HEALTH AND SAFETY
POLICY STATEMENT
31/01/2011
PART A: POLICY AND INTENT
1 Introduction
2 General Aim
3 Chain of Responsibility
4 Smoking
5 Drugs and Alcohol
6 Environment Policy
7 Safety Statement
8 Declaration
PART B: SPECIFIC RESONSIBILITIES
9 The Partners
10 Contracts/Projects/Site Managers
11 Site Supervisors and Foremen
12 Employees Generally
13 Estimators
14 Office Staff
PART C: ARRANGEMENTS & PROCEDURES
15 Health and Safety Documentation
16 Safety Arrangements
16.1 Accidents
16.2 Near Miss Incidents
16.3 Fire Safety
16.4 Advice and Consultancy
16.6 Contractors and Visitors
PART D: HAZARDS
17 Hazards Identified
17.1 General
17.2 Harmful Substances
17.3 Manual Handling
17.4 Portable Electric Power Tools
17.5 Hand Tools
17.6 Housekeeping
17.7 Driving
17.8 Use of Visual Display Units
PART E: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
18 Declaration
PART A: POLICY AND INTENT
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Section2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974 requires that an
Employer must prepare and bring to the attention of its employees a written
Statement of general policy with respect to health and safety at work.
1.2 This health and safety policy statement has been prepared by Phil Ryan Flooring Company, (PRFC), referred to hereafter as “the company”, as a statement of
The Company’s intentions and commitment to ensuring that the highest possible
Standard of health and safety achievable are achieved in its work places.
1.3 This statement should be read in conjunction with the Company’s generic Method
Statement and generic Risk Assessment prepared for the main activities undertaken
by the Company.
2 GENERAL AIM
2.1 It is the policy of the Company that its operations are executed at all times in such a
way to ensure, so far as it is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of
all its employees and all persons likely to be affected by its operations or omissions
including sub-contractors, licenses and the public where appropriate.
2.2 The Company extends its particular concern for the health, safety and welfare of:
· Young people (those under the age of 18 years). The Company recognizes that
young workers are seen as being particularly at risk because of their possible
lack of awareness of existing or potential risks, immaturity and inexperience.
· New and expectant Mothers. The Company recognises its responsibilities to
both the unborn child and the new/expectant mother during and immediately
after childbirth. The Company will ensure that tasks assigned to new or
expectant mothers pay attention to the physical, biological and chemical agents,
processes and working conditions which may affect the health and safety of new
or expectant mothers.
2.3 The spirit of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 will be
adopted and incorporated into all the Company’s contracts.
3 CHAIN OF RESPONSIBILITY
3.1 The nominated people for the management of health and safety within the Company are the Partners Mr P C Ryan and Mr L Ryan.
3.2 Each site and workshop foreman is responsible for implementing Company safety
procedures and for complying with the legal requirements of his own job(s) or in the
workshop. All employees with specific responsibilities for heath and safety must ensure
that they are adequately delegated in their absence.
3.3 Employees are required to involve themselves in safety matters and report
unsafe equipment or dangerous situations to their respective foreman.
3.4 Sub-contractors are advised of the Company’s safety policy and procedures prior to
appointment. Sire foremen should ensure that sub-contract work is carried out safely
using approved methods, equipment and materials.
4 SMOKING
4.1 PRFC personnel has adopted a No Smoking policy within the confines of the
Company’s premises.
4.2 PRFC personnel must observe any smoking restrictions imposed by clients at clients’
premises.
5 DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
5.1 No member of staff will be permitted to work after consuming alcohol.
5.2 The taking of drugs in the work place is limited to those drugs prescribed by a
qualified doctor or those available “over the counter” at chemists etc., providing
they are taken in strict accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions or under
direct medical supervision. Attendance at work whilst under the influence of any
drugs should be confirmed by a doctor.
6 ENVIROMENT POLICY
6.1 It is the aim of the Company to use products which are “friendly” to the
environment wherever possible.
6.2 Any waste generated by the Company in the course of its activities/operations will
be disposed of via a reputable trade waste organisation.
7 SAFETY STATEMENT
7.1 In securing the implications of this policy, the Company will ensure inter alia that
provision is made for:
a) the maintenance of plant and systems of work that are so far as is reasonably
practicable safe and without risk to health;
b) arrangements for ensuring, so far as is reasonable and practical, safety and
absence of risks to health in connection with the manufacture, supply, use
handling, storage and transport of articles and substances;
c) the maintenance of premises and all places of work, so far as is reasonably
practical, safe and without risk to health, including safe access and egress from
such places;
d) the provision and maintenance of a working environment for its employees that
is, so far as is reasonable and practical, safe, without risks to health, and
incorporate adequate facilities in respect of welfare at work;
e) adequate information, instruction, training and supervision to be given;
f) communication and consultation.
7.2 The company will ensure that its operations and undertaking are executed in such a
manner, so far as is reasonable and practical, as to ensure that persons not in the
Company’s employment but who may be affected by the Company’s operations and
undertakings are not thereby exposed to risks to their health or safety, and to
provide such information as may be necessary about such aspects of the operation
of undertaking which might affect their health or safety.
7.3 A copy of this policy statement will be given to every member of staff. In addition a
copy will be retained in the Company’s Health and Safety Manual, the master being
retained at the Company’s Head Office.
7.4 The Company health and safety policy statement will be reviewed annually and any
revisions required due to changes in legislation etc. incorporated.
7.5 To aid administrative efficiency, both Mr P C Ryan and Mr L Ryan are authorised signatories of this Health & Safety Policy Statement.
8 DECLARATION
8.1 SIGNED BY THE PERSON WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR HEALTH AND
SAFETY:
............................................. ...................................................
Mr P C Ryan Mr L Ryan
Partner Partner
Date:.................................... Date:..........................................
PART B: SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
9 THE PARTNERS
9.1 Main responsibilities are to:
a) initiate the Company’s Policy for the promotion of good health and safety;
b) make sure that the policy is applied;
c) know the requirements of the law in safety and health matters and ensure that
it is observed;
d) ensure that all levels of staff are competent to fulfil their respective
responsibilities;
e) insist that sound working practice is observed;
f) make certain that in tendering, at planning stages and in production processes,
proper consideration is given to health and safety matters in accordance with
the Company’s health and safety policy;
g) ensure the proper co-ordination of safety activities between other contractors
who may be working on the same site;
h) institute proper reporting, investigation and costing of injury, damage and
loss, including near miss incidents;
i) ensure that any member of staff failing to observe and have due regard for the
objectives of the Company’s Safety Policy is reprimanded;
j) arrange for funds and facilities to meet the requirements of the health and
safety policy;
k) set a personal example on site by wearing appropriate protective clothing
and/or safety equipment;
l) ensure that a Health and Safety Plan is drawn up for the construction phase of
all contracts falling within the scope of the Construction (Design and
Management) Regulations 1994 incorporating a proper Method Statement,
Risk Assessment and COSHH Assessment for the work to be done;
m) ensure that staff receive appropriate training;
n) ensure that all plant is maintained and only used for the purposes as intended
by the manufacturers by competent personnel;
o) carry out regular health surveillance checks on all staff to ensure no member
of staff is suffering health problems as a result of the work they are asked to do.
10 CONTRACTS/PROJECTS/SITE MANAGER
10.1 Main responsibilities are to:
a) understand the Company’s health and safety policy and appreciate the
responsibility allocated to each grade;
b) determine and implement:
i) the most appropriate order and method of working;
ii) the allocation of responsibilities with sub-contractors or others;
iii) the hazards which might arise from overhead or underground power lines, and
other services such as Gas and Water supply lines;
iv) facilities for welfare and sanitation;
v) appropriate precautions for hazards and risks identified.
c) produce written method statements to establish safe methods of working, risk
assessments which identify potential hazards within any project, the risk of
injury/damage associated with those hazards, and the precautions to be
adopted ensuring that instructions issued are complied with, and COSHH
assessments where materials used fall under the Control of Substances
Hazardous to Health Regulations;
d) check over working methods and precautions with site supervisor before work
starts;
e) ensure that premises are safe structurally and in every other respect and that
noxious of offensive emissions are rendered harmless and inoffensive by the
best possible means and noise reduced by the best practical means;
f) make certain that supervisors understand the importance of reporting injuries
to persons, both employees and others and dangerous or potentially dangerous
occurrences;
g) have regard to the duties imposed on manufacturers etc. by the Health and
Safety at Work etc. ACT (1974), the Construction (Design and Management)
Regulations 1994 and other applicable legislation;
h) wear appropriate clothing and use appropriate equipment;
i) ensure when on site that all statutory registers, test and examination
certificates, records and reports etc., are maintained, and to see that persons
under their control are adequately experienced or trained to enable them to
carry out their duties;
j) ensure that the arrangements for first aid required by Regulations are complied
with, and that the location of first aid facilities is known to employees. Ensure
that proper care is taken of casualties and know where to obtain medical
assistance and the ambulance service in the event of serious injury;
k) read and understand the Health and Safety Plan for projects which fall within
the scope of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994;
l) set a personal example on site by wearing appropriate protective clothing and/
or safety equipment;
m) carry out regular health surveillance checks on all staff to ensure no member of
staff is suffering health problems as a result of the work they are asked to do.
11 SITE SUPERVISORS AND FOREMEN
11.1 Main responsibilities are to:
a) be familiar with the statutory regulations applicable to the work on which they
are engaged;
b) incorporate safety instructions in routine orders and see that they are obeyed;
c) restrain workmen from taking risks;
d) ensure that new employees, particularly apprentices, learn to take safety
precautions;
e) ensure that protective clothing is worn when appropriate;
f) discourage horseplay and reprimand those who ignore safety factors;
g) ensure that plant and equipment is only operated by competent persons, that
defects are reported to immediate supervisors, and ensure that unsafe plant and
equipment is not used.
h) ensure that all plant and equipment is in an safe and secure state when unattended;
i) incorporate safety instructions into routine orders and monitor the safety
performance of the operatives under their jurisdiction.
j) ensure that operatives are made aware of particular hazards and the necessity
for taking action, and wearing of suitable protective equipment, e.g., safety helmet,
eye and ear protection, face masks etc.,
k) ensure that new employees, particularly young persons, are given appropriate
safety instructions to take all necessary safety precautions for the job at hand;
l) discipline those who constantly fail to consider their own well-being and that of
others around them;
m) set a personal example by wearing protective clothing and/or equipment, e.g.
safety helmets etc., ensuring that protective equipment provided to persons
under their control is worn and not misused;
n) read and understand the Health and Safety Plan for projects, which fall within
the scope of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994;
o) carry out regular health surveillance checks on all staff to ensure no member of staff
is suffering health problems as a result of the work they are asked to do.
12 EMPLOYEES GENERALLY
12.1 Main responsibilities are to:
a) use the correct tools for the job, and keep tools in good condition;
b) use safety equipment and protective clothing which is made available and
issued in accordance with statutory regulations;
c) report to supervisor any defect in plant or equipment and ensure that plant and
equipment is safe and secure when unattended;
d) develop a concern for safety, both for oneself and for others;
e) avoid improvising which entails risks;
f) report any personal industrial injury, or industrial disease to immediate
supervisor and ensure that it is recorded in the Accident Book at your place of
work;
g) refrain from horseplay and the abuse of welfare facilities;
h) work in a safe manner avoiding placing themselves or others at unnecessary
risk;
i) use the correct tools and equipment for the job;
j) use safety equipment and protective clothing supplied, e.g., safety helmet, eye
and ear protection, safety belts, face masks etc.,
k) read and understand the Health and Safety Plan for projects which fall within
the scope of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 and
make reference to the Health and Safety plan from time to time as appropriate;
j) set a personal example on site by wearing appropriate protective clothing and /
or safety equipment.
13 ESTIMATORS
13.1 Main responsibilities are to:
a) ensure that full cognisance is taken of the Company’s health and safety policy;
b) appreciate the responsibility placed upon employees at all levels for the
implementation of the policy;
c) make allowances for, so far as is reasonable and practical, to adherence to the
Company’s safety policy, and the statutory obligation of the Company to
provide and adopt safe systems of work;
d) set a personal example when on site by wearing appropriate protective
clothing and / or safety equipment;
e) have due regard to any Pre Tender Health and Safety Plan for projects failing
within the scope of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations
1994, and make due allowance within the tender for compliance with all
aspects of Health and Safety.
14 OFFICE STAFF
14.1 Main responsibilities are to;
a) read and comply with the contents of the Company health and safety policy
statement;
b) use the correct office aids and materials for the jobs, making full use of safety
equipment, devices and procedures etc.;
c) ensure that equipment provided in the interest of health, safety and welfare is
not misused;
d) report all defects in office machines, equipment or fittings, not attempting
electrical work on equipment. Where possible, disconnecting electrical plugs
etc., at the end of the day;
e) develop a personal concern for safety - for yourselves and for others;
f) avoid improvisation entailing unnecessary risks;
g) inform immediate supervisor if they have any doubt as to their ability to
perform a particular task without taking unnecessary risk;
h) fully understand the guidance provided by the Health and Safety Executive in
the safe use of VDU equipment.
PART C: ARRANGEMENTS & PROCEDURES
15 HEALTH & SAFETY DOCUMENTATION
15.1 The Company has taken on board the spirit of the CDM Regulations, 1994 for every
project where the regulations apply. All employees, foremen, site supervisors,
managers and directors much each perform their duties under the regulations.
15.2 A brief explanation of the CDM Regulations and their contents is contained within
the Health and Safety Manual retained at the Company’s main and divisional
offices.
15.3 The Company has produced a generic Method Statement for the main activities and
operations performed by its staff. In addition it has produced a generic Risk
Assessment which identifies the main hazards which occur on many projects, the
risks associated with those hazards and the preventative procedures in place to
reduce or eliminate the risk of injury or loss associated with those hazards. Copies of
the generic Method Statement and Risk Assessment are kept within the Health and
Safety Manual retained at the Company’s main and divisional offices.
15.4 For all materials and products used on any project by the Company, a copy of the
manufacturer’s Health and Safety Information and COSHH Data should be obtained
by the director / manager overseeing the project. This information should be kept in
the Health and Safety Manual retained at the Company’s main and divisional
offices.
15.5 For each project where the CDM Regulations apply the director or manager who is
to oversee the project shall formulate a construction phase Health and Safety Plan,
(incorporating a Method Statement) and a project Risk Assessment, incorporating a
COSHH Assessment where appropriate. Where the information contained within
the generic Method Statement/Risk Assessment Statement applies, this should be
clearly noted within the project specific statements. Any variations/additions not
covered within the generic statements should be fully detailed within the project
specific statements.
15.6 Upon production of the Health and Safety Plan, Risk Assessment Statement and
COSHH Assessment, one copy of each should be forwarded to the Planning
Supervisor, a second copy is to be displayed in a prominent position at the project
site and brought to the attention of Company employees and all others who may be
engages/affected in/by the project works and a third copy is to be retained on the
contract file.
15.7 The site supervisor shall make operatives, employees, contractors, sub-contractors
and self-employed aware of the Health and Safety Plan, the Risk Assessment and the
COSHH Assessment prior to commencing work, and assist in the development of
the Plan/Statements as appropriate, throughout the duration of the project.
15.8 Contracts manager’s directors and site supervisors shall ensure that works on-site are
being carried out with due regards for the CDM Regulations and the Health and
Safety Plan.
15.9 A model Health and Safety Plan, Risk Assessment and COSHH Assessment for a
typical project can be found in the Company’s Health and Safety Manual.
15.10 Even where CDM Regulations do not apply, project Risk Assessments and COSHH
Assessments should still be produced by the director/manager responsible for
overseeing the work.
16 SAFETY ARRANGEMENTS
16.1 Accidents
16.1.1 In the event of an accident at work details of where First Aid can be obtained will
be contained within the Health and Safety Plan (on projects where the CDM
Regulations apply and a Health and Safety Plan has been produced). If an accident
occurs on any of the Company’s premises, appropriate First Aid Kits are retained at
those premises. Where CDM Regulations do not apply (e.g. on small domestic projects) and a Health and Safety Plan has not been produced, First Aid Kits will be
carried within Company vehicles. These people responsible for maintaining the
contents of First Aid Kits are Mr Lee Ryan and Mr Phillip Ryan.
16.1.2 In the event of a serious accident or someone falling ill whilst at work, every
member of staff has a responsibility to call for medical assistance by the nearest
appropriate means, usually by telephone. Under no circumstances must First Aid be
administered by untrained First Aiders.
16.1.3 After any accident, and after the injured person has been properly attended to, the
accident should be reported verbally (e.g. by telephone) to the person responsible
for Health and Safety within the Company, (either Mr Lee Ryan on 0161
477 7334 or Mr Phillip Ryan on 0161 477 0453) by the site supervisor/
foreman. The site supervisor or foreman should then make a written report of the
accident on the appropriate Company form, a blank copy of which is kept in the
Health and Safety Manual retained in the Company’s offices and
forward it to the Company’s main office in Stockport within 24 hours of the accident
occurring.
16.1.4 A record of any accident should be recorded in the Company’s Accident Record
Book retained in the Company’s office.
16.1.5 If by the nature of the accident the circumstances need to be reported to the Health
and Safety Executive, the appropriate forms are kept in the Health and Safety
Manual retained within the Company’s main/divisional offices, along with
guidance notes produced by the HSE under RIDDOR 95, (i.e. Reporting of Injuries,
Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations). After every accident the
guidelines should be checked to ascertain the need or otherwise to report to the HSE
by Mr Lee Ryan or Mr P C Ryan.
16.2 Near Miss Incidents
16.2.1 Near miss incidents should be recorded and reported in the same way as accidents.
16.3 Fire Safety
16.3.1 On projects where the CDM Regulations apply and a Health and Safety Plan has
been produced, regard will have given to emergency procedures, identifying the
location of fire extinguishers, fire escapes, means of raising fire alarm, assembly
points etc. This should be familiar to all staff prior to starting work on a project.
16.3.2 On other project every member of staff should familiarise themselves with the
building/location at which they are working and the means of escape in the event
of a fire or other emergency. In the event of a fire occurring, get out of the building,
stay out of the building and call out the emergency services.
16.3.3 In the event of a fire occurring at any of the Company’s premises, evacuate the
the building via the nearest available, safe exit and assemble at the designated
assembly points at a safe distance away from the building. The most senior person
within the Company available/present should call the emergency services.
16.3.4 Many fires occur “out of hours” but often result from carelessness or error during
working hours. The risk of fires can be minimised by:
· Careful discarding of any smoking material.
· Switching off all electric lights and appliances and removal of plugs from
sockets when lift unattended at break times/nights/weekends/shutdowns
etc.
· Do not wedge open fire stop doors at any time.
· Ensure all fire escapes are kept unlocked and unobstructed during working
hours.
· Do not remove fire extinguishers from their positions, (except in the event of a
fire).
· Keep only the required amount of any flammable items. When they are not in
use, keep containers tightly closed.
16.4 Advice and Consultancy
16.4.1 In the event of needing advice on any Health and Safety issues, contact:
· Mr P C Ryan Tel: 0161 477 0453
· Mr L Ryan Tel: 0161 477 7334
· The Local HSE:
Contracts in Cheshire/Merseyside Tel: 0151 479 2200
Contracts in Greater Manchester Tel: 0161 952 8200
Contracts in Cumbria/Lancashire Tel: 01772 836200
16.5 Training
16.5.1 The people responsible for training throughout the Company are
Mr P Ryan and Mr L Ryan who should be contacted in the event of any training need identified.
16.6 Contractors and Visitors
16.6.1 Any contractors (or sub-contractors), visitors and anybody else who may be affected
by the acts or omissions by the Company working or present in the vicinity of Phil Ryan Flooring Personnel should be made aware of the project specific Health and Safety
Plan, Risk Assessment and COSHH Assessment prepared for the project by the site
supervisor/foreman.
16.6.2 On all projects the work site should be appropriately isolated with the suitable
positioning of metal barriers, hazards identification tapes and the display of warning
signs.
16.6.3 When sub-contractors are employed, a copy of their Health and Safety Policy,
Method Statement and Risk Assessment for any specific project should be obtained
by the director/manager overseeing the project on behalf of the Company. In
addition, all the Phil Ryan Flooring Company Health and Safety documentation,
(including this Health and Safety Policy, project Risk Assessments/COSHH
Assessments and Health and Safety Plans where applicable), should be made
available to the sub-contractor.
16.6.4 All contract managers, site supervisors and foremen must ensure that any
contractor, sub-contractor or self employed person working on a project falling
within the scope of the CDM Regulations is working in accordance with the Health
and Safety Plan for this project.
16.6.5 In the event of a contractor/visitor attending any of the Company’s premises, they
should remain in the presence of the Company host at all times and act under the
instruction of that host in the event of an emergency.
PART D: HAZARDS
17 HAZARDS IDENTIFIED
17.1 General
17.1.1 The company has identified a range of hazards of a general and specific nature
which could cause harm within the workplace. Specific hazards are contained
within the Company’s generic Risk Assessment Statement which should be read in
conjunction with this Policy Statement. The general hazards identified are contained
within this section of the Health and Safety Policy.
17.2 Harmful Substances
17.2.1 Some products in regular use by the Company are potentially harmful, e.g.
adhesives may be highly flammable, cause skin irritation/disease or give off
toxic vapour.
17.2.2 When using any product of this nature:
· Always read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions;
· Read and be aware of the COSHH Assessment prepared by the director/
manager overseeing the project where the product is in use and follow any
guidelines detailed within that statement;
· When necessary, use appropriate personal protective equipment, e.g. gloves, eye
protection;
· Always keep substances in their original, correctly labelled container;
· Never use any substances from containers not clearly marked;
· Dispose of all used containers safely and never puncture aerosols;
· Avoid smoking or any naked lights where flammable substances or substances
giving off harmful fumes are used;
· Ensure adequate ventilation is maintained;
· Report any ill effects to the site supervisor/foreman;
· Clean all spillage immediately;
· Never mix two substances except where specifically instructed to do so by the
manufacturer;
· Ensure all containers are stored safely, with lid tightly closed;
· If in doubt, seek guidance from the supervisor.
17.2.3 The presence of dust within the workplace is a potential hazard since this can
adversely affect the skin, e.g. dermatitis, and the eyes, e.g. conjunctivitis
Potentially the biggest health problem it can cause however is respiratory disease
17.2.3 Dust may emanate from vegetable products, e.g. wood, or from inorganic
substances. E.g. asbestos or cement.
17.2.4 Exposure to vegetable dust can lead to coughs, tightness of the chest, allergic
responses and eventually lung disease.
17.2.5 In a similar way exposure to inorganic dusts can lead to similar symptoms, but they
can also cause harm through being poisonous or by causing tissue changes in the
respiratory system, e.g. asbestosis, silicosis.
17.2.6 Managers should be aware of the effects and presence of dust in the workplace. All
staff should be encouraged to wear appropriate personal protective equipment
when working in dusty environments, e.g. dust masks, eye protection. Due to the
long-term nature particularly of respiratory related diseases, managers should also
be alert to and monitor problems such as breathlessness, coughing and chest pain
and ensure these are appropriately investigated and reported. The contents of any
COSHH reports prepare by clients should be noted and brought to the attention of
all staff on project based work.
17.2.7 Managers should also be aware of the potential for the presence of asbestos within
certain floor coverings which need to be removed. In all such cases managers must
check and alert staff to the potential risks from asbestos and such products should be
removed and disposed of by specialist, licensed asbestos removal contractors.
Under no circumstances must PRFC employees be knowingly allowed to touch or
handle products which contain asbestos.
17.3 Manual Handling
17.3.1 Incorrect handling is the chief cause of back injuries. An object need not be heavy
to cause injury, an incorrect technique can result in muscle strain or other injury
including injury to hands or feet, even when handling light objects.
17.3.2 In order to reduce the likelihood of injury from lifting and/or manual handling, you
should:
· Not lift or move an object that causes undue strain or physical discomfort;
· Check any object to be moved for protrusion of sharp edges that could cause
injury;
· Seek assistance if you are in any doubt about lifting/moving/handling any
object.
17.4 Portable Electric Power Tools
17.4.1 If not properly used and maintained, portable electric tools can present a number of
hazards to both operators and bystanders. The most common injuries are burns,
cuts, strains and eye injuries. They are caused by electric shock, particles in the
eyes, fires, falls explosions and falling tools.
17.4.2 The following general precautions should be taken:
· Before using any portable/electric tool, make sure it is the right tool to do the
job and you know/have been trained how to use it;
· If working with wood, make sure all air vents around the motor are kept clear;
· Ensure that all electrical appliance have been inspected within the last 12
months and certified to reflect when the last inspection was carried out;
· Report any defect immediately and do not use defective tools/appliances and
clearly mark tools awaiting repair;
· Disconnect power when changing accessories;
· Ensure all guards are fitted and correctly used;
· Keep all loose fitting clothing, jackets, hair, jewellery and rags well clear from
portable tools;
· Always wear eye protection if there is any risk to eyes;
17.4.3 If portable grinders are to be used, in addition to the general precautions above:
· Always wear eye protection;
· Clamp any lightweight materials;
· Do not put grinder aside until the abrasive wheel stops rotating;
· Check abrasive wheels for uneven wear, snicking, cracks or chips before use;
· Check line is not out of true;
· Check guard for soundness;
· Check the correct stone is being used vis a vis material to be cut;
· Protect others in vicinity where necessary.
NB: Portable grinder wheels are covered by the Abrasive Wheels Regulations,
1970, and wheels must only be mounted on their spindles by an appointed person,
excluding manufacturers.
17.5 Hand Tools
17.5.1 Accidents frequently happen as a result of incorrect use of hand tools e.g. wrong
tool for the job, or worn and dangerous tools, e.g. hammers with loose heads.
17.5.2 The following precautions should be observed:
· Always use the right tool for the job;
· Maintain hand tools in good condition;
· Wear eye protection where there is a risk of injury to eyes or on jobs specified
on the Protection of Eyes Regulations, 1974 where there is a legal requirement
to wear eye protection, e.g. striking of masonry nails, chipping of paint and rust,
using high pressure water jets, using metal saws or abrasive discs, cutting of
wire or strapping under tension, any grinding of materials held by hand, any
machinery process where fragments may be thrown off.
17.6 Housekeeping
17.6.1 Good housekeeping can make a significant contribution to accident prevention.
Untidiness leads to accidents and increases the risk of fire.
17.6.2 The following general precautions should be followed:
· Keep all work areas tidy;
· Tools and machinery should be stored properly both when in use, when not in
use or when awaiting repair;
· All rubbish or waste material should be discarded at the earliest convenience,
including waster paper bins being emptied regularly;
· When using machinery, ensure the immediate environment is clear at all
times.
17.7 Driving
17.7.1 The following daily safety checks should be carried out on all Company vehicles:
· Oil
· Fuel
· Water
· Lights
· Wipers/Washers
· Windows and Mirrors
· Tyres
· Vehicle Body
· Brakes
Any defects should be reported and rectified immediately.
17.7.2 Driving technique should follow the guidance within the Highway Code.
17.7.3 Driving should be in accordance with the prevailing weather conditions.
17.7.4 Special care should be taken when manoeuvring and/or reversing vehicles,
especially if someone is directing reversing operations.
17.7.5 Do not carry unauthorised passengers.
17.7.6 Do not overload any vehicle of trailer.
17.7.7 Consider other road users when parking vehicles and have due regard to parking
restrictions.
17.7.8 When leaving vehicles unattended, make sure the parking brake is firmly applied,
the engine switched off and all doors are locked.
17.7.9 Keep the inside and the outside of the vehicles clean and tidy. Do not allow waste
products of any kind to accumulate in vehicles.
17.710 Should your vehicle be involved in an accident:
· Attend to any injuries to personnel, but so not administer First Aid if you have
not been properly trained;
· Do not admit liability;
· Exchange names and addresses of drivers and exact details of vehicles;
· Inform your supervisor and give details of the accident.
17.7.11 Should your vehicles break down or develop serious defects, inform your supervisor
so that assistance may be arranged. Ensure vehicle is left in an safe position and
where possible, not hazardous to other road users.
17.7.12 Do not operate a hand held mobile telephone whilst driving unless it us used in
conjunction with a hands free kit fitted to the vehicle.
17.8 Use of Visual Display Units (VDU’s)
17.8.1 The use of computers and VDU’s in the workplace is becoming more predominant.
Constant of long term use of VDU equipment can lead to aches and pains in hands,
wrists, arms, neck, shoulders, back, eyes, head and stress, especially after long
periods of uninterrupted VDU work. If this happens you should alert your
supervisor.
17.8.2 The affects of working with VDU’s can be minimised through:
· Ensuring the workplace/workstation is properly designed;
· Planning work to incorporate breaks of change of activity;
· Arrange regular eye sight test and provision of spectacles if needed;
· Ensuring users are properly trained in the use of VDU’s and all office
equipment.
17.8.3 A fuller guide to working with VDU’s produced by the HSE is kept in the Health
and Safety Manual retained at the Company’s main/divisional offices.
PART E: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
18 DECLARATION
18.1 To be issued to all employees and sub-contractors:
I confirm that I have read and fully understand the Phil Ryan Flooring Company
health and safety policy and agree to abide by the rules and regulations determined
therein:
Signed By.............................................................................
Print Name..........................................................................