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FLYING SPARKS LTD
HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL
POLICY
1.0 Employees
1.0 Safety representatives/Safety co-ordinators
· Familiarise themselves with the Flying Sparks HSE policy. · Promote safe working practice among company members. · Immediately report to management any hazardous conditions. · Liaise with supervisor, the safety advisor and safety officers regarding plant inspection and accident investigations. · Be aware of the correct action to take in the event of accident, fire or emergency. Pass on all relevant information gained from safety committee meetings to the Flying Sparks members concerned. · Disseminate any information to colleagues as and when required.
2.0 Safety committees
2.1 Set Up
A safety committee may be set up on the request of: · Appointed safety representative. · Management. · Flying Sparks employees. · Client/principal contractor.
2.2 Composition
The composition of the committee shall be a balance between management and the workforce. Number of safety committee members shall be determined by the size of the incident in question.
2.3 Communication
The communications from the committee to the workforce should be sufficient robust that clear messages are passed through to them. This equally applies to any safety – related meetings.
2.4 Terms of Reference
Agreed terms of reference for each safety committee will be formulated; they are likely to contain some or all of the following:
· Communicate relevant points to other Flying Sparks members. · Study of reports of incidents, near misses and trends with a view to making recommendations for remedial action. · Examination of safety inspections and audit reports. · Analysis of information/reports from appointed safety representatives. · Ongoing development and maintaining of existing safety rules, procedures, and safe systems of work. · Ongoing appraisal and monitoring of safety training effectiveness.
3.0 Safety plans, safe systems and methods of work
It is the intention of Flying Sparks that all employees will have an appreciation of practical risk assessments and method statements that is sufficient to ensure the employees are confident and capable of assessing and controlling the hazards and risks encountered by them on a daily basis.
3.1 Safety Plans
A safety plan shall be produced for all new contracts. The person appointed to manage the contract shall produce this safety plan.
3.2 Safety Method Statements
Method Statements shall be produced as and when required before the commencement of the contract and during where necessary. These method statements will ensure consistent safe working procedures within Flying Sparks.
3.3 Safety Inspections
Supervisors responsible for sites with resident engineers, and sites which are visited by engineers on a regular basis, shall conduct or, site safety inspections at regular intervals. The safety inspection checklist is to be used for this purpose. The appropriate corrective action highlighted from the inspection shall be taken to minimise/control any identified deficiencies on site.
3.4 Permits to Work
A number of Permit to Work systems are available to safely control work of a hazardous nature, or works to be carried out in hazardous area/environment. If there are no Permit to Work systems in operation with which we are required to comply, then a Permit System can be introduced but only if we have full control of the relevant area.
· High Voltage Permit to Work, sanction for test (available only from Plant Department.); Installation limit of access. Requisition and/or earthing. Work using these documents is only to be carried out by a nominated authorised person/senior authorised person who has been appointed in writing by the high voltage authorisation panel. · Low Voltage Work Permit. This work is only to be carried out by operatives who have been issued with a LV Work Permit authorised nominated person in writing. · Non-Electrical Work Permit. For use by supervisors to control any non electrical hazardous situation e.g. work in confined spaces, hot work, work near water etc. Issued by an authorised nominated person appointed the management.
4.0 Codes of practice
Several Codes of Practice have been produced that deal with specific hazards within our scope of works.
· High Voltage Electrical Safety Rules. · Code of Practice for Safe Working on Low Voltage Electrical Installations. · Policy and Practices for Electrical Installations in Hazardous Areas. · Mobile Aluminium Scaffold Towers.
Further codes of practice will be developed to cover individual, site needs and legislative requirements.
5.0 Plant and Equipment
The safe use of plant and equipment is essential to promote safe working methods and a safe working environment for employees and others who may be affected by their actions. With this in mind, Flying Sparks is responsible for ensuring all plant and equipment is tested/calibrated/serviced and maintained, as applicable, prior to dispatch to site. Users/operators of the equipment must ensure the plant or machinery is in a safe and good working condition and report any defects to their foreman/supervisor. In addition to this engineers and site supervisors should carry out regular inspections using record of Plant inspection form. The most appropriate plant and equipment must be used and operator must be trained and competent in its use. No person shall work on any plant or equipment unless they have received adequate training and are deemed as competent by their foreman.
6.0 Accident Dangerous Occurrence Reporting and Investigating
There is 9-statutory requirement to investigate and report certain accidents, incidents and work related ill health to the HSE.
The underlying cause of accidents, incidents, near misses and work related ill health need to be identified in order to decide on the actions to be taken to avoid reoccurrence.
There is a need to provide a record of accidents, incidents near misses and work related ill health situation for Flying Sparks, for our insurers in the event of a claim and HSE when required. This policy also relates to accidents, incidents, near misses or work related ill health involving the public or sub-contractors.
6.2 Flying Sparks Standards
All accidents, incidents, near misses and work related ill health shall be recorded, reported and investigated. These are to be entered on Accident Report Form and entered in the Accident Register at company office. A copy of the form shall be sent to the Safety officer.
6.3 Accident Situation
Response will depend on the severity and the situation, but when safe to do so, First aid and medical attention must be given to any person injured or persons suffering from shock.
In the event of A:
Fatal Accident, (except making the immediate area safe), nothing shall be disturbed without the permission of the HSE and the police.
Serious accident, nothing shall be disturbed until health and safety inspector or environmental health officer has investigated or said they do not wish to carry out an investigation.
Minor accident, persons involved in a minor accident, which involves injury, shall obtain treatment from a first aider or nearest accident and emergency hospital if required.
6.4 Investigation
Flying Sparks safety officer will carry out an independent investigation of all serious injuries, asbestos exposure incidents, electric shock, dangerous occurrences, any accident/incident of special interest where corrective action taken is seen to be ineffective and/or inadequate and any incident/accident reported to the HSE.
In these circumstances the safety advisor shall produce a report including investigation, persons involved and recommendations to prevent a reoccurrence. These recommendations will be instigated and verified by the management.
Any items involved in the accident/incident, is plant, tools, machines, equipment etc should be retained in a safe place and not interfered with until released by Flying Sparks Safety officer.
A fatality, major injury, disease or dangerous occurrence as defined in RIDDOR 1995, must be recorded as follows: -
· Notify the Management. · Notify the Flying Sparks Safety Advisor who will fill in for and notify the local authorities. · HSE. · Notify the client/principal contractor. · Police to be notified immediately if the accident results in a fatality.
For further information/clarification, contact Flying Sparks.
7.0 Emergency Procedures
Emergency procedures will be agreed at all places of work during Induction. These will include:
· First aid/medical. · Fire. · Explosion. · Bomb Threat. · Evacuation. It is also important:
· How and Who. · The Location of all exits from the premises. · The identification and location of the assembly area(s). · The various warning signals (if applicable).
With regard to accommodation and works to be carried out, Flying Sparks will supply suitable and adequate fire protection equipment. The equipment will be properly maintained and regularly tested.
Appropriate first aid equipment will be provided at every location.
8.0 Environmental Policy Statement
Flying Sparks recognises that, in the pursuance of business objectives it has a responsibility to protect and sustain the environment. By exercising adequate controls over its activities Flying Sparks will promote the use of sustainable resources and discourage wasteful or damaging practices. Environmental responsibility means first that our actions should comply with relevant legislation.
· Protect and where possible, enhance the natural environment. · Promote the reduction of unnecessary use of natural resources within Flying Sparks. · Minimise the creation of waste through our own activities and being environmentally conscious when purchasing equipment and materials. · Minimise pollution created through our company’s activities and endeavour to reduce air, water, land, light, and noise pollution. · Promote the importance to all employees of reducing, reusing and recycling waste produced by Flying Sparks. · Ensure all employees are trained in environmental issues including how to reduce pollution, how to minimise waste and hoe they can help to protect the environment in their day to day jobs.
Flying Sparks encourages everyone to act in a way which will enhance rather than harm the environment, and will gladly receive any practical suggestions about ways in which our performance can be improved.
8.1 Areas of improvement
The following have been identified as areas in which improvements can be made.
8.1.1 Existing buildings
· Flying Sparks will seek to maximise energy efficiency in all existing buildings by implementing and acting upon the findings of energy efficiency studies, low energy lighting; PIR switching. · Full consideration will be given to environmental issues when seeking to replace existing equipment.
8.1.2 Transport
· In order to maximise fuel economy Flying Sparks will encourage the use of diesel engine vehicles. · Vehicles will be serviced regularly to ensure efficient operation.
8.1.3 Products in use (Construction / Maintenance)
· When purchasing equipment and supplies, environmentally friendly products will be given preference, and wherever possible use will be made of materials from sustainable sources and those, which can be re-used or recycled. · Production of waste materials will be minimised. High risk areas, e.g. diesel storage/use will be effectively bonded and drip trays used when necessary.
8.1.4 Tendering for contracts
Flying sparks strives to be aware of all new technical developments in its business activities. Every effort will be made to inform the clients of viable and cost effective alternatives to those stated in specifications; which would be more environmentally friendly and reduce energy consumption.
8.1.5 Workplaces
· Flying sparks will seek to minimise the environmental impact of its work activities on the vocal community and those who may be affected. · All practicable actions will be taken to safeguard those who may be adversely affected. · A conscious effort will be made to minimise noise by using the appropriate plant, equipment etc.
8.1.6 Emergency environmental procedure
In case of an environmental incident i.e. major spillage, water Pollution or air pollution, the incident or the persons recognising the incident shall:
· Stop the source if possible i.e. turn off the pollutant, erect where possible a barrier to stop the spread of the pollutant. · Inform persons in the immediate vicinity of any exposure they may come in to contact with. · Immediately inform the Flying Sparks safety adviser of the incident either directly or through the site foreman. The Flying Sparks safety adviser shall investigate all environmental incidents.
8.2 Noise
Flying Sparks is committed to reducing noise to its lowest reasonable practicable level, giving full consideration to the impact on local communities. When levels cannot be reduced below 80dB, suitable hearing protection will be made available. Where noise levels exceed 85dB, the wearing of suitable hearing protection is compulsory and will be enforced.
It is recommended that hearing protection is worn when carrying out the following activities:
· Cutting or grinding using plant (e.g. disc/grinders and jigsaws). · Drilling/chasing/breaking concrete or block work. · Testing of emergency generators. · When working in noisy environments.
If a Flying Sparks member is producing or contributing to a noise level above 85dB they must inform persons in the vicinity.
8.3 Hazardous substances
Review all substances used and processes undertaken by its employees: formal assessments are produced for those that come within the scope of control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) regulations. Flying Sparks maintains a record of all substances currently being used. Relevant assessments are kept at every site and are readily accessible to users. The most commonly used ones are also available on the intranet.
Hazardous substances should display a warning sign i.e. very toxic; corrosive; oxidizing; highly flammable; harmful; irritant; and recommended safety precautions must be taken when using these substances. Suitable and effective PPE must be used as necessary.
Substances must not be decanted into unsuitable containers and all containers must be properly labelled, similar to the original. This includes the marking on Flying Sparks vehicles with warning labels informing persons of the substances carried i.e. highly flammable and compressed gas labels if LPG is carried.
Advice should be sought from the Flying Sparks Safety officer before using unfamiliar substances or those poorly labelled.
Purchasing Managers maintain a full list of products purchased by Flying Sparks. The Flying Sparks Safety officer is notified of all new products so that assessments are carried out as necessary.
It is important that exposure to hazardous substances used by others is minimised by constant vigilance and co-ordination.
8.4 Waste
It is Flying Sparks policy to minimise the generation of waste and reduction of waste is considered a high priority. Flying Sparks has procedures in place to ensure the safe handling, storage, recycling and disposal of all waste products and materials. Waste will normally fall into one of two categories;
· Special Waste: i.e. asbestos, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), large quantities of lamps etc. will involve contact with the local environment agency, special documentation and nominated carriers. · Controlled Waste: i.e. papers, cable ends, scrap metal etc. may involve shared Local arrangements, or may be the sole responsibility of Flying Sparks. A full list of waste material will be made available to enable the required Waste Transfer Note to be completed. Only properly licensed waste carriers will be used. On site waste must not be burnt in open fires.
8.5 Asbestos
Asbestos is the major cause of industrial diseases in industry today causing 3000 deaths per year from asbestos related diseases (HSE 2002 Figures).With this in mind Flying Sparks policy on asbestos is clear: under no circumstances does any employee of Flying Sparks whatever the size or quantity:
· Remove or attempt to remove any asbestos product. · Clean or sweep any asbestos product. · Drill or saw any asbestos product. · Disturb any asbestos product.
All employees shall adhere to, and follow Safety Guidance on Asbestos as set out by the HSE authority.
9.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is the last resort when controlling risks. All other area of risk minimisation shall be exhausted before PPE is considered. Risk assessments will be carried out to identify the need, type and usage of PPE.
The only PPE to be worn on site is that issued by Flying Sparks. Employees do not use PPE that is not issued by Flying Sparks. All employees shall be trained in the use of this PPE and records kept and PPE issue recorded.
The person carrying out the risk assessment shall inform, when the need for PPE is established, all persons exposed to the risk.
9.1 PPE shall be worn when;
· The risk assessment has identified the need for PPE to be worn. · The client requests/has a policy of wearing PPE. · Legislation dictates the need for PPE. · Wherever required to ensure safe working. · When working on building sites or there is a risk of falling objects, all Flying Sparks employees shall wear the head protection provided. · Protective footwear shall be compulsory on all sites at all times. · If there is risks of eye injuries i.e. drilling, cutting or working on pressurised systems Flying Sparks eye protection shall be worn. · Gloves shall be worn when handling hot, extremely cold, sharp materials/equipment. Gloves shall be worn if there is a risk or trapping to hands or fingers.
9.3 When PPE is supplied it will:
· Be appropriate to the risk. · Provide effective control/protection. · Be satisfactory to the wearer, i.e. comfortable, fit. · Comply with relevant safety criteria. · Be stored correctly. · Be monitored to ensure validity and updated as necessary. · Display CE Standard marking.
9.4 The company standard equipment is
· Head protection helmet to EN 397. · Eye protection goggles – grade A chemical, dust, and molten metal to EN 166. · Hearing protection to EN 352. · Foot protection (with steel mid-dole) to EN 345. · Respiratory protection – suitable to absorb and /or filter identified airborne substances. · Gloves – suitable to protect against the specific hazard. · Full body safety harnesses. · High visibility clothing.
9.5 The recipient of any PPE must complete the record of issue of
9.6 Lost or damaged equipment will, after investigation, be replaced.
9.7 Company members are required to wear protective equipment whenever necessary to ensure safe working.
9.8 Helmets must be worn correctly as designed by the manufacturer. They must not be worn back to front, even with the inner lining reversed. Helmets should not be defaced with writing or labels which can degrade their performance, and must be replaced if damaged in any way (whether visible or not).
9.9 The manufacturer states that “the helmets have a shelf life of up to 5 years when properly stored, and a service life of 2-5 years depending on conditions of use”.
10.0 PPE must not be misused or abused.
10.1 Adequate protection must be taken when working outside to protect the body from the sun’s UV rays, i.e. wear a hat, keep body covered and consider sunscreen.
10.2 Body jewellery, studs, rings etc are not acceptable and can cause accidents in the workplace. Finger rings should be removed or covered with tape.
Supervisors are responsible for, and authorised to insist that, all persons under their control wear the appropriate protective equipment.
11.0 Training
Training is the key to personal, team and company development. If the training individuals receive is suitable and sufficient for all jobs, members are required to carry out, then all jobs will be completed more efficiently and the risk of accidents will be significantly reduced.
11.1 Competency of Employees
It is company policy to ensure that only persons who are trained, authorised and competent shall undertake work within the limitations of their level of expertise with due regard to the awareness of the hazards associated with that work.
Competency attainment levels are assessed by various means both internal and external e.g. apprenticeship completion, National grading, NVQs and SVQs National registration bodies i.e. ECS External examinations, membership of professional institutions, educational qualifications, attending and passing specific training courses, regular internal reviews, appraisals and assessments relevant experience.
11.2 Health and Safety Training
The Health and Safety advisor for Flying Sparks, in conjunction with site foreman is responsible for ensuring employees are provided with suitable and sufficient health and safety training as follows:
· On recruitment. · When the employee is exposed to new or increased risks. · A change in responsibility. · Introduction of new work methods. · Introduction of new equipment.
Legislation changes
All foreman, supervisors and persons who have a safety responsibility for others are required to have a level of safety and environmental knowledge and awareness relevant to their role. Safety awareness is a part of each individual’s annual personal appraisal and development assessment. Attendance at a suitable course(s) is arranged to enable the individual to discharge their responsibilities in a safe and responsible manner.
The majority of the Flying Sparks workforce is technical or apprentice trained and safety is an integral part of their training programme.
11.3 Induction Training All personnel, including temporary workers and sub – contractors, must receive suitable and adequate induction training at every workplace to ensure that they are made aware of the type of work to be undertaken, the risks associated with the work and workplace, and the control measures that are in place to minimise the risks.
11.4 Safety Talks
Safety talks shall be given on a regular basis by the site supervisor and the Flying Sparks safety advisor to promote safety awareness and safe working practices, and to encourage employee participation in health, safety, welfare and environmental matters. These talks are based on current and new risks arising.
12.0 Risk Assessments
A risk assessment is a carefully examination of what, in your work could cause harm to people, so you can establish whether you have to take sufficient precautions or should do more to prevent harm. The aim of risk assessment is to make sure no one gets hurt or becomes ill. Accidents and ill health can ruin peoples lives and effect Flying Sparks business too if output is lost.
Hazard means anything that can cause harm (e.g. electricity, working from height ladders etc, chemicals).
Risk is the chance, high or low, that someone will be harmed by that hazard.
12.1 Flying Sparks Policy on Risk Assessments
As a company it is the responsibility of Flying Sparks to make sufficient assessment of;
· The risks to health and safety of its employees to which they are they are exposed whilst they are at work and, · The risks to health and safety of persons not in its employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by his undertaking.
With the above in mind, prior to the commencement of any work the engineer/supervisor must carry out a hazard assessment. If the hazards are significant and medium to high risks are encountered then a formal risk assessment shall be carried out using record of risk assessment form.
The significant findings of the assessment must be in writing, recorded, a copy put in the office file and a copy retained by the producer of the risk assessment form.
Risk assessment shall also be carried out on certain categories of employee’s e.g.
· An employee who is under 18 years of age. · An employee carrying an injury that may prevent them carrying out their normal duties. · A disabled employee.
13.0 Working Hazards
There are many hazards associated with the work undertaken by Flying Sparks employees. It is in the interest of all Flying Sparks members to eliminate or reduce all risks to the lowest practicable level, or ensure that suitable measures are integrated.
As stated in the previous section hazards are something with the potential to cause harm (an incident waiting to happen). It can be a substance, equipment, material, procedure, activity, method of work, place of work, work environment, or people etc.
14.0 Electricity
Electric shock is a major hazard – it can cause physical injury and can kill. The passage of current through the body can also cause burning of the skin at the points of contact and underlying tissue. Severe burns can also occur from exposure to a flash over without actual bodily contact.
Hazards can be caused by:
· Poor/damaged insulation on power tools, cable. · The use of unauthorised extension leads. · Knowingly using defective electrical equipment. · Misuse of electrical equipment. · Incorrect fuse replacement. · Failure to isolate circuit. · Poor installation – using ‘borrowed’ neutrals. · The deliberate by passing of safety devices. · Ignorance or disregard of safety regulations/codes of practices/permit to work. · Not working to an agreed method statement. · Energisation of circuits before the electrical system is complete. · Careless working on batteries/battery banks/SPS systems. · Failure to notify all personnel of works being carried out on a circuit affecting them. · The use of unauthorised testing equipment or tools. · The belief held by some people that they are immune to electric shock. · Incorrect fire extinguishers e.g. water and foam. Carbon dioxide or dry powder is the only medium suitable to use on live electrical systems.
14.1 Basic Safety Rules – Working with electricity
· Only qualified, competent, trained and authorised persons may work on any electrical systems that have previously been energized. · It is not necessary to work on live electrical systems except for testing and commissioning operations or other activities controlled by a permit to work. · On any distribution board that can be energized, the sub circuit cable ends must not be connected until out going circuit is completed. · Always use agreed and understood formal isolation and lock-off procedures. · Before commencing work, always test before touch by using a proven operational test instrument, even if a system is declared dead on a Permit to Work.
For further information
· Refer to Safety Guide Safe Working on Low Voltage Electrical installation. · Safety flowchart working with Electricity. · Policy and Practices for Safe Working on High Voltage Electrical safety rules. · Code of Practice for Safe Working on Low Voltage Electrical Installations. · Policy and Practice for Electrical Installations in Hazardous areas.
14.2 Housekeeping
Housekeeping is one of the most single items influencing safety within the workplace. Poor housekeeping not only causes an increase in the risk of slips, trips, and falls but also exposes members of the public to risks created by Flying Sparks.
All employees must ensure that:
· All stairways, passages and gangways are kept free of materials, supply leads and obstruction of every kind. · Materials and equipment are stored tidily so as not to cause obstruction, and kept away from the edges of buildings/roofs, ladders access, stairways, floor openings and riser shafts. · When protruding nails/screws are found in re-usable boards, planks and timber they should be removed. Protruding nails in scrap timber should be bent flush, hammered in or removed. · Tools are not left where they may cause tripping or other hazards. Tools not in use should be placed in a tool belt or tool bag and at the end of each working day be collected and stored in an appropriate container. · Working areas are to be kept clean and tidy. Scrap and rubbish must be removed regularly into proper containers or disposal areas. A tidy-as-you-go policy should be adopted. · Toilets, wash-up facilities, and drinking water are provided for the convenience and comfort of all. Please help to keep them clean and sanitary. · Rooms and site accommodation are kept clean. Do not allow soiled clothes, scraps of food etc to accumulate, especially around hot pipes or electric heaters. · Spillages of oil or other substances must be contained and cleaned up immediately. Ground contamination must be prevented. · All flammable liquids, LPG and gas cylinders must be stored properly in accordance with safety guidance on gas cylinders.
14.3 Working at Height
Working at height is dangerous; almost 50% of fatalities in the construction industry involve working at height (HSG 150, 2002). A number of these accidents have been from stepladders, ladders and are less than 2 meters. To reduce the risk of injury to Flying Sparks employees when working at height, the following shall apply:
· Stepladders should not be used above 1.5m, all work above 1.5m require the use of correct access platform equipment or MEWP. · Look at alternatives to working at height. · Make sure the working platform is secure. Check that it: · Will support the weight of you or other workers using it and any materials and equipment they are likely to use or store on it. · Provide adequate working space. · Is it footed on stable ground. · It is properly guarded, double guardrails at above 2m, also below when possible. · Use a harness whenever securing facilities are available. · Be aware all the time e.g. where other persons are, tools are secure and the ground is where you think it is. · If stepladders/ladders are used ensure they are suitable and in good condition and inspected pre-use Footed on stable ground. Ensure knees are never above the top tread of the stepladder and stepladders are open to the maximum.
The nature and duration of the work may also influence what platform is most appropriate. Traditionally within Flying Sparks, stepladders are the most commonly used access equipment. However, other means of access such as MEWPs (mobile elevating work platforms), tower scaffolds, personal suspension equipment i.e. harnesses should be considered. It is also essential to consider what risks there may be in erecting the access equipment.
14.4 Working above water
If working at height and above water safety guidance note 2002-001 shall be adhered to in all situations.
14.5 Lone working
Lone workers are those persons who work by themselves without close or direct supervision. This is a common area for Flying Sparks personnel and therefore is potentially hazardous. Lone workers should be at no more risk that other employees. This may require extra risk prevention measures.
Any Flying Sparks employee working alone shall be provided with adequate information of the hazards he is likely to be exposed to, be given suitable training, and have the necessary skill, knowledge and experience to carry out the expected task safely.
All lone workers shall be aware of:
· The risks associated with the job. · Who is his immediate supervisor. · How and who to contact in case of emergency. · The action to take in case of emergency. · Know their limits on what the can and cannot do.
If the task is of medium to high risk and these risks cannot be eliminated or reduced to a low level then a supervisor shall be present during the task.
Before any employee is asked to work alone they shall be aware of the working alone safely procedure.
14.6 Confined spaces
Introduction
A confined space can be defined as any enclosed space above or below ground where a hazard to health may exist due to lack of oxygen, the presence of a harmful or explosive atmosphere, the presence of free flowing solids or hostile environment. It may include but is not limited to:
· Tanks. · Vessels. · Pipelines. · Large ducts. · Bore–holes. · Manholes. · Pits. · Enclosed drains. · Inspection chambers. · Excavations. · Sewers. · Furnaces. · Closed unventilated rooms and voids.
No person shall enter a confined space unless a risk assessment has been carried out and all hazards have been identified, suitable control measures have been formulated, a Permit to Work system is used, emergency procedures planned and the persons to work in the confined space have been adequately trained, informed and understand the safe procedure for working in confined spaces.
14.7 Display Screens and Associated Equipment (DSE)
The health hazards associated with using display equipment are postural (musculoskeletal) problems, visual fatigue and mental stress. (DSE refers mainly to computer screens associated with workstations, but can include other display equipment). All workstations and users shall be assessed using DSE self-assessment form. Controls shall be identified, implemented and monitored. The DSE self assessment shall be carried out upon starting employment by the user and anytime thereafter as and when changes are made to the set up of DSE or the user requests a self–assessment.
14.8 Manual Handling
Manual handling is the lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling of items by bodily force and is one of the main hazards, affecting Flying Sparks.
With this in mind, all handling operations involving a significant risk of injury shall be formally risk assessed, and identified controls shall be implemented.
A competent assessor for all handling operations, which involve a significant risk of injury, shall conduct a detailed manual handling assessment form.
An assessment is not required for handling loads less than 5 kg unless a high frequency rate exists.
Introducing mechanical assistance should eliminate manual handling. All persons required to carry out manual-handling operations shall be informed of the guidance on manual handling. Controls should be in place prior to the task being undertaken. Action to take when confronted by a manual handling task includes:
· Where reasonably practicable, eliminate the need to carry out a manual handling task. · Use mechanical aids. · Ensure the operative is capable of carrying out the task. · Reduce the amount of load to be carried or use more than one person to carry out the task. · Ensure the environment is safe e.g. reduce the height; take further measures in poor weather.
Eliminating the need to carry out manual handling activities is the best control measure.
14.9 Driving
Due to the work activities of some Flying Sparks employees and those required to drive long distances, driving can become hazardous. To reduce this risk the following shall apply to all employees:
· Only qualified and authorised persons shall drive a Flying Sparks vehicle. · The use of hand-held mobile phones whilst driving a company vehicle is prohibited, unless an approved hands free kit is fitted. However if the conversation is not expected to be of short duration then the driver should stop and park the vehicle safely before continuing the conversation. · All drivers shall be aware of the risks of tiredness, fatigue, and stress (be it from work, domestic or social circumstances) and not drive if they believe they are unfit in any way. · Flying Sparks advises all drivers take a 15 minute break from driving every 2 hours, and if long distances are expected, then overnight accommodation should be seriously considered.
14.10 Slipping and Tripping
The health and safety at Work act 1974 (HSWA) requires employers to ensure the health and safety of all employees and anyone who may be affected by their work. This includes taking steps to control slip and trip risks.
To reduce slipping and tripping hazards to the lowest practical level Flying Sparks employees shall ensure that:
· All significant risks associated with slips and trips are assessed using record of risk assessment form and any identified remedial action is promptly taken. · Care is taken to ensure additional hazards are not created during maintenance work. · The lighting for work to be carried out in enables persons to see obstructions, potential slippery areas. · Employees are aware of the lighting requirements whilst at work · Obstructions are not left lying around to cause unnecessary slip and trip hazards to employees or others exposed to these hazards. · All employees shall wear the safety footwear provided. · All employees report all hazards i.e. holes, cracks, in floors, turned up rugs, wet floors, obstacles likely to cause tripping hazards etc to their foreman and the client.
14.11 New Hazards
The Flying Sparks safety advisor is available to investigate and advise on hazards associated with the introduction of new plant, equipment, processes or methods. Additional training may be necessary and suitable arrangements made.
14.12 Maintenance Hazards
Hazards may cause a problem to those carrying out servicing/maintenance on works Flying Sparks has installed and handed over. All hazards must be documented and included in the health & safety file relating to the project that is handed to the client at project completion.
14.13 Health Hazards
These are some of the common hazards associated with our industrial works – this is not intended to cover all work hazards encountered.
Vibration induced white finger (VWF) can affect some individuals who use machinery that generates vibration e.g. hand held grinding/chasing/percussion – drilling tools.
Prevention is essential.
Keep hands dry and warm at all times – gloves may be helpful; ensure drill bits are kept sharp; maximum daily total usage should not exceed one hour. Tingling, blanching and numbness of the fingers indicate symptoms of VWF. If these symptoms occur and persist, report them to your supervisor and do not use this type of equipment.
Beat knee/elbow is the build up of fluid around the joint, which causes discomfort and restricts movement. It is caused by severe or prolonged external friction or pressure at or about the joint e.g. using the knee as a fulcrum when bending pipe or prolonged activities in a kneeling position, or repetitive prolonged use of hand bending machines. Kneepads are available from supervision and must be worn when work requires prolonged kneeling. Pipe bending machines should be used whenever practicable.
Dust Inhalation is a health hazard and may cause a number of conditions e.g. irritation to the respiratory passages causing coughing and tightness of the chest; asthma; eczema and lung disease. Much depends on the length of exposure and the source, size and structure of the particulate. Prevention is the best policy. Whenever carrying out dust producing activities or working in an area where dust is suspended in the air, suitable respiratory protection should be obtained from supervision and worn correctly.
14.14 Sub Contractors
Flying Sparks requires a high standard of safe working from its employees and enjoys a good reputation with its clients in this respect. An equally high standard is expected from its subcontractors.
Sub-contractors health & safety assessment questionnaire must be completed to allow the evaluation of their safety performance, attitude and commitment.
Sub-contractors will receive copies of this health & safety policy, which they must observe together with all provisions of the health and safety at Work etc. act 1974 and all other applicable safety legislation, site rules and health & safety Plan. All sub-contractors will receive full and adequate induction training relating to the workplace.
Sub-contractors must ensure that other people, not just those employed by them, are not exposed to health and safety risks caused by their work activities.
All accidents and injuries must be reported to the Flying Sparks senior on site immediately. The accident/incident/dangerous occurrence report and the accident register must be completed and given to the supervisor.
Sub-contractors must at all times be adequately insured for any common law damages that may occur and must hold current public and employers liability insurance – written evidence of this must be held on contract file.
When required by Flying Sparks, evidence of Sub-contractors’ own risk assessments and method statements must be supplied for perusal/approval. When found unacceptable, they must be suitably modified prior to work commencement.
Sub-contractors must provide suitable and adequate PPE for all aspects of their works.
If the Sub-contractors are to use chemicals, then relevant COSHH assessments must be submitted to Flying Sparks. Full information relating to all works to be carried out must be submitted to Flying Sparks for inclusion in the safety plan.
Full details of works undertaken must be provided to Flying Sparks for inclusion in the safety file.
14.15 Temporary Workers
Flying Sparks requires a high standard of safe working from its employees and enjoys a good reputation with its clients in this respect. An equally high standard is expected from its temporary workers.
All temporary workers will receive copies of the health & safety policy, which they must read, understand and observe, together with all relevant statutory provisions and site rules.
Temporary workers will be treated in the same way as directly employed members as far as health, safety and welfare matters are concerned.
All accidents and injuries must be reported to the Flying Sparks senior person on site immediately. The accident / incident / dangerous occurrence report and the accident register must be completed and given to their supervisor.
14.16 Working on Clients’ premises
When any Flying Sparks employee is working on a client’s premises, they shall adhere to the client’s site rules and procedures relevant to that site. Flying Sparks employees shall be aware of, before starting work on the client’s premises:
· Fire precautions and procedures. · Emergency procedures. · First aid arrangements. · Booking in/out Procedures. · Prohibited areas. · Welfare facilities, toilets etc. · Who will be responsible for them whilst on site.
FLYING SPARKS LTD HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIROMENTAL POLICY
Created on: 3rd June 2004
Reviewed on: 5th March 2009
Created by: Ben Stewart
Position: Managing Director & Health and safety advisor
Signed:
Ben Stewart
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