1.0 INDEX OF CONTENTS Page
1.0 INDEX OF CONTENTS 2
2.0 DOCUMENT CONTROL 2
a Amendment Record 2
b Approval for Issue 2
3.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT 3
4.0 POLICY OBJECTIVES 4
5.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF SENIOR MANAGEMENT 4
6.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SAFETY CO-ORDINATOR 4
7.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF LINE MANAGEMENT 5
8.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF SITE MANAGEMENT 5/6 9.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALL EMPLOYEES 6/7 10.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF VISITORS AND CONTRACTORS 7
11.0 POLICY AMENDEMENTS AND CONSULATIONS WITH EMPLOYEED 8
12.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE 8
13.0 COMMUNICATION WITH EMPLOYEES 8
13.1 Employment Vacancies 13.2 Personal Impairment 8 13.3 Briefings & Induction Programmes 13.4 Toolbox Talks 9 13.5 Specific Safety Information for Employees 9
14.0 CO-OPERATION WITH ALL SITE PERSONNEL 9/10
15.0 SAFETY TRAINING 10
16.0 WORK EQUIPMENT 10
17.0 PORTABLE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT 10
17.1 Types of Electrical Equipment 17.2 Safety Procedure/Hand Held Tools 11 18.0 ACCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGATING 11/12/13
19.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY ARRANGEMENTS 14
19.1 First Aid 19.2 Welfare Facilities 14
19.3 Manual Handling 19.4 Display Screen Equipment 14/15 19.5 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 15/16
19.6 Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome 16
20.0 WORK AT HEIGHT 16
20.1 WORK AT HEIGHT EQUIPMENT 16
20.2 Ladders and Stepladders 20.3 Mobile Scaffold Towers 17 20.4 Independent Scaffold Systems 20.5 Mobile Elevating Work Platforms 17
21.0 NOISE AT WORK 1718
22.0 PREVENTION OF FIRE 18 22.1 Fire Emergency and Evacuation Procedures 18/19 22.2 Fire Marshal and Responsible Person Duties 19 23.0 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING 19 24.0 RISK MANAGEMENT 20/21 25.0 LONE WORKING 21/22 26.0 SMOKING AT WORK 22 27.0 ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND SOLVENTS 23/24 /25
28.0 OTHER CONTRACTORS 26
29.0 CONSTRUCTION DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS 26 30.0 MONITORING, AUDITING AND REVIEW OF SAFETY POLICY 27
31.0 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH POLICY STATEMENT 28/29
32.0 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY STATEMENT – PROCEDURE 30/31 33.0 EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY STATEMENT 32 34.0 FRAUD AND MALPRATICE POLICY 33
35.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CUSTOMER CARE POLICY 34
35.1 Policy Statement 35.2 Operational Procedures 35/36 35.3 General Aims 35.4 Specific Objectives 37/38
36.0 QUALITY POLICY STATEMENT 39
37.0 FAMILY TREE 40
2.0 DOCUMENT CONTROL
a) Amendment Record Details of Amendment July 2015 Accident Reporting b) Policy Review Date
January 2016
This document is approved for issue to all employees and where appropriate third parties.
Signed: Date: 1st January 2015
Ian Emmerson Managing Director Issue 10
January 2015 Page 2 of 40 File: Doc: Health & Safety Policy
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and Safety Poli
3.0 HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT
This is the Health and Safety Policy Statement of Isec Interior Systems Limited (hereinafter referred to as `the Company`) as required under Section 2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. It is the general policy of the Company to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of
employees, contractors, visitors and members of the general public who may be affected by its work activities.
Furthermore the Company will endeavour to comply with its legal duties, responsibilities and obligations under the relevant health and safety legislation, together with any relevant codes of practice and guidance notes issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The Company will attempt to achieve these objectives by:-
(1) Providing and maintaining a working environment that is, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health, and complies with all relevant legal requirements.
(2) Providing and maintaining suitable and satisfactory facilities and arrangements for the welfare at work of employees.
(3) Providing and maintaining, so far as is reasonably practicable, premises and other places of work that are safe and without risks to health, including safe means of access and exit.
(4) Ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, that plant, machinery, equipment or appliances for the time being on the company premises, or otherwise used by employees, are safe and without risks to health.
(5) Providing such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of employees.
(6) Ensuring that the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health.
(7) Consulting with employees on a regular basis regarding matters of health and safety.
(8) Identifying all reasonably foreseeable hazards and assessing the associated risks with a view to eliminating, reducing or controlling them.
(9) Reviewing and up-dating of this policy on a regular basis. (10) Ensuring that all employees have access to a copy of this policy.
The Company has appointed “Business Safety Systems Ltd”to act as independent Health & Safety Consultants to ensure that health and safety standards are maintained. Furthermore they
will be required to undertake accident investigation with terms of reference and duration being determined by the Managing Director and offer independent advise on all relevant statutory provisions to ensure Company operational procedure is amended as required and in accordance with updated legislation.
The Company has appointed Arksafe Ltd to undertake regular site safety inspections and to make a written report of their findings. They will also be required to monitor on-site safety procedures of all operatives including subcontractors to ensure that the set standards are being achieved.
Signed: Date: 1st January 2015
Ian Emmerson Managing Director
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4.0 POLICY OBJECTIVES
The Company's Safety Policy has been designed to achieve the
following:-a. The prevention of personal injury to all persons including the general public who may become adversely affected in anyway by the operations and activities of the Company, to prevent where possible damage to plant, equipment or property and to limit the loss or damage to goods.
b. The observance of the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Etc. Act, latest edition including its amendments, and all other legislation made in the name of the Act. c. To ensure that all employers are informed of their legal health, safety and welfare duties
and responsibilities and to insist that safe working practices and safe systems of work are adhered to.
d. To ensure that all relevant documentation such as Codes of Practice, Guidance Notes, Risk Assessments, Method Statements, Permits to Work and any other relevant information is provided so that the required safety standards are achieved.
5.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF SENIOR MANAGEMENT
a. It is the responsibility of the Managing Director to ensure that all employees are made aware of the Company’s commitment to Health, Safety & Welfare and to ensure the Health and Safety Policy is understood and practiced by everyone.
b. The Managing Director shall, at his discretion, be responsible for the appointment of a suitably qualified Safety Coordinator with executive authority to immediately act on all health and safety matters.
c. It is the responsibility of the Managing Director to appoint all other Senior Managers and to ensure that their responsibility for health and safety is clearly detailed in their individual job description.
d. It shall be the responsibilities of all Senior Management to unsure that the appointed Safety Coordinator is formally notified and properly consulted before any corporate decision of the business is taken.
e. It shall be the responsibility of all Senior Managers to implement and actively promote Company’s Health and Safety Policy and thereby ensure that the work force fully understand their duties and responsibilities. Furthermore, these duties shall be clearly defined before employees are allowed to commence any work activity.
f. The Managing Director together with the other Senior Managers shall be responsible for ensuring that adequate financial and other resources are appropriately provided so that the aspirations of the business can be fully satisfied.
g. The Managing Director together with Senior Managers shall ensure that this Health and Safety Policy is appropriately monitored, periodically revised and where necessary make arrangements for any amendment to be conveniently implemented.
h. It is the responsibility of Senior Management to ensure that all health and safety risks are properly assessed, evaluated and recorded, and where necessary to take appropriate action to minimise any risk so that the safety of employees and others is assured.
6.0 RESPONSIBILITY OF SAFETY CO-ORDINATOR
The Safety Coordinator will be responsible to ensure that:
a He is consulted at the planning stage of all projects and proposed changes to the business operations of the Company. This will include all aspects of work such as; contract tendering, work planning, equipment procurement, safety inspection procedures, monitoring and auditing of safe systems and procedures.
b. The implementation of the Health & Safety Policy where he exercise executive
responsibility and authority to immediately act on all health, safety and welfare matters. c. That everyone who may in anyway become adversely affected by Company work activities
are immediately and appropriately informed of all developments, amendments, alterations and changes to any previously agreed health and safety practices or procedures.
d. All accident and near miss data is collected so that a statistical accident report can be presented at annual health and safety review meetings. Where an accident requires an investigation it will be the Safety Coordinators responsibility to detail the terms of reference for that accident investigation.
d The Safety Coordinator will actively promote safety co-operation amongst all employees, contractors and third parties in order to avoid misunderstandings so that potential safety hazards can be eliminated at source. This will also require a close working relationship with the appointed independent Health & Safety Consultants.
e. The appointed Safety Co-ordinator is: Ian Emmerson
Date of Appointment: January 2015
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7.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF LINE MANAGEMENT.
a. To determine at the planning stage of contracts, so far as possible, safe methods of working, usage of plant and equipment, lighting, known hazards, fire precautions, allocations of responsibilities with subcontractors and other facilities for welfare and sanitation.
b. To ensure that all operatives are appropriately qualified to undertake their work and ensure that they attend a recognised Site Induction programme before being allowed on site. This programme will normally be delivered by either the Site Supervisor or the Principle Contractor appointed representative.
c. To arrange for the Site Supervisor to deliver appropriate Toolbox Talks to ensure that all work operations are fully understood by the workforce so that potential health and safety hazards are identified and appropriate safety precautions are adopted.
d. The Site Manager is required to check all proposed safe systems of work before allowing any work to proceed. Should any safe hazard or difficulty be revealed this must be notified to Site Management before work commences.
e. To ensure that the all work is carried out as stated in the health and safety plan and that all Safety Regulations published under the Health & Safety At Work Etc. Act are complied with by means of providing adequate and appropriate supervision.
It is the responsibility of the Site Manager to develop and implement Health and Safety Plans for construction work as required by the latest edition of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.
f. The Site Manager is required to set a good example on site by adopting an appropriate Health and Safety attitude while undertaking work activities and at all times by wearing appropriate protective clothing and equipment.
g To liaise with all representatives of the Principle Contractor and other contractors who may become involved with any project to ensure that the Company’s Health and Safety Policy is being correctly implemented.
h To carry out appropriate Risk and COSHH assessments for materials and processes that are to be used and to record regular safety inspections of tools, plant and equipment. Items found to be faulty or not meeting the required standard must be taken out of services immediately. Particular attention should be given to handheld electrically powered tools that do not have a dated PAT label attached.
i. To ensure that an accident book is completed and that all personal information is immediately sent the Head Office for safekeeping.
j. To generally promote a proactive approach to all health and safety matters, identify the training needs of operatives in their charge and assist with site Audits and Safety Inspections.
8. 0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF SITE MANAGEMENT
The Site Supervisor shall be responsible for all matters concerning Health, Safety and Welfare affecting their site. It must be clearly understood that the ultimate responsibility and accountability for accident prevention lies with the member of staff in charge of the site.
The Site Supervisor is required to act on the Company's Health and Safety Policy and in particular amongst other duties
to:-a. Organise the site so that work is carried out safely, to the required standard with minimum risk to the employees, equipment and materials. Plan and maintain a tidy site.
b. Be aware of all the requirements of all relevant health and Safety Legislation, Approved Codes of Practice, HSE Guidance Notes and in particular ensure that all legally required registers, records and reports are maintained.
c. Check that persons appointed to operate plant and machinery can demonstrate their competence by providing a copy of a current and valid CSCS card, training certificate and where necessary holder of a current UK Driving Licence to enable them to operate plant and machinery safely.
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d. All Site Supervisors must hold a current health and safety qualification such the SSP Supervisory Certificate or equivalent. Be capable to giving precise health and safety instructions to all members of the workforce in their charge and thereby ensuring that all unnecessary risks are avoided.
e. Arrange suitable times for the delivery of goods, plant and materials and ensure that they can be received, parked and/or stored safely. It is the responsibility of the Site Supervisor to ensure that all goods and materials are stored securely and where necessary that plant is issued to only qualified operatives who have signed the plant register.
f. Ensure that all plant, equipment and electrically powered machinery including handheld power tools are maintained and in good condition before use.
All powered tools must have a valid PAT test label attached to them before being allowed into service.
g. It shall be the responsibility of the Site Supervisor to ensure that all operatives are issued with and have signed for a full kit Personal Protective Equipment including clothing where required. This PPE must be in good order and used correctly.
h. The Site Supervisor must ensure that a qualified First Aider and suitable first aid equipment is available on site at all times and that the location of these facilities is made known to the workforce. Suitable emergency arrangement for medical assistance and ambulance services must be in place.
i. Always accompany visitors such the HM Factory Inspector, the Safety Consultant and architects etc. during any site visit and where required act immediately on any safety recommendations made by them. Should an Improvement or Prohibition Notice be issued for any reason the Managing Director must be informed immediately.
Always cooperate with the Principle Contractors Safety Officer and other safety advisers particularly on matters such hazardous substances and fire prevention.
j. The safety attitude of the Site Supervisor is usually infectious to the workforce so always set a good example to others by following Site Safety Rules yourself and particularly by wearing appropriate person protective clothing.
k. Ensure that full details of ALL accidents and dangerous occurrences are entered in the Site Accident Book and where an injury results in an absence from work for more than three consecutive days a full report must made and immediately forwarded to HeadOffice as required by the Data Protection Act. All serious accidents and personal injuries are being immediately reported to Head Office by telephone.
l. Ensure that all due care and precautions are taken in respect of underground services and that they are properly located and identified prior to excavation commencing. m. It is the Site Supervisors responsibility to provide suitable and sufficient arrangements for
the supervision and monitoring of all subcontractor activities while they are on site. Where necessary make arrangements for the Safety Consultant to support this activity with additional site safety inspection visits.
9.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALL EMPLOYEES.
All employees are required to comply with this Health and Safety Policy or as directed by their immediate Supervisor. In particular amongst their other work duties all employees are
to:-a. Report for work at the required time, suitable clothed and in fit condition to undertake their particularly task. No person will be allowed onto the work premises that may appear to be intoxicated by alcohol under the influence of drugs or any substance not prescribed by a doctor or other medically trained person.
b. It shall be the responsibility of each employee issued with Company approved Personal Protective Equipment to use and maintain this equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation and any training received. This PPE will include such items as; safety helmets, respirators, gloves, goggles, safety harnesses etc. There are special arrangements for the provision of safety boots, please contact your Supervisor.
c. All tools, plant and equipment used on site must be fit for purpose and approved by the Company Safety Coordinator. It shall be the responsibility of the employee to ensure that they only use the correct tool, plant or equipment for the work being undertaken.
It is also the operative’s responsibility to ensure that their tools are stored safety and maintained in good a condition.
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d. Operatives are required to immediately report to their Supervisor any fault, defect or weakness found in any tool, plant, machinery or safety equipment. Please note that only trained, competent and authorised persons are allowed to fit an abrasive wheel to its machine.
e. Employees are required to adopt the safe system of work provided and to develop their own personal concern for all health and safety practices so as not to injure themselves or others who others who may be adversely affected by the work. In particular work at height must be avoided wherever possible. Please remember that falls from height are the industry’s main cause of fatal accidents.
f. It is a legal requirement that employees should not misuse or interfere with any article, substance, plant or equipment that in anyway could effect their own or any other person’s health, safety or welfare.
g. Employees are reminded that it’s their duty to report all accident and near misses to their Site Supervisor who will then send a copy of this report to the Safety Coordinator. This information is very necessary as it enables the Company to review safety procedures and hopefully eliminate any problems found.
10.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF VISITORS AND CONTRACTORS Visitors
In order to ensure that health and safety management within the Company is effectively implemented and carried out all visitors shall:
a. Report to the Company reception or site office upon arrival and leaving. b. Comply with the Company Health and Safety Policy and any relevant rules and Procedures.
c. Report immediately any injuries or damage incurred by them to the Company.
Contractors
In order to ensure that health and safety management within the Company is effectively Implemented and carried out all Contractors and their employees shall:
a. Comply with the Company Health and Safety Policy and any relevant rules and Procedures.
b. Comply with all relevant legal requirements, codes of practice and guidance relating to their operations and work activities.
c. Ensure that their own company’s health and safety policy and relevant safe working procedures are made available before any work commences and during the period of the work.
d. Ensure that any plant or equipment brought onto the company’s premises is in a safe condition and is maintained in accordance with any relevant regulations or codes of practice.
e. Ensure that they do not alter or misuse anything provided for their use or interfere with any plant or equipment on the site, unless authorized by the Company.
f. Provide information and assessments of noise levels and other risks arising from plant, equipment or operations brought onto the company’s premises or site.
g. Report to the Company reception or site offices upon arrival and leaving.
h. Report immediately any accidents or incidents resulting in injury or damage to the Company.
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11.0 POLICY AMENDMENTS AND CONSULTATION WITH EMPLOYEES
a.
Amendments may be made to this Health & Safety Policy due to a change in legislation or during the annual systematic review of the effectiveness of this Policy by the Health and Safety Committee.Employees are encouraged to take part in this process by offering their views and suggestions which will be considered as part of this systematic review and quality control system. Please refer to the documented quality system for further details.
b. The Health and Safety Policy is reviewed annually by the Health and Safety Committee and where amendments are made they will automatically be transmitted to every employee. A copy of each update version of this Health and Safety Policy will be provided free of charge to employees on request.
c. Where an employee has a health and safety concern and feels that this matter should be brought to the attention of the Management they should first advise their Supervisor so that they might resolve the problem.
Should this matter not be satisfactorily resolved every employee has the right to contact the Safety Coordinator directly in order to pursue their concern. This secondary contact will normally be made in written form such as a letter or memo addressed to the Safety Coordinator. However, should any safety matter be considered to be of an urgent nature, then verbal contact should be immediately made with the Safety Coordinator and confirmed in writing later. The Safety Coordinator undertakes to give each matter full consideration and to respond officially in writing on behalf of the Company within 21days.
12.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE MEMBERS:-
Director Ian Emmerson
Contracts Managers Andy Cheshire / Richard Johnson
Quantity Surveyor Neil Follows
Estimator Paul Stanley
Safety Co-Ordinator Ian Emmerson
Safety Consultant Business Safety Consultants Ltd Health & Safety Services Arksafe Ltd
Members of staff as required
13.0 COMMUNICATION WITH EMPLOYEES
The Company recognises that a key element of ensuring that its employees understand and routinely implement health and safety standards is clear and appropriate communication at all levels
throughout the Company. Furthermore, the need to provide suitable and sufficient communications systems at all levels has been well established and fully implemented.
The Company also recognises that individual employees may require and will benefit from different types of communication systems. It is therefore Company policy to ensure so far as is reasonably practicably that no employee is put at risk or disadvantaged in anyway due to their personal impairments, age, religion or ethnic origin.
13.1 EMPLOYMENT VACANCIES
All newly created positions including possible internal promotion and additional job vacancies will be advertised both internally within the Company and using external sources.
Internal notification of any vacant position will normally comprise of a Job Vacancy Notice being placed on the Company notice board, or where necessary, verbal communication to every member of staff.
Where appropriate job vacancies will routinely be externally advertised at the local job centre and/or in the local press. All external forms of advertising will be written in appropriate languages as deemed necessary by the local job centre to specifically assist applicants whose first language may not be English.
Where necessary a translator will be employed to ensure that any job applicant or any employee is not disadvantaged due to their lack of English language.
13.2 PERSONAL IMPAIRMENT
The Company recognises that individual employees may have personal impairments that they may wish to be kept private. Personal impairment may include dyslexia, impaired vision or hearing, poor learning skills or colour blindness etc. Where any such impairment may become apparent during a job interview or annual appraisal this information will be recorded and placed on that individual’s personal file. It is Company policy to ensure that such matters are handled both discreetly and sensitively and to make suitable communication arrangements to ensure that the operative is in no way endangered or disadvantaged as a result of their impairment.
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13.3 COMPANY BRIEFINGS & INDUCTION PROGRAMMES
Company briefing statements may be undertaken verbally depending upon the nature of the subject matter and the need to ensure that all persons are appropriately informed. However, all Company policy statements and any matters relating to health and safety procedures will be in written form and placed on the notice board. This communication will accommodate the requirement of ensuring that all employees can easily and clearly understand the message.
Every employee will be required to attend a formal Company induction programme before being allowed to work at their work station or enter their place of work.
Office based employees will only normally being required to attend one induction programme unless there are major structural changes or alterations to the office layout.
Site based employees will be required to attend an induction programme before being allowed to enter each site. This may be either a Company induction programme or that provided by the Principle Contractor. In either case the operative’s attendance will be recorded.
13.4 TOOLBOX TALKS
The term toolbox talk is a euphemism for what is a local briefing regarding any alteration to standard procedure or a reminder of a safe system of work particularly in hazardous situations. As the term toolbox talk suggests this is a verbal presentation, normally by a Site Supervisor, or some other appointed person, given to enhance the safety or work performance of either an individual employee or a group of workers.
All persons entrusted to deliver a toolbox talk must be trained and competent to undertake the task andshould be able to recognise the needs of every employee in the group.
Where necessary a translator will be employed to ensure that any employee is not disadvantaged due to their first language not being English.
13.5 SPECIFIC SAFETY INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYEES
The Company provides and maintains a library of Health and Safety instructions and information concerning the day to day operations. This library of information is available for reference to any employee. The library will be expanded as the need arises.
All employees are provided with training in the application of the Company’s Health and Safety Policy and where applicable with the operation of specific items of equipment.
14.0 CO-OPERATION WITH ALL SITE PERSONNEL
The Company recognises that a construction site is a dynamic workplace that can become hazardous for its employees, sub-contractors and at times the general public.
In any attempt to safeguard all personnel from possible injury the Company will strictly monitor and enforce its health and safety site rules as detailed in this Health and Safety Policy.
The Company also recognises that there may be other operatives employed to work on the same construction site that may not be under its control but are still entitled to be protected from its work activities. To this end the Company will undertake whatever action may be deemed necessary to ensure that these operatives are not endangered or disadvantaged in anyway by its activities. It is the responsibility of the Site Supervisor to ensure that appropriate protection is provide by taking direct action which may include any or all of the following procedures:
a. Ensure that safety and hazard warning notices are posted which are clearly visible to all operatives and where necessary have appropriate safety barriers, screens or shields erected to prevent other workers from accidentally straying into hazardous areas.
b. To make direct contact with Supervisory representatives of other companies who are working on the same site to ensure that all work is safely planned and properly co-ordinated to the mutual benefit of all parties.
c. To attend all health & safety site meetings and to co-operate as far as is reasonably practicable with all other contractors to the mutual benefit of everyone on site.
d. To immediately report to the appointed site Safety Officer all activities that interfere with any safe system of work or where any non-compliance work is being undertaken in contravention of the agreed Health & Safety Plan.
e. To allow any operative who may be employed by another contractors to attend any Company toolbox talks or site safety induction sessions in the pursuance of raising health and safety standards and the promotion of co-operation and goodwill among other site employers.
f. Ensure that all site employees wear appropriate PPE for the task being undertaken, encourage regular maintenance of the same and to record the supply of replaced items as required. This should be done not only to protect themselves from foreseeable hazardous situations but also to promote the Company safety image and to set a good example to other site operatives.
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g In an emergency situation the Company First Aiders without further recourse to management will automatically offer any assistance to any third party particularly where they have no competent or trained person of their own.
h. Where necessary a translator will be employed to ensure that any employee is not disadvantaged due to their first language not being English.
15.0 SAFETY TRAINING
a Safety Training shall be part of the general training programme and be formulated to include the Health and Safety at Work Act and any other statutory regulations which have a direct influence on the Company’s operations and the health & safety of its employees. b All new employees shall be issued with the Company Health and Safety Policy and will be
required as soon as reasonably practicable to attend an Induction Programme where they will receive instruction as to their health and safety duties and responsibilities.
c In the event of new legislation being introduced that affects any of the Company’s activities, all personnel involved with those activities will be fully instructed and where necessary trained in the implications of such legislation.
d No person under the age of 18 years shall operate any type of power driven machinery or plant unless for the purpose of training and is under the direct supervision of a competent person.
e Special attention will be given to:-
The design and implementation of safe systems at work
The important elements which contribute to the creation of a safe place for work including the working environment, i.e. adequate lighting, heating and acceptable noise levels etc...
The safe use of plant, powered handheld tools and equipment.
Handling, storage and transporting of plant, materials and hazardous substances. The proper use of protective clothing and equipment as provided by the Company. Substantial segregation between pedestrians and motorized vehicle traffic.
The design and implementation of site based safe systems of work in accordance with The Construction Design and Management Regulations, latest edition, where these are applicable.
16.0 WORK EQUIPMENT
a. All work equipment used as part of the Company’s undertaking will comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations and be certified by the Safety Co-ordinator as being safe and suitable for purpose before being made available for operatives use.
b. Employees are not permitted to use certified work equipment before receiving appropriate and specific training regarding that equipment.
They must not knowingly misuse work equipment or use this equipment without all safety guards being correctly fitted and appropriately used.
c. Where any fault or damage is found by an operative during their daily safety inspection of work equipment before use they must immediately report their findings to the Site
Supervisor. This requirement is particularly important where electrically powered handheld tools are concerned.
d. All work equipment will be formally maintained and inspected at suitable intervals as specified by a nominated competent person. This formal inspection is in addition to the daily routine equipment inspection performed by the user before use.
The frequency of work equipment maintenance or inspection will be based on
manufacturer’s guidance and/or industrial best practice. All formal equipment maintenance and inspections undertaken will be formally recorded with a hard file copy being made available on site.
17.0 PORTABLE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
It is widely accepted that electrically operated tools and equipment are potentially dangerous particularly where they are not maintained or used correctly.
The purpose of this safety section is to ensure that every employee is aware of the different types of electrical equipment available, the hazards that they may pose and the safe system of work designed to reduce or eliminate any risk in using the equipment.
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17.1 DIFFERENT TYPES OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Fundamentally there two types of electrical equipment which is termed as being either Fixed or Portable appliances.
Fixed appliances are not designed to be moved and are therefore usually permanently wired to the electrical supply e.g. an electric cooker or office lighting units.
Portable appliances are designed to be moved from one workplace to another and will therefore be supplied with a convenient electrical connection attached e.g. a plug which will fit into suitable electrical socket outlets.
There are two types of portable electrical appliance which are:
i. Free Standing or Stationary appliances although portable are usually designed to be used from one fixed position e.g. a computer or photocopier.
ii. Handheld portable electrical equipment is designed to be constantly moved from place to place e.g. a hair dry, a drilling machine or screw gun.
17.2 SAFETY PROCEDURE FOR HANDHELD ELECTRICAL TOOLS
All electrical equipment is potentially hazardous and therefore should be used with extreme care. Handheld appliances pose the greater danger to the user because should any fault occur during use the operator will be holding the equipment in their hands. Hence it is the responsibility of the user of any handheld portable electrical equipment to carry out this daily inspection procedure:
a. The user will undertake a visual safety inspection of each handheld electrical portable appliance before use to establish that:
i. The equipment has a PAT label attached and that it is within its test date period. ii. There are no cracks or faults in the insulation of the machine.
iii. To ensure the outer sheath of the supply cable is not cut, split or damaged in any way. iv. To ensure that the cable shroud has not been pulled out from its housing.
v. Check the machine voltage is 110 volts as this normally the only voltage allow on site. vi. To check that the machine appears to be in good working order.
vii. Check that start/stop button is working.
b. Where any fault is found the following procedure must be followed: i. Ensure that the power supply is switched OFF.
ii. Carefully unplug the machine from the socket outlet. iii. Attach an “OUT OF SERVICE – DO NOT USE” label.
iv. Report the matter to the Site Supervisor, who will make a record of the faulty equipment and make arrangement for it to be repaired by a competent person.
18.0 REPORTING OF ACCIDENTS AND DANGEROUS OCCURRENCES
The Company recognises that it has a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy working environment and acknowledges that this includes ensuring that all accidents and incidents are reported and investigated.
The Company will endeavour to comply with the relevant legal requirements, as contained within the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations RIDDOR 2013 . In particular the following rules and procedures will be applied in relation to this area: All accidents and incidents must be recorded in the Company's accident book, irrespective of whether the injured person is an employee, self employed person, sub-contractor or authorized visitor. This applies to all injuries, no matter how slight and to any near-miss incidents. The Company accident forms must be completed for any accidents that have involved lost time or damage to plant and equipment.
Guidance on the action to be taken, depending on both the nature of the incident and the person who has been injured can be obtained from the Company Health and Safety Advisor, Mr Bill Sowerbutts of Arksafe.
Violence to Employees- If a person is injured due to an act of violence sustained whilst at work, and as a result of the injuries, the person is unable to work as normal, the incident is classed as a work accident. Appropriate action must be taken according to the extent of the injuries and the length of absence from work.
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Incidents involving Member of the Public, Visitors and Unauthorised Visitors - If any member of the public or uninvited visitor is involved in an incident, and/or is injured, details must be entered in the accident book and the Company notification form completed. The relevant Supervisor, must also notify the Health and Safety Director as soon as possible and should discuss whether a full investigation is required by the Health and Safety Advisors. Appropriate action will then be instigated.
If the incident is such that the injured person has to be taken to hospital (by whatever means) the incident must be reported to the Heath and Safety Executive.
Specified Injuries to Employees, the Self -Employed, Sub-Contractors and Authorised Visitors
A specific injury is defined as any of the following:- l. Fatality
2. Fractures, other than to fingers, thumbs and toes. 3. Amputation of an arm ,hand, finger, thumb, foot or toe
4. Any injury likely to lead to permanent loss of sight or reduction in sight in one or both eyes. 5. Any crush injury to the head or torso, causing damage to the brain or internal organs. 6.Any degree of scalping requiring hospital treatment
7. Any other injury arising from working in a enclosed space that leads to hypothermia or heat-induced illness or requires resuscitation or admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours.
NB. Where eyes, respiratory system or other vital organs are significantly harmed as a consequence of a burn, this is a reportable injury irrespective of the surface area covered by the burn. Damage caused by smoke inhalation is not included in this definition.
Hypothermia is not a specified risk in the Confined Spaces Regulations.
In some cases, employers and self-employed workers may not be in a position to know the full extent of an injury, e.g. when a prognosis has not yet been established in relation to an eye injury, or when efforts are being made to treat an injured limb which may ultimately require surgical amputation. In such situations there is no requirement to make precautionary reports or specified injuries. It is likely that the accident will in any case require reporting due to the injured person being incapacitated for more than seven days. The enforcing authority should be notified or updated as oon as a specified injury has been confirmed.
In the event of any of the above, the person in charge of the workplace must: Inform the Health and Safety Director immediately
Inform the Health and Safety Advisors immediately NB. Under RIDDOR, a major injury must be reported to the HSE by the quickest possible means (telephone or online). The Health and Safety advisor will do this on the Company's behalf, it is important to contact them as soon as possible after the incident. The Health and Safety Advisors will ensure a copy of the report is forwarded to the Health and Safety Director and will also assist with the incident investigation if required to do so.
If the injured person is a Contractors, inform their employers of the accident. complete a company accident report form and enter details in the accident book.
Industrial Diseases
There are a number of specified industrial diseases that must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive. If such a situation is suspected, the Health and Safety Director and Safety Advisors should be contacted and will advise accordingly.
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Accidents resulting in an Employees Absence from work or more than 7 days (including days which would not normally be working days_
For any accident resulting in necessary absence from work for more than 7 days,
but not included in the major injury category listed above, the supervisor in charge
of the site should:-
1.Enter the details in the accident book.
2.Complete the Company's accident form, sending a copy of the report to the Heath and Safety Director. The Supervisor in charge of the site should indicate on this form (or discuss with the Health and Safety Director) if he feel a full investigation is required. A copy must be retained on the site or at the location.
3.Inform the Principal Contractors or Client, if applicable.
4 The Health and Safety Director should inform the Health and Safety Advisors once the injury has resulted in over three days of lost time. The Health and Safety Advisors will notify the Health and Safety Executives Incident Contact Centre and will ensure that confirmation of this is sent to the Health and Safety Director. They will also assist with the incident investigation if required to do so.
Accidents resulting in Sub-Contractors absence from work for more than 7 days (including days which would normally be working days)
If a Sub-Contractor 's employee is injured and off-site treatment if required then the Supervisor in charge of the site may not be aware that the sub-contractor has been absent for more than 7 days. The duty under RIDDOR is for the Employer of the injured employee to report the accident. Therefore, the Company has no duty to report such accidents to a sub-contractors employees to the HSE. However, they must keep a record of all accidents and incidents involving sub-contractors. The Supervisor in charge of the site or location should:-
1. Enter details of the sub-contractors accident in the Company's' accident book
2. Complete an accident report form sending it to the Heath and Safety Director. The site manager should indicate on this form if he feels l a full investigation is required.
3. Inform the Client or Principal Contractor if applicable (i.e. if the Company is not acting in this role).
2. However, if a self-employed person is injured or suffers ill health at work while working for a firm of sub-contractors on a site controlled by a Main Contractors, the Main Contractor must report the injury. Therefore, the Company must report such accidents/illness if they are the main or principal contractor on site.
Dangerous Occurrences
There are a number of specified incidents that although they may not result in an injury or damage to property, must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive by the quickest possible means. If an incident occurs which it is felt may be reportable, the Health and Safety Advisors should be contacted and they will advise accordingly.
The duty to report dangerous occurrences lies with the person in control of the premises or site i.e. the Client or Principal Contractor. The Health and Safety Advisors will fully advise on the necessary action to be taken and guidance can be found in the Health and Safety Executive leaflet - INDG453 - "REPORTING ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS AT WORK".
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19.0 HEALTH & SAFETY ARRANGEMENTS
It is Company policy to ensure that suitable and sufficient first aid equipment and welfare facility arrangements are made prior to the commencement of work. This may be achieved with shared welfare facilities with other contractors or the client who has ordered the work to be carried out.
19.1 FIRST AID REQUIREMENTS
a. The Company provides First Aid facilities in accordance with Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations, latest edition, as part of the site welfare facilities provided by a Principle Contractor.
b. It is Company policy to ensure that suitable first aid boxes, sufficient trained first aid personnel and an accident book are available to site operatives. It shall be the
responsibility of Site Supervisor will ensure that a first aid box of a size appropriate to the number of personnel is readily available and that a trained and appointed person is nominated for that site.
c. The Site Supervisor will ensure that all staff are aware of the location of the first aid box, the name of the trained first aider and all emergency procedures. Where necessary the appropriate notices will be displayed.
d. All first aid Appointed Persons shall undertake update training at least once in every three years to ensure that their skills are enhanced and maintained.
19.2 WELFARE FACILITIES
a. The Company recognises and accepts its duty and responsibility to ensure that a high standard of welfare facilities are made available to on all sites. These facilities must be suitable & sufficient, accessible of site throughout the duration of the project and will include:
i. Toilet and washing facilities
ii. Eating, drying and restroom facilities iii Hot and cold running water where possible iv A separate supply of drinking water.
d. Due to the size and nature of some construction sites it may be necessary to enter into shared welfare arrangements with either the Principle Contractor or directly with the Client in order to achieve the required standards.
19.3 MANUAL HANDLING
The Company accepts the requirements of the Manual Handling Regulations and will do what wherever is possible to avoid all unnecessary manual handling of materials and equipment. This will be achieved by giving due consideration to the weight of all items that may need to be moved during the work process, from the initial ordering of materials, planning the work, completion of the work and finally the clearance of waste materials from the site.
a. It is recognised and accepted that the core business of the Company does not rely on or “in deed” necessitate the undertaking of any repetitive tasks as defined in the HSE Manual Handling Guidance Notes. Where required a risk assessment of all identified manual handling hazards will be undertaken as recommended by the HSE Guidance
Notes and therefore due consideration will be given to the Task, Individual, Load and the Environment, [TILE].
b. The Company accepts and has rigorously applied to all of its work activities the HSE recommendation, that no operative during their normal work operations will be required to lift a load greater than 25Kg. This safe approach to manual handling is both suitable and sufficient and provides the best protection for all of its employees.
c. Where appropriate all employees will receive manual handling training including kinetic and team lifting techniques.
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19.4 DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT
a. It shall be the responsibility of the Company Secretary to carry out an assessment to ensure that all office workers are provided with a suitable workstation that will satisfy the individual needs of the user and ensure that DSE is placed at a safe and convenient distance. In addition suitable chairs and footrests will be provided as required. b. While the initial assessment for DSE users fully considers their whole working
environment the frequency, duration, pace and intensity of the work, its conclusion is that under the prevailing circumstances the risk is of low priority. However, this assessment may be reviewed at anytime when circumstances change.
c. In the meantime it is accepted that all DSE users may be required to periodically undertake other work or to take suitable rest breaks from their normal activities. Additionally all DSE users are to be offered a free annual eye test.
19.5 CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH
The Company accepts their duties and responsibilities as set out in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations and The Control of Asbestos Regulation and endeavours to adopt safe working systems that will protect its employees while carrying its undertakings.
a. The Company should inform all employees that they should not handle/use a hazardous substance unless it has been C.O.S.S.H. assessed.
b. It is the Company policy to control and where possible to minimise the use of all products that are considered in anyway to be a hazard to health. This includes the purchasing of the safest products available and always following the advice as detailed in the manufactures hazard data sheet to initially achieve this objective.
c. Where the use of hazard products is unavoidable the Company will undertake to implement an ongoing COSHH Assessment programme that will be brought to the attention of all operatives at risk. It shall be the responsibility of the Safety Co-ordinator to ensure that every employee receives the required information on any particular substance that they may be required to use.
d. This assessment will be made after careful consideration of product hazard data sheet which highlights potential hazards, the degree of risk, the control measures that must be followed and the action to be taken should the hazard potential ever be realized. e. COSHH assessment information will be provided to each site in the Health & Safety Plan.
Additional information is available to all employees in the Office library.
f. The Company undertakes to ensure the health of all newly appointed operatives will not be aversely affected by any substance or material that they may be required to use in the normal course of their work activities. This is considered to be sensible and reasonable approach to safeguard the health of employees and therefore a formal Health Surveillance system is considered not to be an essential requirement.
g. While it is recognised that all competent operatives have a clearly defined duty to work in a safe manner which includes the effective use of the PPE that is provided, it shall be the responsibility of the on-site Supervisor to ensure that no hazard work is undertaken without the appropriate safeguards being adhered to.
h. In addition the Company, as far as reasonably possible, ensures that an asbestos assessment is provided before allowing operatives to work inside any suspect building. The Company Policy regards every building as containing asbestos unless reasonable evidence can be provide that proves it does not. Where operatives come across materials that they suspect may contain asbestos they will be required to stop work immediately and report their suspicions to the Supervisor.
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Asbestos can be found in the lagging of pipes and boilers, between insulation board in walls, doors and ceilings, in roof and wall coverings, pipes and tanks .It can also be found sprayed as insulating steelwork and concrete etc.
Before starting work make sure there is no asbestos present with a full intrusive survey to identify any asbestos-containing materials in the areas you will be working. If asbestos is identified, make sure that you know where it is and that you avoid disturbing it.
Where operatives come across materials that they suspect may contain asbestos, they will be required to stop work immediately and report their suspicions to the Supervisor. If you disturb asbestos, it constitutes a notifiable release of a hazardous substance and the HSE must be informed.
19.6 HAND ARM VIBRATION SYNDROME
The Company accepts its responsibilities as detailed in The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations and aims to protect workers from risks to health from vibration.
a. The regulations introduce action and limit values for hand-arm and whole-body vibration as detailed below:
- Exposure action values of 2.5m/s2 A(8) at which level employers should introduce technical and organisational measures to reduce exposure.
- Exposure limit value of 5.0m/s2 A(8) which should not be exceeded.
b. The Company undertakes to assess the vibration risk to their employees and decide if they are likely to be exposed above the daily exposure action value (EAV) and if they are, will introduce a programme of controls to eliminate risk, or reduce exposure to as low a level as is reasonably practicable.
c. Where necessary the company shall provide health surveillance to those employees who Continue to be regularly exposed above the action value or otherwise continue to be at risk. d. It shall be the responsibility of the Safety Co-ordinator to provide information and training
to employees on health risks and the actions being taken to control those risks. The Safety Co-ordinator shall keep a record of risk assessments and control actions, keep health records for employees under health surveillance and review and update risk assessments regularly as deemed necessary.
20.0 WORKING AT HEIGHT
The Company accepts the requirements of the Working at Height Regulations and will embrace procedures designed to ensure that employees are safe while working at height.
a. When working at any height above or below ground level, operatives will be required to use an approved working platform of industrial standard. Due to the nature of the work this equipment will normally be a commercially manufactured “Hop-up”, an individual adjustable podium stand or mobile scaffold tower.
b. In special circumstances approved by management and after a risk assessment has been undertaken ladders or stepladders may be used as stated below.
All work equipment will be of an approved industrial standard, suitable for the purpose and inspected by the operative immediately prior to use.
c. All work at height equipment shall be subject to regular maintenance checks as appropriate to the equipment which will be recorded in a maintenance register. All work at height equipment will have a safety label attached, such as a “Stafftag”, before issued into service.
20.1 WORKING AT HEIGHT EQUIPMENT
All work at height is potentially dangerous and therefore should be avoided wherever possible. The use of work at height equipment should always be considered as the last resort.
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20.2 LADDERS AND STEPLADDERS
Ladders and Stepladders should only be used as access equipment and will not normally be used as working platforms unless there is no other practical safe alternative of undertaking the work. In such cases it will be the responsibility of the Contract Manager to undertake a Risk Assessment before authorizing the use of this type of equipment and then only when as follows:
i. in one position for a maximum of 30 minutes
ii. for ‘light work’ only. Not if a task involves a worker carrying more than 10 kg where the operative can maintain three points of contact (hands and feet) at the working position.
20.3 MOBILE SCAFFOLD TOWERS AND PODIUM STANDS
a. Only authorised and competent operatives who have been trained and hold a current certificate in the “Advanced Guardrail and 3T System” will be allowed to erect towers or podium stands.
20.4 INDEPENDENT SCAFFOLD SYSTEMS
a. All formal scaffold systems will be erected by an independent scaffold specialist who will be required to demonstrate their competence by certification before work will be allowed to commence.
20.5 MOBILE ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS
a. No directly employed person will be allowed to operate any type of MEWP.
b. Only authorised and competent operatives that have been hired-in with and the specific type of MEWP required will be allowed to operate the machine on any of the
company’s work sites. All drivers will be required to provide proof of their competence before being allowed to start work.
21.0 NOISE AT WORK
The Company recognises that it has a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy working environment and acknowledges that this includes preventing damage to the hearing of persons exposed to high levels of noise at work.
The main problems associated with occupational noise include: Noise induced hearing loss
Temporary and permanent threshold shift Tinnitus
Stress
Injuries arising from distracted attention
The Company will endeavour to control the associated risks and to comply with the relevant legal requirements, as contained within the Noise at Work Regulations 2005, and with the specific guidance note (L108) issued by the Health and Safety Executive.
In particular the following rules and procedures will be applied in relation to this area and associated work activities:
(1) The Company will generally attempt to reduce exposure to noise at work and the consequential risk of hearing damage as far as is reasonably practicable by means other than ear defenders. (2) If a noise problem is suspected, a suitable and sufficient noise assessment will be carried out by a suitably competent person to determine the appropriate level, type and duration of noise exposure and the corresponding course of action. Suitable records of all such assessments will be kept and reviews carried out at appropriate intervals.
(3) Measures taken in respect of noise exposure will be dependent upon the outcomes of the a assessment and in accordance with comparisons against the legal action levels as follows: Lower Exposure Action Values - daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 80dB(A) or a peak sound exposure of 135dB(C) or 112 pascals.
Upper Exposure Action Values - daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 85dB(A) or a peak sound pressure of 137dB(C) or 140 pascals.
Exposure Limit Value - daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 87dB(A) or a peak sound pressure of 140dB(C) or 200 pascals, after taking into account the protection given by any personal hearing protectors provided.
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(4) Where the noise exposure to employees is at or above a lower exposure action value but below an upper exposure action value, suitable personal hearing protectors will be made available to relevant employees upon request.
(5) Where the noise exposure is at or above an upper exposure action value `Hearing Protection Zones` will be demarcated and suitable signs displayed.
(6) Suitable personal hearing protectors must be provided and must be worn by all persons who enter a hearing protection zone.
(7) Adequate information, instruction and training will be provided to all employees with a noise exposure at or above a lower exposure action value regarding the risks to their hearing; availability of personal hearing protectors; defects reporting systems; their own duties and health surveillance issues.
(8) All personal hearing protectors and other equipment will be maintained and repaired as necessary.
(9) All employees will be required to use personal hearing protectors and other noise reduction equipment, where deemed necessary, and to report any defects to the appropriate
manager/supervisor.
(10) Where a noise risk assessment reveals that there is a risk to the health of employees who are exposed to noise, suitable health surveillance will be provided to the employees in question. (11) Health surveillance will normally take the form of regular hearing tests (audiometric testing) and will generally apply to all employees who are regularly exposed to noise at or above an upper exposure action value.
(12) Where as a result of health surveillance an employee is found to have identifiable hearing damage arrangements will be made for the employee to be examined by a doctor or other suitably qualified medical specialist.
(13) Where a doctor or other suitably qualified medical specialist considers that the hearing damage suffered by an employee is likely to be the result of exposure to workplace noise, the employee will be informed accordingly and other measures will be considered, including the review of relevant risk assessments and the health of other employees similarly exposed, together with consideration being given to assigning the employee to alternative work where there is no risk of further noise exposure.
(14) Where persons other than employees are exposed to noise, similar measures will be taken to the above in respect to ensuring their protection from adverse noise levels other than the provision of health surveillance and general information, instruction and training.
22.0 PREVENTION OF FIRE
The Company recognises the importance of fire prevention procedures and will therefore adopt appropriate systems that comply with Regulatory Reforms [Fire Safety] Order (RRO).
While accepting the responsibility to provide the same high level of fire safety protection for all employees the Company recognises that it’s Emergency Fire Procedures in place at Head Office may require modification for site based operatives to accommodate the fire safety procedures imposed by the Principle Contractor of that site.
Should any employee be unsure of their duties and responsibilities towards fire prevention they should immediately seek clarification from their Supervisor or Safety Co-ordinator.
22.1 FIRE EMERGENCY AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES
All employees are required to attend either an annual office briefing or the induction programme provided on each site to ensure that they fully understand these fire safety emergency and evacuation procedures and the action that they will need to take.
Should you discover a fire?
a. The first duty of every employee on discovering of any fire is their own safety and where possible the safety of others. This is achieved by being aware of the fire safety emergency procedures and particularly the fire evacuation procedure.
b. Other than very small localised fires that can quickly and easily be put out without the need of any expert knowledge never attempt to fire fight. Get out of the building.
c. When it is safe and convenient activate the fire alarm as you evacuate the building. d. Warn and help others so long as this does not impede your own evacuation.
e. Do not close windows and doors where this does not impede your own evacuation. f. Never attempt to be a fire fighter or play the hero.
g. Never use a fire extinguisher unless you have been trained to recognise the different types of fire and how to use the appropriate fire fighting equipment.
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Employees Evacuation Procedure
a. On hearing the sound of an activated fire alarm always, other than designated test times, assume that a real and potentially dangerous fire has been discovered.
b. Do not attempt to collect or gather personal possessions or work items.
c. Immediately evacuate the building and report to your designated Fire Assembly Point. d. Report to the Fire Marshall or Responsible Person and ensure that your name is
checked off against the attendance list.
e. Never attempt to re-enter the building for any reason until it has been declared safe to do.
22.2 FIRE MARSHAL AND RESPONSIBLE PERSON DUTIES.
Please note that for the purposes of these fire safety procedures the Fire Marshal will conduct their duties on site and be appointed by the Principle Contractor while the nominated Responsible Person with be solely responsible at the Company’s Head Office.
The duties and responsibilities of the designated Fire Marshal and Responsible Person being very similar are set out below. These duties are to ensure that:
a. The Fire Safety Plan is regularly reviewed and updated as required. b. Fire Assembly Points are well maintained and access to them is kept clear.
c. Sufficient and suitable fire extinguishers are provided and to maintain their annual service record.
d. All employees receive appropriate fire safety training including fire drills and practice sessions and to maintain individual employee training records.
e. The office attendance register is appropriately signed and dated by all employees and visitors to the premises before being allowed to proceed with their business inside the building and again before leaving the premises.
f. On the discovery of a fire or hearing the sound of an activated fire alarm will immediately call the local Fire Brigade and give clear directions to the site location.
g. Fire fighting appliances can gain suitable access to the building.
h. Where it is possible to do so check that every person has vacated the building without endangering themselves.
i. To collect the attendance register and on arriving at the assembly point check that every person is accounted for.
j. To greet and help the fire brigade by providing what information that they may require. k. To agree with the fire brigade that it is safe before allowing any person to re-enter the
building.
l. Where possible to collect all evidence regarding the likely cause of the fire and information as to how to prevent any reoccurrence.
m. To present a full report to the Safety Coordinator as soon as possible.
23.0 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
It is the Company’s policy to provide protective clothing and equipment where it is appropriate that is to be issued at the discretion of the Contract Manager. This equipment will include but not necessarily be limited to:
i. Safety Helmets v. Skin Protection. ii. Foul Weather Clothing vi. Suitable Gloves iii. Eye Protection vii. High Visibility Vests iv. Hearing Protection viii. Safety Boots
a. Any item of protective clothing or equipment provided by the Company will be used and maintained to a reasonable standard by all employees. It will be the responsibility of all employees who have been issued with any item of protective clothing or equipment to report immediately any loss or damage.
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24.0 RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company recognises that it has a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy working environment and acknowledges that this includes ensuring that all significant risks arising from work activities are adequately managed.
The Company will endeavour to comply with the relevant legal requirements, as contained within the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and other applicable legislation, and with the specific Approve Code of Practice (L21) and guidance notes (HSG 65) issued by the Health and Safety Executive.
In particular the following rules and procedures will be applied in relation to this area or work activity:
(1) The Company will institute a programme of hazard identification and risk assessment of all its activities in order to eliminate, reduce or control, so far as is reasonably practicable, any harm or danger to employees or other affected persons.
(2) All risk assessments will be fully documented and recorded. (3) All risk assessments will be reviewed annually.
(4) All risk assessments will be monitored on a regular basis at a frequency determined by, and stated within, the assessment.
(5) All relevant employees or other persons will be informed of the significant findings of risk assessments that relate to their work activities or otherwise affect them.
DEFINITIONS Hazard
A “hazard” is something that has the potential to cause harm.
Risk
“Risk” is the likelihood of the harm being realised. The risk, therefore, reflects both the likelihood that harm will occur and its severity. It will generally be recorded as insignificant, low, medium or high.
Control Measures
Where work activities, items or areas with significant risks are identified the risk assessment will contain details of the measures that must be applied or actions that must be taken in order to
eliminate, reduce or control the risks in question and therefore allow the activity etc to be carried out safely.
These required measures or actions are referred to as `control measures`.
Hierarchy of Control Measures
The following principles will be applied to adopting control measures: Avoiding the risks altogether
Evaluating the risks which cannot be avoided Combating risks at source
Adapting the work to the individual Adapting to technical progress
Replacing the dangerous with the non-dangerous or less dangerous Developing a coherent overall prevention policy
Giving collective protective measures priority over individual protective measures Giving appropriate instructions to employees
Review and Revision
The risk assessments must be kept up-to-date and be reviewed and modified, where necessary. If changes take place which mean that the current risk assessment is no longer valid or that it can be improved, the assessment must be reviewed. In all cases, risk assessments will be reviewed on a regular annual basis.
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