IGC 2 : ELEMENT 1


Sanitary Conveniences &
Washing Facilities
Drinking Water
Accommodation for clothing &
changing clothes
Facilities for rest & eating meals
Ventilation
TEMPERATURE & LIGHTING

Sanitary Conveniences & Washing Facilities

Must be provided together & in a proportion to the size of

workforce.
Special provision should be made for disabled workers
There should be separate facilities for men & women
Supply of warm water, soap & towels must be provided.
Facilities to be well lit, ventilated & walls & floors easy to clean

Drinking Water
Must be readily accessible to all
workforce
Supply must be adequate

Accommodation for clothing & changing

clothes
Must be provided, clean, well lit, ventilated, dry &
secure
Where PPE is required, arrangement are to be made
that workers' own clothing is not contaminated by
hazardous substances

Facilities for rest & eating meals

Must be provided in areas where PPE not required

No Smoking
Facilities should be provided for pregnant/nursing females to
rest
Arrangements to ensure food & beverage not contaminated by
hazardous substances.

Ventilation
Should be effective & sufficient & free from any
impurities
Air inlets to be sited free from any potential
contaminants
Ensure workers are free from uncomfortable
draughts
Ensure continuous fresh air flow
Use LEV or Dilute Ventilation if required

Heating & Temperature

Ensure reasonable temperatures in all workplaces
during working hours
Air conditions to be used where possible
AC to be regularly inspected & maintained
Provide thermometers to indicate room temperature
Provide suitable PPE where AC is not adequate e.g.
on entering big restaurants' cold stores

Lighting

Poor lighting increases the risk of accidents e.g. slips, trips &
falls.
Provision of sufficient & suitable lighting; shall be natural light if
possible
Provision of sufficient emergency lighting in all rooms, kitchens,
rest rooms & emergency routes
Consider using blinds on windows in cases of reflective screen
glare
Windows & skylights to be kept clean & free from obstruction
.

Seating & Workstations

Sitting for prolonged periods can cause health risks; blood

circulation problems & MSD(s)
Workstations to be arranged so that work is done safely &
comfortably
Workstations to be arranged to allow safe evacuation in cases of
emergency
Work surface should be at comfortable height to the worker; avoid
bending & stretching
Workers should not stand for prolonged periods on solid floor.
Refer to control measures of DSE

10

EXPOSURE TO EXTREME TEMPERATURE

Effects of extreme heat:

Heat exhaustion
Heat Stroke
Sun burns
Dehydration
Heat cramps
Confusion, nausea &
vomiting
Examples: outdoor
construction

Effects of Extreme
Cold:
Hypothermia
Trench foot
Cold burn
Loss of concentration &
shivering

11

PREVENTIVE MEASURE
Avoid working outdoors where possible
Carry out suitable & sufficient Risk Assessment
Ventilation systems
Adequate training, information & supervision
Control working environment: heating/cooling systems
Pre employment medical; fit to work
Always drink a lot of fluids
Allow adequate acclimatization period
Reduce time of exposure; job rotation
Use proper PPE

12

Violence at work:
Any incident in which a person is abused,
threatened, or assaulted in circumstances
relating to work, whether by other employees
or others; verbal abuse or threats as well as
physical abuse.

13

Causes:
Robbery & those
seeking immediate
attention
Dissatisfaction with the
treatment/service
received
Bullying & harassment
Terrorism is now
included

Groups at Risk:
Healthcare / social care
providers
Delivering / collecting
services
Authority representatives
Education providers
Transact cash or
valuables
Ticketing public
transportation

14

Control Strategy:

Assess the risk, record & review assessment

Organizations to enforce zero tolerance violence policy
Avoid using cash; use credit cards
Means of communication: cell phones, alarms, radios etc
Physical barriers e.g. fences, bullet proof booths for ticketing
Use close circuit television cameras CCTV
Strict security measures e.g. ID, finger print access, no
visitors etc
Avoid lone working & night working
Provide adequate training & information; negotiation skills,
stress management etc
Report, investigate & record all incidents of aggression

15

Alcohol & Drugs effects on OHS

Increased accidents (slower reflexes)

Increased Errors (impaired perception)
Increased complaints (easily irritated)
Increased absenteeism (hang over)
Poor time keeping (impaired judgment)
Decreased productivity (Stress related)
Adverse health effects; liver damage, coronary heart
disease, high blood pressure, psychological
problems etc

16

Control Strategy:

Assess the risk & the size of the problem

Have a Substance Abuse Policy in place
Provide information & raise the awareness
Remove work stressors & provide stress management
Offer help for employees who have drinking problems
Maintain confidentiality of cases with alcohol or drug problems
Screening tests; pre employment & after incidents
Never use controlled or uncontrolled medication without the doctors
permission (some over the counter medication causes drowsiness)
Implement disciplinary actions
Report, record & investigate cases of alcohol/drug abuse without
disclosing any personal information (confidential)

17

HAZARDS TO PEDESTRIANS
( )

Slips: Due to reduced friction between

feet & walking surface; wet or dusty
floors, spill, ice, unsuitable footwear,
varnished wooden floors etc.

Trips: loss of balance if foot is stopped

suddenly while body continues in
motion; loose carpets, floor holes,
cables across walkways, rugs, rubbish,
uneven floor etc.

18

HAZARDS TO PEDESTRIANS
Falls from a Height: 29% of all
reported job fatalities is caused by
falling from a height; roof, ladder,
scaffold, floor openings,
unguarded platforms over 2 meters
feet high etc.
Collision with moving vehicles:
Happens either inside the
workplace or on the access road
around it during commute; poor
lighting, over speeding of vehicles,
no clear separation between
pedestrians & vehicles, lack of
warning signs & barriers etc.

19

HAZARDS TO PEDESTRIANS
Being struck by moving, falling or flying objects:
moving parts of machinery, flying objects are often
generated by the disintegration of moving parts,
falling objects are common in construction sites
etc.
Striking against fixed or stationary objects:
colliding against a part of a building, opened drawer,
lying object on the floor etc.

20

CONTROL STRATEGIES FOR PEDESTRIAN HAZARDS

Eliminate hazards; good house
keeping, keeping a safe place of
work, cleaning aisles & passage
ways, consider slip resistant
surfaces.
Ensure a safe place of work in the
design phase if possible.
Adopt & mark designated
walkways.
Ensure proper Training,
Information, Work Instructions &
supervision at all times
Ensure proper PPE is worn at all
times.

21

Control Strategies for Pedestrian Hazards

Risk Assessment is crucial to be done for all work activities & controls will be set
according to the risk level & following the Hierarchy of control:

Eliminate hazards; good house keeping, keeping a safe place of work, cleaning
aisles & passage ways, consider slip resistant surfaces.

Follow a Safe System of Work & issue Work Permit.

Ensure a safe place of work in the design phase if possible.

Adopt & mark designated walkways.

Ensure proper Training, Information, Work Instructions & supervision at all times.

Ensure proper PPE is worn at all times.

Suitable maintenance systems, Reporting & procedures to follow up on corrective

actions.

Cleaning of spills, use of signs while cleaning.

Separation between designated vehicle passages & pedestrians by means of

marking, signs, barriers etc.

Work environment; lighting, ventilation, noise, dust etc.

Regular Inspections & ensure proper Safety Signs are in place.

Use proper fall protection; guard rails, Scaffolding, safe ladders, fall harness
etc.

22

Slips and Trips: Major Injuries

Slipped on wet surface

2109

Slipped on dry surface

530

Tripped over obstruction

2,098

Tripped over uneven floor surface 955

Slipped, tripped or fell not above

4,435

Slipped, tripped or fell unknown

885

23

Factors contributing to
slips, trips
The floor surface:
Slippery
surface, holes,
and
falls
uneven surface etc.

Contamination: Spillages, Leaks

Obstructions: Rubbish, trailing cables, rugs
etc.
The Task: Carrying loads, space to work
Environment: Lighting
Footwear: Unsuitable footwear
The People: Unaware of the dangers

24

Falls from Height

HSE: 2004/2005
of all 55%
accidents
fatalities 53
Major injuries 4,235
over 3 day 4,604
injuries
25

Fatality Falls by Activity

Activity

Fatalities

Major
Injuries

Roof

13

134

Ladder

10

1,180

Vehicles/Plant

10

805

Scaffolding

236

Conveying/Lifting
Storage

268

Stairs/Steps

177

Others

983

Totals

53

3,783
26

Housekeeping
Hazards
Someone could trip
or fall
Increased risk of fire
Fire exits could be
blocked
There is a risk of
infection
Chemicals are being
used
Infestation (that
allows breeding of
rats, cockroaches,
etc )
Vehicle Collisions

Precautions
Identify housekeeping
requirements
Responsibilities for
housekeeping
Resources for good
housekeeping
Train staff in use of
equipment
Regular inspections
27

Construction Hazards & Control

Safe place of work:
Construction site locked & secured with Proper signs posted
Secure & sound perimeter fence with signs posted, use CCTV
Ladders safe & stored securely when not used
All excavations fenced, signs posted & covered when not in use
Secure storage & safe handling of all flammable & hazardous
substances
All scaffolds, hoists & cranes are safe for use
Good house keeping is crucial
Proper arrangements for waste disposal

28

Work at height:

All work activities where there is a risk of falling a distance

liable to cause personal injury
Working on scaffold or a mobile elevated working platform
MEWP
Working on top of a container & using ladders or stepladders
Working with high trees & forestry
Climbing permanent structure e.g. phone pole
Painting & working near excavation in which worker could fall
Roof & chimney working

29

PROTECTION AGAINST FALLING FROM

HEIGHTS
Carry out sufficient & suitable Risk Assessment
Implement safe system of work; PTW
Avoid working at heights where possible
Provision of a properly constructed working platform
Use suspension equipment & collective fall arrest
Individual fall restrainers (safety harness) as last resort

30

Fragile roofs & surfaces:

Requires specific Risk Assessment

Implement safe system of work
Hazards; roofing material that deteriorates with age & weather
Exposed edges, unsafe access equipment & falls from ridges
Must use safe means of access; scaffolding, ladders etc
Provide suitable barriers, guard rails & warning signs
Only competent & authorized personnel to work on roofs
Use PPE & fall protection devices as last resort

31

Protection against falling objects:

Involves construction workers & public members

Provide covered walkways & suitable netting to catch falling
objects
Waste material to be brought down via chutes or hoists
Only minimal quantities of building material to be stored on
working platforms
Provide PPE; Head protection to workers, contractors & visitors
Display signs illustrating mandatory head protection

32

DEMOLITION
Main hazards:

CONTROL:

Falls from height or at the

same level
Falling debris & premature
collapse of structure
Dust & fumes
Manual handling
Exposure to Asbestos & other
hazardous substances
Noise & vibration from
equipment
Fires, explosions & electric
shocks

Full written Risk Assessment

Full site investigation by a
competent person
Arrangements to protect
workers & public from
hazardous substances e.g.
Asbestos
Safe system of work; PTW,
Isolation etc
Emergency arrangements;
first aid, fire etc

33

OTHER CONSTRUCTION HAZRADS

VEHICLES & TRAFFICE ROUTES

FIRE & OTHER EMERGENCY
ARRANGEMENTS
WELFARE FACILITIES
ELECTRICITY
NOISE

34

Vehicles & Traffic

Routes: main causes
Overturning on slopes &
at edges of excavations
Poor maintenance of
vehicles & braking
systems
Driver error due to lack
of training / experience

Vehicles & Traffic Routes:

Controls:
Designated traffic routes & signs
Speed limits & speed monitoring
Proper inspection & maintenance
Wheel chocks when vehicles are
parked
Provision of roll-over protection &
seat belts
Visual & Audible warning
Refer to "Element Seven" for more
information

35

Fire & other Emergencies arrangements:

Relevant Emergency Response plans should be in place; Fire,
explosion, Medical Evacuation & structural collapse.
Arrangements should include location of assembly points,
provision of fire extinguishers
Site evacuation procedures, contact with emergency services
Accidents reporting & investigation procedures
Training, Instructions & drills

36

Welfare Facilities:

Sanitary & washing facilities

Adequate supply of drinking water
Accommodation for changing clothes & rest facilities
Adequate first aid provision
Adequate PPE for adverse weather

37

Electricity:
Due to possibility of wet conditions; it is
recommended to use only 110Volts equipment
on construction sites
Residual Current Devices to be used with all
equipment
Precautions for Overhead & underground
power lines

38

Selection & Control of contractors: the following

elements to be considered regarding contractor's OHS
MS & performance:
Current OHS Policy & Management System In place
Register of Risk Assessments & Control measures
Details of competence certification
Details of insurance arrangements at the time of contract
Details of previous accidents & incidents
Details of previous work done by the contractor
References from previous employers
Details of OHS training of the contractor & his employees

39

Management controls that can be applied for

significant construction projects;
Refer to Construction Design & Management
Regulations 2007 online:
www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm.htm

40

1] Ladders: Types:
Stepladder - A self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, having flat steps and hinged
back.
Single Ladder - A non self-supporting portable
ladder, nonadjustable in length, consisting of but one
section. Its size is designed by overall length of the
side rail.
Extension Ladder - A non self-supporting portable
ladder adjustable in length.

41

LADDERS SAFETY
Ladders shall be placed with a secure
footing, or they shall be lashed, or held in
position.
Ladders used to gain access to a roof or
other area shall extend at least one meter
above the point of support.
The foot of a ladder shall, where possible, be
used at such a pitch that the horizontal
distance from the top support to the foot of
the ladder is one quarter of the working
length of the ladder (the length along the
ladder between the foot and the support).
The worker shall always face the ladder
when climbing up or down.

42

 Short ladders shall not be spliced together to make long

ladders.
Ladders shall never be used in the horizontal position as
scaffolds or work platforms.
The top of a regular stepladder shall not be used as a step.
Use both hands when climbing and descending ladders.
Metal ladders shall never be used near electrical equipment.
Ladders shall be maintained in good condition at all times.
Ladders shall be inspected frequently and those which have
developed defects shall be withdrawn from service for repair.

43

SCAFFOLDS

Main Components:
Standard: Upright tube or pole used
as vertical support in scaffold

Guard
Rail

Ledger: At tube spanning horizontally

& tying standards longitudinally
Bracing: Tubes which span diagonally
to strengthen & prevent movement of
scaffold
Transom: Tube spanning across
ledgers to tie a scaffold transversally
Guardrail: horizontal tube fitted to
standards along working platforms to
prevent persons from falling
Toe boards: are fitted at the base of
working platform to prevent persons,
materials or tools from falling

Ledger
Standard
s
Bracing

Base
Plates

44

PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING SCAFFOLDS

The footing or anchorage for
scaffolds shall be sound, rigid
and capable of carrying the
maximum intended load without
settling or displacement.
Unstable objects, such as
barrels, boxes, loose brick, or
concrete blocks shall not be
used to support scaffolds.
Scaffolds shall never be
overloaded.
Scaffolds shall be maintained in
a safe condition and shall not be
altered or moved horizontally
while they are in use or
occupied

A safe means must be provided to

gain access to the working platform
level through the use of a ladder,
ramp, etc.
Guardrails & toe boards must be
installed on all open sides and
ends of platforms
Regular Inspections of the scaffold
must be made & recorded
Provision of adequate training,
Instructions & supervision
Provision of adequate PPE & fall
protection measures

45

Mobile Scaffold Towers:

Selection, erection & dismantling of mobile scaffold towers must be

undertaken by competent & trained personnel
Always use diagonal bracings & stabilizers
Access ladders to be fitted to the narrowest side of the tower
Persons should not climb up the frame of the tower
All wheels must be locked while work is in progress
Must be boarded, fitted with guardrails & toe boards
Must never be overloaded
Must be tied to a rigid structure when working in windy weather
Persons should never over-reach
Tower should be inspected on a regular basis & reports & records
kept

46

Inspection & maintenance of Scaffolds:

Before being used for the first time
After substantial addition, dismantling or alteration
After any event likely to have affected its strength or stability
At regular intervals not exceeding 7 days
Before work at the start of every shift
After accidental fall of rock, earth or any material
Proper regular maintenance procedure is a must

47

Mobile Elevated Working Platforms:

Must only be operated by competent trained personnel

Must never be moved in the elevated position
Must be operated on level & stable ground
Tires inflated properly & wheels immobilized when
occupied
Warning signs & barriers to avoid collision
Should be inspected & maintained regularly
Drivers of MEWP to be trained in emergency procedures

48

Precautions when using mobile tower scaffolds should include:

Only to be used on firm, stable level ground

To be moved only by pulling or pushing at the base
Working platforms should be clear of men and materials when the scaffold is
being moved
Wheels should be turned outwards to provide maximum base dimensions and
wheel brakes must be on and locked when the scaffold is being used
Correct height to width ratio
Diagonal bracing
Working platform properly boarded and evenly supported
Working platform properly fitted with guardrails and toeboards
Not overloaded
Properly secured access extending above landing place
Account taken of overhead obstructions/power lines
Correct fittings and materials used
Inspected every 7 days

49

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPS) can provide

excellent safe access to high level work. When using a MEWP
make sure:
The operator is fully trained and competent
The work platform is fitted with guard-rails and toeboards
It is used on suitable firm and level ground. The ground may have to be
prepared in advance
Not overloaded
Clear of overhead obstructions
The work area is cordoned off to prevent access below the work platform and
collisions.
Any outriggers are extended and chocked as necessary before raising the
platform
Everyone knows what to do if the machine fails with the platform in the raised
position
If being used on a public highway in poor lighting that it is well lit

50

DO NOT

operate MEWPs close to overhead cables or other dangerous

machinery
allow a knuckles, or elbow, of the arm to protrude into a traffic route
when working near vehicles
move the equipment with the platform in the raised position unless the
equipment is especially designed to allow this to be done safely
(check the manufacturers instructions).
Some MEWPs can be sued on rough terrain. This usually means that
they are safe to use on uneven or undulating ground. Always check
their limitations in the manufacturers handbook before taking them
onto unprepared or sloping ground. Wearing a harness with a lanyard
attached to the platform provides extra protection against falls
especially when the platform is being raised or lowered.

51

SUSPENDED ACCESS EQUIPMENT

Suspended access equipment covers such things as suspended
cradles e.g. window cleaning cradles, boatswains chairs etc.

Regular inspection
Safe working load
Competent staff
Safety equipment working
Platform edge protection
Guard rails and toe boards fitted
Adverse weather rules
Protected electricity supplies
Communication
Emergency procedures

52

Excavation Inspection
Excavations should be inspected:
At the start of every shift before work starts
After any event likely to affect the strength
Any accidental fall of rock earth or other materials

53

excavation
EXCAVATIONS

Excavation is an essential element of the construction process, particularly in

relation to the construction of foundations, drainage work and site regarding of
all kinds.

In carrying out an excavation the soil conditions can vary widely, often in short
distances. No soil, whatever its nature, can be relied upon to support its own
weight for any length of time let alone any additional loads which may be
imposed by plant and materials. It should never be forgotten that 1.3 tonnes.
Even a small fall of earth is capable of inflicting serious injury, even if it does not
kill. Unless, therefore, the excavation can be battered to a safe slope, the sides
will need supporting to prevent the possibility of collapse and thus:
1. provide safe conditions for persons working in or adjacent to the excavation and,
in some situations the public as well
2. enable the works to be carried out with interruption
3. protect adjacent property and/or public services

54

CHECKLIST

What are the soil types and conditions?

Is the excavation adjacent to existing structures or roads?
Are there any obstructions to the line of the excavation? e.g. public
utility mains or cables, sewers, industrial mains, overhead cables
Is there any risk of surface flooding while the work is being carried out?
Is flooding from services possible?
Is the excavation within the site boundary or are special precautions
necessary to protect the public and/or local traffic?
If the excavation is a trench, what is the dept and does it need
supporting?
What arrangements need to be made in relation to site security,
particularly in relation to stopping children getting on to the site?
Are sufficient ladders on hand for access to and from the excavation?

55

 Will lighting be required?

Is appropriate protective clothing and equipment available?
Are operatives experienced in the type of excavation, or will extra
supervision be needed?
Are vehicles coming near the excavation, if so do we need banksmen?
Do we need to ventilate the excavation?
Do we have emergency procedure?
Do we inspect the excavation after bad weather or any other changes?

56

EXCAVATION
Hazards associated with
Excavations:
Collapse of the sides
Materials falling on workers in the
excavation
Falling of people or vehicles in the
excavation
Equipment e.g. pneumatic drill
Hazardous substances
Influx of ground or surface water &
drowning or entrapment
Contact with under ground services
Access & egress to the excavation
Fumes, lack of Oxygen & other health
hazards

Precautions & Controls:

Competent person should supervise the
work & workers
Arrangements to prevent sides of
excavation from collapsing e.g. digging at
safe angle or shoring up with timber
Keep vehicles away & use audio / visual
warnings
Safe system of work; PTW
Site must be well lit at night
Isolate mains of water supply to avoid
flooding
Available underground service location
drawings
Safe access by ladders is essential
Provide PPE

57

Inspection & reporting for excavations:

After any event likely to affect the strength or stability of

excavation
Before work at the start of every shift
After accidental fall of any material
Inspections & reports to be done by competent personnel
Only one report required every 7 days at least
A copy of the report to be given to the manger, kept on site &
retained for at least 3 months after work is completed

58

HEALTH HAZARDS IN
CONSTRUCTION
Chemical health hazards:
Asbestos
Cement
Solvents & cleaners
Physical health hazards:
Lead dust
Noise
Wood dust
Vibration
Silica dust
Electricity
Gases, fumes
Fire
Manual Handling

Biological:
Tetanus
Bird's flu
Leptospirosis
Rodents & insects
59

Noise
There can be very noisy equipment on construction
sites such as compressors and pneumatic drills
which can obviously cause deafness. Also explosives
may be used and this can cause blast deafness.
Vibration
Tools that can cause vibration white finger include
pneumatic drills.

60

Dusts
Construction workers may be exposed to various forms of dust such as:
1) Sawdust from hardwood and soft wood timber and fiberboards which
can cause respiratory problems or may be carcinogenic.
2) Lead dust from handling flashings or paint removal which are toxic.
3) Silica dust from stone materials which can affect the lungs
4) Asbestos fibres from demolition which are carcinogenic.

Cement
Contact with cement can cause dermatitis skin burns and ulcers and the
cement dust itself is also a respiratory irritant.

61

Solvents and Cleaners

A large range of these types of products may be used such as

adhesives, glues, paints, paint removers etc. and acute exposure can
cause dizziness, headaches and nausea.

Chronic effects can be damage to lungs, liver and kidneys.

Storage of Construction materials

There is a large amount of materials that may be found on

construction sites and these may include such materials as:

Piles of sand and aggregate

Bricks, blocks and roof tiles
Roof trusses
Various types of pipes

62

The main hazards involved with storage

of materials include:
Falling off vehicles during delivery
Tripping hazards
Obstructing traffic routes and walking
routes
Materials falling from stockpiles
Materials causing dust hazards

63

The main precautions include:

Quantities ordered
Effective storing
Piles of material kept to as low a height as possible
Clearly marked storage areas
Checking storage areas to ensure good housekeeping

64

Storage of Flammable Materials

On construction sites a lot of flammable liquids and gases may be found
such as oxygen, acetylene, Propane, Butane etc. To ensure safe
storage the following should be followed:

Keep quantities to a minimum

Secure storage areas
Storage area properly ventilated
Containers and cylinders returned to storage at end of day
Prohibit smoking and other ignition sources from storage area
Suitable and properly labelled containers for decanted materials
Protection of storage area from vehicle impact
Inspection of gas cylinders to ensure valves fully closed
Correct and right number of fire extinguishers

65

Use of Skips
The precautions regarding skips should be:

Suitable skip from reputable supplier/ contractor

Hazardous waste stored separately
Skip in good condition
Skip not overloaded
Located on firm level ground
Adequate room for delivery/removal
Chutes for filling
Netting or sheeting for removal
PPE for staff

66

Electrical Equipment
Electrical equipment used on construction sites, such as portable drills
sanders etc., may be exposed to severe weather conditions as well as
being dragged over rough ground conditions. This can lead to
equipment becoming dangerous. Suitable precautions for this should
include:
Ensuring suitable equipment
Reduced voltage 110V supply system
Extra low voltage for wet locations
Use of Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
Double insulated tools
Battery operated tools
Suitable connections
Pre-use inspections
Inspection, testing and maintenance
Competence of workers

67

Overhead Electrical Services

On many sites there are high voltage overhead power lines. It is essential
that no plant or equipment is allowed to come near the overhead lines
and the suggested safe distance from the lines is 6 metres.
If plant or equipment has to pass below overhead power lines the
precautions should include:

Isolation of power if possible

Safe path marked (Use of barriers, fencing)
Height restrictions marked by goalposts
Warning notices
Ban equipment capable of reaching overhead lines
Limiters fitted to cranes
Supervision

68

Underground Services
Underground services could include:

Electrical cables
Water pipes
Sewer pipes
Gas pipes
Telecommunications
Flammable gases or liquids

69

The precautions for dealing with underground services can be grouped

under the three headings of:
Planning: By undertaking a site specific risk assessment and using
permit-to-work systems
Locating and Identifying the services. The utilities companies can
provide plans showing the location of services but the services may not
have been laid in the same position, or later modifications may have taken
place which have not been recorded.
Cable Avoidance Tools known as CAT Scanners should be used to detect
live electrical cables.
Digging
Excavations should run alongside the service instead of above it with final
digging by hand.

70