The Fire Industry Association (FIA) have recently published a number of new guidance documents. The first of these is a Guide on equipment for use in explosive atmospheres (ATEX). This gives background information on the use of electrical equipment in areas where there is a risk of explosion and also gives information on the concepts available for protecting equipment used … Read More
SECURE INFORMATION BOXES AND EVACUATION ALERT SYSTEMS FOR TALL BUILDINGS
Under the building regulations building work in England and Wales, such as erecting or extending a building, must be carried out with adequate and proper materials and in a correct manner to suitable standards. The Building Regulations are split into a number of parts including: Building structure (Part A), Fire Safety (Part B), Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and … Read More
TAKING A PEEP AT HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS
A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (or PEEP) is a specific plan used to ensure that those who may need assistance can evacuate safely in an emergency, for example persons with limited mobility, vision or hearing. These are often used in situations such as healthcare premises, hotels and residential educational establishments where people with restricted mobility may be present. Following on … Read More
Workplace Fatality Statistics Released
Provisional figures recently released by the HSE show that 123 workers died as a result of work-related accidents in the year to March 2022. This compares to 145 workers killed in the same period the previous year and represents a rate of 0.38 fatal injuries per 100,000 workers also down from a level of 0.45 fatal injuries per 100,000 the … Read More
ROTATING SEAT FORWARD TIPPING DUMPERS
Forward tipping dumpers are commonly used on construction sites to move soil and material around the site. As well as general risks associated with all types of construction plants such as collisions between moving plants and pedestrians, there are some specific risks associated with dumpers for example operating dumpers on spoil heaps can lead to instability and overturning. Many dumpers … Read More
EXTREME HEAT: RIGHTS AT WORK
Employers must make sure indoor workplace temperatures are reasonable No “maximum temperature” for workplaces in Great Britain Workers must take care to keep cool HSE shares guidance Employers must make sure indoor workplaces remain at a reasonable temperature and manage the risk of working outdoors in hot environments, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The workplace regulator is … Read More
SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS FOR RENTED PROPERTIES IN WALES
Coming into effect from 15th July 2022 the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and The Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022 set out requirements that landlords must meet in order for a property to be considered fit for human habitation. One key requirement is for a smoke alarm to be fitted on each storey of the dwelling which … Read More
New Guide for Lifting Loads With Integral Lifting Points
The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) have published a new technical information note regarding issues with the lifting of loads with integral lifting points on construction sites. The new guidance covers questions such as: Where the distinction is between an integral lifting point and a lifting accessory Whether integral lifting points be thoroughly examined under the lifting operations and lifting equipment … Read More
KEEPING SAFE IN THE SUN AND HEAT
The great British summer is fast approaching and temperatures are set to rise, while this may be good news for those looking forward to relaxing in the shade with a cool drink, it can cause problems for those busy at work. Working outdoors during the summer months can be harmful to your skin and long-term health. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from … Read More
HSE LAUNCH THEIR STRATEGY FOR THE NEXT TEN YEARS
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently published their strategy for the next 10 years setting out their mission, vision, values, strategic objectives and themes. Bearing in mind the fundamental purpose of the HSE the strategy is largely what you would expect from such an organisation and includes commitments to: “Maintain Great Britain’s record as one of the safest countries … Read More