Introduction to
Health and Safety
in Construction
This page intentionally left blank
Introduction to
Health and Safety
in Construction
Second edition
Phil Hughes MBE MSc, FCIOSH, RSP, Chairman NEBOSH 1995–2001
Ed Ferrett PhD, BSc, (Hons Eng), CEng, MIMechE, MlEE,
MI0SH, Deputy Chairman NEBOSH
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, UK
30 Corporate Drive, Suite 400, Burlington, MA 01803, USA
First edition 2005
Reprinted 2005
Second edition 2007
Copyright 2007, Phil Hughes MBE and Ed Ferrett. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
All rights reserved
The right of Phil Hughes MBE 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
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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
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Contents
PREFACE
xiii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
xv
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
xvi
LIST OF PRINCIPAL ABBREVIATIONS
xvii
ILLUSTRATIONS CREDITS
xix
1
HEALTH AND SAFETY FOUNDATIONS
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.10
1.11
1.12
1.13
1.14
1.15
1.16
1.17
1.18
1.19
2
Introduction
Some basic definitions
The legal framework for health and safety
The legal system in England and Wales
The legal system in Scotland
European Courts
Sources of law (England and Wales)
Common law torts and duties
Levels of statutory duty
The influence of the European Union (EU) on health and safety
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
The main legal instruments relating to construction work
Role and function of external agencies
The scope and definition of construction
The health and safety problem in the construction industry
Moral, legal and financial arguments for health and safety management
The framework for health and safety management
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 1
1
1
2
3
4
5
5
6
7
7
8
10
13
13
14
15
15
16
19
21
POLICY
23
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
23
23
24
25
27
27
Introduction
Legal requirements
Key elements of a health and safety policy
Review of health and safety policy
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 2
Appendix 2.1 – Health and Safety Policy checklist
v
Contents
3
ORGANIZING FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
3.11
3.12
3.13
4
PROMOTING A POSITIVE HEALTH AND SAFETY CULTURE
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
5
Introduction
Definition of a health and safety culture
Safety culture and safety performance
Human factors and their influence on safety performance
Human errors and violations
The development of a positive health and safety culture
Effective communication
Health and safety training
Internal influences
External influences
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 4
RISK ASSESSMENT
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9
5.10
5.11
5.12
5.13
5.14
5.15
5.16
6
Introduction
Control
Employers’ responsibilities
Employees’ responsibilities
Organizational health and safety responsibilities
Role and functions of health and safety and other advisers
Persons in control of premises
Self-employed
The supply chain
Contractors
Joint occupation of premises
Cooperation with the workforce
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 3
Appendix 3.1 – Typical organizational responsibilities
Appendix 3.2 – Checklist for supply chain health and safety management
Introduction
Legal aspects of risk assessment
Forms of risk assessment
Some definitions
The objectives of risk assessment
Accident categories
Health risks
The management of risk assessment
The risk assessment process
Risk control measures
Hierarchy of risk control
Prioritization of risk control
Record of risk assessment findings
Monitoring and review
Special cases
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 5
Appendix 5.1 – Hazard checklist
Appendix 5.2 – Example of a risk assessment record
PRINCIPLES OF CONTROL
6.1
6.2
6.3
vi
Introduction
Principles of prevention
Hierarchy of risk control
31
31
32
32
32
33
34
35
36
36
38
44
45
46
47
49
51
51
51
52
53
57
60
61
62
64
65
67
69
69
69
70
70
72
72
72
72
73
74
75
75
75
75
76
77
78
79
81
81
81
82
Contents
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
6.10
Controlling health risks
Safe systems of work
Lone workers
Permits to work
Emergency procedures
First aid at work
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 6
Appendix 6.1 – Fire notice
Appendix 6.2 – Job safety analysis form
Appendix 6.3 – Example of a safety method statement form
Appendix 6.4 – Essential elements of a permit-to-work form
7 GENERAL SITE ISSUES – HAZARDS AND CONTROL
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
Introduction
General hazards and controls
Initial site assessment
Site controls
Provision of welfare facilities
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 7
Appendix 7.1 – A typical set of site rules
8 WORKING AT HEIGHT – HAZARDS AND CONTROL
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
Introduction
The Work at Height Regulations 2004 (WAHR)
Construction hazards and controls from working at height
Working above ground or where there is a risk of falling
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 8
Appendix 8.1 – Inspection report form
Appendix 8.2 – Checklist of typical scaffolding faults
Appendix 8.3 – A checklist for a safety inspection of scaffold
Appendix 8.4 – Examples of safe systems of work used in roof work
9 EXCAVATION WORK AND CONFINED SPACES – HAZARDS
AND CONTROL
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
10
Introduction
Excavations – hazards and control
Confined spaces
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 9
Appendix 9.1 – Inspection report for excavation
Appendix 9.2 – An example of safe digging practice
Appendix 9.3 – Typical excavation work risk assessment
Appendix 9.4 – Typical confined spaces risk assessment
DEMOLITION – HAZARDS AND CONTROL
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
Introduction
Principal hazards of demolition work
Pre-demolition investigation and survey
Demolition method statement
Management of the demolition and general controls
Specific issues
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 10
Appendix 10.1 – Checklist for a safe system of work
85
87
90
90
94
95
98
99
100
101
102
103
103
104
106
107
110
111
112
115
115
115
117
121
135
137
139
139
140
141
141
141
150
154
155
157
158
159
161
161
162
162
163
165
166
168
169
vii
Contents
11
MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AND VEHICLES – HAZARDS
AND CONTROL
11.1
11.2
11.3
11.4
11.5
11.6
11.7
11.8
11.9
11.10
12
Introduction
Hazards to pedestrians
Control strategies for pedestrian hazards
Hazards to the general public and the associated controls in
construction activities, including street works
Hazards in vehicle operations
Control strategies for safe vehicle operations
The management of vehicle movements
Hazards and controls of vehicles on construction sites
Managing occupational road safety
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 11
WORK EQUIPMENT HAZARDS AND CONTROL
12.1
12.2
12.3
12.4
12.5
12.6
12.7
12.8
12.9
12.10
12.11
12.12
12.13
12.14
12.15
12.16
12.17
13
MANUAL AND MECHANICAL HANDLING HAZARDS AND CONTROL
13.1
13.2
13.3
13.4
13.5
13.6
14
Introduction
Manual handling hazards and injuries
Manual handling risk assessments
Types of mechanical handling and lifting equipment
Requirements for the statutory examination of lifting equipment
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 13
Appendix 13.1 – Manual handling of loads assessment checklist
Appendix 13.2 – A typical risk assessment for an excavator to be used for lifting
Appendix 13.3 – A typical risk assessment for the use of lifting equipment
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS AND CONTROL
14.1
14.2
14.3
14.4
14.5
14.6
14.7
14.8
14.9
viii
Introduction
Suitability of work equipment and CE marking
Use and maintenance of equipment with specific risks
Information, instruction and training
Maintenance and inspection
Operation and working environment
Users’ and hirers’ responsibilities
Hand-held tools
Mechanical machinery hazards
Mobile work equipment
Non-mechanical machinery hazards
Examples of machinery hazards
Practical safeguards
Other safety devices
Application of safeguards to the range of machines
Guard construction
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 12
Introduction
Principles of electricity and some definitions
Electrical hazards and injuries
General control measures for electrical hazards
The selection and suitability of equipment
Inspection and maintenance strategies
Portable electrical appliances testing
Protection against contact with live overhead power lines
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 14
171
171
171
173
176
178
179
180
181
182
187
189
189
189
191
191
192
193
194
195
197
199
201
201
203
206
207
214
214
215
215
215
217
220
229
229
231
234
235
237
237
237
239
244
245
247
248
251
252
Contents
15
FIRE HAZARDS AND CONTROL
15.1
15.2
15.3
15.4
15.5
15.6
15.7
15.8
15.9
15.10
15.11
15.12
15.13
15.14
15.15
15.16
16
CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL HEALTH HAZARDS AND CONTROL
16.1
16.2
16.3
16.4
16.5
16.6
16.7
16.8
16.9
16.10
16.11
16.12
16.13
16.14
17
Introduction
Forms of chemical agent
Forms of biological agent
Classification of hazardous substances and their associated health risks
Routes of entry to the human body
Health hazards of specific agents
Requirements of the COSHH Regulations
Details of a COSHH assessment
The control measures required under the COSHH Regulations
Health surveillance and personal hygiene
Maintenance and emergency controls
Control of asbestos
Environmental considerations
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 16
PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH HAZARDS AND CONTROL
17.1
17.2
17.3
17.4
17.5
17.6
17.7
17.8
17.9
18
Introduction
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO) – Requirements
Basic principles of fire
Methods of extinction
Classification of fire
Principles of heat transmission and fire spread
Common causes of fire and consequences
Fire risk assessment
Fire detection and warning
Means of escape in case of fire
Principles of fire protection in buildings
Provision of fire-fighting equipment
Maintenance and testing of fire-fighting equipment
Planning for an emergency and training staff
Fire procedures and people with a disability
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 15
Appendix 15.1 – Fire risk assessment as recommended in Fire Safety Guides
Appendix 15.2 – Example form for recording significant findings as published in 2006
Introduction
Task and workstation design
Work environment issues
Noise
Heat and radiation hazards
The causes and prevention of workplace stress
The causes and prevention of workplace violence
The effects of alcohol and drugs
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 17
INCIDENT INVESTIGATION, RECORDING AND REPORTING
18.1
18.2
18.3
18.4
Introduction
Reasons for incident /accident investigation
Which incidents/accidents should be investigated?
Investigations and causes of incidents
253
253
254
256
257
258
258
260
261
267
268
270
271
272
273
273
274
275
276
277
277
277
278
278
279
283
286
287
291
297
297
298
300
302
305
305
305
313
314
320
323
325
328
329
331
331
332
333
334
ix
Contents
18.5
18.6
18.7
18.8
18.9
19
MONITORING REVIEW AND AUDIT
19.1
19.2
19.3
19.4
19.5
19.6
19.7
19.8
19.9
19.10
19.11
20
Introduction
The traditional approach to measuring health and safety performance
Why measure performance?
What to measure
Measuring failure – reactive monitoring
Proactive monitoring – how to measure performance
Who should monitor performance?
Frequency of monitoring and inspections
Report writing
Review and audit
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 19
Appendix 19.1 – Workplace inspection exercises
Appendix 19.2 – Checklist of items to be covered in a
construction site inspection
SUMMARY OF THE MAIN LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
20.1
20.2
20.3
20.4
20.5
20.6
20.7
20.8
20.9
20.10
20.11
20.12
20.13
20.14
20.15
20.16
20.17
20.18
20.19
20.20
20.21
20.22
20.23
x
Legal recording and reporting requirements
Typical examples of incidents within the construction industry
Internal systems for collecting and analysing incident data
Compensation and insurance issues
Practice NEBOSH questions for Chapter 18
Appendix 18.1 – Injury report form
Appendix 18.2 – Information for insurance/compensation claims
Introduction
The legal framework
List of Acts and Regulations summarized
Health and Safety at Work etc Act (HSW Act) 1974
Environmental Protection Act 1990
The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991
Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002
Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983 as amended in 1998
Draft Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006
Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply)
Regulations 2002
Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations 1994 and
Amendment Regulations 2000
Draft Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2006
Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989
Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) (CHSW) Regulations 1996
Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002
and 2005 Amendment
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres
Regulations (DSEAR) 2002
Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 and
Regulations 1998
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981
336
338
338
340
340
342
344
347
347
347
348
349
350
350
353
353
353
355
358
359
360
365
365
365
366
368
370
375
378
384
386
394
397
399
404
411
411
415
416
420
423
425
427
429
437
Contents
20.24
20.25
20.26
20.27
20.28
20.29
20.30
20.31
20.32
20.33
20.34
20.35
20.36
20.37
20.38
20.39
20.40
21
Health and Safety (Information for Employees) Regulations 1989
Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999
Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Manual Handling Operations Regulations (MHO) 1992
Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (except part IV)
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
Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Work at Height Regulations 2005
Other relevant regulations in brief
STUDY SKILLS
21.1
21.2
21.3
21.4
21.5
21.6
21.7
21.8
21.9
21.10
21.11
21.12
21.13
INDEX
Introduction
Finding a place to study
Planning for study
Blocked thinking
Taking notes
Reading for study
Revision
Organizing information
How does memory work?
How to deal with exams
The examiners’ reports
Conclusion
References
438
438
440
442
446
448
451
455
457
462
464
465
468
471
473
476
480
485
485
485
485
486
486
486
486
487
487
489
490
491
491
493
xi
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Preface
Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction has quickly established itself, in its first two years, as the
standard text for students taking the NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Safety and Health. It is also
of great value to those working in the construction industry at all levels, particularly construction site managers
and foremen. As it has become a significant work of reference for managers with health and safety responsibilities,
it is a matter of prime importance that it should be kept up to date, as far as is possible, with new legislation
and recent developments.
There has been concern for some time at the poor record of health and safety in the construction industry and
although performance has got better over recent years, there is still room for improvement. The legal health and
safety requirements for all places of work are numerous and complex; it is the intention of the authors to offer
an introduction to the subject for all those who have the maintenance of good health and safety standards as part
of their employment duties or those who are considering the possibility of a career as a health and safety
professional. Health and safety is well recognized as an important component of the activities of any organization,
not only because of the importance of protecting people from harm but also because of the growth in the direct
and indirect costs of accidents. These costs have increased more dramatically than the rate of retail price inflation
by a considerable amount in the last few years as the number of civil claims and awards have risen each year.
It is very important that basic health and safety legal requirements are clearly understood by all organizations
whether public or private, large or small. A good health and safety performance is normally only achieved when
health and safety is effectively managed so that significant risks are identified and reduced by adopting
appropriate high quality control measures.
Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction is based on the QCA (Qualification and Curriculum Authority)
accredited NEBOSH Certificate in Construction Safety and Health syllabus as revised in August 2003. It has
been developed specifically for students who are studying for that NEBOSH National Certificate course. It was
felt appropriate to produce a text book that mirrored the Construction Certificate syllabus in its revised unitized
form and in a single volume to the required breadth and depth. The syllabus, which follows the general pattern
for health and safety management set by the Health and Safety Executive in their guidance HSG 65, is
risk and management based so it does not start from the assumption that health and safety is best managed
by looking first at the causes of failures. Fortunately, failures such as accidents and ill-health are relatively rare
and random events in most workplaces. A full copy of the syllabus and guide can be obtained directly from
NEBOSH.
This second edition has been produced in order to update the health and safety legislation, with particular
regard to changes in legislation relating to fire – the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005. This removes the
requirement for fire certificates and revokes the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and the Fire Precautions (Workplace)
Requirements. This additional information enables the book to be useful to students undertaking the new
NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management.
Other important changes in health and safety legislation, which are included in this edition, are the Work at
Height Regulations, the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations
2005, the draft Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations
2005 and the Introduction of Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) in the 2005 amendments to the COSHH
Regulations.
xiii
Preface
We had hoped to include the new Construction (Design and Management) Regulations but their publication
has been delayed until 2007. However, a detailed summary of the draft Regulations has been given in Chapter 20.
Significant changes are unlikely when the final draft is published.
Some more recent examination questions have been added at the end of each chapter. Many questions cover
the contents of more than one chapter. It is recommended that students have sight of the published examiners’
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.
The book is also intended as a useful reference guide for managers and directors with health and safety
responsibilities, and for safety representatives. Chapter 20 summarizes all the most commonly used Acts
and Regulations. It was written to provide an easily accessible reference source for students during and
after the course, and for many others in industry and commerce such as managers, supervisors and safety
representatives.
There is considerable commonality between the NEBOSH Construction Certificate, the NEBOSH Certificate in
Fire Safety and Risk Management and the NEBOSH National General Certificate and this commonality is reflected
in the book. There is also some overlap of topics between syllabus elements and chapters; the authors have
drawn attention to this when it occurs by indicating where the fullest account of the topic may be found.
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 their responsibilities. We thought that it would be helpful, therefore, to add a few useful
topics that are outside the syllabus. These include managing occupational road risks (Chapter 11), fast track
settlement of compensation claims following the Woolfe reforms (Chapter 18) and demolition using explosives
(Chapter 10).
We hope that you find this new edition to be useful.
Phil Hughes MBE
Ed Ferrett
August 2006
xiv
Acknowledgements
Throughout the book definitions used by the relevant legislation, the Health and Safety Commission, 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 20 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 and Construction 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 give 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. The authors would like to thank NEBOSH for giving them
permission to use these questions.
The authors’ grateful thanks go to Liz Hughes for her proof reading and patience, and to Jill Ferrett for
encouraging Ed Ferrett to keep at the daunting task of text preparation. The authors are particularly grateful to Liz
for the excellent study guide that she has written for all NEBOSH students and the section on report writing in
Chapter 19. The study guide is included at the end of this book.
Liz gained an honours degree in psychology at the University of Warwick, later going on to complete a
masters 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.
The authors 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.
Finally, we would like to thank Stephen Vickers, the recent Chief Executive of NEBOSH, for his unwavering
support for this second project and various HSE staff for their generous help and advice. We would also like to
thank Doris Funke and all the production team at Elsevier who continue to work hard to translate our ideas into
reality.
xv
About the authors
Phil Hughes MBE is a well known UK safety professional with over thirty
years’ worldwide experience as Head of Environment Health and Safety at
two large multinationals, Courtaulds and Fisons. Phil started 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, National Treasurer and then President in 1990–91. Phil
has been very active on the NEBOSH Board for over ten 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 2005 New Year’s Honours List for services to health and safety.
Dr Edward Ferrett is an experienced health and safety consultant
who has practised for over twenty years. He spent thirty 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, the Regional
Health and Safety Adviser for the Government Office (West Midlands)
and Vice Chair of NEBOSH. Ed was the Chair of West of Cornwall Primary
Care NHS Trust for six years until 2006.
He has delivered many health and safety courses and is a manager
of NEBOSH courses at the Cornwall Business School. He is currently an
inspector for the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and
Higher Education. Ed is a Chartered Engineer and a Member of IOSH.
xvi
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:
ACM
ACoP
CAR
CBI
CDM
CECA
CHIP
CIRA
CONIAC
COSHH
dB(A)
dB(C)
DSE
DSEAR
EAV
EC
ELV
EMAS
EPA
EU
HAV
HSC
HSE
HSW
ILO
IOSH
LEAL
LOLER
MCG
MHOR
MHSW
MoT
NAWR
NEBOSH
OHSAS
OSH
PPE
PUWER
Asbestos containing material
Approved Code of Practice
Control of Asbestos Regulations
Confederation of British Industry
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations
The Civil Engineering Contractors Association
Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging) Regulations
Construction Industry Research and Information Association
Construction Industry Advisory Committee
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
Decibel (A-weighted)
Decibel (C-weighted)
Display Screen Equipment
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations
Exposure Action Value
European Community
Exposure Limit Value
Employment Medical Advisory Service
Environmental Protection Act 1990
European Union
Hand–Arm Vibration
Health and Safety Commission
Health and Safety Executive
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
International Labour Office
Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
Lower Exposure Action Level
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
The Major Contractors Group
Manual Handling Operations Regulations
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
Ministry of Transport (still used for vehicle tests)
Control of Noise at Work Regulations
National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health
Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series
Occupational safety and health
Personal Protective Equipment
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
xvii
List of principal abbreviations
RIDDOR
ROES
RRFSO
SPL
STEL
TUC
UEAL
UK
VAWR
WAHR
WBV
WEL
WRULD
xviii
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations
Representative(s) of employee safety
Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order
Sound Pressure Level
Short Term Exposure Limit
Trades Union Congress
Upper Exposure Action Level
United Kingdom
Vibration at Work Regulations
Work at Height Regulations
Whole Body Vibration
Workplace Exposure Limit
Work-Related Upper Limb Disorder
Illustrations credits
Figure 1.5
Source 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 2.7
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 3.7
Courtesy of Stocksigns.
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 4.4
From HSG168 Fire Safety in Construction Work (HSE Books 0) ISBN 0717613321. 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 6.3
From HSG150 (rev1) 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 6.5
From HSG110 Seven Steps to Successful Substitution of Hazardous Substances (HSE Books
1994) ISBN 0717606953. Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the
Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.
Figure 6.6
From PUWER 1998. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998: Open Learning
Guidance (HSE Books 1999) ISBN 0717624595. Crown copyright material is reproduced with
the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.
xix
Illustrations credits
Figure 6.7
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 7.2
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 7.3
From HSG150 (rev1) 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 7.4
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 7.5
From HSG150 (rev1) 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 7.6
From HSG150 (rev1) 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 8.2
Courtesy of Speedy Hire.
Figure 8.3
From HSG33 Health & Safety in Roof Work (HSE Books 1998) ISBN 0717614255. Crown
copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s
Printer for Scotland.
Figure 8.5
From HSG33 Health & Safety in Roof Work (HSE Books 1998) ISBN 0717614255. Crown
copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s
Printer for Scotland.
Figure 8.6
From HSG33 Health & Safety in Roof Work (HSE Books 1998) ISBN 0717614255. Crown
copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s
Printer for Scotland.
Figure 8.7
From CIS49 REV1 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 8.8b
Courtesy of Speedy Hire.
Figure 8.9a
From CIS49 REV1 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 8.10
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 8.13
From HSG150 (rev1) 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.
xx
Illustrations credits
Figure 8.15
Courtesy of Speedy Hire.
Figure 8.16a
From HSG33 Health & Safety in Roof Work (HSE Books 1998) ISBN 0717614255. Crown
copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s
Printer for Scotland.
Figure 8.16b
From HSG33 Health & Safety in Roof Work (HSE Books 1998) ISBN 0717614255. Crown
copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s
Printer for Scotland.
Figure 9.1
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 9.2
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 9.3
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 9.4
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 9.5
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 9.6
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 9.7
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 9.8
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 9.11
Courtesy of Speedy Hire.
Figure 9.12
Courtesy of Speedy Hire.
Figure 10.1
Source: Approved Code of Practice for Demolition, published by Occupational Safety and Health
Service, Department of Labour, Wellington, New Zealand, Crown copyright 1994.
Figure 10.2
Courtesy of Stocksigns.
Figure 10.3
Courtesy of Stocksigns.
xxi
Illustrations credits
Figure 11.1
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 11.4
Courtesy of Speedy Hire.
Figure 11.5a
From HSG144 The Safe Use of Vehicles on Construction Sites (HSE Books 1998) ISBN
071761610X. Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of
HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.
Figure 11.7
From HSG150 (rev1) 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 11.8
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 11.9
From HSG144 The Safe Use of Vehicles on Construction Sites (HSE Books 1998) ISBN
071761610X. Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of
HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.
Figure 12.4
Courtesy of Draper.
Figure 12.6a
Courtesy of Speedy Hire.
Figure 12.6b
Courtesy of Speedy Hire.
Figure 12.9
Reprinted from Safety with Machinery, John Ridley and Dick Pearce, pages 20–29, 2002, with
permission from Elsevier.
Figure 12.11
Reprinted from Safety with Machinery, John Ridley and Dick Pearce, pages 20–29, 2002, with
permission from Elsevier.
Figure 12.12
Courtesy of Allen-Bradley Guardmaster brand from Rockwell Automation.
Figure 12.13
Reprinted from Safety with Machinery, John Ridley and Dick Pearce, page 63, 2002, with
permission from Elsevier.
Figure 12.14
Reprinted from Safety with Machinery, John Ridley and Dick Pearce, pages 61 and 62, 2002, with
permission from Elsevier.
Figure 12.15
Courtesy of Allen-Bradley Guardmaster brand from Rockwell Automation.
Figure 12.16
Reprinted from Safety with Machinery, John Ridley and Dick Pearce, page 79, 2002, with
permission from Elsevier.
Figure 12.17
Courtesy of Canon.
Figure 12.18
Courtesy of Fellowes.
Figure 12.19
Courtesy of Draper.
Figure 12.20a
Courtesy of Draper.
Figure 12.20b Courtesy of Draper.
xxii
Illustrations credits
Figure 12.21
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 12.22a
From WIS17 REV1 Safety in the Use of Hand-fed Planing Machines. Woodworking Sheet No. 17
(revised) (HSE Books 2000). Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the
Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.
Figure 12.22b From WIS17 REV1 Safety in the Use of Hand-fed Planing Machines. Woodworking Sheet No. 17
(revised) (HSE Books 2000). Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the
Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.
Figure 12.22c
From WIS17 REV1 Safety in the Use of Hand-fed Planing Machines. Woodworking Sheet No. 17
(revised) (HSE Books 2000). Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the
Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.
Figure 12.23a
From WIS18 rev1 Safe Use Vertical Spindle Moulding Machines. Woodworking Sheet No. 18
(revised) (HSE Books 2001). Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the
Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.
Figure 12.23b From WIS18 rev1 Safe Use Vertical Spindle Moulding Machines. Woodworking Sheet No. 18
(revised) (HSE Books 2001). Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the
Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.
Figure 12.23c
From WIS18 rev1 Safe Use Vertical Spindle Moulding Machines. Woodworking Sheet No. 18
(revised) (HSE Books 2001). Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the
Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.
Figure 12.24
Courtesy of Winget.
Figure 12.25
Courtesy of Speedy Hire.
Figure 12.26
Courtesy of BOMAG.
Figure 12.27
Courtesy of TS Thomas and Sons Ltd.
Figure 13.4
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 13.5
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 13.6
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 13.8a
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 13.8b
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.
xxiii
Illustrations credits
Figure 13.8c
From HSG33 Health & Safety in Roof Work (HSE Books 1998) ISBN 0717614255. Crown
copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s
Printer for Scotland.
Figure 13.9
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 13.10
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 13.11
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 13.14
From L64 Safety Signs and Signals (HSE Books 1996) ISBN 0717608700. Crown copyright
material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer for
Scotland.
Figure 13.15
From HSG150 (rev1) 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 14.1
Courtesy of Stocksigns.
Figure 14.3a
Courtesy of Speedy Hire.
Figure 14.3b
Courtesy of Speedy Hire.
Figure 14.5
Courtesy of DeWalt.
Figure 14.6
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 14.7
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 14.9
From INDG236 Maintaining Portable Electrical Equipment in Offices (HSE Books 1996) ISBN
0717612724. Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of
HMSO and Queen’s Printer for Scotland.
Figure 14.10a
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 14.10b 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 15.1
xxiv
Amended from HSG168 Fire Safety in Construction Work (HSE Books 0) ISBN 0717613321.
Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and
Queen’s Printer for Scotland.