Health and Safety Flashcards
Explain your understanding of the term HSE
- ‘Health and Safety Executive’
- UK national authority for managing work related health, safety and illness issues
Acts in public interest to reduce work related issues by ensuring risks are properly managed
Also support businesses to change and adapt in order to remain compliant with occupational health and safety legislation
What is the considerate constructor’s scheme?
A not for profit independent organisation
Aims to improve the image of the construction industry
Encourages contractors and their supply chain to implement best practice in site operations and engagement with surrounding communities
Eg by promoting cleanliness of building sites, minimising noise pollution, engaging with local communities, etc
What kinds of incidents are the causation of most deaths within the construction industry?
Falls from height
What is the biggest cause of long term health issues in the construction industry?
Breathing in Hazardous Dust and Fumes
What does the Beaufort scale measure?
Wind speed
Very significant when working at height
When are visitors most likely to have an accident on a construction site?
When they first arrive on a new site
What should you do if you find an injured person on site
Assess the situation first without putting yourself in immediate danger
Call emergency services if serious
Raise the alarm and call for help`
What is the ‘Health and Safety Work Act 1974’?
Primark UK legislation governing H&S
Sets out duties for employers, self-employer persons, persons in control of premises, employees, manufacturers and suppliers
Must safe guard H&S of employees and public who may be affected by their work
Enforced by HSE - penalties can include fines and imprisonment
What are the ‘Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999’?
Requires employers to carry out risk assessments, make arrangements to implement necessary measures, appoint competent people and arrange for appropriate information and training
What are the key implications of the updates to CDM-2015 regulations?
More focus on clients to put in place arrangements to ensure health and safety
Clients can no longer assign their legal responsibilities to agents
Must be a declaration of how long contractors will be given to plan and prepare for construction work
Clients deemed principal contractor or CDM co-ordinator for any period during which other appointments aren’t made
What are the key implications for cost consultants?
If they specify materials, working methods or prepare specifications they will be deemed to be designers
Means they have to comply with
What are the key implications for cost consultants?
If they specify materials, working methods or prepare specifications they will be deemed to be designers
Means they have to comply with obligations for designers, under the regulations
What would you usually find in the pre construction information pack?
Project description
Client’s considerations and management requirements (hoarding, welfare, facilities, traffic restrictions, permit to work, etc)
Environmental restrictions and existing on-site risks (site restrictions, previous H&S files, ground conditions, existing services, asbestos surveys, contamination, unsafe structures, etc)
Significant design and construction hazards (design risks assessments, suggested method statements, etc)
Health and Safety file requirements`
What would you find in the Construction Phase Plan?
Project Description
Management of the works (site induction, training, communication, welfare facilities, design coordination, site rules, emergency procedures, etc)
Arrangements for controlling significant site risks
Health and Safety File proposals
What would you find in the H&S file?
Any health and safety information that would be useful for the planning of future works or maintenance
A brief description of the work carried out
Any residual hazards which remain and how they have been dealt with
Key structural principles
Reference to hazardous materials used