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Company Handbook

LWJB LTD

EMPLOYEE NAME: __________________________ EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE: __________________________ DATE: __________________________ INDUCTED BY: __________________________

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Contents

General Policy Statement ..................................................................................................... 3

Environmental Policy Statement ........................................................................................... 3

Company Organogram .......................................................................................................... 5

Understanding Legal Duties and the Importance of Safety .................................................... 6

Safe Systems of Work ........................................................................................................... 7

Induction and Training ........................................................................................................... 8

Drugs and Alcohol ................................................................................................................. 9

Accident/Incident Reporting and First Aid ............................................................................ 10

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ................................................................................. 11

Manual Handling ................................................................................................................. 12

Fire Precautions and Emergency Procedures ..................................................................... 13

Control of Substance Hazardous to Health (COSHH) ......................................................... 14

Health, Welfare and Hygiene .............................................................................................. 15

Construction Dust ............................................................................................................... 16

Respirator Protective Equipment ......................................................................................... 17

Working at Height ............................................................................................................... 18

Asbestos ............................................................................................................................. 20

Portable Power Tools .......................................................................................................... 21

H.A.V.S. (Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome) ........................................................................... 22

Noise .................................................................................................................................. 22

Housekeeping ..................................................................................................................... 23

Hot Works ........................................................................................................................... 24

Confined Spaces ................................................................................................................. 25

Excavations ........................................................................................................................ 26

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General Policy Statement

It is the policy of this Company, to provide and maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable,

for all our employees and those who may be affected by our operations: : (including Labour

only subcontractors)

• Safe and healthy working conditions including adequate facilities and

arrangements for employee’s welfare.

• Adequate control of the health and safety risks arising from our works.

• Safe plant, equipment and systems of work.

• Safe handling, storage, transportation and use of substances.

• Sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision to Ensure health and

safety at work of our employees.

• An accident reporting and investigation procedure to aid in achieving a reduction

in accident rates by analysing accident root causes and trends.

• A system of consultation with our employees on matters affecting their health and

safety, in compliance with the health and safety (Consultation with Employees)

Regulations 1996.

Employees legal duties to co-operate with LWJB LTD and follow systems laid down to control

hazards and risks and prevent accidents, and to inform LWJB LTD of any serious and

imminent dangers to health and safety and any shortcomings in their health and safety

arrangements are communicated to all employees.

This policy will be reviewed annually or more frequently if circumstances warrant,

ensuring that standards are maintained or improved wherever possible.

It is our intention at all times to strive to better ourselves and others through training

and constant personal development to make our working environment a safer place

for all to work

Lee Webster SIGNED:

POSITION: Director Revised (Date): 28th November 2017

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Environmental Policy Statement

LWJB LTD (the ‘Company’) recognises the importance of environmental protection and is

committed to operating its business responsibly and in compliance with all legal

requirements relating to the design and construction of its projects. It is the Company’s

declared policy to be cooperative and maintain good relationships with all regulatory and

advisory bodies.

The Company commits to the following:

• Complying with relevant environmental legislation and regulations and with

industry best practice guidance and advice wherever possible.

• Developing, implementing and regular reviewing the Company’s Environmental

Policy and procedures, ensuring that these are kept up-to-date with legislative

and organisational changes and ensuring, wherever practicable, that industry

best-practice is followed.

• Providing training, support and the required resources to employees to ensure

the implementation of this Policy, as appropriate to their roles and duties.

• Enabling and encouraging the active involvement of all employees and any

other organisational stakeholders in environmental matters related to the

Company’s activities.

• Minimising the wastage of materials, energy and water.

• Diverting materials from landfill wherever possible through re-use, recycling

etc.

• Promoting the use of sustainable materials and services wherever possible.

• Eliminating, reducing and/ or controlling pollutants to land, water and air, and

noise, dust or other nuisances arising from our activities.

• Continuously improving the Company’s environmental performance through

the regular reviewing and updating of our Environmental Policy and

procedures.

This Policy and its requirements are communicated to all employees and sub-

contractors prior to any work being carried out. The Policy is made available to the

public and any other interested stakeholders.

SIGNED: Lee Webster

POSITION: Director Date: 28th November 2017

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Company Organogram

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Understanding Legal Duties and the Importance of Safety

Understanding Legal Duties

The Health and Safety at work Act 1974 places specific responsibilities on both the employer

and employees to prevent accidents and incidents, including ill-health.

The Importance of Safety

Safety is important not only to an individual but also to their colleagues, friends and families.

Employers must provide:

• A Safe System of Work (Method

statement)

• Adequate Control Measures

• Suitable Supervision

• A Healthy and Safe working

Environment

Employees are expected to:

• Cooperate fully with Rules and

Guidelines

• Be Respectful to Managers,

Colleagues and the Public

• Not interfere or misuse anything

provided for Health and Safety

• Protect the Environment

On Moral Grounds – There is a moral

responsibility to help prevent injury and ill-

health to ourselves and others

On Legal Grounds – The Law requires

everyone to help prevent injury and ill

health, to ourselves and others.

On Financial Grounds – Accidents cost

Companies and Indiviuduals millions of

pounds every year through lost wages,

medical expenses and damage claims.

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Safe Systems of Work

Risk Assessments:

A Risk Assessment must be completed before any task is undertaken. All hazards and risks

must be identified before any task is undertaken. All hazards and risks associated with the

task need to be identified and the correct control measures need to be put into place.

Method Statements:

A Method Statement details how a particular task is to be carried out, including the

sequential order and the Safe Method of Work.

Permits to Work:

A Permit to Work is a written document giving authorisation to competent persons to carry

out specific tasks within a certain time frame with explicit control measures.

Keeping records:

All documented Safe Systems of Work must be copied and retained on file for auditing and

record purposes. Remember, to be effective, all personnel engaged in an activity must have

read, understood and all the required Health and Safety paperwork, and commented on the

document (where required).

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Induction and Training

An awareness of hazards on site and how to deal with them is developed through both

experience and training (Competence)

Health and Safety training is a Legal Requirement for all operatives. Within the company we

provide the following training (If applicable):

• Apprentice Training

• Site Induction Training

• Health and Safety Awareness Training

• Management Training

Task specific training may include:

• Asbestos Awareness

• Plant operation

• Slinging and Signalling – Slinger/Banksman

• MEWPs (IPAF)

• Cartridge Fixing Tools

• The Erection of Mobile Aluminium Towers (PASMA)

As your employer, we are legally required to provide you with the information and training

necessary to do your job safely.

Project Inductions will also include:

• Site specific inductions will also be completed and will include information on:

• Site Access and Egress Routes

• Welfare Facilities

• Emergency and Incident/Accident Reporting Procedures

• PPE Requirements

• Site Operating Hours

• Any restrictions

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Drugs and Alcohol

The combination of a Construction Environment, Drugs and/or Alcohol is a volatile

mixture. Construction work is both Dangerous and Hazardous and requires 100%

concentration, 100% of the time.

Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can and will affect both Physical and Mental

performance as they are still active in the body for a considerable time after initial

consumption.

Where our Clients have a random drugs and alcohol testing policy this is communicated to

employees working on that site; should our employees be randomly selected they are

expected to comply with the Client procedures for drugs and alcohol testing.

The company reserves the right to introduce random drug and alcohol testing for their

employees / Labour Only Subcontractors at any time as they feel is necessary or when

advised by their Health & Safety Consultants.

No employee or sub-contractor working for the

company should arrive at work whilst under the

influence of any drugs or alcohol. Under no

circumstances should persons consume any drugs or

alcohol during the working day. Should a person be

on any prescribed medication they must inform the

site supervisor before they start work.

Employees who suspect someone is under the

influence of drugs or alcohol inform their supervisor

immediately.

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Accident/Incident Reporting and First Aid

Your Behaviour is a key factor in the prevention of Accidents and Incidents.

Accident/Incident Reporting Ensure that ALL incidents (near misses) and accidents are promptly reported to your supervisor or equivalent

If you witness an accident:

• You may have to call for help and provide what assistance you can.

• Company employees are expected to know the clients arrangements to summon First Aid or medical assistance.

• Summon assistance or get help to do so.

• Do not move the injured unless they or you are in danger from another source e.g. traffic.

• Switch off machinery which may be a hazard but, if you suspect that the injured person has been electrocuted - do not touch them directly until the power has been isolated.

• If there is a possibility of an unsafe atmosphere e.g. injured person is in a tank or pit, beware - you cannot help them if YOU are overcome.

• When qualified help arrives tell them what happened and offer assistance, but leave the area when you are no longer required.

• Notify your Supervisor or equivalent as soon as possible.

• You may be required to give evidence so ensure that your name and details are entered as a witness in the Accident Book.

• For environmental accidents/ incidents see the Company Environmental Emergency Preparedness & Response procedure.

A positive attitude towards Health and Safety means:

• Being alert at all times

• Assessing the risks

• Being proactive

• Having an awareness of Potential Hazards

• Having an awareness of your own limitations

• Rectifying or resolving unsafe issues

• NOT taking shortcuts

First Aid The First Aiders for the site you will be working on will be

explained to you at your site induction.

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The company are obliged by law to provide the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

for all tasks undertaken to ensure maximum protection. Employees are expected to wear

PPE in the correct manner at all times. PPE is provided for the sole benefit of the user and

must fit properly and be compatible with other types of PPE being used.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided when a hazard cannot be eliminated

by any other means. PPE will only protect the user, not others working in the vicinity. The

wearing of PPE will not stop accidents, but it will help to reduce the effects of an accident.

Where necessary, instruction on usage of PPE must be given. Site rules for PPE must be adhered to and persistent non-compliance can lead to disciplinary action. The PPE required to be worn on each individual site and for each individual task will be detailed in the site specific risk assessments.

Should you find any defects in your PPE, stop using it immediately and report it to your supervisor

This will include:

• Hard hats

• Hi-visibility vests

• Protective footwear

• Gloves

• Light eye protection

Task specific PPE may include:

• Hearing protection

• Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)

• Gauntlets/Overalls

• Impact resistant goggles/Face shields

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Manual Handling

Poor Manual Handling techniques are a major cause of preventable injuries. Manual

Handling should be avoided where possible with mechanical aids always being considered

first.

Incorrect manual handling can lead to back injuries, which can be painful and long term

Manual Handling will be assessed on a site specific basis. In general, the following points should be adhered to:

• Before lifting the load, see if it can be lifted and transported mechanically or by the use of a pallet truck.

• Keep the back straight at all times.

• Bend at the knees.

• Test the load to assess how heavy it feels. Will you require help lifting the load?

• Test the load for centre of gravity and ease of lifting/carrying.

• Keeping your knees bent and back straight, lift the load upwards using the power of your legs.

• Make sure before you start that you know where you are carrying the load.

• Never attempt to lift anything you feel may be too awkward or heavy for you.

Your supervisor will cover with you a specific manual handling tool box talk.

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Fire Precautions and Emergency Procedures

In order to prevent fire you need to be aware of the hazards associated with your own works.

You must ensure that:

• You clear your work area to prevent waste build up.

• Flammable liquids are not stored or used close to a source of ignition.

• When drying clothes, they are not placed directly over or onto heaters.

• You obey any ‘no smoking’ signs.

• You know the location of fire extinguishers and fire exits.

• You know which type of fire extinguisher is suitable for different types of fire.

Learn the emergency procedures:

• Read/listen to the site instructions

• Familiarise yourself with the emergency exit

routes

• Familiarise yourself with the muster point

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Control of Substance Hazardous to Health (COSHH) When using substances which are Hazardous to Health it is important to ensure that the correct control measures and precautions are in place. The law requires that a suitable and sufficient COSHH Risk Assessment is undertaken before work with these substances takes place. If you are required to use any chemicals / substances on site, a COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessment must be carried out on the use of this chemical / substance. The findings from this COSHH assessment will be covered with all employees by the Supervisor before any works start on site.

Before using any chemicals / substances, you must ensure the following:

• You wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment as detailed in the COSHH assessment.

• You only use the substance for its intended purpose.

• You have been told of the precautions to be taken.

There are a number of ways in which

substances can present a risk to

health if not controlled, this includes:

• Inhalation

• Ingestion

• Injection

• Skin absorption

• Eye contact

• Infection of an open wound or

broken skin

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Health, Welfare and Hygiene

Site welfare facilities include toilets, wash basins, changing rooms and canteens.

• It is everybody’s responsibility to keep them clean and tidy.

• Hands must always be kept clean; the use of gloves does not negate this, as

contamination can stay on, or get into the gloves.

• Never store materials or tools in the welfare facilities.

• Ensure all taps are closed after use to avoid wasting water/energy.

• Regular showering or bathing is required to ensure contamination and bacteria do

not affect healthy skin. All workwear must be laundered regularly.

Dermatitis

Physical signs of Dermatitis may include:

• Redness

• Scaling

• Itching

• Blistering of the skin

Protect hands by ensuring that:

• You use the correct gloves

• Your hands are clean

• Your hands are moisturised before

and after work.

Dermatitis is a skin condition caused by

contact with something that irritates the skin

or causes an allergic reaction. It usually

occurs where the irritant touches the skin,

but not always.

There are two types:

• Allergic contact dermatitis.

• Irritant contact dermatitis.

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Construction Dust

What is it?

This is a general term used to describe the different dusts that you may find on a

construction site. There are three main types;

• Silica Dust – Created when working on silica containing materials. For example,

concrete, mortar and sandstone. It is also known as Respirable Crystalline Silica

(RCS).

• Wood Dust – Created when working on softwood, hardwood and wood based

products like MDF and plywood.

• Lower Toxicity Dusts – created when working on materials containing very little or no

silica. The most common include gypsum (e.g. in plasterboard), limestone and

dolomite.

Health risks

Anyone who breathes in these dusts must

be made aware of the damage they can

cause to the lungs and airways. The main

dust related diseases affecting construction

workers are:

• Lung Cancer

• Silicosis

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary

Disease

• Asthma

It is understood that over 500

construction workers die from

exposure to silica every year. The

amounts needed to cause this

damage are not large. The

workplace exposure limit for silica

dust is shown next to a penny for

scale.

Control measures

On tool extraction removes dust as it is being produced. It

is a type of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system that fits

directly onto the tool. This ‘system’ consists of several

individual parts – the tool, the capturing hood, extraction

unit and tubing.

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Respirator Protective Equipment

Remember:

When wearing a tight fitting face mask the wearer must by clean shaven where

the seal meets the skin. Stubble and beards will reduce the effectiveness of

the mask and allow particulates to enter the wearer’s lungs.

RPE is the last line of protection. If you are relying on RPE, you need to be

able to justify your reason for this!

Where on tool extraction is not always appropriate

or might not reduce the exposure enough,

respiratory protection has to be provided as well.

The company will ensure sure that the RPE is:

Adequate for the amount and type of dust being

produced – RPE has an assigned protection factor

(APF) which shows home much protection it gives

the wearer.

Compatible with other types of protective

equipment.

What types of masks should be worn?

The general level for construction dust is an APF of

20. This means that the wearer only breathes one

‘twentieth’ of the amount of dust in the air.

This means an FFP3 mask must be worn when

creating airborne dusts.

Where tight-fitting dust masks are required, Legislation

states that the operative must be Face Fit Tested for

the dust mask. The COSHH Regulations detail the

requirement for the Testing.

Before undertaking ‘dust creating’ tasks, all operative

must be Face Fit Tested for the respiratory equipment

they are using. The Face Fit Testing is only applicable

to the specific Dust Mask/Respirator.

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Working at Height

Any work at height which we ask you to undertake will be risk assessed and the findings

from this risk assessment will be covered with you before any work at height is undertaken.

When working at height, safeguards must be provided before any work commences and

precautions must be implemented to ensure personnel and plant safety. Suitable edge

protection including guard rails and toeboards must be used on any exposed edges.

Platforms must be sound and capable of supporting people, materials and tools.

Fixed Scaffolding

Scaffolding must only be erected, altered or dismantled by trained and experienced persons. Unauthorised alteration of any scaffold may result in instant dismissal. You must ensure that:

• You do not use a ‘fixed’ scaffold that does not have a valid ‘Scafftag’.

• You stack materials so they cannot accidentally be knocked off the platform.

• The safe load of the scaffold is not exceeded.

• A gangway of at least 3 boards wide is left for access.

• Tools or materials are not left haphazard on the platform, which could result in a slip, trip or fall.

• You never throw or drop materials from scaffolding – they must be lowered properly.

• You do not climb up or down the outside of a scaffold - always use the ladders or stairs provided.

• You report any defects in the scaffolding immediately to your supervisor.

Falls from height account for the most deaths and serious injuries on construction sites every year. Work at height is safe subject to provision of a safe means of access and egress to the work at height. The working platform must be safe and ‘falls from height prevention measures’ put in place.

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Mobile Tower Scaffolds

• It is erected strictly in accordance with the supplier’s instructions.

• The platform height does not exceed the manufacturer’s instructions

• Guardrails are fitted to all mobile scaffold towers – regardless of the platform height.

• Toeboards are fitted to all mobile scaffold towers – regardless of the platform height.

• Both working platforms are fixed at the same standing height on double width towers. When working from a mobile tower scaffold you must ensure that:

• The wheel brakes are on and locked and the outriggers are locked.

• The tower is moved by pushing/pulling at base level only.

• The tower is never moved with persons or materials on the platform.

• You use the internal or fixed ladders for access – never climb up the outside of the tower.

• The access hatch is closed at all times.

• You never stand on the toe boards or guardrails to gain extra height. The use of a mobile tower scaffold will be subject to a site specific risk assessment.

Mobile tower scaffolds are frequently used to carry out work at height. Only competent persons who have received training and hold a valid training certificate may erect, alter or dismantle a mobile tower scaffold. When erecting a mobile tower scaffold you must ensure that:

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPS)

• To be used by IPAF qualified persons only

• Visual maintenance checks are required daily.

• 6 monthly examinations are required

• Always check surrounding areas and ground conditions

Training Categories

PAV Push Around Vertical 1A Vertical Personal Platforms 1B Self-propelled Booms (Outrigger) 3A Scissor Lifts, Vertical personnel Platforms 3B Mobile Boom/Self-propelled Boom (Cherry Picker)

Step Ladders

Only use Stepladders when all other options have

been exhausted and a Stepladder Risk

Assessment and/or Permit has been put in place.

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Asbestos

You will be given asbestos awareness training. If at any time you feel that asbestos or asbestos containing Material’s may be present where none were previously thought to be then stop work immediately and speak to your supervisor. Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause irreversible lung damage What is Asbestos?

Why is it dangerous?

• Can take 10 years plus from time of initial exposure to development of symptoms

• Latency period means workers become ill after they have finished their working life

• Asbestos related diseases are virtually inoperable

• One large exposure can potentially kill.

A naturally occurring mineral

3 most common forms:

o Chrysotile (‘white asbestos’)

o Amosite [Gunerite] (‘brown asbestos’)

o Crocidolite [Riebeckite] (‘blue asbestos’)

Diseases caused by asbestos:

• Mesothelioma

• Lung cancer

• Asbestosis

• Cancer of the larynx

• Asbestos Warts

• Benign pleural effusions

• Pleural thickening

• Pleural plaques Asbestos fibres under microscope

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Portable Power Tools

The power tools you may use as part of your work operations may include:

Electricity can kill. There is no safe voltage and all electrical equipment should be considered hazardous. When working with any portable power tool, you must ensure that:

• You visually inspect the tool before you use it. Tool box talk on this will be given to you by your supervisor.

• The tool is recorded on the weekly inspection of tool form.

• The tool has a PAT testing sticker present to prove it has been tested within the last 3 months NOTE all electrical equipment should be PAT tested including battery chargers every 3 months.

• It operates on a maximum of 110V supply (colour coded yellow)

• You are using the correct tool for the task to be undertaken

• You have been trained in the use of the tool and fully understand how to operate it.

• The tool has been properly maintained and is in good condition

• The tool is taken out of operation immediately and reported to your supervisor if you feel it is in any way faulty.

• You disconnect the power before changing any blades, discs, drill bits etc. and when carrying out any maintenance or repair to the tool.

• Trailing leads from the tool do not cause a trip hazard to you or others on site.

The power tools you may use as part of your

work operations may include:

• Use of Tek Gun

• Use of Hammer Drill

• Use of Jigsaw

• Use of Circular Saw

• Use of Recip Saw

• Use of Cartridge Gun

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H.A.V.S. (Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome)

Hand Arm Vibration syndrome (HAVS) is an industrial disease caused by over/prolonged

exposure to equipment which emit damaging vibration levels and can lead to permanent

disablement. Supervisors and management have a duty to suitably asses the vibration risks

before setting the operatives to work.

Vibration White Finger (VWF) can affect employees who regularly use vibration equipment. By observing the following points, the risk can be reduced:

Noise

Excessive noise exposure, over relatively short time periods can lead to hearing damage.

The long and short term effects can include:

• Permanent Hearing Loss

• Sensitivity

• Tinnitus (A permanent ringing in the ears)

The company provides hearing protection, so ensure that you use it

REMEMBER: There is no cure for hearing loss

• Exercising your hands and fingers increases

blood flow

• Always use the correct tool for the job

• Avoid using vibrating equipment for long

periods of time without taking a break

• Ensure tools are in good working order

• If you think your hands or fingers are affected tell your supervisor and see your doctor.

The main activities we may undertake

which results in excessive

vibration/noise are:

• Use of Tek Gun

• Use of Hammer Drill

• Use of Jigsaw

• Use of Circular Saw

• Use of Recip Saw

• Use of Cartridge Gun

• Use of Chop-saw

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Housekeeping

Slips, trips and falls are the cause of the most accidents on construction sites every year. They are usually the result of poor housekeeping and therefore avoidable.

To reduce the risks observe these simple do's and don'ts:

• DO keep your own work location tidy as you work; some mess is unavoidable, however letting the area become so congested with tripping hazards or spillages that it is unsafe is poor working practice. Always tidy up after yourself (clear as you go)

• DO keep a clear path to and from your work locations, for yourself as well as others.

• DO report any slipping or tripping hazards to your supervisor or the site manager if

they are caused by someone else; not to blame someone else but to get the hazard

removed and stop injuries.

• DO make sure you have sufficient light to see hazards when moving around site or

working.

• DO clean up all spillages promptly and remove anything that could be a tripping

hazard, both as work is being done and finally as a clean-up at the end of work.

• DO ensure that materials are stacked and stored safely

• DON'T block walkways, traffic routes and especially emergency escape routes with

anything.

• DON'T trail cables or hoses across walkways, use cable guides or run them at high

level where appropriate.

• DON'T ignore hazards. If you spot it, remove it or report it – DON’T JUST DO

NOTHING

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Hot Works

Before Hot Works are undertaken, a suitable and sufficient Risk Assessment must always be

carried out.

A Hot Works Permit must be issued to ensure that all the necessary control measures to

prevent fires and accidents are in place, acknowledged and adhered to.

Hot works procedure

• All works must be carried out in a safe manner and in accordance with Health & Safety Executive guidance

• The person in charge of the work must inform all persons involved in the work of the contents of this permit and must remain on site at all times whilst work is in progress.

• Lone working IS NOT allowed.

• If due to unforeseen circumstances it becomes necessary to extend the area of work outside of the times of this permit, the permit must be cancelled and a new permit raised taking account of the new circumstances.

• Any incidents or injuries associated with the works described on this permit must be reported immediately to the emergency contact overleaf.

• Upon completion of work the permit must be signed off and returned to the issuing person for cancellation.

• The work location and all items in it must be checked on completion of the hot work for smouldering and again 10, 30 and 60 minutes following work completion, before departure from site.

Hot Works are normally any task

which has the potential to generate

enough heat to start/ignite a fire,

including sparks emitted from the

following:

• Disk cutting (chop-saw and

some cold cut saws)

• Welding

• Soldering

• Angle grinding

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Confined Spaces

A Confined Space is normally a place which is substantially enclosed or where there is a

foreseeable risk of serious injury from free flowing substances or lack of oxygen. Only

trained, competent and authorised persons can enter a confined space.

Possible dangers include:

• Oxygen depletion or enrichment.

• Toxic and/or flammable atmosphere.

• Extreme environments (e.g. very hot/cold).

• Free flowing liquids or solid.

• Restricted work areas/Access & Egress.

Entry Requirements

No work may be undertaken unless a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, method

statement, access permit and rescue procedure is in place and air monitoring has been

undertaken prior to entry. Plant and equipment must be intrinsically safe.

Emergencies

Under NO circumstances must a rescue attempt to retrieve a casualty be made unless the

rescuer is fully trained and equipped. Impulsive rescue attempts can lead to a multiple-

casualty situation.

DO NOT PUT YOURSELF OR OTHERS IN DANGER

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Excavations

Excavations of any depth can be very dangerous and care must be taken to ensure that no

one is harmed by a collapse of the sides, or that any live services are damaged whilst

digging.

Before carrying out excavation work the following must be considered:

• Review/assessment of the planned work to avoid disturbing services where possible.

• Clear identification of the extent of the work area and finding out what underground services are within the area before considering whether they are likely to be disturbed

• Obtaining service drawings from utilities companies and other organisations with relevant information about the site

• Surveying the site to identify the services and other underground structures. Recording the location of any services identified or suspected.

• Provision of sufficient time and other resources to do the work safely.

• Adoption of the safest practical means to excavate and stabilise the excavation, including pedestrian and vehicle safety, safety for workers in the excavation and backfilling operations.

Emergency work still requires planning and assessment of the risks arising from the

work.

A precautionary approach must be taken when breaking ground.

The main hazards associated with excavation

work include:

• Collapse of the sides.

• Materials falling onto people working in the excavation.

• People and vehicles falling into the excavation.

• People being struck by plant machinery.

• Undermining nearby structures.

• Contact with underground services.

• Access to the excavation.

• Fumes.

• Accidents to members of the public.