Urang Safety at Work

URANG LIMITED
SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
URANG LIMITED
196 New Kings Road
London
SW6 4NF
Tel: 020 7751 8355

Fax: 020 7751 8357
Email: info@urang.co.uk
PREPARED BY
16a Market Square, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 1HU

Tel: 01767 682 800 Fax: 01767 683 883
VALID UNTIL 2 December 2005
Nothing within these safe systems of work is to be considered at variance with the requirements for Health
Safety and Welfare placed upon the company.
These safe systems of work are to be read in conjunction with and considered part of the Company's Health and
Safety Policy.
Deliberate contravention of any of the requirements of these safe systems of work shall be considered
misconduct and shall invoke the company's disciplinary procedure.
URANG LIMITED
SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 2

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CONTENTS
BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS 11
BRICK AND BLOCKWORK 13
CARTRIDGE OPERATED HAND TOOLS 15
COMPRESSORS 19
CONSTRUCTION (HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE) REGULATIONS 1996 INSPECTION REPORT 9,
107
CUTTING OFF DISCS 23
ELECTRICALLY OPERATED TOOLS (CONSTRUCTION) 29
EXCAVATIONS 31
HAND TOOLS 39
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES (CONSTRUCTION) 43
HEALTH AND SAFETY RULES 47
HOP UPS 49
LADDERS 51
LIFTING ACCESSORIES 55
LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES 59
MANUAL HANDLING 63
NOISE 65
OCCUPIED PREMISES 67
OFFICE SAFETY 69
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 73
PREFABRICATED ALUMINIUM SCAFFOLDING 5
REFURBISHMENT 77
ROOF SPACES 81
ROOFWORK 83
SCAFFOLDING 87
SITE RULES 109
STEPLADDERS 113
TRESTLE SCAFFOLDS 117
WOODWORKING MACHINES 119
WORKING AT HEIGHTS - PREVENTION OF FALLS 129

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - PREFABRICATED ALUMINIUM

SCAFFOLDING
STABILITY
One of the main reasons for selecting aluminium alloy towers is for their lightness and ease of assembly. Due to
this lightness care must be taken to ensure the stability of the structure. The manual that accompanies the
components provided by the supplier would show the safe height to which the various tower configurations can
be erected.
The usual rule of thumb for height to base ratio of 3x base dimensions for external use or 3.5x for internal use
can no longer be safely applied as tests and calculations have shown that tower structures perform in different
ways. Reference should be made to the various suppliers’ assembly instructions that will show the quantities of
material required for each height of tower, and the stabiliser requirements. As a general rule stabilisers or
outriggers will be required once a tower has been built beyond its first frame level.
Wind affects the stability of a tower by imposing a horizontal load onto the tower, which in turn may cause it to
overturn. During normal safe working conditions this tendency is counteracted by the weight of the tower and
the effect of the outriggers or stabilisers.
BS 1139 Part 3 1994 (HD1004) states that a tower must be stable in a free-standing condition in a wind pressure
that equates to 28mph (Beaufort force 6). If the wind speed exceeds 17mph work should cease upon the tower
and it should be tied into a rigid structure before work recommences upon the tower. If the wind speed is likely
to reach 40mph the tower should be dismantled.
SAFE LOADING
Generally the manufacturer’s instructions will give the safe working load that can be placed on any platform, the
safe working load that can be placed on the tower as a whole and the safe working load on the castors. The
castors will have this loading marked upon them. It is recommended that the maximum design load be
displayed at the base of the tower for the information of all users.
Any load hoisted onto the tower must be within the effective base dimensions of the tower. Attempting to hoist
a load outside the base area may cause it to overturn. Advice must be gained from the suppliers before hoisting
loads to ensure the safe and stable use of the tower.
MEANS OF ACCESS
Access to the platform must be provided by integral/vertical ladders, stair ladders, inclined ladders or stairways.
These should be erected in accordance with the supplier’s instructions. Where there is frequent movement on or
off the tower or materials carried then a stairway should be used. External ladders must never be used.
Where access is through a fully decked platform this must be via a hatch in the platform that is capable of being
secured in the closed position. The minimum size of the hatch must be 400 x 600mm.
MOVING
1. Towers are never to be moved with men or materials on the platform and are only to be moved by
applying force at or near the base of the tower.
2. All holes, ducts, pits or gratings near the tower, are to be securely covered prior to movement being
carried out.
3. If towers fitted with outriggers are to be moved regularly, it is advisable that the outriggers should also
be fitted with castors.

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CANTILEVER PLATFORMS
Towers can be fitted with cantilever platforms. Such towers are to be erected in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions and must only be comprised of components designed and supplied by the
manufacturer for that purpose. If such towers are mobile, their stability will be affected, therefore great care is
to be taken whilst moving them.
SCAFFOLD BOARDS AND STAGING
Deck areas on aluminium towers must not to be made up of scaffold boards. If a bridge is being constructed
between two towers, then proprietary staging units are to be used. Care is to be taken to ensure the stability of
the towers. The staging is to be firmly supported on a load bearing part of the tower and secured to prevent
movement with a minimum of 600mm oversail on either end support. If the unit is purpose designed with
integral hooks for attachment to the tubular transom the oversail is not required. Guardrails and toe boards are
to be provided to such staging.
Care should be taken that the design load and stability requirements are complied with and that the working
platform width is a minimum of 600mm. This may require the use of two staging units.
INSPECTIONS
Before Erection of Tower
Ensure that the supplier’s manual is on site and has been read and understood and that the operatives erecting
the tower are competent.
The following components are to be checked to see that they are in good condition and are compatible:
1. Castors - to see that the castor housing and wheel are not damaged, that the wheel and swivels rotate
freely and that the brake is effective;
2. Adjustable legs - to see that they are not bent, or threads damaged, threads are free from debris and
clean, and that the device fitted to stop the leg falling out is functioning;
3. Frames - to see that the members are straight and undamaged, that they are free from extraneous
material such as concrete. Spigots are to be straight and parallel with the axis of the column tube and
locking devices functioning correctly;
4. Braces, stairways and ladders - to see that they are straight and undamaged and locking hook
mechanisms are functioning correctly;
5. Platforms - to see that they are undamaged and the frames true and square. Plywood decks are not split
or warped and are fixed firmly to the frames, where toe boards incorporate clips or fittings, that these
are undamaged;
6. Ancillary parts, such as outriggers and stabilisers – to see they are undamaged and function correctly.
Before Use
After the tower has been erected the following checks are to be made before it is used:
1. It is level and square and that the horizontal braces and platforms are level;
2. Outriggers or stabilisers are correctly positioned and secure;
3. Base plates or castors are fully in contact with the ground and castors are properly locked;
4. Spigot and socket joints are secure;
5. Bracing members have been located in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions;
6. Guard-rails and toe boards are in position;
7. Access stairways and ladders are in position and correctly secured;
8. The ground is clear of obstructions, potholes and overhead obstructions.

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DURING USE
During use the scaffold is to be kept in good order. Should parts become damaged they are to be replaced
before the scaffold is used again. Due to the nature of and materials used in the construction of these towers
they are unstable during high winds and are, therefore, not to be used in windy conditions. After high winds
have been experienced they are to be inspected as detailed under the heading “Before Use”.
There is no requirement to keep a formal record of inspection until the tower has been in “the same place” for
seven days.
Should a tower be used in a public place, housing estate or industrial area etc. then precautions should be taken
to prevent unauthorised access onto or vehicles colliding with the tower. This may be by the use of security
fencing. Certain locations may require a pavement license that may impose additional conditions of use.
If towers are to be left incomplete or damaged then they should display a notice warning of its condition. The
sign must be clearly visible.
HANDLING & STORAGE
The life of aluminium towers will be increased if proper care is taken during handling & storage. Before storage
the components should be cleaned with any concrete or corrosive substances removed. Proper stacking will
reduce damage and make identification of components easier.

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INSPECTION REPORT (Page 1 of 2)

Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996
Report of results of every inspection made in pursuance of Regulation 29(1)
1. Name and address of the Company/Person on whose behalf the inspection was carried out
2. Description of the place of work or part of that place 3. Date & 4. Details of any matter identified that could give rise to a 5. Can work be 6. If not, name of
inspected (including plant, equipment and materials, if any) Time of risk to the health or safety of any person carried out safely? person notified
Inspection

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7. Location of the place of work inspected. (Site address)
8. Details of any action taken as a result of any matter 9. Details of any further action considered necessary 10. Name and position of the person 11. Date report
identified making report handed over

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS
Biologically hazardous agents are living micro-organisms capable of causing disease or harm.
Pathogenic micro-organisms have special adaptations allowing them to colonise a host and cause disease. Other
organisms are opportunist pathogens and are able to cause disease in debilitated hosts or those with immune
deficiencies.
The occupational acquired infections are Hepatitis B and HIV infections, which are normally associated with
discarded needles and sharps, and Leptospirosis (also known as Weil’s Disease), which is a form of jaundice
caused by contact with water contaminated by the urine of rats, other small mammals such as mice and voles,
and cattle.
Control of Exposure
Where employees are exposed to discarded needles and sharps or other material which may be contaminated
with human secretions, the following precautions must be adopted:
• Keep cuts and abrasions covered with an impervious dressing.

• Wear heavy duty, impervious gloves to protect the hands whilst collecting the sharps etc.
• Segregate the needles and sharps from other rubbish in a disposable plastic container.
• Dispose of the container and its contents by contacting the Local Authority Environmental Health
Department.
• Ensure a strict hygiene culture is enforced prior to eating, drinking, smoking etc.
Where employees may come into contact with contaminated water or work regularly in or near impure water,
such as those engaged in:
• Work on sewers and other drainage systems,

• Work on canals and similar conservation projects,
• Work in tunnelling,
the following precautions must be adopted:
• Discourage the presence of vermin by careful disposal of waste food, especially on sites that are wet or
adjacent to rivers and lakes.
• Do not handle the carcasses of dead rats or other small mammals; use gloves and/or tools to do so.
• Cover all cuts and abrasions with a waterproof dressing and wear appropriate protective clothing.
• Ensure a strict hygiene culture is enforced prior to eating, drinking, smoking etc.
First Aid
If discarded needles and sharps are found accidentally then work in that area is to be suspended until the debris
has been cleared. Should a worker receive a cut or puncture wound from a needle or sharp then he is to inform
his Medical Practitioner at the earliest opportunity.
Information and Training
Where work is to be carried out in an area known to be contaminated with discarded needles and sharps then all
employees are to be made aware of the precautions to be adopted and the potential hazards associated with this
kind of debris.
Similarly, where work is to be carried out in or near impure water, all employees are to be made aware of the
potential for leptospiral infection and the precautions to be adopted.

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AIDS
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the body’s defence
system, allowing illnesses, and infections, which would not otherwise have occurred, to develop. The virus can
be transmitted by injection or inoculation with infected blood.
The disease is not transmitted by normal social contact and normally the AIDS virus survives only for a very
short period outside the body.
Where there is a risk of contamination, heavy-duty gloves and overalls should be worn as protection against cuts
and suspected items should be removed by tongs and placed in puncture proof bins for disposal.
The COSHH Regulations require employers to ensure that exposure of employees to substances hazardous to
health is either prevented (or if this is not reasonably practicable) adequately controlled.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is also known as Weil’s Disease and is a form of jaundice. It is caused by contact with water
contaminated by the urine of rats, other small mammals such as mice and voles, and cattle.
The disease enters the body through breaks in the skin and through the lining of the mouth and nose; it can be
caught if water gets in the mouth or nose after falling into contaminated water.
It will start as a mild illness that can be easily cured if treated early enough. The initial symptoms are very
similar to flu and it is possible that symptoms could be ignored or be treated as flu. However, if Leptospirosis is
left untreated it can become more serious and may be fatal.
Personnel who contract any flu-like symptoms after falling into water that may be contaminated should see their
doctor immediately and inform him/her of the potential for leptospiral infection.
It is advisable for persons who frequently work near water to carry a card or tag saying that they may be at risk
of catching the disease.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK – BRICK AND BLOCKWORK
ACCESS
Access for brick and block work is to be obtained using ladders, band stands, pre-fabricated scaffolding or
conventional scaffolds. These are to conform to the requirements as detailed in the relevant sections.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
The following protective clothing shall be provided and worn, where appropriate:
• Hard hats - on all construction sites;

• Safety footwear - on all construction sites;
• Gloves - when handling bricks and blocks;
• Eye protection - when breaking or chipping bricks or blocks and at any other times when injuries to the
eyes are likely.
Reference is also to be made to the section “Protective Clothing”.
WORKING AT HEIGHTS
If required to work at heights the requirements detailed in the section “Working at Heights” are to be followed.
SEWERS
If required to undertake brick work in sewers the section “Sewers” is to be consulted.
TOOLS
All tools are to conform to the requirements as detailed in “Pneumatic Tools”, “Portable Electric Hand Tools” or
“Hand Tools”, as applicable.
DERMATITIS
Skin problems caused by the alkaline nature of cement and lime based mortars, is a serious problem to brick and
block layers.
Once sensitised to cement the sufferer will never be able to work with cement again without having problems.
Cement and lime based mortars may cause irritation, inflammation or burns to eyes or skin. They may also
cause irritant contact dermatitis or allergic (chromium) dermatitis and inflammation of mucus membranes.
The COSHH regulations are to be followed and the findings of the COSHH assessments for those materials
given to all operatives exposed.

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PRECAUTIONS
Avoid working with cement if you are sensitised.
Keep the materials off the skin. The obvious way to do that is by operatives wearing a rubber or PVC glove.
Failing that protect the skin using barrier creams and tape. Not only hands suffer, keep skin covered as much as
possible, long sleeved shirts and trousers are sensible precautions. Face coverings and dust masks are sensible
when mixing cement and barrier cream or petroleum jelly on the face or other exposed skin will help protect
from splashing and airborne cement dust.
Regular washing, particularly prior to eating and going to the toilet are vital to the control of dermatitis.
Revitalise the skin with lanolin skin cream after work.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - CARTRIDGE OPERATED

HAND TOOLS
INTRODUCTION
Cartridge operated tools have the advantage of portability without requiring hoses or cables and of speed in
operation. However, in the wrong hands they can be lethal. It is essential, therefore, that only fully trained,
certified and competent operators are permitted to operate these tools.
TYPES
There are two main types of cartridge operated tools:-
a) direct action (high velocity) - where the explosion

from the cartridge fires the fastener down the barrel of
the tool into the work (see figure 1).
b) indirect action (low velocity) - where the explosion

from the cartridge acts on a piston which in turn
drives the fastener into the work (see figure 2).
figure 1 Direct action type of tool
figure2 Indirect action type of tool
Direct action tools have a muzzle velocity similar to that of a small firearm and must, therefore, be handled with
the same degree of respect as a firearm. The indirect action tools, however, have a far lower velocity but still
have sufficient to cause a serious injury.
FIXING DEVICES
Every manufacturer produces a range of fixing devices, designed to be used with their particular equipment.
Tools and fixings from different manufacturers are not to be used.
CARTRIDGES
As with the fixing devices, every manufacturer has their own cartridges. The size and colouring of these
cartridges may appear similar, but can differ. Therefore only cartridges designed for a particular manufacturer's
equipment are to be used. The colour coding for the cartridges is available from each manufacturer and is to be
followed.

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HAZARDS
The following hazards are recognised:-

a) firing towards personnel as a deliberate act;
b) penetrating through the material, where, either the material is softer or thinner than expected or the
cartridge used is too strong, injuring people the other side of the material;
c) ricocheting off the material, where the material is of uneven consistency or brittle, causing wounds
and eye injuries;
d) flying debris, where the material splinters at the point of impact, causing wounds and eye injuries;
e) recoil of the tools, throwing the operator off balance, resulting in injuries from falling;
f) noise levels of well above 90 dBA, causing loss of hearing.
PRECAUTIONS
Personal protection
Operators, and any personnel assisting them, should wear:-
a) eye protection to protect against impact;

b) head protection to protect against impact;
c) ear protection to protect the hearing from the high noise levels.
GUARDS
Guards of sufficient size and strength to check flying pins and splinters are to be fitted to all cartridge operated
tools, equipment from the manufacturers should have this fitted and removal will prevent the tool from
operating.
Where cut-away guards are provided, for work in particularly difficult areas, extra precautions need to be taken
and operators must be made aware of the additional risk, both to themselves and any one else in the area.
Guards are always to be held flush to the surface to reduce the danger of fastenings and splinters escaping.
Guards are often sprung loaded to prevent them being used at an angle of more than 7° from the work surface.
RICOCHET
Ricochets occur most frequently when the operator attempts to insert a fastening into a hole already made by a
previous attempt to install a fastening which has failed to hold. With a low powered tool the fastening will most
probably bend and become wedged in the barrel. However, with a high powered tool the fastener can easily be
deflected back towards the operator. It is, therefore, essential that any new fastener should be at least 50mm
away from any existing hole.
SPLINTERING
Cartridge operated tools are not to be used on any brittle or glazed material that is likely to splinter. A high
powered tool will cause more splintering than a low powered.

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NOISE
The level of noise varies with each type of tool. However, ear protection should always be worn when using
this type of equipment.
RECOIL
Recoil from the firing can throw an operator off balance. Therefore, these tools should only be used where the
operator has a firm and level area on which to stand, they should never be used from a ladder.
MISFIRE
Should a misfire occur, the firing mechanism should be re-triggered with the tool still firmly placed against the
work face. If the tool still fails to fire it should be held against the work face for 30 seconds, before removing it.
The operator should remove the cartridge, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, and return it to the
manufacturer, properly stored in a metal box, for disposal.
FLAMMABLE MATERIALS
Cartridge operated tools must never be taken into areas where there is a risk from explosion or fire.
MAINTENANCE
All cartridge operated tools are to be cleaned and lubricated after every use and returned to the manufacturer for
a thorough overhaul at least once a year.
CARTRIDGE STORE
All cartridges are to be kept under lock and key in a secure storage area. They are not to be exposed to damp or
to high temperatures. The issue of cartridges is to be strictly controlled.
TRAINING
Only personnel who have undergone training in the use of cartridge operated tools and have been appointed, in
writing, shall be permitted to use them. The training is normally supplied by the suppliers and records of
training shall be held on site.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - COMPRESSORS
COMPRESSORS
The compressor itself should always be under the supervision of a competent person, who should be responsible
for ensuring that the guards for the V-belt and pulley drive are in place and for the regular inspection of the
necessary hoses and couplings.
A check must be made that the oil feed to the airline is properly topped up. Compressors require adequate
ventilation and therefore special provision needs to be made when compressors have to be sited in confined
spaces.
Air receivers must be marked with the manufacturer’s name, their maximum allowable pressure, a serial number
to identify the vessel and the date of manufacture of the vessel. They must also be fitted with a safety valve,
pressure gauge, drain cock and manhole. A written scheme of examination must be prepared by a competent
person in accordance with the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 and the owner or user must be
provided with written reports of examination.
HOSES
All compressed air hoses must be the right size for the tool. If the bore is too small, insufficient power will be
supplied. The length of hose should be kept as short as possible; it should be kept free from corrosive materials
and leaks and protected from interference by passing traffic. Hoses should be to BS ISO 2398 or BS EN ISO
5774.
If work is to be undertaken at some distance from the compressor; the safest method of ensuring efficiency is to
use large bore pipe most of the way, then fit a shutoff valve where the normal bore feed to the tool begins.
Hoses must be kept clean when disconnected.
CONNECTIONS
All connections must be properly clamped. Loose connections can blow off causing the hose to whip back and
cause injury. It is also dangerous to over-tighten the connections because this can result in the hose being cut,
causing unnecessary leakage and loss of power. Safety devices, which restrain connectors in the event of a blow
off, are available. Alternatively, double lock couplers may be used.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Tools require clean air and proper lubrication. Therefore, in every airline there should be an efficient filter and
lubricator. If any fault develops, the main air supply should be shut off and air cleared from the tool before any
investigation takes place. Otherwise a disconnected coupling may snake off and cause injury. Oil mist from the
tool exhaust can cause at best offensive, at worst dangerous, atmospheres in confined spaces such as deep
trenches, tunnels and headings. Good ventilation is essential in such cases.
All tools should be held firmly to prevent them from spinning and jumping, and firm pressure should be
maintained in the same way when stopping and starting, so that no damage can be caused to the operator’s feet
and hands. In cold weather, pneumatic tools may freeze up. An anti-freeze lubricant in the regular oil-fog
lubricator fixed in the airline, usually on the compressor air outlet, may overcome the problem.

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COMPRESSORS, AIR RECEIVERS AND PNEUMATIC TOOLS
The following points should be checked:
1. That the V belt and pulley drive is adequately guarded;

2. That the air receiver is clearly marked with its safe working pressure and distinguishing number;
3. That the air receiver is fitted with a safety valve, a pressure gauge, a drain cock and a manhole;
4. That the air receiver has been examined as required by the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000;
5. That if an airline is used for blowing out, the activity is strictly controlled and that the person using the
airline, and other persons in the vicinity, are adequately protected (e.g. by goggles and respiratory
protection);
6. That joints in air lines are made with purpose made connections;
7. That the air supply to all tools is switched off when tools are left unattended or changed;
8. Compressed air is delivered at high pressure. If it enters the body, it can rupture internal organs and
cause death. Any form of horseplay should be expressly forbidden under all circumstances.
INDIVIDUAL PNEUMATIC TOOLS
Concrete Breakers
The retaining spring should always be securely in position to prevent the point dropping out and falling. It is
essential that the point is kept properly sharpened, because a blunt end tends to skid in all directions. It is
equally important that the end is properly heat-treated because, over a period, the temper of the metal is reduced
and the end can break off and severely damage the operator’s feet. Operators must always wear steel toe-capped
safety footwear.
Rock Drills
It is extremely important that the operator adopts a secure foothold, well-balanced posture and uses both hands.
Any other method of using the tool creates body hazards and the risk of losing foothold.
Air Grinders
1. Air grinders must be fitted with effective governors and must be properly maintained; the speed of the
tool should be regularly checked.
2. Grinders must be fitted with protective guards.
3. Grinders must be clearly marked with their maximum rotating speed.
4. Abrasive wheels larger than 55mm diameter must be marked with their maximum running speed.
5. The proper size and grade of wheel or disc must be fitted to suit the tool to be used.
6. Eye protection must be worn.
7. Employees mounting wheels or discs must be competent, properly trained and authorised to do so.
Tampers
These should always be used with both hands on the tool and the feet spaced apart. Foot injuries can be serious
with this item of equipment. Held firmly, it is not only better controlled, but produces more useful work. Safety
boots should always be worn.
Wood Borers
It is essential that the machine is picked up only by the handles, is firmly held against the job and the Wood
Borer is only to be extracted and put down once the drill has stopped revolving. All clothing must be kept out of
the way and loose clothing such as ties and scarves forbidden.

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Noise
Exposure to excessive noise can result in permanent hearing damage or loss. Pneumatic tools can produce
sufficient noise to result in such damage. All employees are required to wear ear protection when operating
pneumatic tools. Further information with respect to the control of noise is detailed within a “Noise in
Construction”, specific safe system of work.
Vibration
A number of pneumatic hand tools are associated with the incidence of Vibration White Finger. Wherever
possible tools fitted with anti-vibration devices and insulation shall be used.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - CUTTING OFF DISCS
SELECTION
Selecting an abrasive wheel for a particular application from the variety available is a matter of great
importance. Advice on wheel selection should be obtained from the manufacturer or supplier of the wheel.
There is a British Standard marking system for abrasive wheels. By using this system the wheel characteristics
can be readily identified.
Only resin bonded (resinoid) or reinforced resin bonded abrasive wheels are to be used in portable grinding
machines. Generally, soft grade wheels are most suitable for hard materials, whilst hard grade wheels are most
suitable for soft materials. If a soft grade wheel is used on soft materials the wheel will become clogged with
the material. Alternatively a hard grade wheel used with hard grade materials will become glazed. In both
cases, the efficiency of the wheel will be impaired and the operator may then press the work piece hard against
the wheel, causing the wheel to break.
The soundness of a vitrified bonded wheel can be checked, by suspending the wheel vertically and tapping it
with a light non-metallic implement. If the wheel rings it is satisfactory but if it sounds “dead” it is probably
cracked and should not be used.
BRITISH STANDARD MARKING SYSTEM
Prefix Manufacturers Abrasive Type (optional).

A = Aluminium Oxide
C = Silicone Carbide
Grain Size 8 – 24 Coarse

30 – 60 Medium
80 – 180 Fine
220 – 600 Very Fine
Grade On a scale where A = Soft and Z = Hard
Structure On a scale where 1 = Dense and 15+ = Open
Bond Type B = Resinoid

E = Shellac
R = Rubber
S = Silicate
V = Vitrified
Suffix Manufacturers Wheel Type (optional)
WHEEL SPEEDS
One of the main causes of an abrasive wheel “bursting” is over speeding. To prevent this, all grinding machines
must be marked with the maximum operating speed of the spindle, and all abrasive wheels should be marked
with the maximum speed at which they may be operated. Both of these speeds must be carefully checked prior
to mounting the wheel. Should the figure on the machine be greater than that of the wheel it must not be
mounted.

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MOUNTING THE WHEEL
Confirm operating speed is lower than that of the machine.
Prior to mounting an abrasive wheel onto a grinding machine, it is to be cleaned with a brush and examined for
any sign of damage. Any wheel which is shown to be damaged, is not to be mounted and should be rejected.
Wheels are not to be mounted on machines for which they are not intended. The wheel should fit easily, but not
loosely, onto the spindle. If it fits too tightly the heat generated during use may cause expansion in the spindle,
thus cracking the wheel.
Worn spindle bearings are to be replaced or the wheel is likely to oscillate, hammer the work piece and become
damaged in the process.
In order to prevent the wheel coming off the spindle, it should revolve in the opposite direction to the direction
in which the securing nut is tightened.
Straight-sided wheels, mounted onto fixed machines, are to be mounted between suitable flanges that have a
diameter of at least one third of the total wheel diameter. The flanges are both to be of equal diameter and are to
be recessed on the side next to the wheel to ensure that clamping pressure is not exerted in the area of the centre
hole. The driving flange is to be mounted on the spindle in a manner that does not allow the flange to revolve
with the spindle. The flanges are to be of mild steel.
The nut holding the abrasive wheel between the flanges should be tightened only sufficiently to ensure that the
flanges drive the wheel and do not slip. If the manufacturers torque pressure is known, a torque spanner should
be used to tighten the nut. If this is not available, the nut should be tightened by hand pressure using a spanner.
Straight-sided cutting wheels larger than 230mm in diameter, are to be fitted with washers of compressible
material between the wheel and the flange.
Depressed centre wheels are only to be mounted with the special flange assembly as illustrated in figure 1. The
following points are to be noted:
1. When the adapter has been tightened there is to be a slight clearance between the wheel and the flange
at (A). This is to ensure that any clamping pressure is exerted only at the centre of the wheel.
2. The outer part of the face of the flange is to be tapered as shown. This permits the full width of the
flange to support the wheel during grinding.

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Depressed centre wheels are only to be mounted on machines designed for their use. They are never to be
mounted on makeshift machines. The maximum and minimum diameters of flanges, to be used with depressed
centre or cutting off wheels on portable machines, are detailed in HSE Guidance Note PM22 and are as follows:
Flange Diameter (mm)

Wheel Diameter (mm) Wheel Hole Diameter (mm)
Minimum Maximum
Up to 100 9.5 18 19
Up to 100 15.88 or 16 30 32
Between 100-230 All sizes 39 41
Over 230 All sizes Not less than 1/3 the diameter of the wheel
Note: If preferred, flanges 1/3 of the wheel diameter may be used, with cutting off wheels less than 230mm
diameter.
GUARDING
Guards are designed to be capable of containing fragments of wheel should it burst. This implies that they
should be at all times securely fitted to the machine and adjusted where required. Typical guards for use with
different machines are shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 Guard for depressed centre wheel and cutting-off wheel.
Guarding is not only to protect from bursts, it is also to protect the operator from injury due to contact with the
moving wheel. The guarding is to be fitted to the machine whilst in use and is to be in good condition.
EYE PROTECTION
During grinding operations, fragments, flying particles and hot sparks are thrown off. These hazards are
extremely dangerous to the eyes. Therefore, eye protection will be provided to guard against this hazard.
Eye protection provided will be in the form of either box goggles or face shields, conforming to BS EN166
Grade 1 impact (BSEN 166B).
The eye protection provided is to be worn by all employees, whether grinding or not, who are exposed to the
risks of eye injuries from grinding.

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STORAGE OF ABRASIVE WHEELS
Abrasive wheels are to be stored in an area where the temperature is not excessively hot or cold, and in a dry
atmosphere.
Straight-sided wheels, such as are used on bench-mounted grinders, are to be stored on edge or on a spindle.
Thin wheels, such as cutting off wheels, are to be stored flat on a horizontal surface to prevent warping.
TRAINING
All operators required to mount abrasive wheels, shall undergo training in the mounting of the wheels and shall
be appointed, in writing, by the Company to mount the wheels. Exceptions to this occur when:
1. Wheels and discs have separate segments of abrasive material;

2. Wheels and discs are made of metal, wood, cloth, felt, rubber or paper and having any surface
consisting wholly or partly of abrasive material;
3. Wheels discs and saws to any surface of which is attached a rim or segments consisting of diamond
abrasive particle.
The training shall consist of instruction in the following:
1. Approved advisory literature relating to the mounting of abrasive wheels;

2. Hazards arising from the use of abrasive wheels and the precautions to be observed;
3. Methods of marking abrasive wheels as to type and speed;
4. Methods of storing, handling and transporting abrasive wheels;
5. Methods of inspecting and testing abrasive wheels;
6. The function of all components used with abrasive wheels, their assembly and the correct balancing of
the wheel;
7. The correct method of dressing an abrasive wheel;
8. The adjustment of the rest.
Training for those exempted discs or saws will be given to all employees and shall include:
1. Approved advisory literature relating to the use of abrasive wheels;

2. Hazards arising from the use of abrasive wheels and the precautions to be observed;
3. Methods of storing, handling and transporting abrasive wheels;
4. The function of all components used with abrasive wheels and their assembly;
5. The positioning of guards.
VENTILATION
Where the use of an abrasive wheel gives rise to dusts that may be a hazard to health, is offensive or where the
quantity of dust is excessive, all practicable measures shall be taken to minimise the hazard. Where practicable,
exhaust ventilation shall be provided as near as possible to the source of the dust.

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SUMMARY OF OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
Guards. Ensure the guard is in position and properly adjusted.

Work rests. Keep the rest as close as possible to the wheel.
Side grinding. Avoid grinding on the edge of straight-sided wheels.
Check that spindles do not become overheated through lack of
Lubrication.
lubrication.
Stopping Wheel. Do not attempt to slow the wheel, allow it to stop naturally.
Avoid using warped wheels and avoid the tendency to twist the wheel or
Cutting off wheels. exert pressure on the sides of the wheel. Ensure that the work piece is
firmly secured or clamped.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - ELECTRICALLY OPERATED TOOLS

(CONSTRUCTION)
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
All electrically operated tools used on site are to be on the reduced voltage of 110 V, as far as possible. This is
in order to reduce the risk, as far as possible, of an operator receiving a lethal shock. Additional protection
should be provided by the use of an earth leakage circuit breaker. All electric tools should be manufactured to
BS2769 or a similar European standard.
Checks are to be carried out to ensure that the power supply is within the operating range of the tool, as
indicated on the tool plate. All plugs and sockets should conform to BS4343 to ensure that they cannot be
plugged into the incorrect supply.
All electrical tools are to be either “double insulated” or earthed. The former is recommended.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Chuck keys are to be kept on a clip attached to the cable to avoid any temptation to improvise.
Whenever on the spot adjustments or changes in attachments need to be made, tools are to be disconnected from
the mains supply. Use of the control switch on the tool is not sufficient. The plug is to be removed from the
socket and should be visible to the operator while the adjustment is being carried out.
All attachments should be firmly affixed.
Guards are to be used and are to be kept in good condition. The relevant protective clothing, such as goggles,
dust masks, etc., is to be used.
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Each tool shall be clearly marked with a unique identification number, to enable records to be kept of the
inspections and maintenance carried out. Any tool without an identification number shall not be used until it has
been inspected and recorded and an identification number marked onto it.
All electrically operated tools shall be inspected prior to use for signs of faults in the wiring, switching,
guarding, etc. Any defective equipment shall be taken out of use and a label, clearly identifying it as defective,
shall be attached to the tool.
A competent person shall carry out maintenance on a regular basis and a register shall be kept of such
inspections and maintenance.
The maintenance and inspection shall constitute the following:
1. A check of the cable along its entire length;

2. A check of the plug to ensure there are no signs of damage, the cable clamp is in the correct position
and the fuse is of the correct value;
3. The current carrying capacity of the earth wire shall be checked. Double insulated tools may not have
an earth cable;

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4. The insulation resistance shall be checked and the value recorded;

5. If fitted, carbon brushes shall be checked and replaced if there is excessive sparking;
6. Any motor shall be blown through with a jet of clean, dry air and any particles of debris shall be
removed from the switch;
7. All parts shall be examined for wear and lubricated with the recommended lubricant.
The above shall be carried out at the following frequency:
Items 1 and 2: Once per month.

Items 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7: Once every three months.
INDIVIDUAL TOOLS
Hand Held Saws
These are to be fitted with a spring-loaded guard that only uncovers the teeth when the tool is pressed against
the work. A check is to be made to ensure that the guard moves freely.
Blades are to be inspected before use, to ensure that no teeth are missing.
The work is to be clamped, leaving both hands free to control the saw. On the larger, portable stand models; a
riving knife is fitted to prevent the saw cut closing on the blade and the work “kicking back”. The riving knife
is, therefore, to be kept clean and in good condition.
The work area is to be kept clear of all obstructions and debris.
Where the work gives rise to dust, respiratory protection shall be provided and worn.
Where the work results in particles being thrown off, eye protection shall be provided and worn.
Cutting Discs
See under the section “Abrasive Wheels”.
Drills
The material is to be firmly secured so that it does not spin as the drill begins to bite.
Rotary hammer drills are to be fitted with a safety clutch to protect the operator and the tool should the drill bit
snag.
All drills are to be kept sharp and a punch mark is always to be made as a starter.
The common operating fault lies in trying to drill too large a hole in a single operation, causing the drill to bind
and the drill to stop, resulting in damage to the tool and a possible wrist injury to the operative. Therefore, when
a large hole is to be drilled, a pilot hole should be drilled first.
Drills are to be held firmly until the chuck has come to a stop.
Gloves are not to be worn whilst operating rotating equipment.
NOISE
The use of portable electric tools can result in noise levels above the statutory control limits. See also the
section titled “Noise”.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK – EXCAVATIONS
INTRODUCTION
No soil can be relied upon to support its own weight for any length of time. It should be remembered that 1m3
of earth weighs approximately 1.3 tonnes. Even a small fall of earth can be sufficient to kill or inflict serious
injury. Therefore, unless the sides of the excavation can be battered to a safe angle, the sides will need to be
supported to prevent the possibility of a collapse.
Whenever excavation works are to be undertaken, consideration shall be given to the nature of the soil and the
conditions that will be met, the method of excavation to be used and the manner in which the required support
shall be provided.
GROUND CONDITIONS
It is essential that, prior to work commencing, detailed information regarding the ground conditions be obtained.
If the water table is to be exposed by the excavation, careful consideration shall be given to how it may affect
the excavation sides.
Surface Water
Ditches, streams, etc., that may be interrupted by the excavation, shall be safely diverted. Where the excavation
crosses the slope of the ground, cut off ditches shall be considered if the works are to be carried out in a rainy
period. Where field drains are visible they shall be cut off and diverted before the main excavation works start.
Ground Water
If ground water is present and presents a danger of collapse or flooding of the excavation one of the following
techniques of control shall be adopted:
1. Dewatering, by pumping the water out, thus lowering the water table to below the level of the
excavation;
2. Stabilisation of the ground by chemical injection or freezing.
In either case, specialist advice shall be sought, prior to excavation commencing. Consideration shall be given
to the effect that dewatering is likely to have on any adjacent structures.
Where the water lies over impervious strata, and the depth of this stratum is not too great, sheet piling shall be
used to form a substantially watertight wall. This will cut the water off from the excavated area, thus allowing
work to proceed in the dry.
Permanent works, such as diaphragm walls and secant piling, may also be utilised in this way
SOILS
Saturated Clay Silts
These present the most difficult problems, as the sides will slump into the excavation. When operating in this
type of soil, dewatering shall be undertaken prior to commencement of the excavation.

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Saturated Silt or Sand
Dewatering outside the line of the excavations shall be undertaken, where possible. If this is not possible, sheet
piling shall be installed, to a sufficient depth to prevent the danger of water “boiling up” through the bottom of
the excavation. This operation is only to be undertaken by experienced and competent personnel.
Sand
Sand, where there is a degree of silt present, may stand up initially. The stability of the sides is an illusion, as
rain may provide the necessary lubrication to start a collapse, or the sand may dry out, again allowing the
excavation sides to collapse.
The sides of the excavation shall be battered back, wherever room allows, or adequate, close timbered support
shall be provided.
Soft Clay
Battered excavations in soft clay shall receive careful consideration in relation to the slope, as too steep a slope
can result in collapse. If battering to a safe angle is not possible, full sheeting of the excavation shall be
provided. The method of installation of the sheeting shall:
1. Allow for the sheeting to be pre-driven before excavation takes place, or

2. Be capable of sheeting to a pre-determined depth prior to excavation proceeding further, or
3. Allow the main supporting members to be installed horizontally as the excavation proceeds
downwards.
Firm or Stiff Clay
These clays will stand unsupported after excavation, but their stability can deteriorate rapidly and the face is
liable to collapse without warning.
Collapse starts in two ways: -
1. When the soil is excavated lateral pressures are relieved causing the sides to swell inwards. Cracks
occur and unstable lumps of clay can fall into the excavation without warning.
2. The clay may contain cracks or fissures, which occur due to the drying out of the soil. When surface
water penetrates these cracks the clay is softened and lumps can readily break away.
The soil is to be battered back. However, if this is not possible properly assessed support shall be used.
Rock
Rock excavations appear, at first sight to present the least problems. However, all rock masses are separated
into blocks by bedding planes, cleavage planes and fissures, all of which are weaknesses which can contain
water or thin layers of clay which can act as lubrication, allowing movement along the planes. Excavation tends
to leave ragged faces. Small but heavy fragments may be held in place quite loosely and vibration will dislodge
them. All of these loose fragments are to be knocked down as the excavation proceeds. Support is to be
provided if there is any doubt as to the stability of the rock face.
EXCAVATION METHODS
The system of excavation and the type of support to be used cannot be considered separately, as both will
interact with the other. Persons dealing with the temporary support are to liase with those deciding on the type
of plant to be used - this is of particular importance where pipe work or other materials are to be lowered
between the supports.

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SUPPORT PRINCIPLES
Battering Back
This is the technique of sloping the sides of the excavation so that the soil is at its natural angle of repose and is
probably the safest method of excavating.
Where waterlogged ground is involved, specialist advice is to be taken, as dewatering will be required to
improve the soil stability.
Surface water can seriously affect the stability of battered excavations. Therefore, where surface water is
present or is likely to occur, interceptor trenches are to be dug, to divert the flow of the water.
Double Sided Support
With this method of support, the forces exerted by the soil are transmitted, through the support, from one side of
the excavation to the other. Hence, if the supports are correctly designed and installed, one side of the
excavation supports the other.
This is the most effective of all the methods of support and is to be used wherever possible. This is the method
that is used in most forms of proprietary prefabricated trench supports.
Where the soil is saturated, and dewatering has not been utilised, there is a serious danger of the water “boiling”
upwards through the bottom of the excavation. If this occurs there is a serious risk of the sides collapsing. Here
the penetration of the sheeting into the soil is a key factor and the support is to be designed and installed by a
competent person.
Single Sided Support with Raking Shores
Here the support is given to one side of the excavation, the pressure from the face taken through the shore and
into the unexcavated ground. An adequate foundation is to be provided to enable the transfer of the forces.
When raking shores are used to resist horizontal forces a vertical uplift force is introduced into the supports.
The design of this system is to allow for sufficient toeing in of the sheeting to resist these forces.
With the use of ground anchors, the situation is similar, but here the forces are reversed, with the vertical
components trying to pull the whole assembly downwards.
Single sided support systems are not suitable for standard solutions and are, therefore, to be designed and
installed by a competent person. It should be noted that this system is most frequently used to protect boundary
conditions.
Single-Sided Cantilever Support
Single-sided cantilever supports are only to be designed and installed by a competent person. They are only to
be used: -
1. In ground conditions which are stable enough to resist the overturning forces;
2. Where the effect of superimposed loads and their stability is not critical.
The deflection can be reduced by the use of a propped cantilever. This involves the tying back of sheeting to a
suitable anchorage point.

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STANDARD SOLUTIONS
In the majority of cases the support of excavations is carried out using a “standard solution”. The manufacture
of proprietary equipment has increased the scope for these methods. However, some excavations will require
detailed design of the support by a competent person.
The use of “standard solutions” shall only apply where: -
1. The excavation is double sided, narrow, not deeper than 6m and in non-water bearing ground;
2. The excavation is a shallow pit no deeper than 6m;
3. Water problems have been eliminated by wellpointing, dewatering, etc. and the excavation falls within
the parameters of a) and b) above;
4. An unsupported trench, no deeper than 6m, is feasible.
When adopting this approach the following shall be noted: -
1. Proper account is to be taken of the ground conditions when considering battering back the sides of the
excavation;
2. Supporting methods shall comply with recognised good practice;
3. Installation of proprietary systems is to be carried out in conformance with the manufacturer’s
instructions;
4. The system of work adopted is to be clearly explained to those involved in the installation of the
protection and others who will be working in the excavation;
5. The system of work is to be illustrated, where possible, with drawings or manufacturer’s literature,
together with check lists;
6. The methods of work, instructions and sketches are to be strictly followed;
7. Specialist advice is to be sought if there is any doubt as to the safety of the operations being carried out.
DESIGNED SOLUTIONS
Adequate soil data is required where design solutions are to be utilised. This information can be provided by
boreholes or trial pits. The interpretation of this information and the design of the support methods require the
services of a specialist.
TIMBERING SYSTEMS
Timber
Timber is used as a sheeting material in the form of poling boards, runners, walings and struts.
The use of poling boards depends on the materials to be excavated being able to stand to a height equal to the
length of the board during the board’s installation. There are two variations of this method:
1. Middle board is installed by excavating to the depth equal to the length of poling board being used.
Poling boards are then installed vertically, on both sides of the excavation. The walings are then placed
in position horizontally and strutted against the poling board. The security of the poling boards is to be
checked and chocks are to be installed to hold them firm as necessary. Excavation then continues
down for the next level of poling boards. Timber struts can be replaced by metal trench struts and the
poling boards can be replaced by metal sheeting.

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2. Tucking frame method only differs from the middle board method in that the walings and struts are
placed at the top and bottom of the poling boards instead of the middle. The excavation needs to be
slightly deeper than the length of the poling boards to enable the board to be tucked up and under the
waling. Where the ground will not stand long enough to allow the installation of poling boards runners
are used. These are longer sheeting members than poling boards and can be of timber or steel trench
sheets. In bad ground the runners are driven into the soil, prior to excavation, as far as they will
reasonably go. A shallow excavation is dug and the first level of waling and struts installed and
wedged. The digging then continues, until the runners are only just held by unexcavated material.
Wedges on the runners are loosened and the runners driven down again and the wedges re tightened.
This continues until the next waling is installed and subsequently until the excavation is completed.
Where the excavation is being undertaken by mechanical means, protection must always be placed
from the top of the excavation, prior to any person venturing into the trench, with, at least, the poling
boards and the first upper level waling and struts in position.
Sheet Piling
This has the advantage of easy driving in poor ground, prior to starting excavation. In firmer ground it can be
driven partially, then driven further as the excavation continues.
Sheet piling has the following advantages: -
1. The main structural support is in place before excavation starts;

2. The interlocking is reasonably watertight, making its use ideal in waterlogged ground or very unstable
ground;
3. Sheet piling is the only suitable support for cantilever protection;
4. Sheet piling can be used where there is an impermeable level below the excavation, to cut off the
water-bearing layer of the excavation.
“H” or Soldier Piling
Here steel universal columns are driven at determined centres, prior to excavation. As the excavation proceeds
the exposed face is supported by trench sheeting or timbering set between the piles.
This method has a number of important advantages when heavy support is needed:
• The main structural support is in place before excavating;

• The sheeting can be kept tight up with the excavation, which need not be unsupported for any length of
time;
• Maximum economy of sheeting material is possible in that open or close boarding can be used within
the same excavation;
• Where services cross the excavation the piles can be installed between the services and horizontal
sheeting can be located above and below the services.
“H” piling can be applied to both single and double-sided excavations. It is not suitable for cantilever support or
in waterlogged ground. This must be designed by a competent person.
Proprietary Systems
These fall into a number of well-defined groups: -
1. Hydraulic struts associated with waling systems;

2. Shields or boxes dragged along the bottom of the excavation;
3. Box or plate supports;
4. Special methods.
All proprietary systems are to be used strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

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INSPECTIONS AND EXAMINATIONS
Inspections are to be carried out by a competent person with the following frequency: -
1. Every day that men are working in any type of excavation, shaft, tunnel, etc.;
2. At the beginning of every shift of:
• Tunnel working face,

• Working ends of trenches more than 2m deep, and
• The base or crown of a shaft.
Thorough examinations of every type of excavation are to be carried out: -
1. After explosive charges have been fired;

2. After any damage to timbering, trench sheeting, etc. or after any fall of earth or collapse of material,
and;
3. In any case, every seven days.
A record of these thorough examinations must be made in the employers Record of Inspection register.
Where operations are expected to be completed within six weeks, and records are not kept on site, the
examination is to be carried out by a competent person and the record completed within one week.
RELATED SAFETY
The following safety requirements are also to be considered in relation to excavations.
Access
A safe means of access to and from the excavation is to be provided, along with a means of escape in the event
of an emergency. Ladders are to be of sound construction, of adequate length and strength and are to be placed
in the supported section of the excavation. They are to be secured at their upper end and are to project at least
1.05m above the excavation.
Gangways across the excavation, where persons can fall more than 2m are to be fitted with toe boards and
guard-rails and are to be at least 430mm wide for personnel access or 600mm wide for access of persons and
materials.
Where bridges need to be installed, to allow plant to cross the excavation, they are to be designed by a
competent person.
Barriers
The edges of all excavations are to be protected by a barrier, or are to be covered. The barrier may be removed
to allow the passage of personnel or materials, but is to be replaced.
Storage of Materials
Materials are not to be placed within 1m of the side of the excavation. Materials that may roll into the
excavation are to be securely chocked.

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Lighting
The edges of the excavation are to be lit during the hours of darkness, especially on public thoroughfares.
During the winter or in deep excavations, lighting shall be provided, where necessary, to enable operations to
continue safely.
Ventilation
Excavations are to be kept clear of toxic fumes and gases. Where these are suspected ventilation shall be
provided.
Underground Services
Proper precautions are to be taken to ensure that underground services are located prior to excavating. Full
details of the precautions to be taken are in the section “Overhead and Underground Services”.
Noise
Occupational and environmental noise is a hazard in excavations. Reference is to be made to the section
“Noise”.
CHECK LIST 1: SITE CONDITIONS
Information on the ground conditions and local constraints (adjacent structures, etc.) is to be available in order
to determine the methods of excavation and support. The following are to be ascertained prior to decisions
being taken: -
1. What are the soil types and groundwater conditions?

2. Is there any information on work previously carried out in the area?
3. What adjacent structures are there?
4. Are there any obstructions, likely to limit excavation works, such as services and clearances?
5. Have any defects in adjacent structures been noted by the client?
6. Is there a risk of surface flooding?
7. Is the excavation within the site boundary? Will any extra precautions be needed to protect the public?
8. If the excavation is a trench, what is the maximum depth to be supported and what length of materials
have to be installed? Can piping be tested in short lengths or is manhole-to-manhole required?
9. What surface loads are likely to arise?
10. Will there be any vibration? Will this affect the stability of adjacent structures?
Once the above have been answered the following need to be considered:
1. If the ground is waterlogged, are the conditions suitable for dewatering? Can battering be used without
damage to adjacent structures?
2. Is there a likelihood of the ground water "boiling" through the trench bottom?
3. How long will the excavation be open?
4. Is there likely to be a problem with surface water? Can cut off ditches and drains be dug?
5. What support do any services crossing the excavation require?
When all these have been answered, a decision can be made about the use of protection.

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CHECK LIST 2: BEFORE WORK STARTS
1. Is the person supervising the work fully experienced and competent in the support of excavations?
2. Have all the services been located and proved as to position? (See “Overhead and Underground
Services”).
3. Are the necessary drawings and sketches available? Have operatives been fully instructed as to method
of work?
4. Are the required materials available on site?
5. Has the excavator a certificate of exemption for lifting and is a copy on site?
6. Have arrangements been made for site security?
7. Is there adequate room to work and for spoil heaps?
8. Are the material for barriers and any required traffic signs available?
9. Will bridges or gangways be needed? Is the equipment available?
10. Are sufficient ladders available for access to and from the excavation?
11. Will lighting be required?
12. Is the appropriate protective equipment available?
13. Are the operatives experienced in the type of excavation? Will extra supervision be required?
CHECK LIST 3: WHILST WORK IS IN PROGRESS
The following are the main items that need to be checked in carrying out the inspections and examinations as
required by the Construction (Health, Safety, Welfare) Regulations.
1. Is access to and from the work face sufficient and secure?

2. Are all working faces secure, wedges tight and support material free from damage?
3. Is there any sign of movement or deflection of the support materials?
4. Is the soil condition as predicted? If not, what action should be taken?
5. Are soil heaps away from the edge of the excavation?
6. Are materials and plant well clear of the edge?
7. Has the supporting system been installed in accordance with the drawings/ manufacturer’s instructions?
8. Are the walings and struts supported against falling downwards?
9. Is there a risk of gases or noxious fumes getting into the workplace?
10. Are regular tests for gases or fumes being carried out? Is ventilation necessary?
11. Has the risk of flooding been properly assessed?
12. Have all personnel been instructed in the evacuation procedure?
13. Have all support materials been correctly checked, prior to installation? Are the correct pins provided
in the trench struts?
14. Is the work adequately protected and marked during the day and at night?
15. Are the operatives wearing safety helmets?
16. Is adequate lighting provided? Is the lighting system safe?
17. Are gangways and bridges wide enough, fitted with handrails and toe boards?
18. Is there a laid down system of support withdrawal and have those involved been correctly instructed?
19. Where dewatering is used, is a watch being kept to ensure that fine materials are not being pumped out
from behind the support system?

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - HAND TOOLS
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Quality
Buying cheap tools is a false economy. They do not last and can be dangerous. Hammers and chisels of inferior
steel can chip or shatter when struck. Cheap punches, drifts and cold chisels quickly mushroom, at the head.
Cheap spanners and wrenches can open out or break. Knives of poor steel rapidly lose their edge, pressure is
then necessary and the blade can easily snap. Similarly, blunt edges on hatchets and axes and worn teeth on
saws result in a loss of control.
Handles
Handles are necessary for ease of manipulation and for the protection of hands. They are to be of good quality
plastic or well seasoned durable hardwood, of smooth finish and firmly fixed. They are to be regularly checked
for splits or cracks and wedged, where necessary, to keep them tight.
Cleanliness
Grease, moisture and dirt are to be regularly removed. All moving or adjustable parts are to be lightly oiled.
Cutting Edges
Cutting edges are to be kept sharp to allow accurate work and to avoid the hazards caused by excessive pressure.
Repair and Storage
All tools are to be regularly checked. They are to be thoroughly examined prior to storage and, if worn or
damaged, repaired or replaced.
When not in use, tools are to be stored in boxes or racked.
Selection
Every tool has its proper application. The correct type, size and weight tool is to be selected for the job.
Electrical Risk
All metal tools are conductors of electricity. Where work takes place on or near live electrical apparatus, only
properly insulated or non-conductive tools are to be used.
Sparking Risk
For work near highly flammable materials or explosive dust, special tools made of non-ferrous materials are to
be used. Spark proof tools are to be regularly examined to ensure that no ferrous metals have become embedded
in them.

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INDIVIDUAL TOOLS
Cold Chisels
The cutting edges of cold chisels and bolsters are to be kept sharp. Re sharpened chisels are to be suitably
hardened and tempered to keep them in a safe working condition.
Chisel heads mushroom in use. Any mushrooming is to be ground off and the edge left with a slight taper to
reduce the tendency to mushroom.
The correct type and size of chisel is to be used, along with a hammer of the right weight.
Chisels are to be held in a steady and relaxed grip. The depth of the cut is regulated by the angle that the chisel
is held at. Cutting or chipping work should be carried out with the edge of the chisel pointing away from the
operative.
The use of chisels can result in flying debris; therefore eye protection is always to be worn by the operative and
any others who may be exposed to the danger of flying debris
Files
Files are made of highly tempered steel, which will shatter if struck or used as a lever.
The correct type and size of file is to be selected for the task. Handles are to be fitted to all sizes of files, to
prevent damage to hands. The handles are to be in good condition and are to be regularly inspected. Files are to
be kept free from oil and grease and not allowed to become rusty. The cutting surfaces of the file are to be
cleaned regularly using a wire brush to prevent the teeth becoming clogged with waste material.
Hacksaws
The correct type of blade is to be selected to suit the material being cut, teeth are to be set in the frame pointing
forward and sufficient tension is to be applied to keep the blade rigid.
In use, strong steady strokes are to be made away from the operator and the full length of the blade used. Hard
materials are to be cut slowly, to prevent the blade becoming overheated and blunt.
Hammers
Heads of hammers are to be firmly and accurately set on the handle. If the head works loose it is likely to fly
off, possibly causing serious injury.
Heads are to be secured with the correct wedges and kept in shape by occasionally grinding the face. Heads that
show signs of cracking are to be disposed of.
Handles are to be in good condition.
The correct type of hammer is to be used for the task.
Jacks
Jacks are to be heavy enough and strong enough to raise and maintain the load. They are to be placed on a firm,
solid support. The load is to be on the centre line of the jack.
Once the load has been raised it is to be supported so that the security of the load is not solely reliant on the jack.
Jacks are to be inspected and lubricated regularly and stored in the dry, to prevent corrosion.

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Knives
Knives are to be kept sharp. The correct knife is to be selected for the task. When not in use, knives are to be
kept sheathed, the blade retracted or placed in slotted racks. Razor blades, or Stanley blades, are only to be used
in the correct holders.
Picks and Shovels
Picks and shovels are to be kept clean and in serviceable condition, with handles free from cracks and splinters.
Shovel blades are not to be allowed to become blunt, turned, split or jagged. Pick head points are to be kept
sharp and securely attached to the handle. When using a pick the operative is to ensure that his legs are spread,
to prevent over-balancing. The wearing of safety footwear is mandatory. Care is to be taken that others are not
in the area, where they may be struck by the pick.
Pliers
Pliers are only to be used when there are no other tools suitable for the job.
All pliers are to be kept free from dust, grit and corrosion, with the moving parts lubricated. Rivets and bolts,
holding pliers together, are to be sufficiently tight to ensure efficient working.
Punches
Punches are to be straight and heavy enough for the work. Point of centre punches are to be kept accurately
ground. Pin punches and starting punches are to be kept squared. The tools are to be held firmly and are to be
started with light taps.
Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers are one of the most commonly used tools and are regularly misused. They are not to be used as
chisels, drifts or wedges. The screwdriver head is to be the correct size for the screw and its tip is to fit the slot.
The work is to be held firmly and a steady, even pressure, exerted on the screw.
Screwdriver handles are not to be hammered as this can cause the handle to split. If the handle is designed for
use with a rubber grip, that grip must be fitted. Serious puncture wounds can be sustained if screwdrivers are
carried in the pocket.
Spanners and Wrenches
Only spanners of the right size are to be used. The length of the spanner is not to be adjusted by fitting an
extension to it, as this will increase the likelihood of the spanner breaking. Spanners are to have square and
undamaged jaws. Adjustable spanners and pipe wrenches will not withstand hammer blows. After use all
spanners and wrenches are to be cleaned and any moving parts oiled, before storing in a box or rack.
Woodworking Tools
The sharp edges of woodworking tools are to be kept sharp, to promote ease of working. Sharpening is to be
carried out according to the type of tool. Chisels are always to be worked with mallets, as a hammer will split
the handle. All sharp edged tools are to be racked with the edge downwards or are to have the edge protected.
Always select the correct type of saw for the task. Saw teeth are to be correctly set to avoid binding.
Timber to be cut is to be free of nails, etc. When saws are not in use, the teeth are to be clean and the blade
wiped with an oily cloth, to prevent corrosion.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

(CONSTRUCTION)
INTRODUCTION
Hazards in the construction industry can be divided into two main areas, “Physical Hazards” and “Health
Hazards”. This section looks at the health hazards from situations in which internal damage to employees can
be caused, involving, for example, disorder or malfunction of the lungs, stomach, ear or brain.
HAZARDOUS DUSTS, FUMES, GASES AND VAPOURS
In the construction industry, substances harmful by inhalation are usually in the form of dusts, fumes, gases or
vapours.
It should be noted that smoking increases the health risks associated with inhalation hazards. This has particular
importance where there is a risk of lung disease or cancer. Active measures shall be taken to promote awareness
of this fact to all levels of employees.
It is a legal requirement under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations to assess the extent of
the risk prior to permitting anyone to enter or work in an area where such hazards exist. For example an
assessment may reveal that it is necessary to provide adequate natural ventilation, however, in many cases, the
assessment will initially have led to an evaluation of both the amount and concentration of the hazardous
substance present in the atmosphere, which in turn would have resulted in implementing controls for entry into
the area, the provision of forced ventilation and/or extraction, the monitoring of the atmosphere and the
provision and use of respiratory protection.
In a confined space an assessment of the oxygen content to ensure that the oxygen levels are within the range of
18% to 21.5% and the possibility of the atmosphere being explosive or flammable shall be carried out.
Entry into any area where the atmosphere is unsafe shall be strictly controlled and supervised, and the necessary
safety precautions shall be laid down and strictly complied with.
If, after all reasonably practicable steps have been taken to ensure adequate ventilation, the hazard still exists;
the use of respirators or breathing apparatus shall be necessary. The type of respiratory protective equipment
(RPE) required needs careful evaluation if the correct and most cost-effective choice is to be made. Respirators
shall not be worn in oxygen deficient areas; only breathing apparatus that are self contained or fed by an airline
shall be used.
The Certificate of Approval, issued annually by the Health and Safety Executive, lists the types of RPE
approved for use in conjunction with specific legislation, such as the Regulations applicable to lead and
asbestos. The types of RPE available may be suitable for the filtration of a variety of substances - the suitability
shall be checked with the manufacturers or suppliers of the equipment.
Adequate instruction and training shall be given to all those required to use RPE, both in use, hazards and rescue
procedures.
All dusts, gases and fumes shall be regarded as hazardous to health until such time as evidence to the contrary is
provided.
Most of the damage and toxic effects take place once the dusts, etc., reach the deep lung spaces and those
particles that are small enough to reach these areas are regarded as “respirable” dusts. Airborne dusts that do
not contain substances recognised as being hazardous to health are regarded as “nuisance” dusts.

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Dusty conditions are common on construction sites especially in dry and windy conditions, and when the
operations involve blasting, excavating, plastering, batching, crushing, demolition and the cutting or breaking of
materials. Where possible the dusts shall be cleaned up as they are created and dust-inhibiting measures, such
as damping down surfaces, vacuum cleaning and the exhaust ventilation of power tools, shall be taken.
Typical dangerous dusts found on construction sites are:
Asbestos
In demolition and refurbishment, old asbestos in the form of lagging, sprayed coatings and insulation boarding
(including old ceiling tiles) are often encountered. Asbestos cement products are frequently used in new
construction as well as being found in older buildings.
There are two main safety hazards associated with asbestos:
1. Asbestosis: This may result from working with all types of asbestos. It is a chronic industrial lung
disease, slow in onset leading to increasing breathing difficulties and eventual respiratory disablement.
It is dose related and results from a long exposure,
2. Mesothelioma: This is resulting from the inhalation of asbestos. This is a specific and serious form of
cancer only found after exposure to asbestos and affects either the lining of the lung cavity or the
abdominal wall.
Hardwood Dust
This is caused through sawing, routing, moulding, carving and sanding.
The hazards associated with this form of dust are dermatitis, asthma, skin irritation and severe irritation to the
eyes and respiratory system.
When this causes a problem, adequate ventilation must be provided and gloves worn to prevent skin irritation.
Man-Made Mineral Fibres
These fibres are widely found in use as a replacement for asbestos and in the form of fibreglass insulation in
lofts and other areas.
There is, at present, little evidence to indicate that these fibres are a cause of cancer, nevertheless their inhalation
is to be avoided. All the fibres can result in dermatitis.
Typically the precautions entail the wearing of tightly woven Terylene, or similar, overalls, impervious gloves
and Approved respirators.
Plaster, Mortar and Cement
Cementitious materials contain lime. When dry, this affects the respiratory system, as well as causing burns to
the eyes and skin. Where dust is present dust respirators shall be used along with eye protection and the skin
shall be protected.
When wet the skin shall be protected either by gloves or with the use of barrier creams.

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Silica and Quartz Dust
Large quantities of silica bearing rocks are crushed for the production of aggregates to make concrete. There are
hazards, not only in the crushing operation, but also in the batching of the aggregates, the abrasive cleaning of
buildings and the drilling or scabbling of concrete.
The major hazard is that of silicosis, the effects of which are the same as asbestosis. The precautions to be taken
are, where appropriate, the use of “wet” methods of work, total enclosure of the work area, exhaust ventilation,
RPE and the segregation of other workers.
The majority of gases and vapours have a toxic effect and inhalation usually results in rapid absorption into the
blood stream. Others may have the effect of reducing the percentage of the oxygen in the atmosphere,
producing the effect of suffocation.
All construction workers are exposed to exhaust gases from vehicles and machinery. Generally these gases are
only dangerous in confined spaces, such as tunnels, sewers and manholes - however, they can be of nuisance
value. Oil mists can also be created by the exhaust of pneumatic tools and can build up in a confined space or
poorly ventilated area and can cause nausea.
The use of chemicals with potential toxic properties is increasing in construction. Solvent fumes can be given
off by drying paint, lacquers and adhesives. They are frequently heavier than air and can build up in confined
spaces, displacing the oxygen. Polymer resins give off styrene and glues and foams can give off isocyanates.
Some of those commonly encountered on construction sites are:
Isocyanates
These are used in adhesives, insulation foams, paints and varnishes. The most hazardous operation involving
isocyanates is the spraying of foam compounds in which isocyanates are present.
They act as an irritant to the respiratory tract and may cause sensitisation (leading to asthma), dermatitis and
damage to the eyes.
The precautions include the wearing of protective clothing, to prevent skin contact, the provision of exhaust
ventilation and, where necessary, the provision of full face breathing apparatus.
Liquefied Petroleum Gases
Though we are usually well aware of the hazards connected with LPG it is not usually appreciated that the use
of LPG space heaters in confined areas can, without adequate ventilation, cause a deficiency of oxygen in the
atmosphere, resulting in asphyxiation. Propane and butane have a narcotic effect as well as presenting a risk of
explosion.
When using LPG there shall be adequate high and low level ventilation, some equipment must be fitted with an
individual flue.
Solvents
Solvents normally give off vapours and can be flammable and explosive. These are frequently found in paints,
adhesives, paint strippers, varnishes, mastics, surface coatings etc. The inhalation or absorption through the skin
of solvents can result in impaired judgement, excitement, dizziness, followed by confusion and
unconsciousness. Various long-term effects may follow. Other effects can be skin irritation and headaches.
The risk is greater when the solvents are used in confined spaces or poorly ventilated areas. Contact with the
skin can also result in dermatitis.
Whilst in use the area shall be well ventilated, if in a confined space air monitoring shall be carried out and
breathing apparatus must be used. Skin contact shall be avoided and impervious clothing is to be worn where
appropriate. Smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited in the working area and good personal hygiene
practices shall be followed.

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SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS IN CONTACT WITH THE SKIN AND MUCOUS MEMBRANES
Many fumes and dusts can be harmful in contact with the skin and mucous membranes (e.g. eyes and nasal
passages). There are also many equally harmful chemical based products.
The most common hazard in the industry is occupational dermatitis. Occupational dermatitis is neither
infectious nor contagious, but will continue for as long as the sufferer is in contact with the offending substance
and often long after. If a person is allergic to the substance it is not safe for him to handle that substance at any
time.
There is a great difference in people’s reactions to substances - the number of different materials known to cause
dermatitis runs into hundreds. The following list includes some of those most commonly found on site:
• Pitch, tar and bitumen;

• Brick, stone and plaster dust;
• Cement;
• Paints, lacquers, stains and varnishes;
• Woods;
• Epoxy resins;
• Acrylic and formaldehyde resins;
• Chromates present in primer paints, cement, etc.;
• Petrol, thinners, white spirit, etc. and
• Acids, alkalis.
It is not possible to give a detailed list of the causes and effects due to the large number of materials concerned
and the different reactions shown by people to these materials.
The incidence of occupational dermatitis can be reduced on sites by the provision of protective clothing to
prevent contact with the material, personal hygiene to remove the material from the hands once contact has been
made and by the provision of commercial barrier creams.
SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS BY INGESTION
The hazards of such substances are not always obvious and poisoning still occurs on construction sites. In the
majority of cases the hazard shall be eliminated or reduced by one or more of the following:
• Using substitute materials which are safer or less toxic;

• Ensuring that employees are aware of the hazard when using substances;
• Establishing, and instructing employees on, the safe system of use of toxic substances;
• Ensuring that all substances are correctly and clearly labelled;
• Prohibiting drinking, eating and smoking in areas where toxic substances are stored or used;
• Promotion of a personal hygiene programme and health education;
• Provision of the correct personal protective equipment and ensuring its use.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - HEALTH AND SAFETY RULES
EMPLOYEES
Introduction
This section details the rules and standards that relate to all employees at work, contractors and visitors. It is the
responsibility of all to obey these rules and to behave in a safe manner whilst at work.
Deliberate contravention of these rules shall be considered a break in the employees’ contracts of employment
and shall, at the discretion of the management, lead to instant dismissal.
It should also be borne in mind that contravention of the Health and Safety Legislation is a criminal offence and
that a prosecution can be taken against the employee by the enforcing authority.
WORKING PRACTICES
1. No machine, item of plant or equipment is to be operated by any person, unless they have been trained
and are authorised to do so.
2. All machine guarding is to be in place and correctly adjusted, prior to machinery being used.
3. Any fault, defect, including damage, or malfunction in any item of machinery, plant, equipment, tool or
guard must be reported immediately.
4. No machine, plant or equipment is to be left unattended whilst in motion, unless you are authorised to
do so.
5. No machine, plant or equipment is to be cleaned whilst in motion, unless you are authorised to do so.
6. No repairs, maintenance or adjustments to machines, plant or equipment are to be carried out, unless
you are authorised to do so.
7. All substances are only to be used in accordance with the written instructions.
8. All substances are to be stored in accordance with the written instructions and are to be returned to the
storage after use.
9. All hazard notices or warning signs displayed on the premises are to be obeyed.
10. All notices displayed in the workplace are to be read and you are to ensure that you understand the
instructions.
11. All safety equipment and facilities provided are to be used and are not to be misused or wilfully
damaged.
12. Protective clothing and safety equipment is to be stored in accordance with the instructions.
13. The work area is to be kept clean and tidy at all times.
14. All waste is to be disposed of in the correct container.
15. All liquid spillages are to be cleaned up immediately.
16. All emergency procedures relevant to your work area are to be obeyed.
17. Emergency exits and equipment are not to be obstructed.
18. Any use or damage to fire fighting equipment is to be reported immediately.
19. Prompt medical assistance must be sought for any injury received at work and the injury must be
reported as soon as possible.

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MISCONDUCT
Any employee found to have acted in any one of the following ways, shall be liable to the company’s
disciplinary procedure: -
1. Wilfully breaching the safety rules or Safety Policy;

2. Removing any guard or protective device without permission;
3. Operating any machine, plant or equipment without authority;
4. Misusing items provided for first aid;
5. Recklessly interfering with or misusing anything provided in the interest of health, safety or welfare at
work;
6. Defacing or removing notices, signs, labels or any other warning device;
7. Misusing any chemical, flammable substance, toxic material, etc.;
8. Smoking in designated “No Smoking” areas or whilst using flammable substances;
9. Taking part in horseplay or practical jokes;
10. Making false declarations or interfering with evidence following an accident or dangerous occurrence;
11. Misusing compressed air, electric or pneumatic equipment;
12. Overloading lifting equipment.
This list is not exhaustive.
VISITORS
Introduction
The following rules are designed to assist in the control of visitors to the premises. It is of importance that
persons visiting the premises should not be allowed to wander freely. In the event of fire, it is important to
know the number of persons in the area and their location, to ensure that, on evacuation, the buildings are in fact
empty.
Protective Clothing and Equipment
Visitors are required to wear and use the protective equipment, which shall be supplied where necessary.
Accidents
All accidents or incidents occurring on the premises must be reported.
Fire
Visitors are required to follow any fire procedures displayed and are to obey any “No Smoking” controls.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - HOP UPS
A hop up bracket or extension bracket is a bracket that is attached, usually to the inside of a scaffold, to enable
boards to be placed between the scaffold and the structure (as shown in Figure 1).
Figure1 Hop up bracket installed between a building and a scaffold
However, it is often used to extend the scaffolding outwards (as shown in Figure 2).
Figure 2. Hop up bracket installed outside the scaffold
Hop up brackets are not designed to support heavy weights and should, therefore, only be used for the passage
of persons or as a working platform. They are never to be used for the storage of materials, even for a short
period.
As the bracket forms a part of the scaffold, it is to meet all the requirements of a working platform, in that it is to
be:
1. Fully boarded;
2. Provided with a toe board;
3. Provided with double guardrails;
4. Inspected as part of the scaffold, as detailed in the section “Scaffolds”.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK – LADDERS
PLAIN RUNG LADDER
Ladders of various sorts are the most common means of temporary access in industry.
Timber ladders are economical but heavy, easily damaged and require maintenance. They must conform to
BS1129. Aluminium ladders are more expensive but have a longer life span, during which maintenance is
hardly needed. They must conform to BS2037.
Ladders are only to be used as a place of work “where it is reasonable to do so”. That is to say, only after a risk
assessment has been carried out and the findings of that risk assessment allow use as a safe place of work.
CONSTRUCTION
Ladders are to be of good construction, of suitable and sound material, of adequate strength with regard to the
task they are to perform and are to be properly maintained.
USE
Ladders are to be erected on a firm and level base and are to be properly and evenly supported on each stile or
side. If the ground is sloping or uneven an adjustable safety foot is to be used.
Ladders not supported on a base are to be securely and equally suspended from each stile and are to be secured
to prevent swinging or swaying. Long ladders may need to be tied in the centre of their length to prevent
movement.
The head of a ladder is to be rested on a firm, solid surface. A ladder stay is to be used where the support may
otherwise be unsuitable, such as a plastic gutter.
Ladders are to be placed to ensure that there is sufficient room behind each rung to allow for a proper foothold.
Only one person at a time is permitted to be on a ladder.
Metal ladders and timber ladders with metal stile reinforcements are not to be used where there is the
possibility of an electric shock being received.
The top of the ladder is to project above the landing to provide a handhold for those using the ladder unless there
is another sufficient handhold.
The correct slope for a ladder is an angle of approximately 75o to the horizontal, i.e. one metre out for every four
metres of height.
Ladders standing on a base are to be securely fixed near to their upper resting place. If this is not possible they
are to be secured near their lower end. Lashing or clamping each stile to a secure anchorage can normally
achieve this.
If there is no other means of securing the ladder then it must either be footed by a second person or a proprietary
brand of ladder securing device used.

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METAL LADDERS - STANDARDS
There are three standard types of metal ladders. Each type has been designed to be used under different weight
loadings. These are:
Only for use around the home,

where conditions of use and
Domestic storage should be good and the Colour coded RED
frequency of use light. Rated for
95Kg.
Used for the building industry by

tradesmen where conditions should
Light trade Colour coded YELLOW
be reasonable and would take
regular use. Rated for 110Kg
For use in any industry where

repeated access is required. It is
Industrial Colour coded BLUE
intended for arduous use on site
and in carriage. Rated for 130Kg.
Under no circumstances are domestic quality ladders to be used in the workplace.
Metal ladders are not to be used for any work on electrical installations or any work near live electrical
apparatus.
INSPECTIONS
Timber ladders are not to be painted or treated in any way that would prevent defects from being easily visible.
All ladders are to be easily identifiable and are to be inspected by a competent person every six months. The
findings of this inspection are to be recorded in writing and to be kept in an easily accessible place. The ladder
must also be inspected by the user, prior to use.
A ladder inspection should cover the following:
1. Timber ladders -cracks, splits, splintering, warping or bruising of the timber, Wooden stiles or
sides and wooden rungs are to have the grain running along the length of the member;
2. Metal ladders - mechanical damage;
3. Rungs for signs of movement or undue wear. Missing rungs or defective rungs are not acceptable;
4. Wedges and tie rods for tightness. Metal reinforcing ties if the tenon joints are not secured by
wedges. The ties are to be below the rungs when the ladder is in use;
5. Rungs are to be properly fixed and jointed into the stiles and are not to rely solely on being held in
place by nails, screws, etc.;
6. Feet for splitting and fraying. Timber or metal inserts on metal ladders for wear and position;
7. Ropes for wear, fittings for security and pulleys for ease of operation.
These inspections are to be recorded in writing and this record kept easily available for inspection.

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ERECTING AND LOWERING LADDERS
The erection of plain and rung extension ladders is identical. The procedure is as follows:
1. Lay the ladder on the ground;

2. One person, taking hold of the top rung with the wire or metal support underneath the rung, is to lift the
ladder and start moving his hands towards the bottom of the ladder;
3. At the same time the second person, acting as "anchor man" stands with one foot on the bottom rung
and exerts a pulling, stabilising effort;
4. In unison the two people can pull the ladder into the vertical position;
5. Place the ladder against the structure at an angle of 75° and secure.
Where a short ladder is being used, one person can erect the ladder as follows:
1. Place the bottom of the ladder firmly against the base of the structure;
2. Lift the top of the ladder, and push upwards to raise the ladder to a vertical position;
3. When the ladder is vertical, transfer it to the required position.
Stepladders are to be erected as follows:
1. Stand the ladder on a firm, level area or prepare a suitable platform with scaffold boards;
2. Position the legs as far apart as the retainer will allow;
3. Check the ladder is level before using it.
Where roof ladders are to be used, a plain or extension ladder must first be erected as previously described. The
procedure for erecting a roof ladder is as follows:
1. Proceed up the lower ladder to the eaves level, either carrying the roof ladder, or having it passed to
you when you are at the top;
2. Slide the roof ladder up the slope with the hook uppermost;
3. When the hook has passed the ridge, turn the ladder over and ensure that the hook has engaged with the
ridge;
4. Protect the roof covering with soft packing materials under the ladder if necessary;
5. Lash both ladders together with rope.
SUMMARY
The following is a brief summary of safety points regarding ladders:
1. Use the ladder at the correct angle;

2. Wear clean footwear, free of mud and in good condition;
3. Always keep the ladder clean and in good condition;
4. Do not reach out from a ladder;
5. Never support a ladder on an insecure base, e.g. scaffold, loose bricks;
6. Always secure the ladder or get someone to hold it;
7. Wherever possible, carry tools in pouches or belts or have them hoisted to the workplace;
8. Store ladders to keep them in good condition;
9. Only one person at a time is to use a ladder;
10. If unsure in any way keep off the ladder.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - LIFTING ACCESSORIES
INTRODUCTION
By its nature, lifting must be regarded as a hazardous operation. It is important that the maximum attention is
paid to the correct use and maintenance of lifting accessories. This is achieved by:
• Purchase of equipment conforming to British Standards;

• Careful testing and inspection after manufacture;
• Detailed planning and correct use of the accessories;
• Correct storage;
• Regular and careful inspection and maintenance of the accessories.
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 cover lifting accessories. Accessories for
lifting may include single items or an assembly of items, such as slings, shackles, eyebolts, clamps, lifting
magnets, vacuum lifters and lifting beams.
STATUTORY INSPECTIONS
All lifting accessories are to be thoroughly examined, by a competent person every six months or more
frequently, in line with a scheme of examination, should the operating conditions require it. A report of these
examinations is to be made by the competent person who carries out the examination and should be kept for two
years by the employer. Accessories are also to be inspected visually, prior to use.
MARKING OF EQUIPMENT
All lifting accessories are to have some form of marking on them, in order to identify them and to enable the
inspections/examinations to be recorded in the registers and certificates. This marking is to include the safe
working load for that particular accessory.
Accessories used for lifting persons must be marked as such and those that must not be used for lifting persons,
but could be used in error, must be appropriately and clearly marked.
Where the weight of an accessory is significant it should be clearly marked with its weight.
Normally the safe working load marked on a multi-leg sling also gives the angle for that load. Any alteration
from the angle, as given, will alter the safe working load of the sling. Therefore, the table of safe working loads,
as supplied by the manufacturer, is to be consulted.
Metric units (tonnes) are normally recognised by the use of a “t”. Imperial units are normally expressed in tons
(T) and hundredweights (cwt).

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CHAIN SLINGS
Due to the large number of grades of chain available, a given diameter will give rise to differing safe working
loads. Therefore, it is imperative that reference be made to the manufacturer’s safe working load, as marked.
Repairs
Any chain, which is either suspect or in need of repair is to be returned to the supplier. Under no circumstances
are repairs to be carried out on site.
Defects
The most common defect is stretching of the chain, including the links, rings or hooks. Other regular defects are
through abrasion, corrosion and the chain being used against sharp edges. Should any defect be seen in a chain,
it is to be withdrawn from service and examined by a competent person.
WIRE ROPE SLINGS
Wire rope is manufactured from a number of single wires, twisted together to form a strand. The strands are
then twisted to form the rope. The safe working load of wire rope is determined by its guaranteed breaking
load. In all cases, the manufacturer’s safe working load is not to be exceeded.
Defects
Efficient examination of wire rope slings requires considerable experience and sound judgement. The following
are always considered:
Kinks; usually caused by the rope being bent around sharp bends, which can give rise to serious weakening of
the rope;
Wear; a wire rope becomes unserviceable if the wear results in flattening that gives a 10% reduction in the
rope’s diameter;
Broken Wires; a rope is to be taken out of

service if the number of visible broken wires in
any 10 diameters length exceeds 5% of the total
number of wires in the rope. Broken wires are
dangerous to handle. They should be removed
by bending backwards and forwards until they
break off, cutting them leaves sharp edges.
Figure 1 Wire rope showing broken strands

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FIBRE ROPE SLINGS
Only properly manufactured fibre rope slings are to be used. Lengths of rope found on site are not to be used
for slinging purposes.
The strength and other properties of a rope will vary considerably with the material from which it is made. The
manufacturer or supplier is to be consulted to ensure that the rope is suitable for the purpose.
Under no circumstances are knotted slings to be used, as this reduces their strength by over 50%.
All fibre ropes are very prone to mechanical damage - they are to be checked before each use and treated with
care.
Natural fibre ropes are subject to rotting and chemical damage. Man-made fibre ropes have varying properties
with regard to chemical exposure and may degrade on prolonged exposure to sunlight. The manufacturer’s
instructions are always to be followed.
FLAT LIFTING SLINGS
Flat lifting slings give a wide area to bear onto the load, reducing the risk of damage to the load. There are three
main types in use: -
• Woven man-made material with sewn-in end fittings;

• Woven wire mesh, normally covered with a plastic material;
• Plaited or panelled wire rope.
Slings of woven material are to be checked for cuts and abrasions. Any blistering of plastic covering is a sign of
damage underneath.
Slings are to be protected from sharp edges by padding. All lifts are to be vertical, as side pull tends to overload
the edge of the sling and cause tearing.
HOOKS
Every hook used for raising or lowering a load is to be either:
1) Fitted with an efficient device to

prevent the load becoming displaced or
2) of such a shape as to avoid, as far as is
practicable, the risk of displacement of
the load.
There are three basic types of hook that meet

these criteria. These are illustrated in Figure 2.
Loads are only to be applied to hooks at the

place specifically designed to take them that is
the bed of the hook. Loading the hook at any
Figure 2 Types of hook: left to right: swivel hook,
other place will result in the hook becoming over
"C" type eye hook, eye hook with safety catch
stressed, causing the hook to open or break.

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EYEBOLTS
There are three types of eyebolt, illustrated in figure 3:
1) Dynamo eyebolt: this has a large eye

and relatively small collar. It is
designed for vertical lifting only;
2) Collar eyebolt: has a smaller eye with
a large collar. It can be used for
angular loads in the plane of the eye.
The collar must be tightened down on
its seating, to obtain its full strength; Figure 3 Types of eyebolt: Left to right: dynamo,
3) Collar eyebolt with link: this will take collar, collar with link
a higher angular force than the others
and allows the pull to be in any direction.
SHACKLES
Shackles are widely used for making connections in slings. They are to match the grade of chain in use.
The pin is separate, however, and only the pin supplied with the shackle is to be used. Under no circumstances
are pins from other shackles to be used.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES
INTRODUCTION
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is defined in The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres
Regulations, 2002 as "commercial butane, commercial propane or any mixture of both", and should conform to
BS 4250.
LPG is sold under a variety of names such as:
LPG Names Cylinder Colour

Bottogas Grey/Red top
BOC Propane Red
Calor Butane Blue (some Green)
Calor Propane Red
Glogas Yellow
Propagas Grey/Red top
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
At normal temperature and pressure LPG is a gas but as supplied it is a liquid under pressure. When the
pressure is reduced, the liquid starts to boil and a gas is given off. One litre of liquid will provide approximately
250 litres of gas.
LPG is colourless. It is heavier than air and will travel great distances along the ground, collecting in cellars,
basements, drains, excavations and other low lying areas. If the air is relatively still, the vapour will linger for a
long time and if ignition occurs at a remote point, the flame will travel back to the source of the leak.
LPG is not toxic but can produce a narcotic effect, leading to asphyxiation. There is also a risk of asphyxiation
when LPG is burnt, unless there is sufficient ventilation.
LPG usually has a smell added to it prior to distribution. Because of its rapid vaporisation, liquid LPG can
cause severe frost burns if it comes into contact with the skin.
CYLINDERS
Storage
Cylinders must be stored at ground level and easily accessible, in case of emergencies. Wherever possible, the
storage is to be in the open air, protected by a fence, at least 2m high. There should be sufficient shelter to
protect the cylinders from the sun.
The area is to be kept clear of flammable materials and there should be no adjacent drains, cellars, etc. Notices
stating “LPG - HIGHLY FLAMMABLE” and “NO SMOKING” are to be displayed.
LPG cylinders are not to be stored within:
• 3m of cylinders containing oxygen or materials which are toxic or corrosive;

• 3m of highly flammable liquids;
• 7.5m of a fixed LPG installation of more than 5000 litres.
Cylinders, full or empty, are to be stored with their valves uppermost.

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If storage in the open air is not practicable, the building, or part of the building used, is to be either designed
specifically or modified for the purpose, to ensure an adequate degree of fire resistance and a good rate of low-
level ventilation. All electrical installations within the area are to be intrinsically safe. Only the minimum
quantity of cylinders necessary, are to be stored under these conditions.
Handling
Hands and clothing are to be free from grease, oil and grit when cylinders are handled to prevent them from
slipping and to prevent grit getting into the valve assembly, or grease onto the nozzle or valve.
Nozzles are not to be used for handling purposes; they are not designed to withstand the weight or stress.
Cylinders in use are to be stored and transported on the trolleys provided. If it is necessary to move a cylinder
that is not on a trolley, all regulators and hoses are to be removed and a check made to ensure that the valve is
shut.
Under no circumstances are cylinders to be rolled along the ground.
If cylinders are to be moved by crane they are to be secured in a cradle. On no account are they to be moved
using chains or slings, as these are likely to slip, allowing the cylinder to fall.
Gas cylinders are to be treated with care and not subjected to falls or shocks. When they are being unloaded
from vehicles they are to be lowered and never to be dropped.
Leak Detection
Cylinders, valves, connections, piping and hoses are to be inspected regularly for leaks. Leaks may be identified
by:
• Smell;
• Sound of escaping gas;
• Condensation or frost around the area of the leak;
• Brushing soapy water over the suspect area or valve and looking for bubbles.
If a leak is discovered and it cannot be stopped, the cylinder is to be removed as quickly as possible to an open
space, clear of drains, culverts, etc. It is to be placed with the leak uppermost, marked with warning notices and
the supplier notified.
IGNITION SOURCES
The following sources of ignition must be excluded from hazardous areas where LPG is present:
1. Smoking and naked lights;

2. Welding, cutting and blowlamps;
3. Abrasive wheels and disc cutters;
4. Heating appliances;
5. Steel tools;
6. Mechanically propelled vehicles;
7. Unprotected electrical equipment.

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FIRE PROTECTION
A sufficient number of dry powder fire extinguishers are to be placed around the storage area. These are to be
maintained on a regular basis, at least annually.
Weeds, long grass and other combustible materials are to be kept clear of the storage area.
EMERGENCY ACTION
In the event of an emergency it is important to avoid endangering life. The following action is to be taken in all
but the most minor of incidents:
1. Call the emergency services;

2. Evacuate all unnecessary personnel.
In the case of a leak without a fire, stop the escape of gas, if possible. Remove defective cylinders, as detailed
under “Leak Detection”.
See also, Safe Systems of Work: -
Oxy/Liquid Petroleum Gas Welding.

Oxy/Acetylene Welding.
Oxy/Acetylene Cutting.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - MANUAL HANDLING
INTRODUCTION
The correct method of lifting makes the job easier, less tiring and is less likely to lead to back injuries. Lifting is
to be done using the correct muscles - back and abdominal muscles are weak, the leg and thigh muscles are
strong. The spine has a natural shape when man is standing, when he bends over the back becomes arched and
weaker. Therefore, if the back can be kept straight and the muscles of the legs and thighs utilised, with the load
kept close to the body a man can act as a human elevator, resulting in far heavier loads being lifted, with far less
effort.
PRINCIPLES
There are six significant points in manual handling. These are: -
1. Grip: A good grip makes maximum use of the palm of the hand, the ball of the thumb and the base of
the fingers. Considerable damage can be caused by using the sensitive fingertips and continued use of
them leads to strained fingers and forearms;
2. Back: The back is to be kept straight to maintain its natural and strongest position. This necessitates
bending at the knees and ankles to get close to the load and then to raise it, pushing upwards with the
leg muscles;
3. Chin: The chin is to be kept well in so that it is near the chest. This helps to keep the spine in its
natural position;
4. Feet: The correct position of the feet is approximately the width of the hips apart, with one foot slightly
in front of the other. This position provides a stable base as the load is lifted;
5. Arms: Arms are to be kept as close to the body as possible so that the body does not become
unbalanced;
6. Body: The body, being kept in its normal position, is to act as a counterweight for the load.
OTHER PRECAUTIONS
1. A person should always be able to see where they are going.

2. It is good practice to look over the route, before lifting, to ensure that there are no obstructions or
obstacles in the way.
3. Stacking is only to be as high as it is possible to go with the elbows still tucked into the sides.
4. If loads are unwieldy or irregular in shape, hand hooks or other lifting aids are to be used.
5. If there is uncertainty as to the weight of the object to be lifted, or the person who is to do the lifting is
unsure of their capabilities, help is to be sought.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK – NOISE
NOISE AT WORK
It is the policy of this Company to comply with the Noise Regulations in so far as they affect our own
employees and those persons not in the employ of the Company.
Where any doubt exists as to whether any machinery or plant owned or used by Company employees has a noise
output in excess of 85dB(A), or a peak output in excess of 200 Pascals, then a noise survey will be carried out
by a competent person to ascertain the actual levels.
Where the level is less than 85dB(A) no further action is necessary, although it is the policy of the Company to
keep all noise to a minimum level consistent with good commercial practice.
Where the level exceeds 85dB(A), but is less than 90dB(A), then all persons affected shall be advised of the
survey results, instructed about industrial hearing loss and advised to wear hearing protection. The Company
shall supply, maintain and replace such protection free of charge.
Should the survey reveal levels of over 90dB(A), and/or a peak level of over 200 Pascals then the Company
shall do all that is possible to reduce these levels, as far as is reasonably practicable.
Identified areas shall be marked as Ear Protection Zones in accordance with BS 5378, and the wearing of
hearing protection shall be made mandatory.
Where it is foreseeable that employees operating a machine are likely to be exposed to noise levels in excess of
90 dB (A) then that machine is to be marked as in the previous paragraph.
Employees have a duty under these regulations to wear protection provided.
Records will be kept of all surveys and subsequent action taken.
Where subsequent changes in work practices make a survey no longer valid then the above will be repeated for
the new conditions that prevail.
Suppliers of new machines are to be requested to supply details of the expected noise levels of any new
machines purchased.

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ACTIVITY LIKELY NOISE

EXPOSURE
LEP, d
Average Range
Agent (up to 50% day on site) < 80
Asphalt paving < 85
Blasting 100 +
Bricklayer 83 81 - 85
Carpenter 92 86 - 96
Concrete
Chipping/drilling 85 +
Floor finishing 85
Grinding 85 +
Concrete worker 89 84 - 92
Crushing: Mill worker 85 +
Driver
Crawler tractor 85 +
Dumper 85 +
Excavator < 85
Grader 85 +
Loader < 85
Roller 85 +
Wheeled loader 89
Wheeled tractor < 85
Engineer: Supervising pour 96
Engineer: Surveying < 80
Foreman: Supervising workers 80
Formwork setter 92 89 - 93
Ganger: Concrete pour 93 92 - 93
Ganger: General work 94
Guniting 85 +
Labourer: Concrete pour 97 95 - 98
Labourer: Digging/scabbling 100
Labourer: General work 84
Labourer: Shovelling hardcore 94
Labourer: shuttering 91
M & E installer
General 89 82 - 96
Small work 84 78 - 89
Piling operator 85 +
Piling worker 100 +
Reinforcement worker
Building site 86 82 - 89
Bending yard 84 77 - 87
Sandblasting 85

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - OCCUPIED PREMISES
General
Working in occupied or partially occupied buildings and adjacent to the general public calls for particular care,
and special precautions need to be taken to protect the occupants and their visitors. Their means of access and
escape must be maintained at all times and additional temporary measures may be necessary to ensure this.
Measures must also be taken to protect them against falls, falling materials, dust, vibration, fumes and other
hazards.
Where possible, the work site is to be completely segregated from the occupied section of the building by
hoarding panels. If this is not a practical option, then working areas should be clearly marked and access denied
to non-construction personnel.
A fire alarm system, if in place, must be maintained, although part of a smoke/heat detection system may have
to be temporarily disconnected or isolated when hot work such as burning or welding operations are carried out.
A hot work permit system should be laid down for such work.
There can also be major problems with noise levels and vibration, which affect not only the worker, but also the
occupants of the building. Noise reduced compressors and other machinery is to be used to reduce the
inconvenience. Where noise levels are written into the conditions of the contract, it will be necessary to carry
out noise monitoring to ensure compliance.
Services
Services should be inspected prior to commencement of the work. Arrangements must be made before the
starting date to ensure that services to the occupied part of the building are not compromised, and that any
supplies to the work area are sufficient to cope with demand. Consideration should be given to fitting RCD
breakers on services to the occupied section that could be damaged by contractors activities.
It is sometimes necessary to enhance services to meet the needs of modern information technology and
environmental requirements. This can entail breaching fire stopping in services, recesses, ducts and voids where
fire can spread rapidly. Care should be taken that occupants are not put at risk during such work.
Where work is to be carried out on the drainage system, it must be done in such a way as to leave the drainage to
the occupied section in a working condition and protected from rodent infestation.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - OFFICE SAFETY
ENVIRONMENTAL
Offices shall be kept clean and tidy. Each person shall have a minimum of 3.7m² of floor space or, where the
ceiling height is less than 3m, 11m³ of air space. The volume of any items of equipment is to be subtracted from
the total room volume before obtaining this figure.
A minimum temperature of 16oC shall be attained within one hour of work commencing and maintained
throughout the working day.
Lighting shall be either natural or artificial and steps shall be taken to eliminate glare and shadows.
Adequate fresh air shall be provided, either through open windows or by the means of air conditioning. In areas
where fumes are likely to be present, local exhaust ventilation shall be provided.
ACCESS
Stairs, steps and floors shall be maintained in good condition. They shall, as far as is reasonably practicable, be
kept free of materials likely to cause persons to slip or trip and shall not be obstructed.
Non-slip floor polishes shall be used on linoleum or similar surfaces.
Trailing cables from telephones, computers, etc. shall be kept to a minimum and are to be positioned so as not to
cause a tripping hazard.
Full height glass screens and doors shall be marked to indicate their presence.

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WASHING AND TOILET FACILITIES
The facilities shall normally include clean hot and cold, or warm, running water, soap, clean towels or other
suitable means of cleaning and drying. They shall be adequately cleaned and maintained, and be properly
ventilated. The room should be well lit and should not open onto any room where food is processed, prepared
or eaten.
Suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences shall be provided and maintained in accordance with the numbers
of persons employed, as detailed in Table 1. Where separate sanitary accommodation is for a group of workers,
e.g. men / women, or office / manual workers then a separate calculation shall be made for each group.
TABLE 1
Number of people at work Number of water closets Number of wash stations
1-5 1 1
6 - 25 2 2
26 - 50 3 3
51 - 75 4 4
76 - 100 5 5
In the case of sanitary accommodation used only by men table 2 may be used instead of the water closet
requirement of table 1.
TABLE 2
Number of men at work Number of water closets Number of urinals
1 - 15 1 1
16 - 30 2 1
31 - 45 2 2
46 - 60 3 2
61 - 75 3 3
76 - 90 4 3
91 - 100 4 4
An additional W.C. and one additional wash station should be provided for every 25 people above 100 (or
fraction of 25). Where work activities result in heavy soiling of hands, face and forearms, the number of wash
stations should be increased to one for every 10 people (or fraction of 10) up to 50 people and one extra for
every additional 20 people (or fraction of 20).
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
In order to minimise the risk of electrocution caused by defective plugs, sockets, wiring or appliances, persons
who are competent to carry out the work shall install all electrical installations. IEE installation certificates shall
be obtained.
All electrical equipment shall be regularly checked for defects and records shall be kept. Fuses shall be checked
to ensure the correct rating is used. As a guide, 3 amp fuses shall be used for appliances with a power output of
up to 700 watts; 5 amp fuses for up to 1000 watts and 13 amp fuses for appliances up to 3000 watts.

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MACHINERY
All parts of every machine that is likely to present a risk of injury shall be adequately guarded and the guards
regularly maintained and inspected. Records shall be kept of the inspections and maintenance carried out.
FILING AND STORAGE
Incorrectly used filing cabinets, can become unstable. If too many drawers are opened at one time, they may
topple over. All filing cabinets are to have the lowest draw loaded first and only one draw is to be opened at a
time.
All racking shall be of adequate strength, for the loads placed upon them, and shall be rigidly secured to
adjacent racks or the wall of the building. Steps or ladders are to be used to gain access to the higher levels of
shelving. Heavy items shall not be placed on the higher shelves.
Prior to the installation of racking or filing cabinets, the floor strength is to be ascertained to ensure that the floor
is capable of withstanding the load to be applied to it.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
GENERAL
The proper selection and maintenance of mechanical plant and equipment and the provision of information,
instruction and training in their use are requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
1998.
The manufacturer’s instructions shall be available, on site, with every machine and shall be strictly complied
with.
DRIVERS, OPERATORS AND BANKSMEN
All drivers, operators and banksmen shall be competent to perform their duties. No person under the age of 18
years is permitted to operate any plant, unless they are under the close supervision of a competent person.
Prior to operating an item of plant the driver shall be properly trained and instructed as to the safe working load
of that item of plant, the correct loading and unloading techniques and shall be made aware of the dangers
associated with the overloading of the plant.
Passengers shall not be carried on any item of plant, unless it has been designed and fitted with seating for
passengers.
Plant shall be parked on firm, level ground, with the engine stopped, brakes on and any load or attachment
lowered to the ground. When left unattended, all items of plant are to be locked and the keys removed.
MAINTENANCE
A competent person shall maintain all items of plant in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Repairs will be carried out as and when necessary and are only to be undertaken by a competent person.
Records of repairs carried out should be kept with the vehicles documentation to develop a history of the
vehicle.
Operators shall report all defects to the site supervisor immediately on discovery. Plant, which has defects
likely to affect the safety of its operations, shall not be used.
All defects should be entered into a defect book for the site or premises where plant and equipment is operated.
GENERAL HAZARDS
1. Operating mechanical plant in the vicinity of overhead or underground services shall only be carried out in
accordance with the system as detailed in the section “Overhead and Underground Services”.
2. Noise from plant shall be reduced at source, where possible. Reference shall be made to the section
“Noise”.
3. All persons not involved with the operation of plant shall keep away from areas where plant is operating.

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4. Due to the restriction of the operator’s field of visibility, the operator is to carefully check around the
machine for obstructions, prior to operations. Where the machine is being used in confined areas a
banksman shall be used to ensure that the machine is not obstructed or that the machine’s movements do
not endanger persons.
5. When used in adverse weather conditions, reduced visibility or at night headlights shall be used and all
persons working in the area of plant shall wear reflective jackets or waistcoats.
6. Where the movement of machines creates a dust hazard, damping down of the area shall be carried out. If
necessary, employees shall be issued with dust masks.
7. Plant and equipment is to be parked in such a way that it does not cause an obstruction to other plant,
vehicles or pedestrians. If plant breaks down in a position that is likely to cause an obstruction, it shall be
clearly marked with warning signs, diversionary cones or barriers and shall be illuminated during the hours
of darkness.
8. Plant required to operate on inclines shall be fitted with roll over protection structures and driver’s seat
belts.
9. Plant is, where possible, to be kept away from the sides of excavations. If this is not possible, the
excavation shall be evacuated of personnel whilst the plant is operating in the vicinity or passing by.
10. When used in a confined space, adequate ventilation shall be provided to remove any build up of exhaust
gases or fumes.
11. Safe means of access and egress shall be provided to all cabs and operators shall mount and dismount the
machine using the access provided. Operatives should not jump from machines.
12. When roll over protection is fitted, seat belts are to be worn by operators of mobile plant. This will keep
the operator inside the confines of the safety cell provided by any roll over protection scheme.
13. Every moving part of any prime mover, every part of transmission machinery and every dangerous part of
any other machinery, whether driven by mechanical power or not, shall be securely guarded. Any guards
removed for maintenance or repair shall be replaced before the machine is set in motion.
14. The speed of the machine’s operation is not to exceed the permitted speed on the site, the safe capabilities
of the machine or of the operator.
15. Drivers shall not remain in the machine whilst it is being loaded, unless it is fitted with a suitable overhead
protective canopy.

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TYRE CHANGING
Different types and sizes of tyres and wheels will require different precautions and the following are only
general precautions. The manufacturer’s information is to be consulted before any tyres are changed:
1. Tyres shall never be inflated, deflated, mounted or dismounted without the correct tools, equipment and
expertise. Manufacturer’s recommended procedures shall always be followed;
2. Sound timber shall always be used to support the jack when jacking up plant. The jack is not to be
relied on to support plant whilst work is carried on underneath it. The machine shall be supported on
substantial timber packing or axle stands designed to take its weight;
3. Tyres shall be deflated prior to removal by depressing the valve core;
4. The tyre bead shall be lubricated prior to fitting the tyre, with the recommended lubricant. The
maximum inflation pressure specified by the manufacturer is never to be exceeded in order to seat the
tyre;
5. Persons are not to stand on, over or in front of a tyre when it is being inflated. An extension air hose
shall be used enabling persons to stand to one side or the tyre shall be inflated in a safety cage;
6. If the tyre is wet or dry ballasted the machine/tyre manufacturer's instructions shall be closely adhered
to;
7. Tyre pressures shall be clearly marked on the side of the vehicle conveniently close to the tyre.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK – REFURBISHMENT
PRELIMINARY SURVEY
As much information as possible on the building’s construction, type, materials used in construction and
previous usage shall be obtained, prior to the survey being carried out, to ensure that the building is in a safe
condition to survey. The appropriate precautions shall be taken before access is gained to hazardous areas such
as confined spaces, fragile roofs, etc. Surveys shall be carried out by at least two people.
PLANNING
General
The fabric of old buildings shall not be assumed to be safe. The real extent of the deterioration of the building
cannot be assessed until such time as the fabric of the building has been revealed by the removal of plaster, floor
coverings, panelling, etc.
Each aspect of the work shall be carefully planned and, where appropriate, method statements shall be prepared.
Method statements shall take into account the integrity of the building, all temporary works that shall be
required and the monitoring system for any temporarily erected structures, such as falsework and scaffolding.
All works shall be co-ordinated to achieve the correct sequence of operations.
Storage
Adequate and proper storage facilities shall be provided for the storage of such items as LPG and highly
flammable liquids. Pre-planning of storage areas and the erection of floor loading signs shall be undertaken
before the commencement of any works.
Where necessary, arrangements shall be made to store materials off site.
Welfare Facilities
Where reasonably practicable, adequate welfare facilities shall be provided. Reference shall be made to the
section in the Arrangements, titled “Welfare Facilities”.
Access
The means of access shall be decided at the tendering stage, and shall also take into account the access required
to adjacent properties, for members of the public and public safety.
Scaffolds, ladders or hoists provided for temporary access shall conform to the relevant safe system of work as
detailed elsewhere in the policy.
Temporary Works
The cutting of temporary openings or conversion of the building shall only be carried out after careful planning
and the preparation of a method statement.
When falsework is to be used an assessment of the strength of the members that will be required to support the
falsework shall be undertaken and a falsework co-ordinator shall be appointed. See also the section titled
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Timber Infestation and Rot
Dry rot, wet rot, fungus and beetle attack can seriously weaken a structure. Therefore, when any of these are
noticed within a structure temporary supports shall be installed and a specialist shall be called in to advise on the
action to be taken.
Partially Occupied Buildings
Where work is to be undertaken in partially occupied buildings extra measures shall be taken to protect the
occupiers. These precautions shall consist of:
1. Ensuring that the access is kept clear and protecting those using the access from falling materials;
2. Planning the work in close liaison with the occupier and the local fire brigade;
3. Inspecting the services before commencement to ensure that the works do not interfere with the
supplies to the rest of the building and to ensure that the supplies are adequate for the load they will be
subjected to;
4. Ensuring that any fire walls and partitions are not breached unnecessarily and closing of any breaches
as soon as is reasonably practicable;
5. Ensuring that occupier’s welfare facilities remain operative;
6. Ensuring that noise and vibration levels are kept to the minimum.
Services
All existing services are to be identified. See the section entitled “Underground and Overhead Services”.
Where necessary all services shall be disconnected and temporary services installed. See also “Site Electricity”.
Lifts
Where the use of passenger lifts within the structure is necessary, copies of the certificate of thorough
examination shall be obtained.
Waste
Non-hazardous waste shall be disposed of in skips. Waste shall not be allowed to accumulate in the work area
and skips shall be emptied and replaced as soon as they are full. Skips shall not be overloaded. Fires shall not
be lit in skips.
Hazardous waste shall be treated and disposed of after specialist advice has been obtained.
Materials shall not be thrown down but, where practicable, chutes shall be used. The chutes shall be checked
prior to use to ensure that they do not become blocked and are, where practicable, to lead directly into a skip.
Fire Fighting Equipment
Adequate numbers of suitable types of portable extinguishers must be available throughout the site. Fires are
classified according to the fire characteristics of different materials, and extinguishers are marked to show the
class of fire for which they are effective. The following tables give the different classes of fire and guidance on
suitable extinguishers and their use.

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BS EN 3 effective from 1 January 1997 required all new portable fire extinguishers to have red bodies. Under
BS7863 the extinguishing medium contained in such extinguishers is identified by a coloured panel affixed to
the body. These panels, which must not cover more than 5% of the surface area, must follow the following
coding:
Extinguishing Medium Panel

Water None
Foam Cream
Carbon Dioxide Black
Dry Powder Blue
Halon Green
Extinguishers currently in use, which confirm to BS 5423 (now withdrawn) and have bodies coloured to the
above coding, may continue to be used until the end of their useful life.
TABLE 1
FOR FIRES INVOLVING: USE COLOUR

Water from hose reels
Combustible solids i.e.
Extinguishers Plain
timber\paper\textiles\etc.
Buckets
Flammable liquids i.e. Dry Powder Blue

oils\fats\solvents\petrol\ paint\etc. or Foam extinguishers Cream
Flammable liquids in a container Foam Cream
Dry Powder Blue

Electrical equipment or Carbon dioxide Black
or Halon extinguishers Green
SAFETY HAZARDS
Openings
Holes and openings shall be securely covered or fitted with guard-rails and toeboards. Work shall not be carried
out over open joists. Where necessary, safety belts, nets or harnesses shall be used.
Glazing
When glazing or removing glass the following precautions shall be observed:
1. Eye protection shall be worn whilst cutting, drilling, or breaking glass and whilst handling broken
glass;
2. Loose clothing that may catch on the glass shall not be worn;
3. Industrial gloves shall be worn whilst handling glass;
4. Suction pads or leather or plastic straps shall be used for the manual handling of glass and are to be
examined prior to use;
5. Any broken or scrap glass shall be cleared up immediately and disposed of in a rigid covered container;
6. Glass shall be stored on its edge at an angle of approximately three degrees to the vertical and
supported evenly over its surface area;
7. Newly glazed surfaces shall be marked by smearing the pane with whiting or by the application of tape.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - ROOF SPACES
ACCESS
Access to roof spaces shall be obtained by using either a ladder, secured to prevent tipping, as detailed in the
Section "Ladders", or permanent access, if provided.
WORKING PLACE
Where the roof space is un-boarded, boards shall be placed so as to cover the total working place. The boards
shall be of sufficient strength to support those required to work in the area and their tools and materials.
All boards shall be secured to prevent movement, whilst work is being carried out. Roof space shall only be
entered prior to boarding out in the event of an emergency or to place the boarding. The only work that shall be
permitted in an un-boarded roof space is that necessary to isolate any supplies.
LIGHTING
Where there is no installed lighting within the roof space, portable temporary lighting shall be supplied. This
lighting shall be either from the mains electrical supply, transformed down to 110V or from battery operated
units.
Entry to roof spaces shall not be permitted without adequate lighting.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Where the works entail the disturbance of insulating material within the roof space gloves, overalls and dust
masks shall be supplied and worn.
Where there is a risk of head injuries from striking the head against the roof or other obstructions, hard hats shall
be provided and worn.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK – ROOFWORK
PLANNING
As a high-risk activity, it is important that any roofwork operation is pre-planned. As falls are the major cause
of accidents, precautions must be taken, either to prevent a person from falling or, if that is not practicable, to
prevent the fall from leading to serious injury.
With complex jobs, a detailed method statement should be prepared and this should be included in the
Construction Phase Safety Plan.
Roofwork includes not only its original construction, but also maintenance, such as replacing sheets or tiles,
chimney repairs and gutter cleaning.
SAFE ACCESS
Suitable equipment must be provided to give safe access to the roof, for example: -
1. Ladders: Ladders should be placed at an angle of about 75º to the horizontal, i.e. about 1m out for every
4m in height. They must be long enough for the job, extending to a sufficient height above the landing
place to provide a safe handhold (a distance of 1·05m is recommended unless there is an alternative
handhold). A ladder should be secured as near as practicable to its upper resting place or, where this is not
possible, at or near its base. Care must be taken that the support for the top of the ladder is strong enough to
withstand the thrust imposed.
2. Tower scaffolds: The height of a tower’s working platform, in relation to the width at the base is critical.
As tower structures perform in different ways in tests and calculations. For this purpose you should refer to
the suppliers assembly instructions that will show the quantities of material required for each height of
tower and the stabiliser requirements. However, as a general rule, stabilisers or outriggers will be required
once a tower has been built beyond its first frame level. The recommended maximum free standing height
for mobile towers is 9.6m.
3. Independent scaffolds: In addition to providing access and a working platform around the edge of a roof,
scaffolding may also be used to prevent falls of persons and materials from the edge of a roof and provide a
storage area for materials. Scaffolds must only be erected by a qualified scaffolder.
4. Mobile work platforms: Mobile work platforms may be useful where the expense and risks involved in
erecting scaffolding might not be warranted. Power operated mast working platforms may be suitable for
some operations, such as fixing cladding panels. All personnel using this equipment must be qualified or
deemed competent by their employer.
SAFE PLACE OF WORK
Appropriate precautions against falls will be determined by the type of roof and the nature of the work to be
carried out.
1. Flat roofs: Roofs with a pitch of less than 10° may be considered to be flat. Toe boards, at least 150mm
high, and a main guardrail at least 910mm above roof level are required, where a person could fall, more
than 2m. Additionally, either an intermediate guard-rail, or other rigid barrier, must be fitted so that there is
not an unprotected gap of more than 470mm in height in the means of protection against a fall.
Where it is necessary for a person to kneel or crouch near the edge of a flat roof for work of a very short
duration and it is not considered reasonably practicable to erect edge protection, safety harnesses must be
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On a large roof, where work does not have to be carried out at or near the edge, a simple barrier, consisting of
crossed scaffold tubes supporting a tubing guard-rail, may be used to limit the extent of the working area.
Such barriers should be positioned at least 2m from the edge and work should be closely supervised to
ensure that persons do not go outside the designated area.
All openings in roofs must be protected by guard-rails, barriers, etc. and toeboards, or by substantial covers which
must be either fixed or suitably marked (e.g. “Hole Below”). It is strongly recommended that covers are
both fixed and marked.
Non-fragile roofs often contain fragile components, such as rooflights. These are to be covered or protected and the
approach to them is to be signed.
2. Non-fragile sloping roofs: On sloping roofs, unless suitable precautions are taken, there are dangers of
persons falling from the perimeter edge – either whilst working there, or due to slipping down the roof and
of falling through the roof at the working edge. Protection can be provided by:
3. Barriers and platforms: Barriers must be high and strong enough to stop a person who is rolling or sliding
down the roof slope. Platforms must be so positioned that they will stop a fall from the roof. The need for
a barrier at the gable end must also be considered.
4. Roof ladders: On most sloping roofs, suitable roof ladders or crawling boards are essential. For minor
maintenance work or inspection, where work is of short duration and edge protection is not provided, roof
ladders should always be used.
Roof ladders or crawling boards should be purpose made for the job and should not be made up from odd timber
on site. They should be strong enough to support persons when spanning across the supports for the roof
covering and be secured or so positioned as to prevent movement.
The anchorage at the top of the ladder should not rely on the ridge capping, which may break away from the
ridge or, in the case of half-round ridge tiles, prevent an anchor board from getting a good grip. The
anchorage should, wherever possible, bear on the opposite slope by means of a properly designed and
manufactured ridge iron, or be secured by other means such as a rope. Eaves gutters of the half-round or
ogee type, normally used on houses, should never be used as a footing, or to support a roof ladder as they
are not strong enough.
5. Battens: As an alternative to roof ladders, timber battens, used for slated and tiled roofs, can provide a
reasonably secure foothold if they are in good condition and are fixed to rafters which are not more than
420mm apart. The battens should be at least of the quality specified in BS4471 Part 2 and should be not
less than 19mm thick by 32mm wide. The age and possible strength loss of battens exposed during re-
roofing work should be investigated. The security of foothold afforded by battens also depends on their
projection above felting or rafters.
It will be necessary to use crawling boards or roof ladders where:
i) Roof rafters or truss rafters are spread at greater centres than 420mm, or the spacing of the tile
battens is such that a person could fall between them.
ii) The strength of the battens is insufficient to carry a person’s weight.
iii) The projection of the battens is insufficient.
6. Working platforms: In some cases a working platform, fitted with guardrails and toeboards, situated on the
roof, may be used as an alternative to a barrier or platform at the roof edge. This applies particularly where
the steepness of the slope or the type of surface could give rise to an insecure foothold. Proprietary systems
to provide working platforms for chimney work, etc. are available.
SAFETY HARNESSES AND NETS
The aim must always be to provide a safe place of work but, in roof work, this may not always be practical. In
such cases, the use of safety harnesses may be appropriate provided suitable anchorage points capable of
withstanding any anticipated shock loads are available. Inertia controlled reels which allow greater freedom of
movement without excessive slackness in the rope are available, as are devices designed to absorb the shock

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imposed by a fall. Similarly, safety nets can provide a potential solution to many of the problems and should be
the method adopted whenever practicable. The advice of manufacturers should be sought on the suitability of
any particular net for the purpose for which it is to be used.
LIFTING APPLIANCES
Where a small lifting appliance, such as a gin wheel, inclined hoist or scaffold crane, is mounted near the edge
of a roof, suitable guardrails and toeboards must be provided to protect those using the appliances. Ideally, this
protection should be kept in place when materials are being raised or lowered but, if it has to be removed, any
person who needs to approach the edge (e.g. for signalling, or to assist in moving the load) should wear a safety
harness attached to a suitable anchorage.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
The effects of adverse weather conditions must be anticipated and suitable precautions taken. Rain, ice or snow
can obviously increase the risk of slipping and a roof should be inspected for such hazards each day, before
work is permitted to start. Windy conditions can also be dangerous, particularly when carrying sheeting or
roofing felt.
PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC
Members of the public must be protected from the hazard of any falling material during roofwork operations.
This may entail the provision of brick guards, fans or other similar precautions. It may also be necessary to lay
sheeting or boarding to prevent material falling through gaps in the working platform or between the working
platform and the building. Barriers at ground level may also be necessary. Particularly stringent precautions
should be taken where children are at risk.
Waste materials should be lowered in skips or baskets, or disposed of through enclosed debris chutes.
THE PRACTICE OF THROWING SUCH MATERIAL FROM THE ROOF OR SCAFFOLD IS

STRICTLY PROHIBITED

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK – SCAFFOLDING

TRAINING
All scaffolding work should be carried out under the supervision of a “competent person”.
Scaffolding should only be erected by trained competent scaffolders, the only exception to this would be during
formal training where a student is undergoing supervised training and assessment.
ERECTING AND STRIKING SCAFFOLD
Safety harnesses must be issued to all scaffolders, worn at all times when at work and used in accordance with
the revised NASC Guidance Note SG4:00 ‘The Use of Fall Arrest Equipment Whilst Erecting, Altering and
Dismantling Scaffolding’. The basic principles that all scaffolding contractors, principal contractors and clients
should be aware of include:
HARNESSES
Reference should be made to the safe system of work for the use of safety harnesses.
All those involved in scaffolding operations must wear and use safety harnesses constructed to British standard
BS EN 365:1993 and have received appropriate and recorded training in the use, inspection and maintenance of
such equipment.
When ‘clipping on’ a suitable anchor point must be used.
It is recommended that scaffolders install a single guardrail to all lifts at locations where falls could occur.
When working within the single guardrail scaffolders do not need to be ‘clipped on’.
When moving above 4m (above ground level) or where falls of 4m or more are possible, and not working within
a protected area, scaffolders must clip on to the first suitable anchor point. Anchor points should ideally be
above waist height. When this is not possible anchor points below waist level should be used.
Scaffolders must adopt a method of work that will limit traversing at an exposed edge to the maximum length of
the material used.
Scaffolders must remain ‘clipped on’ when:
• Moving their working platform e.g. when raising or lowering boards;

• Climbing up the structure to the next lift;
• Working directly off the scaffold structure.
WORKING OUTSIDE THE SCAFFOLD
When raising or lowering materials scaffolders should be ‘clipped on’ at all times or work within a safe
handling platform with a double guardrail.
LADDER ACCESS
Ladders for use by scaffolders should be included as early as possible into the erection process and removed as
late as possible during dismantling, so reducing the need to climb the scaffold structure. It is recommended that
a ladder bay is constructed and that ladders are incorporated from top to bottom of the scaffolding structure.

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DECKING
Scaffolders should use as a minimum a 600mm wide platform placed centrally (e.g. 3 x 225mm scaffold
boards).
On wider scaffolding structures, scaffolders should utilise additional scaffold boards allowing sufficient space to
‘clip on’ to the ledger at platform level. Gaps should not exceed 225mm (one scaffold board) on each side of
the platform.
Boards used for decking should always be adequately supported by transoms and bearers, i.e. every 1.5m or
1.2m as appropriate.
SCAFFOLDING PRINCIPLES - TO BS 5973
It is essential to spend some time planning a scaffold, even the smallest. General purpose scaffolds above 50m
in height, and special scaffolds require specialist planning and designing. More details are given later.
For general purpose scaffolds up to 50m high the following questions should be asked:
• What is the scaffold to be used for?

• What face area is it to serve?
• What weight will be loaded onto it?
• Is it likely to affect traffic or personnel access ways?
• Is there anything about the shape of the structure that may affect the way in which the scaffold is based
out?
• What are the ground conditions like? Are there any manholes, basements, etc. to consider?
• Are there any overhead services, particularly electrical?
• Will there be any restrictions on tying-in (security problems, etc.).
The information received from this planning exercise will help determine the type of scaffold to be erected; the
height, length and width; and the spacing of the standards and the distance between lifts, as set out in the
classification table that follows.
The basic rules for erecting a scaffold are set out in BS 5973:
• Check carefully the ground conditions and provide adequate timber soleplates to distribute the load.
Set them at 90° or parallel to the structure. It is generally good practice to use one length of board to
support two standards;
• If the scaffold is based out on part of an existing structure, ensure that where it is to be based can
support the weight, or provide “through” propping (after checking with the main or principal
contractor);
• Supply metal base-plates for every standard;
• Ensure that the scaffolding components are in good condition and are of the correct type for the
scaffold that is to be erected;
• Cut a gauge rod for setting out;
• Keep within erection tolerances;
• Stagger the joints in both the vertical and horizontal planes (unless the scaffold is a demolition scaffold
which needs to be uniformly reduced as the demolition progresses);
• Fully board out each working platform;
• Fix guard-rails, toe-boards and brick-guards where necessary;
• Fix the necessary sway and ledger bracing;
• Ensure that the scaffold is adequately tied to the building or structure.
The principal standards that apply to access scaffolding are:
BS1139 Metal Scaffolding Materials

BS2482 Scaffold Boards
BS5973 Code of Practice for Access and Special Scaffolds

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During erection, modification and dismantling, care should be taken to exclude the public from the area of the
work and a sufficient area around the work. It may be necessary to provide an adequately protected
thoroughfare while the scaffold is in use. Effective steps should be taken to prevent persons being struck by
falling objects. The provision of suitable brick guards, façade nets, sheeting or fans may be necessary.
Care should be taken that there are no protruding tubes, low headroom, etc. that could cause damage or injury to
members of the general public. Where access through parts of the base of a scaffold structure might prove
hazardous, entrance to such areas should be barred by means of a horizontal tube or other suitable obstruction.
SCAFFOLD CLASSIFICATION AND LOADING
Un-sheeted access and working scaffolds may be constructed to a height of 50m, and sheeted access scaffolds to
a height of 25m, without additional calculations, provided that they are constructed in accordance with BS5973
and maintain the spacing of standards, lift heights, loading, tie spacing, bracing and use correct couplings.
The following table of scaffold classification gives the requirements for both above types, including centres,
loadings, etc., but BS5973 requires that sheeted scaffolds in this “standard” section are limited to 25m high and
sheeted scaffolds above 25m high will require design attention, especially to the tying in requirements.
Unsheeted scaffolds higher than 50m, require special design.
SCAFFOLD BOARDS (BS2482)
The scaffold board with which we are most familiar is 225mm wide and 38mm thick. They should not span
more than the dimension given on the end protection.
As timber is a natural material it must vary in quality so a visual check is carried out to select timber that
complies with the standard. This check should be repeated each time that scaffold boards are used. Timber
must be free from excessive splits (i.e. splits that extend more than 300mm from the end) shakes or decay. Any
board which is noticeably lighter in weight, than the others in the stack, should be rejected.
Boards must not be excessively knotted, and measurement of knots is described at some length in the standard.
Boards that have been used as shuttering for concrete or show signs of concrete contamination should be
rejected. The action of concrete on wood is to draw the natural resin and with it the natural strength out of the
board.
The surfaces shall have a sawn finish with the corners either left square or chamfered, and the ends bound with
galvanised hoop iron extended for a minimum of 150mm along each edge or alternatively, special nailplates of
galvanised steel pressed into the upper and lower surfaces near the board ends. Identification, and the permitted
maximum span - which will be either 1.2m or 1.5m - should be stamped on the end protection.
Some suppliers supply boards which are not to BS2482 and may only be capable of spanning a maximum of
1.2m - keep a careful check on the end protection for these particular boards.
The maximum overhang of the boards beyond the end support transoms is four times the board thickness. For a
38mm thick board this is 152mm, generally accepted as 150mm. The minimum overhang is 50mm.
Some scaffolding contractors supply boards to their own specifications, which may vary slightly from BS2482,
and if these are marked 1.5m maximum span then they should be capable of carrying the Safe Working Loads
(SWLs) as specified in the loading tables of BS5973.
If a split occurs on the end of a board and approaches a length of 300mm, then nail plates can be pressed onto
both faces to prevent further splitting.
If deck boards have been “fireproofed” then investigations should be carried out to ensure that this process has
not reduced the normal strength of the board.

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Do not use a scaffold board as a ramp, e.g. barrow runs over long spans. The same rules of supporting boards
every 1.5m or 1.2m (as appropriate) still applies to ramps. Do not allow lorries and site plant to run over boards.
Damage is inevitable and any subjected to this treatment should be downgraded and not used as deck boards.
FOUNDATIONS FOR STANDARD ACCESS SCAFFOLDS (UP TO 50 METRES HIGH ONLY)
The foundations of a scaffold must be adequate to safely carry and disperse the load imposed, both locally at
each standard, and in general to carry the complete weight of the scaffold. Foundations for scaffolds higher than
50 metres must be designed.
The foundation must be inspected regularly and maintained in an adequate condition during the life of the
scaffold.
In order to support the standards and then to spread the load evenly onto various ground surfaces, timber sole
plates are used.
These timbers are generally the same boards that are used as deck boards and, in fact, are usually selected from
older, used deck boards with any damaged portions sawn off and rejected.
It is good practice to position at least two standards to one length of sole plate, and it is bad practice to position a
standard over any joint in a sole plate.
The sole plates can be set either parallel or at right angles to the building face.
TYING SCAFFOLDING
There is no doubt that more scaffolds collapse because of the removal of ties, or the failure to fit them in the first
place, than for any other reason. Ties must be provided to resist both inward and outward movement of the
scaffold and can normally be split into two classes:
1. Moveable Ties - these are ties that it may be necessary to remove temporarily, one at a time, to enable
work to progress. They MUST be replaced as soon as possible;
2. Non-Moveable Ties - these are ties which remain undisturbed until the scaffold is dismantled. As these
ties are always in place during the life of the scaffold, then fewer numbers of this type are required than
those of the Moveable type.

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TYPES OF TIES
1. Box Ties: these consist of tubes and right-angled fittings that form a square and are usually fixed
around columns, or other parts of the building, to resist both the inward and outward movement of the
scaffold and at the same time give some degree of lateral restraint.
2. Through Ties: these consist of three tubes. The first spans across the inside of an opening in a
building, such as a window opening. It is preferably vertical and resting on the floor but may be
horizontal. The second tube is placed horizontally on the outside of the building, hard against the wall
and overlapping the opening by about 300mm. The third tube (known as the tie tube) connects to both
of the above tubes and also connects onto the scaffold ledgers. All couplers MUST be load bearing
right-angled type and NOT “putlog” type.
3. Reveal Ties: these may be used where it is impracticable to open windows for “through” ties or even
to drill into the wall for “anchor” ties, where the quality of the wall structure may be uncertain.
Opposing faces of, say, the sides of a window opening or alternatively the lintel and sill of a window
opening, if parallel and not sloping, may be used to make an attachment by means of a scaffold tube
wedged or jacked tight between the opposing faces. The jacking is made by a reveal pin at one end of
the tube and a plain base at the other end. Timber packing pieces, about 75mm square by 10mm
thick, are required between the steel and the walls. The tie tube must be attached to the reveal tube,
with right-angled load bearing couplers, as near as possible to the end opposite to the reveal pin. Due
to the possible shrinkage of the timber packing pieces it is important that reveal ties are regularly
inspected and tightened where necessary. It is recommended that they should not be relied on for more
than 50% of the total number of ties required.
4. Bolt-in Ties: this type of tie is very effective in securing the scaffold to the building and a variety of
expanding anchor sockets are available for fixing into holes drilled into brick or concrete and
appropriate cleats or ring bolts then screwed into the anchors. When drilling into brickwork the anchor
should be placed in the solid core of the brick and not near its edge. In some types of anchor sockets,
the expansion required for fixing is not made by the turning in of the screw bolt or ring bolt but rather
by a hand hammer and a hardened steel rod tool. Reference should be made to the supplier’s
instructions.
In all cases, the tie tube must be connected by right-angled load bearing couplers. It is preferred that the tube is
connected to both standards but, if the tube restricts movement along the scaffold platform, then it may be
connected to the inside standard only, provided that the coupling is load bearing with a SWL of 6.25kN.
The spacing of scaffold ties is not to exceed the following:
Movable ties Unsheeted scaffold 32m2 Maximum height 50m

Sheeted scaffold 25m2 Maximum height 25m
Non-movable ties Unsheeted scaffold 40m2 Maximum height 50m
Sheeted scaffold 32m2 Maximum height 25m
The spacing of ties throughout the structure is not to exceed 8.5m either vertically or horizontally. The ties are
to be distributed evenly over the area of the scaffold.
Reveal ties are not to constitute more than 50% of the total number of ties. Where this is not possible, there
should be at least one reveal tie for each 22m2 of scaffolding. Unless specifically designed to do so, no scaffold
is to depend purely on through ties.

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BRACING
Ledger Bracing is placed on alternate pairs of standards and is best fitted from ledger to ledger, using right-
angled load bearing couplers. If this causes problems on boarded lifts, then the brace may go from inside ledger
down to the guardrail but then every pair of standards must be braced.
It is also acceptable to connect the bracing to the standards, using swivel couplers.
Where the lower lift is in excess of 2.7 metres (e.g. when scaffolding over access ways) knee braces must be
inserted on every pair of standards, commencing at 1.8 metres, set in a herringbone fashion.
Sway bracing must be provided to all scaffolds in which movement is not prevented along the face of the
building in some other way.
This can be arranged in two ways:
1. In a zigzag line across one bay of scaffold on the outside face, from top to bottom of the scaffold. To
be repeated every 30 metres along the face of the scaffold;
2. Using a continuous tube on the outside face of the scaffold at an angle between 35o and 55o. The
bracing may be connected by swivel fittings to the standards or, alternatively, to extended transoms
using right-angled load bearing couplers. When connecting to transoms it is important that the transom
is itself connected to its supporting ledger with load bearing couplers (not putlog couplers).
FOUNDATIONS
Foundations must be adequate to bear the load and every standard which is pitched from the ground must stand
on a metal base plate. Unless this is pitched on material of sufficient hardness this base plate must stand on a
timber soleplate of at least 35mm thick and of adequate surface dimension. Scaffolds over 50m high require
foundations to be specially designed.
STANDARDS
Standards may not deviate from the vertical by more than 20mm in any length of 2 metres or by more than
50mm in the whole structure. Joints should be staggered and tubes supported at intervals not exceeding 2.7m.
LEDGERS
Ledgers must be fixed to standards with right-angled load bearing couplers and should be horizontal, except that
a “foot” lift may follow the slope of the ground. In this case the transoms may be attached to the standards and
the ledgers to the transoms.
JOINTS
Joints in Standards must be staggered and sleeve couplers or spigot pins may be used. However, if tension or
uplift is expected, then only use sleeve couplers that can accept a load of 3.1kN in tension. Spigot pins cannot
be used for tension forces. The code states a preference for sleeve couplers.
Joins in Ledgers must also be staggered, and preferably made at a distance of one third of the span between two
standards. The connection may be made with sleeve couplers or spigot pins, but if tension is expected on the
tube, only use sleeve couplers.
It is considered good practice to use sleeve couplers if the joints in the ledgers are beyond 450mm from a
standard. For access scaffolds over 50m high, sleeve couplers are recommended throughout.

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TRANSOMS AND PUTLOGS
Where transoms are used to support a working platform, constructed of 38mm thick boards, they should be fixed
not more than 1.5m or 1.2m apart (depending on the type of boards being used) and connected with right-angled
couplers or putlog couplers unless bracing tubes are connected to them when only right-angled couplers may be
used.
Transoms on non-boarded lifts, known as structural transoms, shall be fixed at the rate of one per pair of
standards and positioned within 300mm of the standards. They may be fixed using right-angled couplers or
putlog couplers except when the scaffolding is higher than 50m when the connections MUST be made with
right-angled load bearing couplers.
WORKING PLATFORMS
Widths of working platforms should be as required by the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare)
Regulations 1996 (a minimum of 600mm). The gap between the inside board and the building shall be as small
as possible, except where it is required for people to sit on the edge of a boarded deck in which case the gap
should not exceed 325mm. The gap must be filled in when not being used.
GUARDRAILS
Working platforms from which a person may fall more than 2.0m must have a main guardrail fixed inside the
standards at a height of at least 910mm above the level of the decking. There must not be an unprotected gap
exceeding 470 mm between any guardrail, toe-board or other similar means of protection that, in practice, may
mean the insertion of an intermediate guardrail.
TOE BOARDS
Toe boards must be suitably fixed to any working platform from which a person may fall more than 2.0m. They
should be at least 150mm high and should be placed inside the standards.
BRICK GUARDS
Brick guards, or other suitable vertical protection, are required where materials may fall from the scaffold, e.g.
when materials are stacked higher than the toe boards. These screens can be hung from the guardrails and
should be prevented from outward movement. They must be capable of preventing materials from falling
through.
LADDER ACCESS
Every sloping ladder should stand on a firm and level base and must be tied at the upper deck level. Ties must
be made using the stiles of the ladder and not the rungs.
Where practicable, it should be set at an angle of 4 vertical to 1 horizontal. Ladders should project above the top
landing above the level of the landing platform to provide a secure handhold unless there is some other
handhold provided. The vertical distance between two successive landing places should not exceed 9.0m. The
landing places must be kept clear of all materials and should be provided with guardrails and toe boards.
GIN WHEELS
Gin wheels of 50kg maximum loading can be used to raise and lower materials and should be positioned at a
point not more than 750mm from the scaffold face. The support for a gin wheel must be connected with right-
angled couplers to two standards. Hook-on types of wheels must be lashed and moused. Ring and Lashed-on
types must be held in position by two scaffold fittings. Materials must be firmly attached to the gin wheel rope.

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INDEPENDENT TIED SCAFFOLD
This type of scaffold is erected independently of the building, in that it will support its own weight and the load
placed upon it, but it must be tied into the building to ensure stability.
An Independent Tied Scaffold is constructed with two parallel rows of standards, each row connected together
with ledgers using right angle load-bearing couplers. Transoms span the inner and outer ledgers on which they
are fixed using putlog couplers. Transoms must not be more than 1.5m apart for 38mm boards, and 1.4m is
preferred. Normally the inner standards are set 325mm from the face of the building that provides space for one
225mm board plus 100mm working clearance.
The distance between inner and outer standards is determined by the type of work being done, but is not usually
less than 924mm for four boards.
The distance between the standards must be determined by:
• The load that the scaffold is required to carry;

• The height of the scaffold;
• The number of working lifts.
Ledger bracing must be incorporated in the scaffold at every other pair of standards and sway bracing must be
fixed across the outer row of standards to prevent longitudinal movement and should be connected to the
horizontal tubes with load bearing couplers. Lifts are usually set initially at floor levels and subsequently
adapted to suit the requirements of the following trades. The distance between ledgers must not exceed 2.7m.
The scaffold must be tied.
PUTLOG SCAFFOLDS
Putlog Scaffolds are mainly used as bricklayers’ working platforms and depend for their inner support on the
brickwork of the building. The standards are normally set at 1.8/2.0m intervals according to load. The ledgers
normally rise at 1.35m lifts with the progress of the work and only one lift may be boarded out at any one time.
Ledgers should remain in place as the scaffold rises.
The distance from the standards to the wall should be between 1.3/1.4m allowing for five boards and sufficient
room to “plumb up”. Standards must be vertical and pitched on metal base plates on timber sole plates of
adequate dimensions, bearing in mind the ground conditions. Joints in standards must be staggered to distribute
the weak points in the scaffold and should occur near ledgers.
Putlogs are connected to the ledgers at intervals of not more than 1.5m with the full flat bearing surface in or on
the bedding joints of the brickwork. Where putlog scaffolds are erected against existing brickwork, old putlog
holes or new ones can be raked out with blades inserted vertically. Intermediate putlogs may be removed as the
work progresses providing that one putlog remains within 300mm of each standard and are connected with load
bearing couplers. Where putlogs are required to support working platforms at a gap in the wall, a bridle tube
must be fitted to the underside of the putlogs on either side of the gap.
For the first few lifts, and until the scaffold reaches the height at which ties into the building are required, some
form of raking tube should be incorporated to ensure the stability of the structure.
Facade bracing is required set along the outlines of the scaffold normally at 45 degrees that goes right across the
elevation on short lengths and picks up to end three standards on long elevations. Tying into the building is of
paramount importance and effectiveness of the ties must be sufficient to prevent the putlogs from pulling loose
from the building.

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BIRDCAGE SCAFFOLD
Birdcage scaffolds are normally used for interior work in larger buildings like factories, public halls, cinemas,
churches, etc. to provide access to ceilings, walls or soffits for light work, such as painting, plastering and
decorating.
Base
The floor of the building has to carry the full load of the scaffold and the total weight involved should be
distributed as widely as possible. Floors must be carefully examined before the scaffold is begun and, if there is
any doubt as to whether they are capable of supporting the weight of the scaffold, they should be shored.
Soleplates serve two purposes - they distribute the load of the scaffold and also help to prevent damage to the
flooring. Soleplates should always be set at right angles to floor beams or joists.
Standards
Standards, on base plates, should be set vertically in rows at no more than 2.5 m centre to centre in each
direction. All joints in standards should occur near ledgers and be staggered.
Ledgers
Ledgers should be fixed horizontally to the standards with right angle couplers. The first lift should not be more
than 2.5m high and subsequent lifts should be at 2.0m intervals. Any joints should be staggered; should be
made with sleeve couplers and should be positioned at not more than one third of the distance between
standards.
Transoms
On all lifts, except the top, transoms should be set horizontally and fixed to standards with right angle couplers.
At working platform level, transoms should be spaced at not more than 1.5m intervals and fixed to ledgers with
right angle or putlog couplers.

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Working Platform
The platform at the top of the scaffold, which should not carry more than 0.75kg/m2, should be closely boarded
and should cover the whole plan area. Other platforms may be erected at any lift in the side bays and
requirements are similar to normal working platforms. The minimum widths of a working platform shall be as
follows:
When used only as a footing 640mm (25ins) 3 boards

For the deposit of materials and a
870mm (34ins) 4 boards
footing
To support a higher platform 1.05M (42ins) 5 boards
Dressing or shaping stone 1.3 M (51ins) 6 boards

Dressing or shaping stone and
1.5 M (59ins) 7 boards
support a higher platform
Wherever materials are deposited, a clear gangway of 640mm (25ins) is to be maintained.

Wherever the passage of materials is necessary, a clear gangway of 640mm (25ins) is to be maintained.
Bracing
Diagonal bracing should be provided, based on a run of bracing for every six standards in each line.
Tying
When the scaffold is within, or against, an existing structure it is often convenient to extend transoms or ledgers
to butt to the walls or to use push/pull fixings. No standard should be more than 6 tubes away from a restraint
point and at least one should be provided for every 40m2 of vertical face. The working lift should be tied and
butted to the main structure at approximately every 8m.
Guardrail and Toe Boards
Guardrails and toe boards are required at every side of all working platforms from which men and materials can
fall more than 2m. The main guardrail must be at least 910mm above the edge from which a person may fall;
the toe-board must be at least 150mm high and there must not be an unprotected gap exceeding 470mm.
LOADING CHART
Inspection and very Masonry or

Light duty General duty Heavy duty
light duty special duty
Distributed loads on 75 Kg/m² 150 Kg/m² 200 Kg/m² 250 Kg/m² 300 Kg/m²
the platforms (15 lb/ft²) (30 lb/ft²) (42 lb/ft²) (52 lb/ft²) (62 lb/ft²)
Brickwork, Masonry,
Brickwork, window
Inspection painting, Painting, stone blockwork, heavy blockwork,
fixing, mullion
Duties stone cleaning, light cleaning, glazing, cladding. Putlog very heavy cladding.
fixing, rendering,
cleaning access pointing, plastering scaffolds can have Putlog scaffolds can
plastering
this load rating have this load rating
2 working platforms 2 working platforms
Maximum number Working platform + 1
1 working platform 2 working platforms + 1 at very light + 1 at very light
of platforms very light duty
duty duty
Commonly used widths 5 boards or 5 boards +
5 boards or 4 boards +
using 225mm wide 3 boards 4 boards 1 inside or 4 boards + 6 to 8 boards
1 inside
boards 1 inside
Maximum bay length 2.7m 2.4m 2.1m 2.0m 1.8m

8.8ft 7.8ft 6.8ft 6.5ft 5.8ft

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INSPECTION OF SCAFFOLDS
When completed, scaffolds should be left in a condition suitable to perform the duty for which they were
intended and they should comply with the requirements of the statutory regulations and any local authority
requirements.
A scaffold should be inspected by the organisation, which built it before they are handed over for use. The user
should inspect it weekly to see that it remains in compliance with the statutory regulations and should maintain
records of their inspections.
When equipment, other than scaffolding materials, is attached to a scaffold (which is subject to statutory
inspections), this other equipment should also be inspected and the appropriate certification made.
Additional equipment may include: lighting; lifting appliances and lifting gear; electrical supplies; hoist ways;
ropes.
It should also be remembered that any employer whose employees use a scaffold, which is provided by another
contractor (usually the main contractor), has a responsibility for the safety of his own employees and should
satisfy himself of the safety of the scaffold.
SCAFFOLD INSPECTION CHECK LIST
Scaffolds
Footings Standards Ledgers Putlogs/Transoms
Soft and uneven Not plumb Not level Wrongly spaced
No base plates Joined at same height Joined in same bays Loose
No sole boards Wrong spacing Loose Wrongly supported
Undermined Damaged Damaged
Couplers Bridles Sway/Face Bracing Ledger Bracing

Wrong fitting Wrong spacing Some missing Some missing
Loose Wrong couplers Loose Loose
Damaged Weak support Wrong fittings Wrong fittings
No check couplers
Ties Decking Loading Brick Guards

Some missing Bad boards Too heavy None
Loose Trap boards Shuttering propped Insufficient
Physical - not enough Incomplete Not secure
Reveal - too many Insufficient support
Guardrails Toe Boards Ladders Access

Wrong height Wrong height Damaged Obstructed
Loose Loose Insufficient length Not enough
Some missing Some missing Not tied
Unprotected gap
Gin Wheels Fans Hoist Towers Platforms

Weak supports Weak supports Not enough ties Not wide enough
No identification Missing boards Fencing/gates Cluttered
Hook not moused No check couplers Operating position Insufficient
No check fittings

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Mobile Towers
Height/Base Ratio Surface Access

Bracing
Internal - 3½ to 1 Soft No ladder
Some missing
External - 3 to 1 Uneven Insufficient length
Wrong direction
PASMA Guidance Sloping Ladder not tied
Guardrails Toe Boards

Brakes/Chocks
Wheels Wrong height Wrong height
Not provided
Not anchored Loose/missing Loose/missing
Not secured
Unprotected gap
URANG LIMITED
DEFINITIONS Free Standing Scaffold: a scaffold, which is

not attached to a structure and is stable against
Adjustable Base Plate: a base plate overturning by design.
incorporating a screw jack.
Gin Wheel: a single pulley for fibre ropes
Base plate: a metal plate, with a central 50mm attached to a scaffold for raising or lowering
(2in) long spigot, for distributing the load from loads.
a standard, raker or other load bearing tube.
Guard Rail: a member in the structure to
The plate should be approximately 155mm x
prevent the fall of persons from a platform or
155mm square.
access way.
Bay: the space between the centre lines of two
Hop Up: a bracket, usually attached to the
adjacent standards along the face of the
inside of a scaffold, to enable boards to be
scaffold.
placed between the scaffold and the structure.
Bolted Ties: an assembly of bolts, nuts,
Independent Tied Scaffold: a scaffold that
anchors, rings or tubes fixed to the surface of a
has two lines of standards supporting the
building, used to secure a scaffold to the
platform and tied to the structure.
structure.
Joint Pin: an expanding fitting placed inside
Box Tie: an assembly of tubes and couplers
the bore of two tubes to form a longer tube.
forming a frame around part of the structure
and used to secure a scaffold to it. Ledger: a longitudinal tube fixed parallel to
the building in the direction of the larger
Brace: a tube fitted diagonally to two or more
dimension of the scaffold attached to the
other members within the scaffold to increase
standards and acts as a support for transoms
stability.
and putlogs.
Brick Guard: a barrier, normally a metal grid,
Lift: each horizontal level of a scaffold.
positioned between the toe board and handrail
of a working platform to prevent materials Lip Tie: an assembly of tubes forming an "L"
from falling. or "J" shaped hook round an inside surface of a
structure, forming an anchor to which a
Bridle: a horizontal tube fitted across an
scaffold may be tied.
opening to support the inner end of a putlog
transom or tie member where it is impossible Movable Tie: a tie that may be temporarily
to secure it into the structure. removed during the execution of the work.
Butt Tube: a short length of tube. Non-Movable Tie: a tie that will not be moved
during the life of the scaffold.
Castor: a swivelling wheel secured to the base
of a standard to allow the movement of a Parallel Coupler: a coupler to join two tubes
mobile scaffold. in parallel.
Check Coupler: a coupler added to a joint Prop Tie: telescopic prop and/or scaffold tube
under load to give added security to the jacked or wedged between the floors of a
coupler supporting the load. structure, forming an anchor to which a
scaffold may be tied.
Competent Person: a person with sufficient
practical and theoretical knowledge and actual Puncheon: a vertical tube supported at its
experience of scaffolding to enable them to lower end by a tube or beam and not by a solid
detect the defects and to assess their surface.
importance in relation to the strength and
Purlin: a tube secured to the rafter of a
functions of the scaffold.
building and parallel to the ridge for the
Coupler: a component for joining tubes. purpose of attaching the roof covering and to
act as a stiffener for the rafters
Expanding Spigot: see joint pin.
Putlog: a tube with a flattened end to rest in or
Extension Bracket: see hop up.
on part of the brickwork or structure.
Finial Coupler: coupler used to fix a tube
Putlog Adapter: a fitting to provide a putlog
across the end of another at right angles, such
blade to the end of a scaffold tube.
as a guardrail.
Putlog Blade: the flattened end of a putlog.
URANG LIMITED
Putlog Coupler: a coupler used to fix a putlog Sole Plate: timber, concrete or metal spreader
or transom to a ledger, or to connect a tube, used to spread the load from a base plate to the
used only as a handrail, to a standard. A non- ground.
load-bearing coupler.
Standard: a vertical or near-vertical tube.
Raker: an inclined load bearing tube.
Swivel Coupler: a coupler used to join two
Reveal Pin: a fitting used to tighten a reveal tubes at angles other than right angles.
tube.
Through Tie: a tie through a window or other
Reveal Tie: components used to secure a opening.
scaffold to a structure using reveal tubes.
Tie: the components used to secure a scaffold
Reveal Tube: a tube fixed by a threaded fitting to a structure.
or by wedges between opposing surfaces of a
Tie Tube: a tube used to connect a scaffold to
structure, such as a window, to form an anchor
an anchorage.
to which the scaffold may be secured.
Toe Board: board at the edge of a platform
Right Angled Coupler: a coupler used to join
intended to prevent materials and persons
two tubes at right angles. A load bearing
falling from the platform.
coupler.
Transom: a tube spanning between ledgers to
Scaffold: any temporarily erected structure
connect the inner standards to the outer, and/or
providing access for persons and/or materials,
to form a support for boards, etc. forming the
or from which persons work, or which is used
working platform.
to support materials, plant or equipment.
Working Platform: the deck from which
Scaffold Board: softwood board used to
work is carried out.
provide access, working platforms and toe
boards on a scaffold.
Sleeve Coupler: an external coupler used to
join two tubes to form a longer section of tube.
MOBILE ALUMINIUM TOWERS
Aluminium alloy scaffolding provides a safe and effective working platform, provided that certain rules
are observed.
Guardrails and Toe boards
The Construction (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations require that working platforms are provided
with guardrails and toe boards. The scaffold is to be supplied with suitable guardrails and toe boards,
which satisfy these requirements and they are to be used at all times and are to be positioned in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, as given in the erection manual.
Working and Intermediate Platform
Platforms are to be constructed from scaffold boards or are to be as supplied by the manufacturer. All
hooks and/or fittings are to be properly engaged with their supports and all platforms are to be level and
firmly seated.
Safe Loading
The manufacturer’s instruction documentation will provide details of the loadings that may be placed
on the scaffold. When loading the scaffold, consideration must be given to including the weight of the
scaffold into the safe working load.
URANG LIMITED
TOWER SCAFFOLDS
Stability
Where towers are being used inside buildings, or in other environments where they are not subjected to
wind forces, then the working platform can be at a height from the ground of 3.5 times the effective
base dimension. Where the tower is used outside or in exposed conditions the height from the ground
to the working platform is not to exceed 3 times the effective base dimension.
Safe Loading
Generally the manufacturer’s instructions will give the safe working load that can be placed on any
platform, the safe working load that can be placed on the tower as a whole and the safe working load on
the castors. The castors will have this loading marked upon them.
Moving
Towers are never to be moved with men or materials on the platform and are only to be moved by
applying force at or near the base of the tower.
All holes, ducts, pits or gratings near the tower, are to be securely covered prior to movement being
carried out.
If towers fitted with outriggers are to be moved regularly, it is advisable that the outriggers should also
be fitted with castors.
CANTILEVER PLATFORMS
Towers can be fitted with cantilever platforms. Such towers are to be erected in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions and must only be comprised of components designed and supplied by the
manufacturer for that purpose. If such towers are mobile, their stability will be affected, therefore great
care is to be taken whilst moving them.
Scaffold Boards and Staging
Deck areas on aluminium towers must not to be made up of scaffold boards. If a bridge is being
constructed between two towers, then proprietary staging units are to be used. Care is to be taken to
ensure the stability of the towers. The staging is to be firmly supported on a load bearing part of the
tower and secured to prevent movement. Guardrails and toe boards are to be provided to such staging.
URANG LIMITED
INSPECTIONS
Before Erection of Tower
The following components are to be checked to see that they are in good condition and are compatible:
1. Castors - to see that the castor housing and wheel are not damaged, that the wheel and swivels
rotate freely and that the brake is effective;
2. Adjustable legs - to see that they are not bent, or threads damaged, threads are free from debris
and clean, and that the device fitted to stop the leg falling out is functioning;
3. Frames - to see that the members are straight and undamaged, that they are free from
extraneous material such as concrete. Spigots are to be straight and parallel with the axis of
the column tube and locking devices functioning correctly;
4. Braces, stairways and ladders - to see that they are straight and undamaged and locking hook
mechanisms are functioning correctly;
5. Platforms - to see that they are undamaged and the frames true and square. Plywood decks are
not split or warped and are fixed firmly to the frames, where toe boards incorporate clips or
fittings, that these are undamaged;
6. Ancillary parts, such as outriggers and stabilisers – to see they are undamaged and function
correctly.
Before Use
After the tower has been erected the following checks are to be made before it is used:
1. It is level and square and that the horizontal braces and platforms are level;
2. Outriggers or stabilisers are correctly positioned and secure;
3. Base plates or castors are fully in contact with the ground and castors are properly locked;
4. Spigot and socket joints are secure;
5. Bracing members have been located in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions;
6. Guard-rails and toe boards are in position;
7. Access stairways and ladders are in position and correctly secured.
During Use
During use the scaffold is to be kept in good order. Should parts become damaged they are to be
replaced before the scaffold is used again. Due to the nature of and materials used in the construction
of these towers they are unstable during high winds and are, therefore, not to be used in windy
conditions. After high winds have been experienced they are to be inspected as detailed under the
heading "Before Use".
There is no requirement to keep a formal record of inspection until the tower has been in “the same
place” for seven days.
READING SCAFFOLD DRAWINGS
Most scaffolds that are erected on construction sites are of the straightforward Independent-Tied,
Putlog or Birdcage type. These will not normally be the subject of a special drawing but will be
erected from the scaffolder’s own training and experience.
Scaffolds with special features - shoring scaffolds, cantilevers, temporary roofs, etc. should always be
designed by a competent person.
The charge hand scaffolder should study the drawings and not start erection until he fully understands
them. Any doubts that he may have should be referred back to the designer.
The scaffold must not deviate from the design as this may result in a scaffold collapse.
URANG LIMITED
Scaffold drawings show views of the job. A view as shown from above is called a “plan”. A view
shown horizontally is called an “elevation”. There may be several elevations marked, as appropriate, -
front, section, rear, etc.
If the scaffold is assumed to be cut through, it is called a “cross section” and the cut is marked,
e.g. “A - A” on the plan so that it can be easily located.
If part of the scaffold construction is particularly complicated, a detailed drawing of that part may be
drawn to a larger scale than the rest of the drawing. The detail can be located on the drawing either by
description, lettering or by arrow.
Where large sections of the scaffold are to be of the same construction, it may not, or need not, all be
drawn but noted “Typical Front Elevation” (or as appropriate). It is to be understood that the remainder
of the elevation will be the same construction.
Front Elevation
These views normally show standard spacing, lift height, full height and length of the job. It is
important on this elevation to look for datum marks, so that different parts of the scaffold can be
properly located. The drawing may also show how the lift heights are related to the structure and the
position of facade bracing, ties, etc.
Flank Elevation
These views may show width and height of the scaffold and distance from the building. It may show
the lift heights, vertical distance between ties and the type of ties to be used. It will also show how the
lifts are to be braced.
Plan Views
These are usually the most important for locating the scaffold in relation to the site as a whole, and the
exact location of the base plates, which may be critical in some cases. Also horizontal diagonal
bracings may be detailed on these views.
Cross Section
These are given where front or flank elevations are not explicit enough and drawn to give greater
explanation of what is required. A good example would be across the centre portion of a Flying Shore;
this is the simplest way of showing the internal construction of the shore.
Conventions
Conventions are the markings on a particular section of the drawing to make it more easily understood
and to avoid confusing the drawing with too many lines. The most common are:
1. A large “X” where check couplers are to be used;

2. “Dashes” or “dotted lines” to denote bracing at right angles to the view shown;
3. A “jagged edge”, which indicates that the detail does not end there.
URANG LIMITED
Scales
In order that the view of the scaffold may be drawn on to paper, it must be reduced in size whilst still
retaining that essential detail in the correct proportions. The scale is a measurement of the reduction
and will normally be indicated in the bottom right hand corner. Different views may be drawn to
different scales, even on the same drawing.
It should never be necessary to “scale off” drawings as sufficient dimensions should be given.
If a scale is indicated as, say 1:50, then this simply means that it is one 50th of full size.
When reading drawings:
1. Look closely at the detail to see if tube members pass on top of or underneath the members;
2. Check where the load bearing couplers are to be used;
3. Check where check fittings are to be used;
4. Appreciate that notes may be written anywhere on the drawings; read them carefully and
follow their instructions.
URANG LIMITED
ON SITE CHECKLIST
Tubes must not be bent, split, badly corroded or distorted. Fittings must not be distorted and
moving parts must be sound and lubricated.
Scaffold boards should be in serviceable condition.
All standards must be plumb and all transoms and ledgers must be level.
There should be a base plate under every standard.
Sole plates are normally required to distribute loads and prevent damage, but may be omitted
in certain instances where the ground will bear the load e.g. a substantial concrete base.
Joints in standards should be in alternate lifts.

Joints in ledgers should be in alternate bays and preferably located at a position not greater
than one-third of a bay away from a standard. Joints in ledgers should be made using sleeve
couplers.
Ledgers should be fixed to standards with right angle couplers.
Main guardrail should be fixed at least 910mm above every working lift, including ends. The
space between any guard rails and toe boards should not exceed 470mm.
Toe boards not less than 150mm high should be fixed on every working lift including ends and
inside standards if they do not abut the wall.
Transoms should be spaced at not more than 1.5m centres for 38mm nominal thick new boards
(BS boards) and 1.2m centres for non-BS boards. This information is found on the tin strap
around the end of the board.
The distance between standards should not exceed:
1 8 metres for 3.0kN/m2 (2 men and 400kg materials)
2.0 metres for 2.5kN/m2 (2 men and 250kg materials)
2.1 metres for 2.0kN/m2 (1 man and 350kg materials)
2.4 metres for 1.5kN/m2 (2 men and 175kg materials)
Lifts should not exceed 2.1 metres except that the first lift may be 2.7 metres.
Ties securing scaffolds to the building should not be more than 8.5 metres apart (unless the
scaffold is sheeted when the ties should be doubled in number), and on every other lift. All tie
tubes should be secured with right angle couplers. If ties are not two-way, then adjacent
transoms should abut the building.
Ledger bracing is required at right angles to the building at alternate pairs of standards to the
full height of the scaffold. Bracing can be zigzag or from outer ledger down to inner ledger or
from outer ledger up to inner ledger or fixed to the standards with swivel couplers.
Facade bracing is required to the full height of the scaffold at intervals not greater than 30m.
Joints in continuous brace should be made with sleeve couplers and the brace should be
connected to the transoms with right angle coupler or brace couplers. Swivels can be used to
fix braces to standards.
Working platforms should be close boarded (not less than 4 boards wide). Boards should butt
and not overhang their end supports by more than 150mm. The inside gap near a wall should
be as small as practicable.
A tube supporting a gin-wheel should be secured at two points with right angle couplers and
preferably braced. Lift load should not exceed 50kg. Maximum cantilever without brace
750mm.
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URANG LIMITED

1. Name and address of the Company/Person on whose behalf the inspection was carried out
2. Description of the place of work or part of that place inspected 3. Date & Time 4. Details of any matter identified that could give rise to a risk 5. Can work be 6. If not, name of person
(including plant, equipment and materials, if any) of Inspection to the health or safety of any person carried out safely? notified
URANG LIMITED

7. Location of the place of work inspected. (Site address)
8. Details of any action taken as a result of any matter 9. Details of any further action considered necessary 10. Name and position of the person 11. Date report
identified making report handed over
URANG LIMITED
SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - SITE RULES
EMPLOYEES
This section details the rules and standards that relate to all employees at work, contractors and visitors. It is the
responsibility of all to obey these rules and to behave in a safe manner whilst at work.
Deliberate contravention of these rules shall be considered a break in the employee’s contracts of employment
and, at the discretion of the management, shall lead to instant dismissal.
It should also be borne in mind that contravention of the Health and Safety Legislation is a criminal offence and
that a prosecution can be taken against the employee by the enforcing authority.
Working Practices
1. No machine, item of plant or equipment is to be operated by any person, unless they have been trained
and are authorised to do so.
2. All machine guarding is to be in place and correctly adjusted, prior to machinery being used.
3. Any fault, defect, including damage, or malfunction in any item of machinery, plant, equipment, tool or
guard must be reported immediately.
4. No machine, plant or equipment is to be left unattended whilst in motion, unless you are authorised to
do so.
5. No machine, plant or equipment is to be cleaned whilst in motion, unless you are authorised to do so.
6. No repairs, maintenance or adjustments to machines, plant or equipment are to be carried out, unless
you are authorised to do so.
7. All substances are only to be used in accordance with the written instructions.
8. All substances are to be stored in accordance with the written instructions and are to be returned to the
storage after use.
9. All hazard notices or warning signs displayed on the premises are to be obeyed.
10. All notices displayed in the workplace are to be read and you are to ensure that you understand the
instructions.
11. All safety equipment and facilities provided are to be used and are not to be misused or wilfully
damaged.
12. Protective clothing and safety equipment is to be stored in accordance with the instructions.
13. The work area is to be kept clean and tidy at all times.
14. All waste is to be disposed of in the correct container.
15. All liquid spillages are to be cleaned up immediately.
16. All emergency procedures relevant to your work area are to be obeyed.
17. Emergency exits and equipment are not to be obstructed.
18. Any use or damage to fire fighting equipment is to be reported immediately.
19. Prompt medical assistance must be sought for any injury received at work and the injury must be
reported as soon as possible.

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Misconduct
Any employee, found to have acted in any one of the following ways, shall be liable to the company’s
disciplinary procedure: -
1. Wilfully breaching the safety rules or Safety Policy.

2. Removing any guard or protective device without permission.
3. Operating any machine, plant or equipment without authority.
4. Misusing items provided for first aid.
5. Recklessly interfering with or misusing anything provided in the interest of health, safety or welfare at
work.
6. Defacing or removing notices, signs, labels or any other warning device.
7. Misusing any chemical, flammable substance, toxic material, etc.
8. Smoking in designated “No Smoking” areas or whilst using flammable substances.
9. Taking part in horseplay or practical jokes.
10. Making false declarations or interfering with evidence following an accident or dangerous occurrence.
11. Misusing compressed air, electric or pneumatic equipment.
12. Overloading lifting equipment.
This list is not exhaustive.
VISITORS
The following rules are designed to assist in the control of visitors to the premises. It is of importance that
persons visiting the premises should not be allowed to wander freely. In the event of fire it is important to know
the number of persons in the area and their location, to ensure that, on evacuation, the buildings are in fact
empty.
Protective Clothing And Equipment
Visitors are required to wear and use the protective equipment, which shall be supplied where necessary.
Accidents
All accidents or incidents occurring on the premises must be reported.
Fire
Visitors are required to follow any fire procedures displayed and are to obey any “No Smoking” controls.

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CONTRACTORS
In the context of the Health and Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974, the term contractor has a wide definition. Any
person or organisation that enters into an agreement, whether written or oral, with the Company to provide any
service is regarded as a contractor. This includes window cleaners, builders or a specialist.
Contractor's Contact
The contractor’s contact is to ensure that: -
1. The contractor has received a completed copy of the Contractors Information Sheet, prior to any work
starting;
2. The contractor’s work is monitored to ensure that they are complying with the Company’s Health and
Safety Policy.
CONTRACTORS SAFETY INFORMATION
This Safety Information, which forms an integral part of the Company’s Health and Safety Policy, is applicable
to all contractors and persons under their control and forms part of the Terms of Contract.
Contractors are required to ensure that: -
1. They, and all persons under their control, familiarise themselves with the site and any hazards to be
found on the site;
2. Their activities are conducted in accordance with the safe practices as detailed in this Policy, taking
precautions to protect all employees and others who may be affected by their actions or failures to act;
3. They comply with all the requirements of the Company’s Health and Safety Policy;
4. They comply with all the relevant legislation applicable to the workplace;
5. They provide the correct protective equipment and clothing to their employees at the contractor’s
expense;
6. Employees remain within the designated areas of their work;
7. They only employ persons who are sufficiently trained and experienced in the performance of their
duties. If persons under training are employed the contractor is to ensure that they are adequately
supervised.
Nothing in the above information relieves the contractor of their duties and obligations under Statute or
Common Law.
Failure to comply with the Company’s Health and Safety Policy or any legal requirements will lead, at the
employer’s discretion, to suspension of the contractor’s work, at no cost to the employer, or to termination of the
contract.

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CONTRACTORS SAFETY INFORMATION SHEET
Your Contact within the Company is: -...................................
First Aid kits are located at: -......................……….................
Contractors are responsible for ensuring that all persons under their control know and understand the fire
procedures applicable to their work areas and the location of any fire fighting equipment within those areas.
Means of escape and access routes into the work areas are not to be obstructed without prior permission.
All accidents or dangerous occurrences are to be reported, immediately, to the above contact.
Welfare facilities are provided as agreed within the contract and are not to be misused.
All registers and other documents required by Statute are to be available for inspection by the employer or their
safety advisers at all times.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - STEPLADDERS
Stepladders provide a free-standing means of access, but must be used carefully. They are not designed to take
any degree of side loading and are relatively easily overturned. Most stepladder accidents are the result of
human error, not the result of stepladders collapsing.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF STEPLADDERS
All Stepladders should meet the requirements of the appropriate British or European standards.
• BS 1129:1990 (British) applies to wooden ladders and stepladders.

• BS 2037:1990 (British) applies to metal ladders and stepladders.
• BS EN 131:1993 (European) applies to both metal and wooden ladders and stepladders.
In addition to the standards that relate to the material the stepladder is made from, there are three British and
European standards that relate to their safe working loads:
• Class1 (Industrial) - Maximum static vertical load 175 kg (27.5 stone).

• Class 3 (Domestic) - Maximum static vertical load 125 kg (19.5 stone).
• BS EN 131 - Maximum static vertical load 150 kg (23.5 stone).
Always check for the relevant standard when buying, hiring or using stepladders. If it is not marked on the
stepladder, or detailed in the manufacturer’s guidance, contact the manufacturer or supplier to ensure that the
stepladder has been manufactured to the required British or European standard.
ACTIONS - WHAT YOU MUST DO

PLANNING THE JOB
• Do you have to use a stepladder?
Stepladders should only be used for uncomplicated work with a short duration. If a stepladder
is not suitable then consideration should be given to the use of a ladder, scaffolding, tower
scaffold systems, Mobile Elevating Work Platforms, etc.
• Has a risk assessment of the task been undertaken? Questions to ask include:
a. Are measures required to protect other people (e.g. barriers, second person to act as
look out, etc.)?
b. Will the stepladder be positioned on a level and stable surface (e.g. concrete)?
c. How long will the task take?
d. Have the person(s) carrying out the work received adequate information, instruction
or training enable them to carry out the work safely?
e. Do the person(s) carrying out the work suffer from vertigo or fear of heights?
• Has the right stepladder been selected for the job?
Some stepladders may be too short for high work and some (just as dangerously) are too long
for lower work. You must be able to work comfortably without over reaching up, down or
sideways. Has the right class of stepladder been selected?

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Before Use
• Always visually inspect a stepladder before it is used.
• Check for damage to the stiles (the outside uprights), steps and top platform.
• Check that the stays, hinges, chains or cords (used to keep the stepladder from spreading) are of
sufficient and equal length and are in good condition.
• Check that rubber or plastic non-slip feet are not missing (replacements can usually be obtained from
the supplier or manufacturer).
• Never use a stepladder that is defective. Do not attempt to repair damage. Always report damaged
equipment immediately to your supervisor.
• Make sure the steps are clean and dry. Beware of wet, greasy and icy steps.
• Wear flat firm soled shoes/boots with clean soles and a good grip.
• Check that there are no overhead hazards near where you are going to work, e.g. overhead electric
lines.
Setting Up
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when setting up equipment.
• Do not use, or carry metal stepladders (or wooden ladders when wet) beneath low power lines.
• Check that the stepladder is locked into its correct position. Usually this will be with the legs
positioned as far apart as the retaining cords/hinges allow.
• Never use stepladders in the closed position.
• Position the stepladder on a firm and level base. If you are working on soft ground, place the stepladder
on a large flat board to provide a suitable base.
• Always position at right angles to the work you are doing, i.e. when you climb up the stepladder you
are naturally facing the wall or item you are going to work on.
• If stepladders are used in front of a doorway, the doors should be securely wedged open. (Please note:
Fire doors must not be left open when the immediate work area is unattended.)
• Never have more than one person on the stepladder at any one time.
• Do not use stepladders outside in strong winds.
On the Stepladder
• Always face the stepladder and use both hands when climbing up and down the steps.
• If you need to carry tools up the steps use a shoulder bag, tool belt, etc.
• Hold the stepladder with one hand while you work.
• Always keep both feet on the steps whilst working. Never have one foot on the stepladder and your
other foot on something else (e.g. wall, bookcase, window ledge, etc.).
• Do not leave tools on steps where you could trip over them.
• Never work from the top step of a stepladder, unless it has been specifically designed for this purpose
and there is a secure handhold (always check the manufacturers guidance). As a general rule, keep your
knees below the top step of the platform.
• Do not use the rear supports of steps for foot holds.
• Do not over-reach. Move the stepladder! Keep you body within the uprights while working.
• Do not lend stepladders to non-company employees.

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Storage and Records of Inspection
• Stepladders should be stored in a covered, well-ventilated place where they are protected from
excessive damp, heat and the weather.
Wooden stepladders should be kept off the floor (to avoid contact with damp). Stepladders
should not be stored on a position where they are hung from their stiles or rungs.
• Stepladders should be stored out of sight, under lock and key.
As an alternative, if stepladders are stored in corridors, public areas, etc. they should be
secured to a wall, or suitable actions taken to ensure they do not fall over.
• A formal system should be instituted for recording stepladder inspections.
Visual inspections should be carried out before and after normal use. Inspections should also
be carried out at other set intervals. The frequency of these set inspections will depend on the
amount a stepladder is used.
• As part of a system of inspection and maintenance, stepladders should be individually identified.
This identification may include marking or painting small areas of the stepladder. However,
painting should be kept to an absolute minimum, as painting may hide defects.
• Stepladders found to be defective should be clearly labelled or marked and withdrawn from service
until repaired, or disposed of.
REFERENCES AND FURTHER INFORMATION
• Safe Use of Ladders, Stepladders and Trestles’, HSE Guidance Note 31 (General Series), ISBN 0-
7176-1143-4.
• ‘Health and Safety in Construction’ HS (G) 150, ISBN 011-883594-7.
• ‘The Stepladder User’s Guide’, DTI, DTI/PUB 2423/200K/9/96/R, URN 96/778.
• ‘Assessment of the Safety of Stepladders’, DTI Consumer Safety Research, DTI/PUB
2685/5K/3/97/R.
• ‘Construction Site Safety, Safety Notes’, CITB, ISBN 1-85751-006-2.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - TRESTLE SCAFFOLDS
Trestle scaffolds are working platforms supported on “A” frames or similar types of folding supports such as
two pairs of steps or painters’ trestles.
Figure 1 Trestle Scaffold:

1 - Trestles set on firm level ground
2 - Upper third of scaffold unused
3 - Blocks to be checked
4 - Lightweight staging
They shall only be used for light work of short duration. For work over a long period, prefabricated aluminium
mobile scaffolds shall be used.
Trestles shall not be painted or treated in any way if that will prevent the grain or any defect in the wood being
identified.
Trestles shall be carefully examined prior to use and shall not be used if:
1. They have loose or otherwise damaged cross bearers;

2. Broken or damaged hinges;
3. Screws or bolts missing;
4. Defective stiles (side members).
When in use the trestles are to have, where possible, one third of their height above the working platform.
Normally the working platform shall be made of lightweight staging. However, scaffold planks can be used
providing that the scaffold plank is supported at least every 1.5m for a BS scaffold board or 1.2m for a non BS
Board (that information is normally to be found on the metal strap around the toe of the board). Lightweight
staging or scaffold planks shall be examined, prior to use, to ensure that they are not damaged or cracked and
shall not be painted or treated in any way that will prevent the grain or any defect in the wood being readily
identified.
Folding trestles shall be used only as a single tier platform. A trestle scaffold shall not be used in a position
where anyone can fall more than 2m from the working platform to ground level unless it can be fitted with toe
boards and guard rails complying with the Construction (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996.
Working platforms shall be a minimum of 600mm wide.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK – WOODWORKING MACHINES
INTRODUCTION
Woodworking machines present significant risks during use. The risks associated with the use of woodworking
machinery are high since they rely on high-speed cutters, which in many cases are necessarily exposed, and the
hand-feeding nature of machines, which means that hands are constantly exposed to danger. No two pieces of
wood are the same, knots and changes in the direction of the grain can give rise to snatching and kicking of the
workpiece. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) are the regulations that
govern the use of woodworking machines.
APPLICATION
The regulations apply to all workplaces where woodworking machinery and equipment is used.
The PUWER Regs replace all the requirements previously laid down by the Woodworking Machines
Regulations 1974.
SUITABILITY OF WOODWORKING MACHINES
Machinery should be suitable, by design or construction for the work to be undertaken and used in accordance
with the manufacturers specifications and instructions at all times.
The location in which woodworking machinery is used must be assessed to take into account any risks that may
arise under particular circumstances.
Some operations are higher risk when carried out on one type of machine rather than another. For example,
cutting a rebate using a correctly guarded spindle moulding machine presents a much lower risk than using the
cutter block of a surface planing machine. Similarly cutting very thin slivers of wood using a circular saw is far
higher risk than removing the same material on a surface planer.
Where ripping operations are being carried out using a circular or radial arm saw, the blade at all times must
project through the upper surface of the material being cut.
A cross cut saw must only be used for ripping operations if it has been specially designed or adapted with
additional safeguards, such as a riving knife, especially for that purpose.
Where possible Limited Cutter Projection Tooling, also known as ‘chip thickness limitation tooling’ should be
fitted to hand fed machines.
Tools should not be run at speeds greater than the safe working speed marked on the machine or the speed laid
down in the manufacturers instructions.

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MAINTENANCE
All work equipment must be subject to regular maintenance to ensure that its performance does not deteriorate,
certainly to the extent that it puts persons at risk. Woodworking machinery is to be checked frequently to ensure
that safety related features are functioning correctly. The frequency of checks will depend on the intensity and
variety of use. Manufacturers instructions will help determine the items that require maintenance, these may
include proper lubrication, replacement and adjustment of parts.
For maintenance to be effective it needs to be targeted at the parts of machines where failure or deterioration
could lead to increased risks to health and safety. To achieve this three types of maintenance are available:
1 Planned preventative
Planned preventative maintenance involves replacing parts or making necessary adjustments at preset intervals
to prevent deterioration or failure of the equipment.
2 Condition based
Condition based maintenance involves monitoring the condition of critical parts and replacing them when they
are identified as showing signs of wear or in a condition that could begin to affect the safety of the machine.
3 Breakdown
Breakdown maintenance only needs to be carried out after failure has occurred. However this is only appropriate
if the failure does not present an immediate risk and can be corrected before any risk occurs.
Maintenance work should only be carried out by those who are competent to do so. It is recommended that a
maintenance log is kept to record maintenance, to provide information for future planned maintenance activities,
and inform maintenance personnel of previous action taken.
The blade of any sawing machine shall not be cleaned by hand whilst the blade is in motion.
Maintenance should include:
1 Worktables should be smooth and free of any obstructions or damage that is likely to interrupt the
continuous feeding of any work piece to the tool head.
2 Mechanical feed systems should track and run smoothly
3 Guards should be freely adjustable over the full range of work for which they are designed, and continue to
fulfil their safety function.
4 Protection devices, including two-handed controls and photo-electric devices should be in effective working
order.
5 Tools should be sharp and not damaged in such a way that they are likely to disintigrate or break up.
6 Toolholders and clamping systems should move freely and continue to function safely.
7 Protection devices, such as push sticks, jigs and holders should be stored in a safe place to minimise the risk
of damage and be checked to ensure that they are still fit for use.

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SPECIFIC RISKS
Risks should always be controlled. This should be done by following the hierachy of risk control:
A Eliminate the risk completely, or if this is not possible
B Take physical measures to control the risks such as the provision of guards.
C If the risks can still not be adequately controlled, then following safe systems of work and the provision of
information, instruction and training are measures that must be taken to deal with the remaining risk.
The use of woodworking machines should be restricted to operatives who are properly trained and have enough
information and instruction, particularly where the machine is hand fed. The operation of feeding material
through the machine is always towards a fast moving cutter, which in many cases cannot be fully enclosed;
therefore safety relies on a combination of the use of guards, protection devices and protection appliances,
selecting competent persons to use the equipment, and following safe systems of work.
NOISE
Woodworking machines may exceed the noise levels as laid down by the Noise at Work Regulations.
Reference shall be made to the section entitled "Noise".
HARDWOOD DUST
Hardwood dust is likely to occur during the sawing, moulding, routing, carving and sanding of hardwoods.
They present a risk of dermatitis, asthma and severe irritation to the eyes, skin and respiratory system.
Hardwood dust is now deemed to be harmful and has been ascribed an occupational exposure limit.
Adequate ventilation shall be provided and used, where practicable by exhaust extraction equipment. Should
this not be practicable, dust masks shall be provided to and used by all persons working in the area of the
woodworking machine.
INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION
Written instructions are to be available on the use of woodworking machines, which are easily understandable.
This may include information provided by the manufacturer or supplier, such as instruction sheets or manuals,
instruction placards, warning labels and training manuals. Information and instructions should include: -
1 All health and safety issues relating to the use of the woodworking machine.
2 Any limitation on these uses, such as cutting speeds of machines, or limits on the size or type of material
being worked.
3 Any foreseeable difficulties that could arise, and methods to deal with them.
4 Any particle tips gained from experience of using particular machines.
5 The speed, range, type and dimensions of tools suitable for the machine.
6 Procedures for the repair or replacement of any guard or protection device.
7 The correct procedures for any setting or adjusting operations.
8 Safe methods of handling tools.
9 Correct procedures for start-up and shutdown, isolation, and how to discharge any residual energy.
10 Procedures for cleaning saw blades by hand (which should only be done with the machine isolated and with
the blade stopped.

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TRAINING
Training, whether it is in-house, external or a combination of both must cover the specific type of machine being
used and the particular type of work, which the operator is expected to carry out. The trainer must be competent
in the safe operation of the class and type of machine being used. Training requirements will vary and an
assessment will need to be carried out to identify particular individuals training needs. A competent worker will
need to be able to demonstrate: -
1 Selection of the correct machine and tooling for the job.
2 The purpose and adjustment of guards, protection devices and appliances.
3 A knowledge of safe methods of working including appropriate selection of holders, jigs, push sticks and
similar protection appliances.
4 A practical understanding of the legal requirements.
5 A knowledge of the nature of wood and the hazards, which this presents, including kickback, snatching and
ejection.
Training needs are likely to be greatest on recruitment, however there is also a requirement for refresher training
for experienced operators particularly where the worker has not operated a machine for some time, the method
of control has changed, new equipment or technology has been introduced, or the system of work has changed.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF MACHINERY
Effective measures must be taken to prevent access to dangerous parts of woodworking machinery or to stop
their movement before a person can enter a “ danger zone”. Protective measures should be implemented in the
following order:-
1 Fixed enclosing guards.
2 Interlocking guards and pressure mats.
3 Protection appliances such as push sticks, jigs, and holders.
4 The provision of information ,instruction , training and supervision.
Where guarding is achieved by using an outer fence to prevent access, such as in the case of a sliding door or
panel, it should be interlocking so that the machine will not run unless it is effectively closed. .An adjustable
guard must be capable of adjustment over the full range of the tool and workpiece,large enough to enclose as
much of the tool as is practicable during the cutting operation, be sufficiently stong and rigid so as to withstand
normal usage and contain pieces of tool and workpiece thrown off during operation. All guards must also be
capable of being adjusted without any risk to the operatior.
All guards must be kept in good working order and it is important that they are regularly checked to ensure that
they move freely, are free from defect and continue to be adjustable over the range of work for which they were
designed.
STOP CONTROLS
Woodworking machines run at very high speeds and braking devices should be fitted to reduce the “ rundown”
times, effectively stopping the machine and bringing it to rest within 10 seconds.
STABILITY
Due to vibration and the way most woodworking machines work there is a risk of the machine moving
unintentionally along the floor. To minimise this risk all machines should be secured to the floor. This is most
effectively done by fastening to the floor, bench or similar fixture.

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MARKINGS
Markings are required to ensure that risks that might occur from over-speeding are controlled.
The safe working speed should be marked or displayed on the woodworking machine , it must also be marked
on the tool, or if this is not practicable a table should be readily available to those who select tools showing the
speed range of these tools. The diameter of the smallest blade that should be used should be marked on every
circular sawing machine.
EXTRACTION EQUIPMENT
Extraction and collection equipment shall be fitted on all:-
a) thicknessing machines;
b) vertical spindle moulding machines;
c) multi-cutter moulding machines;
d) tenoning machines;
e) automatic lathes;
f) high speed routing machines (except those where the dust and chips are blown away from the cutters);
The above shall not apply to:
a) combined surfacing and thicknessing machines;

b) vertical spindle moulding machines or tenoning machines used for less than 6 hours a week.
CIRCULAR SAWING MACHINES
The part of the saw blade below the bench shall, as far as practicable, be enclosed.

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Bench type circular saws shall be fitted with a strong adjustable riving knife in line with the saw blade and
mounted on a fitting beneath the bench. The riving knife shall be curved to match the largest saw blade which
can be fitted to the bench and the gap between the knife and the blade shall not exceed 12mm at bench level.
The knife is to be at least 225mm above the bench for blades of 600mm diameter or larger and not more than
25mm below the top of the blade for blades smaller than 600mm diameter. Where parallel blades are used the
riving Knife shall be thicker than the two blades.
The upper part of the saw blade shall be covered with a strong adjustable top guard which runs from the top of
the riving knife to as close as possible to the surface of the material being cut, or for squared stock to within
12mm of its surface.
The top guard shall have flanges on each side

covering the full depth of the saw teeth. Where the
top guard is fitted with an adjustable front extension
piece, this piece shall only require a flange on the
side remote from the fence.
The saw blade diameter on single speed machines

shall never be less than six-tenths of the diameter of
the largest blade for which the machine is designed.
The saw blade diameter on multi-speed machines

shall never be less than six-tenths of the diameter of
the largest blade which is appropriate to the highest
speed.
A notice showing the minimum diameter of saw

blade to be used shall be affixed to every saw bench.
The upper part of the saw blade shall be effectively

guarded before cutting rebates, tenons, mouldings or
grooves and the saw teeth shall always project above
the material being cut except when cutting rebates,
tenons, mouldings or grooves.
Push-sticks shall be provided for hand pushing and
shall be used for:
a) feeding material when the cut is 300mm long or less;

b) feeding all material over the last 300mm of the cut;
c) removing cut material from between the saw blade and fence.
Use of push sticks

Anyone removing material from a circular sawing machine, other than the operator, shall stand at the delivery
end of the saw bench. The nearest part of the saw blade shall not be less than 1200mm from that person, except
where it is a moveable saw bench with a blade diameter of 450mm or less or the saw has a roller or travelling
table.
MULTIPLE RIP SAWING AND STRAIGHT EDGING MACHINES
The feed side of a multiple rip saw or straight line edger shall be fitted with a kick-back device to prevent the
accidental ejection of material.
If the saw spindle is mounted above the machine table, a guard to prevent ejection shall also be fitted parallel to
the saw blade and extending, from the kick-back device, for at least 300mm towards the spindle.

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NARROW BAND SAWING MACHINES
Fig 3 NARROW BAND SAWING MACHINE -A. Frontal plate guard

B. Pressure pads holding material
The saw wheels and the saw blade, with the exception of the cutting section, shall be enclosed and the section of
the blade between the top wheel and the blade disc or rollers shall be guarded at the front and one side. The side
guard shall extend beyond the back of the saw blade. The blade disc or rollers and the guard shall be kept as
close to the saw bench as possible.

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PLANING MACHINES
The cutter shall be effectively guarded before any tenoning, rebating, moulding or recessing is done.
Hand fed overhand planers shall be fitted with cylindrical cutter blocks and the gap between the cutter block and
the edge of the delivery table shall not exceed 6 mm. The gap between the feed table and the delivery table shall
be kept as small as possible for the work being performed. They shall be fitted with a strong, easily adjustable
bridge guard at least as wide and as long as the cutter block. The bridge guard shall be fitted centrally over the
cutter block in such a way as to prevent accidental movement.
Fig 4 PLANING MACHINE - A. Gap between cutters and table

B. Bridge guard C. Cutter block guard
The bridge guard shall always be adjusted so as to prevent injury to employees. When planing the wide face of
squared stock the clearances between the bridge guard and the fence and between the guard and the top of the
material shall not exceed 10 mm.
When edging (planing the narrow face of) squared stock the clearances between the bridge guard and the
material and between the guard and the feed table shall not exceed 10 mm. When successively planing and
edging the clearances between the bridge guard and the material for each operation shall not exceed 10 mm
Hand fed overhand planers shall be fitted with a strong, easily adjustable guard over the part of the cutter block
which is behind the fence.
When short pieces of squared stock are planed push-blocks with handholds shall be used to control the material.
When thicknessing is carried out on a machine designed for both planing and thicknessing (i.e. combined
machines) the gap in the table above the cutter block shall be effectively guarded.
Planing machines used for thicknessing shall be fitted with sectional feed rollers or other devices to prevent
accidental ejection of the material from the machine.
VERTICAL SPINDLE MOULDING MACHINES

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Fig 5 VERTICAL SPINDLE MOULDING MACHINE - A. Cutter guard

B. Pressure pads
The cutters on vertical spindle moulding machines shall, as far as is practicable, be the correct size for the block
or spindle and shall be mounted so as to prevent accidental displacement. The gap in any straight fence shall be
reduced, as far as possible, by adding a false fence which only allows the working part of the cutter to project.
When the guard does not effectively enclose the cutter a jig or holder, with handholds, capable of holding the
material to be machined shall be used in addition to the guard. Where it is not practicable to use a proper jig or
holder for the work piece in a "dropping-on" operation, a back stop shall be fitted to prevent the piece being
thrown back.
A jig or holder shall always be used if the work piece is moved in the same direction as the cutters and the
cutters have to break-in on the material.
Cutter guards or enclosures shall be designed to retain flying cutters or fixings.
Spikes or push-sticks shall be provided, where their use enables the work to be done safely.
The controller of a 2 speed spindle moulder shall be such that the spindle can only be started at the slower
speed.

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SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - WORKING AT HEIGHTS - PREVENTION

OF FALLS
BEWARE- CASE LAW
Case law has established that the legal requirement to ensure that no one falls through 2m or more is absolute ie
the employer must ensure that no-one falls through 2m or more. Should an employee or trade contractor fall
2m and be hurt then the employer is guilty of an offence. Source: CHSW Regs 1996.
PLANNING
Working at heights is a high risk activity, therefore all operations shall be carefully planned. The particular
hazard of each job must be identified and the best means of reducing those hazards considered. This shall take
into account those working or passing underneath the work area, as well as those employed on the task itself.
ACCESS
Suitable equipment shall be provided to give safe access to the working area, for example:-
• Ladders;
• Tower Scaffolds;
• Independent Scaffolds;
• Mobile Work Platforms.
Full details of the above are given in the relevant sections of this manual.
SAFE PLACE OF WORK
The appropriate precautions shall be dictated by the type of work being carried out and the areas in which that
work is taking place.
Flat Areas
Work areas with a pitch of less than 10o can be considered to be flat.
Where a person could fall more than 2m, the edge protection is to consist of:- guard-rails at 910mm to 1150mm
above flooring with no gap exceeding 470mm. toe boards, at least 150mm high;
Where the area is large, and persons are not required to work near the edge, a simple barrier of crossed scaffold
tubes supporting a single rail may be used to restrict the work area, providing that it is erected at least 2m from
the edge.
All openings in the work area must similarly be protected.
Various ways of providing edge protection are illustrated on the following pages.

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Fig 1 Flat Roof Edge Protection: conventional tube and fitting supported from the ground.
Where the working area is no more than 5m above ground level, scaffold tube uprights spaced at 3m centres are
pitched from the ground. These are supported by raking shores and braced by longitudinal diagonal tubes in
every fifth bay. Guard rails and toe boards are affixed to the uprights. (See Fig 1).
The arrangement shown in Fig 2 is suitable for use along a roof edge which has an upstand, provided that the
upstand is sound and strong enough.
Short inner uprights, standing on boards, as close as possible to the upstand and secured to the outer uprights by
short horizontal tubes as shown, the lower tube being as close to the top of the upstand as possible. The inner
uprights are to be wedged tightly with timber wedges, so that the outer uprights are tight against the side of the
building for a distance of at least 1200mm below the top of the upstand. Uprights are to be spaced no more than
2400mm apart. The guard rails are fitted to the inner upright.
Fig 3 Flat roof edge protection: proprietary counterweight system
The system shown in Fig 3 allows one of the counterweights to be removed, and the base plate raised to enable
work at the edge to continue unhindered while the guard rail remains in position.

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NON-FRAGILE SLOPING ROOFS
On sloping roofs, unless suitable precautions are taken, there is the danger of persons slipping off the edge of the
roof. Protection can be provided by:-
Barriers and Platforms:-
In this circumstance the guard rail is to be not less than 910mm above the roof and not more than 700mm above
the uppermost scaffold board. The scaffold board catch barrier is to be at least 430mm above the roof. There
must be no gap greater than 470mm.
Where the top lift of a scaffold is used to provide a catch barrier, the following dimensions are used:-
1. Not less than 470mm

2. From lower guard rail to top of barrier to be not more than 470mm;
3. Top of catch barrier to take the roof line but not less than 150mm;
4. Height of lower guard rail to be not less than 600mm from platform;
5. Standards to be not less than 600mm from roof edge line.
The working platform is to be not more than 300mm below

the eaves and is to extend three boards beyond the line of
the roof edge. The guard rail (1) is to be 910mm above the
platform and the toe board (2) is to be of at least 150mm.
Roof Ladders:-
On most sloping roofs suitable roof ladders or crawling

boards are essential. For minor works, where edge
protection is not used, ladders are always to be used.
figure 5 catch barrier
Roof ladders and crawling boards are to be purpose made
for the job. They are to be strong enough to support
persons when spanning across the supports for the roof
covering and be secured or positioned to prevent
movement.
They are to be a minimum 600mm wide.
The anchorage at the top of the ladder or board is not to rely purely on the roof capping, as this may break away.
The anchorage is, wherever possible, to bear on the opposite slope.
Eaves gutters are never to be used as a footing or to support a ladder as they are not strong enough.
Curved or Specially Shaped Roofs
The appropriate precautions shall depend on the size and shape of the roof. Platforms for curved roofs can be
provided by the use of scaffold tubes and fittings, arranged to follow the contours of the roof, by specifically
designed mobile scaffolds, by adapting suspended scaffolds or by using power-operated mobile work platforms.
Non-Fragile Industrial Roofs
Eaves and gable ends are to be protected with suitable guard-rails and toe boards. If valley gutters are used for
access, prior to decking being laid, these are also to be protected. Precautions, such as the use of a safety
harness attached to a suitable anchorage, are to be taken during the erection of the protection.
The leading edge, created during sheet laying, also requires protection and the use of a safety net is the HSE’s
preferred method of achieving this.

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Where the continuous use of safety nets is considered impracticable, steps will be taken to reduce the risk of
falls, during the planning stage, by using a system of installation which does not require employees stepping or
leaning over the edge of the protected area. Consideration is to be given to the provision of a suitable working
platform on the purlins and/or use of a safety harness.
Light weight staging can be used to provide protection at the leading edge. This can also be used to assist the
prevention of the need to step out over an unprotected area. Care should be taken in positioning the staging as
the work progresses. Proprietary purlin trolley devices are available which enable staging to be moved along
the purlins and to be joined end to end.
Where staging is used as a walkway or as a working platform, guard-rails and toe boards must be fixed at the
edge away from the roof decking. Staging is also to be secured to ensure that it will not tip, should anyone lean
on the guard-rail. Where it is used as a working platform the staging is to be a minimum width of 600mm.
Non-fragile industrial roofs often contain fragile components, such as rooflights, and these are to be covered or
protected and the approach to them is to be signed.
Fragile Roofs
Before any roof is used as a means of access or a place of work it is essential to identify areas covered with
fragile materials and to decide on the precautions to be taken. Fragile is defined as any roof or item placed in a
roof eg a roof light that would give way under the weight of any one working on it and takes into account the
weight of anything that they may be carrying or holding.
On all roofs covered with fragile material, roof ladders or crawling boards are to be used. The number of
ladders or boards will depend on the type of work being carried out. A person must never need to step onto a
fragile roof in order to move the ladder or boards.
The provision of edge protection for fragile roofs is as detailed in the previous sections, but greater
consideration needs to be given to the suitability of the protection with regard to the strength of the supporting
material.
SAFETY HARNESSES, BELTS AND NETS
The primary aim is to be the provision of a safe place of work. However, this is not always practicable. In such
cases the use of safety belts, harnesses or nets may be appropriate, providing that suitable anchorage points are
available and employees are supervised to ensure that belts or harnesses are worn at all times. Inertia reel
systems, which give employees a greater freedom of movement are available.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
The effect of adverse weather conditions must be anticipated and suitable precautions taken. Rain, snow and ice
can all serve to make the roof slippery and the work area should be inspected after any of these to ensure that it
is safe. Windy conditions can also be dangerous, particularly whilst carrying materials. Work shall not be
allowed to continue in high winds.
Members of the public or other contractors' employees are to be protected from falling material during
construction. This may entail the use of "brick guards", fans or other similar precautions. Consideration is to be
given to the provision of sheeting to enclose the work area and boarding to prevent materials falling through any
gaps in the working platform or area. Barriers at ground level may also be necessary, to keep the public away.
Particularly stringent precautions are to be taken when children are at risk.
Waste material is to be lowered to the ground in skips or baskets or disposed of in enclosed chutes. Throwing
such materials from the roof or scaffold is strictly prohibited unless the security of the target area can be
ensured..

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INSPECTIONS
All structures temporarily erected as working places are legally defined as scaffolds. They are, therefore, to be
subjected to inspections as if they were scaffold. The place of work must be “safe” prior to work commencing.
This will require some sort of inspection. The place must be formally inspected and the findings recorded in a
record of inspection at least every 7 days and after any event which may affect the safety of the working place.

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Version 12/03

Urang Safety at Work

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URANG LIMITED

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK

Tel: 020 7751 8355

16a Market Square, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 1HU

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 2

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 3

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 4

SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - PREFABRICATED ALUMINIUM

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 5

SCAFFOLD BOARDS AND STAGING

Before Erection of Tower

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 6

HANDLING & STORAGE

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 7

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 8

INSPECTION REPORT (Page 1 of 2)

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 9

INSPECTION REPORT (Page 2 of 2)

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 10

SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS

• Keep cuts and abrasions covered with an impervious dressing.

• Work on sewers and other drainage systems,

the following precautions must be adopted:

Information and Training

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 11

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 12

SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK – BRICK AND BLOCKWORK

• Hard hats - on all construction sites;

Reference is also to be made to the section “Protective Clothing”.

If required to undertake brick work in sewers the section “Sewers” is to be consulted.

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 13

Avoid working with cement if you are sensitised.

Revitalise the skin with lanolin skin cream after work.

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 14

SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - CARTRIDGE OPERATED

There are two main types of cartridge operated tools:-

a) direct action (high velocity) - where the explosion

b) indirect action (low velocity) - where the explosion

figure2 Indirect action type of tool

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 15

The following hazards are recognised:-

Operators, and any personnel assisting them, should wear:-

a) eye protection to protect against impact;

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 16

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 17

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 18

SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - COMPRESSORS

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 19

COMPRESSORS, AIR RECEIVERS AND PNEUMATIC TOOLS

The following points should be checked:

1. That the V belt and pulley drive is adequately guarded;

INDIVIDUAL PNEUMATIC TOOLS

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 20

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 21

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 22

SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK - CUTTING OFF DISCS

BRITISH STANDARD MARKING SYSTEM

Prefix Manufacturers Abrasive Type (optional).

Grain Size 8 – 24 Coarse

Grade On a scale where A = Soft and Z = Hard

Structure On a scale where 1 = Dense and 15+ = Open

Bond Type B = Resinoid

Suffix Manufacturers Wheel Type (optional)

SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK 23