of safety footwear and supervisory staff will caution any employee or contractor wearing unsuitable footwear.

The Site Supervisor will not require any operative, particularly a young person to lift without assistance a load which is likely to cause injury.

The main injuries associated with manual handling and lifting are:

� Back strain, slipped disc;

� Hernias;

� Lacerations, crushing of hands or fingers;

� Tenosynovitis, beat conditions;



� Bruised or broken toes or feet;

� Various sprains, strains etc.

The selection of persons to carry out manual handling or lifting tasks will be based on the training given, age, physical build etc.

Where loads have to be manually handled, the need to ensure that accesses are safe is especially important.

The training provided should be based on the physical structures of the body and effect of attempting to handle loads in various positions.

The Company's Health and Safety Consultants will arrange suitable training as required.




Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992



The following format can be used for recording manual handling assessments and Mr John Woods, Director or a nominated person will be responsible for ensuring assessments are undertaken and recorded where applicable.

ASSESSMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUAL HANDLING OPERATIONS REGULATIONS 1992

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Date: Assessment Number:

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Contract: Task on which assessment is made:

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Date by which action is to be taken:

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Personnel involved:

_________________________________________________________________________________________

SECTION A – PRELIMINARY:

1) Do the operations involve a significant risk of injury?

If ‘Yes’ go to 2). If ‘No’ the assessments need go no further.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

2) Can the operations be avoided/mechanised/automated at reasonable cost?

If ‘No’ go to 3). If ‘Yes’ proceed and then check that the result is satisfactory.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

3) Are the operations clearly within the guidelines in Appendix 1 of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations Guidance?

_________________________________________________________________________________________

SECTION C – OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF RISK

4) What are your overall assessments of risk?

_________________________________________________________________________________________



SECTION D – REMEDIAL ACTION

5) Remedial Action/Control Measures:

_________________________________________________________________________________________

6) Overall priority for remedial action:

_________________________________________________________________________________________

7) Remedial Action to be taken:

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Person making assessment:

Name:

Signature:

_______________________________________________________________________________________



Section B – More detailed assessment, where necessary:

Questions to consider: (If the answer to a question is ‘Yes’ place a tick against it and then

consider the level of risk)

Level of risk: (Tick as appropriate)

Possible remedial action: (Make rough notes in this column in preparation to complete Section D)

Yes Low Med High

The tasks – do they involve:

♦ Holding loads away from trunk? ♦ Twisting? ♦ Stooping? ♦ Reaching upwards? ♦ Large vertical movement? ♦ Long carrying distances ♦ Strenuous pushing or pulling? ♦ Unpredictable movement of loads? ♦ Repetitive handling? ♦ Insufficient rest or recovery? ♦ A workrate imposed by a process?

The loads – are they: ♦ Heavy? ♦ Bulky/unwieldy? ♦ Difficult to grasp? ♦ Unstable/unpredictable? ♦ Intrinsically harmful (e.g. sharp/hot?)

The working environment – are there: ♦ Constraints on posture ♦ Poor floors? ♦ Variations in levels? ♦ Hot/cold/humid conditions? ♦ Strong air movements? ♦ Poor lighting conditions?

Individual capability – does the job: ♦ Require unusual capability? ♦ Hazard those with a health problem? ♦ Hazard those who are pregnant? ♦ Call for special information/training?

Other factors –

Is movement or posture hindered by clothing or personal protective equipment?

Deciding the level of risk will inevitably call for judgement. The guidelines in Appendix 1 may provide a useful yardstick.



Occupational Health Programmes & Health Surveillance

At the present time this Company rarely uses or comes into contact with any substances (e.g. lead, asbestos, COSHH substances, noise or vibration) in concentrations, or in circumstances which would warrant an occupational health programme or health surveillance to be carried out on any of its employees.

If a need for health surveillance is identified as a result of our assessment procedures and/or available information about any of the sites where our employees would carry out those tasks, then such health surveillance and monitoring would be initiated by the management of this Company.

Our assessment procedures are reviewed on a regular basis to take into account the introduction of new technologies, new information about products used by this Company (and their effects on health) and legislative requirements. Additionally, we employ the services of an external independent health and safety consultancy to advise on such issues.

A number of Regulations impose requirements for the safe handling and use of substances which are known to be a risk to health. Of these regulations the most widely applicable is The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (As Amended) (COSHH) which is supported by Approved Codes of Practice.

Other hazards to health that are covered by specific regulations and are construction or maintenance related are work with asbestos (The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012), work with lead (The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002) and noise (The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005). HSE guidance is available on the disease Leptospirosis (Weil’s Disease) which is applicable to some construction and maintenance related operations, with assessment and control measures having to comply with the COSHH Regulations.

Other Regulations, Codes of Practice and Guidance Notes may be applicable. Information on the requirements of the Regulations and advice on precautions to be observed can be obtained from RCP Occupational H&S Consultants.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

Our policy with regarding to dealing with substances in relation to the regulations are as follows:

� Where reasonably practicable to prevent exposure.

� Where this is not possible adequately control the exposure. Preference will be given to substituting with a safer substance.

Where this is not reasonably practicable prevent exposure by protection measures in the following order of priority:

� The design and use of a work process, systems and engineering controls and the provision and use of suitable work equipment;

� The control of exposure at source including adequate ventilation systems and appropriate organisational measures;

� Where controlled exposure cannot be achieved by other means the additional provision of suitable personal protective equipment.

Where personal protective equipment is selected it will conform to the Personal Protective Equipment (EC Directive) Regulations 2002.

COSHH Assessments are undertaken by Mr John Woods (Director with health & safety responsibilities) or a nominated person with the assistance of Robert Puchalski Grad IOSH MIIRSM.

Employees are not to use hazardous substances to which the COSHH Regulations apply without being given information, instruction and training into the use of the substance.



A disciplined approach to work methods where there are hazards to the health of employed persons or to others is imperative, therefore each work operation must be assessed before commencement.

Further specific information regarding our policy for substances hazardous to health is illustrated within File 3 (COSHH Assessment Manual) of the Office Health & Safety Filing system.

Asbestos

It is the policy of this Company that all employees will be protected from exposure to asbestos containing materials (ACM’s), where that exposure would be in breach of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Where any work is due to be carried out in a building or structure the company will ensure that a suitable assessment as to whether asbestos is, or liable to be, present in the premises or structure where work is being carried out.

Where works are to be carried out under the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007; the company will satisfy itself that the Client has provided the necessary information (Asbestos Surveys) for the presence of ACM’s.

Should any materials suspected of containing asbestos be found during routine works, it will be assumed to contain asbestos unless evidence is available to the contrary; the works shall be quarantined (with measures being taken to ensure that there is no further contamination) until such time as the material has been analysed to establish its nature.

Should this material be confirmed as being an ACM, then all measures will be taken to ensure that the asbestos is dealt with by a licensed contractor in accordance with the relevant legislation.

A licensed asbestos removal contractor will normally be employed to carryout work with, or on, asbestos insulation, asbestos insulation board and lagging, including encapsulation and removal. However, there may be exemptions where any exposure is deemed to be sporadic, low intensity and the exposure level well below the control limit. This will be assessed in accordance with a suitable measurement to determine the exposure limit (carried out by an accredited UKAS laboratory). All works with ACM’s will be carried out by suitably trained and competent persons (in most cases this will be by a licensed contractor).

The company recognises the importance of competence and will ensure that all operatives who could come into contact with an ACM, will be suitably training and competent in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Work in areas where asbestos has been removed will not be allowed to continue until written confirmation has been received that the statutory monitoring and clearance tests are complete and it is safe to do so. It is Company policy that all monitoring of smoke tests and clearance tests is carried out by independent accredited analysts.

Lead

The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 applies to all work which exposes persons to lead in any form such that it may be ingested, inhaled or otherwise absorbed. Inhalation is the major source of absorption & many of the regulations are concerned with the inhalation of lead dust, fumes & vapour.

Ingestion of lead can usually be controlled by the provision and use of strict hygiene arrangements, which not only includes good washing facilities, but restrictions on smoking when working with lead. Examples of construction and maintenance operations where these regulations apply are plumbing, soldering, lead smelting and casting, demolition works where lead based products are present, painting involving lead based paints, etc.

Any works that are covered by these Regulations must be suitably planned by Site Supervisors to ensure that there are control measures, health surveillance, adequate washing facilities & the provision of necessary information, instruction & training to all affected personnel. Where Regulations require the retention of records of health surveillance, etc. they must be forwarded to the respective department for retention in accordance with Company procedure.



Noise

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 requires employers to protect their workers hearing. This can be achieved by a strategy based on assessment of workers exposure to noise and subsequent implementation of control measures to solve any problem that exists.

The Regulations refer to various action levels which are:

Lower Exposure Action Value -

Is reached when a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 80dB(A) or a peak sound pressure of 135dB(C) occurs.

Upper exposure Action Value -

Is reached when a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 85dB(A) or a peak sound pressure of 137dB(C) occurs.

Exposure Limit Value -

This is set at 87dB(A) at the ear, measured on a daily of weekly basis as appropriate or when a peak sound pressure of 150dB(C) occurs.

If employees are likely to be exposed to noise at or above the ‘lower exposure action value’, the company will:

� Carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to employees and ensure that it identifies the measures necessary to adequately control the level of noise at work.

If employees are likely to be exposed to noise at or above the ‘upper exposure action value’ or the ‘exposure limit value’, the risk assessment will also include consideration of:

� The level and type of noise and its duration, including any exposure to ‘peak sound pressure’;

� The effects that the noise might have on the health of employees exposed to it;

� SFARP the effects on the health of employees resulting from an interaction between exposure to noise and any ototoxic substances;

� The possibility of warning alarms or other audible systems not being heard;

� Information provided by the manufacturers of equipment that generates the noise;

� The possibility of using alternative, less noisy equipment;

� Exposure of employees to noise when not actually working, such as in rest areas;

� The results of previous health surveillance and published information;

� The availability of suitable personal hearing protectors, taking into account their performance.

The company will ensure that regular reviews of the risks assessment are carried out. These will be immediately done if:

� There is reason to believe that it is no longer valid;

� There has been a significant change in the work to which the assessment applies.

� Any necessary changes will be implemented to the risk assessment and work methods as identified by the review process.

The company will bring to the attention of all employees and significant others the findings of the risk assessments.

Where employees are exposed to noise at or above the ‘lower exposure action value’, but below the ‘upper exposure action value’ the company will:

� Make available suitable personal hearing protectors for employees who request them.

Where employees are exposed to noise at or above the ‘upper exposure action value’ the company will:

� Designate the effected part of the workplace as a ‘Hearing Protection Zone’;



� Identify the extent of the area by signs indicating that hearing protectors are to be worn;

� Restrict access to the area where reasonably practicable and it is justified by the level of risk;

� Ensure SFARP that all employees entering the hearing protection zone wear personal hearing protection.

The company will ensure that employees are not exposed to noise above the ‘exposure limit value’. Should this occur the company will:

� Reduce exposure to below the exposure limit value;

� Identify the reasons for the exposure limit value being exceeded;

� Take appropriate action to prevent it occurring again.

A basic guide to the Exposure Action Values & Exposure Limits are:

� If you have to raise your voice to be understood by someone standing 2 metres away - you may be at or above the Upper Exposure Action Value.

The Exposure Limit Value is achieved when using equipment such as cartridge tools.

Information and advice on the requirements of the Regulations can be obtained from RCP Occupational H&S Consultants.

There are requirements within the Regulations for monitoring and medical records to be kept. These records must be forwarded to the respective department for retention in accordance with Company procedures.

Leptospirosis (Weil's Disease)

Persons working in areas where there may be contact with rats urine, or water contaminated by rats may contract Leptospirosis (or Weil's Disease.) The infection can enter the body via damaged skin or by accidental ingestion through the nose or mouth.

The disease is a form of jaundice and can be fatal or result in permanent disability if not diagnosed and treated at an early stage. The symptoms are similar to influenza.

Areas of risk include sewers, drains, watercourses, canals, docks, derelict buildings, rubbish tips, farms or other locations where rats infestation is likely.

Personnel working in likely contaminated areas should ensure that any cuts, abrasions or scratches are carefully cleaned with sterile wipes or soap and water, and covered with a waterproof dressing. After contact with raw water, the hands and forearms should be thoroughly washed with soap and water especially before eating, drinking or smoking, and persons should also avoid rubbing their nose, mouth or eyes during work.

Wherever possible, protective clothing including impervious gloves should be worn to avoid any contact with infected areas.

Leptospirosis cards will be issued to those employees at risk and this should be shown whenever you attend your doctor or a hospital.

Preventive measures are:

� Always get cuts and grazes properly cleaned and treated immediately and keep covered with waterproof dressing at all times;

� Always wash hands thoroughly on leaving sewers, buildings or other possibly infected workplaces and before eating, drinking or smoking;

� Always use protective clothing, gloves and respiratory protection provided and ensure that they are in good working order. Replace damaged items immediately;

� Use barrier creams;

� Always carry out work in a safe and proper manner, do not endanger persons with practical jokes.



If a person working in risk situation feels unwell or has symptoms of influenza they must consult a doctor immediately explaining the type of work being carried out. If a cut or graze becomes infected it must be treated by a doctor. Weil's disease may be much less severe if treated promptly.

If Weil's Disease is diagnosed it must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive accordingly.

All operatives that may be at risk of contracting Weil's Disease will be given a card giving guidance to them on the subject. This card also provides information to medical practitioners.

Health Surveillance

The degree of exposure to any of our employees at present does not require a health surveillance programme to be established. In the event of an activity taking place where following an assessment this is required we will establish a surveillance programme appropriate to the risk.




The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 (amended 2004)

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012


The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005

The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2005



Health Hazards

Hazardous Substances encompass all those substances - liquid, solid, gaseous or biological, that may pose a hazard to health.

It is the policy of this Company that all substances used by our employees or affecting our employees, will be assessed with regard to the health risks imposed on the employee and others. Where possible, hazardous substances will be substituted by another, less harmful substance. The company will also take due regard to the storage and transport of hazardous substances.

Assessments made under the Regulations for controlling hazardous substances will be recorded, and retained for future reference by employees and First Aiders.

Hazards

Health hazards from substances can be divided into the following categories:

� External contact - corrosive, skin absorption, dermatitis, etc., e.g. cement, acids, epoxy resins, etc;

� Inhalation - gases, fumes, dusts, vapours, vehicle exhaust fumes etc;

� Ingestion – swallowing;

� Stick or injection – punctures to the skin.

Hazards may be classified as toxic, harmful, irritant, corrosive, biological, or a combination of these.

Planning Procedures

All work will be tendered for or negotiated in accordance with the relevant standards and the appropriate risk assessments carried out.

The Contract Manager will:

� Arrange a written Risk Assessment, for substances, processes, health hazards etc. normally used or encountered on the site, and this information will be made available to all Company Personnel, and contractors etc. who may be affected;

� Ensure that before any operation commences, information is obtained on any material, substance, or process to be used or likely to be encountered which could be a hazard to the health of operatives, and which is not covered by the Risk Assessment or is covered but requires a more detailed assessment. A written site/job specific assessment will then be made of any risks involved in handling, using etc. the substance and appropriate control measures planned and this information provided to the relevant supervisory staff with instructions on implementation as necessary;

� Ensure, if possible, arrangements are made for an alternative, less hazardous material to be specified;

� Arrange for any necessary equipment, enclosures, extraction equipment, hygiene facilities, monitoring, medical examinations, protective clothing etc. to be planned before work commences.

Training

All operatives engaged in any process involving the use or handling of any hazardous substance must

be given full instructions and any necessary training in the health hazards and precautions, use of protective clothing, equipment, hygiene measures, etc. as required.

Monitoring

The Site Manager will:

� Ensure that the written assessment, control measures and other information is on site and that all

procedures planned to handle or use any hazardous substance or process are carried out fully and that any, equipment, hygiene measures protective clothing are provided and maintained as required;



� Arrange for any necessary air sampling, medical examinations, testing, etc. to be carried out as required and records kept on site during the operations;

� Ensure all measures necessary to protect other workers and the general public from any substance hazardous to health are provided and maintained.

Control Measures

Where necessary, the Safety Supervisor will be engaged to provide written assessments and advice on precautions required with any substance where any risk to health is known or suspected and will carry out any sampling, analysis, monitoring, etc. as required. The details of assessments will be kept in a suitable Register.

General Precautions

The following general precautions apply to the handling, transporting and use of all substances. Special precautions relating to specific products are given in the specific written assessments.

Almost all chemical materials are potentially dangerous. Although they may find their way into day to day use, it is usually a very diluted or otherwise modified form. The following general rules should always apply:

� Chemical products must never be allowed to come into eye contact. Contact with skin and mucous membrane must likewise be avoided. Wear protective equipment and clothing supplied. Always observe good industrial hygiene practice;

� Do not swallow materials or use in areas where food is being consumed. Smoking is also prohibited during application and curing;

� Inhalation of chemical vapours or dust should be avoided. Adequate ventilation must be provided. Suitable respiratory protection will be provided if appropriate;

� Facilities for the washing and cleansing of the skin must be made available with the necessary cleansers and barrier creams;

� Store all products in ventilated areas away from extremes of temperatures and environment;

� Clean all spillages instantly and dispose of waste and used containers properly;

� Except for transport in closed packages, materials must be handled only by authorised personnel;

� Ensure the correct equipment for handling the products is available;

� If any person handling the materials shows the symptoms which may possibly have been caused by exposure to chemical products, they should be removed from the area and medical advice sought without delay;

� Read the material safety data sheet, container labels and detailed health and safety information before using any products.




The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 (amended 2004)



The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005

The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2005



Asbestos

It is the policy of this Company that all works shall be carried out in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Asbestos has been the main cause of occupational ill health from about 1950 onwards and is still the greatest single work-related cause of death from ill health.

Past exposure is now responsible for about 4000 people dying from asbestos related cancers every year. This figure is expected to rise over the next ten years and then decline.

These deaths are tragic for the people involved, causing immense pain and suffering to them and their relatives, friends and colleagues.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is the name used for a range of natural minerals.

There are three main types of asbestos:

� blue (crocidolite);

� brown (amosite);

� white (chrysotile).

The type of asbestos cannot be identified just by its colour.

Asbestos has been used in a very large number of products, many of which have been used in buildings. Some products have one type of asbestos in them while others have mixtures of two or more. All types of asbestos can be dangerous.

Where do you find asbestos?

Asbestos is most likely to be found in buildings built or refurbished before 2000. Many thousands of tonnes of asbestos products were used in buildings. Much of it is still there and you cannot easily identify these products from their appearance.

The most common uses of asbestos in buildings were:

� loose packing between floors and in partition walls;

� sprayed (‘limpet’) fire insulation on structural beams and girders;

� lagging, e.g. on pipework, boilers, calorifiers, heat exchangers, insulating jackets for cold water tanks, around ducts;

� asbestos insulation board (AIB), e.g. ceiling tiles, partition walls, soffits, service duct covers, fire breaks, heater cupboards, door panels, lift shaft linings, fire surrounds;

� asbestos cement (AC), e.g. roof sheeting, wall cladding, walls and ceilings, bath panels, boiler and incinerator flues, fire surrounds, gutters, rainwater pipes, water tanks;

� other products, e.g. floor tiles, mastics, sealants, textured decorative coatings (such as artex), rope seals, gaskets (e.g. pipework), millboards, paper products, fire doors, cloth (e.g. fire blankets), bituminous products (roofing felt).

Remember – how dangerous the asbestos is depends on the type of asbestos and the type of material it is in, the condition of the material, and how likely the material is to be disturbed.

Who is likely to be exposed to asbestos fibres?

Anyone who disturbs asbestos-containing materials, for example, by working on them or near them. Research has suggested that the groups most at risk are those who carry out building maintenance and refurbishment work, for example (this is not a complete list, nor in any particular order):

� demolition contractors;

� electricians;

� roofing contractors;



� painters and decorators;

� construction contractors;

� joiners;

� heating and ventilation engineers;

� plumbers;

� telecommunications engineers;

� gas fitters;

� fire and burglar alarm installers;

� plasterers;

� general maintenance staff;

� builders;

� computer installers;

� shop fitters;

� building surveyors.

Hazards

Asbestos is made up of thin fibres. These can break down into much smaller and thinner fibres. The smallest fibres cannot be seen with the naked eye but they can be breathed in.

Asbestos fibres are only dangerous if they are made airborne and breathed in, but ALL types of asbestos fibres are potentially fatal if breathed in.

The fibres that are breathed in can become stuck in the lungs and damage them. This can cause scars that stop the lungs working properly (asbestosis), or it can cause cancer. The main types of cancer caused by asbestos are cancer of the lung and cancer of the lining of the lung (mesothelioma).

These diseases can take from 15 to 60 years to develop and there is no cure for any of them.

Planning Procedures



� Request the Asbestos Register for the premises, normally held by the Client (CDM Coordinator should remind the Client of their duty to provide such information);

� Arrange for all such asbestos surveys to be completed prior to the commencement of any works (where no Asbestos Register is available & where asbestos containing materials are suspected to be present);

� Ensure that before any operation commences, ALL asbestos containing materials have been identified & removed by a competent contractor (in most cases this will be a Licensed Contractor);

� On completion of the asbestos removal works air testing & clearance certification is carried out by an UKAS accredited contractor.

Training

All operatives engaged in any process where asbestos may be encountered during their everyday activities shall receive regular Asbestos Awareness Training. This training shall be given at regular intervals.

Monitoring


� Ensure that the Asbestos Register and other information is on site and that all procedures for the possible accidental finding of asbestos is established as necessary;



� Ensure where asbestos has been removed by a specialist contractor, that all necessary air testing & clearance certification (as carried out by an UKAS accredited contractor) are present & in order;

� All operatives working on site have been fully briefed into the asbestos issues as identified;

� Ensure all measures necessary to protect other workers and the general public from any asbestos containing materials are provided and maintained.

Control Measures

Where necessary, the Safety Supervisor will be engaged to provide written assessments and advice on further precautions required with any ACM’s. The details of assessments will be kept in a suitable Register.

General Precautions

It is the policy of this Company that all employees will be protected from exposure to asbestos containing materials (ACM’s), where that exposure would be in breach of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Where any work is due to be carried out in a building or structure the company will ensure that a suitable assessment as to whether asbestos is, or liable to be, present in the premises or structure where work is being carried out.

Where works are to be carried out under the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007; the company will satisfy itself that the Client has provided the necessary information (Asbestos Surveys) for the presence of ACM’s.

Should any materials suspected of containing asbestos be found during routine works, it will be assumed to contain asbestos unless evidence is available to the contrary; the works shall be quarantined (with measures being taken to ensure that there is no further contamination) until such time as the material has been analysed to establish its nature.

Should this material be confirmed as being an ACM, then all measures will be taken to ensure that the asbestos is dealt with by a licensed contractor in accordance with the relevant legislation.

A licensed asbestos removal contractor will normally be employed to carryout work with, or on, asbestos insulation, asbestos insulation board and lagging, including encapsulation and removal. However, there may be exemptions where any exposure is deemed to be sporadic, low intensity and the exposure level well below the control limit. This will be assessed in accordance with a suitable measurement to determine the exposure limit (carried out by an accredited UKAS laboratory). All works with ACM’s will be carried out by suitably trained and competent persons (in most cases this will be by a licensed contractor).

Notifiable Non-Licenced Work (NNLW)

From 6 April 2012, some non-licensed work is required to be notified to the relevant enforcing authority.

Where the work is considered to be Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW), the following additional requirements shall be introduced accordingly:

notify work with asbestos to the relevant enforcing authority;

ensure medical examinations are carried out; and

maintain registers of work (health records).

Is the work NNLW?

All asbestos work, whether Licensable, NNLW or Non-Licensed Work shall be determined in each case and will depend on the type of work due to be carried out, the type of material to be work on and its condition.

The identification of the type of asbestos-containing material (ACM) to be worked on and an assessment of its condition shall be thoroughly risk assessed before any work shall be allowed to commence.



The chart provided by the HSE below gives some examples of what work falls into the categories of licensed, notifiable non-licensed and non-licensed:

Most asbestos work shall be undertaken by a licensed contractor but any decision on whether particular work is licensable shall be based on the initial risk assessment.

If the work is exempt from the need for a licence, it shall be determined if it is Notifiable Non-Licensed Work or Non-Licensed Work.

Only as a basic guide the HSE suggest examples of NNLW include, (assuming in all cases exposure is sporadic and of low intensity and will not exceed the control limit):

minor, short duration, maintenance work involving asbestos insulation, e.g. repairing minor damage to a small section of pipe insulation where the exterior coating has been broken or damaged;

minor removal work involving AIB, when short duration and as part of a refurbishment project, e.g. removing AIB panels fixed with screws following water damage;

entry into the roof space above an AIB tiled ceiling, when no decontamination or cleaning has taken place;

removal work involving textured decorative coatings where the method of removal requires deterioration of the material, e.g. where the material is treated by steam, hydrating gel etc and scraped off the underlying surface, or where it is very badly flood-damaged;

removal of asbestos paper and cardboard products if not firmly bonded in a matrix; removal of asbestos cement (AC) which is substantially degraded e.g. badly fire-damaged or de-laminated material, or where substantial breakage is unavoidable to achieve removal.

However, the HSE further suggest NNLW will not normally include the following, which will continue to be categorised as non-licensed work (which is not notifiable), (assuming in all cases exposure is sporadic and of low intensity and will not exceed the control limit):

short, non-continuous maintenance work involving AIB which is in good condition, e.g. drilling holes in AIB to attach a fitting or pass through a cable or pipe, cleaning light fittings attached to AIB, removing a door with AIB fire-proofing, or lifting ceiling tiles for inspection where there is no full-body entry into the roof space;



short, non-continuous maintenance work on asbestos cement (AC), e.g. work on weathered AC roof tiles;

removal of AC, which is kept virtually intact; short, non-continuous maintenance work on textured decorative coatings, e.g. drilling holes, inserting screws or painting;

small-scale maintenance work with textured decorative coatings when this can be achieved without deterioration of the material, e.g. by careful cutting around backing sheets to achieve removal intact;

removal, for example, of gaskets or asbestos rope cords from heating appliances, which can be left in situ for disposal or can be lifted out virtually intact, without substantial breakage;

short, non-continuous maintenance work on clutch discs, brakes, friction products etc unless significant damage is required e.g. by power tools;

removal of floor tiles or bitumen felt, when done with the appropriate controls, e.g. in-line with Asbestos Essentials sheets A21 and A23;

work to enclose or seal asbestos materials that are in good condition (and that do not require a licence);

air monitoring and control, and the collection and analysis of samples.

Notification of NNLW

The relevant enforcing authority shall be notified of any NNLW with asbestos. Notification shall be via the online notifications form (hse.gov.uk, via either a computer or Smartphone – notification cannot be made by phone or post);

Notice shall be submitted prior to the commencement of works – (it is noted that there is no minimum notice period);

The PDF copy of the notification shall be kept on file for review, inspection or audit purposes.

Medical Surveillance

By 30 April 2015, all workers carrying out NNLW shall have had a medical examination. Examinations shall then be repeated at least every 3 years, as long as the worker continues to do NNLW. After April 2015, workers carrying out NNLW for the first time shall have an examination before they can start such work.

Medical examinations shall:

include an examination of the chest and a lung function test; be carried out by a licensed medical practitioner, e.g. a GP; be carried out in work time at the employers' expense; require the issue of a certificate to confirm the examination has taken place and on what date. (The employer needs to keep this certificate for 4 years).

Record Keeping

A register (health record) of NNLW with asbestos for each employee exposed to asbestos shall be maintained accordingly.

This shall include:

the nature and duration of work with asbestos and estimated exposure for each individual worker; and

dates of the worker's medical examinations.

Registers of work (health records) shall be kept for 40 years (and offered to HSE or the individual concerned should the business cease trading).

The company recognises the importance of competence and will ensure that all operatives who could come into contact with an ACM, will be suitably training and competent in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.



Work in areas where asbestos has been removed will not be allowed to continue until written confirmation has been received that the statutory monitoring and clearance tests are complete and it is safe to do so. It is Company policy that all monitoring of smoke tests and clearance tests is carried out by independent accredited analysts.

Please Note -

The publication, entitled ‘Asbestos: The Survey Guide (HSG 264)’ replaces and expands on the surveying industry standard – ‘MDHS100: Surveying, sampling and the assessment of asbestos containing materials’.

Survey Name Changes

New survey names now introduced to assist the Client/Duty Holder in understanding the purpose of the survey and to help them select the most appropriate survey for their needs. The name changes are also designed to promote the management of asbestos.

� Type 2 = Management Survey

� Type 3 = Refurbishment or Demolition Survey

Changes to Survey Scope

Management Survey (formerly a Type 2 survey)

� Management Survey is to be more comprehensive and better planned;

� Suitable for continual use/occupation of building;

� Should survey all accessible areas (inside risers, service ducts, above suspended ceilings/ voids, walls, ceilings, pipe work, boilers, lift shafts etc.);

� Any areas not inspected must be presumed to contain asbestos;

� Not sufficient for renovation or refurbishment of building areas Used to facilitate on-going management of asbestos containing materials (ACM’s).

Refurbishment or Demolition Survey (formerly a Type 3 survey)

� Necessary in areas where refurbishment is due to be carried out (a Management Survey alone is not sufficient);

� Can be small (localised areas only) focusing on areas where work is to take place or large scale, covering the whole site;

� Used to locate all ACMs in all areas (wall cavities, structural locations, ducts, risers, tunnels, under floor tiles etc);

� Likely to involve destructive means of access.





HSG 264 - Asbestos - The Survey Guide



Legionnaires Disease

Legionnaires Disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which can affect anybody, but which principally affects those who are susceptible because of age, illness, immunosuppression, smoking, etc. It is caused by the bacterium Legionella Pneumophilia and related bacteria. Legionella bacteria can also cause less serious illness which is not fatal or permanently debilitating.

Legionella bacteria can survive under a wide range of environmental conditions and have been found in water temperatures between 6°c and 60°c, water temperature in the range of 20°c to 45°c favour growth. The organisms do not appear to multiply below 20°c or survive above 60°c, they remain dormant in cool water and multiply only when water temperatures reach a suitable level. Temperatures may also influence virulence Legionella bacteria held at 37°c which has greater virulence than the same Legionella bacteria held at below 25°c.

This procedure is designed to control the hot and cold water services on the premises; please note that cooling towers and evaporative condensers are not covered by this procedure.

The following forms & procedures (checklists 1-4, Action List/Schedule & Maintenance Schedule require to be completed as & where appropriate for all premises by a responsible person. Where required the necessary action will need to be completed or carried out accordingly.



Checklist 1: The Risk Assessment

Yes No N/A

1. Did you consider whether you could eliminate the risk?

Note 1: Your primary duty under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations is to protect the risks of exposure. You may be able to do this by looking at the type of water system you need, for example you may not need a wet cooling system.

2. Did the person carrying out the assessment have access to competent help and advice when carrying out the assessment?

3. If there are more than five employees in your organisation did you record the significant findings of the assessment?

4. Did you consult employees about the assessment and the control measures?

5.

Have you identified the circumstances which would require a review of the assessment?

Note 2: Your assessment should be reviewed regularly – at least every two years, and whenever it is suspected it is no longer valid, for example if there is a significant change to the system.

Managing the Risks: Roles & Responsibilities

Yes No N/A

6. Has a responsible person been identified in writing?

Note 3: If risks have been identified, there needs to be someone to take charge of managing the control regime.

7. Is there a nominated deputy?

8. Are contact details for these people readily available (in the event of an emergency)?

9. Are the roles and responsibilities of all the staff involved in the control regime clearly defined in writing?

10. Have they all received appropriate training?

11. If external contractors are used, are their roles and responsibilities clearly defined in writing?

Note 4: The demarcation between contractor and occupier needs to be defined, i.e. who does what. But remember that using contractors does not absolve you of the responsibility for ensuring that the control regime is carried out.

12. Have you checked the competent of contractors?

Note 5: For example, you should ask about experience and qualifications, how their staff are trained, and whether they are a member of a professional organisation/ recognised trade body, for example the Code of Conduct Association. You can find out about the health and safety performance of companies by checking HSE’s enforcement databases (www.hse.gov.uk/notices & www.hse.gov.uk/prosecutions).

13. Have you considered all other health and safety issues (e.g. COSHH assessments for handling of water treatment chemicals, working at height, working in confined spaces, electrical safety & ease of access to parts of the system)?



Checklist 2: Hot & Cold Water Services

Types of System/s (please tick as necessary) Yes No N/A

A. Gravity system without recirculation -

B. Gravity system with recirculation -

C. Pressurised -

D. Other (describe below) -

Managing the Risks: The Written Scheme

Yes No N/A

1. Is there a written scheme for controlling the risk from exposure to legionella bacteria?

Note 1: If your assessment has shown that there is a reasonably foreseeable risk of exposure to legionella bacteria, there needs to be a written scheme in place to control that risk.

2. Does the scheme contain an up-to-date plan of the system (a schematic is OK)?

3. Does the plan show and identify:

♦ all system plant, for example water softeners, filters, strainers, pumps, non-return valves and all outlets, for example showers, wash-hand basins, etc?

♦ all standby equipment, for example spare pumps?

♦ all associated pipework and piping routes?

♦ all associated storage and header tanks?

♦ the origin of water supply (see Q18)?

♦ any parts that may be out of use temporarily?

4. Does the scheme contain instructions for the operation of the system (see Q18-23)?

5. Does the scheme contain details of the precautions to be taken to control the risk of exposure to legionella bacteria (see Q24-26)?

6. Does the scheme contain details of the checks that are to be carried out (and their frequency) to ensure that the scheme is effective (see Q27-40)?

Design & Construction

Yes No N/A

7. If you are fitting a new system, do any of the materials or fittings used in the water system support the growth of micro-organisms?

Note 2: The Water Research Centre publish a directory which lists materials and fittings acceptable for use in water systems.



8. Are low corrosion materials used?

9. If fitted, are thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) sited as close as possible to the point of use?

Note 3: Ideally, TMVs should not be fitted to multiple outlets but, if they are used, the mixed water pipework should be kept as short as possible.

Cold Water System

Yes No N/A

10. Are low use outlets installed upstream of higher use outlets?

11. Has cold water storage been assessed and minimised, i.e. holds enough for a day’s use only?

12. Is piping insulated and kept away from heat sources (where possible)?

13. Is the cold water tank:

♦ fitted with a cover and insect screen(s) on any pipework open to the atmosphere?

♦ located in a cool place and protected from extremes of temperature?

♦ accessible?

Hot Water System

Yes No N/A

14. Does the calorifier storage capacity meet normal daily fluctuations in hot water use while maintaining a supply temperature of at least 50°c (see Note 5)?

15. Are the hot water distribution pipes insulated?

16. If more than one calorifier is used, are they connected in parallel?

17. Does the calorifier have the following fitted:

♦ a drain valve?

♦ a temperature gauge on the inlet and outlet?

♦ an access panel?

Operation & Maintenance

Yes No N/A

18. If the water supplied to your building is not mains supply, has the water been pre-treated to make sure it is of the same quality as the mains?

19. Is the entire contents of the calorifier, including the base, heated to 60°c for an hour each day, for example by using a shunt pump?

20. Are all outlets that are no longer required cut back as far as the main pipe run?

21. Are there arrangement to incorporate standby equipment for example calorifiers, pumps, into routine use?



22. If little used outlets have not been removed are there arrangements in place to either:

♦ flush them through on at least a weekly basis (with records kept of this)? or

♦ carry out a safe purge of stagnant water before use?

Note 4: It is important that this purge is carried out with the minimum production of aerosols, for example by piping directly to the drain.

23. If thermostatic mixing valves are fitted, are they included in the maintenance schedule?

Water Treatment Programme

Yes No N/A

24. Is there a water treatment programme in place?

25. Is temperature used as a control method (go to Q27)?

26. Are biocides used as a control method? Give the method below (go to Q33).

Monitoring - Temperature

Yes No N/A

27. If there is a risk of scalding (for example where the young, elderly or disabled may use the outlets), are thermostatic mixing valves fitted?

28. Is the temperature of sentinel hot and cold water outlets checked on a monthly basis?

Note 5: For cold water, the temperature should be 20°c or below and for hot water, at least 50°c.

29. If fitted, is the temperature of the water supply to thermostatic mixing valves checked on a monthly basis?

30. Is the temperature of the water in the outlet and return pipes of the calorifier checked on a monthly basis?

31. Is the temperature of the incoming cold water supply checked on a six-monthly basis?

32. Is the temperature of a representative number of hot and cold water outlets checked on an annual basis?

Biocides

Yes No N/A

33. Is the control level required known and recorded in the operations manual?

34. Is the rate of release/rate of addition of biocide known and recorded?

35. Is then concentration of the biocide at sentinel outlets checked on a monthly basis?

36. Is the concentration of biocide checked at representative outlets on an annual basis?



General

Yes No N/A

37. On an annual basis is there:

♦ a visual check of the cold water tank and the water in it?

♦ a check to see if there is reasonable flow through the cold water tank i.e. good tangential flow across the tank?

♦ a drain of the calorifier and a check for debris?

♦ a check on the plans for the hot and cold water circuits to make sure they are up to date?

♦ a check on the existence of all water connections to outside services?

38. Are results of all tests and checks recorded, together with details of any remedial action taken (if required)?

Microbiological

Yes No N/A

39. Are there procedures in place to identify circumstances when either general microbiological monitoring or sampling for legionella would be appropriate?

40. If there are procedures in place, do these identify where samples should be taken, and the frequency and actions required?

Cleaning & Disinfection

Yes No N/A

41. Have the circumstances when cleaning and disinfection of the hot water system would be appropriate been identified?

42. If cleaning and disinfection were to be carried out, which of the following methods would be used?

♦ thermal?

♦ chemical?

43. Are procedures in place for the chosen method of cleaning and disinfection?



Checklist 3: Hot & Cold Water Services

Service Task Frequency

Hot Water Services Arrange for samples to be taken from hot water calorifiers, in order to note condition of drain water.

Annually

Check temperatures in flow and return at calorifiers. Monthly

Check water temperature up to one minute to see if it has reached 50°c in the sentinel taps.

Monthly

Visual check on internal surfaces of Calorifiers for scale and sludge. Check representative taps for temperature as above on a rotational basis.

Annually

Cold Water Services Check tank water temperature remote from ball valve and mains temperature at ball valve. Note maximum temperatures recorded by fixed max/ min thermometers where fitted.

Six Monthly

Check that temperature is below 20°c after running the water for up to two minutes in the sentinel taps.

Monthly

Visually inspect cold water storage tanks and carry out remedial work where necessary. Check representative taps for temperature as above on a rotational basis.

Annually

Shower Heads Dismantle, clean and descale shower heads and hoses. Quarterly or as necessary

Little-Used Outlets Flush through and purge to drain, or purge to drain immediately before use, without release of aerosols.

Weekly



Checklist 4: Other Risk Systems

System/Service Task Frequency

Ultrasonic

Humidifiers / Foggers & Water Misting Systems

If equipment fitted with UV lights, check to ensure effectiveness of lamp (check to see if within working life) and clean filters.

Six Monthly or according to manufacturer’s

instructions

Ensure automatic purge of residual water is functioning. As part of machinery shut down

Clean and disinfect all wetted parts. As indicated by Risk Assessment

Sampling for legionella. As indicated by Risk Assessment

Spray Humidifiers, Air Washers & Wet Scrubbers

Clean and disinfect spray humidifiers/air washers and make-up tanks including all wetted surfaces, descaling as necessary.

Six Monthly

Confirm the operation of non-chemical water treatment (if present).

Weekly

Water Softeners Clean and disinfect resin and brine tank – check with manufacturer what chemicals can be used to disinfect resin bed.

As recommended by manufacturer

Emergency Showers & Eye Wash Sprays

Flush through and purge to drain. Six Monthly or more frequently if

recommended by manufacturers

Sprinkler & Hose Reel System

When witnessing tests of sprinkler blow-down and hose reels ensure that there is minimum risk of exposure to aerosols.

As directed

Lathe & Machine Tool Coolant Systems

Clean and disinfect storage and distribution system. Six Monthly

Spa Baths Check filters – sand filters should be backwashed daily. Daily

Check water treatment – pools should be continuously treated with an oxidising biocide.

Three Times Daily

Clean and disinfect entire system. Weekly

Horticultural Misting System

Clean and disinfect distribution pipework, spray heads and make-up tanks including all wetted surfaces, descaling as necessary.

Annually

Dental Equipment Drain down and clean. At the end of each working

Car/Bus Washes Check filtration and treatment system, clean and disinfect system.

See manufacturers’ instructions

Indoor Fountains and Water Features

Clean and disinfect ponds, spray heads and make-up tanks including all wetted surfaces, descaling as necessary.

Interval depending on condition



Audit Checklist Schedule

Name of Auditor:………………………………………………………………………………..

Date of Audit:……………………………………………………… Date of Review:………………………………………………………

No. Action Required (List) Yes No Completed



Audit Checklist Schedule (continuation sheet)

No. Action Required (List) Yes No Completed



Example of Legionnaires Scheme of Examination & Maintenance

Service Task Frequency

Hot Water Services Check water temperature up to one minute to see if it has reached 50ºc in the sentinel taps.

Monthly

Cold Water Services Check that the temperature is below 20ºc after running the water for up to two minutes in the sentinel taps.

Monthly

Shower Heads (where applicable)

Dismantle, clean and descale shower heads and hoses. Three Monthly

Definitions:

Sentinel Taps:

For hot water systems - the first and last taps on a re-circulating system.

For cold water systems (or non re-circulating hot water systems) the nearest and furthest taps from the storage tank. The choice of sentinel taps may also include other taps which are considered to represent a particular risk.



Noise

Key Points

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 requires employers to protect their workers hearing. This can be achieved by a strategy based on assessment of workers exposure to noise and subsequent implementation of control measures to solve any problem that exists.

The Regulations refer to various levels which are:

� Lower Exposure Action Value –

♦ This is a daily or weekly exposure of 80dB;

♦ Peak sound pressure of 135dB(C).

� Upper Exposure Action Value –



� Exposure Limit Values –



The exposure limit values must not be exceeded after taking into account any reduction of exposure provided by hearing protection.

A basic guide to the Exposure Limit Values are:

� If you have to raise your voice to be understood by someone standing 2 metres away – you may be at or above the Upper Exposure Action Value of 85dB.

The Peak Sound Pressure is achieved when using equipment such as cartridge tools.

When planning all works consideration must be given by the Managing Director to ensure these Regulations are complied with and allowance made for the provision of any necessary controls or protective equipment before works are commenced.

Suitable information, instruction and training will be provided by those expected to carry out and supervise works affected by these regulations.

Information and advice on the requirements of the Regulations can be obtained from RCP Occupational H&S Consultants.

There are requirements within the Regulations for monitoring and medical records to be kept. These records must be kept within the individuals personnel records.

Hazards

The main hazards associated with noise are hearing loss or impairment. This may be long term due to prolonged exposure, or could be due to excessive peak levels.

Although excessive noise will also impair communications which could lead to other problems due to unheard or misinterpreted instructions. Excessive noise can also be distracting, cause annoyance and will most likely result in fatigue; all of which can significantly contribute to accidents or issues with personal safety.

Therefore, excessive noise in the workplace presents a risk to all personnel, and may easily lead to irreparable hearing damage. Regulations regarding noise at work require that employers make provisions to protect their employees and anyone else at work that may be affected by the noise created by the employer’s work activities.

It is the policy of this Company to comply with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, insofar as they affect our own employees and those persons not in the employ of the Company.

The regulations specify the following three levels of exposure to noise, each of which require certain actions be taken:



� Lower Exposure Action Level – this is reached when a daily or weekly personal exposure reaches 80dB(A) or a peak sound pressure of 135dB(C) occurs.

� Upper Exposure Action Level - this is reached when a daily or weekly personal exposure reaches 85dB(A) or a peak sound pressure of 137dB(C) occurs.

� Exposure Limit Value – this is the maximum level of noise to which anyone at work may be exposed. It is set at 87dB(A) at the ear, measured on a daily or weekly basis as appropriate or when a peak sound pressure of 140dB(C) occurs.

Planning



� Ensure that information on the noise level of any plant which it is intended to hire or purchase is obtained and taken into account before hiring or purchase takes place;

� Ensure that any static plant to be installed on site or in the workshop is planned to be in a position which takes account of the effects of noise on the workers or the public;

� Ensure that where personnel will be required to work in situations where potentially harmful levels of noise are likely to be encountered, full information is obtained before work commences on the levels and frequencies of noise;

� Arrange for the following depending on levels of noise and the action levels (as noted above) which apply:

If employees are likely to be exposed to noise at or above the ‘lower exposure action value’, the company will:

� Carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to employees and ensure that it identifies the measures necessary to adequately control the level of noise at work.

If employees are likely to be exposed to noise at or above the ‘upper exposure action value’ or the ‘exposure limit value’, the risk assessment will also include consideration of:

� The level and type of noise and its duration, including any exposure to ‘peak sound pressure’;

� The effects that the noise might have on the health of employees exposed to it;

� SFARP the effects on the health of employees resulting from an interaction between exposure to noise and any ototoxic substances;

� The possibility of warning alarms or other audible systems not being heard;

� Information provided by the manufacturers of equipment that generates the noise;

� The possibility of using alternative, less noisy equipment;

� Exposure of employees to noise when not actually working, such as in rest areas;

� The results of previous health surveillance and published information;

� The availability of suitable personal hearing protectors, taking into account their performance.

The company will ensure that regular reviews of the risks assessment are carried out. These will be immediately done if:

� There is reason to believe that it is no longer valid;

� There has been a significant change in the work to which the assessment applies.

Any necessary changes will be implemented to the risk assessment and work methods as identified by the review process.

The company will bring to the attention of all employees and significant others the findings of the risk assessments.



Control Measures

Where employees are exposed to noise at or above the ‘lower exposure action value’, but below the ‘upper exposure action value’ the company will:

� Make available suitable personal hearing protectors for employees who request them.

Where employees are exposed to noise at or above the ‘upper exposure action value’ the company will:

� Designate the effected part of the workplace as a ‘Hearing Protection Zone’;

� Identify the extent of the area by signs indicating that hearing protectors are to be worn;

� Restrict access to the area where reasonably practicable and it is justified by the level of risk;

� Ensure SFARP that all employees entering the hearing protection zone wear personal hearing protection.

The company will ensure that employees are not exposed to noise above the ‘exposure limit value’. Should this occur the company will:

� Reduce exposure to below the exposure limit value;

� Identify the reasons for the exposure limit value being exceeded;

� Take appropriate action to prevent it occurring again.

Employees have a duty under these Regulations to wear protection provided. Records will be kept of all assessments and subsequent action taken.

Training

Instruction and training will be provided to employees required to work in premises or with plant which is likely to result in exposure to noise levels above the lower exposure action value.

Monitoring


� Ensure that all plant provided is fitted with silencers, mufflers, doors, canopies, etc. and that all equipment and noise reducing doors etc. are used;

� Arrange for supplies of ear defenders or other hearing protection to be made available on the site or for any operations where it is not practicable to reduce the noise level to a safe limit;

� Arrange for hearing protection equipment to be issued to operatives as required and ensure that it is worn at all times when operatives are exposed to noise above the upper exposure action value or Peak Action levels;

� Ensure that all noise control items fitted to plant or in premises are kept in good order and that any defects noted are reported to the relevant Manager responsible for plant maintenance, or hire company immediately.

Sources:






Noise Assessment Forms HSE Noise Exposure Ready-Reckoner (Daily Exposure)

Sound Pressure Level, L

Aeq (dB)

Duration of exposure (hours)

Total

Exposure Points

Noise

Exposure L

EP,d (dB)

¼ ½ 1 2 4 8 10 12

105 320 625 1250 104 250 500 1000

103 200 400 800

102 160 320 630 1250

101 125 250 500 1000

100 100 200 400 800 3200 100

99 80 160 320 630 1250 2500 99

98 65 125 250 500 1000 2000 98

97 50 100 200 400 800 1600 97

96 40 80 160 320 630 1250 1250 96

95 32 65 125 250 500 1000 1000 95

94 25 50 100 200 400 800 800 94

93 20 40 80 160 320 630 630 93

92 16 32 65 125 250 500 625 500 92

91 12 25 50 100 200 400 500 600 400 91

90 10 20 40 80 160 320 400 470 320 90

89 8 16 32 65 130 250 310 380 250 89

88 6 12 25 50 100 200 250 300 200 88

87 5 10 20 40 80 160 200 240 160 87

86 4 8 16 32 65 130 160 190 130 86

85 6 12 25 50 100 125 150 100 85

84 5 10 20 40 80 100 120 80 84

83 4 8 16 32 65 80 95 65 83

82 6 12 25 50 65 75 50 82

81 5 10 20 40 50 60 40 81

80 4 8 16 32 40 48 32 80

79 6 13 25 32 38 25 79

78 5 10 20 25 30 20 78

77 8 16 20 24 16 77

76 6 13 16 20

75 5 10 13 15

Instructions

� For each task or period of noise exposure in the working day look up in the table on the left the exposure points corresponding to the sound pressure level and duration (e.g. exposure to 93 dB for 1 hour gives 80 exposure points);

� Add the points for each task or period to give a total exposure points for the day; � Look up in the table on the right the total exposure points to find the corresponding daily noise exposure (e.g.

a total exposure points for the day of 280 points gives a daily exposure of between 89 and 90 dB).

For accurate exposure figures (and Noise Assessments for record purposes) please refer to HSE Daily Exposure Calculator www.hse.uk/noise



Noise Assessment Forms HSE Noise Exposure Ready-Reckoner (Weekly Exposure)

Daily Noise Level, L

Aeq

(dB)


Total

Exposure Points

Weekly Noise

Exposure L

EP,d (dB)

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7

95 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 5000 95

94 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 4000 94

93 630 630 630 630 630 630 630 3200 93

92 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 2500 92

91 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 2000 91

90 320 320 320 320 320 320 320 1600 90

89 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 1300 89

88 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 1000 88

87 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 800 87

86 130 130 130 130 130 130 130 630 86

85 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 500 85

84 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 400 84

83 65 65 65 65 65 65 65 320 83

82 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 250 82

81 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 200 81

80 32 32 32 32 32 32 32 160 80

79 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 130 79

78 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 100 78

Instructions

� For each working day in the week look up in the table on the left the exposure points corresponding to that day’s noise exposure (e.g. a noise exposure on Day 1 of 90 dB gives 320 points);

� Add the points for each day worked to give a total exposure points for the week; � Look up in the table on the right the total exposure points to find the corresponding weekly noise exposure

(e.g. a total exposure points for the week of 2000 points gives a weekly noise exposure of 91 dB).

For accurate exposure figures (and Noise Assessments for record purposes) please refer to HSE’s Weekly Exposure Calculator www.hse.uk/noise



Noise Assessment Forms Daily Exposure Record Form

Sound Pressure Level, L

Aeq (dB)


Total

Exposure Points

Noise

Exposure L

EP,d (dB)

¼ ½ 1 2 4 8 10 12

105 320 625 1250 104 250 500 1000

103 200 400 800

102 160 320 630 1250

101 125 250 500 1000

100 100 200 400 800 3200 100

99 80 160 320 630 1250 2500 99

98 65 125 250 500 1000 2000 98

97 50 100 200 400 800 1600 97

96 40 80 160 320 630 1250 1250 96

95 32 65 125 250 500 1000 1000 95

94 25 50 100 200 400 800 800 94

93 20 40 80 160 320 630 630 93

92 16 32 65 125 250 500 625 500 92

91 12 25 50 100 200 400 500 600 400 91

90 10 20 40 80 160 320 400 470 320 90

89 8 16 32 65 130 250 310 380 250 89

88 6 12 25 50 100 200 250 300 200 88

87 5 10 20 40 80 160 200 240 160 87

86 4 8 16 32 65 130 160 190 130 86

85 6 12 25 50 100 125 150 100 85

84 5 10 20 40 80 100 120 80 84

83 4 8 16 32 65 80 95 65 83

82 6 12 25 50 65 75 50 82

81 5 10 20 40 50 60 40 81

80 4 8 16 32 40 48 32 80

79 6 13 25 32 38 25 79

78 5 10 20 25 30 20 78

77 8 16 20 24 16 77

76 6 13 16 20

75 5 10 13 15

Total LAeq

(dB)

Total of Duration of exposure (in hours)

Total Points

Noise Exposure

Name:……………………………………………………………………… Date:……………………………………….

Name of Assessor:……………………………………………………… Signed:……………………………………



Noise Assessment Forms Weekly Exposure Record Form

Daily Noise Level, L

Aeq (dB)


Total

Exposure Points

Weekly Noise

Exposure L

EP,d (dB)

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7

95 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 5000 95

94 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 4000 94

93 630 630 630 630 630 630 630 3200 93

92 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 2500 92

91 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 2000 91

90 320 320 320 320 320 320 320 1600 90

89 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 1300 89

88 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 1000 88

87 160 160 160 160 160 160 160 800 87

86 130 130 130 130 130 130 130 630 86

85 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 500 85

84 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 400 84

83 65 65 65 65 65 65 65 320 83

82 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 250 82

81 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 200 81

80 32 32 32 32 32 32 32 160 80

79 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 130 79

78 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 100 78

Total LAeq

(dB)

Total of Duration of exposure

Total Points

Noise

Exposure

Name:…………………………………………………………………………… Date:……………………………………

Name of Assessor:…………………………………………………………... Signed:…………………………………



Vibration

It is the policy of this company that where there is a risk of exposure to vibration ever effort that is reasonably practicable will be taken to prevent exposure. The selection of equipment for work at height will comply with the hierarchy for managing and selecting equipment for work at height as laid out in the Working at Height Regulations 2005.

In accordance with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations the company will:

� Assess the vibration risk to your employees;

� Decide if they are likely to be exposed above the daily exposure action value (EAV) and if they are:

♦ introduce a programme of controls to eliminate risk, or reduce exposure to as low a level as is reasonably practicable;

♦ provide health surveillance (regular health checks) to those employees who continue to be regularly exposed above the action value or otherwise continue to be at risk;

� Decide if they are likely to be exposed above the daily exposure limit value (ELV) and if they are:

♦ take immediate action to reduce their exposure below the limit value;

� Provide information and training to employees on health risks and the actions you are taking to control those risks;

� Consult your trade union safety representative or employee representative on your proposals to control risk and to provide health surveillance;

� Keep a record of your risk assessment and control actions;

� Keep health records for employees under health surveillance;

� Review and update your risk assessment regularly.

Such procedures (where applicable) are specified in the following section of this safety policy.

Source:

Control of Vibration at Work Regulations, 2005



Hand Arm Vibration

Introduction

This instruction is indented to be read in conjunction with the Vibration Assessment to provide details where considered necessary, on the use of the Form.

The purpose of Vibration Assessment is to ensure the Vibration Hazards on Construction Sites are managed to reduce harm to the end user.

Where indicated as “must”, this instruction is explicit and there is no facility for local arrangements. Otherwise, the instructions given are an indication of “best practice” and should be followed at all times.

References

Vibration Assessment Form

Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Vibration Dose

The primary cause of HAVS (Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome) is work, which involves holding vibrating equipment. The risk of harm depends upon:

� The actual vibration levels.

� The length of time exposed.

The combination of these two factors result in a daily “vibration dose” which must not be exceeded in an 8 hour period over a 24 hour day.

Exposure Action Value (EAV) and Exposure Limit Value (ELV)

What is the exposure action value?

The exposure action value (EAV) is a daily amount of vibration exposure above which employers are required to take action to control exposure. The greater the exposure level, the greater the risk and the more action employers will need to take to reduce the risk. For hand-arm vibration the EAV is a daily exposure of 2.5 m/s² A(8).

What is the exposure limit value?

The exposure limit value (ELV) is the maximum amount of vibration an employee may be exposed to on any single day. For hand-arm vibration the ELV is a daily exposure of 5 m/s² A(8). It represents a high risk above which employees should not be exposed.

The Regulations allow a transitional period for the limit value until July 2010. This only applies to work equipment already in use before July 2007. The exposure limit value may be exceeded during the transitional period as long as you have complied with all the other requirements of the Regulations and taken all reasonably practicable actions to reduce exposure as much as you can.

Risk Assessment

The hierarchy of Risk Assessment confirms the following priorities:

1. Eliminate the hazard

2. Combat risks as source

3. Minimise risks – reduce the vibration dose – see procedure

4. Allocate PPE



Use of the Vibration Assessment Form

� All those involved in the procurement and management of a workplace, have a responsibility for ensuring that all operations can be carried out without causing harm to the workforce, by following the hierarchy of Risk Assessment.

� Eliminate the Hazard: Those involved in the planning of the contract and the work method must look at safer options e.g. surface retarder instead of scabbling; machine driven instead of hand held equipment; concrete crusher to remove pile caps; drills, core cutters mounted on rigs.

� Combat Risks at Source: Those involved in the procurement of Contractors, or equipment must ensure that the most suitable and safe equipment is provided to operatives to ensure low vibration equipment manufacturers are used; ensure vibration level information travels with the equipment; ensure the equipment is well maintained.

� Minimise Risks: The General Manager must reduce the vibration dose on the workforce by:

♦ Keeping the users time under the recommendations for exposure.

♦ Utilising the HSE Guidance (on-line hand-arm vibration exposure calculator – see details under Figure 2 below) where vibration levels are known to work out the allowable time of exposure. This can be calculated by using the HSE’s vibration web pages which can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/vibration. Alternatively using the Ready-Reckoner as detailed in Figure 1 below.

� Allocate PPE: The General Manager must ensure the user has the best gloves for the job, and also is trained in the use and the effects of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome.



Hand Arm Vibration Risk Assessment Record

Contract:

Date of Assessment:

(SCALE1) Vibration Level Information Supplied by Manufacturer

(SCALE 2 – Exposure Time) Duration of Exposure

(SCALE 3) Exposure Time Allowed

Action to be Taken to Reduce the Risk Where Necessary

Signed:………………………………………………………………….. Position:…………………………………………………………………



Figure 1 –

Ready-Reckoner (Exposure Point System)

The table below is a ‘ready reckoner’ for calculating daily vibration exposures. All you need is the vibration magnitude (level) and exposure time. The ready-reckoner covers a range of vibration magnitudes up to 40 m/s² and a range of exposure times up to 10 hours.

The exposures for different combinations of vibration magnitude and exposure time are given in exposure points instead of values in m/s² A(8). You may find the exposure points easier to work with than the A(8) values:

� exposure points change simply with time: twice the exposure time, twice the number of points;

� exposure points can be added together, for example where a worker is exposed to two or more

different sources of vibration in a day;

� the exposure action value (2.5 m/s² A(8)) is equal to 100 points;

� the exposure limit value (5 m/s² A(8)) is equal to 400 points;

Using the Ready-Reckoner

� Find the vibration magnitude (level) for the tool or process (or the nearest value) on the grey scale on the left of the table.

� Find the exposure time (or the nearest value) on the grey scale across the bottom of the table.



� Find the value in the table that line up with the magnitude and time. The illustration shows how it works for a magnitude of 5 m/s² and an exposure time of 3 hours: in this case the exposure corresponds to 150 points.

� Compare the point’s value with the exposure action and limit values (100 and 400 points respectively). In this example the score of 150 points lies above the exposure action value.

� The colour of the square containing the exposure points value tells you whether the exposure exceeds, or is likely to exceed, the exposure action or limit value:

If a worker is exposed to more than one tool or process during the day, repeat steps 1 – 3 for each one, add the points, and compare the total with the exposure action value (100) and the exposure limit value (400).

Figure 2 –

HSE on-line Guidance

Guide to using the On-Line Hand-Arm Vibration Exposure Calculator

The calculator may be used online or, if you prefer, you can download and save it on your computer as a spreadsheet file (Microsoft Excel).

� Click on the white areas and type in a vibration magnitude (in m/s2) and an exposure duration (in hours and/or minutes). You can do this for up to six different tools or processes.

� When you have entered all the numbers, press the ENTER key, or click on a different cell. The following values will then be calculated and displayed in the yellow cells on the right.

♦ The Partial exposure is the vibration exposure (shown in both m/s2 A(8) and exposure points) for

each individual tool or process, and is calculated from the Vibration magnitude and the

Exposure duration.

♦ The Total exposure, also given in m/s2 A(8) and exposure points, is calculated from the Partial

exposures.

� In addition to the partial and total exposure values, the calculator also uses the vibration magnitudes to produce the following values:

♦ Exposure points per hour. The number if exposure points for every hour of exposure time for

the individual tool or process.

♦ Time to reach EAV (exposure action value). This is the total exposure time required for the

individual tool or process, before the exposure action value (2.5 m/s2 A(8) or 100 points) is

reached.

♦ Time to reach ELV (exposure limit value). This is the total exposure time required for the

individual tool or process, before the exposure limit value (5 m/s2 A(8) or 400 points) is reached.

� The illustration below shows the calculator in use. In this example, three tools are used by an operator during a working day. The vibration magnitudes are 2, 6 and 3.5 m/s2 and the total exposure times are 15, 30 and 90 minutes respectively. These values have been typed into the white cells (you can use hours, minutes or a combination of the two for the exposure duration). The



results (in the yellow cells) show the partial exposure values for the three tools and the total results exposure which, at 2.2 m/s2 A(8) or 75 points, is below the exposure action value.

� The cells can be cleared for another calculation by clicking on the Reset button in the bottom right hand corner.

Note: When you open the spreadsheet you may see a Microsoft Excel message asking you to decide whether to enable or disable macros. If your system settings allow it, you should enable macros. If not, the Reset button will not work, but the white cells can still be cleared by manually deleting their contents.



Lead

Hazards

The main hazards associated with lead arise from work operations such as:

� Gas cutting or welding painted steel or iron;

� Lead burning;

� Painting with lead based paints;

� Paint removal;

� Grit blasting painted surfaces;

� Lead jointing for cables. Pipes;

� Soldering;

� Handling sheet lead;

� Work with petrol tanks;

� Breaking up batteries;

� Disc cutting or grinding painted surfaces;

� Other operations may also involve contact with lead.

Planning Procedures


The Contract Manager will arrange for the Safety Supervisor (if necessary) to provide a written assessment of the risk that operatives are likely to be exposed to before any work which involves lead or is suspected as involving lead commences.

The Contract Manager will ensure that the following arrangements are planned taking into account advice from the Safety Supervisor:

� Sampling, analysis and monitoring;

� Control measures, ventilation, etc;

� Respiratory protective equipment;

� Protective clothing and storage facilities;

� Washing facilities;

� Medical examinations;

� Training for operatives, Supervisors;

� Records of assessments, monitoring, medical examinations, etc.

Training

There is a duty to provide adequate information and training to the employees under the Control of Lead Regulations 1998 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Training for Supervisors and Operatives will be provided.

Monitoring


� Ensure that an assessment of the risk has been carried out before any work commences which will or could involve lead in any form;

� Ensure all planned arrangements and facilities are provided and set up before work commences;

� Ensure that no person, other than those authorised carries out any work or enters any areas which could involve contact with lead in any form;



� Ensure that protection for the public is provided and maintained. Check that all welfare facilities, respiratory protective equipment, protective clothing, etc. are used by operatives and are maintained, cleaned, etc. as required;

� Check that operatives do not eat, drink or smoke in working areas or equipment and-clothing storage facilities where lead may be present.

Control Measures

� Protective clothing must be worn as required by Statutory Regulations;

� Adequate ventilation will be provided;

� Welfare facilities to be provided and maintained;

� Sampling, monitoring and analysis will be carried out and results actioned;

� No eating or drinking or smoking will be permitted on the job.




Personal Protective Regulations 1992

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended)

Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002



Isocyanates

Hazards

The main hazards associated with the use of Isocyanates include:

� Irritation of respiratory tract;

� Asthma;

� Chemical conjunctivitis;

� Dermatitis;

� Isocyanates may be a hazard when the following operations are carried out:

♦ Use of polyurethane paints or lacquers;

♦ Gas cutting or welding of painted surfaces;

♦ Paint removal;

♦ Soldering of polyurethane varnished wire ("quick soldering" or "self-fluxing");

♦ Burning of rigid or flexible polyurethane foam (e.g. vehicle repairs);

♦ Use of polyurethane foam in situ as insulation.

In some rare cases, a build-up of fluid in the lungs following severe over-exposure may prove fatal.

Planning Procedures


The Contract Manager will arrange for the Safety Supervisor to be involved before any work with materials containing isocyanates is commenced to carry out a site/job specific assessment of the risks involved in the work with isocyanate based materials and to provide advice on safe systems of work and precautions required.

The Contract Manager will ensure that the following arrangements are planned taking into account the advice provided by the Safety Supervisor:

� Sampling, analysis and monitoring;

� Control measures, ventilation, etc;

� Respiratory protective equipment;

� Protective clothing and storage facilities;

� Washing facilities;

� Medical examinations;

� Records of monitoring, control measures, respiratory equipment, medical examinations.

Training

Training will be provided for all operatives and supervisory staff involved in work with isocyanates and will include the procedures involved with the work and the use of any protective equipment.

Monitoring


� Ensure that full details of the written assessment, safe systems of work and precautions to be provided are available on site before work commences and that all facilities and equipment are provided as planned;

� Ensure that no person other than those authorised, is permitted to carry out the work or enter any areas which could involve contact with isocyanates. Protection for the public must be provided and maintained;



� Check that all welfare facilities, respiratory protective equipment, protective clothing etc. are used by operatives and are maintained, cleaned, etc. as required;

� Check that operatives do not eat, drink or smoke in working areas or equipment and clothing storage areas where isocyanates may be present.

Control Measures

� Ensure COSHH assessments have been carried out and the necessary protective measures implemented;

� Ensure protective clothing and equipment is available, maintained and used;

� Ensure good ventilation of the working area. or if necessary use local exhaust ventilation including filtration if required;

� Ensure good personal hygiene by using the barrier creams available and washing thoroughly before eating, drinking, smoking or going to the toilet;

� Do not smoke in areas where isocyanates are being used.




Personal Protective Regulations 1992

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (amended 2004)



Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment means all equipment, including accessories, additions and clothing used as weather protection, which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work to protect that person against one or more risks to health or safety.

It is the policy of this Company that suitable and sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided at no cost to our employees where risk assessment has shown a significant risk to their health or safety while at work.

It is also a legal requirement that the employee uses the protective equipment provided by the Company, where practicable return it to the accommodation supplied, and report defects or loss of PPE to the Company immediately.

PPE will only be utilised when engineering controls and safe systems of work are not sufficient or practicable in reducing the risk to an acceptable level.

This Company also recognises that they are legally required to provide training to their employees in the proper fitting and use of PPE, and the provision of accommodation for the PPE it provides to its employees when it is not in use.

Protective Clothing & Equipment

There are many statutory Regulations that include specific requirements for the provision and use of protective clothing and equipment, and they are an absolute requirement with no choice being given! Such Regulations include:

� The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002;

� The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012;

� The Control of Substance Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002;

� The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005;

� The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005;

� The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992;

� The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007.

Employers and employees have duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc., Act 1974 to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable the health, safety and welfare of people at work.

To this end employers should:

� Provide clothing where necessary as part of a safe system of work and ensure that it is used;

� Provide information, instruction, training and supervision in the use and care of such clothing;

� See that the arrangements in the Company's written safety policy are read and understood by all those affected; and

� Consult employees' representatives on the choice, use and care of protection clothing.

Before the commencement of any works the Site Supervisor will establish what protective clothing and equipment is required and will ensure it is obtained and available when required.

A record of issue of protective clothing and equipment will be kept.

Any person not complying with a requirement to use protective clothing and equipment, whether directly employed or a contractor, will be subject to disciplinary action.

Hazards

Refer to the specific sections of this Policy for the relevant hazards and the protective equipment required.



Some examples include:

� Head injury;

� Eye injury;

� Foot injury;

� Cuts and scratches;

� Weather;

� Temperature - hot and cold;

� Falls from height;

� Excessive noise;

� Respiratory damage.

Planning Procedures


The Contract Manager will establish what protective clothing and equipment will be necessary and will ensure that any special protective clothing or equipment required and any signs relating to the wearing of helmets, eye protection, ear defenders etc. are ordered and available for use on site and that contractors are made aware of the site requirements for the wearing of safety helmets.

Training

Training will be provided to staff in the use and maintenance of all protective clothing and equipment issued.

Monitoring


� Ensure that adequate supplies of all necessary protective clothing or equipment are available on site/workplace for issue as required and that when issued to employees, a record is kept in a Safety Equipment and Protective Clothing Issue Register;

� Ensure that before employees are set to work, that any necessary protective clothing is provided and that signs are erected for safety helmet areas, machinery requiring eye protection, ear defenders etc;

� Inform any person on site/workplace, observed carrying out any process which requires the use of protective clothing or equipment, of statutory and Company Policy requirements and instructed not to continue working until protective clothing or equipment is obtained. This applies to any contractors as well as direct employees;

� Ensure that the protective clothing or equipment is suitable for the specific process for which it is provided. Information and advice on the correct equipment to be issued can be provided by the Safety Supervisor as required.

All Managers & supervisors will set a good example by wearing of safety helmets, protective footwear, high visibility vests etc. & will use all necessary protective clothing & equipment where required.

Control Measures

� All operatives are required to wear suitable footwear whilst at work on Company sites or in Company workplaces;

� Operatives will obey the requirements of any sign or notice indicating that equipment is to be worn;

� When necessary operatives will wear the appropriate hearing defenders issued and be instructed in its maintenance and use;

� Operatives will wear the eye protection issues as appropriate to the work carried out;



� Where necessary, operatives will wear the relevant respiratory protective equipment provided;

� All management, supervisory staff, visitors, contractors and employees, shall wear safety helmets whilst on Company sites, other than in areas specifically designated in writing by the Company as being areas where the risk of head injury is negligible. Information on any areas or working conditions where helmets need not be worn must be displayed in the site mess room or issued to each person or contractor etc. Normal disciplinary proceedings will be used against employees not complying with this requirement;

� Where work at height introduces the risk of a fall that could result in the outcome of an injury, then the hierarchy of controls as illustrated within the Working at Height Regulations 2005 will be adopted:

♦ Avoid work at height where they can;

♦ Use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls where they cannot avoid working at height; and

♦ Where they cannot eliminate the risk of a fall, use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur.

� However, when work at height requires the use of alternative protective measures, then for certain operations, the use of a safety belt or harness may be necessary. The equipment must be suitable for the particular purpose intended and generally a full harness is preferable. This equipment will be issued when required and operatives instructed in its use together with any other related equipment such as lifelines, connectors, shock absorbers, fall arrest devices etc. Only operatives who are trained and competent (and able to provide the correct training certificate) will be allowed to use fall arrest equipment.

� All persons issued with protective clothing or equipment must immediately report to supervision any loss or defect in the equipment;

� Copies of the Safety Equipment and Protective Clothing Issue Register may be obtained from the Safety Supervisor, on request.

Other sections also make reference to various protective clothing and equipment required.




Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2002 (as amended)



Safety Helmets

Hazards

� Falling materials;

� Lifting operations;

� Overhead obstructions;

� Other trades / operatives working overhead;

� Materials handling etc.

Planning Procedures


Before work starts, the Contract Manager will ensure that any signs relating to the wearing of helmets, are ordered and available for use on site and that contractors are made aware of the site requirements for the wearing of safety helmets.

It is our company policy that all sites are mandatory hard hat sites – the wearing of hard hats will be enforced on all sites by all persons that have been designated as in a supervisor position.

Training

Personnel are to be informed of the areas where helmets need to be worn and instructed in their use & maintenance.

Monitoring

The Site Manager will ensure that safety helmets are available, and are worn in all areas unless specifically designated.

Control Measures

� Wearing of Safety Helmets, where there is a risk of head injury, is now mandatory. Failure to comply could result in disciplinary action being taken against offenders;

� All supervisory and management staff are required to set a good example by the wearing of safety helmets, where required;

� All persons shall wear safety helmets whilst on site, other than in areas specifically designated in writing as being areas where the risk of head injuries is negligible.

� Information on any areas or working conditions where helmets need not be worn must be displayed in the canteen and site office;

� Safety helmets will be worn by persons on steel erection work. The helmets will be provided with chin straps for use at heights;

� Safety helmets must be worn by operatives working in suspended platforms;

� Plant operators and vehicle driver must wear Safety Helmets when out of their cabs;

� Any person failing to comply with the mandatory Regulations will be required to leave site immediately & not return that day. Repetition of this breach may bar him/her from re-entering site;

� Safety Helmets will only be used for head protection and not for any other purpose;

� Where there is any debate or confusion regarding the requirement for head protection to used in the form of hard hats, a suitable & sufficient risk assessment shall be carried out to clarify the situation.




Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2002 (as amended)



Working with Electricity

It is the policy of this Company that no person in its employ shall be allowed to work on or near any live conductor, except where the live conductor is insulated so as to prevent danger, or there is an absolute need for the equipment to be live in order for work to be carried out. The following factors will be considered when determining whether work with live conductors is justified:

� When it would not be practicable to carry out work with the conductors dead (e.g. testing purposes);

� If making the system dead will create hazards for other users of the system, or for continuously operating plant, etc;

� The need to comply with other statutory requirements;

� The level of risk involved in working on the live equipment and the effectiveness of the precautions available set against the economic need to perform that work.

This Company recognises that statutory legislation only permits persons at work to be near live conductors if it is not feasible to do the work at a safe distance from the live conductors. Additionally, persons whose presence near the live conductors is not necessary should not be so near the conductors that they are at risk of injury.

Portable electrical equipment will be tagged, tested and maintained on a regular basis. The recommended maintenance frequencies under Electrical Procedures at Work in the Company Code of Practice section will be used as a reference point for all items of electrical equipment utilised by Bellwood Interiors Limited.

All electrical equipment, power tools, etc. used at offices, workshops, sites or other workplaces must comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, the IEE Regulations and other applicable regulations, British Standards, Codes of Practice and HSE Guidance Notes.

All installations, whether permanent or temporary, fixed equipment and portable electric tools and equipment must be inspected and tested at intervals stated or recommended in Regulations. The result of such inspections and tests must be kept in suitable log books or similar method of keeping a record.

Portable and transportable electrical equipment is defined by the Health and Safety Executive as not part of a fixed installation but maybe connected to a fixed installation by means of a flexible cable and either a socket and plug or a spur box or similar means.

It may be hand held or hand operated whilst connected to the supply or is intended or likely to be moved whilst connected to the supply. Auxiliary equipment such as extension leads, plugs and sockets used with portable tools is also classified as portable equipment. The term portable means both portable and transportable. Any electrical installation, whether permanent or temporary, must be carried out by a fully trained and competent electrician.

The Site Supervisor will ensure that all power tools provided and used at site locations and other workplaces are in accordance with Regulations and relevant Standards.

No power tools or electrical equipment of greater voltage than 110 volt (CTE) shall be used at site locations and other workplaces unless special arrangements are made and discussed with RCP Occupational H&S Consultants. Lower voltage tools, lighting etc. may be required in damp or confined situations. RCP Occupational H&S Consultants must be consulted in these situations.

All contractors must be informed of the Company Policy on the use of electricity on site and will be expected to comply with these requirements.

Immediate action will be taken against any employee or contractor abusing or incorrectly using electrical equipment at site locations or other workplaces.

Any portable generator or other electrical equipment fitted with an earth rod must have the earth rod and connection maintained in good condition.



Only authorised persons (trained and competent electricians) are permitted to repair or alter electrical equipment. Any defects noted on electrical equipment must be reported to a representative of Bellwood Interiors Limited so that immediate arrangements can be made to have the defects rectified by either an electrician or the hire company.

Principles when working with electricity:

When working with electricity the first action is always to ensure isolation of the service. this requires to be confirmed by either lock off of the systems together with notices displayed or complete isolation of the service i.e. mains service completely disconnected.

Where it is not reasonable practicable to undertake this live working may take place under controlled conditions and would require a permit to work system together with additional precautions which would require to be recorded as part of the permit to work system.

Where portable equipment is used our policy for monitoring the condition of the equipment is as follows:

Extract HSE HSG 107 Maintaining Portable and Transportable Electrical Equipment

Type of Business User Checks Formal Visual Inspection Combined Inspection & Test

Equipment Hire N/A Before issue/after return Before issue

Construction (For indication Only)

110vWeekly 230v mains – daily/every shift

110v – Monthly 230v mains – Weekly

110v – Before first use on site then 3 monthly 230v mains – Before first use on site then monthly

Light Industrial Yes Before initial use then 6 monthly

6 – 12 Months

Heavy Industrial/High Risk of Equipment Damage

Daily Weekly 6 – 12 Months

Office Information Technology, e.g. Desktop Computers, Photocopiers, Fax Machine

No 1 – 2 Years None if double-insulated, otherwise up to 5 years

Double-Insulated Equipment not Hand-Held e.g. Fans, Table Lamps

No 2 – 3 Years No

Hand-Held, Double-Insulated (Class II) Equipment, e.g. Some Floor Cleaners, Kitchen Equipment and Irons

Yes 6 Months – 1 Year No

Earthed (Class I) Equipment, e.g. Electric Kettles, Some Floor Cleaners

Yes 6 Months – 1 Year 1 – 2 Years

Equipment Used by the Public, e.g. in Hotels

By member of staff 3 Months 1 Year

Cable and Plugs, Extension Leads

Yes 1 Year 2 Years

Records are to be maintained on the maintenance of electrical equipment.

Mr John Woods, Director or a nominated person is responsible for ensuring that the inspection and testing of all electrical equipment is undertaken.

Principles when working with electricity on site:

Consideration must be given at the tender or negotiation stage to the necessary allowances to work around existing electrical services and the standards required for new and temporary electrical installations. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 must be complied with at all times.

Further information and advice can be obtained by consultation with the Area Electricity Board and RCP Occupational H&S Consultants.



Overhead Power Lines

The Area Electricity Board should be consulted before work commences and a safety system or work devised and implemented.

Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 requires that either the power lines be made dead or suitable precautions taken to prevent any danger.

The types of practical steps that can be taken to prevent danger from any live electric cable or apparatus are the placing of adequate and suitable barriers. If access is possible only from one side then a barrier on this side only will suffice but if the overhead line crosses the site then barriers will be required on both sides of it. If there is danger to men carrying metal scaffold poles, ladders or other conducting objects then the barrier should exclude both men and mobile plant.

Any ground level barriers should consist of either:

� A stout post and rail fence, or

� A tension wire fence earthed at both ends, having flags on the wire, the fence being earthed in consultation with the Electricity Board, or

� Large steel drum filled with rubble and placed at frequent intervals, or

� An earth bank not less than 1 metre high and marked by posts to stop vehicles, or

� Substantial timber baulks to act as wheel stops.

Fences, posts, oil drums etc. should be made as distinctive as possible by being painted with red and white stripes, or alternate red and white plastic warning flags or hazard bunting should be used on wire fences.

There should be a general rule prohibiting the storage of materials in the area between the overhead lines and the ground level barriers. Precautions are necessary even though work in the vicinity of the line may be of short duration.

Before doing any work on site:

� Consult the area Electricity Board. A Code of Practice of Do's and Don'ts is available from most Boards. They will usually arrange a site meeting (which is a free service) and advise on heights, distances and other precautions.

� Assume all overhead lines and cables are live unless advised otherwise by the Electricity Board.

All work should be under the direct supervision of a responsible supervisor appointed by the employer who is familiar with the hazards.

� Ensure safety precautions are observed.

� Plant, cranes and excavators may be modified with suitable physical restraints to limit operations where applicable.

� Additional care may be needed as work proceeds because of reduced clearances.

� Electricity proximity warning devices may be fitted on crane jibs, etc.

Where it is necessary to work beneath live overhead cables additional precautions will be required to prevent the upward movement of ladders, scaffold poles, crane jibs and excavator buckets. Specific advice should be sought from the Electricity Board or from the Health and Safety Executive.

Underground Cables

Damage to live underground cables during excavation work is the cause of a number of accidents resulting in injuries and disruption of supplies. On occasions such accidents have been fatal. The Electricity Board should be consulted before the commencement of any work which may result in exposure of, or damage to, underground electricity cables.

It is essential that all those involved, particularly machine operators, are aware of the hazards.



Before excavation work commences:

� Ensure that employees have proper safe work procedure and adequate supervision.

� Check with the Electricity Board.

� Obtain advice on location and ownership of underground electricity cables.

� Check plans to establish cable routes, depth and voltage.

� Use cable location devices where necessary.

During excavation:

� Regard all buried cables as live. Do not assume pot-ended cables are dead or disused.

� Hand-digging should be employed when nearing the assumed line of the cable.

� Excavators and power tools should not be used within 0.5 metres of the indicated line of cable.

� Exposed cables should be supported and protected against damage. They should not be used as hand or footholds.

� Consult the local Electricity Board in all cases of doubt.







Compressed Air Tools

All compressors and compressed air tools used at site locations and other workplaces must comply with applicable Regulations and standards giving consideration to company Policy and client restrictions on noise.

Any statutory certification applicable to the equipment should be requested from the supplier.

A representative of Bellwood Interiors Limited will check that any compressor or compressed air tools provided for use are fitted with all necessary guards and safety devices (i.e. jockey wheel, brake, engine cover stays, etc.). Any necessary noise control measures must be in place and instructions given to operatives in the correct use of the equipment to reduce noise, injuries, damage, etc. The Site Supervisor will ensure that all the necessary safety equipment e.g. eye protection, hearing protection, gloves etc. is provided and used as required.

Personnel will be instructed in the safe use and maintenance of any compressed air equipment used. Any defects noted must be reported immediately so that remedial action can take place. If the defect affects the safety of the equipment it will be taken out of use immediately.

The Company will encourage operatives to wear suitable protective footwear when using compressed air equipment.

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

Noise levels produced must be considered as they may affect third parties bearing in mind the requirements of the Noise at Work Regulations.







Cartridge Tools

Only cartridge tools of low velocity indirect type will be used on the Company's jobs. Contractors will be informed of this policy by the Site Supervisor.

Suitable storage facilities will be arranged where cartridges are stored.

Only persons who have been trained and are in possession of a certificate of training are permitted to use cartridge tools on behalf of Bellwood Interiors Limited.

The required training will be arranged by the Site Supervisor with the cartridge tool manufacturer/supplier. Copies of certificates obtained must be kept at the site, a copy also being sent to head office for information and record purposes.

The Site Supervisor will ensure that sufficient and suitable eye protection is provided and worn as required.

RCP Occupational H&S Consultants should be asked for advice where there is any doubt on precautions required or difficulties experiences in obtaining training from cartridge tool manufacturers.







Abrasive Wheels

Any work relating to the provision and use of abrasive wheels machines or portable tools must be carried out to comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, British Standards and HSE Guidance Notes.

The Site Supervisor will ensure that any abrasive wheel machine hire or owned by the company will be provided and maintained in accordance with the applicable Regulations.

The Site Supervisor will ensure that sufficient operatives have been trained in accordance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 in the mounting of abrasive wheels and discs on the type of machine to be used, and that names of the persons appointed are entered in the site register.

RCP Occupational H&S Consultants can provide training for operatives and copies of the registers as required. Certificates of training will be issued by RCP Occupational H&S Consultants to all operatives who demonstrate during the training course that they are competent to mount abrasive wheels or discs on the equipment used.

Suitable storage facilities for abrasive wheels and discs will be made available. The Site Supervisors will ensure that sufficient quantities of suitable eye protection BS EN 166B and other protective equipment is provided and used as required.

The Site Supervisor will ensure that the required statutory notices supplied by RCP Occupational H&S Consultants are displayed properly.

Supervisory staff will ensure that any abrasive wheel machine or tools being used with any defect which could give rise to injury is taken out of use immediately.

Any doubt as to the precautions required or where unusual circumstances are to be encountered should be referred to RCP Occupational H&S Consultants.





The Personal Protection Regulations 1992



Woodworking Machines

Woodworking machines will be provided, installed, maintained and used in accordance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, Safe Use of Woodworking Machinery ACOP and Guidance and any other applicable Codes of Practice and HSE Guidance Notes.

Copies of the Regulations will be displayed at workplaces as required. Information and advice on any aspect of woodworking machines can be obtained from RCP Occupational H&S Consultants.

The Supervisor will ensure that all machines provided or purchased comply fully with the applicable regulations and standards.

At workplaces the Supervisor will ensure that:

♦ Extraction facilities are provided when required.

♦ Sufficient working space is provide around machines.

♦ Work areas are kept clean and tidy.

♦ Sufficient light and, where applicable, heating is provided and maintained.

♦ Floors are maintained in good order.

♦ Noise control measures are provided as required.

Training and instruction will be provided to employees as required.

The Supervisor will not permit any unauthorised person or young person under 18 years of age to operate any woodworking machine.

Supervision will ensure that all machines provided are maintained in good order, that all safety devices, guards etc. are available and fitted and that protective clothing or equipment e.g. ear defenders, eye protection, respirator etc. are provided and work as required.

Any defects in machines, floors, lighting etc. noted or reported must be attended to immediately and work stopped if the defect could affect safety.

The Supervisor will not require or permit any operative to use any machine for work for which it is not designed or which is prohibited by Regulations unless special guarding of safety equipment is fitted and used in accordance with applicable standards, e.g. use of planing machine for rebating.








Welding Operations

All welding work must be carried out to a disciplined system of work in compliance with applicable statutory legislation, British Standard, HSE Guidance, Manufacture's Guidance and any permit-to-work system in operation.

Only fully trained and experienced operatives are permitted to carry out work with welding equipment. A representative of Bellwood Interiors Limited will ensure that all necessary safety equipment is available before work starts, this must include a dry powder fire extinguisher.

The Site Supervisor will ensure that all LPG and compressed gas cylinders are used and stored in accordance with Regulations and Company Policy and that trolleys or cradles, where required, are provided and used.

Flashback arresters will be fitted to all oxygen and fuel gas regulators.

No painted metal will be cut or welded until advice is obtained from RCP Occupational H&S Consultants on precautions required.

Information must be obtained from suppliers of welding rods on possible health risks and precautions before work starts.

Welding of gas cutting in confined spaces will not be carried out until advice is obtained from RCP Occupational H&S Consultants on precautions required.




Construction (Design & Management) regulations 2007





Excavations & Earthworks

All excavation work will be carried out in accordance with the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 and applicable British Standard Codes of Practice, Industry and HSE Guidance.

At tender or negotiation stage the plant, equipment, materials and procedures necessary for compliance with all applicable legislation will be allowed for.

Training will be provided, as necessary, to representatives of Bellwood Interiors Limited required to carry out statutory inspections and thorough examinations of excavation works and to operatives involved in carrying out support works to excavations. Where applicable additional training will be provided in the use of monitoring equipment and rescue procedures.

Site Supervisors will not permit excavation work to begin until the plant, materials and equipment necessary to carry out the works safely is available.

A competent representative of Bellwood Interiors Limited must inspect all excavations requiring support works on a daily basis and the working end of any trench more than 2 metres deep at the commencement of each shift.

A competent representative of Bellwood Interiors Limited must also carry out a thorough examination of any excavation requiring support works which has been open for 7 days and then every 7 days after, the result of such must be recorded in the weekly inspection register.

A similar thorough examination and inspection record must be carried out after blasting in or near the excavation works or if there has been a fall of earth or rock or if any part of the support works has been substantially damaged.

No person is permitted to enter any excavation without an adequate assessment being made to ensure that the sides are properly supported or battered back to a safe angle for the ground conditions. Shallower trenches may require support in very poor conditions.

Suitable ladders must be provided for access into and egress from all excavation works.

Secure barriers must be provided around any excavation more than 2 metres deep or around excavations of any depth in public areas.

The safety of the public, particularly children, blind or disabled person, must be considered when excavations are left open at any time, but especially outside working hours when unattended.

Where health hazards may be encountered e.g. landfill sites, industrial sites, sewers, methane gas, carbon dioxide from limestone etc. RCP Occupational H&S Consultants must be informed and asked for advice on precautions required to comply with Regulations and to ensure a safe place of work e.g. air sampling, monitoring etc.









Mobile Plant & Work Equipment

It is the policy of this Company that all works involving mobile plant & equipment shall be carried out in accordance with the Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) & the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007.

What is Work Equipment?

Work equipment generally is any equipment used at work and includes the following:

� Hand tools (i.e. hammers, chisels, screwdrivers, spanners etc);

� Machines (i.e. drilling machines, ladders, portable power tools, circular saws etc);

� Plant (i.e. excavating equipment, lifting equipment, lifting slings etc);

� Vehicles (i.e. dumper trucks, excavators, fork-lift trucks, vehicle hoists, cranes etc).

Hazards

There are numerous hazards associated with mobile plant & equipment ranging from the over running of excavations, overturning due to poor ground conditions, overheating causing fire, coming into contact with people, other plant or structures etc.

The precautions shall be the subject of site & task specific risk assessments provided by the specialist contractor using the mobile plant & work equipment.

Planning Procedures



� Request the respective risk assessments & method statement for review & approval associated with the mobile plant & work equipment;

� Request the plant operators training certifications for operation of the mobile plant & work equipment;

� Request the respective test certificates (including thorough examination certificates) for the mobile plant & work equipment;

� Ensure the necessary traffic management plan is established & maintained throughout the duration of the project;

� Ensure all necessary daily & weekly inspections are carried out accordingly (with the respective records collated within the weekly site inspection registers).

Training

All operatives engaged in any process where mobile plant & work equipment is used shall hold the necessary training certificate for the respective mobile plant & work equipment being used;

All site operatives shall be briefed into the site traffic management plan & receive regular Toolbox Talks on the hazards & risks associated with such equipment.

Monitoring


� Ensure that the mobile plant & work equipment is thoroughly inspected before the first use (with the respective records collated within the weekly site inspection registers);

� Ensure weekly inspections are maintained accordingly for mobile plant & work equipment;

� Ensure only trained & competent operatives operate mobile plant & work equipment;

� Ensure adequate supervision is provided at all times with the aid of trained & competent banksmen.



Control Measures

Where necessary, the Safety Supervisor will be engaged to provide written assessments and advice on further precautions required with any use of mobile plant & work equipment. The details of assessments will be kept in a suitable Register.

General Precautions

PUWER 1998 include provisions relating to all aspects of work equipment, from ensuring that employers identify and purchase appropriate work equipment, to maintenance and training on safe use. Many previous requirements relating to the guarding of machinery are included in these Regulations. The Regulations also detail specific requirements in relation to mobile plant & equipment.

LOLER 1998 make specific requirements with regards to lifting equipment, including equipment used to lift people.

Assessing the Risks from Work Equipment

A risk assessment shall be carried out in order to identify any control measures needed to eliminate or reduce the risks presented by activities relating to the use, maintenance and installation of work equipment.

Where possible, risk assessments shall be part of the purchasing process at the earliest possible stage. The risks associated with the equipment, the work and the people who will be carrying it out shall be carefully considered.

The risk assessment process shall take into account the working environment, location, local site conditions and how the work equipment is likely to be used. Considering who will use the equipment will help to identify what information, instruction and training will be required to ensure that the equipment is used safely.

Controlling Risks from Work Equipment

Any risks created by the use of the equipment should be eliminated where possible, or controlled. A combination of measures may be necessary depending on the circumstances, your assessments of the risks involved, and how practical the control measures are. These could include suitable guards, protection devices, markings, warning devices, system control devices (such as Emergency Off (EMO) buttons), safe systems of work, training and personal protective equipment.

Guards must be of sound construction and adequate strength. They also need to be kept in good repair and not be easily defeated. Guards must be a sufficient distance from the dangerous part(s) of the machinery and must not increase the risks by making it more difficult to see whether the equipment is operating safely.

Protective devices, system controls, warning devices and markings need to be safely located, prominent and easily identifiable. Start, stop and emergency stop controls may be required in some cases. Wherever possible, controls should allow the equipment to fail to safety in an emergency.

Personal Protective Equipment must be provided where guards, safety devices or other controls cannot eliminate risks such as noise, vibration and hazardous substances.

Safe systems of work must be used along with using appropriate procedures (e.g. ensuring maintenance is only performed when equipment is shut down, etc.) and providing adequate information, instruction and training.

Equipment Selection

The company shall make sure that when work equipment is selected, the equipment is suitable for its intended purpose. Correctly selecting equipment will reduce the chances of loss, damage or injury to plant, equipment and people.

Maintenance & Inspection

Work equipment shall be maintained in a safe condition. This includes any routine or preventative maintenance and or repairs carried out to equipment. It is important that records are kept of all maintenance.



Equipment shall be inspected to ensure that it is, and continues to be, safe for use. There may be circumstances where deterioration of the equipment could lead to a dangerous situation developing. Where this is the case a competent person should inspect the equipment. Once again, it is important that records are kept of these inspections.

Training & Instruction

Anyone using work equipment shall have received adequate training, instruction and information for the particular equipment. This will normally be provided by formal instructions in writing. Refresher training shall be required in certain circumstances to ensure that the users are using the equipment as they were originally trained to do so.

Mobile Work Equipment

PUWER also requires that where mobile work equipment is used for carrying people, it is suitable for this purpose. Measures shall be taken to reduce the risks (e.g. from it rolling over) to the safety of the people being carried, the operator and anyone else. This would normally include providing suitable seating, barriers and guards, and restraining systems such as seat belts, etc. In some circumstances, the need for roll over protection (ROPS) will also need to be considered. This shall be based on a risk assessment and fitted where it will not pose any additional risk to the operator.

Mobile Work Equipment that have Quick Hitch Attachments

New quick hitches should be CE marked & provided with a Declaration of Conformity & this declaration is sufficient for the 12 months following the date of the Declaration of Conformity. After this date thorough examination of the quick hitch is required. For quick hitches supplied by the excavator manufacturer as part of the original equipment, the Declaration of Conformity for the excavator is sufficient.

The quick hitch should be clearly marked to indicate its safe working load. The safe working load must be match that of the maximum safe working load of the excavator. Once in service the hitch device must be thoroughly examined at intervals of 6-12 months.

Users of the quick hitch must have all the necessary information on the operations of the hitch device & be trained & competent in its use.

It is accepted ‘good practice’ to clearly indicate (by way of a suitable sign or decal on the mast of the machine) what type of hitch device is fitted.






The Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998




Buried Services

The most obvious examples of buried services are those used to carry gas, electricity, water and telecommunications. However, other buried services that must be considered are drains and sewers, as well as services associated with cable television, hydraulics, process fluids, pneumatics, railway signalling, petroleum and fuel oils, private telecommunication, highway authorities, street lighting, civil aviation and military authorities. The risks vary with the type of buried service but the cost is considerable in all cases.

To reduce the chances of damaging buried services the following procedure should be adopted:

Plan the work to be done using all available sources of information; contact utilities and owners of services for information and advice on procedures, etc. and continue to liaise with them.

Locate the buried service before digging or excavation commences. Use all available information, look for indicators or markers and other signs; use detectors and locators and dig trial holes.

Dig using safe method of work (permit-to-work systems whenever possible); observe rules in respect of the use of mechanical diggers and power tools.

Ensure services are identified positively. Do not make assumptions about the number, type or exact location of services.

No mechanical plant shall be used within 500 mm of any services.









Temporary Propping / Falsework

Within the works carried out by Bellwood Interiors Limited the use of temporary propping and falsework is generally of a minor nature, however, the requirements of statutory Regulations and relevant Codes of Practice etc. still apply.

Whenever temporary propping or falsework forms all or part of the works being carried out it is necessary, and the responsibility of Site Supervisors, to ensure that any required specialist advice is sought to design and plan the works. This to include the production of a suitable method statement and provision for a competent person to supervise and check all the works, this person will be known as the Temporary Works Co-ordinator.

Training and instruction will be provided for Supervisors and Operatives engaged in such works to enable them to be deemed competent.







Entry into Confined Spaces

A 'Confined Space' can be defined as any space which has limited means of access and egress, restricted natural ventilation and is not intended for continual occupancy by persons, e.g. storage tanks, holds of ships, pits, trenches, ducts, some areas or rooms within buildings, particularly below ground level, sewers, tunnels, boilers, etc. Hazards associated with confined spaces fall into two categories:

1. Hazards associated with conditions which exist in the confined space before work takes place, e.g. lack of oxygen, toxic chemicals, explosive gases etc.

2. Hazards which can be introduced into the confined space by the work to be carried out, e.g. fumes from welding operations, unsuitable electrical equipment etc.

Work in confined spaces must be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 and any other applicable Regulations, Code of Practice or HSE Guidance Notes. Information and advice on the legal requirements, recommendations of the Guidance Notes and any other aspect of work in confined spaces can be obtained from RCP Occupational H&S Consultants.

Careful and precise planning of work in confined spaces is necessary and this should be coordinated by Site Supervisors in conjunction with RCP Occupational H&S Consultants. Allowance must be made for all necessary surveys, sampling, equipment, monitoring, working procedures, training, etc. to carry out the works in full compliance with all applicable statutory legislation.

All necessary information, instruction and training will be given to persons responsible for working in confined spaces and supervising those works.

Safety equipment must be regularly checked and maintained before, during and after use. Any defects in equipment must be attended to immediately.

The systems of work should be documented in the form of a method statement prior to commencement of the works, with all supervisory personnel being issued with a copy.





Confined Space Regulations 1997



Lifting Operations

Any cranes used at Bellwood Interiors Limited’s operations will comply fully with the provisions of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 and other applicable regulations, British Standard Codes of Practice and HSE Guidance Notes. Information and advice on the requirements of the Regulations and on any other aspect of lifting operations can be obtained from RCP Occupational H&S Consultants.

As Bellwood Interiors Limited do not own any cranes, if they are required they will be hired in complete with a fully trained, certificated and competent operator.

Any person required to act as a slinger/signaller for crane operators will be suitably trained and certificated to ensure competency. All operations where cranes are to be used will be suitably planned by Site Supervisors in conjunction with a competent representative of the crane hirer. This planning will take into account any environmental restrictions at the work location e.g. type of ground, overhead power lines, etc. and the safety of the public or others affected by the works.

A representative of Bellwood Interiors Limited will check to ensure that all the necessary certification of the cranes, lifting gear and operator are up to date and available for inspection at the workplace if required. A weekly inspection register should be kept up to date by the hire company and available at the workplace.

Training will be provided to Site Supervisors to make them aware of what certification is required and what consideration is necessary for compliance with the statutory legislation.






Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998




Tower Cranes

The Notification of Conventional Tower Cranes Regulations 2010 are revoked by The Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Repeals, Revocations and Amendments) Regulations 2013 as laid before Parliament on 4 March 2013 and came into force on 6 April 2013.


The Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Repeals, Revocations and Amendments) Regulations 2013



Fork Lift Trucks

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 together with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 give requirements for the safe use, provision, operation, maintenance and use of fork lift trucks and will be complied with.

Health & Safety Executive Guidance Note HSG 6 Safety in working with lift trucks provides guidance and information on establishing safe systems of work for the use of this equipment.

At tender stage, where necessary allowances will be made for the provision and use of a fork lift truck.

Planning will take into consideration site layout, storage areas, scaffold loading towers, site transport routes in particular noting that loading-out towers must be designed to carry the loads involved and that ground conditions to the base of the loading towers must be prepared to give a firm base capable of supporting the loads to be imposed on the tower.

Training will be provided for fork lift truck operators, with evidence of training available on site.

The Site Supervisor will ensure that where applicable, chain test certificates are valid. (Fork raising and lowering chains).

The Site Supervisor will ensure that scaffold loading towers are erected and maintained in accordance with the design and that access to loading towers is prepared in accordance with planned procedures, to include the clear identification of the maximum safe working load of the tower.

Fork lift trucks are to be inspected on a weekly basis and the result to be recorded in the register.

Only qualified and authorised persons will be permitted to operate forklift trucks.

Appropriate action must be taken by the Site Supervisor against any person who operates fork lift trucks without written authorisation and also where passengers are being carried in insecure positions.

The main hazards are overturning trucks, instability of load, collapse of scaffold due to overload and failure of truck due to poor maintenance. The following particular points must be complied with:

♦ The truck must not be overloaded in excess of the manufacturers loading tale. All loads must be transported securely and correct, wall maintained pallets must be used.

♦ Loading towers must be designed to take specified units, and Buying Department must specify maximum weight of units from suppliers.

Trucks must be maintained and serviced in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and entered in the register. All operators must receive safety training and be tested by accredited examiners.






Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998




Hoists

Any hoists used at Bellwood Interiors Limited’s operations e.g. platform goods hoists, elevator hoists, etc. will comply fully with the provisions of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 and other applicable regulations, British Standard Code of Practice and HSE Guidance Notes. Information and advice on the requirement of the Regulations in respect of hoists can be obtained from RCP Occupational H&S Consultants.

As Bellwood Interiors Limited does not own any hoists if they are required they are hired in.

All operations where hoists are to be used will be suitably planned by Site Supervisors in conjunction with a competent representative of the hoist hirer. This planning will take into account any environmental restrictions at the work location e.g. ground area, airspace restrictions etc. and the safety of the public or others affected by the works.

Personnel required to operate hoists must be fully trained and competent to do so. To ensure that any necessary training will be arranged.

A representative of Bellwood Interiors Limited will check to ensure that all the necessary test certificates are up to date and available for inspection at the workplace if required. A weekly inspection register must be kept up to date, signed by a competent person and should be available at the workplace.

Training will be provided to Site Supervisors and any other designated personnel to make them aware of what certification is required and what considerations necessary for compliance with the statutory legislation.










Gin Wheels, Pulley Blocks & Other lifting Gear

Any gin wheels, pulley blocks or other lifting gear used at Bellwood Interiors Limited’s operations will comply fully with the Provisions of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 and other applicable regulations, British Standard Codes of Practice and HSE Guidance Notes. Information and advice on the requirements of the Regulations in respect of gin wheels, pulley blocks and other lifting gear can be obtained from RCP Occupational H&S Consultants.

All operations where gin wheels, pulley blocks or other lifting gear are to be used will be suitably planned by Site Supervisors in conjunction with a competent representative of the hire company so as to ensure the correct equipment is used for the work to be carried out.

Personnel required to use this equipment will be suitably instructed and trained to ensure they are competent to do so.

A representative of Bellwood Interiors Limited will check to ensure that all the necessary test certificates are up to date and available for inspection at the workplace if required. A weekly inspection register must be kept up to date, signed by a competent person and should be available at the workplace.

Training will be provided to Site Supervisors and any other designated personnel to make them aware of what certification are necessary for compliance with the statutory legislation.

A chart detailing the frequency of inspections, tests and thorough examinations of Lifting Appliances is available upon request.










Working at Height

It is the policy of this company that where there is a risk of a fall with the outcome of an injury ever effort that is reasonably practicable will be taken to prevent anyone falling. The selection of equipment for work at height will comply with the hierarchy for managing and selecting equipment for work at height as laid out in the Working at Height Regulations 2005.

The Company will adopt the following hierarchy of controls:

� Avoid work at height where they can;

� Use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls where they cannot avoid working at height; and

� Where they cannot eliminate the risk of a fall, use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur.

The company will ensure:

� all work at height is properly planned and organised;

� all work at height takes account of weather conditions that could endanger health and safety;

� those involved in work at height are trained and competent;

� the place where work at height is done is safe;

� equipment for work at height is appropriately inspected;

� the risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled; and

� the risks from falling objects are properly controlled.

Such procedures are specified in the Company Code of Practice section of this safety policy where applicable.

Source:

Working at Height Regulations, 2005



Scaffolding

All scaffolds erected on Company sites, or used by persons under their control, will be erected in accordance with the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 and applicable BSEN Standards (BSEN 12811-1&2), Codes of Practice and HSE Guidance Notes.

Please Note – As from the 1st January 2011 the HSE will no longer acknowledge BS5973:1993 as a recognised standard for the design of tube & fitting scaffolding structures.

No person, other than a competent scaffolder will be permitted to alter, erect, dismantle or otherwise interfere with any scaffold erected on Company sites or for use by Company Personnel and Contractors under the control of the Company. Information of the requirements of the Regulations and applicable standards is available from RCP Occupational H&S Consultants.

At the tender or negotiating stage, as far as possible the scaffolding requirements for a contract will be determined and allowed for in accordance with applicable Regulations and Standards. The Site Supervisor will arrange for full details to be provided to the scaffolding contractor regarding the use and loadings of the scaffold to be erected.

Unless a scaffold is a basic configuration (please refer to NASC Technical Guidance TG20:08 for tube & fitting scaffolds or manufacturers’ guidance for system scaffolds) the scaffold should be designed by calculation, by a competent person, to ensure it will have adequate strength & stability.

All scaffolding will be erected in accordance with SG4:10 (with emphasis on the creation of a ‘Safe Zone’ & the elimination of the practice of ‘Unprotected Traversing’ during the tunnelling principle).

Before accepting a scaffold erected by a specialist scaffolding contractor for use, a representative from Bellwood Interiors Limited, and if required, RCP Occupational H&S Consultants will check that the scaffold meets the requirements of the works and obtain a handing-over certificate from the scaffolding contractor.

A representative from Bellwood Interiors Limited will ensure that all scaffolds are erected in accordance with statutory requirements and will inspect the scaffolding at 7 day intervals after initial acceptance inspection. A report of the inspection and any action taken will be entered in a weekly inspection register as required by Regulations. A similar inspection will also be carried out after high winds or other adverse weather conditions. Personnel charged with the duty to inspect scaffolds for compliance with Regulations and requirements must be competent to do so. When necessary, training will be arranged to enable the respective personnel to be deemed competent.

All scaffolds must be tied in accordance with the current code of best practice requirements. Where 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 must be adequately signed with warning notices stating that the scaffold is not to be used.

RCP Occupational H&S Consultants must be consulted at an early stage where there are any extensive or unusual scaffolding conditions.

All scaffolds must be checked at the end of each working day to ensure that access to the scaffold for unauthorised persons, especially children, has been prevented.

Source:


Construction Design & Management Regulations 2007

BSEN 12811-1&2

TG20:08

SG4:10



Mobile Tower Scaffolding

The requirements for the construction and use of mobile tower scaffolds are included in the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007.

Mobile tower scaffolds are constructed from either tubular steel scaffolding, system scaffolding or proprietary pre-fabricated sectional scaffolding, all of which have additional standards for their safe use and construction by way of British Standard Codes of Practice, HSE Guidance Notes, Trade Codes of Practice and Manufacturers/Suppliers specifications and instructions.

The safe erection of tower scaffolds shall be ensured through the adoption of the 3T (through the trap) or advanced guardrail systems.

Information and guidance on Regulations and Codes of Practice are available from RCP Occupational H&S Consultants.

All works involving mobile tower scaffolds will be tendered or negotiated for taking into account the need for compliance with the respective Regulations, Codes of Practice, etc.

When planning works the Site Supervisor will ensure that mobile towers can be used safely and efficiently taking into account floors, ceiling heights, roof members, type of work, etc. If there is any doubt, RCP Occupational H&S Consultants should be consulted.

All mobile towers will be erected by trained operatives or by operatives under direct supervision of a competent person.

No person is permitted to erect, alter or dismantle any mobile tower scaffold unless authorised by Site Management.

All mobile towers provided for Company employees, or persons under the control of the Company, will be checked before use by a representative of Bellwood Interiors Limited ensure they are in accordance with applicable Regulations and Standards. Personnel charged with the duty to inspect mobile tower scaffolds must be competent to do so. When necessary, training will be arranged to enable the respective personnel to be deemed competent.

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

Mobile tower scaffolds erected for periods in excess of 7 days duration must be inspected by a competent person at 7 day intervals and the result of the inspection must be recorded in the weekly inspection register.

Source:





Ladders

All ladders must be provided and used in accordance with the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007.

Only ladders constructed in accordance with:

♦ BS 2037:1994 (Aluminium) will be used; and

♦ BS EN 131.

When planning works where ladders are to be used, allowance will be made to ensure the required number and type of ladders are provided for safe use and compliance with Regulations.

Ladders will not be used to provide access or a working position if the type of work cannot be carried out safely from a ladder (e.g. carrying large items, work requiring both hands, etc.

The means of securing ladders will be planned as far as possible and sufficient materials made available.

Operatives using ladders should habitually make a visual inspection of the ladders before using them. If training is required on inspection technique and safe use it will be arranged.

Where a defect is noted or a ladder is damaged, it will be taken out of use immediately.

Ladders will be removed to storage or made inaccessible by some means at the end of each working day to ensure that unauthorised use by others, particularly children is prevented.

Proper facilities for storage must be provided for ladders, i.e. under cover, where possible, and properly supported throughout its length.

Source:





Step Ladders, Trestles & Staging

All step-ladders, trestles and stagings will be provided and used in accordance with the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 1996.

Only equipment constructed in accordance with BS 2037:1994 (Aluminium) or BS EN 131 will be used.

When planning works where step-ladders, trestles or stagings are to be used, allowance will be made to ensure the required numbers and types of equipment are provided for safe use and compliance with Regulations.

Operatives using step-ladders, trestles and stagings should habitually make visual inspections of the equipment before using it.

If training is required on inspection technique and safe use it will be arranged. Where a defect is noted, or the equipment is damaged, it will be taken out of use immediately. Any repairs will be carried out by competent persons only.

Where stagings are being used in roof areas, supported from roof members, Supervisors will ensure that only experienced operatives are permitted to carry out this work and that all necessary safety harnesses, anchorage points, etc. are provided and used.

Painting of timber step-ladders, trestles, stagings, etc. which could hide defects is prohibited by Regulations.

Proper facilities for storage must be provided for step-ladders, trestles and stagings. This should be undercover where possible.

Source:





Mobile Elevating Work Platforms

When using mobile elevating work platforms for work operations it is imperative that adequate preparation and planning is carried out to ensure a safe system of work.

Specialist advice should be sought from suppliers to ensure the right type of mobile elevating work platform is obtained to carry out the work to be done. Consideration must be given to space available at the workplace, condition of the ground or floor in the working area, loading to be placed on the platform, overhead services or obstructions, protection of the public and/or other workers etc.

Any mobile elevating work platform used must be fitted with all necessary barriers, guards, safety devices, etc. and be in good working order.

Site Supervisors will not permit any person to operate or work on mobile elevating work platforms unless trained and authorised to do so. Initial training should be arranged with the supplier who should be satisfied with the competency of the operator and confirm their satisfaction and training in writing.

A representative of Bellwood Interiors Limited will check that the mobile elevating work platform is being correctly used and is not used for work for which it is not designed or intended. Any defect could affect the safe use of the mobile elevating work platform and its use must be stopped immediately. Repairs may only be carried out by persons appointed by the supplier, who must be competent.

All persons working on or near to mobile elevating work platforms will be required to wear safety helmets. They are also required to wear a harness to BS EN 361 attached to a secure anchorage point within the platform.

Source:





Roof Work

Working on roofs of all types has to comply with the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 and applicable HSE Guidance Notes.

Roofwork is an activity with a high accident rate, it is therefore imperative that all types of roofwork are either specifically planned, because of the nature of the works or carried out to a set disciplined system of work that is regarded as good working practice.

Roofwork includes not only the initial construction of the roof and any subsequent major overhaul but also maintenance activities such a replacing tiles, chimney repairing, repointing, gutter cleaning and installing chimney flue linings. It is of utmost importance that only employees and contractors that are trained and have experience of working at heights are authorised to carry out roofing works on behalf of Bellwood Interiors Limited.

When assessing the suitability of roofing contractors it is important to check out their attitude and record on safety matters by inspection of their safety policy and by making formal enquiries. Evidence regarding their accident record, training and experience of their employees should be sought, also the competence of their supervision should be questioned.

When roofworks are being tendered for a method statement should be produced which must include details of all plant and equipment to be provided and used to comply with all statutory legislation and guidance. A copy of the method statement should be submitted to the client with the tender to make them aware of what is allowed for and why.

When roofworks occur as an emergency call-out operation it must be emphasised that only fully trained and competent personnel be used to carry out the works. Upon arrival at the workplace the Bellwood Interiors Limited representative must assess the nature of the works and before commencing, ensure that all the necessary plant and safety equipment is available at the workplace for total compliance with Regulations.

However urgent the repair works may seem, they must not commence if either the necessary safety equipment or plant is not available or if the weather conditions create a danger to employees or others.

Specific guidance on systems and safe practices will be given to operatives and supervisors during training.

Please note –

Temporary Edge Protection Systems (to comply with BSEN 13374) requires a new minimum height of 1m to the top guardrail used for temporary edge protection, as opposed to the 950mm allowed for scaffold working platforms.

Source:





Company Vehicles

The Company undertakes to maintain vehicles in accordance with the requirements of legislation.

In order to achieve this employees who drive company vehicles are required to take the following action:

� In the event of any problem being experienced with vehicles that may present a health and safety risk report the fault immediately to the office to enable a decision to be made as to the action required;

� Recorded weekly checks are to be carried out on the vehicle to confirm the operation of items on the vehicle as the schedule below;

� Any event that may preclude you from driving requires immediate notification to the Company examples include notification of speeding or any other event;

� You are required to produce twice a year your driving licence for records to be maintained at the office.

Where mobile telephones are used they must only be used with the vehicles fitted with the hands free facility and where ever possible the use of mobile telephones should be limited to when the vehicle is stationary.



Company Vehicles Weekly Checklist

Registration Number of Vehicle

Date of Checks

Name

Signature

The following checks require to be carried out and �� as satisfactory or add comments where appropriate

(1) Tyres, travel and tyre pressure

(2) Lights to include brake and stop lights

(3) Operational controls to include brakes and parking brake

(4) Window washers and wipers

(5) Emergency hazard lights

(6) Fuel, oil, water

(7) First aid kit

(8) Fire extinguisher where appropriate

Any other items checked to be specified

(9)

(10)

(11)



Use of Mobile Telephones

Where mobile telephones are issued to employees the following requires to be taken into consideration with the use to ensure the health and safety of both employees and others who may be effected by the safe operation of the equipment.

Mobile telephones may be used where access to normal land line telephones are not available. It is important to give consideration to the location you are working prior to use when either receiving or making a call, examples of this include where vehicle movements may take place or in area’s which the use may create an explosion. Employees are required to make themselves familiar with any client rules that may be applicable to the work location.

When driving the mobile telephone must only be used where the mobile telephone equipment is fitted with a ‘hands free’ facility, call must not be made or received whilst the vehicle is moving or may move i.e. in a queue of traffic. In order to reduce the risk to employees and other road users, except in the event of urgent use, the use of the phone should be limited to making calls whilst parked in a safe location.

Low radiation doses are emitted from mobile telephones during use it is therefore important to follow the following to reduce your exposure:

� Minimise the use of the equipment as much as possible by using land line equipment;

� Where the equipment is used keep the length of calls to a minimum;

� Where excessive use takes place and any ill effects are experienced i.e. headaches you must advise your manager and make arrangements to visit your medical practitioner.

Where individuals have their own equipment it is important to remember the above information applies to the use of their equipment whilst at work.



Smoking

Effective from the 1st July 2007 employers are required to create a smoke-free workplace in order to protect both employees and visitors to the premises.

This applies not only to our premises but also to other public places such as shops and restaurants.

In order to comply with the legislation our Policy is as follows:

� All areas within the Company Premises are designated as no-smoking areas and signs are displayed to confirm this, there will however be a single designated area on the premises for smoking during breaks.

� With regards to Company vehicles these also are classed as a place of work and no-smoking is permitted in vehicles.

If you wish to smoke this must be in your own time outside your normal hours of work and not on the Company Premises. The Policy is that additional smoking breaks will not be permitted throughout the day.

Failure to comply with the Policy will be classed as a disciplinary offence.


The Smoke-Free (Premises & Enforcement) Regulations 2006

The Smoke-Free (Exemptions & Vehicles) Regulations 2007





Drugs & Alcohol

To assist in the safe performance of our duties, this Company operates a strict policy of NO ALCOHOL and NO DRUGS in the workplace.

No alcohol or drugs will be tolerated on site. Anyone who presents themselves for work under, or apparently under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be refused entry to the workplace.

For their own safety, that of their workmates and members of the public any member of staff believing that another member of staff is under the influence of drugs or alcohol should report this immediately to their direct manager.

Drugs supplied by a medical practitioner or chemist may still affect safety performance and the employee’s direct manager must be informed of that circumstance.







Protection of the Public

The protection of the public is to be as important a function as the protection of any other person involved in the execution of the task. The possibility of injury or ill health occurring to a member of the public as a consequence of the Company’s activities is to be identified in the risk assessment procedure and the control measures required to prevent such injury or ill health implemented as part of the risk assessment procedure.







Record of Health & Safety Policy Briefing

The following form should be used to record each employee’s information and training given into the Health and Safety Policy.

Employee Supervisor Signatures



Notes:

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