Environmental Health Section

Health and Safety at Work How to comply

2

Compiled by Peter Palmer Safety 1st Training Services.

Tel: 07910915045

E-mail: pmpalmer@safety1training.co.uk

Web: www.safety1training.co.uk

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Getting injured at work is not something we like to think about, but the

reality is that 300 people lost their lives at work last year, over 150,000

were seriously injured and over 2 million suffered ill health.

The mistake is to believe that these things happen in highly unusual

circumstances, but this is not the case, and the truth is that some basic

thinking and planning beforehand could have prevented these accidents from

happening.

This booklet is an introduction to health and safety in the workplace and

highlights the key areas of risk you need to know about, your

responsibilities under the regulations, and tells you where you can get more

information on each subject.

No matter what business, this booklet summarises the key common areas of

risk. If there is anything you are not sure about, please do not hesitate to

contact us, we are here to help.

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Contents

Page

Its your business so look after it! ............................................................. 3

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 explained ............................... 5

So what can I expect when an inspector calls? .......................................... 6

Risk Assessment ................................................................................................. 9

Information .......................................................................................................... 10

Consultation .......................................................................................................... 10

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations ......................... 11

The Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations ......................... 12

- Transport ........................................................................................... 14

- Storage .............................................................................................. 14

Personal Protective Equipment ........................................................................ 16

Provision and Use of Work Equipment ........................................................... 17

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment .................................................... 23

Manual Handling .................................................................................................. 25

Display Screen Equipment ................................................................................ 27

Electricity at Work ............................................................................................ 31

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) ............................ 33

- Legionnaires Disease ..................................................................... 35

Noise ...................................................................................................................... 37

First Aid ................................................................................................................ 38

Asbestos ................................................................................................................ 41

Working Time ....................................................................................................... 43

Liquefied Petroleum Gas .................................................................................... 43

Health Initiatives ................................................................................................ 44

- Health and Safety and Food Hygiene Training .......................... 46

But this is too bureaucratic! .......................................................................... 47

Useful Addresses ................................................................................................. 49

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Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 explained

When it comes to health and safety, the subject appears, on the surface,

needlessly complicated and obscure. Where, for example, do I get the

information I need to comply? Who does it apply to? Why does it appear that

Brussels makes my life even more difficult than it already is?

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 came about as a result of a

commission set up by the Government in the early 1970s, chaired by Lord

Robens. The brief was to review the vast amount of legislation affecting

workplaces and to come up with a more workable and flexible alternative. Old,

outdated laws and regulations were to be withdrawn, and a new system was

introduced to ensure that, whatever the workplace activity, minimal standards

relating to health, safety and welfare would apply.

No longer would the employer have to wrestle with outdated and historical

legislation, such as, The Gut Scrapers and Tripe Dressers Welfare Order or

The Moral and Welfare of Apprentices Act. The new law made much of the

concept of reasonable practicability (cost versus benefit) when deciding what

could be expected in a workplace.

For example, the requirements of a large distribution warehouse are totally

different from a book shop. It goes without saying therefore, that the new

system was more simple to operate, applying to all businesses regardless of size.

The self employed and employees were also included and there is a degree of

flexibility, which hadnt been the case before.

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So What Can I Expect if an Inspector Calls

The inspectors are not there to catch people out, or to make life any more

difficult than it is already.

You can expect:

Courtesy and assistance during the inspection

Advice and information

Inspection of the workplace and health and safety documentation

The inspectors are dedicated professionals here to help make all our workplaces

safer and to ensure that employers meet their health and safety

responsibilities.

When can an inspector call?

The law states that an inspector can call at any reasonable time. Visits by

inspectors will normally be unannounced routine inspections, or in response to an

accident or complaint. Inspectors must carry identification and written

authorisation with them at all times, you should always ask to see this, in order

to verify they are who they say they are. There is also an obligation on your

part not to be obstructive and co-operate with the inspector.

How will I know the result of an inspection?

Normally, the result of an inspection will be made known to you immediately.

Sometimes an inspection will show that standards of health and safety are

satisfactory and that no further action is required. In other cases the

inspector will advise you what action is proposed in relation to the situation

found.

For example, an inspector can:-

Tell you to do something you will be sent a letter explaining what needs to be

done, when and why. Should you wish to discuss the matter or if you disagree

with any of the requirements you can contact the inspectors manager.

Require you to take action by issuing an Improvement Notice you have a

right to a written explanation of what is wrong, an outline of what needs to be

done, and by when. You have a right to have your point of view heard by the

inspectors manager if you consider the notice should be changed, or should not

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be issued. You have two weeks in which to make representations which will be

considered in a fair manner.

Take immediate action for example, by issuing a Prohibition Notice. You have

a right to a written explanation as soon as practicable of why this is necessary.

Prohibition Notices include such explanation.

When a notice is issued you will be told in writing about your right of appeal to

an Employment Tribunal Service, and given a form to use for that appeal. You

will be told

How to Appeal;

Where and within what time, an appeal may be brought;

That an appeal may be brought on any grounds;

That action required by an Improvement Notice is suspended while an

appeal is pending.

(The procedures and rights outlined above provide ways for you to have your

views heard, if you are not happy with the inspectors action. If they have not

followed these procedures, you should let the inspectors manager know).

We operate a complaints procedure for the service and if you complete a

complaint notification form you will receive a response within 10 working days.

Contact can also be made to the Local Authority Unit, Rosecourt, 2 Southwark

Bridge, LondonSE1 9HS (020 717 6456) who investigate complaints about

enforcement of Health and Safety law by local authorities.

How can you & the Inspector work effectively together?

It is no benefit to an organisation, no matter how large or small, to simply think

that once an inspector is satisfied and goes away, everything can return to how

it was previously. Health and safety is an issue that will not simply go away. It

is a legal duty on all employers and employees alike and it neednt cost the earth.

What will be asked of you?

Primarily a commitment to health and safety in your business. Where an

employer has five or more employees, a health and safety policy is required.

This document will lay out the general policy with respect to the health and

safety of employees and the organisation and arrangements within the company

for achieving this.

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The health and safety policy needs to be brought to the attention of all

employees, who should understand its contents and purpose. The policy needs to

be dated and signed by the managing director to give it validity.

It should be revised when practices or procedures change. There should be a

review on a regular basis to keep it updated.

Is that all?

No.

The inspector will ask to see a number of documents where applicable including:

Your Risk Assessment of the health and safety of employees to identify

workplace hazards, and also an assessment of the risks, to those persons, who

you do not employ, but who may be affected by what you do (or what you should

have done), for example members of the public, outside contractors etc.

Your accident book or accident recording system. As an employer you need to

know which accidents and ill health cases to report.

Your COSHH assessments under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

Regulations if you use hazardous substances at work.

Your training records, for example if you operate fork lift trucks or a grinder.

Inspections and maintenance records for the electrical installation, portable

electrical equipment, gas appliances, lifting equipment, lifts and air compressors.

As an employer you have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act

1974 to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the Health, Safety and

Welfare of all your employees. Some of these requirements are covered more

fully in the following chapters.

Further reading:-

Essentials of Health and Safety at Work ISBN 07176 0716X

Stating your Business Guidance on preparing a Health and Safety Policy

document for small firms INDG 324

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Risk Assessment

Introduction

Controlling dangers at work is no different from tackling any other task

recognising the problem, knowing enough about it, deciding what to do, putting

the solution into practice.

The need to assess risks was first implied in the Health and Safety at Work etc.

Act 1974 and has been a feature of most of the subsequent Health and Safety

Regulations.

What is a Risk Assessment?

Risk Assessment is a systematic general examination of a work activity to

identity any hazards involved and the likelihood of those hazards causing harm.

Hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm e.g. chemicals,

electricity, work methods and equipment.

Risk is how likely it is that a hazard will cause actual harm.

An effective risk assessment will:-

Identify the hazards

Identify who is at risk

Eliminate or minimise the risk by the introduction of control measures.

Monitor control measures and review

The risk assessment should be reviewed periodically and whenever there are

significant changes in the workplace.

Further reading:-

Five Steps to Risk Assessment Case Studies HSG 183 ISBN 07176 15804

Five Steps to Risk Assessment IND G163 (rev1)

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Information

Under the Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations 1989 every

employer must display a poster or distribute a leaflet setting out basic health

and safety information. Employees must also be given the name and address of

the Enforcing Authority for their workplace, and the Employment Medical

Advisory Service (EMAS). The enforcing authority could be either the Health

and Safety Executive (HSE) or Environmental Health.

Health and Safety Law What you should know ISBN 07176 24935

Consultation

Employees are recognised as the most valuable source of information on hazards

and health and safety matters in the workplace. They are legally entitled to

appoint safety representatives to act on their behalf and discuss health and

safety matters with their employer.

Consultation has to be in good time which means that the employers have to

provide employees, or their elected representatives, with the necessary

information and give them time to discuss the matter and express their opinions

before a decision is reached.

Further reading:-

Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Approved Code of Practice and

Guidance on the Regulations ISBN 0717612201

A guide to the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations

1996 Guidance on the Regulations ISBN 0717612341

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Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

An EC directive on health and safety has resulted in some new UK laws, in the

form of Regulations. The first is called The Management of Health and Safety

at Work Regulations. The regulations place duties on employer, employees and

the self employed.

The main responsibilities of the employer are:

To assess risks to the health and safety of their employees and others

who may be affected by their work.

A special risk assessment for young persons (under 18) must be made

before they start work taking into account their possible lack of

awareness, inexperience and immaturity and provide information to

parents of school age children about the risks involved and controls in

place.

Employers are required to take into particular account risks to new and

expectant mothers when assessing risks in their work activity.

Employers of five or more employees have to record the significant

findings of that risk assessment (in addition to providing a Safety Policy).

To make provision for organising, controlling, monitoring and reviewing all

control measures the risk assessment identifies. Again, where there are

5 or more employees a record should be kept.

To provide employees with information/instructions and provide training.

To set up emergency procedures e.g. to deal with fire, or bomb threat.

Co-operate with other employers on health and safety, if premises are

shared.

To appoint a competent person to assist them in carrying out their duties.

The main responsibilities of the employee are:

To use equipment and substances in accordance with the training and

instruction they have received.

Report to their employers any dangerous situations.

To co-operate with their employers health and safety measures.

The main responsibilities of self-employed persons are:

To assess risks to health and safety as in the case of an employer.

To implement measures to provide a safe and healthy working

environment for themselves and others who may be affected by their

work.

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Further reading:-

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 L21 ISBN 07176

24889

Successful Health and Safety Management HSG 65 ISBN 07176 12767

Tackling Work-related stress HSG 218 ISBN 07176 20506

Young people at work a guide for Employers HSG 165 ISBN 0 7176 18897

Managing crowds safely HSG 154 ISBN 07176 1834X

Workplace Health Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992

Since the 1st January 1996 it has been a requirement that all workplaces comply

with these Regulations.

The following is a brief summary of the requirements:-

Access to the Workplace

The route used for people to get to and from any workplace must be safe and

without hazard; this includes passages, floors, walkways, stairs, ladders, etc. all

of which should be in accordance with current safety standards and without

hazard.

Where any work surface is above ground level, precautions must be taken to

prevent persons falling.

Where there are vehicles and pedestrians, arrangements should be made, where

ever possible, to separate them.

Lighting

All workplaces must be adequately lit, usually by a combination of natural and

artificial lighting. Emergency lighting may be required in some circumstances.

Ventilation

Suitable and sufficient ventilation must be provided either by natural or

mechanical means.

Space

Sufficient space should be provided for employees to work safely. As a guide

there should be a minimum of 11 cubic metres per person in each work room.

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Heating

A reasonable temperature of at least 16oC must be maintained in all workplaces.

There are a few exceptions to this requirement, and a lower temperature of

13oC can be acceptable for work which involves physical effort. Any means of

heating provided must be safe.

Cleanliness

The workplace and any furnishings and fittings should be kept clean and waste

material should not be allowed to accumulate.

Floor & Stairs

All floor and stairs must be maintained in a sound condition, free from holes, etc.

The stairs must be kept free from obstruction and be provided with hand rails,

it may be necessary to highlight nosings. In some areas slip resistant floor

coverings may be needed.

Other safety requirements

Precautions must be taken to ensure that people are not able to fall from a

height and injure themselves. Similarly, it must be ensured that people cannot

be hurt by objects falling on them.

New requirements for glass doors & partitions

Where there is a specific need for health and safety protection, they must be

made of safety material or adequately protected. They must also be marked so

that is not possible to mistakenly walk into them.

Seating

If the work can be done sitting, appropriate seating and if necessary a foot

rest, must be provided, otherwise suitable seats for staff to sit on when the

opportunity arises must be arranged.

Drinking water

A supply of drinking water and suitable cups must be provided.

Rest facilities

It may be necessary to provide a rest room to allow employees to take breaks,

eat food, etc. away from the work area. Adequate arrangements must be made

in rest rooms to protect people from the discomfort of tobacco smoke.

Facilities must also be provided for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

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Toilets

Every workplace must have an adequate number of toilets. These must have

satisfactory lighting, ventilation and be kept clean.

Transport

If you operate any vehicles as part of your work activity or if other vehicles

visit your workplace you should:

Ensure roadways are clearly marked, properly maintained and well lit.

Supervise vehicle movements particularly at blind corners and when

reversing.

Ensure the safety of banksmen and loading personnel.

Separate vehicles and pedestrians whenever possible by providing clearly

marked walkways and crossing points.

Ensure drivers are properly trained before they are authorised to drive.

Check that vehicle loads are stable and secure.

Storage

Safe storage applies to almost every business from the largest warehouse to

the smallest shop or office and should be considered as part of the risk

assessment process. Use the following checklist to review your storage

arrangements:

Check the safe loading of racks, shelves and floors and do not exceed it.

Use a properly constructed rack for storage and secure it to the wall for

stability.

Ensure stacks on floors or racks are stable and do not protrude into

gangways.

Make sure there is a safe way for assessing loads on racks and that any

ladders or steps used are appropriate and in good repair.

Store heavy items as near to floor level as possible.

Check loads that might roll, such as drums or pipes.

Inspect racking and pallets regularly for damage and set up a defect

reporting system.

Further reading:-

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 Guidance on the

Regulations L24 ISBN 0717604136

Health & Safety in Retail and Wholesale Warehouse HSG67 ISBN 0118857312

Health and Safety in Motor Vehicle Repair HSG67 ISBN 0717604837

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Workplace Transport Safety Guidance for Employers HSG136 ISBN

0717609359

General Ventilation in the workplace Guidance for Employers HSG 202 ISBN

07176 17939

Health and Safety in Engineering Workshops HSG 129 ISBN 07176 17173

Slips and trips Guidance for the Food Processing Industry HSG 156 ISBN

07176 0832 8

Slips and trips Guidance for Employers on identifying hazards and controlling

risks HSG 155 ISBN 07176 11450

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Personal Protective Equipment

What is personal protective equipment (PPE)?

PPE includes protective clothing such as aprons, clothing for adverse weather

conditions, gloves, safety footwear, safety helmets, high visibility waistcoats

etc. For employees working outside, protective clothing is provided to protect

from cold and wet weather. Measures should also be taken to protect against

skin cancer.

PPE also includes equipment such as eye protectors, lifejackets, respirators and

safety harnesses. Some pieces of equipment are provided by more specific

legislation for example ear protectors under the Noise at Work Regulations

1989.

PPE as a Last Resort

If any assessment of the workplace identifies a risk, the most appropriate way

of reducing that risk to an acceptable level must be determined. There is an

order or hierarchy, of control measures to consider when deciding how best to

protect against risks to health and safety. Engineering controls and safe

systems of work should always be considered first, PPE should always be

regarded as the last resort.

There are two good reasons for this approach.

PPE protects only the wearer, whereas measures controlling the risk at

source can protect everyone in the workplace.

The specified level of protection in reality may not be achieved with PPE

and the actual level of protection provided is difficult to assess.

Employers must ensure that equipment is readily available, or at the very least,

have clear instructions on where it can be obtained. The employer must not

make a charge for the use of PPE if it is required by law. PPE must provide

adequate protection to control the risk. If this is not possible, for example fire

fighters clothing, then PPE must offer the best protection available in the

circumstances.

If more than one item of PPE is being worn they must all be compatible and must

still adequately control the risk against which they are provided to protect.

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Selection and Maintenance of Suitable PPE

If a general risk assessment identifies PPE as the best means of control, then a

further assessment is needed to decide on the type of PPE required. As an

example you may have to assess the type of eye protection required for a

certain task, employers should first identify the type of hazard present, such as

airborne dust, liquid splashes or projectiles and then assess the degree of risk.

A suitable type of PPE from the range of CE marked equipment available can

then be selected. An effective system of maintenance of PPE must exist to

ensure that it continues to provide the degree of protection for which it was

designed e.g. cleaning, disinfecting, inspection, replacement, repair and testing.

Accommodation for PPE

Storage must be provided for any PPE so that it can be kept safe when it is not

in use. This could be something simple for example hooks for weather proof

clothing or safety helmets, or a carrying case for safety spectacles. The

storage provided should be adequate to protect the PPE from contamination with

harmful substances, loss or other damage. Separate facilities should be

provided for equipment which is ready for use and that which is awaiting repair

or maintenance.

Information, Instruction & Training

Suitable information, instruction and training must be provided by employers for

their employees. Employees must be informed of the risks present and why PPE

is needed. They also need to be trained in its operation, its limitations, how to

wear it and how to recognise defects.

Use of PPE

PPE must only be used in accordance with the employers instructions which are

based on the manufacturers specifications. Only those people adequately

trained in its use should use PPE and adequate levels of supervision should be

provided to ensure that training and instructions are being followed.

A system should be in place to ensure that employees can report the loss of or

any defects in PPE. Arrangements also need to be put into place to ensure that

defective PPE is either replaced, or repaired before it is used again.

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Further reading:-

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Guidance on Regulations L25 ISBN

0717604152

The Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment: A

Practical Guide HSG53 ISBN 0717615375

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Provision and Use of Work Equipment (PUWER)

These regulations came into effect on the 5th December 1998 and replace

PUWER 1992. They cover almost all equipment used at work, including tool box

tools such as hammers, knives etc. They also cover machinery such as circular

saws, photocopiers, lifting equipment; hoists, lift trucks, and installations such

as ladders and scaffolding. Items not included are private cars, structural

items, livestock and substances like cement acids and alkaline. The regulations

have been extended to include those people who control equipment but may not

use it i.e. hire companies. If work equipment is to be used by a member of the

public for instance, a garage tyre inflator or a lift in a shopping mall then

PUWER is not applicable, but other legislation applies.

Suitability of Work Equipment

Work equipment must comply with legislation implementing any relevant EC

directives e.g. on CE marking etc. It must be constructed or adapted so as to be

suitable for the work undertaken. It must also be used in accordance with the

manufacturers specification and instructions. A knife with an unprotected blade

should not be used for cutting where there is a safe alternative available.

Other factors such as operator position, working heights, reach distances etc.

need to be assessed to protect the operator from strains or other risks to

health. Electrically powered equipment is not therefore suitable for use in wet

or flammable atmospheres unless designed for the purpose.

Maintenance

Work equipment must be kept in efficient working order and in good repair. Hand

tools should be checked for damage by the employee prior to use. More complex

equipment will normally be accompanied by a manufacturers maintenance manual

which will specify any special maintenance procedures to be carried out and when.

Where there is a maintenance log it must be kept up to date. Whenever possible

maintenance operations should be carried out when the work equipment is not in

use. If this is not possible appropriate measures must be taken to reduce the

risk, for example the provision of temporary guards or limited movement or even

a permit to work system.

Inspection

This is a new requirement for a suitable inspection to be carried out by a

competent person with the necessary knowledge and experience. An inspection

is only necessary where there is a significant risk resulting from either

incorrect installation, deterioration or as a result of exceptional circumstances,

which may affect the operator. Equipment unlikely to require inspection will

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include office furniture and hand tools. A record must be kept of all

inspections.

Information, Instruction and Training

Any users of work equipment and supervisors must be adequately trained in its

safe use and have the risks and preventative measures brought to their

attention. Workers should have easy access to such information and

instructions and be able to understand them. Verbal instructions are sufficient

or this can be written. Chainsaw operators now need to have certificates of

competence.

Dangerous parts of Machinery

Appropriate measures need to be taken to prevent access to dangerous parts of

machinery. The measures are ranked in the following order, the most effective

being fixed guards, other types of guard or protection devices e.g. interlocked

guards, and protection appliances such as jigs. For guards and protection

devices to be effective, operators must have sufficient training instruction and

information. Any guards or devices must never be abused or overcome.

Protection against specific hazards and high or low temperature

If there is a risk of material falling or being ejected from work equipment, or it

breaking apart (scaffolding) or the intentional or un-intentional release of any

substance used or stored in the equipment e.g. swarf ejected from a machine

tool then this needs to be prevented or controlled. Personal protective

equipment being the last resort. Appropriate levels of protection need to be

provided for any work equipment or substances used or stored which are either

very hot or cold. This relates to gas cookers, cold stores or a steam pipe

capable of causing injuries like scalds or frostbite.

Controls

Controls must be provided to start work equipment and to change its speed,

pressure or other operating condition. They must also be capable of bringing

the equipment to a safe position. The stop control does not have to be

immediate, unless there is a clear risk of injury if it is not. In this instance a

clearly marked, headed emergency stop button would need to be provided.

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Stability

If work equipment might fall over, collapse or overturn, suitable precautions

must be taken to secure it for example bolts or clamps. A ladder could be

either footed, tied or clamped.

Lighting

Lighting might be adequate for the task involved in the use of the equipment for

example, to reduce visual fatigue.

Markings and Warnings

Work equipment must be marked with any appropriate health and safety

markings for example stop and start controls, maximum rotation speeds of

abrasive wheels, safe working loads for lifting equipment. Any markings should

conform to standards and legislation such as the Health and Safety (Safety

Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. A warning or warning device must be

provided where a risk to safety or health remains after other measures have

been taken. Warnings are usually in the form of a notice or devices giving a

signal typically a visual reversing light or audible reversing alarm. Warnings

must be clear and understood.

Mobile Work Equipment

New requirements specifically have been introduced for mobile work equipment,

by definition equipment that carries out work whilst travelling e.g. lift truck.

Existing work equipment has until the 5th December 2002 to comply with all the

requirements. Vehicles designed primarily to travel on public roads comply with

the Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1996 and this is normally

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sufficient to comply with the requirement. Pedestrian controlled equipment

such as lawn mowers are not covered.

Employees carried on Mobile Work Equipment

If mobile equipment is to be used to carry people it must be suitable with proper

seats where appropriate. Employees need to be protected from falling out of

the equipment or unexpected movement of the cab, there should also be

protection from items falling on them where there is a risk.

Rolling over of Mobile Work Equipment

Employees must be protected if there is a risk of rollover. This could be

provided by stabilising the equipment, or ensuring the equipment is prevented

from rolling over by more than 90 degrees e.g. tractors and mobile work

equipment. If equipment can turn over completely, suitable roll over protective

structures (ROPS) should be fitted unless it could increase the overall risk of

injury when used in buildings with low roofs, or where the mounting points are of

insufficient strength. In such cases other methods should be used to address

roll over. Where a risk is identified of a crush injury from the mobile work

equipment or the protective structure in the event of roll over, a restraining

system or seat belt should be fitted.

Self Propelled Work Equipment

Self propelled work equipment must be prevented from unauthorised use and

have brakes to slow down or stop in a safe distance. Where the drivers field of

vision is inadequate then visibility aids should be provided like mirrors or close

circuit television.

Drive Shafts

Measures must be taken to protect from the risks associated with the seizure

of drive shafts or power take-off shafts e.g. ejection. When not in use shafts

should be supported to protect against damage.

Power Presses and Wood Working

The existing regulations have been carried forward into specific guidance (see

further reading for information).

Further Reading

Safe Use of Work Equipment Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations

1998 L22ISBN 07176126

Safe Use of Wood Working Machinery, Provision and Use of Work Equipment

Regulations 1998 as applied to woodworking machinery L114ISBN0717616304

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Using Work Equipment Safely INDG (229L 1-97) Safe Use of Power Presses

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 As applied to power

presses L112 ISBN 07176 16274

Catering Safety Food Preparation Machinery HSG35 ISBN 0118839101

Safety in Working with Lift Trucks HSG6 ISBN 07176 17815

Rider Operated Lift Trucks: Operator Training L117 ISBN 24552

Pressure Systems Regulations 2000. Approved code of practice L1222 ISBN

07176 1767X

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulation 1998 (LOLER)

The regulations came into force on the 5th December 1998 and build on the

requirements in PUWER 1998. Lifting equipment includes such equipment as

cranes, lift trucks, goods lifts, vehicle inspection hoists, ropes, bell hoists and

vehicle tail lifts.

Strength and Stability

A competent person should ensure that lifting equipment has adequate strength

particularly at mounting and fixing points. This includes considering the

strength of the ground where the equipment is to be positioned for use.

Pneumatic tyres should be inflated to correct pressures and checked on a

regular basis. Loads should not normally be lifted by straps or banding unless it

has been designed for the purpose.

Lifting Equipment for Lifting Persons

Lifting machinery must be fitted with a suitably designed carrier, which includes

edge protection, working platform and over head protection where appropriate.

People should never be lifted on the fork arms or pallets balanced on the fork

arms of a lift truck as there is an obvious risk of falls. In the event of failure

of any carrier, a method of rescue should be available. Where there is a

significant risk of overturning or overload the equipment should be provided

with devices to provide audible or visual warning when lifting limits are being

approached.

Marking

Lifting equipment should be clearly marked to indicate safe working loads and

the maximum people to be carried. It must not be used for lifting people if it is

not designated for that purpose.

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Positioning of Lifting Equipment & Organisation of the Lifting Operation

Lifting equipment should be positioned or installed to minimise the need to lift

loads over people to prevent risks of crushing them. The equipment should only

be used when there is sufficient headroom and appropriate measures are in

place to prevent overturning. Lifting operations must be planned by a competent

person, for routine lifting operations the initial plan may only be required and

reviewed to ensure that nothing has changed, for example a lift truck in a

warehouse or a patient hoist. If the operator of lifting equipment is unable to

see the full path of the load, there must be a system of work to ensure that the

load is prevented from colliding, for example a signal or a signal banksman.

Thorough Examination and Inspections

Lifting equipment on initial use after installation, periodically during its life with

an examination scheme or following exceptional circumstances must be

thoroughly examined by a competent person. The examination should take into

account the condition of the lifting equipment, the environment in which it is

used and the number of lifting operations and loads lifted. Different parts of

the equipment may be examined at different intervals as decided by the

competent person, who could draw up the examination scheme and carry out the

inspection. This person is often an insurance company engineer but could be

anyone sufficiently knowledgeable and trained for the purpose. For a person lift

the intervals should be at least every 6 months, any other lifting equipment at

least every 12 months i.e. a lift truck. All defects during use should be reported

to the employer as soon as possible like cracks in a lift truck chain, or damage to

textile slings, certain situations involving lifting equipment may need to be

notified to the enforcing authority for the premises concerned. Where your

risk assessment has identified significant risks in the use of lifting equipment, a

suitable inspection should be carried out for example daily checks on forklift

trucks. A checklist form can be found in the appendix of this booklet for you to

photocopy. Reports of thorough examinations and other documents such as the

current record of inspection should be kept and be readily available.

Young Persons

Young persons i.e. those under 18 years of age must not use high risk lifting

equipment, wood working machinery or power presses unless they have sufficient

maturity and competence, or they are undergoing training with adequate

supervision.

Further Reading

Safe Use of Lifting Equipment, Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment

Regulations 1998 L113 ISBN 0717616282.

25

Manual Handling

The incorrect handling of loads, causes large numbers of injuries and can result

in pain, time off work and sometimes permanent disablement.

The Manual Handling Regulations apply to all workplaces where loads are moved

by hand or involving bodily force, (which includes lifting, putting down, pushing,

pulling, carrying or moving).

Risk Assessment

All manual handling operations at work must be avoided so far as is reasonably

practicable when the task involves a risk of the employees being injured.

It may be that the need for manual handling can be eliminated altogether for

example: the operation could be automated or mechanised although these will

often create their own hazards. Where it is not reasonably practicable to avoid

the need for manual handling, a suitable and sufficient assessment must be made

to see whether there is a risk of injury and if so whether that risk can be

reduced. The assessment should take into account the task, the load, the

working environment and the individuals capability. The risk of injury must be

reduced to the lowest level reasonably practicable.

Most employers will already have assessed the tasks employees are required to

do and have adopted methods to reduce any associated manual handling

problems. There may already be rules or instructions laid down, but the

regulations now make an assessment and remedy a formal requirement.

Who should carry out the Assessment?

In the majority of cases employers should carry out the assessment or delegate

to a member of staff within the business. Employees, their safety

representatives and safety committees should be encouraged to take part in the

assessment process. It may sometimes be useful to seek specialist help from

outside to provide basic training to in-house assessors, or give advice where the

manual handling risks are particularly difficult to assess.

How detailed will the Assessment be?

This will be depend on the type of manual handling performed. The assessor will

need to look at the overall manual handling that the employee is required to

perform. Significant findings of the assessment should be recorded and the

records kept. The Guidance includes a filter to screen out straightforward

cases and a useful checklist.

26

Use the following checklist for safe manual handling:

Before attempting to lift a load, assess its size and shape and obtain

assistance, if required. Check there is sufficient space to make the lift

and re-position the load as required.

Stand correctly, with a straight back and your chin tucked in. Stand close

to the load you are going to lift. Lifting with a bent back can be four

times more stressful than lifting with a straight back. Your feet should

be apart with one foot in front of the other facing in the intended

direction of travel.

Lift with your knees bent and use your legs, not your back, as the lifting

power.

Make sure you have a good grip on the load before lifting and dont

change your grip once carrying.

Dont allow the load to obstruct your field of view if it is too large seek

assistance.

Set the load down gently, keeping your back straight and knees bent.

Further reading:-

Manual Handling Guidance on Regulations L23 ISBN 0717624153

Manual Handling: Solutions You Can Handle HSG115 ISBN 0717606937

A Pain In Your workplace? Ergonomic Problems and Solutions HSG121 ISBN

0717606686

Moving Food and Drink. Manual Handling case studies for the Food and Drink

Industries HSG 196 ISBN 07176 17319

27

Display Screen Equipment

These regulations apply to all workstations that use display screen equipment

(DSE).

What is Display Screen Equipment?

Apart from a few exceptions it includes most conventional visual display units

(VDU), liquid crystal displays and non electric display systems such as

Microfiche.

These regulations do not apply to portable systems that are not in prolonged

use, for example: lap top computers, calculators and equipment available for

public such as cashpoint machines and library microfiches.

As part of an assessment you need to identify all users, or operators.

User

This refers to an employee who uses DSE for a substantial part of their working

day, (including those that are required to work at home on equipment supplied by

their employer) e.g. Word Processing Staff, etc.

Operator

This refers to an employee who uses DSE for a substantial part of their working

day.

Note

A member of staff supplied through an agency would be an employee or user of

that agency, but they will be an operator at the place of work. Those that would

definitely not be users include: Senior Managers, using DSE for occasional

monitoring and Receptionists who use DSE occasionally.

Work Station Assessments

Employers need to carry out an analysis of DSE workstations and any risk

identified must be reduced so far as is reasonably practicable. These risks

relate to physical problems, visual fatigue and mental stress and apply to both

users and operators. Risks identified in the assessment must be remedied as

quickly as possible:

Postural problems, these may be resolved by simple adjustments such as

adjusting the chair.

28

Visual problems, which may be tackled by repositioning the screen or using

blinds to avoid glare, placing the screen in a more comfortable viewing distance

from the user.

Fatigue and stress, which may be relieved by correcting obvious defects as

indicated above. If possible, users should be provided with some form of

control over the pace and nature of their task.

Requirements for Work Stations

Equipment

This must not be a source of risk for operators or users.

Display Screen

The screen should swivel and be free of reflective glare and the image on the

screen should be stable, with no flickering or other forms of instability. The

characters on the screen must be well defined and clearly formed. The

brightness should be adjustable and the screen kept clean.

Keyboard

Must be tiltable and separate from the screen. The space in front of the

keyboard must be sufficient to provide support for the hands and the arms of

the user. The surface must have a matt finish and the symbols of the keys must

be legible. The surface or desk must be sufficiently large, have a low reflective

surface and allow for a flexible arrangement of the screen.

There must be adequate space to enable the user to find a comfortable working

position. The work chair must be stable and allow the user freedom of

movement and a comfortable position. The seat must be adjustable in height

and tilt.

Foot Rest

A foot rest should be made available to any user who wishes to use one.

Lighting

Lighting must achieve an appropriate contrast between the screen and the

background environment, taking into account the type of work and the vision

requirement of the user. Reflection and glare from windows and other sources

must be eliminated. Windows should be fitted with a suitable system of

adjustable coverings to control the daylight that falls on the work station.

29

Noise

Noise levels must be taken into account when equipping a work station, so as to

ensure that attention is not distracted and speech is not disturbed.

Heat

The levels emitted must not be so excessive as to cause discomfort to users.

Radiation

Must be kept at negligible levels. To ensure this, cracks and defects in any part

of the equipment must be checked.

Scientific studies have shown, that there is no link between miscarriages and

birth defects in working with visual display units. However, to avoid stress and

anxiety, women who are pregnant should be given the opportunity to discuss

their concerns with someone adequately informed of current scientific

information.

Daily Work Routine of Users

Whenever possible, jobs at display screens should consist of a mix of screen

based and non-screen based work. When this is not possible deliberate breaks

or pauses must be introduced.

Eyes & Eyesight

Employers must provide and pay for a professional eyesight test when requested

by a user. Employers must also provide users with further tests at

recommended intervals and a basic pair of spectacles, if prescribed as necessary

for the users work.

Employers are not responsible for any corrections to the vision defects or

examinations for eye complaints which are not related to display screen work.

Training

Operators and users must be adequately trained and informed of all aspects of

health and safety relating to their work stations. Training should cover the

following:-

The use of adjustment mechanisms on equipment, particularly items of

furniture so that stress and fatigue can be minimised.

The use and arrangement of the individual parts of the work station to

enable good posture, prevent overreaching and to avoid glare and

reflections on the screen.

The need for regular cleaning or inspection of screens and other

equipment for maintenance.

30

The need to take advantage of breaks and changes of activity.

The use of software.

Further Reading:-

Display Screen Equipment at Work, Health and Safety (Display Screen

Equipment) Regulations 1992 Guidance on the regulations L26 ISBN 0717604101

V.D.Us An Easy Guide to the Regulations: How to Comply With the Health &

Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 HSG90 ISBN 0717607356

An Easy Guide to the V.D.U. Regulations: Check List ISBN 07176 08042

Working with VDUs INDG 36(rev 1) ISBN 07176 15049

31

Electricity at Work

These regulations apply to all workplaces and the electrical equipment used in

them. They require precautions to be taken against the risk of death or

personal injury from the use of electricity in work activities.

They impose duties in respect of:

Systems, electrical equipment and conductors

Competence of persons working on or near electrical equipment.

Put simply, employers and self-employed people must make sure that everything

that uses or carries electricity in the workplace is safe, that employees do not

interfere with or abuse anything electrical that has been supplied for their use,

or bring into the workplace anything electrical that is unsafe.

Employees must be instructed to report any damaged electrical equipment to

their supervisor immediately and to not carry out any electrical work

themselves, unless competent and authorised by the employer.

One of the most important elements of electrical safety is the need for regular

routine visual inspections of electrical equipment. The visual checking of

electrical leads to appliances, for example, should be made a part of every

employees work habits.

To achieve compliance with the regulations you need to make arrangements to

ensure that any portable electrical appliances are safe to use. The items may

already be high risk i.e. electrical drills, or the danger may be increased by using

them in a high risk environment such as wet conditions, like a steam pressure

cleaner or electric mower. These items particularly, must be inspected by a

competent person on a regular basis.

A record of all the maintenance including test results are recommended to be

kept for each appliance. You may find it helpful to attach, to each piece of

equipment, a small sticker noting the date of inspection.

Adaptors

The use of multi-way adaptors is not recommended. There should always be

sufficient socket outlets provided to supply any portable appliances used. A wall

socket is only designed to have sufficient strength to cater for a single plug.

32

When an adaptor is used with a number of plugs, the combined weight and its

associated leverage increase the mechanical stress on the socket contact.

There is also the danger of an electrical overload, as electrical appliances in

combination may exceed the rating of the socket outlet.

Residual Current Devices

The danger of metal becoming live, may be reduced by the use of a residual

current device (RCD). These are designed to operate rapidly at very low leakage

of currents (typically not exceeding 30mA), but cannot entirely eliminate the

risk of electric shock. RCDs can only provide a useful second line of defence.

They should be tested regularly, using the trip button and a record of the test

kept. Miniature circuit breakers, which are increasingly being used to replace

wired or cartridge fuses in fuse boxes (consumer unit), do not provide earth

leakage protection.

Installation

The electrical installation must be maintained in a safe condition. This is best

ensured by regular inspection by a competent electrician at an interval

recommended by them and the provision of a procedure for reporting damage.

Further Reading:-

Electricity at Work: Safe Working Practices HSG85 ISBN 071760442X

Maintaining Portable & Transportable Electrical Equipment HSG107 ISBN

0717607151

33

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

(COSHH)

These regulations are designed to prevent people at work and any other person

being exposed to substances that are hazardous to health. Lots of different

substances have to be used when working, unfortunately many of them are in

fact hazardous. In some cases they can cause persons exposed to them to

become ill, or even die.

Hazardous substances cause injury by:-

Inhalation, causing damage to lungs, or asthma, e.g. from dusts, vapours.

Skin contact, causing dermatitis, skin cancer, e.g. from absorption of

chemicals through the skin or via cuts.

Ingestion, this is less common e.g. chemical poisoning.

Employees may be exposed to risks to health from hazardous substances during

normal use, or as a result of accidents involving spillages, breakages or poor

storage methods.

What substances are hazardous to health?

Any substance labelled as toxic, irritant, corrosive or harmful.

A substance assigned an occupational exposure standard, or maximum

exposure level.

Substantial quantities of dust.

Any micro-organism which creates a hazard to health.

Any other substance used at work or arising from work activities which

can harm peoples health.

Hazardous substances often found at work:

Bleach, oven cleaner or clinical wastes found in nursing or care homes.

Cement, acids, alkalis and pesticides in warehouses, or used in gardening.

Welding fumes, solvents, grease and oils, in tyre & exhaust fitting shops.

Perms, hair sprays and chemicals such as may be found in hairdressers.

Cleaning agents, such as for cleaning beer lines in pubs.

Are you using any of these in your business?

34

What do the Regulations require you to do?

You must assess all the substances that are involved with your work activity

identify those that are hazardous and then decide what actions need to be

taken to prevent, or control the exposure of persons to them. This should only

be done by a competent person who:-

understands the regulations and any relevant guidance

has knowledge of and understands the work processes involved

is familiar with the principles of hazard identification and risk

assessment.

The person carrying out the assessment will have to consider, not just how a

substance is used, but how it is stored or handled and whether substances, e.g.

hazardous fumes, are given off from any process carried on in the business. The

assessor will have to have all the necessary information, training and knowledge

available. They can be in house or where special circumstances exist, may have

to be a suitable specialist consultant.

The assessment should identify?

What is the known effect of the substance to a person?

What are the known long and short term effects on that person?

How the substance is used, who by and for how long?

Is the substance already officially recognised as toxic, irritant, corrosive

or harmful with a maximum exposure limit and, if so, is this being

exceeded?

Are any existing precautions being taken and how effective are these?

If these precautions fail, what exposure is likely to occur?

If there is an accidental spillage, what exposure is likely and to whom?

Prevention

You may establish that you no longer have a use for the substance.

Stop ordering any more and arrange for safe disposal of any remains.

Ask your supplier for a safer alternative for the substance.

35

Control

If there are substances remaining as part of your work activity, you must obtain

all the information about them that you can. This can be from labels or a

Hazard Data Sheet, which the supplier must provide you with. Other guidance

can be obtained from health and safety books, trade associations, etc. When

deciding on your method of control, you should regard the use of personal

protective equipment as the last resort. The proper guidance, will give you

advice on the correct control methods for each substance.

Once I have done an assessment can I forget about it?

No, the regulations require that the situation be regularly reviewed or whenever

the initial assessment is no longer valid, e.g. when new substances are brought

into the work activity. There may be instances where you have identified a

hazard, but cannot find suitable information on what steps to take for example.

Where two substances are likely to be accidentally mixed together.

If potential release of a toxic gas, ammonia in some refrigeration plant.

Use of pesticides, e.g. on golf courses or commercial gardens.

Disease causing organisms, e.g. Hepatitis or Legionella in water services.

In these cases you may require further expertise such as an independent health

and safety consultant, doctor, veterinary surgeon or advice from the Health and

Safety Executive.

What do I have to tell employees?

All employees must be given information, instruction and training regarding the

nature and risk to health of substances that they use and the precautions that

they must take to prevent them being exposed to these risks.

There are further more specific requirements in the regulations, e.g.

maintenance of records and health surveillance where employees are exposed to

certain substances.

Legionnaires Disease

Harmful micro-organisms are also covered by the regulations, as they can cause

illness e.g. Legionnaires Disease. This illness is contracted by breathing in a fine

spray of airborne water containing the bacteria. The condition begins with a

high fever, chills and headache with Pneumonia following and can be fatal.

36

It can result from poorly maintained re-circulating hot water systems,

particularly where aerosols are formed. These systems can be air conditioning,

cooling towers, industrial sprays or even showers. Adopting simple precautions

reduces risk and they are based on preventative maintenance, cleaning and

disinfecting, design of systems, alteration of operating conditions and

replacement of fixtures. There is a requirement on a person in control of

premises, with certain plant (wet cooling towers and evaporative condensers) to

register with the local authority. Further information can be obtained from

HSE.

The risk of other types of occupational disease such as Hepatitis or Dermatitis

should also be included in the COSHH assessment where appropriate.

Further reading:-

A Step By Step Guide to COSHH Assessment HSG 97 ISBN 07176 14468

Control of Legionellosis including Legionnaires Disease HSG 70 ISBN

0717604519

Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems. Approved Code of Practice

and Guidance L8 ISBN 07176 17726

Chemical Warehousing. The Storage of Packaged Dangerous Substances. HSG

71 ISBN 07176 14840

Maintenance, Examination and Testing of local exhaust ventilation. HSG 54

ISBN 07176 14859

COSHH Essentials Easy Steps to Control Chemicals HSG 193 ISBN 07176

24218

37

Noise

These regulations require employers to assess the noise to which employees may

be exposed. This is because exposure to high levels of noise can cause incurable

hearing damage. Usually the important factors are:

The noise level given in decibels (dBA)

Exposure, how long employees are exposed to the noise, not only daily but

over a number of years.

Sound is a pressure wave and sometimes the peak pressure of the sound may be

so great that there is a risk of instantaneous damage to the component parts of

the ear. This is most likely when explosive sorts of noise are involved like

cartridge operated tools or guns.

Noise at work can cause other problems such as disturbance, interference with

communications and stress. Although the regulations do not deal with these

problems you should bear in mind that they might also need to be addressed.

The main requirements of the regulations apply when the noise is likely to be at

or above any of the actions levels set. The first two action levels are a measure

of the daily personal exposure to noise, namely 85dB(A) and 90 dB(A) averaged

over an 8 hour working day. The third action level is the maximum pressure

reached by the sound wave and is set at 140dB(A) or 200 pascals.

Employers must first decide whether they have a noise problem. As a guide if a

person has to shout to someone else who is 2 metres away, then these

regulations will apply.

It is important then to have the noise exposure to workers assessed by a

competent person, tell the workers of the findings, reduce the noise as far as

reasonably practicable and implement ear protection measures that are

required. This should all be followed by routine monitoring of the whole

programme.

Further Reading:-

Guidance on The Noise at Work Regulations 1989 L108 ISBN 0717615111

Sounds Solutions Techniques to Reduce Noise at Work HSG138 ISBN

0717607917

38

First Aid

Under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 workplaces must have

first aid provision. What is provided will depend on various factors, including

the type of hazards in the workplace, whether there is shift working, what

medical facilities are available and the number of employees. To help you work

out what you need to provide in your workplace an approved code of practice and

guidance note is available; First Aid at Work The Health & Safety (First Aid)

Regulations 1981, L24 ISBN 0717610500.

FIRST AIDERS

How many First Aiders do I need?

The number of first aiders you need depends primarily on the degree of hazards.

If your employees work in a low hazard workplace for example, a bank or a

library, you should provide at least one first aider for every 50 workers. In a

more hazardous workplace for example, a factory or a quarry, you will need a

larger number. When deciding on how many first aiders to provide you will need

to take into account shift work and the provision during holidays and sick leave.

You will need to ensure that there is always an appointed person present in the

workplace.

What is an Appointed Person?

An appointed person is someone who is authorised to take charge of the

situation e.g. call an ambulance in the event of injury or illness.

They would act in the absence of the trained first aider or where a first aider

was not required. It is recommended that appointed persons undertake

emergency first aid training.

What if having done my COSHH assessment I find my employees are

exposed to hazards which require specific first aid provision?

You must make sure that you have enough employees trained to deal with the

hazards. Advice on organisations that give training on specific hazards can be

obtained from the Employment Medical Advisory Service.

39

What training should a First Aider receive?

First aiders must have undertaken training and obtained a qualification approved

by the Health & Safety Executive. Currently first aid certificates are valid for

three years and refresher courses must be started before the certificate

expires, otherwise a full course will need to be undertaken.

Records

What Records should a First Aider keep?

First aiders should record all the cases they treat. Each record should include

at least the name of the patient, the date, place and time and the circumstances

of the accident with details of the injuries suffered and treatment given, if any.

The record should be kept in a suitable place and should be readily available.

Records should be kept of the first aiders certification dates and the dates of

any additional specific or refresher training.

Is there anything else I have to do?

You must tell your employees as part of their initial training and through notices

posted in conspicuous positions, where they can find first aid equipment and

first aiders.

First Aid Boxes & Kits What should the First Aid Box or Kit contain?

Guidance Card Individually Wrapped Plasters

Sterile Eye Pads Sterile Dressing

Safety Pins Triangular Bandages

Disposable Gloves Sterile Water (if no tap nearby)

First aid boxes and kits should only contain the items that the first aider has

been trained to use. They must not contain medication of any kind.

Arrangements should be put into place to ensure that they are adequately

stocked. An antidote or special equipment needed to deal with specific hazards,

may either be kept near the hazard area or in the first aid box.

What do I do if someone is injured?

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations

1995, (RIDDOR), require that certain more serious accidents to employees, self

employed people or a member of the public are recorded and reported to either

the Enforcing Authority or the Incident Contact Centre, Caerphilly Business

Park, Caerphilly, CF83 3GG. Tel: 0845 300 9923. Fax: 0845 300 9924.

Website: www.riddor.com

40

Death from Major Injury

If an employee or self employed person is killed or suffers a major injury or a

member of the public is killed or taken to hospital, you must notify

Environmental Health by telephone. Then within 10 days you must follow this

up with a completed accident report form (F2508). A form is included in this

handbook which you may use or copy, see appendix.

Over Day Injury

If anyone is off work for more than 7 days as a result of an accident at work

you must send a completed accident report form within 15 days of the

accident occurring.

41

Dangerous Occurrence

If something happens which does not result in report of an injury, but could have

done, it may be a dangerous occurrence, which must be reported immediately.

Dangerous occurrences include an explosion of a pressurised vessel or an

electrical short circuit causing a fire or explosion, but you could simply telephone

the HSE to find out

Work Related Disease

Certain diseases are reportable to the HSE and again you can telephone to

find out.

Further reading:-

A Guide To The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences

Regulations1995 L73 ISBN 07176 10128

Everyones Guide To Riddor 95 HSE31 ISBN 0717610772

The Training of First Aid at Work. A Guide to gaining and maintaining HSE

Approval HSG 212 ISBN 07176 1896X

Asbestos

Thousands of tons of asbestos were used in buildings in the past and most of it

is still in place. Asbestos is particularly likely to be present if the building was

constructed or refurbished between 1950 and 1980 and if it also has a steel

frame and/or has boilers with thermal insulation. Asbestos will only pose a risk

to health if asbestos fibres have been released into the air. They form a very

fine dust which is often invisible to the naked eye. The scientific evidence on

exactly what levels of exposure cause disease is unclear, but what we do know is

the more asbestos dust breathed in, the greater risk to health. There is no

cure for asbestos related diseases and that is why it is important that everyone

who works with asbestos should take the strictest precautions.

If you own, manage or have responsibilities for a workplace building which may

contain asbestos, you need to think about the risk of exposure to workers and

others who may use the building. It is your job to manage that risk. A sound

management strategy will help you to ensure that you do not put others at risk,

by properly identifying, assessing and managing asbestos materials on your

premises. Current advice for asbestos in good condition, which is unlikely to be

damaged or worked on, is to leave it in place and introduce a management

42

system. If the asbestos is in poor condition or is likely to be damaged or

disturbed, you will need to decide whether it should be repaired, sealed,

enclosed or removed. If you are unsure of the condition of the asbestos and

cannot decide what action to take, you should seek specialist advice.

If asbestos which is damaged can often be made safe by repairing and

protected and is likely to be disturbed during routine maintenance work, remove

it. Work on asbestos insulation and lagging, including sealing and removal,

asbestos coating and asbestos insulating board (AIB), must only be done by a

contractor licensed by the Health and Safety Executive.

There is specific legislation which prevents the exposure of employees to

asbestos and also controls contractors working with asbestos lagging or

asbestos coating. Further information is available from the HSE.

Further Reading:-

The Control of Asbestos at Work L27 ISBN 0717616738. Work with Asbestos,

Insulation, Asbestos Coating & Asbestos Insulating Board L28 ISBN 07176

16746. Managing Asbestos in Work Place Buildings IND (G) 223 (L). Working

with Asbestos Cement HSG 189/2 ISN 0717616673. Controlled Asbestos

Stripping Techniques for work requiring a licence HSG 189/1 ISBN 07176

16665. Introduction to Asbestos Essentials HSG 213 ISBN 07176 1901X.

43

Working Time

On the 1st October 1998 new rights and duties relating to work and rest came

into force. The main provisions are as follows:-

A limit on the average weekly working time to 48 hours.

A limit on the night workers normal daily working time to 8 hours.

A requirement to offer health assessment to night workers

Minimum daily and weekly rest periods

Rest breaks at work

Paid annual leave

Specific rights also exist for adolescent i.e. those over the minimum school

leaving age, but under 18 years. Employees or workers can agree to work longer

and employers need to keep suitable records. Enforcement is split between

Local Authorities and Industrial Tribunals. There are also local byelaws that

restrict the employment of young persons.

LPG

LPG consists of commercial Butane, Propane or any mixture of the two. The main

hazards associated with its use are fire and explosion. Asphyxiation can also be

a danger in low lying storage areas as LPG is heavier than air and so sinks

replacing the available air.

The safety requirements for the use and storage of LPG depends upon the

amount kept at any one premises, although basic precautions are required for

even small quantities.

The main factors that must be taken into consideration are separation

distances, ventilation, security, warning signs and the control of ignition sources.

Empty cylinders are considered to be the same as full, because of their residual

content.

Further reading:-

COP1 Park 1: Bulk Storage at Fixed Installations: installation and operation of

vessels located above ground

COP7: Storage of full and empty LPG Cylinders and Cartridges (obtain copies

from LP Gas Association Tel: 01425 4616122)

44

Health Initiatives

Many employers are extending their general responsibilities to staff by

introducing health initiatives aimed at improving health awareness and habits.

The advantages for the employer are a healthier more settled and more

committed work force. Areas to consider are:-

Violence

Verbal abuse or assault etc. can cause stress and anxiety as well as physical

injury. There should be a system for staff to report incidents to their manager,

who should record and investigate. As with any other hazardous situation,

employers should carry out risk assessments and introduce appropriate controls.

These may include improving the design of the building, giving staff training and

information, re-designing jobs and reducing the handling of cash.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a factor in a number of incidents, involving driving or machinery, it is

also linked to ill health by regular excessive consumption. Employers should

consider forming policies regarding drinking, especially where it could affect a

workers ability to carry out a task safely. Employers may wish to set an

example, provide information or courses and seminars.

Healthy eating

Diet has an important influence on health, particularly in relation to the risks of

developing heart disease. By offering healthy eating choices, the workplace

canteen can help individuals to put healthy eating guidelines into practice.

Where it is not possible to provide canteen facilities, a company can still

promote health by providing good facilities for people to eat their own food.

45

Physical fitness

Employees should be encouraged to take regular exercise to improve their levels

of physical fitness. Regular exercise is known to reduce the risk of various

conditions, e.g. heart disease.

General

There are other issues that can effect health, but are not specifically legislated

for; individuals management style, opportunities for training or personal

development, facilities for providing support and opportunities for getting

involved in decision making are some of these. Failure to consider these issues

may result in harmful levels of stress for some employees.

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Health and Safety Training

Health, safety & food hygiene training

It is now a legal requirement that food handlers are trained appropriate to their

work activities and the Food Safety Team can offer the Foundation Certificate

in Food hygiene. Ensuring that your employees have received suitable health and

safety training is essential. The Health and Safety Team can offer the

Foundation Certificate in Health and Safety in the Workplace.

What are the benefits of training staff?

Training will encourage you and your staff to adopt safer practices. It should

also enable you to foresee and prevent problems, rather than having to cure

them once they have occurred. Training will help you to comply with your legal

duties and should result in a more cost effective and efficient business. The

Health and Safety Team can offer the Foundation Certificate in Health and

Safety.

Have you ever considered the importance of good health and safety or food

hygiene?

The number of reported cases of food poisoning rises each year. Food poisoning

can cause serious illness or even death. The number of workers fatally injured

at work each year is still over 200. Bad publicity resulting from food poisoning

or poor health and safety can lead to a loss of business.

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But this is too bureaucratic

I havent time to deal with this, I have a business to run!

Have you ever considered the true costs to your business that poor safety

standards may bring or will your business survive if you are incapacitated by

injury?, how much money can you afford to lose?

The true costs of a minor accident will be more than just the cost of a plaster

and in real terms could cost you anything from 5 to 100. This is because of

other costs such as the first aiders time and the injured persons absence,

particularly if a trip to hospital is needed. These minor costs all add up. In

addition to these costs there is the potential for a claim for compensation,

where substantial damages could be awarded.

A warehouse with 60 employees and 6 minor injury accidents, over a month at an

average cost of 40.00. At this rate injuries cost the company 2,880 of

profit a year.

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You may believe that insurance will cover this kind of thing, but it often doesnt

cover the entire cost of accidents. Major payments may be covered, but some

costs may not even be covered by the policy, or the excess is greater than the

individual amounts claimed. Costs not covered by insurance include:

Production Delays

Repairs to Plant and Equipment

Overtime Working

Temporary Labour

Fines

Investigation Time

The Damage or Loss of Product and Raw Materials

Sick Pay

Studies have found that uninsured costs of accidents can average ten times the

amount paid in premiums. Two of your greatest assets are your staff and the

workplace, look after them and your business should reap the benefits. As

already pointed out, maintaining reasonable standards does not cost the earth,

and that cant be a bad thing!

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Useful Contacts

HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, C010 6FS (01787) 881165 (HSE priced and free publications)

Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), The Grange, Highfield

Drive, Wigston, Leicestershire, LE18 1PP (0116) 2573199 (provides a register

of safety practitioners)

Institute of Occupational Hygienists (IOS), Suite 2, Georgian House, Great

Northern Road, Derby, ED1 1LT (01332) 298087 (provides a directory of

occupational hygienists)

National Examination Board in Occupational Safety & Health (NEBOSH), The

Grange, Highfield Drive, Wigston, Leicestershire, LE18 1PP (0116) 288858

(provides details of nationally recognised safety courses)

Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA), Egbaston Park, 353

Bristol Road, Birmingham, B5 7ST, - (0121) 248000

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Infoline, Broad Lane, Sheffield, S3 7HQ

(0541) 545500 (provides health and safety advice)

The Stationery Office Bookshop, Southey House, 22 Wine Street, Bristol, BS1

2BU (0117) 9 264306

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Chadwick Court, 15 Hatfields,

London, SE1 8DJ 020 7928 6006