INTRODUCTION

At 1300 hours on 16th Dec 2011 a Health and Safety inspection on Hangar 21,
Munster Barracks was carried out. The purpose of the inspection was to identify and
acknowledge good practice also to identify breaches of current health and Safety
legislation and recommend any remedial action to be taken. Hangar 21 contains 1
Close Support and Fleet Recovery Section who carry out repairs, maintenance and
recovery of armoured tracked vehicles.
The hangar is rectangular in shape and is broken into two areas comprising of a
recovery section and a maintenance section. On the day of the inspection there were
some vehicles being worked on.
The inspection was carried out by Mr Trevor Craggs on the instruction of Mr Jimmy
Quinn of CCS Training Limited using observation sheet attached at the rear of the
report. The findings and subsequent recommendations should be followed in order to
satisfy the legislative requirements.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report has found that Hangar 21 workforce and management have been failing
in their duties as employers and employees. The findings have uncovered an
organisation that has lost its focus in terms of its attitude, behaviour and perception
of health and safety in the workplace. The findings of the report should be used as a
mirror that enables all members of staff to see how far standards have fallen and for
a collective approach to the ownership of the remedial action.
The findings have clearly shown that failings exist within the Health and Safety
management plan which has resulted in the development of a poor health and safety
culture. There are improvements to be made to ensure compliance but they do not
require a seismic upheaval of the workplace, only a more proactive and positive
approach from the entire workforce.
The following breaches were noted to have occurred during the inspection: breaches
of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Regulations 6-10
and 20-25- obstructions on walkways, untreated oil spillages and waste bins
overflowing. A breach of the Regulatory Reform (Fire safety) order 2005 Article 1-7fire equipment being misused.
A breach of the Health and Safety (Safety signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
Regulation 4- emergency signage obscured and unsecured to the wall which
presented a falling hazard. A breach of Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment
(LOLER) 1998 Regulation 7- unidentified and unserviceable lifting tackle lying on
floor.
A breach of Dangerous Substances and Explosive Regulations (DSEAR) 2002
Regulation 6 incorrect storage of unmarked fuel containers on the workshop floor. A
breach of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 Regulation 4.
The water boiler in the rest room had suspicious black marks near its position on
wall. A breach of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
Regulation 20-25- No provision of changing facilities and lockers. A breach of The
Work at Height Regulations 2005 Regulation 6- Handrails and safety barriers not in
use when working in inspection pit.
A breach of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
Regulation 7- Unidentifiable products, damages and leaking of products and incorrect
containers used for decanting oils.

The total cost is estimated to be 450 due to electrical work being carried out by a
qualified and approved electrician. It should be noted that any breach can result in
criminal prosecution and lead to fines being awarded of up to 20,000 by the
Magistrates Court and 6 months imprisonment and unlimited fines and up to 2 years
imprisonment issued by Crown Courts.
GENERAL FINDINGS
HOUSE KEEPING
The standard of cleanliness and general working environment was very poor with
eleven observations noted (Items 2, 3 and 11). There were electrical leads trailing on
the floor and pedestrian walkways were obstructed by brooms and a trolley jack
causing a trip hazard. The workshop floors had numerous spillages of oil and water
that were untreated causing a slip hazard. Oil trays were found to be full of oil and
containing used filters.
The waste bins were full to overflowing with the contents on the floor also there was
a waste bin blocking an entrance to the hangar. Large vehicle tyres were also
scattered around the workshop floor. A vehicle entrance door was left open at head
height creating an obstruction hazard which may have caused head injuries to
personnel. There was a large amount of personal and sports equipment lying around
the workshop floor.
These items are not what should be found in this environment and questions should
be raised about the activities of the workforce, also the poor attitude to health and
safety shown by the employees should be causing alarm within the management
chain. All of the above are clear and routine violations of Compliance with Workplace
(Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Regulations 6-10 and 20-25.
The recommendations to resolve the housekeeping issues are a complete cleaning
and tidying regime for the workshop. Regular workplace checks either at cease work
or weekly or monthly by supervisors and the management are required. Refresher
training should be instigated and recorded by the management chain and would
ensure that the workforce know their responsibilities and duties.
In addition it would improve the apparent poor Health and Safety culture and be at no
cost to the company.
FIRE
There are fire fighting appliances within Hangar 21 however it was noted (items 5
and 10) that the equipment was being misused and/or abused. A fire extinguisher
was being used as door stop in one of the offices rather than being in its appointed
location. A fire bucket was empty and required filling with sand but begs the question
of why it was empty at all.
A fire hose was found trailing on the floor and had clearly been in use. Again the
question of why was it being used has to be asked. Fire hoses are appliances to be
used in an emergency not for social, technical or recreational activities. These
findings directly contravene the Regulatory Reform (Fire safety) order 2005 Article 17.

My recommendations for the above are the equipment to be put back in place and
only to be used in an emergency. Work place checks by supervisors and
management are required to ensure that the equipment is not being abused. Fire and
emergency training should be instigated and recorded by management which would
ensure an appropriate and correct response if faced with an emergency.
It was also noted that the state of fixing and worthiness of most fire exit signs located
within the hangar were very poor (item 5).
A number of signs were just placed on door lintels and could easily fall off and
become a hazard themselves due to slipping or falling on someones head. However
the main function of the signs is to indicate safe exits during an emergency, if they
are not present then it could lead to confusion and perhaps more casualties in an
emergency. This finding contravenes the Health and Safety (Safety signs and
Signals) Regulations 1996 Regulation 4.
My recommendation would be to affix the signs securely to the wall and a workplace
check of all emergency signage to be carried out in the next 3 months. There would
be no cost to the company.
ELECTRICITY
On inspection of the rest room a wall where a water boiler was sited was found to
have suspicious black marks which seemed to indicate that the marks had been
originated by the boiler (Item 8). Also no inspection or routine servicing dates could
be found on the boiler. This is not in compliance with Provision and Use of Work
Equipment Regulations 1998 Regulation 4.
The boiler is not to be used and adequate signage to be placed on or near the boiler
to indicate such. A suitable and qualified tradesman is to carry out an inspection to
ascertain its serviceability and condition within the month. Dependent on the
tradesmans inspection report will determine the next course of action. If the boiler
has to be repaired or replaced then the costs will be increased.
Estimated costs are 150 for the inspection and for repair or replacement of boiler
will cost 300.
EQUIPMENT
During the inspection a piece of lifting tackle was found (item 6) to be lying on the
floor of the workshop, during examination it was observed that it had no means of
identification or safe working load or serviceability which contravenes Lifting
Operations and Lifting Equipment (LOLER) 1998 Regulation 7.
The lifting tackle is to be removed to its correct storage location immediately and then
it has to be identified and marked accordingly within one week. A work place check
by a supervisor of all lifting tackle within the section is to be carried out within one
month. Refresher training to be instigated and recorded by management which
should ensure correct use and storage of lifting tackle which should take place within
3 months.
There would be no cost to the company.

WELFARE
It was observed that the workshop employees were getting changed in to their
coveralls and safety boots in offices and on the floor space (item 1). On enquiring as
to this I was informed that there were no changing facilities or lockers for storage of
personal belongings in the hangar. This is a clear breach of the Workplace (Health,
Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Regulation 20-25.
My immediate recommendation would be to procure lockers for the entire workforce
whose requirement is to get changed into work clothes. This would ensure that the
workforce have somewhere suitable and secure to store their personal effects. The
lockers can be sourced from barrack stores and should be provided within one
month.
The lockers could be sited along a wall where they would not be an obstruction or a
fire hazard or interfere with working operations within the hangar complex. This
action is to be carried out within 3 months.
There is no dedicated changing room within the hangar which is a concern and will
have to be addressed. My recommendation is that a dedicated room be made
available for the workforce to change in and out of their work clothes. This could be
done internally or externally.
An internal reorganisation of office floor space could free up the necessary room
required. If that is deemed to be impracticable or unworkable the the use of an other
hangars changing facilities could be considered if there are no limitations of space or
the distance from the workplace is not prohibitive.
WORKING AT HEIGHT
During the inspection it was observed that a vehicle inspection pit was in use (item9).
The inspection pit was open with no safeguards in place for safe access and egress
to the pit or preventing anyone falling into the pit which contravenes the Work at
Height Regulations 2005 Regulation 6. It was discovered that the section do own
hand rails for safe access and egress to the pit and were found in a corner of the
workshop gathering dust!
My recommendation is to employ the handrails at all times when ever there is a
requirement to use or enter the inspection pit. Safety barriers have to be used
whenever the inspection pit covers are removed which should prevent an occurrence
of falling. Whenever the pit is not in use the covers have to be in place reducing the
risk of falling into the inspection pit.
Checks by a supervisor to ensure barriers are being used could take place during the
working day. Specific training to cover working at height should take place within the
3 months and should be instigated and recorded by the management, this should
ensure that personnel are aware of the hazards and risks from working at height.
There would be no cost to the company.

CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZZARDOUS TO HEALTH (COSHH)

It was observed that there was good practice in regards of control of access to the
COSHH locker and that there were current safety data sheets being used. However
the COSHH locker had unidentified products and out of date products being stored
within, also products leaking due to damaged containers an evidence that personal
water bottles and polystyrene cups being used to decant products. An unmarked
grease gun was found on the floor (items 7, 12, 13). The above contravene the
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 Regulation 7.
The products that were out of date and leaking should be disposed of through the
supply system. The cup and bottle are to be removed. The locker and the spillages
are to be cleaned up and appropriate jugs for decanting of products are to be
sourced and used. The unmarked grease gun should be disposed of and a
replacement ordered.
A 100% check of contents for correct marking, identification and their expiry date
should be checked by a supervisor and recorded. A safety survey is to be conducted
by the management on a quarterly basis. COSHH training should be instigated and
recorded by management to ensure awareness and dangers of COSHH. This would
be at no cost to the company and promote a positive health and safety culture.
There were several empty fuel containers on the floor of the workshop not being
used and with no markings present (item 4). This contravenes the Dangerous
Substances and Explosive Regulations (DSEAR) 2002 Regulation 6.
Immediate action should be to place the containers in the designated location and
mark accordingly. A workplace check by a supervisor at cease work and placing
suitable signage around the workshop should highlight the dangers of fuel. Refresher
training should be instigated and recorded by the management and should increase
the awareness and dangers of fuel storage within 3 months. There would be no cost
to the company.
CONCLUSION
This Health and Safety inspection has identified 25 observations within the workplace
of Hangar 21 that indicate that not only are the workforce guilty of breaches in Health
and Safety legislation but everyone within the management structure have to be held
accountable and admit liability for these findings. This report finds that Hangar 21 has
a very poor health and safety culture ranging from the highest position of the
management chain down to bottom on the shop floor.
This could be due to number of factors such as a lack of leadership and commitment
from the management in developing a positive health and safety culture with a
serious lack in communication, training and consultation systems. A health and safety
policy that is not fit for purpose and requires revision, by being reactive, rather than
proactive is poor and the management involved should lead by example.
There is an alarming decline in work place standards and lack of safe systems of
work practices. By instigating a programme of induction and refresher training should
improve standards and improve morale of the workforce. By having regular safety
inspections, safety surveys and safety tours will show staff that the management do
have a positive attitude and care about health and safety matters in the work place.
The formation of a committee responsible for health and safety issues will engage
with the workforce and encourage them to report any problems or issues.

RECOMMENDATIONS
My recommendations can be found on all the 25 observations listed below. For
reasons of clarity the observations have been grouped into their respective breaches
and now number items 1 to 13. Due to the severity of the breaches the items marked
high should be of primary concern: items 4, 8 and 10. Items marked medium should
be considered of secondary importance: items 5, 9 and 13. Items marked low should
be considered of tertiary importance: items 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 11, 12. In all cases remedial
action is to be carried out as directed The period of time I have stated for compliance
with the relevant legislation is, I believe, appropriate and sensible. Where good
practice was noted then that should be given praise and recognised by the current
management.
Ite
m

Observation
Numbers

Recommendations

Priorit
y

Business
impact

Estimated cost

25

Provide suitable
lockers for storage of
personal belongings
also with a dedicated
changing area within
the building.

Low

Compliance
with Workplace
(Health, Safety
and Welfare)
Regulations
1992.
Regulation 2025.
Compliance
with Workplace
(Health, Safety
and Welfare)
Regulations
1992.
Regulation 610.
Compliance
with Workplace
(Health, Safety)
and Welfare
Regulations
1992.
Regulation 5,
12-19

Locker can be sourced

through barrack stores.

High

Dangerous
Substances and
Explosive
Regulations
(DSEAR) 2002
Regulation 6

No cost. Enforcement
by supervisors and
management staff to
organise and record
training.

Med

Health and
Safety( Safety
signs and
Signals)
Regulations
1996

No cost. Signs to be
affixed by workforce.
Managers to check their
areas of responsibility
for correct signage.

2,4,5,6,7,23

Working area to be
cleaned and leads
stowed neatly.
Checks by supervisor
at cease work and
weekly to be carried
out.

Low

8,9,12,14,22

Low

17

18

Warning signs for

door to be displayed
and good practice of
leaving doors fully up
or fully down. Bin,
brooms and hose to
be stowed in correct
position. Checks by
supervisor as for item
2
Fuel containers to be
moved and stored in
authorised location
immediately. Checks
by supervisor at
cease work.
Refresher training on
health and safety in
the workplace.
Fire Exit signs to be
securely fixed to wall.
Serviceability and
suitability all signs in
the workplace to be
carried out by

Internal solution no cost.

No cost. Enforcement
by supervisors and
management staff

No cost. Enforcement
by supervisors and
management staff

management

19

15

24
8

20

10

1,11

11

13

Regulation 4

Lifting tackle to be
returned to proper
storage area,
identified and marked
accordingly. Check of
all lifting tackle by
supervisor.
Rags to be disposed
of as contaminated
waste using disposal
procedures and
container moved into
COSHH locker.
Checks by
supervisors and
refresher training on
COSHH to be carried
out.

Low

Lifting
Operations and
Lifting
Equipment
(LOLER) 1998
Regulation 7

No cost. Work carried

out by staff and
supervisors.

Low

Control of
Substances
Hazardous to
Health
Regulations
2002
Regulation 7

No cost. Enforcement
by supervisors and
training to be organised
and recorded by
management.

Use of boiler to cease

immediately with sign
placed on boiler to
notify as such.
Inspection by qualified
tradesman to
ascertain
serviceability. Repair
or replace pending
inspection
When inspection pit in
use barriers and
handrails to be used.
Covers to be replaced
at cease work.
Refresher training on
working at heights.
Fire extinguisher to be
moved to correct
location and fire
bucket to be filled with
sand. Safety sampling
and refresher training
to be carried out.
Remove personal
items of clothing and
golf equipment.
Husbandry checks by
supervisor and brief
from management to
prohibit the use of
sports equipment in
the workplace.

High

Compliance with
Provision and
Use of Work
Equipment
Regulations
1998 Regulation
4

Inspection cost 150.

Med

Compliance with
Work at Height
Regulations
2005 Regulation
6

High

Compliance with
regulatory
Reform (Fire
safety) order
2005 Article 1-7

No cost. Handrails
owned by section and
barriers to be sourced
through the stores
system. Training to be
organised and recorded
by management.
No cost. Sampling to be
carried out by
supervisors and training
to be organised and
recorded by
management.

Low

Health and
safety at Work
Act 1974
Section 7

Repair cost 300 if

required. Replacement
is dependant on results
of inspection.

No cost. Husbandry
checks carried out daily
at cease work.
Management to enforce
prohibition of
sports/personal
equipment.

12

3,16,21

Good practice of
access by key and
signature, also data
sheets present.

Low

13

3,16,21

COSHH locker to be
cleaned and out of No
cost. Check carried
out by supervisors
date products and
leaking containers to
be returned through
the stores system.
Cup and bottle to be
removed. 100% check
of locker contents.
Refresher training on
COSHH.

Med

Control of
Substances
Hazardous to
Health
Regulations
2002.
Control of
Substances
Hazardous to
Health
Regulations
2002.

Continue good practice.

No cost. 100% COSHH

locker contents check to
be carried out by
supervisors. Refresher
training to be organised
and recorded by
management staff.