Our Company has a public liability insurance of £5,000,000 and we follow a strict code of practice of which both our employees and clients are made aware of at the start of each project.

Below is a code of practice issued for a present project.
Code of Practice
General Requirements
Ladders
Use of Mobile Tower Scaffold - (erected by others)
Roof Work
Means of Escape
Tools
Gas
Harmful Substances
Connected Work - Electrical
Personal Protective Equipment
Important Information

 

CODE OF PRACTICE - REGARDING SAFETY BY CONTRACTORS

This code of practice has been designed to ensure that the safety of contractors and the general public is paramount at all times. I hold no responsibility to individuals safety and these guidelines should be observed at all times to assist in your personal protection. Current public liability must be held by all contractors. Valid appropriate certificates, e.g. CORGI, Lop etc. must be produced on request.


1.0 General Requirements:

1.1 The contractor shall provide for the efficient protection of the public and all other persons occupying or using the premises on which they are working, at all times.
1.2 The Clearing up of rubbish/debris and the securing of tools and materials should be regarded as part of a daily routine.
1.3 Suitable personal protective clothing must be worn at all times.
1.4 The contractor shall take all necessary precautions to safeguard the health and safety of the public with particular attention to the matters contained in this document.

2.0 Ladders

2.1 Ladders longer than 6m must not be used in a workplace unless fixed or tied.
2.2 Ladders must be strong enough for the job and in good condition, e.g. no rungs are cracked or missing.
2.3 Ladders must extend to at least lm above the landing place.
2.4 Ladders should be angled at fours units up to each one out from the base.
2.5 Ladders should be secured or footed to prevent movement.
2.6 Heavy items or long lengths of material should not be carried up ladders.
2.7 Light tools should be carried in a shoulder bag or holster attached to a belt.
2.8 Ladders must be secured against unofficial use when left unattended.

3.0 Use of Mobile Tower Scaffold (erected by others)

3.1 Ensure, where reasonably practical, that the scaffold has been erected safely.
3.2 Pay particular attention to ensure that guard rails and toe boards have been provided for platforms more than 2m high.

4.0 Roof Works

4.1 Ensure that there is safe access onto and off the roof, e.g. by a general access scaffold.
4.2 Ensure that there is a safe means of moving across the roof.
4.3 Ensure suitable precautions are in place to protect people and materials falling off it, and to provide a safe area for people who may be working below.
4.4 No debris may be thrown down to the ground in an uncontrolled manner. Use only the appropriate plant to ensure that this requirement is met.

5.0 Means of Escape

5.1 All contractors must familiarize themselves with the fire instructions for the location in which they are working.
5.2 Fire doors must not be wedged or propped in the open position.
5.3 Fire access routes must be kept clear of obstructions at all times.

6.0 Tools

6.1 You must ensure that all tools are properly maintained so that they do not cause a danger to yourself or those around you, e.g. spanners, avoid splayed jaws. Do not improvise the size of the spanner by using pipes etc. as extension handles.

7.0 Gas

7.1 If you suspect a leak, you must turn off the supply.
7.2 NO WORKS shall be undertaken on any gas or gas related supply unless the contractor holds a valid CORGI registration certificate.
7.3 Any Gas works undertaken will comply wholly to the competencies required by CORGI.
7.4 Change Gas Cylinders away from sources of ignition, in a well ventilated pace. Use soap or detergent, never a flame to test for leaks.
7.5 Before welding and similar work, remove or protect flammable materials.

8.0 Harmful Substances

8.1 Safety data sheets will be obtained from the supplier, and the contractor, so far as is reasonably practical, should check the adequacy of the information in the safety data sheet received before passing it on to the customer.
8.2 Due diligence must be practised at all times in the handling and use of harmful substances.
8.3 Any harmful substance used must be secured from the public.
8.4 Any packaging must be labelled clearly as per CHIP 2 regulations.
8.5 Peripatetic workers may be exposed to harmful substances such as lead. Risks may arise when lead dust of fume is breathed in; powder, dust, paint or paste swallowed; or compounds taken in through the skin. Every care should be taken to provide control of any process involving lead works to ensure safety to yourselves and the public. If necessary, guidance should be obtained from the appropriate body.
8.6 Remove protective clothing and wash hands before smoking, eating or drinking.
8.7 Do not smoke, eat or drink in chemical handling areas.

9.0 Connected Works - Electrical

9.1 Anyone carrying out electrical work must be competent to do it safely and should, where possible, belong to a body which checks their work, such as the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC).

10.0 Personal Protective Equipment

10.1 Contractors must use PPE in addition to the normal engineering controls where appropriate.
10.2 Eye protection should have the right combination of impact/dust/splash/molten metal etc. protection for the task.
10.3 Helmets should be worn where there could be impact from falling or flying objects.
10.4 Ear-plugs or muffs should be worn where there could be impact noise, high intensities or pitch.
10.5 The correct type of hand protection should be used if there is a risk of abrasion, temperature extremes, electric shock etc.
10.6 The right type of respirator filter should be used if you are subjected to dusts, gases and vapours.

11.0 Important Information

11.1 It should be noted that this document is not a Healthy and Safety Policy as required by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which states that you must have a written, up to date health and safety policy, if you employ five or more people. This code has been designed purely as a 'best practice' policy for the business and holds no legal binding.