ToolBox Talks

Benefits of Safety


Overview This talk will cover: Running a small construction site

Be safe, be sure

1 For years the construction industry has had a poor safety record with far too many accidents and too much ill health.
2 Too many accidents are cause by people who knowingly work or behave in an unsafe manner.
3 With care, most accidents are totally and easily preventable.
4 When working, be aware of the safety of others as well as yourself. You have a legal duty to do so.

What you must do

1 Comply with safety training and instruction and with site safety rules; site induction should inform you of the hazards.
2 Avoid the temptation to cut corners to get the job done more quickly; there could be a high price to pay.
3 Be aware of how the job you are dong could affect other people around you.
4 Stay away from work if you know that you are not fit through illness, drink, drugs or for any other reason.
5 Ask your supervisor if you have any doubts on safety issues.
6 Report to your supervisor anyone who you see working or behaving in an unsafe manner, especially horseplay.


The costs of accidents

1 A poor safety record could result in your company being fined and suffering increased insurance premiums.
2 Money lost in these ways cannot be used elsewhere;
3 Employees and supervisors who demonstrate or tolerate poor safety practice may find themselves out of work.
4 The personal cost of knowing that you have caused a serious accident, or worse, could last a lifetime.


The benefits of safety

1 Fewer accidents, resulting in less pain and suffering.
2 Individuals have less time off, avoiding possible loss of income.
3 Less disruption to the job as a whole with less inconvenience to individuals and their companies.
4 Fewer accident investigations, fines and insurance premium increases: more money available for other things.
5 Higher employee morale and a more contented workforce.

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Accident Prevention and Control


Overview This talk will cover: causes, costs and prevention of accidents.

Causes of accidents

1 People not thinking about what they are doing.
2 People not following instructions.
3 People not following training they’ve been given.
4 Unsafe manual handling, loading, stacking and storing
5 Overloading of working places, scaffolding and hoists etc.
6 Incorrect use of plant and machinery.
7 Use of faulty equipment with improvised repairs.
8 Illegal removal of guards and barriers.
9 Failure to use protective safety equipment.
10 Ignoring safety signals, signs and warning devices.

The cost of accidents to you

1 Pain, suffering and continuing disability.
2 Loss of earnings and extra expense due to disability.
3 Incapacity for the job and your leisure activities
4 Unable to support family and possible family break – up.

Accident prevention

1 Don’t remove guards from machines.
2 Don’t handle substances without knowing the hazards.
3 Don’t use any machines if not trained and follow instructions.
4 Always comply with safe working practices.
5 Wear and use PPE correctly, don’t abuse it
6 Don’t direct compressed air at yourself or others, it kills.
7 Never mess around while working.
8 Never use defective equipment or machinery.
9 Help to keep the workplace clean.
10 Wash and dry hands to remove substances from skin.
11 Report unsafe conditions to your supervisor.
12 Use correct tools and equipment for the job
13 Obey all safety rules and signs
14 Don’t leave tools lying about where they can fall onto to someone below.

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Accident Reporting and Investigation

Overview This talk will cover: reporting and recording procedures.

Accident reporting

1 Health and safety law requires that the following types of accident are reported to the HSE:
• Fatalities and major accidents
• Injuries resulting in more than 7 days off work or inability to carry on with normal work
• Dangerous occurrences

2 By receiving such accident reports the HSE can establish accident trends, highlight areas of weakness and effectively target preventative measures.
3 All people on site must ensure that all accidents, no matter how minor, are recorded in the site Accident Book.
4 In the future, you may want to establish a link between a current health problem and a previous accident to claim compensation.
5 Accidents to members of the public arising out of site activities must also be reported.


Accident Investigation

1 Your employer has a duty to thoroughly investigate all accidents to establish the cause and prevent recurrence.
2 The HSE will also investigate fatalities and other serious accidents.
3 If you are involved in an investigation:
• listen carefully to the questions and remain calm
• state honestly what you saw or heard
• do not be afraid to say when you do not know an answer
4 Remember that the reason for the investigation is to prevent the accident happening again.

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Alcohol and Drugs

Overview This talk will cover: the effects of alcohol and drugs on your safety and others.

Alcohol

1 In a high-risk industry like ours, alcohol and work are not compatible.
2 Alcohol is a depressant drug, which depresses parts of the brain function. When working on site you require all of your brain functions to save you from injury.
3 If you’re found to be intoxicated with drink, you won’t be allowed on site. You may end up losing your job.
4 Don’t get drunk the night before and expect to work safely on site the next day. Alcohol takes time to work out of your system (1 pint of beer takes approximately 2 hours).


5 50% of all drivers killed are over the legal limit.
6 If you drink, don’t drive.
7 Some workplace fatal accidents are alcohol-related.
8 Keep your head clear – leave your drinking sessions to social events, where you can’t cause injury to yourself or others.
9 Get a bad reputation for drinking and you may not get another job as you’ll be seen as a liability.


Drugs

1 You are far more likely to have an accident on site when you are under the influence of drugs.
2 Drugs prescribed by your doctor could make you unfit for work, as can illegal drugs.
3 You may feel you don’t have a drug problem – it’s got nothing to do with you. But if you get hurt, it’s a bit late to wonder what the other person was on.
4 If you know somebody is on drugs, tell your supervisor – help to stamp it out.
5 Signs to look for, watery eyes, pinpoint or dilated pupils, running nose, constant sniffing, tight lips, sores, ulcers, trembling, fatigue and irritability. If you see it, report it.

6 All drugs can affect your ability to work safely.
7 Some effects of drugs: slow reaction times, clumsiness, poor decision-making and distorted vision.
8 Don’t take ‘E’s – ‘E’ stands for ‘Ex-employee’.
9 If you get offered drugs, say no, you’d rather work safely!
10 Drugs and work don’t mix. Don’t let it become a problem.

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Asbestos

Overview This talk will cover: where you will find asbestos, how it can affect you and hazardous work.

Where you will find asbestos

1 Insulation and sprayed coatings used for:
• boilers, plant and pipe-work hidden in under floor ducting
• fire protection to steelwork, hidden behind false ceilings
• thermal and acoustic insulation of buildings
• some textured coatings and paints.
• Friction materials as brake linings and clutch plates
• Gaskets and packing in engines, heating and ventilation systems.

2 Insulating board used in the following places:
• fire protection to doors, protected exits and steelwork
• cladding on walls and ceilings
• internal walls, partitions and suspended ceiling tiles.

3 Asbestos cement, which is found as:
• corrugated roofing and cladding sheets of buildings
• flat sheets for partitions, cladding and door facings.
• rainwater gutters and down pipes.

How asbestos can affect you

1 Asbestos breaks into tiny, long, sharp fibres. They can get lodged and scar the lungs, causing asbestosis or fibrosis.
2 Asbestos fibres may also cause lung cancer.
3 It can also cause mesothelioma, a cancer of the inner lining of the chest wall. This cancer is incurable.
4 Smokers are at much greater risk to asbestosis diseases

Note to supervisor: Now inform your workforce of the company policy regarding working with asbestos.

Do you have any questions for me?

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Control of Dust and Fumes

Overview This talk will cover some sources and dangers from dust and fumes, and examples of precautions that can be taken.

Some sources of harmful dust and fumes

1 Cutting, sanding and grinding of some materials with create harmful dust.
2 Welding and gas cutting of metals can create harmful fumes.
3 Heating metals such as lead will create harmful fumes.
4 Work with old lead can expose you to lead oxide dust (white, powdery deposits) which is also harmful
5 Burning off old lead-based paints can also create harmful fumes.
6 Stripping out or other work involving fibrous insulation (such as asbestos or fibreglass insulation) can release harmful dust into the air.

Some health risks from breathing in dust or fumes

1. Silica dust from cutting or scabbling concrete can cause lung disease.
2 Dust from cutting or sanding hardwood can cause nasal cancer.
3 Asbestos dust can cause cancer of the lungs or lining of the chest cavity.
4 Welding fumes can result in ‘metal fume fever’ which has flu like symptoms.
5 Breathing in the fumes from solvents and paint can lead to nausea, drowsiness, headaches and, eventually unconsciousness and death in extreme cases.
6 Investigations are continuing into possible harmful effects of breathing in dust from synthetic insulation materials such as fibreglass matting.

Precautions

1 Where it is possible, the job should be planned to eliminate harmful dust and fumes.
2 If elimination is not possible, harmful dust and fumes must be controlled so that they are not breathed in by anyone.
3 Some tools and plant are fitted with dust extraction and collection devices – if these are available, use them.
4 If your employer has provided portable extraction equipment, use it.
5 It may be necessary for you to wear RPE to protect yourself from the effects of dust or fumes – make sure you know how to use it properly.
6 Consider the effects that your work may be having on other people.

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Control of Noise

Overview This talk will cover: hazards, controlling noise and ear protection.

Hazards

1 Some of the following things used on site can be harmful to your hearing: compressors, breakers, circular saws, concrete mixes, chainsaws, generators, vibrating rollers and excavators.
2 Even if you are not using the noisy piece of equipment, you could be affected by someone using it close by.
3 Look out for noise hazard signs on site and obey them.
4 It’s not only on site that you have to remember to protect your hearing but after work also – noisy clubs, hi-fis, etc.


Controlling noise

1 Use a less noisy process if possible.
2 If shouting is necessary in order to be heard, the noise level is high and you should wear ear protectors.
3 Keep compressor covers closed when in use.
4 Ensure breaker mufflers are correctly fitted.


5 Don’t keep machinery running unnecessarily.
6 Ensure you don’t expose your workmates to your noise.
7 Move the noise source away from the work area or move the work area away from the noise.
8 If possible, shield noise process. Work behind a wall or some other sound-absorbing material.


Ear protection

1 Don’t use cotton wool for ear protection, it is not effective.
2 Ensure ear plugs are a good fit and correctly inserted.
3 Regularly clean reusable ear plugs.
4 Use disposable ear plugs once only.
5 Clean your hands before touching all types of ear plugs.


6 Ear defenders should fit the head all round the seal.
7 Ensure that ear defenders are worn the correct way round.
8 Ensure defender seals are always in a serviceable condition.
9 Don’t alter pressure of ear defenders by bending the head band.
10 If you have difficulty in wearing ear defenders, report it.

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COSHH

Overview This talk will cover: risk assessment, hazards, control measures and safe use of substances.


Risk Assessment

1 Management must carry out a risk assessment to find out whether:
• exposure to a substance can be eliminated
• alternative work methods can reduce exposure
• a less hazardous substance can be used
2 Any substance with a hazard warning label has the potential to cause harm – asses the risk before using it.



Hazards

1 How you could be affected by a hazardous substance:
• ingestion – eating contaminated food
• inhalation – breathing harmful dust or fumes
• absorption – chemicals entering through cuts etc.

2 Examples of hazardous substances on construction sites:
• contaminated ground
• concrete admixtures
• cement
• solvent fumes
• hardwood dust
• resins
• epoxy-based paints
• welding fumes
• asbestos

3 Don’t mix chemicals or substances


Control measures

1 When using hazardous substances, wear the correct PPE.
2 Know how to look after and use PPE correctly.
3 Know where washing and first-aid facilities are on site.
4 Ensure hazardous substances are put back into a secure location after use and not left out on site.


Use of substances

1 Make sure you are trained to use hazardous substances.
2 Read and comply with the information on the hazard data sheet and the instructions on the product label.
3 Don’t eat, drink or smoke when handling substances.
4 Don’t expose workers to fumes, dust, gas or other dangers from hazardous substances due to your work.
5 Always wash at the end of each shift and before eating.



REMEMBER: KNOW WHAT PPE TO WEAR TO PROTECT AGAINST THE HAZARD.

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Electricity on Site

Overview This talk will cover, underground cables and overhead power lines.

Underground cables

1 Before digging, check plans provided by the local electricity company, telephone company and cable TV company.
2 Before digging, use a cable – locating device that is in good working order. Ensure you are trained to use it.
3 Assume all cables are live, unless your supervisor tells you they are dead.
4 Hand dig trial holes to expose cables, look for marker tape or tiles about the cables. Continue using the cable locator to establish exact location.
5 When exposed, protect the cable from damage and support it.
6 If the cable is accidentally damaged, keep everyone clear until the electricity company has inspected it.
7 During back-filling, ensure marker tapes or tiles are replaced.
8 If using power tools to break up concrete surfaces, avoid over penetration as the cable may be directly underneath.

REMEMBER PLAN – LOCATE – DIG


Overhead power lines

1 Treat all overhead lines as live. Don’t assume that they are only telephone wires.
2 Ensure you know the maximum clearance distances specified by the electricity company.
3 Do not bypass ‘goal posts’ barriers or other warnings.
4 Check your route is clear of overhead power lines before moving a mobile scaffold tower or metal ladder.
5 If signalling, always keep power lines in view. Guide plant under power lines where ‘goal posts’ have been erected.
6 Ensure you observe special precautions laid down by the electricity company before working under overhead lines.
7 If erecting scaffolding adjacent to power lines, ensure the poles are handled a safe distance away.
8 Don’t stack materials or operate tippers under power lines, it will reduce the safe clearance and can result in arcing.

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Fire Prevention and Control

Overview This talk will cover: fire prevention, precautions, types of extinguishers and actions on fire.

Fire prevention

1 Don’t hang clothing over or near heating equipment.
2 Don’t let paper, oily rags or other rubbish accumulate.
3 Don’t smoke in prohibited areas.
4 Use proper, sealed containers for flammable liquids, not open tins or buckets.
5 Don’t overload electrical sockets – ‘one socket one plug’.
6 Handle flammable liquids at a safe distance from possible source of ignition.
7 Ensure there are no adjacent flammable materials before using blowlamps, welding and cutting equipment.
8 Bitumen boilers, soldering irons and gas rings must be on non-combustible stands.
9 When electrical equipment is not in use, switch it off at the mains.

Fire precautions

1 Make sure you know what to do in case of fire.
2 Make certain you know your escape route.
3 Keep fire doors clear and unobstructed.
4 Don’t obstruct access to extinguishers.
5 Ensure you know how to operate the fire extinguishers in your area.

Fire extinguishers

1 All new and refurbished extinguishers will be coloured red with a contrasting colour panel to indicate the contents.
2 Water (red) – use on paper, wood and solid flammables.
3 CO2 (black) – use on liquids, gases and electrical fires.
4 Foam (cream) use on burning liquid fires, NOT to be used on electrical or Flammable Metal fires.
5 Powder (Blue Label) – Used for: Liquid, Electrical, Wood, Paper & Textile Fires NOT for Metal fires

Actions to take in event of fire

1 Raise the alarm and then call the fire brigade.
2 Close doors and windows to prevent the spread of fire.
3 Evacuate the building or area you are working in.
4 Fight the fire with extinguishers provided but don’t put yourself at risk.
Don’t use water to put out electrical fires.

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First Aid

Overview This talk will cover: before first aid, when first aid is required and basic first aid.

Before first aid is required

1 Ensure you know where the first-aid kit is kept.
2 Know who the first-aider and appointed persons are.
3 You must have a small travelling first-aid kit if you are working in a small group away from the main site or if you use potentially dangerous tools or machinery.
4 Know where the phone is and understand the procedure for calling the emergency services.


When first aid is required

1 Remove the hazard from the casualty if safe to do so.
2 Call for help, e.g. first-aider.
3 Send someone to phone for an ambulance if necessary.
4 Don’t move the casualty, unless in immediate danger.


5 Remain with the casualty and give reassurance.
6 Make the casualty as comfortable as possible.
7 Don’t give drinks or good to casualty, moisten lips only.
8 Don’t allow the casualty to smoke.


Basic first aid may save a life

1 Do you know how to resuscitate and start the heart?
2 Do you know how to stop major bleeding?
3 Do you know how to treat scolds, burns and shock?
• If you don’t, you need to think about first-aid training.

Other considerations

1 First-aid cover must include shift work.
2 Someone must have responsibility for restocking first-aid boxes.
3 The first-aid equipment provided must be appropriate for the nature of the work and the number of operatives.
4 First-aiders should be easy to identify – usually a sticker on the safety helmet.

Note to supervisor: Now inform your workforce of the company provision for first-aiders and first-aid kits, actions to be taken in the event of an emergency and the location of the emergency telephone.

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General Site and Health and Safety

Overview This talk will cover: responsibilities under health and safety legislation and on-site safety.

Your health and safety responsibilities

1 Comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 or you could be liable for the same penalties as your employer.
2 You have a duty to look after yourself and others affected by what you do and don’t do.
3 Always report any fault or effect which could endanger your health and safety.
4 You must comply with all safety requirements laid down by your employer.
5 Don’t abuse or damage and PPE supplied for our safety.
6 Never carry out work of a dangerous nature or operate machines unless you’re trained to do so.


On-Site safety

1 Don’t drink and drive – it could cost you your job.
2 Don’t use drugs, even outside of work time; you could be putting yourself and your workmates at risk.
3 Don’t leave rubbish lying about, clean up as you go.
4 Don’t obstruct gangways or stairs with tools or materials.


5 Gather up all off cuts of brick, plasterboard, timber, reinforcing bars, and any other material.
6 Route all cables and hoses out of the way. Where possible, suspend them above head height.
7 An accumulation of waste material provides a good starting point for fire. Don’t let it happen.


8 If tools get damaged, get them repaired or replaced.
9 When working at height, secure loose objects so they can’t fall and injure someone.
10 Remove nails from timber to prevent injuries.
11 Store flammable substances, fuel, propane, foam and plastics in a safe place, not next to a fire exit.


Note to supervisor: Now inform your workforce of the company policy regarding site rules: wearing of PPE, site transport, fire prevention and Permit to Work systems.

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The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Overview This talk will cover: legal responsibilities and penalties under the Act.

Scope to the Health and Safety at Work Act

1 Everyone in the construction industry has legal duties under the Act.
2 Everyone in the construction industry is protected by the Act.
3 The Act allows Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors to visit sites and take enforcement action if work areas and activities are not safe.


General provisions of the Act

1 Under the Act, your employer has a legal duty to provide:
• safe plant and equipment, and safe methods of work.
• safe use of work articles and substances.
• information, instruction, training and supervision.
• a safe of work with safe access and egress.
2 Under the Act, you as an employee have legal duties to:
• safeguard your own safety and health and that of others who may be affected by your actions.
• co-operate with the employer to help them comply with their legal duties.
• not interfere with anything provided for health and safety.


Penalties

1 Breaches of the Act are criminal offences which may be punished by fines, prison or both.
2 Individuals, as well as companies, can be charged for breaches of the Act.


Enforcement

1 The powers of HSE inspectors include:
• entering places of work (including construction sites) at any time and without notice – if necessary, with the help of the police.
• carrying out investigations and prosecuting their own cases in court.
• insisting that the scene of an accident remains undisturbed.
• issuing Improvement and Prohibition Notices.
• taking statements and removing records and documents.

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Health on Site

Overview This talk will cover: types of health issues affecting construction workers and the preventative measures

How’s your health?

1 Contact with some hazardous substances can result in a severe form of dermatitis which could result in sufferers having to give up their trade.
2 If you have asked the presenter of this talk to speak up, you may be suffering from work-induced hearing loss.
3 How’s your suntan? The short-term effects are sunburn and blisters. There are 40,000 new cases of skin cancer each year resulting from too much sun.
4 What about your weight? Try to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
5 All dust is hazardous to health, some types more so than others. Take particular care with silica and hardwood dusts, which can cause long-term health problems including cancer.
6 Fumes from solvents and paints can cause headaches and make you feel sick, breathless or light-headed. Your concentration and safety will be affected.
7 Breathing in welding fumes can bring on an illness with flu-like symptoms.
8 Do your working hours or working conditions leave you feeling stressed? Effects such as anxiety, poor decision making and loss of concentration will adversely affect your safety and maybe that of others.


What are you going to do about it?

1 Hazardous substances must be assessed before they are first put to use – use the appropriate control measures including wearing of PPE.
2 ‘Hand inspections’ are becoming a common event with the ‘at risk’ trades.
3 If working in a noisy environment wear hearing protection.
4 Resist the temptation to get a suntan – keep your shirt on.
5 Site canteens don’t always offer the most healthy food – is eating somewhere else or bringing in your own food a practical and healthier alternative?
6 Be prepared to wear face masks or respirators when the level of dust or fumes in the air become a hazard – your employer should assess the situation.
7 Workplace stress is a growing problem. It is not easy to admit to, but you must address the issue with your employer. If you are stressed, you are not safe.

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Ladders

Overview This talk will cover before-use checks, use of ladders and hazards.

Before-use checks

1 Ladders must be stored correctly and inspected regularly.
2 Check for splits or cracks in the stiles and rungs.
3 Ensure that none of the rungs are missing or loose.
4 Don’t use painted ladders, this can hide damaged parts.
5 Report defects, label as defective and remove from site.

Use of ladders

1 Work should only be carried out from a ladder when the job is of short duration and can be carried out safely.
2 Ladders should be set on a firm base and leaning at the correct angle which is one unit out to four units up.
3 Ladders must be tied near to the top and extend a safe distance above the landing stage, unless a hand –hold is provided.
4 If it can’t be secured at the top, secure it at the bottom.
5 For added safety, if possible and necessary, the base of the ladder should be staked or buried to prevent slipping.
6 Ensure footwear is free from excessive mud or grease before you climb the ladder.
7 When climbing up or down, use both hands on the stiles. Always face the ladder.
8 Don’t overreach from a ladder, always move it.
9 If using extension ladders, each section must overlap.
 2 rungs – for ladders up to 5 metres (closed length)
 3 rungs – for ladders 5-6 metres (closed length).

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Legal Duties of the Employees


Overview This talk will cover: the legal duties of employees under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and regulations.

Framework of health and safety law

1 The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 provides general guidelines on the way in which work activities are able to be carried out.
2 More detailed guidance is provided through the issue of regulations which also carry the full force of law.

Employees’ legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act

1 You must safeguard your own health and safety and that of others (e.g. other operatives and members of the public) who may be affected by your actions.
2 You must co-operate with your employer to help them comply with their legal duties.
3 You must not to interfere with anything provided for health and safety.


Employees’ legal duties under regulations

1 Some of the legal duties imposed on employees by regulations are:
• General Safety – to follow the training and instructions provided when using machinery, equipment, dangerous substances, transport equipment or safety devices. Report any defects which you believe could endanger health or safety.
• PPE – You must use in accordance with training and instructions given. Report loss or damage and store correctly after use.
• COSHH – You must make use of any control measures provided to enable you to avoid contact with hazardous substances.
• Noise – You must wear hearing protection devices and take other actions that your employer may decide are necessary to protect your hearing.
• Manual handling – You must make use of any system of work provided by your employer to eliminate or reduce the risk of manual handling injuries.
• Electricity – You must co-operate with your employer and follow instructions with regard to working safely.

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Lifting Accessories


Overview This talk will cover: slings, chains, shackles and hooks and eyebolts.

Slings

1 Check the SWL on the sling against load to be lifted.
2 Rope slings need not be marked with the SWL, provided that a certificate of test is available and the SWL is known.
3 Don’t use fibre rope or wire slings for hot loads and keep them away from welding or flame-cutting operations.
4 Ensure no broken ends in wires or chafing on fibre ropes.
5 Check condition of splices, rings and thimbles on slings.
6 A sling doubled round a shackle has a SWL equivalent only to that of a single part of the rope.
7 Protect wire rope or nylon slings from sharp edges.

Chains

1 Make sure that the chain is not kinked or twisted.
2 Don’t shorten a chain by knotting it.
3 Never lengthen a chain by joining pieces together.
4 Don’t lubricate chain slings – oil can pick up abrasive materials such as sand or grit.
5 Don’t expose chains to acids or corrosive substances

Shackles

1 Use the right type of shackle for the job in hand.
2 Don’t use any shackle which isn’t marked with the SWL.
3 Check the bow and pin for damage, destroy if doubtful.
4 Ensure the pin is free, but not loose, in tapped hole.
5 When using a shackle with a ‘nut and bolt’ pin, the pin should be free to rotate when nut is tight.

Hooks and eyebolts

1 Check both hooks and eyebolts carefully for cracks, cuts, dents and corrosion pits.
2 Swivel hooks should rotate freely.
3 Always mouse hooks unless fitted, with a safety catch and make sure the catch operates freely.
4 Check the centre line of the eye is central with threaded portion.

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Lifting Equipment and Operations


Overview This talk will cover: the procedures to follow to ensure that lifting operations are carried out in a safe manner.

Types of lifting equipment

1 Lifting equipment now includes items of plant (such as forklift trucks and telescopic handlers) all mobile elevating work platforms as well as cranes, electrical hoists, and gin wheels etc.


General precautions

1 Risk assessments must be prepared for all lifting operations.
2 All lifting equipment must be marked with its safe working load (SWL).
3 Lifting equipment must not be used to move loads heavier than the SWL.
4 Lifting equipment must only be used by people who have been trained to do so.
5 Never stand over s suspended load.
6 Look for overhead obstructions such as power cables.
7 Ensure that lifting equipment has no obvious defects before using it.

Forklift trucks and telescopic handlers

1 Travel with the load in the lowest position and don’t raise it whilst travelling.
2 Ensure the load is stable and secure.
3 Do not carry passengers unless a passenger seat is fitted.
4 Do not use to lift people unless suitably adapted.

Cranes

1 Use cranes to lift and lower loads vertically, don’t drag loads.
2 At least one trained signaller (banksman) must supervise lifting operations.
3 It may be necessary to attach tag lines to the load to stabilise it when lifted.
4 Beware of changing weather conditions or wind speed making lift operations unsafe.

Mobile elevating work platforms

1 Use only on firm, level ground
2 Use outriggers or stabilisers where necessary.
3 Except for scissor lifts, users should wear a safety harness clipped to the correct anchorage point on the machine

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Manual Handling

Overview This talk will cover: considerations and good techniques for manual handling.

Considerations for manual handling

1 Always use mechanical handling methods instead of manual handling if possible, e.g. forklifts or pallet trucks, etc.
2 Know your capabilities; only tackle jobs that you can handle.
3 Can you handle the load yourself, or do you need assistance?
4 Is there a clear walkway with good lighting to the work area?
5 Where possible, establish the weight of the load before lifting.
6 Wear gloves to protect against cuts and punctures.
7 Wear safety boots or shoes to protect from falling loads.
8 Carry out a trial lift by rocking the load from side to side then try lifting it in a small amount to get a ‘feel’ for it.


Good handling technique

1 Stand reasonably close to the load, feet hip-width apart, one foot slightly forward pointing in the direction you’re going.
2 Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
3 Get a secure grip on the load.
4 Breathe in before lifting as this helps to support the spine.


5 Use a good lifting technique, keep your back straight and lift using your legs.
6 Keep the load close to your body.
7 Don’t carry a load that obscures your vision.
8 Lift slowly and smoothly.


9 Avoid jerky movements.
10 Avoid twisting your body when lifting or carrying a load.
11 When lifting to a height from the floor, do it in two stages.
12 When two or more people lift a load, one person must take control to co-ordinate the lift.


Note to supervisor: Now inform your workforce of the company policy regarding manual handling.

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Mobile Elevating Work Platforms

Overview This talk will cover: the hazards and safe operating methods for MEWPs.

Hazards

1 Operatives falling from height due to unsafe work practices.
2 Overturning of the machine due to poor operating technique or unsatisfactory ground conditions.
3 Collision with other vehicles (knuckle or elbow of boom moving into the path of other traffic).
4 Tools and materials, etc, falling from heights.
5 Contact with high level, live electrical cables and other obstructions.
6 Exhaust fumes, if used in confined areas.
7 High wind speeds and other adverse weather conditions.

Precautions

1 All operators of MEWPs must be trained in their use.
2 Operators should only operate the types of MEWPs for which they have been trained.
3 Always check that the machine is stable before use.
4 Use outriggers or stabilisers, where necessary.
5 Except for scissor lifts, users should wear safety harness clipped to the correct anchorage point on the machine.
6 Ensure that the ground conditions are suitable for the type of machine in use.
7 Do not load the machine beyond its safe working load
8 If your work involves removing equipment or materials from a structure, don’t forget to allow for the extra weight.
9 When manoeuvring in confined area or where members of the public are at risk, always use a signaller.
10 Be prepared to stop work and return to ground level if the wind speed or weather conditions deteriorate to an unacceptable level

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Mobile Plant

Overview This talk will cover: the dangers associated with mobile plant and how they can be overcome.

The dangers

1 Certain items of plant, such as dumpers and forklift trucks, are particularly prone to overturning if used unsafely.
2 Groundwork activities account for the greatest number of accidents including mobile plant.
3 Many accidents are caused by plant being used unsafely by untrained, unauthorised operatives.
4 Many people are injured or killed by mobile plant that is reversing without the assistance of a signaller.
5 The very nature of some mobile plant means that the driver has only limited visibility from the driving position.

General precautions for drivers

1 Never be tempted to use mobile plant unless you have been properly trained, hold a CPCS card and have been authorised.
2 Operators of mobile plant should carry out daily pre-use checks of their vehicle and report any defects notices.
3 In most cases, it will be necessary for a signaller to assist the driver during reversing.
4 Ideally, sites will be planned so that the need to reverse is kept to a minimum; if so, do not reverse unnecessarily.
5 Obey site speed limits and one-way systems.
6 When parked, ensure the parking brake is on and the wheels are chocked if necessary. Runaway plant causes accidents.
7 If mobile plant is left where children might congregate after working hours, ensure it is immobilised and in a safe state.
8 Use stop-blocks were provided to prevent over-running.
9 Mobile plant should only be refuelled at designated refuelling points by operatives who have been trained to do so.
10 Don’t carry passengers, unless the plant is designed to do so.

General precautions for others
1 On some large sites, the route of mobile plant and private vehicles may cross; make sure you know who has priority.
2 Try to keep well away from operating mobile plant; on well organised sites, mobile plants and pedestrians are segregated.
3 It is your safety at risk from any item of mobile plant when you are doing your job, stop work and report to your supervisor..
4 Be aware of other hazards such as noise, you may need PPE such as ear defenders or plugs because of plant working near you.

REMEMBER MOBILE PLANT IS THERE TO HELP YOU, DON’T LET IT HARM YOU.

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Mobile Scaffold Towers

Overview This talk will cover: erection, use, stability and hazards.

Before erecting the tower

1 Check all the components are in good condition.
2 Check wheels for effective rotation.
3 Check brakes and locking devices work correctly.
4 Before erecting a tower on a suspended floor, ensure the bearing capacity of the floor is sufficient for the planned load.

Before use

1 Ensure the tower is vertical and square/
2 Towers must not be used unless the wheels are locked.
3 Check that outriggers are set correctly and secured.
4 Ensure the platform is fully boarded out and guard-rails and toe-boards are fitted if the working platform is over 2 metres high.
5 The gap between toe-boards and mid guard-rails and between mid and top guard-rails must not exceed 470mm.

Stability

1 Never climb up the outside of a tower – use the stairway or ladder on the inside.
2 Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on base to height ratio.
3 Hoist materials up from the inside of the tower.
4 Tie the tower to a permanent structure where possible.
5 Don’t move the tower if people or materials are still on the platform. Don’t pull the tower along while standing on it

Hazards

1 Don’t exceed the manufactures’ SWL for the tower.
2 When moving towers, ensure there are no portholes, obstructions or overhead power lines in the way.
3 When working, ensure the access hatch is closed on the platform.
4 Never use ladders or steps on a scaffold platform as this will cause the tower to turn over.
5 Towers must only be used on firm surfaces. Where the ground is soft, adequate support must be provided.

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Person Protective Equipment (PPE)

Overview This talk will cover: the measures necessary to ensure that the use of PPE is effective.

What is PPE?

1 PPE is equipment or clothing worn to protect the user from known hazards in the workplace.
2 In construction, the commonly worn items of PPE are safety helmets and safety footwear.
3 Other examples of PPE are respirators, safety harnesses, ear-plugs, safety goggles, protective gloves and some clothing.

Limitations

1 PPE will only protect the user.
2 It must be used in accordance with the manufacture’s instructions: do not misuse PPE.
3 The actual level of effectiveness is difficult to assess.
4 It must be in good condition to be fully effective: do not mistreat PPE, your health or life might depend on it.


What your employer must do

1 Assess the risks to employee’s health and safety arising from the work activities.
2 Try to organise work activities so that PPE is not necessary.
3 Where PPE is necessary, select appropriate items that suit the wearer and are made to the required standard.
4 To supply employees with the necessary PPE at no cost.
5 Train employees to use it, and explain its limitations where this is necessary.
6 Ensure compatibility if more than one item of PPE is worn.
7 Ensure that PPE is maintained where appropriate.
8 Replace defective or lost PPE, at no cost to the user.


What you must do

1 Use PPE in accordance with instructions and training given.
2 Return PPE to its accommodation, where provided, after use.
3 Take reasonable care of your PPE and report its loss or defects to your employer.
4 Not work without PPE when it is known to be necessary.


Do you have any questions for me?

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Portable, Hand-Held Electrical Tools
Overview This talk will cover: before-use checks, use of electric tools and hazards.
Before-use checks
1 Make sure the casing isn’t damaged – if it is, don’t use it.
2 Make sure that all cables, plugs or connectors are sound and not damaged.
3 Use tools on connect power supply as instructed on the maker’s label. Only 110 volt tools are permitted on site.
4 Ensure the tool is properly earthed, unless it is an approved type that does not require earthing.
5 Ensure the cable is long enough to reach your work without straining it.
Using portable electrical tools
1 Portable electric tools should only be used for their designated purposes.
2 Ensure switches are working correctly before connecting to the power supply.
3 Wear eye protection if there is any risk to your eyes.
4 Disconnect tools when not in use.
5 Electric power tools should be regularly inspected and maintained by a competent electrician.
Hazards
1 Keep power cables off the floor. They may get damaged or cause someone to trip.
2 Electrical tools often present a noise hazard – wear ear protection if necessary.
3 Avoid standing on damp or wet surface when using electrical equipment.
4 Keep equipment clean and dry.
5 Never connect a portable electric tool to a lighting socket.
6 Don’t use blunt, worn or damaged bits and accessories.
7 Portable electrical tools, which have become wet should be allowed to dry then checked by a competent person for electrical safety before being reused.

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Risk Assessments and Method Statements
Overview This talk will cover: what risk assessments and method statements mean to you.
Risk assessments
1 All employers have a legal duty to prepare risk assessments for work activities that could foreseeable result in injury to people or damage equipment.
2 Risk assessments outline the ways in which the job could result in injury or damage and the measures put in place ensure that the chance of anything going wrong is eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level.
3 Employer with five or more employees must have written risk assessments.
4 If there are less than five employees, the risk assessments must still be carried out although there is no legal duty to write them down
5 Employers also have a legal duty to communicate the findings of the risk assessment to operatives who may be affected by it.
6 Therefore, depending upon the size of your company, you should either be told, or be asked to read, what the risks and control measures are for each job that you carry out.
7 There is no specified way for laying out a risk assessment so you must familiarise yourself with the way your employer lay out theirs.
8 In many cases, the risk assessments are part of the method of statement.
Method statements
1 Method statements are a written list of operations, to be carried out in a specified sequence, in order to complete a work activity in a safe manner.
2 Everyone involved in a job which a method statement has been written should read it and sign as having done so.
3 Well-written method statements address all the hazards present and plan the work so that the risk of accident is eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level.
4 Most method statements also include the risk assessments for the same job so that the operative can read what hazards have been considered and how the risk of accidents have been overcome.

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Safe Working at Height
Overview The talk covers: before working on roofs, hazards and safe working at height.
Before working at height
1 Before any work or access onto a roof, fragile materials should be identified and precautions decided.
2 Roof-edge barriers (or scaffolds) must be erected to prevent people and materials falling.
3 Access ladders must extend at least 1 metre above the stepping-off point and must be secured.
4 Where access ladders rise above 9 meters, a safe intermediate platform must be provided.
5 Ladders must be rested at the correct angle (1unit out for 4 units up).
Hazards of working at height
1 Where there is a likely hood of falling from height, guard-rails and toe-boards must be erected.
2 Hazards resulting from adverse weather conditions must be anticipated and suitable precautions taken.
3 LPG cylinders should be located at least 4 meters away from the heat source. Spare bottles area to be kept to a minimum.
4 Don’t allow rubbish to accumulate as this is liable to cause accidents. Use a chute or lower materials properly.
5 Wet, wind or icy weather can seriously affect safety.
Safe working on roofs
1 Only competent operatives may be used for roofing works.
2 Crawling boards or ladders must be provided and used where the roof is liable to collapse under a person’s weight or the roof is sloping with a pitch over 10 degrees.
3 Where work is of short duration and the provision of guard-rails and toe-boards is impracticable, safety harnesses must be used with suitable anchorage points provided.
4 If using bitumen, boilers, they require a drip tray.
5 Openings must be covered or guarded: if removed for the passage of workers or materials, replace it immediately.
 Note to supervisor: Now inform your workforce of the company policy regarding working at height.

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Slips, Trips and Falls
Overview This talk: will cover the causes and prevention of slips, trips and falls.
Why do they occur?
1 Most injuries from slips, trips and falls occur because of poor housekeeping.
2 Many items left on the ground, such as coiled cables, hand tools, lengths of pipe or timber, will trip someone if not deposited in a safe position.
3 Slip substances, such as oils and greases, will form a slip hazard if not immediately cleaned up.
4 General debris, such as brick and block fragments can quickly accumulate and form a tripping hazard if not cleaned up as it is created.
5 Trailing cables are another frequent cause of tripping.
6 Mud left on the rungs of a ladder by the previous user will represent a slipping and falling hazard for the next person.
7 Reduced levels of natural light, for example during the winter afternoons, can easily increase the tripping hazards if adequate access lighting is not provided. Tools, equipment and materials that are visible if full daylight may be hidden in semi – darkness.
What can you do about it?
1 Clear up waste materials as you create them. Lightweight waste should be bagged or bundled, and nails removed from waste timber.
2 Do not leave tools, equipment or unused materials lying about on the floor.
3 If you are using substances which could possibly spill, ensure that you have a means of effectively cleaning up the spillage.
4 As far as possible, route cables for power tools above head height, if cables have to be routed at floor level, try to avoid pedestrian walkways.
5 If the site is muddy, scrape mud off your boots before climbing ladders or walking anywhere else where it might be a danger to others.
6 Be aware of the increased risks of tripping as the level of natural light fades: ensure that all tool, equipment and materials are stored in a safe location.
REMEMBER: TIDY UP AS YOU GO, YOUR CARELESSNESS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES TO SOMEONE ELSE

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Vibration
Overview This talk will cover: the sources, effects and methods of overcoming excessive vibration.
Effects of vibration
1 Depending upon work situation, vibration can be whole-body vibration or more commonly, hand-arm vibration.
2 The first signs of a problem may only be tingling in the affected fingers.
3 Exposure to vibration can lead to irritation, fatigue and loss of concentration.
4 The above effects are likely to affect a person’s attention to safety and therefore increase the likelihood of an accident occurring.
5 In the longer term, damage may occur to blood vessels, nerves, muscles, tendons and body organs.
6 Excessive hand-arm vibration can lead to ‘Vibration White Finger’ resulting in damaged blood vessels, circulatory problems, pain and possibly gangrene.
The sources of vibration
1 A common cause of hand-arm vibration is the prolonged use of rotating hand tools used for cutting and grinding.
2 Percussive hand tools use for riveting, chipping, hammering, drilling etc. are also sources of vibration.
3 The use of chainsaws is also another source of hand-arm vibration.
Avoidance of vibration
1 Advances in technology are leading to newer tools being equipped or manufactured with vibration-absorbing features.
2 If available, select tools with vibration-absorbing features for your work.
3 When using a tool which causes vibration, break the job up with other work activities.
4 If you think you are suffering ill effects from vibration, stop the activity, speak to your supervisor and if necessary seek medical advice.

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Waste Management
Overview This talk will cover: the risks to health and safety resulting from poor housekeeping.
General precautions
1 Separate different types of waste into separate skips if there is such a system.
2 If there is a COSH skip, make sure that all used containers of substances are put in it. Do not mix with general waste.
3 Remove all nails from scrap timber to avoid foot injuries to other people.
4 Securely bag or bundle lightweight waste to prevent it being scattered by the wind.
5 Waste created at height must be returned to ground level in a safe manner, not thrown down.
Skips
1 If a skip is to be positioned in the road, a council permit is required.
2 A skip on the road must be coned off at all times with adequate light at night.
3 Don’t overload skips – load up to the top of the sides.
4 Don’t attempt to ride in a skip – waste material could move and injure you.
Fire
1 The accumulation of combustible material could provide the fuel for a large fire.
2 Dispose of combustible waste in the skips or bins provided as soon as practical after you create it.
3 Don’t dispose of used LPG cylinders or aerosol cans with general waste.
4 The burning of waste materials is banned on most sites – don’t light bonfires and don’t light fires in skips.
Special waste
1 Special arrangements have to be made for the removal of certain hazardous substances, such as asbestos, from site.
2 These substances must not be mixed in with general waste.
Food waste
1 Discarded food waste will encourage the presence of rats and other vermin.
2 The presence of rats brings with it the possibility of catching Weil’s disease.
3 Dispose of food waste in secure bins – do not leave it lying about.

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Weil’s Disease
Overview This talk will cover: the effects and symptoms of Weil’s disease, the measures you should take to avoid it, and who may be at risk.
Weil’s disease – what is it?
1 Weil’s disease, which is also known as Leptospirosis, is a kind of jaundice.
2 The disease enters the body through breaks in the skin, and through the lining of the mouth and nose.
3 It is caused by contact with water contaminated by the urine of rats and other small mammals such as mice and voles.
4 It starts as a mild illness which can easily be cured if treated early enough.
5 If left untreated, it becomes more serious and can be fatal.
6 The problem is that the initial symptoms are very similar to flu and it is possible that you could ignore the symptoms or be treated for the wrong illness.
What can you do about it?
1 Don’t encourage the presence of vermin; carefully dispose of waste food especially on sites that are wet or adjacent to rivers and lakes, etc.
2 Do not handle the carcasses of dead rats or other small mammals.
3 If you are at risk, cover all cuts and abrasions with a waterproof dressing and wear appropriate protective clothing.
4 If you frequently work near water, carry a card or tag saying that you may be at risk of catching the disease.
5 Be aware that you can catch the disease if you get water in your mouth and nose after falling in.
6 See you doctor immediately if you think you are infected.
Who is at risk?
1 All operatives who may come into contact with contaminated water.
2 Particularly operatives who work regularly in or near water, such as those engaged in:
 work on sewers and other drainage systems
 work on canals and similar conservation projects
 work in tunnelling

Welfare Arrangements
Overview This talk will cover: the factors which determine whether site welfare facilities are adequate.
General welfare
1 Enough toilets, wash basin, drying space and rest areas must be provided to cope with the number of operatives on site.
2 Toilets and wash basins must be properly maintained and kept clean – hot and cold water must be provided.
3 If you change out of ‘street’ clothes into working clothes, a changing area should be provided with storage facilities for your ‘street’ clothes.
4 Rest areas should include one or more rest rooms which must be arranged so that non-smokers are protected from the effects of cigarette smoke.
Operative’s responsibilities
1 Site staff should expect to use welfare facilities without finding them dirty, vandalised or covered by graffiti – leave them as you wish to find them.
2 Use the appropriate rest area depending upon whether you are a smoker or not.
3 Tell your supervisor if you are aware that welfare facilities are being deliberately damaged or otherwise misused.
Food Safety
1 Larger sites may provide hot or cold food as part of welfare arrangements.
2 All food must be stored, handled and prepared in hygienic conditions.
3 Anyone preparing food for others must observe good standards of personal hygiene, not smoke in food preparation areas and report certain illnesses.
4 Where a cooker or microwave oven is provided for you to prepare your own food, ensure the food is thoroughly cooked – undercooked food can lead to food poisoning.
5 Dispose of waste food safely; do not encourage rats or other vermin.

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Working in Confined Spaces
Overview This talk will cover: hazards, before entry, work in confined spaces and emergency procedures.
Hazards
1 Oxygen-depleted or enriched environments.
2 Presence of a suffocating, toxic or flammable atmosphere.
3 Actual or potentially hostile environment (inside plant).
4 Biological hazards, Weil’s disease from rat’s urine.
5 Confined spaces include; cellar, chambers, pits, tanks, manholes, sewers, tunnels and some excavations.
Before entering a confined space
1 Don’t enter a confined space until a risk assessment has been carried out by a competent person.
2 Check for flammable or toxic gases and 02 content.
3 If breathing apparatus is required, don’t enter a confined space until you’re trained to use it. Obey Permits to Work.
4 You must be fit and healthy to enter a confined space.
5 Check communications and monitoring equipment
Working in confined spaces
1 Work will be controlled by a Permit to Work, which will include arrangements for rescue.
2 Wear protective equipment and clothing provided.
3 Only BASEFFA –approved electrical equipment is to be used where flammable gases may be present.
4 Don’t eat, drink, smoke or use a naked flame or allow exhaust fumes in close proximity to point of entry.
5 Wash your hands at the end of each shift.
Emergency Procedures
1 Make sure the recovery winch and apparatus is working.
2 Locate the position of the nearest telephone and understand the emergency procedure.
3 Don’t attempt a rescue without first raising the alarm and wearing breathing apparatus.
4 The first duty of any rescuer is to ensure their own safety.
5 Leave a confined space immediately if told to do so.
Note to supervisor: Now inform your workforce of the company policy regarding working in confined spaces. Show them the Confined Spaces Permit and the procedure for filling it in.

REMEMBER: DON’T ENTER A CONFINED SPACE UNTIL THE RISKS HAVE BEEN ASSESSED

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Toolbox talk attendees -
Steve Carey
Paul Lake
Mark Smith
Lee Fernandes
Graham Colesell
Sue Medland

Please report to your supervisor to discuss your concerns.