Describe the main requirements of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974, explain the relevant requirements (where appropriate) of the following Statutory Instruments – Management of Health and Safety at Work Regs, Construction Design Management Regulations, Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regs, Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regs, Workplace Health Safety and Welfare Regs, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regs, Personal Protective Equipment Regs, Manual Handling Operations Regulations, Work at Height Regs, The Control of Asbestos Regulations, Confined Spaces Regs, Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order, The Health and Safety First Aid at Work Regs, Confined Spaces Regs, The Health and Safety Signs and Signals Regs etc, include where applicable relevant ACOPs and Health and Safety Guidance notes produced by the Health and Safety Executive, Environmental Protection Act – SEPA, Natural Resources Wales, Environmental Protection Agency

Explain that these regulations are specific to the safe managing of health safety and welfare on construction sites

Explain the different roles and responsibilities of management, supervisors and workers (including the client, principle contractor, contractor, principle designer etc) on construction sites

Explain the main requirements of CDM to ensure safe site set up to include segregation of people and vehicles, security, welfare, risk assessment, signage, emergency procedures, first aid, excavations, inspection etc and all relevant requirements where CDM applies

Explain how a formal management system or framework can help you manage health and safety

Explain different systems – HSG 65, ISO 45001

Explain what is required by an organisation for effective health and safety management to include standard model “Plan Do Check Act”.

Describe requirements of OHSMS – Policy and Planning, Risk Profiling, Implement Plan, Collect Data, Measure Performance, Review Performance, Continuous Improvement

Explain the requirements of Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations to include “Suitable & Sufficient” risk assessment

Explain the HSE model “5 steps to risk assessment”.

Carry out risk assessment to identify Hazards and introduce appropriate risk controls

Describe how to complete statutory inspections, include audit checklists for all zone / areas, include all work activities, high risk activities, lifting operations certification, work at height / scaffold certification – tag for compliance, inspection of excavations prior to start of shift etc

Explain the checks of work equipment prior to use and changeover and explain the importance of recording and reporting defects, explain how “competent person” is defined by industry (ref. CDM). A range of plant and equipment (e.g. scaffolds, cranes, hoists, electrical equipment and excavations) needs to be inspected on a regular basis by a competent person to ensure safety. Records of some inspections are also required to be made and kept. (ref HSG150)

Describe accident is unplanned event resulting injury, damage to property or other loss.

Explain legal requirements to report and record all accidents however minor in accident book.

Describe what is required to report ill health such as silicosis, dermatitis, leptospirosis, mesothelioma etc.

Explain RIDDOR requirements. Describe reportable accidents and injuries (include fatalities) and how to complete HSE form F2508 and F2508A.

Explain how information on accidents, incidents and ill health can be used as an aid to risk assessment, helping to develop solutions to potential risks. Records also help to prevent injuries and ill health, and control costs from accidental loss. (ref. Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences)

Explain the importance for leaders in the field of safety management. These leaders can change the culture in the workplace in many ways.

Explain how helping to keep the employees safe while maintaining the core values of the company.

Explain that this is done by interacting with their co-workers for example daily toolbox talks.

Explain that by through interaction with these managers, employees learn how to do their jobs safely and in turn accident rates can drop dramatically

Explain requirements for “First Aid at Work” and how to comply with statutory provision

Explain how to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work (ref. L74 First Aid at Work)

Explain that workplaces such as construction sites need a plan for emergencies that can have a wider impact. Special procedures are needed for emergencies such as serious injuries, explosion, flood, poisoning, electrocution, fire, release of radioactivity and chemical spills

Explain that quick and effective action may help to ease a situation and reduce the consequences

Explain that in emergencies people are more likely to respond reliably if they are well trained and competent, take part in regular and realistic practice, have clearly agreed, recorded and rehearsed plans, actions and responsibilities (ref. MHSWR)

Explain requirements of RRFSO and fire risk assessment, (include fire alarm testing and drill)

Explain that construction workers are exposed to many different types of hazardous substances such as dust, lead or cement. Workers need to be aware of the substances they are working with, how these could get into the body and what the potential health effects are

Explain how to identify and safely handle these substances (ref. COSHH)

Explain different types of substances and their acute and chronic ill health effects, explain the routes of entry into the body

Explain Material Safety Data Sheet and how it is used to carry out effective risk assessment compliant with COSHH

Explain that even a fractional amount of asbestos – during construction repairs, demolition, alteration, maintenance can result in serious health problems for construction workers, including the risk of developing asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other related cancers

Explain the requirements of The Control of Asbestos Regulations to ensure risks are managed as required by the statutory instrument

Explain the minimum considerations for workers on construction sites must be suitable and sufficient sanitary provision, washing facilities including hot and cold or warm water, soap, towels or other means of drying

Explain that there must be adequate supply of drinking water, changing rooms and lockers and facilities for workers to take rest breaks

Outline that engineering control measures must primarily be introduced to ensure minimal exposure of inhalation of dust, explain engineering control measures introduced could be local exhaust ventilation systems, other forms of control may be the use of processes such as water suppression. The introduction or RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) such as a dust mask with appropriate FFP3 filter should also be introduced (considered as a last resort when all other measures have been exhausted)

Describe the potential fire hazards and associated risks in the construction industry. Construction sites are high risk areas for a number of reasons, many of them obvious. The danger of a potential fire breaking out is definitely one of these, with many construction sites playing host to numerous examples of the three elements required to start a blaze: a source of ignition, a source of oxygen, and a source of fuel. Fires in these environments can be highly destructive, with damage to materials, delays to construction and risk to life among the consequences. With many occurring each year, it’s important to understand some of the common causes, helping those responsible for safety to avoid fires from breaking out

Explain where a noise risk assessment identifies that individuals are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work, employers need to introduce measures to control the associated risks. These measures usually involve a combination of methods, such as controlling the noise at source (engineering measure), reassessing the equipment and tasks and re-organising the work processes. Noise transmission pathways and personal hearing protection will also need to be considered

Explain the hierarchy of risk controls. Noise and vibration: High levels of noise can cause hearing loss and repeated use of vibrating tools can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (damage to nerves and blood vessels – most commonly in the hands and fingers)

Explain action levels in decibels

Explain that a combination of the correct selection of equipment and associated tools and (PPE) anti – vibration gloves will help to reduce the risk arising from the process(es)

Consider anti-vibration tools, AV gloves, safe work practices and reducing the operating time. The introduction of equipment and manufacturers information to effectively manage operator trigger time

Explain issues with whole body vibration

Outline the considerations that should be made regarding the task, individual, load and environment. Describe work equipment designed specifically to eliminate the risk of manual handling, how engineering control measures such as vacuum lifters can reduce the risk from manual handling

Explain how to reduce the amount of twisting, stooping and reaching when moving loads

Explain how to avoid lifting from floor level or above shoulder height, especially heavy loads, how to adjust storage areas to minimise the need to carry out such movements, explain what to consider to minimise carrying distances

Explain how to assess the weight to be carried and whether the worker can move the load safely

Explain that some loads can be dismantled etc

Explain work related upper limb disorder and musculoskeletal disorders. Manual handling: Lifting heavy and awkward loads causes back and other injuries. Some injuries can result from a single lift, but more commonly, long term injury develops as a result of repeated minor injury due to repetitive lifting

Explain TILEO & Kinetics

Explain that when initially setting up construction sites certain primary factors must be identified, for example perimeter fencing and public protection, welfare facilities, adequate signage, traffic management, material storage and waste management, administration etc (include F10 notification – CDM)

Explain the dangers of electrocution and electric shock

Explain that refurbishment work in buildings presents the greatest risk and must be planned, managed and monitored to ensure that workers are not exposed to risk from electricity

Explain the main hazards of working with electricity or electrical power tools are electric shock and burns from contact with live parts, injury from exposure to arcing, fire from faulty electrical equipment of installations explosion caused by unsuitable electrical apparatus

Explain the reasons for use of 110v step down transformers for safer use. Where possible, eliminate risks. Cordless tools or tools which operate from a 110V supply system, which is centre-tapped to earth so that the maximum voltage to earth should not exceed 55V, will effectively eliminate the risk of death and greatly reduce injury in the event of an electrical accident

Explain the requirements for Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) within the construction industry

Explain that every year in the construction industry, people are killed or injured as a result of being struck by moving plant. Accidents occur throughout the construction process, from groundworks to finishing works. Managers, workers, site visitors and the public can all be at risk if construction vehicle activities are not properly managed and controlled

Explain that traffic routes must be suitable for the persons or vehicles using them, enough in number in suitable positions and of sufficient size

Explain the importance of one – way systems, reverse park requirements (emergency procedures), use of vehicle / plant marshal, allocated parking for construction plant, loading / unloading areas for deliveries etc, slinger / signaller and other crane associated roles, segregation of people and plant / vehicles etc

Identify strength and stability, safe working loads and marking of lifting equipment, consider the positioning of the equipment, roles and responsibilities required including appointed person and planning of lift, appropriate supervision, competent operator, slinger / signaller, certificate of thorough examination and inspection. Considerations must also be made to identify the correct selection of accessories, slings, chains, shackles etc

Describe the process of assessing risks when working at height

Explain the precautions required

Explain work at height risk assessment, how to record significant findings and review as necessary (ref WAH)

Explain workplace precautions – collective protection measures (Guard Rails – specific measurements etc) personal protection measures (Harness / Fall Arrest etc)

Explain hierarchy of control – Avoid working at height completely, prevent falls using a safe place to carry out work, prevent falls using collective equipment, use personal protective equipment (PPE): Fall restraint, minimise the distance the worker could fall, minimise the impact of a fall, use PPE: Fall arrest

Describe the hazards in excavations include the risk of trench wall collapse, materials falling onto people in the excavation, people and vehicles falling into excavation, undermining of structures, underground services, ingress of water etc. Describe basic controls required – battering back, trench supports, training, adequate inspections, competent supervision, ensure plant does not work too near the excavation, inspection by competent person prior to start of shift

Describe the planning process – obtaining information on underground services, provision of plans by service owners, use and limitations of plans, duties as a contractor, explain process of detecting services, types and use of cable locators and devices, exposing services, marking identified services, excavation safety, backfilling, updating plans etc (Ref HSG47)

Describe process of planning for work near to overhead power lines describe the different types of overhead power lines and their height, use of barriers, working near overhead lines, establishing exclusion zones, safe operating distances, emergency procedures etc (Ref GS6 4^th edition & Energy Networks Association – Look out look up)

Describe the main hazards when working in a confined space, these should include toxic atmospheres resulting from hazardous substances, oxygen deficiency, oxygen enrichment, flammable or explosive atmospheres, flowing liquid or free flowing solids, excessive heat etc

Safety considerations to include training , permit to work, ventilation, testing and monitoring for gas etc, isolation of work equipment, use RPE and PPE, communication, access and egress

Describe the role of the Temporary Works Supervisor and the main duties which include that TWS must regularly check the site and supervise the workers day to day. They will also supervise the likes of material deliveries, erecting the works according to design, inspection and maintenance and the dismantling of the works, this will greatly aid the Principal Contractor in managing the temporary works process and should be a significant advantage when considering sub-contractors.

As stated above the TWS should be competent and have the relevant training, qualifications and experience that suits the complexity of the task. These duties include supervision of the erection, use, maintenance and dismantling of Temporary Works

Explain environment considerations for example air, land and water and the impact a construction site will have when work is carried out and your role in preventing damage. Consideration must be made for location off supplies required, work activities and waste products etc

Explain that considerations must be made to consider the protection of wildlife on site. Consider Environmental Management Systems

Explain how the construction industry can affect the environment

Explain how to establish what issues or specific tasks require management. Develop risk assessment

Explain the potential impact of pollutants and legal requirements

Explain the importance of best practice developments

Explain waste reduction and hierarchy when solving pollution and waste problems – prevent. Reduce, reuse, recycle, responsibly dispose. Describe different sources of pollution to include water, air and noise

Explain how environmental damage is caused by mixing waste by products

Explain different types of waste – including liquid, organic, recyclable, hazardous

Explain how these wastes could get mixed and what impact this has on the environment

Explain that noisy work can be carried out at specific times during normal working hours, eliminating noisy processes or substituting them for a less noisy process are the best ways of dealing with noise on a construction site. If this is not possible removing people from the noisy area and choosing quieter equipment can also be effective. As a last resort, hearing protection and hearing protection zones may be appropriate. Site Supervisor should carry out monitoring for compliance of site rules regarding noisy and dusty processes and tasks carried out and introduce PPE where required

Explain that construction site operatives should follow any instructions and advice that employers provide, site operatives should use water on tool extraction provided to keep dust out of the air, keep tools and equipment in good order, avoid dry sweeping, wear your facemask to protect you from any remaining dust. Ensure correct Personal Protective Equipment (based on the risk arising from dust inhalation) is selected. Ensure masks are fitted and worn correctly

Explain diseases and health risks associated with the inhalation of dust (silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD, asthma)