We will provide sufficient numbers of qualified first aiders or appointed persons as appropriate to our undertaking. We will also provide adequate first aid facilities for the treatment of any injuries sustained by our employees. We will instigate and maintain procedures to enable the reporting and recording of incidents at work. All incidents will be investigated to determine causation. Wherever possible, improvements will be implemented to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
For the purposes of this policy, incidents include all the following definitions:
Accident
An accident is an undesired event that results in an injury to a person or damage to property.
Dangerous Occurrence
Dangerous occurrences are specified RIDDOR reportable near-miss events.
Occupational Disease
Certain diseases contracted by employees, where the specified disease occurs to an individual engaged in the specified work activity.
Near Miss
A near miss is an event which could have resulted in injury or damage but by chance did not.
Arrangements for the Management of Incidents
The Incident Co-ordinator will ensure that:
1.1 There are sufficient numbers of trained first aiders or appointed persons within the company.
1.2 Adequate first aid equipment and facilities are provided and maintained at all our places of work.
1.3 Employees are provided with information regarding the provision of first aid, and the location of first aid equipment and facilities.
1.4 An accident book is available for the recording of injuries, and that a procedure is in place to ensure the confidentiality of such records.
1.5 A procedure is in place to enable the reporting of all incidents.
1.6 All incidents are investigated to identify causation and to enable remedial action to be taken
1.7 Incident statistics are maintained to identify trends.
Guidance and Records
First aid provision
Adequate and appropriate first-aid equipment and assistance is required in order that employees can be given immediate help if they are injured or taken ill at work. It is important to remember that injuries and illness can happen at any time and that first aid provision needs to be available whenever people are at work. It doesn’t matter whether the injury or illness is caused by the work they do or not, it is important to give them immediate attention and call an ambulance in serious cases.
Where the workplace has low level hazards the minimum provision for first aid is:
A suitably stocked first-aid box
An appointed person to take charge of first-aid arrangements
Information for employees about first-aid arrangements
First aid assistance
The role of an appointed person involves looking after first-aid equipment and facilities and calling the emergency services when required. They can also provide emergency cover where a first-aider is absent due to unforeseen circumstances. Appointed persons do not need first-aid training; although emergency first-aid courses are available. Appointed persons are not necessary where there are an adequate number of first-aiders since the first-aiders take on the duties otherwise held by the appointed persons.
Where first-aiders are provided in the workplace, they should have a valid certificate of competence in either first aid at work (FAW) or emergency first aid at work (EFAW). EFAW training enables a first-aider to give emergency first aid to someone who is injured or becomes ill while at work. FAW training includes EFAW and also equips the first-aider to apply first aid to a range of specific injuries and illnesses. To help keep their basic skills up to date, it is recommended that first aiders undertake annual refresher training. As a minimum, refresher training is required every three years.
First aid assessment
The numbers of EFAW, FAW and appointed persons required in the workplace will depend on the circumstances of the workplace. In assessing your needs you should consider:
The nature of the work, hazards and risks
The size of the organisation
The nature of the workforce
The history of accidents
The needs of travelling, remote and lone workers
Work patterns and shift work
The distribution of the workforce within buildings and over each floor
The remoteness of the site from emergency medical services
Employees working on shared or multi-occupied sites
Annual leave and other absences of first-aiders and appointed persons
First-aid provision for non-employees.
Where employees work at sites occupied by other employer’s, arrangements should be made with the other site occupants to ensure there is adequate first aid provision and make a written agreement to this effect.
You should decide what cover is needed for annual leave and other planned absences and what cover is needed for unplanned absences.
Your first aid arrangements should make provision for work experience trainees and agency workers.
You have no legal duty to provide first aid for non-employees but the HSE strongly recommends that you include them in your first aid provision. You should check that your public liability insurance covers this aspect.
Immunisations for some blood borne diseases are available through the NHS and the first aiders and appointed persons should be encouraged to seek such vaccinations.
You have to inform your employees of the first-aid arrangements. Putting up notices telling staff who the first-aiders or appointed persons are and where the first-aid box is will usually be enough. You will need to make special arrangements to give first-aid information to employees with reading or language difficulties.
At least one EFAW or FAW depending on the type of injuries that might occur.
At least one FAW for every 50 employed (or part thereof)
First aid kits
There is no mandatory list of items to put in a first-aid kit although it is recommended that BSI compliant first aid kits of sizes shown below are used. Ultimately, the decision on what to provide will be influenced by the findings of the first-aid needs assessment.
Low Hazard Workplace
Less than 25 employees – small kit
25 – 100 employees – medium size kit
Over 100 employees – 1 large kit per 100 employees
High Hazard Workplace
Less than 5 employees – small size kit
5 – 25 employees – medium size kit
Over 25 employees – 1 large kit per 25 employees
Tablets and medicines should not be kept in the first-aid kit. After using the contents of the first aid kit, the items used are to be reported to the Incident Co-ordinator for replenishment.
The Management of Incidents
The chronological order of these events may change slightly according to individual circumstances and the nature and seriousness of the incident.
Incident occurs
First aid response
Incident Co-ordinator and/or line manager informed
Preserve the scene of the incident where possible
Any critical remedial measures required to prevent recurrence are implemented immediately
Details entered into Accident Book and/or Incident Report Form
Take photographs and measurements
Obtain statements from the injured person (if practicable), and witnesses
RIDDOR report if necessary. Inform Alcumus Compliance if the incident is RIDDOR reportable
Incident Co-ordinator and/or line manager carries out detailed accident investigation procedure and completes ‘Incident Report and Investigation’ form
Report completed and copies sent to Senior Manager/Director. Copy to insurers and Alcumus Compliance if appropriate
Review relevant risk assessments and amend as required
Involve and consult with the workforce
Recorded data stored confidentially
Implementation dates for remedial action agreed
Monitor and review the remedial action.
Why investigate incidents?
Undertaking incident investigation assists in understanding the causes of incidents and thereby improves health and safety management systems and prevents recurrences of similar failures. It also gathers information to use in accident reports and this information may be required at a later date to resolve civil claims or defend against prosecution.
Incident investigations are to establish facts not opinions. They are not an attempt to apportion blame.
When investigating and reporting an incident you must be able to recognise the existence of the contributing factors e.g. lack of control, personal failures or mechanical and physical conditions.
Investigation is a process of identifying the direct causes of an incident and analysing the underlying root causes. Analysis of this information will determine the preventative measures required. All incidents should be investigated and a report produced. The detail of the report should be proportionate to the level of risk, not the outcome of the incident.
Incident investigations should determine:
The immediate cause of the accident. Where faulty equipment or machinery is involved, these must be left in position (if safe to do so) for inspection
The underlying root cause. It is likely that more than one contributing factor will exist
The necessary corrective action. A manager or supervisor must take immediate corrective action if possible. If it is not within his/her authority he/she must report accordingly
The system changes which are required to prevent further similar events
What reviews of existing documentation are required (e.g. risk assessments, training requirements, safe working procedures etc).
Full incident investigation reports should include:
A summary of what happened
A description of the workplace including photographs, diagrams, descriptions of plant and machinery such as serial numbers and the work which was being carried out at the time
Details of witnesses and their statements, including the injured person
Details of control systems in place prior to the accident such as machinery guards, training etc
Conclusions regarding why those systems either failed or were inadequate
Recommendations regarding the steps needed to prevent similar events
Allocation of specific responsibility to ensure that appropriate measures are taken.
Incident recording and reporting
You must keep a record of:
any accident, occupational disease or dangerous occurrence which requires reporting under RIDDOR; and
any other occupational accident causing injuries that result in a worker being away from work or incapacitated for more than three consecutive days (not counting the day of the accident but including any weekends or other rest days). You do not have to report over-three-day injuries, unless the incapacitation period goes on to exceed seven days.
These records must include certain prescribed information and employees must be able to enter a report personally, or have someone do it on their behalf. Most employers fulfil these requirements by using the standard BI510 accident book.
There is also a requirement to report certain specified injuries, industrial diseases and dangerous occurrences to the enforcing authorities under the RIDDOR regulations.
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)
RIDDOR is the law that requires employers, and other people who are in control of work premises, to report and keep records of:
work-related deaths
certain specified injuries
diagnosed cases of occupational diseases; and
certain ‘dangerous occurrences’.
The reporting responsibilities are complex and it is always worthwhile to seek advice from Alcumus Compliance if you think an injury, disease or dangerous occurrence is reportable, or if you are uncertain.
All reportable incidents must be reported online at https://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/. The relevant form should be completed and submitted directly to the RIDDOR database. You will get a copy for your records.
Fatal or specified injuries must be reported without delay. This can be done online or by calling the Incident Contact Centre on 0845 300 9923 (Opening hours Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5 pm). This telephone service is for reporting fatal or major injuries only. There is also an out-of hours HSE inspector on duty.
Deaths
All deaths to workers and non-workers, with the exception of suicides, must be reported if they arise from a work-related accident, including an act of physical violence to a worker.
Specified injuries to workers
Specified injuries to be reported include:
a fracture, other than to fingers, thumbs and toes
amputation of an arm, hand, finger, thumb, leg, foot or toe
permanent loss of sight or reduction of sight
crush injuries leading to internal organ damage
serious burns (covering more than 10% of the body, or damaging the eyes,
respiratory system or other vital organs)
scalpings (separation of skin from the head) which require hospital treatment
unconsciousness caused by head injury or asphyxia
any other injury arising from working in an enclosed space, or which leads to hypothermia, heat-induced illness or requires resuscitation or admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours.
Over-seven-day injuries to workers
This is where an employee, or self-employed person, is away from work or unable to perform their normal work duties for more than seven consecutive days (not counting the day of the accident). These must be reported.
Injuries to non-workers
You must report injuries to members of the public or people who are not at work if they are injured through a work-related accident, and are taken from the scene of the accident to hospital for treatment to that injury. Examinations and diagnostic tests do not constitute ‘treatment’ in such circumstances. There is no need to report incidents where people are taken to hospital purely as a precaution when no injury is apparent.
Reportable occupational diseases
Employers and self-employed people must report diagnoses of certain occupational diseases, where these are likely to have been caused or made worse by their work: These diseases include:
carpal tunnel syndrome
severe cramp of the hand or forearm
occupational dermatitis
hand-arm vibration syndrome
occupational asthma
tendonitis or tenosynovitis of the hand or forearm
any occupational cancer
any disease attributed to an occupational exposure to a biological agent.
Reportable dangerous occurrences
Dangerous occurrences are certain, specified near-miss events. Not all such events require reporting. There are 27 categories of reportable dangerous occurrences that are relevant to most workplaces. For example:
the collapse, overturning or failure of load-bearing parts of lifts and lifting equipment
Incident Report Formplant or equipment coming into contact with overhead power lines
the accidental release of any substance which could cause injury to any person.
We recognise the continual risk of fire to our premises, whether caused by accident or by malicious intent. We will undertake a fire risk assessment to ensure that we provide and maintain such precautions as are necessary to safeguard those who use our workplace. We will identify those persons who might be especially at risk in case of a fire and provide information, instruction and training for all employees about the fire precautions in our workplace. We will produce an emergency plan and nominate and train specific employees to undertake special roles under the plan. We will consult our employees about all aspects of fire safety and ensure that we co-operate with other employers at our premises. We will ensure that fire detection and warning systems are installed and maintained effectively and that there is an effective system in place for contacting the emergency services.
Arrangements for Fire and Emergency Evacuation
The Fire and Emergency Evacuation Co-ordinator will ensure that:
1.1 A fire risk assessment is conducted and appropriate measures to reduce the risks are implemented.
1.2 A suitable system is in place to detect a fire, to warn people that there is an emergency situation and that the system is suitably tested and maintained.
1.3 There are suitable means of extinguishing a fire which are maintained throughout the entire company and that there are a sufficient number of suitably trained persons available to tackle a fire should the need arise.
1.4 Fire drills are undertaken on a regular basis and ensure all records are maintained.
1.5 All fire escape routes are suitably maintained and kept clear of obstructions at all times.
1.6 Suitable waste containers are provided and waste is removed frequently.
1.7 Dangerous substances are only used as set out in specific risk assessments with adequate precautions against fire and explosion.
1.8 Sources of ignition are controlled effectively.
1.9 Visitors to the premises are made aware of the fire rules and procedures.
1.10 Contractors are informed of fire procedures and asked for information on how they intend to control any fire hazards associated with their work.
1.11 Employees are trained and instructed on fire prevention and procedures.
Guidance and Records
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Introduction
This legislation covers nearly every type of building, structure and open space, except for private homes and individual flats in a block or house, although communal areas are affected. There are certain special provisions in respect of licensed, etc. premises.
Fire certificates have been abolished and cease to have legal status and the responsibility for fire safety rests with employers, self-employed with premises, voluntary organisations, those responsible for buildings with public access and any contractor who exercises a degree of control over any premises.
These “responsible persons” have a duty to ensure the safety of everyone who uses their premises and those in the immediate vicinity who may be at risk if there is a fire.
The order covers general fire precautions and other fire safety duties which are needed to protect relevant persons in case of fire in and around premises. “Relevant persons” means anyone who is legally on the premises or anyone who is not actually on the premises but who may be affected. The order requires fire precautions be put in place and to the extent that it is reasonable and practicable in each individual circumstance.
The order has amended or repealed other primary legislation concerning fire safety, to take account of the new system, and has provided for minor and other consequential amendments, repeals and revocations.
Responsible Person
The responsible person means in relation to a workplace, the employer, if the workplace is under his control or, in relation to any other premises, the person who has control of the premises (as occupier or otherwise) in connection with the carrying on of a trade, business or other undertaking, or the owner, where the person in control of the premises does not have control in connection with the carrying on by that person of a trade, business or other undertaking. In all other premises, the person or people in control of the premises will be responsible. If there is more than one responsible person in any type of premises, then they all must take all reasonable steps to work with each other.
The responsible persons must carry out a fire risk assessment focusing on the safety in case of fire of all relevant persons. It should pay particular attention to those at special risk, such as the disabled and those with special needs, and must include consideration of any dangerous substance likely to be on the premises.
The fire risk assessment will help identify risks that can be removed or reduced and the nature and extent of the general fire precautions needed to protect people against the fire risks that remain.
Some of the duties assigned to the responsible person include:
ensuring all measures are taken to reduce the risk of fire
ensuring measures are taken to reduce the effects of fire including, where necessary, taking measures for fire-fighting in the premises and nominating competent persons to implement the measures and ensure that the number of such persons, their training and the equipment available to them are adequate
ensuring a clear and effective means of escape
the correct placement of appropriate fire fighting equipment
ensuring effective fire and smoke detection and alarm facilities are installed
fire drill practice is understood and carried out
ensuring, where necessary, information on emergency arrangements is available, including details of relevant work hazards and hazard identification arrangements, and specific hazards likely to arise at the time of an accident, incident or emergency, and information on rescue operations, personal protective equipment and protective clothing, and ensuring any necessary specialised safety equipment and plant is available
ensuring that suitable warning and other communication systems are established to enable an appropriate response to be made immediately when an emergency occurs and that, where necessary, before any explosion conditions are reached, visual or audible warnings are given and relevant persons withdrawn
ensuring safe working practices
reducing the risk of fire occurring, including the use of plant, machinery and the correct storage of dangerous substances
to give collective protective measures priority over individual protective measures
making and giving effect to such arrangements as are appropriate for the effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of the preventive and protective measures
ensuring that the appropriate information is made available to relevant accident and emergency services to enable those services, whether internal or external to the premises, to prepare their own response procedures and precautionary measures and they are displayed at the premises, unless the results of the risk assessment make this unnecessary
ensuring that before employing a child, the parent or guardian of the child is provided with comprehensible and relevant information on the risks to that child
ensuring all premises, equipment, systems, plant, etc are subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair
Communication of fire safety matters to staff is key to the order and the responsible person must inform staff on the risks and measures to prevent and protect against fire, and all dangerous substances must be made known and an effective management procedure installed.
Competent Persons
The responsible person must appoint one or more competent persons to assist in undertaking the preventive and protective measures and making arrangements for ensuring adequate co-operation. Where there is a competent person in the responsible person’s employment, that person must be appointed in preference to a competent person not in his employment.
Sufficient time must be made available to competent persons for them to fulfil their functions and the means at their disposal are adequate and that they are informed of the factors known by the responsible person to affect, or suspected by him of affecting, the safety of any other person who may be affected by the conduct of his undertaking, and they have access to relevant information.
Duties under this order
Where the premises are a workplace, the responsible person must ensure that the duties are complied with but where the premises are not a workplace, the responsible person must ensure that the duties are complied with in respect of those premises, so far as the requirements relate to matters within his control.
Any of the duties imposed in respect of premises shall also be imposed on every person, other than the responsible person, who has, to any extent, control of those premises, so far as the requirements relate to matters within his control.
Duties of responsible person in relation to dangerous substances include:
ensuring that where a dangerous substance is or is liable to be present, the risk to relevant persons is either eliminated or reduced so far as is reasonably practicable. In complying with this duty the responsible person must, so far as is reasonably practicable, replace a dangerous substance, or the use of a dangerous substance, with a substance or process which either eliminates or reduces the risk to relevant persons. Where it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate risk, the responsible person must, so far as is reasonably practicable, apply measures consistent with the risk assessment and appropriate to the nature of the activity or operation in order to mitigate the effects of a fire
ensuring that where a dangerous substance is present, his employees are provided with details of the substance including the name and the risk it presents, access to relevant safety data sheets, and legislative provisions concerning the hazardous properties which apply to the substance, as well as the significant findings of the risk assessment
arranging for the safe handling, storage and transport of dangerous substances and waste containing dangerous substances, and ensuring that any conditions necessary for ensuring the elimination or reduction of risk are maintained
ensuring no new work or activity involving a dangerous substance commences unless the risk assessment has been made and the measures required have been implemented.
Measures to be taken in respect of dangerous substances
In applying measures to control risks the responsible person must, in order of priority:
reduce the quantity of dangerous substances to a minimum
avoid or minimise the release of a dangerous substance
control the release of a dangerous substance at source
prevent the formation of an explosive atmosphere, including the application of appropriate ventilation
ensure that any release of a dangerous substance which may give rise to risk is suitably collected, safely contained, removed to a safe place, or otherwise rendered safe, as appropriate
segregate incompatible dangerous substances
avoid:
ignition sources including electrostatic discharges
such other adverse conditions as could result in harmful physical effects from a dangerous substance
The responsible person must ensure that mitigation measures applied include:
reducing to a minimum the number of persons exposed
measures to avoid the propagation of fires or explosions
providing explosion pressure relief arrangements
providing explosion suppression equipment
providing plant which is constructed so as to withstand the pressure likely to be produced by an explosion
providing suitable personal protective equipment
The responsible person must:
ensure that the premises are designed, constructed and maintained so as to reduce risk
ensure that suitable special, technical and organisational measures are designed, constructed, assembled, installed, provided and used so as to reduce risk
ensure that special, technical and organisational measures are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair
ensure that equipment and protective systems meet the following requirements:
where power failure can give rise to the spread of additional risk, equipment and protective systems must be able to be maintained in a safe state of operation independently of the rest of the plant in the event of power failure
means for manual override must be possible, operated by employees competent to do so, for shutting down equipment and protective systems incorporated within automatic processes which deviate from the intended operating conditions, provided that the provision or use of such means does not compromise safety
on operation of emergency shutdown, accumulated energy must be dissipated as quickly and as safely as possible or isolated so that it no longer constitutes a hazard
necessary measures must be taken to prevent confusion between connecting devices
where the work is carried out in hazardous places or involves hazardous activities, ensure that appropriate systems of work are applied including:
the issuing of written instructions for the carrying out of work
a system of permits to work, with permits being issued by a person with responsibility for this function prior to the commencement of the work concerned.
Provision of information to employers and the self-employed from outside undertakings
The responsible person must ensure that the employer of any employees from an outside undertaking who are working in or on the premises is provided with comprehensible and relevant information on the risks to those employees and the preventive and protective measures taken by the responsible person.
The responsible person must ensure that any person working in his undertaking who is not his employee is provided with appropriate instructions and comprehensible and relevant information regarding any risks to that person.
The responsible person must ensure that the employer of any employees from an outside undertaking who are working in or on the premises is provided with sufficient information to enable that employer to identify any person nominated by the responsible person to implement evacuation procedures as far as those employees are concerned; and take all reasonable steps to ensure that any person from an outside undertaking who is working in or on the premises receives sufficient information to enable that person to identify any person nominated by the responsible person to implement evacuation procedures as far as they are concerned.
Training
The responsible person must ensure that his employees are provided with adequate safety training at the time when they are first employed, and on their being exposed to new or increased risks because of their being transferred or given a change of responsibilities within the responsible person’s undertaking, the introduction of new work equipment into, or a change respecting work equipment already in use within, the responsible person’s undertaking, the introduction of new technology into the responsible person’s undertaking; or the introduction of a new system of work into, or a change affecting a system of work already in use within, the responsible person’s undertaking. The training must include suitable and sufficient instruction and training on the appropriate precautions and actions to be taken by the employee in order to safeguard himself and other relevant persons on the premises, be repeated periodically where appropriate, be adapted to take account of any new or changed risks to the safety of the employees concerned, be provided in a manner appropriate to the risk identified by the risk assessment, and take place during working hours.
Co-operation and co-ordination
Where two or more responsible persons share, or have duties in respect of, premises (whether on a temporary or a permanent basis) each such person must co-operate with the other responsible person concerned so far as is necessary to enable them to comply with the requirements and prohibitions imposed on them. He must take all reasonable steps to co-ordinate the measures he takes to comply with the requirements and prohibitions imposed on him by or under this order with the measures the other responsible persons are taking to comply with the requirements and prohibitions imposed on them by or under this order.
He must take all reasonable steps to inform the other responsible persons concerned of the risks to relevant persons arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him of his undertaking.
Where two or more responsible persons share premises (whether on a temporary or a permanent basis) where an explosive atmosphere may occur, the responsible person who has overall responsibility for the premises must co-ordinate the implementation of all the measures to be taken to protect relevant persons from any risk from the explosive atmosphere.
Where a person has, by virtue of any contract or tenancy, an obligation of any extent in relation to the maintenance or repair of any premises, including anything in or on premises, or the safety of any premises, that person is to be treated, as being a person who has control of the premises.
General duties of employees at work
Every employee must, while at work, take reasonable care for the safety of himself and of other relevant persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions. He must co-operate with the employer so far as is necessary to enable that employer fulfil his duty, and inform his employer, or any other employee with specific responsibility for the safety of his fellow employees, of any work situation which represents a serious and immediate danger to safety or a shortcoming in the employer’s protection arrangements for safety unless previously reported.
Fire-fighters’ switches for luminous tube signs, etc
The order places restrictions on the design and installation of cut off switches for certain apparatus consisting of luminous tube signs designed to work at a voltage normally exceeding the prescribed voltage, or other equipment so designed. The prescribed voltage being 1000 volts AC or 1500 volts DC if measured between any two conductors, or 600 volts AC or 900 volts DC if measured between a conductor and earth.
The order sets out time restrictions regarding notification to the fire and rescue authority of the installation of such switches which must be placed, and coloured or marked to satisfy reasonable requirements imposed by the fire and rescue authority to ensure it is readily recognisable by and accessible to fire-fighters.
Maintenance of measures provided for protection of fire-fighters
Where necessary to safeguard the safety of fire-fighters, the responsible person must ensure that the premises and any relevant facilities, equipment and devices provided in respect of the premises for the use by or protection of fire-fighters are subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.
Duty to consult employees and not to charge them for things done or provided
The employer must have effective arrangements for consultation with employees on fire safety issues and must not make any charge in respect of anything done or provided in pursuance of any requirement of this order or of regulations made under it.
Duty to consult enforcing authority before passing plans
Where building plans are drawn up in accordance with building regulations, or it is proposed to change the use to which a building or part of a building is put necessitating plans being drawn up in accordance with the building regulations, the local authority would normally need to consult the enforcing authority before passing those plans.
Matters to be taken into particular account in risk assessment in respect of young persons
The inexperience, lack of awareness of risks and immaturity of young persons
The fitting-out and layout of the premises
The nature, degree and duration of exposure to physical and chemical agents
The form, range, and use of work equipment and the way in which it is handled
The organisation of processes and activities
The extent of the safety training provided, or to be provided, to young persons
The risks from certain specific agents, processes and work
Matters to be considered in risk assessment in respect of dangerous substances
The hazardous properties of the substance
Information on safety provided by the supplier, including information contained in any relevant safety data sheet
The circumstances of the work including:
the special, technical and organisational measures and the substances used and their possible interactions
the amount of the substance involved
where the work will involve more than one dangerous substance, the risk presented by such substances in combination
the arrangements for the safe handling, storage and transport of dangerous substances and of waste containing dangerous substances
activities, such as maintenance, where there is the potential for a high level of risk
the effect of measures which have been or will be taken to comply with the order
the likelihood that an explosive atmosphere will occur and its persistence
the likelihood that ignition sources, including electrostatic discharges, will be present and become active and effective
the scale of the anticipated effects
any places which are, or can be connected via openings to, places in which explosive atmospheres may occur
such additional safety information as the responsible person may need in order to complete the assessment
General Information
Introduction
Fire risk assessments must focus on the safety in case of fire of all relevant persons and should pay particular attention to those at special risk, such as the disabled and those with special needs, and include consideration of any dangerous substance likely to be on the premises.
A dangerous substance means a substance or preparation which has been classified as explosive, oxidising, extremely flammable, highly flammable or flammable, or because of its physico-chemical or chemical properties and the way it is used or is present, creates a risk, and any dust which can form an explosive mixture with air or an explosive atmosphere.
The assessment will help identify risks that can be removed or reduced and the nature and extent of the general fire precautions needed to protect people against the fire risks that remain.
To undertake a thorough assessment it is necessary to follow five basis steps:
Identify the hazards
Identify people at risk
Evaluate, remove or reduce, and protect from risk
Record, plan, inform, instruct, and train
Review and make changes as necessary
The assessment must be kept up to date and will need to be reviewed if it may be no longer valid, or after an incident, or any significant change such as introduction of different or additional materials, different shift patterns, additional or different type of people using the premises, etc.
Causes of Fire
Three elements – fuel, oxygen and heat – have to be present in order for the combustion process to take place. The top eight known sources of ignition in nondomestic fires are:
electrical appliances
cooking appliances
smoking materials
electrical distribution (wiring)
blowlamps, welding, cutting
space heating appliances
matches
central and water heating appliances
Approximately 50% of fires in non-domestic premises are deliberate
Escape Routes
Ideally there should be more than one escape route to a place of safety from any area but this is not always possible.
The distance people need to go to a place of safety should be as short as possible. This travel distance should be measured from the farthest point in a room to the door to a protected stairway or, if there is no protected stairway, to the final exit from the building.
If there is only one escape route, the travel distance should not normally be more than 18 metres. This distance should be shorter (12 metres or less) in any parts of the premises where there is a high chance of a fire starting or spreading quickly. The distance can be longer (up to about 25 metres) where the chance of a fire starting or spreading quickly is very low.
If there is more than one escape route, the travel distance should not normally be more than 45 metres (around 25 metres in areas where the risk of fire is high and about 60 metres in areas where the risk of fire is very low).
Emergency doors must open in the direction of escape and sliding or revolving doors must not be used for exits specifically intended as emergency exits.
Extinguishing Fires
Attempts to use any fire extinguishing equipment must only be made if:
the individual has been trained to use the equipment
the fire is only a small outbreak which is small enough to tackle safely
The main types of portable extinguishers are:
Water: for wood, paper, textile and solid material fires. Do not use on liquid, electrical or metal fires
Powder: for liquid and electrical fires. Do not use on metal fires
Foam: for liquid fires. Do not use on electrical or metal fires
Carbon dioxide: for liquid and electrical fires. Do not use on metal fires
Fire Signage
All fire exit signs, final fire exit signs and directional fire exit signs must be indicated with a running person pictogram. The use of text on signs is optional.
Checking Fire Safety
Fire safety checks should routinely be made in all buildings. Some checks can be made on a daily basis such as visually checking fire alarm control panels, fire extinguishers, and that fire exit routes are not blocked, restricted or locked off, and that fire doors are kept closed when not in use. The fire risk assessment document highlights more formal checks that may be undertaken during a fire risk assessment or when reviewing existing precautions.
Infection Prevention and Control Policy (non-healthcare settings)
Policy
Prevention and control of infection is an important consideration throughout the business operations for employees and non-employees alike.
Control strategies will be adopted for the prevention of exposure to pathogens, including physical and procedural measures appropriate to the nature of the business.
Regular cleaning schedules shall be adopted to minimise risk of transmission of pathogens by contact. Disinfection and decontamination of the site and equipment will be instigated upon discovery of a source of infection. The generation, collection and disposal of waste will be carefully controlled.
Where necessary, outbreaks of ill-health will be properly reported and recorded,
We will inform and train our staff in infection prevention and control issues, handwashing, hygiene, distancing measures and where applicable the use of personal protective equipment.
All control measures will be monitored by regular inspections and audits. A review of the measures will be undertaken on any significant change, new knowledge becoming available about pathogens and appropriate controls, as a result of infection and as a minimum on an annual basis.
Arrangements for Infection Prevention and Control
The infection prevention and control co-ordinator will ensure;
1.1 Risk assessments have been completed identifying potential types and sources of infection with appropriate control measures and/or local procedures that need to be in place to address infection prevention and control needs specific to the area and/or working activity.
1.2 Appropriate physical and procedural measures are implemented as a result of the assessment which will address the type of pathogen and its routes of transmission.
1.3 Cleaning schedules are implemented for all areas and the frequency and level of cleaning regularly assessed in response to the potential presence of a source of infection.
1.4 Adequate wash facilities are provided for all employees/others.
1.5 All employees are given clear instruction on personal hygiene measures.
1.6 All employees are given training and information on all infection prevention and control measures?
1.7 A procedure is in place to ensure cases of ill health are reported and recorded where required.
1.8 Inspections and audits are undertaken on a regular basis to check the effective use of control measures.
1.9 A procedure is in place to review preventative and protective measures when required.
