Topic guide 16.3 Regulatory requirements - … Regulatory requirements ... Methods for establishing...

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Unit 16: Managing health and safety in the building services engineering work location

Each project and work location is different, each with its own hazards and risks which must be assessed and controlled. The tool for doing this is the risk assessment, which we will look at in some detail in Topic guide 16.4.

There is a set of regulations that forms the basis for a safe system of work in the construction and built environment. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (discussed in Topic guide 16.1) are the legislative sources for a vast array of more specific regulations that cover all aspects of the working environment.

This topic guide will cover: • provisos • Working at Height Regulations • excavations and trenches • fire safety • gas cylinders and heat-using equipment • electricity • COSHH • confined spaces • welfare.

LinksThis topic guide links to HNC in Building Services Engineering Unit 6: A.C. 1.1 and 1.2; NVQ Unit 16: LO1.

Regulatory requirements16.3

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16.3: Regulatory requirements

1 ProvisosThe phrases ‘reasonably practicable’ and ‘suitable and sufficient’ sometimes appear within regulations, or in documents relating to regulations. Before we move on to the specific regulations themselves, we will look at the meaning of these terms.

Reasonably practicable The term ‘where reasonably practicable’ appears in the wording of many regulations. ‘Where reasonably practicable’ is applied when the degree of risk in a particular situation should be balanced against the difficulty of applying the regulatory measures to minimise that risk. Factors to consider are:

• time • logistics • cost • physical difficulty of taking measures.

If the resources required to meet a regulation and minimise a particular risk are so disproportionate to the risk itself, then it is accepted that it would be unreasonable to expect any employer to have to expend those resources. An employer is not obliged to do so unless there is a specific requirement that they do.

Portfolio activity (1.1, 2.1)Select three sets of regulations pertinent to the type of work carried out by your organisation. To which of these regulations could you apply ‘so far as is reasonably practicable’ in terms of how your organisation meets the requirements of the selected regulations?

Present your findings in the form of a brief report describing the selected regulations and why this term can be applied to them (in terms of logistics and cost, etc.).

Suitable and sufficientAnother term often found in health and safety documentation, particularly in relationship to risk assessments, is ‘suitable and sufficient’. In other words, have all the significant hazards been identified and have measures been put into place to ensure that hazardous activities are undertaken according to the relevant regulatory documentation? A suitable and sufficient risk assessment must include:

• evaluation of the risks in terms of their likelihood and severity • likelihood – how likely is the hazard to occur? For example, the risk of a

burn injury is highly likely if welding is being carried out • severity – how serious would the result of an accident caused by a

particular hazard actually be? A fall from a scaffold tower would have more severe consequences than accidentally hitting your thumb with a hammer

• identification of the means of minimising and controlling the risks • validity for a reasonable period of time, in other words it is not a

short-term solution • consideration of actual conditions and events likely to occur • identification of everyone who may be harmed.

Key termsLogistics – the activities which surround the completion of an operation. Logistics include transportation, gathering together the equipment and people needed for a job, and getting them and their equipment and materials to the site.

Likelihood – in terms of risk assessment, likelihood refers to the chance of the hazard occurring. This is denoted by a number, or the words ‘high’, ‘medium’ and ‘low’.

Severity – how severe would the consequences of a particular accident be? This is denoted by a number, or the words ‘high’, ‘medium’ and ‘low’.

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2 Work at Height Regulations 2005A significant amount of construction-related work is carried out at height. This brings the attendant risks of falls and objects being dropped on the people below. Some construction work requires access to heights of several storeys. The equipment and structures used to work at height are called access equipment. The main types of access equipment are:

• ladders • scaffold • mobile elevating work platforms.

This equipment must be fit for purpose and appropriately inspected and maintained. It should be erected and used by competent persons, preferably those who have been trained to do so.

The regulations call for a three-stage hierarchy which applies to all working at height. They include the guidelines below.

1 It is better not to work at height if the work can be accomplished using an alternative method.

2 The employer must put measures in place that prevent falls. Communal fall arrest systems must take precedence over individual restraint systems, for example scaffold guard rails are preferred to harness systems.

3 The employer must minimise the distance of a potential fall, for example by using a safety net.

Safe use of equipment is covered in a series of guidance notes and Codes of Practice. These include a brief guide to the Work at Height Regulations 2005, which can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg401.pdf.

The document sums up the requirements of this type of work. • The place where work at height is done must be safe. • The risks from fragile surfaces should be properly controlled. • The risks from falling objects should be properly controlled.

There are further guides, for example: • Safe use of ladders and stepladders. An employers’ guide:

www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg402.pdf • NCSU scaffold safety guidelines: www.ncsu.edu/ehs/www99/right/

handsMan/factsheet/scaffold.html • Safety – toolbox talk: mobile elevated work platforms: www.

healthandsafetytips.co.uk/Downloads/AndrewBurgess/TBT%20MEWPS.pdf

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Portfolio activity (3.1, 3.4)Take a look at the guidelines listed on the previous page (and any others you can find) and take note of their main recommendations. Are they being followed in your workplace?

Methods for establishing workplace compliance include: • drawing up a checklist based on the main requirements of the guidelines listed • researching company health and safety policy with regard to working at height and correct use

of access equipment • observing access equipment use on site • accompanying a safety officer on inspection • interviewing operatives who use access equipment.

For scaffolding, inspection must be undertaken at regular intervals. These inspections must be carried out by a competent person:

• before the scaffold is erected • after any alteration • after adverse weather.

The record of inspection must include: • any health and safety risks present • actions taken to minimise the risk.

Portfolio activity (3.1, 3.4)Using information gathered from Codes of Practice and other sources, compile a comprehensive checklist for a scaffold inspection. Once the checklist is complete, carry out an inspection of a scaffold structure on site and assess its safety against your checklist. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) scaffold checklist may be of help. It can be found at:

www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/scaffoldinginfo.htm

Case study: A near missAn architect was visiting a large construction site in London. The job was a major conversion of a large factory complex into a set of apartments. The entire frontage of the building was hidden behind a forest of scaffold. Accompanied by the site manager and project manager, the architect ascended to the fifth floor using the passenger hoist provided. She was about to step out onto the scaffold when the site manager asked her a question. Not catching the full question, the architect paused and turned to ask for clarification. As she turned back and made to take a step onto the scaffolding, the board disappeared from under her. She jumped back as tons of steel tubing and wooden boards crashed to the ground. When the air cleared it became clear that a large section of the scaffold structure had collapsed. It also became clear that, because the accident had occurred during lunch break, no one had been on the scaffolding or under it so no injuries were incurred, making this a typical hazardous occurrence.

If the accident had occurred half an hour later, however, the casualty list would have been huge – and would have included the architect.

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Portfolio activity (3.1–3.4)Hold an inquiry into the incident described in the case study on the previous page. Discuss it with two other people.

• Research the correct scaffold inspection process and discuss where this may have failed in this case.

• Research and discuss the investigative actions that would be carried out in a case like this. • Produce a brief report or presentation outlining your findings.

3 Working in excavations and trenchesThere are times when a construction operative may have to work in trenches, for example cable jointing, installing water or gas services or, more recently, installing the heat exchange pipes for ground source heat pumps. An excavation can be a hazardous environment with danger from collapse or falls. Figure 16.3.1 shows trench safety equipment that can be used. The HSE website is an excellent source of information about working in excavations:

www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/excavations.htm

Figure 16.3.1: Trench safety equipment.

Steelsheet

Adjustable steeltrench prop

Timberwallingboards

Steel props

Timber walling boardssecured to steel sheetingwith brackets

Steelsheeting

Remember, one cubic metre of soil can weigh as much as one tonne.

The main hazards when working in excavations are: • collapse of the excavation, resulting in burial or injury • equipment, vehicles, people or material falling into the excavation • the presence of electrical or gas services that could cause fire, explosion

or shock • undermining – damaging the stability of a nearby building or structure by

disturbing the ground on which it stands.

If possible, it is always better to carry out work without using a trench. However, if trenches have to be dug, preparations should be made before any actual digging work takes place.

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Drawings should be obtained which show any pipe and cable runs in the area. This could prevent a breakage or power cut caused by digging equipment. If drawings are not available, use locators to trace any services. Mark the ground accordingly. Look around for obvious signs of underground services. These are:

• road surface patching • manhole covers • telecommunications and electrical boxes.

Helpful information can be found in the booklet called ‘Avoiding danger from underground services’: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg47.pdf.

Checklist for safe working in excavationOnce the work begins, safety must be the most important aspect of the job. Below are some of the good safety practices that must be observed.

• Sheeting – metal or wooden sheets installed along the edge of the trench to strengthen the wall and prevent collapse. These are held in place by props. The trench box is a self-contained version of sheeting.

• Battering – refers to the angle of the trench wall. The walls should be sloped away from the bottom. The recommended angle is 30o. This method of support for trench walls is not recommended for excavations exceeding 1.2 m in depth and its effectiveness depends on the type of soil that forms the excavation. Battering is less effective where the soil is less cohesive.

• Edge protection – barrier around the edges of the trench to prevent people, objects and even excavated soil falling back into the trench. Injuries can also occur from falls into the trench. One method of edge protection is the stop block, which is essentially an obstacle put in place to prevent site vehicles from coming too near to the edge of the trench.

• Inspection – all excavations must be inspected by a competent person at the start of each working day or shift. Any fault found must be put right before work can continue. All inspections must be recorded.

4 Fire safetyFire is an ever-present hazard in all premises and situations, and no less of a hazard in the workplace. Construction sites are full of combustible material: paper and cardboard packaging, wood and wood shavings and sawdust, adhesives, paints and other chemical treatments. Gas bottles used for welding and cutting operations also pose an explosion hazard. Fire regulations such as the Fire Precautions Act apply just as much to a construction site as to a public building. Employers, therefore, have a duty of care to ensure that the risk of fire and explosion is minimised as far as possible. The HSE describe two elements of fire safety: the control, or elimination, of ignition sources and of combustible material.

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Ignition sourcesAn ignition source is the point at which a fire could be started; examples are described below.

• Hot work – welding, gas cutting and paint stripping are all overseen by regulations and guidelines.

• Plant and equipment – use the correct equipment for the job, taking particular care to ensure it is of sufficient capacity to cope with its environment and purpose.

• Smoking – ensure all staff and visitors are aware of the no smoking rules for the site.

• Bonfires – not normally allowed on site. Waste is to be disposed of according to the applicable regulations, for example Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013. The Environment Agency has sets of useful guidelines, such as those for low risk waste: see www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/regulation/32080.aspx and hazardous waste: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/waste/32180.aspx.

• Electrical installation – particularly the temporary installations used to provide power for construction plant and equipment. Connections, cable sizes and electrical protection must be of at least the same standard as a permanent installation, with the addition of extra precautions. A construction site is described as a Special Location in Requirements for Electrical Installations: BS 7671:2008.

• Arson – sites must be secure to prevent entry by unauthorised and untrained people.

Portfolio activity (1.2)What does BS 7671:2008 Part 7 recommend regarding the electrical supply to a construction site? Use BS 7671:2008 Part 7, IET On-site Guide and IET Guidance Note 7: Special Locations as source material.

Create a short presentation summarising the requirements and describing practical methods for their implementation.

Combustible materialThe HSE gives a list of the main methods for controlling fire hazards on construction sites at: www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/processfire.htm. These methods are summarised below.

• Reduce the quantity of combustible material on site; keep it stored away until required.

• Where possible, specify less combustible materials. • Store combustible materials outside any buildings that are under construction. • Keep the site tidy, not only to reduce the amount of combustible material

lying around, but also to ensure exit routes are clear. • Extra precautions are needed for the use and storage of flammable liquids

and gases.

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Regulations that apply to fire safety on construction sites include: • the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which sets out general

responsibilities for fire safety in the workplace • the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002

(DSEAR) – again, this sets out employers’ responsibilities, in this case with regard to flammable and explosive substances used in the workplace.

Portfolio activity (2.2, 4.2, 4.5)Study the fire safety regulations found in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002.1 Draw up a list (in layperson’s language) of their main requirements.2 Compare them with the safety procedures used by your organisation. 3 Are the fire safety procedures used by your organisation suitable and sufficient when measured

against the requirements of the regulations on which they are based?

5 Working with gas and heat-using equipmentGasGases fall into two main categories:

• flammable • non-flammable.

Be aware, however, that although they will not cause fire or explosion, non-flammable gases can be harmful. Risks from the use of non-flammable gases include:

• asphyxiation • mental disorientation • ventricular fibrillation • ice burns.

Gas for use in building services engineering work is usually stored in cylinders. The gas itself is accessed via a valve, which must be in good working order and checked regularly.

Relevant regulations include: • The Transportable Pressure Vessels Regulations 2001 • The Carriage of Dangerous Goods (Classification, Packaging and Labelling)

and Use of Transportable Pressure Receptacles Regulations 1996 • The Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 • The Highly Flammable Liquids and Liquefied Petroleum Gases

Regulations 1972.

There are also a number of Codes of Practice and guidelines available. The main points of these regulations and guidelines are summed up in Table 16.3.1.

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Table 16.3.1: Regulations and guidelines when working with gas cylinders.

Filling cylinders

Personal protective equipemnt (PPE) that must be worn when cylinders are filled or refilled includes:

● eye protection

● protective overalls

● gloves

● ear protectors.

All gas cylinders and associated equipment, such as valves and regulators and safety equipment, must be given a visual inspection before use. The things to look for are:

● bulges in the cylinder

● scorch marks from fire damage

● deep scratches or other damage.

Transporting cylinders

● Clearly mark the cylinder to show what it contains.

● Only use suitable lifting equipment such as cradles and slings.

● Never lift a cylinder by holding its valve.

● Secure cylinders to stop them falling or moving; they will usually be upright although some cylinders can be stacked horizontally.

● All regulators and hoses must be disconnected and protective valve caps fitted.

● The cylinders must not stick out from the sides of the vehicle that is carrying them.

● The vehicle must be marked to show what sort of gas it is carrying.

● The driver of the vehicle must be trained.

● There must be documentation in the vehicle stating the types of gas being carried.

Storing cylinders

● Store the cylinders in an area designed for the purpose. It should be flat and well ventilated with no chance of damage.

● If necessary, secure the cylinders in place so that they do not fall over.

● Make sure the cylinders are clearly marked to show what is inside.

● Do not store gas cylinders for too long. This means that you should only buy the amount of gas that you need for each job.

● When organising the storage area, keep the oldest cylinders at the front and use these first.

● Keep the cylinders away from extreme heat or naked flames.

● Do not store the cylinders where they will be standing in water.

● Keep the valves closed.

Heat-using equipmentGas cylinders are usually required as a fuel source for heat-using equipment such as:

• cutting equipment • gas torches • soldering irons • electric paint removers.

The main safety points to observe when using this type of equipment are outlined below.

• Do not use near to flammable materials. • Make sure the work area is well ventilated. • Firefighting equipment such as extinguishers should be available in case of

an accident. • Wear the correct PPE, which should include gloves, protective overalls and

eye protection.

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• You should be trained to use the equipment. For some tasks it may simply mean being shown and supervised for a short time, while for other tasks, such as welding and cutting, you would have to be fully qualified following a training course that could last one or more years.

• Other people must be protected from the heat and, in the case of arc welding, the bright light from the welding process.

• All equipment must be given a visual inspection before use; this includes inspection of the valves, cables and hoses.

• All equipment must be tested for leaks using an approved leak detection chemical.

• Starting the welding process and closing it down afterwards must be carried out in the correct order.

• Only approved hoses and other equipment must be used. Oxygen and fuel gas hoses must never be swapped around.

6 Working with electricityAlthough electricity is the lifeblood of our personal and working lives, it does present a very serious hazard. Electricity can cause:

• shock – the result of direct contact between a person and a live part, for example an exposed conductor or terminal; shock can cause burns, unconsciousness and even heart failure

• fire – caused by overheating from loose connections, inadequately rated cables or equipment, or arcing from loose joints and ageing or worn switching devices.

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 are the main set of regulations governing the safe use of electricity in the workplace.

Portfolio activity (1.2, 2.1, 2.2)What are the main requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989?

Put together a presentation describing, in layperson’s terms, the main points of these regulations, in particular how they relate to the work carried out by your company or organisation.

Electrical equipment and installations must be regularly tested and inspected. The care and use of electrical work equipment and tools is covered by the Provision of Work Equipment Regulations and the testing of electrical equipment is covered by the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET’s) Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.

Electrical equipment is divided into classes. These are outlined below. • Class I – protected by an earth conductor connected to the frame of the

equipment. • Class II – protected by an extra layer of toughened insulation to protect the

user from an electric shock. There must be NO earth connection. • Class III – protects the user from receiving a harmful electrical shock by

transforming the voltage down from the supply voltage of 230 V to an extra low voltage, for example 24 V. There must be NO earth connection.

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EarthMains electricity will always try to get to earth (that is the literal earth, the one beneath our feet) by the easiest route possible. If it is easier to achieve this by passing through a human body then it will. Electrical equipment and enclosures, and any other metalwork in a building, must be connected to earth to provide a much easier path to earth than a human body in the event of a fault. This connection is also designed to cause the operation of a protective device such as a fuse, circuit breaker or residual current device (RCD) to cut off the supply if a fault does occur.

Extension and equipment leads tend to be run around the site. These can pose a tripping hazard, as well as the risk of shock or fire from a damaged cable. Any lead run across a walkway or road should be laid under a cable protector. If a cable is to be in place for some time then it is a good idea to secure it with cable ties. Extension lead guidelines are outlined below.

• Always fully extend leads because they will become hot if left wound onto the reel.

• Do not plug one extension lead into another. Get a longer extension lead instead.

• Always use a three-core extension lead. • Fit an RCD plug if the lead is longer than 3 m.

One way of reducing the risk of electric shock from power tools is to supply them at a reduced voltage. The three classes of voltage are:

• extra low voltage – 0 V to 50 V (not considered harmful) • low voltage – 51 V to 999 V (this includes our 230 V mains supply which is

considered harmful and potentially fatal) • high voltage – 1000 V and higher (extremely dangerous and harmful).

By using an extra low voltage, power tools are rendered safe because, even if there is a fault, the voltage will be too low to cause injury. Standard construction site voltage is 110 V (see www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/systems.htm).

7 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

All substances, no matter how everyday and innocuous they may seem, can have an effect on the human body. Prolonged exposure can cause illness or injury, particularly if inhaled or ingested. Substances can also enter the body through the skin, or react with it. More toxic substances can be carcinogenic or even cause death within a short time of exposure.

The construction industry by its very nature uses an enormous variety of chemical-based material, paints, adhesives, cement and fibreglass, and so on. The construction worker is, therefore, at risk of prolonged and intense exposure to these substances. The COSHH regulations are designed to limit this risk.

Key termCarcinogenic – a substance that may cause cancer as the result of prolonged exposure.

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COSHH sets out an employer’s duties as follows. • Assessment – risk assessment is a vital part of minimising the hazards caused

by chemical use. COSHH risk assessment will be looked at later in this section. • Prevention – every means available must be used to prevent harmful

consequences of chemical exposure, including PPE, and, ideally, use of alternative substances or methods.

• Control – the use and attendant risks, of a particular chemical must be controlled using PPE, good working practices and rigorous risk assessment.

• Monitoring – use of chemicals and their effects must be monitored. • Health surveillance – where necessary, health checks on employees should be

arranged and carried out to check for any ill effects from use of chemicals. • Training and informing – anyone using chemicals must be made aware of their

potential side effects and hazards. This may be informal or formal, depending on the substance involved. Training must be recorded.

• Emergency procedures – planned procedures must be in place for action in the event of an accident involving a hazardous substance. Any emergency equipment must be kept in good order. All relevant staff must be made aware of these procedures.

Risk assessment in general is dealt with in Topic guide 16.4; however, this section will look specifically at the requirements for a COSHH risk assessment. The following components of the assessment are those proposed by the HSE.

1 Consider all relevant factors relating to the work to be undertaken and the substances to be used. This includes the environment, e.g. will it be in a confined space, where the public or other workers will be affected?

2 Reach an informed judgement about risks. What are they, who will be affected and what is the severity?

3 Consider the practicality of preventing exposure to hazardous substances. Can an alternative substance or method be used to complete the work?

4 Steps should be taken to provide control, including PPE, adequate ventilation and isolating the work area while the task is taking place.

5 Consider the need for monitoring the time period that workers, and others, may be exposed to a harmful substance. Take air samples and arrange medical checks if deemed necessary.

6 Are there any other actions needed, including extra protection and health monitoring? Has an accident occurred involving a particular substance that has revealed the need for extra protective measures?

When using substances of any kind it is vital to use them in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines, as well as regulatory and Code of Practice requirements. COSHH recognises the following as valid information sources to be consulted before chemical use and as an aid in drawing up a risk assessment:

• labels • data sheets (which must comply with CHIP) • the manufacturer’s instructions and other information • HSE guidelines and Codes of Practice • technical books and other reference material • previous experience with the substance.

Key termCHIP – the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009 require that information about dangerous chemicals is provided by the suppliers, both to protect people and the environment.

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Portfolio activity (4.2–4.5)Select three types of chemical used on site by your organisation. Check and read the warning labels and information sheets that accompany the chemicals. Identify the control methods specified. Are their requirements being adhered to by your organisation?

8 Working in confined spacesA confined space is defined by the HSE as ‘a place which is substantially enclosed (though not always entirely), and where serious injury can occur from hazardous substances or conditions within the space or nearby (e.g. lack of oxygen)’.

Examples of confined spaces are: • drainage systems • plant rooms • main service duct rooms • tanks • boilers • cisterns • under suspended timber floors • roof spaces.

The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 state that working in a confined space is to be avoided as far as possible. It acknowledges, however, that there are times when this type of work has to take place. If this is the case then it is very specific about the requirement for emergency arrangements; in fact, it states that no confined space work can take place unless these have been put in place. The main requirements are:

• ventilation – an oxygen supply should be provided, either by keeping the space open or pumping in clean air

• lighting – good lighting must be provided, both to the work area itself and for escape routes

• medical conditions – anyone suffering from medical conditions such as respiratory problems or heart disease should not work in a confined space

• lone working – no one should work in a confined space alone; even if the space itself is only large enough for one person, at least one other person should be present at the entrance to the space to assist in the event of a problem or emergency.

9 WelfareWhile much legislation and effort are spent on ensuring safety, welfare is also a very important factor in the workplace. HSE Construction Information Sheet No. 59 is a useful source for information on construction site welfare.

The construction industry has an impact on those working within its confines, for example on a construction site, and on the wider environment. The materials used, and chemicals and waste produced, can have a profound effect, from atmospheric

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to ground and water pollution. Legislation exists to ensure the construction industry works hard to ensure the welfare of everyone involved, both employees and the wider community.

The demarcation between ‘health’, as in welfare, and ‘safety’ can sometimes be blurred but welfare can be summed up in the information that follows.

Protection from diseases that can arise from work activitiesSome of the tools and materials used in the construction and built environment have attributes that are detrimental to health. Examples of these harmful effects include:

• exposure to noise and vibration from power tools • fumes from chemicals and processes such as welding and soldering • repetitive strain from a repeated action • diseases caused by inhalation of dust and other side effects • diseases caused by poor sanitation and washing facilities.

Appropriate and sufficient lightingLighting is extremely important in ensuring that work activities can be undertaken safely. It can affect accuracy, mood and healthy sight. A dull room with inadequate lighting can be a depressing, oppressive environment. One with harsh, cold lighting can have a similar effect and can also be stressful. Light levels must be calculated at the design stage and comply with the relevant regulations.

Of course, different activities and environments require different levels and types of lighting. An area where accuracy is extremely important would require a whiter, brighter light than one where accuracy is not the main consideration. Lighting should be maintained at its required level, which means regular changing of blown lamps and tubes, and prompt repair of faulty light fittings.

The positioning of computing equipment and lighting of computing areas must take into consideration glare and reflection on Visual Display Unit (VDU) screens.

Ergonomic seating and desksIt is vital that ergonomic seating and desks are provided to alleviate health problems arising from poor posture and work areas.

A few years ago, a health and safety poster showed a human skeleton sitting on a chair at its desk. The skeleton’s posture was poor and the legend declared it to be an ‘accident at 0 mph’. The message is that sitting in chairs which do not adequately support the spine and which cause poor posture will eventually lead to injury, usually back problems. This problem has become more widespread since increasing numbers of staff sit at desks operating computers.

Chairs must be set at the correct height and of a type that will support the back and encourage good posture. The actual shape and design of the desk is also important, giving access to the computer keyboard without undue stretching, and also large enough for the screen to be positioned directly in front of the user. This is illustrated in Figure 16.3.2.

Key termErgonomics – the science of designing a workplace, its furniture and general environment in such a way that the workers will be comfortable, not suffer discomfort, and be able to achieve a desired productivity level.

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Figure 16.3.2: The correct seating position at a desk.

Sufficient space to work For work activities to be carried out safely and effectively there must be sufficient space allowed for the activity. Large pieces of equipment or items of material will require space to avoid damage to the item itself, the building or area, and people in the vicinity.

There should be adequate space around each individual work space so that there is enough room for each person to carry out their activities easily and with no sense of crowding, which can be stressful.

Of course, on a construction site this is not always possible. Several people may need to work in a small space at the same time. However, the nature of the work is that the workers themselves are able to move around and change position on a regular basis, whereas the office-bound individual has to carry out their activities seated at their desk.

Washing and toilet facilitiesEven though a construction site can be a physically rough and dirty environment, adequate toilet and washing facilities must be provided. When we eat, whatever is on our hands will be transferred to our mouths, so we need to be able to clean our hands, both after visiting the toilet and also to wash away general dirt, chemicals and other substances that may have been handled. It is also important to clean certain substances from the skin because of long-term detrimental effects those substances may have. Some chemicals, such as oil-based substances, can be carcinogenic.

In a fixed workplace, such as an office block, it is, of course, easier to provide proper toilet and washing facilities. It is harder to achieve this on a construction site but fully plumbed-in sanitary facilities are required for large sites,

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while good-quality chemical toilets are acceptable on smaller projects. All sanitary facilities must be located away from eating areas, but easily accessible.

It is, of course, the responsibility of the employees to use these facilities correctly.

Showers and drying facilitiesShower facilities must be provided for those engaged in particularly dirty operations, or tasks in which contamination is likely. The shower must be located separately from the main washing and toilet facilities, and should include a dedicated drying area.

Adequate seating and break facilities Employees need a place where they can get away from the work area for a break and to eat their meals. The traditional seating arrangement on a construction site is the van, or a hut where the seating is a plank of wood resting on two industrial-sized paint tins! Neither of these can be described as adequate, although the electrician or plumber who is on the road travelling from small job to small job will, of course, not have access to a purpose-built dining and rest area.

Where possible, there should be chairs and tables, so the employees can be comfortable. The area should also be clean and hygienic, so must not be located within, or adjacent to, any area where there is a risk to personal health through contamination of food.

Smoking areasAs with all other public areas, smoking is banned on construction sites. The two main reasons why this is particularly important for construction sites are:

• the right of non-smokers not to be exposed to tobacco smoke • fire hazards caused by the presence of flammable materials.

The HSE requires that employers develop a policy on smoking in the workplace. Action must be taken to reduce the risk to the health and safety of their employees from second-hand smoke and fire. Having said this, employers should consult their employees and employee representatives to develop a smoking policy which will suit the company and its workplaces.

Included in this policy will be the provision of designated smoking areas. There is, however, no legal requirement for an employer to provide such areas. If they are provided, they should be situated away from the use and storage of flammable materials, and in a position where they will not cause a nuisance, or put at risk other employees. They should be designed to protect staff from adverse weather conditions.

Portfolio activity (1.5, 2.6)Investigate your company or organisation’s smoking policy. Are smoking areas provided both on site and in company headquarters? How does its smoking policy tie in with its equal opportunities policy and employee rights and responsibilities?

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Mobile phone zonesMobile phones of various types are so commonplace in today’s world that their use is often second nature and little thought is given to the safety aspects of answering and making calls, and texting, emailing, etc. The construction site is a hazardous environment and requires the full attention of anyone working or visiting the area. Mobile phone use can be distracting and lead to accidents. It also leads to a loss of productivity, with employees (and employers) spending time on the mobile phone rather than getting on with the job!

Other devices such as headphones and iPods can make the user unable to hear shouted instructions and warnings.

Some companies have made it policy to ban all mobile phone use within the boundaries of their sites (see www.costain.com/media/369266/mobile_phones.pdf as an example of this policy). Designated areas, where the risk of accident is minimal, can be allocated for mobile phone use, because many calls are part of an employee’s or other operative’s legitimate business.

Storage for clothesSome organisations require their employees to wear a uniform or specialist protective clothing. It may not be appropriate for the employee to wear these clothes outside the workplace, so storage must be provided for their personal clothing. This should be secure and of adequate size. It should also be accompanied with a dedicated changing area, divided, if appropriate, between the sexes.

Portfolio activity (1.5)1 Which specific sets of regulations apply to welfare as opposed to safety? 2 What is the difference between the two? 3 Try to come up with a few lines that define them both and clarify the difference

between them.

Checklist At the end of this topic guide you should be familiar with: the main requirements for welfare at work the welfare at work regulations, and associated guidelines and Codes of Practice.

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Further reading and resourcesThe Work at Height Regulations 2005: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg401.pdf

HSE guidance to working at height: www.hse.gov.uk/falls/regulations.htm

Importance of safety in trench excavation: www.groundforce.uk.com/GroundforceShorco/IndustryResources/Importance+of+safety+in+trench+excavation

Toolbox talk: safety in excavations: www.healthandsafetytips.co.uk/Downloads/AndrewBurgess/TBT%20Safety%20in%20Excavatons.pdf

HSG168 Fire safety in construction: http://books.hse.gov.uk/hse/public/saleproduct.jsf?catalogueCode=9780717663453

Electricity in construction: www.hse.gov.uk/electricity/information/construction.htm

HSE – A Step-by-Step Guide to COSHH Assessment (HSE Books, 2004) ISBN 9780717627851

Hughes, P. and Ferrett, E., Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction, Fourth Edition (Butterworth-Heinemann, 2011) ISBN 9780080970684

IET Guidance Note 7: Special Locations (Institution of Engineering and Technology, 2011) ISBN 9781849192835

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations: www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/3004/contents/made

Provision of welfare facilities during construction work: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis59.pdf

Workplace health, safety and welfare – a short guide for managers: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg244.pdf

AcknowledgementsThe publisher would like to thank the following for their kind permission to reproduce their photographs:

Alamy Images: Science Photo Library (15). Fotolia.com: markim (1).

All other images © Pearson Education

We are grateful to the following for permission to reproduce copyright material:

Pearson Education Limited for Figure 16.3.1 from Level 2 and 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (Buildings and Structures) Candidate Handbook by Terry Grimwood and Andy Jeffrey, 2013, pp. 101, copyright © Pearson Education Ltd.

Every effort has been made to trace the copyright holders and we apologise in advance for any unintentional omissions. We would be pleased to insert the appropriate acknowledgement in any subsequent edition of this publication.

Topic guide 16.3 Regulatory requirements - … Regulatory requirements ... Methods for establishing...

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