It comes under a lot of criticism – Health and Safety legislation – but ignore it at your peril…
Boxpod has caught up with Essential Safety’s Managing Director, Dean Howells, for some timely reminders about what needs to be done to keep you, your staff and visitors safe at work.
When moving to communal, multi-occupied, managed premises, many of the safety and fire issues will be handled by the landlord, managing agent or main occupier. Even under these circumstances, consider the issues which could cause harm to employees, visitors and contractors.
Essential Safety has compiled a short (and not necessarily exhaustive) list of safety and fire issues to think about.
Fire Safety
Do you have a formal plan for responding to a fire, and does everyone, including visitors, know about it?
How will occupants be warned of a fire and will they be aware of the means of escape?
Are there adequate fire extinguishers, and have nominated persons (Fire Marshals) been trained?
Has a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment been carried out by a competent person?
Risk Assessment
Have you carried out a general risk assessment for the premises?
Have you carried out specific risk assessments for hazardous equipment and tasks?
How have you communicated the findings of these risk assessments to your employees, visitors and contractors?
Falls from Height
Are any platforms etc. provided with adequate barriers or edge protection? Edge protection should be at least 910mm high (950mm if installed after April 2005), with no gap greater than 470mm.
Do you have robust systems for roof access? Unfortunately, many organisations (and their owners) have faced the prospect of significant fines (or custodial sentences) as a result of accidents involving well-intentioned, but poorly-planned roof access.
Have you provided suitable access equipment – even if it is only a small stepladder?
How will your staff reach those high shelves or equipment? If it means standing on a chair or desk, you might want to take a closer look!
Electrical and Gas Equipment
When were your fixed electrical and gas installations last checked? In most commercial premises, the fixed electrical installations should be tested by a qualified electrician every three or five years, depending upon the nature of the business. Gas installations should generally be checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer annually.
Lifting Equipment
If the premises operate a passenger lift, this will need to be subjected to a detailed inspection, called a Thorough Examination, by a competent engineer (usually arranged through your insurer) every six months. All other lifting equipment (goods lifts, hoists etc.) should be inspected every 12 months.
Asbestos
Contrary to popular opinion, the use or re-use of white asbestos (chrysotile) wasn’t banned in the UK until 1999. Premises constructed pre-2000 could contain asbestos.
Carry out a desk-top review first, checking the age of your building, and any reports of asbestos surveys previously carried out.
Ask your landlord / managing agent if they have any information regarding Asbestos Containing materials (ACM’s) at the premises.
If necessary, seek specialist advice from a UKAS accredited asbestos surveyor.
Legionella.
If your premises have anything other than a very simple water system, you will probably need to assess the risks from legionella bacteria.
Again, carry out a desk-top review first, looking at the hot and cold water systems.
You may need to seek further advice from a specialist legionella assessor.
Posters and Certificates
Are you displaying the latest Health & Safety Law Poster? The Poster is available from a range of suppliers, but I recommend purchasing directly from the HSE at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/lawposter.htm
You are also legally required to display a certificate of your employer’s liability insurance.
Slips and Trips
Are your internal and external surfaces in good order and free from defects, potholes and trailing cables?
Is adequate lighting provided in car parks and other external areas?
If you are introducing any wet processes or there is a chance that any floors could become wet, are suitable non-slip floor finishes provided?
Welfare Facilities
Are you providing adequate welfare facilities, including washrooms and toilets?
As a general rule, you should provide at least one WC for up to five occupants, an additional WC for up to 25 occupants, and one additional WC for every 25 occupants thereafter. However, these requirements may change depending upon the mix of male / female occupants or specific work groups.
Accidents
Have you provided adequate first aiders and first aid kits?
Carry out a first aid risk assessment, looking at the nature and location of your premises and the activities taking place within them, also considering if any of your employees have any special first aid requirements.
Don’t forget to keep an accident book, and report any relevant accidents or incidents in accordance with RIDDOR.
These are some issues to think about. Some may not apply to your particular premises and circumstances, but I hope they have at least provided some food for thought.
Dean Howells CMIOSH   MIIRSM   RMaPS
Essential Safety Limited
Tel (01536) 460 171Â Â Â Â 07977 512 530
Web:Â Â www.essentialsafetyconsulting.co.uk
E-mail:Â Â dean@essentialconsult.co.uk