Section One

Health and Safety Information

Stephanie Inns

7/12/2013

Personal Protective Equipment at

Work Regulations 1992
PPE at work regulations require that Personal Protective Equipment is supplied and
used as a last resort when risks to Health and Safety cannot be adequately controlled
in other ways.
The regulations require that PPE;

Properly assessed and suitable for use it is intended for.

Maintained and stored correctly.
Provided with instructions for correct usage.
Used correctly by employees.

Assessing correct PPE

Consider the different types of hazard related to the particular task or work place.

Select the type of PPE most effective in providing protection against the hazard

Does the PPE control the risk without increasing the overall risk?

Can the wearer adjust it to fit correctly?

Is the wearers movement restricted?

What is the state of health of the wearer?

What duration of time will the PPE be required to be worn?

Will there be physical effort required to carry out the task?

Are items of PPE compatible?

Is there any restriction to visibility and communication?

Maintaining and storage

PPE should be well looked after and properly stored when not in use

Follow the manufacturers instructions and schedules

Keep clean and in good order.

Training and Instructions for use

Anyone using PPE should know why its required, when its to be used, its
limitations and when its due for replacement.

Correct training and instruction should be given on the correct and proper use.

PPE should be worn all the time the user is exposed to the risk.

Regular checks that operatives are wearing PPE

Safety signs put up as reminders to wear PPE.

Damage or loss should be reported immediately

Hazards and PPE, Options and Limitations

Eye Protection
Hazard chemical or metal splash, dust, projectiles, gas and vapour, radiation
Option safety spectacles, goggles, face shields, visors
LimitationsMake sure the eye protection has the right combination of
impact/dust/splash/molten metal eye protection for the task and fits the user properly.
Can become dusty, steam up and are easily scratched
Head Protection
Hazard impact of falling or flying objects, risk of bumping head,
hair entanglement
Option helmet or bump cap, hair net
Limitations Some safety helmets have or can be fitted with specially-designed eye or
hearing protection. Do not use head protection if it is damaged replace
it immediately. Can easily be knocked off the head, must be correctly
adjusted
Breathing/Lungs and respiratory equipment
Hazard dust, vapour, gas, oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Option disposable filtering face piece or respirator, half or full face respirators, airfed helmets, breathing apparatus.
Limitations The right type of respirator filter must be used as each
is effective for only a limited range of substances/conditions. Filters
have only a limited life and must be replaced regularly. Where there
is a shortage of oxygen or any danger of losing consciousness due to exposure to high
levels of harmful fumes, only use breathing apparatus never use a filtering cartridge
You will need to use breathing apparatus in a confined space or if there is a chance of
an oxygen deficiency in the work area
Protecting the body
Hazard temperature extremes, adverse weather conditions, chemical or metal
splash, spray from pressure leaks or spray guns, impact or penetration, contaminated
dust, entanglement of clothing.
Option conventional or disposable overalls, aprons, boiler suits, specialist protective
clothing, high visibility clothing.
Limitations The choice of material may not offer protection against
certain chemicals. Can restrict movement and also often lead to
increased body temperatures, particularly in hot weather. May also
become caught in equipment if poorly fitting.

Hand and Arm Protection

Hazard abrasion, temperature extremes, cuts and punctures, impact, chemicals,
electric shock, Skin infection, disease or contamination.
Option gloves, gauntlets, mitts, wrist cuffs, armlets.
Limitations Gloves should be avoided when operating machines
such as bench drills where the gloves might get caught. Some
materials are quickly penetrated by chemicals and sharp implements. Ensure they are
the right type for the work activity being carried out. Wearing gloves for long periods
can make the skin hot and sweaty, leading to skin problems. Using separate cotton
inner gloves can help prevent this.
Feet and leg Protection
Hazard wet, electrostatic build-up, slipping, cuts and punctures, falling objects,
metal and chemical splash, abrasion.
Option safety boots and shoes with protective toe caps and penetration-resistant mid
Soles, gaiters, leggings, spats.
Limitations Footwear should be appropriate to the risks identified, some have special
sole patterns to minimise slips and are resistant to chemicals or are
thermally insulating. Footwear must always fit properly and be
comfortable to wear. Toe reinforced footwear can be heavy and can
cause the feet to become sweaty when worn for long periods of
time, leading to skin complaints and blisters.
Ears Protection
Hazard Noise a combination of sound level and duration of exposure, very highlevel sounds are a hazard even with short duration.
Option Earplugs, earmuffs, semi-insert/canal caps, Ear Defenders
Limitations Provide the right hearing protectors for the type of work, and make sure
workers know how to fit them. Inset/canal caps have limited life and should be
discarded at the end of each use. The wearer is at some risk, having impaired hearing
and therefore must be extra aware of surrounding environment. Choose protectors
that reduce noise to an acceptable level, while allowing for safety and communication.
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)
Every year, thousands of workers in Britain develop occupational diseases from
breathing in certain dusts, fumes or other airborne contaminants at work. If a job
involves working around dust, (such as in a bakery, woodwork shop) mist (such as
when paint spraying) or fumes, (when welding for example), there could be a risk to
health if local exhaust ventilation is not provided.
The law says an employer must control the risks from these substances (the Control of
Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations). Installing LEV may help to do
this.

Local Exhaust Ventilation is often referred to as dust and/or fume extraction

equipment and it can help clean the air, before people breathe in these harmful
substancesand contaminants.
Properly designed LEV will:

Collect the air that contains the contaminants;

Make sure they are contained and taken away from people;

Clean the air (if necessary) and get rid of the contaminants safely.

A typical LEV system will have:

Hood(s) to collect airborne contaminants at, or near, where they are created
(the source).

Ducts to carry the airborne contaminants away from the process.

Air cleaner to filter and clean the extracted air.

Fan must be the right size and type to deliver sufficient suck to the hood.

Discharge the safe release of cleaned, extracted air into the atmosphere.

Limitations Is only really effective close to the source of contamination, it can be

difficult to plan/install and will need to be regularly maintained and checked to monitor
its effectiveness.

Risk Assessment
What is a Risk Assessment and how do I complete one?
A risk assessment is a systematic examination of a task, job or process that you carry
out at work for the purpose of;

Identifying significant hazards that are present (a hazard is something that has
the potential to cause someone harm or ill health).

Deciding if what you have already done reduces the risk of someone being
harmed to an acceptable level, and if not;

Deciding what further control measures you must take to reduce the risk to an
acceptable level.

Risk Assessments should also be carried out to satisfy the requirements of legislation
but above all to ensure the Health & Safety of employees.
Risk assessments should always be carried out by a person who is experienced and
competent to do so, competence can be expressed as a combination of knowledge,
awareness, training, and experience. If necessary consult a more experienced member
of staff or external professional help to assist with the risk assessment.
There are 5 steps to carrying out a risk assessment

Identify the hazards

Identify who in the work place might be at risk and how

Evaluate the risks and decide on the precaution

Record your findings and implement them

Review your risk assessment and update it if necessary

o

A hazard is anything that may cause harm, such as working from ladders,
electricity etc.

The risk is the likelihood, high or low, that someone could be harmed by
these and other hazards, together with an indication of how serious the
harm could be

Identify the hazards

Find out what the significant hazards associated with the task or processes are. There
are several ways of identifying hazards; by observation, experience and talking to
those who carry out the job you can also consult the following;
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Workforce
Accident, ill health and near miss data
Instruction Manuals
Data sheets COSHH
Hazard Crib sheets
Workplace inspections

Identify who in the work place might be at risk and how

Think about individuals or groups of people who may be affected e.g.
a)
b)
c)
d)

Office staff
Maintenance personnel
Members of the public
Machine operators

Particular attention must be paid to disabled staff, lone workers, temporary staff and
young inexperienced workers.
Evaluate the risks and decide on the precautions
Firstly look at what you are already doing and what controls are in place. Ask yourself
the following questions:
a) Can I get rid of the hazard altogether?
b) If I cannot, how can I control the risks to lessen the likelihood of harm?
Record your findings and implement them
Putting the results of your risk assessment into practice will make an immediate
difference to the safety of the work force and the business in general.
Always write down the results of your risk assessment and share them with the work
force.
When recording your findings, keep it simple for example tripping over waste
materials site skips provided, staff instructed to dispose of waste in them, daily site
checks to take place.

Method Statements
A safety method statement is not required by law. It describes in a logical sequence
exactly how a job is to be carried out in a safe manner and without risks to health. It
includes all the risks identified in the risk assessment and the measures needed to
control those risks. This allows the job to be properly planned and resourced.
Safety method statements are most often found in the construction sector. They are
particularly helpful for:
Higher risk complex or unusual work (e.g. steel
and formwork erection, demolition or the use of
hazardous substances)
Providing information to employees about how
the work should be done and the precautions to
be taken

HSE TOP 10 HEALTH &

SAFETY RISKS

Falls from Ladders

Asphyxiation

Crushed by falling
Excavation

Lifting Operations

Crushing Entrapment
(MEWPS)

Plant Turnover

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, also

referred to as HSWA, HSW Act or HASAWA, is the
primary piece of legislation covering occupational
health and safety in Great Britain.

Struck by Plant

Fall through fragile roof

Falls from scaffold

Everyone connected to the workplace has certain

duties and responsibilities and these are listed
below.

Fall through internal

voids

Providing the principal contractor with information

to develop the health and safety plan for the
construction phase of a project.

The Health and safety

at Work Act 1974

Section 2 of the act places duties on the Employer, with regard to their employees
2.1 Ensure the Health Safety and Welfare of employees while at work
2.2 (a-e) without prejudice to the above, the matters to which the duties extend are
as follows

Provision and maintenance of safe plant and safe systems of work

Arrangements for ensuring safe means of handling, use, storage and transport of
articles and substances

Provision of information, instruction, training and supervision

Provision of a safe place of work and maintenance of safe access and egress to that
workplace

Provision and maintenance of a safe working environment and adequate welfare

facilities.

Section 7 places duties upon employees and are outlined below

To take reasonable care for the Health and safety of him/herself and others who
may be effected by his/her acts or omissions at work

To cooperate with the employer or any other person, so far as is necessary, to

enable his employer or other person to perform or comply with any requirements or
duty imposed under relevant statutory provision.

Safety Signs
Employers are required under the Safety Signs and Signals Regulations 1996 to
provide specific safety signs whenever there is a risk that cannot be avoided or
controlled by other means, such as engineering controls or safe systems of work.
The Regulations apply to all places and activities where people are employed, but
exclude signs and labels used in connection with the supply of substances, products
and equipment or the transport of dangerous goods.

HSE TOP 5 HEALTH RISKS

Exposure to Asbestos

Manual Handling

Exposure to excessive noise

Exposure to Silica

Exposure to excessive
vibration

The Regulations require, where necessary, the use of

road traffic signs within workplaces to regulate road
traffic;
They also require employers to: maintain the safety
signs which are provided by them, explain unfamiliar
signs to their employees and tell them what they
need to do when they see a safety sign.
Below are some safety signs you may recognise
fromyour workplace.

Mandatory Signs (do it)

Mandatory Fire Noticesare to ensure that any means of
escape and evacuation routes are properly maintained
and are free from obstruction.
Mandatory Safety signsindicate that a particular course of
action must be undertaken i.e. hard hats must be worn
Prohibition Signs (dont do it)
These signs give a clear message that certain actions are
prohibited (forbidden). These signs consist of a red circle
with a line through it and will have pictorial symbols and
or written instructions on them.

Safe Condition/Information Signs

(first aid, fire escapes)
These are generally Fire Action and Personal safety Signs.The
location of emergency equipment should be clearly marked and
conspicuous. These signs will help you identify locations clearly
and safely
Warning Signs (be aware of it)
Warning Signs are used to properly identify and warn of
possible hazards.
They should be black text on a yellow background, contain a
pictorial symbol and or written information and are triangular
in shape
Fire Equipment safety Signs
All firefighting equipment should be marked with the
appropriate symbol. Where various types of
equipment are stored at one location Fire Point signs
may be used to indicate this.
All lift and elevator entrances should be marked with
signs warning people that they should not be used in
the event of fire

Fire Action Signs

Fire Action notices are required at all Fire Alarm call
points. These notices should give clear and precise
instructions of what occupants of that particular area
of the building should do in the event of an
emergency. They should be prepared in accordance
with the standard procedure required and developed
under the guidance of the Fire and Rescue authority
and company procedures. Special attention should be
given to ensure that these notices re-enforce the
training that all operatives should have with respect
to their health and safety in the workplace.
It is important to remember that signs are provided
to inform and protect you from harm. You need to be
aware of the types of sign and what they mean.
On most construction sites, failure to observe safety
signs, or tampering with safety signage could result
in you being disciplined or asked to leave.

Fire Safety
The Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996 require measures
both to prevent fires occurring and to make sure all people on construction sites
(including visitors) are protected if they do happen.
The Construction Design and Management Regulations 1994 (CDM) require those
designing, planning and carrying out projects to take construction fire safety into
account.
What can be done to prevent fire occurring
Most construction fires have simple causes and can be dealt with by simple
precautions. The following are particularly important:

Make sure that LPG cylinders and other flammable materials are properly
stored. LPG should be stored outside buildings in well ventilated and secure
areas. Flammable materials such as solvents and adhesives should be stored in
lockable steel containers.

LPG supplies should be turned off at the cylinder when not in use. Also make
sure site huts are adequately ventilated and do not keep LPG in them if it is not
needed.

Make sure that LPG equipment and fittings are properly maintained. Damaged
hoses and fittings or makeshift connections can easily lead to leaks in tough
construction conditions.

If there is any suspicion that LPG is leaking stop using it and check. Leaks can
be identified by hissing, smell or using soapy water, but never with a naked
flame.

Always separate flammable gases and oxygen in storage

Keep an appropriate fire extinguisher nearby.

Do not leave tar boilers unattended.

Follow the rules for hot work such as welding. Formal permit-to-work systems
are often appropriate. Make sure extinguishers are at hand and that sparks or
heat cannot set fire to surrounding materials.

Keep a tidy site and make sure rubbish is cleared away promptly and regularly.

Avoid unnecessary stockpiling of combustible materials. Limit what is taken onto

site from the store to what is needed for a days work.

Consider the need for special precautions in areas where flammable

atmospheres may develop.

Avoid burning waste materials on site wherever possible. Never use petrol or
similar accelerants to start or encourage fires.

Make sure everyone abides by site rules on smoking.

Preparing for fire if it happens

Fires can grow extremely rapidly. If a construction fire occurs the primary aim is to
ensure that all those on site reach safety as soon as possible. Delay can be fatal. Site
staff may need to fight a fire to enable their escape, but tackling larger fires is the fire
brigades task.
Raising the Alarm
If fire breaks out the alarm should be raised as soon as it is discovered. The type of
alarm needed can range from a simple shout of 'fire', to manual bells or klaxons or to
sophisticated automatic systems. Whatever system is chosen make sure that it:

Can be heard by everyone working on site over normal background noise;

Will work when needed (check that existing building alarm systems have not
been disconnected if you rely on them during refurbishment work);

Can be activated immediately (delay can be fatal).

Escape Route
Construction sites can pose particular problems because the routes in and out may be
incomplete and obstructions may be present. Open sites usually offer plentiful means
of escape and special arrangements are unlikely to be necessary. In enclosed buildings
people can easily become trapped, especially where they are working above or below
ground level. In such cases means of escape need careful consideration.

Make sure that

Wherever possible, there are at least two escape routes in different directions.

Travel distances to safety are reduced to a minimum.

Enclosed escape routes, for example corridors or stairwells, can resist fire and
smoke ingress from the surrounding site. Where fire doors are needed for this,
make sure they are provided and kept closed.

Escape routes and emergency exits are clearly signed.

Escape routes and exits are kept clear.

Emergency exits should never be locked when people are on the site.

Emergency lighting is installed if necessary to enable escape. This is especially

important in enclosed stairways in multi-storey structures which will be in total
darkness if the normal lighting fails during a fire.

An assembly point is identified where

everyone can gather and be accounted for.

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Providing information
Fire action notices should be clearly displayed where everyone on site will see them,
for example at fire points, site entrances or canteen areas
Emergency plans
The purpose of emergency plans is to ensure that everyone on site reaches safety if
there is a fire. Small and low-risk sites only require very simple plans, but higher risk
sites will need more careful and detailed consideration.
An emergency plan should.
1. Be available before work starts.
2. Be up to date and appropriate for the circumstances concerned.
3. Make clear who does what during a fire.
4. Where CDM applies be incorporated in the construction phase health and safety
plan.
5. Work if it is ever needed. On larger high-risk sites fire drills may be appropriate.
Fire-fighting equipment
The equipment needed depends on the risk of fire occurring and the likely
consequences if it does. It can range from a single extinguisher on small
Low-risk sites to complex fixed installations on large and high-risk sites.
Whatever equipment is needed make sure that.

Fire equipment is located where it is really needed and is easily accessible.

The location of fire-fighting equipment and how to use it is clearly indicated.

The equipment provided is maintained and works.

Fire-fighting equipment should be checked regularly by a competent person often from the manufacturer.

Those carrying out hot work have appropriate fire extinguishers with them
and know how to use.

The right sort of extinguishers are provided for the type of fire that could
occur. A combination of water or foam extinguishers for paper and wood fires
and CO2 extinguishers for fires involving electrical equipment is usually
appropriate.

Fire precaution, Evacuation and Emergency procedures.

Familiarise yourself with the location of Fire Alarm call points, extinguishers and
escape routes.

Know where your muster point is.

Store flammable materials securely

Keep suitable fire extinguishers in the work area.

Know which types of extinguisher are suitable for particular materials.

Report any damaged or missing fire-fighting equipment immediately.

Keep your work area clear of rubbish.

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Know your Fire Extinguishers

Site Security
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Site Security
SITE SECURITY PROCEDURES
Site security exists to protect construction
sites from damage and vandalism, prevent
theft of tools, equipment and materials and
to prevent unauthorised access to site.
The law says you must conduct your business
without putting members of the public at risk.
This includes the public and other workers
who may be affected by your work.
The principal contractor must take
reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised
people accessing the site.

TYPICAL SECURITY MEASURES

Perimeter fencing
Lockable storage units
Removing access to scaffolds and ladders
Turn style gates
ID badges
Site Patrols
Guard Dogs
Security Cameras
Systems for signing-in

Accidents and Emergencies

All sites should have emergency procedures in place, e.g. for evacuating the site
in case of re or other hazard?

All people on site should know what the procedures are?

There must be a means of raising the alarm, and does it work?

There must be a way to contact the emergency services from site?

There should be enough suitable escape routes and which should always be kept
clear

There must be adequateFirstAid provision

Welfare Facilities

Toilets should be readily available which are kept clean and properly lit?

Washbasins, hot and cold (or warm) running water, soap and towels should be
provided

Washbasins should be large enough to wash up to the elbow and kept clean

Somewhere to change, dry and store clothing should be in place

Drinking water and cups should be provided

There should be a place where workers can sit, make hot drinks and prepare
food?

Everyone who needs to use welfare facilities should be able to access them
easily and safely

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Welfare facilities should be kept warm and well ventilated

Clean up after yourself and switch off lights when not needed

Waste Disposal
Management and Disposal of waste on site has two major benefits

A tidy site has a good image, emphasising safety, efficiency and care for the
environment

The minimisation, management and appropriate disposal of waste can be

economically beneficial and has numerous environmental benefits

Always follow waste separation procedures by using labelled containers to separate

waste streams, e.g. metals, wood, plastics and paper

Ensure waste containers are close to the point of work to encourage use of them

Avoid storing waste next to watercourses as this creates an immediate pollution hazard

Ensure all contaminated waste is either stored in suitable containers or membranes to

prevent secondary contamination of soil or water routes

Remember clean waste such ass concrete or brick can be used as Fill on site

It is not only solid waste that needs consideration, liquid waste spills must also be
controlled. Waste such as oil, chemicals and wet concrete should be collected and
removed from site by an appropriate contractor.

It is important that the source of any waste is identified by a waste transfer note, which
must accompany the waste

When waste is removed from site it is important that it is taken away by a registered
waste management contractor, who complies with the Environmental Protection
Regulations 1990. This is important as the contractor is responsible for the waste until
it has been disposed of properly.

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Environmental Awareness
Fumes, Odour and Smoke

Never leave plant or vehicle engines

running

Do not burn waste materials on site

Ensure all vehicles and plant are properly

maintained

Store chemicals and other hazardous

substances properly and handle in a
responsible manner

Refrain from carrying out activities that are

likely to emit fumes, odour or smoke

Recycling

Use photocopier only when

necessary and copy double sided
when possible

Collect and re-use scrap paper, for

rough printing and instead of Post
It notes

If paper recycling scheme in

workplace is implemented,
participate and encourage others to
do so as well

Re-use envelopes

If there is a waste segregation

system on site, participate with it
and do not cross contaminate.

Vibration

Noise

Vibration is not only a Health and Safety

problem, it is also an environmental concern.

Noise in the workplace can affect people at

work and those in the surrounding areas.
At its worst it can affect peoples health or
cause deafness, at low levels it is an
irritant and an environmental nuisance.

The following ways to reduce vibration should

be considered
When carrying out demolition, minimise
the distance materials can fall
Vibration caused by heavy plant can
cause environmental pollution,
therefore haul road surfaces should be
kept smooth and pot holes should be
repaired
Keep good relations and
communications with neighbours as
they often worry about damage to their
properties.
Energy Conservation
Switch off lights when not in use
Switch off heating when not required
Do not open windows when heating is
on, switch off heater instead
Switch off vehicle and plant engines
when not in use

Noise can be reduced by the following ways

Make use of site huts and stock piles
as noise shields
Limit shouting and radios on site
Arrange material transfer points
away from sensitive buildings and
people
Arrange delivery times to suit the
area e.g. day time deliveries in
residential areas
Use all silencing equipment available
and keep panels closed on
generators
Switch off noisy equipment when not
in use
Arrange mobile plant routes, so that
reversing is minimised an bleepers
are not sounding

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Section Two
Productive Working Practices
Work Place Diversity
Workplace diversity relates to gender, age, language, ethnicity, cultural background,
disability, sexual orientation and religious belief. Diversity also refers to the myriad of
ways in which we are different in other respects, such as educational level, job
function, socio-economic, background, personality profile, geographic location, marital
status and whether or not one has a family or other carer responsibilities.
Diversity is the quality of being different and unique. We can value diversity by
recognising and respecting each individuals unique attributes.
Diversity is managed by creating and sustaining an environment where everyone can
achieve his or her full potential
The principles of workplace diversity are to

Treat each other with respect and dignity

Provide a safe, secure and healthy workplace

Value the diversity of people

Take appropriate action to eliminate discrimination

By valuing workplace diversity this will create benefits by

Breaking down prejudices and avoiding stereotyping

Providing a better framework for decision making

Improving performance

Fostering good working relationships between people

Reducing workplace stress

Ensuring fair and equitable staff selection.

Safeguarding
We have safeguarding procedures in place The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups
Act 2006to give you support, this could be with problems you may have that are
causing you concern.
All persons have the right to live their lives free from violence and abuse

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This right is underpinned by the duty on public agencies under the Human Rights Act
(1998) to intervene proportionately to protect the rights of citizens. These rights
include the Right to Life, Freedom from Torture (including humiliating and degrading
treatment) and a Right to Family Life (one that sustains the individual).
Any adult at risk of abuser neglect should be able to access public organisations for
appropriate interventions, which enable them to live a life free from violence and
abuse. It follows that all citizens should have access to relevant services for addressing
issues of abuse and neglect, including the civil and criminal justice system and victim
support services.
Remedies available should also include measures that achieve behaviour change by
those who have perpetrated abuse or neglect. Abuse is a violation of an individuals
human and civil rights by another person or persons. No Secrets (DH200) provided
guidance on developing and implementing multiagency policies and procedures to
protect vulnerable adults from abuse.
Safeguarding Adults
A consultation on the review of the No Secrets guidance (DH200) Consultation period
from October 2008 to January 31 2009

Section Three
Manual Handling
Manual handling
Frequent and heavy lifting and handling can cause back injuries. But using lifting and
handling aids can remove or reduce that risk and keep workers healthy and at work.
Back injuries from manual handling are a major cause of occupational ill health in the
UK.

They can often be prevented

Preventative measures are cost-effective
Where back injuries cannot be prevented, early reporting of symptoms, proper
treatment and suitable rehabilitation is essential.

Where there heavy materials such as roof trusses, concrete lintels, kerbstones or
bagged products etc. which could cause problems if they have to be moved by hand?

Choose lighter materials?

Use trolleys, hoists, telehandlers and other plant or equipment so that manual
lifting of heavy objects is kept to a minimum?
Order materials such as cement and aggregates in 25 kg bags?
Avoid the repetitive laying of heavy building blocks or other masonry units
weighing more than 20 kg?

17

Ensure that people have been instructed and trained how to use lifting aids and
other handling equipment safely?
Ensure that people have been trained how to lift safely?

Load Security
To secure a load safely you need to make sure it is:

Restrained tied firmly down to the load bed; and

Contained it cant move around (shift) inside the vehicle.

The only way to do this is with strong chains or webbing straps (lashings)
attached directly to the vehicle.

Lashings can be webbing straps or chain but not both in the same
lashing.

Check webbing straps regularly for damage even a small cut or tear
can reduce the strength of the strap significantly.

Report damaged or broken straps.

Dont tie knots in straps.

Use edge protectors or sleeves to protect straps that pass over a sharp
or rough edge such as steel or concrete.

Planning how you secure the load is an important step to keeping workers
safe.

Loading plans can help to flag up issues before they become problems.

Things to be considered will vary but could include:

Whether the Lifting Aid operative/driver will witness loading.

Who will apply the load restraints and what they should be.

How the load will be placed on the equipment.

Who will unload it and what equipment will be required.

Who the operative should report to in the event of a problem.

What the operative/driver should do if the load shifts during the

journey

When using Containers

Ensure that the load cannot move around, as this can damage products
and materials and cause equipment/vehicle to turn over

The container should be suited to the load being moved/handled. i.e. of

strong enough material, free from leaks etc. if moving liquids

Plan where containers will be sited

Plan manoeuvring containers to avoid injury to pedestrians and

operatives.

Large containers will be brought on to site using heavy vehicles and will
require adequate space during this procedure and also when being
placed

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Lifting Aides
Moving Materials

Characteristics, quality
and uses

Limitations

Good for lifting large,

heavy bulky items on
Palettes, such as bagged
materials, blocks etc.

Training and Licence

required to use

Can be quite small and

therefore suitable to a
number of locations, i.e.
site, warehouse

Areas of use should be

identified to avoid the risk
of collision, crush injuries

Requires regular
maintenance

Fork Lift Truck

Good for moving large
sheets of material that
are stacked securely,
along solid even ground
conditions
Small and easily stored
Easy to maintain
Palette Truck
Good for lifting and
moving lighter sheet
items, where gripping is
a problem

Requires regular
maintenance
Training in use required
Some physical strength and
ability needed as not
completely mechanical
Not suitable for uneven
terrain
Materials are not very
secure
Weight is still born by the
carrier, so still risk of injury
Only ideal used over very
short distances

Lifting Hook
Ideal for manoeuvring
medium loads up and
down steps and stairs

Weight partly born by the

users, so still risk of injury
Requires two people to
safely use
Limited in what it can carry

Star Wheeled Truck

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