Electricity Asset Services LTD Health and Safety Policy
Foreword
Without controls the electrical utilities industry is a potentially dangerous place to work with hazards such as electricity, working at height, movement of vehicles and plant, weather conditions and the local environment presenting very real everyday risks.
We have to take our health and safety responsibilities very seriously, if not someone could get hurt. The requirements and responsibilities within this policy must be implemented by all staff and contractors who work on behalf of EAS, there is no exception.
For EAS good health and safety performance is essential for our business. We take pride in our health and safety performance and value our staff and contractors; we would never condone or turn a ‘blind eye’ to any work activity being undertaken in an unsafe manner. Every activity can be completed safely and we have the resources to achieve this.
The EAS health and safety policy is an important document. It is my commitment and therefore the business commitment to ensure your health and safety whilst at work. Equally you have a responsibility to the business, work friends and colleagues to undertake you work safely and act on any condition where you or others could be harmed.
For this reason the business is committed to working towards is an interdependent safety culture where everyone looks out for each other. This will take time and effort to achieve but with your commitment we are confident we can achieve this goal.
Amie Osborne
Managing Director
Electricity Asset Services
The health and safety policy of Electricity Asset Services is to:
Conduct our business activities in a manner that prevents harm to people
Comply with our legal and moral duties and responsibilities
Provide a safe and healthy work place
Control health and safety risk arising from our activities
Ensure that all our employees receive adequate information, instruction, training and supervision
Ensure our employees are competent to carry out their duties
Promote a healthy and active lifestyle
Consult with employees on all matters affecting their health and safety
Maintain safe vehicles, plant and equipment
Ensure the safe handling, use and storage of harmful substances
Set health and safety performance targets which can be monitored and measured
Strive to continually improve our health and safety performance
Review and update this policy as necessary
Signed
Amie Osborne
Managing Director
Issue Date: 28th September 2017
Review Date: 27th September 2018
2. Health and Safety Organisation (Responsibilities)
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Who will:
1. Participate in the development and approval of the health & safety policy and procedures.
2. Set health and safety performance targets and objectives.
3. Have overall responsibility for implementing the company health & safety policy and for ensuring, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of his employees and all others who may be affected by the company’s activities.
4. Ensure they have received suitable and sufficient training of relevant statutes to enable these duties to be carried out.
5. Allocate sufficient resources to implement all statutory health, safety and welfare requirements and this policy.
6. Ensure that compliance with the health & safety policy and associated business procedures are a compulsory requirement of employment.
7. Ensure that health & safety is given a high priority on all business agenda's.
8. Ensure the promotion and development of health, safety and welfare throughout the business.
9. Set a personal example by visiting operational sites and offices, raising the profile and demonstrating commitment to health and safety at work.
DIRECTOR
Who will:
1. Participate in the development and approval of health & safety policy and procedures
2. Establish strategies to achieve health and safety targets and objectives.
3. Understand and comply with the requirements of the health & safety policy
4. Ensure they have the necessary health and safety competence to enable these duties to be carried out.
5. Ensure that sufficient resources are allocated for implementing this policy.
6. Ensure all personnel working under their control receive suitable and sufficient training which shall enable them to understand and discharge their health and safety duties.
7. Ensure that compliance with the health and safety policy and business procedures is a compulsory requirement of employment.
8. Consider the practical implementation of this policy as a management function, at least, equal in importance to commercial or financial arrangements.
9. Develop, improve and promote health and safety awareness throughout the company.
10. Ensure that sufficient resources for health, safety and welfare are incorporated within tenders, estimates and bids.
11. Set a personal example by visiting operational sites and offices, raising the profile and demonstrating commitment to health and safety at work.
BUSINESS MANAGERS
Who will:
1. Participate in the development and approval of health & safety policy and procedures
2. Establish strategies to achieve health and safety targets and objectives.
3. Read and comply with the requirements of this health and safety policy
4. Ensure they have the necessary health and safety competence to enable these duties to be carried out.
5. Ensure that sufficient resources are allocated for implementing this policy.
6. Ensure all personnel working under their control receive suitable and sufficient training which shall enable them to understand and discharge their health and safety duties.
7. Ensure that compliance with the health and safety policy and business procedures is a compulsory requirement of employment.
8. Consider the practical implementation of this policy as a management function, at least, equal in importance to commercial or financial arrangements.
9. Develop, improve and promote health and safety awareness throughout the company.
10. Ensure that sufficient resources for health, safety and welfare are incorporated within tenders, estimates and bids.
11. Set a personal example by visiting operational sites and offices, raising the profile and demonstrating commitment to health and safety at work.
SAFETY, HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT & QUALITY (SHE&Q) MANAGER
Who will:
1. Understand and comply with the requirements of the health & safety policy
2. Create and maintain the organisation’s safety management system in conjunction with Directors and Business Managers.
3. Have a working knowledge of statutory health and safety legislation that may affect the company.
4. Manage and co-ordinate the production and distribution of documentation relating to health, safety and welfare activities within EAS.
5. Manage, monitor and promote the requirements of the Business Management System (BMS).
6. Support and advise Directors, Business Managers, Project Managers and Engineers as required.
7. Support and advise Directors, Business Managers, Project Managers, Engineers, Supervisors and Employees on training requirements.
8. Provide guidance to any employee of EAS on occupational health, safety and welfare matters.
9. Undertake audits, inspections and tours to monitor health and safety performance.
10. Investigate accidents, incidents and dangerous occurrences to identify root cause and recommend preventative action.
11. Ensure the EAS accident reporting system is maintained and operated in accordance with procedure.
12. Ensure investigations are carried out for all reportable accidents, dangerous occurrences and / or near misses. Collate information on injuries and damage, produce monthly statistics, assess accident trends and advise Directors and Business Managers on overall safety performance.
13. Liaise with the Inspectors of the Health & Safety Executive, Environmental Health Officers and other outside bodies.
14. Manage Business SHE&Q Team.
15. Monitor, review and revise the EAS Health and Safety Policy, Business Management System and related documentation.
DESIGN AND ESTIMATING ENGINEERS
Who will:
1. Read and comply with the requirements of this Health and Safety Policy
2. Ensure they are able to understand and apply statutory requirements relating to the works being designed and estimated.
3. Identify at design and tender stages the resources that will be required to ensure suitable and sufficient provisions are made for health, safety and welfare.
4. Comply with the requirements of applicable Construction Design and Management Regulations.
5. Identify significant hazards at design stage and provide information and control measures for avoiding or reducing risks.
6. Identify the training requirements for the safe operation of plant and equipment, ensuring that adequate resources are included within the tender.
7. Identify any training requirements and to ensure that adequate resources are included within the tender.
8. Communicate with other Designers and Engineers on matters relating to health, safety and welfare.
9. Ensure that all tenders include documented designers risk assessments and safe systems of work.
10. Ensure that prior to the appointment of Sub-Contractors they are:
Approved in respect of their Health & Safety Policy, Organisation and Arrangements.
Aware of their statutory responsibilities.
In receipt of and understand the EAS Health and Safety Policy, CDM Plan and site rules.
Competent to carry out the work and have adequate resources to enable them to comply with the relevant statutory requirements.
11. Evaluate the competence of Sub-Contractors by reviewing the EAS Supplier and Subcontractor Questionnaire.
12. Report all unsafe practices to the SHE&Q Team when visiting operational sites.
13. Ensure that safe systems of work, health and safety arrangements and welfare provisions are documented and transferred to the Project Engineer/Manager when the design/tender documentation is handed over for construction.
14. Set a personal example when visiting operational sites by wearing the appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment.
SENIOR AUTHORISED PERSONS & PROJECT MANAGERS
Who will:
1. Read and comply with the requirements of the EAS Health and Safety Policy.
2. Ensure their competency to enable these duties to be carried out.
3. Ensure staff working under their control have received suitable and sufficient training and are competent to undertake their duties .
4. Identify specific training requirements and release staff, supervisors and operatives where necessary for on-site or external safety training.
5. Ensure and verify that compliance with statutory regulations and this health and safety policy is a compulsory requirement of employment.
6. Ensure that where the use of Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.) is required, a suitable and sufficient assessment is carried out to identify the correct specification for the equipment. All persons issued with P.P.E. must be trained in the use, care, storage and maintenance. Following issue, wearing and use of P.P.E. is mandatory. All significant items of PPE must be recorded and signed for.
7. Ensure that all statutory registers, certificates of test and conformity and reports of thorough examinations are maintained and kept with the equipment or are available on site when required.
8. Comply with the First Aid at Work Regulations, ensuring that suitable assessments and arrangements are made for first aid provision commensurate with the degree of risk of potential injury for each site or project.
9. Where work is undertaken on an electricity distribution network, persons must have received training on the Safe Codes of Working and Distribution Safety Rules. (All persons who work on the distribution network must have a relevant competency certificate and a copy of the distribution safety rules with them.). In particular, operation of any switch gear is not to take place without prior permission of the Switchgear Controlling Authority.
10. Ensure that Sub-Contractors are adequately vetted, in accordance with EAS procedures, for their competence and are on the EAS approved list.
11. To ensure that all assessments required by current legislation are provided and adhered to, including those provided by and received from Sub-Contractors.
12. Ensure that all EAS employees and sub-contractors attend a formal safety induction talk prior to their commencement of work on site. A record of persons attending such talks must be kept with the Health and Safety Plan.
13. Ensure that relevant Team Talks and Tool Box Talks are carried out on a regular basis. A record of persons attending such talks must be kept with project documentation and copied the SHE&Q Department.
14. Plan and maintain a tidy site for the safe delivery, stacking and positioning of materials.
15. Plan and comply with approved safe working procedures, particularly when working near overhead or underground services, in excavations or at heights and prohibit at all times the taking of unnecessary risks.
16. Ensure that all members of staff that operate specialist plant and equipment including have a current competency certificate.
17. Ensure that all plant, tools, equipment, and vehicles sent to site are suitable, fit for purpose, adequately maintained and comply with Legislation and European/British Standards. All unsafe plant and equipment must immediately be removed from use. All repairs, test, inspections and maintenance must be carried out by competent persons and recorded accordingly.
18. Ensure inspections are regularly carried out to ensure that health, safety and welfare standards are maintained and monitored on site.
19. To set a personal example by regularly visiting operational sites , raising the profile and demonstrating commitment to health and safety at work.
20. Senior Authorised and Authorised Person duties are to be performed in accordance with appropriate Distribution Safety Rules and other relevant procedures.
PRINCIPAL TENANTS
(Those designated to facilitate and / or administer the running of offices or buildings)
Who will:
1. Read and comply with the requirements of the EAS Health and Safety Policy.
2. Ensure they have received suitable and sufficient training of the relevant legislation relating to the office environment.
3. Ensure that the equipment and premises under their control are safe.
4. Ensure that all welfare facilities for safety and health are kept in a clean and hygienic condition.
5. Ensure that sufficient qualified first aiders and appointed persons are available and that the first aid and emergency procedures are known to all those employees under their control.
6. All fire fighting equipment is regularly maintained, all fire detection systems shall be tested weekly and recorded, fire exits will be adequately signed and kept clear and fire drills undertaken on a regular basis.
7. Ensure that all office machinery and equipment is fit for the purpose and is fitted with guards or safety devices as prescribed by law. (All office machinery and equipment shall be serviced and maintained as recommended by the manufacturer and supplier.)
8. Ensure that an assessment has been carried out for any substance or process hazardous to health and that these assessments are given to the user, in accordance with EAS COSHH Procedures.
9. Ensure that an assessment has been carried out of any operation involving manual handling and where necessary, introduce safe working practices or controls to prevent the risk of injury, and to record such assessment.
10. Ensure that any display screen users have a suitable and sufficient assessment of their workstation. Any recommendations shall be implemented if reasonably practicable, and assessment recorded.
11. Ensure that staff who use office machinery or equipment are trained in its use.
12. Ensure that all electrical equipment and systems are inspected and certified as required by the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and that adequate records are maintained.
13. Ensure that the office is arranged in a proper manner so as to avoid tripping hazards.
14. Ensure that the office environment is healthy; has adequate lighting, heating and ventilation and is regularly cleaned.
15. Ensure inspections are regularly carried out to ensure that health, safety and welfare standards are maintained and monitored.
16. Ensure inspections are regularly carried out to ensure that environmental standards are maintained and monitored.
17. Ensure that all waste at EAS Office is disposed of in a managed and efficient manner.
18. Ensure the reporting of all accidents, incidents and near misses in accordance with EAS procedures.
OFFICE STAFF
Who will:
1. Read and comply with the requirements of the EAS Health and Safety Policy.
2. Ensure that equipment and facilities provided in the interest of health, safety and welfare are not misused.
3. Maintain their working area and achieve good ‘house keeping’.
4. Immediately report any personal health and welfare matters to their line manager.
5. Report to their Line Manager any defects in the office machinery, equipment, furnishings or fittings.
6. Not attempt any repair to office furnishings or electrical equipment.
7. Undertake manual handling activities correctly, asking for assistance as required.
8. Make themselves aware of evacuation and fire precaution procedures for their place of work
9. Support and Fire Marshall or First Aid Training Programmes
10. Ensure that another member of staff or family member is aware of any lone working in EAS Offices outside of normal operating hours.
11. If visiting operational areas and sites, set a personal example by wearing appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment, in accordance with legislation and this policy.
All EMPLOYEES AND OPERATIVES INCLUDING SUB CONTRACTORS
All employees must make themselves aware of emergency procedures for their place of work, or the site at which they are working.
The law requires all EAS employees, including labour only and subcontractors to be aware of their duties and obligations and take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by their acts and omissions.
EAS expects all employees and subcontractors to co-operate fully on matters of health and safety and to adopt a reasonable and responsible attitude towards meeting their duties, responsibilities and obliogations
Who will:
1. Read and comply with the requirements of the EAS Health and Safety Policy other applicable company policies and specific contract/ project / site rules.
2. Ensure personal health, safety and welfare, including familiarisation of rules, notices and procedures.
3. Where required hold a current EAS Competency Certificate and Certificate of Authorisation from the System owner prior to work on site. Do not exceed level of competency.
4. Complete a daily risk assessment before work starts to identify potential hazards and implement control measures. The contents of the assessment must be understood by everyone who works on site.
5. Report all unsafe acts and conditions or concerns about personal health, safety and welfare, to their Line Manager.
6. Support the EAS Employee Forums.
7. Ensure they have received the appropriate training and have a competency certificate to operate plant and equipment. The use of plant and equipment without an appropriate competency certificate will be treated as ‘gross misconduct’ in accordance with the EAS Disciplinary procedures
8. Select and use tools and equipment suitable appropriate for the job; keep tools and equipment in good condition; report all defects to the respective supervisor / manager and remove the item from the work site
9. Ensure that where the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required, that it is suitable for the task to be undertaken and is used, stored and marinated correctly.
10. Set a good example at all times and support new and inexperienced employees in matters of health and safety.
11. Take an active part in any EAS toolbox talks or meetings
12. Take ownership of health, safety and welfare and suggest ways of eliminating hazards.
13. Ensure the prompt reporting of all accidents, incidents, dangerous occurrences, switching incidents, vehicle accidents, plant damage and near misses to their Line Manager as soon as possible, but no later than 4 hours after the incident.
14. Complete a weekly EAS vehicle inspection form if driving an EAS vehicle. (Daily for HGV Drivers)
15. Employees are not to intentionally or recklessly misuse or interfere with anything provided in the interest of health, safety and welfare.
16. Ensure that all plant and equipment being used has the appropriate maintenance, test and calibration certificates.
EAS HEALTH AND SAFETY STRUCTURE
3. Health and Safety Arrangements
EMPLOYMENT
Any member of EAS engaging a person for employment or having an existing employee under his immediate supervision must ensure that:
Every step is taken to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that they do not suffer any illness or disability and are not undergoing treatment or medication which would constitute a hazard to themselves or others when carrying out their work.
They are competent to carry out the work for which they are engaged in a safe manner or are placed under such supervision or given suitable training to enable their work to be carried out safely.
Every employee has access to the EAS Health and Safety Policy via the EAS Intranet or be given a printed or software copy on request. Every employee is to be made aware of the EAS Health and Safety Policy at initial induction and the importance of co-operating with the company in implementing the policy.
They are made aware of the significant hazards to which they may be exposed during the course of their employment and the preventative measures taken to control such risks. They must be informed of the Emergency procedures and Evacuation plan, First Aid and Welfare arrangements for the location where they are based, and as far as is reasonably practicable, for other locations that may be visited.
Young Persons (those under 18 years old) are not employed for work that is beyond their physical or psychological capacity. Managers employing Young Persons are to comply with the ‘Health and Safety (Young Persons) Regulations and the Health and Safety (Training for Employment) Regulations as amended. In particular ensuring that Young Persons (or trainees) are not employed on high risk work e.g. High Voltage Electricity, Confined Spaces, Machinery etc.
Where and when notified that Pregnant Women are employed, then Managers must take action to ensure that all risks are identified and controlled that may have a relevance to their condition no matter how insignificant.
ALCOHOL MISUSE
Alcohol misuse is a problem which affects a significant proportion of the population regardless of status or occupation. Employees who drink excessively are more likely to have accidents at work, to be absent from work and to be less efficient than colleagues who do not do so.
Social drinking is of course a personal matter but concerns are raised when the pattern or amount of drink involved affects the employee’s health, or his/her work, or attitude deteriorates, or presents a risk to others.
No alcohol is to be consumed during working hours on or off company premises.
Staff shall not consume alcohol prior to commencing work if:
Required, during the course of their duties, to test repair or otherwise maintain electrical equipment whether made live or dead.
Required to drive private or company vehicles on business
Whilst on operational standby
Required, during the course of their duties, to operate mechanical, electrical or hydraulic machinery or equipment.
At any time during the course of their duties, the consumption of alcohol is liable to affect the safety of themselves or others
It is the Company intention to deal constructively and sympathetically with any employee’s alcohol related problem. All employees are encouraged to approach the EAS HR resource, who will provide advice and guidance on how to seek assessment of the problem and if necessary, suitable treatment.
DRUGS AND SUBSTANCE MISUSE
Drug misuse refers to the use of illegal drugs and the misuse, whether deliberate or unintentional of prescribed drugs and substances such as solvents
Drug and substance abuse is a serious problem not only for the user but also for the business where they work and for their co-workers. The signs may be unusual irritability or aggression, sudden mood changes, impaired job performance or dishonesty and theft. Note: these signs may also be caused by other factors such as stress and should only be regarded as an indication that an employee may be misusing drugs.
It is the Company intention to deal constructively and sympathetically with employee’s drug related problems, subject to the provision of the law. The employee is to be encouraged to approach the EAS HR Team, who will provide advice and guidance on how to seek assessment of the problem and if necessary, suitable treatment.
The possession, dealing or use of illegal drugs and substances on EAS premises will be deemed to constitute an act of gross misconduct, and will be subject to company disciplinary action.
Disciplinary action may also be considered if help is refused and / or impaired performance continues.
In all cases the possession, dealing or use of illegal drugs and substances on company premises, or whilst on company business, will be immediately reported to the Police.
Where persons are taking prescribed medication that may impair safe working, driving vehicles and/or operation of plant and machinery then their line manager must be notified immediately
As detailed within the EAS Drug and Alcohol Policy, EAS will undertake random drug and alcohol testing of staff.
WEARING OF JEWELLERY
Jewellery appears in all forms from loose chains and necklaces, wedding and ornamental rings, to items that are permanently attached to or inserted through parts of the body. This statement is only concerned with the wearing of jewellery that may pose a hazard to safety whilst carrying out work on behalf of EAS.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, employees have a responsibility for their own safety and those that work with them. Any item of jewellery that may snag, get caught on, or make contact with any machinery, electrical system or appliance that may have safety implications for the wearer, is to be removed or suitably covered, prior to any work task being carried out.
The Management of Health and Safety Regulations require that every employer carries out an assessment of the risks to the Health and Safety of his employees. Therefore employees have a requirement to co-operate and remove or cover any item of jewellery should their Manager, Supervisor or any Health and Safety Advisor deem the risk unacceptable.
Disciplinary action may be considered if employees fail to co-operate on this issue.
COMMUNICATION AND CONSULTATION
The efficient gathering, evaluation and publication of information on safe working practices, occupational health and welfare is a basic requirement for the safe operation of EAS.
The EAS Employee Forum shall meet every 4 months. At which all information, developments, requirements and suggestions should be reported, discussed and achieved, safety performance monitored, objectives set and progress assessed, and where necessary policy agreed and set.
Employees are to be encouraged to communicate any concerns relating to health, safety and welfare at safety meetings, team talks, toolbox talks or direct to staff forum members, Supervisors, Managers or the SHE&Q Team.
Responsibilities and procedures for communication are set out in detail in the Business Management System.
REPORTING OF ACCIDENTS, INCIDENTS AND NEAR HITS/HAZARDS
Any employee, self employed worker, contractors or member of the public who is taken ill or is injured, or who has knowledge of any dangerous occurrence on or attributable to any site, premises or operation for which EAS is responsible must report the facts to their Line Manager without delay.
In addition all accidents, incidents or near misses are to be reported in accordance with EAS Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting Procedure to the EAS Directors and SHEQ Manager.
Where required EAS will comply with the requirements of the current RIDDOR Regulations.
EAS will record and investigate all accidents, incidents and near hits.
EAS will monitor all data to improve overall health and safety performance.
FIRE AND EMERGENCY
The Senior EAS person or EAS person in charge of the site or premises shall ensure that;
All staff and visitors are made aware of fire and emergency procedures that exist at the site or premises at which they work.
All staff are aware of designated “Assembly Points”.
Where necessary sufficient numbers of fire marshals are appointed.
An audible test of all fire alarms is carried out and recorded at appropriate intervals..
A fire drill involving complete evacuation of all staff be carried out at least twice a year.
All fire exits are marked, unlocked and free from obstruction.
Suitable fire-fighting equipment is maintained and available for use at all times.
Employees must ensure that they are familiar with and understand the fire and emergency arrangements for the location where they are based and for other locations that they may visit.
Where specific hazards exist at a site, suitable information will be available for the Emergency Services
FIRST AID
The Senior EAS person or EAS person in charge of the site, premises or project shall ensure that;
Suitable and sufficient numbers of qualified first aiders are appointed.
Suitable and sufficient quantities of first aid provision are available and maintained.
Where conditions, materials, processes or equipment cause special hazards, appropriate additional arrangements are to be made.
Persons working away from site or premises are to be provided with suitable first aid kits.
Any use of stock from first aid or eye wash kits must reported so that the kits can be replenished and incident reported.
VEHICLES AND PLANT (INCLUDING HGV’S)
Any person working on behalf of EAS that uses and maintains any vehicles or plant must comply with current road traffic legislation, VOSA requirements, LoLER and EAS procedures. Particular attention is drawn to the EAS Road Safety Policy.
The provision of vehicles and plant includes all new, newly acquired second hand, hired or leased. Vehicles, and plant acquired, purchased or supplied for use by EAS staff or appointed agents must at all times be suitable for the intended use and have associated maintenance records and certification.
Persons in charge of operations, projects or work activities must ensure that any vehicles or item of plant cannot be used unless:-
A suitable and sufficient risk assessment has been carried out
The person using the vehicle or item of plant is suitably trained and competent to do so.
Regular testing and maintenance has been carried out. Any item found to be defective or unsuitable for the task is to be withdrawn until such time as it is repaired or replaced.
Drivers of company vehicles are:-
To be suitably qualified and competent to do so and responsible at all times for the safe operation and control of the vehicle with regard to the Road Traffic Act.
Are not to drive any vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol, illegal substances or prescribed drugs which are known to impair safe driving.
To inspect their vehicle before first use and every seven days thereafter.
To follow the EAS vehicle accident procedure, if involved in a vehicle incident
Employees contravening EAS Rules or the Road Traffic Act may be subject to disciplinary action.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
All tools and equipment supplied by EAS must be fit for purpose, only used by competent persons and maintained in accordance with legislative requirements or manufactures instructions.
Purchase of tools and equipment must be made in accordance with EAS Procedures specifically the approved tools and equipment registers.
Tools and equipment must be inspected by the operator before use and any defective items removed from site and quarantined. (Pending repair or destruction)
Battery or hydraulic crimping tools must be maintained and calibrated once every 12 months. Specific care must be taken with these crimping tools to ensure effective operation.
All lifting equipment must be LoLER inspected and display the appropriate colour code for the period. No equipment beyond its inspection date may be used on site. Found equipment will be immediately removed from site and quarantined.
All electrical test equipment will be calibrated once every year, staff will ensure that the calibration of their issued equipment is current.
All insulated LV tools must be kept in a separate tool box/roll and only used for Live LV Working.
Any hand tools supplied by EAS employees must hold CE certification and be maintained as fit for purpose. Personal hand tools will form part of EAS SHE&Q inspections and audits.
WORK AT HEIGHT
All work at height will be adequately planned and assessed, as far as reasonably practicable, using the following hierarchy:-
Avoid work at height where possible
Use work equipment to prevent falls where height cannot be avoided (MEWPS, Scaffold etc)
Where a falls cannot be eliminated, work equipment will be used to minimise the distance and consequences.(Fall arrest equipment : harness, fall arrest and work position lanyards, pole chokes, retractable lanyards etc)
Always consider measures that protect the collective rather than the individual
Work at height must only be undertaken in suitable weather conditions
Please refer to the specific EAS Working at Heights Policy.
Work at height will be planned and assessed by the EAS Project Manager, Supervisor or nominated person. EAS Charge hands and Team Leaders will review pre-assessed methods of working at height against found site conditions, to ensure works can be undertaken without risk to health and safety.
Any fall arrest equipment utilised will be:-
Formally inspected every six months by a competent inspector
Inspected before use by the user
Correctly adjusted for on site use
Where there is any work at height suitable arrangements will be in place for emergency conditions. Where staff undertake climbing activities the rescue kit will be positioned at the work area.
Any Fall Arrest equipment found to be defective will be immediately removed from service and notified to the Line Manager.
Misuse or abuse of work at height equipment will be subject to EAS disciplinary action.
CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH
Persons in charge of operations, projects or work activities are to ensure that there shall be no work carried out that may expose employee’s to risk unless an assessment of risk and steps to meet the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations has been undertaken. In particular arrangements will include;
A documented assessment of the risks to determine the action needed to meet the requirements of the regulations.
Adequate control of exposure must be achieved.
The provision of all necessary instruction, information and training.
Understanding of Emergency Arrangements
All employees using products, substances or compounds which fall within the CoSHH Regulations will have a copy of the appropriate CoSHH Assessment and understand the risks involved with using the product.
EAS will follow the requirements of the CoSHH Regulations selecting to eliminate and substitute products for less harmful substances where possible.
Where CoSHH related products require the use of PPE, staff will be trained in its correct use
MANUAL HANDLING
Incorrect manual handling accounts for the largest number of lost time injuries. To minimise this problem EAS expects that the identification of hazards and the elimination or control of risks must take place at the earliest opportunity in each operation.
When tasks which pose risk of injury through manual handling are undertaken, the person immediately in charge of the operation will be responsible for carrying out an assessment and taking action.
The Directors, Business Managers and Senior Management are to ensure that employees are adequately trained in manual handling and that resources are provided to reduce the need for manual handling to a minimum.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
The Company will provide all EAS employees with all necessary personal protective equipment and clothing as required by regulations and as identified by risk assessments.
Employees have a statutory duty to use supplied equipment and clothing in the correct manner, to take care of it and to report its loss or damage immediately.
Disciplinary action may be taken against any employee who fails to use the equipment or clothing once it has been provided, especially where injuries are sustained.
Persons in charge of operations, projects or work activities are to ensure that there shall be no work carried out unless an assessment of risks and steps to meet the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations have been undertaken.
Safety helmets are to be worn by all employees, agency staff and contractors who work or visit any construction sites or areas so required, in the course of their duties. These must be worn in accordance with site rules, displayed notices or when instructed to do so by the site occupier, manager or supervisor.
Safety harnesses that are suitable for the task to be undertaken, must be worn correctly and attached to suitable anchor points by all employees who are to be competent and qualified when;
Working from mobile elevating platforms.
Crane baskets and other forms of passenger lifting equipment.
Working within 2 metres of an unprotected edge.
Engaged on climbing or abseiling duties.
As identified by risk assessment i.e. Confined spaces.
WORK ON ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS AND SYSTEMS
No employee or subcontractor is to work on electrical equipment, either live or made dead, unless that person is suitably qualified to do so and has been authorised by EAS. Where EAS staff are working on DNO systems, DNO Authorisation must also be held.
Work on any electrical installation is only to be carried out after suitable and sufficient risk assessments have been carried out and a Safe System of Work developed.
Operation of any High or Low Voltage Switchgear shall only be carried out by suitably qualified and authorised employees, who shall have a working knowledge of the appropriate Distribution Safety Rules, and shall not be undertaken without;
Submission of a Switching Application in accordance with the Network Controlling Authority and;
Prior permission of the Switchgear Controlling Authority and;
Being fully familiar with the operation of the Switchgear.
Establishing the condition and any operating restrictions that apply to any item or section of switchgear.
All work on Live LV Conductors must be justified, approved LV Working procedures must be applied during works.
If during EAS work activities an electrical incident occurs.
This could include:
Switching Incident (HV or LV)
LV Flash Over
HV Fault
Works must cease immediately and the Control Room for the System must be contacted and informed.
In these situations, alternative Engineers and Craftsmen will be despatched to site to rectify the issue.
TRAINING AND SUPERVISON
All new employees are to receive Induction Training in accordance with the EAS Induction Procedure, this to include basic safety training as advised by the SHE&Q Team.Management and Supervisory Staff are to receive suitable and sufficient safety training as soon as possible after their appointment.
Existing employees, supervisors and managers are to receive refresher training and update training as determined by the SHE&Q Team or Business Managers. In addition, training in mounting abrasive wheels, first aid, site safety supervision or any specialised safety training specific to a persons occupation shall be arranged as required.
General Managers, Project Managers, Engineers and Supervisors are to ensure that employees, especially young workers, trainees, apprentices and employees carrying out unfamiliar tasks, receive adequate levels of supervision so far as is necessary for their safety.
All members of staff who work on the electrical system, will be issued with a Safety Passport containing all Authorisations and Training Certificates. Every person who receives one of these passports is responsible for its maintenance.
GROUND CONTAMINATION
All employees involved in excavation or site work that may involve disturbance of ground need to be mindful of changes to the soil condition. In particular oily groundwater, waste material in the soil and odd smells/ colours.
In any of the instance outlined above employees must contact their immediate Line Manager who will seek specialist advice.
Any working activity involving known contamination must include suitable disposal methods ensuring correct final destination using covered skips. Where these activities are part of the planned work, information and suitable risk assessments must be completed and communicated to all staff through training or toolbox talks.
Many materials used on site have the potential to cause damage to the environment and therefore must be managed correctly. In particular paint, solvents, wet concrete and mortar as well as oils and oil based products.
If whilst excavating on site any items such as coins, pottery, bones or tiles are uncovered, your supervisor must be informed as they will seek specialist advice. Any finds must not be removed from site as this can be illegal.
Signed – Amie Osborne Amie Osborne
Managing Director