Internal Safety & Health Audit

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Client / Site
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Personnel

Action Plan

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Part 1 - Management of Safety

Part 1 Management of Safety

Health & Safety Policy Document

1. Does the Council have a written Health and Safety policy?
2. Does the policy summarise the safety management system?
3. Is the policy signed by the Chief Executive and dated?
Date Signed
4. Is it publicised and available to all employees?
5. Does the Policy explain how the Council deals with health and safety issues?
6. Are posts with specific safety responsibilities (including emergency response) identified?
7. Does the Policy identify competent person(s)
8. Does it outline the approach to health and safety training on recruitment, and the introduction of new equipment or ways of working?
9. Does it make reference to the general duties of employees, managers and directors?
10. Does it make reference to the provision of health and safety information to employees?
11. Does it describe the procedures for consultation with employees on safety matters?
12. Does the Policy make reference to the assessment and control of risks?
13. Does it make reference to the procedures for serious and imminent danger (response to fire, major release of chemical or collapse of structure?
14. Does it make reference to co-operation in respect of safety of shared premises, if appropriate?
15. Does it make reference to any special arrangements for ensuring the safety of visitors, contractors and temporary employees, including those of an employment agency?
16. Does it make reference to the control of any of the Council’s activities that may affect the general public?
17. Does the Policy make reference to safety inspections, audits, incidents and accident investigation Does it make reference to any special arrangements for ensuring the safety of visitors, contractors and temporary employees, including those of an employment agency? and follow up?
18. Is the Policy and organisation reviewed at senior management level each year and updated where necessary?
19. Is there a mechanism for recording of the review results?
20. Is there a system for ensuring action identified in the review is complete?

Part 2 – Organise Health and Safety

Control and responsibilities

1. How are key safety related posts identified?
2. Is there a clearly set out organisational structure for dealing with health and safety AND which posts carry safety functions?
3. Is management aware of the HSE guidance ACOPs that are applicable to his service area?
Are they available?
Specify appropriate examples:
4. What is the process for deciding safety responsibilities and who decides these responsibilities?
5. Is a director appointed as being responsible for safety?
6. Are formal appointments made to other safety related posts e.g. managers, engineers, and first aiders?
7. How is co-ordination between safety related posts undertaken and specified?

Management Commitment & Accountability

8. Is safety incorporated into the job descriptions of managers?
9. Does the appraisal of managers include an assessment of their safety performance and their achievement of safety objectives?
10. Is safety written into the job descriptions of other employees?
11. Have performance standards been set?
12.Do the performance standards identify who is responsible and explain what is to be done and how?
13. Do they specify when the work should be done?
14. Do senior management and all other levels of management and supervision indicate a commitment to safety by:
Being seen as placing a high a priority on safety as on productivity, cost and quality?
Encouraging discussion on safety issues and demonstrating a commitment to participate in resolving problems?
Setting an example by following all procedures such as the wearing of ear defenders in an ear protection zone?
Leading safety tours and chairing safety committees?

Competence, Training and Induction

15. Do those responsible for recruitment know:-
The hazards in the job?
The qualities required to do the job safely?
Of the need to gauge the suitability of the job for young persons or new or expectant mothers?
16. Are physical capabilities taken into account such as strength, reach and height in relation to the needs of the job?
17. If sharpness of hearing, eyesight or colour vision imposes particular requirements in the job , is this taken into account in recruitment?
18. Are candidates asked questions on general health, relevant allergies, ability to work at heights, past performance and attitude to safety?
19. Are candidates with specific safety responsibilities such as forklift drivers, supervisors and managers questioned on past performance, knowledge and motivation on safety matters?
20. Are candidates for senior management positions questioned on achievements in, and commitment to safety?
21.
Work area hazards?
Work area hazards?
Accident procedures / first aid?
Fire procedures / awareness?
Lifting and handling?
COSHH?
22. Do all employees receive a Health and Safety Induction booklet?
23. Has this been signed for and a copy sent to Corporate Safety?
24. Do employees have the knowledge and skills they need to work safely and without risks to health?
25. Are training schemes written down where necessary / recorded / dated / signed for?
26. Are operatives given adequate training and / or supervision when transferred from one activity to another?
27. Are operatives given adequate training and / or supervision when new equipment, technology and systems of work are introduced or changes are made to them?
28. Are safe working practices and safe working procedures built into all operative training schemes?
29. Are the safety hazards of failing to do the job properly made clear in all training?
30. Is specific training in safe working procedures given to job holders, supervisors and managers?
31. Are supervisors and managers trained in the safety responsibilities of their job?
32. Are maintenance staff instructed in the less frequent but sometimes hazardous tasks they are to undertake such as:-
Working at height?
Working in confined spaces?
Erection, movement and dismantling of heavy equipment?
33. Are staff with emergency response roles (e.g. reception and fire wardens) trained for those roles?
34. Is periodic refresher training received?
35. Are training needs identified and addressed?
36. Are Health and Safety responsibilities reviewed and assessed as part of staff appraisals?

Co-operation & Communication

37. Do arrangements for consulting employees on safety matters exist?
28. Do you have a safety committee?
29. Do recent minutes of the safety committee meeting show that the following are discussed:-
1. Accidents?
2. Progress following previous meetings?
3. Safety audits?
4. New safety information from HSE or industry associations?
5. Reports from safety representatives?
6. Works rules?
7. Safe systems of work?
8. Safety training?
9. Workplace safety publicity?
10. Target setting and performance?
40. Is the safety committee chaired by someone of sufficient authority to ensure action can be taken on decisions made?
41. Are employees across different departments represented on the committee?
42. Do you consult elected safety representatives on:-
1. The introduction of anything which may affect their health and safety?
2. The appointment of competent persons?
3. Safety training?
4. The introduction of new technology or changes to processes?
43. Is the ‘Health and Safety Law’ – what you should know’ poster displayed prominently?
44. Are signs displayed where necessary to make employees aware of relevant safety and health hazards, and preventative measures?
45. Are employees aware of safety rules and the consequences of a failure to abide by them?
46. Do employees report hazards and concerns immediately?
47. Are employees’ aware of consultation arrangements, e.g. the safety committee and grievance procedures?
48. The Council has union appointed safety representatives, are managers aware of safety representatives’ rights to:-
1. Paid time off for carrying out their functions and for training?
2. Carry out inspections?
3. Relevant safety information?
49. Are managers and supervisors aware of guidance specific to their areas of responsibility and do they have access to it?
50. Are there arrangements for liaising with enforcing authorities and other external organisations?
51. Are regular Health and Safety meetings held and do managers attend?
52. Is health and safety part of the agenda at all team meetings?
53. Are staff aware of the safety management structure in their work area e.g. Safety Liaison Officers etc?
54. When staff raise health and safety concerns are they logged and responded to?
55. Where workplace risks are still present, after all appropriate risk reducing measures have been taken, are such risks made known to employees through appropriate safety signs?
56. Do such signs warn or instruct or both of the nature of the risks and the measures to be taken to protect against them?

Part 3 - Plan and Control Health and Safety

Risk Assessment and Risk Management

Premises, plant and process

1. Is a risk assessment made for any new or modified activity, process, plant, equipment, substance, premises etc?
2. Have all existing activities, processes, plant, equipment, substances and premises etc been assessed for risks?
3. Where relevant, do risk assessments take account of young persons and expectant mothers?
4. Is the responsibility for carrying out the risk assessment clearly allocated?
5. Is there provision for the co-ordination of risk assessments?
6. Is the assessment recorded?
7. Is there evidence of compliance with control measures detailed on risk assessments?
8. Are the results of the assessment evaluated to decide whether controls are effective, or if more can be done to reduce risks?
9. Are the results of the assessments communicated to those affected by it e.g. employees and / or contractors)?
10. Are there instructions to indicate when an assessment should be reviewed?

Health Surveillance

11. Have special occupational health hazards (e.g. upper limb disorders, asthma, deafness) been identified and consideration given to health surveillance where appropriate?
12. Have you identified any jobs for which a health assessment is necessary before recruitment?
13. Have you made arrangements for obtaining medical advice if required on occupational health questions?
14. Do you have arrangements for reviewing sickness absence and helping employees to return to work after serious illness?

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

15. Has an exercise to identify all hazardous substances been completed?
16. Are COSHH assessments periodically reviewed?
17. Have you recorded an assessment of the risks created by all hazardous substances used in or arising from work activities?
18. Does your assessment include information on the:-
1. Hazards
2. Methods of use?
3. Risks to health?
4. Control measures?
5. Actions, if any, required to prevent or control exposure?
19. Have you communicated your assessment to those who need to know – operators and supervisors and have records been kept?
20. Are the control measures in place, properly used, examined, and maintained?
21. Are there routine examinations of engineering controls and personal protective equipment?
22. Have you identified any process for which workplace monitoring may be appropriate (e.g. airborne dusts and fumes)?
23. Have you identified any employees for whom health surveillance may be appropriate?
24. Are records of equipment examinations, workplace monitoring and health surveillance maintained?
25. Are hazardous substances stored in their original containers, if not, are the containers being used suitable and labelled correctly?

Setting of Health and Safety Action Plan / Risk Reduction Plan

26. Has an action plan / risk reduction plan been drawn up with objectives for improving and maintaining the way health and safety is managed?
27. Does the action plan identify priorities: what needs doing straight away and medium / longer term objectives?
28. Is there a link between the health and safety action plan and work plans of individuals in the Council?
29. Are employees involved with periodic reviews?
30. Is health and safety considered in all potential substance purchase decisions?
31. Is health and safety data, exposure limits, outcome of tests etc sought before a purchase decision is made?
32. If found to be hazardous, are ways of avoiding use of the substance considered before purchase?
33. Is action taken to ensure that hazardous substances delivered are accompanied by warnings and material safety data sheets to help ensure that they are safe when handled, stored, used or disposed of?

New Acquisitions – Buildings / extensions

34. Are the requirements of CDM 2007 adhered to for all relevant building construction and demolition work?
35. Are you aware of the Council’s duty under CDM Regulations?
36. Is the Council aware of its duties as the client under CDM Regs, including the appointment of a Planning Supervisor and Principle Contractor and ensuring that a project health and safety file is available upon project completion?
37. Is competent advice sought so that health and safety aspects are taken into account when designing, selecting and purchasing buildings, structures, extensions or modifications that are new to the council?
38. Is the competent advisor kept fully informed as to the use to which buildings etc are to be put?
39. Do any new premises or extensions comply with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations?

New Plant and Equipment

40. Do those responsible for specification or purchase of equipment cross check to ensure that adequate information and design features are provided to fulfil health and safety standards?
41. Is past health and safety performance considered when selecting supplier’s equipment?
42. Is a check made to ensure that the manufacturer or importer of new equipment complies with machinery safety regulations and that the equipment carries the CE mark?
43. Is a check made to ensure that adequate design features and information are provided so that the equipment can be installed, set, used, maintained, dismantled or disposed of safely?
44. Manufacturers / installers of equipment have a duty to ensure their products do not cause harm and are safe to use, including the provision of instructions on use of and maintenance of equipment provided. Are these obtained, read, implemented and retained?
1. Is the information available to staff?

Part 4 – Monitoring Health and Safety

Monitoring Health and Safety

Inspection and investigation

1. Is every place and activity in the service area subject to a scheme of active monitoring (safety inspections, safety tours, safety surveys and safety management audits)?
2. Are daily / weekly / monthly checks carried out and records kept?
3. Is responsibility for active monitoring clearly allocated?
4. Have those responsible for carrying out active monitoring been properly trained?
5. Is there provision for assistance with active monitoring?
6. Are there set frequencies for active monitoring?
7. Do the systems of active monitoring provide for the recording of results?
8. Is there a system for taking action on the results of active monitoring and checking on action taken?
9. Is there a requirement for all incidents and accidents (harm to people, harm to the environment, damage to plant / property and process) to be reported and investigated?
10. Is there a procedure for incident / accident reporting?
11. Is there a procedure for accident investigation and the recording of the results?
12. Is the responsibility for investigation clearly allocated?
13. Have those responsible for investigation been properly instructed and / or trained?
14. Is there a system for taking action on the results of investigations and checking on action taken?
15. Are health and safety statistics / audit reports / inspection reports, national campaigns used to help promote safety within the service area?
16. Is safety promotional information displayed?
17. Comments regarding Incident / accident / claims records and subsequent action taken:-

Part 5 – Review Health and Safety Management System

Review of Health and Safety Management System

1. Do you routinely review the health and safety performance?
1. Do you routinely review the health and safety performance?
2. Do you routinely review the health and safety performance?
3. Does it take into account reactive monitoring incident, accident and ill-health experience and investigation?
4. Does it include the results of independent auditing of health, safety and environmental management systems?
5. Does it identify areas not meeting policy and targets at agreed standards?
6. Are the review results presented at the highest level in the Council?
2. Are conclusions on performance and any need for improvements to policy, standards or targets identified?
3. Are targets for future health and safety performance set and incorporated into action plans?
4. Are actions identified with individuals and progress tracked and actions completed?
5. Are the results of the review communicated to all levels of the council?

Part 6 – Maintenance and Building Services Related Risks

Maintenance & Building Services Risks

Maintenance of Equipment / Premises

1. Is fixed workshop machinery adequately guarded?
1. Is there a list available?
2. Is there sufficient working space around machines?
3. Is all other equipment maintained in a safe condition?
1. Hand tools
2. Hand tools
3. Ladders and other access equipment
4. Welding equipment
5. Compressed air equipment electrical test equipment
6. Other please state
4. Are copies of engineering reports kept on site?
5. Are employees properly informed about the equipment including foreseeable abnormal situations which may arise during its operation?
6. Are employees trained and competent in the use of work equipment and are records of the training kept?
7. Does COSHH assessment cover hazardous substances used by maintenance?
8. Are all cupboards that contain cleaning materials kept locked?
9. Are any flammable liquids or gases properly stored?
10. Have needs for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) been assessed?
11. Is there any evidence of inadequate maintenance of the workplace, workplace equipment and devices?
12. Is there a recorded system of inspection, assessment and completion of actions?

Maintenance Procedures

13. Is there a person appointed to be responsible for the safe working of maintenance personnel?
14. Are repairs, maintenance and modifications restricted to those designated to carry them out?
15. Does the person appointed have adequate knowledge, experience and authority?
16. Does the work equipment require a written system of inspection as a result of the conditions under which the equipment is to be operated?
17. Is the frequency of inspection appropriate to operational conditions?
18. Are the results of inspections recorded and retained until the recording of the next inspection?
19. Is the transfer of work equipment from one undertaking to another always accompanied by current inspection documents?
20. Have specifically dangerous maintenance activities been identified?
21. Have safe working procedures been drawn up for activities identified above?
22. Have routine operations with difficult access problems been identified and safe systems of work drawn up?
23. Is there a procedure to follow for assessing risks from non-routine maintenance work?
24. Have any operations involving entry into confined spaces been identified and safe systems of work drawn up?
25. Is there a permit to work system?
26. Is it being correctly applied?
27. Are maintenance personnel aware of the rules for contractors, and any responsibilities maintenance personnel may have for contractors / visitors safety?
28. Have operations in which maintenance personnel should not work alone been identified?
29. Are suitable and sufficient arrangements in place to respond to emergencies arising from dangerous maintenance and confined space activities AND do these arrangements integrate with those of the overall emergency response?
30. Are suitable and sufficient arrangements in place to maintain all safety signs on the council’s site?

Ventilation / temperature / lighting / cleaning / floors / glazing / doors

31. Has effective and suitable provision been made to ensure that every enclosed workplace is ventilated?
32. During the working hours, is the workplace temperature reasonable?
33. Are thermometers provided in each workplace?
34. Is there suitable and sufficient lighting, using natural light where ever possible, which takes into account of the operations to be carried out?
35. Where windows or skylights are used for lighting, are they clean and free from obstruction?
36. Is there emergency lighting where people would be exposed to danger?
37. Are the surfaces of floors, walls and ceilings capable of being cleaned to a suitable standard, and are they clean?
38. Are workplaces free from overflows, spillages and waste material (other than waste material in a bin)?
39. Is every door, gate, wall or partition which is transparent and with which persons are likely to come into contact, made of safety material or protected so as to avoid injury in the event of breaking, and are they appropriately marked?
40. Are sliding doors constructed to ensure they do not come off the track?
41. Do powered doors have identifiable emergency stop controls?
42. Can powered doors be operated manually, or are there alternative means of escape, if the power fails?
43. Do the doors & gates which are opened by pushing, allow a clear view through when closed?
44. If pedestrians use the same doors as vehicles, have steps been taken to eliminate or reduce the risk of being struck by the door?

General Fire Precautions

45. Has a fire risk assessment been carried out?
46. Are all emergency exits and routes clear of obstructions?
47. Do all emergency doors open in the direction of escape and can they be immediately opened in an emergency?
48. Are all emergency exits, routes properly identified, marked and illuminated where necessary?

49. Do emergency evacuation procedures cover all parts of the building / premises and adequately cover:-

1. Missing persons?
2. Directing the fire service?
3. Assembly areas?
4. Is there a plan of the building?
5. Is there a grab bag / hi vis jackets?
50. Are emergency evacuation procedures periodically tested and their results recorded?
51. Is there a suitable fire detection and alarm system?
52. Are alarms tested and records kept?
53. Can fire alarms be activated in all parts of the building and can be clearly heard in all parts of the building?
54. Are there up to date fire extinguishers, which are suitable and adequate for the risks involved?
55. Are the fire extinguishers tested annually?
56. Are internal fire doors fitted with self-closing devices and keep shut notices?
57. Have fire marshals / wardens been appointed and trained?
58. Are contractors logged in and out of the building?
59. Are cleaners / contractors aware of all emergency fire procedures?

Fixed and Portable Equipment

60. Has specific responsibility been allocated for the safety of fixed and portable equipment?
61. Does the purchasing / supply system take full account of electrical safety factors when purchasing new equipment e.g. suitable for wet or dusty conditions?
62. Has the equipment been inspected and tested on a systematic basis – e.g. PAT testing?
63. Are there arrangements for reporting faults during normal use?

Work on Electrical Systems and Equipment

64. Is work on the distribution system and electrical equipment restricted to authorised personnel?
65. Are the authorised personnel adequately trained and / or experienced and competent to do work allocated?
66. Are there clear instructions on the limitation of live working?
67. Are there clear arrangements for allocating responsibilities when electrical contractors are on the premises?

Pressure Systems

68. Are those persons authorised to operate and maintain pressure systems conversant with the requirements of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations?
69. Has a written scheme of examination been drawn up by a competent person for each system to cover:
1. All protective devices?
2. Every pressure vessel in which a defect may give rise to danger?
3. Those parts of the pipe work in which a defect may give rise to danger?
4. Type and frequency of examination?
5. Any special measures to prepare the pressure system for examination?
6. Where appropriate, pre-use examination?
7. Review and modification of the scheme by competent persons?
70. Are there records for each item in the written scheme including:-
1. Design information, test certificates etc?
2. Records of any modifications and repairs?
3. Records of routine maintenance?
4. Records of each examination in accordance with the written scheme?
71. For boilers:-
1. Is there a system of, and records of, water treatment?
2. Does a responsible person supervise the water treatment regime?
3. Are the low water alarms and other safety devices checked daily?
72. Have you given instructions and information to relevant employees on the safe operation of the system and the action to be taken in an emergency?

Asbestos Control

73. Has a full assessment been carried out to identify whether asbestos is likely to be found in the premises?
74. Has a record been made of the assessment detailing the location of any asbestos and enough information to identify its nature and extent?
75. Have steps been taken to ensure that any asbestos is properly sealed?
76. Is the presence of asbestos marked by clear warning signs?
77. Where asbestos is present has the risk from it been determined in accordance with the Management of Asbestos in Council Owned property?
78. Has a plan been drawn up detailing the measures to be taken to manage the risk?
79. Are there arrangements for informing contractors and employees about the measures in place for managing the risk?
80. Has information about the location and condition of asbestos been made available to the emergency services (Fire Service)?
81. Do the monitoring arrangements include checking the condition of asbestos containing materials and reviewing the plan?

Lifting and Slinging

82. Has all lifting equipment (other than when new CE marked) been examined by a competent person before being used for the first time or after re-assembly at a new location or site prior to use?
83. Has all lifting equipment been thoroughly examined by a competent person in the last 12 months or in accordance with a written scheme of examination?
84. Are all hoists and lifts thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every 6 months or in accordance with an examination scheme appropriate to usage?
85. Is up to date information about examination reports kept for all lifting equipment?
86. Are safe working loads clearly marked on lifting equipment?
87. Is the safe working load clearly marked on each hoist and lift?
88. Is the safe working load clearly marked on each hoist and lift?
89. Is there a reporting system for lifting equipment defects including those posing imminent danger?
90. Is there provision for cessation of operation on receipt of a lifting equipment defect report?
91. Is there provision for examination of lifting equipment which has been involved in an incident or accident?

Auxiliary Lifting Equipment (Chains, ropes, slings etc)

92. Are all chains, ropes and lifting tackle tested and examined by a competent person before being used for the first time or in accordance with an examination scheme appropriate to usage?
93. Have all chains, ropes and lifting tackle been thoroughly examined in the last 6 months or in accordance with a written scheme of examination?
94. Is there provision for examination of chains, ropes and lifting tackle which have been involved in an incident or accident?
95. Is there provision for examination of chains, ropes and lifting tackle which have been involved in an incident or accident?
96. Is the safe working load clearly marked on each item, or a table showing the safe working load posted up in the stores and elsewhere?

Lifting Equipment Procedures

97. Are all lifting operations properly planned by an authorised and competent person?
98. Are all lifting operations appropriately supervised?
99. Is suitable and adequate training
100. Are all personnel involved with lifting operations conversant with the requirements of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations?

Control of Legionellosis

101. Are there arrangements in place to identify water systems, services or equipment which may create a foreseeable risk of Legionellosis?
102. Has an assessment of the risks associated with Legionellosis proliferation been made?
103. Has a suitable and sufficient scheme been implemented to prevent and control the proliferation of Legionella and to avoid creating a spray or aerosol, including water treatment and periodic disinfection and cleaning?
104. Are records of monitoring for bacteria up to date?
105. Are records of the control measures generated and retained?
106. Are there arrangements in place to ensure that considerations made at the design stage of new plant include Legionella?
107. Are there arrangements in place to specify the actions to be taken in the event of an outbreak of Legionellosis?

Part 7 - Welfare Issues

Welfare Issues

1. Are there suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences provided?
2. Are they adequately ventilated and lit?
3. Are they clean and well maintained?
4. Are suitable and sufficient washing facilities, including showers if required by the nature of the work, provided at readily accessible places?
5. Are they clean and well maintained?
6. Is an adequate supply of drinking water provided and maintained?
7. Is it clean and hygienic?
8. Is suitable and sufficient accommodation provided for personal clothing not worn at work, and for special clothing worn at work but not taken home?
9. Is suitable and sufficient seating provided for all persons who, whilst at work, are able to sit without adversely affecting their work?
10. Are suitable and sufficient rest facilities provided, including facilities for eating meals where meals are taken in the workplace?
11. Does each person have an adequate amount of space?
12. Are works stations suitable for any persons likely to use them, including where appropriate persons with disabilities?
13. Do workstations provide protection from adverse weather, enable any person to leave swiftly and, so far as is reasonably practicable, ensure that any person at the workstation does not slip?

First Aid and Accident Reporting

14. Do you provide adequate First Aid facilities in the event of injury?
15. Do you have an appropriate number of trained first aiders?
16. Have you informed employees of the arrangements for first aid?
17. Have you informed employees of the arrangements for first aid?
18. Have you a system of reporting injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences, which conforms to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations?
19. Do you have a responsible person who notifies reports and records all events that are covered by the regulations?
20. Have you an adequate system of record keeping?

Part 8 - Storage and Control of Products and by-products

Storage and Control of Products and by-products

1. Are all personnel responsible for the storage of hazardous products fully conversant with the requirements of the CHIP (Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009?
2. Where products are to be used by someone else at work, is adequate information provided about any precautions that should be taken in handling, storing and using the products?
3. Are materials stacked safely and is storage equipment in good condition?
4. Where products are to be sold to the public without further processing, are adequate steps taken to ensure that the products are reasonably safe?
5. Is all waste stored securely prior to disposal?
6. Is all waste material packed safely before it is taken away by someone else?
7. Where applicable, is a description of the waste and also a transfer note, given to the person who takes away the waste?
8. Is there a system in place for checking that the person who takes away the waste is properly authorised?

Part 9 - Controlling General Risks

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Controlling General Risks

Noise Control Procedures

1. Where noise levels are likely to be 80 db (A) or higher, has an adequate noise assessment been carried out by a competent person?
2. Are records kept of assessments?
3. Are noise assessments reviewed when there has been a significant change in machinery layout or machine speeds?
4. Where noise levels are 85 db (A) and above, has a noise action plan been drawn up which identifies ways of reducing noise at source?
5. Where noise levels exceed 80 db (A), are ear protectors provided which are suitable to each employee?
6. Does a planned programme of maintenance operate to ensure noise reduction equipment is effective and that poor maintenance of machinery does not lead to increased noise at source?
7. Where noise levels are 85 db (A) or higher are all employees issued with ear protectors, the areas concerned zone marked, and action taken to ensure no employee enters the zone(s) without wearing ear protection?
8. Are hearing protectors worn properly?
9. Are records kept of weekly checks on the correct wearing of hearing protection?
10. Are records kept of maintenance of hearing protectors?
11. Are records kept of maintenance of hearing protectors?
12. Is there a low noise purchasing policy for machinery and equipment?

Control of Flammable Substances and Process Fire Precautions

13. Has an assessment been carried out of risks arising from any dangerous substances?
14. For each substance:-
1. Have you considered whether a less flammable substance could be used?
2. Is the amount in the workplace kept as low as possible and stored appropriately?
3. Have adequate arrangements been made for storage of bulk quantity?
15. Have possible sources of ignition been eliminated or protected?
16. Are the measures taken to prevent spillage of highly flammable liquids adequate?
17. In case of fire, are means of escape from areas where flammable substances are used or stored, adequate?
18. In case of fire, is there adequate means for giving warning in these areas?
19. Are sufficient fire extinguishers of the right type provided in these areas and maintained in working order?
20. Have employees been trained in the risks, the precautions to be taken and the action to take in case of fire?
21. Has the required information been made available to the relevant emergency services?
22. Is combustible waste removed regularly?
23. Is smoking in the premises prohibited and ‘no smoking’ signage clearly displayed at the entrances?

Personal Protective Equipment

24. Have you identified all circumstances in which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required?
25. Have you assessed whether the equipment used is suitable and sufficient?
26. Is PPE properly maintained?
27. Have suitable storage facilities been provided for PPE?
28. Has the necessary information, instruction and training for employees been given?

Falls from Height

29. Has potential work at height been identified and a risk assessment undertaken to ensure that the method of doing it is safe?
30. Are warning signs fixed at the approach to fragile roofs, and is work on them strictly controlled?
31. For jobs requiring work at height, have alternatives to ladder use been considered?
32. Have employees been instructed in the safe use of ladders and other work at height?
33. Are ladders and stepladders in good condition and regularly inspected?
34. Are lift trucks used to gain access and if so is a properly constructed safety platform always used?
35. Do openings / crane doors have suitable barriers, and are safety harnesses and handholds provided and used?
36. Have work areas with open edges been fitted with guardrails and toe boards?
37. Are contractors who carry out work at height vetted and instructed?

Slips & Trips

38. Are floors even and free from holes?
39. Are work areas and access routes kept free from work in progress, waste and equipment, including tools and trailing cables?
40. Are work areas and access routes well lit?
41. Are stairs well constructed and fitted with handrails?
42. Do floors get contaminated by water, oil or grease?
43. Are floors inherently slippery when clean or do they become slippery when contaminated?
44. Have other steps been taken to reduce risks such as provision of slip resistant footwear?

Musculoskeletal Disorders / Manual handling

45. Has an assessment been made of all manual handling tasks where there is a risk of injury?
46. Have the significant findings been recorded?
47. Has action been taken to eliminate manual handling operations?
48. If it is not possible to eliminate manual handling, have steps been taken to reduce the risk of injury, taking into account the tasks, the loads, the working environment and individual capacity?
49. Is there a system for ensuring that the written assessment of risk of injury is reviewed when no longer valid, or when there has been a significant change?
50. Is training suitable and sufficient?
51. Are managers committed to, and workers actively involved in, controlling risks from manual handling?

Upper Limb Disorders / RSI

52. Are there indicators of a risk of ULD?
53. Are tasks carried out which involve risk factors?
54. Has an assessment of risk been carried out, taking into account the task, working environment and individual capacity?
55. Have the significant findings of the risk assessment been recorded?
56. Has action been taken to eliminate / control the risks of ULDs?
57. Have employees been provided with suitable and sufficient instruction and training?

Vibration

58. Have workers had information and training so they know what the risks are from hand arm vibration?
59. Do they know how to avoid HAV by using appropriate control methods?
60. Have you identified and assessed risks to workers from prolonged use of vibrating tools such as angle grinders or hammer drills?
61. Has exposure to HAV been reduced as much as possible by selecting suitable work methods and plant?
62. Are reduced vibration tools used whenever possible?
63. Have vibrating tools been properly maintained?
64. Have you arranged health surveillance for people exposed to high levels of hand arm vibration, especially when exposed for long periods?

Display S creen Equipment

65. Have you identified employees who may be classified as ‘users’ or ‘operators’ under the regulations?
66. Do all workstations meet the requirements laid down in the schedule to the regulations?
67. Have employees been DSE assessed and where necessary corrective action undertaken?
68. Has the work of users been adequately planned to permit periodic breaks or changes of activity?

Workplace Transport (General)

69. Does the layout of routes keep vehicles and pedestrians safely apart?
70. Are there any potentially dangerous areas such as unmarked crossing points used by pedestrians, blind corners, routes used from car parks?
71. Are vehicle routes in good condition, wide enough and free from obstructions?
72. Are roadways and traffic flow well designed, e.g. good use of one-way systems, signs, speed bumps, barriers to separate pedestrians from traffic?
73. Are vehicles suitable and well maintained?
74. Are drivers trained in on-site safety?
75. Do drivers and pedestrians behave in a safe manner?
76. Is vehicle reversing made as safe as possible?
77. Are vehicles loaded and unloaded safely?
78. Have potentially vulnerable cast iron columns been protected by property designed means?

Emergency Response specific to the premises

79. Does the Council have a plan to deal with serious or imminent danger e.g. fire, chemical release or structural collapse?
80. Are emergency response posts and responsibilities identified?
81. Have arrangements been made for the involvement of the emergency services?

Control of Contractors and Visitors

82. Are there Council Health and Safety rules for contractors?
83. Do the rules provide for:-
1. Clear allocation of responsibility?
2. Liaison with a named member of management?
3. Use of contractor’s equipment?
4. Emergency procedures?
5. Use of Council equipment and services?
6. Exchange of information on Health and Safety?
7. Observance of safe procedures?
84. Are pre-qualification safety standards determined and examined before awarding contracts to external contractors?
85. Are there Council Health and Safety rules for visitors?
86. Do the rules provide for:-
1. Provision of any necessary safety equipment?
2. Provision of information on any risks to health and safety?
3. Emergency procedures?

Shared Premises arrangements

87. Have you made effective arrangements for co-operating and co-ordinating where necessary on health and safety matters with other employees in the same building?
88. Is there a clear agreement on who is responsible for maintaining and cleaning common parts of the building and any common facilities?
89. Are there adequate arrangements for communicating health, safety and welfare problems to the person responsible?
90. Any other comments?

Part 10 - Workplace Transport

Workplace Transport

Management and supervision of workplace transport risk

1. Are site rules documented and distributed?
2. Are site rules documented and distributed?
3. Has a risk assessment been completed for all workplace transport hazards?
4. Is the level of supervision sufficient to ensure that safe standards are maintained?
5. Are sanctions applied when employees, contractors, etc fail to maintain these standards?
6. Are adequate steps taken to detect unsafe behaviour of drivers of site and visiting vehicles as well as pedestrians?
7. Is there good co-operation and liaison on health and safety matters between your staff and those who collect and deliver goods?

Check what drivers and other employees actually do when undertaking their work activities.

8. Do drivers drive with care, e.g. use the correct routes, drive within the speed limit and follow any other site rules?
9. Do your drivers and other employees have enough time to complete their work without rushing or working excessive hours?
10. Are your employees using safe working practices, e.g. when (un)coupling, (un)loading, securing loads, carrying out maintenance etc?
11. Do managers and supervisors routinely challenge and investigate unsafe behaviour they come across?
12. Do managers and supervisors set a good example, for instance by obeying vehicle / pedestrian segregation instructions?
Wearing hi-vis garments where these are needed?

SITE LAYOUT AND INTERNAL TRAFFIC ROUTES

13. Are the roads and footways suitable for the types and volumes of vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic using them?
14. Are vehicles and pedestrians kept safely apart?
15. Where necessary, are there suitable pedestrian crossing places on vehicle routes?
16. Is there a safe pedestrian route that allows visiting drivers to report for instructions when entering the site?
17. Are there adequate numbers of suitable parking places for all vehicles and are they used?
18. Is there a properly designed and signed one-way system used on vehicle routes within the workplace?
19. Is the level of lighting in each area sufficient for the pedestrian and vehicle activity?

Check that vehicle traffic routes are suitable for the type and quantity of vehicles which use them

20. Are they wide enough?
21. Do they have firm and even surfaces?
22. Are they free from obstructions and other hazards?
23. Are they well maintained?
24. Do vehicle routes avoid sharp or blind bends?

Check that suitable safety features are provided where appropriate?

25. Are roadways marked where necessary, e.g. right of ways and road junctions?
26. Are road signs, as used in the Highway Code, installed where necessary?
27. Are features such as fixed mirrors (to provide greater vision at blind bends), road humps (to reduce vehicle speeds), or barriers (to keep vehicles and pedestrians apart) provided where necessary?

Vehicle selection and suitability

28. Have suitable vehicles and attachments been selected for the tasks which are actually undertaken?
29. Do vehicles have good direct visibility or devices for improving vision where reversing can not be eliminated and where significant risk still remains e.g. external and side mirrors: vision aids such as CCTV: sensing devices?
30. Are they provided with horns, lights, reflectors, reversing lights and other safety features as necessary?
31. Are they provided with horns, lights, reflectors, reversing lights and other safety features as necessary?
32. Do they have seats and seatbelts where necessary?
33. Are there guards to prevent access to dangerous parts of the vehicles, e.g. power take-offs, chain drives, exposed exhaust pipes?
34. Do drivers have protection against bad weather conditions or against an unpleasant working environment i.e. cold, dirt, fumes and excessive noise and vibration?
35. Is there a safe means of access to and from the cabs and other parts of the vehicle that need to be reached?
36. Are surfaces, where people walk on the vehicles, slip resistant?
37. Is driver protection against injury in the event of an overturn, and measures in place to prevent the driver being hit by falling objects, provided where necessary?
38. Are operators involved or consulted on vehicle selection?

Vehicle Maintenance

39. Is there a regular preventative maintenance programme for every vehicle, carried out at predetermined intervals of time and mileage e.g. in accordance with manufacturers instructions?
40. Is there a system for reporting faults on the vehicle and associated equipment and carrying out remedial work?
41. Where vehicle attachments lift people or objects, are thorough examinations undertaken by a competent person and if so who?
Are engineering reports retained?
Is there evidence that they are acted upon?
42. Do the drivers carry out basic safety checks before using the vehicle?

Vehicle Movements

43. Have drive through, one-way systems been used, wherever possible to reduce the need for reversing?
44. When reversing areas are needed are they marked to be clear to both drivers and pedestrians?
45. Are non-essential personnel excluded from areas where reversing occurs?
46. If risk assessment shows site controls cannot be improved further and you need a banks man to direct reversing vehicles, are they adequately trained and visible?
Are records kept of the training?

(Un)Loading Activities

47. Are loading / unloading operations carried out in an area away from passing traffic, pedestrians and others not involved in the loading / unloading operation?
48. Are the loads, the delivery vehicles and the handling vehicles compatible with each other?
49. Are loading / unloading activities carried out on ground that is flat, firm and free from potholes?
50. Are parking brakes always used on trailers and tractive units to prevent unwanted movement e.g. when coupling vehicles?
51. Are the vehicles braked and / or stabilised as appropriate to prevent unsafe movements during loading and unloading operations?
52. Are systems in place to prevent trucks driving away while they are still being (un)loaded?
53. Are lorry drivers and others kept in a safe place away from the vehicle while (un)loading is carried out?
54. Is there a safe area marked where drivers can observe loading (if necessary)?
55. Has the need for people to go on to the load area of the vehicle been eliminated where possible?
56. Is appropriate lifting equipment available for (un)loading vehicles?
57. Is the loading / unloading carried out so that as far as possible, the load is spread evenly to avoid the trailer / vehicle becoming unstable?
58. Are checks made to ensure the load is adequately secured in line with Dept. for Transport Code of Practice and not loaded beyond their capacity before the vehicle leaves the site?

Driver Competence

59. Do drivers possess the necessary licences or certificates for the vehicles they are authorised to drive e.g. FLT, waste vehicles?
60. Do you check the previous experience of your drivers and assess them to ensure they are competent?
61. Do you provide site specific training on how to perform the job, and information about particular hazards, speed limits, the appropriate parking and loading areas?
62. Do you have a planned programme of refresher training for drivers and others to ensure their continued competence?
62a. Are adequate records kept?

(Un)sheeting

63. Do you use ground based sheeting methods?
64. Are sheeting and unsheeting operations carried out in a safe part of the workplace away from passing traffic and pedestrians and sheltered from strong winds and bad weather?
65. Are the vehicles parked on level ground with their parking brakes on and the ignition key removed?
66. Are gloves, safety boots and where necessary, eye and head protection provided and used by those engaged in sheeting / unsheeting operations?
67. Where manual sheeting is unavoidable, is there a system in place which avoids the need for a person to climb onto the vehicle or load by providing a platform from which loads can be sheeted?

Tipping

68. Do visiting drivers report to the site manager for any relevant instructions prior to commencing tipping operations?
69. Are non-essential personnel excluded from tipping areas?
70. Are tipping operations undertaken on ground that is level and stable and a location free from overhead hazards such as power lines, pipe work?
71. Where sites are not level and stable, are the tipping faces safe for vehicles involved in tipping operations e.g. compacted and no side slopes?
72. Are suitably sized wheel-stops provided where vehicles need to reverse prior to tipping?
73. Are drivers clear about when tailgates should be released or removed?
74. Do drivers check that their loads are evenly distributed across the vehicle prior to commencing tipping operations?
75. Are the drivers sufficiently experienced to anticipate loads sticking?
76. Do drivers always ensure that the body is completely empty, and drive no more than a few metres forward to ensure the load is clear?
77. Is there a system of maintenance in place for the tipper and the tipper mechanism?