Successful

Practical
Relevant

General Workplace
& Construction Site
Hazards and Controls

GC2 – Element 1
NCC1 – Element 2
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Stress

From
GC2 – Element 8
 Did You Know That Stress …

 Doubles our risk of heart attack; and

 Increases our likelihood of developing
serious illnesses like cancer!
 What is Stress?

Stress is the reaction people have to

excessive pressures or other types of
demand placed upon them. It arises
when they worry that they can’t cope.
 Common Sources of Stress

 Financial worries or concerns about job

security
 Leaner workforces and greater workloads
 Job burnout
 Juggling demands of work and family
 Caring for a sick loved one or aging parent
 Troubled relationships
 How Stress Affects Us at Work

 Trouble meeting deadlines

 Poor concentration
 Difficulty making decisions
 Easily irritated
 Relationship problems with colleagues
 Easily overwhelmed by minor stressors
 Fatigue
 More backaches, headaches, colds and flus
 More sick days
 Effects of Stress - 1
Physiological effects:
 Increased heart rate
 Increased sweating
 Headache
 Dizziness
 Blurred vision
 Aching neck and shoulders
 Skin rashes
 Lowered resistance to
infection
Behavioural effects:
 Increased anxiety
 Irritability
 Increase alcohol intake
 Increased smoking
 Erratic sleep patterns
 Poor concentration
 Feeling of inability to cope
with everyday tasks
 Effects of Stress - 2

Emotional signs of stress:

 Mood swings/irritability
 Cynicism
 Anxiety, nervousness, apprehension
 Loss of confidence
 Lack of self-esteem
 Lack of concentration
 Lack of enthusiasm
 Panic attacks
 HSE’s 7 Workplace Stressors

 The culture of the workplace including communication, if

there is a blame culture and working excessive hours
 The demands of the job ~ is the work boring or repetitive, the
amount of training required and the amount of work.
 The amount of control the employee has over their work.
 Relationships at work can give rise to stress especially if
relationships are poor or involve bullying and harassment.
 Change and fears about job security can lead to stress
 Confusion about employee’s role & what their objectives are.
 Lack of support from managers can increase the employee’s
stress levels, especially if the employee is trying to balance
the demands of work with domestic pressures
 Identify if there is a Problem

 In order to identify factors which may cause stress at

work, managers may use any of the following methods
to determine if there is a problem:
Informal discussions between managers and staff
Regular team meetings (such as team-briefing
sessions)
Staff appraisal and / or supervision sessions
Return to work interviews
Sickness absence records
Performance measures e.g. performing below par
Exit interviews and staff turn-over rates
 Identify Who Could be Harmed and How

No employee is immune from

work-related stress and no job is
stress-free:
Some individuals may be more
vulnerable at certain times as
they may have other stressors
which may or may not be work-
related.
 Employer’s
Stress Preventive Measures?

 Take a positive attitude and become familiar with the causes

and controls related to stress issues.
 Take employees’ concerns seriously
 Develop an effective system of communication
 Set out a simple policy on work-related stress
 Ensure employees are given adequate and relevant training
 Set realistic performance targets
 Develop an effective employee appraisal system
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Violence & Abuse at Work

 Causes of Workplace Violence/Abuse?

 Possible injury from dissatisfied customers,

clients, claimants etc.

 Verbal abuse.

 Mental abuse.

 Discrimination.

 Harassment.

 Bullying.
 Who are at Risk?
 Those giving a service
 Those caring for others
 Those in education
 Staff involved in cash transactions
 Those involved in delivery/collection activities
 People controlling activities
 People representing authority
 Construction site managers/supervisors
 Four Stage Management Process

 Find out if you have a problem

 Decide what action to take
 Take action
 Check what you have done
 Repeat if there is still a problem
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Substance Misuse at Work

 Drugs, Alcohol & Solvents Abuse

 Use gives rise to

underperformance
 Employees will compromise
their own H&S and that of
other people
 Alcohol affects:
– Sensory perception
– Reaction time
 Alcohol - How Long to Clear Your System

 The generally accepted position is that the liver

breaks down alcohol in a healthy adult body at
around one unit per hour.
 This can vary dependent on such things as what
has been eaten and when and how much exercise
has been undertaken.
 A person consuming 6 pints of lager would probably
still have alcohol detectable in their bloodstream
after a period of 12 hours.
 One unit of alcohol increases the chances of an
accident occurring by up to five times.
 Prescription Drugs

 As well as illegal drugs,

prescription drugs can also
produce unwanted side effects
 Pain-killers and anti-histamines
can cause adverse affects
 The affect of drugs mixed with
alcohol can be particularly
dangerous
 Solvent Abuse
 Inhaled solvent vapours are absorbed through the lungs and
rapidly reach the brain.
 Breathing and heart rate slow down and repeated or deeper
inhalation leads to feelings similar to being drunk with loss of co-
ordination and disorientation.
 In some cases users momentarily lose consciousness but will
normally come round quickly with no lasting damage.
 Users report visual distortions and peculiarities similar to
hallucinations.
 The effects are short lived and usually less than 45 minutes
without a repeat dose.
 As the effects wear off users often feel tired and drowsy and may
experience a hangover.
 Identifying the Problem

 Absenteeism
 Poor time-keeping
 High accident level
 Poor work performance
 Mood swings
 Misconduct
 Theft, to feed personal
habits
 Possible Control Measures

 Education and training

 Self-referral systems
 Treatment and assistance
 Drug screening programmes
 Serious misconduct procedures
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Health, Safety and Welfare

in the Workplace
 Workplace Issues to Consider

 Stability and solidity

– Appropriate to the nature of work
 Maintenance
– Efficient state including cleaning
 Ventilation
– Well ventilated with fresh or
purified air
 Temperature
– Inside should be reasonable
 Extremes of Temperature
 Human body sensitive to small changes in external
temperature.
 If the environment is hot the body sweats to promote heat
loss.
 In a humid environment sweat evaporation is not effective and
the body overheats leading to heart strain/heat stroke.
 In a cold environment the body shivers generating muscular
activity that in turn produces body heat.
 At very low temperatures the body will lose heat too rapidly
and the extremities of the body will become very cold.
 Workplace Issues to Consider

 Cleanliness and waste

materials
– Kept sufficiently clean
– Waste not allowed to
accumulate except in
receptacles
 Lighting
– Sufficient
– Natural where possible
– Emergency lighting where
required
 Impact of Lighting Levels on Safety

 People’s eyesight can vary greatly and older people

develop sight problems from the age of 40 to 50 years.
 This can lead to deterioration in visual acuity and
increased likelihood of accidents
 Some common problems:
– Incorrect perception or failure to perceive
– Stroboscopic effects / effects on attitudes
– Colour assessment / visual fatigue
– Disabling and discomfort from glare
– Tissue damage from light exposure (UV)
 Workplace Issues to Consider

 Room dimensions and space

– Sufficient floor area and height
 Workstations and seating
– Suitable for any person likely to
work there
– Appropriate to the nature of work
– Enables a person to leave swiftly
in emergency
– Suitable seat and footrest (if
required)
 Workplace Issues to Consider

 Construction of floors and traffic

routes
– Suitable for purpose
– No holes or slope where a risk
– Adequate drainage
– Kept free from obstructions
– Suitable handrails on staircases
 Workplace Issues to Consider

 Falling objects
– Provision of suitable storage
facilities for materials etc;
– Racking to be installed and fixed
into place and signed with safe
working load;
– Legs of racking to be protected
from collision (e.g. in forklift
operations areas); and
– System of work should see
heavier items stored lower down.
 Workplace Issues to Consider

 Windows and translucent doors etc

– Be of safe material
– Protected from breakage
– Be opened safely
– Not expose a person to risk when open
– Be able to be cleaned safely

 Organisation of traffic routes

– Allow safe circulation
– Suitable and sufficient
– Vehicles separated from doors
– Suitably signed
 Workplace Issues to Consider

 Doors and Gates

– Sliding doors not to come off tracks
– Upward opening doors not to fall back
– Powered doors not to injure people
– If opens both ways a clear view of each
side
 Escalators and moving walkways
– Function safely
– Have safety devices
– Fitted with emergency stop controls
 Workplace Issues to Consider

 Sanitary Conveniences
– Readily accessible
– Adequately ventilated and
lit
– Kept clean and orderly
– Separate male and female
unless in a separate room
lockable from inside
– Sufficient in number
 Workplace Issues to Consider

 Washing facilities
– Includes showers if required

– In immediate vicinity of sanitary

conveniences
– Hot and cold or warm water
– Include soap and means of
drying
– Rooms adequately ventilated
and lit
– Separate male and female
 Workplace Issues to Consider

 Drinking water
– Adequate supply
– Readily accessible
– Conspicuously marked where necessary
– Provided with cups or from a fountain
 Accommodation for clothing
– To be provided for clothing worn to work
but not at work
– For special clothing
 Facilities for changing
– Where a person has to wear special
clothing
– For reasons of health or propriety
 Workplace Issues to Consider

 Facilities for rest and to eat meals

– Provide a room for meals where
required for safety
– Be equipped with
 Adequate seating with backs
 Sufficient number for the people

 Adequate for the number of

disabled persons
– Facilities to be provided for
pregnant women or nursing
mothers if required
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Work at Height
Hazards and Controls
 What is ‘Work at Height’?

 Work at height means:

– work in any place, including a place at or
below ground level;
– obtaining access to or egress from such a
place while at work, except by a staircase in
a permanent workplace,
where, if control measures are not
implemented, a person could fall a distance
liable to cause personal injury.
 Example Work Activities

 Maintenance/repair work on building roofs including

access to plant rooms;
 Repairing/replacing light fittings/bulbs etc;
 Cleaning of high level areas;
 Decoration of walls and ceilings;
 Accessing storage racking to store/retrieve articles;
 Accessing loft or mezzanine storage areas;
 Climbing onto vehicles, use of tail lifts etc;
 … and more?
 Hazards with Working at Height

• Vertical distance;
• Collision with obstacles either
overhead or on floors;
• Fragile roofs;
• Deterioration of materials;
• Unprotected edges;
• Unstable/poorly maintained
access equipment;
• Weather conditions; and
• Falling objects/materials.
 How to Avoid Work at Height?

 Make the workplace a normal place of work:

– If a plant room is on the roof, the edge of the roof
should be protected by full height parapet wall and
accessed via a properly constructed staircase;
 Carry out the work on the ground and then lift it into
position on completion:
– Assembling the trusses for a roof on the ground and
then lifting the completed assembly into place using
a crane.
 Having high level light fittings fitted to a pulley system
that allows them to be lowered to be worked on.
 Other suggestions?
 Organisation and Planning
 Ensure no work is done at height if it is safe and reasonably
practicable to do it other than at height
 All work at height is properly planned and organised:
– Risk Assessment and Safe System of Work
 Appropriately supervised
 Plan for emergencies and rescue
 Take account of weather conditions (increased risk)
 Those involved are trained and competent
 The place where working is safe
 Equipment used is appropriately inspected
 Risks from fragile surfaces and falling objects are properly
controlled and head protection provisioned.
 When to Inspect Access Equipment?

 After assembled and/or installed if safety

depends on how it is assembled and /or installed
 As often as is necessary to ensure safety
 As often as is necessary to detect and remedy
any deterioration
 After any event likely to have affected its stability
or strength
 Common Access Equipment

 Ladders;
 Stepladders;
 Independent tied scaffolds;
 Mobile tower scaffolds:
 Mobile elevating work platforms
(MEWP’s);
 Trestles and staging platforms; and
 Leading edge protection systems.
 Minimising Consequences of Falls

 In addition to the prevention of falls, control

measures are also needed to minimise the
distance and consequences of a fall.
 Methods that can be used include:
– Rigged safety netting below fragile roofs etc;
– Soft landing systems (air bags/bean bags);
– Crash decks rigged immediately below work area;
– Use of fall arrest harness systems; and
– Good house keeping so should someone fall they
land on a flat surface rather than hitting a obstacle
(head injuries are the main cause of fatalities).
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Ladders and Stepladders

 Use of Ladders, Steps and Trestles

 Used where the work at height

cannot be avoided or done
another way AND the risk
assessment shows that the risks
are low;
 Appropriate steps have been
taken to mitigate the effects of a
fall should one occur
 Employees are competent and
properly supervised
 Where Ladder Use Would be Inappropriate?

 When two hands are needed or where the work

area is large
 Where the equipment or materials used are
large or awkward
 Excessive height
 Work of long duration
 Where the ladder cannot be secured or made
stable
 Where the ladder cannot be protected from
vehicles etc.
 Adverse weather conditions
 Ladders

• Ladders should be set on a

firm level base
• Ladders should be used
only for short duration work
• Ladders should be set at
the correct angle (75o - 1:4)
• Ladders should be tied at
the top and bottom (footed
as a last resort)
 Requirements for Ladders

 Access ladders to be long enough to provide a

hand hold when getting off at the top unless
other hand holds provided (1m or 5 rungs)
 Interlocking or extension ladders to be
prevented from movement while in use
 Mobile ladders to be prevented from moving
before being stepped on
 User can maintain a safe handhold while
carrying a load
 Step Ladders

Check treads, stiles, hinges

and restraining rope before use
Do not lean outwards or
sideways from the steps
always move them
Work facing the step ladder
Do not work higher than 2/3rds
up the stepladder
 Before Use Checks

 Damaged or worn stiles, particularly at head

and foot of ladder
 Broken, missing, loose or worn rungs
 Mud or grease on rungs
 Rungs not supported solely by nails, screws
or spikes
 Movement in rungs or stiles
 Decayed timber, or the corrosion of fittings
 Insecure tie wires
 Warping, sagging or distortion
 Other Considerations

 6 metre + should be secured

in middle
 Landing distances not to
exceed 9 metres
 Access holes to be 500mm
wide max. otherwise should
be gated
 Only 1 person to climb at a
time
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Trestles and Staging Systems

 Trestles and Staging Systems
 Pre-fabricated steel, aluminium
or wood supports of 500mm –
1m width
 May be fixed height or
adjustable with sliding struts (pin
method)
 They can only be used when
work cannot be carried out
using a safer method like
scaffold
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Mobile Elevated Work Platforms

(MEWP’s)
 Mobile Elevating Work Platforms

Ensure?
 Operators are trained and
competent
 MEWP is fully guarded
 Used on firm level ground
 Tyres inflated
 Area cordoned off
 Lighting if on public highway
 Outriggers extended & chocked
 Emergency plan in place
 Mobile Elevating Work Platforms

Do not?
 Operate close to OH cables
 Allow MEWP to over hang
vehicle routes
 Move MEWP with platform in
raised position unless designed
for the purpose
 Over load platform
 Over reach from platform
Successful
Practical
Relevant

System Scaffolds
and Mobile Towers
 System Scaffold Specifications

 Materials:
– components free from defects e.g.
buckled/bent
 Reaction to wind speed:
– should be secured against possibility of
wind lift
 Ties:
– should be done in accordance with
manufacturers instructions
 Sheeting of scaffold:
– caution must be exercised; done in
accordance with manufacturers instructions
 Platform width:
– minimum for access usually 600 mm.
 Mobile Tower Scaffolds
 Widely used
 Can be:
– Incorrectly erected and/or
– Misused
 Often cause accidents e.g.
– Persons or materials falling
– Towers overturning or
collapsing
– ‘Surfing’
 Mobile Tower Scaffolds
 To be erected by trained competent
personnel or under the supervision
of the same;
 Towers should be erected on firm
level ground;
 Wheels turned outwards & locked
prior to access;
 Access to working platform should
be by means of internal ladder;
 Never access by climbing outside of
tower.
 Mobile Tower Scaffolds

 Never move tower with

personnel or material on it
 Towers must only be moved
from base level
 Never allow operators to pull
tower along whilst on it
 Obstructions must be noted
prior to moving
 Never use near OH power lines
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Tube and Fitting Scaffolds

 Requirements for Scaffold

 Top guard rail at least 950 mm

 Intermediate guard rail – no gap greater than

470 mm

 Toe-boards (minimum 150 mm), but shall be

suitable and sufficient to prevent the fall of any
person, or any material or object, from any
place of work
 Scaffold Tagging

 Provides an on-site
indication of whether
a scaffold is safe to
use or not
 All site personnel
must understand how
the system works
 Base Plates & Sole Boards
 Sole boards must be used to
spread the weight of the
scaffold
 Boards are used to provide a
firm surface on which to erect
the scaffold
 Boards must run under at least
two standards at a time
 Base plates must be used
under every standard
 Component Parts of a Scaffold

 Standards
 Ledgers
 Putlogs and transoms
 Boarded lifts
 Ledger bracing
 Longitude (or façade) bracing
 Scaffold ties:
– B.A.R.T. (Box / Anchor / Reveal / Through)
 Working platform boards
 Independent Guard Rail (Approx 950 mm high)
Brick Guard
Tied
Intermediate guard rail (Max gap of 470 mm)
Scaffold END OF
SCAFFOLD Toe Board (Min 150 mm high)
Scaffolding Planks
(Deck area min of 600 mm wide)

Transom
Anchor Ties
Facade Brace
Large
Eye Bolt
Through Tie Ledger Brace with
ledger
through it
Reveal Tie

Couplers at joints

Ledger

Standard

Eye Bolt
and Strap
Base Plates 150 x 150mm
Sole Board
 Loading Platforms

 Need to be designed
accounting for weight that
will be applied
 Will often be separate
scaffold structure but tied to
both existing scaffold &
structure
 Additional bracing &
sections required to provide
additional support
 Loading Platforms

 Warning signs displayed

to indicated SWL
 Access restricted to area
below loading platform
for workers
 Safety gate / barrier may
be required to protect
those working on
platform from falls
 Scaffold Hoists

 Substantial enclosure guard

required for moving parts of hoist
 Gates provided at all access
landings normally interlocking
system
 Hoist should be operated from
one position only
 Operators should be competent &
trained
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Safe Working on Roofs and at Height

and Leading Edge Protection
 Fall Risk Areas
 During access to and from landing places
 Openings, breaks, edges and joisting in a floor
 Falling from flat roofs:
– From the edge of a completed roof
– From the leading edge where work is being carried out
– Through openings and gaps
– Through fragile materials
 Falling from sloping roofs:
– Slipping down
– Falling into the structure during construction
– From gable ends during demolition
– Through fragile roofing materials, including roof-lights
 Poor weather conditions
 Control Measures
 Safe working platform
 Safety nets
 Guard-rail at edge of roof (catch barrier) where working
platform not practicable
 Safe stacking of materials on roof
 Falling object protection
 Use of roof ladders & the securing of ladders
 Signage (especially with reference to fragile surfaces)
 Permits to work
 Use of mobile access platforms (MEWP’s etc)
 Use of harnesses and running lines
 Safe systems of work in gusty conditions (17 mph stop
lightweight material work, 23 mph general activities)
 Fall-Arrest Systems and Harnesses

 Formal thorough inspections of

harnesses, anchor points and running
lines.
 Before use user checks:
– Connectors; damage, corrosion,
function
– Webbing; cuts, burns, chemical
damage
– Buckles; damage, distortion, corrosion
 Practiced rescue procedures.
 Suspension Trauma

 Suspension Trauma – Orthostatic Intolerance:

– Unless the operative is rescued promptly using
established safe procedures, suspension trauma
caused by orthostatic intolerance could occur.
– Can result in serious or fatal injury as the brain,
kidneys and other organs are deprived of oxygen.
– Most users of fall protection equipment, as well as
rescue personnel and health and safety
professionals are unaware of the hazard of
suspension trauma.
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Transport
Hazards and Controls

GC2 – Element 2
NCC2 – Element 2
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Safe Movement of People in

the Workplace
 Movement of People Hazards

 Slips, trips and falls:

- On the same level
- As a consequence of changing levels
 Falls from height
 Collisions:
- Being hit by something such as a moving vehicle
- Being hit by a falling object
- By striking a fixed object
 Injury or damage caused by environmental conditions:
- Effects of heat, noise, dust or harmful substances in
the air.
 Hazards to Pedestrians
Slips,Trips & Falls - Same Level
 Slips, trips and falls account for most of accidents to
pedestrians.
 Particularly slip and trip hazards on the same level.
– Caused by:
o Dusty, wet or greasy floors (often from spillages)
o Loose surfaces (including loose mats on slippery floors)
o Wet and/or icy weather conditions
o Unsuitable footwear or floor coverings or sloping floors.
– The main cause of trips are:
o Obstacles on the surface such as trailing leads, boxes etc.
o Obstructions such as low walls, low fixtures etc.
o Poor housekeeping
o Poor lighting levels.
 Hazards to Pedestrians
Falls on Change of Level

 Most likely to occur on:

– Steps
– Stairs
– Ladders
– Scaffolding
 Often cause by:
– Not noticing the change of level on a step or on stairs
– Not working properly
– Ladders slipping
– Clothing being caught
– Poor lighting conditions etc.
 General Preventative Measures for
Pedestrian Hazards

 Slip resistant surfaces; spillage control and drainage;

 Adopting and marking designated walkways and
ensuring safe access and egress to all work areas;
 Good housekeeping principles (clear walkways, routine
cleaning and cleaning of spillages etc.);
 Use of fencing and guarding of high risk areas;
 Consideration to environmental issues (e.g. lighting &
temperature), especially during maintenance activities.
 Use of signs and personal protective equipment;
 Ensuring workers are given information, instruction,
training and appropriate supervision;
 Hazards to Pedestrians from
Construction Activities on Highways

 Removal of pedestrian pathways;

 Redirection of pedestrians when pathways are closed;
 Risks of slips, trips and falls from the construction
activities such as excavations work;
 Accumulation of mud and debris on roads and
footpaths;
 Exposure of members of public to noise, dust and
fumes from highway activities; and
 Construction plant and equipment colliding with passing
pedestrians or public vehicles passing the works.
 Controls to Protect Pedestrians from
Construction Activities on Highways

 Provision of suitable signage to warn the public

about the construction hazards they are
approaching;
 Provision of suitable lighting to illuminate the
pedestrian routes adjacent to the work activities;
 Barriers between pedestrian routes and the
construction works to prevent people and
vehicles from encroaching into the construction
activities; and
 Provision of letter drops to local residents.
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Movement of Traffic
 General Hazard Situations Associated
with Vehicle Operations?

 Vehicle movement (driving too fast e.g.

around bends and reversing;
 Silent operation of machinery;
 Poor visibility (around loads etc);
 Overturning of vehicles;
 Collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians
and fixed objects;
 Loading/unloading (including overloading,
securing and sheeting) and unloading;
 Coupling; and
 Vehicle maintenance work.
 General Hazard Situations Associated
with Vehicle Operations

 Poor environmental factors

(lighting, dust, noise etc.).
 Ill-defined speed limits/speed
limits not enforced.
 Poor/no maintenance checks of
vehicles.
 Driven by untrained/unauthorised
personnel.
 Poor training or lack of refresher
training.
 Drive offs
 Control Measures – Safe Site

 Suitability of traffic routes (including site access and

egress);
 Management of vehicle movements;
 Environmental considerations (visibility, gradients,
changes of level, surface conditions);
 Segregating of pedestrians and vehicles and measures
to be taken when segregation is not practicable;
 Protective measures for people and structures (barriers,
marking signs, warnings of vehicle approach and
reversing); and
 Site rules (including speed limits)
 Control Measures
for Vehicles & Drivers
 Safe Vehicles:
 Suitability of vehicles for activity;
 Maintenance and repair of vehicles;
 Visibility from vehicles/reversing aids; and
 Driver protection (ROPS/FOPS) and restraint
systems
 Safe Driver:
 Selection and training of drivers;
 Banksman (reversing assistant);
 Management systems for assuring driver
competence including local codes of practice.
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Driving for Work

 Introduction
 The tragic human consequences of road traffic
crashes cannot be truly quantified.
 It is estimated that 1/3rd of all road accidents
involves someone who is at work at the time.
 Putting this another way, this means every
week, whilst at work:
– 20 employees die; and
– 250 employees are seriously injured
 What Causes Crashes
 Many incidents happen due to inattention and
distraction as well as failure to observe the
Highway Code.
 The causes of crashes can be grouped into
three distinct categories:
– The vehicle ~ e.g. mechanical failure
– The journey ~ e.g. time of day, weather, traffic etc.
– The driver ~ attributable to 90% of crashes
 We will look at each of these in turn, but first we
will look at employers legal responsibilities.
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Driving for Work

Evaluating
Risks
 Evaluating the Risks
 The Driver:  The Journey
– Competency – Routes
– Training – Distance
– Fitness and health – Time
 The Vehicle: – Scheduling
– Suitability – Weather conditions
– Condition
– Safety equipment
– Safety critical information
– Ergonomic considerations
 The Driver – Training

 Evaluating whether those that drive at work require

additional training other than at induction e.g.:
– high annual mileage drivers, poor accident
records or young drivers.
 Checking drivers know how to carry out routine
safety checks e.g. lights, tyres, wheels, seat belts,
head restraints, anti-lock brakes (ABS) etc, and
what to do in the event of a breakdown.
 Providing a handbook for drivers giving advice and
information on road safety.
 The Driver – Training

 Checking drivers fully aware of the height of their

vehicle, both laden and empty (estimated around
three to six major bridge strikes every day);
 Periodically assessing training needs, including
refresher training, and budgeting for the training;
 Making drivers aware of the dangers of stress and
fatigue;
 Ensuring drivers know what to do if they start to feel
sleepy.
 The Driver – Fitness & Health
 Drivers of heavy lorries, for which there are legal
requirements for medical examination, should
have the appropriate medical certificate;
 At-work drivers most at risk may need to undergo
regular medical;
 Staff be reminded of the need to satisfy any
eyesight requirements set out in the relevant
legislation;
 Staff should be told not drive, or undertake other
duties, while taking medication that might impair
their judgement (if in doubt they should seek the
view of their GP).
 The Vehicle
 Are vehicles must be fit for purpose.
 Vehicles must be insured and if employees are allowed to use their out
vehicles they must also be insured for business use.
 Vehicles must have a valid MOT certificate (most cars this means once
they are over 3 years old; other rules apply to some vehicles e.g. taxis).
 Vehicles should be adequately maintained and should be subject to
planned/preventative maintenance carried out in accordance with
manufacturers recommendations.
 Windscreens checked for chips and cracks and wipers inspected regularly
and replaced as necessary.
 Vehicles must not overloaded and be capable of carrying goods securely
and safely.
 Loads should be safely distributed in the vehicle important when
undertaking multi-drop operations.
 The Journey
 Routes should be planned thoroughly:
– Use of safer routes which are more appropriate for
the type of vehicle undertaking the journey;
– Route planning should take sufficient account of
overhead restrictions e.g. bridges and tunnels and
other hazards, such as level crossings, which may
present dangers for long vehicles.
 Statistically, motorways are the safest roads to travel
on, however traffic congestion at busy times can cause
its own problems.
 The Journey – Scheduling

 Work schedules should be realistic:

– Sufficient account of periods when drivers are most
likely to feel sleepy:
 Sleep-related accidents are most likely to occur
between 2 & 6 am and between 2 & 4 pm.
– Steps to be taken to stop employees from driving if
they feel sleepy:
 If appropriate, checks of tachographs to ensure
drivers are not cutting corners;
– Avoidance of periods of peak traffic flow;
– Sufficient allowances for new trainee drivers.
 The Journey – Weather

 Consideration of adverse weather when planning journeys:

– Rescheduling of journeys to take account of adverse
weather conditions wherever possible;
– Ensuring vehicles properly equipped to operate in poor
weather conditions, e.g. are anti-lock brakes;
– Ensuring drivers understand the action to take to
reduce risk, e.g. drivers of high-sided vehicles knowing
to take extra care if driving in strong winds with a light
load;
– Ensuring drivers are not pressurised to complete
journeys where weather conditions are exceptionally
difficult.
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Musculoskeletal
Hazards and Controls

GC2 – Element 3
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Work Related Upper Limb Disorders

(WRULD’s)
 WRULD’s
 Work related upper limb disorders (WRULD’s) are
musculoskeletal diseases relating to repetitive operations
relating to workplace activities such as:
– Keyboard operation, assembly of small components,
bricklaying and checkout operators.
 The ill-health effects often arise owing to:
– Poorly designed tasks and workstations;
– Lack of consideration to the factors giving rise to ill-health
conditions:
 Task (including repetitive, strenuous);
 Environment (including lighting, glare);
 Equipment (including user requirements, adjustability)
 Control Measures

 Good ergonomic design of the workstation;

 Matching the workplace to individual needs of workers:
– Designing workstations that can be adjusted to suit
the needs of the individuals using them;
 Ensuring work patterns are organised such that
operatives have frequent breaks from their activities;
 Limiting the amount of overtime operatives exposed to
repetitive work can undertake;
 Ensuring good environmental conditions in the work
area (lighting, temperature, ventilation etc).
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Computer Workstations
 DSE Health Hazards

 Musculoskeletal problems.
– Tenosynovitis
– Other WRULD pains caused by poor posture
– Mitigated by application of ergonomic principles
 Visual problems.
– Visual fatigue resulting in eye strain and/or sore eyes
– Headaches
 Psychological problems.
– Generally stress related
– Maybe environmental causes
 Noise, heat, humidity, lighting.
Display Screen Equipment
Computer Workstation
 Management Considerations
 Suitable and sufficient risk assessment of
workstation.
 Workstation compliance with minimum laid down
specifications.
 A plan of the work programme to ensure that there
are adequate breaks.
 Provision of eye sight tests and, if required,
spectacles for users of DSE
 Suitable programme of training and sufficient
information to all users.
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Manual Handling
Hazards & Control
 Types of Injury
caused by sudden awkward movements- twisting jerking, lifting loads beyond physical capability

 Back injuries (spinal problems):

– Acute and chronic long lasting, disc
trouble - accumulative
 Sprains & strains:
– muscles, tendons, joints, torn
ligaments, abdominal wall
particularly vulnerable
 Most common:
– hands, feet suffer cuts & abrasions
 Other - uncommon:
– Hernias and bone breakage
 Back Problems ~ “Slipped Disc”

 This is a misleading term giving rise to the

belief that the disc is like an unstable packing
piece and can be pushed back into place.

 A slipped disc is a bulge of the disc usually

caused by increased pressure (bending) or even
a split of the gristle layer allowing the nucleus
to protrude through.
 Essential Guide to the Spine
Pictorial Picture

Neck (cervical)
Neck (cervical) = 7 vertebrae

Thoracic = 12 vertebrae Thoracic

3rd Lumbar Disc

(see next slide diagram)
Lumbar = 5 vertebrae
Lumbar
 Common Causes of Back Problems

 Muscle strain

 Overuse syndrome

 Ligament sprain

 Over exertion - lifting too much weight

 Incorrect lifting - bending the back!

 Bad posture - slumping in soft chairs

 Manual Handling – Definition?

 Includes:
– Lifting
– Putting down
– Pushing
– Pulling
– Carrying
 i.e. Moving any load by hand or bodily force
Consider the items you have to lift handle or
move, what does it include?
 Employers Duties
Legal requirement
 Avoid hazardous manual handling activities
 Make suitable and sufficient assessment of
manual handling operations identified has having
an inherent risk
 Develop and implement control measures to
reduce risk of injury
 Provide employees undertaking manual handling
operations, indications of:
– The weight of each load
– The heaviest side of the load where the centre
of gravity is not positioned centrally etc.
 Load. I. T. E.
Hazards: Controls:
 Heavy  Break down loads

 Bulky or unwieldy  Make it easier to

 Off-centre of gravity
grasp
 Make it more stable
 Difficult to grasp
 Make it less
 Unstable
damaging to hold
 Contents likely to shift
 Team handling
 Intrinsically harmful:
 Use of mechanical
– Sharp, hot or otherwise
potentially damaging aids
– External state of the  Training
load, rough surfaces,  Use of PPE
cold to touch etc.
 L. Individual. T. E.
macho image-macho image-macho image-macho image-macho image

Hazards: Controls:
 Unusual capability  Health screening
– Height  Return to work
– Strength interviews
 Gender  Consultation
 Pregnant  Team handling
 Age  Mechanical aids
 Previous injury
 Training
 Physical fitness
 PPE
/stamina
 Supervision
 Lack of training
 Lack of people
 The Task
• Holding loads away • Strenuous pushing and
from body pulling
• Posture • Unpredictable movement
• Twisting of load
• Stooping • Repetitive handling
• Reaching upwards • Insufficient rest or
• Large vertical recovery time
movements • Workrate imposed by the
• Long travel distances process
 The Task – Possible Control Measures

 Use machinery
 Improve the layout
 Efficient use of the body
 Improve work routine
 Use of mechanical aids
 Team handling
 Use of PPE
 L. I. T. Environment.
Hazards: Controls:
 Constraints on posture  Remove space constraints

– Lack of space etc  Improve floor condition

 Poor floors  Good housekeeping

– Slippery/uneven/unstable  Avoid outdoor manual

 Variations in level handling in poor weather
– Steps / Steep Slopes etc.
conditions
 Maintain good environmental
 Extremes of temperature
conditions (heating /
– Hot/cold/wind/ice/humid
ventilation / lighting etc.)
 Strong air movements
– Gusts of wind/ventilation
 Poor lighting conditions
 Other Factors

 Is movement hindered by clothing or personal

protective equipment?
and people!!
High Stress
Poor Diet
Lack of exercise
Rushing – pressure of work
Showing off
Short cuts
 Other Factors

Footwear:
 Many injuries caused by poor footwear

 Wear flat shoes

 Avoid sandals / loose fitting shoes

 Check for good condition

 Kinetic Lifting

Summarised by:
• Plan the Route
• Assess the load
• Correct position of feet
• Keep knees flexible
• Straight back
• Correct grip arms close to body
• Lift smoothly keep head up
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Mechanical Handling
Hazards & Control
 What You Need to Know

 The hazards, precautions and procedures

necessary to ensure safety in the use and
maintenance of:
– Fork-lift trucks
– Manually operated load moving equipment
(sack trolleys, pallet trucks, etc);
– Lifts & hoists
– Conveyors & chutes; and
– Cranes.
 Forklift Trucks
 Accidents:
– Overturning, due to high speed turns, ramp turns, driving
with raised load, uneven road surface (most fatalities);
– Overloading, unstable loads;
– Collisions with
 Overhead obstructions
 Racking systems (e.g. Wrexham warehouse);
 Pedestrians, other vehicles.
 Main causes:
– Lack of driver training
– Lack of maintenance (for safety purposes)
 Forklift Trucks - Instability

 Horizontal instability:
– Tyre pressures
– Centre of gravity
– Live loads
– Turning with raised loads
– Turning at speed
– Driving across inclines
– Uneven ground
 Forklift Trucks - Instability

 Longitudinal instability:
– Parallel drops
– Over loading
– Braking at speed
– Inclines
– Undercutting loads
– Exceeding safe lift height
 Forklift Trucks

 Other hazards:
– Fire and explosion;
 Battery re-charging, or;
 Flammable atmosphere (e.g. paint factory);

– Exhaust gas/fumes in confined spaces;

– Hydraulic failure on lifting forks;
– Unauthorised use as a working platform.
 FLT’s Control Measures

 Selection of equipment:
– Type of power source; battery/LPG/diesel
– Size and capacity
– Type of tyres; solid, pneumatic depending of surface
– Height/reach of mast
– Warning systems fitted
– Protective systems fitted; ROPS and/or FOPS
 Operators:
– Selection e.g. physical/mental fitness and intelligence
– Training given specific to type of FLT
 FLT’s Control Measures

 Establishment of:
– Suitable traffic routes
– Parking areas
– Battery charging facilities if applicable
– Storage of LPG gas bottles if applicable
– Operational rules for fork lift trucks
– Procedures for security of keys when not in use
– Maintenance by competent personnel
– Well lit operational areas
– Segregation of vehicles and personnel
– Operator pre-use checklists
 Operator Pre-Use Checks?

 Safe Working Load (SWL) and size

 Lights (including warning beacon)
 Brakes
 Horn
 Seatbelt
 Tyre pressures
 Hydraulics (leaks)
 Condition of mast for chains
 Function of controls
 Condition of windscreen etc (if applicable)
 Pallet Trucks/Sack Barrows etc Hazards

 Pallet trucks:
– Overloading & tipping
– Collision & loss of load
– Crushing operative
– Hydraulic lift failure
– Manual handling
 Sack Barrows:
– Manual handling
– Loss of load
– Crush injuries
– Falling objects
– Mechanical failure
 Lifts and Hoists

 Hazards:
– Being trapped in a lift whilst being operated
– Mechanical failure
– Falls from height
– Because loads lifted to height (e.g. materials hoist on
construction site) the loads can fall onto people below if:
 Unsecured

 People are allowed under hoist while it is working.

 Lifts and Hoists

 Handbook definition:
– ‘incorporates a platform or cage and is restricted
in its movement by guides.’
 Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment
Regulations 1998 (LOLER) – requirements
include:
– Sound mechanical construction - strength & stability
– Interlocked doors or gates
– Marked with SWL
– Operated from 1 position
 Conveyers and Chutes

 Conveyor hazards:
– In-running nip between drive-rollers
and belt (quarry accidents during
cleaning at bottom roller);
– Entanglement;
 With transmission machinery (chain &
sprocket drives);
 Conveyor belt/slats.
 Chute hazards:
– Materials spilling out of the chute
hitting people etc.
– Noise
– Collapse of chute
 Definitions

 Lifting Equipment
– Work equipment used for
lifting and lowering loads
including attachments used
to fix or support the
equipment (e.g. runway on
an overhead crane)
 Lifting Accessory
– Equipment for attaching
loads to machinery for lifting
 Lifting Equipment Examples
 Cranes
 Workplace passenger and goods lifts
 Construction hoists
 Dumb waiters
 Scissor lifts
 Vehicle tail lifts
 Bath hoists
 Telehandlers and industrial lift trucks
 Vehicle lifts
 Lifting Accessory Examples

 Slings

 Hooks

 Shackles

 Eyebolts

 Ropes used for climbing or

work positioning
 Cranes

 Hazards:
– Mechanical failure / collapse
– Failure of lifting ropes, slings etc
– Uneven, unstable ground
– Overturning
– Overloading
– Collision with people
– Collision with fixed/stationery objects
– Unauthorised operation
– Swinging loads
 Organisation of Lifting Operations

 Every employer shall ensure

that every lifting operation
involving lifting equipment is:
– Properly planned by a
competent person
– Appropriately supervised
– Carried out in a safe
manner
 Crane Operation

 Outriggers to be extended sufficiently to ease

load on vehicle springs
 Area of slew by crane jib to be kept clear at all
times
 Crane not to be left with load suspended
 Vehicle not to be driven with load suspended
 Crane to be stowed safely away prior to
movement of vehicle
 Planning the Lift
 Person planning the lift should have
practical and theoretical knowledge
 The plan will need to address the
– Risks identified by the risk
assessment
– Resources required
– Responsibilities
 Plan to ensure that the equipment
remains safe
 Where two or more items used
simultaneously for lifting a written plan
is required
 Planning Continued
 Degree of planning will vary
considerably
 Depends on
– Type of lifting equipment
used
– Complexity of operation
 Consideration needs to be
given to the load
– Weight
– Size
– Centre of gravity
 Routine Lifting Operations

 Planning usually a matter for the

people using the lifting equipment
– Slinger
– FLT operator
 An initial plan may only be required
once but reviewed occasionally
– FLT in warehouse
– MEWP
– Vehicle tail lift
– Suspended cradle for window cleaning
 Special Considerations
 Carriage of Persons (Scissors Lift /
Cherry Picker):
– Must, SFARP, prevent a person
using it being crushed, trapped or
struck by or falling from the carrier
– Must have suitable devices to
prevent the risk of the carrier
falling
– Is such that a person trapped in
any carrier is not exposed to
danger and can be freed.
 Thorough Examination
of Equipment & Accessories

 Equipment (Prime Mover)

– 12 monthly thorough inspection
– 6 monthly thorough inspection if used for
lifting people
– Visual inspection before use
– Recorded every 7 days

 Accessory (sling, strop etc.)

– 6 monthly inspection
– Visual inspection before use
 Inspection of Lifting Accessories

 Lifting Accessories such as:

– Chains

– Slings

 These will not normally require an

inspection as long as they receive
a thorough examination

 Will need a proper pre-use check

 If Defects Are Found

 The employer must be informed

immediately; and
 Confirmed in the written report
 If it involves an existing or imminent
risk of serious personal injury:
– RIDDOR reportable
– Employer must be informed
immediately
Examples of Rope Faults
Examples of Rope Faults
 Other Faults

 Textile slings?
– Damaged
– Cut
– Abraded
– Stretched
 Chains?
– Deformed
– Stretched links
– Cracks
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Work Equipment
Hazards and Controls

GC2 – Element 4
 Scope of Work Equipment
 The definition is extremely wide, it includes:
– Any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation
for use at work (whether exclusively or not).

 This covers:
– Single machines e.g. photocopiers & circular saws
– Hand tools e.g. hammers, screwdrivers, chisels & saws
– Power tools e.g. nails guns, grinders & electric
screwdrivers
– Vehicles where they are used within workplaces e.g. fork
lift trucks, cranes, excavators etc.
 Suitability of Work Equipment
 Employers to ensure that equipment must be suitable for
the work it is required to do.
 Includes both day to day operation and maintenance.
 Also very important to take into consideration any hazards
created by the location
 Maintenance Operations and Inspection

 Need to inspect and maintain equipment to ensure:

– Equipment is kept in an efficient state;
– In efficient working order; and
– In good repair.
(see next slide for example)
 With Reference to a Car
 Efficient state:
– having bodywork which is not corroded;
– no oil or water leaks;
– correct tyre pressures / tools available, such as a
wheel jack.
 Efficient working:
– Lights / horn;
– windscreen wipers / brakes;
– the car’s stopping distance / steering.
 In good repair:
– regular servicing;
– repairs carried out at the right time and to an
acceptable standard.
 Specific Risks and Hazards
 If work equipment presents specific risks i.e. cannot
be adequately controlled by hardware measures,
such as guards or protection devices etc:
– Only to be used by trained authorised operatives
 Examples would include:
– Extremes of temperatures (hot/cold) such as liquid
nitrogen/dry ice
– Radiation (both ionizing and non-ionizing)
– Instability of equipment in use i.e. FLT’s & Cranes
 Information and Training

 Employers to provide
information, instruction and
training to employees using
work equipment
 Degree of training relevant
to the degree of risk e.g.
screwdriver verses a lathe
 Written instructions may be
required, available at point
of use.
 Dangerous Parts (e.g. Rotating Gears)

 Effective measures to:

– prevent access to
dangerous parts of
machinery; or
– stop their movement
before any part of a
person enters a
danger zone.
 Temperature, High or Very Low
 Protection from injuries such as
burns or frostbite which may be
caused by work equipment:
– Furnaces, splashing of molten
process materials, hotplates,
snow-making machine
– Liquid nitrogen tank
– Risk of contact with hot surfaces
 In addition to these engineering
controls, personal protection may be
necessary.
 Controls

 Starting controls:
– Designed to prevent accidental starting by shrouding, a
locking facility either mechanical or by software protection.
 Systems Controls:
– respond to input, generates output and signals as well as
feedback information.
 Stopping controls:
– bring to a safe condition.
 Emergency stop controls:
– to be provided at every control point
– to be easily reached and activated.
 Controls Should Be

 Visible

 Suitable colours

 Clearly marked with clear wording/legends

 Shapes

 Positioning
 Isolation from Sources of Energy

 All work equipment should be provided with suitable

means to safely isolate it from its source of energy.
– Electrical
– Mechanical via a drive shaft, belt drive
– Hydraulic
– Pneumatic, compressed air system
– Steam
 Isolation means establishing a break in the energy supply
in a secure manner, so inadvertent reconnection is not
possible.
 May be a requirement for lock-off isolation controls
 Stability

 Equipment should be stable in

its use e.g.:
– Limitations on the height of
a mobile tower scaffold
– Clamping or stabilising of
equipment which, as a
result of the motions
inherent in its operation
could ‘crawl’ or topple
– Use of stabilisers on mobile
cranes
 Lighting

 Wherever work equipment is used, there must be

suitable and sufficient lighting.
 Where the task involves perception of detail, for
example using certain measuring devices, it may
be necessary to provide additional local lighting.
 Markings and Warnings
 Where necessary, all work
equipment should be clearly
marked to convey information
that is clear and concise:
– Maximum rotation speed of
an abrasive wheel
– Safe working load of a lifting
device
– Maximum operating pressure
of an air vessel
 Mobile Work Equipment

 Examples include scissor lifts,

cherry pickers, fork lift trucks etc.
 Employer to ensure no employee
is carried unless it is suitable for
carrying persons and reduces risk
to their safety
 Employers to ensure that where
there is a risk of mobile work
equipment rolling over fitted with
ROPS and from falling objects
then FOPS
 Users Responsibilities

 Adhere to proper procedures in respect of:

– general conduct in the workplace; and
– operation of the work equipment.
 Using the machine only for the purpose for
which it was intended
 Reporting defects/faults
 Keeping records of operator checks and
visual inspections in the logs provided
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Hand-Held Tools
 Hand-Held Tools

 Covers all types of movable

equipment used in the workplace.
 Hand tools – tools entirely
powered manually, including
anything from picks, shovels,
wrenches to hammers, chisels,
saws etc.
 Portable power tools – tools that
have an external power source
such as electricity, compressed air
etc. including electric screwdrivers
and pneumatic drill etc.
 Hand Tools - Hazards

 Biggest hazard from operator error.

 Other hazards include:
– Broken handles
– Poor quality uncomfortable handles
– Tools that slip causing stab wounds
– Poorly insulated tools in hot work
– Mushroomed headed tools (chisels)
– Splayed spanners that slip
– Use of pipes etc as extension handles
that slip
 Hand Tools - Misuse

 Other hazards of hand tools arise

from misuse, improper maintenance
or using defective equipment e.g.:
– Using a chisel as a screwdriver
– Using a hammer when its wooden
handle is loose, splintered or split
– Using the incorrect type of screwdriver.
 Hand Tools – Suitability & Use
– Insulated tools for electricians
– Non-sparking tools in areas where flammable
atmospheres may exist
– Safety knives with enclosed blades
– Using the correct size spanner
– Using mallets on chisel heads etc.
– Appropriate training and information
– Correct maintenance
– Correct storage and cleanliness
– Regular checks and the withdrawal of defective tools
– Appropriate personal protective clothing.
 Hand-Held Power Tools Hazards

 Specific hazards include:

– Electrical problems
– Noise and vibration
– Manual handling problems
– Puncture wounds
– Entanglement in moving parts of machinery
– Emission of dust, splinters and fragments
– Cables causing a trip hazard
– Fuel spillage and risk of fire from flammable
vapours given off by liquid-fuel-powered tools.
 Hand-Held Power Tools
Means of Control

 Safe use is based on training,

information and instruction to
ensure competent operatives and
the correct maintenance,
inspection and use of PPE.
 Measures taken to control their
use are more extensive and
stringent than manually-powered
tools because of the greater risk
of injury.
 Hand-Held Power Tools
Means of Control

 Measures that may have to be covered in employee

training to ensure safe use could include:
 Correct operation

 Use of both hands where necessary

 Breaks to limit exposure of vibration

 Adequate ventilation

 Safe use of cartridge-operated tools

 Addressing the risk of electrical shock etc.

 Engineering controls to be used (switches, LEV

etc.)
 Ensuring that all connections are properly clamped
 Hand-Held Power Tools
Procedures for Defective Equipment

 Defective and damaged equipment should

be taken out of use until repaired.
 Inspection, tests and repairs to damaged
or defective equipment should be carried
out by a competent person experienced in
the work.

 Inspections records should be kept for

the life of the equipment.
 Operators should be instructed to check
equipment before use and never to use
damaged or defective equipment.
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Mechanical Machinery Hazards

 Mechanical Hazards

 Crushing:
– The body or part of the body is trapped between 2
moving parts or a moving part and a static object.
 Shearing:
– Part of the body, commonly fingers, is trapped
between 2 parts of the machine, one of which is
moving over the other with some speed (the effect is
like a guillotine).
 Cutting or severing:
– Where a sharp edged part of the machine comes in
contact with a person (e.g. the blade of a bandsaw).
 Mechanical Hazards (continued)

 Entanglement:
– Associated with a single rotating part of a machine,
that usually catches an item of clothing resulting in the
person being rapidly drawn to the machine.
 Drawing In or Trapping:
– Part of the body is caught between two moving parts
and drawn into the machine such as between tow in-
running gears or between belts and pulley drives.
 Impact:
– Where a powered part of the machine hits a person.
 Mechanical Hazards (continued)

 Stabbing or Puncture:
– Caused by some sharp part of a machine or
part of the process (flying swarf or broken tool)
penetrating the person.
 Friction or Abrasion:
– Caused by coming into contact with a fast
moving surface.
 High pressure fluid ejection:
– Caused by a failure of a high pressure
connection such as a hydraulic system leak.
 Non-Mechanical Hazards
 Access – slips, trips and falls etc.
 Lifting and handling
 Noise and vibration
 Electricity
 Temperature
 Radiation
 Fire and explosion
 Biological
 Suffocation
 Pressure and vacuum
 Inhalation of dust, fumes and mist
 Hazardous materials and substances
 Ergonomics
 Principles of Machinery Guarding

 Prevent contact with moving parts

 Remove energy from moving parts
 Use an alternative form of energy
 Provide more reliable machinery
 Adjustment and maintenance
 Ergonomic principles
 Training and work procedures
 Machinery – Methods of Protection

 PUWER specifies a hierarchy of

protective measures:
– Fixed guards
– Other types of guards
– Protection appliances such as jigs,
pushsticks, holders etc.
– The provision of information,
instruction, training and supervision.
 4 Basic Types of Guards - What are these?

 Fixed guards:  Trip:

– Enclosing guards – Mechanical or
electronic triggering
– Distance guards
– Trip bar guard
– Perimeter fence guard
– Photo-electric guard
 Interlock guards: – Pressure pads
– Links the opening of the – Tripwires
primary guard to the
operation of a second
safety device that either
stops the machine or
operates another guard.
 Types of Guards - continued

 User Adjustable:
– Requires manual adjustment to give protection
– Only to be used where conditions are suitable
– Examples of use include woodworking machinery,
milling machines, lathes, drills and grinders
 Self-Adjusting:
– Fixed or movable guard, which, either in whole or in
part, adjusts itself to accommodate the passage of
material etc.
– Examples include:
 Self-adjusting guard on a circular saw
 Self-adjusting guard on a metal cutting saw
 Other Safety Devices/Measures

 Two-handed controls
 Hold-to-run controls
 Direct Current (DC) Braking
– Provides rapid braking on
electrical powered machines.
– Controlled DC is injected into
the motor to achieve a rapid
stop.
– The power is cut-off once the
motor has stopped
 Other Safety Devices/Measures
 Protective appliances
– Hand-held tools or hand-
controlled fixed devices to hold
or manipulate a work piece
 Shielding – heat, radiation etc.
 Personal protective equipment
– Last resort
– Only protects the user and not
other parties.
 Examples of Work Equipment

• Office equipment (photocopier, shredder)

• Bench-top grinder
• Pedestal drill
• Cylinder mower
• Strimmer
• Chain-saw
• Compactor
• Checkout conveyor
• Cement mixer
• Circular saw.
 Practice Question

 Identify the issues that should be considered to

help to ensure that a new item of work equipment
is suitable for use. (4 points)
 Identify measures that could be taken to ensure
that an item of work equipment remains in a
suitable condition. (4 points)
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Fire Safety

NCC1 – Element 7
NGC2 – Element 6
 Accidental Fires

 Account for 57% of all fires in the UK

 They can be grouped into the following:
– Careless actions (26%)
– Misuse of equipment and appliances
(24%)
– Defective equipment (50%)
 78% of these due to faulty appliances
and leads
 Fire Procedures and Controls
 Suitable/sufficient steps to be taken to prevent fire.
 Emergency routes and exits
– must be provided and lead to a safe area.
 Emergency procedures
– must be in place and tested.
 Provision of suitable fire detection and fire fighting
equipment
 Alarm systems
 Signage
 Information and training
 Hazards from & Spread of Fire?

Fire Hazards? Spread of Fire?

 Flames and heat  Direct burning
 Toxic/combustible  Radiation
smoke and gases
 Convection
 Oxygen depletion
 Structural failure of  Conduction
buildings
 The Fire Triangle
A fire requires:
 Ignition/source of heat
– Any heat build up or a spark
can start a fire
 Fuel
– All fires require some kind of
fuel, from petrol, material, fats
or chemicals
 Oxygen
– Without oxygen a fire cannot be
sustained
 Methods of Extinguishing Fire

 Remove one element or more of fire

triangle, by:
– starving it of fuel;
– smothering it to exclude oxygen;
– cooling it to reduce temperature.
 Fire-fighting revolves around these
principles
 Classification of Fires - Summary

 A - Free burning materials, paper, wood, cloth etc.

 B - Flammable liquids, petrol, meths, solvents etc.
 C - Flammable gases, methane, hydrogen etc.
 D – Metals: potassium, aluminium, magnesium etc.
 F – Deep fat fryer (catering)
Note:
– Electricity can be involved in any class of fire
Types of Fire Extinguisher
(BS EN 3) Colour Coding

 Water
 Carbon Dioxide
 Foam
 Dry Powder
 Wet chemical
 Other Fire Fighting Equipment

 Hose reels

 Fire blankets

 Automatic sprinklers

 Carbon Dioxide systems

 Drenchers
 Responsible Person
 In relation to a workplace
– the employer, if the workplace is to any extent under his
control
 If the premises are not a workplace
– the person who has control of the premises in
connection with carrying on a trade or business
 The owner
– where the person in control of the premises does not
have control in connection with the carrying on of a trade
or business
 Responsible Person Duties
 The responsible person must:
– Take such general fire precautions to ensure, so far as is
reasonably practicable, the safety of any of their
employees; and
– In relation to relevant persons (i.e. not in their employ)
take general fire precautions as may be reasonable to
ensure that the premises are safe
 Any duty imposed on the responsible person shall be
imposed on every person who has to any extent control of
those premises so far as the requirements relate to matters
under his control
 ‘General’ Fire Precautions
 In relation to premises, what ‘General Fire Precautions’ do
you think are covered in the new legislation?
– Reducing the risk of fire and spread of fire
– Means of escape from the premises
– Securing that at all material times a means of escape
– Fighting fires on the premises
– Means of detecting fires and giving warning in case of fire
– Instruction and training to employees
– Mitigate the effects of a fire
 Above are as a result of carrying out a fire risk assessment
 Responsible Person Duties
 The responsible person must ensure that:
– The premises are, to the extent as is appropriate,
equipped with appropriate
 Fire fighting equipment
 Fire detectors
 Alarms

– Any non-automatic fire fighting equipment is

 Easily accessible
 Simple to use
 Has suitable signage
 Safety Assistance

 The responsible person must:

– Nominate competent persons to implement those
measures
– Ensure that the number of person are adequate
– Their training and equipment are adequate
 A person is to be regarded as competent where he
has sufficient training and experience or knowledge
and other qualities to enable him to implement the
above measures
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Steps 1 & 2 of a
Fire Risk Assessment
 Step 1 – Possible Sources of Ignition

• Faulty electrical equipment

• Sparks from abrasive work (angle grinders etc.)
• Hot processes (hot works)
• Naked flames (e.g. candles, gas fuelled equipment etc.)
• Cooking equipment
• Smokers material
• Heaters
• Light fittings
• Hot surfaces
• Obstructions to equipment ventilation
• Central heating boilers
• Flares, fireworks, pyrotechnics
• Arson
 Step 1 – Possible Sources of Fuel

• Flammable liquids
• Flammable liquid based products such as paint, varnishes etc.
• Display stands
• Costumes, drapes and hangings, scenery, banners etc.
• Package foodstuffs
• Stationery, advertising material and decorations
• Litter and waste, particularly finely divided items such as shredded
paper
• Upholstery, soft furnishings, textiles etc.
• Plastic and rubber, such as video tapes, polyurethane foam filled
furniture and polystyrene-based display materials and rubber or
foam exercise mats
• Fireworks and pyrotechnics
 Step 1 – Possible Sources of Oxygen

• Natural air flow through doors windows

and other openings
• Mechanical air handling systems
• Mechanical air conditioning systems
• Some chemicals (oxidising agents) can
provide a fire with additional oxygen to
fuel the fire
• Oxygen supplies from a cylinder
• Pyrotechnics (fireworks) that contain
oxidising materials and require great care.
 Step 2 – Possible Groups of People

• Yourself
• Other Company employees
• Employees who work alone and/or in isolated areas
• Unaccompanied children
• People who are unfamiliar with the premises e.g. members of the
public
• People with disabilities
• People who may have some reason for not being able to leave the
premises quickly, e.g. people in a state of undress, elderly
customers, pregnant women or parents with children
• Sensory impaired due to alcohol, drugs or medication
• Other people in the immediate vicinity of the premises who are not
actually using it
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Step 3
Evaluation of the Risk
 Step 3 - Factors to be Considered?

1. Storage of combustible materials

2. Building features
3. Maintenance
4. Fire detection
5. Means of escape in case of fire
6. Provision of fire-fighting equipment
7. Maintenance of fire-fighting equipment
8. Staff training
 Step 3 – Evaluate, Remove, Reduce and
Protect from Risk

• How the fire could spread i.e. convection, conduction

and radiation
• The risk to people.
• Those on upper or lower level or long way from the
main exit route
• The likelihood of the fire occurring in space that
people have to pass by to escape.
• The spread of fire or smoke through the building:
• Routes such as shafts, ducts, ventilation systems,
poorly maintained or damaged walls, partitions and
ceilings.
 Step 3 - Dangerous Substances

 Where used responsible person must

ensure that risk to relevant persons is:
– Eliminated; or
– Reduced
so far as is reasonably practicable, with
suitable processes e.g.
– External storage areas
– No naked flame rules for
flammables
– Earthing of equipment to prevent
static discharge
– Intrinsically safe electrical systems
 Prevention of Fire
In Use Flammable Materials

 In use quantities kept to a minimum, excess

quantities correctly stored
 If large quantities used, consider piped systems
 Container lids always replaced after use
 Rags impregnated with product disposed of safely
(metal bins with lids)
 Common electrical earth bonding in areas where
dispensing / charging containers with flammable
materials is carried out
 Only trained and competent operatives to use
flammable materials.
 Safe Storage
VICES
 Ventilation – provide plenty of fresh air to rapidly
disperse and vapours
 Ignition – control ignition sources

 Containment – use suitable containers and provide

spillage control
 Exchange – consider whether a safer alternative
can be used to do the task
 Separation – store away from process areas
(physical barrier, wall or partition where possible)
 Step 3 - Emergency Routes and Exits

 Must lead as directly as possible to a place of

safety
 It must be possible for persons to evacuate the
premises as quickly and safely as possible
 The number,distribution and dimensions of the
emergency exits must be adequate
 Emergency doors must open in the direction of
the escape
 Step 3 - Requirements for Escape

 Basic requirements for staff & public there must be an

adequate means of escape to reach safe place
 Routes and exits designated must be kept clear at all times
 Emergency routes and exits shall lead directly as possible to a
place of safety
 Emergency doors will open in the direction of escape or be
kept unlocked (no escape door can be secured)
 Other doors, if possible, to be kept unfastened when building
is occupied
 Fire doors should be checked for self closing (use of door
wedges is prohibited)
 Routes suitably signed with emergency lighting if needed
 Step 3 - Escape Times

 Everyone in the building should be able to get to the

nearest place of safety in between 2 and 3 minutes
 If there is only one means of escape, or where the risk of
fire is high, the escape time should only be 1 minute
 Regardless of the nature of the building the means of
escape should be as short as possible
 The reaction time of people before they begin a fire
evacuation should also be taken into account
 All these points should be considered when carrying out
the Fire Risk Assessment
 Fire Emergency Procedures

 Have a means of detecting and warning

of fires
 Have emergency procedures which are
displayed in prominent locations
 Ensure everyone is aware of the
procedures
 Nominate a fire coordinator
 Display notices
 Practice: drills, fire alarms at least
annually, for larger premises more often
 Step 3 - Maintenance

 The premises, equipment and facilities must be

subject to a system of maintenance
– Efficient state
– Efficient working order
– Good repair
 The occupier of the premises must co-operate with
the responsible person
 Fire Safety Plans

 Fire plans should be produced and attached to the risk

assessment.
 A copy of the fire plan should be posted in the workplace.
 A single line plan of the area or floor should show:
 Escape routes, numbers of exits, number of stairs, fire-resisting
doors, fire-resisting walls and partitions, places of safety etc.
 Fire safety signs and notices including pictorial fire exit signs and fire
action notices.
 The location of fire warning call points and sounders or rotary gongs.
 The location of emergency lights.
 The location and type of fire-fighting equipment.
 Where you are!
 Step 3 - Fire Types of
Detection and Alarm Systems

 Manual:
– People trigger the alarm system by activating a
break-glass, operating a hand bell and/or by
shouting ‘FIRE’
 Automatic:
– Detectors placed carefully and sensitive to heat,
smoke or combustion products (person activating a
break-glass will also activate the system)
 Audible warning, klaxon or bell:
– Can also be visual (flashing lights) for deaf, or
vibrating pagers for deaf/blind.
 Step 3 - Housekeeping

 Good housekeeping will reduce the likelihood of a fire

 Poor housekeeping not only affects the ease with which a
fire can occur, develop and spread, but can lead to:
– Blocked fire exits
– Obstructed escape routes
– Difficulty in accessing fire alarm call points, extinguishers
and hose reels
– Obstruction of vital signs and notices
– A reduction in the effectiveness of automatic fire
detectors and sprinklers.
 Fire Safety Checks and Inspections

 Fire safety checks and inspections should:

– Help prevent fires in the workplace
– Ensure escape routes are clear of obstructions
– Monitor fire safety standards
– Keep staff aware of fire safety issues
– Reinforce the role of employees, supervisors,
managers and fire marshals
 Step 4
Record, Inform, Instruct and Train

 The information required:

– The significant findings
– Measures which have or will be taken
– Any group of persons identified as being
particularly at risk
 No new work activity involving a dangerous
substance may commence unless a risk
assessment has been made and the measures
required implemented
 Step 4
Provision of Information to Employees

 The responsible person must provide

comprehensible and relevant information on:
– The risks to them identified by the risk
assessment
– The preventive and protective measures
– Any procedures
 Before employing a child provide the parent with
the above information
 Step 4 - Training

 The training must:

– Include suitable and sufficient training on
appropriate precautions and actions
– Be repeated periodically where appropriate
– Be adapted to take account of changed risks
– Take place during working hours
 Step 4 - Fire Records

 Records of visits from Fire Officers

 Records of maintenance and servicing of fire
equipment (alarms, appliances etc.)
 Record of staff training
 Record of fire drills
 Record of fire alarm tests
 Record of emergency lighting checks
 Record of fire fighting appliance checks
 Record of briefings on fire precautions and safety
 Practicing Procedures

 Do you have regular fire practices where you

work?
 Are they unannounced?
 Does everybody comply?
 Are they realistic?
 Do they occasionally involve the fire authority?
 Do fire procedures get reviewed if necessary?
 Step 5 - Reviewing Risk Assessment

 Assessments must be reviewed regularly by the

responsible person and particularly if
– Reason to suspect no longer valid
– Significant change to the matters to which it
relates
 Responsible person must not employ young
persons unless he has made or reviewed the
assessment in relation to the risks to young
persons
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Physical and Psychological

Health Hazards and Controls

NCC1 – Element 8
NGC2 – Element 7
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Vibration Hazards and Controls

 Causes of HAVS

HAVS:
– Caused by holding or working with tools that
vibrate at a frequency of between 2 to 1500
Hertz (Hz)
– Most hazardous range is 5 to 20 Hz
Some examples of tools causing vibration include:
Chainsaws Woodworking machinery
Angle-grinders Compressor guns
Pneumatic drills Concrete vibro thickeners
 Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

 Vascular Component:
– Vibration white
finger
– Episodes of finger
blanching
– Typically cold
induced attacks
 Vibration White Finger
Circulation of the blood disorder:
 Usually set off by the cold
 Early indications - the fingertips rapidly becoming
pale and loss of feeling
 Attacks can produce numbness and ‘pins and
needles’
 White phase followed by intense red flush
(sometimes preceded by bluish phase) signalling
return of blood
 The above accompanied by uncomfortable
throbbing
 Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

 Neurological component:
– Numbness
– Tingling
– Reduced sense of
touch and temperature
 Main cause of disability in
advanced cases
 Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

 Musculoskeletal component:
– Pain
– Weak grip
– Painful wrist
(carpal tunnel syndrome)
 Whole of Body Vibration
Syndrome (WBV)

 WBV is the vibrating or jolting of the whole body

through the surface that is supporting the body,
such as a machine seat or floor.
 WBV often occurs through from driving or operating
some types of construction plant or vehicles, had
the potential to cause back injury or make an
existing condition more painful.
 Mobile machine operators and drivers (especially
those who work off-road) are at increased risk from
back pain.
 WBV Syndrome

 Most work WBV is unlikely on its own to cause back

pain.
 Those most likely to experience high vibration
exposure are regular operators and drivers of off-
road machinery:
– Construction, mining and quarrying machines e.g.
scrapers, bulldozers and building site dumpers;
– Tractors and other agricultural and forestry
machines, particularly turning hay, primary
cultivation and mowing.
 Risk of Injury

 The risk of vibration-related injury (HAVS and

WBVS) depends on
– The amount of vibration
– The length of time the equipment was used
– The conditions of use
– The posture of the operative
– The temperature at which the work is carried out
 Duties of Employers

 Assess vibration risks to health and

safety
 Eliminate vibration risk at source, or
reduce to the lowest level reasonably
practicable
 Provide information and training for
employees on vibration risks and
control measures
 If any legislative limit value is
exceeded stop work and identify the
reasons.
 Traffic Lights System

 Some tool suppliers and

hirers use a colour system:
– Green: use up to 8 hours
– Amber: use up to 2 hours
– Red: refer to supervisor
as its use needs to be
risk assessed.
 Control Measures for HAVS/WBVS

 Selection of equipment that has been designed to

either eliminate or reduce exposure of vibration to
operatives (well designed cabs/seats & tool grips);
 Assessing the risks using the manufacturers /
suppliers vibration figures and estimated exposure
times (HAVS calculator on HSE website);
 Remoting the operative from the machine, such as
putting a road breaker on the end of a mini-digger;
 Ensuring work equipment is maintained to keep it in
good working order to prevent machine vibration
increasing over time;
 Control Measures for HAVS/WBV

 Ensuring work bits are honed and kept sharp so that the tool
does the job and not the operating applying their weight
onto the tool and thus increasing vibration exposure.
 Ensuring that operatives are trained in the correct selection
of tools and posture of use, tense muscles will suffer more
damage;
 Reducing the time operatives are expose to the vibration
and employing job rotation; and
 Ensuring operatives keep warm and dry, the blood supply is
the body’s protection system and promoting good blood flow
will reduce the likelihood of suffering vibration health issues.
 Parts that Contribute to Vibration

 Worn bearings;
 Dirty fans (unbalancing);
 Misaligned shafts;
 Unbalanced rotating parts;
 Loose bolts;
 Damaged gear teeth;
 Blunt cutting tools and blades;
 Worn suspension components;
 Incorrect tyre pressures;
 Damaged seats; and
 Damaged tyres/tracks.
 Information, Instruction and Training
for Operators

 Correct selection of equipment

 Correct operation of equipment
(important with some vibration
reduced designs)
 How to recognise and report
symptoms of HAVS / WBVS
 How to minimise risk (exercising
finger, breaks from exposure, not
smoking etc)
 Health Surveillance

 A risk exists with vibration even after all control

measures have been implemented and therefore
a programme of health surveillance is often
required.
 Vibration health surveillance would be done as a
part of an overall health surveillance programme
for employees and would include:
– Grip test;
– Dexterity tests; and
– Sense of touch and feeling tests.
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Noise
 Noise – Definition and Hazards
 What is noise?
– Unpleasant or unwanted sound
 What are the possible noise hazards?
– Annoying and irritating
– Affects concentration
– Lowers efficiency
– Increases fatigue and accident
proneness
– Failure to hear warnings
– Can result in
 Temporary/permanent hearing loss
 Temporary/permanent tinnitus.
 Noise

 Different sounds are heard different ways

 The pitch is how we hear the sound
– High pitched sound has high frequencies and
sounds shrill and piercing
– Low pitched sound has low frequencies and
sounds like a low rumble
 Noise

 The intensity of the sound is determined by the

amount of energy of the sound wave
 The sound power level is the total energy of the
wave that is measured in decibels
 Important when measuring noise in the working
environment
 Noise

 Sound intensity is measured in Bels (B) however

the Bel is very large so it is quoted to the power of
ten to give a decibels (dB) which can be more easily
used and measured
 The scale is logarithmic:
– An increase of 3dB doubles the sound intensity
– A decrease of 3dB halves the sound intensity
 Nature of Noise

 Noise can be:

– Continual or periodic noise; or
– Sudden, loud, short bursts of noise
 Frequency weighting of the ear (200Hz to 20KHz)
indicated by term dB (A)
 Peak noise measurement indicated by dB (C)
 Hearing levels of human ear 0 to 140 dB (A) which
is the threshold where noise becomes painful
 Biology of the Ear

 Sound waves
collected by the Pinna
 Enter the ear canal
 Cause eardrum to
vibrate
 Vibration passed
along ossicular chain
 Pressure doubled as it
enters the Cochlea
 The Cochlea

 A complex organ
 Has numerous fine hair-like cells which respond to different
frequencies
 The response is to fire up neurons which interpret the
impulses as sound
Cochlea Hair Cells
 Damaged Cochlea Hair Cells

 Before damage  After damage

 Country Exposure Values

 Countries will often have lower and upper

exposure action values for noise, when
employers are required to implement
various control measures.
 Additionally there may be a limit value for
the exposure of noise taking into account
any hearing protection provided.
 These limits will often be require for dB(A)
and dB(C) measurements.
 Rule of Thumb for Levels of Noise

 “If noise is intrusive and

normal conversation is
possible”, then the likely
level is 80dB(A)
 If you have to shout to
talk to someone 2 metres
away then the level is
likely to be at 85dB(A)
mark
 Employer’s Duties
 If at or above any set lower exposure action level,
employer will need to:
– Carry out suitable and sufficient assessment of risk
to employees:
 Observe work practices
 Use manufacturers supplied information
 If
necessary arrange for noise levels to be
measured
– Generally reduce the risk SFARP
– Ear protection to those who request it
– Train in the use and maintenance
 Employer’s Duties

 If at or above any upper exposure

action level, employers should:
– Use methods to reduce noise level
other than by the use of PPE
 Engineering controls
– Enforce the use of equipment
– Set up hearing protection zones,
suitably marked.
 Noise Controls
Engineering controls
 enclosure
 silencers
 lagging
 damping
 screens
 absorption treatment
 isolation
– Reduce exposure time
– Personal protection
– Check exposure away from work
 Enclosure

 One of the best systems

for noise reduction
 Gives 10 – 30 dB(A)
attenuation
 Need to consider
– Adequate ventilation
– Access for maintenance
– Access for production
 Silencers

 Suppresses noise when air, gas or steam flows

through a pipe or duct or are exhausted to
atmosphere
– Absorptive ~ sound absorbed by a material
– Reactive ~ noise reflected by change in shape
 Lagging

 Used on pipes carrying hot

steam or fluids as thermal
lagging:
– Achieve 10 – 20 dB(A)
attenuation
– Only effective above 500Hz
– No contact between the
outer layer and pipe wall
 Damping

 Where large panels radiate noise

– Proprietary damping pads
– Fit stiffening ribs
– Use double skin construction
 Acoustic Screens

 Effective in reducing direct

field component
– Up to 15 dB(A)
– Maximum benefit at high
frequencies
– Effectiveness reduces with
distance from screen
 Absorption Treatment

 Where high degree of reflection

 Wall and ceiling treatment
 Functional absorbers at ceiling height
 Noise Baffles

 Industrial Sound Baffles, Wall

Panels, and Ceiling Absorbers:
– used to reduce the
reverberation time, lower
ambient noise levels, and
improve communication in a
variety of applications
– Ambient noise reduction to
10dB
 Other Controls

 Reduce exposure time

 Personal protection

 Check exposure away from work

Various types
 Making Hearing Protection Effective

 Should reduce exposure to below 85 dB and

reduce peak noise exposure to below 137 dB
 Not overprotect
 Reduce noise level to no less than 70 dB
 Be comfortable
 Be properly used
 Worn at the right time
 Be readily available
 Be properly maintained, good condition and
undamaged
 Noise - Hearing Protection

 Must be suitable for the respective frequencies

 Must be ergonomically sound

 Hygiene to be observed

 Should have BS/EN mark

 Must be worn 100% of the time

 Noise - Hearing Protection Limitations

 Cheaper ear defenders can give 8 to 15 dB(A) attenuation at

low frequencies and 35 to 45 dB(A) at high frequencies.
 More expensive give 20 to 25 dB(A) attenuation at low
frequencies up to 45 dB(A) at high frequencies.
 No ear defenders will give attenuation of more than 45 dB(A):
– noise leaks through bone conductance, imperfect seals etc.
 Protection reduced by various factors:
– Long hair, thick spectacle frames or jewellery
– Wearing helmets or face shields can prevent correct fitting
– Ear plugs not being properly inserted into the ear
 Noise - Hearing Protection Limitations

 Important to remember:
Removing the protection for only 15
minutes in an 8 hour shift can lose the
wearer up to 80% or more of the protection.
 Health Surveillance:
– Owing to these limitations it may be necessary
to implement a programme of health
surveillance as a means of ensuring control
measures are working and if necessary to
revise them before permanent serious harm
occurs.
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Radiation
 Introduction to Radiation

Ionising radiation:

 Causes the production of electrically charged

particles, called ions, in the materials that it
strikes.

 It can be man-made such as in medical X-Ray

devices, or occur naturally as with Radon Gas.
 Introduction to Radiation

Non-Ionising radiation:
 This type of radiation is electromagnetic and can be
divided into distinct types:
o Optical radiation which has the potential to cause
photochemical effects (such as ultra-violet induced
sunburn), and
o Electromagnet fields that are produced as a result of
the movement of electrical charges caused by the
flow of electrical current.
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
 Ionising

 If an atom does not have an equal

number of electrons and protons the
atom has a negative or positive charge.

 This is now ionised

 Ionising Radiation

 The human body absorbs radiation

 Ionising radiation causes the

production of ions, such as when it
strikes cells of a human body

 The production of ions in the human

body changes cell DNA leads to
abnormal cell growth
 Types of Ionising Radiation

 Alpha particles
– Short ranges in dense materials, just
penetrate skin
 Beta particles
– Fast moving, smaller particles with a
longer range
 Gamma rays
– Excess energy emitted from a
degenerating nucleus. Great
penetrating power and range
 Ionising Radiation

Type Distance Stopped

Alpha 5 cm Paper/Skin

Beta 1-2 metres Perspex/Metal

Gamma Thick lead/

100 metres
X-Rays concrete
 Ionising Radiation - Dose Received

 Depends on:
– Strength of source (activity)
– Distance from
– Barriers around
– Exposure time

 Use protection, distance and limit time

 Controls for Ionising Radiation
 Elimination of exposure by:
– Restriction of its use
– Shielded enclosures around sources
– Written procedures
 Limit exposure times
 Identification

 Information, instruction and training

 Monitoring and health checks
 Good hygiene
 Disposable PPE
 Ionising Radiation
Where are they found?

 Industry
– Isotopes
– X-rays
– Non-destructive testing
– Communications equipment
– Laboratory work
– Nuclear power
– Smoke detectors
 Ionising Radiation Health Surveillance

 Ionising radiation is an invisible hazard which has

chronic ill-health effects.
 A risk exists even after all control measures have
been implemented and therefore a programme of
health surveillance is often require.
 Health surveillance is primarily achieve by the use
of dosimeters which measure the amount of
ionising radiation a wearer has been exposed to.
 Measurement is achieved by sending of the
dosimeter to a laboratory for analysis with results
being returned to the employer.
 Ionising Radiation Competent Persons

 Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA):

– Helps ensure the radiation employer complies
with the legislative requirements (IRR99 in UK),
and the development of local rules and
procedures.
 Radiation Protection Supervisors (RPS)
– Usually a employee in a line management
position closely involved in the work being done,
allowing them to exercise sufficient supervisory
authority over the implementation and operation
of control measures.
 Non-Ionising Radiation - Ultraviolet

Ultraviolet
– From the sun
 Causes sunburn, skin cancer and blindness
 These are thermal and photochemical effects
– Industrial equipment e.g. welding arcs
 Causes cataracts to the eye
– Tanning tables / sunbeds
 Non-Ionising Radiation - Lasers

 Lasers types:
– Low level e.g Bar code equipment
– High level e.g Industrial cutting gear

 Radiation converted into heat

 Laser beam is concentrated radiation
 PPE recommended e.g. goggles & absorbing
materials
 Non-Ionising Radiation – Infra-red

 Infra-red
– Caused by heat sources
such as furnace or lasers
 Easily converted into heat
 Causes skin burning and loss
of body fluids
 Eyescan be damaged
causing cataracts
 Non-Ionising Radiation – RF

 Radio Frequency (RF)

– Emitted by microwave transmitters including
ovens and radar
 Thewave passes through the body and heat is
produce
 Bodyreacts by sweating, blood flow to cool through
evaporation, convection and radiation of heat
 Controls for Non-Ionising Radiation

 Ultraviolet
– Shielding and partitions
– Sun creams
– Goggles
 Infra-red
– Clothing
– Re-hydration
 RF and Microwave
– Shielding
– Explosives, flammables etc kept away
 Practice NEBOSH Question

Identify two types of non-ionising radiation,

giving an occupational source of each.
(2 points)
Outline the health effects associated with
exposure to non-ionising radiation.
(6 points)
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Chemical and Biological Health

Hazards and Control

NCC1 – Element 8
NGC2 – Element 7
 Forms of Chemical Agent

 Chemical substances and preparations exist in a

variety of physical states.
 Different forms of the same substance may present
different Hazards.
 The three basic physical states of a substance are:
 Solid

 Liquid

 Gas
 Forms of Chemical Agent
Useful Terms

 For practical purposes, useful terms are:

– Dusts - small particles of solid, suspended in air.
They tend to settle under gravity and accumulate on
surfaces.
– Fumes – are small fine particulate solids, created by
condensation from a vapour.
– Gases – substance at a temperature above its boiling
point. It is a formless chemical occupying the area in
which it is enclosed.
– Mists – consist of finely suspended droplets of liquid
similar to vapours formed by condensation from a gas
or the atomising of a liquid from aerosols.
 Forms of Chemical Agent
Useful Terms continued

– Vapours – the gaseous form of a liquid below or

close to their boiling point.
– Liquids – form in which many of the chemicals
supplied and used in a workplace come in. They can
vary from the relatively harmless to highly toxic and
corrosive acids and alkalis.
– Aerosols – fine suspension of solid particles or
droplets in a carrier gas.
 Others could include:
– Grit
– Fibre
 Classification of Hazardous Substances

Physico-Chemical Toxicological Ecological

 Explosive  Very toxic  Toxic or harmful to
 Oxidising  Toxic aquatic organisms
 Extremely flammable  Harmful  Long-term effects such

 Highly flammable  Corrosive

as persistence
 Toxic to non-aquatic
 Flammable  Irritant
environment
 Sensitising
 Dangerous to the ozone
 Carcinogenic
layer
 Mutagenic
 Toxic for reproduction
 Irritant (Sensitizing or Allergic)

 Irritant:
– A non-corrosive substance that
may cause inflammation of the
skin or mucous membrane
 Sensitising:
– Elicit a hyper-sensitization so
that further exposure produces
adverse effects (allergic
reaction)
 Corrosive and Harmful

 Corrosive
– Will destroy living tissue.
 Harmful
– Substances which if swallowed,
inhaled or penetrates skin, may pose
limited health risks.
– Occasionally, substances labeled
harmful may also be categorized as
irritant.
 Toxic (Very Toxic)

 Substance which impedes or prevents the

function of one or more organs within the
body.
 A toxic substance is, therefore, a poisonous
one.
 The degree of harm depends on its harmful
properties, route and speed of entry.
 Examples include: lead, mercury,
pesticides and carbon monoxide.
 Carcinogen
 Substances that are known or suspected
of inducing cancer
 Cancer is the abnormal development of
body cells
 Examples of carcinogenic substances
include:
– Asbestos
– Hard wood dust
– Creosote
– Some mineral oils
 Biological Health Hazards
 Biological hazards mainly relate to illness contracted from
exposure to micro-organisms. Examples include:
– Fungi (including moulds):
a plant lacking in chlorophyll and reproducing by
spores, can be considered as very small organisms
– dry rot / mould in showers / stale food
– Blue-Green Algae:
 formedunder certain environmental conditions (e.g.
long period of warm weather followed by rain and
more warm still conditions). The algal blooms formed
can be toxic to humans.
 Biological Health Hazards ~ 1

– Bacteria:
 Microscopic single-celled organisms
 Often agents of fermentation and putrification.
 Bacterium is a large group of such organisms.
 Examples include:
– Legionella:
 Airborne bacterium present (given certain
conditions) in cooling towers, water systems
and air-conditioning systems.
 Produces a form of pneumonia that affects the
lungs and can be fatal.
 Biological Health Hazards ~ 2

 Bacteria examples continued:

– Animal bacterial infections that can be transmitted to
humans (Zoonoses) e.g.
 Leptospirosis or Weil’s disease – transmitted
through coming into contact with rats or cattle urine.
 Tetanus (lock-jaw) - enters the body through cuts,
wounds, splinters, vegetation, contaminated soil and
animal faeces
 Anthrax - virulent bacterial infection from infected
animal skins/carcases
 Brucellosis – from cattle or pigs
 Biological Health Hazards ~ 3

– Virus (minute non-cellular organism). Examples include:

 Hepatitis B:
– A disease of the liver common amongst medical staff
and refuse disposal operatives
– Contracted by coming into contact with blood, excreta
or discarded syringes.
 HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus):
– Passed by passing of infected body fluids into the
blood of another person and can cause AIDS.
– Easily destroyed outside the body, not easily
transmitted and requires direct contact.
 Other Health Hazards ~ 1

 Organic solvents:
– White spirit, i-butanol, dichloromethane, toluene, xylene
and styrene
 Carbon dioxide
 Carbon monoxide
 Isocyanates:
– used to make adhesives, synthetic rubber, polyurethane
paints and lacquers
 Lead
 Asbestos
 Other Health Hazards ~ 2

 Ammonia - colourless gas with distinctive odour

 Chlorine - greenish toxic gas with a pungent smell
 Silica - when inhaled as a dust and can cause numerous chest
and respiratory tract diseases
 Cement dust and wet cement - can cause both dermatitis and
burns, irritates the nose and throat.
 Wood dust, can result in:
– Skin disorders
– Obstruction in the nose and rhinitis/asthma
– Nasal and throat cancers
– Wheezing, coughing and breathlessness
– Stomach disorders
– Soreness, watering and conjunctivitis in the eyes.
 Respiratory System
 Comprises the lungs and associated organs
 Air is breathed in passes through the
windpipe (trachea) which branches into the
two lungs
 Within each lung, air enters into fine tubes
called bronchioli.
 The bronchioli lead to some 300,000
terminal sacs called alveoli.
 At the alveoli oxygen is diffused into the
bloodstream and carbon dioxide is effused
from the blood stream.
 Possible Damage to the
Respiratory System

 Soluble dust in the inhaled air can be absorbed into the

bloodstream.
 Insoluble dust/fibres may remain permanently, possibly
leading to chronic illness.
– Asbestos fibres
 Acute respiratory system effects:
– Bronchitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes)
– Asthma.
 Chronic effects can include:
– Fibrosis (excess fibrous tissue)
– Cancer.
 Respiratory Defence System

 The nose can trap large particles before

entering the trachea.
 The respiratory tract dust can trigger
reactions causing sneezing/coughing.
 Ciliary escalator trap:
– Fine hairs trap smaller insoluble dust
particles in the trachea.
– With the aid of mucus, the dust is
passed from one hair to the next higher
one to bring it to the back of the throat.
 The Cardiovascular System

 The three basic cardiovascular system elements:

– Red Cells
 To transport oxygen to vital organs, tissues and the
brain and carbon dioxide back to the lungs.
– White Cells
 Attack foreign organisms and build up defence
system.
– Platelets
 To aid healing of damaged tissue and prevent
excessive bleeding by clotting.
 Cardiovascular System
and Hazardous Substances

 Benzene:
– Can affect bone marrow reducing
the number of blood cells produced.
 Carbon monoxide:
– Prevents red cells from absorbing
sufficient oxygen and can result in
unconsciousness and possibly
death.
 The Liver

 The liver:
– Removes toxins from the blood
– Maintains the levels of blood sugars
– Produces protein for the blood plasma
 Substances hazardous to the liver:
– Can result in the liver being too active or inactive –
xylene is known to have this affect.
– Can lead to the enlargement of the liver such as
cirrhosis caused by alcohol.
– Can cause liver cancer e.g. vinyl chloride.
 The Kidneys
 The kidneys:
– Filter waste products from the blood as urine
– Regulate blood pressure and liquid volume in the
body
– Produces hormones for making red blood cells
 The operation of the kidneys and their possible failure
can be caused by:
– Heavy metals (e.g. cadmium and lead)
– Organic solvents (e.g. glycol ethers as used in
screen printing)
 The Skin

 Holds the body together.

 Is the first line of defense against infection.
 It regulates body temperature.
 It is a sensing mechanism.
 Provides an emergency food store (fat).
 It helps conserve water.
 It consists of 2 layers:
– The epidermis (outer layer)
– The dermis (inner layer)
 The Skin and Industrial Disease

 The most common is non-

infective dermatitis:
– Begins with mild irritation and
develops into blisters
– It can be caused by various
chemicals, solvents and
mineral oils
– Risk of occurring increases
with the presence of abrasions
and cuts to the skin
 UK Safety Regulations Covering
Chemical and Biological Hazards

The Control Of Substances Hazardous to

Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) (as
amended)

Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002

Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

 COSHH - Employers Responsibilities

 Avoid use of hazardous substances

 Carry out a risk assessment
 Prevent exposure of employees
 If not reasonably practicable to prevent, adequately
control exposure:
– Substitute substance/process for non-hazardous
– Engineering controls (e.g. ventilation, organisational etc.)
– Last resort, providing suitable PPE
 Ensure controls are implemented and maintained
 Monitor exposure
 Health surveillance
 Provide information, training & supervision
 COSHH – Responsibility Employees

 Cooperate with their employer

 Make full and proper use of
control measures, including PPE
 Report and defects
 Attend, where appropriate,
medical examinations in the
employers time and at employers
expense
 Assessor Competence
 Understand Regs
 Ability to systematically gather relevant
information:
– Observe and understand process
– Obtain information about substance
– Ask questions in workplace
– Make informed ‘What If’ judgments
 Specify steps and control measures
 Understand own limitations
 Ability to make valid conclusions and
communicate findings
 Information
 Manufacturers instructions
– M.S.D.S. 16 items
– EH 40
 Marking on containers
– COSHH & CHIP Regs (Schedule 1)
 Route of entry into the body
– Some considered higher risk than
others
 Place of work
– Inside, outside
 Use of the substance
– Physical form
 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – 16 Items
1. Identification of the substance
2. Composition/information on the ingredients
3. Hazard Identification
4. First Aid Measures
5. Fire Fighting Measures
6. Accidental Release Measures
7. Handling and Storage
8. Control measures / Personal Protective Equipment
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal information
14. Transport information
15. Regulatory information
16. Other information
 COSHH (EH 40 Guidance Note)

 Reproduces the statutory list of

Workplace Exposure Level’s
(WEL) these are levels that
workers should not exceed by
inhalation.
European Union Hazardous Substances Labelling System

Labelling of Containers

Toxic Very Toxic Harmful Irritant

Flammable Highly/Extremely Explosive Harmful to the

Flammable Environment

Oxidising Corrosive
 Routes of Entry to the Human Body

 Inhalation

 Skin absorption

 Ingestion

 Through the eyes

 Pressure injection
 Health Risk Survey Techniques

 Air quality measurement:

– Stain Tube Detectors
– Passive sampling
– Sampling pumps and heads
– Direct reading instruments
 Qualitative monitoring:
– Smoke tubes
– Dust observation lamp
 Environmental Monitoring
Air Measuring Techniques

 Grab sampling
– Stain tubes Glass Tube

– Air drawn over a

Prefilter
chemical indicator
– Unable to accurately Crystals
measure personal
exposure Indicator scale

– Influenced by human
error, other chemicals in
the air, small air volume
 Environmental Monitoring
Air Measuring Techniques

 Long Term Sampling

– Air samples took over
several hours
– Gives an average
concentration
– Personal samples taken
by attaching monitor to
worker or static placed in
workplace
– Same problems as before
 Environmental Monitoring
Air Measuring Techniques

 Other types
– Charcoal tube samplers
 Contaminant absorbed into
charcoal which is sent to
laboratory for accurate
tests
– Dust sampling
 Dust sucked onto filter
membrane by pump and
analysed
 Measure to Prevent or Control
Control Exposure
 Elimination
 Substitution
 Total or partial enclosure of the process
 Local exhaust ventilation
 Dilute of general ventilation
 Reduce number of employees exposed to a minimum
 Reduce time exposed
 Housekeeping
 Training
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
 Welfare (including first aid)
 Medical records
 Health surveillance
 Basic Types of Ventilation

 Two types used in industrial settings:

– Local exhaust ventilation
 Captures contaminates at or
very near the source and
exhausts them outside
– Dilution (or general dilution)
ventilation
 Reduces the concentration
of the contaminant by mixing
the contaminated air with
clean, uncontaminated air
 Purpose of Ventilation Systems
 Four reasons for ventilations systems
– Provide a continuous supply of fresh outside air
– Maintain temperature and humidity at comfortable levels
– Reduce potential fire or explosion hazards
– Remove or dilute airborne contaminants
 Industrial Ventilation Systems
 A mechanical system in a building that
brings in "fresh" outdoor air and
removes the "contaminated" indoor air.
 Used to control exposure to airborne
contaminants
– Fumes / Dusts / Vapours
 Provides a healthy and safe
environment
 Can be by natural means
– Opening a window
 Can be by mechanical means
– Fans and blowers
 Local Exhaust Ventilation

 Removes air containing contaminants

 Contaminant to be suitably disposed of

 Needs good design e.g. sufficient power

 Consider requirements for maintenance

 Local Exhaust Ventilation
 Controls air contaminants by trapping them at or
near the source
 More effective way of controlling highly toxic
contaminants before they reach the workers'
breathing zones
 Preferred method of control where
– Increased heating costs from ventilation in cold
weather are a concern
– Emission sources are near the workers'
breathing zones
– Large amounts of dusts or fumes are
generated
– Air contaminants pose serious health risk
– Emission sources are few in number
 Main Parts of LEV
 An "air intake" area
such as a hood or an
enclosure
 Ducts to move air from
one area to another
 Air cleaning device(s)
 Fan(s) to bring in
outside air and
exhaust the indoor
contaminated air
 LEV System Air Cleaning Device

 Captures and removes contaminants

 Various types of device are used
depending on whether the
contaminant is a dust, fume, mist, gas
or vapours.
 The main types are
 fabricfilters
 charcoal filters

 cyclones

 electrostatic precipitators
 scrubbers.
 Limitations of LEV Systems
 Systems deteriorate over the years because
of to contaminant build-up within the system,
especially filters
 Require ongoing maintenance
 Regular and routine testing is needed to
identify problems early and implement
corrective measures
 Only qualified persons should make
modifications to a ventilation system to make
sure the system continues to work effectively
– Unauthorised expansion to system
reduces efficiency
 Maintenance of LEV
 Inspection of ventilation systems involves regular
checks of: Hoods / Filters / Belts / Air-cleaners
 Periodic tests of system performance should
include:
– Measurement of air velocities at key locations
such as hoods and ducts
– Smoke tubes or air current tubes may be
used to visually check air flow.
– More sophisticated devices continuously
measure the amount of air flow velocity
(anemometer) and the negative air pressure
in ducts.
 Main Features of Dilution Ventilation

 Supplies and exhausts large amounts of

air to and from an area or building
 It usually involves large exhaust fans
placed in the walls or roof of a room or
building
 Controls pollutants generated at a worksite
by ventilating the entire workplace
 Distributes pollutants, to some degree,
throughout the entire worksite
 Could therefore affect persons who are far
from the source of contamination
 When Dilution is Useful
 The amounts of pollutants generated
are not very high
 Their toxicity is relatively moderate
 Workers do not carry out their tasks in
the immediate vicinity of the source of
contamination
 Unusual to recommend it for the
control of exposure to chemicals
except solvent which have very low
toxicity and high permitted exposure
levels
 Limitations of Dilution Ventilation

 Does not completely remove

contaminants
 Cannot be used for highly toxic
chemicals
 Is not effective for dusts or metal
fumes or large amounts of gases
or vapours
 Requires large amounts of
makeup air to be heated or cooled
 Is not effective for handling surges
of gases or vapours or irregular
emissions
 Supervisory or People Controls

Good supervisory controls will encompass:

– Systems of work
– Established arrangements and procedures
– Effective communication and training
Additional controls for hazardous substances:
– Reduce time exposed
– Reduce number of workers exposed
– Prohibit eating, drinking and smoking in work areas
– Strictly enforce special rules e.g. wearing of PPE
 Personal Protective Equipment
The principle requirements of these regulations are:
 PPE must be suitable for the wearer and the task.
 When multiple items of PPE are used it must be compatible
and effective.
 A risk assessment to determine the need and suitability of the
proposed PPE must be carried out.
 A suitable maintenance programme must be established for
PPE
 Suitable accommodation and storage must be provided for
PPE when not in use.
 Information, instruction and training must be given to the user
 There must be supervision of the use of PPE by employees
 There must be a reporting system for defects.
 Health Surveillance

 Detects the start of ill-health problems

 Collects data on ill-health occurrences
 Gives an indication of effectiveness of control measures
 Required when there appears to be a reasonable chance
of ill-health effects occurring.
 Country legislation may also require health surveillance on
certain substances.
 Health surveillance includes the requirement for medicals
at intervals not exceeding 12 months.
 Records of health surveillance to be kept for 40 years.
 Personal Hygiene

 Personal hygiene precautions for workers

exposed to hazardous substances should
include:
– The importance of washing their hands
thoroughly before eating, drinking or smoking.
– Be vaccinated against biological hazards if
required.
– Ensure contaminated clothing and overalls are
removed and cleaned on a regular basis.
 Practice 8 pt Question

a. Health care workers, paramedics and first

aiders could be exposed to blood-borne
viruses.
Identify other possible workplace
circumstances where a worker could be
exposed to blood-borne viruses. 2 pts
b. Outline precautions that will help reduce the
risk from exposure to blood-borne viruses.
6 pts
 Practice 20 pt Question
Construction workers can be regularly exposed to
airborne dusts, fumes and vapours, many of which are
assigned a workplace exposure limit (WEL). Monitoring
should be carried out to check the levels to which
employees are exposed.
a. Give the meaning of the term ‘WEL’. 4 pts
b. Identify types of monitoring equipment that could be
used to check levels of dusts, fumes and vapours to
which employees are exposed. 4 pts
c. Other than monitoring, outline control measures that
could be used to reduce exposure to dusts, fumes and
vapours. 12 pts
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Asbestos
 Why is Asbestos so Dangerous?
 Asbestos fibres are tiny needle-like in shape.
 It is not the chemical composition of the fibres
but their shape/size that cause health problems.
 Fibres most likely to damage health can be less
than one thousandth of a millimetre in diameter.
 All asbestos is dangerous to health, but blue and
brown are the most hazardous and have been
banned in the UK for many years.
 White asbestos only banned in the UK in 1999.
One of 3 open-pit Asbestos mines in Canada which was one the world's largest
exporters of asbestos, second only to Russia. Canada now tightly limits its
domestic use.
Since 2003 exports have reduced significantly owing to a drop in demand.
Exports are primarily to third world countries in Africa and Asia. There, looser
regulations allowed for it to be mixed in with cement, used in insulation or
turned into anti-fire walls
 Asbestos Related Diseases
 Asbestosis
– Fibres lodge in lungs & cause inflammation that heals leaving scars
and lungs losing ability to deliver oxygen to the blood.
 Mesothelioma
– Cancer of the lining of the lung, the lining of the abdomen or of the
heart – can take 20-50 years to develop.
 Lung cancer
– Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer.
 Diffuse Pleural Thickening
– Some asbestos fibres inhaled into the lungs may work their way to
the pleura causing it to thicken leading to breathing difficulties.
 Pleural Plaques
– This is the least serious form of asbestos induced disease. ‘Plaques’
are scars in the lining of the lung.
 Control of Asbestos
 Controllers of non-domestic
premises should:
– Locate asbestos
– Record location
 ACM Register
– Assess risks of potential exposure
– Develop management plan to
control exposure
– Implement plan
– Monitor and review
 Current European Legislation
 Prohibits the use of asbestos in
construction
– Duty to manage

Management Survey

– 2 Stages

Demolition/Renovation
Survey
 The problem of removal remains
and it can be difficult to identify
 Management Survey – Stage 1

 Location & assessment survey or Presumptive

survey
 To locate the presence & extent of ACMs and
assess their condition
 Defers the need for sampling & analysis
 A surveyor should have strong evidence to
support a reasoned argument for presuming a
material does not contain asbestos
 Management Survey – Stage 2

 Standard Sampling & Assessment survey

 Same as type 1 except that samples are taken
from each type of suspect ACM and analysed
 An assessment is made of all materials confirmed
to contain asbestos
 UKAS accreditation to ISO17025 for analysis
 Renovation/Demolition Survey

 Full access sampling and

identification
 Carried out prior to:
– demolition
– major refurbishment

 HSE licensed contractor

 UKAS accreditation to ISO17025
for analysis
 CAR UK Unlicensed Work
 Air monitoring
– WEL of 0.1 fibres per millilitre of air (f/ml)
averaged over 4 hours
– Above this limit, an asbestos licence will be
required
 Unlicensed work – 2 cats
– Notifiable (highly friable)
 April 2015 these workers – health
surveillance
– Non-notifiable
 Low or non-friability
 CAR UK Licensed Work
 Medical surveillance
 Decontamination facilities
– PPE and personal clothing
– Asbestos sludge from showers
 Packaging sealing and marking
of waste
 Disposal (limited number of land
fill sites)
 Chrysotile White Asbestos
silicate minerals with naturally occurring flexible fibre

 Soft curly appearance,

 Flexible with high tensile strength
 Susceptible to low level chemical attack
 Was the most common form used
 Common usage:
– Asbestos cement corrugated sheets
– Asbestos cloth
– Asbestos rope and yarn
– Asbestos flooring tiles
 Amosite (Grunerite) Brown Asbestos
silicate minerals with naturally occurring flexible fibre

 Straight bundles of flexible fibres

 Needle like
 Easily split
 Moderate tensile strength
 Resistant to acids
 Common usage:
– Asbestos insulating board
– Sprayed asbestos coatings
– Asbestos insulation
 Crocidolite Blue Asbestos
silicate minerals with naturally occurring flexible fibre

 Straight flexible and elastic

 Very high tensile strength
 Resistant to chemical attack
 Very high thermal stability
 Common usage:
– Asbestos cement 1950-1969
– Asbestos mill board and paper
– Asbestos mastics, sealers and putties
 Practice 8 pt Question

Asbestos can be found in various

insulating and fire resistant materials.
a. Identify the different types of asbestos.
3 pts
b. Outline the duty to manage asbestos in
non-domestic premises.
5 pts
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Lead At Work
 Health Problems

 Lead can enter the body by inhalation,

absorption or ingestion
 It builds up steadily and clears very slowly
 It causes:
– Anaemia
– Fatigue
– Damage to the central nervous system
– Long term kidney damage
– Affects the unborn child
 Work Producing Exposure Above
Significant Levels

 High temperature lead work (above

500 degrees C)
 Demolition work involving old lead or
lead painted structures
 Disc abrasion of lead surfaces and
cutting lead with abrasive wheels
 Spray painting with lead based paint
 Work in petrol tanks
 Work Producing Exposure Below
Significant Levels

 Low temperature work such as ordinary

plumbing and soldering
 Handling clean sheets or pipes of lead
 Brush painting with lead based paint
 The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002

 Risk Assessment and prevention or control

 Restrictions on eating, drinking and smoking
 Air monitoring and medical surveillance
 Information, instruction and training
 Arrangements to deal with accidents,
incidents and emergencies
 Schedule 1:
– covers activities in which the employment
of young persons and women of
reproduction capacity is prohibited
 Practice Question

 Identify the issues that should be considered to

help to ensure that a new item of work equipment
is suitable for use. (4 points)
 Identify measures that could be taken to ensure
that an item of work equipment remains in a
suitable condition. (4 points)
 Practice Question

a) Identify health risks associated with exposure to

legionella bacteria. (2 points)
b) Outline circumstances that could cause
legionella bacteria to be present in a water
system. (2 points)
 Identify ways in which persons can be exposed
to legionella bacteria. (4 points)
 Practice Question

 As part of a cleaning process, solvent is to be

sprayed onto components before being painted.
– During the spraying process identify the forms
the solvent could take. (2 points)
– Outline control measures that could be taken to
reduce the risk of exposure to the solvent.
(6 points)
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Electrical Safety

NCC1 – Element 6
GC2 – Element 5
 What is Electricity?

 A source of Energy
 Essential to modern life
 Extremely Dangerous
– Cannot be seen
– Cannot be smelt
 Electric Current

 A flow of electrons:
– measured in Amperes (Amps) symbol A or I
 i.e. 13A fuse
 Certain materials ‘conduct’ better than others
 Conductors (soft metals):
– Metals such as copper, silver, gold and aluminium.
– Loose electrons in abundance so charge can be
transferred easily.
– Copper very common on cost basis
 Voltage or Potential Difference
 Charge on an object
 Measured with respect to earth in volts (V)
 Water Analogy:
– Horizontal pipe – water does not flow
– Raise one end – water flows out
– A pressure difference exists
– Raising pipe created a pressure difference
– Raising electric charge has same effect only electric
current will flow
– Amount of current that flows dependant on conductor
 more water could flow in a bigger pipe
 Conductors and Insulators

 Conductors conduct
electricity
 Metals conduct
 Insulators don’t
 Wood, plastic, air, oil
and rigid glass do not
conduct electricity
(most of the time)
 Resistance

 Back to the water pipe again!

– A larger diameter pipe allows more water to flow than
a smaller one
– If a small diameter section of pipe is inserted into the
large pipe the flow of water is restricted
 Small diameter wires (conductors) allow less
electricity to flow than bigger diameter wires
 The ease by which a material conducts electricity
is known as resistance
 Resistance is measured in ‘Ohms’ () Symbol R
 Relationships

 Electric Current – Amperes (Amps) Symbol A or I

 Potential Difference – Voltage (Volts) Symbol V
 Electrical Resistance – Ohms () Symbol R

Relationship know as Ohms Law

Where: V
V=I*R
I=V/R
I R
R=V/I
 Sources of Power

 Battery & Solar Panels (direct current – d.c.)

 Mains Supply (alternating current – a.c.)
 Portable Generators (alternating current – a.c.)
UK Electrical Supply System:
 Electricity supplied to factories, offices and homes at
230 volts
 Large factories at 11,000 volts or above
 Supply has alternating current (a.c.)
 Alternates at (frequency) of 50 cycles per second
(50 Hertz or Hz)
 Power

 When current flows energy is transmitted and

usually consumed by a load
– Examples – heaters, lights, motion e.g. motors
 Such devices must consume electricity because
we have to pay for it!
 Power = Volts X Amps (work done)
 Measured in Watts (W)
 Example – 2300 Watt electric kettle
– Also referred to as 2.3 kilowatt (KW)
 Power Relationships

There is a relationship for power Watts (W)

using Voltage (V) and Current (I):

Where:
W=V*I W
V=W/I
I=W/V V I
 Electrical Circuits
 Consist of:
– Power Source
– Connecting cables
– Switches and isolators
– Electrical equipment e.g.:
 Motors
 Lights
 Computing equipment
 Cash registers
 Battery chargers
 Heaters
 Etc ….
 Electrical Hazards

 Fires
– Over heating/Arcing/Sparking
 Arcs
– Generated during faults
– Very high temperatures can cause burns
 Explosions
– Flammable substances give off vapours
– Electrical sparks ignite
 Burns
– Surface or deep tissue
 Electric shock
– Muscular Contraction, Asphyxia
– Respiratory Arrest, Ventricular Fibrillation
 Ventricular Fibrillation

 Factors are Current / Time & Physiological

Structure of body
 Can occur at 30mA (0.03 A)
 Causes heart to ‘flutter’
 Heart muscle cannot open / close properly
 Hence, heart does not pump
 Lack of oxygen to brain - DEATH
Effect of Electricity on Human Body
 Electric Shock - Treatment

 Isolate supply immediately – Dial 999

 If you cannot isolate DO NOT attempt to touch casualty
 Physically remove victim using non-conducting implements
(e.g. wooden chair, wooden/plastic broom)
 If breathing place in recovery position
 Check for pulse/breathing, give artificial respiration if
necessary
 Treat burns by covering with sterile dry dressing
 If victim regains consciousness, treat for shock
 Remain with the person until medical aid arrives
 Electrical Circuits - Earthing

 Very important for safety!

 Prevents conducting parts of
equipment (i.e. metal frames or
lids), which do not normally
conduct electricity from
becoming live during faults.
 No bonding
 Person can receive an electric
shock if equipment becomes
faulty
 Equipment Bonded Together

 All equipment bonded

together
 No potential difference
(voltage) between live
casing and handrail
 If the case becomes live,
the fuse should blow
 Called equi-potential
bonding
 Fuses and RCD’s
Fuses:
 Essential for safety, will cut off supply at a certain current level
i.e. 13A, 5A, 3A mains supply fuse
 Fuse has a ‘fuseable’ wire element which heats up when
current flows
 Excessive current = excessive heat & wire melts preventing
current flow
RCD’s:
 Residual current device
 Compares current in Live & Neutral if different and above a
certain value supply switched off
 Double Insulation

 Many items of portable

equipment are Double Insulated
 This is where an extra layer of
insulating material are applied
over live conductors to prevent
exposure of conductors
 Can mean that an earth
conductor is not required – risk
reduced by additional insulation.
 Safe Values of Voltage

 55 Volts a.c. systems have not caused anybody

to be electrocuted
 Often referred to as a 110V CTE (centre-tapped
earth) supply yellow coloured equipment
 Less than 120 Volts d.c. considered to be safe
 Work on Electrical Equipment

 Always ISOLATE supply:

– Switch OFF
 Creates an air gap
– Lock OFF to prevent
inadvertent switching ON
– Always test conductors
before touching
 Permit to work may be required
for higher voltage or complex
installations
 Practice Question

 Outline FOUR ways of protecting against electric

shock when using hand-held portable electrical
appliances that will be connected to a UK mains
(230v) electrical supply. (8 points)
 Underground Services

– Safe System of work

 Check with the supply company that it is safe
to commence work
 Obtain advise on location and ownership
 Check plans for routes, depth and voltage
 Use location devices and mark the route
 Hand digging should be used when nearing
the line
 Excavators and power tools should not be
used within 0.5m of the indicated line
 Support exposed cables and protect
 Overhead Services

 Electricity cables present the

obvious risk of electrocution
 All cables should be identified
before work starts
 Mobile plant & equipment near
overhead cables will increase
the level of risk
 Equipment could become live
and also become a conductor
for an electrical current
 Overhead Services
Controls measures:
 Reposition out of area
 Isolate the power
 Use cable covers
 If not practicable prevent
contact by:
– Use barriers set at a
safe distance from the
overhead services
 Overhead Services
- Use barriers set at a safe
distance from the overhead
services
- “Rule of thumb”
- 6 metre minimum
- Wooden pole 9 metres
- Metal pylon 15 metres
- Goal post max 10 metres wide
- Level ground
- Prevent equipment operation
 Visual Inspections of
Portable Electrical Equipment

 Mains cable for damage to insulation?

 Bare wires visible (REPAIRED by a competent
person)?
 Is the cable too long/too short (trip hazard)?
 In date PAT label attached to the equipment?
 Outer case of the equipment undamaged or
loose and are all the screws in place?
 Any overheating or burn marks on the
equipment, sockets, cable or plug?
 Trip devices (RCD’s) working effectively (press
the ‘test’ button)
 Maintenance of
Portable Electrical Equipment

 Any strategy for the inspection of portable

electrical equipment should consider:
– A means of identifying the equipment
– The number and type of appliances to be tested
– The competence of those doing the testing
– The legal requirements for portable appliance testing
(PAT)
– Test equipment selection and re-calibration
– A recording, monitoring and review system
– Any training requirements to carry out the test
programme.
 Frequency of Testing
Portable Electrical Equipment

 Should be based on risk assessment:

 Usage
 Type
 Operation
 Environment etc
 Frequently used equipment may need
more regular testing
 Guidance:
 HSE HS(G) 107 ‘Maintaining
portable and transportable electrical
equipment’
HSG 107
 Electricity at Work Safety Requirements

 Systems - all electrical systems must be constructed

and maintained at all times to prevent danger.
 Equipment to be safe:
Environments (access, lighting, space etc.),
Insulation, Connections, Live working,
Capability, Fusing, Working Space,
Isolation, Competence.
Earthing,
Making dead,
 Work activities, including operation, use and
maintenance shall be carried out so as not to give rise
to danger.
 Practice NEBOSH Question

Whilst using a portable electric grinder to cut a

support beam at height, the operator accidently
makes direct contact with the supply cable.
(a) Identify FOUR possible outcomes associated
with this action. (4 pts)
(b) Identify FOUR protective devices/systems that
could minimise the risk to the operator in these
circumstances. (4 pts)
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Temporary Works
 Building, Maintenance and
Renovation
 The client should ensure that any such work is
undertaken in such a manner as to protect the health
and safety of both operatives undertaking the work and
the clients own employees.
 Clients should therefore ensure contractors are
competent to undertake any such works.
 Contractors work could impact on the clients fire and
emergency procedures and this must be taken into
account before any works commence.
 The safest method usually adopted is to completely
separate the contractors activities from those of the
client.
 Demolition or Dismantling

 Must not be carried out unless the arrangements for

ensuring that it is carried out in a safe manner have be
recorded, in writing, first.
 Must be planned and carried out as safely as possible,
under the supervision of a competent person (e.g.
structural engineer)
 Demolishing buildings & structures remains high risk work
 Client to ensure reasonable information provided
 Would probably require an invasive asbestos survey
and information about buried services
 A comprehensive method statement cover all aspects of
health and safety would be required.
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Excavations
GC2 – Element 1
NCC1 – Element 11
 Excavation Hazards
 Materials stored to close
 Foundations of adjacent buildings being undermined
 The edge of excavation not clearly marked
 Absence of barriers or lighting
 Inadequate access & egress
 Absence of crossing points
 None or inadequate stop blocks
 Traffic routes to close to excavation
 Contaminated land
 Buried services
 Accumulation of gases
 Collapse
 The soil that makes up the sides of an excavation cannot
always be relied upon to support their own weight leading to
the possibility of collapse. The risk can increase if:
– The soil structure is loose

– The soil is waterlogged

– Materials are stored too close
– Heavy equipment is too close
– Machinery/Vehicle vibrations
– Inadequate shoring up
– Weather conditions are poor
– Surcharge (adjacent structures)
 Collapse of Adjacent Structures

 Problems can arise when excavation work is carried

out within close proximity of existing buildings or
structures resulting in:
- Foundations becoming undermined
- Settling damage
- Structural collapse
 Consideration & controls measures are required to
ensure foundations are not disturbed or undermined
 Water ingress hazards
 Flooding:
– Heavy rainfall
– Breaking into drains
– Digging below the natural water
table
 Deep excavations:
– access and egress not easy when
mud and water is combined
 Excavation supports can be
undermined
 Contaminated ground

 Excavations may uncover materials with the

potential to be hazardous to health
– Old steel works may contain arsenic & cyanide
– Farms; buried animal carcases or pesticides
– Vermin may mean the presence of leptospirosis
 Toxic / Asphyxiating Atmospheres

 Excavations can be subject to toxic,

asphyxiating or explosive
atmospheres
 Chalk/limestone deposits mixed with
acidic water can release:
– Carbon dioxide
 Other gases such as:
– Methane gas (rotting vegetation)
– Hydrogen sulphide (sewers)
– Carbon monoxide (vehicle exhaust)
 Toxic / Asphyxiating Atmospheres

 Excavations should be treated with

the same caution applied to confined
spaces
 Suitable assessment should be
carried out prior to works to identify
risk from:
– toxic gas
– oxygen deficiency
– fire
– explosion
 Possible Control Measures

 gas monitoring equipment

 atmosphere testing prior to entry
 suitable ventilation equipment
 rescue procedures
 rescue equipment
 training of employees
 information for employees
 Buried Services

What are they?

 Electricity
 Gas
 Water
 Sewer
 Telecoms
 Pipelines
 Identification of Services

 A national agreement now exists for identifying

buried services:
– Black: Electricity
– Red: Electricity – High Voltage
– Blue: Water
– Yellow: Gas
– Grey: Telecommunications
– Green: Cable television
 Emergency Procedures

 If you suspect a gas leak, damaged cable or

damaged water pipe:
– Evacuate everyone from the immediate area
– Do not attempt repairs
– Inform site management immediately
– Ban smoking, naked flames and other sources
of ignition within 5 metres of any gas leak
– Assist relevant utility providers, Police or Fire
Services as requested
– Remember, if in doubt - ASK
 Avoiding Danger Before Starting

 Provide project induction

 Ensure a method statement briefing is given
 A permit to dig has been issued and authorised
 Correct drawings have been obtained
 CAT scan of area by competent operators
 Mark the positions of buried services using marker spray,
warning notices and/or stakes (non-conductive)
 Hand dig trial holes to confirm the depth and position of
buried services
 Continue to scan as you dig
 Detection of Buried Services
 Hum detection:
– Energised cables will produce
a magnetic field
 Radio Frequency
– Telecoms cables will emit a
radio frequency of the signal
being carried
 Transmitter and Receiver
 A signal is induced onto the
line via a couple and then
detected by a receiver
 When You Start Work

 Check that cables requiring breaking-out from concrete are

dead
 Watch out for signs of services as you progress
– Repeat checks with the pipe & cable locator
 Report any damage to a cable, pipe or pipe coating
 When digging with a mechanical excavator near buried
services, use a scraper, not bucket teeth
 Do not used exposed services as a convenient step or
foothold
 Do not handle or attempt to alter the position of an exposed
service
 Controls for Plant near Excavations

 exclusion zones
 use of barriers
 warning signs
 lighting
 competent operators
 adequate supervision
 good visibility for operators
 Excavation Shoring – Factors to Consider

 The nature of the subsoil

– dried out soil may require sheeting
 Life of the excavation
– trench box may give ready made access if only required
for short duration
 Work being done
– trench box for shoring where pipe joints made

 Flooding from ground water & heavy rain

– close shoring required
 Excavation depth
– battering instead of shoring for shallow excavations
 Open sheeting

Handrail
Wedge
Trench sheet

1.0m Max.
with toe-in
Close sheeting
Trench Box
 Means of Access

 Ladders are the usual means of

access & egress to excavations
 They must be correctly secured,
in good condition & inspected at
regular intervals
 Ladders should extend 1 metre
above ground level
 For emergency egress ladders
should be place at intervals of
15 metres as laid down in ACoP
 Crossing Points
 Crossing points should only be
allowed at predetermined points
 Crossing points should be capable
of taking the maximum load class of
vehicles on site
 Should be provided with guard rails
& toe boards
 Sufficient crossing points should be
provided
 Other means of crossing the
excavation should be discouraged
 Barriers, Lighting & Signs

 Where there is a danger that a

person may fall any distance liable
to cause injury, edge protection
must be provided
 Guard rail requirements are as for
working platforms
 Excavations should be covered
when unattended
 Stop blocks must be used that are
suitable to size of vehicle or
equipment
 Inspection Requirements

 Inspections of excavations
must be carried out as laid
down in CDM 2007 Part 4:
– At the start of each shift
before work begins
– After an event likely to have
affected the strength or
stability of the excavation
– After any accidental fall of
rock, earth or other material
 Inspection Requirements

Reports of Inspections (Schedule 3 of ACoP):

 Written report must be made
before the end of shift and
delivered to the person requiring
the reports within 24 hours;
 Reports to be kept to end of
project; and
 At least last 3 months there
afterwards.
 Available for inspection by HSE
 Practice NEBOSH Question
The water main supplying a school is to be repaired. The work will be
carried out in a 1.5 metre deep excavation, which will be supported in
order to control the risk to the safety of employees working in the
excavation.
(a) Identify the statutory inspection requirements of the supported
excavation that must be carried out by the competent person. (3 pts)
(b) Identify the information that should be recorded in the excavation
inspection report. (5 pts)
(c) Other than the provision of supports for the excavation, outline
additional precautions to be taken during the repair work in order to
reduce the risk of injury to the employees and others who may be
affected by the work. (12 pts)
Successful
Practical
Relevant

Confined Spaces
 Confined Spaces

Definition ?
 a place which is substantially,
though not always entirely,
enclosed; and
 a place where there is a
reasonably foreseeable risk of
serious injury from hazardous
substances or conditions
 Typical confined spaces
found in construction work?

 Chamber – cellar, tunnel

 Tank – storage tanks
 Silo – used for storing crops
 Pit – excavation or trench
 Pipe – carry liquid or gas
 Sewer – used to carry waste
 Flue – exhaust chimney
 Well – deep water source
 Confined Space - Hazards

 Hazards inherent in the space

 Hazard introduced into the space due to
work process
 5 categories of hazard:
– Toxic gases and vapours
– Explosive atmospheres
– Oxygen deficiency
– Suffocation
– Restricted working space
 Confined Space - Hazards

 Some confined spaces are naturally dangerous

because:
– Gases build up in sewers, manholes & pits connected to
them
– Gases seeping into them from contaminated land
– Rust inside tanks which eats up the oxygen
– Liquids or slurries which fill the space or release gases
when disturbed
– Chemical reaction of ground water on chalk & limestone
producing carbon dioxide
 Oxygen Deficiency Hazards
 21% Oxygen in air is normal
 17% brings on the starts of ill
effects
 6 to10% brings on breathing
difficulties and death can follow
quite quickly
– Welding
– Consumption by people
 Consumption by oxidation
 Toxic Gases/Vapour Hazards

 Hydrogen sulphide
– usually from sewage
 Carbon Monoxide
– from internal combustion
engines
 Carbon Dioxide
– from fermentation
 Fumes and vapours
– from chemicals
 Confined Space - Hazards
Explosion or Fire hazards
– Petrol & LPG vapours 2%+
– Methane & Hydrogen
sulphide 4%+
– Solvents 2%+
– Oxygen enrichment 23%+
Suffocation Hazards
– Drowning
– Buried in free flowing solids
 Confined Space – Other Hazards

 Excessive temperature

 Falls

 Machinery

 Noise

 Poor lighting

 Physical discomfort
 Confined Space
Monitoring of Safe System of Work

The following must be adequately monitored:

 The SSoW
 The use of the permit to work
 The atmosphere using sampling equipment
 Work using communication equipment
 The PPE used should be monitored to
ensure adequate maintenance
 Confined Space
Emergency Arrangements

May need to cover:

 Rescue & resuscitation equipment
 Arrangements with hospitals
 Raising the alarm an rescue procedures
 Safety of rescuers
 Fire fighting procedures
 Control of plant & equipment
 First aid arrangements
 Arrangements with emergency services
Worker wearing full
breathing apparatus and
harness with lanyard
connected to a winch to
enable emergency rescue
to take place without the
need for others to enter the
space
 First Aid - Influencing Factors

 Type of work or operations being carried out;

 Lone workers or scattered isolated locations;
 If there are special or unusual hazards;
 If shift work is being undertaken;
 The maximum number of people on site;
 Remoteness to emergency services;
 Cover for holidays and sickness;
 Presence of workplace trainees;
 The history of accidents on site;
 The types of people who may need to be treated;
 Current 1st aid provision (e.g. shared site); etc.