Health and Safety

Health and Safety
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Contents for this section:
Introduction
MODULE 1 Health and Safety
at Work (General)
MODULE 2 Accident Reporting and
Emergency Procedures
MODULE 3 Accident Prevention
MODULE 4 Health and Hygiene
MODULE 5 Manual Handling
MODULE 6 Working at Height
MODULE 7 Working with Electricity
MODULE 8 Use of Hand-held
Equipment and Tools
MODULE 9 Personal Protective
Equipment
MODULE 10 Fire Prevention
MODULE 11 Control of Substances
Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
MODULE 12 First Aid
MODULE 13 Safety Signs and Signals
Student Activity
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Health and Safety
INTRODUCTION
1 SHEET 1
You will need a basic understanding of:
What the law says

• How the Health and Safety at Work Act, Regulations and Approved Codes of Practice
affect you.
• Your employer’s responsibilities to you under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
• Your responsibilities to yourself and to others under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
• How health and safety regulations affect you and your work.
Enforcement
• How health and safety law is enforced.
• The powers of Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors.
General safety measures

• The importance of site inspections.
• The importance of risk assessment.
• The danger of slips, trips and falls.
• The danger of falls and falling objects.
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Health and Safety
HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK (GENERAL)

1 MODULE 1
SHEET 2
Training Establishment Policy Statement
The training establishment recognises a prime duty to protect the health and safety of all
employees, students, trainees, visitors and contractors in the course of their activities in the
establishment, and at any other places where the business of training is carried out.
The policy is to ensure safe working conditions with a clear definition of responsibilities and
the development of safe practices through joint consultation.
The training establishment will also seek to support the health, safety and welfare of its
staff, students and trainees within the requirement of the law and through its curriculum
where appropriate.
All the training staff are required to provide and maintain safe conditions and systems
of work.
They are required to comply with all current legislation and directives, and all appropriate
regulations and codes of practice.
Management are required to acquaint staff, students, trainees, visitors and contractors with
these regulations.
The training establishment will supply relevant information and training as necessary to
promote their health and safety policy.
Safety Rules for Trainees
Trainees can help keep themselves safe by:

• Thinking about your own safety and the safety of those you are working with.
• Only doing the work you have been trained to do.
• Wearing your protective clothing at all times whilst at work.
• Listening to the lecturer and doing the task the way you are told.
• Reporting any accident straightaway.
• Telling the lecturer or trainer if you think any tools or machines are not safe. (The lecturer
or trainer may not be aware of it).
REMEMBER! Each trainee has the responsibility to work safely.

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SHEET 3 Health and Safety
Health and Safety in Training Establishments
As an employer, the training establishment must comply with the Health and Safety at Work
Act and other legislation, and provide you with a safe working environment.
During your induction period, you will be given guidance regarding safe working practices
and a great deal of information concerning health and safety.
You must at all times follow the guidance given to you regarding safe working practices.
The training establishment will provide relevant personal protective equipment (PPE), which
you are required to use.
It is your responsibility to take due care and attention for your own health and safety and
the safety of others who may be affected by what you do.
It is the legal obligation of all trainees to act in a safe and responsible way.
Whilst on your training programme, you must tell your lecturer or trainer if you are injured in
an accident, however slight it seems.
The training establishment has a contractual obligation to fully investigate accidents and
report them.
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Health and Safety

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SHEET 4
Prevention of Hazards in the Workplace
Hazards within a workplace can occur because of several circumstances. There may be
faults in equipment, tools, stored substances, dangerously stacked materials, materials
obstructing safe access, or simply a lack of site safety.
The health and safety of employees at their workplace, and any other persons at risk
through work activities, are all covered through various Acts and regulations.
These include:
• The Health and Safety at Work Act.
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH).
• The Noise at Work Regulations.
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.
• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER).
• The Manual Handling Operations Regulations.
The main piece of health and safety legislation applicable to the building and construction
industry is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 or HASAWA.
The four main objectives of the Act are:

1. To secure the health, safety and welfare of all persons at work.
2. To protect the general public from risks to health and safety arising from out of
work activities.
3. To establish the Health and Safety Executive and to provide for the enforcement of
the Act.
4. To provide for the making of health and safety regulations as necessary to control
specific risks.
These objectives can only be achieved by involving everyone in health and

safety matters.
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MODULE 1
The Health and Safety at Work Act
This Act applies to all work activities. It requires employers to ensure so far as is reasonably
practicable, the health and safety of their employees, other people at work and members of
the public who may be affected by their work.
Employers should have a health and safety policy. If they employ five or more people, the
policy must be in writing.
Employers must provide safe places of work and safe systems of work.
The self employed should ensure so far as reasonably practicable, their own health and
safety and make sure that their work does not put other workers, or members of the public
at risk.
Employers must consult employees, or their appointed representatives, on matters of health

and safety affecting employees.
Employees have to co-operate with their employer on health and safety matters and not
do anything that puts them or others at risk. Employees should be trained and clearly
instructed in their duties.
The Act promotes, stimulates and encourages high standards of health and safety in
the workplace.
The Act involves everyone, management, employees, the self-employed, the employees
representatives, the controllers of premises, and the manufacturers of plant, equipment and
materials, in matters of health and safety.
The Act also deals with the protection of the public, where they may be affected by the
activities of people at work.
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SHEET 6
Outline of the Act
The Act itself is an extensive document with numerous parts and sections. Briefly the most
important parts are:
Part 1 The establishment of the Health and Safety Executive and provisions for making
Health and Safety Regulations. It also covers employers’ and employees’ duties.
Employers’ duties
These duties are:
1. Provide and maintain a safe working environment.
2. Ensure safe access to and from the workplace.
3. Provide and maintain safe machines, equipment and methods of work.
4. Ensure the safe handling, transport and storage of all machinery, equipment
and materials.
5. Provide their employees with the necessary information, instruction, training and
supervision to ensure safe working.
6. Prepare, issue to employees and update as required a written statement of the firm’s
safety policy.
7. Involve trade union and employee safety representatives with all matters concerning the
development, promotion and maintenance of health and safety requirements.
Employees’ duties
These duties are:
1. Take care at all times to ensure that they do not put themselves, their workmates or any
other person at risk by their actions.
2. Co-operate with their employers to enable them to fulfil the employers health and
safety duties.
3. Use the equipment and safeguards provided by the employers.
4. Not to misuse or interfere with anything provided for health and safety.
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Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

The Act establishes the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the HSE. It gives
HSE inspectors powers to enter workplaces to ensure that work is being done safely, to
investigate accidents and complaints, to stop work if it is dangerous and to take people to
court where an offence has been committed.
Health And Safety Regulations

Under the Act the HSE can suggest new health and safety regulations to the Government.
A Government Minister then usually brings them into force via Parliament.
Recent regulations on noise and vibration are examples.
Part 2 This section of the Act deals with the Employment Medical Advisory Service (EMAS)
whose main function is the safeguarding and improvement of the health of employed
persons and providing information and advice to the HSE, to employers, employees and
other interested parties.
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Health and Safety

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SHEET 8
General Legal Requirements
All construction and demolition work is subject to the Health and Safety at Work Act and in
appropriate circumstances the Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM).
The following sets out some of the legal requirements, which apply to employers.
Notification
a) Work on construction sites.
If a construction project is going to last more than 30 days or will take more than 500
man-days work, or involve more than five people on site at any time, or it involves any
demolition work, then the main contractor must notify the HSE about the project. This
gives the HSE the opportunity to visit and check up on health and safety on site.
b) Accidents, dangerous occurrences and ill health.

The local HSE office must be notified by the employer if:
• A person dies as a result of an accident caused by or connected with work on the site.
• A person suffers a listed ‘major injury’ accident (this includes accidents where a person
is admitted to hospital for more than 24 hours) or a health condition caused by or
connected with work on the site.
• A listed ‘dangerous occurrence’ takes place because of or in connection with the work
(e.g. collapse/partial collapse of a scaffold more than 5m high and certain buildings
and structures).
• A person at work is prevented from working for three or more days as a result of an injury
or illness caused by an accident at work.
• A person at work is affected by a ‘specified disease’ (e.g. lead poisoning,
pneumoconiosis, vibration white finger), diagnosed by a doctor, and that person had
been doing particular types of work.
Safety supervisor
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations employers must
appoint someone to advise them on health and safety. Big companies may have a safety
department with several safety advisers, whose job is to advise managers so that health
and safety on sites is properly looked after. Smaller companies may use one safety adviser,
a manager or superviser with specific responsibility for health and safety or they may use an
external consultant who comes and visits the site.
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Safety Policy
Every employer who has five or more employees must prepare a written safety policy.
It must be revised when necessary and brought to the attention of all employees.
Welfare
Every contractor on site must ensure that adequate welfare facilities are available for
his employees.
These should include as a minimum:

• Suitable and sufficient washing facilities.
• Suitable and sufficient adequate toilets.
• Drying rooms or other accommodation for sheltering during bad weather, storing clothes
and taking meals (including tables and chairs, facilities for boiling water and a supply of
wholesome drinking water).
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SHEET 10
First Aid
Every employer and self-employed person on site must ensure that adequate first aid
arrangements are made. It is sensible for all contractors to make arrangements with the
main contractor to provide first aid (if possible).
First aid arrangements will vary with the degree of risk on the site but should usually include
as a minimum:
• Adequately stocked first aid box(es).
• A trained first aider(s) though for some very small sites it is sufficient to appoint a person
to take charge of the first aid box and any situation where serious injury or major illness
occurs (responsibilities should include phoning for an ambulance).
• Information for workers on site about first aid arrangements, including the location of the
nearest telephone.
Exclusion of children and others from work areas

Where possible, contractors will usually erect a fence to enclose the site or construction
work. The fence is usually at least 2m high and difficult to climb up. Where this is not
possible, e.g. on a partly occupied new housing site, special precautions have to be taken
and, particularly in the case of children, to:
• Protect them from the dangers of excavations (including shallow ones filled with water),
holes or openings, and stacked materials.
• Prevent tampering with vehicles and plant, electricity supplies, gas cylinders and
chemicals. One way of doing this is to provide secure compounds.
• Prevent access to higher levels.
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The Safety Advisor’s Role
All safety advisors should be properly trained and experienced in the construction
industry, preferably members of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health or other
professional body.
Their job is to advise management on the following:

• Preventing injury and damage.
• Hazards causing ill health.
• Legal requirements.
• Provision and use of protective clothing and equipment.
• Suitability of new or hired plant and equipment.
• Hazards on new contracts before work starts.
• Assist with health and safety audits.
• Determine the cause of accidents.
• Assist in training for all levels.
• Foster within the firm good health and safety awareness.
• Accident Investigation.
Site safety survey

The Safety Advisor would check the following areas on site
1 Scaffolding 7 Portable Tools
2 Ladders 8 Fire Precautions
3 Lifting Appliances 9 Welfare Facilities
4 Hoists 10 First Aid
5 Excavation/Earthworks 11 Registers/Records
6 Plant and Machinery 12 Site Tidiness

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The Health and Safety Executive
Inspectors of the Health and Safety Executive have the responsibility for enforcing the
health and safety laws set out in the Act, or in regulations.
The powers of the inspector are:

1. Enter premises. In order to carry out investigations, including the taking of
measurements, photographs, recordings and samples. The inspector may require the
premises to be left undisturbed while the investigations are taking place.
2. Take statements. An inspector can ask anyone questions relevant to the investigation
and also require them to sign a declaration as to the truth of the answers.
3. Check records. All books, records and documents required by legislation must be made
available for inspection and copying.
4. Give information. Any inspector has a duty to give employees or their safety
representative information about the safety of their workplace and details of any action
which they propose to take. This information must also be given to the employer.
5. Seize, dismantle, destruct or neutralise. The Inspector can demand the seizure,
dismantling, neutralising or destruction of any machinery, equipment, material or
substance that is likely to cause immediate serious personal injury.
6. Issue an Improvement Notice. This requires the employer to put right something which
is wrong, usually within 14 or 21 days.
7. Issue a Prohibition Notice. This requires the employer to stop immediately any activities
which are likely to result in serious personal injury. This ban on activities continues
until the situation is corrected. An appeal against an Improvement or Prohibition Notice
may be made to an Industrial Tribunal.
8. Prosecute. All persons, including employers, employees, self-employed, designers,
manufacturers and suppliers, who fail to comply with their safety duty may be
prosecuted in a Magistrates’ Court (or a Sheriff’s Court in Scotland) or, in certain
circumstances, in the High Court. Conviction can lead to unlimited fines or a prison
sentence, or both.
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Safety Procedures and Documentation
In order to comply with the various Requirements of Health and Safety legislation,
an employer is required to:
1. Display notices and certificates.
2. Keep relevant records.
Notices and certificates

The following notices and certificates must be prominently displayed:
• Certificates of Insurance - required under the Employers’ Liability Act.
• The statutory health and safety poster.
• Arrangement for first aid.
• Arrangements for fire precautions.
• Details of the area HSE Inspector.
Notifications
These are usually submitted on standard forms obtained from authorities.
• Commencement of any construction works under CDM.
• Accidents resulting in death or major injury such as fractures, amputations, loss of sight
or hospital stay.
• A poisoning or suffocation incident resulting in acute ill health requiring
medical treatment.
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Records
The following records should normally be kept ready for inspection on a site or place
of work:
• An accident book in which details of ALL accidents are recorded.
• A record of accidents, dangerous occurrences and ill health enquiries.
• Records of all training, including induction training and such as training for mounting
abrasive wheels.
• Records of inspections, examinations and special tests such as scaffolding, excavations,
earthworks and lifting appliances.
• Records of reports for thorough examinations of lifting appliances, hoists, chains, ropes
and other lifting gear.
• Resister and certificate of shared welfare arrangements to be completed where an
employer, usually a main contractor, provides welfare facilities for another
employer (subcontractor).
• Certificates of test and examinations of various lifting appliances, recording weekly,
monthly or periodic conditions for cranes, hoists, wire ropes, chain slings and other
lifting appliances.
• Copies of risk assessments, and where appropriate method statements.
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Risk Assessments
A risk assessment is careful study of some work that is to be done so as to identify the risks
to health and safety of the persons who are going to do it, to decide how those risks can be
eliminated or avoided, or what control measures are needed so that the work can be done
safely and without risks to health.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations say that employers must:
• Carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all of the work which
employees do.
• In the assessments, identify the risks to the health and safety of employees (and others).
• Pay special attention to risk assessments involving young or inexperienced persons.
• Where risks in any assessment cannot be avoided, then follow a set laid-down procedure
to manage the risk by:
> Combating risks at source.
> Adapting the work to the individual employee as regards layout of the workplace or
choice of equipment etc.
> Making use of technical progress and new developments.
> Replacing the dangerous with the less dangerous.
> Always giving priority to using collective safety protective measures which protect
everyone, rather than personal protective equipment (PPE) which only protects the
wearer or user.
• Update risk assessments if they become out of date or something changes.
• Inform employees of the contents of risk assessments.
Most of the new regulations which are made by Parliament now require employers to carry
out assessments of the risks which the regulations deal with. Three recent examples are the
new regulations on work at heights, noise and vibration.
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Quick Reference Guide
• Everyone at work has a legal duty to work in a safe manner and to look after their own
health and safety.
• Risk assessments are always necessary because they show how people are likely to be
harmed, and how the work is to be done safely.
• If regular inspections are not carried out, the workplace could become an unsafe place.
• The CDM Regulations outline how safety should be organised on all but the
smallest sites.
• The PUWER Regulations lay down the legal requirements for ensuring that equipment is
suitable, well maintained and used safely.
• Prohibition Notices are issued by a Health and Safety Executive inspector when there is
an imminent risk of an accident happening. Whatever the work is, it must
stop immediately.
• If people are aware of the dangers, and they set out to work in a safe manner, accidents
will be prevented.
• A hazard is some feature of your workplace which can cause you harm unless
preventative steps are taken.
• A Magistrates Court can fine you up to £20,000. A Crown Court can send you to prison
for up to two years. (Similar provisions apply in Scotland.)
• Anyone who works can be prosecuted by the HSE if they commit health and
safety offences.
• Members of the public have no legal responsibilities under health and safety law.
• All employers with five or more employees have a legal responsibility to have a written
health and safety policy.
• Every year, falling is the biggest cause of death in the construction industry.
• Never stand under any load when lifting activities are taking place.
• Always use the correct tool for any job. It is far safer.
• Health and safety regulations are part of the law, and must be obeyed by everybody at
work at all times.
• Health and Safety Executive inspectors issue improvement Notices when they find
shortcomings in health and safety practices on site.
• Approved Codes of Practice give practical advice on how Regulations should be
complied with.
• The Health and Safety Commission is the organisation that decides what the health and
safety policy will be in the United Kingdom.
• It is a basic aim of the Health and Safety at Work Act that everyone should have a safe
place of work.
• Risk assessments will show what actions have to be taken before the work actually
starts, to prevent the people who are doing the job from coming to harm.
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Quick Reference Guide (continued)
• HSE inspectors have wide-ranging powers, including the power to stop work completely.
• Care should be exercised if an activity is likely to damage the environment.
• Experience of the job and competence in health and safety issues are required to carry
out risk assessments.
• Lapses in health and safety can lead to injury or even death.
• One of the requirements of health and safety regulations is for the provision of adequate
welfare facilities, including toilets.
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Within the Health and Safety at Work Act, and the numerous other health and safety
regulations which have been issued by the Government, a wide range of duties and
responsibilities are placed on both employers and employees. The following tables show
very brief examples of these.
Employer Responsibilities
For ease of presentation, the reader is assumed to be an employer.
1. Ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees.
2. Display an Employer’s Liability Compulsory Insurance Certificate.
3. Have a general statement of health and safety policy.
4. Prepare a written health and safety policy, if you employ five or more persons.
5. Make employees aware of your company health and safety policy.
6. Display an approved poster or give each employee a copy of an approved leaflet to
comply with the Health and Safety (Information for Employees) Regulations.
7. Carry out risk assessments of all your work activities, including where they are required
by individual regulations, i.e. work at height or noise.
8. Implement any control measures identified by your risk assessments.
9. Regularly review risk assessments and the control measures.
10. Ensure that scaffolding is only erected, altered or dismantled by or under the
supervision of a competent person.
11. Appoint a competent person to assist the company with meeting health and
safety requirements.
12. Establish a safety committee, if requested by two union-appointed
safety representatives.
13. Assess manual handling operations at the workplace and take appropriate steps
to reduce the risk of injury to employees.
14. Ensure that all injury accidents, however slight, are entered in the accident book
and investigated.
15. Report to the HSE all reportable accidents, dangerous occurrences and
notifiable diseases.
16. Provide employees with personal protective equipment, as necessary.
17. Avoid entry into confined spaces, wherever possible.
18. Protect employees who may be exposed to asbestos at work.
19. Ensure that all excavations are safe and that work in excavations is carried out safely.
20. Provide sufficient and suitable welfare facilities on construction sites, including sanitary
conveniences, washing facilities, drinking water and changing facilities.
21. Provide information, instruction, training and supervision to employees.
22. Appoint trained and competent persons for the purpose of mounting abrasive wheels.
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23. Examine, test and properly maintain plant, equipment, cranes, lifting appliances and
associated working gear at regular intervals, and record the findings.
24. Provide adequate first aid facilities with sufficient trained first aiders and
appointed persons.
25. Consult with your employees on health and safety matters.
26. Engage only competent persons to carry out work on electrical installations
and appliances.
27. Prevent or adequately control employees’ exposure to harmful dusts and fumes.
28. Where the CDM Regulations apply, prepare and maintain a health and safety plan
appropriate to your operations.
29. Ensure that the workplace is safe and without risk to the health of employees.
30. Ensure that the health and safety of the public is not put at risk by works being
carried out.
31. Understand that stress in the workplace can lead to the illness of employees.
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Employee Responsibilities
1. Co-operate with your employer and follow any information, instructions and training
that are given to you.
2. Do not interfere with or misuse anything your employer has provided in the interests of
health, safety or welfare.
3. Take care at all times and make sure that you do not endanger yourself or any
other person.
4. Use all tools and equipment safely and in accordance with instructions given
or training received.
5. Report any defects or potential hazards in equipment to your supervisor as soon
as possible.
6. Make proper use of any safe system of work or mechanical means provided by the
employer in connection with manual handling.
7. Only operate the plant and equipment you have been trained and authorised to use.
8. Use the personal protective equipment supplied by your employer correctly, take care
of it and report any loss or defects in the equipment.
9. Report to your employer any work situation that might present a danger.
10. Do not erect, alter or dismantle scaffolding unless competent to do so or under the
supervision of a competent person.
11. Follow all company and site health and safety rules.
12. Use only the proper safe means provided for entering and leaving an excavation.
13. Do not block or obstruct any access or means of escape route.
14. Make full use of any control measures provided to prevent or limit exposure to
substances hazardous to health, and wear the personal protective equipment provided.
15. Observe safe use and handling instructions for hazardous substances, and return
unused quantities to the designated store.
16. Do not use a mobile elevating work platform for any other use than as a work platform.
17. Co-operate with Health and Safety Inspectors, as required.
18. Do not remove safety guards or any safety device fitted to any plant or equipment.
19. Do not ride on plant or vehicles in unauthorised or insecure places.
20. Recognise the importance of personal cleanliness, especially when working with
substances harmful to the skin.
21. Never exceed the safe working load of any equipment.
22. Report to your supervisor all accidents that cause any injury to you.
23. Understand and comply with all signs that are displayed.
24. Wear ear protectors in designated areas where mandatory warning signs are displayed.
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ACCIDENT REPORTING AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

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The Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)

requires employers to report certain accidents etc., to the HSE. The HSE investigate some
of the accidents. Employers also have a duty to investigate accidents and try to stop them
happening again.

What the law says
• The need to report injuries and accidents to the Health and Safety Executive.
• Who is responsible for filling in accident reports.
• Why you must report accidents to your employer.
What you should know

• The need to record in the accident book all accidents that cause any injury whatsoever.
• Your possible involvement in an accident investigation.
• What actions you should take if you witness an accident.
• Why sites have an emergency procedure.
• The actions that you should take if there is an emergency on site.
Accident Reporting
Every accident involving any injury whatsoever, and no matter how slight, should be
reported – an accident report book should be on every site or workshop, usually with the
Site Agent, Supervisor, or whoever is in charge of the site or workshop.
Make sure that you report any accident, which you are involved with as soon as possible.
Obviously some accidents are more serious than others. Any accident which results in
death, major injury or more than three days’ absence from work are called
‘reportable accidents’.
Any such accident must be reported by the employer to the Health and Safety Executive.
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Example of an Accident Book
Report Number
ACCIDENT RECORD
1 About the person who had the accident
Name ................................................................................................................................................................
Address ............................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................Postcode ..............................................................
Occupation .......................................................................................................................................................
2 About you, the person filling in this record
▼ If you did not have the accident write your address and occupation
Name ................................................................................................................................................................
Address ............................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................Postcode ..............................................................
Occupation .......................................................................................................................................................
3 About the accident Continue on the back of this form if you need to
▼ Say when it happened Date ............... / ..................../ ................. Time .................................................

▼ Say where it happened. State which room or place ....................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
▼ Say how the accident happened. Give the cause if you can .......................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
▼ If the person who had the accident suffered an injury, say what it was. .....................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
▼ Please sign the record and date it ...............................................................................................................
Signature ................................................................................ Date / ................... / .................. /....................
3 For the employer only
▼ Complete this box if accident is reportable under Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous
Occurences Regulartions 1995 (RIDDOR).
How was it reported .........................................................................................................................................
Signature ......................................................................... Date reported............... / .................. /.................../
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Accident Reporting
There is no set place to keep an accident book. However, it needs to be kept in a place,
which is accessible, and often it is kept where first aid is available.
Employers must make employees aware of where the accident book is kept.
All accidents have to be entered in the accident book, and the following information must
be recorded:
• Name, address and occupation of the injured person.
• Signature of the person making the entry, address, occupation and date.
• When and where the accident happened.
• Brief description of the accident, cause and what injury occurred.
• If the accident is of such a nature that it has be reported to the HSE.
All accidents on construction sites which cause death or major injury to an employee or
member of the public, must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
A major injury is specified as certain fractures, amputations, loss of sight or anything that
requires hospital treatment for more than 24 hours.
All accidents whether fatal or otherwise, are investigated to ascertain the cause. The people
who are required to investigate accidents include the following:
• The employer (often through the safety advisor).
• An investigator of an insurance company, acting on behalf of the employer or employee.
• A safety representative, usually from a trade union.
• An inspector from the Health and Safety Executive.
• A representative from a Training Organisation or the Learning and Skills Council.
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• All accidents, no matter how minor the injury is, should be reported and recorded in the
accident book.
• If possible, the injured person should make the entry in the accident book. If this is not
possible, someone may do it for the injured person.
• All injuries should be attended to. Small cuts, if not properly cleaned, can be infected
and become more serious.
• Any accident, which stops you from doing your normal work for three days or more, must
be reported to the HSE by your employer.
• If you do not report an accident, you may not be able to claim compensation later, if you
need to do so.
• After any accident, it is important for your employer to find out why it happened and
to take the necessary actions to prevent it happening again.
• Law requires this information. It may be of help if you later make a claim
for compensation.
• The employer must keep old accident books in case they are required at a later date.
• If the details are accurately recorded in the accident book, there is less scope for
disputing what happened.
• All safety information, such as the emergency telephone number, should be
communicated to everyone on site. The usual way for doing this is during site induction
and by notices on noticeboards.
• It is important that everyone follows the laid-down procedure during an emergency.
Everyone on the site must be accounted for.
• It is essential that everyone gather at the assembly point so that they can be
accounted for.
• What was a ‘near miss’ this time might be an accident next time. Lessons must be learnt
so that preventative measures can be put in place.
• Your employer must be made aware of all accidents so that an investigation can be
carried out if necessary. You might have to make your report to your supervisor so that
the information can be passed on to your employer.
• Your supervisor will have some responsibility for your safety. They should be made aware
of all unsafe acts.
• Most serious accidents are reportable to the HSE under RIDDOR. However, fractured
bones in the fingers, thumbs and toes are not reportable.
• Accidents must be investigated so that the cause can be discovered and actions taken
to prevent the same accident happening again.
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SHEET 25
• You have a responsibility to assist the inspector with their enquiries. The inspector has a
duty to investigate accidents to establish the cause.
• You must let your supervisor know that you witnessed the accident so that, if necessary,
you can be of assistance during the accident investigation.
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Health and Safety
ACCIDENT PREVENTION
1 MODULE 3
SHEET 26

What causes accidents?
• The common causes of accidents.
How your health can be affected

How an accident can affect:
• The victim.
• The company.
• Those who are responsible for the accident.
• The working group as a whole.
Stopping accidents happening

• How risk assessments can make your job safer.
• The importance of regular site inspections.
• How safe working methods reduce accidents.
• How minor events can combine to create a serious accident.
What should you do

• What you should do if you think that the conditions on your site are dangerous or unsafe.
• What you should do if you think thaT an accident is about to happen.
Much of the work undertaken by the construction industry can be difficult and hazardous.
The type of work and conditions are different on each site, and the hazards also
are different.
It is very important that all trainees are capable of using hand tools and equipment
efficiently and safely. They should also be aware of the cause of accidents.
An accident is an unexpected or unplanned happening that results in personal injury

or damage, sometimes death.
Reportable accidents are those that result in death, major injury or more than three days’
absence from work, or are caused by dangerous occurrences reported to the Health and
Safety Executive.
Every day, a lot of the accidents at workwhich are reported, involve construction workers.
Of course, nobody wants to be one of those involved, or wants to spend long painful
months in hospital, or to see a family deprived of its breadwinner. Clearly it is in everyone’s
interests to try to reduce the number of accidents. This is not some impossible task, as the
vast majority of accidents could easily be prevented.
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ACCIDENT PREVENTION
Accidents do not just happen; they are caused.
Employers finding out what causes them is the first step towards preventing them.
Usually, an accident is the last link in a chain of events consisting of a series of dangerous
conditions and dangerous actions. Accident prevention is something that everyone can
practise. It consists of being able to recognise when a condition has become dangerous,
and knowing what to do to remove the danger, or prevent an accident.
This is everyone’s business. It isn’t just the concern of management, or the supervisor.
It is up to everyone, every trainee, every operative, anyone engaged in any way on the
construction site.
Learning to spot a dangerous situation is not as difficult as it sounds, because accidents

follow a regular pattern. The same kind of accident happens over and over again. Every
day of the year, all over the country, the same set of dangerous conditions build up and the
same unsafe acts take place.
Do any of the things you normally see and do at work add up to a source of danger?
Next time you are tempted to take a risk – stop and think again.
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ACCIDENT PREVENTION
1 MODULE 3
SHEET 28
Causes of Accidents
Here are a few examples of what are the causes of many accidents in the workplace:
• Excessive haste in order to get the job done.
• Lack of preparation in making the work area safe to do the work in hand.
• Taking shortcuts in order to get the job done and not observing safe working.
• Distraction by others.
• Lack of concentration due to lack of interest in the job.
• Failure to observe the health and safety rules.
• Horseplay, acting irresponsibly, creating a danger and a hazard to yourself and others.
• Personal protective equipment or clothing not used or worn.
• Inadequate training and supervision.
• Inadequate lighting/heating or excessive noise.
• Poor storage of materials.
• Unsafe methods of handling and lifting.
• Defective tools and equipment.
• Failure to comply with instructions.
• Poor weather conditions.
• Electrical faults.
• Failure to use guards provided.
• Working under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
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ACCIDENT PREVENTION
Supervisors and trainees should be aware of the possible dangers and hazards in the
workplace or construction site. If the workforce is safety conscious, accidents will be
reduced and site safety improved.
Types of hazards include the following:

Falls, falling objects, transport, electricity, manual handling, chemicals, machinery, fire
and explosions.
The list below shows the proportion of fatal accidents for each type of accident.
Type of Accident Percentage

Struck by falling objects 15%
Trapped or squashed 12%
Machinery 6%
Electricity 5%
Drowning and Asphyxiation 4%
Fire and Explosion 3%
Exposure to harmful substances 3%
Falls 24%
Transport 17%
Others 11%
It can be seen that falls and falling objects accounted for about 40% of all
fatal accidents.
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SHEET 30
• Falls from height have been the largest single cause of fatalities for many years.
• People who act in an unsafe manner are liable to create an unsafe working environment
for themselves and others.
• People standing on nails sticking up through pieces of timber cause many foot injuries.
• If you see something unsafe going on, you have a responsibility to report it to your
supervisor. It is far better to prevent accidents happening than to have to get
help afterwards.
• A risk assessment should identify the ways in which a job can go wrong and what should
be done to ensure that it doesn’t.
• Young people may not have the experience to recognise when a job or situation is
unsafe. Young people will generally require increased supervision.
• Year after year, slips, trips and falls account for most on-site accidents. If a site becomes
untidy, the chances of this type of accident occurring are increased.
• Many factors can affect the safety of working in excavations. They must therefore
be inspected frequently.
• Construction sites are hazardous, with the added dangers of fast-moving traffic. A high
visibility vest will make you more noticeable.
• All hand tools must be safe to use. If a tool is not safe, the supervisor must be informed
so that a replacement can be arranged.
• Lack of attention to health and safety causes many people to have work-related injuries
or illnesses that are, or become, so serious that the victim becomes
permanently disabled.
• People who cause serious injuries to, or the death of, workmates can expect to suffer
long-term feelings of guilt, and they may not be welcomed by former friends
and colleagues.
• There will be many knock-on effects if a company gets a reputation for poor
safety practices.
• Carrying out jobs in a pre-planned, safe manner can prevent accidents. If you ignore
method statements and risk assessments, you are likely to have an accident.
• Many accidents occur because of lack of planning. By considering all safety issues and
controlling the risks, jobs can be carried out without accidents occurring.
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HEALTH AND HYGIENE

1 MODULE 4
SHEET 31
Regulations require employers to provide a suitable number of toilets, which must be kept
clean. They must also provide suitable and sufficient washing facilities with hot and cold
running water, soap and a means foe drying your hands.
Site welfare
• The need for adequate toilets and somewhere to wash.
• The need for the toilets and wash basins to be kept clean and in good order.
• The importance of personal hygiene.
How to recognise a substance harmful to health

• How to recognise hazardous substances.
• The importance of a COSHH assessment.
• What you should do if the toilets and wash basins are not kept clean and in good order.
• Who you should speak to if you see that the toilets and washing facilities are
being vandalised.
Health problems
• Which illnesses you might get if you don’t take basic hygiene.
• Which common-use substances can cause skin problems.
• How having rats on site might affect your health.
• What you can do to discourage rats.
• What can happen to you if you are not careful with food hygiene.
Preventative measures
• The need to use PPE.
• The need to use other preventive measures such as barrier cream.
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HEALTH AND HYGIENE
It is common sense that employers operate safe systems of work that avoid accidents.
Employers want employees at work instead of their being off sick. Exactly the same
reasoning can be applied to health problems that are caused by work.
Figures from the Health and Safety Executive show that ill health caused by work, or by
bad working practices, is causing more lost time and actually costing the country and the
industry millions and millions of pounds per year.
Accident Survey
One HSE survey showed that, in all industries, there were 1.5 million accidents at work, yet
2.2 million people suffered some form of ill health caused by work.
Altogether, 30 million working days were lost due to accidents and ill health. The building
and construction industry had an high proportion of the accidents, and equally importantly,
of the ill health problems.
With an accident on site, the injury or other effects are usually immediate and obvious.
Where an injury has occurred, and the employee is unable to work for a considerable period
of time, the employer has to make alternative arrangements so that the work may continue.
With ill health, it may take weeks or months for the effects to appear. When they do, and if
the employee is unable to work for a considerable time, this will cause the employer major
problems in getting the work done on time and to budget.
Work-related ill health can often result in employees being unable to work as hard or as
efficiently as previously, and sometimes they may never work again.
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SHEET 33
Some of the specific health risk areas are:
Asbestos
Asbestos is not used any more. Years ago, lots of asbestos was used in buildings for
insulation and fire prevention. Working on site, especially in maintenance and refurbishment
you might come across it. You should be trained what to look for and what to do if you find
anything that might be asbestos.
The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations bans the use of asbestos, and requires all
employers to take special precautions.
People who worked on site 10-20 years ago and used asbestos are at risk of developing
asbestos-related ill health.
Asbestos can be a major health risk for people working in the construction industry,
particularly tradespeople such as plumbers, painters, carpenters, electricians,
shopfitters, maintenance workers, general operatives and demolition workers who
may come across asbestos while carrying out their work.
It can be said that virtually every building constructed before the 1970s will contain some
asbestos in one form or another, ranging from insulation materials on boilers, pipework or
steelwork to gutters and floor tiles.
Noise
Regulations exist for the control of noise, because of the e damage that noise can cause
to the health of employees. The damage can range from temporary hearing loss to total
deafness. As well as hearing problems, excess noise is also known to cause:
• Annoyance and irritation.
• Loss of concentration.
• Fatigue.
• Increased accident proneness.
• Masking of other warning signals.
On site, the failure of an employee to understand instructions that have been given, or
to hear a warning signal because of the noise, can have serious consequences, both
for them and for the employer.
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HEALTH AND HYGIENE
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations say that employers must reduce noise levels as
far as possible. If they cannot be reduced below certain levels you must be given hearing
protection, and noisy areas on site must have signs displayed. In those noisy areas, you
must wear your hearing protection.
Vibration
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations which are due to come into force require
employers to reduce employees exposure to vibration either by shortening the time that
tools are used, or by using tools which make less vibration.
Many of the tools and other equipment that are currently used in the industry have a rotary
or percussive action and so can cause vibration. This even applies to some quite small
tools such as the ordinary percussive or ‘hammer’ drills. Other examples of tools that create
vibration include pneumatic breakers, vibrating pokers, vibrating rollers, plate compactors
and scabbling machines.
The most commonly caused ill health effect is ‘vibration white finger’, where the vibration
damages the nerves and blood vessels in the fingers. The fingers become white and there
is a loss of feeling, which prevents smaller tools from being held or used properly.
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HEALTH AND HYGIENE

1 MODULE 4
SHEET 35
Stress
There are no special regulations dealing with stress as it comes under the general
requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Management of Health and
Safety Work Regulations. In the workplace, stress is a known problem but one that has not
been properly recognised or accepted in the industry.
Stress can cause problems such as:

• High blood pressure.
• Heart disease.
• Depression.
• Anxiety and irritability.
• Failure to cope.
Signs of stress include:

• Loss of motivation.
• Increased absence from work.
• Making more mistakes.
• Physical illness.
Some of the causes of stress are:

• Too much work.
• Too much responsibility.
• Conflict.
• Confusion.
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HEALTH AND HYGIENE
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)
These regulations say thay employers must avoid the use of hazardous substances if
possible. If they cannot then they must have safe systems of work, train employees and not
exceed ceratin limits for the substances which they use.
These are the main COSHH symbols which you will see on tins and other containers. If you
see the symbol your employer should have a COSHH assessment and told you how to use
the substance safely and without risk to your health.
HIGHLY EXTREMELY
EXPLOSIVE OXIDIZING FLAMABLE FLAMABLE CORROSIVE
VERY HAZARDOUS TO
TOXIC TOXIC HARMFUL IRRITANT THE ENVIRONMENT
Dust
All dust is hazardous to health and if the amount of dust in the air exceeds 10 milligrams
per cubic metre, averaged out over an eight-hour working day, then the provisions of the
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 will immediately apply.
A heaped teaspoonful of most dusts would be about 10 milligrams, and if dust can be seen
floating freely in the air then the 10 milligrams limit is probably being exceeded.
For some dusts that are particularly hazardous to health, much lower limits have
been set.
0152 - 930 1630

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HEALTH AND HYGIENE

1 MODULE 4
SHEET 37
Harmful effects
It is widely known that almost any dust in large amounts will cause health problems.
Harmful effects range from simple skin problems to breathing problems.
Certain dusts can cause dermatitis on the skin and ulcers; others if breathed in can cause
asthma, bronchitis, pneumoconiosis and certain types of lung cancer. Another effect
of some dusts is to cause an allergic reaction where breathing problems are caused
immediately a dust is breathed in.
In the timber industry, certain types of timber, dust, and the oil in the wood can cause
problems if care is not taken.
Below is a list of common timbers and the effects they may cause:
• Red cedar – asthma, bronchial trouble, sneezing, watering of eyes, dermatitis, septic
wounds from splinters.
• Sapele – dermatitis, allergic extrinsic alveolitis.
• Mahogany – asthma, dermatitis.
• Chestnut – asthma, dermatitis, rhinitis.
• Teak – dermatitis, eye inflammation. Effects are severe once the skin’s protective layer
has been penetrated.
• Walnut – asthma, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, rhinitis.
• Yew – bronchial asthma and dermatitis.
The greater the amount and the finer the dust, generally speaking, the greater the risk of
health problems. Whenever practicably possible, the generation of dust should be avoided,
and where it cannot be avoided, it should be controlled by ventilation or extraction.
The use of personal protective equipment by employees must be regarded as the very
last resort when all other methods of control have been examined and found not to
be practicable.
As well as presenting a health hazard, many dusts are also flammable or explosive.
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HEALTH AND HYGIENE
Lead-based Paints
If the level of lead in your body gets too high, it can cause headaches, tiredness, irritability,
constipation, nausea, stomach pains and loss of weight. Continued uncontrolled exposure
could cause far more serious symptoms, such as kidney damage, nerve and brain damage.
Lead-based paints are not used now but are a health hazard to anyone rubbing down or
removing paints containing lead.
Old coatings of lead paint should not be removed by dry rubbing down, or with a blowlamp,
since this can produce poisonous dust and fumes. The operation should be performed
using a wet technique or with wet and dry abrasive paper, using plenty of water.
Where removal cannot be done without making dust, then strict precautions must be taken
to prevent the operator inhaling lead dust or fumes.
Sometimes lead paint has to be removed using a solvent or water-rinseable paint remover.
If a solvent is used, the work area must be well ventilated and no smoking or naked flames
allowed. Suitable respiratory equipment may be necessary.
Employers working with sheet lead or lead flashing etc., should have received training from
their employer in safe systems of work and the special need for good personal hygiene. It is
very important not to smoke or eat while working with lead.
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HEALTH AND HYGIENE

1 MODULE 4
SHEET 39
Fumes Including Solvent Fumes
If the smell of anything – the fumes that it is giving off – causes anyone to have a headache,
or cough or feel sick, light-headed, breathless, tight-chested, wheezy or feverish then it is
almost certainly a substance hazardous to health.
As well as being inhaled and causing problems in the lungs, many fumes can be absorbed
into the bloodstream and bring about complications in other parts of the body.
Some of the major problems that may be met on site are:

• Fumes from solvent-based adhesives.
• Spirit-based or solvent-based paints and paint thinners.
• Welding, especially welding galvanised metals.
• Oxyacetylene cutting.
• Engine exhaust fumes.
• Petrol and diesel fumes.
If fumes cannot be avoided adequate ventilation must be provided. All fumes are especially
dangerous in confined spaces such as basements and cellars.
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HEALTH AND HYGIENE
Dermatitis
Occupational dermatitis, or damage and disease to the skin, causes more time to be lost
in the construction industry than any other prescribed disease. Yet with proper attention
to risk assessments, control measures and good working practices, it can be avoided.
The prevention of dermatitis would save the industry and the employees an extremely large
amount of money, and also assist in improved productivity on site.
The agents, which cause dermatitis, can be divided into six classes as follows:
• Mechanical factors such as friction, pressure and trauma.
• Physical factors including heat, cold, electricity, sunlight and radiation.
• Chemicals.
• Dusts.
• Plants and their products.
• Biological agents, organisms, insects and mites.
There are two main types of dermatitis:

• Contact dermatitis.
• Allergic dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis
This is sometimes also called irritant dermatitis. It is the commonest form of dermatitis and
results from repeated contact with any substance that irritates the skin such as: cement,
lime, plaster, paint, solvents, adhesives, sawdust, oils, pitch, tar, fibreglass, white spirit,
thinners and most acids and alkalis.
The effect of the substances is usually to cause the skin to dry out and to crack due to the
removal of the natural oils. Skin damaged in this way is very vulnerable to other infections
getting into the skin.
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HEALTH AND HYGIENE

1 MODULE 4
SHEET 41
Allergic dermatitis
This is sometimes also called sensitive dermatitis. It is an allergic reaction by the skin to a
specific substance. Once a person’s skin has become allergic to a particular substance any
future exposure to the substance will cause an immediate skin reaction.
The main substances that can cause allergies are epoxy resins, glues, hardeners, wood
dust, wood oils, chrome and nickel compounds. These can affect different people in
different ways.
The prevention of dermatitis is basically one of good personal hygiene and the use
of gloves and barrier creams and best of all avoidance of substances that can
cause dermatitis.
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HEALTH AND HYGIENE
Protection of Skin
Effects of skin contact with some materials.

Skin contact with certain materials can cause a variety of reactions, and some examples
are given below. This list is necessarily not exhaustive.
Mineral oils, including diesel fuel oils and mould oils, can lead to inflammatory skin
conditions, oil acne, or even cancer.
These may be caused by constant contact with oil or oily clothes and rags (especially when
they are placed in overall pockets).
Chemicals, including alkalis and acids, chromates and formaldehyde, are substances,
which can penetrate the skin, causing ulcers (e.g. chrome ulceration) and dermatitis.
Cement and lime can also cause chronic dermatitis. Wet cement and lime become more
alkaline and are more harmful to skin.
Solvents and degreasers, including paraffin, turpentine, white spirit petroleum

products, thinners and similar solvents, affect the skin by dissolving the natural oils
(defatting) which renders it more vulnerable to attack by other substances and bacteria.
Tar, pitch, bitumen products, including cresols and phenols like mineral oil, cause
inflammation, blisters and oil acne.
Radiation, light and heat radiation, including X-rays, beta and gamma radiation, etc.,
extremes of radiation, temperature and humidity make the skin more susceptible to
dermatitis and other skin problems. Excessive sunshine on bare skin can cause skin cancer
in some people.
Epoxy resin hardeners, glassfibres, certain woods, fungicides and insecticides may
irritate the skin and lead to dermatitis.
Many of the substances which damage the skin can also get into the blood stream and
cause problems in the kidneys, liver or bladder.
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SHEET 43
Infectious Diseases
Most employees will have had childhood infections such as Chicken Pox or Measles.
An infection is the result of the body being invaded by germs (bacteria and viruses). This
causes an adverse reaction by damaging the cells or by releasing poisonous substances
(toxins) into the body.The syptoms will depend on the type of infection, where it is located
and whether it has spread throughout the body. An infection is only dangerous if it is given
a suitable environment to flourish and spread.
Sources of infection
The main sources of infection are other people and animals as many carry bacteria
and viruses.
A person can catch an infection directly:

• By touching something that is contaminated, through an exchange of body fluids such
as blood and saliva or through sexual activity.
A person can catch an infection indirectly:

• From germs carried by coughs and sneezing.
• From eating contaminated food which has not been stored, handled or cooked correctly.
• From clothes and equipment that has not been cleaned thoroughly.
• From insects, especially fies and rats, as they can spread infection.
Symptoms of infection
The symptoms of infection depend on whether the infection is confined to one area
or spread throughout the body. For example, a bee sting or abscess may be localised,
whereas chickenpox or measles or a common cold will affect the whole body.
Symptoms of localised infection may be pain and swelling or localised soreness

and redness
Symptoms of infection thoroughout the body may be headache and thirst, hot, dry skin and
a rash, loss of appetite, or weakness of limbs, lack of concentration, tiredness.
If you have any symptoms which last more than a day, you should seek advice from a nurse
or doctor.
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SHEET 44 Health and Safety at Work
HEALTH AND HYGIENE
Preventing Infection
The body’s immune system cannot always protect anyone against infection. It is essential
for your own health and safety, and the health of others, that you take steps to prevent germs
from spreading. The risk of infection can be minimised if you and your colleagues maintain
a good level of personal cleanliness and take proper precautions during and after using
the toilet.
To minimise the risk of infection the hands must be washed thoroughly:

• before and after preparing or handling food.
• after using the toilet.
• after handling chemicals or detergents.
• after using any materials or substances that may cause dermatitis.
• after using any lead or removing lead-base paints.
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SHEET 45
REMEMBER! Good personal hygiene prevents infection.
Some of the infectious diseases that can be contracted and transmitted in the workplace.
Disease Possible sign and symptom How transmitted

Weils disease or Fever, high temperature, loss of sight, In water infected with rats urine
leptospirosis nausea and vomiting. or other contaminated materials.
Gastro-enteritis Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, Contaminated food or water.
diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.
Hepatitis Inflamation of the liver. Flu like illness, Infected food or water.
followed by jaundice, tiredness, poor Sexually transmitted.
appetite and fever. Contaminated blood.
Sharing needles in drug users.
Chickenpox Slight fever, groups of itchy dark red spots Airborne or contact.
that become blisters.
HIV/AIDS There may be no symptoms for years. Sexually transmitted.
Breathlessness, fever, weight loss Contaminated blood.
and fatigue.
Influenza, common Fever, cough, runny nose, headache, sore Airborne.
cold throat, chill, aches and pains.
Meningitis Fever, headache, drowsiness, rash and Various methods usually
reaction to light. airborne.
Legionnaire’s disease Flu like symptons gradually getting Airborne water droplets
worse and worse. from poorly maintain air
conditioning usually.
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Drugs and Alcohol
Introduction
Excessive drinking and the use of drugs by employees is of serious concern to
employers, given the risk of the employee under-performing, and putting their own
health and safety, and that of others, at risk.
Drug abuse poses a potential threat to the health, well-being and the livelihood of
employees. The consequences are a reduction in perception, concentration and awareness,
which can affect the safety and welfare of afflicted persons and that of others. The inability
of a person to function competently, and with reasonable care, is a problem that must be
addressed to prevent accidents occurring in the workplace.
Alcohol-related problems can be detrimental to the individual and the smooth running of
the site, and can also result in waste and inefficiency. However, it is well known that such
problems can be effectively treated.
Definitions
• Alcoholic – a person suffering from alcoholism.
• Alcoholism – an addiction to, or the diseased condition relating to, the excess
consumption of alcoholic liquor.
• Drug (or drugs) – is deemed to refer to all banned substances, pharmaceutical drugs,
alcohol and solvents unless otherwise stated.
• Drug abuse – is the intermittent or continual use of drugs (as defined above) which,
when abused or used for non-medical reasons, are detrimental to the employee’s health
and/or work performance in areas that affect efficiency, productivity, safety, attendance
or behaviour at work.
• Substance abuse – includes the use of illegal drugs, misuse of legal drugs or other
substances such as solvents or alcohol.
• Under the influence – a sufficient amount of the substance in the employee’s system
to produce a positive result from a medical test or breathalyser, and/or that the employee
shows abnormal behaviour likely to pose a risk to themselves or to others.
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SHEET 47
Drugs and Alcohol
The morning after

The effects of alcohol in the body can remain for a much longer period of time than many
people realise. If you go to a party or other drinking session in the mid to late evening prior
to a working day, you could well still be under the influence at the start of, or even well into,
the next working day. Drinking milk or coffee, eating stodgy food or sucking peppermints to
lessen the resultant effects are purely myths and do not work. The body will only dispose of
the alcohol at its own rate although that rate may differ from person to person.
Alcohol dissipates in a healthy body at around ½ pint per hour. That means that anyone
consuming six pints of beer or lager needs about 12 hours to ensure that all traces of
alcohol have gone from their body.
Unfortunately, there are people in the workplace who are never free of the effects of alcohol
and, as such, are a constant source of danger to themselves or anyone else working
with them.
It is important to know that alcohol or drugs affect sensory perception and reaction times.
Therefore, people whose work involves driving or the use of hand tools or machinery should
be very careful of their intake of alcohol.
Driving whilst under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offence, with penalties that range
from a fine, with or without disqualification, to a term of imprisonment. The current legal
limit is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood (or 35mg per 100ml in the breath).
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Approximate detection times of commonly used drugs when tested for in urine
Drugs Approximate detection time

Alcohol 6-10 hours
Amphetamine 1-2 days
Barbiturates 2-10 days
Cannabis 1 day-5 weeks
Cocaine 1-4 days
Dihydrocodeine 1-2 days
Heroine detected as Morphine 1-2 days
Lysergide (LSD) 8 hours
Methadone 1 day-1 week

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Prescription Drugs
Many drugs prescribed by doctors can cause side effects. On every prescription received
from the chemist, there is a notice giving details of the correct dosage to be taken, at
what intervals and what the side effects may be. This dosage must be strictly adhered to,
because taking more than directed may have adverse effects on the bodily functions. Some
direction labels may also give a warning, for example:
May cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive. Do not operate machinery.
Such warnings are not put on prescriptions for the fun of it – they are there for the guidance
and advice of the person for whom the drugs are prescribed, and should be strictly
adhered to.
Problems at the workplace relate not only to drinking at or before work, or to intoxication
at work. Drugs or alcohol taken outside the workplace can affect performance long after the
substance is consumed. The effects of alcohol and drug problems on a persons’ actions in
the workplace can be dangerous.
The misuse of drugs and alcohol can lead to:

• Increased risk of accidents due to lack of concentration.
• Lowering of standards of safety within a company.
• Poor decision-making.
• Low productivity.
• Poor behaviour and troublesome actions by employees under the influence of
substances, bringing about a breakdown in discipline.
• An increase in time lost from the workplace due to absenteeism, lateness or habitual
sick leave.
• The theft of property from the company or work colleagues, by those under substance
influence, to feed personal habits.
• The general long-term health of the workforce.
The misuse of drugs and alcohol will undoubtedly lead to the offender being
disciplined by the employer, or in the employee losing their job.
1
SECTION
MODULE 4
HEALTH AND HYGIENE
• Exposure to asbestos dust can cause health problems. If you think you may have found
asbestos, leave it alone and tell your supervisor.
• Rats, and some other small mammals, spread Weil’s disease through their urine.
• Many new cases of skin cancer, resulting from over-exposure to sunshine, occur
every year.
• Solvent and spirit cleaners will de-fat your skin and may well lead to a skin disease
called dermatitis.
• Contact with diesel oil and some other oils can cause a skin disease called dermatitis.
• If you don’t leave scraps of food lying about, the rats will have nothing to feed on and will
go elsewhere.
• All hazardous substances will have a black symbol on an orange background, on
the container.
• There must be enough toilets to serve the number of people working on the site.
• There are many different types of gloves for protection against different hazards. Make
sure you are provided with the correct gloves for your job.
• Washing facilities must have hot and cold water, soap and a means of drying your hands.
• Breathing in dust can cause chest illnesses.
• Too much noise can cause you to go deaf.
• Tetanus is a serious disease, which usually results from getting dirt in an open wound.
Keep all cuts and grazes covered.
• Asthma is an illness, which causes breathing difficulties. It is caused by breathing in
certain harmful dusts and can be disabling.
• Dermatitis is a skin complaint that is caused by contact with harmful substances.
Cement can cause particularly painful and severe ‘burns’.
• Mineral oils such as those used in vehicles and machinery are known to cause some
forms of skin cancer.
• Lead is a poison. The most likely cause of poisoning is lack of personal hygiene after
working with lead.
• The person in charge of the site has a responsibility to see that toilets are kept clean and
in good order. Make your supervisor aware of any problems so that they can be rectified.
• Anyone who damages any welfare facilities is affecting everyone else on site. Such
people should be reported and the appropriate actions taken.
• The inhalation of many kinds of dust can lead to occupational asthma, which makes
breathing very difficult. Asthma can lead to you being permanently disabled.
• Asbestos is a potential killer. Breathing in fibres can cause cancers of the lungs and lining
of the chest cavity.
SECTION
Health and Safety
HEALTH AND HYGIENE

1 MODULE 4
SHEET 51
• Your employer must carry out a COSHH assessment on any hazardous substance before
it is first used.
• Some solvents can penetrate unbroken skin if you do not wear gloves. Using solvents,
and breathing in the fumes, is another common way of getting them into your body.
• Barrier cream will protect your skin to some extent if you apply it before starting work.
It is not a substitute for gloves when using most hazardous substances.
• The smell of a product cannot tell you whether it is dangerous or not. You must refer
to the COSHH assessment.
• Unprotected exposure to the inhalation of hardwood dust has been known to cause
nasal cancer.
• Thinners can have a de-fatting effect on your skin, and can result in a skin disease
called dermatitis.
• Cement burns are common and can cause dermatitis if gloves are not worn. If you
cannot wear gloves for any reason, wash your hands frequently.
• Excessive vibration can affect the blood circulation through your fingers. This can
be a painful condition and is known as ‘vibration white finger’.
• The only proper way to protect your eyesight is to wear eye protection, which is
appropriate for the type of work you are doing.
• It is up to you to look after your personal hygiene and protect your health.
SECTION
Health and Safety
MANUAL HANDLING
1 MODULE 5
SHEET 52
The regulations on manual handling say that employers must try and avoid the need for
manual handling. Where it cannot be avoided and there is any risk of injury, then the risk
must be reduced as far as possible, by mechanical handling or smaller, lighter loads etc,
and employees must be trained in proper manual handling techniques.
Your employer’s responsibilities

• What your employer must do to reduce the chance of you having a manual
handling accident.
• The maximum weight that your employer should expect you to lift.
Common injuries
• The types of injury you could suffer from carrying out manual handling tasks.
• The parts of your body most likely to be affected by manual handling injuries.
Avoiding injuries
• How to avoid manual handling injuries by using correct lifting methods.
• How to assess your own lifting capability.
• How to decide whether a manual handling activity is safe.
• How to safely lift a load, transport it and put it down.
• Ways of reducing the load.
• Ways of avoiding manual handling.
1
SECTION
MODULE 5
MANUAL HANDLING
All building work involves lifting and manual handling to some extent, and millions of
working days are lost each year through injuries caused by incorrect lifting. A large
percentage of all accidents in the construction industry each year involve injuries sustained
while manually lifting and handling materials or equipment.
Often, manual handling and lifting can cause immediate pain and injury: this type of injury is
called acute injury.
Sometimes, the result of an injury can take weeks or months or even years to develop.
These types of injuries are called chronic injuries.
Employers, in assessing the risk of injury from manual handling, must consider four
main topics:
• The load.
• The working environment.
• The employee.
• The task.
The Regulations require all employees to adopt the safe working practices set by the
employer. Here are some points for you to consider before attempting any lifting or
handling operation:
• Be aware of your own strength and limitations
• Decide if it is a one-man operation or whether you require help
• Always use mechanical equipment or aids if available
• Be sure of the weight of the item before lifting.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands.
• Wear safety boots to protect your feet.
• Is the area around clear and safe to carry out lifting or movement?
• Know where you have to put its load down.
SECTION
Health and Safety
MANUAL HANDLING
1 MODULE 5
SHEET 54
1
Handling Materials and Components
Before you attempt any lifting or handling operation, you should be able to select and use
appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing for handling different materials.
Here is a selection of safety clothing and equipment that you may require.
NOTE:
Personal protective equipment will be covered in more detail in MODULE 9.
Personal protective equipment used for lifting and handling:

• Footwear – Safety footwear with reinforced toecaps and soles should always be worn
in the workplace.
• Eye protection – Although extraction systems should minimise the risk of flying chips
etc. it is strongly advised that eye protection should be provided to operatives at risk
of eye injury.
• Respirators – These should be used when moving fine materials when dust may occur.
• Safety helmets – When working in compounds or storage areas where materials are
stacked, safety helmets will give protection from materials, which may fall.
• Industrial gloves – For those handling rough materials such as concrete and steel,
industrial gloves will give protection against damage to the hands.
• Protection clothing – Boiler suit, a strong pair of overalls or high visibility jackets.
1
SECTION
MODULE 51
MANUAL HANDLING
Handling Techniques
To avoid injury the following principles should be followed:
Lifting
a) Crouch down in front of the object with feet apart and one foot alongside the object
in front of the other.
b) Keep the back naturally straight at all times. When you lift, let the leg muscles do all
the work.
c) Push off with rear foot and move off in the direction you wish to go, in one
smooth movement.
Carrying
a) Keep your arms close to the body.
b) Keep a good hold of the object. Grip with the palms and the roots of the fingers.
c) Avoid pinching fingers when putting the load down.
d) Hold the load so that you have a clear view ahead.
SECTION
Health and Safety
MANUAL HANDLING
1 MODULE 5
SHEET 56
1
Carrying loads on the back

Keep your back naturally straight by raising the top of the head slightly and by tucking in
the chin.
Use lifting gear if available

Awkwardly shaped and very heavy objects:
a) Should be moved or carried only with the help of other work mates.
b) Appoint a team leader and obey their instructions.
When an object has been assessed as being too heavy or awkward to lift on your own,
team lifting may be employed.
The same rules should be obeyed. The effort of each person should be the same.
1
SECTION
MODULE 51
MANUAL HANDLING
Lifting Gear
There are numerous items of small lifting equipment available to assist with handling
materials on site and in the workshop. Only use these if you are qualified to use them.
These range from the small brick lifts, slings, barrows and dumpers through to mechanical
fork lift trucks.
Many materials are delivered to the site on lorries equipped with mechanical off loaders.
Once off-loaded, it is the employer’s responsibility to move the materials to a safe place
until required for use.
Barrows are the most common form of

equipment for moving materials on site A pallet truck can be used on hard
areas for moving heavy loads
A sack truck can be used for moving A hod can be used for moving bricks
bagged materials and paving slabs on to higher levels such as scaffolds
SECTION
Health and Safety
MANUAL HANDLING
1 MODULE 5
SHEET 58
1
Heavy loads that are not possible to move by lifting can sometimes be moved on rollers,
and short scaffold poles are ideal for this purpose.
When heavy items are delivered to the site they should be unloaded onto timber bearers to
allow them to be moved easily when required.
To move them at a later date the front end should be lifted up and a steel roller placed
underneath. The rear end is then lifted and another steel roller placed under the load.
Your helpers then gently push the load forward. As the object moves forward another roller
should be ready to place under the front end of the load and the one freed at the rear can
then be brought to the front.
The rollers can be slanted slightly to alter the direction of travel.
This sequence should continue until the load is where it is required
Rollers used to move heavy loads

1
SECTION
MODULE 51
MANUAL HANDLING
• Everyone has a different capability to lift heavy loads. You should only lift loads that you
can lift without injuring yourself.
• Where possible, it is a good idea to break large loads down into more manageable and
safely transportable part-loads.
• Safe lifting is carried out using the strength of the leg and thigh muscles. Keeping the
feet slightly apart gives you a stable base from which to start the lift.
• Before you start to lift any load, you should attempt to assess its weight. When you know
the weight, you will be able to decide what precautions, if any, you need to take.
• You cannot know what other precautions may be necessary until you have assessed the
task and the risks in carrying out the lift.
• The size, condition, weight and centre of gravity of the load will all have a bearing on how
you attempt to lift it.
• Kinetic lifting involves using a good handling technique to lift a load smoothly, while
adopting a good posture and using the naturally stronger muscles of the thighs and legs.
• Bent knees will allow the back to retain its normal shape and not take any of the strain.
• 25kg is the suggested maximum weight for a fit healthy male to lift on a regular basis
during the day, but not everyone will be able to lift that weight.
• By assessing the task, you will be able to form an idea of what precautions you will need
to take to complete the lift safely.
• Correct posture is essential for carrying out manual handling activities, if injuries are to
be avoided.
• A good method of making manual handling activities easier is, whenever possible, to
split large loads down into smaller part-loads.
• Training in lifting techniques is essential if accidents resulting from manual handling
activities are to be avoided. The other factors will be considered later.
• If there is a risk of injury, it is obviously better if another method of moving the load can
be employed.
• If you position the centre of gravity next to your body, the load will tend to press against
you rather than trying to fall away from you.
• Incorrect lifting techniques result in many back injuries during manual handling activities.
Always ensure that your posture is correct before lifting.
• The back is vulnerable to injury if you do not lift loads in the correct manner. Always
ensure that your posture is correct before lifting.
SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1 MODULE 6
SHEET 60
1
The Work at Height Regulations say that employers must avoid the need for work at height
if at all possible. Where work at height has to take place, the employer must make it as safe
as possible. If there is a risk of a fall, special precautions must be taken preventing falls. If
a fall does happen then such things as safety harnesses, air bags and mats should reduce
the chance of injury.
‘Work at height’ is any work at any height where a person could fall any distance and
injure themselves.
The dangers
• How working at height can be dangerous.
• When edge protection is needed.
Scaffolds
• Who is allowed to erect, alter and strike scaffolds.
• Who is allowed to carry out scaffold inspections.
• Why guard-rails, toe-boards and brick-guards are necessary on working platforms.
• The maximum gap between guard-rails and toe-board.
Ladders
• When ladders should, and should not, be used.
• The correct angle of rest for a ladder.
• What defects to look for before using a ladder.
• When a metal ladder should not be used.
• How to make sure that a ladder will be safe when used.
1
SECTION
MODULE 61
WORKING AT HEIGHT
The majority of work in the construction industry is carried out above ground level. Some
of this work can be done at a normal working height of up to 1.5m without the assistance
of steps and ladders. It is therefore a fair assumption that at some time in your working life
you will be required to work at height above the normal working height.
There are various types of equipment that can assist you when required to work at height.
These are:
• Hop-up working platforms.
• Split head trestle working platforms.
• Step ladders and ladders.
• Folding trestles.
• Tower scaffolds.
• Tubular scaffolds.
Each one of these types of equipment is designed for a specific purpose and use and
should not be used outside of its limitations.
Hop-up Working Platforms
This type of working platform is in the form of steps and is purpose made by a carpenter.
It is normally made from softwood, boarding or plywood.
The overall width of this working platform can vary, but it is usually 400-450mm wide. the
height can also vary but normally it is approx. 500mm high. The top, which is used as the
working platform should be at least 500mm square.
This type of working platform is intended to provide safe working up to approx. 2.4m
without stretching.
SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1 MODULE 6
SHEET 62
1
Split Head Trestles
Metal split heads support timber joists and scaffolding boards, and provides a continuous
platform for working on ceilings. Guard rails may also be needed depending on the height
and risks of a fall, and of course safe access to a platform.
The height of the platform is from 700mm to 2.6m, and can be extended to a height
of 4.5m.
Split heads are supported on a tripod base. A pin and hole method is used for main
adjustment; fine adjustment can be achieved by using a screw jack.
1
SECTION
MODULE 6
WORKING AT HEIGHT
Erecting split heads

• A minimum of four units must be used to support the working platform; eight or more
split heads are used to board out larger areas.
• The height of each unit must be adjusted so that all units are level.
• The supports must be upright and placed on an even floor.
• Working platform: must be close-boarded.
• It is placed on the split heads as near as possible to the walls to obviate the risk of the
worker falling off the edge.
• Guard rails provided where necessary.
• Safe access to a platform must be provided.
SECTION
1
MODULE 6
Health and Safety SHEET 64
WORKING AT HEIGHT
Step Ladders
These are used for internal work, but can be used outside if it is safe to do so and there is a
firm base to stand the on.
Step ladders are manufactured in timber and aluminium and various sizes and heights.
They consist of a set of stiles supporting flat steps at approximately 250mm centres. A back
supporting frame is hinged to the top and secured at the bottom with a cord or a metal
locking bar. When the steps are extended, the locking bar ensures the correct working
angle and prevents the steps from collapsing.
Timber step ladders are susceptible to damage, warping and twisting whereas the
aluminium type step ladders are much lighter and stronger as well as rot proof.
Step ladders must not be used if they are broken or damaged or have be repaired or have
missing parts.
Timber step ladders must not be painted as this may hide defects.
Step ladders must not be used near overhead electric power lines.
If you find any defects on a step ladder, do not use it and go and tell your superviser
straight away.
Stile
Back frame
Tie cord
Rat tread
Single step ladder

1
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MODULE 61
WORKING AT HEIGHT
Ladders
Ladders are mainly used to gain access to another work place, or onto a working platform
or onto a scaffold. They may also be used for doing light work of short duration provided
that it is safe to do so and that the employers risk assessment has shown that the use of a
scaffold, mobile platform or other access equipment is not justified because of low risk, the
short duration of the work, or something about the site which made the use of a ladder the
only way to do the job.
There two types of ladders:

• Single-section ladders
• Multi-section ladders
Single-section ladders
These ladders are often called standing ladders and are available in timber or aluminium.
Timber standing ladders are made from Douglas fir, redwood, whitewood or hemlock.
The rungs are round or rectangular and have steel tie rods fitted underneath some of the
rungs. On some ladders the stiles are reinforced with braided wire housed in a groove on
the underside of the stile.
Aluminium standing ladders are made of aluminium alloy. They are lighter than timber, very
strong, rot-proof and will not twist, warp or burn.
The rungs must be non-slip.
The stiles are often fitted with ladder feet, which are a non-slip serrated rubber block.
Another type of ladder usually called a pole ladder. This ladder is a timber ladder with
stiles, which are made from one straight tree trunk cut down the middle. This ensures even
strength and flexibility.
Multi-section ladders
This type of ladder is called an extension ladder. They can be double or triple, according
to the number of sections they are comprised of. They are fitted with latching hooks to
the bottom of the extension section, and guide brackets are fitted to the top of this lower
section. The latching hooks locate over the rung of the section below, when extended, and
the guide bracket keeps the section together.
The extending section can be lifted in place manually or by a rope and pulley system. This
system is usually fitted to the longer ladders.
SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1 MODULE 6
SHEET 66
1
Types and Sizes of Ladders
Standing ladders
Single section ladders up to 7.3m long.
Double extension ladders

Two sections similar to standing ladders with provision for coupling them together.
Without ropes: up to 4.9m long when closed, extending to approximately 9m.
With ropes: up to 7.3m long when closed, opening to approximately 12m.
Triple extension ladders

Similar to double extension ladders but with three sections.
Without ropes: up to 7.3m long when closed, extending to approximately 19m.
With ropes: up to 3m long when closed, extending to approximately 7.5m
Pole ladders
Single section ladders with the stiles (see sketch) made from one straight tree trunk cut
down the middle. This ensures even strength and flexibility. Obtainable up to 12m long and
used mainly for access onto scaffolding.
Parts
Stiles
Usually made from Douglas fir, whitewood, redwood or hemlock. The stiles of pole ladders
are made from whitewood.
Rungs
Round or rectangular, made from oak, ash or hickory.
Ties
Steel rods fitted below the second rung from each end, and at not less than 9 rung
intervals. Ties can be fitted under every rung.
Stiles
Reinforcing
Round wire
rung
m
254m
Tie Pole ladder Rectangular rung

1
SECTION
MODULE 61
WORKING AT HEIGHT
Reinforcing wires
Give ladders extra strength. Galvanised wire or steel cable is fitted and secured, under
tension, into grooves in the stiles.
Ropes
Hemp sash cord or a material of equivalent strength. Ropes of man-made fibre must
provide adequate handgrip.
Guide brackets
Fitted at the top of lower sections to keep the sections together.
Latching brackets
Fitted to the bottom of extension sections to hook over a rung of the section below.
Latching hook
Pulley wheels
Guide and facilitate the smooth running of the ropes of rope operated ladders.
Safety checklist
Ladders should not be used if they have any of the following defects:
• Broken, missing or makeshift rungs.
• Broken, weakened or repaired stiles.
• Broken or defective ropes, guide brackets, latching hooks or pulley wheels.
Ladder timber must be:

• Straight-grained.
• Free from knots greater than 6mm in diameter, and from resin pockets.
• Free from splits, cracks, rot and decay.
Rungs must be clean – and free from mud, dirt and grease.
REMEMBER! Do not paint timber ladders, paint can hide defects.

Do not use ladders near overhead power cables.
SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1 MODULE 6
SHEET 68
1
Aluminium Ladders
Aluminium ladders are made out of aluminium alloy. They are lighter than timber ladders,
very strong, rot-proof and will not twist, warp, burn or rust. The rungs must be non-slip,
at 230mm or 250mm intervals.
Both ends of each stile must be closed with replaceable blocks of hardwood or other
non-slip, non metallic material.
Types and Sizes
Standing ladders
Single-section ladders up to 9m long.
Double extension ladders

Two sections similar to standing ladders with provision for coupling them together.
Extending to 12.5m approximately, with or without ropes.
Triple Extension Ladders

Similar to double extension ladders, but with three sections. Extending to 19m
approximately, with or without ropes.
Ladder Feet
These can be:
• Serrated rubber blocks.
• Anti-slip bars.
Non-slip ends
0mm
230-25
Guide bracket
Non-slip rung
REMEMBER! Do not use ladders anywhere near overhead cables.

1
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MODULE 61
WORKING AT HEIGHT
Aluminium Stepladders
Aluminium swing-back stepladders

Made of aluminium alloy. They are lighter than timber stepladders, very strong, rot-proof
will not twist, warp or bend. The treads are at least 76mm deep and must be non-slip and
horizontal when the steps are open.
The working top is at least 100mm deep. The locking bar clips in place when fully opened.
The feet are made of a non-slip material.
Many aluminium stepladders now have a ‘platform’ to stand on and a safety rail above the
platform. You should never use or stand on the top three treads of a stepladder unless there
is a safety rail.
Locking bar
Non-slip, non-scratch feet

SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1 MODULE 6
SHEET 70
1
Ladder Fittings
Ropes
Hemp sash cord or a material of equivalent strength. Ropes of man made fibre must
provide adequate handgrip.
Guide brackets
Fitted at the top of lower sections to keep the sections together.
Latching hooks
Fitted to the bottom of extension sections to hook over a rung of the section below.
Pulley wheels
Guide and facilitate the smooth running of the ropes of rope operated ladders.
Automatic pawls
Fitted on rope-operated ladders in place of latching hooks. But when the sections are
extended, they enable the short hooks to become automatically engaged over the rung of
the section below.
Automatic pawl
Latching hook
WARNING! Aluminium ladders must not be used near any overhead power cables.
1
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MODULE 61
WORKING AT HEIGHT
Safe Use of Ladders
Raising and lowering ladders

Ladders are raised with the sections closed. Extension ladders with long sections are raised
one section at a time and are slotted into position before the ladders are used.
Two people are needed to raise and lower heavier type ladders.
The following is a step by step procedure for raising heavier type ladders.
• Lay the ladder flat.
• One person stands on the bottom rung of the ladder and holds the stiles to steady the
ladder when it is being lifted.
• The second person stands at the top of the ladder and lifts the ladder overhead, moving
hand over hand, walks towards the foot, raising the ladder as they go.
• This is continued until the ladder is upright.
o
• When erected, the correct safety angle is 75 or a ratio of 4 up to 1 out.
To lower the ladder from the upright position, the above process is reserved.
One person may raise lighter ladders but the bottom must be placed against a firm stop
before lifting is commenced.
REMEMBER! Ladders must extend above the working platform, and provide a
safe handhold.
SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1 MODULE 6
SHEET 72
1
Securing Ladders Against Slipping
The regulations say that all ladders must be suitable for the job, stand on a firm level base,
and they must be secured against slipping.
They can be prevented from slipping by tying the stiles to something strong enough, either
at the top or the bottom, or by using an effective anti slip device, or by doing something
else that is equally effective.
Footing a ladder is only effective for short ladders’ and should only be done for a very short
time. The person footing the ladder has to keep hold of the ladder with both hands and
have their weight on the bottom rung all of the time. If their attention wanders and they let
go of the ladder or do not keep their weight on it, then they are not steadying the ladder
and it could easily slip.
Bottom tie
Top tie
REMEMBER! It is always better to tie a ladder than to try and foot it.
1
SECTION
MODULE 61
WORKING AT HEIGHT
Lashings
Wire lashings should be used in preference to fibre rope.
Lashings should always be to the stiles and never to the rungs.
Lashings must be tied to secure positions, such as scaffold tubes or screw-eyes which
have been firmly screwed into the fascia or wall.
Special ladder clips can be used, if available.
REMEMBER! Do not tie lashings onto drain pipes, soil pipes, gutters or
plastic facias.
SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1 MODULE 6
SHEET 74
1
Lifting and Carrying Ladders
To lift and carry ladders over short distances:

• Rest them on the shoulder, and
• Lift them on the shoulder, and
• Lift vertically by grasping the rung just below normal reach.
The correct balance and angle must be found before moving.
When moving ladders more then a few metres, they should be lowered and carried on the
shoulders by two persons, one on either end.
Overlap of extension ladders
The minimum recommended overlap on extension ladders is:
• 2 rungs for ladders with closed length up to 4m.
• 3 rungs for ladders with closed length up to 6m.
• 4 rungs for ladders with closed length over 6m.
2 rung overlap 3 rung overlap 4 rung overlap

1
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MODULE 61
WORKING AT HEIGHT
Safe Working
Ladders must extend above the working so as to provide a safe handhold, unless another
suitable handhold is there.
Never stand ladders on uneven, soft or loose ground.
Never support a ladder on a fragile surface.
Never stand a ladder on a box, drum or other unsteady base.
Never use a makeshift ladder.
Never use a ladder, which is too short.
Never climb ladders with slippery, icy or greasy rungs.
Never wear soft-soled shoes or footwear with slippery soles.
Never try to carry too much equipment up a ladder.
Never over-reach when working on a ladder.
REMEMBER! When carrying or lifting ladders up, make sure that you are well clear of
any overhead power cables.
SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1 MODULE 6
SHEET 76
1
Always ensure the ladder is at the correct angle of 75º (1 in 4) and projecting above the
working platform and is securely fixed.
Lashing
75º
Overnight safety – ladders should be lowered and stored in a safe place overnight.
If this is not possible, a scaffold board at least 2m long should be firmly lashed to the rungs
to prevent access.
1
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MODULE 61
WORKING AT HEIGHT
Proper storage and maintenance of equipment will ensure that it is in a good and safe
condition to use for many years.
Storing Ladders
Always store ladders in a covered, well-ventilated area, protected from the weather and
away from too much dampness or heat.
Never leave ladders leant against a wall or building. Ladders can fall if stored vertically, so
take particular care. If possible, secure the top (with a bracket, for instance).
Never hang a ladder vertically from a rung.
Don’t store a ladder in any place where a child might be tempted to climb it.
Storing horizontally, a rack or wall bracket is ideal. Always support them on the lower stile,
supported every 1m maximum.
Keep wooden ladders clear of the ground to avoid contact with damp.
Not like this
Like this
Or Like this
SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1 MODULE 6
SHEET 78
1
Defects in Ladders
Missing rung
Split stile
Should not be painted as this

hides possible rot or damage
Inspect for loose rungs
Aluminium ladders must be kept away from wet cement or concrete as the chemicals
in it can corrode and weaken the aluminium.
1
SECTION
MODULE 61
WORKING AT HEIGHT
Access
It is usual to access a scaffold from a ladder, and provision must be made so that this can
be done easily and safely.
A suitable gap should be left in the handrail and toe board arrangements to allow operatives
to access the scaffold, the ladder that should be secured both at the top and bottom should
extend above the platform so as to provide a safe handhold.
The final rung of the ladder from which the operative steps onto the platform should ideally
be just above the surface of the platform.
Brick guard Guard rails
500mm gap
Toe boards
Relevant Barriers and Notices
A scaffold, which is partly erected or dismantled, should have its access blocked off and
should have a notice displayed saying that this scaffold should not be used.
SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1 MODULE 6
SHEET 80
1
Folding Trestles
Folding trestles usually about 2m tall and are made of softwood similar to ladders and
are also made of aluminium alloy. They are tapered towards the top, and should be wide
enough to take two scaffold boards or one staging board. Cross bearers are staggered
on either side. Each side of the trestle should have at least two tie bars fitted to give extra
strength. The trestle is stopped from completely collapsing by a specially-formed lipped
trestle hinge.
As with ladders, before using trestles employers should do a risk assessment to see if there
is any safer, more suitable access equipment which could be used.
When staging boards are used with folding trestles. guard rails may also be needed. The
risk assesment should have covered this.
Safety check list

Trestles should not be used if they have any of the following defects:
• Broken, missing or makeshift bearers.
• Broken or repaired stiles (replaced stiles are acceptable).
• Loose cross bearers (the trestle must be rigid).
• Broken, badly worn or loosely fixed hinges.
Trestle hinge
REMEMBER! There must be safe access onto the staging boards on the trestles.
1
SECTION
MODULE 61
WORKING AT HEIGHT
NOTE:
The guard rails are not shown on this diagram. The need for guard rails will usually
depend on the height of the platform. There must also be safe access onto
the platform.
overhang should not exceed

4 x thickness of board
Trestle are used to form a quick, lightweight working platform. To do so two set of trestles
are used in conjunction with scaffolding boards or lightweight staging. However the
distance in between the two trestles is restricted because of the scaffold board thickness.
When staging or scaffolding boards are fitted there should be an overhang of not less than
50mm or more than four times the thickness of the board.
Example: If a staging board is 50mm thick the 4 x 50mm equals 200mm

maximum overhang.
SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1 MODULE 6
SHEET 82
1
Scaffolding Boards
All scaffold boards should be made to standard specifications.
To prevent boards from splitting, the ends should be bound with a galvanised metal band.
Sometimes the board ends are cut at an angle to reduce the risk of damage.
Sizes
Boards are rarely longer than 4 metres, and thickness is related to length as follows:
• Boards 40mm thick should not exceed 2.75m in length.
Safety checklist
Scaffold boards must be:
• Made from straight grained timber.
• Free from knots, shakes and split ends.
• Free from decay.
• Clean and free from grease and thick paint, etc.
• Straight.
Galvanised iron strip

1
SECTION
MODULE 61
WORKING AT HEIGHT
Lightweight Stagings
Lightweight stagings provide platforms for spanning greater lengths than scaffold boards.
Depending on the height at which they are used, guard rails may be used.
They can be used without intermediate supports on trestles and directly on to roof trusses
without other support.
The stagings are designed to take a maximum load of three persons, together with their
tools of up to a maximum of 272kg evenly supported.
Sizes
450mm wide, in lengths from 1.8m to 7.3m.
Stiles
Should be reinforced with galvanised high tensile steel wire, and the ends of stiles should
be protected with hooping irons.
Cross supports
Must be fitted every 300mm or 450mm centres along the length of the staging and
reinforced with steel tie rods.
Slats
Every slat is screwed to the end and middle cross rail.
Safety ties
Can be fitted to prevent stagings from slipping.
Safety tie
Cross rails
Tie rod
Hooping iron Reinforcing wire
SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1 MODULE 6
SHEET 84
1
Safety checklist
Lightweight stagings must have:
• Straight grain timber for stiles, cross supports and slats.
• Timber free from knots, shakes, resin pockets and decay.
• Sound tie rods fitted under each cross support.
• Sound and firmly fixed reinforcing wire.
• Rust-free metals.
• A clean surface free from mud, dirt, oil and grease.
• Guard rails where necessary.
1
SECTION
MODULE 61
WORKING AT HEIGHT
Adjustable Metal Trestles
Adjustable metal trestle scaffolds, they are widely used by all trades to provide working
platforms up to 3m in height usually inside buildings.
They have the advantage over other forms of scaffold in that they are quickly and easily
erected and dismantled.
Various standards cover materials, design widths of platforms and loadings.
Adjustable Steel Trestle
NOTE:
Guard rails are not shown in this diagram. The need for guard rails will depend on the
height of the working platform.
Safety board stop 1800mm
1000mm
Approximate
adjustment
Simple adjustment heights
160mm
750mm
Square into round section 1000mm

eliminates jams
700mm
400mm
Compatible to
tube and clip
Board anchor
REMEMBER! There must be safe access onto the working platform

SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1 MODULE 6
SHEET 86
1
Ground base conditions

All trestle and ‘hop up’ scaffolds should have a firm, level base, sufficient to support the
required loading.
Hazards to look for when erecting and dismantling these scaffolds are:
• Overhead cables.
• Soft spots in ground conditions.
Positioning of trestle
Trestles are positioned to suit the staging board thickness.
Boards normally used on sites are 225mm x 38mm x 3900mm, which should be supported
every 1.5m.
Some patented staging boards can span up to 3m.
NOTE:
Guard rails not shown in this diagram
1
SECTION
MODULE 61
WORKING AT HEIGHT
Tower Scaffolds
There are two kinds of tower scaffolds. They can be either:

• Static – Stationery, remains in one place cannot be moved.
• Mobile – Can be moved to different location when needed.
Both kinds of tower scaffold can:

• Tailor made – for a particular job and built where it is going to be used.
• Proprietary – made by a manufacture with standard sections which fit together.
Static tower scaffolds

This type of scaffold is constructed from individual scaffold components, which are secured
using standard scaffolding clips. The tower is constructed square in shape using tubular
standards and strengthened by braces and ledgers.Access to the tower is normally from
the inside of the tower. Care must be taken to ensure the tower is not destabilised by
leaning ladders from the outside as the tower may topple.
Scaffold towers should be designed to carry a load of 150kg/m2 spread over the whole
working platform in addition to its own weight.A special design will be required for any
tower, which may be subject to extra loadings from wind, or extra loading on the
working platform.
Any tower over 12m in height must be specially designed.
The smallest side of a scaffold tower must not be less than 1.2m wide.
Bracing should be at each level and should be in the opposite direction to the
previous level.
Guard rails and toe boards are fitted.
Proprietary static tower scaffolds

These towers are constructed with steel interlocking sections that are manufactured to slot
into one another. The sections are preformed ‘H’ shaped units, welded together to
give strength.
These scaffolds are easy to erect but are not as versatile as other static towers.
REMEMBER! Scaffolds may only be put up altered or taken down by competent

persons. If you are not competent then leave it alone.
SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1 MODULE 6
SHEET 88
1
Tower Scaffolds (Static)
Guard rail
Close boarding Toe boards
Load bearing couplers
Diagonal bracing
Vertical standard
Horizontal transome
Horizontal ledgers
Access ladder lashed with wire
Plan bracing
Foot ties Base plate
Sole plate
1
SECTION
MODULE 61
WORKING AT HEIGHT
Tower Scaffold Requirements (Static)
• Tubes must be straight.

• Tubes and fittings must be undamaged and free from corrosion.
• The ground that the tower is to be placed on must be firm and even.
• Base plates must be used.
• Adjustable base plates can be used on ground, which has different levels.
• Sole plates must be used to provide even weight.
• Couplers must be load bearing.
• Horizontal members must be fixed to uprights with the exception of transoms under the
working platform.
• Towers must have diagonal and plan bracing built in.
• Foot ties or plan bracing must be fitted as low as possible.
• Working platforms must be close boarded.
• Working platforms must have guard rails and toe boards fitted.
• Access ladder must be lashed vertically, preferably on the inside of the tower.
• The minimum base measurement for any tower is 1.2m.
• Indoors, the height of any tower must not be greater than four times its smallest
base measurement.
• Outdoors the height of the tower must not be greater than three times its smallest
base measurement.
• Towers higher than 6m should be tied to the building or structure.
• Always use towers on firm even ground – Never on sloping ground.

• Never place stepladders on the working platform.
• Never ‘sheet out’ a tower.
• Never stand on the guard rails to get extra height.
DANGER! Beware of overhead wires and cables when working from scaffold towers
SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1 MODULE 6
SHEET 90
1
Tower Scaffolds (Mobile)
Guard rail
Close boarding Toe boards
Load bearing couplers
Diagonal bracing
Vertical standard
Horizontal transome
Horizontal ledgers
Access ladder lashed with wire
Plan bracing
Castors with
locking devices Foot ties
1
SECTION
MODULE 61
WORKING AT HEIGHT
Mobile Tower Scaffold Requirements
• Tubes must be straight.

• Tubes and fittings must be undamaged and free from corrosion.
• Castors must only be fitted to standards.
• Castors must be of a swivel type, fitted with a locking device.
• Castors must fit by a method, which prevents the wheel from falling out if not in contact
with ground.
• Couplers must be load-bearing.
• Horizontal members must be fixed to uprights with the exception of transoms under the
working platform.
• Towers must have diagonal and plan bracing built in.
• Foot ties or plan bracing must be fitted as low as possible.
• Working platforms must be close boarded.
• Working platforms above must have guard rails and toe boards fitted.
• Access ladder must be lashed vertically, preferably on the inside of the tower.
• The minimum base measurement for any tower is 1.2m.
• Indoors, the height of any tower must not be greater than three and a half times its
smallest base measurement.
• Outdoors the height of the tower must not be greater than three times its smallest
base measurement.
• Towers higher than 6m should be tied to the building or structure.
• Always use towers on firm even ground – Never on sloping ground.

• Always ensure that there are no hoes or obstructions on the ground, which could foul
the wheels.
• Always move a tower by pushing at the base – Never pull along from the top.
• Never move a tower with people or equipment on it.
• Never put stepladders on the working platform.
• Never stand on the guard rails to gain extra height.
DANGER! Beware of overhead wires and cables when working from scaffold towers.
SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1 MODULE 6
SHEET 92
1
Proprietary Tower Scaffolds
Usually made of aluminium, there are a wide range of types and sizes. They are much safer
to use than a ladder, step ladder or threstle scaffolds. They can be used inside or outside
provided that the floor or ground is safe and strong enough. When properly put up by
competent persons they are one of the safest ways of doing work at heights.
All wheels must be the lockable type and kept locked when the scaffold is in use.
The scaffold should only be moved by exerting force on the bottom of the tower and never
pulled from the top.
Towers should never be moved with persons still in them.
The height to base ratio or maximum height given by the manufacturer must not
be exceeded.
Outriggers
If extra working height is required, the base measurement can be increased by the use of
outriggers. These are tubes or special units that connect to the bottom of the tower at the
corners, giving increased overall base measurements. Outriggers also help to stabilise a
scaffold tower and are usually used for this purpose as well as giving extra working height.
1
SECTION
MODULE 61
WORKING AT HEIGHT
Tubular Scaffolds
These scaffolds are built from steel tubes and scaffold fittings and can be a wide variety
of sizes and shapes to suit whatever work is being done. They can cover the front of a
building, like a shop in the High Street, or cover the whole of a building sometimes. They
are usually built outside and with the proper use of the right materials and equipment can
be put up on soft and uneven ground.
Because they require very specials skills to build them safely, only trained and competent
scaffolders are allowed to erect, alter or dismantle them.
Working on site you will find two main types of tubular scaffolds, ‘Independent Scaffolds’,
and ‘Putlog [or ‘bricklayers] Scaffolds’.
Independent scaffolds are used mainly here the work is quite heavy, such as stone work,
masonry work or where there are substantial works or alterations to a building.
An independent scaffold is made up of two rows of uprights, (standards), with horizontal
tubes, (transoms and ledgers) to both join the uprights and also to support the boards
which make up the working platform. The working platform is usually at least 600mm wide
to allow for safe working but they can be a lot wider sometimes. The scaffolds are usually
‘tied’ to the building using special fixings or ties, which hen gives the scaffold more stability.
This gets more and more important as the scaffold gets bigger. important
A putlog scaffold only has one row of uprights as one end of the horizontal tubes are
pushed into the brickwork. If there is a window or a doorway the scaffold is sometimes also
‘tied-in’ to the building.
Putlog scaffolds are normally used for building houses and re-roofing etc., and they seldom
go any higher than the level of the gutters or roof line.
As with all scaffold working platforms guard rails and toe boards are fitted for the safety
of the people working on the scaffold. It is also usual for brick guards to be hung from the
guard rails so that bricks, tools and other materials do not fall onto anyone underneath.
All scaffolds, including mobile scaffolds and tower scaffolds, are inspected when they are
first put up, and then on a regular basic by a competent person to ensure that they are still
safe to use.
REMEMBER! Only trained and competent scaffolders are allowed to erect, alter or
take down any scaffolding.
SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1 MODULE 6
SHEET 94
1
Double Guard rail

coupler
Toe
board Joint pin
Swivel
coupler
Transoms
Tube wedged
in window
opening for Ledgers
tying in
Sleeve
coupler
Reveal
pin
Base plates
Transverse brace
Longitude brace
Sole plates
Independent scaffold
Guard rail
Toe
board
At least 75mm
Putlog
Tube bearing Putlog
on inside face
of wall for Horizontal Ledger
tying in tie
Putlog
coupler
Double coupler Base plates
Sole plates
Longitude brace
Putlog scaffold
1
SECTION
MODULE 61
WORKING AT HEIGHT
Access
It is usual to access a scaffold from a ladder and provision must be made so that this can
be done easily and safely.
A suitable gap should be left in the handrail and toe board arrangement to allow operatives
to access the scaffold, the ladder that should be secured both at the top and bottom should
extend above the platform to give a safe handhold unless there is some other safe
hand hold.
The final rung of the ladder from which the operative steps onto the platform should ideally
be just above the surface of the platform.
The gap left between the ladder and the guard rail should not be more than 500mm.
1
SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1 MODULE 6
SHEET 96
Guard rails and toe boards

Access platforms from where anyone could fall and hurt themselves will usually have
guard rails and toe boards.
The risk of falling materials causing injury should be minimised by keeping platforms clear
of loose materials.
In addition, employers must provide a way of preventing materials or other objects rolling,
or being kicked, off the edges of working platforms. This can be achieved by fixing
toe boards, solid barriers, brick guards, or similar at open edges. A toe boards is usually
a scaffold board put on the edge.
Brick guard Guard rail
Max. Toe boards

470mm
950mm
Max.
470mm
Guard rail, brick guard, and toe board in place

1
SECTION
MODULE 61
WORKING AT HEIGHT
• Only trained, competent scaffolders are allowed to erect, dismantle or alter scaffolds.
• Work on fragile roofs is the cause of many accidents each year. If you have to work on
a fragile roof, you must spread your weight by using crawling boards.
• Where it is possible to fall, sturdy edge protection, such as guard-rails and toe-boards,
must be fitted.
• Defects which occur as ladders age, particularly wooden ladders, may not be so visible
if the ladder is painted.
• If you position your ladder 1 metre out for every 4 metres in height, to its point of rest,
the angle of the ladder will be correct. Ladders that are too steep or too shallow are
dangerous to climb.
• Ladders are designed to take the weight of one person at a time. Load the ladder any
more, and it might fall.
• Faults in any equipment, which prevents you from falling, should cause you to stop work
and report the defect immediately.
• Lime and cement, when wet, can be very corrosive to some metals including aluminium.
• If you position your ladder 1 metre out for every 4 metres in height, to its point of rest,
the angle of the ladder will be at 75°.
• Brick guards, sometimes known as debris-guards, will prevent small items such as
bricks from falling between the guard rails.
• Sections of guardrail that have to be removed should be replaced as soon as practical.
• The users of any work equipment should ensure that it is safe to use before starting to
do so.
• The method statement for working at height should include details of how the job will
be carried out in a safe manner and name the person who will ensure that the method
statement is complied with.
• To use a ladder safely, the ladder must be properly secured at the correct angle of rest,
and be in good condition.
• Scaffolds must only be erected by people who have been trained to do so.
• Falls from height are still the main cause of fatalities in the construction industry.
• To use a ladder safely, the ladder must be properly secured at the correct angle of rest
and extend far enough above the working platform to provide a safe handhold when
you step off.
• All employers have a responsibility to provide a safe place of work for their employees.
This is particularly important when working at height.
• When working in areas where there are people below, including the public, every effort
must be made to prevent materials and other objects from falling.
SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING AT HEIGHT
1 MODULE 6
SHEET 98
1
• In the main, ladders should only be used as a means of access to working places.
You should not use a ladder as a place of work except for light work and then only
if it is safe to do so.
• All scaffolds must be inspected at least once in every seven days. Only people who have
been trained and are competent to do so may carry out the inspections.
• If it is not possible to provide fall prevention measures such as guard rails, then you must
use fall protection devices such as safety harness and lanyard.
• The minimum height for a guard rail is 950mm above its working platform.
• The maximum gap between guard rails is 450mm unless a substantial barrier is used
instead of a mid guard rail.
SECTION
Health and Safety
WORKING WITH ELECTRICITY

1 MODULE 7
SHEET 99
1
The Electricity at Work Regulations say that no one should work on any electrical circuit
or equipment unless they are confident. Employers must ensure that no one works on any
live electrical equipment.
An electric tools, cables, plugs, sockets etc., must be safe to use.
The dangers
• What makes electricity so dangerous.
• What electric shock can do to the body.
• What type of work might bring you near to live electrical cables.
Avoiding danger
• How to plan your work so that you are not put at risk.
• What precautions to take so that you and others are not put at risk of electrocution.
• How to avoid injury from overhead cables.
• How to avoid injury from buried cables.
• How to recognise danger areas into which you should not go.
• The maximum safe voltage for use on site.
• How voltage is reduced to a safe level.
1
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MODULE 71
Electricity Hazards
Most hazards can be seen or felt or heard or smelt. With electricity there is no advance
warning of the danger and electricity can kill.
Electricity and electrical installations on construction sites must always be treated with the
utmost care, and be under the control and supervision of a competent person.
Electrical hazards arise through:

• Faulty installations.
• Lack of maintenance.
• Abuse of electrical equipment.
In industry, in one year, 13 people were killed in accidents involving electricity and live
overhead lines.
Electric shock is a major hazard; the severity of the shock will depend on the level of current
and the duration of the contact:
• At low levels of current (about 1 milliamp), the effect may only be an unpleasant tingle
but enough to cause loss of balance or a fall.
• At medium levels of current (about 10 milliamp), the shock can cause muscular tension
or cramp so that anything grasped is hard to release.
• At high levels of current (about 50 milliamps or above), for a period of one second, can
cause fibrillation of the heart, which can be lethal.
• Electric shock also causes burning of the skin at the points of contact.
NOTE:
1 millamp is only 1 thousand of an Amp. A fuse in a plug might be 13 amps. Fuses do
not protect you.
SECTION
Health and Safety

1 MODULE 71
SHEET 101
Causes of Electric Shock
Electric shocks are caused by contact between a live electric conductor and an earth.
An electric current will always try to earth itself, so if anything comes between the flow of
current and earth the current will pass through it depending upon its resistance to the flow.
The human body is a very good conductor of electricity since it contains a great deal of
water. Water is a very good conductor of electricity because it offers very little resistance to
the flow of an electric current.
There are some materials which are poor conductors such as rubber and plastics and will
therefore offer greater resistance to the flow of electric current. Some of these materials are
used to insulate electricity and are called insulators.
Electric cable consists of a metal wire usually copper (which is an excellent conductor) and
an outer cover, which is an excellent insulator. The result is a safe electric cable that can be
used as a feed for a number of different tools and equipment.
However, shock is not the only hazard. Electricity can produce amounts of heat, depending
upon the size of the current, and if the current passes through a flammable material, it can
ignite the material causing a fire or explosion.
Check whether it’s dead before it kills you

1
SECTION
MODULE 71
Electric Supply
The supply of electricity to homes and on site will normally be provided by one
of the following:
• A public supply from a local electricity company.
• A site generator, where the public supply is not practicable or is uneconomic.
Public supply
The supply of electricity to the public is achieved by distributing electricity from a system
of generating plants through a network of overhead power lines or underground
electric cables.
This system is called the National Grid System.
Overhead power lines are thick cables capable of carrying electricity of in excess of 33,000
volts. Supplies below this voltage may be either overhead or underground.
0.5 m
Overhead distribution cables Underground distribution cables

SECTION
Health and Safety

1 MODULE 71
SHEET 103
Supply of Electricity to Building Site
To maintain site safety the supply of electricity to a building site or workshop should always
be distributed by means of a reduced voltage system.
This system ensures that the correct voltage is supplied to where it is required:
• Woodworking machines require a 415 volt supply.
• Lighting requires a voltage of 230 volts.
• Portable tools require a supply of 110 volts.
To achieve an efficient supply for all three, a reduced voltage system is used,
this system should always comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations and the
distribution units should comply with the proper standards
• Supply Incoming Unit (SIU) – These units include main switchgear and
monitoring equipment.
• Mains Distribution Unit (MDU) – Used for the control and distribution of electricity on
site. 415 volt three phase, 230 volt single phase.
• Transformer Units (TU) – These units reduce the voltage to 110 volts.
• Outlet Units (OU) – These provide electricity of 110 volts for portable tools and
extension outlets.
• Extension outlets ( EOU) – Provide extra outlets and extend existing outlets.
Mains Distribution Unit (MDU) Supply Incoming Unit (SIU)
Transformer Unit (TU)
Outlet Units (OU)
Extension Units (EOU)

1
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MODULE 71
Markings
All supply and distribution and transformer units should be marked with the warning sign
shown below.
DANGER
415 v
Plugs, Sockets and Outlets and Couplers
To avoid plugs designed for one voltage being connected to other sockets of another, there
are different positions for the keyway in plugs and sockets.
The examples below are to BS EN 60309.
110 V 230 V 415 V
110 V 230 V 415 V

SECTION
Health and Safety

1 MODULE 71
SHEET 105
Cables and Wires
In all site offices, worksites and workshops and similar premises all of the wiring and
electrics should comply with existing regulations.
From 2004, all low voltage cable colours had to comply with the cable colours of the
European Union.
The new colours are:

Neutral: Blue (was Black)
Earth will remain: Green/yellow
Phase 1: Brown (was Red)
Phase 2: Black (was Yellow)
Phase 3: Grey (was Blue)
Wiring cables for plugs

Earth
Neutral Live
earth terminal BS 1363 plug
cartridge fuse
cap screw
live terminal
neutral terminal
cable grip
Three-pin plug wiring diagram for an electrical three-in plug used in everyday use.
1
SECTION
MODULE 71
Distribution Cables
On site and in the workshop, you will find many types of cables, each used for a specific
purpose. All cables should have an protective sheathing. The three most common types are:
• Tough rubber sheathing (TRS) – resistant to wear and abrasion but not used near
solvents or oils.
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – used for internal work and permanent work but not suitable
for exterior work or work at low temperatures.
• Polychloroprene (PCP) – The best all-round type of sheathing.
Buried cables
All buried cables should be:
• At least 0.5m below ground.
• Protected with tiles or covers or placed in a duct.
Cables on the ground

The use of electrical cables placed on the ground is dependent on the nature of the work
being carried out, and should be:
• Only permitted for short periods.
• Provided with additional protection, such as a reinforced sleeve.
• Clearly marked, so as not to constitute a tripping hazard.
Suspended cables
Suspended cables are permissible on condition that:
• There is no tension or strain on the connections.
• They are marked for protection.
• They are supported on proper hooks and not nails.
• Wires on poles support spans of over 3m.
• They are at a minimum height of 5.2m above ground.
SECTION
Health and Safety

1 MODULE 71
SHEET 107
Working near overhead electrical cables and wires

• Care must be taken when working close to suspended or overhead cables in case
anything comes in contact with the live cables.
• Anyone carrying a metal ladder close to live cables is in danger, and great care must be
taken to ensure that they do not come in contact with the live cables.
• Special rules exist to prevent danger from live overhead electrical cables or include the
placing of adequate and suitable barriers.
• If access is possible only from one side, then a barrier on that side is sufficient.
• If the overhead line crosses the site, barriers will be required on both sides of it.
• If there is a danger to people carrying metal ladders, scaffold poles or other conducting
objects, the barrier should exclude people and plant.
Between
3-5m
9m
Absolute
minimum
If mobile cranes or excavators are used, the min. distance from the ground level to barrier
to line should be 9m if on wooden poles, 15m if on metal poles plus the length of the job.
Any ground-level barrier should consist of either:

• A stout post and rail fence.
• A tension wire fence earthed at both ends with hanging flags.
• Large steel drums filled with rubble or concrete and placed at frequent intervals.
Fences and barriers should be painted with red and white stripes, and red and white plastic
flags or hazard bunting can be used.
1
SECTION
MODULE 71
• Any voltage above 110 volts can cause you injury from an electric shock.
• The best way to guarantee safety when working near overhead lines is for your employer
to have the power turned off. A Permit to Work should control work near high
voltage lines.
• All contacts with buried services should be reported. You may not be aware of any
damage that has been caused.
• A coloured tape buried in the ground indicates that there are buried services below the
route of the tape.
• People who have been trained to use it must only use equipment used to locate
buried services.
• Concrete tiles are sometimes used in a trench to indicate that there are buried services
below. The tiles will follow the route of the buried service.
• After digging as close as is safe using other means, trial holes are dug by hand to locate
the buried service.
• Hand-digging means using hand tools such as spades to carry out the final stages of
an excavation so that buried services can be located without damaging them.
• A fuse is the main safety device in an electrical circuit. A blown fuse must never be
replaced by anything except another fuse of the correct rating.
• The user should check all electrical equipment for safety before being put to use.
• Extension reels should be fully uncoiled to avoid the possible build-up of heat caused
by the flow of electricity.
• Only trained employees should use a cable avoidance tool to trace the route of cables.
Use hand-digging to carry out the final stages of excavation.
• Double insulated tools have a completely plastic casing so that they do not need to be
earthed. Tools that are double insulated are particularly suitable for use out of doors.
• A transformer, usually coloured yellow, will transform 240 volts (mains voltage) down to a
relatively safe 110 volts.
• If it is absolutely necessary to use 240-volt equipment, a residual current device will cut
off the power very quickly if a fault occurs.
• The features, which make electricity so dangerous is that, you cannot see, hear or smell
it. It can give you a very unpleasant surprise. Always assume that cables are live.
• You must always assume that exposed cables are live, until you know that they are not.
Contact with live electrical cables can kill.
SECTION
Health and Safety
USE OF HAND-HELD EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS

1 MODULE 81
SHEET 109
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations says that employers must supply
safe and suitable tools for you to use, and to train you to use them properly. You must not
use any tools or equipment unless you are competent, and you must report any faults or
defects in any tools that you use.
What the law says

• Who is allowed to operate equipment and tools.
• Your employer’s responsibility to make sure that you are competent to use the hand tools
you use in your job.
• When your employer should provide training.
How to be safe
• How and when to check whether a power hand tool is safe to use.
• What you should do if your equipment is defective.
• The need to guard moving parts where possible.
Electrical hand tools

• How to check that they are safe to use.
• How to use extension leads in a safe manner.
• How to recognise if tools have been checked for electrical safety.
• What to do if you think an electrical tool is not safe to use.
1
SECTION
MODULE 81
Hand-held Tools and Equipment
The tools and equipment that can be classified as hand-held are:

• Portable drills.
• Portable saws.
• Routers.
• Portable sanders.
• Hand-held grinders.
All the tools listed here will be covered in depth in the section on Safe Use of Tools
and Equipment.
Earthing and Insulation

All tools should comply with British Standard 2769 and, except for ‘double-insulated’ tools,
must be effectively earthed.
BRITISH
TO
ST
ROVED
ANDARD
PP
A
B.S. 2769. 1984
Double-insulated tools that have their own built-in safety system and bear the ‘Kite Mark’
and ‘Squares Symbol’ do not require an earth lead. All tools manufactured to BS 2769 or
carrying the double-insulated mark also have a name plate secured to them. On this name
plate will be the following information:
Type Serial Number

Voltage Volts ac/dc
Frequency (normally 50 Hz)
Current Amps
Speed RPM
And any other details depending upon the manufacturer.

SECTION
Health and Safety

1 MODULE 81
SHEET 111
Earthing and Insulation
If an electrical hand tool has a low resistance connection to earth, then a return path is
available for the current. If a fault occurs, it would cause the hand tool casing to become
alive. If the earthing system fails to work, it will result in the operator’s body being used
as an escape route to earth and giving an electric shock to the operator.
Live This low
Fuse resistance path
allows a high
Neutral
current to flow
which causes
the fuse to
burn out.
This stops the
flow of current
and renders
the machine
safe.
Earth
To overcome this problem, power tools are double-insulated.
A double barrier is formed around all those components capable of conducting

electrical current.
Live
Fuse
Neutral
Non-conductive body, switch handle and side handle
Non-conductive material isolates electrical parts

1
SECTION
MODULE 81
Residual Current Device RCD or Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker ELCB
When installed, these devices sense a current flow to earth, or an imbalance in the current
in the circuit. It will then disconnect the supply before a person can receive a potentially
lethal shock. They also protect equipment and prevent it from catching fire.
These devices must be fitted by a competent electrician and should be regularly tested.
These devices do not give 100% guarantee of safety. It is possible for a worker to get an
electric shock even though an RDC is fitted to the circuit and is operating correctly.
On site so as to reduce the risk of shock further a reduced voltage of 110V. DC is used for
portable and hand-held electric tools. This system is very safe and will eliminate the risk of
death from a live to earth shock in the most situations.
The maximum recommended voltage supply on site for portable electric tools is:
110 Volts. Standard colour of supply yellow.
Electric Fuses
A fuse is a safety device. It is a deliberate weak link in a convenient part of the electric
circuit, usually in the form of a cartridge containing a wire which melts and therefore breaks
the circuit when an excessive current flows.
earth terminal BS 1363 plug
cartridge fuse
cap screw
live terminal
neutral terminal
cable grip
A blown fuse should not be replaced with anything else but a new fuse. Do not use:
• A piece of wire.
• A piece of silver paper.
• A small nail.
SECTION
Health and Safety

1 MODULE 81
SHEET 113
Safe Handling
Before using hand-held portable electric tools, you should always:

• Inspect the tool and cable for damage or defects.
• Check cables are not worn or frayed or have exposed wires.
• Check cables are connected to tool correctly.
• Ensure that cables are not in contact with water.
• Make sure your equipment is connected to a 110-volt supply.
• Switch it off if you have to change a drill bit or a sanding disk etc.
• Make sure that the tool fitted with he correct type of plug and fuse?
• Report to your supervisor: If you find any defects do not use the tool.
NOTE:
Because you are not an electrician, you may only carry out basic safety checks, and
you must not attempt to repair any piece of electrical equipment.
You must return it to your supervisor who will ensure the necessary repair work is carried
out by a competent person.
Most electrical equipment has to be checked and tested annually.
Electricity can kill! Take care.

1
SECTION
MODULE 81
• Recent legislation has removed the age limit for operating most electrical equipment. It is
essential, however, that operators are trained and competent.
• Only operators who have been trained, are competent, and have been authorised, are
allowed to operate electrical plant and equipment.
• Any voltage above 110 volts can cause you severe injury from an electric shock.
• Abrasive wheels, if not correctly mounted, can shatter in use. It is essential that only
trained and competent people are allowed to change them.
• Electricity and water is a dangerous mix. If an electrical hand tool becomes wet, a
qualified electrician must check it for safety before being put back into use.
• All faults on electrical hand tools should be reported to your supervisor. Do not attempt
to repair the fault yourself.
• You must only use tools that are suitable when carrying out any work. Regular inspection
will reveal if a tool is becoming unsafe to use for any reason.
• Battery-powered equipment is by far the safest electrical equipment to use from an
electrical safety point of view.
• If you disconnect an electrical power tool from the supply, it cannot be accidentally
started while you are adjusting it.
• It is the user’s responsibility to carry out a brief visual safety check of electrical hand
tools, each time before using them.
• If there is a risk of electric shock. Switch off the power and remove the tool from use.
• As the head mushrooms, the thickness and strength of the spreading metal will be
reduced. Eventually, pieces of the head will become detached.
• If the head of a chisel ‘mushrooms’ it is not safe to use. Tell your supervisor about it.
• Many powered hand tools produce vibration, excessive exposure to which can lead
to vibration white finger.
• The correct PPE must be worn to protect your health from the inhalation of fumes and
the effects of high noise levels.
• Every abrasive wheel has a maximum permitted operating speed. If this is exceeded,
or if the wheel is incorrectly mounted, it may burst when used.
• When working indoors, exhaust ventilation is necessary to prevent the level of dust from
building up to an unacceptable level.
• The best way of protecting trailing cables from damage is to position them out of harm’s
way. The most effective way of achieving this is to route them above head height.
• All RCDs are fitted with test buttons so that the correct operation of the RCD can
be tested periodically.
• If a tool is obviously defective and it should not be used. The supervisor should
be informed.
SECTION
Health and Safety

1 MODULE 81
SHEET 115
• Your employer has a responsibility to ensure that you are trained and competent to
use hand-held tools. Some, like cartridge-operated tools and disc-cutters, are very
dangerous in untrained hands.
SECTION
Health and Safety
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

1 MODULE 9
SHEET 116
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations say that if there is a risk of injury,
and the employer cannot avoid the risk or manage it in any other way, then they must
give employees the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and train them in its
correct use. Employers are not allowed to charge employees for PPE or make them pay for
it. Employees must use PPE properly and report any defects to the employer.
What the law says

• Your employer must try to make the wearing of PPE unnecessary.
• Your employer must provide you with PPE.
• Your employer must train you how to use PPE.
• You must use the PPE provided by your employer.
• You must take care of your PPE.
• You must report lost and damaged PPE to your supervisor.
The hazards
• What parts of the body and which senses can be protected by PPE.
• The possible effects of not wearing PPE.
• The limitations of PPE.
• When PPE should be used or worn.
• What you should do if you are not provided with PPE when you think you should be.
Respiratory protective equipment (RPE)

• When it is necessary to use RPE.
• The different types of RPE and when they should be used.
1
SECTION
MODULE 91
Personal Protective Equipment
Depending on the type of workshop or site situation, the wearing of correct safety clothing,
use of the correct safety equipment, and safe working practices are the best method of
avoiding accidents or injury.
All construction operatives have a responsibility to safeguard themselves and others,

making provision to protect oneself often means wearing the correct protective clothing and
safety equipment.
Your employer is obliged by law to provide the following:

1. Suitable protective clothing for working in the rain, snow, sleet etc.
2. Eye protection or eye shields for dust, sparks or chipping.
3. Respirators to avoid breathing dangerous dust and fume.
4. Sheltered accommodation for use when sheltering from bad weather.
5. Storage accommodation for protective clothing and equipment when not in use.
6. Ear protectors where noise levels cannot be reduced below the required level.
7. Adequate protective clothing when exposed to high levels of lead, lead dust fumes
or paint.
8. Safety helmets for protection against falls of materials or protruding objects.
9. Industrial gloves for handling rough abrasives, sharp and coarse materials, e.g. rough
cast concrete or when using toxic or corrosive materials.
10. Protective footwear where there is risk of injury to the feet.
Lined trousers
Safety boots
Donkey jacket
Knee pads
Safety hat
SECTION
Health and Safety

1 MODULE 91
SHEET 118
Protective Equipment
Although our skin is not proof against knocks, bumps, cuts, acid, alkalis or boiling liquids,
it is waterproof. Even so, we do have to cover up at time to protect ourselves.
Workers in the construction industry are liable to injury or even death if they are not
protected. Because of this, protective clothing has been developed to help prevent injury.
Safety helmets
Whilst on site, there is always a danger of materials or objects falling into excavations
or from scaffolds, and there is also a danger that you will hit your head on protruding
objects. Always wear your safety helmet, which you will have to adjust to fit your head
snugly. Remember the life of a helmet is two years.
Safety footwear
You need to protect your feet against various hazards, including damp, cold, sharp objects,
uneven ground and crushing. Flimsy footwear such as ordinary trainers will not give the
protection required.
Overalls
There are numerous types of clothing produced to wear over your normal clothes for
protection for dust, dirt and grime.
1
SECTION
MODULE 91
Eye Protection
There are, on average, 1000 injuries to people’s eyes every working day. Some injuries are
so severe that they may cause partial or even total blindness. A person’s eyes are very
vulnerable, and an accident or injury can completely change their way of life. The majority
of eye injuries would have been prevented if the correct eye protection had been worn.
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations make provision for the protection
of the eyes of employees at work.
The protection that may be provided includes goggles, visors, spectacles, face screens and
fixed shields. As well as providing protection, suitable signs must be displayed were there is
a chance of anyone sustaining an eye injury.
Wear goggles
Your eyes cannot
be replaced
Types of hazards that can cause eye injuries

The following are some of the hazards and risks that might be encountered in the workplace:
• Using hammers and chisels.
• Handling or coming in contact with corrosive or irritant substances such as acids
and alkalis.
• The use of gas or vapour under pressure.
• Molten metals.
• Instruments which emit light, or lasers.
• Abrasives wheels and materials.
• Chipped or broken tools.
• Work involving welding or burning.
• Work with equipment where radiation is given off.
• Using hammer drills, routers and wood working machines.
SECTION
Health and Safety

1 MODULE 91
SHEET 120
Types of Eye Protectors
Used for general-purpose work including drilling and grinding.
Can be used as an alternative to This offers protection to the face

goggles. These are much lighter in as well as the eyes. It is often
weight and easier to carry used when handling chemicals
and solvents
All work should be assessed to determine what, if any, hazard exists. All eye protectors
must comply with BS EN 166.
In the event of an eye injury:

• If it is a chemical splash, use lots of clean water to wash the eye straightaway.
• Cover the eye with something clean.
• Do not put anything in the eye.
• Immediate medical attention is needed.
• If on site get the site first aider.
1
SECTION
MODULE 91
Face Masks and Respirators
Dust and fumes have long been known as a hazard to health especially when inhaled
for long periods. In recent years, asbestos dust has been identified as a cause of
some cancers.
The greatest problem on site and in the workshop is the problem of dust from common
substances such as wood, cement, stone, and silica. Cutting and grinding of these
materials can often produce large amounts of dust. In general, the dust is too fine to be
seen with the naked eye, but problems and symptoms can manifest in later years. Apart
from causing lung problems, dust can also cause skin irritations and dermatitis.
Fumes from solvents, paints and adhesives can also cause serious health problems,
especially if used in confined or unventilated spaces.
As well as providing protection, suitable signs must be displayed were there is a chance
of anyone coming in contact with dust and fumes from hazardous substances.
Respirators
must be worn
Masks must be
worn when
working here
Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations, the employer must carry
out an assessment to determine when PPE or RPE is required and what type is appropriate
to control the exposure to the hazardous material.
Employees, and others must be protected against the hazards caused by dust and fumes.
SECTION
Health and Safety

1 MODULE 91
SHEET 122
Selecting the Correct Respirator
Selecting the correct type of respirator must be carried out by a competent person, since
the choice will depend upon:
• The nature of the hazard and material.
• The amount of dust present.
• The period of exposure.
• If working out doors, the weather conditions.
• Is the respirator suitable for the user, field of vision, communication etc?
There are many types of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) available including:
• Half dust respirators.
• High efficiency dust respirators.
• Ventilator visor or helmet respirators.
• Compressed air line breathing apparatus.
• Self contained breathing apparatus.
Disposable dust mask High efficiency dust respirator
All work should be assessed to determine what, if any, hazard exists.
REMEMBER! Disposable dust masks are not classed as RPE as they only give limited
protection against large dust particles and none at all against fumes.
1
SECTION
MODULE 91
Gloves
The hands of employees in the construction industry are in constant use and, because of
this, they are at risk when handling materials such as wood, bricks and blocks, and glass.
There are numerous types of industrial gloves, which may be used when handling certain
materials especially in the cold.
Some of the most common types in use are:

• Gloves armoured with staples – used when handling heavy blocks and concrete.
• Leather gauntlets – used when handling glass to give protection to the hand and wrist.
• Lightweight twill gloves – used when handling cement and timber.
• Hide or leather gloves – used for everyday work.
• Rubber, nitrite or latex gloves for painting etc. – or any job that involves oils and liquids.
Gloves with staples Twill gloves
Gauntlets used for handling glass

SECTION
Health and Safety

1 MODULE 9
SHEET 124
• On most sites, all people will wear head protection at all times.
• Your employer has a responsibility to provide you with the required PPE whenever
it s necessary to enable you to do your job in safety. PPE is the last resort; it should only
be issued and used if no other way of combating the hazard can be found.
• Health and safety law forbids your employer from charging you for the PPE that he
provides for your use.
• Safety footwear is an essential item of PPE and should be worn at all times.
• You wear a safety helmet for your own protection. It will offer far less protection if it is not
worn in the right way.
• You have a legal responsibility to wear or use the PPE that your employer has provided.
You cannot decide that you are going to opt out.
• Damaged PPE will probably not provide you with the necessary protection. You should
stop work and report the matter to your supervisor.
• You are just as likely to suffer head injuries during hot weather as at any other time. Keep
your safety helmet on.
• You are likely to suffer eye injuries at any time while drilling steel or masonry. Wear your
eye protection for the duration of the job.
• To be effective, all PPE that you use must be made to a known standard kept in good
condition and be suitable for the user. Health and safety law does not specify the interval
at which safety helmets must be replaced.
• A damaged safety helmet will not offer the required degree of protection.
• Health and safety law places a legal duty on you not to interfere with or misuse anything
provided for your safety, such as PPE.
• Your employer should provide you with whatever PPE is necessary. You have a
responsibility to use it as directed.
• Training is needed in the use of some PPE. If you are not trained, the PPE will not be
effective and you will be exposed to the dangers from which the PPE was supposed to
protect you.
SECTION
Health and Safety
FIRE PREVENTION
1 MODULE 1
SHEET 125
The regulations about fire say that your employer must do what ever they can to reduce
the risk of a fire starting, provide fire alarms, fire escape routes and a suitable number
of fire extinguishers. Fire drills must be held, and anyone who is expected to use a fire
extinguisher must be trained.
Preventing fires
• The three things needed for a fire to start.
• How a fire can spread.
• What you can do to prevent fires starting.
• Which type of work creates a risk of fire.
Fire fighting
• How to recognise the different types of fire extinguisher.
• What types of fire the different types of extinguisher should be used on.
• What you should do if you discover a fire.
Emergency actions
• What you should do if the evacuation alarm starts sounding.
• What an assembly area is.
1
SECTION
MODULE 1
FIRE PREVENTION
Fire
Of the many hazards on site or at work, fires are one of the worst kind. They do a great deal
of damage every year, and people can be killed and injured.
All fires, however small, should be considered dangerous, and reported immediately.
Where there is a fire risk, all necessary precautions must be taken.
Everyone on site or in the work area should be aware of fire drill procedures, and regular
practices should take place to make sure everyone does know the drill procedures.
All fires must be taken seriously, and action taken immediately to prevent harm to people,
If a small fire cannot be controlled quickly, it may become a major fire.
Fire depends on three things. ‘The Fire Triangle’
Heat Oxygen
Fuel
All three elements must be present for the fire to start. If you remove one element, you may
be able to put out the fire.
Fuel
Can be anything that will burn, wood, paper, plastics, furniture. Flammable liquid, paint,
spirits, gas etc.
Oxygen
It is in air in normal conditions and will allow the fire to burn.
Heat
A minimum temperature is needed, but a naked flame, match or spark is sufficient to start
a fire especially if it is in contact with something which will burn.
SECTION
Health and Safety
FIRE PREVENTION
1 MODULE 10
1
SHEET 127
Below is a list of things which may help reduce the risk of fire and people being harmed
if there were a fire:
• Do not smoke at work. If you do smoke, only smoke in designated areas.
• All electrical appliances must be maintained in a safe manner.
• Keep work areas tidy and free from debris.
• Remove any combustible material and store in a safe place.
• Do not store flammable liquids and gases.
• Store flammable materials in metal cupboards.
• Have fire points.
• Have set procedures for fire and evacuation.
• Display signs and notices so that people know what to do.
• Test fire alarms regularly.
• Train employees in the use of fire extinguishers.
Signs to tell people what to do:
FIRE PREVENTION AND ACTION

Fire action
WHAT CAUSES A FIRE
Fires can only exist when these three
AT
FU
HE
EL
elements are combined

OXYGEN KEEP THEM APART
ELECTRICAL HAAZARDS
Switch of electrtical appliances when not in use and
disconnect from mains supply bu removing plugs.
Fire Action
Any person discovering a fire
All electrical plug points, switches and wiring should
be checked regulary
Do not overload sockets 1 Sound the alarm
2 to call the fire brigade
FLAMMABLE MATERIAL / SUBSTANCE 3 Attack the fire if possible using the
Flammable liquids, gas cylinders and the other appliances provided
hazardous chemicals should be kept in a securely
locked store situated away from the main building
On hearing the fire alarm
GAS LEAKS 4 Leave the building by route
On suspision of a gas leak 5 Close all doors behind you
Do not touch any electrical devices which may start
automatically. Do not smoke or use any form of ignition 6 Report to assembly point
that may cause a spark
SMOKING
Smoking must be confined to designated areas only
Make sure cigarettes are disposed of in ashtrays
which should be emptied regulary
FIRE ESCAPE ROUTES

Keep all emergency escape routes clear of goods, Do not take risks
rubbish, bins and other obstructions
Do not return to the building for any reason
Fire door
until authorised to do so
keep shut FIRE DOORS
Make sure all fire doors are shut
1
SECTION
1
MODULE 10
FIRE PREVENTION
If you discover a fire what do you do?

• Raise the alarm.
• If is safe to do so close doors and windows to prevent spreading.
• Evacuate the area, go to your assembly point.
• fight the fire, if you have been trained to do so, but avoid endangering your life.
• Fight fire with fire extinguisher, fire blanket, water or sand as appropriate.
Only persons who are fully trained should carry out the fighting of fires.
Fire fighting should not continue if:

• The fire becomes too dangerous.
• There is a possibility that any escape route might be cut off.
• The fire continues to spread and become out of control.
• There are gas cylinders or other highly flammable materials in the area that cannot be
remove or protected.
The following signs will help you to identify:

• The positions of fire extinguishers and blankets.
• Where fire alarms are positioned.
• Safe routes of exit.
For
use on
Fire
any fires blanket
Fire extinguisher Fire alarm Fire Fire

Keep clear call point alarm telephone
FIRE FIRE
EXIT EXIT
SECTION
Health and Safety
FIRE PREVENTION
1 MODULE 10
1
SHEET 129
Flammable Materials
Many materials, including highly flammable solvents, at the workplace, and there is also
equipment that produces sparks. The combination of the two can cause a fire unless great
care is taken.
Possible causes of fires and explosions in workplaces, and precautions to be taken, are set
out in the tables below.
Solvents
At normal temperature of 15°C the following solvents produce a vapour that will ignite
if exposed to a spark or a flame.
Material Precautions
White spirit, petrol etc. • Do not store near a naked light, or electric power
tool which may cause a spark.
Methylated spirit, thinners • Do not smoke near solvent.
• Do not store solvents in plastic containers.
Solvents and adhesives • Always replace caps or tops to containers
after use.
Amyl – Acetate • Store solvents in metal lockers.
• Display ‘Highly Flammable’ signs in
Acetone and other special chemicals prominent positions.
Paints
Some paints contain solvents, and can produce a vapour at room temperature.
Material Precautions
Varnishes, solvent based wood stains
Oil-based paints • The danger of ignition from these materials

is not as great as with solvents, etc.
Creosote and solvent based wood preserver • If the correct precautions are carried out the
danger of fire and explosion will be
Cellulose paint and most spray can paints greatly reduced.
Epoxy resin
1
SECTION
1
MODULE 10
FIRE PREVENTION
Fire Extinguishers
When using flammable materials, a suitable fire extinguisher must always be kept handy
and ready for use.
Make sure that the extinguisher is the right type for the fire that may occur.
Use of the wrong type can be disastrous.
Before starting work on any job, make sure that the extinguisher operating instructions are
fully understood.
Exits and oxygen

Never work in a position where a fire may block the exit. All fires need an ample supply
of oxygen, if a fire does break out, endeavour to close all windows and doors if it is safe
to do so.
Fire blanket
A fire blanket is useful for wrapping around a person whose clothing is on fire. It may also
be used to smother a small isolated fire.
Sand
Sand is also useful for dealing with small isolated fires, such as burning paint droppings.
Fire hose
Some work areas have fire hoses that connect to a water supply. Unless you have been
trained in the use of a fire hose, do not attempt to use the to control a fire.
Assembly areas
An assembly area is a safe place where you have to go if there is a fire or site evacuation.
Notices on site will say where the assembly area is.
REMEMBER! Be safe and don’t take chances, don’t be a hero – report the fire.
SECTION
Health and Safety
FIRE PREVENTION
1 MODULE 10
1
SHEET 131
The following chart shows which extinguisher should be used for each different type of fire.
Each extinguisher is colour coded for easy recognition, and you should familiarise yourself
with the colour codes and their uses.
Fire extinguisher colour codes
Fire extinguisher
Keep clear
TO BS EN 3 AND BS 7863
Fire risk
Water Foam CO2 Powder

Paper, Wood,
Textile and Fabric
Flammable Liquids
Flammable Gases
Electrical Hazards
Vehicle Protection
1
SECTION
1
MODULE 10
FIRE PREVENTION
FIRE FIRE
EXTINGUISHER EXTINGUISHER
Fire extinguisher Fire extinguisher
TO BS EN 3 & BS 7863Keep clear TO BS EN 3 & BS 7863Keep clear
WATER WATER
For use on wood, paper, textiles,

For use on wood, paper, fabrics
fabrics etc.
and flamable liquids etc.
DO NOT use on DO NOT use on

live electrical or live electrical or
flammable liquids flammable metal
or metal fires fires
SECTION
Health and Safety
FIRE PREVENTION
1 1
MODULE 10
SHEET 133
FIRE FIRE
EXTINGUISHER EXTINGUISHER
Fire extinguisher Fire extinguisher
TO BS EN 3 & BS 7863Keep clear TO BS EN 3 & BS 7863Keep clear
CO2 POWDER
For use on live electrical For use on flamable gases

equipment and flammable liquids
DO NOT use on
wood, paper or DO NOT use on
textiles DO NOT flammable metal
hold horn when fires
operating
1
SECTION
MODULE 10
1
FIRE PREVENTION
Fire extinguishers should be checked by a service engineer at least once every year.
• Older water-type extinguishers are completely red. Newer water extinguishers will also
be red and have a red label. Even if the extinguisher is red, if the label colour is not red
the content is not water.
• Fuel, heat and oxygen, when together, are known as the ‘fire triangle’. Remove any one
of them and a fire cannot start.
• Butane and propane (LPG) cylinders must always be stored upright and with their
valves uppermost.
• You should know where the fire assembly point is on your site. It is essential that
everyone be accounted for in the event of a fire.
• Water and flammable liquids such as burning oil react violently if they come into contact.
Water is for putting out solid fuel fires only.
• There will be a contrasting colour somewhere on the extinguisher. Different
manufacturers put the contrasting colour panel in different places on the extinguisher.
Usually the panel is on the front of the extinguisher.
• Older carbon dioxide extinguishers will be completely black. Newer ones will be red with
a black panel.
• As the extinguisher discharges, the carbon dioxide can cause frost to form on the nozzle.
If you are not careful, you could get a ‘cold burn’.
• Foam will form a blanket over the petrol and keep out the air. The fire, deprived of
oxygen will be extinguished.
• Dry powder smothers a fire.
• Water cools a fire and puts it out.
SECTION
Health and Safety
CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH

1 MODULE 11
1
SHEET 135
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) say the employers
must try and avoid the use of any substance which is hazardous or dangerous to health.
If it has to be used the employer must carry out an assement of the risk and then have
a safe way of working so that no ones health is damaged. This may mean using PPE or
RPE. Employers must train employees in the recognition and safe use of any hazardous
substances which they have to use.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
What the law says

• The actions your employer must take to protect your health from the effects
of harmful substances.
• The actions you must take to protect your own health.
The dangers
• How harmful substances can get into your body.
• The effects that harmful substances can have on your health.
• How to recognise a substance that is harmful to health.
Looking after yourself

• The information that you should have before using a hazardous substance.
• What you should do if you do not have the information.
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MODULE 11
How COSHH Affects You

Whatever your job, you will at some time or another, come into contact with hazardous
substances in one form or another.
Many of the substances used in the construction industry represent a hazard to the health
of the people using them:
• Cement, concrete, gypsum.
• Solvents, thinners.
• Resins, adhesives.
• Acids, alkalis, chemicals.
• Mineral oils, petrol.
Additionally, many processes can generate fumes and dust as hazardous substances:
• Welding.
• Sanding.
• Cutting wood, bricks and stone.
• Painting.
Your company must have a system for assessing and dealing with hazardous
substances in site.
Definitions
Substance means any natural or artificial material, whether solid, liquid or gaseous or
vapour form, and includes micro-organisms.
Hazard is the ability of the substance to cause harm, illness or damage to health.
Risk is the likelihood that the hazardous potential of the substance will be released.
SECTION
Health and Safety

1 1
MODULE 11
SHEET 137
Your employer has to, by law, take certain steps to comply with the COSHH regulations.
These are the steps he must take:

1. Know what products or substances are used in the workplace.
2. Assess the hazards to health they can cause.
3. Eliminate or control the hazards.
4. Devise and make sure that employees have safe systems of work.
5. Give information, instruction and training to employees.
6. Monitor the effectiveness of any controls.
7. Keep records.
The ‘substances’ covered by COSHH also include:

• Most chemicals.
• All poisons .
• Many solids such as timber.
• Pesticides – Herbicides and weed killers.
• Most Gas or Fumes – Welding fumes, Hydrogen Sulphide, Carbon Monoxide
and Carbon Dioxide.
There are exceptions to the Regulations:

1. Work with asbestos and lead, as these are covered by specific regulations.
2. Substances that are a hazard because they are radioactive, explosive or flammable.
3. Substances that are a hazard because they are at a high or low temperature or at
high pressure.
1
SECTION
MODULE 11
1
Responsibilities
On many construction sites, it is common for different contractors to be involved with the
building process, such as main contractors, sub-contractors and self-employed people.
While the main contractor as an employer have a duty to their own employees they will
often insist on seeing the COSHH assessments which sub contractors and self employed
persons have carried out. The main contractor will also want to see what control measures
or safe systems of work there are to control the hazards.
Carrying out an assessment

This is the most important part of the regulations. It is in two parts.
Firstly, an employer must not carry out any work which is liable to expose employees to any
substance which is hazardous to health, unless they have made a suitable and sufficient
assessment of all the risks created by working with the substance.
Secondly, they will need to identify the action to be taken to comply with the requirements
of the regulations.
The steps to be followed by an employer are:

• Identifying tasks or jobs, working processes and procedures, which involve the use of,
or the generation of, substances that are hazardous to health.
• Identify all hazardous substances involved and those that are listed as very toxic, toxic,
harmful, corrosive or irritant.
SECTION
Health and Safety

1 MODULE 11
1
SHEET 139
COSHH Symbols
Toxic
Substances which, in very low or low quantities, cause death
or acute or chronic damage to health when inhaled swallowed
or absorbed via the skin.
TOXIC
Harmful
Substances, which may cause death or acute chronic damage
to health when inhaled, swallowed or absorbed via the skin.
HARMFUL
Corrosive
Substances that may, on contact with living tissue, destroys
or permanently damages them.
CORROSIVE
Irritant
Non-corrosive substances that, through immediate, prolonged or
repeated contact with the skin or mucous membrane, may cause
inflammation or other damage.
IRRITANT
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SECTION
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MODULE 11
Use of Control Measures
Employers
After making a detailed and comprehensive assessment of all hazardous substances, the
employer must make suitable arrangements to prevent or control employees and other
people to which they have a legal responsibility, exposure to hazardous substances.
The employer must have procedures in place that will ensure that measures used to control
exposure to hazardous substances, including items of PPE, are properly used or applied.
These procedures should include regular inspections of the work place and a system to
ensure that, where remedial action is found to necessary, it is promptly taken.
Employees
Employees have a duty to:
• Make full and proper use of any control measure and to wear properly any PPE provided
for use.
• Take care of and look after the PPE or RPE.
• Notify any defects at once to their employer.
These are all common sense measures

Any work with hazardous substances also requires employees to practice a high standard
of personal hygiene for example, by:
• Removing any protective clothing and washing before eating and drinking.
• Making use of shower facilities where provided.
• Storing PPE or RPE equipment and keeping it separate from ordinary clothing.
• Smoking only in designated areas.
SECTION
Health and Safety

1 MODULE 11
1
SHEET 141
Some of the Hazardous Substances in Construction
Health risk
To skin = SK Of irritant to eyes, nose and throat = ENT
By inhalation = IN Of ingestion or swallowing = SW
Substance Risk Jobs Controls

Dusts
Cement SK IN ENT Drilling or cutting, Brickwork, Prevent spread, use protective
Gypsum SK IN ENT rendering clothing, dust mask and
Silica Plastering respirator. Washing facilities,
Sand blasting, grit blasting barrier creams.
Wood dust IN SK ENT Minimise handling, use eye
Mixed dusts IN SK ENT Use of power tools in protection, respirators, gloves.
carpentry, especially sanding
and machining of timber Minimise dust generation, use
dust extraction, dust bags,
dust masks, respirators and
washing facilities.
Fumes and gases
Various welding and IN ENT Welding and cutting metals Mechanical ventilation,
metal cutting fumes respirators, exhaust filters and
from metals and rods extraction of fumes.
Solvents
Paints, adhesives, IN SK SW Many trades especially Breathing apparatus for
strippers, thinners painting, tile fixing spraying, good ventilation,
Spray painting washing facilities and
Cleaning of brushes and barrier creams.
rollers
Resins
Polyurethane paints IN ENT SK SW Decorative surface coating Mechanical ventilation,
Epoxy IN ENT SK SW Strong adhesives respirators, protective
clothing, gloves, washing
facilities barrier cream, regular
skin checks.
Acids and alkalis
SK ENT Cleaning of brickwork and Use weakest solution,
masonry protective clothing, and eye
protection, washing facilities.
Pesticides
Timber preservatives, IN SK ENT SW Particularly timber treatment Use least toxic material,
fungicides, weed Treated timber mechanical ventilation, gloves,
killers in confined spaces breathing
apparatus, washing facilities,
skin checks.
1
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MODULE 11
• The COSHH Regulations specify the precautions that your employer and you must take
to protect your health from the effects of harmful substances.
• Long term exposure to asbestos dust can cause cancer and asbestosis.
• If you think that you have discovered asbestos while working, you must stop work and
inform your supervisor immediately.
• If a substance is corrosive, it means that contact with exposed skin will cause burns.
You must take the necessary precautions to protect exposed skin when using it.
• If a substance can be harmful to your health you must take the precautions listed on
the COSHH assessment if you are going to use it.
• If a substance can be harmful to the environment it will damage or kill plants and/or
wildlife and could be harmful to humans if it got into the water supply.
• If a substance is toxic, it means it could kill. Remember the skull and crossbones means
possible death.
• Remember the black cross means danger. The substance is harmful, which means that
it could damage your health.
• An unmarked substance could be anything. Always take the safe course of action and
assume that it is dangerous. Report the matter to your supervisor.
• A good standard of personal hygiene is an effective and sensible way of ensuring that
you do not ingest any hazardous substances that you are using.
• The inhalation (breathing in) of asbestos fibres can cause cancer and asbestosis.
Exposure to the other substances can cause skin problems.
• The COSHH assessment should contain all the information on the dangers involved in
using the substance, and the precautions to be taken. Some information will also be on
the container.
• Your employer has a duty to ensure that all hazardous substances are assessed before
being used. The foreman or supervisor must hold the assessments on site, usually.
SECTION
Health and Safety
FIRST AID
1 MODULE 1
SHEET 143
The Health and Safety (First Aid) at Work Regulations say that employers must have
arrangement for anyone who has an accident at work or becomes ill. First aid kits must
be provided and in most workplaces some employees have to be trained first aiders.
What the law says

• What your employer must do to provide adequate first aid equipment and trained
first aiders.
• What you must do to look after yourself.
First aid on site

• When you should enter details of an accident in the accident book.
• What actions you should take if you discover an accident.
• What things you should definitely not do if you find someone who has been injured.
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MODULE 12
FIRST AID
First Aid in the Workplace
People at work can suffer injuries or become ill

It does not matter whether the injury or the illness is caused by work. What is important is
that they receive immediate attention and an ambulance is called in serious cases.
The Health and Safety (First Aid) at Work Regulations requires employers to:
• Provide adequate first aid equipment and facilities appropriate to the type of
work undertaken.
• Appoint a sufficient number of suitable and trained people to render first aid to
employees injured or who become ill at work (First Aiders).
• Appoint a sufficient number of suitable people who, in the temporary absence of a first
aider, will be capable of dealing with and injured or ill employee and of taking charge of
first aid equipment and facilities.
• Inform employees of the first aid arrangements, including the location of equipment and
personnel. This will require that notices be posted and signs displayed.
What is adequate and appropriate to the type of work will depend on the circumstances in
your workplace but:
There should always be a minimum provision on any work site and that provision is:
• A suitably stocked first aid box.
• A trained first aider.
• An appointed person to take charge of first aid arrangements.
A first aider must have received training and hold a current first aid certificate issued by an
organisation or employer approved by the Health and Safety Executive.
A first aider can undertake the duties of an appointed person.
An appointed person is someone who has been authorised by management to take charge
of a situation, e.g. to call an ambulance if there is a serious illness or injury.
They will act in the absence of the trained first aider or in situations where the first aider is
not required.
Emergency first aid training should be a priority for all appointed persons
Appointed persons should not be regarded as alternative to first aiders, other than on sites
employing less than five employees where no special hazards exist and where there is easy
access to outside emergency facilities.
SECTION
Health and Safety
FIRST AID
1 MODULE 12
1
SHEET 145
Equipment and Facilities
Location of first aid facilities

It is essential that all employees should have quick and easy access to first aid facilities.
Where employees are working in large numbers, and in fairly close proximity, the facilities
should be centralised in that area.
Where employees are spread out, it would be necessary to distribute first aiders and
emergency equipment accordingly. All employees must be aware of the location of first aid
facilities and arrangements for providing treatment.
To ensure employees know where the facilities are the facilities must be clearly marked with
a white cross on a green background, in accordance with the Health and Safety (Safety
Signs and Signals) Regulations.
First aid
Your first aiders are
Emergency
First aid eye wash
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MODULE 12
FIRST AID
First aid boxes

Every employer must provide one or more first aid boxes. They should be strategically
placed, in easily accessible places, and clearly marked. Apart from first aid boxes being
marked, the position and location of supplementary equipment should also be marked with
clear signs indicating what equipment is available.
First aid Stretcher

box
Breathing
apparatus
The first aid box should contain first aid equipment and nothing else, and it should be
a strong container, which should protect the contents from dust and damp. Medicines,
pressure bandages, dirty dressings and homemade remedies must not be kept in the first
aid box.
Medicines and pain killers such as aspirin and paracetomol which are on general sale, are
not first aid items. The exclusion of these medicines from the first aid box will ensure that
nothing is given to an injured or ill person that will worsen their condition.
SECTION
Health and Safety
FIRST AID
1 MODULE 12
1
SHEET 147
Content of a small First Aid Box
Number Item
1 Guidance leaflet ‘First Aid at Work’
20 Individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings (assorted sizes)
2 Sterile eye pads, with attachment
4 Individually wrapped triangular bandages
6 Safety pins
Medium - sized, individually wrapped sterile, un-medicated wound dressings

6
(Approx. 12cm x 12cm)
Large sterile, individually wrapped sterile, un-medicated wound dressings

2
(Approx. 18cm x 18cm)
10 Individually wrapped, moist cleaning wipes
1 Disposable gloves
First aid
In the event of accident/illness
1 Call a first aider
2 Nearby a first aid box
3 Sick bay,
for use contact
location
To call an ambulance
4 By Day: Dial
State condition and location of casualty.
Telephonist to call ambulance.
5 By night and at weekends:
Dial
Ask for ambulance and give details.
Inform security guard
1
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MODULE 12
FIRST AID
General Frst Aid Guidance
First aid is a skill requiring training and practice. You should not attempt to give first aid
if you have not been trained.
If you have been trained, then giving first aid it is vital that you assess the situation
and that you:
• Take care not to become a casualty yourself while administering first aid.
• Send for help where necessary don’t delay.
• Follow the advice below.
Advice on treatment
If the assistance of medical personnel is required, send for a doctor or send for an
ambulance immediately.
Where an ambulance is called, arrangements should be made for it to be directed to the

whereabouts of the injured person.
SECTION
Health and Safety
FIRST AID
1 MODULE 12
1
SHEET 149
An example of a poster you may see on site

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MODULE 12
FIRST AID
Bleeding
If bleeding is more than minimal call a first aider immediately. They will control it by direct
pressure on a pad of sterilised dressing or, if necessary, direct pressure with fingers or
thumb on bleeding point. Raising a limb if the bleeding is sited there will reduce the flow
of blood (unless the limb is fractured).
Unconsciousness
Where the patient is unconscious, care must be taken to keep the airway open. This will be
done by the first aider clearing the mouth and ensuring that the tongue does not block the
back of the throat may do this. Where possible the patient should be placed in the
recovery position.
Recovery position
Broken bones
If someone has, or may have, broken bones or a head injury do not move them unless you
have got to get them out of danger. Call the first aider or medical help straight away.
Burn and scalds

Very small burns and scalds can be treated by flushing the affected areas with lots of clean,
cool water before a first aider puts on a sterilised dressing. Where the burn is large or deep
urgent medical attention is needed, simply apply a sterile dressing.
Never burst blisters or remove clothing sticking to a burn or scald.

SECTION
Health and Safety
FIRST AID
1 MODULE 12
1
SHEET 151
Chemical burns
Certain chemicals can irritate or damage the skin. Chemical burns can be treated by the
first aider in the same way as burns. It is important to irrigate the burn area continuously
even on the way to hospital. Call the first aider immediately.
Eye injuries
Eye injuries are potentially dangerous and first aider have been trained have been trained
to deal with them. Do not try to remove anything that is in the eye
All serious eye injuries must be sent to hospital. If chemicals are involved, the eye must be
flushed with cool water or sterile fluid and then covered with an eye pad.
Electric shock
Make sure the current is switched off. If this is impossible, free the person, using
heavy-duty insulation gloves or something that is made of rubber or a piece of material that
is a poor conductor. Be careful not to touch the patient’s skin before the current is switched
off. Call the first aider if breathing fails or has stopped, they will start resuscitation and
continue until normal breathing is restored.
Gassing
Move the patient to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, the first aider will start resuscitation
until breathing is restored. If the patient has to go to hospital, the first aider will make sure
a note of the gas involved is sent with the patient.
Record book
All injuries must be recorded in the accident book.
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MODULE 12
FIRST AID
The taking of medicines must only be authorised by a nurse or doctor.
• Aspirins and other pain-relieving tablets must not be left in a first aid box. This could lead
to someone taking more than the safe dose.
• If your skin is intact it is very good at keeping bacteria out of your body. Look after it and
it will look after you.
• The first priority of a first aider must be to restore breathing. If this does not happen, the
casualty will die.
• You can comfort the casualty, and may have to offer other assistance to the best of your
ability, once you know that qualified help is on the way.
• Attention to broken bones needs qualified help. Once you have sent for the first aider,
you can comfort the casualty but without tending to their injury.
• We only get one set of eyes and must look after them. Getting qualified help as soon as
possible is essential.
• A puncture wound where a splinter entered the skin will probably need medical attention.
Get to qualified help.
• You have no way of knowing how serious the stomach complaint might be.
Get qualified help.
• You may find that there are other ways in which you can assist, once you know that
qualified help is on the way.
• You have no way of knowing whether the dizziness is the symptom of a more serious
problem. You must ensure that qualified help is summoned.
• Qualified help must attend to all puncture wounds. You have no way of knowing what
infection will get into the wound.
• There could be delayed health problems that arise some time after the electric shock.
It is best to play it safe and get qualified help.
• Serious back injuries can be disabling, and it is essential that the correct actions be
taken after such an incident. You must ensure that qualified help is obtained.
• With any acid splash, speed of treatment is essential. The acid will be burning the skin
until it is washed off. If possible place the hand under running water for several minutes.
The first aider must of course be sent for.
• With burns, speed of treatment is essential. Efforts must be made to cool and soothe the
burn. If possible place the hand under running water for several minutes. The first aider
must of course be sent for.
SECTION
Health and Safety
SAFETY SIGNS AND SIGNALS

1 MODULE 1
SHEET 153
The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations give the colours and shapes
for all safety signs etc, say when and where signs and signals must be used, and what they
all mean. Employers must ensure that employees understand what the signs and
signal mean.

• How to recognise and be aware of the importance of:
> Prohibition signs.
> Warning signs.
> Mandatory signs.
> Safe condition signs.
• The meaning of the common safety signs found on site.
• The signals you may see being used.
• What you must do to comply with these signs and signals.
1
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MODULE 13
Safety Signs
As you go about your work on the building or construction site, you will see various signs
and notices.
Extremely
Danger
flammable
keep out
It is extremely important that you are aware of these notices, what they mean, and what you
should do when you see one.
Sometimes they may be just a symbol.
Others may provide extra information.
CAUTION
Heavy plant
crossing
SECTION
Health and Safety

1 MODULE 13
1
SHEET 155
Safety signs fall into FIVE separate categories, which can be recognised, by their shape
and colour.
Prohibition
A red circular band with
diagonal cross bar on a
white background, the No
symbol within the circle to be
black denoting a safety sign
smoking
that indicates that a certain
behaviour is prohibited
Hazard
A yellow triangle with black
border and symbol within the DANGER
yellow area denoting a safety High voltage
sign that gives a warning of
a hazard.
Mandatory
A blue circle with white
symbol denoting a sign that
Wear goggles
indicates that a specific
Your eyes cannot
course of action must
be replaced
take place.
Safe condition
A green oblong or square
with symbol or text in white First aid
denoting a safety sign
providing information about
box
a safe condition.
Fire Equipment
A red oblong or square with
symbol in white denoting Fire hose
a safety sign that indicates
the location of reel
fire-fighting equipment.
1
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MODULE 13
Here is a selection of different signs from the five main categories.
No No entry No exit
smoking
HIGHLY EXTREMELY
CORROSIVE
EXPLOSIVE OXIDIZING FLAMABLE FLAMABLE
First aid VERY HAZARDOUS TO

TOXIC TOXIC HARMFUL IRRITANT THE ENVIRONMENT
DANGER DANGER DANGER

110 Volts 230 Volts 400 Volts
0152 - 930 1630
Fire extinguisher
Do not remove
Fire Fire
from this location point extinguisher
SECTION
Health and Safety

1 MODULE 13
1
SHEET 157
Signals
There are a British Standard and a set of regulations which both contain a set of signals
which can be given by hand to the drivers of things like lorries, dumpers, cranes,
excavators, JCBs, and earth moving equipment.
You are not allowed to give any signals unless you have been trained in how to do it
properly, because if you give the wrong signal you could easily cause an accident.
The two sets of signals are slightly different and so it is important that the users of the
signals know what they mean, and when someone is giving them a signal, which set of
signals they are using.
This is what the signals in the British Standard look like.
Clench and unclench

fingers to signal ‘inch
the load’
Operations start Stop Emergency stop Hoist

(Follow my instructions)
Lower slowly Lower Slew in direction indicated

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MODULE 13
Signal with one hand Signal with one hand

other hand on head other hand on head
Jib up Jib down Extend Job Retract Job
Travel to me Travel from me Travel in direction indicated
Derricking jib Telescoping jib
Signal with both hands
Operations cease or cease

to follow my instructions
SECTION
Health and Safety

1 MODULE 1
SHEET 159
This is what the signals look like in the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and SIgnals)
Regulations.
Meaning Description Illustration
a) General SIgnals
Start Both arms are extended

Attention horizontally with the
Start of command palms facing forwards
Stop The right arm points

Interruption upwards with the palm
End of movement facing upwards
End Both hands are clasped

of the operation at chest height
b) Vertical Movements
The right arm points

upwards with the palm
Raise
facing forwards and
slowly makes a circle
1
SECTION
MODULE 1
The right arm points

downwards with the
Lower
palm facing inwards
and slowly makes
a circle
The hands indicate the

Vertical distance
relevent distance
c) Horizontal Movement
Both arms are bent with the

Move forwards
palms facing upwards, and
the forearms make slow
movements towards the body
Both arms are bent with the

palms facing downwards,
Move backwards and the forearms make slow
movements away from
the body
The right arm is extended

more or less horizontally with
Right
the palm facing downwards
to the signaller’s
and slowly makes small
movements to the right
SECTION
Health and Safety

1 MODULE 13
1
SHEET 161
The left arm is extended

more or less horizontally
Left
with the palm facing
to the signaller’s
downwards and slowly
makes small movements to
the left
The hands indicate the

Horizontal distance
relevant distance
d) Danger
Both arms point upwards with

Danger
the palms facing forwards
Emergency stop
Quick All movements faster

Slow All movements slower
SECTION
Health and Safety
STUDENT ACTIVITY
1 SHEET 162
Health and safety at work (general)

(Please write letter in the box opposite)
1. Whose responsibility is health and safety on site?

a) The client and main contractor only.
b) Self-employed contractors only and employees.
c) Employers, employees and sub-contractors.
d) Everyone on site no matter who employs them.
2. Accidents are best prevented by:

a) The Health and Safety Executive.
b) Employers inspecting workplaces.
c) People being aware of hazards and working in a safe manner.
d) The site manager.
3. Which of the following could be prosecuted for an offence under

the Health and Safety at Work Act?
a) Employers and employees.
b) Members of the public.
c) Visitors.
d) Bystanders.
4. Banding around a load and pallet should be cut by using:

a) A trowel.
b) A spade.
c) Wire-cutters or snips.
d) A scaffold pole.
5. The Health and Safety at Work Act requires employers to

provide what for their employees?
a) Payment for work.
b) Tea breaks in the day.
c) A safe place of work.
d) Transport to work.
6. Who would you expect to carry out a risk assessment on your site?
a) A competent person.
b) A police officer.
c) An HSE inspector.
d) The person who owns the site.
1
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STUDENT ACTIVITY
Accident reporting and emergency procedures

1. When a person is injured at work, who should make an entry in the accident book?
a) The site manager or engineer.
b) The injured person or anyone acting for them.
c) The injured person’s supervisor.
d) The safety advisor.
2. Why should you report an accident?

a) It is a legal requirement.
b) It helps the site find out who caused it.
c) So that the site manager can see who is to blame.
d) So that your company will be held responsible.
3. Which two of the following could you do to find out what is the site emergency
phone number?
a) Attend a site induction.
b) Read the site noticeboards.
c) Seek guidance from the Health and Safety Executive.
d) Seek guidance from your trade union.
e) Look in the telephone directory.
4. Accidents causing any injury should always be recorded in:

a) The main contractor’s diary.
b) The sub-contractors diary.
c) The site engineer’s day book.
d) The accident report book.
5. You have witnessed an accident on your site, and are to be interviewed by

an HSE inspector. Should you:
a) Ask your supervisor what you should say to the inspector.
b) Co-operate fully with the inspector and explain exactly what you saw.
c) Tell the inspector what your mates told you to say.
d) Don’t say anything.
SECTION
Health and Safety
STUDENT ACTIVITY
1 SHEET 164
Accident reporting and emergency procedures (continued)

6. Your mate tells you that he witnessed an accident the previous day, which resulted in the
victim being taken to hospital. He asks for your advice on what he should do. Do you tell
him to:
a) Telephone the hospital to see how the injured person is.
b) Speak to the site nurse about what he saw.
c) Tell his supervisor that he saw what happened.
d) Say nothing to anyone in case he gets someone into trouble.
1
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STUDENT ACTIVITY
Accident prevention
1. What is the main cause of accidents?

a) Unsafe conditions where safe people are working.
b) Unsafe people who create unsafe conditions.
c) Unsafe people working in safe conditions.
d) Safe people working in unsafe conditions.
2. Complete the following sentence: A risk assessment

a) is a piece of paper required by law.
b) prevents accidents.
c) is a means of seeing what might go wrong.
d) isn’t particularly useful.
3. Why should high visibility vests be worn when working on roads?

a) So road users and plant operators can see you.
b) So that your mates can see you.
c) Because you were told to.
d) Because it will keep you warm.
4. If the wooden shaft on a hammer has started to split, what should you do?
a) Tape it up.
b) Put it back in the tool box.
c) Do not use it. Tell your supervisor.
d) Cut the bad bit out.
5. If you knew that you had caused an accident, what do you think your reaction
might be?
a) No reaction really, accidents happen all the time.
b) You might think about the dead workmate now and again.
c) You might think about it for a couple of days then forget about it.
d) A feeling of guilt and loss of credibility with your other workmates.
6. Often a series of minor, apparently unconnected events combine to

result in a serious accident. What if the following is a way of avoiding this?
a) Ensure the job is well-planned and carried out by experienced operatives.
b) Carry out the job even if it has not been properly planned.
c) Carry out the job in a rush to get it finished.
d) Use only inexperienced operatives to do the job.
SECTION
Health and Safety
STUDENT ACTIVITY
1 SHEET 166
Health and hygiene

1. Which of the following animals are the main carriers of, or the main
cause of, Weil’s disease?
a) Cats.
b) Sheep.
c) Rats.
d) Rabbits.
2. If your hands are very dirty, which of the following should you use
to get them clean?
a) Soap and water.
b) Thinners.
c) White spirit.
d) Paraffin.
3. How would you recognise a hazardous substance?

a) By a symbol on the container.
b) By its smell.
c) It will be in a metal container.
d) The colour of the label on the container.
4. What are the two main ways that solvents can enter the body?
a) Absorption through the skin.
b) Inhalation of the vapour.
c) Ingestion.
d) Puncture wound.
e) Eating.
5. When working with cement or concrete, why is it important to wash

your hands regularly?
a) To keep them soft and supple.
b) To prevent dermatitis.
c) Because the boss told you to.
d) So that the cement does not set on your hands.
1
SECTION
STUDENT ACTIVITY
Health and hygiene (continued)

6. If you have been handling lead, how is it most likely to get into your
blood stream?
a) By not using the correct safety footwear.
b) By not washing your hands before eating.
c) By not reporting the matter to the HSE.
d) By not wearing safety goggles.
SECTION
Health and Safety
STUDENT ACTIVITY
1 SHEET 168
Manual handling
1. Before lifting or moving a load you should:

a) Bend your knees.
b) Assess the weight .
c) Keep a straight back.
d) Put on gloves.
2. In making a judgement of ‘individual capability’ for manual

handling, you should assume:
a) All men are equally capable.
b) All women are equally capable.
c) Young men are weak.
d) All people are different.
3. When performing manual lifting, what is the first thing you should do?
a) Weigh the article.
b) Kick it to see if it is stable.
c) Assess the whole task.
d) Check for head room.
4. What should you ensure if you suffer an injury through a manual handling operation?
a) You get paid for the job.
b) The injury is reported and recorded.
c) You take time off work.
d) You get help and carry on working.
5. If there is a risk of injury from manual handling, what should an employer think about?
a) How to lift the load.
b) What the weight of the load is.
c) Where to hold the load when lifting.
d) Whether the load needs to be lifted at all.
6. If the load has an uneven centre of gravity, how should you lift it?
a) Keep the heaviest side of the load towards you.
b) Keep the heaviest side of the load away from you.
c) Keep the heaviest side of the load on the strongest arm.
d) Keep the heaviest side of the load on the weakest arm.
1
SECTION
STUDENT ACTIVITY
Working at height
1. Why should ladders not be painted?

a) The paint will make them slippery to use.
b) The paint may cover a defect or damaged part of the ladder.
c) The paint may not be suitable on metal parts of the ladder.
d) Regular re-painting will be necessary.
2. If a ladder gives access to a working platform that is 4 metres

above the ground, how far out should the bottom of the ladder be?
a) 1 metre out.
b) 2 metres out.
c) 3 metres out.
d) 4 metres out.
3. Why should aluminium ladders be kept away from wet lime or cement?
a) Because it may burn the extending rope.
b) Because it may corrode the ladder.
c) Because it will make the ladder slippery.
d) Because it will stain the aluminium.
4. If bricks are to be stacked on a scaffold platform

a) Brick guards should always be provided.
b) Brick guards are not required.
c) They should not be stacked more than five bricks high.
d) An area below should be kept clear.
5. A scaffold tower must only be erected by:

a) Scaffolders or trainee scaffolders.
b) Competent individuals.
c) The site foreman.
d) The hire company who supply it.
6. A ladder access to a scaffold is ok to use provided:

a) It is tied and extends about five rungs above the platform.
b) Any broken rungs are clearly marked.
c) The foot of the ladder is firmly wedged.
d) It does not move when you climb up it.
SECTION
Health and Safety
STUDENT ACTIVITY
1 SHEET 170
Working with electricity

1. What is the maximum safe voltage for mains operated portable electrical tools on site?
a) 12volts.
b) 24volts.
c) 110volts.
d) 240volts.
2. If you see concrete tiles in an excavation, this could be a sign of:

a) Underground electrical cables.
b) A drain or a sewer.
c) An old graveyard or churchyard.
d) Rubble from an old building.
3. When working near overhead power cables that are carried on wooded poles,
what is the minimum distance that plant and equipment should be kept from them?
a) 3 metres.
b) 4.5 metres.
c) 6 metres.
d) 9 metres.
4. What is the recommended maximum voltage for general use on site?

a) 50 volts.
b) 75 volts.
c) 110 volts.
d) 230 volts.
5. What is used to reduce 240 volts to 110 volts on site?

a) A residual current device.
b) A transformer.
c) A circuit breaker.
d) A step down generator.
6. What colour cable usually signifies 110 volts power on site?

a) Black.
b) Red.
c) Blue.
d) Yellow.
1
SECTION
STUDENT ACTIVITY
Use of hand-held equipment and tools

1. Hand and power tools must be:

a) Made available when needed.
b) The best that you can buy.
c) Painted in your company identification colours.
d) Suitable for the task and regularly inspected.
2. The electric drill you are about to use has a faulty on/off switch.
What action should you take?
a) Tape the switch on to keep it running and carry on working.
b) Try and fix the fault.
c) Stop work and inform your supervisor.
d) Find another machine and carry on working.
3. What must you do if your supervisor tells you to use a disc-cutter and you
have never used one before?
a) Get on with it; it shouldn’t be a problem.
b) Ask your mate if he knows how to use it.
c) Tell your supervisor that you have not been trained to use it.
d) Look around for someone else using one so that you can train yourself.
4. What does the symbol illustrated mean when you see it on electrical hand tools?
BRITISH
a) It gives off a loud noise.
TO
ST
ROVED
b) It is double insulated.
ANDARD
c) It is safe to use in wet areas.

PP
A
d) It was built in England.

B.S. 2769. 1984
5. When mains voltage is used, what precautions can be taken to

reduce the risk from electric shock?
a) Use a generator.
b) Use a step down transformer.
c) Fit a residual current device.
d) Provide operatives with rubber gloves and footwear.
SECTION
Health and Safety
STUDENT ACTIVITY
1 SHEET 172
Personal protective equipment

1. When must an employer provide personal protective equipment?

a) Twice a year.
b) If the health and safety plans or method statement requires it.
c) If the client or main contractor has put it in the contract.
d) When a hazard cannot be eliminated in any other way.
2. When should you wear a safety helmet on site?

a) When you are out in the open air.
b) At all times.
c) Only when something may fall.
d) When walking to and from a place of work.
3. If you’re drilling into concrete with a masonry drill, when will you
need to wear eye protection?
a) Always.
b) Only if the drill bit is bigger then 10mm.
c) Only when drilling overhead.
d) Not if drilling into the floor.
4. Which type of eye protection would you wear when using a cartridge-operated tool?
a) Sun glasses.
b) Dust glasses.
c) Chemical goggles.
d) Impact goggles.
5. You have been asked to carry out a job which requires you to wear a safety harness.
You have never used one before. What should you do?
a) Tell your supervisor that you don’t know how to use it and will need training.
b) Try to work it out for yourself and hope that everything will be alright.
c) Ask your mate if he knows how to use it.
d) Read the instructions in the harness box.
6. You are carrying out an indoor job using a strong-smelling hazardous solvent, but have
not been provided with any respiratory protective equipment (RPE). What should you do?
a) Just get on and do the job.
b) Tell your supervisor that you will need the correct RPE.
c) Carry out the job but take a break now and again.
d. Sniff the solvent to see if it has any ill effects on you.
1
SECTION
STUDENT ACTIVITY
Fire prevention
1. What is contained in a fire extinguisher that is red or has a red label?

a) Carbon dioxide.
b) Foam.
c) Water.
d) Dry powder.
2. For fires involving spilled petrol, which fire extinguisher should you use?
a) Foam.
b) Water.
c) Carbon dioxide.
d) Vaporizing liquid.
3. Which two of the following work activities are likely to need a hot work permit?
a) Cutting out redundant copper piping with an angle grinder.
b) Soldering pipe work in a central heating system.
c) Refuelling a diesel dump truck.
d) Replacing an empty LPG cylinder with a full one.
e) Working at night using halogen flood lights.
4. Where would you go in the event of a fire?

a) To the canteen for a cup of tea.
b) To the fire assembly point.
c) To the site hut.
d) To the fire to see what is going on.
5. What should you do if you hear the fire alarm?

a) Ignore it because it might be someone playing about.
b) Go towards the sound to find out what is going on.
c) Evacuate the premises to a designated place of safety.
d) Leave work for the day.
6. A carbon dioxide extinguisher puts out a fire by:

a) Getting rid of the heat.
b) Excluding the oxygen.
c) Removing the fuel .
d) Damping down.
SECTION
Health and Safety
STUDENT ACTIVITY
1 SHEET 174
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

1. What does the illustration mean in connection with substances hazardous to health?
a) The substance is known to be harmful.
b) The substance is known to be toxic.
c) The substance is known to be corrosive.
CORROSIVE
d) The substance is known to be irritant.
2. What does the illustration mean in relation to a chemical substance?
a) The substance is known to be harmful.
b) The substance is known to be toxic.
c) The substance is known to be corrosive.
d) The substance is known to be dangerous to the environment. TOXIC
3. If you find an unmarked bottle containing an unknown substance, you should:

a) Smell it to see what it is.
b) Put it in the bin to get rid of it.
c) Put it in the site store out of harm’s way.
d) Report it to your site supervisor.
4. Which of the following does/do not cause skin problems?

a) Asbestos.
b) Bitumen.
c) Epoxy resins.
d) Solvents.
1
SECTION
STUDENT ACTIVITY
Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) (continued)

5. In what two places would you expect to find health and safety information
for a hazardous substance you are about to use?
a) In the site diary.
b) On the purchase order.
c) On the container.
d) In the accident book.
e) On the COSHH assessment.
6. What purpose does a COSHH assessment serve?

a) Provides the site manager with details of the product.
b) Advises how the product should be used on site.
c) Shows the hazards and risks to the health of users.
d) Advises what the product contains and how to use it.
SECTION
Health and Safety
STUDENT ACTIVITY
1 SHEET 176
First aid
1. Which of the following should not be in a first aid box?

a) Triangular bandage.
b) Assorted plasters.
c) Safety pins.
d) Aspirins.
2. If someone has fallen off a ladder, and they say their leg is broken,
what should you do?
a) Help them to the cabin or mess hut.
b) Bandage their legs together.
c) Send for the first aider.
d) Move the ladder so no-one trips over it.
3. An employee has a fall and is obviously unconscious.

What is the first thing you should do?
a) Put them in the recovery position.
b) Send someone for the first aider
c) Try and protect them from any further injury.
d) Find out if there are any witnesses.
4. A labourer gets an electric shock, looks a bit pale, but says they are all right
What should you do?
a) Go and check the electrics so it cannot happen again.
b) See if they want a drink or a cigarette.
c) Tell them to report it to their supervisor.
d) Send someone for the first aider.
5. Someone gets some acid splashed on his or her hand. What should you do?
a) Send someone for the first aider.
b) Find some water to wash the acid off.
c) Cover their hand with a clean cloth.
d) Remove any clothing that is contaminated.
1
SECTION
STUDENT ACTIVITY
First aid (continued)

6. If someone has been overcome by fumes while working in a manhole, you should:
a) Get someone to lower you into the manhole on a rope.
b) Jump into the manhole and try to pull them out.
c) Phone for an ambulance.
d) Call for urgent assistance so that the rescue plan can be implemented.
SECTION
Health and Safety
STUDENT ACTIVITY
1 SHEET 178
Safety signs and signals

1. When used on site, what is the meaning of this sign?
a) Wear eye protection.
b) Eye wash station.
c) Risk of splashes getting into the eyes.
d) Look out for sprinklers.
2. What does this sign tell you?
a) Hearing protection advisable.
b) Ear protection must be worn.
c) Keep noise to a minimum.
d) Noisy machinery in this area.
3. When used on site, what does this sign mean?

a) Fire-alarm call point.
b) Fire-hose reel.
c) Turn key to open.
Fire d) Not to be used in case of fire.
point
4. What do blue and white safety signs tell you?

a) Things you must do.
b) The nearest fire exit.
c) The hazards in the area.
d) Things you must not do.
5. What is the meaning of this sign?

a) Smoking allowed.
b) Very toxic material.
c) No smoking.
VERY d) Smoke-free rest area.
TOXIC
1
SECTION
STUDENT ACTIVITY
Safety signs and signals (continued)

6. Identify the meaning of each of the following symbols:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
SECTION
Health and Safety
STUDENT ACTIVITY
1 SHEET 180
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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1
SECTION
STUDENT ACTIVITY
_________________________________________________________________
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