TOOLBOX TALK FORM- Public Protection.

Toolbox Topic: Public Protection.

Construction work may need to be carried out within public buildings, on the highway or in other areas close to members of the public, particularly during maintenance and refurbishment works which we provide scaffold structures for. It is important to consider the risks the public may be exposed to during the works and take appropriate measures to control these risks.

mportance.

On average 4 members of the public are killed and many more injured as a result of construction work each year. The risks to the public can be beyond the site boundary, with risks from falling objects, delivery and site vehicles, scaffolding, access equipment, materials, openings and excavations.

Regulations.

The Health and Safety At Work etc Act requires employers and the self-employed to ensure that they do not put members of the public at risk.

Guidance.

Consider the risks to vulnerable people such as children, disabled and elderly

Make sure objects cannot fall outside the site boundary, for example, ensure scaffolds have toe boards and netting

Provide a banksman or signaller for delivery vehicles maneuvering on to or off the site

Erect barriers and prevent access when erecting, dismantling or using scaffolding or other access equipment within a public area

Store materials within the site perimeter away from the site boundary

Protect openings and excavations particularly within public areas with covers and/or barriers

Keep public access routes clear of obstacles and trailing cables

Reduce dust and noise as far as possible particularly within public areas

Ensure the site perimeter is secured and lock access gates after working hours

Take extra precautions if the site is left unoccupied over weekends or holidays as to remove scaffold accesses.

Take extra precautions if the site is located in a heavily populated area or close to a school

Take extra precautions if your site is within an occupied building such as a school or hospital

Ensure unauthorized people are prevented from accessing the site. Ensure authorized persons are fully inducted. Ensure visitors are supervised at all times on site

Remove access ladders from excavations and scaffolds out of hours

Regularly check perimeter hoarding or fencing to ensure it is intact and secure

Ensure safety signs warning of danger are displayed at the site boundaries

Summary.

Construction sites are dangerous places particularly to those with little knowledge of the risks and site hazards. The risk to the public should be considered on each site and public protection measures put in place.