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Health and Safety Manual

INTRODUCTION

The procedures, guidance and control measures in this manual have been prepared to ensure the Health & Safety of Avon Sheeting Ltd, sub-contractor employees, other people in the workplace and members of the public.

However, it is not possible to give comprehensive guidance on all of the relevant Health & Safety Legislation, where more information is required; you should ask your Safety Manager or consult the relevant Legislation; Regulation; Approved Code of Practice or Guidance note.

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CONTENTS Description Section Page

UK Health & Safety Policy Statement 1

Organizational Responsibilities 2

Duties of employers and employees under the Health & Safety at Work, Etc. Act 1974

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Health & Safety (Information for Employees) Regulations 4

Consultation with employees 5

Fire 6

First Aid 7

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences & Near Miss Reporting

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Health & Safety (Signs & Signals) 9

Manual Handling Operations 10

Display Screen Equipment 11

Noise 12

Management of Health & Safety 13

Method Statements 14Electricity at Work Regulations 15The Workplace Health, Safety & Welfare 16

Work Equipment 17

Personal Protective Equipment 18

Substances Hazardous to Health 19

Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls 20CDM (including management of contractors & SAMS way) 21

Lone Working 22Alcohol & Drugs 23

Health & Safety Training

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Description Section Page

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Safety Monitoring 25

Driving on Company Business 26Maintenance & Housekeeping 27The Control of Legionella Bacteria 28

Asbestos 29

Work at Height, Roof work, Harness and Lanyard, Nets 30

Vibration 31

Lifting Equipment 32

Visitors & Delivery Drivers 33

Health & Safety Documents & Forms Reference 34

Further Information 35

Review amendments to the management system Description Review date

MEWP Banks man procedures included 15/11/2011Contractors working on our premises 15/11/2011

Fall arrest slings TTE from 6 to 4 monthly 16/11/2011Hand held electrical equipment recorded visual checks monthly 19/11/2011

Color tagging system taking affect from 23/11/2011 19/11/2011Daily morning supervisor/management meetings implemented 01/12/2011

HSG33 Roofing and harness procedures added 04/01/2011Planning for new projects procedures 12/01/2012

SAMS way procedures added 18/01/2012Water system – Legionella procedures added 18/01/2012

Roof Felting Work procedures added 19/01/2012Fall Arrest Netting procedures added 24/01/2012

Near miss reporting procedures 30/01/2012Company vehicle sign out/in register 16/02/2012

Pre and post work risk assessment procedures 29/02/2012Monthly tools and work equipment return to stores 09/03/2012

SOP for securing roofing sheets on the roof 02/05/2012Anchors and Horizontal Safety Line Inspection requirements 21/05/2012

Webbing straps for load restraint during transport and storage inspection frequency

28/05/2012

EZ – Line Horizontal Lifeline system limitations 29/05/2012

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Section 1

AVON SHEETING LTD HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT

Purpose

This document provides a statement of Health & Safety Policy for Avon Sheeting Ltd

The Policy is intended to ensure that the activities of members of staff do not put the Health and Safety of themselves and others at risk

Scope

This Policy applies to all activities carried out by Avon Sheeting Ltd employees

Avon Sheeting Ltd Health & Safety Policy Statement

In Avon Sheeting Ltd our aims are to:

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

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

Set health & safety targets and maintain an improvement plan to address areas where measurement has indicated an improvement is necessary

In order to achieve our aims we will:

Provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions for all our employees and all others who work on our behalf (Ref. health & safety policy)

Identify risks and where they cannot be eliminated, control them to an acceptable level and provide safe plant and safe systems of work (Ref. rams and workshop procedures)

Require every employee, and others who work on our behalf, to exercise personal responsibility in preventing harm to themselves and others (Ref. toolbox talk/policy review/CITB awareness)

Actively work to prevent all workplace accidents and near miss incidents. Encourage the open reporting of all accident and near miss incidents and their investigation to facilitate the prevention of recurrence (Incident investigation process/near miss hazard reporting process)

Provide such information, instruction and training as needed to enable employees to co-operate fully with us in achieving compliance with the policy (Ref. training matrix)

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Signature of company director - Date –

Section 2ORGANISATION – DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974 places a statutory responsibility on all members of staff to take reasonable care of the health and safety at work of themselves and other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work

Company Directors

Company directors are responsible for all matters relating to Health, Safety and Welfare of Employees. The company will display the statement of intent at the company office

Directors are responsible for the implementation of the health and safety policy

Directors will ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable that -

. There are adequate resources available to meet health and safety requirements

. All managers are competent to discharge their health and safety responsibilities

The effectiveness of the policy and arrangements for implementing the policy are regularly monitored and reviewed

The management structure appended to this policy indicates the Health and Safety responsibilities of the management

Managers

All managers are responsible for -

Ensuring that all statutory obligations and requirements of health and safety are met

Implementing health and safety policy within their area of responsibility

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Developing safe systems of work to maximize protection of staff and drawing up clearly defined safe operating procedures and instructions in conjunction with these systems

Ensuring that all their staff have knowledge of and understand the health and safety policy and supporting procedures by way of regular supervision (RAMS/pre-post work inspections/SSSTS competency)

Notifying staff of hazards peculiar to their job and arranging training in safe methods of working; (RAMS/toolbox talk/training matrix)

Ensuring safety equipment and clothing are available for staff and that they are used correctly when required (inventory of PPE/procurement/issuing)

Investigation of accidents and near misses with the assistance of the Health and Safety manager (Ref. Incident investigation process)

Ensuring regular inspection and maintenance of equipment (Ref. Equipment registers)

Ensuring regular monitoring to enable activities to be reviewed and performance improved (Ref. Pre-post checks/leadsafe audits)

Employees

Whilst at work all employees have a duty to -

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety at work and of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions

Co-operate with their managers in meeting any requirements of the law

Not interfere with or misuse anything provided to protect their health, safety and welfare in compliance with the law

Correctly use work items provided by the employer, including personal protective equipment in accordance with training or instructions

Whenever they see a health and safety shortfall, which they are not able to put right, they must immediately tell their supervisor or manager

(Ref. toolbox talk/policy review/CITB awareness)

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MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

Operatives

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Denise LingGeneral Manager

Ceri WilliamsStructural Manager

Marcus LovellWorks Director

Supervisor Supervisor Supervisor

Jamie LovellFinance Director

Supevisor Supervisor

Operatives

Responsibilities for Health and Safety

Area of responsibilityPerson responsible to action

Position in company

Ensure that risk assessments are carried out and implemented

ML Works Director

The maintenance of plant and equipment is carried out as required

DL General Manager

Ensure that all 110-volt portable electric tools are PAT-tested every three months

NW Storeman

Ensure that lifting equipment for materials – Thorough test & examination carried out annually

DL General Manager

Ensure that lifting equipment for persons – 6 monthly thorough test & examination is carried out

DL General Manager

Ensure that accessories for lifting – 6-monthly thorough test & examination is carried out

DL General Manager

Ensure COSHH assessments are undertaken and controls implemented

DL General Manager

Ensure training needs are identified, arranged and monitored

DL General Manager

Ensure that Health and safety consultation with employees is carried out

DL/ML General ManagerWorks Director

Trained first-aid or appointed persons will be

DL General Manager

The person responsible to report accidents to the enforcing authority is

DL General Manager

Compliance with the company health and safety policy and arrangements shall be audited by

DL General Manager

Fire risk assessments will be carried out by

DL General Manager

Annual maintenance of fire extinguishers will be the responsibility of

DL General Manager

Maintaining fire alarms (where fitted) will be the responsibility of

DL General Manager

Carrying out office emergency DL General Manager

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evacuation (fire drills) will be the responsibility of

Ensuring that employees receive manual handling training is the responsibility of

DL General Manager

Ensuring that noise protection measures are implemented is the responsibility of

DL General Manager

Checking welfare facilities are adequate is the responsibility of

DL General Manager

The person responsible to check first aid kits is

SA Administration Assistant

The person responsible for vetting the competence of sub-contractors is

DL General Manager

Section 3

HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ETC ACT 1974

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

Duties of Employees:

Section 7 requires you the employee to ‘take reasonable care’ for the health and safety of yourselves and others

You must also co-operate with your employer in complying with health and safety legislation

Section 8 requires everyone not to interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interest of health and safety

(Ref. Employee handbook)

Duties of Employers:

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

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

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Safe plant and systems of working (Ref. Tool/Gas monitors/lifting equipment/harness & lanyards and Workshop registers)

Safe use, handling, storage and transport of chemicals and equipment (Ref. COSHH sheets/Toolbox talk/ASL SSW 28)

A safe workplace (Ref. Pre-post checks/Workshop inspection) A safe working environment (Ref. RAMS/Pre-post checks)

Employers must also provide for employees:

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

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

Sections 3 and 4 of the act require employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that people other than employees are not put at risk as a result of their activities

Other people could be visitors, passers-by, clients, patients, pupils, contractor employees' etc

Health and safety arrangements should take into account risks to these people, as well as to employees.

Section 4

HEALTH & SAFETY (INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYEES) REGULATIONS

The Health and Safety (Information for Employees) Regulations (Ref. RAMS/Toolbox talk/Training matrix)

Avon sheeting shall display the poster in a prominent place (by the permit hatch) for all our employees to be informed about the requirements of health and safety law (Ref. Posters at workshop and main entrance)

Section 5

COMMUNICATION/CONSULTATION

In order to meet the legal requirements of the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations and the Health and Safety (Consultation with

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Employees) Regulations, the company will communicate and consult with all employees on the following issues:

The content of this policy including relevant risk assessments Any rules and safe systems specific to a site or job Changes in legislation or working best practice The planning of Health and Safety training The introduction or alteration of risk assessments, method statements,

new work equipment or technology

This communication and consultation will take place directly with employees using an “open door” approach as well as by delivering “at least” fortnightly toolbox talks and using e-mails (Ref. Toolbox talks/RAMS/email trails)

A weekly morning meeting between management and supervisors to discuss on going issues has been implemented from 01/12/2011. Brief discussion details are recorded and included onto the company general improvement plan for actions to be delegated (Ref. Meeting minutes/action database)

Risk assessments are communicated verbally during induction training to new starters, as and when required, during toolbox talks and also we have relevant risk assessments available on display in a flip chart located near the company changing room for our employees to view at their convenience (Ref. Induction training and toolbox registers)

Avon sheeting shall display the following information where all employees can access:

Fire Action notice First Aid information notice Employers Liability/Public Liability Insurance certificate Plans of the fire exits and fire escape The fire assembly point plan (to be reviewed) General Health & Safety guidance and risk assessments that are

relevant to work activities

Section 6

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FIRE

The Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order Requires for any non domestic premises the “responsible person” who has control over the premises:

To carry out general fire precautions, Avon Sheeting shall ensure that we as a company carry out the following precautions:

Measures to reduce the risk of fire on the premises and the risk of the spread of fire on the premises (fire door between upper offices and workshop)

Measures in relation to the means of escape from the premises Measures for securing that, at all material times, the means of escape can

be safely and effectively used (Ref. Workshop inspections) Measures in relation to the means for fighting fires on the premises (Ref.

Fire extinguishers and positions as per floor plan) Measures in relation to the means for detecting fire on the premises and

giving warning in case of fire on the premises (Ref. Position of smoke alarms)

Measures in relation to the arrangements for action to be taken in the event of fire on the premises (Ref. Fire action signs)

including— Measures relating to the instruction and training of employees Measures to mitigate the effects of the fire (Ref. Toolbox talk/Fire marshall

training)

Our responsible person shall (ML)

Take such general fire precautions as will ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of any of our employees; and in relation to relevant persons who are not our employees, take such general fire precautions as may reasonably be required in the circumstances to ensure that the premises are safe

Fire Risk assessment

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to which relevant persons are exposed, for the purpose of identifying the general fire precautions we need to take to comply with the requirements and prohibitions imposed on us under the order (Review)

Our fire risk assessment recommendatons shall actioned within the required timescales and reviewed regularly (at least every 12 months) so as to keep it up to date and particularly if:

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There is reason to suspect that it is no longer valid There has been a significant change in the matters to which it relates When the premises, special, technical and organisational measures, or

organisation of the work undergo significant changes, extensions, or conversions,and where changes to an assessment are required as a result of any such review, we shall make them

As soon as practicable after the assessment is made or reviewed, we shall record the information, the prescribed information is -

The significant findings of the assessment, including the measures which have been or will be taken by the responsible person pursuant to the order

Any group of persons identified by the assessment as being especially at risk

No new work activity involving a dangerous substance may commence unless a risk assessment has been made; and the measures required by or under the order have been implemented

Dangerous (highly flammable) Substances

Where a dangerous substance is present on our premises or work site, we shall ensure that risk to relevant persons related to the presence of the substance is either eliminated or reduced so far as is reasonably practicable

We shall so far as is reasonably practicable, replace a dangerous substance, or the use of a dangerous substance, with a substance or process which either eliminates or reduces the risk to relevant persons

Where it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate risk we shall so far as is reasonably practicable, apply measures consistent with the risk assessment and appropriate to the nature of the activity or operation

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall arrange for the safe handling, storage and transport of dangerous substances (gas cylinders only) and waste containing dangerous substances; and ensure that any conditions necessary pursuant to the order for ensuring the elimination or reduction of risk are maintained (Ref. ASL SSW 39)

Where necessary (whether due to the features of the premises or site, the activity carried on there, any hazard present or any other relevant circumstances) in order to safeguard the safety of relevant persons, we shall ensure that:

The premises or work site are, to the extent that it is appropriate, equipped with appropriate fire-fighting equipment and with fire detectors and alarms; and any non-automatic fire-fighting equipment so provided is easily accessible, simple to use and indicated by signs

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When considering what is appropriate we shall give regard to the dimensions and use of the premises, the equipment contained on the premises, the physical and chemical properties of the substances likely to be present and the maximum number of persons who may be present at any one time (Ref. Gas bottle cages in yard, Gas cylinder trolleys)

Fire Fighting Equipment

We shall where necessary take measures for fire-fighting on the premises or work site, adapted to the nature of the activities carried on there and the size of the undertaking and of the premises concerned (Ref. Positions of extinguishers in building)

We shall nominate competent persons to implement those measures and ensure that the number of such persons, their training and the equipment available to them are adequate, taking into account the size of, and the specific hazards involved in, the premises or site concerned; and arrange any necessary contacts with external emergency services, particularly as regards fire-fighting, rescue work, first-aid and emergency medical care

A person is to be regarded as competent where he/she has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities to enable him properly to implement the measures referred to

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

Emergency routes and exits

Where necessary in order to safeguard the safety of relevant persons weather working at another site or on our premises, we shalll ensure that routes to emergency exits from premises and the exits themselves are identified and are kept clear at all times (to be reviewed)

The following requirements shall be complied with in respect of premises where necessary (whether due to the features of the premises, the activity carried on there, any hazard present or any other relevant circumstances) in order to safeguard the safety of relevant persons:

Emergency routes and exits must lead as directly as possible to a place of safety

In the event of danger, it shall be possible for persons to evacuate the premises as quickly and as safely as possible

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The number, distribution and dimensions of emergency routes and exits shall be adequate having regard to the use equipment and dimensions of the premises and the maximum number of persons who may be present there at any one time

Emergency doors shall open in the direction of escape when necessary i.e. when there are high numbers of people to escape

Emergency doors shall not be so locked or fastened that they cannot be easily and immediately opened by any person who may require to use them in an emergency

Emergency routes and exits shall be indicated by signs Emergency routes and exits requiring illumination must be provided with

emergency lighting of adequate intensity in the case of failure of their normal lighting

Fire escape stairwells and exits

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

Fire alarm testing

Manual air horn fire alarm sounders are situated on our premises in various positions; their adequacy is assessed weekly. Following the alarm assessment it shall be established as to weather the current system of manual air horns is sufficient given the size of the premises and the activities carried out on it. We Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that that the alarm can be triggered without delay and heard in all areas of the building, and that staff can recognize the sound of the alarm and escape to a place of safety before being overcome by smoke, heat or fire.

Evacuation drills

Evacuation drills will be conducted at our premises on a regular basis to ensure that all employees are familiar with the fire and emergency procedures for the building.

When working on another site our employees shall familiarize themselves with and cooperate with the fire evacuation procedures of that particular site (Ref. Individual RAMS for work activity)

Fire doors

Fire Doors are an important part of a building’s fire defenses. (To be reviewed)

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The two functions of a fire door are:

To compartment the building to prevent the spread of fire To provide a safe means of escape for those persons evacuating the

building

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

Assembly point

A primary evacuation assembly point in the event of fire will be established at each site, each of our employees shall make themselves aware of the assembly point on each site.

The assembly point at the company premises is at the main entrance gate, this point is of primary nature and can be relocated as necessary at any time to maintain the safety of employees.

Fire marshals

Fire Marshals shall be appointed to ensure areas are clear on the activation of the fire alarm and to report the result of the floor search to the person in charge of the evacuation. (ML Fire marshal – delegate in his absence)

Visitors & disabled persons

All visitors are required to sign in at reception before entering our site.

Visitors are the responsibility of their host whilst on site, who shall ensure their safe evacuation in the event of an emergency

Disabled persons are also the responsibility of the host who shall liaise with the fire marshals whilst on site and they shall ensure their safe evacuation in the event of an emergency

If any disabled persons visit the premises there will be provision made in the ground floor waiting area

Fire action procedure

All employees must familiarize themselves with their site-specific fire action procedures

On discovering a fire at our premises:

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Operate the nearest fire alarm sounder Fight the fire ONLY if safe and trained to do so Proceed to a place of safety (assembly point) Call the fire brigade by dialing 999

On hearing the fire evacuation alarm:

Evacuate the building via your nearest available fire exit Proceed to your designated primary assembly point

DO NOT stop to collect personal belongingsDO NOT re-enter the building until authorised to do so

Procedures for serious and imminent danger and for danger areas

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall:

Establish and, where necessary, give effect to appropriate procedures, to be followed in the event of serious and imminent danger to relevant persons

Nominate a sufficient number of competent persons to implement those procedures in so far as they relate to the evacuation of relevant persons from the premises or work site (Responsible person DL)

Ensure that no relevant person has access to any area to which it is necessary to restrict access on grounds of safety, unless the person concerned has received adequate safety instruction (Ref. RAMS)

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that any relevant persons who are exposed to serious and imminent danger are informed of the nature of the hazard and of the steps taken or to be taken to protect them from it: (Ref. RAMS and emergency procedures)

Enable the persons concerned (if necessary by taking appropriate steps in the absence of guidance or instruction and in the light of their knowledge and the technical means at their disposal) to stop work and immediately proceed to a place of safety in the event of their being exposed to serious, imminent and unavoidable danger (Ref. RAMS and emergency procedures)

Save in exceptional cases for reasons duly substantiated (which cases and reasons must be specified in those procedures), require the persons concerned to be prevented from resuming work in any situation where there is still a serious and imminent danger (Ref. RAMS and emergency procedures)

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Additional emergency measures in respect of dangerous (highly flammable) substances

In order to safeguard the safety of relevant persons arising from an accident, incident or emergency related to the presence of a dangerous substance in or on the premises or site, Avon Sheeting shall ensure that:

Information on emergency arrangements is available Including details of relevant work hazards and hazard identification

arrangements Specific hazards likely to arise at the time of an accident, incident or

emergency Suitable warning and other communication systems are established to

enable an appropriate response, including remedial actions and rescue operations, to be made immediately when such an event occurs

Where necessary, before any explosion conditions are reached, visual or audible warnings are given and relevant persons withdrawn

Where the risk assessment indicates it is necessary, escape facilities are provided and maintained to ensure that, in the event of danger, relevant persons can leave endangered places promptly and safely

In the event of a fire arising from an accident, incident or emergency related to the presence of a dangerous substance in or on the premises, we shall ensure that:

Immediate steps are taken to mitigate the effects of the fire Restore the situation to normal Inform those relevant persons who may be affected Only those persons who are essential for the carrying out of repairs and

other necessary work are permitted in the affected area and they are provided with appropriate personal protective equipment and protective clothing; and any necessary specialised safety equipment and plant, which must be used until the situation is restored to normal

(Ref. emergency arrangements GRAB pack) To be reviewed

Maintenance

Where necessary in order to safeguard the safety of relevant persons Avon Sheeting shall ensure that the premises and any facilities, equipment and devices provided in respect of the premises are subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair

Where the premises form part of a building, we shall make arrangements with the occupier of any other premises forming part of the building  

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Equipment including fire fighting equipment taken out to other sites is also subject to a suitable system of maintenance and is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair

Guide to fire extinguishers

This document details the appropriate usage of portable fire fighting equipment

Note: AFFF – Aqueous Film Forming Foam

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Section 7

FIRST AID

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations define first aid as treatment for the purpose of preserving life and minimizing the consequences of injury and ill health until medical help is obtained. Also treatment of minor injuries, which would otherwise receive no treatment or which do not need treatment by a medical practitioner or nurse would be covered by first aid

Avon Sheeting shall make an assessment of our first aid requirements and provide or ensure that there are provided:

Adequate and appropriate facilities and equipment

Qualified first aiders to render first aid or where there are no serious hazards an appointed person, being someone to take charge of situations where medical aid needs to be summoned

Each first aid box shall be suitably marked and be easily accessible to all employees at all times when they are at work

Following assessment at the company head office covering office work, material deliveries, storage and small scale fabrication and welding work hazards we have determined that there shall be one trained first aid person and one appointed person positioned at the company head office. Work that Avon Sheeting carry out at another site shall be assessed on a site by site basis and utilizing existing facilities where possible.

At the company head Office – the first aid box is located in the boardroom

The Qualified First Aid Person at head office is Denise Ling

Any accident, however insignificant, must be reported to a first aid person and manager or supervisor

Accidents must be recorded in the Accident Book located in the main head office

Our employees shall be made aware of -

Who the first aide person is Where the first aid box is Where the accident book is kept

We as employers shall -

Provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to enable first aid to be given

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As a minimum, all sites should have the following:

A suitably stocked first aid box (Ref. Vehicle weekly checks, office box checked on usage)

An accident book An appointed person to take charge of first aid arrangements

Section 8

REPORTING OF INJURIES, DISEASES AND DANGEROUS OCCURRENCES

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations require the reporting of specified accidents, ill health and dangerous occurrences to the enforcing authorities

In cases of death or major injuries, we shall notify the enforcing authority without delay, most easily by reporting online. Alternatively we can telephone 0845 300 9923

Cases of over-seven day injuries we shall notify within ten days of the incident occurring using the appropriate online form

Cases of disease shall be reported as soon as a doctor notifies us that an employee suffers from a reportable work-related disease using the online form Report of a case of disease.

Death of a person as a result of an accident arising out of or in connection with work shall be informed and also, if death occurs within one year of an accident the authorities shall be informed

Major Injury to a person as a result of an accident arising out of or in connection with work shall be informed, major injuries include:

Any fracture, other than to the fingers, thumbs or toes Any amputation Dislocation of the shoulder, hip, knee or spine Loss of sight A chemical or hot metal burn to the eye, or any penetration to the eye Any injury resulting from an electric shock or electrical burns

Any other injury: Leading to hypothermia, heat-induced illness or to unconsciousness Requiring resuscitation Requiring admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours Loss of consciousness caused by asphyxia or by exposure to a harmful

substance or biological agent21

Acute illness which requires medical treatment where there is reason to believe that this resulted from exposure to a biological agent or its toxins or infected material.

Any work related injury that leads to an employee being absent from work for more than 7 working days

Reporting of Diseases

Where a medical practitioner notifies us that an employee suffers from a reportable work-related disease, an online report of a case of disease shall be sent to the enforcing authority

Dangerous Occurrences that include:

Lifting Machinery collapse, overturning, or the failure of any load bearing part of lifts and lifting equipment

Pressure Systems failure of any closed vessel or of any associated pipe-work, in which the internal pressure was above or below atmospheric pressure

Freight Containers failure in any of its load bearing parts

Overhead Electrical Lines unintentional contact by plant or equipment

Electrical Short Circuit or overload attended by fire or explosion

Explosives Unintentional explosion

Biological Agents escape likely to cause sever human infection or illness

Malfunction of Radiation Generators

Breathing Apparatus malfunctions while in use

Diving Operations i.e. trapping of the diver, any explosion in the vicinity of the diver, uncontrolled ascent

Collapse of Scaffolding Complete or partial collapse where scaffolding is over 5m high

Train Collisions

Pipelines or Pipe works dangerous occurrence in respect of a pipeline

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Fairground Equipment failure

Carriage of Dangerous Substances by Road incidents involving overturning or serious damage to tanker

Collapse of Building or Structure

Escape of Flammable Substances

A record of each incident reported shall be kept at our business for at least 3 years

All accidents / incidents will be investigated by senior management and/or the Health and Safety Manager with the following objectives

To determine the cause(s) with a view to preventing a recurrence To gather information for use in any criminal or civil proceedings To confirm or refute a claim for industrial injury benefit To prepare notification to be made to the Health and Safety Executive

The degree of investigation will be dependent on the seriousness of the accident The aim of the investigation will be to seek to answer the following questions:

WHAT caused the accident? WHO was involved? WHEN did it occur? WHY did it occur? HOW could it have been prevented? HOW can a recurrence be prevented?

All accidents, near misses, diseases and dangerous occurrences that involve, or may be attributed, to an Avon Sheeting Ltd employee or a member of the public must be reported to the first aid person, health and safety manager, line manager and supervisor.

(Ref. Incident investigation process)

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

of material falls.

INCIDENT REPORTING & INVESTIGATION PROCESS

Incident

(Injury, near miss)

Record in the Accident Book Complete incident report form

Inform Line Manager and health and safety Manager

Report to the HSE using the appropriate F2508 form.

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

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

contact with harmful substances.

Report to the HSE following company procedures;

investigate using company incident investigation form.Inform Legal Department

Investigate using company incident investigation form and

implement actions to prevent re-occurrences

Yes NoDid the incident

cause harm to a

person?

Was the incident

reportable under

RIDDOR?

No

Yes

Investigate using company incident investigation form and

implement actions to prevent re-occurrences

Line Manager and Location Manager action

First Aider action

Staff action

Key

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Reporting of significant site hazards and near miss incidentsWhile carrying out work on a client’s site there will be occasions when we may come across a significant site hazard or we may witness a near miss incident that could have resulted in serious injury.

When a significant hazard or near miss incident is identified by any Avon Sheeting ltd employee we must ensure that we act appropriately in order to try and ensure that the hazard or near miss does not result in a more serious incident or accident occurring.

Hazards are “anything that has the potential to cause harm” a near miss is “an incident that has occurred that could have caused harm”.

If a significant hazard is identified and it is safe and possible to carry out a “proactive behavior” i.e. immediately removing the hazard such as removing an obstacle from the road then it should be carried out as soon as is safe to do so and then reported to the ASL safety manager. If a significant hazard is identified and it is not safe to carry out a “proactive behavior” immediately then the client must be notified immediately as the hazard still exists, the ASL health and safety manager must also be notified a.s.a.p.

If a near miss that could have resulted in harm is witnessed it must be reported to the ASL health and safety manager immediately who shall ensure that the necessary persons are notified and relevant actions are taken.

All near miss and significant hazards identified on site and reported shall be logged on to the ASL near miss and significant hazard report sheet.

What is a Near Miss?• This is any incident that could have resulted in an accident. • Knowledge of near misses is very important since research has shown

that, approximately, for every 10 “near miss” events at a particular location in the workplace, a minor accident will occur.

• Another way of looking at near misses is to think of them as a “free” lesson.

What is an Unsafe Condition or Act?• Unsafe Condition – A condition, obviously unsafe• Unsafe Act – An act, obviously unsafe not covered by a written rule or

practice.

What is a Pro-Active behaviour?• Pro-Active behavior – an act that would lead to the removal of hazardous

conditions that would cause a near miss or an unsafe condition

Section 9

HEALTH AND SAFETY (SIGNS AND SIGNALS) 25

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that relevant information on the measures to be taken in connection with safety signs is provided to each of our employees

We shall also ensure that each of our employees receives suitable and sufficient instruction and training in the meaning of safety signs and the measures to be taken in connection with safety signs

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall provide, display and maintain sufficient safety signs to warn of circumstances where risks to Health and Safety exist and to advise of precautions that need to be taken.

These safety signs can be categorised as:

Mandatory Warning Prohibition Safe Condition Fire Fighting

Our employees MUST comply with any notice or sign.

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EXAMPLES OF SAFETY SIGNS

Example Meaning Safetycolour

Contrast colour

Graphical symbol colour

Mandatory (MUST DO)

These signs prescribe specific instructions that

must be followed

Blue White White

Warning (Caution, beware)

These signs give warning of a hazard or

danger.

Yellow Black Black

Prohibition (DO NOT DO)

These signs prohibit behavior likely to increase or cause

danger.

Red White Black

Fire Sign (fire equipment)

These signs indicate the location of fire fighting

equipment.

Red White White

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GUIDE TO FIRE EXIT SIGNS

Fire Exit Sign Meaning

Safe Condition (the safe way)

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

Green/White

White

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

Progress down from here

Progress to the right from here

Progress up to the right from here

Progress down to the right from here

Progress to the left from here

Progress up to the left from here

Progress down to the left from here

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

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Section 10

MANUAL HANDLING

The Manual Handling Regulations apply to the manual handling (any transporting or supporting) of loads by human effort, as opposed to mechanical handling by forklift truck, crane or hoist

There are no maximum weight limits set for loads. Instead, the regulations require a full assessment of all risks including the task, load and working environment

The Regulations are based on ergonomics, which means fitting the job to the person rather than the person to the job

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall take steps to avoid the need for employees to carry out manual handling operations that involve a risk of being injured

Where it is not reasonably practicable to avoid manual handling operations, Avon Sheeting shall make a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of all such manual handling operations taking into account the load, the working environment and individual capability

The steps we shall take will consider ergonomics, changing the load, mechanical assistance, task layout, work routines, personal protective equipment, team working and training.

A specific manual handling training course has been developed between Avon Sheeting Ltd and Barry Training Ltd that is designed for work carried out by Avon Sheeting Ltd employees covering the correct manual handling techniques required of our employees when carrying out our work activities

Where manual handling cannot be avoided we shall provide information on the weight of the load and uneven loads etc

Avon Sheeting shall review the assessment if there is reason to suspect that it is no longer valid or there have been significant changes

All our employees are required to make proper use of any safe system of work and training that is provided to them

Duties of Employees:

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

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GOOD HANDLING TECHNIQUE

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

Think before lifting/handling

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

Keep the load close to the waist

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

Adopt a stable position

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

Get a good hold

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

Start in a good position

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

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Don’t flex the back any further while lifting

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

Avoid twisting the back or leaning sideways

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

Keep the head up when handling

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

Move smoothly

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

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

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

Put down, then adjust

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

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Section 11

DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT

It is the policy of Avon Sheeting Ltd to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, no harm occurs to employees as a result of their use of Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

Where users of Display Screen Equipment are identified Avon Sheeting Ltd shall:

Arrange for a suitable assessment to be conducted by a competent person Ensure all personnel are properly supervised and arrange their working

day appropriately Ensure each individual is provided with the necessary information,

instruction and training regarding the hazards, risks and controls associated with DSE

Consider any special arrangements that may be necessary for those individuals with an existing / developing health condition or disability

Investigate any complaints of discomfort or ill health relating to DSE

Our employees must:

Report any concerns they may have to their supervisor or manager Arrange their working day to ensure regular breaks away from DSE (as a

guideline 5 minutes per hour) Correctly use the equipment provided Comply with instructions and training

Assessments

Assessments are to be conducted by a competent person

Where an assessment identifies risk to an individual or group remedial measures will be taken to eliminate those risks by organizational measures

Where the elimination of risks is not possible suitable control measures will be adopted reviewed and monitored to ensure there are no adverse affects to an individual’s health

Software

Avon Sheeting will ensure that the software provided for use is suitable for the task and will, where necessary, provide appropriate training

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Eye tests

Identified users may undertake eye tests at company expense to establish any issues relating to DSE use. All personnel wishing to undertake an eye test should inform their manager prior to the event to ensure they comply with current arrangements

Where an optician identifies the need for corrective lenses for use with DSE, Avon Sheeting Ltd will meet the costs of this element. All personnel should note that the company would only be liable for the DSE element of any spectacle provision. Where an employee opts for a prescription for vari-focal, bi-focal or other such combination lenses Avon Sheeting Ltd will make a contribution to the value of stand alone DSE Spectacles

Training

All new DSE user starters will be advised through training of the risks associated with DSE use, current policy and procedures. Risks to be covered include Work Related Upper Limb Disorders (WRULD) and other musculoskeletal conditions, eyestrain, stress and deep vein thrombosis.

Section 12

NOISE

The Noise at Work Regulations require employers to eliminate or reduce the exposure of its employees to noise to as low a level as is reasonably practicable.

When Avon Sheeting carries out work which is liable to expose our employees to noise at or above a lower exposure action value we shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk from that noise to the health and safety of our employees, and the risk assessment shall identify the measures which need to be taken to meet the requirements of the regulations.

Exposure limit values and action values

The lower exposure action values are—

(a)a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 80 dB (A-weighted); and(b)a peak sound pressure of 135 dB (C-weighted)

The upper exposure action values are—

(a)a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 85 dB (A-weighted); and(b)a peak sound pressure of 137 dB (C-weighted).

The exposure limit values are—

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(a)a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 87 dB (A-weighted); and(b)a peak sound pressure of 140 dB (C-weighted).

Avon Sheeting shall assess the levels of noise to which our workers are exposed by means of—

(a)observation of specific working practices

(b)reference to relevant information on the probable levels of noise corresponding to any equipment used in the particular working conditions and if necessary, measurement of the level of noise to which our employees are likely to be exposed

Our risk assessment shall include consideration of the level, type and duration of exposure, including any exposure to peak sound pressure

The effects of exposure to noise on our employees or groups of employees whose health is at particular risk from such exposure (Ref. audiometry results)

So far as is practicable, any effects on the health and safety of our employees resulting from the interaction between noise and the use of ototoxic substances at work, or between noise and vibration

Any information provided by the manufacturers of work equipment

The availability of alternative equipment designed to reduce the emission of noise

Any extension of exposure to noise at the workplace beyond normal working hours, including exposure in rest facilities

Appropriate information obtained following health surveillance, including, where possible, published information; and the availability of personal hearing protectors with adequate attenuation characteristics

The risk assessment shall be reviewed regularly if—

There is reason to suspect that the risk assessment is no longer valid; or there has been a significant change in the work to which the assessment relates and where, as a result of the review, changes to the risk assessment are required, those changes shall be made

We shall record the significant findings of the risk assessment as soon as is practicable after the risk assessment is made or changed and our employees concerned shall be consulted on the risk assessment

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Elimination or control of exposure to noise at the workplace

Avon Sheeting shall ensure that risk from the exposure of our employees to noise is either eliminated at source or, where this is not reasonably practicable, reduced to as low a level as is reasonably practicable

Due to the nature of the work carried out at our fabrication and welding workshop it is not always possible to eliminate at source the noise emmitted from our grinding operations and therefore we shall instead consider all possible methods of reducing noise to as low a level as is reasonably practicable

Given that the noise levels emitted during grinding operations are likely to exceed upper action levels we shall also designate the workshop as a mandatory hearing protection zone that requires the use of suitable hearing protection to be worn by anyone entering the workshop when grinding operations are carried out

Work carried out at a client’s site shall be risk assessed for noise exposure with the necessary controls implemented and enforced

Organisational and technical measures shall also be considered where possible such as;

Other alternative working methods which reduce exposure to noise

Choice of appropriate work equipment emitting the least possible noise, taking account of the work to be done. It has for instance been established that using the correct and most suitable grinding wheel for the task in hand can reduce noise emmitted while grinding in our fabrication and welding workshop

The design and layout of workplaces, work stations and rest facilities

Suitable and sufficient information and training for employees, such that work equipment may be used correctly, in order to minimise their exposure to noise

Reduction of noise by technical means

Appropriate maintenance programmes for work equipment, the workplace and workplace systems

Limitation of the duration and intensity of exposure to noise

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Appropriate work schedules with adequate rest periods

Avon Sheeting shall ensure that our employees are not exposed to noise above an exposure limit value

If an exposure limit value is exceeded we shall reduce exposure to noise to below the exposure limit value, identify the reason for that exposure limit value being exceeded; and modify the organisational and technical measures to prevent it being exceeded again

Hearing Protection

When Avon Sheeting Ltd carries out work which is likely to expose any of our employees to noise at or above a lower exposure action value (80db) we shall make personal hearing protectors available upon request to any employee who so exposed

Where Avon Sheeting Ltd cannot reduce the levels of noise exposure to below an upper exposure action value, we shall provide personal hearing protectors to any of our employees who is so exposed

If any of our employees are likely to be exposed to noise at or above an upper exposure action value for any reason Avon Sheeting Ltd ensure that the area is designated a Hearing Protection Zone and that the area is demarcated and identified by means of a relevant mandatory sign, the fabrication workshop at Avon Sheeting Ltd is classified as a Hearing Protection Zone during grinding operations

Access to the area shall be restricted where this is practicable and the risk from exposure justifies it. We shall ensure so far as is reasonably practicable that no employee enters that area unless that employee is wearing personal hearing protectors, during grinding operations When our employees work on another site they shall work in accordance to their job risk assessment requirements, their own judgement and site rules regarding hearing protection, hearing protection shall be provided by Avon Sheeting Ltd free of charge

Any personal hearing protectors made available or provided shall be selected so as to eliminate the risk to hearing or to reduce the risk to as low a level as is reasonably practicable; and after consultation with the employees concerned or their representatives

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Maintenance and use of equipment

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure so far as is practicable that anything provided by us for the benefit of our employees, is fully and properly used and maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair (Ref. Equipment registers)

Our employees shall make full and proper use of personal hearing protectors provided to them, and of any other control measures provided in compliance with their duties and report any defects

Health Surveillance

If the risk assessment indicates that there is a risk to the health of our employees who are, or are liable to be, exposed to noise, we shall ensure that such employees are placed under suitable health surveillance, which shall include testing of their hearing

We shall ensure that a health record in respect of each of our employees who undergoes health surveillance is made and maintained and that the record or a copy is kept available

Where as a result of health surveillance, an employee is found to have identifiable hearing damage Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that the employee is examined by a doctor and, if the doctor or any specialist to whom the doctor considers it necessary to refer the employee considers that the damage is likely to be the result of exposure to noise we shall—

Inform the employee

Review the risk assessment

Review our control measures taking into account any advice given by a doctor, occupational health professional or the enforcing authority

Consider assigning the employee to alternative work where there is no risk from further exposure to noise and ensure continued health surveillance and provide for a review of the health of any other employee who has been similarly exposed

Our employees shall, when required and at the cost of Avon Sheeting Ltd, present themselves during their working hours for such health surveillance.

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Information, instruction and training

Where our employees are exposed to noise which is likely to be at or above a lower exposure action value Avon Sheeting Ltd shall provide those employees with suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training (Ref. RAMS, SSW and induction training)

The information, instruction and training provided shall include— (Ref. Inductions, RAMS, SSW, Training matrix)

The nature of risks from exposure to noise

The organisational and technical measures taken in order to comply with the regulations

The exposure limit values and upper and lower exposure action values set out in the regulations

The significant findings of the risk assessment, including any measurements taken, with an explanation of those findings

The availability and provision of personal hearing protectors and their correct use

Why and how to detect and report signs of hearing damage

The entitlement to health surveillance and its purposes

Safe working practices to minimise exposure to noise

The collective results of any health surveillance undertaken in a form calculated to prevent those results from being identified as relating to a particular person

The information, instruction and training required shall be updated to take account of significant changes in the type of work carried out or the working methods used

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that any person, whether or not our employee, who carries out work in connection with our duties under the regulations has suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training

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How loud is dangerous?Typical dbA levels

 190 dBA  Heavy weapons, 10 m behind the weapon (maximum level) 180 dBA  Toy pistol fired close to ear (maximum level)

 170 dBA  Slap on the ear, fire cracker explodes on shoulder, small arms at a distance of 50 cm (maximum level)

 160 dBA  Hammer stroke on brass tubing or steel plate at 1 m distance, airbag deployment very close at a distance of 30 cm (maximum level)

 150 dBA  Hammer stroke in a smithy at 5 m distance (maximum level) 130 dBA  Loud hand clapping at 1 m distance (maximum level) 120 dBA  Whistle at 1 m distance, test run of a jet at 15 m distance

  Threshold of pain, above this fast-acting hearing damage in short action is possible

 115 dBA  Take-off sound of planes at 10 m distance

 110 dBA  Siren at 10 m distance, frequent sound level in discotheques and close to loudspeakers at rock concerts, violin close to the ear of an orchestra musicians (maximum level)

 105 dBA  Chain saw at 1 m distance, banging car door at 1 m distance (maximum level), racing car at 40 m distance, possible level with music head phones

 100 dBA  Frequent level with music via head phones, jack hammer at 10 m distance95 dBA  Loud crying, hand circular saw at 1 m distance90 dBA  Angle grinder outside at 1 m distance

   Over a duration of 40 hours a week hearing damage is possible85 dBA  2-stroke chain-saw at 10 m distance, loud WC flush at 1 m distance

80 dBA  Very loud traffic noise of passing lorries at 7.5 m distance, high traffic on an expressway at 25 m distance

75 dBA  Passing car at 7.5 m distance, un-silenced wood shredder at 10 m distance70 dBA Level close to a main road by day, quiet hair dryer at 1 m distance to ear65 dBA  Bad risk of heart circulation disease at constant impact is possible60 dBA  Noisy lawn mower at 10 m distance

55 dBA  Low volume of radio or TV at 1 m distance, noisy vacuum cleaner at 10 m distance

50 dBA  Refrigerator at 1 m distance, bird twitter outside at 15 m distance45 dBA  Noise of normal living; talking, or radio in the background40 dBA  Distraction when learning or concentration is possible35 dBA  Very quiet room fan at low speed at 1 m distance25 dBA  Sound of breathing at 1 m distance

0 dBA  Auditory threshold

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Section 13

MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK

The management of health and safety at work regulations lay out the following requirements that Avon Sheeting Ltd shall comply with to ensure the health and safety of our employees and anyone else affected by our activities

Risk assessment

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of—

The risks to the health and safety of our employees to which they are exposed whilst they are at work

The risks to the health and safety of persons not in our employment arising out of or in connection with our undertaking

Appendix 2 to this document consists of our generic risk assessment booklet that includes guidance on carrying out risk assessments and also risk assessments typically covering our work activities, the generic risk assessments must be reviewed and developed to be suitable and sufficient and specific to the task in hand before each use and also consulted to the relevant persons prior to working Our risk assessments shall also be reviewed if—

There is reason to suspect that it is no longer valid

There has been a significant change in the matters to which it relates41

Where as a result of any such review changes to an assessment are required, we shall make them

At least anually in accordance with our company annual operations plan (AOP)

Task specific risk assessment and safe system of work

Task specific risk assessments and a safe system of work shall be carried out, recorded and communicated to the relevent persons prior to the start of any new task. Each task shall also be assessed “on the job” throughout with any adjustments to the safe systems of work first being approved by management

Generic company risk assessments can be used on condition that they are accompanied by a completed job/site specific risk assessment, there is a template in the management system that can be used and attached to the generic assessment to make a complete “suitable and sufficient assessment

No task carried out by Avon Sheeting Ltd is permitted without first carrying out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment

Pre work and Post work risk assessments

As well as carrying out the initial risk assessment and method statement before the start of any new task or project Avon Sheeting ltd shall also carry out a daily pre-work and post work risk assessment

The pre work risk assessment is designed to identify hazards that either were not identified during the initial assessment or could have derived as the job progresses due to a change in site conditions, environmental conditions, surroundings etc.

The post work risk assessment is designed to ensure that the site is left in a safe condition at the end of a shift or job

The pre-work and post work risk assessment must be carried out no less than daily and also before and after the job starts for the first time. The pre work and post work risk assessment must be carried out by the supervisor or PICWP at the place of work with all the working party in attendance, the working party must be encouraged to include their input and any concerns during the assessment.

Any concerns of danger raised during the assessment must be communicated to management before any work is carried out. Management must ensure that the

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necessary controls that allow for safe work are implemented before any work is carried out

Supervisors/PICWP and the working party must all sign the declaration sheet attached to the Pre and Post risk assessment to confirm that they have carried out or assisted with the assessment and are aware of all foreseeable hazards and controls

Supervisors/PICWP and all members of the working party are all responsible to ensure that the pre and post risk assessments are carried out to the best of their ability and with the understanding that its purpose is to save lives

Failure to identify hazards and adequately control risks will probably result in death or serious injury to you or your colleague

Young Persons (under 18)

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall not employ a young person (under 18) unless we have made an assessment taking particular account of—

The inexperience, lack of awareness of risks and immaturity of young persons

The fitting-out and layout of the workplace and the workstation

The nature, degree and duration of exposure to physical, biological and chemical agents

The form, range, and use of work equipment and the way in which it is handled

The organisation of processes and activities

The extent of the health and safety training provided or to be provided to young persons

Avon Sheeting Limited shall record the significant findings of the assessment; and any group of our employees identified by it as being especially at risk

Safety Arrangements

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall make and give effect to such arrangements as are appropriate, having regard to the nature of our activities and the size of our undertaking, for the effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of our preventive and protective measures

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Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that our employees are provided with such health surveillance as is appropriate having regard to the risks to their health and safety which are identified by the assessment

Avon Sheeting shall appoint one or more competent persons to assist us in undertaking the measures we need to take to comply with the requirements and prohibitions imposed upon us, we have appointed a health and safety manager into the company (ML/ LC)

Procedures for serious and imminent danger and for danger areas

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall—

Establish and where necessary give effect to appropriate procedures to be followed in the event of serious and imminent danger to persons at work in our undertaking

Nominate a sufficient number of competent persons to implement those procedures in so far as they relate to the evacuation from premises of persons at work in our undertaking

Ensure that none of our employees has access to any area which it is necessary to restrict access on grounds of health and safety unless the employee concerned has received adequate health and safety instruction (Ref. RAMS, own premises emergency arrangements)

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall—

So far as is practicable, inform any employees who are exposed to serious and imminent danger of the hazard and of the steps to be taken to protect them from it

To stop work and immediately proceed to a place of safety in the event of their being exposed to serious, imminent and unavoidable danger

Employees concerned shall be prevented from resuming work in any situation where there is still a serious and imminent danger

Competence

An employee at Avon Sheeting Ltd shall be regarded as competent where he/she has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities to enable to properly implement the evacuation procedures (Ref. Storeman)

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Contacts with external services

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that any necessary contacts with external services are arranged, particularly as regards first-aid, emergency medical care and rescue work

Co-operation and co-ordination

Where we share a workplace (whether on a temporary or a permanent basis) Avon Sheeting Ltd shall—

Co-operate with the other employers concerned so far as is necessary taking into account the nature of their activities

Take all reasonable steps to co-ordinate the measures

Capabilities and training

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall, in entrusting tasks to our employees, take into account their capabilities as regards health and safety

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that our employees are provided with adequate health and safety training—

On their being recruited

On their being exposed to new or increased risks because of their being transferred or given a change of responsibilities within our undertaking

The introduction of new work equipment into or a change respecting work equipment already in use within the company

The introduction of new technology into our undertaking

The introduction of a new system of work into or a change respecting a system of work already in use within our undertaking

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The training shall—

Be repeated periodically where appropriate

Be adapted to take account of any new or changed risks to the health and safety of the employees concerned

Take place during working hours

(Ref. Training matrix)

Protection of young persons

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that young persons employed are protected at work from any risks to their health or safety which are a consequence of their lack of experience, or absence of awareness of existing or potential risks or the fact that young persons have not yet fully matured

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall not employ a young person for work—

Which is beyond their physical or psychological capacity

Involving harmful exposure to agents which are toxic or carcinogenic

Cause heritable genetic damage or harm to the unborn child or which in any other way chronically affect human health

Involving harmful exposure to radiation

Involving the risk of accidents which it may reasonably be assumed cannot be recognised or avoided by young persons owing to their insufficient attention to safety or lack of experience or training

In which there is a risk to health from—

Extreme cold or heat, noise; or vibration

Nothing shall prevent the employment of a young person who is no longer a child for work with Avon Sheeting Ltd —

Where it is necessary for his training

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Where the young person will be supervised by a competent person

Where any risk will be reduced to the lowest level that is reasonably practicable

Section 14

METHOD STATEMENTS & PERMITS TO WORK

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

The process for carrying out the work safely (the way it must be done – method) this is a Method Statement and one will be required for all high risk work carried out by Avon Sheeting Ltd. All method statements covering Roofing work carried out by Avon Sheeting Ltd shall consider the guidance given in HSG33 appendix 1

When a method statement is required to be drawn up Avon Sheeting Ltd shall:

Ensure that all relevant staff have been provided with a copy and instructed on the content, employees shall be requested to sign a declaration confirming their understanding of its contents

Keep a copy of the method statement with the risk assessment

Review periodically

When circumstances change during a job, the method statement may need to be reviewed and amended following authorized changes to working methods

Permits to work shall also be used by Avon Sheeting Ltd to give additional control over high risk work activities, permits to work are required for all our Roofing and Hot Working carried out on site. Work on Tata Steel sites shall be carried out under the safe working conditions of the Tata Steel permit to work system. All external client permit to work requirements shall be adhered to at all times.

(Ref. RAMS, SSWs)

Section 15

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ELECTRICITY

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require the following precautions to be taken to control electrical hazards

Systems, work activities and protective equipment

All Avon Sheeting Ltd electrical systems shall be maintained and at all times be of such construction as to prevent danger

All our work activities, including operation, use and maintenance of electrical systems shall be carried out in such a manner as not to give rise to danger

Any equipment provided for the purpose of protecting persons at work on or near electrical equipment shall be suitable for the use for which it is provided, be maintained in a condition suitable for that use, and be properly used

Strength and capability of electrical equipment

No electrical equipment shall be put into use where its strength and capability may be exceeded in such a way as may give rise to danger

Adverse or hazardous environments

Electrical equipment which may reasonably foreseeably be exposed to–

Mechanical damage

The effects of the weather, natural hazards, temperature or pressure

The effects of wet, dirty, dusty or corrosive conditions; or any flammable or explosive substance, including dusts, vapours or gases shall be of such construction or as necessary protected as to prevent danger arising from such exposure

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No electrical equipment should be left out doors unless it is designed for that purose or it has been authorised by management to leave the equipment in a weather proof box

Insulation, protection and placing of conductors

All conductors in a system which may give rise to danger shall be suitably covered with insulating material and as necessary protected so as to prevent danger

Earthing or other suitable precautions

Precautions shall be taken by earthing to prevent danger arising when any conductor becomes charged as a result of either the use of a system, or a fault in a system

A conductor shall be regarded as earthed when it is connected to the general mass of earth by conductors of sufficient strength and current-carrying capability to discharge electrical energy to earth

Integrity of referenced conductors

If a circuit conductor is connected to earth, nothing which may give rise to danger by breaking the electrical continuity shall be placed in that conductor

Connections

Where necessary to prevent danger, every joint and connection in a system shall be mechanically and electrically suitable for use

Means for protecting from excess of current

Efficient means that are suitably located shall be provided for protecting every part of a system from excess of current as may be necessary to prevent danger

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Means for cutting off the supply and for isolation

Where necessary to prevent danger, suitable means shall be available for–

Cutting off the supply of electrical energy to any electrical equipment; and the isolation of any electrical equipment, Isolation” means the disconnection and separation of the electrical equipment from every source of electrical energy in such a way that this disconnection and separation is secure.

When carrying out any maintenance or repair work on fixed electrical equipment at our premises the equipment shall be isolated and locked off while the work takes place, the person carrying out the work being the only person able to switch the power back on. Portable electrical equipment shall be disconnected from its power supply during maintenance, repair or when not in use

Precautions for work on equipment made dead

Adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent electrical equipment, which has been made dead, from becoming electrically charged during that work

Work on or near live conductors

No Avon Sheeting Ltd person shall be engaged in any work activity on or near any live conductor (other than one suitably covered with insulating material to prevent danger) unless–

It is unreasonable in all the circumstances for it to be dead

It is reasonable in all the circumstances for him to be at work on or near it while it is live

Suitable precautions (including where necessary the provision of suitable protective equipment) are taken to prevent injury (Ref. client focused RAMS)

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Working space, access and lighting

For the purposes of enabling injury to be prevented, adequate working space, adequate means of access, and adequate lighting shall be provided at all electrical equipment on which or near which work is being done in circumstances which may give rise to danger.

Persons to be competent to prevent danger and injury

No Avon Sheeting Ltd person shall be engaged in any work activity where technical knowledge or experience is necessary to prevent danger, unless he possesses such knowledge or experience, or is under such degree of supervision as may be appropriate having regard to the nature of the work.

Section 16

THE WORKPLACE

This document sets out our duties under the Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations

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

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

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure the following workplace standards are maintained -

Maintenance

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

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Ventilation

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

Temperature

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

Lighting

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

Cleanliness

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

Space

Workrooms must have sufficient floor area, height and unoccupied space.

Existing workplaces previously covered by the Factories Act must comply with certain requirements for space and toilets

Workstations

Workstations must be suitable for the worker and work. All necessary equipment will be provided where necessary and DSE/eye tests will be undertaken on a annual basis

Floors

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

Falls

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

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Windows

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

Traffic

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

Doors

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

Toilets

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

Washing

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

Water

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

Clothing

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

Restrooms

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

Suitable facilities must be provided for pregnant or nursing workers to rest and for workers to eat meals.

Section 17

WORK EQUIPMENT

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations apply to all work

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equipment and cover ‘any machinery, appliance, apparatus and tool

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, Avon Sheeting Ltd are required to assess the risks to the health and safety of our workers and others that may be affected by the work, this will include assessing the risks of using work equipment

Where risks are identified, they will be eliminated or reduced accordingly

Avon Sheeting Ltd employees shall be consulted in good time, on all aspects of health and safety including selection of suitable work equipment, risk assessments and maintenance procedures

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, good working order and good repair

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure we have a systematic schedule that will take into account a planned maintenance programme including regular inspections Risk assessments shall be undertaken on the operation of machinery to decide on the level of maintenance required

Currently Avon Sheeting Ltd work equipment is checked at the following frequencies– (Ref. Lifting Equipment and accessories service record)

Specific risks

Where the use of work equipment is likely to involve a specific risk to health or safety, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that the use of that work equipment is restricted to those persons given the task of using it; and repairs, modifications, maintenance or servicing of that work equipment is restricted to those persons who have been specifically designated to perform operations of that description (whether or not also authorised to perform other operations)

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that the persons designated have received adequate training related to any operations in respect of which they have been so designated (Ref. RAMS/Training matrix)

Information and instructions

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that all our employees who use work equipment have available to them adequate health and safety information and, where appropriate, written instructions pertaining to the use of the work equipment Training

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Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that all our employees who use work equipment have received adequate training for purposes of health and safety, including training in the methods which may be adopted when using the work equipment, any risks which such use may entail and precautions to be taken.

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that any of our employees who supervises or manages the use of work equipment has received adequate training for purposes of health and safety, including training in the methods which may be adopted when using the work equipment, any risks which such use may entail and precautions to be taken

Suitability of work equipment

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that work equipment is constructed or adapted as to be suitable for the purpose for which it is used or provided

In selecting work equipment, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall have regard to the working conditions and to the risks to the health and safety of persons which exist in the premises or undertaking in which that work equipment is to be used and any additional risk posed by the use of that work equipment

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that work equipment is used only for operations for which, and under conditions for which, it is suitable

Dangerous parts of machinery

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that measures are taken to prevent access to any dangerous part of machinery or to any rotating stock-bar; or to stop the movement of any dangerous part of machinery or rotating stock-bar before any part of a person enters a danger zone

The measures required shall consist of the provision of fixed guards enclosing every dangerous part or rotating stock-bar where and to the extent that it is practicable to do so

Where or to the extent that it is not, then the provision of other guards or protection devices where and to the extent that it is practicable to do so

Where or to the extent that it is not, then the provision of jigs, holders, push-sticks or similar protection appliances used in conjunction with the machinery where and to the extent that it is practicable to do so

Where or to the extent that it is not, then the provision of information, instruction, training and supervision.

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All guards and protection devices provided shall be suitable for the purpose for which they are provided be of good construction, sound material and adequate strength be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair not give rise to any increased risk to health or safety

Not be easily bypassed or disabled be situated at sufficient distance from the danger zone

Not unduly restrict the view of the operating cycle of the machinery, where such a view is necessary

Be so constructed or adapted that they allow operations necessary to fit or replace parts and for maintenance work, restricting access so that it is allowed only to the area where the work is to be carried out and, if possible, without having to dismantle the guard or protection device

Company vehicles

As of 20/02/2012 all company vehicles used by Avon Sheeting Ltd employees shall be required to be signed out using the work equipment register located within the company stores.

Vehicle keys shall be kept within the stores key box and a spare set in the office key box, and shall be signed out of stores and back in to stores on the vehicles return (as per all work equipment).

Persons signing for a vehicle are fully responsible for that vehicle until the vehicle is signed back into the stores. Responsible key holders are expected to keep the vehicle in a reasonably clean and safe condition while it is in their care and must report any damage, accidents or road offences that might occur before the vehicle and keys are signed back in to the store register.

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Work equipment, tools and materials that are no longer needed for a particular job must not be left in company vehicles and must be returned to its designated storage place without delay.

As of 09/03/2012 all Avon Sheeting Ltd tools and work equipment shall be returned to the company stores on the last Friday of each calendar month. All tools and work equipment shall be visually checked before its return to use and where required shall also be PAT tested and labeled appropriately before further use. This procedure shall ensure that all Avon Sheeting Ltd tools and work equipment shall be formally checked at least every month before further use, the tools and work equipment register shall also be reviewed by the store person and safety manager at least monthly to ensure compliance is achieved.

Section 18

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Under the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992 Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that suitable personal protective equipment is provided to our employees who may be exposed to a risk to their health or safety while at work except where and to the extent that such risk has been adequately controlled by other means which are equally or more effective

Provision of personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment shall not be suitable unless—

It is appropriate for the risk or risks involved and the conditions at the place where exposure to the risk may occur

It takes account of ergonomic requirements and the state of health of the person or persons who may wear it

It is capable of fitting the wearer correctly

It is effective to prevent or adequately control the risk or risks involved without increasing overall risk

Compatibility of personal protective equipment

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that where the presence of more than one risk to health or safety makes it necessary to wear or use simultaneously more than one

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item of personal protective equipment, such equipment is compatible and continues to be effective against the risk or risks in question

Assessment of personal protective equipment

Before choosing any personal protective equipment Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that an assessment is made to determine whether the personal protective equipment he intends to be provided is suitable

The assessment shall include—

An assessment of any risk or risks to health or safety which have not been avoided by other means

Maintenance and replacement of personal protective equipment

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that any personal protective equipment provided to our employees is maintained (including replaced or cleaned as appropriate) in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair

Accommodation for personal protective equipment

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that appropriate accommodation is provided for personal protective equipment when it is not being used

Information, instruction and training

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that our employees are provided with such information, instruction and training as is adequate and appropriate to enable our employees to know—

The risk or risks which the personal protective equipment will avoid or limit;

The purpose for which and the manner in which personal protective equipment is to be used

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Any action to be taken by the employee to ensure that the personal protective equipment remains in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair

Use of personal protective equipment

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that any personal protective equipment provided to our employees is properly used

Avon Sheeting Ltd employees shall use any personal protective equipment provided to them in accordance with any training and instructions Reporting loss or defect

Every employee who has been provided with personal protective equipment shall report to management any loss of or obvious defect in that personal protective equipment.

Section 19

SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations covers most hazardous substances that are used in the workplace. These substances include substances used directly such as solvents, paints, adhesives, cleaners etc and also substances that are generated during work processes or activities such as dust and fumes

Also substances that occur naturally such as grain dust. These regulations do not cover asbestos or lead which have their own regulations. Biological agents that are not directly connected with work and not in the employers control such as catching flu from a workmate are not covered either

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that no work is carried out where our employees or anybody else are likely to be exposed to hazardous substances unless a suitable risk assessment and the steps required by COSHH have been met

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that a suitable and sufficient assessment is made of all the substances in the workplace assessing the risk they present in the way they are used and deciding on what precautions and health surveillance are needed

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Assessment of the risk to health created by work involving substances hazardous to health

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall not carry out work which is liable to expose any of our employees to any substance hazardous to health unless we have —

Made a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk created by our work to the health of those employees and of the steps that need to be taken to meet the requirements of the regulations

The risk assessment shall include consideration of—

The hazardous properties of the substanceInformation on health effects provided by the supplier including information contained in any relevant safety data sheet

The level, type and duration of exposure

The circumstances of the work, including the amount of the substance involvedActivities, such as maintenance, where there is the potential for a high level of exposure

Any relevant occupational exposure standard, maximum exposure limit or similar occupational exposure limit

The effect of control measures which have been or will be taken

The results of relevant health surveillance

The results of monitoring of exposure

In circumstances where the work will involve exposure to more than one substance hazardous to health, the risk presented by exposure to such substances in combination

The approved classification of any biological agent; and such additional information as the employer may need in order to complete the risk assessment

The risk assessment shall be reviewed regularly and forthwith if—

There is reason to suspect that the risk assessment is no longer valid60

There has been a significant change in the work to which the risk assessment relates

The results of any monitoring carried out

As a result of the review, changes to the risk assessment are required, those changes shall be made

Appendix 3 to this document contains generic COSHH risk assessments that are relevant to the hazardous substances used by Avon Sheting Ltd, the generic assessments however must be reviewed and developed to be suitable and sufficient to control the specic hazards that may be associated with each application and site

Prevention or control of exposure to substances hazardous to health

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that the exposure of our employees to substances hazardous to health is either prevented or, where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled

In complying with our duty of prevention substitution shall by preference be undertaken, whereby Avon Sheeting Ltd shall avoid, so far as is reasonably practicable, the use of a substance hazardous to health at the workplace by replacing it with a substance or process which, under the conditions of its use, either eliminates or reduces the risk to the health of our employees

Where it is not reasonably practicable to prevent exposure to a substance hazardous to health, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall comply with our duty of control by applying protection measures appropriate to the activity and consistent with the risk assessment, including, in order of priority—

The design and use of appropriate work processes, systems and engineering controls and the provision and use of suitable work equipment and materials

The control of exposure at source, including adequate ventilation systems and appropriate organisational measures

Where adequate control of exposure cannot be achieved by other means, the provision of suitable personal protective equipment

Control measures shall include—

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Arrangements for the safe handling, storage and transport of substances hazardous to health, and of waste containing such substances, at the workplace

The adoption of suitable maintenance procedures

Reducing, to the minimum required for the work concerned—

The number of employees subject to exposure

The level and duration of exposure

The quantity of substances hazardous to health present at the workplaceThe control of the working environment, including appropriate general ventilation

Appropriate hygiene measures including adequate washing facilities

Where it is not reasonably practicable to prevent exposure to a carcinogen, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall apply the following additional measures-

Totally enclosing the process and handling systems, unless this is not reasonably practicable

The prohibition of eating, drinking and smoking in areas that may be contaminated by carcinogens

Cleaning floors, walls and other surfaces at regular intervals and whenever necessary

Designating those areas and installations which may be contaminated by carcinogens and using suitable and sufficient warning signs

Storing, handling and disposing of carcinogens safely, including using closed and clearly labelled containers

Where it is not reasonably practicable to prevent exposure to a biological agent, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall apply the following additional measures)—

Displaying suitable and sufficient warning signs, including the biohazard sign

Specifying appropriate decontamination and disinfection procedures

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Instituting means for the safe collection, storage and disposal of contaminated waste, including the use of secure and identifiable containers, after suitable treatment where appropriate

Testing, where it is necessary and technically possible, for the presence, outside the primary physical confinement, of biological agents used at work

Specifying procedures for working with, and transporting at the workplace, a biological agent or material that may contain such an agent

Where appropriate, making available effective vaccines for those employees who are not already immune to the biological agent to which they are exposed or are liable to be exposedInstituting hygiene measures compatible with the aim of preventing or reducing the accidental transfer or release of a biological agent from the workplace

The provision of appropriate and adequate washing and toilet facilities

Where appropriate, the prohibition of eating, drinking, smoking and the application of cosmetics in working areas where there is a risk of contamination by biological agents

Where there are human patients or animals which are, or are suspected of being, infected with a Group 3 or 4 biological agent, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall select the most suitable control and containment measures from those listed in Part II of Schedule 3 with a view to controlling adequately the risk of infection

Where there is exposure to a substance for which a maximum exposure limit has been approved, control of exposure shall, so far as the inhalation of that substance is concerned, only be treated as being adequate if the level of exposure is reduced so far as is reasonably practicable and in any case below the maximum exposure limit

Where there is exposure to a substance for which an occupational exposure standard has been approved, control of exposure shall, so far as the inhalation of that substance is concerned, only be treated as being adequate if—

That occupational exposure standard is not exceeded

Where that occupational exposure standard is exceeded, Avon Sheeting Ltd identifies the reasons for the standard being exceeded and takes appropriate action to remedy the situation as soon as is reasonably practicable

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Personal protective equipment provided by an employer in accordance with this regulation shall be suitable for the purpose and shall—

Comply with any provision in the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 which is applicable to that item of personal protective equipment

In the case of respiratory protective equipment be of a type approved or shall conform to a standard approved, in either case, by the executive.

Use of control measures etc.

All Avon Sheeting Ltd employees shall make full and proper use of any control measure, other thing or facility provided in accordance with the regulations and, where relevant, shall—

Take all reasonable steps to ensure it is returned after use to any accommodation provided for it

If he/she discovers a defect report it to his supervisor

Maintenance, examination and testing of control measures

Where engineering controls are provided Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that thorough examination and testing of those controls is carried out—

In the case of local exhaust ventilation plant, at least once every 14 months

In any other case, at suitable intervals

Where respiratory protective equipment (other than disposable respiratory protective equipment) is provided Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that thorough examination and, where appropriate, testing of that equipment is carried out at suitable intervals

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall -

Keep RPE clean, in good working order and follow the maker’s instructions Maintain RPE at least once every three months

Replace face seals and worn or damaged parts on respirators

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Remember to check the expiry dates on RPE

Check the air flow every time, and air quality to air-fed RPE at least once every three months or before use

For mobile compressors, we shall make sure these take in only clean airStore RPE in a safe place, away from contamination

Keep a small stock of replaceable parts.

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall keep a suitable record of the examinations and tests carried out and of repairs carried out as a result of those examinations and tests, and that record or a suitable summary thereof shall be kept available for at least 5 years from the date on which it was made

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that personal protective equipment, including protective clothing, is –

Properly stored in a well-defined place

Checked at suitable intervals

When discovered to be defective, repaired or replaced before further use

Personal protective equipment which may be contaminated by a substance hazardous to health shall be removed on leaving the working area and kept apart from uncontaminated clothing and equipment

Avon Sheeting shall ensure that the equipment is subsequently decontaminated and cleaned or, if necessary, destroyed

Monitoring exposure at the workplace

Where the risk assessment indicates that it is requisite for ensuring the maintenance of adequate control of the exposure of employees to substances hazardous to health, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that the exposure of employees to substances hazardous to health is monitored in accordance with a suitable procedure

The monitoring shall take place—

At regular intervals

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When any change occurs which may affect that exposure

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that a suitable record of monitoring is made and maintained and that that record or a suitable summary thereof is kept available—

Where the record is representative of the personal exposures of identifiable employees, for at least 40 years

In any other case, for at least 5 years from the date of the last entry made in it

Where an employee is required to be under health surveillance, an individual record of any monitoring carried out shall be made, maintained and kept in respect of that employee

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall—

On reasonable notice being given, allow an employee access to his personal monitoring record

Provide the Executive with copies of such monitoring records as the Executive may require

If we cease to trade, notify the Executive in writing and make available to the Executive all monitoring records kept by us

Health surveillance

Where it is appropriate for the protection of the health of our employees who are, or are liable to be, exposed to a substance hazardous to health, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that such employees are under suitable health surveillance

Health surveillance shall be treated as being appropriate where—

The employee is exposed to one of the substances specified in Column 1 of Schedule 6 under the regulatons and is engaged in a process specified in Column 2 of that Schedule

There is a reasonable likelihood that an identifiable disease or adverse health effect will result from that exposure

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The exposure of the employee to a substance hazardous to health is such that—

An identifiable disease or adverse health effect may be related to the exposure

There is a reasonable likelihood that the disease or effect may occur under the particular conditions of his work

There are valid techniques for detecting indications of the disease or effect and the technique of investigation is of low risk to the employee

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that a health record, containing particulars approved by the Executive, in respect of each of our employees is made and maintained and that record or a copy is kept available in a suitable form for at least 40 years from the date of the last entry made in it

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall—

On reasonable notice being given, allow an employee access to his personal health record

Provide the Executive with copies of such health records as the executive may require

If we cease to trade, notify the Executive in writing and make available to the Executive all health records kept by us

If an Avon Sheeting Ltd employee is exposed to a substance specified in Schedule 6 and is engaged in a process specified therein, the health surveillance required shall include medical surveillance under the supervision of a relevant doctor at intervals of not more than 12 months or at such shorter intervals as the relevant doctor may require

Where an Avon Sheeting Ltd employee is subject to medical surveillance and a relevant doctor has certified by an entry in the health record of that employee that in his professional opinion that employee should not be engaged in work which exposes him to that substance or that he should only be so engaged under conditions specified in the record, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall not permit the employee to be engaged in such work except in accordance with the conditions, if any, specified in the health record, unless that entry has been cancelled by a relevant doctor.

Where an Avon Sheeting Ltd employee is subject to medical surveillance and a relevant doctor has certified by an entry in his health record that medical

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surveillance should be continued after his exposure to that substance has ceased, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that the medical surveillance of that employee is continued in accordance with that entry while he is employed by us, unless that entry has been cancelled by a relevant doctorAn employee shall, when required by Avon Sheeting Ltd and at the cost of Avon Sheeting Ltd, present himself during his working hours for such health surveillance procedures as may be required and, in the case of an employee who is subject to medical surveillance shall furnish the relevant doctor with such information concerning his health as the relevant doctor may reasonably require.

Where, as a result of health surveillance, an Avon Sheeting Ltd employee is found to have an identifiable disease or adverse health effect which is considered by a relevant doctor or other occupational health professional to be the result of exposure to a substance hazardous to health Avon Sheeting Ltd shall –

Ensure that a suitably qualified person informs the employee accordingly and provides the employee with information and advice regarding further health surveillance

Review the risk assessment

Review any measure taken, taking into account any advice given by a relevant doctor, occupational health professional or by the Executive

Consider assigning the employee to alternative work where there is no risk of further exposure to that substance, taking into account any advice given by a relevant doctor or occupational health professional

Provide for a review of the health of any other employee who has been similarly exposed, including a medical examination where such an examination is recommended by a relevant doctor, occupational health professional or by the Executive

Where a relevant doctor requires to inspect any workplace or any record kept for the purposes of the regulations, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall permit him to do so.

Where Avon Sheeting Ltd or any Avon Sheeting Ltd employee is aggrieved by a decision recorded in the health record by a relevant doctor to suspend an Avon Sheeting Ltd employee from work which exposes him to a substance hazardous to health (or to impose conditions on such work), we may, by an application in writing to the executive within 28 days of the date on which we were notified of the decision, apply for that decision to be reviewed in accordance with a procedure approved by the Health and Safety Commission, and the result of that

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review shall be notified to our employee and entered in the health record in accordance with the approved procedure.

Information, instruction and training for persons who may be exposed to substances hazardous to health

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall provide our employees who may be exposed to hazardous substances with suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training

The information, instruction and training provided shall include—

Details of the substances hazardous to health to which our employees are liable to be exposed including—

The names of those substances and the risk which they present to health

Any relevant occupational exposure standard, maximum exposure limit or similar occupational exposure limit

Access to any relevant safety data sheet

Other legislative provisions which concern the hazardous properties of those substances

The significant findings of the risk assessment

The appropriate precautions and actions to be taken by our employees in order to safeguard themselves and others at the workplace

The results of any monitoring of exposure and, in particular, in the case of a substance hazardous to health for which a maximum exposure limit has been approved, the employee shall be informed, if the results of such monitoring show that the maximum exposure limit has been exceeded

The collective results of any health surveillance undertaken in a form calculated to prevent those results from being identified as relating to a particular person

Where our employees are working with a Group 4 biological agent or material that may contain such an agent, the provision of written instructions and, if

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appropriate, the display of notices which outline the procedures for handling such an agent or material

The information, instruction and training shall be—Adapted to take account of significant changes in the type of work carried out or methods of work used by Avon Sheeting Ltd

Provided in a manner appropriate to the level, type and duration of exposure identified by the risk assessment

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that any person (whether or not our employee) who carries out work in connection with Avon Sheeting Ltd duties has suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training

Where containers and pipes for substances hazardous to health used at work are not marked in accordance with any relevant legislation listed in Schedule 7 of the regulations, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall, ensure that the contents of those containers and pipes, together with the nature of those contents and any associated hazards, are clearly identifiable

Arrangements to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies

In order to protect the health of our employees from an accident, incident or emergency related to the presence of a substance hazardous to health at the workplace, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that—

Procedures, including the provision of appropriate first-aid facilities and relevant safety drills (which shall be tested at regular intervals), have been prepared which can be put into effect when such an event occurs

Information on emergency arrangements, including—

Details of relevant work hazards and hazard identification arrangements, and specific hazards likely to arise at the time of an accident, incident or emergency, is available

Suitable warning and other communication systems are established to enable an appropriate response, including remedial actions and rescue operations, to be made immediately when such an event occurs

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that information on the procedures and systems is made available to relevant accident and emergency services to enable those

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services, whether internal or external to the workplace, to prepare their own response procedures and precautionary measures; and displayed at the workplace, if this is appropriateIn the event of an accident, incident or emergency related to the presence of a substance hazardous to health at the workplace, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that immediate steps are taken to—

Mitigate the effects of the event

Restore the situation to normal

Inform our employees who may be affected

Only those persons who are essential for the carrying out of repairs and other necessary work are permitted in the affected area and they are provided withappropriate personal protective equipment and any necessary specialised safety equipment and plant which shall be used until the situation is restored to normal

Section 20

PREVENTING SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS

To reduce the likelihood of slips, trips and falls at our workplace, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that the following standards are adhered to:

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall;

Assess the risks from slips, trips and falls and look for slip hazards around the workplace such as uneven floors, trailing cables, areas slippery due to spillages

Lighting shall be sufficient to enable people to see obstructions, potentially slippery areas etc. so that people can work safely. Lighting shall be replaced, repaired or cleaned before levels become too low for safe work

Floors shall be checked for holes, cracks, worn rugs and mats etc.

We shall Keep work areas and walkways clear, remove rubbish without delay and not allow it to build up

We shall provide handrails on steep slopes and steps and use floor markings where necessary

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We shall use cordless tools where possible to reduce trailing cables but where cable tools are required we shall run cables so as to not cause a trip hazard

Avon Sheeting Ltd employees are required to follow our safe systems of work to prevent slips and trips at the workplace to include the following –

Obstructions and objects left lying around can cause trips. Keep work areas tidy and if obstructions can’t be removed warn people with signs or barriers

Clean up spills immediately, if a liquid is greasy, make sure a suitable cleaning agent is used. Dry the floor where possible or use appropriate barriers to tell people the floor is wet

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

Section 21

CONSTRUCTION DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall carry out our duties under the Construction Design and Management regulations. The responsibilities that we would take on under the regulations when acting as a duty holder are listed below; we also ensure that we comply with all relevant on site requirements under part 4 of the regulations not listed in these arrangements.

Sub-Contractors

All sub-contractors engaged by Avon Sheeting Ltd for work on Tata Steel sites shall be vetted and approved by Tata Steel.

Any sub-contractors we engage outside of Tata Steel shall be vetted and approved by Avon Sheeting Ltd using our contractor questionnaire prior to their engagement to ensure that the required health and safety standards are met

Ongoing monitoring of sub-contractors shall be carried out by our supervisors and managers while working on site.

SAMS way72

What is SAMS way?

SAMS way is a management tool that can be used to assist when determining the safety management requirements necessary for each new job or project

Safety planning for each project

In order to determine the level of planning required for each project and to ensure that all site specific hazards are considered and controlled prior to and during any new project Avon Sheeting ltd shall follow our procedures as laid out in SAMS way

Questions laid out in the SAMS way flow chart should be considered to assist when deciding on what planning is necessary for each project i.e. Red route or Green route

No project carried out by Avon Sheeting Ltd should commence without first considering the questions laid out in the SAMS way flow chart, unless authorized by senior management

The following procedures should be followed when considering a new job or project;

1. Use the SAMS way flow chart and procedures to determine what level of management control is necessary for each new project or job i.e. RED route or GREEN route

2. When the RED route is necessary, visit the job site and carry out a site survey using the site survey questionnaire and also request any pre-construction information from the client, this should be carried out ASAP when the job is awarded

3. Carry out a site specific risk assessment using the Avon Sheeting Ltd risk assessment template considering all the information gathered during the site survey and pre-construction information from the client

4. Using the survey reports, site specific risk assessment, HSG roofing procedures, HSG method statement questionnaire and TATA PBS (for TATA work) formulate a method statement.

5. ENSURE THE METHOD STATEMENT IS SIMPLE TO FOLLOW AND INCLUDES DETAILS OF WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE AND HOW the job will be carried out safely. Avoid un-necessary repetition of generic information as this will hide valuable information that needs to be clear and concise

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6. Communicate the job requirements to all relevant parties and provide the level of supervision and monitoring necessary to ensure that the safe methods of work are maintained throughout the job

The following procedures and guidance should be considered when following SAMS way

S = SURVEY A = ASSESS M = MANAGE S = SUPERVISE

1. S = SURVEY

Visit the job location to determine site conditions and identify site hazards

What to consider

Use the pre-construction checklist that has been developed from appendix 2 of the CDM 2007 regulations to ensure that all hazards are identified and risks are assessed and controlled prior to and during working

What are the surrounding hazards?

Are there physical hazards?

Safe access and egressMoving plant and equipmentUnderground services, voids, cellars, drains etc. that could be damaged by heavy equipment such as cherry pickers, cranes etc.Overhead electrical services and safe arcing distancesOverhead obstructionsHidden services behind surfaces to drill or cut intoIs the structure stable?Is there a safe working platform?Is there work at height required?Is roof work required and is the roof safe to walk onIs there a structural survey required?Hot or cold conditions or surfacesConfined spacesWater

Are there chemical hazards?

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Existing hazardous substances i.e. gas emissions, dust etc. Generated hazardous substances from cutting or drilling What will we be cutting or drilling into?Flammable substances Potentially explosive atmospheres Are there biological hazards?

SewerageRatsPigeon droppings

Are there psychological hazards?

Time restraints & pressure to finish the job

Public interface

Who else will be in the area and could the work put their safety at risk?How will the work affect existing activities?How will existing activities affect the work?When is the safest time to carry out the work?Are there emergency services nearby?How will the work site be secured?Are there neighbouring properties affected by noise, dust etc?Are there schools nearby?How and where will materials be stored safely and securely?How and where will materials be unloaded safely?

Environment

Is there adequate light?How will the weather affect the work?How will the work impact on the environment?

Hazardous materials

AsbestosLeadContaminated land

Request pre-construction information from the client

The client is legally required under CDM 2007 to provide pre-construction information regarding hazards that exist on their property i.e. surveys for asbestos, service plans, land surveys, structural surveys, roof surveys etc.

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2. A = ASSESS

Identify hazards (anything with the potential to cause harm)

List the site hazards identified during the site surveyList the equipment that will be used during the task and identify hazardsList the materials that will be used during the task and identify hazardsList any substances that will be used during the task and identify hazardsList any hazards included in the client’s pre-construction information

Determine who could be harmed and what harm could occur

Are employees at risk?Are members of public at risk?Are residents at risk?Are other contractors at risk?Are lots of people at risk?Is there potential for serious illness, injury or death?Could there be fatal or catastrophic affects i.e. fire, explosion?

Evaluate the level of risk

How likely is it that harm could occur?How severe could the harm be?Quantify the likelihood with a number i.e. 1-5 Quantify the severity with a number i.e. 1-5Multiply the likelihood x the severity to determine the level of riskCategorize what figure constitutes low, medium and high risk

Control the risks

When controlling risks, apply the following principles where possible in this order of preference

Elimination - Can we eliminate the risk? If not, how can we control the risks so that harm is unlikely?

Reduction -Try a less risky option (e.g. switch to using a less hazardous chemical)

Isolation - Prevent access to the hazard (e.g. by guarding)

Control - Organise work to reduce exposure to the hazard (e.g. put barriers between pedestrians and traffic

PPE - Issue personal protective equipment e.g. clothing, footwear, goggles Etc.

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Refer to the relevant regulations, approved codes of practise, HSE Guidance and industry best practise to determine the safest and most suitable methods of work and equipment

Ensure that employees are competent to operate equipment and carry out the task safely

Safe systems of work that break down complex tasks into manageable sequential steps can help to ensure that the required control measures are implemented as and when required throughout the task

Record the risk assessment findings and safe systems of work and brief the necessary personnel prior to working

3. M = MANAGE

Planning the task

Ensure that the task is properly planned using all the information obtained in the survey and risk assessment, develop a method statement using all information gathered and also considering HSG33 guidance for roof work

Organizational requirements

Choose the right people for the task that can deliver the required standards ensuring adequate supervision and monitoring arrangements, ensure all relevant parties are made aware of the required safe systems of work and standards

Control

Implement all the necessary control measures from the risk assessment, monitor the work regularly

Monitoring

Monitor the task to ensure that the necessary controls are implemented and effective

Review

Review the preventive and protective measures to ensure they remain effective77

Ensure compliance with legal requirements under health and safety legislation

Appoint a competent person to assist with the requirements of health and safety legislation and associated regulations

A person shall be regarded as competent where he has sufficient training experience and/or knowledge

Emergency procedures

Develop emergency procedures to be followed in the event of serious and imminent danger

Ensure that any necessary contacts with external services are arranged, particularly as regards first-aid, emergency medical care and rescue work

Informing persons of risks Provide employees with relevant information on the risks to their health and safety identified by the assessment

Cooperation and coordination

Co-operate with any other employers working on the project

Coordinate work with other contractors and inform them of the risks to their employees' health and safety arising out of our work

Employee’s capability

Take into account the capabilities of our employees as regards health and safety

Ensure that employees are provided with adequate health and safety training

4. S = SUPERVISE

Ensure that the level of supervision provided is sufficient to ensure that the safe methods of work are followed on site

Select supervisors who have the necessary competence to ensure that the job is carried out safely

Competent supervisors should have the necessary experience, skills, training and knowledge

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Consult with supervisors and encourage their input regarding the safety requirements of the job

Trainee employees who have little experience should not carry out hazardous work unless properly supervised

Supervisors should assess the job at the point of work on an ongoing daily basis regarding any changes and additional hazards that might arise

Supervisors must inform management before making any significant changes to the agreed method of work and any changes must be authorised by management prior to work

Pre and post risk assessments must be carried out by supervisors including work equipment visual checks and recording

As a contractor for non-notifiable projects we shall;

Plan, manage and monitor our own work and that of our workers

Check the competence of all our appointees and workers

Train and provide information to our own employees

Comply with the specific requirements in Part 4 of the CDM Regulations and ensure there are adequate welfare facilities for our workers

For duties as a contractor working on a notifiable project we shall;

Check that the client is aware of his duties under the regulations and that a CDM coordinator has been appointed and the HSE notified before starting work

Co-operate with the principal contractor in planning and managing work, including reasonable directions and site rules

Provide details to the principal contractor of any contractor that we engage in connection with carrying out the work

Provide any information needed for the health and safety file

Inform the principal contractor of problems with the plan

Inform the principal contractor of reportable accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences

On all projects Avon Sheeting Ltd shall;

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Check our own competence

Co-operate with others and co-ordinate our work so as to ensure the health and safety of construction workers and others who may be affected by the work

Report obvious risks

Comply with requirements in Schedule 3 and Part 4 of the CDM Regulations for any work under our control

Take account of and apply the general principles of prevention when carrying out our duties

When acting as a Principal Contractor Avon Sheeting shall;

Plan, manage and monitor the construction phase in liaison with other contractors

Prepare, develop and implement a written plan and site rules

Ensure that the Initial plan is completed before the construction phase begins

Give contractors relevant parts of the plan

Make sure suitable welfare facilities are provided from the start and maintained throughout the construction phase

Check the competence of all appointees

Ensure all workers have site inductions and any further information and training needed for the work

Consult with the workers

Liaise with CDM coordinator regarding ongoing design

Secure the site

When carrying out our duty as a client for non-notifiable work Avon Sheeting Ltd shall;

Check the competence and resources of all appointees

Ensure that any work carried out by contractors on our premises is adequately risk assessed, supervised and carried out safely

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Ensure there are suitable management arrangements for the project including welfare facilities

Allow sufficient time and resources for all stages

Provide pre-construction information to designers and contractors

When carrying out our duty as a client on notifiable projects we shall;

Appoint a CDM coordinator

Appoint a principal contractor

Make sure that the construction phase does not start unless there are suitable:

Welfare facilities

A construction phase plan is in place

We shall provide information relating to the health and safety file, to the CDM coordinator and retain and provide access to the health and safety file

We shall ensure a CDM coordinator and principal contractor is appointed until the end of the construction phase

Section 22

LONE WORKING

The law requires employers and others to think about and deal with anyhealth and safety risks before people should be allowed to work alone

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall carry out its duty to assess risks to lone workersand take steps to avoid or control risks where necessary

We shall investigate the potential hazards faced by lone workers and assess the risks involved both to the lone worker and to any person who may be affected by their work

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that measures are in place to control or avoid such risks

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall involve staff or their representatives when undertaking the required risk assessment process and take steps to

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check control measures are in place, measures include instruction, training, supervision and issuing protective equipment

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall review risk assessments annually or, as few workplaces stay the same, when there has been a significant change in working practice

When a risk assessment shows it is not possible for the work to be conducted safely by a lone worker, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall address that risk by, for example, making arrangements to provide help or back-up; and where a lone worker is working at another employer’s workplace, that employer should inform the lone worker’s employer of any risks and the required control measures

The risk assessment shall help Avon Sheeting Ltd decide on the right level of supervision

There are some high-risk activities where at least one other person may need to be present

Examples include;

Working in a high-risk confined space, where a supervisor may need to be present, along with someone dedicated to the rescue role

People working at or near exposed live electricity conductors

Other electrical works where at least two people are sometimes required

Lone workers should not be put at more risk than other employees. In order toachieve this, extra risk control measures may be necessary.

Precautions shall take account of normal work and foreseeable emergenciese.g. fire, equipment failure, illness and accidents

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall identify situations where people work alone and ask questions such as:

Does the workplace present a special risk to the lone worker? Is there a safe way in and out for one person?

Can one person safely handle the necessary access equipment, such as portable ladders or trestles?

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Can one person safely handle all the machinery and goods involved in the workplace?

Are there any chemicals or hazardous substances being used that may pose a risk to the worker?

Does the work involve lifting objects too large for one person?

Is more than one person needed to operate essential controls for the safe running of equipment or workplace transport?

Is there a risk of violence?

Are young, pregnant or disabled workers particularly at risk if they work alone?

Are there any other reasons why the individual (for example a trainee) may bemore vulnerable than others?

If the lone worker’s first language is not English, are suitable arrangements inplace to ensure clear communication, especially in an emergency?

Medical conditions

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall check that our lone workers have no medical conditions that may make them unsuitable for working alone. Seek medical advice if necessary and consider both routine work and foreseeable emergencies that may impose additional physical and mental burdens on an individual

Training

Training is particularly important where there is limited supervision to control, guide and help in situations of uncertainty

Lone workers need to be sufficiently experienced and fully understand the risks and precautions. Avon Sheeting Ltd shall set the limits to what can and cannot be done while working alone. We shall ensure employees are competent to deal with circumstances that are new, unusual or beyond the scope of training, for example when to stop work and seek advice from a supervisor.

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Supervision

Although lone workers cannot be subject to constant supervision, it is still the duty of Avon Sheeting Ltd to ensure they are healthy and safe at work.

Supervision can help to ensure that employees understand the risks associated with their work and that the necessary health and safety precautions are carried out.

Supervisors shall also provide guidance in situations where there is uncertainty

Supervision of health and safety can often be carried out when checking theprogress and quality of the work, this may take the form of periodic site visitscombined with discussions in which health and safety issues are raised

The extent of supervision required depends on the risks involved and the ability of the lone worker to identify and handle health and safety issues. Employees new to a job, undergoing training, doing a job that presents special risks, or dealing with new situations may need to be accompanied at first

The level of supervision required is a management decision, which should be based on the findings of a risk assessment: the higher the risk, the greater the level of supervision required. It should not be left to individuals to decide whether they require assistance

Procedures must be put in place to monitor lone workers to help keep them healthy and safe, these procedures may include;

Supervisor’s periodically visiting and observing people working alone,

Regular contact between the lone worker and supervisor, using mobile phones, telephones, radios or e-mail, bearing in mind the worker’s understanding of English;

Automatic warning devices which operate if specific signals are not received periodically from the lone worker, e.g. staff security systems

Other devices designed to raise the alarm in an emergency; these can be operated manually or automatically by the absence of activity

Checks to ensure a lone worker has returned to their base or home once their task is completed

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If a person becomes ill, has an accident or there is an emergency

Lone workers shall be capable of responding correctly to emergencies

Risk assessment shall identify foreseeable events

Emergency procedures shall be established and employees trained in them

Information regarding a premises emergency procedures and danger areas should be given to lone workers

Lone workers should have access to adequate first-aid facilities

Mobile workers should carry a first-aid kit suitable for treating minor injuries

Occasionally, risk assessment may indicate that lone workers need first aid training

Section 23

ALCOHOL & DRUGS

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

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

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

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall carry out random drugs and alcohol spot checks at six monthly intervals on 20% of the workforce.

Section 24

HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING

Avon Sheeting Ltd employees are required to attend the following Health & Safety training sessions when requested:

Topic Areas covered When Who shall deliver the training

Health & Safety Legal Responsibilities First day of Internal85

Induction Fire ArrangementsFirst Aid ArrangementsSafety SignsGeneral Building ArrangementsHealth & Safety InformationSecurity ArrangementsBuilding Tour

employment

Job Specific Training

As dictated by job role, previous experience and previous training, to include the level of training necessary for safe working

Can be assessed and prioritized depending on job tasks

Internal on the job training/supervisionand externally provided training where necessary

Passport to Safety

As dictated by job role, previous experience and training, to include the level of training necessary for safe working

Can be assessed and prioritized depending on job tasks

Barry Training Ltd

Gas Safety Training

As dictated by job role, previous experience and training, to include the level of training necessary for safe working

Can be assessed and prioritized depending on job tasks

Tata

Manual Handling Safe manual handling techniques that are relevant to the type of work carried out by the employee

Can be assessed and prioritized depending on job tasks

Barry Training Ltd

Refresher Training

Training shall be repeated periodically where appropriateand adapted to take account of any new or changed risks to the health and safety of the employees concerned

Can be assessed and prioritized depending on job tasks

Internal and externally provided

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Section 25

SAFETY MONITORING

Safety inspection/testing and monitoring should take place at pre-determined intervals:

Type Description Frequency

Workplace Site Safety Inspection & Audit

A recorded inspection of a current site workplace and audit of documentation required at site checking also that agreed JMS is being applied

2 per week

Work Equipment Site Inspection

A recorded inspection of work equipment used at a site location i.e. correct/suitable for task, condition, serviced, operator trained to use etc

2 per month

Hand Held Electrical Equipment Visual Checks

Recorded visual checks of hand held electrical equipment

Monthly

Portable appliance Testing

Hand held electrical equipment earth leakage testOffice electrical equipment earth leakage test

3 Monthly12 Monthly

Lifting Equipment

Lifting accessories

Thorough test and examination of fork lift trucks

Thorough test and examination of lifting accessories and people lifting equipment i.e. harness, inertia reels, lanyards, ropes, slings, ez lines, scissor lifts, cherry pickers, man basket etc

All lifting equipment and accessories are also subject to before use inspection carried out by the user

12 Monthly

6 Monthly

Before use

Section 26

DRIVING ON COMPANY BUSINESS/USE OF COMPANY VEHICLES

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that the following basic precautions are taken to reduce the likelihood of accidents to our employees whilst driving on company business -

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall -

Require employees using company vehicles to make regular daily inspections of the vehicle for obvious defects and ensure any defects are reported to

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management without delay using the checklist provided

Drive in a safe manner at all times and be particularly careful when driving on work sites to consider the local site rules and conditions and 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

Reverse into parking spaces where possible

Report all accidents or damage, however minor, to your Manager

Ensure any traffic violations you are involved in which, result in you yourself being prosecuted, are reported to your manager

Never use a mobile phone whilst driving

Clean the vehicle regularly

Section 27

HOUSEKEEPING

All employees at Avon Sheeting Ltd are required to cooperate with the company in order to maintain a good standard of housekeeping

The company shall make sure that all trade waste, dirt and refuse is regularly disposed of and employees must keep all work surfaces that they use in a clean and tidy condition

All equipment and substances used by employees should be returned to the designated storage areas as instructed by management

For safety reasons the following equipment must be returned to the stores and signed in as per the following frequencies

Safety harnesses must be returned and signed in to the stores on a daily basis Inertia reels must be returned and signed in to the stores on a weekly basis

When left on site, Inertia reels must be stored securely and safely in a weather proof box to prevent damage and deterioration caused by the weather

All portable electrical equipment must be returned to the stores on Monthly basis to be checked

Floors and gangways -

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Must be kept clean, dry and not slippery

Must have good drainage in wet processes

Must be well marked and kept clear

Must have level, even surfaces without holes or broken boards

Must have floor load capacities posted in lofts, storage areas etc

Must have steps, corners and fixed obstacles clearly marked e.g. by black and yellow diagonal stripes

Must have floor openings, e.g. vehicle examination pits, covered when not in use and the edges clearly marked

Ramps must be kept dry with non-skid surfaces

Suitable working platforms must be provided when necessary

Outside must be salted/sanded and swept during icy or frosty conditions

Adequate space is provided for easy movement and safe machine adjustment.

Special care is taken to prevent any tripping hazards (trailing wires etc.).

Handholds or guardrails where people might fall from floor edges are provided.

All tools must be stored neatly and tidily

Furniture has been arranged so that sharp corners do not present a hazard to passers by

Section 28

THE CONTROL OF LEGIONELLA BACTERIA

Legionnaire’s disease is a potentially fatal pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria

Breathing in small droplets of water contaminated by the bacteria causes infection

Legionella bacteria may contaminate and grow in hot and cold water systems

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall identify and assess sources of risk using the assistance of a competent person

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Prepare a scheme (or course of action) for preventing or controlling the risk

Implement and manage the scheme – appoint a ‘responsible person’

Keep records and check that what has been done is effective

The following procedures shall be carried out by Avon Sheeting Ltd to ensure the safe management of our water systems including communal showers regarding Legionella bacteria;

Legionella Water Systems for Building Guidelines

1. Cold Water storage TanksAnnual clean and chlorination by approved water treatment Company. Certification required – We currently do not have any cold water storage tanks in use

2. Heating feed and expansion tanksDo not require chlorination procedures

3. Cold water temperature must not exceed 20°C. Should the temperatures rise above this, carry out measures to reduce temperature, i.e. insulation to tanks /ventilation to area, should this be a common or consistent high temperature reading, have regular dip slides taken by Water Treatment Company for bacteria count or engineer out problem – Mains supply only

4. Hot water temperature must be stored at 60°C – The hot water tank temperature shall be checked weekly

5. Shower headsRemove, clean and sterilise with sodium hydrochloride – Quarterly and record

6. Six monthly - Emergency ShowersAs per Item 5

Section 29

ASBESTOS 90

In the Control of Asbestos regulations the duty holder can be every person who has by virtue of a contract or tenancy, an obligation of any extent in relation to the maintenance or repair of non-domestic premises

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that we carry out our duties under the regulations regarding our premises and also regarding any work that we carry out near or with asbestos containing materials

Duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises

In order to enable Avon Sheeting Ltd to manage the risk from asbestos in our premises, we shall ensure that a suitable and sufficient assessment is carried out as to whether asbestos is or is liable to be present in our premises

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that—

Account is taken of building plans or other relevant information and of the age of the premises; and an inspection is made of those parts of the premises which are reasonably accessible

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that the assessment is reviewed forthwith if there is reason to suspect that the assessment is no longer valid; or there has been a significant change in the premises to which the assessment relates.

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that the conclusions of the assessment are recorded in our current premises, is the encapsulated roof sheeting of the building

Where the assessment shows that asbestos is or is liable to be present in any part of our premises then we shall ensure that—

Determination of the risk from that asbestos is made;A written plan identifying those parts of the premises concerned is prepared

The measures which are to be taken for managing the risk are specified in the written plan

The measures to be specified in the plan for managing the risk shall include adequate measures for—

Monitoring the condition of any asbestos or any substance containing or suspected of containing asbestos

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Ensuring any asbestos or any such substance is properly maintained or where necessary safely removed

Ensuring that information about the location and condition of any asbestos or any such substance is provided to every person liable to disturb it is made available to the emergency services

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that—

The plan is reviewed and revised at regular intervals, and if there is reason to suspect that the plan is no longer valid, or there has been a significant change in the premises to which the plan relates

The measures specified in the plan are implemented; and the measures taken to implement the plan are recorded

Identification of the presence of asbestosAvon Sheeting Ltd shall not undertake work in demolition, maintenance, or any other work which exposes or is liable to expose our employees to asbestos in respect of any premises unless either—

We have carried out a suitable and sufficient assessment as to whether asbestos, what type of asbestos, contained in what material and in what condition is present or is liable to be present in those premises; or if there is doubt as to whether asbestos is present in those premises we shall assume that asbestos is present

Assessment of work which exposes employees to asbestosAvon Sheeting Ltd shall not carry out work which is liable to expose our employees to asbestos unless we have—

Made a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk created by that exposure to the health of those employees and of the steps that need to be taken to meet the requirements of the regulations

Recorded the significant findings of that risk assessment as soon as is practicable after the risk assessment is made

The risk assessment shall—

Identify the type of asbestos to which our employees are liable to be exposed

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Determine the nature and degree of exposure which may occur in the course of their work

Consider the effects of control measures which have been or will be taken

Consider the results of monitoring of exposure

Set out the steps to be taken to prevent that exposure or reduce it to the lowest level reasonably practicable

Consider the results of any medical surveillance that is relevant

The risk assessment shall be reviewed regularly if—

There is reason to suspect that the existing risk assessment is no longer valid

There is a significant change in the work to which the risk assessment relates

Where the risk assessment has determined that the exposure of our employees to asbestos may exceed the control limit, we shall keep a copy of the significant findings of the risk assessment at those premises at which, and for such time as, the work to which that risk assessment relates is being carried out

Plans of work

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall not undertake any work with asbestos unless we have prepared a suitable written plan of work detailing how that work is to be carried out

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall keep a copy of the plan of work at those premises at which the work to which the plan relates is being carried out for such time as that work continues

In cases of final demolition or major refurbishment of premises, the plan of work shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, and unless it would cause a greater risk to employees than if the asbestos had been left in place, specify that asbestos shall be removed before any other major works begin.

The plan of work shall include in particular details of—

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The nature and probable duration of the work

The location of the place where the work is to be carried out

The methods to be applied where the work involves the handling of asbestos or materials containing asbestos

The characteristics of the equipment to be used for—

Protection and decontamination of those carrying out the work, and protection of other persons on or near the worksite

The measures that Avon Sheeting Ltd intend to take in order to comply with the regulations

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the work to which the plan of work relates is carried out in accordance with that plan and any subsequent written changes to it

Licensing of work with asbestos

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall not undertake any licensable work with asbestos unless we hold the relevant licence

The executive may grant a licence for work with asbestos if it considers it appropriate to do so and if the person who wishes the licence to be granted to him has made application for it and the application was made at least 28 days before the date from which the licence is to run, or such shorter period as the executive may allow

A licence under the regulations shall come into operation on the date specified in the licence, and shall be valid for any period up to a maximum of three years

The license may be granted subject to such conditions as the executive may consider appropriate

The Executive may vary the terms of a licence under the regulations if it considers it appropriate to do so and in particular may add further conditions and vary or omit existing ones, it may also reduce the period for which the licence is valid or extend that period up to a maximum of three years from the date on which the licence first came into operation

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The Executive may revoke a licence under the regulations if it considers it appropriate to do so

The holder of a licence under the regulations shall return the licence to the executive when required by the executive for any amendment; or following its revocation

Notification of work with asbestos

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall not undertake any work with asbestos unless we have notified the appropriate office of the enforcing authority in writing of the particulars specified in the regulations at least 14 days before commencing that work or such shorter time before as the enforcing authority may agree

Where we have notified work in accordance with the regulations and there is a material change in that work which might affect the particulars notified (including the cessation of the work), Avon Sheeting Ltd shall notify the appropriate office of the enforcing authority in writing of that change.

Information, instruction and training

Avon Sheeting shall ensure that adequate information, instruction and training is given to those of our employees—

Who are or who are liable to be exposed to asbestos, or who supervise such employees, so that they are aware of—

The properties of asbestos and its effects on health, including its interaction with smoking

The types of products or materials likely to contain asbestos

The operations which could result in asbestos exposure and the importance of preventive controls to minimise exposure

Safe work practices, control measures, and protective equipment

The purpose, choice, limitations, proper use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment

Emergency procedures

Hygiene requirements

Decontamination procedures

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Waste handling procedures

Medical examination requirements

The control limit and the need for air monitoring In order to safeguard themselves and other employees

The information, instruction and training shall be—

Given at regular intervals and adapted to take account of significant changes in the type of work carried out or methods of work used by Avon Sheeting Ltd.

It shall be provided in a manner appropriate to the nature and degree of exposure identified by the risk assessment, and so that the employees are aware of the significant findings of the risk assessment, and the results of any air monitoring carried out with an explanation of the findings.

Prevention or reduction of exposure to asbestos

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall—

Prevent the exposure of our employees to asbestos so far as is reasonably practicable

Where it is not reasonably practicable to prevent such exposure we shall—

Take the measures necessary to reduce the exposure of our employees to asbestos to the lowest level reasonably practicable by measures other than the use of respiratory protective equipment, and ensure that the number of our employees who are exposed to asbestos at any one time is as low as is reasonably practicable

Where it is not reasonably practicable for us to prevent the exposure of our employees to asbestos we shall include, in order of priority—

The design and use of appropriate work processes, systems and engineering controls and the provision and use of suitable work equipment and materials in order to avoid or minimise the release of asbestos

Control exposure at source, including adequate ventilation systems and appropriate organisational measures

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Avon Sheeting Ltd shall so far as is reasonably practicable provide our employees concerned with suitable respiratory protective equipment in addition to the measures already specified

Where it is not reasonably practicable to reduce the exposure of our employees to asbestos to below the control limit by other measures then, in addition to taking those measures, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall provide our employees with suitable respiratory protective equipment which will reduce the concentration of asbestos in the air inhaled by the employees (after taking account of the effect of that respiratory protective equipment) to a concentration which is below the control limit; and is as low as is reasonably practicable

Respiratory protective equipment shall conform to a standard approved by the Executive

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that no employee is exposed to asbestos in a concentration in the air inhaled by that worker which exceeds the control limit or if the control limit is exceeded

Inform any employees concerned and ensure that work does not continue in the affected area until adequate measures have been taken to reduce employees’ exposure to asbestos to below the control limit

As soon as is reasonably practicable identify the reasons for the control limit being exceeded and take the appropriate measures to prevent it being exceeded again

Check the effectiveness of the measures taken by carrying out immediate air monitoring

Maintenance of control measures

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that—

In the case of plant and equipment, including engineering controls and personal protective equipment, it is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, in good repair and in a clean condition

In the case of provision of systems of work and supervision and of any other measure, it is reviewed at suitable intervals and revised if necessary

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Where exhaust ventilation equipment or respiratory protective equipment (except disposable respiratory protective equipment) is provided Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that thorough examinations and tests of that equipment are carried out at suitable intervals by a competent person

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall keep a suitable record of the examinations and tests carried out and of repairs carried out as a result of those examinations and tests, and that record or a suitable summary thereof shall be kept available for at least 5 years from the date on which it was made.

Provision and cleaning of protective clothing

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall provide adequate and suitable protective clothing for our employees who are exposed or are liable to be exposed to asbestos, unless no significant quantity of asbestos is liable to be deposited on the clothes of the employee while he is at work

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that protective clothing provided is either disposed of as asbestos waste or adequately cleaned at suitable intervals

The cleaning required shall be carried out either on the premises where the exposure to asbestos has occurred, where those premises are suitably equipped for such cleaning, or in a suitably equipped laundry

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that protective clothing which has been used and is to be removed from the premises (whether for cleaning, further use or disposal) is packed, before being removed, in a suitable receptacle which shall be labelled as if it were a product containing asbestos or, in the case of protective clothing intended for disposal as waste

Arrangements to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies

In order to protect the health of our employees from an accident, incident or emergency related to the use of asbestos in a work process or to the removal or repair of asbestos-containing materials at the workplace, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that—

Procedures, including the provision of relevant safety drills (which shall be tested at regular intervals), have been prepared which can be put into effect when such an event occurs

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Information on emergency arrangements, including—

Details of relevant work hazards and hazard identification arrangements

Specific hazards likely to arise at the time of an accident, incident or emergency

Suitable warning and other communication systems are established to enable an appropriate response, including remedial actions and rescue operations, to be made immediately when such an event occurs

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that information on the procedure and systems required is—

Made available to the relevant accident and emergency services to enable those services, whether internal or external to the workplace, to prepare their own response procedures and precautionary measures

Displayed at the workplace, if this is appropriate

In the event of an accident, incident or emergency related to the unplanned release of asbestos at the workplace, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that—

Immediate steps are taken to—

Mitigate the effects of the event

Restore the situation to normal

Inform any person who may be affected

Only those persons who are responsible for the carrying out of repairs and other necessary work are permitted in the affected area and they are provided with—

Appropriate respiratory protective equipment and protective clothing

Any necessary specialised safety equipment and plant

which shall be used until the situation is restored to normal.

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Duty to prevent or reduce the spread of asbestos

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall prevent or, where this is not reasonably practicable, reduce to the lowest level reasonably practicable the spread of asbestos from any place where work under our control is carried out.

Cleanliness of premises and plant

Whenever Avon Sheeting Ltd undertakes work which exposes or is liable to expose our employees to asbestos we shall ensure that—The premises or those parts of the premises where that work is carried out, and the plant used in connection with that work are kept in a clean state

Where such work has been completed, the premises, or those parts of the premises where the work was carried out, are thoroughly cleaned

Designated Areas

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that any area in which Asbestos work under our control is carried out is designated as—

An asbestos area, where any employee would be liable to be exposed to asbestos in that area;

A respirator zone where the concentration of asbestos fibres in the air in that area would exceed or would be liable to exceed the control limit

Asbestos areas and respirator zones shall be clearly and separately demarcated and identified by notices indicating—

That the area is an asbestos area or a respirator zone or both, as the case may be

In the case of a respirator zone, that the exposure of an employee who enters it is liable to exceed the control limit and that respiratory protective equipment must be worn

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Avon Sheeting Ltd shall not permit any employee, other than an employee who by reason of his work is required to be in an area designated as an asbestos area or a respirator zone, to enter or remain in any such area and only employees who are so permitted shall enter or remain in any such area

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that only competent employees shall—

Enter a respirator zone

Supervise any employees who enter a respirator zone

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that—

Our employees do not eat, drink or smoke in an area designated as an asbestos area or a respirator zone

Arrangements are made for such employees to eat or drink in some other place.

Air Monitoring

Avon Sheeting shall monitor the exposure of our employees to asbestos by measurement of asbestos fibres present in the air at regular intervals and when a change occurs which may affect that exposure

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall keep a suitable record of monitoring carried out. In a case where exposure is such that a health record is required to be kept it shall be kept for at least 40 years, In any other case for at least 5 years from the date of the last entry made in it

Standards for air testing and site clearance certification

Site clearance certificate for reoccupation means a certificate issued to confirm that premises or parts of premises where work with asbestos has been carried out have been thoroughly cleaned upon completion of that work

When Avon Sheeting Ltd requests a person to carry out any measurement of the concentration of asbestos fibres present in the air we shall ensure that that person is accredited by an appropriate body as competent to perform work in compliance with ISO 17025

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When Avon Sheeting Ltd requests a person to assess whether premises or parts of premises where work with asbestos has been carried out have been thoroughly cleaned upon completion of that work and are suitable for reoccupation such that a site clearance certificate for reoccupation can be issued, we shall ensure that that person is accredited by an appropriate body as competent

Health records and medical surveillance

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that—

A health record, containing particulars approved by the Executive, relating to each of our employees who is exposed to asbestos is maintained

That record or a copy thereof is kept available in a suitable form for at least 40 years from the date of the last entry made in it

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that each of our employees who is exposed to asbestos is under adequate medical surveillance by a relevant doctor

The medical surveillance shall include—

A medical examination not more than 2 years before the beginning of such exposure

Periodic medical examinations at intervals of not more than 2 years or such shorter time as the relevant doctor may require while such exposure continues

Each such medical examination shall include a specific examination of the chestWhere an employee has been examined the relevant doctor shall issue a certificate to Avon Sheeting Ltd and our employee stating—

That the employee has been so examined; and the date of the examination

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall keep that certificate or a copy thereof for at least 4 years from the date on which it was issued

Our employees when required shall present themselves during working hours for such examination and tests as may be required and shall furnish the relevant doctor with such information concerning his health as the relevant doctor may reasonably require

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Where a relevant doctor requires to inspect any record kept Avon Sheeting Ltd shall permit him to do so

Where medical surveillance is carried out on our premises we shall ensure that suitable facilities are made available for the purpose

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall—

On reasonable notice being given, allow an employee access to his personal health record

Provide the Executive with copies of such personal health records as the Executive may require

If we cease to trade, notify the Executive in writing and make available to the Executive all personal health records kept by us

Where, as a result of medical surveillance, an employee is found to have an identifiable disease or adverse health effect which is considered by a relevant doctor to be the result of exposure to asbestos at work Avon Sheeting Ltd shall—

Ensure that a suitable person informs the employee accordingly and provides the employee with information and advice regarding further medical surveillance

Review the risk assessment

Review any measure taken taking into account any advice given by a relevant doctor or by the ExecutiveConsider assigning the employee to alternative work where there is no risk of further exposure to asbestos, taking into account any advice given by a relevant doctor; and provide for a review of the health of every other employees who have been similarly exposed, including a medical examination (which shall include a specific examination of the chest) where such an examination is recommended by a relevant doctor or by the Executive

Washing and changing facilities

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that, for any of our employees who are exposed or liable to be exposed to asbestos, there be provided—

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Adequate washing and changing facilities

Where he is required to provide protective clothing, adequate facilities for the storage of that protective clothing

Personal clothing not worn during working hours

Where he is required to provide respiratory protective equipment, adequate facilities for the storage of that equipment

The facilities provided for the storage of—

Personal protective clothing, personal clothing not worn during working hours and respiratory protective equipment shall be separate from each other.

Storage, distribution and labelling of raw asbestos and asbestos waste

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that raw asbestos or waste which contains asbestos is not—

Stored, received into or despatched from any place of work or distributed within any place of work, except in a totally enclosed distribution system unless it is in a sealed receptacle or, where more appropriate, sealed wrapping, clearly marked showing that it contains asbestos.

Raw asbestos shall be labelled in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 2 of the regulations.

Section 30

WORK AT HEIGHT

The Work at Height regulations require working at height to be avoided so far as is reasonably practicable but where working at height cannot be avoided then the following measures shall be taken by Avon Sheeting Ltd to control the risk from persons and materials falling

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Organisation and planning

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that work at height is—

Properly planned

Appropriately supervised

Carried out in a manner which is so far as is reasonably practicable safe

Includes planning for emergencies and rescue

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that work at height is carried out only when the weather conditions do not jeopardise the health or safety of persons involved in the work

Competence

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that no person engages in any activity, including organisation, planning and supervision, in relation to work at height or work equipment for use in such work unless he is competent to do so or, if being trained, is being supervised by a competent person

Avoidance of risks from work at height

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that work is not carried out at height where it is reasonably practicable to carry out the work safely otherwise than at height

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall take suitable and sufficient measures to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, any person falling a distance liable to cause personal injury

Measures shall include us ensuring that the work is carried outfrom an existing place of work

Where it is not reasonably practicable for the work to be carried out from an existing place of work we shall provide sufficient work equipment for preventing, so far as is reasonably practicable, a fall occurring

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Where the measures taken do not eliminate the risk of a fall occurring, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall so far as is reasonably practicable, provide sufficient work equipment to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall

Where it is not reasonably practicable to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall we shall provide such additional training and instruction or take other additional suitable and sufficient measures to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, any person falling a distance liable to cause personal injury

Selection of work equipment for work at height

Avon Sheeting Ltd when selecting work equipment for use in work at height, shall give collective protection measures priority over personal protection measures and take account of the working conditions and the risks to the safety of persons at the place where the work equipment is to be used

In the case of work equipment for access and egress, we shall take account of the distance to be negotiated

The distance and consequences of a potential fall

The duration and frequency of use

The need for easy and timely evacuation and rescue in an emergency

Any additional risk posed by the use, installation or removal of that work equipment or by evacuation and rescue from it

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall select work equipment for work at height which has characteristics including dimensions which are appropriate to the nature of the work to be performed and the foreseeable loadings, allow passage without risk and is in other respects the most suitable work equipment

Requirements for particular work equipment

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that, in the case of –

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A guard-rail, toe-board, barrier or similar collective means of protection, Schedule 2 of the regulations is complied with

A working platform Part 1 of Schedule 3 is complied with

Where scaffolding is provided, Part 2 of Schedule 3 is complied with

A net, airbag or other collective safeguard for arresting falls which is not part of a personal fall protection system, Schedule 4 is complied with

A personal fall protection system, Part 1 of Schedule 5 is complied with

In the case of a work positioning system, Part 2 of Schedule 5 is complied with

In the case of rope access and positioning techniques, Part 3 of Schedule 5 is complied with

In the case of a fall arrest system, Part 4 of Schedule 5 is complied with

In the case of a work restraint system, Part 5 of Schedule 5 are complied with

A ladder, Schedule 6 is complied with

Fragile surfacesAvon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that no person at work passes across or near a fragile surface where it is reasonably practicable to carry out work safely without doing so

Where it is not reasonably practicable to carry out work safely without passing across or near a fragile surface, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that suitable and sufficient platforms, coverings, guard rails or similar means of support or protection are provided and used

Where a risk of a person at work falling remains despite the measures taken we shall take suitable and sufficient measures to minimise the distances and consequences of his fall

Where any person at work may pass across or near a fragile surface, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that prominent warning notices are so far as is reasonably practicable affixed at the approach to the place where the fragile surface is situated

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Falling objects

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall, where necessary to prevent injury to any person, take suitable and sufficient steps to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, the fall of any material or object

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall take suitable and sufficient steps to prevent any person being struck by any falling material or object which is liable to cause personal injury

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that no material or object is thrown or tipped from height in circumstances where it is liable to cause injury to any person

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that materials and objects are stored in such a way as to prevent risk to any person arising from the collapse, overturning or unintended movement of such materials or objects.

Danger areas

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that where a workplace contains an area in which, owing to the nature of the work, there is a risk of any person at work falling a distance; or being struck by a falling object which is liable to cause personal injury, the workplace is so far as is reasonably practicable equipped with devices preventing unauthorised persons from entering such area; and such area is clearly indicated

Inspection of work equipment

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that, where the safety of work equipment depends on how it is installed or assembled, it is not used after installation or assembly in any position unless it has been inspected in that position

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that work equipment exposed to conditions causing deterioration which is liable to result in dangerous situations is inspected at suitable intervals and each time that exceptional circumstances which are liable to jeopardise the safety of the work equipment have occurred to ensure that health and safety conditions are maintained and that any deterioration can be detected and remedied in good time

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Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that a working platform used for construction work and from which a person could fall 2 metres or more is not used in any position unless it has been inspected in that position or, in the case of a mobile working platform, inspected on the site, within the previous 7 days

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that the result of an inspection is recorded and kept until the next inspection is recorded

Inspection of places of work at height

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall so far as is reasonably practicable ensure that the surface and every parapet, permanent rail or other such fall protection measure of every place of work at height are checked on each occasion before the place is used.

Avon Sheeting Ltd Roof Working In Accordance with HSG33

For all roof work, whatever its nature or extent, a safe place of work shall be provided

Method statements for Roof Work

Safety method statements should identify working positions, access routes to the roof and on the roof and show:

How falls are to be preventedHow danger to those at work below and to the public from falling materials is to be controlledHow risks to health will be controlled

How other risks, identified at planning and survey stages, are to be controlled, for example;

Handling hot bitumenWhat equipment will be needed?Who will supervise the job 'on site?How changes in the work will be dealt with without prejudicing safe working Who will check that the system is effectively controlling risk What competence/training is needed?

There is a hierarchy of different safeguards. If work at height cannot be avoided, the most effective precaution is to provide a safe place of work

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This can be in the form of a safe working platform with physical safeguards such as guardrails, toe boards, and barriers. This protects everyone on the platform and does not rely on people following a system of work or using special equipment, which needs training to be effective.

Only if this first level of protection cannot be achieved in practice are lower levels such as fall arrest systems acceptable

Fall arrest systems do not prevent falls, but can reduce injury once a fall has happened

There are two basic types

Those that give general protection, e.g. safety nets

Those giving individual protection, e.g. safety harness attached to a suitable anchorage point

All fall arrest systems must be properly installed and maintained by a competent person

Safety nets, once properly rigged, can protect everyone within the area of the net. They also allow maximum freedom of movement on the roof. They should be installed as close as possible beneath the working position to reduce the potential fall distance. They are particularly suited to open span structures such as portal frame buildings with minimum obstructions

Harnesses need to be suitable for the individual, who should be trained to fit and use them

They only protect an individual when they are used and when properly fitted and only while they are attached to a suitable anchorage point

There must be enough clear space below the work position to allow the fall to be arrested safely. In order to avoid serious injury, you should check the supplier's recommendations about the maximum time interval before rescueis completed.

Such systems need active and effective management to ensure they are properly and consistently implemented. They are not an easy option

Safe access to the roof

This requires careful planning particularly where work progresses along the roof. Typical methods are:

Independent scaffoldsMobile access equipment

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Ladders

Scaffold towers with stairway' designs are preferable to ladders as they allow materials such as small components or tools to be safely carried onto the roof

Independent scaffold

An independent scaffold can provide safe access to roof level, and also access around the edge of the roof and materials storage space. A loading bay can often be provided and can greatly simplify materials handling on the roof

On sites where people from more than one trade are working, the principal contractor and the roofing contractor should agree what is necessary and who will provide it. They should also agree who will carry out the necessary statutory inspections.

All employers need to ensure that scaffolds are suitable and safe before being used by their employees

Tower scaffolds

These can provide safe access, provided that they are erected by a competent person and used correctly. 'Stairway' designs are preferable to ladders as they allow materials such as small components or tools to be safely carried onto the roof

Mobile access equipment

A wide range of this equipment is available. For work of short duration, such as inspection and minor maintenance, it can provide excellent safe access to the roof. Risks associated with scaffold erection can often be avoided if mobile access equipment is used rather than scaffolding. However, the equipment chosen should be appropriate for the ground conditions on the site

The manufacturer's advice on the maximum wind speed at which it can be safely operated should be followed. Equipment should be maintained in a safe condition and be operated only by competent personnel

Ladders

Ladders may provide safe access, but their use is not always appropriate. Factors to be considered include-

The length of the ladder required. Very long ladders are heavy to handle and may need staying to reduce flexing in use

The need to carry materials, small components and tools, etc

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Both hands should be free when climbing a ladder

When ladders are used, they need to be of the right type, i.e. a suitable grade of industrial ladder. They should be in good condition and effectively secured to prevent movement. Permanent means of securing ladders at identified access points can improve ladder safety. This avoids the need for footing when ladders are tied and untied. Those who use, inspect and secure ladders should be competent to do so

Escape in case of fire

You should also consider how to escape from the roof in case of fire. A fire could result during construction work on a roof, e.g. welding or hot work using bitumen; or activities inside a building including those under refurbishment

In either case the means of escape must be adequate. How complex this needs to be depends on the risk of being trapped if there is a fire. It could mean, for example, ensuring that mobile access equipment is always available in case of an emergency, or the provision of additional (tied) ladders

Materials handling

Well-planned materials handling has a significant impact on roof work safety, for example it can minimize the amount of time spent working at height, reduce the amount of traveling around the roof to collect materials and reduce injuries caused by handling heavy and unwieldy components, e.g. roof sheets

It can also increase productivity and reduce waste

Designers should consider reducing the length of roof sheets, this makes the sheets lighter and also reduces the risk of excess wind loading when handled at height. These advantages should be considered alongside the need to minimize maintenance work on the roof

Packs of sheets and young-man’s boards must be securely lashed together to prevent them being dislodged or blown from the roof. Partly used packs should be tied to full packs where possible giving additional weight.

Where possible and especially if high winds are expected, packs of sheets and Young-man’s boards should also be lashed to a structure to prevent the whole pack from becoming dislodged in high winds.

There must be one ratchet strap secured at approximately 1 meter from each end and also additional rope tied between the ratchet straps at a minimum of 1.5m interval spacing’s.

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Packaging “corner edge protectors” must be placed and secured between all ties, straps and sheets to protect the sheets being damaged and to prevent rope and straps making contact and being cut by the sharp edges of roofing sheets

Other roofing materials and equipment must also be securely lashed at the end of every shift with the smaller materials and equipment placed together in a suitable container i.e. (Ton sack)

Mechanical handling

Where small lifting appliances such as a gin wheel, gantry hoist or scaffold hoist are mounted near the edge of a roof, suitable guardrails and toe boards should be installed. This safeguards those using the appliance from falling.

Lifting appliances of this type need a secure anchorage. When counterweights are used they must be adequate to allow a safety factor of not less than three. If the lifting appliance is a gin wheel, you should allow for the force exerted by the person who is raising the load

Counterweights should be secured to the tail of the appliance to prevent removal or interference. Rolls of felt, blocks of bitumen, etc. which are liable to be removed and used in the roofing operation, should be avoided.

Where practicable guard rails and toe boards should be maintained in position when material is being raised or lowered. If, unusually, they have to be removed, any person who needs to be near the edge, e.g. signaling or to assist in moving the load, should wear a safety harness attached to a suitable anchorage point

All hooks used in lifting operations should be fitted with safety catches

Every lifting appliance should be properly installed, maintained, inspected and operated at all times within its safe working load. All lifting appliances need a periodic thorough inspection

Access to the area below a lifting point should be controlled, e.g. by temporary fencing.

The public as well as other workers can be at risk when materials fall from roofs. These include roof sheets, fixings, tools, roof tiles, roofing felt and hot bitumen

Access by other trades needs to be controlled when roof workers are working overhead and there is risk of falling materials. This should be considered in the programming of overlapping work packages. Where work is carried out below roof workers, effective measures will be required to prevent injury, such as the provision of a birdcage scaffold or suitable debris netting

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Weather conditions

Ice or snow can turn a secure footing into a skating rink. A roof should always be inspected before work starts to see if conditions have changed and to check whether it is safe to work

Adverse weather conditions need to be anticipated and suitable precautions taken. Roofing felt and sheets should not be fixed in windy weather as people can easily be thrown off balance while carrying a sheet up to or on the roof.A sudden gust of wind can lead to loss of balance.

When deciding whether to continue or suspend work consider wind speed the measures which have already been taken to prevent falls from the roof, the position and height of the roof and the size of the material being handled

An anemometer should be available to measure wind speed on the roof if large sheets are being handled

Electricity at work

If there are overhead electric lines crossing the site or near the site, there may be danger of contact or near contact with, for example, scaffold tubes, metal roof sheets or ladders, causing flashover

Where roof workers have to work near overhead lines, designers should also review the length of metal roof sheets and any other long conducting objects such as metal finishing strips. Principal contractors should consider applying for power to be switched off or arranging for protection (sheathing) of cables to control any residual risk

All electrical supplies to portable tools should be obtained from properly constructed and installed plugs and sockets of the industrial type. Where possible, battery operated tools should be used. If this is not practicable, a reduced low voltage system, sometimes referred to as 110 volt centre tapped to earth (CTE) system should be used

Inspection

Inspection of roofs, e.g. prior to refurbishment, must be done with care, by those trained and experienced in assessing the risks involved. Preferably, the work should be carried out from a safe place

This could be from an adjacent structure, using binoculars or from mobile access equipment or a secured ladder. Some investigations can be carried out from below if the roof structure is exposed

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If inspectors cannot avoid going onto a roof, they will be exposed to high risks, and high safety standards will be required Inspection of roofs

Refurbishment

Roof refurbishment can be complex, is always high risk and demands careful planning

Any fragile elements in the roof, such as cement sheets, glazing, plastic roof lights or wood wool slabs, should be clearly identified as early as possible the precautions to prevent people falling through fragile parts of the roof should be clearly identified

These need not always be complex, but must be effective. They include the protection of people who work on or pass by fragile material, close liaison with the client will be necessary where premises remain occupied during refurbishment

A structural survey may be required to confirm the strength or stability of roof members

A risk assessment should be carried out when deciding whether to refurbish or to replace fragile roof coverings. For example the decisions on whether to clean and seal or replace an existing asbestos cement roof should take into account the additional risks and cost of future maintenance. Where cleaning is carried out, a safe system must be adopted

Maintenance and cleaning

Many accidents occur during maintenance and cleaning of roofs. Often little attention is paid to this short-term, low value work. It is often done by those with no experience in, or aptitude for, work at height.

A high proportion of deaths are caused by falls through fragile materials. Any work on fragile roofs, however trivial it may seem, should be carefully assessed, planned and supervised Factors to be taken into account when assessing the risk include:

Roof lights, which may have been obscured by paintAny repairs carried out in the past, especially if fragile roof sheets have been used for 'patching' an otherwise non-fragile roof. Such practices are highly dangerous

Metal roof sheets which may have deteriorated with age and become fragile

Wood wool slabs which may have been weakened by water damage

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A good survey, together with local knowledge, will help to identify such problems. In case of doubt the roof should be assumed to be fragile. The precautions described for working on or near fragile materials should be rigorously followed, whatever the size of the job

For work of short duration (taking minutes rather than hours) it may not be reasonably practicable to install safeguards such as edge protection. The decision on the precautions to be taken will depend on an overall assessment of the risks involved, which should consider;

Duration of the workComplexity of the workPitch of the roofCondition of the roofWeather conditionsRisk to those putting up edge protectionRisk to other workers and the public

Travel restraint can prevent a fall by physically restricting the movement of a person to a safe area. It should not be possible to reach any unprotected edge, hole or fragile material when relying on this system. Fall arrest is not the same as travel restraint

Fall arrest relies on minimising injury once a fall has occurred. In both cases,specialist advice should be sought from the supplier of the equipment on anchorage points. Supervision and training are needed to ensure that the system of work adopted is understood by all and is maintained.

Fragile roofs

Falls through fragile material give rise to more fatal accidents in the construction industry than any other single cause. These deaths occur in both construction and maintenance, involving a whole range of fragile materials or assembly which will not safely support the weight of a person and any materials they may foreseeable be carrying

Assessment of fragility needs to take account of real life as well as theoretical conditions for example, the tolerance on minimum distance between fixings and the edge of the sheet should take into account foreseeable errors in positioning, e.g. at any under-lap. Selecting materials, which do not depend on the number or quality of fixings, avoids these factors. This is particularly relevant to liner panels and roof lights in built-up roofs

Some typical examples of materials, which have failed, are:Roof lightsFibre cement sheetsCorroded metal sheetsWood wool slabs

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Liner panels on built-up roofsGlass including wired glass

Falls through fragile materials are a particular problem in building maintenance. They cause over one quarter of deaths in this sector. Everyone with responsibility for this type of work, at whatever level, should treat it as a priority. This is particularly important for small, short-term maintenance and cleaning jobs. These might otherwise escape the assessment and planning given to higher value work

If possible, work should be arranged so as to avoid working on or passing near fragile material. If this is unavoidable, it is essential to identify all fragile materials and decide on and implement stringent precautions. This applies to all operations on the roof, whether construction, maintenance, repair, cleaning or demolition

Some roof coverings can give a false sense of security to those who are working on or passing by them. They may be capable of carrying some distributed load, giving the impression that they can bear a person's weight. But they might not carry a concentrated load, eg the heel of a person walking, or a person stumbling and falling.

A safe working platform and safe access to the working platform on the roof must be provided; platforms or coverings must be provided and used to support the weight of any person on fragile material

Guardrails or coverings are required to prevent a person who is passing or working near fragile material from falling through

Operators should not have to continually move staging to progress over the roof

Platforms or coverings must be provided and used to support the weight of any person on fragile material

Guardrails or coverings are required to prevent a person who is passing or working near fragile material from falling through

Stagings (of a minimum 600 mm width) fitted with guard rails can be used where the roof pitch permits. There should be sufficient available to allow the work to be carried out safely. Operators should not have to continually move stagings to progress over the roof.

Where it is not practicable to maintain guard rails on both sides of the staging, other precautions will be required, for example birdcage scaffolds or safety nets, these give maximum freedom to workers on the roof and can protect people working below

Harness and line systems can also form part of the system of work. They rely on operator training and a high level of supervision. The quality of the attachment system is critical.

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There are also minimum heights below which the system will be ineffective. In this case, a person may hit the floor before the restraint is fully operational

Where a valley or parapet gutter is used for access, precautions should be taken to prevent a person falling through fragile material in an adjacent roof. Where access along gutters is necessary on a regular (even if infrequent) basis, then permanent protection should be provided. Where practicable, this should provide collective rather than individual protection

Fixed covers, for example, are preferable to running line systems

Precautions should be taken to prevent unauthorized access to fragile roofs,this will normally involve people at work, but the likelihood of unauthorized public access may need to be considered as well, particularly by children

A risk assessment made under the Management of Health and Safety at WorkRegulations I999 is likely to 'require signs warning of the hazard and prohibiting access except under controlled conditions, e.g. governed by a permit-to-work regime

Boards can block off permanently fixed ladders whenever access is not required.

A suitable sign should be fixed at the approaches to roofs with fragile coverings

Such signs should be durable, securely fastened and properly maintained

Any signs used should meet the requirements of the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. The function of the sign is to warn of dangers on existing buildings and where the load bearing properties of the roof coverings are unclear because of ageing, etc.

Industrial roofs

This section deals with industrial buildings (warehouses, factories, large retail, units, etc).

These are typically steel framed, with roof cladding, which can be built up on site from liner panels, insulation and profiled metal top sheet or built up on site from structural decking, insulation and a weatherproof membrane; or factory assembled composite sheets, which are laid as a single layer.

Roof pitches are usually low (8° or less) although steeper pitches are used for some applications.

Systems of work

Falls during industrial roofing commonly occur:

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Through fragile roof lights

Through gaps in the partially completed roof

Through roof coverings that have degraded with age and become fragile

Through liner panels which are not fully fixed

From the leading (working) edge

From the edge of the roof or the gutter and from the frame, e.g. when loading out roof sheets

The system of work needs to include all stages of the job including delivery of materials

Simply loading out the frame with packs of sheets, as delivered, leads to workers traveling around the roof, past open edges, to get the correct length of sheet

Ways of minimising travel on the roof include:

Use of hoists to deliver materials to the working position or to loading bays;Providing access points convenient to the working positions;Splitting packs of roof sheets to produce mixed packs in correct sequence for fixing; and back loading sheets onto the completed (load bearing) sections of roof.

Plan safe working positions and the means of access to and from those positions

Do not forget people who accept and un-sling loads and who deliver sheets to the working position, for exampleUse mobile access equipmentUse safety netsProvide working platforms on the roof, fitted with guardrails and toe boardsUse safety harnesses together with suitable anchorage points

It is not acceptable for the open steelwork or gutters to be used as the access or place of work without further precautions against a fall

The weight of material should be limited to the amount that the structure can carry safely. Metal z-section purlins can twist and collapse under heavy loading. Sheets should be lashed to prevent their being dislodged or blown away. If necessary, stops should be used to prevent them slipping

Falls from the edge of the frame can be prevented by edge protection. This is usually provided by an independent scaffold or barriers connected to the frame. An independent scaffold gives a higher standard of protection and also a good

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standard of access along the structure. It also assists material loading and storage, for example when used with a fork lift/tele-handler

Falls through fragile materials, including liner panels, can be prevented by design along with carefully developed systems of work. In built-up roofs, the point at which all roof elements become load bearing at that span (the number and quality of fixings, use of reinforcing materials, etc) needs to be absolutelyclear for the combination of components used. The implications of any changes in specification should be clearly identified

Lining out the roof as quickly as possible in order to 'weather proof the shell means the roof workers have to return in a second pass to lay the insulation and top sheets. Principal contractors should consider how this approach affects safe systems of work. If it is used, the specification of metal and roof light liners in terms of temporary fragility needs to be clarified. Adequate resources need to be allocated to achieve a safe system of work, e.g. by the use of safety nets.

Falls through gaps, e.g. for smoke vents, are a common cause of serious injuries and death. Designers can help by eliminating or reducing the number of openings. If there is a need for openings in the roof, the use of safety nets should be considered at the tender stage to protect both the gaps and the leading (working) edge

Leading edge protection

Controlling risk of falls at the leading (working) edge needs careful planning

Alternatives to be considered include:

Safety nets;Birdcage scaffolds;Safety harnesses used with running line systems;Temporary barriers at the leading edge, e.g. trolley systems

Because gaps are created during industrial roofing, fall arrest will almost always be required in addition to working platforms. Safety nets are the preferred solution for fall arrest. They give the roof workers maximum freedom of movement, provided that they do not work beyond their boundary. They can be installed in such a way as to minimise fall distances. They are effective where design details such as hips make other systems complex and difficult to manage

In a fall the chance of injury is reduced, compared to a similar one in a harness or onto a birdcage scaffold. Nets protect not just the leading edge, but also gaps, fragile areas, etc

Running lines that are designed for use with a suitable harness/lanyard can be attached to the structure, to a mobile anchor point or to a working platform. Running line systems should be designed and tested to ensure that they are fit

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for purpose. The quality of the attachment point is critical, as is the type of harness (belts are not acceptable for fall arrest).

Harness users should be trained to fit and use them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Excessive delay in rescuing a harness wearer who has fallen can result in permanent injury. The supplier's recommendations should be sought on the maximum time interval before someone is rescued following a fall. These emergency arrangements should then be included in the construction health and safety plan

Training for roof workers

Roof work is potentially dangerous and roof workers need appropriate knowledge, skills and experience to do it safely. Otherwise they need to be under the supervision of someone who has those qualities.

Workers should be trained in safe working practices. It is not enough to hope that they will 'pick up' safety on the job from other workers - they might simply be learning someone else's bad habits.

Employers need to be sure of their employees' abilities before setting them to work and provide necessary training where it is required. They will need training on the risks they will encounter (such as recognizing fragile materials) and safe systems of work to control them. They may also need training in setting up and using equipment they are required to use. Typical examples would be:

Erecting a tower scaffoldSetting up a hoist or liking appliance;Operating a mobile access platform; andRigging and inspection of safety nets

Managers and supervisors need competence to deliver safety standards on site. To achieve this they will need health and safety training in order to:

Assess and prioritize the risks on a particular project

Design safe systems of work that are appropriate to specific site conditions

Prepare clear, simple safety method statements that can be used and understood by site workers

First-line supervisors need to be able to interpret a safety method statement, in order to explain and follow a safe system of work

Everyone who uses personal protective equipment should know how to use it effectively, for example

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How to inspect the equipment to ensure that it will operate satisfactorily

How to fit and use a safety harness, following the manufacturer's recommendations

How to check the face fit of a respirator or dust mask

Someone will need to be responsible for the firm's health and safety functions, this makes sure that health and safety is not missed or ignored. It also allows expertise to be built up in the firm. The person responsible may need extra training in health and safety to meet this responsibility properly

The role of the client to provide information

For projects to which the CDM Regulations 2007 apply, clients must provide relevant information needed to allow the work to be done safely

This could include information on;

What an existing roof is made of, especially if it contains fragile materialsThe age of an existing roofPrevious modifications made to an existing roofExisting arrangements for access to the roofRestrictions on availability of space for cranageAny relevant permit-to-work arrangements operated by the clientFire precautions on an occupied siteAreas where contractor access will be prohibited

Pre-Construction Planning for safety

The pre-construction health and safety plan should contain relevant information provided by the client or by designers, for example:

The load bearing capacity of a flat root

Ground conditions and access for crane(s)

Information from the designer on sequence of erection, temporary stability and bracing of trussed roofs

Presence of asbestos insulation board in soffits

Presence of sprayed asbestos on trusses or purlins

Position and type of overhead power lines including those associated with railways

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APPENDIX 4 of HSG33

Fragility: tests and specifications

1 This appendix does not constitute a technical definition or specification of fragility. It provides information to help readers decide whether a particular material used in particular circumstances can be considered fragile or not. It is essential to understand that fragility depends on a range of issues. It is not solely determined by the nature of the material. All these issuesneed to be considered when assessing fragility.

2 What is fragile or non-fragile in the terms of this guidance depends on whether or not an element may fail under a person's weight or whether it will support a person by a comfortable safety margin. The structural capability of the element is related to the loads carried, and whether these are static or dynamic.

3 In this appendix an 'element' means a roof light, an area of sheeting or similar. This includes all the fixings and supports for the element as well as the materials used in its construction. For a site-assembled double skin system, the liner sheets for both metal and plastic roof lights should be considered as elements in their own right and tested as such. Safe systemsof work for the initial construction of such a roof depend on information on the fragility of liners related to laps and fixings.

4 If a person fell through an element it would clearly have failed and so be considered fragile. It would also fail if it temporarily supported the person after the initial impact only to collapse a short time afterwards so that the person fell. For this reason elements should have a suitable reserve of strength after initial impact. This can be seen as a 'margin of safety to allow the person to escape from the broken element before total failure could occur.

5 The capability of an element to withstand loads depends on;

The nature of the material

The type of fixings used and its configuration, e.g.: thickness; span; profile; the quality of fixings, e.g. material specification; the number and position of fixings; the design of the supporting structure, e.g. purling specification including thickness and flexibility

6 It may also depend on the age of the material, for example, the effects of weathering, ultraviolet degradation, corrosion, mechanical damage and chemical attack on the materials can all have a profound effect on fragility

7 In interpreting test results and material specifications it is important to consider the mode of failure e.g. Elements such as PVC sheet roof lights have so little inherent strength that they fail catastrophically

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There is little problem in interpreting test data to conclude fragility

Membrane materials (e.g. lightweight GRP roof lights) typically fail at the fixing points. For these materials it is essential that testing include examination of the fixing arrangements as well as the material itself. Testing should take account of the 'worst case scenario' which for this type of material could be a load imposed at a corner of the sheet.

Materials such as fiber cement sheets fail suddenly in bending. Fixings are less critical and the worst case is an imposed load in the center of the sheet,span is critical and these materials should not be used for larger spans than those tested

The loading imposed will vary depending on the weight of the person and any loads being carried. It also depends on whether the person steps onto the element, falls on it, falls against it or strikes it with part of or the whole body. These variations all have a significant effect on the area and velocity of impact.

Testing for fragility

Until the research results are available the following 'rules of thumb' may be used to help decide on the fragility of different materials, of a thickness commonly used in roofing applications

PVC: This should always be considered fragile

Acrylic: This is particularly vulnerable to ultraviolet degradation. It should therefore be considered as fragile for all but very short-term uses.

Polycarbonate: This is available with coatings that protect against the effects of ultraviolet light and is itself a structurally strong material. It can usually be considered non-fragile

GRP Heavyweight GRP sheets are available; these can normally be considered non-fragile. Thinner and less stiff sheets are highly dependent on sheet type, profile, fixings and overlap. They should be considered fragile unless there is evidence that demonstrates otherwise

Steel: Steel liner sheets 0.4 mm thick or less should be considered fragile unless there is evidence that demonstrates otherwise

Fiber cement: These should normally be considered fragile unless there is evidence that demonstrates otherwise

All: All unfixed or temporarily fixed materials (irrespective of specification or type) should be treated as fragile until properly and fully fixed in accordance with the supplier's instructions. Only when they form a tested 'non-fragile' system can they be regarded as such

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Warning!

The above list is not, and should not be seen as, definitive. It does not have a fully proven scientific basis. It does not mean that all the materials included in these broad categories are necessarily fragile or non-fragile. It does not take account of any of the other factors affecting fragility such as fixings. It is vital that those factors are taken into account

Suppliers should state clearly the detailed configurations to which test data applies. They should indicate what that means in practice for both designers and installers in respect of ensuring safety

APPENDIX I of HSG33

Issues for method statements in industrial roof work

This appendix indicates the issues that method statements need to consider for industrial roof work. A similar analytical approach is appropriate for other roof work.

There should be a job-specific method statement in writing, agreed and understood by all parties before work starts. Rigorous supervision is needed to ensure that the agreed method is followed in practice. There should also be a system to allow necessary changes to be made and confirmed.

This is high-risk work, which requires the closest attention to detail at all stages of the work.

Method statements should be clear and concise and could include simple sketches or pictures

The following general questions are particularly relevant to a low pitch industrial roof consisting of liner sheet, insulation layer and profiled metal top sheet. This is not an exhaustive checklist, but is intended to act as a prompt when method statements are prepared and reviewed

Non-standard or unusual systems will require special consideration. There may also be risks specific to an individual site, which will need to be addressed (e.g. the presence of overhead power lines)

1. Risk of falling e.g. getting on/off ladders at eaves

Access to roof: have access points been discussed with the roofing gangin order to reduce travel over the roof to a minimum? If ladders are used(as opposed to towers) are means available for hoisting smaller componentsnot craned up? Has the stability of long ladders been considered, e.g. will

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they need staying to reduce whip?

2. Risk of falling when walking past open edges to fetch materials

Materials handling:

How are roofing packs loaded out onto the roof?Is this planned so as to reduce travel when fetching sheets and does it allow for protected routed safe means of access? Splitting packs of different sheetsize and reassembling them at ground level can save travel at height. Backloading sheets onto the completed roof can reduce travel past open edges.

3. Risk of falling from steel frame when un-slinging

Cranes:

If one is used, who will accept the load or un-sling it? How will they be protected from falling? Has the use of mobile access equipment been considered for this task?

4. Risk of falling outside building frame exists at all stages of work Gable ends are particularly hazardous

Edge protection:

Does the program ensure that eaves, gable ends and other open edges are protected before work starts? Protection will also be required at ridges unless work progresses at the same rate on both roof slopes. What are the access arrangements for those who install edge protection?

5. Risk of falling on both sides of gutter i.e. inside and outside building frame

Gutter fixing:

How will workers be protected from falling? Peripheral edge protection erected for roof workers will not be sufficient at this phase. Has the use of mobile access equipment been considered as a first priority? If the use of a running line or harness and lanyard is specified, who will erect and test the line?

6. Risk of falling from partly completed roof

Leading edge protection:

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How will this be achieved? Has the use of safety nets been considered in the light of legal duties and risk assessment for the total roofing operation?

Staging’s used as working platforms should be stable and of adequate width with handrails. Work done kneeling/bending needs careful attention as the operator's center of gravity can extend over the leading edge. What method is specified for moving staging’s?

Is the method of work to be adopted when laying the first sheet specified?

Some architectural features, e.g. hip ends, will require modifications to the working methods, these should be fully described.

Has fixing of ridge capping/flashing been included in the system of work?

Is effective edge protection provided at the gable end of the ridge?

Does the method statement make it clear at what stage of construction materials such as liner panels become load bearing? The number and type of fixings required should be stated. Until this is achieved, they must be treated as fragile materials, i.e. unable to sustain a person's weight, and protection provided as above

Have any fragile materials been specified by the designer? If so, this design decision should be reviewed by the designer as a matter of urgency in termsof duties under the CDM Regulations

For refurbishment work on existing roofs, are there any fragile materials on the roof, e.g. roof lights? These will have to be protected. How will this be achieved? If covers are to be used, are they strong enough, taking account of the span required? How will they be fixed and what is the system for their removal?

Zoning of the roof into working and non-working areas can reduce the number of roof lights, which need to be protected. The system for marking out the zones and for progressing the work should be specified. If barriers marking the edge of the zones are within 2 m of fragile material, then they must be strong and rigid enough to support the weight of a person who loses their balance

Zoning should take account of travel to the working area by the roof workers and also the need for materials to be moved around the roof. The system should ensure that all roof lights within working zones and adjacent to access routes are protected

Systems control

Communications: what are the arrangements for ensuring that the method statement is communicated to and agreed with the roofing gang?

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Supervision: what are the arrangements for ensuring that the work proceeds according to the method statement?

Modifications: what are the arrangements for agreeing any modifications to the method statement and ensuring that these are communicated to the roofing gang?

Validation: what are the arrangements for ensuring that the company safety adviser or other nominated competent person has reviewed, and is satisfied with, the system of work proposed?

Fall arrest harness and lanyard safety procedures

Before use A job specific risk assessment shall be carried out

Emergency rescue procedures shall be established

The most suitable harness or belt shall be selected for the type of operation and

hazard

Checks shall be made to ensure that the operative is adequately trained in its use

A secure anchorage shall be made available

All equipment shall be examined before use

Checks shall be made to ensure that the weather conditions are such that an operative can work safely in the prevailing conditions

Warnings shall be given to anyone in the vicinity of the hazard, in particular the occupiers of adjacent property

Steps shall be taken to see that adequate warning notices are displayed

During use

Ensure all safety lines, etc. been set by a competent person

Ensure that only authorised, trained and competent personnel are allowed to use the equipment

Ensure that all equipment is inspected before the start of work each day, following an established routine, particularly for damage to webbing lanyards

After useEnsure that the equipment is inspected for damage

Report defects promptly and correctly128

Ensure that the equipment is cleaned and stored correctly

Avon Sheeting Ltd - Roof Felting work

All roofs requiring hot melt bitumen and felt built up systems must be surveyed before accessing the roof, in order to first identify any possible corrosion or damage to decking sheets. Any decking sheets that cannot be deemed as non-fragile must be deemed as fragile and unsafe to walk on.

Due to the nature of the felt and hot melt Bitumen laying process all decking sheets must be deemed as non-fragile and safe to walk on prior to laying any hot melt and felt.

Corroded or damaged roof decking sheets can be replaced using the young-man boards and fall restraint/arrest safe system of work. Once the corroded and damaged decking sheets have been replaced with new load bearing sheets and the roof is deemed as safe to walk on (load bearing), then the roof can be accessed without young-man boards to lay hot melt and felt.

When decking sheets are then exposed and can be confirmed as safe to walk on the fall arrest system can be removed to lay the hot melt and bitumen.

Safe access is required to and on all roofs as well as edge protection or travel restraint whenever working within two meters of an open edge

All fragile surfaces must be covered or fenced off with warning signage displayed when working nearby

Safety Nets Procedures

Before useAlways receive a handover certificate from the riggers for each section of netting

as it is completed

Ensure emergency rescue procedures been establishedEnsure a risk assessment has been carried out

Ensure that the erection of safety nets is to be undertaken by trained and competent persons

Ensure that the use of safety nets to be supervised by competent persons Ensure that safety nets have been inspected prior to current use

Ensure that complete and proper records are kept of all inspections and

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examinations

Ensure that the safety net system has been inspected within the previous week

Ensure that all anchors and supports are secure

Ensure the safety net is clear of all debris

Ensure that checks have been made to ensure that nothing is positioned under the net to affect its purpose, and that minimum clearance distances are being maintained

Ensure that checks have been made to Ensure that free fall distances are not more than specified

During useEnsure that the net being kept clear of debrisEnsure that regular checks are being made to ensure that the safety net is not being used to collect rubbish or to allow people to jump into itEnsure that safety nets are being inspected:(a) After a fall?(b) For the effects of contamination etc.(c) Every seven days during use?

After use

Ensure that safety nets are inspected for any damage following use and before being stowed away Ensure that any defects are reported promptly and correctly Ensure that adequate records are maintained as to the use and condition of safety nets Ensure that safety nets are dried

Anchor points & Horizontal Safety Lines inspection requirements (According to ACRW pink book)

Pre-use hand over Inspections

A single point anchor, or horizontal safety line system, must not be used until a detailed inspection has be carried out (as part of the handover process) to confirm that the condition of the equipment is satisfactory and that it operates correctly. This should include all single point anchors and / or the entire horizontal safety line system

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Checks by the horizontal safety line and roof installer together with the client should aim to ensure that:

a) The roof surface upon which the Horizontal safety line system is installed is undamaged and it is not contaminated by oil, grease or any other alien substance

b) The re-test date for a ‘thorough examination’ has not passed;

c) Anchors, energy absorbers and tensioning units are intact; d) Swaged terminals at the end of any line or cable do not show signs of slippage (there should be a method to check whether any slippage has occurred since installation

e) Any horizontal safety line is correctly tensioned (according to the manufacturer’s instructions)

f) The line or cable does not show visible wear amounting to a reduction in the cross sectional area to any strands of the cable at any point. Check for signs of corrosion on any part of the horizontal safety line since installation g) Bolts and fixings remain tight and locknuts are secure

h) Warning signs are visible at each access point and at each end of the line indicate that the system is only for the attachment of fall protection equipment and states the maximum number of users permitted to attach to the system at any one time

The attachment device to be used is correct for the line or cable and is free from any defect and / or debris which might interfere with its operation

When there is any doubt about the conditions of a system it should not be accepted for operation

Use of the system should be prohibited until it can be demonstrated that deficiencies have been rectified and it is fit for service

Pre–use inspection

On every occasion of use, a single point anchor or horizontal safety line system should be subject to pre-use checks to confirm that the condition of the equipment is satisfactory and that it operates correctly

Use of any anchor, or anchor system, should be prohibited unless checks have been carried out according to the guidance provided by the manufacturer and shown to be satisfactory in respect of at least the following essential items

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a) Operatives in the working party are all equipped with personal protective equipment that is compatible with the anchor, or anchor systemb) The number in the working party does not exceed the capacity of the anchor, or anchor system c) The structure to which the anchor or anchor system is fixed is in sound condition d) The anchor, or anchor system, is in good repair securely fixed to the structure and the anchor line is properly tensionede) There is clear indication that the anchor or anchor system has been subject to a detailed inspection within the period specified for the installation f) Every connector and / or attachment device is correct for the anchor or anchor system concerned and operates satisfactorilyg) The system does not show signs of having arrested a fall

Equipment must prove satisfactory in respect of each item above before it is considered satisfactory for use.

Detailed examinations

If any single point anchor or horizontal safety line system is actually used very infrequently (i.e. frequencies of less than once a year) the ACR suggests that there is no need for a 12 monthly examination but that the horizontal safety line system must be examined prior to use, unless it has been examined within the last twelve months All detailed examinations should be done in accordance with BS7883 period examinations, any manufacturer’s instructions and with this ACR document by a competent person authorised by the manufacturer

Failure to comply with the criteria below should require the horizontal safety line system to be removed from service and deemed unfit for use until remedial work is carried out by the manufacturer of the system or an authorised representative of the manufacturer

A thorough examination should include all items from the interim inspection above, and in addition:

a) Check for any signs of corrosion on the anchor system and its fixings and examine the surface of all components in detail. Dismantling the system is recommended; b) Remove the protective covers and check for corrosion, build-up of dirt, dust, foreign objects

c) Ensure all nuts, bolts, fasteners are present and correct, and the torque is correct to the manufacturer’s recommendationsd) Test all swaged connections according to the manufacturer’s recommendations; e) All labels and markings are visible and in accordance with the

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requirements of EN 365

EZ – Line Horizontal Lifeline System instructions (according to the DBI SALA instruction manual)

Purpose

Designed for use as an anchoring means for one or two personal fall arrest systems

Limitations:

Horizontal lifeline span: The maximum horizontal lifeline span length is 40ft, the span length must be reduced when clearance is limited

Capacity: For a single span use, the maximum capacity of the EZ – Line is two persons. The maximum weight of each person is 141kg

Body support: Must only be used with a full body harness

Fall clearance: There must be sufficient clearance below the worker to arrest a fall before striking the lower level or obstruction

Guidance according to the DBI SALA user instructions manual for EZ Line Horizontal Lifeline system

Required when two persons are using a 1.2m lanyard and shock absorber attached to a horizontal lifeline span of 30-40 meters is a minimum of 21ft

Swing falls: Swing falls occur when the anchorage point is not directly overhead and will significantly increase the clearance required when a self-retracting lifeline or other variable length connecting system is used. Swing falls should be minimized by working as directly below the anchor point as is possible

Training: This equipment must be installed and used by persons trained in its correct application and use

System requirements

Compatibility of connectors

DBA-SALA equipment is designed for use with DBI-SALA approved

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components and subsystems only. Substitutions or replacements made with non-approved components or subsystems may jeopardize compatibility of equipment and may affect the safety and reliability of the complete system

Compatibility

Connectors are considered to be compatible with connecting elements when they have been designed to work together in such a way that their sizes and shapes do not cause their gate mechanisms to inadvertently open regardless of how they become orientated.

Connectors, hooks, Karabiners and D rings must be capable of supporting at least 5000 lbs. (22.2 kN). Connectors must be compatible with the anchorage or other system components. Do not use equipment that is not compatible as equipment that is not compatible may unintentionally disengage.

Making connections

Only use self – locking snap hooks and karabiners with this equipment, ensure that all connectors are fully closed and locked

DBI – SALA snap hooks and karabiners should not be connected to;

A D ring to which another connector is attached

In a manner that would result in a load on the gate

In a false engagement, where features that protrude from the snap hook or karabiner catch on the anchor, and without visual confirmation seems to be fully engaged to the anchor point

To each otherDirectly to webbing or rope lanyard or tie back (unless manufacturer’s instructions specifically allows for such a connection

To any object which is shaped or dimensioned such that the snap hook or karabiners will not close and lock, or that roll out could occur

Anchorage strength

Structural anchorage points must be rigid and capable of supporting at least 5000 lbs. (22.2 kN) along the axis of the horizontal lifeline. Anchorages must also support at least 3600 lbs. (16.0 kN) applied in all potential directions of fall arrest that are perpendicular to the axis of the horizontal lifeline

Connecting sub-system

The connecting subsystem is the portion of the personal fall arrest system that is used to connect between the horizontal lifeline subsystem and harness fall arrest attachment element. The following model numbers are authorised in use with the EZ Line Horizontal system;Shock absorbing lanyard AE57610C

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SRL 3101000C and 3504433C

Operation and use

Warning – Do not alter modify or make any additions to the system. Do not intentionally misuse the equipment. Use caution when using the equipment around moving machinery, electrical and chemical hazards and sharp edges.

Consult your doctor if there is reason to doubt your fitness to absorb the impact from a fall arrest. Age and fitness can affect a person’s ability to withstand fall arrest forces

Before each installation

System components must be formally inspected by a competent person (other than the user) at least annually with the results recorded in the company maintenance log

System Installation

Determine the locations of the end anchorages and evaluate their strengths as per the requirements stated above

Determine the span length and evaluate the required clearance using the DBI SALA instruction manual for EZ lines and fall clearance guidance below

Determine if adequate clearance exists in the event of a fall. If there is inadequate clearance, do not use the system or reduce the span or lanyard length and re-evaluate the required clearance. If the required clearance cannot be achieved then the system is not suitable for the job

When using an energy absorbing lanyard to connect to the system, the end anchorages must be located at a height which will limit the free fall to 6ft

When using a self-retracting lifeline (SRL) to connect to the system the end anchorages must be located above the user

The SRL when fully retracted must be above the harness attachment level

The horizontal lifeline system should be positioned at a level that will minimize free fall while allowing ease of use

The horizontal lifeline system should be positioned near the work location to minimize swing fall hazards

The connecting subsystem length should be kept as short as possible to reduce the potential free fall and required clearance distance

Both anchorages must be installed at approximately the same elevation so that the horizontal lifeline system is not sloped more than 5 degrees

Press the button on top of the housing and hold it down to pay out the required amount of lifeline by pulling out the line. Make sure the crank

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handle is not connected to any output during this operation. When the button is released it will spring back up and the lifeline will lock in place. If the lifeline does not lock do not use until serviced

Install the horizontal lifeline to anchorage connectors using the correct karabiners

Connect the crank handle to the top output and remove excess slack by rotating clockwise. The lifeline must be tensioned until a click and a slight rotation of the crank arm relative to the crank body occur

If slack is needed to make an adjustment to the system or for ease in removing the system, connect the crank handle to the top output and rotate clockwise for about 20 degrees, press the top button simultaneously and allow the crank handle to rotate counter clockwise

After use, retract the lifeline into the casing by connecting the crank handle to the bottom output and rotating it counter clockwise

Operation

Personal fall arrest system components

Inspect and don a full body harness according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Attach the connecting subsystem (energy absorbing lanyard or SRL) to the dorsal connection on the harness

Connecting to the HLL system

Approach the work area using the appropriate access equipment. Connect the personal fall arrest system to the HSS. The user must maintain continuous attachment to the system. Connectors must meet all compatibility and strength requirements

Hazardous situations

Do not take un-necessary risks such as jumping or reaching too far from the edge of the working surface.

Do not allow the connecting subsystem to pass under arms or between feet

To avoid swing fall hazards do not work too far from either side of the HLL

Two persons connected to the HLL

When a person falls while connected to the HLL, the system will deflect. If two persons are connected to the same HLL, and one person falls, the second person may be pulled off the working surface due to deflection

The potential for the second person falling increases as the HLL span length increases

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The use of independent HLL systems for each person or shorter span length is recommended to minimize the potential of the second person falling

Free fall

The personal fall arrest system must be rigged to limit free falls to 6ft (1.8m) or less when using an energy absorbing lanyard, or such that the SRL is overhead and without slack

Sharp edges

Avoid working where the connecting subsystem or other system components will be in contact with, or abrade against, unprotected sharp edges. If it is unavoidable to work near to sharp edges a protective cover must be used

In the event of a fall

The responsible party must have a rescue plan and the ability to perform a rescue

Tolerable suspension time in a full body harness is limited so a prompt rescue is critical

A rescue plan shall be put in place and the means be at hand for prompt rescue of workers following a fall arrest occurrence

Do not use the system as an anchorage mean during a rescue

Rescue

With the number of potential scenarios for a worker requiring a rescue, an on-site rescue team is beneficial. The rescue team is given the tools, both in equipment and techniques so it can perform a successful rescue

Rescue training should be provided on a periodic basis to ensure rescuers proficiency

Training

It is the responsibility of all users of this equipment to understand these instructions as all users are trained in the correct installation use and maintenance of the equipment. Each individual must be aware of the consequences of improper installation or use of this equipment

Training must be provided on a periodic basis to ensure proficiency of the users

Installed systems

An inspection of the HLL system by a competent person must be completed after the system is installed. The system must be periodically

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inspected by a competent person when left installed for an extended period and prior to each days use. Periodic inspections must be completed at least monthly or more frequently when site conditions and use warrant. The following inspection steps should be used when inspecting installed systems;

Before each use

Inspect all screws bolts and nuts. Ensure they are securely attached and tight. Check to see if any bolts nuts or other parts are missing or have been substituted or altered in any way. Inspect covers, housings, guards etc. and ensure that they are free of cracks, dents or other damage

Inspect metal components for rust or corrosion that may affect their strength or operation

Inspect the wire rope for rust, corrosion, broken wires or other obvious faults. Inspect the synthetic rope for burnt, broken threads or other obvious faults. Inspect all karabiners and connectors securing the HLL assembly to ensure they are present and properly installed. Inspect the sleeves at the end of the lifeline for damage such as cracks, dents or distortion

Inspect the impact indicator at the end of the lifeline. If the pin is broken the system has been exposed to an impact force and should not be re-used

Inspect the reserve lifeline pay out. The HLL has a 4.5ft reserve at the end of the lifeline. If a red band attached around the rope is visible at the housing end of the lifeline the reserve has been compromised and must be removed and returned for service

Pull sharply on the lifeline close to the device end to ensure that the lifeline is securedEnsure that the lifeline is under the correct tension and make sure that the crank handle clicks

Inspect system labels and ensure that they are present and fully legible

If inspection reveals any unsafe or defective condition, remove the unit from service and contact service provider for possible repair

Inspect harness and energy absorbing lanyard or self-retracting lines according to manufacturer’s instructions

Maintenance, servicing and storage

Periodically clean the exterior of the unit with water and mild soap solution. Position the unit so excess water can drain out. Clean labels as required. Wipe off hardware with clean dry cloth

Clean the lifeline with water and a mild soap solution. Rinse and thoroughly air dry, do not force dry with heat. An excess build-up of dirt, paint, etc. may prevent the lifeline from fully retracting

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Lifeline replacement and maintenance procedures must be completed by an authorized service centre

Store the unit in a cool, dry, clean environment out of direct sunlight. Avoid areas where chemical vapours may exist. Inspect the unit after extended storage

Read and understand all manufacturers’ instructions for each component of the personal fall arrest system

Section 31

VIBRATION

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall comply withThe Control of Vibration at Work regulations with a view to protecting our employees against risk to their health and safety arising from exposure to vibration at work

Exposure limit values and action values

For hand-arm vibration—The daily exposure limit value is 5 m/s2 A(8)The daily exposure action value is 2.5 m/s2 A(8)For whole body vibration—The daily exposure limit value is 1.15 m/s2 A(8)The daily exposure action value is 0.5 m/s2 A(8)

Assessment of the risk to health created by vibration at the workplace

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk created by our work to the health and safety of our employees and the risk assessment shall identify the measures that need to be taken to meet the requirements of the regulations

In conducting the risk assessment, Avon Sheeting shall assess daily exposure to vibration by means of–

Observation of specific working practices

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Reference to relevant information on the probable magnitude of the vibration corresponding to the equipment used in the particular working conditions

If necessary, measurement of the magnitude of vibration to which our employees are liable to be exposed

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall assess whether any of our employees are likely to be exposed to vibration at or above an exposure action value or above an exposure limit value The risk assessment shall include consideration of–

The magnitude, type and duration of exposure, including any exposure to intermittent vibration or repeated shocks

The effects of exposure to vibration on employees whose health is at particular risk from such exposure

Any effects of vibration on the workplace and work equipment including the proper handling of controls, the reading of indicators, the stability of structures and the security of joints

Any information provided by the manufacturers of work equipment

The availability of replacement equipment designed to reduce exposure to vibration

Any extension of exposure at the workplace to whole-body vibration beyond normal working hours, including exposure in rest facilities supervised by the employer

Specific working conditions such as low temperatures

Appropriate information obtained from health surveillance including, where possible, published information

The risk assessment shall be reviewed regularly, and forthwith if–

There is reason to suspect that the risk assessment is no longer valid

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There has been a significant change in the work to which the assessment relates and where, as a result of the review, changes to the risk assessment are required, those changes shall be made

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall record–

The significant findings of the risk assessment as soon as is practicable after the risk assessment is made or changed

The measures which we have taken and which we intend to take to meet the requirements of the regulations

Elimination or control of exposure to vibration at the workplace

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that risk from the exposure of our employees to vibration is either eliminated at source or, where this is not reasonably practicable, reduced to as low a level as is reasonably practicable

Where it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate risk at source and an exposure action value is likely to be reached or exceeded, Avon Sheeting Ltd shall reduce exposure to as low a level as is reasonably practicable by establishing and implementing a programme of organisational and technical measures which is appropriate to the activity

Measures shall include consideration of –

Other working methods which eliminate or reduce exposure to vibration

Choice of work equipment of appropriate ergonomic design which, taking account of the work to be done, produces the least possible vibration

The provision of auxiliary equipment which reduces the risk of injuries caused by vibration

Appropriate maintenance programmes for work equipment, the workplace and workplace systems

The design and layout of workplaces, work stations and rest facilities

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Suitable and sufficient information and training for employees, such that work equipment may be used correctly and safely, in order to minimise their exposure to vibration

Limitation of the duration and magnitude of exposure to vibration

Appropriate work schedules with adequate rest periods

The provision of clothing to protect employees from cold and damp

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall–

Ensure that our employees are not exposed to vibration above an exposure limit value

If an exposure limit value is exceeded, we shall

Reduce exposure to vibration to below the limit value

Identify the reason for that limit being exceeded

Modify the measures taken to prevent it being exceeded again

Health surveillance

If the risk assessment indicates that there is a risk to the health of our employees who are, or are liable to be, exposed to vibration; or employees are likely to be exposed to vibration at or above an exposure action value

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that such employees are placed under suitable health surveillance

Health surveillance, which shall be intended to prevent or diagnose any health effect linked with exposure to vibration, shall be appropriate where the exposure of the employee to vibration is such that–

A link can be established between that exposure and an identifiable disease or adverse health effect

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It is probable that the disease or effect may occur under the particular conditions of our work

There are valid techniques for detecting the disease or effect

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that a health record in respect of each of our employees who undergoes health surveillance is made and maintained and that the record or a copy thereof is kept available in a suitable form

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall–

On reasonable notice being given, allow an employee access to his personal health record

Provide the enforcing authority with copies of such health records as it may require

Where, as a result of health surveillance, an employee is found to have an identifiable disease or adverse health effect which is considered by a doctor or other occupational health professional to be the result of exposure to vibration Avon Sheeting Ltd shall–

Ensure that a suitably qualified person informs the employee accordingly and provides the employee with information and advice regarding further health surveillance, including any health surveillance which he should undergo following the end of the exposure

Ensure that we are informed of any significant findings from the employee’s health surveillance, taking into account any medical confidentiality

Review the risk assessment

Review any measure taken, taking into account any advice given by a doctor or occupational health professional or by the enforcing authority

Consider assigning the employee to alternative work where there is no risk from further exposure to vibration, taking into account any advice given by a doctor or occupational health professional

Provide for a review of the health of any other employee who has been similarly exposed, including a medical examination where such an examination is recommended by a doctor or occupational health professional or by the enforcing authority

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An employee to whom this regulation applies shall, when required by Avon Sheeting Ltd and at the cost of Avon Sheeting Ltd, present himself during his working hours for such health surveillance procedures as may be required.

Information, instruction and training

If the risk assessment indicates that there is a risk to the health of our employees who are, or who are liable to be, exposed to vibration; or employees are likely to be exposed to vibration at or above an exposure action value

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall provide those employees with suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training.

The information, instruction and training provided shall include–

The organisational and technical measures taken in order to comply with the requirements of the regulations

The exposure limit values and action values set out in the regulations

The significant findings of the risk assessment, including any measurements taken, with an explanation of those findings of why and how to detect and report signs of injury

Entitlement to appropriate health surveillance

Safe working practices to minimise exposure to vibration

The collective results of any health surveillance undertaken in a form calculated to prevent those results from being identified as relating to a particular person

The information, instruction and training required shall be updated to take account of significant changes in the type of work carried out or the working methods used

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that any person, whether or not our employee, who carries out work in connection with our duties under the regulations has suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training.The information, instruction and training provided shall include–

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The organisational and technical measures taken

The exposure limit values and action values

The significant findings of the risk assessment, including any measurements taken, with an explanation of those findings

Why and how to detect and report signs of injury

Entitlement to appropriate health surveillance

Safe working practices to minimise exposure to vibration; andthe collective results of any health surveillance undertaken in a form calculated to prevent those results from being identified as relating to a particular person

The information, instruction and training required shall be updated to take account of significant changes in the type of work carried out or the working methods used by Avon Sheeting Ltd

Section 32Lifting Equipment

Strength and stability

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that—

Lifting equipment is of adequate strength and stability for each load, having regard in particular to the stress induced at its mounting or fixing point

Every part of a load and anything attached to it and used in lifting it is of adequate strength

Lifting equipment for lifting persons

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that lifting equipment for lifting persons—

Is such as to prevent a person using it being crushed, trapped or struck or falling from the carrier

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Is such as to prevent so far as is reasonably practicable a person using it, while carrying out activities from the carrier, being crushed, trapped or struck or falling from the carrier

Has suitable devices to prevent the risk of a carrier falling

Is such that a person trapped in any carrier is not thereby exposed to danger and can be freed

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that if the risk cannot be prevented for reasons inherent in the site and height differences—

The carrier has an enhanced safety coefficient suspension rope or chain; and the rope or chain is inspected by a competent person every working day

Positioning and installation

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that lifting equipment is positioned or installed in such a way as to reduce to as low as is reasonably practicable the risk—

Of the lifting equipment or a load striking a person

From a load, drifting, falling freely or being released unintentionally and it is otherwise safe

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that there are suitable devices to prevent a person from falling down a shaft or hoistway

Whenever a mobile elevated work platform is driven along a highway it must be accompanied by a banksman at all times

Marking of lifting equipment

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that—

Machinery and accessories for lifting loads are clearly marked to indicate their safe working loads

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Where the safe working load of machinery for lifting loads depends on its configuration—

The machinery is clearly marked to indicate its safe working load for each configuration; or information which clearly indicates its safe working load for each configuration is kept with the machinery

Accessories for lifting are also marked in such a way that it is possible to identify the characteristics necessary for their safe use

Lifting equipment which is designed for lifting persons is appropriately and clearly marked to this effect; and lifting equipment which is not designed for lifting persons but which might be so used in error is appropriately and clearly marked to the effect that it is not designed for lifting persons

Organisation of lifting operations

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that every lifting operation involving lifting equipment is—

Properly planned by a competent person

Appropriately supervised

Carried out in a safe manner

In this regulation “lifting operation” means an operation concerned with the lifting or lowering of a load

Thorough examination and inspection

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that before lifting equipment is put into service for the first time by us it is thoroughly examined for any defect or, if obtained from the undertaking of another person, it is accompanied by physical evidence

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that, where the safety of lifting equipment depends on the installation conditions, it is thoroughly examined—

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After installation and before being put into service for the first time

After assembly and before being put into service at a new site or in a new location to ensure that it has been installed correctly and is safe to operate

Every employer shall ensure that lifting equipment which is exposed to conditions causing deterioration which is liable to result in dangerous situations is thoroughly examined—

In the case of lifting equipment for lifting persons or an accessory for lifting, at least every 6 months

In the case of other lifting equipment at least every 12 months

In either case, in accordance with an examination scheme and each time that exceptional circumstances which are liable to jeopardise the safety of the lifting equipment have occurred and if appropriate for the purpose, is inspected by a competent person at suitable intervals between thorough examinations to ensure that health and safety conditions are maintained and that any deterioration can be detected and remedied in good time

Lifting equipment and accessories at Avon Sheeting Ltd are checked by a competent user before each use and also weekly visual inspections are carried out and recorded

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that no lifting equipment leaves our undertaking if obtained from the undertaking of another person, is used in our undertaking, unless it is accompanied by physical evidence that the last thorough examination has been carried out

Reports and defects

Avon Sheeting Ltd shall ensure that the lifting equipment is not used before the defect is rectified

Section 33

AVON SHEETING LTD VISITORS & DELIVERY DRIVERS PROCEDURES

All visitors and delivery drivers entering Avon Sheeting Ltd premises must report to reception and sign the visitor’s book on arrival. All visitors and delivery drivers must be supervised whilst on Avon Sheeting Ltd site and must be escorted by their host unless in a designated safe area provided by Avon Sheeting Ltd.

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Deliveries must be loaded or unloaded in the ASL designated loading/unloading area and designated and trained ASL personnel must carry out loading/unloading operations in accordance with the relevant ASL safe system of work.

No person other than the forklift operator is permitted within 3 meters of the forklift truck when in operation and during loading or unloading. A no access zone must be established around the vehicle during the loading/unloading operation using barriers or cones and hazard tape and delivery drivers must be situated in the designated ASL delivery driver safe zone.

The requirements of the work at height regulations apply during loading and unloading and therefore unprotected/uncontrolled access on to the back of Lorries, flat beds etc. is strictly prohibited, unless suitable fall protection systems are in place and agreed by Avon Sheeting Ltd.

Loads must be handled and slung in accordance with the company safe systems of work for Slinging/Mechanical Lifting and Forklift use.

Section 34

HEALTH & SAFETY DOCUMENTS & FORMS REFERENCE

HS01 General improvement plan diaryHS02 Accident report formHS03 Harness test logHS04 Fall arrest slings test logHS05 Lanyard test logHS06 EZ line test logHS07 Inertia reels test logHS08 Lifting equipment test logHS09 Wire pulling machines test logHS10 Wire rope test logHS11 PPE Issue templateHS12 Site audit & inspection templateHS13 Management system audit templateHS14 COSHH assessment templateHS15 General risk assessment templateHS16 Manual handling assessment templateHS17 Pre-work risk assessment templateHS18 Post work risk assessment templateHS19 Pre-construction survey templateHS20 Vibration assessmentHS21 Legionella risk assessmentHS22 Toolbox talk declaration templateHS23 Felting JMS

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HS24 Sheeting JMSHS25 Fire risk assessmentHS26 Fire safety inspection logHS27 Annual extinguisher test logHS28 Monthly extinguisher check logHS29 Electrical hand tools inspection and testHS30 General inspection and test templateHS31 DSE self assessment templateHS32 AOP DailyHS33 AOP WeeklyHS34 AOP MonthlyHS35 AOP 3/4/6 MonthlyHS36 AOP 12 Monthly

Section 35

FURTHER INFORMATION

Websites:

Health & Safety Executive (http://www.hse.gov.uk)RoSPA - Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (http://www.rospa.com)HSE Books (http://www.hsebooks.co.uk)

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