Construction Phase Plan

• Document No.

• Job Name

• Client Name

• Client Address

• Job Address

• Same as Client's

  Off

  On

• Job Location

• Start Date

  Date

• End Date

  Date

• Prepared by

PLAN

• What is the job associated with?

  Select Single storey extension Two storey extension Loft conversion Kitchen refit Bathroom refit Remodelling or upgrading interior Remodelling or upgrading exterior Ground works Roofing or re-roofing Single storey new build Two storey new build Installing windows, doors or conservatories Roads, paving, hard standings or landscaping Installation work Snagging, inspection or defect work Emergency repairs General maintenance Other

  • Single storey extension
  • Two storey extension
  • Loft conversion
  • Kitchen refit
  • Bathroom refit
  • Remodelling or upgrading interior
  • Remodelling or upgrading exterior
  • Ground works
  • Roofing or re-roofing
  • Single storey new build
  • Two storey new build
  • Installing windows, doors or conservatories
  • Roads, paving, hard standings or landscaping
  • Installation work
  • Snagging, inspection or defect work
  • Emergency repairs
  • General maintenance
  • Other

• Please specify other

• Is there anything the client has made you aware of?

  Select Nothing Asbestos present Party Wall Act agreement Structural problems Restricted access or space Skip to be on public highway Animals, children, elderly, disabled or infirm present Other

  • Nothing
  • Asbestos present
  • Party Wall Act agreement
  • Structural problems
  • Restricted access or space
  • Skip to be on public highway
  • Animals, children, elderly, disabled or infirm present
  • Other

• Activity:
  Client advised: Asbestos present
  Risk:
  Client advised risk: Exposure to asbestos can cause four main diseases: Asbestos-related lung cancer (which is almost always fatal), Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and Diffuse pleural thickening
  You will need to:
  ! STOP !
  - Asbestos can be found in any building built before the year 2000 and causes around 5000 deaths every year
  - If possible, you should plan for work to avoid disturbing any asbestos, but if not possible, you must not start work unless you have the correct instruction, information and training to do it safely
  - You may need to use a licensed contractor and can find more information on the HSE's asbestos web pages at www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos
  - The HSE also have a FREE 'Beware Asbestos' web based app that includes an asbestos photo gallery www.beware-asbestos.info

• Activity:
  Client advised: Party Wall Act agreement
  Risk:
  Client advised risk: Delays, legal disputes, additional costs, causing structural problems
  You will need to:
  - You must comply with any Party Wall Act agreement in place
  - Building owners should check if an agreement is needed if the work involves:
  1. Working on an existing wall or structure shared with another property
  2. Building a free standing wall or a wall of a building up to or astride the boundary with the neighbouring property
  3. Excavating near a neighbouring building

• Activity:
  Client advised: Structural problems
  Risk:
  Client advised risk: Sudden or partial collapse or weakening of the structure or nearby structures
  You will need to:
  - Assess if your work will have an impact on any existing or nearby structure and if unsure seek professional advice
  - Monitor during your works and stop immediately if you suspect the structure is being affected
  - Removing parts of the structure, undermining foundations, loading out materials, vibration from breakers and plant can affect or damage the structure

• Activity:
  Client advised: Restricted access
  Risk:
  Client advised risk: The level of risk and controls will be different for each job. Discuss these with your client
  You will need to:
  - Consider the plant and materials you will need, the quantity needed and when and how you will safely unload, store and distribute them
  - You may need to advise delivery drivers or other contractors of any site specific arrangements
  - Consider how and where you can park and agree with your client
  - You should not block public highways or footpaths

• Activity:
  Client advised: Skip to be on public highway
  Risk:
  Client advised risk: Skip being struck by vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, fire/arson or fly tipping
  You will need to:
  - Ensure the skip hire company is aware that the skip is to be sited on a public highway
  - The skip will have to comply with local authority / highways requirements such as its maximum size, location on the road and any cones, lights or signage needed

• Activity:
  Client advised: Animals, children, elderly, disabled or infirm present
  Risk:
  Client advised risk: Work or poor housekeeping causing unplanned inconvenience, injury or harm
  You will need to:
  - Physically segregate your work area where possible
  - Discuss any concerns or requirements (pets, access etc.)
  - Make your work area safe when unattended and at the end of your shift
  - Lock away all harmful substances, paint, tools etc.
  - Store materials so they can't topple over or fall on people
  - Keep shared areas tidy and free of trip hazards

• Please specify other

WORKING TOGETHER

• Who else is working on the job with you?

  Select Work colleagues Other trades / contractors / sub-contractors Nobody

  • Work colleagues
  • Other trades / contractors / sub-contractors
  • Nobody

• How will you keep everyone on site updated during the job?

  Select Daily briefing before work starts Face to face as changes arise Written work instruction Other

  • Daily briefing before work starts
  • Face to face as changes arise
  • Written work instruction
  • Other

• Please specify other

• Who will be responsible for ensuring the job runs safely?

• Please list all other trades / contractors / sub-contractors

Trade / Contractor / Sub-contractor

• Who will be the principal contractor?

• If other workers or contractors are introduced, either by yourself or the client, you will need to update this section.

• What are your toilet, washing (basin with hot and cold running water) and rest facilities?

  Select Agreement to use existing client facilities Using temporary facilities Using nearby public facilities Other

  • Agreement to use existing client facilities
  • Using temporary facilities
  • Using nearby public facilities
  • Other

• Please specify other

• Does this job need to be notified to HSE or HSENI? (i.e. Job will involve more than 500 person days or 30 working days, with more than 20 people working at the same time)

  Yes

  No

• Risk:
  Notification risk: Prosecution through not notifying the project to the HSE, which is a legal requirement
  Your job needs to be notified to the HSE. The easiest way to notify the HSE or HSENI of your job is to use the electronic form F10 on HSE(NI)'s website.

ORGANISE TRADES

• Select the relevant task or trades you will be undertaking on this job

  Select General buiding work or maintenance Ground works / drainage / foundations / screeding Brickwork, block work Roof work and installing upper floors Plastering, rendering, dry-lining Carpentry work (internal and external) Plumbing and heating Electrical work Painting, decorating and internal finishing

  • General buiding work or maintenance
  • Ground works / drainage / foundations / screeding
  • Brickwork, block work
  • Roof work and installing upper floors
  • Plastering, rendering, dry-lining
  • Carpentry work (internal and external)
  • Plumbing and heating
  • Electrical work
  • Painting, decorating and internal finishing

• GENERAL BUILDING WORK OR MAINTENANCE - Will you be?

  Select Employing or using other people or trades? Trailing cables on the floor, storing materials, tools and waste in work areas? Working on a site or building that could be accessed by unauthorised persons? Demolishing or altering any part of an existing structure or building? Using electricity supply for lighting and equipment? Using lifting equipment such as cranes, hoists, gin wheels? Using, installing or removing glass-wool or mineral wool insulation? Working in an occupied home or workplace?

  • Employing or using other people or trades?
  • Trailing cables on the floor, storing materials, tools and waste in work areas?
  • Working on a site or building that could be accessed by unauthorised persons?
  • Demolishing or altering any part of an existing structure or building?
  • Using electricity supply for lighting and equipment?
  • Using lifting equipment such as cranes, hoists, gin wheels?
  • Using, installing or removing glass-wool or mineral wool insulation?
  • Working in an occupied home or workplace?

• Activity:
  Employing or using other people or trades
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Accidents and incidents, due to lack of awareness of site rules or what others are doing
  You will need to:
  - Provide a simple site induction that explains what the site rules are, and what is expected
  - Depending upon the nature of the work you may need to designate it a hard hat site
  - Ensure trades speak to each other and know what's going on so they can work safely together

• Activity:
  Trailing cables on the floor, storing materials, tools and waste in work areas
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Injury from slips, trips and falls due to poor housekeeping
  You will need to:
  - Keep work and storage areas tidy and clean
  - If possible route cables overhead or away from where you and others walk
  - Tidy as you work and remove waste frequently
  - Keep work areas well lit

• Activity:
  Working on a site or building that could be accessed by unauthorised persons
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Injury to other people, public, homeowners
  You will need to:
  - Fence or secure the site or work area and use signs to warn people
  - Check nothing can topple or fall over, cover any holes or voids, and don't leave hazardous substances lying around
  - Prevent access to areas that are hazardous such as excavations, open floors, scaffolding, fixed ladders
  - Leave the site or work area safe and tidy before you leave each day
  - Consider homeowners who are living there (what access do they need, do they have children, inform them of changes and progress)

• Activity:
  Demolishing or altering any part of an existing structure or building
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Sudden or partial collapse of walls, arches, lintels, floors, roofs or adjacent structures
  You will need to:
  - Ensure work is properly planned and structural stability is not compromised
  - Support load bearing parts of structures where necessary
  - Secure temporary props and check regularly
  - Remove debris regularly and do not overload any part of the structure or temporary platforms with debris or materials
  ! Seek the advice of a structural engineer if in any doubt !

• Activity:
  Using electricity supply for lighting and equipment
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Electrocution, fire
  You will need to:
  - Where possible, use 110v or battery operated portable tools to reduce the risk
  - Ensure an RCD / circuit breaker is used if using 240v equipment and that plugs and sockets are protected from damage and weather
  - Isolate any existing electrical supplies

• Activity:
  Using lifting equipment such as cranes, hoists, gin wheels
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Lifting equipment failing, overturning or dropping a load onto persons or structure
  You will need to:
  - Plan all lifting operations and use the correct equipment for the job
  - Check the ground or structure can take the weight of the lifting equipment and load
  - Keep people clear
  - Secure the load properly

• Activity:
  Using, installing or removing glass-wool or mineral wool insulation
  Risk:
  Health risk: Fibres can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory system
  You will need to:
  - Cover up bare skin and wear gloves
  - Wear respiratory protection such as a disposable face mask (face fitted to individuals) and make sure it is CE marked and is FFP3 rated

• Activity:
  Working in an occupied home or workplace
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Injury to homeowners, children, elderly, others
  You will need to:
  - Ensure you leave the work areas safe and tidy before you leave each day
  - Check nothing can topple or fall over, cover any holes or voids, and don't leave hazardous substances lying around
  - Prevent access to areas that are hazardous such as excavations, open floors, scaffolding, fixed ladders

• GROUND WORKS / DRAINAGE / FOUNDATIONS / SCREEDING - Will you be?

  Select Digging in an area that could have buried services (water, gas, electricity, cable etc.)? Excavating foundations, drainage trenches or bulk / reduced level dig? Working in an excavation or trench? Leaving an excavation or manhole open? Excavating near to an existing structure such as a building, garden wall or garage? In contact with sewage? Using driver operated plant, such as mini diggers and dumpers? Working in an occupied home or workplace? Mixing or using screeds, mortar or concrete on site? Pumping screeds or concrete? Kneeling for prolonged periods on hard or uneven surfaces? Using epoxy resins, additives, or other chemicals? Cutting, chasing or drilling screeds, concrete, bricks or blocks?

  • Digging in an area that could have buried services (water, gas, electricity, cable etc.)?
  • Excavating foundations, drainage trenches or bulk / reduced level dig?
  • Working in an excavation or trench?
  • Leaving an excavation or manhole open?
  • Excavating near to an existing structure such as a building, garden wall or garage?
  • In contact with sewage?
  • Using driver operated plant, such as mini diggers and dumpers?
  • Working in an occupied home or workplace?
  • Mixing or using screeds, mortar or concrete on site?
  • Pumping screeds or concrete?
  • Kneeling for prolonged periods on hard or uneven surfaces?
  • Using epoxy resins, additives, or other chemicals?
  • Cutting, chasing or drilling screeds, concrete, bricks or blocks?

• Activity:
  Digging in an area that could have buried services (water, gas, electricity, cable etc.)
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Injury through striking live services
  You will need to:
  - Obtain relevant service drawings
  - Check the area by using a Service locating device (CAT & Genny)
  - Hand dig when you are within 500mm of any known service

• Activity:
  Excavating foundations, drainage trenches or bulk / reduced level dig
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Crush injuries or being buried by sudden collapse of excavation
  You will need to:
  - Adequately support all excavations as you go (shore, step or batter) regardless of any depth
  - Check the excavation before work starts and after any event that may affect its stability (i.e. heavy rain)
  - Keep records of your inspections so that people can be sure it is safe for work to continue

• Activity:
  Working in an excavation or trench
  Risk:
  Safety risk: People and materials falling in, sudden collapse
  You will need to:
  - Provide access either by ladder, scaffolding, staircase etc. to get in and out of the excavation
  - Keep plant, soil and materials away from the edge
  - Prevent access if unsafe or unsupported

• Activity:
  Leaving an excavation or manhole open
  Risk:
  Safety risk: People falling in
  You will need to:
  - Fit temporary covers over open manholes, inspection chambers etc. and erect barriers or guards around the edge that are strong enough to take a person's weight

• Activity:
  Excavating near to an existing structure such as a building, garden wall or garage
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Sudden collapse due to undermining or weakening the existing structure
  You will need to:
  - Make sure structures are not undermined, dig well away from them or install suitable temporary works support
  ! If in doubt seek advice from a structural engineer !

• Activity:
  In contact with sewage
  Risk:
  Health risk: Weil's disease or Leptospirosis - starts as mild illness similar to flu but left untreated can be fatal
  You will need to:
  - Wear protective clothing such as rubber or non-absorbent gloves
  - Wash hands after any contact - good personal hygiene is essential

• Activity:
  Using driver operated plant, such as mini diggers and dumpers
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Plant overturning, striking other people, overcome by exhaust fumes/asphyxiation
  You will need to:
  - Only operate the plant if you are competent (blend of knowledge, ability, training and experience)
  - Keep others away from plant movements and traffic routes
  - Be aware of crush zones (mini diggers slewing near buildings)
  - Avoid driving close to excavations
  - Only operate the plant for which it is designed for
  - Be aware that exhaust fumes are heavier than air and can quickly fill spaces such as excavations and basements. Regularly 'stir the air' or provide mechanical ventilation/extraction

• Activity:
  Working in an occupied home or workplace
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Injury to homeowners, children, elderly, others
  You will need to:
  - Ensure you leave the work areas safe and tidy before you leave each day
  - Check nothing can topple or fall over, cover any holes or voids, and don't leave hazardous substances lying around
  - Prevent access to areas that are hazardous such as excavations, open floors, scaffolding, fixed ladders etc.

• Activity:
  Mixing or using screeds, mortar or concrete on site
  Risk:
  Health risk: Manual handling, dermatitis and cement burns
  Safety risk: Crushed if mixer topples, eye injuries, caught in moving parts, electric shock
  You will need to:
  - Locate mixer on firm level ground
  - Ensure mixer is fully guarded and guards are in place during operation
  - Protect electrical leads and use an RCD / circuit breaker
  - Ensure that mixer is positioned to allow the shortest possible route, free from obstructions, for operatives carrying either bags of or mixed cement
  - Use cement or cement containing products by their use-by date
  - Avoid direct skin contact - wear non-absorbent CE marked gloves when handling wet cement and do not kneel on wet screed unless wearing suitable protective clothing such as waterproof trousers and footwear
  - Have good washing facilities on site, with hot and cold water, soap and basins large enough to wash forearms
  - Have emergency eyewash to hand
  ! Ensure washout does not enter drains or watercourses !

• Activity:
  Pumping screeds or concrete
  Risk:
  Health risk: Noise, vibration, dermatitis and cement burns
  Safety risk: Injuries due to sudden bursting of hoses or struck by screed / concrete at high pressure, caught in moving parts of pump, electric shock
  You will need to:
  - Ensure the mixer is positioned to allow the shortest possible route, free from obstructions, for operatives carrying either bags of or mixed cement
  - Locate screed pump on firm, level ground and use stabilisers if fitted
  - Set up a safety exclusion zone
  - Ensure pump is fully guarded and guards are in place during operation
  - Ensure delivery hoses are in good condition and purpose designed securing pins in place on all hose couplings
  - Protect electrical leads and use an RCD / circuit breaker
  ! If hiring a concrete pump, additional controls will be required due to the high risk operation, such as high pressures, blockages, vehicle / wagon movements. Workers may need additional information, instruction, training or supervision !

• Activity:
  Kneeling for prolonged periods on hard or uneven surfaces
  Risk:
  Health risk: Chronic knee pain leading to permanent damage
  You will need to:
  - Use kneeling pads, kneeling mats or cushions and padded trousers

• Activity:
  Using epoxy resins, additives, or other chemicals
  Risk:
  Health risk: Breathing in harmful fumes, damage skin, eyes and respiratory tract
  You will need to:
  - Check labels and data sheets for the necessary controls to follow when using hazardous substances including PPE such as gloves, clothing and eye protection

• Activity:
  Cutting, chasing or drilling screeds, concrete, bricks or blocks
  Risk:
  Health risk: Breathing in harmful construction dust leading to lung diseases
  Safety risk: Eye injuries
  You will need to:
  - Stop using dry cutting methods
  - Where possible, replace angle grinders and cut-off saws with a block splitter (removing the risk of significant dust exposure)
  - Use wet cutting techniques such as using a water feed while cutting
  - Use a wall chaser with on-tool dust extraction
  - Wear eye protection when cutting brick bands or using chisels and bolsters
  - Wear respiratory protection such as a disposable face mask (face fitted to individual), making sure it is CE marked and is FFP3 rated

• BRICKWORK, BLOCKWORK - Will you be?

  Select Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish? Loading out bricks, blocks, mortar and lintels? Mixing mortar and concrete on site? Cutting, chasing or drilling bricks or blocks? Using epoxy resins, brick acid or other chemicals? Working in an occupied home or workplace?

  • Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish?
  • Loading out bricks, blocks, mortar and lintels?
  • Mixing mortar and concrete on site?
  • Cutting, chasing or drilling bricks or blocks?
  • Using epoxy resins, brick acid or other chemicals?
  • Working in an occupied home or workplace?

• Activity:
  Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Slips and trips, materials falling, injury to other people
  You will need to:
  - Use brick guards to prevent falls of materials onto others
  - Stack pallets of bricks and blocks on firm level ground and not more than two high
  - Keep work areas and walkways tidy and clear of rubble, materials, trailing leads and rubbish
  - Wear safety footwear

• Activity:
  Loading out bricks, blocks, mortar and lintels
  Risk:
  Health risk: Manual handling
  Safety risk: Overloading scaffold or access equipment working platforms
  You will need to:
  - Get bricks, cements, lintels delivered as close to work area as possible
  - Use lightweight blocks where possible
  - Cover bricks/blocks with tarpaulin when stored on site to prevent taking up water
  - Use trolleys and lifting aids to load out materials
  - Raise spot boards with blocks to easy working height
  ! Do not overload working platforms or floors !

• Activity:
  Mixing mortar and concrete on site
  Risk:
  Health risk: Dermatitis and cement burns
  Safety risk: Crushed if mixer topples or caught in moving parts, electric shock
  You will need to:
  - Use cement or cement containing products within the use-by date
  - Avoid direct skin contact - wear non-absorbent CE marked gloves when handling mortar
  - Have good washing facilities on site, with hot and cold water, soap and basins large enough to wash forearms
  - Have an emergency eyewash to hand
  - Locate cement mixer on firm, level ground
  - Ensure mixer is fully guarded and guards in place during operation
  - Protect electrical leads and use an RCD / circuit breaker
  ! Ensure washout does not enter drains or watercourses !

• Activity:
  Cutting, chasing or drilling bricks or blocks
  Risk:
  Health risk: Breathing in harmful construction dust leading to lung diseases
  Safety risk: Eye injuries
  You will need to:
  - Stop using dry cutting methods
  - Where possible replace angle grinders and cut-off saws with a block splitter (removing the risk of significant dust exposure)
  - Use wet cutting techniques such as using a water feed while cutting
  - Use a wall chaser with on-tool dust extraction
  - Wear eye protection when cutting brick bands or using chisels and bolsters
  - Wear respiratory protection such as a disposable face mask (face fitted to individual) make sure it is CE
  marked and is FFP3 rated

• Activity:
  Using epoxy resins, brick acid or other chemicals
  Risk:
  Health risk: Breathing in harmful fumes, damage skin, eyes and respiratory tract
  You will need to:
  - Check labels and data sheets for the controls to follow including necessary PPE such as gloves and eye protection
  - Always use in a well-ventilated area

• Activity:
  Working in an occupied home or workplace
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Injury to homeowners, children, elderly, others
  You will need to:
  - Ensure you leave the work areas safe and tidy before you leave each day
  - Check nothing can topple or fall over, cover any holes or voids, and don't leave hazardous substances lying around
  - Prevent access to areas that are hazardous such as excavations, open floors, scaffolding, fixed ladders etc.

• ROOF WORK AND INSTALLING UPPER FLOORS - Will you be?

  Select Working at height or carrying out short duration work where there is a possibility of falling? Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish? Mechanically cutting roof tiles or slates? Working above or near public areas? Stripping off existing roof coverings or structures? Working in high winds, frosty/icy conditions, heavy rain? Using bitumen boilers? Working in an occupied home or workplace?

  • Working at height or carrying out short duration work where there is a possibility of falling?
  • Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish?
  • Mechanically cutting roof tiles or slates?
  • Working above or near public areas?
  • Stripping off existing roof coverings or structures?
  • Working in high winds, frosty/icy conditions, heavy rain?
  • Using bitumen boilers?
  • Working in an occupied home or workplace?

• Activity:
  Working at height or carrying out short duration work such as inspections, cleaning, maintenance or quick repairs to places that are above the ground or in places where you could fall
  You will need to:
  ! Stop and assess what the safest option is by reassessing the previous safety options as they may apply but have not been considered as part of short duration work !

• Activity:
  Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Slips and trips, materials falling, injury to other people
  You will need to:
  - Use brick guards to prevent falls of materials onto others
  - Stack pallets of materials on firm level ground and not more than two high
  - Keep work areas and walkways tidy and clear of rubble, materials, trailing leads and rubbish
  - If possible, use a hoist or other lifting devices to raise and lower materials and equipment to the work area

• Activity:
  Mechanically cutting roof tiles or slates
  Risk:
  Health risk: Breathing in harmful construction dust leading to lung diseases
  You will need to:
  - Stop using dry cutting methods
  - Use wet cutting techniques such as using a water feed while cutting
  - Wear respiratory protection such as a disposable face mask (face fitted to individuals) make sure it is CE
  marked and is FFP3 rated

• Activity:
  Working above or near public areas
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Injury to public
  You will need to:
  - Stop materials and debris falling onto members of the public by netting scaffolding and covering the boards if people are walking under (or near) scaffolding - or barrier the area off

• Activity:
  Stripping off existing roof coverings or structures
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Fragile roof surfaces, falls from height, materials falling, injury to other people
  You will need to:
  - Provide working platforms and edge protection such as scaffolding
  - Keep people away from the area in case of loose or falling materials
  - Do not throw materials from the roof or the scaffold ('bombing') - use a chute or similar

• Activity:
  Working in high winds, frosty/icy conditions, heavy rain
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Slips, falls, materials blowing off roof
  You will need to:
  - Secure materials to stop them being blown off the roof
  - Provide walkways or treat surfaces so they are not slippery
  - Avoid working on frosty or icy roofs and surfaces

• Activity:
  Using bitumen boilers
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Fire, molten bitumen, burns
  You will need to:
  - Site boiler on firm level surface and do not move or leave unattended when lit
  - Leave a minimum of 3m between the boiler and any LPG cylinder
  - Use lids on containers carrying hot bitumen to minimise splashes and check routes are free from trip hazards
  - At least one dry powder fire extinguisher should be available near the boiler
  - Wear appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves

• Activity:
  Working in an occupied home or workplace
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Injury to homeowners, children, elderly, others
  You will need to:
  - Ensure you leave the work areas safe and tidy before you leave each day
  - Check nothing can topple or fall over, cover any holes or voids, and don't leave hazardous substances lying around
  - Prevent access to areas that are hazardous such as excavations, open floors, scaffolding, fixed ladders etc.

• PLASTERING, RENDERING, DRY-LINING - Will you be?

  Select Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish? Lifting and handling heavy or awkward objects, e.g. plasterboard or bags of plaster? Mixing plaster? Working off hop-ups? Plastering near electrical sockets, spurs etc.? Rubbing down plaster / tape and jointing? Working in an occupied home or workplace?

  • Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish?
  • Lifting and handling heavy or awkward objects, e.g. plasterboard or bags of plaster?
  • Mixing plaster?
  • Working off hop-ups?
  • Plastering near electrical sockets, spurs etc.?
  • Rubbing down plaster / tape and jointing?
  • Working in an occupied home or workplace?

• Activity:
  Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Slips and trips, materials falling, injury to other people
  You will need to:
  - Keep work areas and walkways tidy and clear of rubble, materials, trailing leads and rubbish

• Activity:
  Lifting and handling heavy or awkward objects, e.g. plasterboard or bags of plaster
  Risk:
  Health risk: Injuries such as back pain
  You will need to:
  - Consider using smaller or half sheets of plasterboard if possible
  - Use mechanical lifting aids such as sack barrows and board trolleys
  - Use board and panel mechanical lifters, jacks and telescopic props

• Activity:
  Mixing plaster
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Electrocution
  You will need to:
  - Protect electrical leads and where possible, use 110v paddle mixer to reduce the risk else use an RCD / circuit breaker for 240v equipment
  - Keep the mixing area clean and tidy to prevent slips and trips
  ! Ensure washout does not enter drains or watercourses !

• Activity:
  Working off hop-ups
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Falls
  You will need to:
  - Ensure the floor is firm and free of wet material and debris
  - Keep the hop-up top clean and dry
  - Move it regularly - don't over reach

• Activity:
  Plastering near electrical sockets, spurs etc.
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Electrocution
  You will need to:
  - Check with the electrician that any exposed wires and open power points are not live

• Activity:
  Rubbing down plaster / tape and jointing
  Risk:
  Health risk: Irritation of eyes or sensitive skin, or short-term irritation of respiratory system
  You will need to:
  - Avoid skin contact, excessive dust build-up and contact with eyes
  - Ensure there's a water supply nearby to wash dust off skin
  - Wear eye protection when plastering ceilings
  - Consider using a 'mechanical drywall sander' with on-tool dust extraction system that is cleaner and faster than traditional drywall pole sanders

• Activity:
  Working in an occupied home or workplace
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Injury to homeowners, children, elderly, others
  You will need to:
  - Ensure you leave the work areas safe and tidy before you leave each day
  - Check nothing can topple or fall over, cover any holes or voids, and don't leave hazardous substances lying around
  - Prevent access to areas that are hazardous such as excavations, open floors, scaffolding, fixed ladders etc.

• CARPENTRY WORK (INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL) - Will you be?

  Select Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish? Kneeling for prolonged periods on hard or uneven surfaces? Using hand tools and power tools? Using compressed gas or cartridge operated tools? Creating harmful wood dust (softwood, hardwood or MDF)? Working in an occupied home or workplace?

  • Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish?
  • Kneeling for prolonged periods on hard or uneven surfaces?
  • Using hand tools and power tools?
  • Using compressed gas or cartridge operated tools?
  • Creating harmful wood dust (softwood, hardwood or MDF)?
  • Working in an occupied home or workplace?

• Activity:
  Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Slips and trips, materials falling, injury to other people
  You will need to:
  - Keep work areas and walkways tidy and clear of rubble, materials, trailing leads and rubbish

• Activity:
  Kneeling for prolonged periods on hard or uneven surfaces
  Risk:
  Health risk: Chronic knee pain and permanent damage
  You will need to:
  - Use kneeling pads, kneeling mats or cushions and padded trousers

• Activity:
  Using hand tools and power tools
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Contact with moving parts
  You will need to:
  - Where possible, use 110v tools or battery operated portable tools to reduce the risk
  - Ensure an RCD / circuit breaker is used if using 240v equipment and that plugs and sockets are protected from damage and weather
  - Ensure power tools are in good condition and well maintained
  - Always use the correct guard and ensure it is adjusted correctly and working correctly
  - Keep loose clothing and trailing cables away from moving parts
  - If fitted, regularly test emergency stops and other cut-out or breaking switches
  - Ensure hand tools are properly maintained and stored safely when not in use

• Activity:
  Using compressed gas or cartridge operated tools
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Struck by nails, fragments or rebounds
  You will need to:
  - Always wear eye protection that is high impact rated
  - Use the correct power cartridge or settings to avoid nails firing through and out the other side
  - Load the tool with the barrel pointing away from you
  - Never keep the tool loaded when not in use

• Activity:
  Creating harmful wood dust (softwood, hardwood or MDF)
  Risk:
  Health risk: Breathing in harmful construction dust leading to allergic respiratory symptoms, lung diseases, cancers as well as skin disorders
  You will need to:
  - Maintain good ventilation
  - Avoid creating dust
  - Use on-tool extraction systems designed for the task and regularly clean filters and bags
  - Use a vacuum rather than sweeping with a brush if possible
  - Wear respiratory protection such as a disposable face mask (face fitted to individuals) and make sure it is CE marked and is FFP3 rated

• Activity:
  Working in an occupied home or workplace
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Injury to homeowners, children, elderly, others
  You will need to:
  - Ensure you leave the work areas safe and tidy before you leave each day
  - Check nothing can topple or fall over, cover any holes or voids, and don't leave hazardous substances lying around
  - Prevent access to areas that are hazardous such as excavations, open floors, scaffolding, fixed ladders etc.
  Page

• PLUMBING AND HEATING - Will you be?

  Select Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish? Working with naked flames (using a blow torch / hot works) Working with lead? Using, installing or removing glass-wool or mineral wool insulation? In contact with sewage? Working on, maintaining, moving or installing gas appliances such as boilers, fires & cookers? Working in an occupied home or workplace? Kneeling for prolonged periods on hard or uneven surfaces?

  • Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish?
  • Working with naked flames (using a blow torch / hot works)
  • Working with lead?
  • Using, installing or removing glass-wool or mineral wool insulation?
  • In contact with sewage?
  • Working on, maintaining, moving or installing gas appliances such as boilers, fires & cookers?
  • Working in an occupied home or workplace?
  • Kneeling for prolonged periods on hard or uneven surfaces?

• Activity:
  Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Slips and trips, materials falling, injury to other people
  You will need to:
  - Keep work areas and walkways tidy and clear of rubble, materials, trailing leads and rubbish

• Activity:
  Working with naked flames (using a blow torch / hot works)
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Fire
  You will need to:
  - Keep a fire extinguisher next to the work area
  - Dampen down the area prior to undertaking hot works (if applicable)
  - Use a fire blanket or non-combustible material to protect surrounding area from the heat and flame
  - Check the area at least 1 hour after to check there are no hot spots or smouldering materials

• Activity:
  Working with lead
  Risk:
  Health risk: Lead poisoning from inhaling or ingesting lead paint chips, and lead dust, fume or vapour
  You will need to:
  - Wash hands after any contact with lead - good personal hygiene is essential
  - Wear respiratory protection to protect against lead dust, such as a disposable face mask (face fitted to individuals) and make sure it is CE marked and is FFP3 rated
  - For further advice visit www.lipsa.org.uk

• Activity:
  Using, installing or removing glass-wool or mineral wool insulation
  Risk:
  Health risk: Fibres can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory system
  You will need to:
  - Cover up bare skin and wear gloves
  - Wear respiratory protection to protect against lead dust, such as a disposable face mask (face fitted to individuals) and make sure it is CE marked and is FFP3 rated
  

• Activity:
  In contact with sewage
  Risk:
  Health risk: Weil's disease or Leptospirosis - starts as mild illness similar to flu but left untreated can be fatal
  You will need to:
  - Wear protective clothing such as rubber or non-absorbent gloves
  - Wash hands after any contact - good personal hygiene is essential

• Activity:
  Working on, maintaining, moving or installing gas appliances such as boilers, fires and cookers
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Explosion, electric shock, build up of fumes endangering occupiers
  You will need to:
  - You must be or use a 'GasSafe' registered engineer by law when working on gas carrying parts of gas appliances
  - For more information visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk

• Activity:
  Working in an occupied home or workplace
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Injury to homeowners, children, elderly, others
  You will need to:
  - Ensure you leave the work areas safe and tidy before you leave each day
  - Check nothing can topple or fall over, cover any holes or voids, and don't leave hazardous substances lying around
  - Prevent access to areas that are hazardous such as excavations, open floors, scaffolding, fixed ladders etc.

• Activity:
  Kneeling for prolonged periods on hard or uneven surfaces
  Risk:
  Health risk: Chronic knee pain and permanent damage
  You will need to:
  - Use kneeling pads, kneeling mats or cushions and padded trousers

• ELECTRICAL WORK - Will you be?

  Select Carrying out electrical installations? Working on live or existing installations? Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish? Drilling or chasing walls? Working in an occupied home or workplace? Kneeling for prolonged periods on hard or uneven surfaces?

  • Carrying out electrical installations?
  • Working on live or existing installations?
  • Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish?
  • Drilling or chasing walls?
  • Working in an occupied home or workplace?
  • Kneeling for prolonged periods on hard or uneven surfaces?

• Activity:
  Carrying out electrical installations
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Electrocution, fire
  You will need to:
  - Hold industry recognised training and qualifications to carry out electrical work (such as 17th Edition (IET) Wiring Regulations)
  - Ensure all work complies with the safety standards in BS 7671 (the 'wiring regulations')
  - Provide the client with handover certification when the work needs to comply with building regulations

• Activity:
  Working on live or existing installations
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Electrocution, fire
  You will need to:
  - Treat all circuits to be worked on as live until verified dead or isolated
  - Prevent others accessing live equipment, or exposed cables or tails

• Activity:
  Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Slips and trips, materials falling, injury to other people
  You will need to:
  - Keep work areas and walkways tidy and clear of rubble, materials, trailing leads and rubbish

• Activity:
  Drilling or chasing walls
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Hitting hidden cables - electrocution
  You will need to:
  - Check for the presence of cables or services before starting and mark them on the wall, floor or ceiling

• Activity:
  Working in an occupied home or workplace
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Injury to homeowners, children, elderly, others
  You will need to:
  - Ensure you leave the work areas safe and tidy before you leave each day
  - Check nothing can topple or fall over, cover any holes or voids, and don't leave hazardous substances lying around
  - Prevent access to areas that are hazardous such as excavations, open floors, scaffolding, fixed ladders etc.

• Activity:
  Kneeling for prolonged periods on hard or uneven surfaces
  Risk:
  Health risk: Chronic knee pain and permanent damage
  You will need to:
  - Use kneeling pads, kneeling mats or cushions and padded trousers

• PAINTING, DECORATING AND INTERNAL FINISHING - Will you be?

  Select Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish? Using solvent based paints, epoxy resins and chemical strippers? Disturbing paint in existing buildings that may contain lead? Preparing and rubbing down surfaces? Kneeling for prolonged periods on hard or uneven surfaces? Working in an occupied home or workplace?

  • Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish?
  • Using solvent based paints, epoxy resins and chemical strippers?
  • Disturbing paint in existing buildings that may contain lead?
  • Preparing and rubbing down surfaces?
  • Kneeling for prolonged periods on hard or uneven surfaces?
  • Working in an occupied home or workplace?

• Activity:
  Stacking and storing materials, creating rubbish
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Slips and trips, materials falling, injury to other people
  You will need to:
  - Keep work areas and walkways tidy and clear of rubble, materials, trailing leads and rubbish

• Activity:
  Using solvent based paints, epoxy resins and chemical strippers
  Risk:
  Health risk: Irritation of eyes or sensitive skin, or short-term irritation of respiratory system, long term cancers
  You will need to:
  - Consider using water-based products that are more environmentally-friendly and contain very low levels of solvents
  - Always take note of any cautions or potential dangers indicated on the paint can, and take the appropriate preventative action
  - Always remember to use protective equipment especially eye-goggles and a face mask to cover the mouth and nose
  - Take precautions when handling and storing solvents
  - Wash your hands after use
  - Remember to ensure adequate ventilation in rooms you are painting - open windows and doors wherever possible
  - Keep children away from areas you are painting
  ! Do not pour paints, solvents or let brush washings enter drains or watercourses !

• Activity:
  Disturbing paint in existing buildings that may contain lead
  Risk:
  Health risk: Lead poisoning from inhaling or ingesting lead paint chips, and lead dust, fume or vapour
  You will need to:
  - Carry out a lead paint or lead dust tests using lead check swabs (available from merchants and DIY stores)
  - Seek professional advice if positive www.lipsa.org.uk
  ! There is an increased risk in pre-1970's buildings and structures !

• Activity:
  Preparing and rubbing down surfaces
  Risk:
  Health risk: Irritation of eyes or sensitive skin, or short-term irritation of respiratory system
  You will need to:
  - Avoid skin contact, excessive dust build-up and contact with eyes
  - Wear respiratory protection such as a disposable face mask (face fitted to individuals) and make sure it is
  CE marked and is FFP3 rated
  - Consider using a 'mechanical drywall sander' with on-tool dust extraction system that is cleaner and faster than traditional drywall pole sanders when rubbing down walls and ceilings

• Activity:
  Kneeling for prolonged periods on hard or uneven surfaces
  Risk:
  Health risk: Chronic knee pain and permanent damage
  You will need to:
  - Use kneeling pads, kneeling mats or cushions and padded trousers

• Activity:
  Working in an occupied home or workplace
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Injury to homeowners, children, elderly, others
  You will need to:
  - Ensure you leave the work areas safe and tidy before you leave each day
  - Check nothing can topple or fall over, cover any holes or voids, and don't leave hazardous substances lying around
  - Prevent access to areas that are hazardous such as excavations, open floors, scaffolding, fixed ladders etc.

ORGANISE HEALTH RISKS

• Will you be?

  Select Cutting, sawing, drilling, breaking out, chasing, sanding/rubbing down or sweeping up which creates harmful dust or working in a dusty workplace? Working on a building which was built before the year 2000? *May contain asbestos* Lifting and carrying heavy or awkward materials and equipment? Using hand held vibratory tools or equipment? (i.e. drills, breakers, grinders, cut-off saws, sanders.) Using noisy tools, plant and equipment or working in a noisy work place? Working outside in sunny weather? Using hazardous materials such as cement, solvents, paints or chemicals?

  • Cutting, sawing, drilling, breaking out, chasing, sanding/rubbing down or sweeping up which creates harmful dust or working in a dusty workplace?
  • Working on a building which was built before the year 2000? *May contain asbestos*
  • Lifting and carrying heavy or awkward materials and equipment?
  • Using hand held vibratory tools or equipment? (i.e. drills, breakers, grinders, cut-off saws, sanders.)
  • Using noisy tools, plant and equipment or working in a noisy work place?
  • Working outside in sunny weather?
  • Using hazardous materials such as cement, solvents, paints or chemicals?

• Activity:
  Cutting, sawing, drilling, breaking out, chasing, sanding/rubbing down or sweeping up which creates harmful dust or working in a dusty workplace
  Risk:
  Health risk: Breathing in harmful construction dust leading to lung diseases such as silicosis
  You will need to:
  - Maintain good ventilation
  - Avoid creating dust
  - Use on-tool extraction systems
  - Dampen down or use wet cutting techniques
  - Use a vacuum rather than sweeping with a brush if possible
  - Wear respiratory protection such as a disposable face mask which has been face fitted to you (it must be CE marked and FFP3 rated

• Activity:
  Working on a building which was built before the year 2000? *May contain asbestos*
  Risk:
  Health risk: Exposure to asbestos can cause four main diseases: Asbestos-related lung cancer (which is almost always fatal), Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and Diffuse pleural thickening
  You will need to:
  ! STOP !
  - Asbestos can be found in any building built before the year 2000 and causes around 5000 deaths every year
  - If possible, you should plan for work to avoid disturbing any asbestos, but if not possible, you must not start work unless you have the correct instruction, information and training to do it safely
  - You may need to use a licensed contractor and can find more information on the HSE's asbestos web pages at www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos
  - The HSE also have a FREE 'Beware Asbestos' web based app that includes an asbestos photo gallery www.beware-asbestos.info

• Activity:
  Lifting and carrying heavy or awkward materials and equipment
  Risk:
  Health risk: Manual handling injuries and repetitive strains such as back pain
  You will need to:
  Think about ways to reduce the risk by:
  - Ordering materials cut to size
  - Splitting the load if possible
  - Ask someone to help with the lift
  - Use lifting aids (wheel barrow, hoist, sack barrow)

• Activity:
  Using hand held vibratory tools and equipment? Such as drills, breakers, grinders, cut-off saws, sanders, chasers
  Risk:
  Health risk: Permanent damage to nerves and blood supply to fingers, wrists and hands known as vibration white finger or hand arm vibration syndrome HAVS
  You will need to:
  - Reduce the amount of time on the tools
  - Rotate the work with others
  - Keep your hands warm and dry
  - Keep drill bits, points and chisels sharp
  - When purchasing or hiring tools and equipment select those with low vibration ratings
  - TIP: Don't grip too tightly - let the tool do the work
  ! If your hands tingle after using equipment it's an early warning sign. Repetitiveness can lead to permanent damage !

• Activity:
  Using noisy tools, plant and equipment or working in a noisy work place
  Risk:
  Health risk: Permanent damage or loss to hearing / or ringing in ears known as tinnitus
  You will need to:
  - Wear hearing protection (i.e. ear plugs or ear defenders/muffs) every time you use noisy tools and equipment even for short periods or if you work in a noisy area

• Activity:
  Working outside in sunny weather
  Risk:
  Health risk: Over exposure to sun resulting in skin cancer
  You will need to:
  - Cover up bare skin (keep your top on - this is FP McCann company policy)
  - Use high factor sun cream
  - Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration

• Activity:
  Using hazardous materials such as cement, solvents, paints, chemicals
  Risk:
  Health risk: Risk developing skin conditions such as dermatitis or cement burns
  You will need to:
  - Avoid contact with skin
  - Use the correct gloves
  - Wash any cement off your skin immediately
  - Follow any hazard label instructions

ORGANISE SAFETY RISKS

• Will you be?

  Select Working in a confined space such as a loft or basement? Working off a ladder or stepladder? Working on or erecting a mobile tower, trestles, scaffolding or other access equipment? Working on or over exposed roof trusses, rafters, joists, staircases or open holes in floors? Working on or accessing a roof or other place where there are unprotected edges or no barriers to stop you falling? Working on or accessing a roof or other place which may be a fragile surface (i.e. one that can't take a person's weight such as an asbestos cement roof) or near skylights, conservatory roofs etc.? Carrying out short duration work such as inspections, cleaning, maintenance or quick repairs to places that are above the ground or in places where you could fall? Carrying out 'hot work' with a naked flame or using items that could produce sparks or heat (such as using a blow torch, bitumen boiler, grinder, cut-off saw, heater or halogen lamp)? Using or storing flammable materials or substances such as LPG, petrol or solvents?

  • Working in a confined space such as a loft or basement?
  • Working off a ladder or stepladder?
  • Working on or erecting a mobile tower, trestles, scaffolding or other access equipment?
  • Working on or over exposed roof trusses, rafters, joists, staircases or open holes in floors?
  • Working on or accessing a roof or other place where there are unprotected edges or no barriers to stop you falling?
  • Working on or accessing a roof or other place which may be a fragile surface (i.e. one that can't take a person's weight such as an asbestos cement roof) or near skylights, conservatory roofs etc.?
  • Carrying out short duration work such as inspections, cleaning, maintenance or quick repairs to places that are above the ground or in places where you could fall?
  • Carrying out 'hot work' with a naked flame or using items that could produce sparks or heat (such as using a blow torch, bitumen boiler, grinder, cut-off saw, heater or halogen lamp)?
  • Using or storing flammable materials or substances such as LPG, petrol or solvents?

• Activity:
  Working in a confined space such as a loft or basement
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Lack of oxygen, fire, excessive heat, falls
  You will need to:
  - Use a secure tied ladder or other suitable access equipment and cover the hatch to prevent falls
  - Use boards or staging over ceiling joists to create a stable working area
  - Ensure there is good ventilation and lighting
  - Check labels and data sheets for the controls to follow if using hazardous substances such as paints, solvents etc.

• Activity:
  Working off a ladder or step ladders
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Overreaching, losing balance resulting in falls, or unsecured ladder or step ladder toppling over
  You will need to:
  - Only use them for light work of a short duration
  - Check they are in good condition before use
  - Secure ladders by tying them at the top or if able to then secure at the bottom.
  - Check ladders are on a firm base and lean at the correct angle (1 unit out to 4 units up)
  - Use step ladders on firm level surfaces
  - Consider the equipment you will be using and the location and use proprietary attachments such as stabilisers, 'stand-offs' and clip on trays

• Activity:
  Working on or erecting a mobile tower, trestles, scaffolding or other access equipment
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Falling off or collapse or overturning of equipment
  You will need to:
  - Check what training or instruction you will need to erect and use the equipment safely
  - Follow the manufacturers instructions
  - Consider using modern trestle systems that have ladder access, guard rails and secure platforms rather than traditional trestles or band stands that can be unstable
  - Check that any scaffold is erected by trained and competent persons
  ! Do not alter scaffolding unless authorised !

• Activity:
  Working on or over exposed roof trusses, rafters, joists, staircases or open holes in floors
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Falls, dropping materials or equipment onto others
  You will need to:
  - First consider working in ways which prevent falls, such as boarding out the area and providing guardrails
  - Alternatively use methods which 'save you' in the event of a fall such as safety nets or soft landing systems
  - Only consider fall arrest and suspension equipment (harnesses and lanyards) if you can't do the work any other way
  - Fix covers over any open holes or voids that are large enough for someone to fall through

• Activity:
  Working on or accessing a roof or other place where there are unprotected edges or no barriers to stop you falling
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Falls, dropping materials or equipment onto others
  You will need to:
  - Consider safe ways of working - almost all domestic roof work needs scaffolding or access equipment
  - Fit edge protection to stop people and materials from falling from eaves and gable ends
  - On terraced properties make sure you provide scaffolding at the front and back of the property
  - Stop materials falling onto the street, and people - for example, use debris netting sheeting and/or close fitting scaffold boards

• Activity:
  Working on or accessing a roof or other place which may be a fragile surface (i.e. one that can't take a person's weight such as an asbestos cement roof) or near skylights, conservatory roofs etc.
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Falls through roof or structure
  You will need to:
  - Always assume that the roof is fragile unless you are certain it is not
  - Do not go onto a fragile roof, or ask anyone to go on, unless you/they have the right equipment and the skills and experience to use it correctly
  - If possible, do the work without going onto the roof: work from underneath, reach from an access platform or cover fragile areas on the roof
  - If you need to work on the roof, prevent falls through the roof using equipment such as boards with guard rails
  - Cover or barrier-off skylights to stop people falling through them
  ! If you don't have all the equipment with you to prevent falling off or through the roof - don't improvise !

• Activity:
  Carrying out short duration work such as inspections, cleaning, maintenance or quick repairs to places that are above the ground or in places where you could fall
  You will need to:
  ! Stop and assess what the safest option is by reassessing the previous safety options as they may apply but have not been considered as part of short duration work !

• Activity:
  Carrying out 'hot work' with a naked flame or using items that could produce sparks or heat (such as using a blow torch, bitumen boiler, grinder, cut-off saw, heater or halogen lamp
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Fire or explosion
  You will need to:
  - Remove or protect flammable materials and keep an appropriate fire extinguisher
  nearby when carrying out 'hot work'
  - Position bitumen boilers, soldering irons and gas-rings on non-combustible stands
  - Cease 'hot work' activities at least one hour before the end of the day's work (two hours for higher risk sites, such as large timber-frame projects) and regularly monitor the area and surrounding structure in the intervening time

• Activity:
  Using or storing flammable materials or substances such as LPG, petrol or solvents
  Risk:
  Safety risk: Fire or explosion
  You will need to:
  - Make sure petrol and other flammable substances are stored in correct containers and used away from sources of ignition
  - Never refuel petrol or diesel-powered equipment and plant whilst it is still hot
  - Store all gas cylinders so that they cannot fall or roll and transport cylinders in vehicles with good ventilation
  - Ensure flashback arrestors are fitted when using mixed gases (such as when welding)
  ! If gas cylinders are being heated in a fire, call the fire brigade and immediately evacuate the area !

ORGANISE ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS

• Will you be?

  Select Using or storing materials? Using or hiring a waste skip, 'muck away' lorries or other waste collection services? Storing diesel, petrol, oil or other hazardous liquids on site on site? Working in a residential area or near other neighbours such as schools and shops? Mixing concrete or mortar and washing out or pumping water from excavations? Removing or cutting back trees, hedges or vegetation?

  • Using or storing materials?
  • Using or hiring a waste skip, 'muck away' lorries or other waste collection services?
  • Storing diesel, petrol, oil or other hazardous liquids on site on site?
  • Working in a residential area or near other neighbours such as schools and shops?
  • Mixing concrete or mortar and washing out or pumping water from excavations?
  • Removing or cutting back trees, hedges or vegetation?

• Activity:
  Using or storing materials
  Risk:
  Environmental risk: Every year millions of pounds are wasted by poor management of materials that end up being damaged or just thrown away
  You will need to:
  - Store materials properly and safely to prevent damage before use e.g. bags of cement
  - Keep significant off-cuts for reuse and know the correct place to stockpile and protect materials for reuse
  - Consider the quantity of material to be used before ordering or opening a pack and use it all before opening a new pack

• Activity:
  Using or hiring a waste skip, 'muck away' lorries or other waste collection services
  Risk:
  Environmental risk: Illegal removal or dumping of waste
  You will need to:
  - Ensure you use a registered and licensed waste contractor
  - ///Note: You can use the public registers to find a waste carrier to move your waste at www.gov.uk/find-registered-waste-carrier///
  - Ensure you only fill the skip with waste that it is intended for
  - It is illegal to mix hazardous waste (such as asbestos, used batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, waste solvents such as white spirit, oil based paints, bitumen, epoxy resins and mastics) into a general mixed waste skip
  - Waste plasterboard should be segregated and disposed of separately to general waste
  - Ensure you keep any documentation such as transfer notes or skip tickets
  - You must not burn or bury general building waste

• Activity:
  Storing diesel, petrol, oil or other hazardous liquids on site
  Risk:
  Environmental risk: Spills polluting the ground or nearby watercourses or drains
  You will need to:
  - Ensure that bulk fuel and oil storage tanks are bunded with a capacity of 110%, kept secure (locked when not in use) and checked regularly
  - Ensure all containers are stored in secure, bunded areas with a capacity of at least 25% more than the total volume of the containers
  - Refuel in controlled areas, where possible, and place drip trays or absorbent mats under static plant

• Activity:
  Working in a residential area or near other neighbours such as schools and shops
  Risk:
  Environmental risk: Causing a statutory nuisance or just getting a bad reputation
  You will need to:
  - Be a good neighbour - always be polite and considerate
  - Arrange for deliveries when traffic flow is likely to be low and avoid school arrival and departure times
  - Keep disruption from the site to a minimum by minimising dust, noise and vibration, such as damping down and using wet cutting to reduce the potential for creating dust
  - Maintain good housekeeping by keeping roads and pathways clean
  - Let people know in advance of any noisy operations, especially at night and on weekends
  - Environmental Health Officers can issue notices to stop you working if you are creating a statutory nuisance

• Activity:
  Mixing concrete or mortar and washing out or pumping water from excavations
  Risk:
  Environmental risk: Illegally discharging into or polluting drains or nearby watercourses
  You will need to:
  - Carry out mixing and batching works in areas well away from watercourses, gullies and drains
  - Use designated wash out areas and ensure that delivery drivers (of concrete or
  similar) are aware of where they can wash out
  - You must seek approval before you pump water into drains or watercourses
  ///Note: Where there is a requirement to discharge effluent from any construction activity to drainage systems, watercourses or rivers and streams, an application for consent to discharge must be made to the relevant authority. The issuing authority for discharges to foul sewers is usually regulated by the local water company, whereas any discharges to surface water systems, rivers lakes or ponds would be regulated by the EA, NRW, or NIEA///

• Activity:
  Removing or cutting back trees, hedges or vegetation
  Risk:
  Environmental risk: Disturbing protected wildlife
  You will need to:
  - Check with the Local Authority as some trees and hedges are protected and have a preservation order
  - At certain times in the year they may contain nesting birds, which should not be disturbed as they are protected by law