INTRODUCTION

Despite all the slick Safety Manuals, rules and systems that a company may have, or however many experts are employed - there is no substitute for the person who thinks or acts safely. If you’ve witnessed an accident, or been involved on the sidelines - you’re never the same again - you’ll think safely.

We’ve mentioned the obvious. This guide is written to remind you of the obvious and also with the increase of technology - the not so obvious things.

If you need more explanation than this brief guide ask your line manager or Director. You could be the Company’s best Safety Officer.

THINK SAFETY!

ROKILL LIMITED

HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT

Rokill Limited firmly believe in the importance of providing a healthy and safe environment for their staff, customers and visitors. They also believe firmly in ensuring, as far as is reasonably practicable, that their operations will not affect adversely the health and safety of people who may be affected by the business in whatever manner.

The company wholly accepts the aims and provisions of The Health and Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974 and its subordinate legislation and recognises that foremost in its duties and responsibilities to its employees, customers and others is the need to provide and maintain safe, healthy and hygienic conditions and work practices. The company also considers that all staff must be suitably qualified to carry out their particular functions and, consequently, accepts and invokes the need for adequate training. The company also considers that its employees and sub-contractors have an individual responsibility for ensuring strict adherence to all company safety rules, guidelines and protocols as well as statutory requirements, and that they are obliged to co-operate with management in maintaining high standards of health and safety.

It is the intent of all management and staff at Rokill to apply the company safety policy and all current legislation appertaining to health and safety, and we firmly believe in the importance of our responsibilities regarding health and safety.

All staff at Rokill Limited are reminded of their duty to:

1. pursue their duties in a safe manner with due regard to the health and safety of their colleagues, customers and other people who may be affected by them,
2. report any defects or hazards without delay to their line manager and the Operations Director who has specific health and safety responsibilities.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

The most important legislation affecting working conditions is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and its purpose is to provide the legal framework to promote, stimulate and encourage high standards of health and safety at work.

It lays down a system summary and indictable offences for which unlimited fines can be imposed. In addition, Factory Inspectors have the power to issue notices requiring immediate remedial action where they discover a contravention of the legal requirements relating to health, safety or welfare.

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act members of the public are entitled to be protected against risks to health and safety arising out of the activities of persons at work. This is very important particularly where children are concerned, even if they are trespassing.

PEST CONTROL OPERATIONS

Specific legislation including the control of pesticides regulations (1986) and the control of substances hazardous to health (1988) may also apply.

PROMOTE SAFE PRACTICES

Consider Safety First. If you are not sure of procedures ASK.

Do not take short cuts - use the access provided.

Play your part in keeping the work place tidy and safe.

Watch out for warning notices and obey the warnings given.

Never attempt to operate a machinery unless you have been trained and authorized to do so.

Lifting heavy objects or materials can cause injury - obtain assistance when necessary.

Study your Company’s Safety Policy which explains the arrangements made for your Health and Safety.

Remember you have a legal duty to take responsible care of your own health and safety while at work.

You also have a legal duty regarding the health and safety of the people you work with and members of the public.

If in doubt about your job, ask your immediate line manager for guidance.

LADDER SAFETY

More accidents arise each year from the use or misuse of ladders than from any other single piece of equipment.

Never use or climb makeshift structures.

Always check ladders for splits, damaged rungs or missing rungs.

If defective - DO NOT USE.

Never allow more than one person on ladder at one time.

Never work on ladders that are sited on uneven ground.

Ensure that ladders are properly secured and extend at least 1.1m above the stepping point.

Always ensure that the ladder is long enough for the work and maintain at least 1.1m above the rung on which the user stands.

Never use the rung of a ladder as a support system or for run up boards.

Always face the ladder when using it and maintain a firm grip.

Always ensure when using extension ladders you maintain at least three rungs at the overlap position.

Always ensure ladder is positioned free from the risk of falling materials and maintain safe access.

Do not overstretch the ladders.

When working and handling ladders, check for overhead hazards, and make sure that no overhead power lines are in the vicinity.

Always set the ladder at the correct angle - 1m out for every 4m high.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Each employee should be his own Safety Officer.
2. Always conduct yourself in a responsible way and safe manner.
3. Do not expose others to danger through your actions.
4. Always use the correct tools and equipment for the job.
5. Always use Safety equipment and Protective Clothing provided for your use.
6. Report ALL defects in Plant and Equipment.
7. Advise newcomers of safe working practices.
8. Report any accidents or near misses to your line manager immediately.

USE SAFETY CLOTHING

Remember personal injuries can arise from the abuse of protective clothing.

When protective clothing and/or equipment is issued for your use:-

Wear or use the equipment the equipment or clothing when required.

Look after the equipment or clothing and return it to supervision on completion.

Should there be any defect or loss of the equipment, report it to your line manager immediately.

If you have any doubts about the correct use or maintenance of the equipment or clothing - Ask your line manager.

SAFE SCAFFOLDS AND WORK PLATFORMS

Always ensure that scaffolding structures are erected by competent persons. If it is incomplete - DO NOT USE IT.

Do not remove or interfere with scaffolding in any way. Alterations should only be carried out by authorized persons.

Be your own Safety Officer and report any defective scaffolding to your line manager.

Never work or use scaffolds which are being erected or dismantled.

Always ensure Warning Notices are displayed.

Always ensure when positioning materials on working platform that stacks are installed adjacent to the standards - not between them.

Never climb up or down scaffolding - use the access provided.

Never throw, tip or drop materials from any height. They should always be lowered or disposed of through a properly constructed shute.

Make sure that sufficient materials for the job in hand are on site and have been inspected. Never use defective materials.

Make sure that timber soleplates and metal base plates are used and they are the correct size to provide safe bearing.

Never allow scaffolding to be erected or altered by incompetent persons.

Ensure all joints between tubes are staggered vertically and horizontally.

Always ensure the correct type couplers are used for all connections. When in doubt ask your line manager.

Always ensure scaffold boards are in good condition.

Always ensure standards are upright and are set our in accordance with regulations.

Always ensure internal and face bracing is installed.

Fixed scaffolds are to be inspected by a suitably qualified person – minimum weekly.

SAFE TOWERS

Always ensure that brick guards/edge protections are installed where there is a risk of falling materials.

Always ensure when guardrails are removed for access of materials, the guardrail is re-positioned.

When using tower scaffolds, never exceed 3 times the minimum base dimensions when working at heights in open-air situations.

Never exceed 3½ times the base dimension when working at heights indoors.

Never attempt to push or move the wheeled tower scaffolds when persons are still on the tower.

Ensure that the ground conditions are consolidated when using towers.

CHECK THE WORKING SURFACES

Each year about 40% of reportable accidents are accountable to falling from heights.

Never work on fragile roofs without crawling boards, ladders or properly constructed stageings.

Always ensure openings are effectively covered or barriered off.

Always ensure edge protection is available and installed.

Always ensure covers are securely fixed and are strong enough to bear the load of a man or materials.

In situations where it is not possible to install adequate safety barriers always ensure a safety harness is available and worn.

Never pre-judge a surface - check with supervision as to the preventive measures to be implemented before attempting the operation.

When access is required, or work is necessary in close proximity to roof lights, adequate protection is to be provided to prevent persons/materials falling through.

VEHICLE SAFETY

As a driver you are responsible for the safety of your vehicle or machine at all times.

Always check your tyres, brakes, lights and horn are in good working order.

Ensure your windows and mirrors are clean at all times to ensure good visibility.

Always ensure routine servicing, as required by the manufacturers, is carried out.

Always use the steps and handrails provided for gaining entry and exit to vehicle and ensure steps are free from mud and grease.

Never attempt to drive or operate any vehicle or machine unless you are the holder of the correct current licence and have received suitable training.

Never allow any person under the age of 18 to operate plant or vehicles of any nature.

Check and secure your load before you commence driving.

Never carry passengers on vehicles or machines that are not adapted for carrying persons.

Always when leaving your vehicle switch off your engine, disengage gear, apply handbrake and remove keys.

Always carry out the following when working on a gradient:

1. Switch off engine.
2. If facing down hill, engage lowest reverse gear.
3. If facing up hill, engage lowest forward gear.
4. Engage handbrake.
5. Remove keys.
6. Place chocks if using plant or access platforms.

Always expect the unexpected and drive defensively. Keep within the set speed limits.

Always report defects immediately to your line manager.

Be alert - watch out for height warning signs and cables.

Always look out for pedestrians.

SAFE HANDLING OF TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Promote the safe handling of small tools and equipment.

Always ensure the correct tools and equipment are available and used for the job in hand.

Always check equipment before use.

Ensure electrical equipment has been tested within a six month period and is labelled accordingly.

Never attempt to use defective tools or equipment - Report it to your supervisor immediately.

Ensure all necessary guards are installed before use.

Never attempt to force or overload tools and equipment.

Never interfere with or try to repair electrical apparatus - leave it to a competent electrician.

Always check plugs, sockets and leads for damage and that they are correctly wired and earthed.

Never attempt to clean, repair or adjust tools and equipment whilst the power supply is on.

Never make improvised connections.

Always ensure cables are secured above head height where they cannot be run over or trail in water.

Always ensure that safety goggles are available and used when abrasive disk equipment is being operated.

Never attempt to operate tools and equipment if you do not know how.

Where generators are used generally they should be sited to diffuse fumes and maximize ventilation.

All generators should be earthed to ground.

FIRE PRECAUTIONS

Remember fire extinguishers are provided for your benefit and could save your life - DO NOT ABUSE THEM

Ensure suitable fire fighting extinguishers are available and are displayed in a prominent position.

Always establish specific type of fire and use the correct type of extinguisher (see next page).

On identifying a fire get someone to call the fire brigade.

Never attempt to fight the fire if there is a risk to yourself from fumes or explosive materials.

Never hang or drape wet clothing near or on heaters where they could become a fire hazard.

Do not store highly flammable liquid or liquefied petroleum gas in buildings where heaters are present.

Do not leave dried clothing in prolonged contact with heat.

Never leave lights and heaters switched on at the end of the working shift.

Keep your working area clean and tidy as accumulated rubbish provides a fire hazard.

Ensure that where work involving the use of burning equipment and blow lamps etc. adequate fire fighting equipment is in close proximity.

Always when extinguishing a fire, direct the jet a the base of the flames.

There are four basic fire extinguishers these are (see following page):

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

From the 1st January 1997 all new fire extinguishers in the EU have RED bodies with either a coloured band and/or text to describe their contents and the type of fires for which they are suitable.

Older style fire extinguishers using full body colour codings will also continue in use until they need replacing. These are distinguished as follows. The body colours correspond with the colour band on new style extinguishers.

PERSONAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE

Your personal health and hygiene is important and will help to prevent illness and diseases.

Always protect yourself by wearing clothing and footwear suitable for working conditions and weather.

Always promote good hygiene practice by cleaning all safety equipment such as goggles, safety helmets, ear defenders and other equipment that can come in contact with your skin.

Always wash you hands before eating food.

Ensure you wash your hands before and after using sanitation facilities.

Never abuse welfare facilities provided for your personal hygiene.

Always use safe methods of lifting and handling objects - if you are not sure, get help.

Always lift materials carefully, use your legs and not your back.

SAFE USE OF CHEMICALS

Chemicals are contained in insecticides, rodenticides, adhesives, admixtures, cleaners for brickwork and stone, decorative protective treatments, timber, metals, floor treatments, formwork, mould treatments, fumigants, cements, grouts insulants, sealants, weed killers and other solvents.

Always read the instructions on containers and make sure you understand and implement its advice.

Never assume because containers look alike that they contain the same materials.

Always promote the use of a piece of a cloth when opening these materials, as there could be some liquids that spurt up when released.

Never use chemicals without ensuring suitable protective equipment and clothing is available, is worn, and maintained in a satisfactory condition, as chemicals can be absorbed through the skin.

Regularly check all containers for damage; some chemicals can become unstable and explosive if mishandled.

Never smoke when working in the vicinity of chemicals or flammable liquids as unseen vapours may be in evidence.

Always treat chemicals as toxic. Extreme care should be taken when nearing mealtimes, as poisoning could occur. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in vicinity of the chemicals.

When using chemicals only take small quantities from the stores and return unused materials on completion.

Do not use makeshift containers such as lemonade bottles, which could be mistaken for soft drinks.

Should your skin or eyes be splashed with a chemical, it should be washed off immediately with clean running water.

If you are burned or feeling unwell after using a chemical, seek medical attention without delay.

If you are not sure ask your line manager.

ACCIDENTS AND FIRST AID

First aid and accident reporting.

Your prompt action could result in saving a life or minimizing suffering.

Therefore, your assistance and co-operation is important by:-

Ensuring first aid assistance is called particularly in serious injury cases.

Reporting the incident to your line manager at the earliest opportunity, even though no person was injured or plant damaged and ensure that the incident is recorded in the Company Accident Report book.

Ensuring that the scene is left undisturbed until checked by your line manager or Safety Officer.

Not removing items that could assist in the accident investigation.

Your employer is required to provide first aid equipment to enable first aid to be given to any employee who is injured or becomes ill at work - Do not abuse it.

Always ensure the work force has been made aware of the first aid location.

Always ensure that you are aware of the location of the nearest telephone for contacting the emergency services.

Think before you act when identifying an accident; quickly establish the cause, further dangers and possible injuries.

Never attempt to move the injured person unless their position presents further hazards.