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Adam Bannister is a contributor to IFSEC Global, having been in the role of Editor from 2014 through to November 2019. Adam also had stints as a journalist at cybersecurity publication, The Daily Swig, and as Managing Editor at Dynamis Online Media Group.
So no job in the field is more vital then than protecting the 2.2 million people employed in the industry.
Bradley Markham, Bull Products
Bradley Markham, director at Bull Products, has compiled a checklist for construction site managers and health and safety professionals to adhere to.
Bull Products is a manufacturer of life-saving fire protection equipment designed for the needs of the sector. Established in 2001, the Hereford-based company develops fire protection equipment like fire alarms, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, hose reels and dry risers, and trolleys and stands. It also manufactures fall arrest, first aid, spill control, site safety and signage equipment and accessories.
It’s imperative at the outset of any project to identify all potential risks. A full risk assessment will help you make all employees aware of any potential hazards and how to avoid them.
A risk assessment should examine:
Layout and size of the workplace
Type of work that will be carried out and how long the job will take
Number of people on the site
Conditions of work – eg, are there sloping surfaces, will it rain or flood? Are there any electrical hazards or potential falling materials?
Are walkways and fire exit routes clear of rubbish and equipment?
How easy is it to access equipment from where the work will take place?
Are risks clearly marked?
#2. Obtain an appropriate mix of life safety products – including the right types of fire extinguisher
The risk assessment will clarify exactly which products your site requires to protect workers in the event of fire or accidents. From fire extinguishers and alarm systems to first aid equipment and spill kits, having the right equipment could make the difference between life and death.
If you’re unsure of which fire extinguisher to have on site, you’re not alone. A recent survey we conducted revealed that more than 38% of workers are using the wrong type of fire extinguisher for electrical fires, with more than 10% intending to use a foam extinguisher to put out an electrical fire. Bull’s mission is to help you make sure your site is compliant.
Extinguishers should be appropriate to the nature of a fire:
Wood, paper and cloth – water extinguisher
Flammable liquids – dry powder and foam extinguisher
Electrical – carbon dioxide (C02) extinguisher
#3. Train staff in safety awareness and best practice
Workers should play a pivotal role in mitigating health and safety risks so training is a vital part of avoiding accidents and injuries.
All employees should be familiar with the following:
Site evacuation procedure including nearest exists flagged by signage
Risks associated with the employee’s working environment and main duties
Location of fire protection and first aid equipment
How to use equipment and how to ensure proper use
Point of contact during emergencies
How to report hazards and what risks to look out for
#4. Provide adequate first aid
Access to first aid can help an injured person make a quicker recovery and even save lives. If your employees become ill or fall injured at work, you are legally required to provide appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to administer first aid.
The minimum provision for all sites is:
First aid box with enough equipment for number of workers on site
Appointed person to take charge of first-aid arrangements
Clear information telling workers the identity of appointed first-aid person and where/how to find them
First-aid arrangements should cover shifts, night and weekend working so managers may need to appoint or train several people to ensure adequate cover.
Falls, which account for 50% of fatalities, are the most common cause of death in the construction industry. Precautions must be taken to prevent or reduce the risk of injury before any work is undertaken at height.
The Health and Safety Executive advises site managers to ask themselves:
Have you thought about whether you can avoid working at height by using different equipment or a different work method?
Can you use equipment that will prevent a fall from happening such as scaffolding or a mobile elevating work platform?
Can you put in place measures to reduce the distance and consequences of a fall should one happen, for example, nets, soft landing systems or safety decks?
Will the weather conditions threaten the health and safety of those carrying out the work?
Have you thought about all the options and are you certain that you’re gaining access to height using the safest means possible?
Download the Fire Safety in 2023 eBook, keeping you up to date with the biggest news and prosecution stories from around the industry. Chapters include important updates such as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and an overview of the new British Standard for the digital management of fire safety information.
Plus, we explore the growing risks of lithium-ion battery fires and hear from experts in disability evacuation and social housing.
5 steps to a safe construction siteThe construction sector accounts for a quarter of all fatal workplace injuries, while many fires break out on sites each year. Bull Products director Bradley Markham has compiled a checklist for construction site managers and health and safety professionals.
Adam Bannister
IFSEC Insider | Security and Fire News and Resources
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