Element covers: The main thrust of this element is to highlight the hazards which are associated with the provision and use of work equipment. The regulations that cover this are Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) The general requirement for work equipment is that it should be well maintained and fit for purpose, those who are to operate the equipment must be experienced and correctly trained in it safe use. The regulations cover all work equipment for woodworking planes, circular saws, bench and hand held grinders, drill, chainsaws, masonry cutting equipment and electric drills. The list is to provided an indication to the types of equipment and is in no way complete. The hazards mainly associated with work equipment can include cut and abrasions, entanglement with rotary equipment, ingress of foreign body, crush, severe lacerations from chain saws and grinders along with noise vibration. There are other hazards that might not be directly attributable to the equipment, such as hazards from frayed or damaged electrical cables, ingress of water into electrical equipment and some more which may have long term effects i.e. dust, and vibration. Hand held tools such as hammer chisels files saw can all be hazardous if not used and maintained correctly, Files should always have handles, hammers and chisels should always be ground to remove mushroom effect etc. It is essential that the risk from the use of work equipment is identified and controlled. The correct use of PPE when use of equipment is essential. Eye, ear, hand and repertory (dust masks) should all be considered when use any equipment. The start stop and emergency stop controls for powered equipment must be at all time clearly identifiable and in good working order. Guarding of machinery can remove significant hazards from work equipment as long as the guard completely cover the rotating parts and are not easily removable. Chuck guards for dill and lathes blade guards for circular saws and guards over drive pulley's are all examples where guarding should be used.
Saturday, 29 March 2008
Element 5: Work equipment - hazards and control
ESSENTIAL BASICS
Simply put these are things that you will know off by heart after the course and as such I think are a good tool to learn before you start the course or to test yourself on while your taking the course.
RISK: The likelihood that the hazard will cause harm in the particular circumstances.
HAZARD: Anything with the potential to cause harm.
ACCIDENT: Unplanned event leading to loss, damage or harm.
PRACTICABLE: Capable of being carried out or feasible (given current technology/knowledge)
REASONABLY PRACTICABLE: Where it is technically possible without incurring excessive costs.
ABSOLUTE DUTY: Must comply with.
HIERARCHY OF CONTROL: A list of measures designed to control risks which are considered in order of importance, effectiveness and priority.
NOISE: Unwanted sound.
HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ACT 1974 GENERAL DUTIES:
Section 2.1: It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety and welfare at work of all his employees.
Section 2.2a: Provision and maintenance of safe plant and equipment and a safe system of work.
Section 2.2b: Safe arrangements and absence of risks to health for storage, transport, handling and use of articles and substances.
Section 2.2c: Provision of information, instruction, training and supervision.
Section 2.2d: Provision and maintenance of a safe workplace including a safe means of access and egress.
Section 2.2e: Provision and maintenance of a safe working environment and adequate welfare facilities.
Section 2.3: Policy. To provide a written statement of a safety policy where there are 5 or more employee's
Section 2.4/6/7: Access and Consultation with safety representatives.
Section 2.7: Establish a safety committee if requested in writing by at least 2 safety representatives.
Section 3: Employers/Self employed duties to others.
Section 3.1: To protect non employees from their undertakings
Section 3.2: To conduct their activities without introducing risk.
Section 3.3: To provide information
Section 4: Duties of controllers of premises to non-employees, including safe access and egress.
Section 6: Duties of manufacturers, suppliers, designers, importers etc. To ensure all articles and substances are safe and without risk when used at work.
Section 7: General duties of employees:
Section 7a: To take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and others who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work.
Section 7b: To co-operate with his employer and comply with any requirement or duty imposed under a relevant statutory provision.
Section 8: Misuse. Places a duty on everyone not to intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety and welfare.
Section 9: Charges. Provides that an employer may not charge his employees for anything done, or equipment provided for health and safety purposes under a relevant statutory provision.
Section 20: Powers of HSE inspectors. They may enter the premises at any time; if necessary take a constable along. Take any authorised person or equipment required. Direct the premises to be left undisturbed while they examine and investigate. Take measurements, photographs and recordings. Seize, destroy or render harmless.
Section 37: Prosecution of Managers/Directors
Section 40: Places the onus on the defendant to prove that all reasonably practicable measures were taken. Any employer who is accused by an inspector or non-compliance under HSWA 1974 is guilty unless they prove otherwise.
BREACHES OF HSWA CAN LEAD TO:
CRIMINAL LAW: State v Individual
Source of Law = statute law & legislation
Burden of proof = Beyond all reasonable doubt
Remedy sought = Punishment of Guilty
Instigator = HSE / EHO / CPS (crown prosecution service)
1 Magistrates Court: Summary convictions (petty crimes) maximum penalties of £20'000 / 6 months in Jail.
2 Crown Court: Tried on Indictment (serious crimes) maximum penalties Unlimited fines / 2yrs in Jail
3 Court of appeal
4 House of Lords
5 European Courts
STATUTE LAW: is the written law of the land and consists of Acts of Parliament and the rules, regulations or orders made within the parameters of the acts.
CIVIL LAW: Individual v individual/company
Source of Law = Common law
Burden of proof = Balance of probabilities
Remedy sought = Compensation for injury or loss
Instigator = Aggrieved person
1 Small claims court
2 County Court: compensation up to £50'000
3 High Court: compensation from £50'000 to Unlimited
4 Court of appeal
5 House of Lords
6 European Courts
COMMON LAW: has evolved over hundreds of years as a result of the decisions of courts and judges - Set by precedence.
VICARIOUS LIABILITY: To sue the employer for the employees wrong doing.
NEGLIGENCE: is a common law tort (the law of civil wrongs.)
Test for negligence: That a duty of care was owed, that there was a breach of that duty and that the breach led directly to the harm.
Defences for negligence: Denial, Causation (damage not caused by the breach) Contributory negligence, Volenti non fit injurie (employee knowingly accepted the risk) Time limit, must be within 3years.
ACTS OF PARLIAMENT AND REGULATIONS: these are legally binding and give details to act on and exemptions.
ACOPs: (Approved Codes of Practice) – these are an accepted way to meet regulations, they are not legally binding but are quasi legal. You must provide proof of using a method as suiteable or better if you don't use the ACOP.
GUIDANCE NOTES: these are not legally binding and have no legal standing but are recognised as a supplement to ACOPs.
PRACTICABLE: capable of being carried out or feasible given current knowledge, finance, information etc.
REASONABLY PRACTICABLE: must be technically possible, and the risk assessed against the cost. Where cost is disproportionately high, can be deemed not to be reasonably practical.
HSE INSPECTOR POWERS: They may enter the premises at any time, if necessary take a constable along. Take any authorised person or equipment required. Direct the premises to be left undisturbed while they examine and investigate. Take measurements, photographs and recordings. Seize, destroy or render harmless. Prosecute if necessary.
THE SIX PACK REGULATIONS: The 'six-pack' is the name given to the half-dozen most widely quoted health and safety Regulations.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regs 1999 (MHSWR)
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regs 1992 (WHSWR)
Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (DSE Regs)
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (PPE Regs)
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR)
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK REGS 1999
Regulation 3 Risk assessment (significant risks to be recorded)
Regulation 4 Implementation of protective or preventive measures:
1. Avoid risk
2. Evaluate risk
3. Combat risk at source
4. Adapt the work of an individual
5. Adapt to technical advances
6. Replace dangerous with non/less dangerous
7. Develop policy which influences the factors relating to working environment
8. Give collective measures priority
9. Give appropriate instructions to employees
Regulation 5: Make proper arrangements for all aspects of H&S
Regulation 6: Health surveillance (where appropriate)
Regulation 7: Appointment of competent persons
Regulation 8: Procedures to be developed for particular dangers which may arise (ie: fire)
Regulation 9: Information for employees
Regulation 10: Information to be provided to employees for:·
Identified risks·
Preventive/protective measures·
Procedures and name of nominated responsible person as required under Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regs 1997
Regulation 11: Where more than one employer, they must co-operate over H&S matters
Regulation 12: Working on other peoples premises – must provide them with info and details of risks etc.
Regulation 13: Employers to take into account employees capabilities
Regulation 14: Employees responsibilities to use tools and equipment etc safely
Regulation 16-18: New & expectant mothers
Regulation 19: Young person's
MANUAL HANDLING OPERATIONS REGULATIONS 1992
Injury Includes muscoskeletal, cuts, bruises, broken toes etc.
Transporting, lifting, supporting, pushing, pulling, carrying, loading by hand or bodily force
Size and Weight of Loads.
Regulation 4: Requires employers to avoid manual handling and to undertake risk assessment
Regulation 5: Duty on employees to make full and proper use of all equipment provided
PROVISION AND USE OF WORK EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS 1998 (PUWER)
Regulation 4: Equip to be suitable
Regulation 5: Properly and effectively maintained
Regulation 6: Inspections and recording of inspections
Regulation 7: Identified specific risks
Regulation 8: Information & instruction
Regulation 9: Training
Regulation 11-20: Deal with machine guarding – basically requires all dangerous parts of any machine or piece of equipment to be effectively and properly guarded at all times
Regulation 21: Suitable and sufficient lighting
Regulation 22: Must be Safe to maintain
Regulation 23 & 24: Markings an warnings
Regulation 25 to 30: Deal with plant and plant safety
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AT WORK REGULATIONS 1992
Regulation 4: Provision of PPE (Employers to ensure it is available and is suitable)
Regulation 5: Compatibility
Regulation 6: Assessment/Suitability – with regards to the nature of the task
Regulation 7: Properly maintained, cleaned or replaced; and that
Regulation 8: Suitable accommodation is provided
Regulation 9: Employees are provided with all necessary information, instruction and training
Regulation 10: Employees to use in accordance with training provided
Regulation 11: To report any loss or defects
THE HEALTH & SAFETY (DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT) REGS 1992
Regulation 1: Definitions (user – someone who habitually uses DSE)
Regulation 2: Risk Assessment of workstations
Regulation 3: Specific workstation requirements (ie: adjustable chairs, screens etc)
Regulation 4: Rest breaks
Regulation 5: Eyes and eye tests
Regulation 6: Training
Regulation 7: Provision of information
THE WORKPLACE (HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE) REGS 1992
Regulation 5: Maintenance of the workplace
Regulation 6: Ventilation
Regulation 7: Temperature
Regulation 8: Lighting
Regulation 9: Cleanliness
Regulation 10: Room dimensions and space (11m3 per person excluding area above 3m)
Regulation 11: Workstations and seating
Regulation 12: Condition of floors and traffic routes
Regulation 13: Falls or falling objects
Regulation 14: Windows and translucent surfaces
Regulation 15: Windows, skylights and ventilators
Regulation 16: Ability to clean windows etc safely
Regulation 17: Organisation of traffic routes
Regulation 18: Doors and gates
Regulation 19: Escalators and moving walkways
Regulation 20: Sanitary conveniences
Regulation 21: Washing facilities
Regulation 22: Drinking water
Regulation 23: Accommodation for clothing
Regulation 24: Facilities for changing clothes
Regulation 25: Facilities to rest and eat meals
RISK ASSESSMENTS (5 Steps):
1. Identify Hazards
2. Identify Persons Exposed
3. Evaluate Risks & Controls
4. Record the findings
5. Review and Revise
RISK ASSESSMENT:
PEME
People Equipment Material Environment
TYPES OF HAZARDS:
Chemical
Biological
Physical
Ergonomic
Psycho-Social
MECHANICAL HAZARDS:
Crushing
Shearing
Cutting/Severing
Entanglement
Drawing In
Ejection of Material
Abrasion
Stabbing/Puncturing
MACHINE HAZARDS:
ENTICCE
Entanglement Nips Traps Impact Contact Cutting Ejection
NON-MECHANICAL HAZARDS:
Noise
Temperature
Vibration
Electricity
Radiation
Hazardous Substances
Ergonomic Factors (inc. Manual Handling)
Psycho-Social (Bullying, assault)
HAZARD PREVENTION
1. Eliminate the hazard
2. Substitution
3. Use of barriers (Isolation/segregation)
4. Procedures (SSW/Dilution)
5. Warning systems (Instruction/Training/Signs/Markings)
6. PPE
MACHINE GUARDING:
FIAT
Fixed Interlocking Automatic Trip
TYPES OF GUARDS:
Fixed
Interlocked
Control
Automatic
Distance guard
Adjustable
Self adjusting
Trip devices
Two handed devices
COSHH ASSESSMENTS:
Type of substance (Toxic/Harmful/Sensitiser/Irritant)
Chronic (prolonged exposure, long term effects)
Acute (Short term exposure, immediate effect)
Routes of entry into body (Absorbtion/ingestion/inhalation)
Concentration in relation to exposure limits
No of persons exposed (identify vulnerable persons)
Duration of exposure
Adequacy of control measures
Compliance with control measures
HIERARCHY OF CONTROL:
Elimination by design
Substitution with less hazardous substance
Automation of process
Reducing exposure by process change
Engineering controls (ie: LEV)
Minimising exposure
PPE
Monitoring/Health surveillance
PERMIT TO WORK:
Permit title
Reference No.
Job location
Plant/Task identification
Description of work and any limitations
Identified hazards
Necessary precautions
Protective equipment
Authorisation
Acceptance
Extension
Hand back/completion
Cancellation
MANUAL HANDLING:
TILE
Task Individual Load Environment
TRAINING:
IITS
Instruction Information Training Supervision
HSG65: 5 STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL SAFETY MANAGEMENT
POPIMAR
1. Policy: written statement of policy, procedures and commitment to HSW. Assigns responsibilities and explains duties etc.
2. Organising: structures to assist in:
Control
Co-operation
Communication
Co-ordination
Competence
3. Planning and Implementation: establish, operate and maintain systems that:
- Identify objectives and targets
- Set performance standards
- Consider and control risks
- Document performance
- React to change
- Sustain positive safety culture
4. Monitoring: Active and Reactive systems:
Active: Measuring achievements against specified standards before things go wrong. Ensures controls are working correctly.
Reactive: Collection of information about failures. Involves learning from mistakes.
5. Review and Audit: Ensures policy is being carried out and is having the desired effect.
5 STEPS IN DEVISING A SSW:
AIDIM
1. Assess the task
2. Identify the Hazards and assess the risks
3. Definition of the Safe Method
4. Implementation of the SSW
5. Monitoring the System
SAFETY CULTURE (KEY ELEMENTS):
Good communications between and with employees and management
Ensuring a real and visible commitment to high standards by senior management
Maintaining good training standards to achieve competence
Achievement of good working conditions
WORK EQUIPMENT
1. Suitable for the purpose
2. Installed, located and used so as to reduce the risk to operators & others
3. Substances – safe supply and/or removal
4. Maintained
5. Inspected by competent persons
6. Information, instruction and training
REPORTING OF INJURIES DISEASES and DANGEROUS OCCURANCES REGULATIONS 1995
RIDDOR
Enforcing authority: HSE or the local authorities environmental dept.
Major Injury: Any fracture (except fingers, thumbs or toes), Amputation, Eye injuries, Loss of consciences caused by asphyxia or biological agent, Acute illness requiring medical treatment. Death.
Major injuries should be reported straight away by telephone, fax or email.
Then a F2508A form should be provided within 10days.
F2508: is the approved form for reporting injuries and dangerous occurrences.
Sunday, 23 March 2008
Typical Examination Questions based on Element 4 Manual and mechanical handling hazards and control
1. Identify the main items to be checked by the person appointed to have overall control of a lifting operation which is to be carried out with the use of a crane hired for the purpose. Items such as; the need to carry out an overall assessment of the operation to take account of the ground conditions for the proposed site of the crane and the presence of any overhead obstructions such as power lines; the suitability of the lifting appliance and associated equipment selected with particular reference to their safe working loads; the documentary evidence to prove that the required examinations, inspections and maintenance had been carried out; the competence of all personnel involved in the operation such as the crane driver, slinger and banksmen and their familiarity with the hand signals or other means of communication that were to be used. 2. List the range of defects that might be observed in a wire rope sling during routine inspection prior to use. Defects such as kinking, broken wires ('needles'), ovalling caused by external wear or stretching, corrosion, damage to thimbles and ferrules, 'birdcaging' and the lack of any identification or indication of the sling's safe working load. 3. Concrete building blocks are to be moved on a construction site. Outline the key issues to be addressed if the blocks are to be moved by mechanical and manual means. Give practical examples within your answer. A manual handling assessment would have to be carried out to determine if mechanical or manual means were to be used. The assessment would consider the issues relating to the load (number and weight of blocks to be moved), the task (horizontal and vertical distances to be moved), the environment (ground conditions, lighting and space to maneuver), and the individual (physical characteristics and training in manual handling). If the decision was then taken to use mechanical means the key issues include the selection of suitable equipment, the competence of operators, and issues connected with ensuring safe stacking and storage. Provision of adequate access routes that are free from obstruction is an important issue for both manual and mechanical handling 4. Outline the measures required to ensure the safe operation of an inclined hoist used to raise and lower roofing materials. Measures such as the importance of the hoist being in good state of repair, well maintained and with its controls marked to indicate their functions; inspected when in use by a competent person; positioned on stable ground and erected according to the manufacturers' instructions; protected with barriers at both top and bottom levels; attended at all times whilst in use, with care being taken to ensure that the load was secured and not in excess of the safe working load of the hoist 5. Outline
the factors that might cause a mobile crane to overturn during use.Factors such as the failure to set the crane on a level footing, siting it on poor and unstable ground and failing to distribute the weight of the crane by providing adequate timber beneath outriggers would be likely to cause it to overturn. Additional factors affecting the stability would be overloading, incorrect slinging resulting in an unstable load, operating when winds are too strong and driver error such as slewing too quickly or causing an abrupt movement of the jib.
Element 4 Manual and mechanical handling hazards and control Part 2
Mechanical Handling Mechanical Handling is probably the most widespread activity on a construction site, and the amount of equipment used to facilitate this is very large. Item include pallet and sack trucks, Forklifts (rough terrain, tele-hoist, standard etc.) , hoists , lifts and cranes (mobile, tower, overhead, gantry) . The single most cause of accidents using mechanical handling equipment is poorly trained or in experienced operators, it is essential that the correct personnel are selected for the job, this is the responsibility of the management. Equipment must be check and maintained in accordance with manufacturers information. Risk assessment must be carried out on all mechanical handling tasks. Maintenance records should be kept for all equipment, whether it is the property of the company of hired, the hirer must ensure that the equipment has been maintained and is in a safe condition at the time of hire, it then becomes the responsibility of the hirer to perform checks to ensure the equipment does not become damaged worn or generally unsafe to use, any defects should be recorded and the equipment labelled as not safe for use until the defect has been rectified. The most common injuries associated with mechanical handling are crushing, broken limbs, cots, falls, drawing in etc. These mainly are caused by firstly operator error and secondly by poorly maintained equipment, guards must be checked on a regular basis for damage especially on hoists, conveyors or any part the equipment which may give rise to risk of injury. The use of powered mechanical handling equipment presents more hazards and again the importance of experienced and trained operatives is essential in there safe use. Forklift drivers should always be vigilant when driving around the site, just because they may be on a roadway doesn't mean pedestrians may not be there, they should be very aware of the load stability and never travel with a raised load. The ground they travel over must be suitable as to the type of forklift being used. Lifts and hoists provide specific hazards as they can be used to transport both people and materials, Lift doors must close correctly and all associated safety systems must be operational, Hoists used for carrying equipment on construction site are commonly fixed either to the structure or scaffolding this must not overload either. Overload of equipment is another major cause of accidents and care must be taken when assessing equipment and load capabilities. Cranes and lifting equipment Lifting operations on sites must be planned before they go ahead, the crane should sufficient for the load it has to lift the equipment should be check and ensure no SWLs are exceeded, all shackles strop, chains and sling should be certificated and this should be inspected before they lift takes place, Properly trained banksmen who are familiar with the correct hand signalling techniques should be employed along with riggers. Mobile cranes should ensure that the ground condition is adequate for the machine; drivers should ensure outriggers are fully extended and all safety equipment i.e. load indicators warning systems are operating they should aware of the slew radius and and obstructions from the jib or the counterweight as slewing takes pale they should leave sufficient room for pedestrians to pass by i.e. 600mm. Towers cranes must also be aware of the load restrictions, weather conditions, 0 and potential obstructions as they cross over the site these can come in all possible shape. Different level in the structure power lines and mobile crane are all hazards that operators should be aware of. Rules for safe Operations of a Crane ALWAYS NEVER Lifting operations should be planned and supervised factors that should be considered when formulating a plan include: There are various appointments with specified responsibilities in order to ensure the safety of lifting operations on site, these are as follows.
Saturday, 22 March 2008
Element 4 Manual and mechanical handling hazards and control part 1
This element looks at the associated hazards of manual and mechanical handling and how to control these.
Manual Handling
Manual handling on a construction is an activity it is impossible to remove, and due to this it is also one that causes more injuries than any other single hazards. Many times people may be unaware of injuries they are causing but will be felt in later life.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations state that manual handling risks should be assessed in a four step approach
L. I. T. E.
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