What is a Site Manager?

A site manager, sometimes referred to as a Construction Manager or Project Manager, is the person responsible for supervising construction projects from start to finish. The site manager oversees construction sites to ensure projects are completed in accordance with regulations, within budget and in the time frame agreed.

Site managers can be employed by a variety of companies, such as house builders, property developers, construction companies and infrastructure firms, and they may be hired as a contractor or be directly employed by the company.

An experienced site manager can earn up to £50,000 per year and is expected to work wherever the construction site is located, so may face a long commute or have to relocate for an extended period of time.

What Does a Site Manager Do?

Site managers have a high level of responsibility and are often in charge of construction projects from before they begin until after they are finished. They may have responsibility for the entire project or just part of a project, depending on their seniority and areas of expertise.

The site manager carries out a variety of roles and no two days will be the same. Tasks are related to areas such as; legal compliance, administration, providing safety advice, managing the budget, communicating with workers and contractors, ordering resources and ultimately, ensuring the job gets done on time.

Site Manager Responsibilities

Key responsibilities of a site manager include:

• Project management and overseeing a project from start to finish.
• Ensuring the project meets the client’s requirements and specifications.
• Reviewing progress of the project and getting it back on track if necessary.
• Monitoring costs throughout the project.
• Coordinating, supervising and communicating with construction workers.
• Hiring and coordinating subcontractors.
• Liaising with clients, contractors and others about the project.
• Preparing site reports and managing paperwork.
• Securing contracts, licences and permits.
• Identifying and buying the right resources, tools and materials for the project.
• Carrying out site safety inspections.
• Ensuring health and safety compliance.
• Maintaining quality control checks.
• Continually assessing and minimising risks with a risk assessment.
• Problem-solving and handling any project issues that arise.

Looking to Learn More?

An effective site manager needs to understand all aspects of construction health and safety and recognise how to ensure their project complies with safety regulations. Our online Health and Safety for Managers course provides you with a thorough understanding of all the key health and safety topics that site managers need to know.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Site Manager?

There are various routes into becoming a site manager, so choose the one that’s best suited to you and your preferred way of learning. If you already work in the construction industry then you already have the basic knowledge needed to become a site manager and may choose to enter the profession via an apprenticeship or college course. Alternatively, if you’re new to the industry, you may prefer to take a university course or find some hands-on work experience.

Alongside a site manager qualification, you’ll also need a valid Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site and membership with the Chartered Institute of Building would be beneficial. Bear in mind the time and costs associated with obtaining these extra certificates if you plan to enter this line of work.

The qualifications you need to be a site manager include:

Site Manager College Courses

A college course in site management enables you to learn everything you need to know to become a site manager, including essential knowledge on health and safety legislation, how to implement industry best practice, environmental considerations, planning skills and resourcing.

Examples of relevant courses are a Level 6 NVQ in Construction Site Management, a HMC in Construction or a HND in Construction Management. To take a college course in site management, you’ll need at least two GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent.

Site Manager Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship within an established construction firm is a great way to enter the industry and gain valuable, practical experience alongside your college lessons. You may also end up being employed by the construction firm as a Junior Site Manager at the end of your apprenticeship.

Examples of relevant apprenticeships are an apprenticeship in Construction Site Management or a higher apprenticeship in Construction Site Management. Each one takes 2-4 years to complete and you’ll need at least two GCSEs for a standard apprenticeship, including English and maths, or 4-5 GCSEs for a higher level apprenticeship.

Site Manager University Courses

An undergraduate, postgraduate or foundation degree in a construction related subject can help you to enter the site manager profession at a more senior level. Relevant university subjects include civil engineering, building studies, construction management, project management and surveying. Depending on the employer, you may need to achieve a particular grade to become a site manager for their company.

Site Manager Work Experience

Carrying out some work experience alongside an existing site manager in the construction industry is a great way to gain insider knowledge and experience of the role. Work experience is usually voluntary and unpaid and may require you to work during holidays but it can be highly attractive to potential employers if you have some work experience on your CV.

Site Manager Health and Safety Training

To be a successful site manager, you must prioritise health and safety at all times and recognise the importance of following rules and regulations whilst construction projects are being carried out. Not only does the project itself need to be legally compliant, but so too do any on-site workers and contractors.

High Speed Training has a wide range of health and safety awareness courses that are ideal for site managers and the employees they oversee. All the courses can be completed online and come with a certificate to put on your CV at the end. Some of the awareness level courses on offer include:

• Health and Safety Training for Managers
• Risk Assessment Training
• CDM Regulations
• Permit to Work Training
• Health and Safety Training for Employees
• Asbestos Awareness
• Working at Height 
• Manual Handling Awareness
• Working in Confined Spaces
• LOLER Training

You can access our full catalogue of online health and safety training courses here.

Site Manager Skills

As well as being able to carry out the practical, day-to-day tasks associated with site management (your hard skills), a competent site manager also needs to possess a range of soft skills to be successful in their role.

Examples of essential site manager skills are:

• Knowledge of the construction industry as a whole.
• An understanding of building regulations, such as the Building Safety Act.
• Knowledge and application of health and safety procedures.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Logical thinking.
• Ability to make decisions.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Motivation skills.
• Teamwork.
• Leadership skills.
• Negotiation skills.
• Time management skills.
• Project management skills.
• Ability to understand technical drawings and diagrams.
• Understanding of quality control.

All construction sites require a competent site manager who can ensure construction projects run efficiently, to budget and on-time, starting from before the projects begin until after the jobs have been completed. Possessing the right skills and qualifications to be a site manager will ensure you’re successful in the role and can go on to be a highly-regarded site manager in the construction industry.

Further Resources:

• Online Health and Safety Courses
• How to Become a Project Manager
• Careers in Construction Industry: Opportunities and Roles
• How to Become a Construction Worker

The post How to Become a Site Manager appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

What is a Competent Person in Health and Safety?

When talking about health and safety in the workplace, appointing a ‘competent person’ to help the organisation comply with health and safety law is something you often hear about – but what is a ‘competent person’?

Put simply, a competent person is someone who has extensive experience of the workplace, who understands the health and safety hazards within it, who has knowledge of health and safety law and who knows what needs to be done to keep people safe from harm.

The Management of Health at Safety at Work Regulations 1999 state that business owners must select ‘one or more competent persons’ to assist with health and safety compliance, but the level of competence required and the number of competent persons needed depends on your specific workplace and work activities: the higher the risk, the higher the level of competence.

A few examples of a competent person include:

• An expert in fire safety measures who ensures compliance with fire safety regulations.
• Someone with in-depth knowledge of a particular work activity.
• A supervisor on a construction site who’s worked in the role for 10+ years.
• An employee with extensive experience of operating specific machinery.
• A manager with considerable knowledge of health and safety legislation.
• A health and safety inspector who regularly identifies hazards as part of their role.
• A kitchen manager who regularly trains staff members in safety measures.
• A site manager with extensive knowledge of the workplace and its layout.
• A qualified first-aider who can easily recognise and manage health risks.

Competent Person Responsibilities

The business owner always has overall responsibility for health and safety in the workplace and a competent person cannot take on this duty. However, a competent person has a wide range of responsibilities in order to assist the business owner in meeting their legal obligations.

A competent person, because of their knowledge and experience of the workplace, is well-placed to provide business owners with advice on health and safety. Whilst their duties will be specific to their particular workplace,  responsibilities of a competent person usually include:

• Identifying hazards in the workplace.
• Inspecting the premises, work equipment and work practices at regular intervals to identify any new hazards.
• Assessing the level of risk presented by each hazard through a risk assessment and reviewing and updating this at regular intervals.
• Offering ideas of practical control measures that will reduce the likelihood of harm.
• Keeping up-to-date with health and safety regulations and ensuring the workplace continues to comply with the law as regulations change or are updated.
• Communicating health and safety policies and procedures to other staff members and providing relevant health and safety training where required.

Want to Learn More?

Are you a competent person for your workplace? Then our range of online Health and Safety Courses – including Risk Assessment Training and Health and Safety Training For Employees – will help you to perform your role effectively and ensure your workplace complies with health and safety law.

How to Become a Competent Person

All types of organisations must comply with health and safety legislation and so must have a competent person – or persons – to help ensure these legal requirements are met.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that a competent person is ‘someone who has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities that allow them to assist you properly. The level of competence required will depend on the complexity of the situation and the particular help you need.’

Ideally, the competent person should always be someone within the organisation, as these people have unparalleled knowledge of the workplace, the work tasks and the hazards they present. If there is no-one suitable to be a competent person in-house, then you can outsource the role to an external professional, but this should be reserved for high-risk workplaces where specialist advice is more likely to be required.

To become a competent person for your organisation, there are three key traits you must possess:

1. Experience

A competent person needs to have experience of the industry, the workplace and the work activities. Ideally, they’ll have worked for the organisation for some time and may have worked in different roles there, gaining experience of identifying, assessing and resolving risks. The competent person also needs to have in-depth knowledge and practical experience of the specific industry and its related hazards.

2. Ability

A competent person must have the technical ability and competence to perform the role. This means they need to possess the skills to identify hazards and suggest practical solutions to control them. Competent persons don’t need to have a formal qualification but they must be trained well enough so they can perform the role effectively. The competent person also needs to be able to understand health and safety law and how this applies to the workplace, plus keep track of any changes to regulations.

3. Attitude

A competent person must have a positive attitude towards health and safety compliance and actively promote a positive health and safety culture within the organisation. They need to be proactive about identifying and resolving hazards, confident to communicate policies and procedures to other members of staff and willing to put health and safety at the forefront of all work activities.

Appointing a competent person is an essential part of health and safety compliance and something that all business owners and employers should consider. A competent person is able to help the organisation meet its legal requirements, keep workers safe from harm and ensure hazards are dealt with quickly and efficiently. By appointing a competent person with the right experience and abilities, your workplace will ensure a positive health and safety culture where employee welfare is always the first priority.

Further Resources:

• Online Health and Safety Courses
• What are Safe Systems of Work?
• Risk Assessment at Work: Free Template

The post What is a Competent Person? appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

In this article, we’ll outline what a manual handling risk assessment is and why it’s important, what the steps of a manual handling risk assessment are and provide you with a free risk assessment template to use in your workplace.

What is a Manual Handling Risk Assessment?

A manual handling risk assessment is a step-by-step process that enables employers to control the health and safety risks caused by manual handling activities in the workplace.

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, all employers must manage health and safety risks. This means identifying what might cause injury in the workplace, how likely it is someone may be harmed and what can be done to control the risks. Carrying out a risk assessment is the essential first step in this process.

A manual handling risk assessment can be carried out by employers or any competent person nominated by the employer. What’s important is that this person understands the workplace, work activities and manual handling activities carried out there, whether that’s lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving objects, people or animals.

When carrying out a manual handling risk assessment, the competent person should also keep the TILE acronym in mind: Task, Individual, Load and Environment. When each of these four categories is considered, it will help to more easily identify the manual handling risks that need controlling. You can find out more on TILE  in our article: What Does TILE Stand For?

If it’s identified that a risk assessment isn’t enough to control the hazards, either because they cannot be removed or the risk of harm is too great, then a Safe System of Work may need to be considered instead.

What are the Risks of Manual Handling?

The main risks of manual handling are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These are injuries or conditions caused or made worse by poor manual handling practices and can affect the back, neck, shoulders, forearms, wrists, hands, hips, legs, knees, ankles and feet. The HSE estimates that MSDs made up a third of all workplace ill-health conditions.

Manual handling makes the risk of developing an MSD more likely if any of the following activities are performed incorrectly or unsafely:

• Bending, crouching or stooping.
• Lifting heavy or bulky loads.
• Pushing, pulling or dragging loads.
• Stretching, twisting and reaching.
• Carrying out repetitive actions.
• Using sustained or excessive force.
• Carrying out a task for a long time
• Working with display screen equipment (DSE).
• Working with hand-held power tools for a long time.
• Driving heavy vehicles, long-distance driving or driving over rough ground.

Want to Learn More?

If you have members of staff that carry out manual handling tasks in the course of their work, then training in how to work safely is essential. Our online Manual Handling Course will ensure that your employees are sufficiently trained in the principles and practices of safe manual handling.

5 Steps of a Manual Handling Risk Assessment

There are five steps of a manual handling risk assessment that the competent person needs to follow to ensure their risk assessment is sufficient and effective.

The 5 steps of a manual handling risk assessment are:

Step 1 – Identify the Hazards

This means looking around the workplace, speaking to employees and considering all work activities that involve manual handling and which may cause harm. Take a look at existing ill-health records and accident books to identify any previous issues that have caused harm, too. Then, make a list of each individual hazard you’ve identified.

Step 2 – Who Might be Harmed and How

For each of the identified manual handling hazards, consider who is likely to be harmed by them. It could be workers, visitors, contractors, suppliers or members of the public. Bear in mind that some people have more specific needs because of a disability or their age, for example, so may be at more risk of injury from manual handling than others.

Step 4 – Implement Control Measures

This step means looking at each manual handling hazard and determining what needs to be done to reduce the risk of harm. First of all, the hazard should be removed completely – is there an alternative way the task could be done so manual handling is avoided? If removing the hazard isn’t possible, then how can you control the level of risk? For example, changing the process, introducing machinery, reorganising the workplace or training staff members.

Step 4 – Record Your Findings

For organisations with more than five employees, keeping a record of your risk assessment is a legal requirement. For smaller businesses, it’s not the law but is still recommended. Recording your findings means making a written note of all the identified manual handling hazards, who might be harmed by them and what you are doing to control the risks of harm.

Step 5 – Review and Update

Once your manual handling risk assessment is completed, it’s important that it’s regularly reviewed to ensure the control measures remain effective. There are many reasons why you might need to make changes to the risk assessment, whether it’s because of new staff members, new processes, changes to equipment or something else. The risk assessment should also be reviewed and updated if there have been any related accidents or near misses.

Manual Handling Risk Assessment Template

Below is a free manual handling risk assessment template for you to download and use in your own workplace. Note that all risk assessment templates require personalisation for your own specific workplace and work activities, so you’ll need to check which sections are relevant, add your own and ensure the content is tailored to your own needs.

If manual handling is part of your workplace’s operations, then it’s important to carry out a manual handling risk assessment before allowing employees to begin tasks. The harm caused by incorrect manual handling can be long-term and debilitating for workers, so it’s important that the hazards are identified and control measures put in place to reduce the risk of harm.

Further Resources:

• Manual Handling Online Course
• What are Safe Systems of Work?
• Manual Handling Weight Limits: What are the Safe Lifting Guidelines and Techniques?
• Consequences of Poor Manual Handling

The post Manual Handling Risk Assessment: Free Template appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

What Does a Welder Do?

A welder is someone who cuts, shapes, joins and repairs pieces of metal using heat. They can also be referred to by their particular area of expertise, such as a pipe welder, MIG welder, TIG welder or arc welder.

Welders might work with welding materials such as aluminium, steel or brass, and may work on a construction site, demolition site, shipyard, in a personal workshop, in a factory or in people’s private homes. The role is likely to involve lone working, hot work and working at height, so the ability to work well in a high-pressure working environment is essential.

Key tasks a welder does include:

• Using heat and gas to join parts together.
• Selecting which materials are appropriate for the task.
• Selecting the right welding procedure to use for each task.
• Making repairs to existing metal parts and pipes.
• Operating and calibrating welding equipment and tools.
• Measuring and cutting metal plates and pipes.
• Inspecting and testing the quality of joints.
• Dismantling and cutting up old metalwork.
• Working on an assembly line.
• Controlling flame sources to maintain the correct temperature.
• Working with fume extraction systems.
• Following detailed design drawings and engineering instructions.
• Maintaining machinery.
• Cleaning tools, equipment and work areas.
• Following safety procedures at all times.

What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Welder?

To become a welder, it’s recommended that you look into a relevant college course or apprenticeship to ensure you have both the practical and theoretical skills needed to perform the role safely. 

For many welding jobs, you’ll need an industry safety certificate, such as the Client Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG) Safety Passport alongside your qualification. You’ll also need a valid Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card if you plan to work as a welder on a construction site. Bear in mind the time and costs associated with obtaining these extra certificates and cards if you plan to enter this line of work.

The qualifications you need to be a welder include:

Welding College Courses

A college welding course enables you to learn everything you need to know to become a trainee welder, including essential welding techniques and skills, health and safety procedures and knowledge of the engineering industry.

Examples of relevant courses are a Level 1 in Introductory Welding Skills, a Level 2 Award in Welding Skills and Techniques, a Level 3 Certificate in Welding and Fabrication Engineering Technology (for more experienced welders) or a T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control. To take a level 2 college course in welding, you’ll need at least two GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent.

Welding Apprenticeships

During a welding apprenticeship, you’ll learn hands-on skills from experienced welders alongside your classes in a college. An apprenticeship gives you real-life experience of welding, allows you to earn money whilst training and may lead to a position as a trainee welder within the company you do your apprenticeship with.

Examples of relevant apprenticeships are the General Welder Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, the Pipe Welder Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship and the Plate Welder Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. Each one takes 2-4 years to complete and you’ll need at least two GCSEs, including English and maths, to get started.

Welder Work Experience

Work experience as a welder is usually voluntary and unpaid, whether you do it full-time for a fortnight, after school or on a weekend. Welding work experience is a great way to get experience of a real-life working environment and is an asset to your CV. You could choose to shadow an experienced welder or look into a more specialist area of engineering or fabrication.

Welding Health and Safety Awareness Training

To be a welder, you must prioritise health and safety at all times and recognise the importance of performing the role safely and according to regulations.

High Speed Training has a wide range of health and safety awareness training that’s ideal for both new and experienced welders. All the courses can be completed online, giving you a certificate to put on your CV at the end. Some of the awareness level courses on offer include:

• Welding Safety
• Hot Work Training
• Working at Height 
• Ladder Safety
• Working in Confined Spaces
• Health and Safety Training for Employees
• Manual Handling Awareness

You can access our full catalogue of online health and safety training courses here.

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Welder?

As well as being able to carry out the practical tasks associated with welding, like cutting metal, making joins and using hot flame tools (your welding ‘hard skills’), a competent welder also needs to possess a range of ‘soft skills’ to be successful in the role.

Examples of welding soft skills are:

• Knowledge of the engineering industry as a whole.
• Understanding of welding health and safety procedures.
• Knowledge of hot work procedures.
• Recognition of the risks, such as arc-eye and burns.
• Good manual dexterity, strength and stamina.
• Good hand-eye coordination.
• Great attention to detail.
• Ability to read and follow technical drawings.
• Knowledge of technical welding terminology.
• Good maths skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Good concentration and ability to focus.
• Ability to adhere to deadlines.
• Ability to work alone safely.
• Knowledge of how to use, maintain and repair tools.
• Basic computer skills.

How to Get into Welding

If you’re new to the industry but know that welding is a career you want to pursue, take a look at the UK government’s apprenticeships near you or courses near you websites to find some initial training. You can then use the find a job service to look for permanent welding roles.

If you work in engineering already and want to move into welding, you can look at taking an additional training course in welding or inspection through The Welding Institute (TWI). Anyone can join the TWI and it can be a useful source of information for professional development, networking and training opportunities for both new and experienced welders.

If you’re unsure whether welding is the right career for you but you’re still interested in developing a trade, then our guide on careers in the construction industry will help you explore other similar job options that you may be interested in.

With experience as a welder, you can then explore different types of welding careers, such as becoming a supervisor or workshop manager, working in quality control and welding inspection, training new welders, becoming a welding engineer or specialising in a particular area of welding, such as marine engineering or boiler making. An experienced welder can earn in excess of £45,000 per year.

Skilled, qualified and competent welders will always be in demand in the engineering and construction industries, so pursuing this line of work can be a great career choice. Welding requires both practical skills and soft skills, including thorough knowledge of how to carry out this high-risk role safely and according to procedure. Once qualified, welding can become a career for life.

Further Resources:

• Online Health and Safety Courses
• How to Become a Construction Worker
• What is Asbestos Awareness Training & Who Needs it?
• How to Become an Engineer

The post How to Become a Welder appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

Asbestos Awareness Training

Working as a plasterer means there is the possibility of disturbing ACMs (Asbestos-Containing Materials) in the course of your work. Our Asbestos Awareness Course gives you the tools to go about your work safely and shows what to do if asbestos is encountered.

What Do Plasterers Do?

A plasterer is someone who applies plaster, smoothly and evenly, to the walls and ceilings of buildings. This enables the building to then be decorated. Plastering may involve creating smooth, flawless finishes but it can also involve repair work, restoration work or applying decorative textures.

Plasterers work in a variety of settings – you might be in a person’s home, in a commercial setting, in a historical building or on a construction site.

Key jobs a plasterer may be required to do include:

• Preparing a surface for plastering, including cleaning, sanding and applying bonding agents to remove uneven surfaces and encourage adhesion.
• Removing old, existing plaster.
• Estimating the amount of materials needed for a task.
• Mixing plaster to the right consistency and to the requirements of the task, whether by hand or with an electric mixer.
• Applying wet plaster to walls and ceilings using a variety of techniques and tools to achieve a smooth, textured or decorative finish.
• Applying external wall coverings, such as rendering or pebbledash.
• Fitting plasterboard to internal walls.
• Repairing damaged plaster, filling cracks and holes and fixing water damaged plaster.
• Cleaning up properly and disposing of waste materials safely, whether in a skip or at a waste disposal site, after completing a job.
• Following all relevant health and safety procedures at all times.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Plasterer?

The route you take into becoming a plasterer often depends on the requirements of the employer you’d like to work for so, if you’ve got a specific company in mind, take a look at their job adverts to see what they expect from the plasterers they hire.

In general, to become a plasterer you’ll need either a certificate from a relevant college course, a diploma, an apprenticeship and/or some hands-on work experience. Most new plasterers will have qualifications such as an apprenticeship and a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Plastering.

You’ll also need a valid CSCS card if you plan to work on a construction site.

Plasterer College Courses

A college course will teach you the basics of plastering and give you a certificate proving your skills. Examples of relevant courses include a Level 2 NVQ in Plastering (Construction), a  Level 6 SVQ in Construction Building (Plastering) if you’re in Scotland or a T Level in On Site Construction. You’ll usually need at least 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent to do a college course.

Plastering Diplomas

Taking a diploma in plastering helps you to demonstrate that you have practical plastering skills. Examples are the Level 2 Diploma in Plastering or Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Plastering.

Plastering Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship enables you to learn on the job whilst also spending time in college and may lead to a position within the company you train with. A Plasterer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship takes 2 years to complete and you’ll need GCSEs in at least English and maths to apply.

Plastering Work Experience

Voluntary work experience will put you ahead of other applicants when applying for a role as a plasterer, as it gives you valuable hands-on skills and knowledge of the industry.

Work as Plasterer’s Labourer

You can work as a plasterer’s labourer or plasterer’s mate without formal qualifications and it can be a good way to get some hands-on plastering experience or training before you apply for a full-time role.

Plastering CSCS Card

If you plan to work or train on a construction site, such as plastering for a new-build developer, then you’ll also need a valid Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. Bear in mind the time and costs associated with obtaining a card if you’re aiming to pursue this line of work.

Plastering Health and Safety Awareness Training

Alongside the practical skills needed to become a plasterer, there is also a lot of theoretical knowledge that you need to know. A lot of this relates to health and safety legislation and procedures, which you must understand in order to carry out your work safely and effectively.

High Speed Training has a wide range of health and safety awareness training that’s ideal for plasterers and can be completed online, giving you a certificate to put on your CV at the end. Some of the awareness level courses on offer include:

• Asbestos Awareness (Category A)
• Health and Safety Training for Employees
• Working at Height
• Manual Handling Awareness
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
• Workplace First Aid

You can access our full catalogue of online health and safety training courses here.

Plasterer Skills

As well as being able to carry out the practical tasks done by a plasterer, such as preparing surfaces, mixing plaster and applying it to the wall (your ‘hard skills’), plasterers also need a range of interpersonal skills to be successful. These plastering skills are known as ‘soft skills’ and are an important part of the role.

Examples of plasterer soft skills are:

• Knowledge of the building and construction industry as a whole.
• Good levels of dexterity and fitness.
• Great attention to detail.
• Ability to work at height safely.
• Initiative and proactivity.
• Time management and organisation.
• Ability to work well under pressure and time constraints.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Communication skills.
• Basic business management skills.
• Basic computer skills.

How to Start Plastering as a Career

An excellent plasterer will always be in demand and, if you’re hard working, diligent and enthusiastic, you’ll find yourself with a career for life, as customers will flood in through word of mouth recommendations.

If you’re new to plastering, then take a look at the UK government’s apprenticeships near you or courses near you websites to find some initial training. You can then use the find a job service to look for plastering roles.

Other ways to find a job as a plastering include trade shows, industry events, online job platforms and social media. Places like MyBuilder and Facebook are good ways to find local, one-off jobs, particularly in domestic properties, and are great if you plan to work as a freelance contractor.

To start your own plastering business, you’ll need to consider everything from a brand name and logo to a website, marketing plan, financial plan and inventory. Take a look at our article on Starting a Business and our online course that covers the essentials of Starting a Business.

If you opt to work as a plasterer for a larger company, then you can easily progress your plastering career once you’ve worked in the role for a while. Career progression could include moving into a supervisory role, becoming a construction site engineer, site management or specialising in an area such as drylining, ceiling fixing or heritage conservation.

Need help writing your CV as a plasterer? Then take a look at our guidance on How to Write Your First CV.

Plastering is a career that’s always in demand in the UK, as diligent, high-quality and organised plasterers can be hard to come by. If you decide to become a plasterer, then use your skillset to your advantage, work hard on your attention to detail, creativity and practical knowledge obtained through your plastering training, and success as a plasterer will soon follow.

Further Resources:

• Online Health and Safety Courses
• How to Find the Right Career for Me
• What is Asbestos Awareness Training & Who Needs it?
• How to Become an Engineer

The post How to Become a Plasterer appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

What Can You Put in a Skip?

The rules around what you can put in a skip are the same whether you work in the construction industry full-time or if you’ve hired a skip as part of your home renovation project, so the following is vital knowledge to have.

Examples of items and materials you can put in a skip are:

• Furniture and mattresses.
• Wood, plywood, MDF.
• Paper and cardboard.
• Glass.
• Plastic, including bags, bottles and packaging.
• Metals and tins (paint tins must be completely empty).
• Clothes and textiles.
• Carpet and rugs.
• Polystyrene.
• Bricks, rubble and tiles.
• Soil and garden waste.
• Domestic, household waste.

Always check with your skip hire company to see whether they have any particular requirements about what can and cannot go in the skip, as some services differ depending on your local council. For example, some skip providers allow mattresses whilst others prefer them to be kept separate.

What Can’t You Put in a Skip?

Any material that is classified as hazardous or harmful to either a person’s health or the environment must never be put in a skip, and there are strict rules and regulations controlling these types of substances.

Examples of items and materials that you can’t put in a skip are:

• Asbestos.
• Batteries.
• Medical waste.
• Electrical items.
• Tyres.
• Gas cylinders.
• Chemicals.
• Light bulbs and fluorescent tubes.
• White goods (such as fridges and freezers).
• Plasterboard.
• Paints and paint tins with contents still in them.
• Oil, petrol and diesel.

Again, always check with your skip hire company about what cannot be included in your skip, as services sometimes differ depending on your local authority.

Looking to Learn More?

If you work in the construction industry, then take a look at our full range of Health & Safety Courses, including Manual Handling and Asbestos Awareness, to help improve your knowledge of essential workplace safety skills and regulations.

Skip Rules

There are various rules and regulations surrounding the use of skips that you must adhere to if you plan to use one:

1. Skip markings – In the first instance, the skip hire company must ensure that their skip is safe for you to use and compliant with any necessary regulations. For example, it must have reflective markings, a visible contact name and number and lamps for night time.
2. Overall responsibility – The person who has hired the skip is responsible for the contents in it so, before your skip is collected, ensure that the items in it are safe and appropriate. This is particularly important if your skip is kept on a public road, as people may throw items into it that shouldn’t be there, and you will still be responsible for them.
3. Fly tipping – Fly tipping in skips can be a problem if your skip is kept on a public road or other public area, as criminals see it as a perfect opportunity to get rid of their own, illegal waste. Hiring a lockable skip or covering it with a tarpaulin when not in use can help to prevent this.
4. Overfilling the skip – Never overfill a skip, as it can be a serious safety hazard when the filled skip is being transported. Waste in the skip should not exceed the height of the skip’s walls – there are usually maximum fill lines to guide you.
5. Skip permits – You don’t need a permit for a skip that’s being kept on your own private property. If the skip is kept on a public road or area, however, then you’ll need a skip permit from your local council. The skip hire company may provide this as part of their package but always check.
6. Skips on public roads – If you are placing your skip on a public road, then it must not block any exits or entrances without authorisation, must not cover any utility access points (like manhole covers) and must not be within 15 metres of a junction. You’ll also need authorisation to put the skip on double yellow lines.
7. WEEE – The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations require all electrical waste to be disposed of or recycled by the local authority, which is why these items cannot be put in a skip alongside other waste. You’ll need to arrange for the local authority to collect your WEEE items or take them to a recycling centre yourself.
8. Plasterboard – Plasterboard and other products containing gypsum cannot be reused or recycled, so therefore cannot be disposed of in your skip. Legislation means that plasterboard must be kept separate from general waste and disposed of safely on its own, so should be taken to your local council’s recycling centre and never put in a skip.
9. Asbestos – Asbestos-containing materials are extremely hazardous to health if disturbed, so should never be put into a skip. You also cannot remove asbestos yourself and must hire a qualified professional to do it for you, as the risks to health are so high. An asbestos removal specialist will then dispose of the material for you.

Alternatives to Skips

Hiring a skip isn’t always the right solution, not only because it can be an expensive option for getting rid of waste, but it might be that you don’t have the space for a skip, can’t keep it somewhere accessible, can’t get a permit or have waste materials that can’t be put in it.

Alternative ideas to using a skip include:

Hire a ‘man with a van’

This option is great for domestic renovation projects, house clearances or big garden landscaping projects. It essentially means you’re hiring a van and a driver together.The ‘man and van’ will arrive at your property at an arranged time, load all of your waste for removal (meaning you can avoid any heavy lifting) and then take it where you need it to go. Depending on the company, the ‘man with a van’ may dispose of your waste for you, or you’ll have to go with them and help unload it at the other end.

Hire a grab lorry or grab wagon

Grab lorries are like a bigger version of a ‘man with a van’ and are great for bigger house or garden projects where you’ve got a lot of waste. The grab lorry works like a digger, with a large hydraulic arm that picks up the waste in a claw and deposits it in the back of the lorry. This method is useful if you have lots of heavy materials to move, like a big pile of soil or rubble. The lorry company will also take your waste for separation and recycling once they’ve collected it.

Hire a self-drive van

Hiring a van to drive yourself can be a money-saving option for disposing of waste, as it means you’ll be doing all of the loading, driving, unloading and sorting yourself. You can hire a van for as long as you need it for and use it to transport your waste items to your local waste recycling centre. However, be sure to check with the van hire company whether they have any rules about what types of materials you can use the van for.

Book a local authority collection

If you just have a few large items to get rid of, like an old bed frame or a large fridge/freezer, then take a look at the waste collection services offered by your local council. Your council’s website will tell you what types of items they collect, how to schedule a pick up, whether there’s a fee involved and how to prepare the items for collection.

Give to charity

If you’re carrying out a house renovation or house clearance, then consider giving any still-working and good-condition items to charity, instead of throwing them away. Local charities and community projects will happily accept old furniture, electricals, fixtures and fittings if they’re good quality and can be used by someone who needs them. Some charities will even take old kitchen units and worktops to donate to those without.

Hiring a skip can be a great option for getting rid of large amounts of construction waste, whether you work in the construction industry or are simply doing a renovation at home. It’s important that you know how to fill your skip correctly and safely, however, and you must abide by the rules for what you can and cannot throw away in a skip. Do it correctly, and your waste items will soon be on their way to being reused, repurposed or recycled.

Further Resources:

• Health and Safety Courses
• Burning Rubbish: What are the Rules and Regulations?
• How to Dispose of Construction Waste

The post How to Fill a Skip appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

• Working at Height Regulations & Hierarchy of Control Measures
• Working at Height Rules and Regulations
• How to Develop a Rescue Plan for Working at Height
• Working at Height Training

The post Working at Height Quiz appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

Ladders and step ladders should only be used where the risk assessment for the work activity shows that equipment offering higher fall protection is not suitable. They should only be used for short-duration and low-risk tasks. To ensure the equipment remains safe to use, ladders and step ladders must undergo regular inspections.

In this article, we will cover what ladder inspections are, who should complete them, how to complete them and when they should be completed. We will also provide a ladder safety inspection checklist.

What are Ladder Inspections?

Ladders and step ladders are everyday tools used for various work activities, but they can also pose a serious risk if not in the correct condition. Therefore, a ladder inspection is required to ensure the ladder is safe and operates as intended to prevent and reduce accidents.

The employer is responsible for ensuring that ladder inspections are conducted regularly. These inspections should consist of a thorough test of each of the ladder’s components to ensure it is functional, as well as a visual check of its overall condition, such as signs of wear and tear, damage or defects that could affect the stability or integrity of the ladder.

In addition to this, a pre-use check should also be completed, by the person using it, at the beginning of each work day, before any work is begun on the ladder or any time the condition of the ladder has been changed, for example, if it has been moved from one location to another or if it has been dropped at any point. Any defects, damages or safety concerns following these pre-use checks must be reported to a manager or supervisor immediately before any work continues.

Need a Course?

Our Ladder Safety Training will help you understand how to use ladders and step ladders safely. Knowing how to choose, set up and use ladders reduces the likelihood of accidents.

Who Should Inspect a Ladder?

Employers must ensure that the inspection is completed by a competent person, which in most cases will be the employer themselves, a manager or a supervisor. However, if there is no competent person within the company to complete an inspection, the ladder should be sent to specialists, such as the manufacturer or supplier.

A competent person is someone with the technical skills, knowledge, experience and training needed to complete a valid inspection. 

How to Inspect a Ladder

Inspection of a ladder requires taking steps to confirm whether the ladder is safe for continued use by identifying any potential hazards or, ideally, lack thereof.

The overall condition of the ladder should be checked for visible signs of damaged, loose, cracked, bent or missing parts, as well as any sign of wear and tear, corrosion or any other defects on all of the stiles, rungs and mechanisms of the ladder. Any of the manufacturer labels or instructions must also be present and visible.

The functionality and integrity of the ladder should also be inspected, such as ensuring the rungs and side rails are securely attached. The locking mechanisms and spreaders must also be checked to ensure they are functioning correctly, and the ladder must be checked to ensure it is stable when placed in a working position.

Different types of ladders will also require additional checks. Download the ladder inspection checklist provided in this article for a detailed list of the checks needed.

During the inspection, the competent person should confirm that all ladders used are suitable and strong enough for the task. Changes to ladder standards mean that, since January 2019, all new ladders must be made in compliance with the BS EN 131 standard.

Ladders must also always be maintained and stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Use a ladder inspection checklist

To complete a ladder inspection, in addition to recording the condition of the ladder, the following must also be included:

• The name and address of the competent person undertaking the inspection and/or the name of the business for which the inspection was carried out.
• The location of the work equipment that has been inspected.
• A description of the work equipment that has been inspected.
• The date and time of the inspection.
• Details of any issues identified that could put people’s health and safety at risk.
• Details of any actions taken to solve or manage the issues identified.
• Details of any further action that is necessary.
• The name and position of the competent person who has written the report.

The results of this inspection must be documented and recorded to manage any risks and comply with legal requirements.

How often should ladders be inspected?

A formal, detailed inspection of ladders should be completed and recorded in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. In most cases, this will be at least every six months. However, depending on the specific work activities and environment, it may be that the intervals of inspections are legally required to be more frequent; for example, any ladder part of a scaffold system must be inspected every seven days to meet the scaffold inspection requirements.

Ladder Inspection Checklist PDF

Download our Ladder/step ladder inspection checklist PDF to help you understand what is needed for an inspection and to keep a record of these findings.

Remember, it is a legal requirement that employers ensure ladders are inspected by a competent person and that up-to-date records of these detailed inspections are kept.

Further Resources:

• Ladder Safety Training
• Ladder Safety Quiz
• RIDDOR: How to Report an Incident or Accident at Work
• Safely Securing Ladders: Guidance & Procedure
• Guidance on the Ladder Angle Rule

The post Ladder Inspection: Free Checklist appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

In this article, we will define mesothelioma and explain how it is linked to asbestos. We will also outline some of the symptoms to look out for and provide guidance on how you can help prevent it.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium, a thin membrane that lines the chest and abdominal cavities. Most commonly, mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos and develops in the lungs, known as pleural mesothelioma. However, less commonly, asbestos fibres can also be ingested and cause peritoneal mesothelioma, where the cancer develops in the abdomen. For more information on the different types of mesothelioma, visit the Mesothelioma UK website here.

Pleural mesothelioma causes the lining around the lungs to thicken, restricting lung expansion and causing breathing difficulties. Fluid can also collect between the two layers of the pleura, resulting in breathlessness.

Unfortunately, mesothelioma has a long latency period, meaning that it is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage and is often fatal at the time of diagnosis. It can take 20 to 50 years after the initial exposure to asbestos for symptoms to start showing.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance that was once widely used in buildings and materials for its fire protection, heat resistant and insulating properties. It was later discovered that asbestos fibres can be easily inhaled or ingested if they are disturbed and, therefore, pose a serious health risk. In fact, asbestos is the largest cause of death for workers in the UK, resulting in over 5,000 deaths every year. You can find more information on the types of asbestos, the dangers it poses and where you are likely to find it in our article here.

According to Mesothelioma UK, the link between asbestos and cancer was first recognised in the 1950s, though the first report linking the fibrous material to mesothelioma specifically wasn’t until 1960. Since then, it has been widely understood that historic exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma, causing more than 95% of cases in men and 85% in women.

Due to the danger of asbestos and its associated risks, the use of asbestos was banned in 1999, but many asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still present in properties built before 2000. Therefore, even today, there remains a risk of exposure, and it is essential that proper asbestos management systems and practices are in place for any work that may involve ACMs.

Need a Course?

Our Asbestos Awareness Training, made in partnership with Mesothelioma UK, provides you with the essential knowledge you need to help keep yourself and others safe from the risks of asbestos exposure.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

As stated earlier, symptoms of mesothelioma can take many years to develop and often mimic those of other, less severe conditions.

Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

• A persistent cough.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Fatigue.
• A high temperature and sweating, particularly at night.
•  A loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss.

For peritoneal mesothelioma, common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or swelling.
• Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhoea or constipation.

This is not an exhaustive list, but these symptoms are commonly associated with an underlying health issue and should, therefore, always be addressed. 

If you believe you could have been exposed to asbestos, either recently or in the past, you must speak with your GP and ensure that information is recorded in your notes.

How to Prevent Mesothelioma

As asbestos is the main cause, the best way to prevent mesothelioma is to avoid exposure to it. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, written management plans should be in place if any work has the potential for exposure to asbestos. Speak to your manager or employer about the risk assessments and safety measures they have in place to mitigate exposure. All employees have every right to ask questions, raise concerns and request further information regarding the safety measures taken – you must never continue working if you are concerned about exposure to asbestos fibres, even if instructed to do so. Understanding the dangers that asbestos poses is vital to protecting health and welfare. By law, if your profession involves work involving potential contact with ACMs, you must be trained to keep yourself and others safe from harm. It is important that you comply with training, follow any workplace procedures and work in accordance with any safety measures required, such as avoiding certain areas and using certain personal protective equipment (PPE) or respiratory protective equipment (RPE) when advised.

Anyone at risk of potential exposure should understand the specific, immediate actions that need to be taken should this event occur. Visit our article for more information on what to do if you’re exposed to asbestos here.

Follow our Asbestos Awareness tag on the Hub for more information and all our asbestos-related content. 

Further Resources:

• Asbestos Awareness Course (Category A)
• What to Do if Exposed to Asbestos
• Asbestos Colours: What is the Most Dangerous Asbestos Colour?

The post Guidance on Mesothelioma and Asbestos appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

What is a Chemical Burn?

A chemical burn is a burn to the skin, eyes or internal organs caused by an acid, alkaline or caustic chemical. Chemical burns are sometimes also referred to as caustic burns. When an irritant comes into contact with your skin, eyes or organs, the reaction can be very damaging and may even be fatal.

Chemical burns are caused by a chemical reaction with your skin, rather than by heat like other types of burns caused by hot flames or sparks. It may be that you touch the chemical with bare hands, the chemical spills onto and through your clothing, the chemical gets splashed into your eyes or the chemical is swallowed and ingested. All of these incidents have the potential to cause a chemical burn.

Causes of Chemical Burns

Most chemical burns are caused by accidents due to the mishandling or improper use of chemical substances, whether in the workplace or at home. They can also be caused by both small and large volumes of chemicals – sometimes just a splash of a chemical onto your skin is enough to cause a burn. This is why it’s so important that you handle all types of chemicals with care.

Examples of everyday substances that are common causes of chemical burns include:

• Battery acid, including household batteries and car batteries.
• Bleach and cleaning products containing bleach.
• Paint thinner.
• Drain cleaning and drain unblocking products.
• Ammonia and products containing ammonia, like oven cleaner and many other household cleaning products.
• Pool chlorination products.
• Disinfectants.
• Polishes, including furniture polish and car polish.

Some groups of people are more at risk from chemical burns, too. More obviously, people who work with chemicals as part of their job role are more at risk from chemical burns. However, it’s children, people in later life and those with certain disabilities who are perhaps most at risk from chemical burns, as they may have more difficulty recognising the dangers of not handling chemical products safely, making spills or accidental ingestion more likely.

Want to Learn More?

Do you handle chemicals as part of your work? You can learn more about chemical safety with our COSHH training course and understand the basics of first aid and how to handle emergency situations with our Workplace First Aid course.

Signs and Symptoms of Chemical Burns

Depending on how the chemical burn was obtained, different signs and symptoms may be seen. For example, you will see fewer visible signs if someone has swallowed a chemical compared to if they’ve got it on their hands.

Immediately after contact with a chemical, the first sign of a chemical burn is usually an intense stinging pain around the affected area.

As time progresses, the casualty is then likely to experience symptoms such as:

• Blistering of the skin.
• Peeling skin.
• Discolouration of the skin – often red or black.
• Irritation of the skin.
• Swelling or numbness.

If a person has swallowed or ingested chemicals, they may experience symptoms such as:

• Low blood pressure and dizziness.
• An irregular heartbeat.
• Coughing.
• Headache.
• Vomiting.

How to Treat Chemical Burns

If you suspect that someone has received a chemical burn, you should:

1. Immediately call the emergency services for further help, as the chemical burn may be more serious than it appears. Rng for advice on the NHS 111 helpline if you’re unsure of what to do.
2. Carry out the first stage of the primary survey and check the area nearby to see what evidence you can see and to ensure it’s safe for you to approach. Can you see any chemical containers that may give you a clue as to which chemical has harmed them? Are there pools of chemicals on the floor or soaked into their clothing that suggests a hazardous spill? This kind of information is useful for your own safety and also to pass onto the emergency services when they arrive.
3. Wear protective gloves when approaching the casualty to avoid coming into contact with the chemical yourself. You could also open a door or window to ventilate the space.
4. Carefully remove any contaminated clothing from the casualty, being careful not to touch or spread the chemical further. Do not remove any clothing that has stuck to the burn.
5. Rinse the affected area with clean, lukewarm water for at least 20 minutes to cool the burn and remove as much of the chemical as possible. Pour the water so it flows away from the body and away from yourself, so it doesn’t cause further damage. Do not wipe the skin as this can spread the chemical to further areas.
6. Keep the casualty calm and reassured until the emergency services arrive. Medical professionals can then clean the burn properly and apply an appropriate dressing, or take the person to hospital for further treatment if required.

Depending on the severity of the burn, it can take a long time for the body to heal following a chemical burn. A minor burn on the surface of the skin will heal fairly quickly but may leave a scar if it’s affected the deeper skin tissue. For more severe burns, the casualty may need to stay in hospital for some time and it can take years for the affected area to fully heal.

Further Resources:

• Workplace First Aid Training
• What are the Responsibilities of a First Aider?
• What Should Be In A First Aid Kit?

The post Guidance on Chemical Burns appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.