SOUTH LAKELAND DISTRICT COUNCIL
HOUSING SERVICES DEPARTMENT
CODE OF SAFE WORKING PRACTICE
BUILDING DIVISION [draft 2]
CONTENTS
SECTION
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL INFORMATION
Scope and remit of CWSP
Legislation and Duties
2.0 WORKPLACE SAFETY
Electrics
Gas
Hazards
General Housekeeping
Workshops
Private Dwellings
Restricted Spaces
3.0 WORKING AT HEIGHT
Hazards
Use of Ladders and Stepladders
User of Trestles
Working Platforms
Scaffolding
Roof work
Lofts
4.0 EXCAVATIONS – GENERAL
Hazards
Procedures
Equipment
Precautions
Protection of the public
Excavations of Underground Services
5.0 MANUAL HANDLING
Hazards
Situations
Precautions
6.0 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
List of relevant substances
Assessments (including precautions)
7.0 WORK EQUIPMENT
7.1 HAND TOOLS
Hazards
Suitability of tools
Care in use and handling
Use in restricted spaces
Public safety
7.2 PORTABLE POWER TOOLS
As above
Power supply
7.3 MOBILE PLANT
Hazards
Precautions
Power supply
Siting
7.4 FIXED MACHINERY (Woodworking machinery)
Hazards
Rules for safe use
Guarding and protective devices
Authorised personnel
Extract ventilation
8.0 NOISE AND VIBRATION
Hazards
Precautions
9.0 HEALTH AND HYGIENE
Hazards
Working with sewage
Needles and clinical waste
Personal hygiene
Protection from Tetanus and Hepatitis B
10.0 PROTECTIVE PERSONAL EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Types provided
Where and when to use PPE
Maintenance
11.0 DRIVING AND VEHICLE SAFETY
Hazards
Storage/loading of equipment in vehicles
Depot vehicle safety
Precaution
12.0 CARRIAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS
13.0 CONCLUSIONS
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 SCOPE AND REMIT OF CSWP
Codes of Safe Working Practices are produced in accordance with the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the safety policy of this Authority. Their purpose is to highlight the significant hazards associated with a particular area of work and to explain the means by which the risks associated with the hazards will be controlled. This document is not intended to be an instruction manual on how to do your job. A great deal has been left down to staff to use their common sense and accumulated knowledge and good practice. Further advice should always be sought from your supervisor or manager if required.
You and all other employees and contractors are asked to observe the following safety code which is part of the risk management process of the Authority. The code has been written for your benefit to assist you and the Authority to work safely and within the law. This code has been produced following consultation with all levels of staff within the division and your Union safety representatives. It has received the backing of the Safety Committee. It is essential that you read and understand this document. If there is anything which you do not understand you must ask your supervisor for clarification.
Further advice and clarification may be had from the Safety Advisor [or your Safety Co-ordinator if appropriate]
This code of safe working practice covers the work of the Building Division at all its workplaces except for entry to and work in confined spaces for which there is a separate code.
1.2 COMPETENCE
A definition:
The person doing the job should have such practical and theoretical knowledge and
actual experience of the type of machinery/plant/tools/method of work which he/she has
to use. This also applies to persons checking/examining equipment and processes.
Everyone at work is governed by a range of health and safety law. The primary legislation is the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. This lays down the basic duties of employers and employees.
1.3 LEGISLATION AND DUTIES
a. Employers have a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the heath, safety and welfare at work, of all their employees.
b. Employees also have duties imposed by the Act to:-
i) Take reasonable care for their own health and safety as well as for others who may be affected by their actions;
ii) Co-operate with the employers to enable them to fulfil their duties; and,
iii) Not to interfere with or misuse anything provided for their safety and health.
This means that anything provided for safety reasons must be used by staff.
Many sets of Regulations have been made under the Health and Safety at Work Act which are relevant to you. They include:-
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1999
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Noise at Work Regulations 1989
Construction (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1996
2.0 WORKPLACE SAFETY
2.1 ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICITY CAN KILL
This covers all trades and a variety of tasks which could be carried out.
2.1.1 Work in Void Properties
Carry out a visual inspection of power points and switches. If in any doubt about the safety of these items – DO NOT TOUCH - contact your supervisor.
All void properties are subject to an electrical inspection. This must be carried out by an NICEIC/ECA registered electrician, however it is not always possible to carry out this inspection prior to other trades entering the property, therefore, all care must be taken when entering an empty property with regard to the condition of all the electrics.
Do not attempt to carry out any alterations to the electrical wiring or the fittings.
All work on electrical items must be carried out by a competent person who must ensure that the electricity supply is turned off at the main consumer unit.
Verify your test equipment on a proven live source before checking that the
electrical items you are about to work on are dead.
If any items are to be fixed to the walls or ceilings which require holes to be drilled, all attempts must be made to check the location of any nearby electrical points.
You can do this by using a cable locator.
Only when you are reasonably certain that they are not near any electrical runs can any drilling commence – this also applies to occupied properties.
If you have to cut into a timber floor, please remember that there may be electrical wiring under the floor, so please take care to locate any cable runs that may be under the floor by using a cable detector.
Operatives must be aware that the previous tenants may have removed their electrical appliances leaving the wires in a dangerous condition.
Utility Service Provider (Electrical) – no operative must tamper with, disconnect or remove any parts of the electrical installations that are the property of the Utility Service Provider (Electrical).
In the event of an electrical emergency or where necessity requires that it is practically impossible to turn off the electrical supply you must contact the Utility Service Provider.
Live working
Regulation 14: “Work on or near live conductors” of the Electricity at Work
Regulations1989 effectively prohibits live working unless it is unreasonable in all
circumstances for it to be dead.
This is applicable for voltage Band II, Low Voltage supplies to household and most
commercial/industrial installations.
Low voltages do not exceed 1000V a,c, rms or 1500 d.c.
[ source, BS 7671 IEE Wiring Regulations 16thEdition]
If live working is carried out, the person doing the work must:
· Prove their competence to do such work
· Have a safe system of work
· Be provided with suitable tools and testing equipment i.e.
Properly insulated tools inspected frequently by a competent person.
Testing equipment with insulated probes and fused leads
Insulated mats
· Have sufficient space to work unimpeded
2.2 GAS
GAS CAN KILL!!
2.2.1 Work in Void Properties
When entering void properties all operatives must be aware that outgoing tenants may have removed gas appliances before leaving the property rendering the gas installation unsafe so unless you are authorised to do so, DO NOT SWITCH ON THE GAS.
If you enter a property and smell gas – DO NOT TOUCH ANY ELECTRICAL SWITCHES – evacuate the property (and adjacent properties in the case of flats). Close all doors and phone the Gas Emergency Services immediately. They may require the postcode. DO NOT RE-ENTER THE PROPERTY AND DO NOT LIGHT A GIGARETTE OR IGNITE ANY NAKED LIGHT.
Only CORGI registered plumbers should carry out removal of any gas appliance and then only in accordance within their CORGI approved limitations.
2.2.2 Void and Occupied Properties
When carrying out work which requires holes being drilled in walls or ceilings, all care must be taken to ensure there are no mains services in the vicinity [gas/electric/water].
If it is necessary to cut into the floor, please take all precautions to ensure that there are no services or hazardous substances that you could cut into.
In the event of accidental damage to a live gas pipe, please (if it is safe to do so) turn off the gas and contract a supervisor immediately.
DO NOT:
· LIGHT A CIGARETTE
· IGNITE A NAKED LIGHT
· SWITCH AN ELECTRICAL SWITCH ON
If you are concerned about a pipe which may be live, please contact your supervisor and the supervisor will arrange for a CORGI approved plumber to check and make safe.
Please remember that the fumes caused by an incorrectly fitted gas appliance can be as dangerous as the gas. All work in connection with flues where gas is involved should be carried out with a CORGI registered plumber to hand and should be tested by that person on completion of the work.
If you concerned about any gas appliance or gas pipe please contact a supervisor.
All CSWP relating to CORGI registered plumbers can be found in the CORGI manual and these should be adhered to by anyone working on any appliance connected to gas. All necessary certificates should be obtained.
2.3 HAZARDS AND GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
The majority of accidents in most workplaces are due to nothing more than slips, trips and falls. These can be the result of untidy or unfamiliar workplaces. Such incidents can result in injuries from the minor e.g. bruises etc., to the major e.g. broken back or concussion.
All employees are responsible for keeping their workplace (including workshops, vehicles and mess rooms) in a safe and clean condition. This includes the safe stacking and storage of materials and equipment, correct cleaning and disposal of waste materials and maintaining gangways and exits clear of obstructions. If power tools are used, ensure cables are not likely to cause a trip/slip hazards to others in the area.
The risk of accidents can increase with a poor working environment. Lighting, ventilation and temperature should be adequate – particularly where this may affect your work. These can vary greatly at different times of the year.
Remember, your untidiness or lack of thought could cause and accident to a colleague or member of the public.
2.4 PRIVATE DWELLINGS
When working in someone else’s property be aware of the risks to yourself e.g. loose carpets, children’s toys etc. You must also be aware of the risk that you and your work pose to the occupants of the property. Do not leave tools or materials unattended or work in a dangerous, unfinished state.
Always ensure you are familiar with exit routes and that they are not obstucted.
If working in empty properties be aware that fixtures and fittings may not be in a safe condition. Gas fittings may have been disconnected and wiring may be exposed. Always check the status of these items prior to working on them.
2.5 RESTRICTED SPACES
All the above are relevant, but there additional hazards related to lack of space. When working in lofts, under stairs or similar spaces, always ensure that you have adequate ventilation and lighting and that your exit is free at all times. If necessary, wear suitable protective equipment e.g. bump cap, goggles and mask.
3.0 WORKING AT HEIGHT
3.1 HAZARDS
The main hazards of working at height (generally regarded as more than 2 metres) are falling and dropping objects onto someone below. 40% of major injuries on construction sites are caused by falls from a height. While working at height there are several things to take into account: your own safety, the safety of work colleagues and the safety of tenants and the public.
The above hazards may be affected by the following:
Weather conditions,
Suitability and condition of access equipment being used,
Location of overhead powerlines,
Competency of personnel to carry out the work,
The general tidiness of the workplace
Use of PPE and other equipment
3.2 USE OF LADDERS AND STEP-LADDERS
The following advice is merely an example of the relevant safety measures you should adopt.
You must refer to the CSWP Access Equipment and Ladder Register [updated 2003] before working at height.
All ladders or steps should be the correct type for the job, have been checked and be in a safe condition. If not, they should not be used and any damage found reported to your supervisor.
Always check that ladders are marked with the recent, annual safety inspection marking. If in doubt – ask what the correct marking is.
When working from steps and ladders, do not over-reach.
If you cannot reach, climb down and move the steps. Take particular care in icy, wet or windy conditions.
Whenever possible, ladders should be secured at top and bottom. If this is not practical i.e. if no fixing point or if job is of very short duration, the ladder should be footed by a second person if working above 2 metres high.
Attention should be paid to the combined weight of both the operative and materials, this should not exceed the maximum weight allowance for the ladder/steps. [refer to the manufacturer’s information for the maximum weight]
E.g.
One man weight estimate: 80kg
One man + tools 90kg
3.3 USE OF TRESTLES
Always use on a firm, level base
They should never be used where there is a risk of falling more than 2 metres
They should only be used for light work of short duration
They must be provided with an independent means of access to the platform
Always leave the top third of the trestle unused
Platforms [use light staging] should be at least 600mm wide