Introduction to health and safety at work

Introduction to
Health and Safety
at Work


This publication is endorsed by NEBOSH as offering high quality support for the delivery of NEBOSH qualifications. NEBOSH
endorsement does not imply that this publication is essential to achieve a NEBOSH qualification, nor does it mean that this is
the only suitable publication available to support NEBOSH qualifications. No endorsed material will be used verbatim in setting
any NEBOSH examination and all responsibility for the content remains with the publisher. Copies of official specifications for
all NEBOSH qualifications may be found on the NEBOSH website – www.nebosh.org.uk


Introduction to
Health and Safety
at Work
Fourth Edition
The Handbook for the NEBOSH National
General Certificate
Phil Hughes MBE, MSc, CFIOSH, former Chairman NEBOSH 1995–2001
Ed Ferrett PhD, BSc (Hons Eng), CEng, MIMechE, MIET, CMIOSH,
Vice Chairman NEBOSH 1999–2008

AMSTERDAM • BOSTON • HEIDELBERG • LONDON • NEW YORK • OXFORD
PARIS • SAN DIEGO • SAN FRANCISCO • SINGAPORE • SYDNEY • TOKYO
Butterworth-Heinemann is an imprint of Elsevier


Butterworth-Heinemann is an imprint of Elsevier
Linacre House, Jordan Hill, Oxford OX2 8DP
30 Corporate Road, Burlington, MA 01803

First edition 2003
Reprinted 2003 (twice)
Second edition 2005
Reprinted 2006
Third edition 2007
Fourth edition 2009
Copyright © 2005, 2007, 2009, Phil Hughes and Ed Ferrett. Published by Elsevier Limited. All rights reserved
The right of Phil Hughes and Ed Ferrett to be identified as the authors of this work has
been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or
by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written
permission of the publisher
Permission may be sought directly from Elsevier’s Science & Technology Rights
Department in Oxford, UK: phone (+ 44) (0) 1865 843830; fax (+ 44) (0) 1865 853333; email:
Alternatively you can submit your request online by visiting the Elsevier web site at />permissions, and selecting Obtaining permission to use Elsevier material
Notice
No responsibility is assumed by the publisher for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a
matter of products liability, negligence or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions
or ideas contained in the material herein. Because of rapid advances in the medical sciences,
in particular, independent verification of diagnoses and drug dosages should be made
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
A catalog record for this book is available from the Library of Congress
ISBN 978-1-85617-668-2
For information on all Butterworth-Heinemann publications
visit our web site at www.elsevierdirect.com

Typeset by Macmillan Publishing Solutions
www.macmillansolutions.com

Printed and bound in Slovenia
09 10 11

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1


Contents

PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
LIST OF PRINCIPAL ABBREVIATIONS
ILLUSTRATIONS CREDITS

xiii
xv
xvii
xviii
xxi

1

HEALTH AND SAFETY FOUNDATIONS
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Some basic definitions
1.3 The legal framework for health and safety
1.4 The legal system in England and Wales
1.5 The legal system in Scotland
1.6 European Courts
1.7 Sources of law (England and Wales)

1.8 Common law torts and duties
1.9 Levels of statutory duty
1.10 The influence of the European Union on health and safety
1.11 The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSW Act)
1.12 The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
1.13 Role and function of external agencies
1.14 Sources of information on health and safety
1.15 Moral, legal and financial arguments for health and safety management
1.16 The framework for health and safety management
1.17 Sources of reference
1.18 Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 1

1
1
2
2
4
5
5
6
6
8
9
9
16
16
18
18
22
23

24

2

POLICY
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Legal requirements
2.3 Key elements of a health and safety policy
2.4 Review of health and safety policy
2.5 Sources of reference
2.6 Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 2
Appendix 2.1 Health and Safety Policy checklist

27
27
27
28
31
32
32
34

3

ORGANIZING FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Control
3.3 Employers’ responsibilities

37

37
38
38

v


Contents

3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
3.11
3.12
3.13
3.14
3.15

Employees’ and agency workers’ responsibilities
Organizational health and safety responsibilities – directors
Typical managers’ organizational responsibilities
Role and functions of health and safety practitioners and other advisers
Persons in control of premises
Self-employed
The supply chain
Contractors

Joint occupation of premises
Consultation with the workforce
Sources of reference
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 3
Appendix 3.1 Detailed health and safety responsibilities
Appendix 3.2 Checklist for supply chain health and safety management

40
40
42
43
45
45
45
48
52
52
56
56
58
60

4

PROMOTING A POSITIVE HEALTH AND SAFETY CULTURE
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Definition of a health and safety culture
4.3 Safety culture and safety performance
4.4 Human factors and their influence on safety performance
4.5 Human errors and violations

4.6 The development of a positive health and safety culture
4.7 Effective communication
4.8 Health and safety training
4.9 Internal influences
4.10 External influences
4.11 Sources of reference
4.12 Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 4
Appendix 4.1 List of typical legislation requiring health and safety training

63
63
63
64
65
70
72
74
75
77
79
80
80
82

5

RISK ASSESSMENT
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Legal aspects of risk assessment
5.3 Forms of risk assessment

5.4 Some definitions
5.5 The objectives of risk assessment
5.6 Accident categories
5.7 Health risks
5.8 The management of risk assessment
5.9 The risk assessment process
5.10 Special cases
5.11 Sources of reference
5.12 Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 5
Appendix 5.1 Hazard checklist
Appendix 5.2 Example of a risk assessment record
Appendix 5.3 Risk assessment example 2: hairdressing salon
Appendix 5.4 Risk assessment example 3: office cleaning

83
83
83
85
85
86
86
87
87
88
90
92
93
95
96
98

100

vi


Contents

6

PRINCIPLES OF CONTROL
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Principles of prevention
6.3 General control measures
6.4 Controlling health risks
6.5 Safe systems of work
6.6 Lone workers
6.7 Permits to work
6.8 Emergency procedures
6.9 First aid at work
6.10 Sources of reference
6.11 Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 6
Appendix 6.1 Job safety analysis form
Appendix 6.2 Essential elements of a permit-to-work form
Appendix 6.3 Asbestos examples of safe systems of work

103
103
104
105
112

114
117
117
122
123
126
126
128
129
130

7

MONITORING, REVIEW AND AUDIT
7.1 Introduction
7.2 The traditional approach to measuring health and safety performance
7.3 Why measure performance?
7.4 What to measure
7.5 Proactive or active monitoring – how to measure performance
7.6 Measuring failure – reactive monitoring
7.7 Who should monitor performance?
7.8 Frequency of monitoring and inspections
7.9 Report writing
7.10 Review and audit
7.11 Sources of reference
7.12 Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 7
Appendix 7.1 Workplace inspection exercises
Appendix 7.2 Specimen workplace inspection report form
Appendix 7.3 Workplace inspection checklist

133
133
133
134
135
136
138
138
139
139
141
143
143
145
147
148

8

INCIDENT AND ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION RECORDING AND REPORTING
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Reasons for incident/accident investigation
8.3 Which incidents/accidents should be investigated?
8.4 Investigations and causes of accidents/incidents
8.5 Legal recording and reporting requirements
8.6 Internal systems for collecting and analysing incident data
8.7 Compensation and insurance issues
8.8 Sources of reference
8.9 Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 8
Appendix 8.1 Accident/incident report form

Appendix 8.2 Information for insurance/compensation claims

153
153
154
155
156
159
161
162
163
163
165
167

vii


Contents

9

MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AND VEHICLES – HAZARDS AND CONTROL
9.1
Introduction
9.2
Hazards to pedestrians
9.3
Control strategies for pedestrian hazards
9.4

Hazards in vehicle operations
9.5
Mobile work equipment
9.6
Safe driving
9.7
Control strategies for safe vehicle and mobile plant operations
9.8
The management of vehicle movements
9.9
Managing occupational road safety
9.10
Sources of reference
9.11
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 9

169
169
169
171
173
175
178
178
179
179
183
184

10

MANUAL AND MECHANICAL HANDLING HAZARDS AND CONTROL
10.1
Introduction
10.2
Manual handling hazards and injuries
10.3
Manual handling risk assessments
10.4
Safety in the use of lifting and moving equipment
10.5
Types of mechanical handling and lifting equipment
10.6
Requirements for the statutory examination of lifting equipment
10.7
Sources of reference
10.8
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 10
Appendix 10.1 Manual handling of load assessment checklist
Appendix 10.2 A typical risk assessment for the use of lifting equipment

185
185
185
186
190
191
197
198
198

201
204

11

WORK EQUIPMENT HAZARDS AND CONTROL
11.1
Introduction
11.2
Suitability of work equipment and CE marking
11.3
Use and maintenance of equipment with specific risks
11.4
Information, instruction and training
11.5
Maintenance and inspection
11.6
Operation and working environment
11.7
User responsibilities
11.8
Hand-held tools
11.9
Hand-held power tools
11.10 Mechanical machinery hazards
11.11 Non-mechanical machinery hazards
11.12 Examples of machinery hazards
11.13 Practical safeguards
11.14 Other safety devices
11.15 Application of safeguards to the range of machines

11.16 Guard construction
11.17 Sources of reference
11.18 Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 11

205
205
205
207
208
208
210
212
212
214
218
220
220
222
225
227
233
234
234

12

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS AND CONTROL
12.1
Introduction
12.2

Principles of electricity and some definitions

237
237
237

viii


Contents

12.3
12.4
12.5
12.6
12.7
12.8
12.9
13

14

Electrical hazards and injuries
General control measures for electrical hazards
The selection and suitability of equipment
Inspection and maintenance strategies
Portable electrical appliances testing
Sources of reference
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 12

239
245
246
247
250
253
253

FIRE HAZARDS AND CONTROL
13.1
Introduction
13.2
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO) – requirements
13.3
Construction Design and Management Regulations 2007
13.4
Basic principles of fire
13.5
Methods of extinction
13.6
Classification of fire
13.7
Principles of heat transmission and fire spread
13.8
Common causes of fire and consequences
13.9
Fire risk assessment
13.10 Dangerous substances
13.11 Fire detection and warning
13.12 Means of escape in case of fire

13.13 Principles of fire protection in buildings
13.14 Provision of fire fighting equipment
13.15 Maintenance and testing of fire fighting equipment
13.16 Fire emergency plans
13.17 People with special needs
13.18 Sources of reference
13.19 Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 13
Appendix 13.1 Fire risk assessment as recommended in Fire Safety Guides
published by the Department for Communities and Local Government in 2006
Appendix 13.2 Example form for recording significant findings as published in
2006 by the Department for Communities and Local Government in their Fire Safety Guides
Appendix 13.3 Typical fire notice

255
255
256
259
259
261
261
262
263
264
268
270
271
273
275
278
278

280
281
282

CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL HEALTH HAZARDS AND CONTROL
14.1
Introduction
14.2
Forms of chemical agent
14.3
Forms of biological agent
14.4
Classification of hazardous substances and their associated health risks
14.5
Routes of entry to the human body
14.6
Health hazards of specific agents
14.7
Requirements of the COSHH Regulations
14.8
Details of a COSHH assessment
The control measures required under the COSHH Regulations
14.9
14.10 Health surveillance and personal hygiene
14.11 Maintenance and emergency controls
14.12 The transport of hazardous substances by road
14.13 An illustrative example using COSHH controls
14.14 Environmental considerations

289

289
290
290
291
292
296
299
299
304
311
311
311
312
312

284
286
287

ix


Contents

14.15
14.16

Sources of reference
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 14
Appendix 14.1 A typical set of COSHH assessment forms

Appendix 14.2 Hazardous properties of waste as listed in the Hazardous Waste
(England and Wales) Regulations 2005

317
317
321
323

15

PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH HAZARDS AND CONTROL
15.1
Introduction
15.2
Task and workstation design
15.3
Welfare and work environment issues
15.4
Noise
15.5
Heat and radiation hazards
15.6
The causes and prevention of workplace stress
15.7
Causes and prevention of workplace violence
15.8
The effects of alcohol and drugs
15.9
Sources of reference
15.10 Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 15

Appendix 15.1 Workstation self-assessment checklist
Appendix 15.2 Example of a noise assessment record form

325
325
325
334
337
343
347
349
352
354
355
358
361

16

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES – HAZARDS AND CONTROL
16.1
Introduction
16.2
The scope of construction
16.3
Construction hazards and controls
16.4
The management of construction activities
16.5
Working above ground level or where there is a risk of falling

16.6
Excavations
16.7
Sources of reference
16.8
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 16
Appendix 16.1 Inspection recording form with timing and frequency chart
Appendix 16.2 Checklist of typical scaffolding faults
Appendix 16.3 Summary of application and notification under CDM 2007
Appendix 16.4 Pre-construction information
Appendix 16.5 Construction phase plan

363
363
364
364
372
381
389
390
391
393
395
396
397
398

17

SUMMARY OF THE MAIN LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

17.1
Introduction
17.2
The legal framework
17.3
List of Acts, orders and Regulations summarized
17.4
HSW Act 1974
17.5
Environmental Protection Act 1990
17.6
Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations
2002 and Amendment Regulations
17.7
Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
17.8
Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations 2007
17.9
Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989
17.10 Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996
17.11 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 and 2005 Amendment
17.12 Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002

401
401
401
405
408
413

x

424
430
432
444
445
446
450


Contents

17.13
17.14
17.15
17.16
17.17
17.18
17.19
17.20
17.21
17.22
17.23
17.24
17.25
17.26
17.27
17.28
17.29

17.30
17.31
17.32
17.33
17.34

Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 and Regulations 1998 amended in 2002
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Health and Safety (First aid) Regulations 1981 as amended in 2002
Health and Safety (Information for Employees) Regulations 1989
Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005
Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 as amended in 2002
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 as amended in 2003 and 2006
Manual Handling Operations Regulations (MHO) 1992 as amended in 2002
Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 as amended in 2002
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (except Part IV) as amended in 2002
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995
Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977
Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992 and amendments
Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 as amended in 2002
Work at Height Regulations 2005 as amended in 2007
Other relevant Regulations in brief

453

455
458
459
467
467
468
469
471
474
477
480
484
486
491
493
495
497
502
504
507
511

18

INTERNATIONAL ASPECTS OF HEALTH AND SAFETY
18.1
Introduction
18.2
The role and function of the ILO
18.3

Major occupational health and safety management systems
18.4
Other key characteristics of a health and safety management system
18.5
The role of the regulatory authorities
18.6
The benefits and problems associated with occupational health and safety management systems
18.7
Conclusions on the three health and safety management systems
18.8
Other minor additions to the International General Certificate
18.9
Practice NEBOSH questions for the International General Certificate
Appendix 18.1 Scaffolds and ladders

519
519
521
524
531
534
535
535
535
537
538

19

STUDY SKILLS

19.1
Introduction
19.2
Finding a place to study
19.3
Planning for study
19.4
Blocked thinking
19.5
Taking notes
19.6
Reading for study
19.7
Organizing for revision
19.8
Organizing information
19.9
How does memory work?
19.10 How to deal with exams
19.11 The examiners’ reports
19.12 Conclusion
19.13 References

539
539
539
540
540
540
540

541
541
542
543
544
545
545

xi


Contents

20

SPECIMEN ANSWERS TO NEBOSH EXAMINATIONS
20.1
Introduction
20.2
The written examinations
20.3
Hand drawn sketches
20.4
NGC3 – the practical application
Appendix 20.1 The practical assessment

INDEX

xii

547
547
547
553
554
558
565


Preface to the fourth edition

Introduction to Health and Safety at Work has quickly established itself, in its first six years, as the foremost text for
students taking the NEBOSH National General Certificate. It is also of great value to those studying for level 3 N/SVQ, the
IOSH Managing Safely Award and similar management and supervisor focused learning. It has become a significant work
of reference for managers with health and safety responsibilities and it is therefore a matter of primary importance that it
should be kept up-to-date, as far as is possible, with new legislation and recent developments. It has now been endorsed
by NEBOSH as a recommended text book for the National General Certificate course.
This fourth edition has been produced in order to update health and safety legislation, with particular regard to
changes in legislation relating to corporate manslaughter and corporate homicide, the Health and Safety (Offences) Act,
changes to the Health and Safety (Information for Employees) Regulations and the introduction of environmental permitting. More information has been given on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Chemicals Regulations (REACH),
the introduction of a new regime for domestic gas safety and future changes to the Control of Pesticides Regulations.
Finally, the merger of the Health and Safety Commission and the Health and Safety Executive into a single unified body
called the Health and Safety Executive is also covered.
The qualification is now divided into three distinct units each of which is assessed separately. This development offers
the opportunity for additional and more flexible course formats and students may now study parallel courses (in, say, fire
and construction) without repeating the management unit. Students who decide to take individual units will, on passing,
receive a Unit Certificate.
Since the first edition of this book was published, there has been a change in the style of examination questions
and NEBOSH has introduced a commendably thorough system for question paper preparation to ensure that no candidates are disadvantaged by question ambiguity. NEBOSH is anxious to dispel the myths surrounding their examinations
and have introduced regional meetings for course providers to introduce changes to the syllabuses and to answer any

queries so that their students get the best possible preparation for the assessment tasks. The NEBOSH website is also a
very useful channel of communication with course providers and students.
Many questions now cover the contents of more than one chapter. It is recommended that students have sight of the
published examiner’s reports, which are available from NEBOSH. These reports not only provide an excellent guide on the
expected answers to the questions but also indicate areas of student misunderstanding.
Since 1 September 2004, there have been changes in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) that are relevant to
the NEBOSH General Certificate. However, up to level 3 the NQF is unchanged and therefore its effect on the Certificate will
be minimal. The Certificate syllabus is designed to provide the underpinning knowledge for the ‘Health and Safety for People
at Work’ standard, an approved level 3 vocational standard developed by the Employment National Training Organisation
(ENTO). The syllabus is unitized to make it as compatible as possible with short courses based on the eight units of the ENTO
standard. The NEBOSH National General Certificate is accredited as a level 3 award by Ofqual. More detailed information on
these eight units is available in the guide to the NEBOSH National General Certificate. The fourth edition, which continues to

xiii


Preface to the fourth edition

follow closely the eight units, will therefore be particularly useful to people involved with the ‘Health and Safety for People at
Work’ level 3 ENTO standard.
As mentioned earlier, the Certificate syllabus has been updated to include much of the new legislation. However,
it is the policy of NEBOSH to examine new relevant legislation 6 months after its introduction whether it is specifically
mentioned in the syllabus document or not.
Finally, one of the objectives of the book is to provide a handbook for the use of any person who has health and
safety as part of his/her responsibilities. We thought that it would be useful, therefore, to add a few useful topics which
are outside the syllabus. These include more on the International Labour Organization, managing occupational road
safety (Chapter 9), fast-track settlement of compensation claims following the Woolfe reforms (Chapter 8) and the effects
of alcohol and drugs on occupational health and safety (Chapter 15). A sample question on the effects of alcohol has also
been included.
We hope that you find this new edition to be useful.

Phil Hughes
Ed Ferrett

xiv


Acknowledgements

Throughout the book, definitions used by the relevant legislation and the Health and Safety Executive and advice
published in Approved Codes of Practice or various Health and Safety Commission/Executive publications have been
utilized. Most of the references produced at the end of each Act or Regulation summary in Chapter 17 are drawn from the
HSE Books range of publications.
At the end of each chapter, there are some examination questions taken from recent NEBOSH National General
Certificate papers. Some of the questions may include topics which are covered in more than one chapter. The answers
to these questions are to be found within the preceding chapter of the book. NEBOSH publishes a very full examiners’
report after each public examination which gives further information on each question. Most accredited NEBOSH training
centres will have copies of these reports and further copies may be purchased directly from NEBOSH. We have been asked
about the allocation of marks to each question shown throughout the book. However, as the marks awarded to each part
of a question can vary, only general guidance can be given.
All one- or two-part questions are 8-mark questions with a minimum of 2 marks awarded to each part.
Questions with three or more parts are 20-mark questions with a minimum of 4 marks for each part.
The authors would like to thank NEBOSH for giving them permission to use these questions.
The authors’ grateful thanks go to Liz Hughes and Jill Ferrett for proof reading and patience and their administrative help during the preparation of this edition. The authors are particularly grateful to Liz for the excellent study guide
that she has written for all NEBOSH students, which is included at the end of this book and for the section on report
writing (Section 7.9). Liz gained an honours degree in psychology at the University of Warwick, later going on to
complete a Master’s degree at the same university. She taught psychology in further and higher education, where most of
her students were either returning to education after a gap of many years, or were taking a course to augment their existing
professional skills. She went on to qualify as a social worker specializing in mental health, and later moved into the voluntary
sector where she managed development for a number of years. Liz then helped to set up and manage training for the
National Schizophrenia Fellowship (now called Rethink) in the Midlands.

We would also like to acknowledge the contribution made by Hannah Ferrett for the help that she gave during the
research for the book and with some of the word processing. The advice given on the specimen practical application and
risk assessments (Appendices 5.3 and 5.4) by John Tremelling, Health and Safety Consultant from Penzance, is also gratefully
acknowledged.
We would like to thank Teresa Budworth, the Chief Executive of NEBOSH, for her support during this fourth edition
and various HSE staff for their generous help and advice. Finally we would like to thank Stephen Vickers, the immediate
past Chief Executive of NEBOSH for his encouragement at the beginning of the project and Doris Funke and all the
production team at Elsevier who have worked hard to translate our dream into reality.

xv


This page intentionally left blank


About the authors

Phil Hughes MBE is a well-known UK safety professional with over 30 years‘ worldwide experience as Head of Environment, Health and Safety at two large multinationals, Courtaulds and Fisons. Phil started work in health and safety in the Factory
Inspectorate at the Derby District in 1969 and moved to Courtaulds in 1974. He
joined IOSH in that year and became Chairman of the Midland Branch, then National
Treasurer and was President in 1990–1991. Phil has been very active in the NEBOSH
Board for over 10 years and served as Chairman from 1995 to 2001. He is also a
Professional Member of the American Society of Safety Engineers and has lectured
widely throughout the world. Phil received the RoSPA Distinguished Service Award in
May 2001 and became a Director and Trustee of RoSPA in 2003. He received an MBE
in the New Year Honours List 2005 for services to Health and Safety.

Ed Ferrett is an experienced health and safety consultant who has practised for
over 20 years. With a PhD and honours degree in mechanical engineering from
Nottingham University, Ed spent 30 years in higher and further education, retiring as

the Head of the Faculty of Technology of Cornwall College in 1993. Since then he has
been an independent consultant to several public and private sector organizations
including construction businesses and the Regional Health and Safety Adviser for the
Government Office (West Midlands), and was Chair of West of Cornwall Primary Care
NHS Trust for 6 years until 2006.
Ed has been a member of the NEBOSH Board since 1995 and was Vice Chair from
1999 to 2008. He has delivered many health and safety courses and is a lecturer in
NEBOSH courses at the Cornwall Business School and for other course providers. He
has recently been appointed as the External Examiner for the MSc course in Health
and Safety at a UK University. Ed is a Chartered Engineer and a Member of IOSH.

xvii


List of principal abbreviations

Most abbreviations are defined within the text. Abbreviations are not always used if it is not appropriate within the
particular context of the sentence. The most commonly used ones are as follows:
ACL
ACM
ACOP
ACPO
AIB
ALARP
APAU
ARCA
BA
BAT
BRE
BSI

CAR
CBI
CD
CDM
CECA
CEN
CENELEC
CHIP
CIB
CIRA
CLAW
CONIAC
COPFS
CORGI
COSHH
COSLA
dB(A)
dB(C)
DSE

xviii

Approved carriage list
Asbestos-containing material
Approved Code of Practice
Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland
Asbestos Insulation Board
As low as reasonably practicable
Accident Prevention Advisory Unit, now Operations Unit
Asbestos Removal Contractors Association

Breathing apparatus
Best available techniques
Building Research Establishment
British Standards Institution
Control of Asbestos Regulations
Confederation of British Industry
Consultative document
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations
The Civil Engineering Contractors Association
Comite Europeen de Normalisation
Comite Europeen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging) Regulations
Chartered Institute of Building
Construction Industry Research and Information Association
Control of Lead at Work Regulations
Construction Industry Advisory Committee
Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
Council for Registered Gas Installers
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
Convention of Scottish Local Authorities
Decibel (A-weighted)
Decibel (C-weighted)
Display screen equipment


List of principal abbreviations

DSEAR
DWP
E&W

EAV
EC
ELV
EMAS
EPA
EU
FSA
FSB
HAV
HGV
HIE
HOPE
HSAC
HSCER
HSE
HSL
HSW Act
HWL
IAC
ILO
IOSH
LBRO
LEAL
LOLER
LPG
MCG
MEL
MHOR
MHSW
MORR

MoT
NAWR
NEBOSH
NVQ
OHSAS
OSH
PF
PHASS
POOSH
PPE
ppm
PUWER
RCD
REACH
RES
RIDDOR
RoSPA

Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations
Department for Work and Pensions
England and Wales
Exposure action value
European Community
Exposure limit value
Employment Medical Advisory Service
Environmental Protection Act 1990
European Union
Financial Services Authority
Federation of Small Businesses
Hand–arm vibration

Heavy goods vehicle
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Healthcare, Occupational and Primary for Employees
Health and Safety Advice Centre
Health and Safety (Consultation with Employers) Regulations
Health and Safety Executive
Health and Safety Laboratory
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Healthy Working Lives
Industry Advisory Committee
International Labour Office
Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
Local Better Regulation Office
Lower exposure action level
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
Liquefied petroleum gas
The Major Contractors Group
Maximum exposure limit
Manual Handling Operations Regulations
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
Management of Occupational Road Risk
Ministry of Transport (still used for vehicle tests)
Control of Noise at Work Regulations
National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health
National Vocational Qualification
Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series
Occupational Safety and Health
Procurator Fiscal
The Partnership on Health and Safety in Scotland
Scotland Professional Organisations in Occupational Safety & Health

Personal protective equipment
Parts per million
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
Residual current device
Registration Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals
Representative(s) of employee safety
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

xix


List of principal abbreviations

RPE
RRFSO
RTA
SaHW
SBSA
ScotPHO
SCVO
SE
SEPA
SHAW
SPL
STEL
STUC
SWL
SWP
TLV

TUC
TWA
UEAL
UK
VAWR
WAHR
WBV
WEL
WHO
WRULD

xx

Respiratory protective equipment
Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order
Road traffic accident
Safe and Healthy Working
Scottish Building Standards Agency
Scottish Public Health Observatory
Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations
Scottish Executive
Scottish Environment Protection Agency
Scotland’s Health at Work
Sound pressure level
Short-term exposure limit
Scottish Trades Union Congress
Safe working load
Safe working pressure
Threshold limit value
Trades Union Congress

Time-weighted average
Upper exposure action level
United Kingdom
Vibration at Work Regulations
Work at Height Regulations
Whole body vibration
Workplace exposure limit
World Health Organization
Work-related upper limb disorder


Illustrations credits

Figure 1.5

HSE © Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and
Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 1.12

From HSG65 Successful Health and Safety Management (HSE Books 1997) ISBN 0717612767. © Crown
copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer
for Scotland.

Figure 3.7

HSE INDG232 (rev) page 1 HSE Web.

Figure 4.3

From HSG57 Seating at Work (HSE Books 1998) ISBN 0717612317. © Crown copyright material is
reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 4.7

From HSG48 Reducing Error and Influencing Behaviour (HSE Books 1999) ISBN 0717624528. © Crown
copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer
for Scotland.

Figure 5.1

From HSG149 Backs for the Future: Safe Manual Handling in Construction (HSE Books 2000) ISBN
0717611221. © Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of
HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 6.1

Reproduced with permission from The Argus, Brighton.

Figure 6.4

Courtesy of Stocksigns.

Figure 6.7

Courtesy of Stocksigns.

Figure 6.15

From HSG150 (rev 1) Health and Safety in Construction (HSE Books 2006) ISBN 0717661822. © Crown

copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer
for Scotland.

Figure 6.18

Adapted from PUWER 2008. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998: Open Learning
Guidance (HSE Books 1999) ISBN 9780717662852. © Crown copyright material is reproduced with
the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 6.19

Cover of INDG98 Permit-to-Work Systems (HSE 1998) ISBN 0717613313. © Crown copyright material
is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 7.1

From HSG65 Successful Health and Safety Management (HSE Books 1997) ISBN 0717612767. © Crown
copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer
for Scotland.

xxi


Illustrations credits

Figure 7.2

From Guide to Measuring Health and Safety Performance (HSE 2001). © Crown copyright material is
reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 8.5

From BI 510 Accident Book (HSE Books 2003) ISBN 0717626032. © Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 9.1

From HSG155 Slips and Trips (HSE Books 1996) ISBN 0717611450. © Crown copyright material is
reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 9.4(a)

From HSG76 Health and Safety in Retail and Wholesale Warehouses (HSE Books 1992) ISBN
0118857312. © Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of
HMSO and the Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 9.6

From HSG6 Safety in Working with Lift Trucks (HSE Books 2000) ISBN 0717617815. © Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for
Scotland.

Figure 10.4

From L23 Manual Handling Operations – Guidance on Regulations (HSE Books 2004) ISBN
071762823X. © Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of
HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 10.5

From Manual Handling in the Health Services (HSE Books 1998) ISBN 0717612481. © Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for
Scotland.

Figure 10.6

From HSG115 Manual Handling Solutions You Can Handle (HSE Books 1994) ISBN 0717606937. ©
Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s
Printer for Scotland.

Figure 10.8(a)–(c)

From HSG115 Manual Handling Solutions You Can Handle (HSE Books 1994) ISBN 0717606937. ©
Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s
Printer for Scotland.

Figure 10.9

From HSG149 Backs for the Future: Safe Manual Handling in Construction (HSE Books 2000) ISBN
0717611221. © Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of
HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 10.10

From HSG76 Health and Safety in Retail and Wholesale Warehouses (HSE Books 1992) ISBN
0118857312. Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
and the Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 10.13

From HSG150 (rev 1) Health and Safety in Construction (HSE Books 2001) ISBN 0717621065. © Crown
copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer
for Scotland.

Figure 11.4

Courtesy of Draper.

Figure 11.6

Courtesy of Draper. Speedy catalogue 2004, page 23.

Figure 11.11

Reprinted from Safety with Machinery Second Edition, John Ridley and Dick Pearce, pages 26–34,
2005, with permission from Elsevier.

Figure 11.15

Reprinted from Safety with Machinery Second Edition, John Ridley and Dick Pearce, pages 26–34,
2005, with permission from Elsevier.

Figure 11.16

Courtesy of Allen-Bradley Guardmaster brand from Rockwell Automation.

Figure 11.17

Reprinted from Safety with Machinery Second Edition, John Ridley and Dick Pearce, page 74, 2005,
with permission from Elsevier.

xxii

Illustrations credits

Figure 11.18

Reprinted from Safety with Machinery Second Edition, John Ridley and Dick Pearce, pages 72 and 73,
2005, with permission from Elsevier.

Figure 11.19

Courtesy of Allen-Bradley Guardmaster brand from Rockwell Automation.

Figure 11.20

Reprinted from Safety with Machinery Second Edition, John Ridley and Dick Pearce, page 90, 2005,
with permission from Elsevier.

Figure 11.21

Courtesy of Canon.

Figure 11.22

Courtesy of Fellowes.

Figure 11.23

Courtesy of Draper.

Figure 11.24

Courtesy of Draper.

Figure 11.25

Courtesy of Atco-Qualcast.

Figure 11.28

Picture supplied courtesy of STIHL GB.

Figure 11.29

Courtesy of Pakawaste.

Figure 11.30

Courtesy of Winget.

Figure 11.31

From L114 Safe Use of Woodworking Machinery (HSE Books 1998) ISBN 0717616304. © Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for
Scotland.

Figure 12.2

Courtesy of Stocksigns.

Figure 12.7 (a)–(c)

Courtesy of DeWalt.

Figure 12.9 (a), (b)

From Essentials of Health and Safety (HSE Books 1999) ISBN 071760716X. © Crown copyright material
is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 12.10 (a), (b)

From Essentials of Health and Safety (HSE Books 1999) ISBN 071760716X. © Crown copyright material
is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 13.9

Courtesy of Armagard.

Figure 13.10

Courtesy of NEBOSH.

Figure 14.3

Reprinted from Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness, ninth edition, Waugh and Grant, pages
240 and 248, 2002, with permission from Elsevier.

Figure 14.4

Reprinted from Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness, ninth edition, Waugh and Grant, page 9,
2002, with permission from Elsevier.

Figure 14.5

Reprinted from Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness, ninth edition, Waugh and Grant, page 8,
2002, with permission from Elsevier.

Figure 14.6

Reprinted from Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness, ninth edition, Waugh and Grant, page
340, 2002, with permission from Elsevier.

Figure 14.7

Reprinted from Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness, ninth edition, Waugh and Grant, page
363, 2002, with permission from Elsevier.

Figure 14.9

Courtesy of Draeger Safety UK Limited.

Figure 14.13

From HSG53 The Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment (HSE Books 1998)
ISBN 0717615375. © Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller
of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

xxiii


Illustrations credits

Figure 14.14

Courtesy of Draper.

Figure 15.1

From HSG121 A Pain in Your Workplace (HSE Books 1994) ISBN 0717606686. © Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 15.3

From INDG175 (rev 1) Health Risks from Hand-Arm Vibration (HSE Books 1998) ISBN 0717615537. ©
Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s
Printer for Scotland.

Figure 15.4

From HSG170 Vibration Solutions (HSE Books 1997) ISBN 0717609545. © Crown copyright material is
reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 15.9

Reprinted from Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness, ninth edition, Waugh and Grant, page
195, 2002, with permission from Elsevier.

Figure 15.12

Heat Stress Card published by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, USA.

Figure 15.15

From INDG69 (rev) Violence at Work: A Guide for Employers (HSE Books 2000) ISBN 0717612716.
© Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and
Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 16.1

From HSG151 Protecting the Public – Your Next Move (HSE Books 1997) ISBN 0717611485. © Crown
copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer
for Scotland.

Figure 16.3

From HSG185 Health and Safety in Excavations (HSE Books 1999) ISBN 0717615634. © Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for
Scotland.

Figure 16.7

From CIS49 (rev 1) General Access Scaffolds and Ladders. Construction Information Sheet No. 49
(revision) (HSE Books 2003). © Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the
Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 16.9

From www.brattsladders.com.

Figure 16.10

From HSG149 Backs for the Future: Safe Manual Handling in Construction (HSE Books 2000) ISBN
0717611221. © Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of
HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 16.13

From HSG185 Health and Safety in Excavations (HSE Books 1999) ISBN 0717615634. © Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for
Scotland.

Figure 17.1

From INDG350 The Idiot’s Guide to CHIP: Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply)
Regulations 2002 (HSE Books 2002) ISBN 0717623335. © Crown copyright material is reproduced
with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 17.8

From L23 Manual Handling Operations – Guidance on Regulations (HSE Books 2004) ISBN
071762823X. © Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of
HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

Figure 18.6

From HSG65 Successful Health and Safety Management (HSE Books 1997) ISBN 0717612767. © Crown
copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer
for Scotland.

Figure 20.1

Courtesy of Robert Kirkham.

xxiv