Health and Safety

1. Health and Safety

2. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 An Act to make further provision for securing the health, safety and welfare of persons at work, for protecting others against risks to health or safety in connection with the activities of persons at work, for controlling the keeping and use and preventing the unlawful acquisition, possession and use of dangerous substances, and for controlling certain emissions into the atmosphere; to make further provision with respect to the employment medical advisory service; to amend the law relating to building regulations, and the Building (Scotland) Act 1959; and for connected purposes. [31st July 1974]

3. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. (PUWER) PUWER requires that equipment provided for use at work is: • suitable for the intended use • safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected to ensure it is correctly installed and does not subsequently deteriorate • used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training • accompanied by suitable health and safety measures, such as protective devices and controls. These will normally include emergency stop devices, adequate means of isolation from sources of energy, clearly visible markings and warning devices • used in accordance with specific requirements, for mobile work equipment and power presses

4. The Abrasive Wheels Regulations 1974 A summary of basic safety instructions is listed below: • Isolate the power supply before adjusting or working on an abrasive wheel installation. • Check that the speed of the spindle does not exceed that marked on the wheel. • Do not mount a wheel on a machine for which it is not intended. • Brush, clean and examine for any damage a new wheel before mounting. • Make sure that there is a blotter (a large washer) on each side of the wheel when mounted. • When securing a new wheel, ensure that the direction of tightening the flange nuts is opposite to the direction of rotation of the wheel. • Operators of abrasive wheels must take full and proper account of the safety mechanisms provided, e.g. guards and rests for the work pieces.

5. The Protection of Eye Regulations 1974 Depending on the risk, it may be necessary to provide: • Safety spectacles or eyeshields • For most situations, safety glasses with side shields are adequate. • Safety goggles • Where there is danger of splashing chemicals that could damage the eye, the use of safety spectacles with side shields is advisable, but goggles may be necessary if indicated by the risk assessment. • Face shields • For more hazardous operations such as conducting reactions which have potential for explosion, or using or mixing strong acids or alkalis, a face shield or a combination of face shield and safety goggles or glasses should be used.

6. P.P.E (Personal Protective Equipment Regulations) 1992 • Every employer shall ensure that suitable personal protective equipment is provided to his employees who may be exposed to a risk to their health or safety while at work except where and to the extent that such risk has been adequately controlled by other means which are equally or more effective. • Every self-employed person shall ensure that he is provided with suitable personal protective equipment where he may be exposed to a risk to his health or safety while at work except where and to the extent that such risk has been adequately controlled by other means which are equally or more effective.

7. Generic Rules • If you are unfamiliar with the equipment, read the instruction booklet and practice using the tool. Go ahead with the job only when you are sure you can do it safely and be certain of producing good results. • Always select the tool for the job in hand. Check that it is in good condition and that any blade or cutter has been fitted correctly. • If in doubt ask someone with experience.

8. Generic Rules • Ensure the tool and supply are compatible. Do not mix voltages. • Ensure that plugs wires and extension leads are in good condition. • Ensure extension leads are fully uncoiled before use. • Never carry a tool by its lead. • Ensure safety guards are fitted correctly.

9. Generic Rules • When finished with tools and leads disconnect from power supply. • Never put a tool down until all moving parts have stopped. • Always disconnect tool from the power supply before making adjustments. • If a tool does not work, report it to your supervisor.

10. Generic Rules • Always wear appropriate PPE. • Report any accident, no matter how small to the supervisor. • If you are injured, report it to your supervisor. • Guard against electric shock. Never work electrical equipment in damp or wet conditions.

11. Specification Plate information • Manufacturer. • Type number. • Chuck capacity. • Revolutions for high and low speed ratings. • Voltage. • Wattage. • BS kite mark. • Double insulation mark.

12. Double Insulation and BS Kite Marks. Double Insulation. British Kite Mark.

13. Power supplies • Using 230 V is not recommended as an electric shock from this can be fatal. • These can be 230 V or 110 V. • Only tools using a supply of 110 V, reduced by a transformer, should be used on construction sites.

14. Portable Appliance Test (PAT) and maintenance PAT testing states “every employers shall ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair”. Test must be carried out by a qualified person at regular intervals. Power tools should be cleaned regularly. Always check the instruction manual for storage guidance.