Working at Height Employees must follow any training that has been given, report any hazards including defects to your supervisor and use any safety equipment that is provided. Secure Net

Fire Certificates (special premises) Regulations (NI) 1991 Construction fire safety People can not only be killed or injured but fires can also cost a lot of money for those involved. Statistics show that:- There are 1000 people killed each year through fire There are about 4000 fires on construction sites annually Around 100 fires cause damage in access of £500k

Construction fire safety It’s possible for a fire to start almost anywhere and at anytime, but for this to happen a fire needs three things, these are:- Fuel Heat Oxygen This is known as the Fire Triangle FUEL HEAT FIRE OXYGEN

Construction fire safety However if any of the sides of the triangle are taken away, the fire cannot burn and it will go out So:- If the fuel is removed there is nothing to burn and the fire will go out. If the heat is removed the fire will go out. The fire needs oxygen to survive, and if this is removed the fire will go out.

Fire Fighting There are a number of different types of fire fighting extinguishers that can be used together With other equipment, such as fire blankets. You should only attempt to put out a fire if you have been properly trained. This is because if you used the wrong type of extinguisher you could make the situation worse and in certain circumstances you could be killed.

Fire Fighting Different types of extinguisher are designed to be more effective when putting out a particular class of fire. Fires are classified according to the type of material that is involved Class A Solid Materials - wood, paper, plastics Class B Flammable Liquids – petrol, paint, thinners Class C Flammable Gases – LPG, acetylene Class D Molten Metal – e.g. aluminum Class E Electrical Equipment

Colour Codes Fire extinguisher casings are now all red in colour but they have a colour coded band which shows what substance is inside. Water - Red Band This can be used on Class A fires. They can also be used on Class C fires so as to cool the area down. A water fire extinguisher should never be used on an electrical or oil fire. This is because electricity can carry along the jet of water back to the person holding the extinguisher and electrocute them. Putting water on to burning fat or oil will make the fire worse as the fire will explode, causing a large fireball.

Colour Codes Dry powder – Blue band This type of extinguisher can be used on all classes of fire. The powder puts out the fire by knocking down the flames.

Colour Codes Foam – cream band This type of extinguisher can also be used on Class A fires. A foam extinguisher can be used on a Class B fire if the liquid is not flowing and on a Class C fire if the gas is in liquid form. Carbon dioxide (CO2) – black band This extinguisher can be used on Class A, B, C and E fires.

Fire blankets Fire blankets are normally found in kitchens because they are good at putting out cooking fires. They are made from a fireproof material and work by smothering the fire and stopping any more oxygen getting to it. A fire blanket can also be used if a person is on fire. It is important to remember that when you put out a fire with a fire blanket, you must be extra careful because you will be close to the fire

In the event of a fire During an induction to any workplace, you should be made aware of the fire procedure, where the fire assembly area is and what the alarm sounds like. On hearing the alarm you must stop what you are doing and make your way to the nearest assembly area, so that everyone can be accounted for. Only re-enter the site when you have been given the all-clear. If you don’t go to the assembly area or leave before someone has taken your name, someone may risk their life going back into the fire to find you. When you hear the alarm, don’t stop to gather any belongings WALK straight to the fire exit. Only try to fight a fire if your exit is blocked or the fire is small

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (NI) 2003 (COSHH) These regulations tell employers and employees how they should work with, handle, move, store and dispose safely of potentially dangerous substances

COSHH A substance hazardous to health is exactly what it says it is, a substance that is hazardous to your health for example:- Dust from things like bricks, wood and cement. Chemicals in things like paint and glues. Biological agents like bacteria

COSHH There are different ways in which hazardous substances can enter the body these include: Inhalation – breathing in the substance Absorption – the substance enters the body through the skin Ingestion – the substance enters through the mouth Direct Contact – the skin, can be affected by a substance simply by being in contact with it

COSHH The COSHH regulations states that:- Your employer must find out what the risks are to your health from a substance, and you should be given information on this. You should be trained to recognise hazards and know what precautions to take. If a substance is harmful, your employer must control the hazard by using a different substance or by making sure it is used according to the manufacturers’ guidelines (COSHH data sheet). Your employer must provide you with appropriate PPE Your employer has to monitor all work and if necessary change controls. Records of all substances used must be kept for future reference, including health surveillance records.

Staying Healthy You must make sure that you look after yourself and stay healthy. You can help do this by washing your hands regularly. If you do this you are preventing substances that could harm you from entering your body by swallowing. You should always wash your hands after going to the toilet and before eating or drinking.

Welfare facilities Welfare facilities are things that your employer must provide to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. These include:- Toilets – the number of toilets needed, will depend upon the amount of people who will to use them. Toilets should be working and clean. Washing facilities – employers must provide a basin with hot and cold running water as well as soap and a way of drying your hands. It may also be necessary to supply showers. Drinking water – there should be a supply of clean drinking water available which is clearly labelled.

Welfare facilities Storage or dry room – every building site must have an area where workers can store their clothes. If this area is to be used as a drying room then heating must be provided. Lunch area – every site must have facilities that can be used for taking breaks away from the work area. These must provide shelter from the wind and rain and be heated if necessary. There should be tables and chairs, a method of boiling water and a means of heating food.

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (NI) 1993 Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) can help protect you against accidents or injury at work. Although wearing PPE is useful it is not the only way of preventing injury. Your employer must put other safety precautions in place before depending on PPE alone, e.g. guards on machines.

PPE PPE must be supplied to you by your employer free of charge, but remember you have responsibility to look after it and use It according to the manufacturers instructions There are many different types of PPE. Each piece must be suitable for the job, should be compatible with other items, used properly and comfortable to wear.