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Steton Associated Works Ltd
Health & Safety Policy, Organisation and Arrangements
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Contents: Page
Company Health and Safety Policy Statement 3 Organisational Chart for Health and Safety 4 Organisation for Health and Safety;
1. Director responsible for Health & Safety 5 2. Site Supervisors 5 3. Site Operatives 6 4. Office Manager 7 5. Health and Safety Advisor 8 6. Health & Safety Risks Arising From Work Activities 8 7. Consultation With Employees 9 8. Safe Plant, Tools and Equipment 9 9. Safe Handling and Use of Substances 11
10. Information, Instruction, Training and Supervision 12 11. Competency For Tasks and Training 14 12. Accidents, First Aid and Work Related Ill Health 15 13. Monitoring 16 14. Emergency Procedures – Fire and Evacuation 17 15. Alcohol and Drugs Policy 18
Management of Health and Safety in the Workplace
16. Management of Health and Safety at Work; Appointment of 19 Competent Persons 17. General approach to be taken to ensure adequate arrangements for
Health and Safety Management 20 18. Organisation 20 19. Control 20 20. Monitoring 21 21. Accidents and Incidents 21 22. Review of Health and Safety Policy, Organisation and procedures 22 23. Risk Assessment 23 24. Work at Height 24 25. Use of Ladders and Stepladders 25
26. Manual Handling Operations Regulations 25
27. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 27 28. Vibration and Vibrating Tools 27
29 Noise at Work Regulations 28 30. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 29 31. Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 29 32. Personal Protective equipment at Work Regulations 30 33. Method Statements 31 34. Training and Certification 33 35. Design Stage Considerations 34
Appendices Generic Risk Assessment Abrasive Wheels Generic Manual Handling Risk Assessment Method Statement Removal and replacing hoarding COSHH Assessment for Cement Training matrix Fire Risk Assessment
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STETON ASSOCIATED WORKS LTD
Health & Safety Policy Statement
Steton Associated Works Ltd (hereinafter referred to as ‘the company’) fully recognises the duties placed on it
by the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and other relevant legislation and regulations, and that the
company has a duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare, so far as is reasonably practicable, of its
employees and other persons who may be affected by the company’s undertakings.
The company considers that excellent health and safety performance directly contributes to the company’s commercial success, and believes that the provision of a safe working environment and safe systems of work enhance the company's health and safety climate, and the company is committed to ensuring that these obligations are, wherever reasonably practicable met or exceeded.
The company also recognises that all its employees must comply with duties imposed on them under the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 to ensure that they do not endanger themselves or other persons by their actions or inactions, or interfere with anything provided for health and safety. This shall be enforced through regular training and communication with all employees and other persons affected by the undertakings of the company.
The company is committed to the following principles:
That health and safety objectives of the company shall be set within a health and safety action plan and regularly reviewed to ensure continuous improvement and performance in health and safety.
Actively monitoring health and safety performance through regular site inspections, audits and reviews which the company regards as an essential element of the company’s performance improvement.
Ensuring that the appropriate resources, both financial and physical will be made available to support this policy.
Ensuring that all reasonably foreseeable hazards are identified and risks assessed in respect of
the company’s undertakings, and that suitable and sufficient control measures are implemented and regularly reviewed.
Ensuring all company employees are provided with sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision to enable them to work safely and efficiently.
The company undertakes to revise and review this policy as often as future developments in health &
safety legislation makes appropriate or at least annually.
Tony Badger Managing Director Date: 21st February 2009
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5. Health & Safety Advisor
5.1 Provide Health & Safety advice and guidance on Policy matters to company Directors, Site Managers,
Supervisors and employees and liaise with Clients, Designers, Planning Coordinators and suppliers etc.
5.2 Assist the company in keeping up to date with all relevant statutory provisions, Codes of Practice and Guidance and assist in formation of appropriate internal guidance and documentation in setting internal
Health & Safety standards or targets whilst monitoring compliance.
5.3 Assist in the production and implementation of risk assessments and method statements
5.4 Undertake regular inspections/audits of sites and office controlled by the company and report on hazards,
precautions and compliance with statutory requirements and company policies and procedure
5.5 Produce inspection/audit reports on company health and safety compliance and performance
5.6 Produce accidents and/or incident reports as required and complete statutory notifications
(E.g. RIDDOR reports) as required
5.7 Act as the company’s liaison with enforcing authorities (e.g. HSE, Fire etc) or advisory Bodies as required.
5.8 Assist with the provision of health and safety training by identifying suitable training providers and/or
conducting training and tool box talks etc.
5.9 Provide advice in respect of the provision of personal protective equipment as necessary.
5.10 Attend company meetings when requested to do so and provide advice to the Director responsible for
health and safety, Quantity Surveyor and Foremen on planning and coordination relevant to Construction Health and Safety Plans and Health and Safety Files etc where relevant.
5.11 Attend company safety and review meetings when requested to do so to provide advice on all matters relating to health and safety.
5.12 Advise the company and make recommendations on health and safety to enable continuous improvement.
5.13 Set a personal example when on company sites by complying with site health and safety rules and instructions and the wearing of all required personal protective equipment.
6. Health & Safety Risks arising from Work Activities
6.1 The company shall ensure that all tasks undertaken by the company are risk assessed in accordance with
the requirements of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.
6.2 All risk assessments shall be reviewed at least annually or where it is apparent that the work activity has changed and it is believed the assessment may no longer be valid, whichever is the sooner.
6.3 The company shall ensure that site health and safety inspections and health and safety audits are regularly undertaken and reports submitted to the Director responsible for health and safety. Site health and safety
inspections and health and safety audits shall be carried out by the company’s appointed Health & Safety Advisor.
The company’s appointed health and safety advisor is Mr. Robert Ryce of Constructive Business Support
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6.4 The findings of site health and safety inspections and health and safety audits will initially be reported
verbally to the Director responsible for health safety. The findings of sites health and safety inspections will
initially be reported verbally to company Site Managers/Supervisors for immediate action where
appropriate. Written health and safety audit reports and site health and safety inspection reports shall be
submitted to the Director responsible for health and safety as soon as reasonably practicable.
6.5 Where hazards not previously assessed are identified in health and safety audits and site health and safety
inspection reports, the Health and Safety Advisor shall identify and make recommendations for the
implementation of control measures to removal or reduce those risks to a reasonably practicable
acceptable level.
6.6 Where appropriate, health and safety audits and site health and safety inspection reports shall identify the
relevant company employee(s) or other person(s) with responsibility for ensuring that the required
action(s) is implemented and signed off.
6.7 Periodically the appointed Health and Safety Advisor shall carry out a review of health and safety audits
and site health and safety inspections to ensure that actions required to be implemented have been carried
out, the control measures in place and the actions closed out.
7. Consultation with employees
7.1 The Director responsible for health and safety currently consults with all employees directly in respect of
health and safety on a periodic basis, and where appropriate, direct consultation is followed up by
providing all employees with written information in the form of letters and/or internal memos.
7.2 The company positively encourages all employees’ involvement in health and safety matters by direct
individual or representative discussion or consultation with Site Managers, Supervisors or the appointed
Health & Safety Advisor
8. Safe Plant, Tools and Equipment
8.1 The company recognises it has a legal duty under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations to
ensure that all plant, tools and equipment supplied to employees for use in the workplace are safe to use
and maintained in a safe condition.
8.2 The company generally does not own plant but hires-in plant and equipment as required for specific works
undertaken. All plant hired for use by the company in its undertakings shall be obtained from a reputable
hire company and shall be required to be supplied with;
CE Marking/Specification requirements
User instructions where appropriate
All component parts and ancillary tools as required
Full service/maintenance records as appropriate
Records of inspection/test and/or thorough examination as appropriate
8.3 Where employees are required to employ and/or operate plant and/or equipment they shall be provided with
suitable and sufficient training and instruction in the use of the plant and/or equipment prior to use, and/or shall have up to date relevant qualification/certification to establish their competence for the safe use and
operation of the plant and/or equipment concerned.
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8.4 Where the company (or any employee) supplies handheld tools for use in the Workplace, the company shall undertake regular and routine inspections of those handheld tools to ensure they are maintained in good
condition and are safe for use. Where it is apparent that any hand-held tool has not been maintained and is not in a safe for use, the company (or employee where the hand-held tool has been supplied by an
employee) shall require the tool to be immediately withdrawn and a suitable safe replacement tool provided.
8.5 Where any plant, tools or equipment are found to be defective or otherwise unsafe for use, it shall be
reported immediately to the Site Manager or Supervisor. All such plant, tools and equipment must be clearly labelled as being unsafe for use before being taken out of service and until the plant, tools or equipment
have been satisfactorily repaired, maintained or replaced and the repaired, maintained or replaced plant,
tools or equipment deemed safe for use by a competent person.
8.6 Site Managers, Supervisors or the Director responsible for health and safety, if available, shall be responsible for checking and ensuring all new plant, tools and equipment meet the required certification standard and is
CE marked before being purchased or hired, and is safe to use for its intended purpose.
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9. Safe Handling and Use of Substances
9.1 The Director responsible for health and safety, Site Managers and Supervisors shall be responsible for
identifying all substances, prior to purchase or being employed in the workplace, that require an assessment under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH).
9.2 Where any substance has been identified as requiring an assessment under the COSHH Regulations, a
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) shall be obtained from the manufacturer/supplier of the substances
by the company and a COSHH assessment carried out to assess the risks arising from those substances identified.
9.3 Site Managers, Supervisors or the appointed health and Safety Advisor shall be responsible for carrying
out COSHH assessments in respect of substances identified in relation to their use and the exposure of
employees or other persons to the substance.
9.4 Where any substance identified as requiring an assessment under the COSHH Regulations is being supplied and used by a sub-contractor, the sub-contractor shall be required to supply the company with a
suitable and sufficient COSHH assessment prior to employing the substance on site.
9.5 Site Managers and Supervisors shall be responsible for ensuring that all relevant employees are informed
of the contents of COSHH Assessments undertaken and any implications in respect of employee’s health and welfare through the use of those substances.
9.6 The action(s) required to be implemented to remove or control any risks identified by the COSHH
assessment for the safe use of a substance shall be the responsibility of the employee named on the
COSHH Assessment by the Site Manager, Supervisor or Director responsible for health and safety.
9.7 Where any employee is exposed to certain hazardous substances (e.g. asbestos) the company shall arrange for health surveillance to be undertaken and for the required records in respect of the health
surveillance to be maintained for the prescribed period (e.g. 40 years).
9.8 COSHH Assessments shall be reviewed at least annually or when it is apparent that the assessment is no
longer valid, or where the substance is to be used in an area where additional safety precautions may be required (e.g. confined spaces) or the substance may come into contact with other substances creating
additional hazards, whichever is the sooner.
9.9 Where reasonably practicable hazardous substances shall be replaced by non-hazardous or less
hazardous substances.
9.10 The company shall comply with all required environmental control measures when working on site and shall ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that site waste, waste COSHH substances and waste
containers are disposed of correctly by licensed waste contractors and not permitted to damage the
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10.8 Where the Principal or main contractor in control of the workplace is not prepared to accept young
persons as defined by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations onto the site, The
company shall not permit any young persons to work on the site.
11. Competency for Tasks and Training
11.1 The company recognises that it has a legal duty to provide sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision to employees. This will be provided by a competent person or training organisation
determined by the company.
11.2 All company employees upon commencement with the company shall be provided with a company induction that shall include information on the company’s health and safety policy and procedures and
the importance of working in a healthy and safe manner.
11.3 All company employees shall receive site induction training that is specific to each and every site they are
required to work on. This training, where the company is not in control of the site, shall be provided by the Principal Contractor. Where the company is in control of the site, the site induction shall be provided
by the company’s Site Manager, Supervisor or Director responsible for health and safety.
11.4 From time to time tasks may arise that will require specific training requirements to be met (e.g.
work involving the erection and use of tower scaffolds). Training requirements for specific tasks
shall be determined as and when the need arises and shall be provided to employees as required.
11.5 Employee training records shall be maintained by the company and copies of training and qualifications
shall be available for inspection at any reasonable time.
11.6 The Director responsible for health and safety, in liaison with the appointed Health and Safety Advisor,
shall be responsible for assessing and identifying employee training needs and shall arrange for training
to be provided, as required.
11.7 Where training is to be provided, training providers shall have their competency assessed by the
appointed Health & Safety Advisor, and records of competency to provide training shall be maintained by
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15. Alcohol and Drugs Policy
15.1 All company employees and sub-contractors employed will be subject to the following rules concerning
the use/misuse of alcohol and drugs.
15.2 No employee will report for work whilst under the influence of either alcohol or drugs. In the case of
alcohol the term "influence" is defined as that laid down by statutory or contract requirements, or as decreed by the employers Site Manager or Supervisor.
15.3 No employee shall consume alcohol on or off the premises during working hours, and if found in breach
of this will be subject to disciplinary action.
15.4 The use of drugs by an employee will only be permitted if they are prescribed or instructed by a medical
practitioner, and in the opinion of that specialist, will not impair the performance of the employee.
15.5 The use of illegal substances at any time is not permitted and any person contravening this will be
subject to disciplinary action.
15.6 Any person previously dismissed or suspended for contravening the above terms will be required to
provide medical evidence of their state of health, provided by a medical practitioner, prior to being
considered for re-employment.
15.7 Any employee involved in safety critical activities for a Client will be required to satisfy any Client policies
in relation to alcohol and drug screening which may includes random screening and the Clients
disciplinary procedures.
15.8 Any person found or suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the workplace will be
immediately required to vacate the site or premises by the company.
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Management of Health and Safety in the Workplace
16. Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations; Appointment of Competent
Persons
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and subordinate Regulations place general and more specific
duties on the company, its employees and others. The Regulations referred to below set out minimum legal requirements that will be adhered to at all times by the company.
16.1 Professional advice on Health and Safety matters is provided to the company by Constructive Business
Solutions UK Ltd who act a the ‘competent person’ as defined by Regulation 7 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (as amended).
16.2 The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations requires the company to assess the risk to the health and safety of its employees and any others who may be affected by company’s undertakings.
Risk Assessments are required to be carried out to identify all the protective and preventative measures that the company needs take to comply with legislation to ensure that Health and Safety standards are
maintained.
16.3 Where applicable, emergency procedures shall be established and competent people nominated to
adequately implement them.
16.4 Information, instruction and training will be provided to employees by the company to ensure correct levels of competency for all work activities undertaken by the company.
16.5 Where the company is in control of the site it shall provide comprehensive induction training, on-site, prior to employees or sub-contractors commencing work. Where the company are not in control of the
site, comprehensive induction training, on-site, prior to company employees or it sub-contractors commencing work shall be carried out by the Principle Contractor in accordance with requirements.
17. General Approach to be taken to ensure adequate arrangements for Health and Safety Management
17.1 The company shall develop and maintaining an OH&S Action Plan which shall include for the completion
of risk assessments, and provide deadlines for their completion and the implementation of the appropriate risk control measures. The Action Plan shall prioritise risk assessments in relation to the
potential risk of injury posed (Highest/Lowest).Wherever reasonably practicable, the company shall select facilities, design, equipment and processes, that ensure risks are eliminated or reduced to the lowest
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18. Organisation
18.1 It is the company’s policy to ensure that effective channels of communication exist between all
employees and the company’s management and to actively involve all employees and elected or company appointed safety representatives in the risk assessment process and the implementation of
workplace risk controls.
18.2 Consultation with employees and other persons affected by the company’s undertakings shall be in
accordance with company’s and client/Principal Contractor requirements.
18.3 Where reasonably practicable the company will consider the setting-up of a Health and Safety Committee where this is considered the best method that could be employed to communicate, co-ordinate and
monitor company health and safety matters.
18.4 The company shall ensure that all employees involved in the risk assessment process are given adequate
information, instruction and training to enable them to competently assist the company in the preventive and protective risk control measures it needs to take.
19. Control
19.1 The company shall ensure that all its employees are given clear instructions and information on what they are expected to do, and that they have sufficient time and such other resources to enable them to
do it safely.
This shall include (but may not be limited to):
Provision of Information, Instruction and Training
Risk Assessments
Site Specific Method Statements
Safe Systems of Works
Permits to Work (where required)
Adequate Supervision Levels
Personal Protective Equipment
20. Monitoring
20.1 It is the company’s aim to achieve an effective health and safety culture through the development of employees, providing adequate levels of competent supervision and the close monitoring of
performance.
20.2 Site Managers and Supervisors shall undertake regular workplace inspections in line with the company’s policy or such client/principal contractor requirements.
20.3 In addition, the company’s appointed Health and Safety Advisor shall carry out regular formal safety inspections to check the application of the company’s health and safety arrangements on site and
monitor the effectiveness of their application, and shall also undertake regular internal health and safety audits of the company’s Health and Safety Management System and its application.
20.4 On completion of site health and safety inspections and internal health and safety management system audits, the company’s appointed Health and Safety Advisor shall furnish the company recommendations
for continuous improvement and shall update the company’s Health and Safety Action Plan as necessary, to ensure that those items identified are brought to attention of the company’s management and
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21. Accidents and Incidents
21.1 All company employees (and sub-contractors where employed) are required to report all accidents,
incidents or near misses to their company Site Manager or Supervisor who is responsible for ensuring that all injuries are reported using the company accident reporting procedure.
21.2 Where necessary, all injury and non-injury accidents, incidents or near misses shall be investigated and the immediate and underlying causes identified to assist in the prevention of recurrence.
21.3 Where required by the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases or Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), to
submit a report in the required format and within the required time-frame to the relevant enforcing authority.
21.4 On sites not under the control of the company, all injury, non-injury accidents, incidents or near misses shall be reported to the principal contractor as required, and company employees shall cooperate and
coordinate their efforts with the Principal Contractor in any investigation carried out or subsequent report required. In addition the company’s Site Manager or Supervisor shall report the matter to the company
using the accident reporting procedure and ensure that details are entered into the company’s accident
book as required.
21.5 The company shall maintain a register of all work related accidents and ill health and shall compile, using
the company accident analysis record, an annual trend analysis of all accidents, incidents and ill health to ensure that risk control resources are directed appropriately.
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22. Review of Health and Safety Policy, Organisation and Procedures
22.1 It is the company’s policy to regularly review its health and safety policy, organisation and procedures,
which shall be carried out as often as future developments in health & safety legislation makes appropriate
or at least annually.
22.2 Following any review the company will set priorities for the continuous improvement of its health and safety policy, organisation and procedures, as appropriate and the improvement and implementation of risk
control measures.
22.3 All improvement and/or necessary changes to the company’s policy, organisation and procedures will be
reflected in the companies Health & Safety Action Plan which shall identify those company Directors, Managers, Supervisors or employees responsible for the action, together with dates for completion and
implementation.
22.4 The company shall, where practicable, implement and follow the model procedures provided by the Health
and Safety Executive Publication; Successful Health and Safety Management HSG 65 (as outlined in figure 1 below) to achieve a process which generates a continuous improvement cycle:
Figure 1: Model Procedure for Monitoring and Review of
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23. RISK ASSESSMENT
23.1 The company recognises that risk assessment is not an ‘exact science’ and good judgement and common
sense must be applied at all times by all of its employees. It is the company’s aim to always eliminate the risk, or if this can’t be done, to reduce the risks to which employees and others are exposed to acceptable levels through the implementation of suitable and sufficient control measures and adequate levels of supervision.
23.2 The company shall, in accordance with its health and safety policy, carry out risk assessments as required by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (as amended), and other assessments
deemed necessary by specific relevant legislation and/or regulations, to identify all reasonably foreseeable
hazards and persons who may be affected, and so far as is reasonably practicable eliminate risks or reduce risks to an acceptable level by implementing suitable and sufficient control measures.
23.3 All risk assessments carried out by the company shall be conducted by a competent person in accordance
with the Health and Safety Executives ‘5 steps to risk assessment’ and are considered to be an imperative part of the company’s safety procedures.
23.4 All risk assessments carried out by the company will be site specific and shall be reviewed when changes in legislation and/or regulations require it, or it becomes apparent that they are no longer suitable or
sufficient, or shall be reviewed at least annually, whichever is soonest. 23.5 All company employees shall be provided with suitable and sufficient information; instruction and training in
respect of risk assessments, the requirements to implement control measures and the need to ensure adequate levels of supervision are provided and maintained to ensure safe working
24. WORK AT HEIGHT
24.1 The company recognises that it has a legal duty to ensure the safety of employees working at height in accordance with Work at Height Regulations and company employees have a duty to comply with the
company’s safety procedures for work at height in order to protect themselves and other persons who may be affected by their action or inaction.
General
24.2 The Work at Height Regulations identify a place of work at height as a place of work at height if a person could be injured by falling from it, even if that place is at or below ground level.
The following sections cover the company’s procedures and requirements for safe working at height on
ladders, scaffolding, scaffold towers and platforms, and requirements for implementing protective measures (e.g. collective fall prevention, collective fall arrest and personal fall protection) and the carrying out of
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Figure 2 below shows the Work at Height Regulations hierarchy of control for managing and selecting
equipment for work at height;
Figure 2: Hierarchy for Work at Height
24.3 The company shall undertake all work at height in accordance with the regulations and shall ensure
that:
All work at height is properly assessed, planned and organised
All work at height takes account of weather conditions that could endanger health and safety
Those involved in work at height are trained and competent
The place where work at height is done is safe
Equipment for work at height is appropriately inspected and records maintained as required
Risks from fragile surfaces are properly identified and controlled
Risks from falling objects are properly identified and controlled
25. Use of Ladders & Stepladders
The Work at Height Regulations does not ban ladders or stepladders. They require that ladders should only
be considered where a risk assessment has shown that the use of other more suitable work equipment is not appropriate because of the low risk, and short duration of the task or considerations of where the work
is located. Short duration is accepted to mean no more than 30 minutes in one position. Common practice within the industry is to use step ladders for multi-position fixing of timbers and associated components.
Schedule 6 of the Work at Height Regulations deals with the requirements for ladders and includes the following requirements:
25.1 Every employer shall ensure that a ladder is used for work at height only if a risk assessment under the Management Regulations has demonstrated that the use of more suitable work equipment is not justified because of the low risk and:
the short duration of use; or Existing features on site which he cannot alter. Any surface upon which a ladder rests shall be stable, firm, of sufficient strength.
25.2 A ladder shall be positioned to ensure its stability during use.
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25.3 A portable ladder shall be prevented from slipping during use by:
securing the stiles at or near their upper or lower ends;
an effective anti-slip or other effective stability device; or
Any other arrangement of equivalent effectiveness.
25.4 A ladder used for access shall be long enough to protrude sufficiently above the place of landing to which it provides access, unless other measures have been taken to ensure a firm handhold.
25.5 No interlocking or extension ladder shall be used unless its sections are prevented from moving relative to
each other while in use.
25.6 A mobile ladder shall be prevented from moving before it is stepped on.
25.7 Every ladder shall be used in such a way that:
a secure handhold and secure support are always available to the user; and
the user can maintain a safe handhold when carrying a load unless, in the case of a step ladder, the
maintenance of a handhold is not practicable when a load is carried, and a risk assessment has
demonstrated that the use of a stepladder is justified because of:
- the low risk; and
- the short duration of use.
26. Manual Handling Operations Regulations
The company recognises the risks arising from manual handling in the construction of timber frame
buildings. The Manual Handling Regulations apply to a wide range of manual handling activities involving
the transporting or supporting of a load, including; lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying and moving. The first requirement of the Regulation is to avoid manual handling where it is reasonably practicable to do
so.
(NOTE: ‘Reasonably practicable’ means reducing the risk until the cost of any further precautions – in time,
trouble or money – would be far too great in proportion to the risk reduction benefits.)
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26.1 Manual Handling Assessment
To reduce the risk of an injury, design, site conditions and the way the work is organised shall be properly
planned.
The company shall carry out manual handling risk assessments in respect of their undertakings in
compliance with the Regulations. Where manual handling assessments indicate possible risks to employees from the manual handling of loads, the following requirements of the Regulations shall be followed:
1) Employees will avoid hazardous manual handling operations, so far as is reasonably
practicable. This shall be done by redesigning the task to avoid moving the load or mechanising the process.
2) Making a suitable and sufficient assessment of any hazardous manual handling operations that cannot be avoided.
3) Reducing risks of injury from manual handling operations so far as is reasonably
practicable. Particular considerations should be given to the provision of mechanical means,
but where this is not reasonably practical, then other improvements to the task, the load and the working environment should be explored.
26.2 Precautions against Manual Handling Risks
Wherever reasonably practicable, designers and Specifiers are required to minimize the size and weight of
the components and reduce the need to manually handle the structures components into position in
accordance with HSE Guidelines and CDM Regulations.
The company shall ensure that the items listed below are taken into account when planning the work and when devising safe systems of work. The company shall also ensure that any Sub-Contractors employed
shall also give instruction and exercise supervision to ensure that their operatives implement and follow
safe systems of work.
Manual Handling Risk Assessment shall take into account the task, the load, the working environment and employee’s individual capability. An ergonomic approach should be taken to optimize productivity and
Health & Safety.
Additionally, other factors, such as the use of handling aids and PPE shall also be considered.
Risk assessments shall be carried out by competent assessors in accordance with HSE Guidance.
27. PROVISION AND USE OF WORK EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS
27.1 The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) covers all work equipment (from a hammer to a ladder to large cranes) and identify the Health & Safety requirements for the use of work
equipment. The Regulations impose explicit the general duties on employers and the self-employed to provide safe plant and equipment.
The regulations must not be considered in isolation. In particular, they need to be read in conjunction with
the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations and the Lifting Operation and Lifting Equipment Regulation (LOLER).
The company’s primary objective is to ensure the provision of safe work equipment, and its safe use.
27.2 The company recognises it has a legal duty for ensuring Health and Safety and also recognised that
employees also have legal duties, supplemented by the Management of Health & Safety at Work
Regulations that require the company’s employees to use all work items provided by their employer correctly and in accordance with the training and instructions they have received to enable them to use the
items safely. This is particularly relevant to employees using work equipment.
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27.3 The company shall ensure that all its work equipment whether owned or hired, is in good condition,
appropriately maintained and serviced to ensure it remains safe. This includes both electrical and mechanical testing and or inspection as appropriate.
28. VIBRATION AND VIBRATING TOOLS
28.1 Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is caused by vibration transmitted from work equipment into
workers’ hands and arms. It might typically be caused by operating hand-held power tools such as portable disc cutters and nail guns.
28.2 Regular and frequent exposure to high levels of vibration can lead to permanent injury.
This is most likely when contact with a vibrating tool or process is a regular part of an employee’s job.
Occasional exposure is unlikely to cause immediate ill health, although any exposure should be avoided by people with medical conditions such a Reynaud’s Disease. Exposure to long term vibration can lead to
chronic ill health effects, including HAVS and other vibration induced ailments.
28.3 The company have procedures in place that will identify potential vibration from their tools and equipment,
and will monitor employees exposure to vibration to ensure that over-exposure does not occur. Any employees subject to significant levels of vibration shall be subject to routine health surveillance.
29. THE NOISE AT WORK REGULATIONS
Noise at work can damage hearing, leading to short or even long term hearing loss. Noise created by drilling, cutting, pneumatic and percussion tools etc may be excessive and can cause a health hazard,
which requires assessment and control.
The company recognises that it has a legal duty to protect employees from exposure to high levels of noise
in the workplace under the provisions of the Noise at Work Regulations (as amended) and effective from April 2006.
The following action levels to enable effective control.
The Action levels are:
Lower Exposure Action Values:
Daily or weekly exposure of 80 dB
Peak sound pressure of 135 dB
Upper Exposure Action Values:
Daily or weekly exposure of 85 dB
Peak sound pressure of 137 dB
Exposure Limit Values:
Daily or weekly exposure of 87 dB
Peak sound pressure of 140 dB
These exposure values take account of any reduction in exposure provided by hearing protection (e.g. ear
defenders).
The Regulations (as amended) require:
A noise risk assessment to be carried out (by a competent assessor).
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Action taken to reduce noise exposure where necessary
The provision of appropriate hearing protection if unable to reduce noise exposure above the
intervention levels by other means
Ensure legal noise exposure limits are not exceeded.
Provide employees with information, instruction and training.
Provide health surveillance for employees where they are exposed to noise levels posing a risk
30. CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH (COSHH) REGULATIONS
30.1 Introduction
The COSHH regulations require that all potentially hazardous substances are assessed and suitable and sufficient control measures put in place. Typical hazardous substances are likely to include; chemicals,
wood dusts, other dusts (e.g. concrete and cement) and biological agents.
30.2 General Procedure
The company shall obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and undertaken COSHH Assessments for all
hazardous products/substances it employs on site. The assessment shall be made available to all operatives coming into contact with the products/substances and used to inform operatives of the hazards particular
to the product/substance in use and the control measures to be taken. Personal protective equipment (PPE)
shall also be provided to employees, as necessary, and shall be used as required.
All substances received on site shall be stored and used in accordance with the manufacturers/suppliers instructions. In the event of a spillage, appropriate action must be taken in accordance with instructions
detailed in the COSHH Assessment.
Empty containers and waste material must be disposed of in accordance with the approved procedures, as
noted on the COSHH Assessment for the product concerned. Copies of COSHH Assessment may form part of the Company’s Work Method Statement. The Company
Representative should request the Main Contractor to supply details of any other substances on site that could affect the Company’s employees or their sub-contractors.
31. THE CONSTRUCTION (DESIGN & MANAGEMENT) REGULATIONS 2007
The company undertakes to achieve compliance with the above regulations by ensuring that procedures
are implemented to include the following:
On Receipt of tenders, Inclusive of the information pack from the CDM coordinator. An evaluation will be carried out to ensure all information required is provided to enable adequate consideration to be given to
procedures to be adopted for managing health and safety on the project.
A planned approach is then made as to procedures to be adopted to include the development of the
construction phase plan to ensure adequate resources are allocated to ensure health and safety statutory legislation is met throughout the construction phase of the project.
Where contractors are invited to tender for packages of work associated with the contracts pre selection procedures are adopted to include the completion of health and safety assessment questionnaires
All contractors are provided with the relevant parts of the health and safety plan to ensure their adequate
allocation of resources.
Throughout the construction process the company undertakes to provide information to the CDM
Coordinator for inclusion in the Health and safety file.
The health and safety performance of subcontractors will be monitored throughout the contract.
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32. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AT WORK REGULATIONS
The company considers PPE to be a last resort and preference shall always be given to the elimination or reduction of risks at source, and PPE only used to guard against residual risks that cannot be removed.
32.1 The company shall carry out an assessment for the provision of required personal protective
equipment (PPE) and shall provide all employees with the respective CE Marked PPE.
32.2 All employees shall be required to wear the PPE issued, maintain it in a clean and serviceable condition
and store it in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
Basic PPE issued to employees shall consist of:
Hard hat
Protective safety footwear
High visibility clothing
Suitable gloves
Weatherproof clothing
Records shall be maintained for individual employees of the type and issue of PPE.
32.3 Wherever possible, the company shall consider the views and physical attributes of their employees when deciding upon particular types of PPE. Employees who have specific requirements (e.g. physical
characteristics that require special consideration) shall be matched as closely as is practicable to any PPE.
Personal protective equipment requirements shall be assessed for compatibility with other PPE where required (e.g. wearing hearing, eye, face protection and head protection etc).
32.4 The Company shall, through regular inspections, ensure that all protective clothing and equipment issued
is fit for use and being using in a proper manner.
32.5 The company shall also ensure that all employees receive adequate instruction, instruction and training
regarding the proper use and storage of PPE.
32.6 The requirements for the use of PPE shall be identified within specific risk assessments and method statement (where the method statement is separate from the risk assessment) and shall be available prior
to commencement of the works.
32.7 Employees shall regularly inspect their PPE and report any missing or defective items to their line manager
for replacement and/or repair as required.
33. METHOD STATEMENTS
33.1 Introduction
The company shall provide for the production of method statements which form an integral part of the
company’s overall Safety Management System covering hazardous activities.
Method statements shall provide information on the arrangements for undertaking works and shall detail
the sequence that work is to be undertaken to ensure health and safety arrangements are complied with.
The contents of method statements shall be communicated to all employees and other persons involved at
the planning stage, permitting time for approval or modification of the method statement(s) as necessary, prior to works commencing.
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33.14 Method Statement Amendments and Additional Information
Where any method statement(s) require amendment or alteration, the amended or altered method
statement(s) shall be submitted to all relevant parties (in accordance with 37.2) for agreement prior to any works commencing.
33.15 Communication of the Method Statement
Method Statements shall be sent to the Principal Contractor prior to the commencement of any works for inclusion in the Construction Phase Health and Safety Plan.
Where the Client is not the Principal Contractor, the Method Statements must be sent to the Client who
shall be responsible for providing copies as required to the Principal Contractor.
Where any changes or amendments are made to the method statement, these shall be recorded and the
amended copy sent to the Principal Contractor or Client as appropriate.
The company Site Manager/foreman shall be in possession of the current method statement and working
drawings, and ensure that the company’s employees are made aware of and implement the safe system of work detailed. The company Manager/Supervisor shall monitor the adequacy of the Method Statement and
any variations recorded and reported back to the Company as required.
Up to date copies of the method statement(s) shall be kept on site at all times until the contract completes.
33.16 Additions to the Safe Working Method Statement
The Method Statement may be added to by attaching and/or referring to other documents, for example:
Company site safety handbooks
Specific health and safety arrangements (e.g. Lifting Operations Plan)
Details of craneage supplier site visit and report
Risk assessments and COSHH assessments
Addendums to the safe working method statement
Specifications and certification of plant and equipment etc (e.g. record of though examination and
testing of lifting equipment/plant)
The above list is not exhaustive and the level of information for inclusion will vary depending on the nature of the works/contract etc.
33.17 Special Considerations:
Information shall be supplied and included in the method statement following consideration of any
special hazards (e.g. work close to or over water)
34. TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
34.1 Introduction:
It is the company’s policy to ensure that suitable and sufficient training is provided to all employees
involved in construction and refurbishment operations to ensure a good understanding of hazards, risks, legislation and rules applicable to Health and Safety.
The company shall determine the level of training required to ensure that all employees and any sub-contractors employed by the company are competent to undertake the given tasks/roles required.
The company shall maintain training records for individual employees and shall provide evidence of training/competence of employees for approval as required.
The company shall regularly review training requirements and shall renew training and/or qualifications as necessary when required.
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34.2 Scope
This procedure defines the company’s requirements for the training employee’s involved construction and refurbishment projects.
34.3 Responsibility
The company recognises that it has a legal duty under;
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007
To provide appropriate training to its employees and ensure that any sub contractors employed have
received the appropriate training and are competent to undertake the works.
This list is not exhaustive and does not eliminate the need for the company to provide ongoing training and
instruction which may be appropriate to changes in legislation, policy or work methods and may be delivered via inductions, toolbox talks or more formal arrangements.
35. DESIGN STAGE CONSIDERATIONS
The company provides the following detailed information to assist Engineers, Designers, Contractors and
Planning Supervisors in meeting the requirements of the Construction (Design and Managements) Regulations in co-ordination of designs to achieve safe completion of the project
35.1 The Existing Environment:
1 The sizes and weights of the components will determine the method of off-loading and transporting on site.
2 Site Pedestrian and Traffic management measures should be considered in relation to the delivery, off loading and storage of materials. The Principal Contractor in control of the site will be responsible
for providing hard access routes to the tasks.
3 Excavations, underground services, drains and basements are a hazard to lifting operations and their location should be considered.
4 On restricted sites, it may be necessary for loads to be lifted over adjacent land and buildings. In these circumstances, permission of third parties/land owners etc must be obtained to operate within
the airspace and contract lifting may be required.
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35.2 Design and Planning:
1. The CDM Regulations 2007 require that a Designer’s competence has to be considered.
2. To assist the completion of the project, the following information should be provided:
Third Party Design risk assessments, typically Architect
Pre-tender stage Health and Safety Plan
Design loads including finishes and imposed loads
Drawings showing the supporting type and build up of the supporting base
Phasing or sequencing of the works.
35.3 Construction Phase:
1. All tasks on site should only be undertaken by competent persons. The company only employs
competent operatives and sub contractors.
2. Tasks should not be undertaken without the provision of task specific method statement(s) and risk
assessment(s), that should address some or all of the following activities:
Manual Handling Working at heights with risk of personnel/objects falling
Working with cranes/other lifting equipment
34.5 The Health and Safety File:
1. All construction phase tasks will provide ‘as installed’ drawings at completion of the installation, showing
any changes from the original. Thereafter the Principal Contractor will be responsible for recording departures from the ‘as installed’ drawings
2. Care should be exercised to ensure that during the Construction Phase and during the life of the building, the design loads are not exceeded and future modifications are not made without reference to
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SPECIFIC LEGISLATION
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (as amended) (PUWER) Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (as amended).
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations (as amended).
Noise at Work Regulations Abrasive Wheels Regulations
HSE / OTHER GUIDANCE
HS(G)17 "Safety in the use of abrasive wheels".
L22 Work Equipment: Guidance on the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations PM22 Training advice on the mounting of abrasive wheels
BS 4481 "Bonded abrasive products".
INFORMATION INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING
- Other persons should be warned when dust, flying particles and noise are likely to be produced.
- All operatives must have been trained in the storing, handling, transporting, testing, working and adjustment of abrasive wheels; also in their hazards, the recognition of different types and the requirements of the Abrasive
Wheels Regulations - All operatives must be trained to use the appropriate PPE.
- Extra training is a mandatory requirement for mounting or dressing abrasive wheels and employers must make sure
that adequate numbers of operatives are appointed and trained for this. - Proof of training and certificates/cards etc from training providers should be carried by each operative and available
for inspection at all times - Details of training and appointments should be copied and added to training file
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
- Suitable first-aid facilities as required generally for the site must be available - If equipment is used in areas where flammable materials are present, suitable extinguishers should be provided.
MONITORING PROCEDURES
Supervisors should ensure control measures are adhered to and consider actual site conditions.
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Description of the Task/Activity:
To remove current Hoarding and stack on site of Wooldridge Demolition. Replace Hoarding with new Remove site Gates with new for old. Gates to be stacked on site and be removed by Wooldridge Demolition.
Project Name: Coombe Lane Project Ref: ST5898
Site Address/ Location:
Raynes Park
Start Date/Time:
Finish Date/Time:
Personnel involved:
Name Role/Trade
Works Supervisor: Role: Tel:
Key Plant and Tools Required:
Petrol Generator, Petrol hydraulic breaker 18v battery drill / driver Petrol Mixer, CAT Scan 110 skill saw, 110 drill, hand digging equipment, Pasload nail gun, petrol cutter, various hand tools, hammer, pry bar, tape level and JCB 360% mini excavator fitted with breaker.
Key Materials Required:
Cement and Timber
Other Essential Equipment:
(i.e.: access platforms/harnesses/ladders etc)
Specific Identified Residual Hazards: (or refer to the task specific risk assessment(s))
Refer to Risk Assessments
Specific Staff Training Requirements:
360% Mini excavator, Small Tools, Pas Load Guns and Manual handling.
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Other Information & Comments:
All work will be undertaken by qualified competent persons with experience of the type of work described above, and in all cases in full accordance with safety procedures specified in the company’s Health and Safety Policy. Prepared by: Position: Date: Reviewed by: Position: Date:
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COSHH Assessment Sheet
Risk Category: Irritant Harmful
Workplace Exposure Limits:
Substance:
Name Role/Trade
Name of substance: Concrete / Mortar
Composition:
Concrete is a mixture of aggregate, cement and water. Admixture can be included to improve product handling characteristics on the properties of the hardened concrete. The resultant mixture is abrasive and alkaline. Mortar is a mixture of selected sands of controlled grading, cement and water. Admixtures combine to give fresh mortar the required properties of workability, water retention and set retardation. Pigment may be added as necessary. The resultant mixture is abrasive and alkaline.
Concrete is designed to enable to user to cast the plastic material into the required shape prioir to hardening. Mortar is designed for use with bricks and blocks for bedding whilst plaster is applied to internal and external walls.
Hazardous Properties: Chromium compounds, alkalinity and abrasiveness of the mixture.
Persons exposed:
Numbers exposed:
Potential Health Hazards:
Inhalation Yes Harmful if inhaled
Skin Contact Yes Harmful and irritant to skin can lead to serious burns, ulceration and contact dermatitis
Eye Contact Yes Irritant to eyes and can lead to burns and ulceration
Ingestation No Harmful if ingested
Level / Duration of exposure:
Can be up to 8 hours a day depending on the job involved
Health Surveillance Required / Results:
No, however if an individual exhibited signs of contact dermatitis then an Occupational Doctor would be consulted.
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Can process or substance be eliminated or replaced with a safer alternative:
No
Can the number of employees exposed to the risk be reduced:
No
Can exposure time be reduced:
No
Can engineering controls e.g. LEV be introduced:
No
Do employees receive / need specific training:
No
Current control measures:
PPE, Exposure limits and date sheets
Required Personnel Protective Equip.:
Safety Boots
Hard Hats Safety Gloves
Hearing Protection
Respiratory Protection
Eye Protection
Other: 1. Long-sleeved clothing, full-length trousers and impervious boots
No No Yes No Yes Yes
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Storage: Discharged into tubs on site. Do not use these tubs for storage of any other materials. Spillage: Disposal: The disposal of concrete / mortar in its fresh state must be closely controlled to avoid contamination of drains and waterways. Hardened concrete / mortar is inert and should be disposed of in accordance with local authority requirements.
First Aid Facilities:
Name of On-Site First Aider:
First Aid Box Location: Site Office
Location of Accident Book: Site Office
Location of Nearest Hospital: Dependant on site location