As with protection against noise, the policy of the Group is to reduce risks to the employee by tackling hazards at source. This is achieved by use of local ventilation and extraction systems (LEV), fixed or portable, as required. However, some operations may also necessitate the use of respiratory equipment. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) can vary between disposable dust masks/respirators, canister full face masks and compressed air breathing apparatus (CABA). Risk assessments will determine which type of RPE is necessary for any particular activity/task.
Use of disposable dust masks/respirators is to be confined to low risk operations and exposures recommended by the manufacturer. Advice is to be sought from the manufacturer prior to making use of this type of protection. There is no need for statutory record keeping with this equipment; however users will require monitoring to ensure contaminated masks are disposed of.
Full face canister respirators are to be used where the exposure is likely to need a higher level of protection, such as maintenance operations carried out by Alpha Industries Ltd employees. This equipment requires checks that are a statutory requirement under COSHH. These are to be monitored and enforced by managers. Log books have been issued for the recording of these checks.
Compressed air breathing apparatus (CABA) shall be used by trained employees in an emergency situation, such as entry into an area where a toxic gas leak has occurred, or where confined space entry necessitates its wearing. As with full face canister masks, checks and record keeping are statutory requirements. Compliance must be monitored and enforced by managers.
In all instances, managers/supervisors need to assess the hazard and the suitability of protection needed where the risk to employees cannot be reduced sufficiently by other controls.
1.2 Foot Protection
Employees shall be issued with safety boots/shoes and wellingtons if involved in operations where injuries to the foot could occur. Footwear provided to Alpha Industries Ltd operations employees must provide protection to the toes and underfoot against penetration by sharp objects. Protection to minimise risk of injury from electric shock is achieved from purchasing footwear with high resistivity soles. Issues to craftsmen should give protection against ingress by diesel and/or lubricating oils, etc.
1.3 Body and Hand Protection
The Construction (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1996 require provision of adequate and suitable clothing to employees as protection against inclement weather conditions. Operations where employees are exposed to substances, etc. will be provided with the necessary protection to combat specific hazards identified by risk assessments.
Hand protection of various types are listed on the subsidiary company activity risk assessments and shall be provided as required.
1.4 Head Protection
The requirements are laid down in the Construction 'Head Protection' Regulations 1989. All company staff are to wear safety helmets where there is a foreseeable risk of injury to the head other than by falling. Certain works make the wearing of safety helmets absolute and include working in excavations 1.2 m or over deep, in close proximity to excavators, lifting appliances or other construction plant, on sites where overhead work is in progress, designated hard hat sites, confined space work and any other situations where managers or supervisors decide the need.
Safety helmets are not to be used where the manufacturer's date stamp on the helmet indicates that the helmet is over two years old. Departments should carry out regular inspections of helmets and implement a change programme.
1.5 Hi-Visibility Clothing
It is a requirement of 'The Code of Practice' Safety at Street Works and Roadworks that persons working on/or near the carriageway wear Hi Visibility clothing. Supervisory staff are to ensure those attending worksites covered by the code of practice comply.
1.6 Safety Harneses
Where it is not practicable to provide platforms or gangways with guard-rails at levels above 2m or where deemed required after carrying out of risk assessment, safety harnesses are to be worn. Similarly, when working in certain confined spaces safety harnesses shall be worn.
Company risk assessments identify situations and locations where it will be necessary to use safety harnesses. Where they do not already exist, the provision of suitable anchorage-points is the responsibility of the owner department.
At locations where fixed ladders are not guarded by safety hoops, fall arrest systems may be used as an alternative safety measure when using such ladders. Inspection of these systems is to be carried out by a competent person every 12 months.
2. Contractors
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