What Do Scaffolders Do?

A scaffolder, or scaffolding technician, is someone who erects and dismantles metal scaffolding on buildings and building sites. These structures are temporary and enable other workers to work at height safely during construction or repair work, such as roofers, carpenters, plasterers and builders.

Scaffolders may be required to set up scaffolding, guard rails, access planks and rigs inside or outside a building or structure, and often in all weathers. What’s most important is that scaffolders know how to carry out their work to perfection – scaffolding must be erected according to safety regulations and procedures, and scaffolders play a vital role in ensuring the safety of others in the workplace.

Key tasks a scaffolder does include:

• Erecting metal scaffolding poles.
• Fixing scaffolding onto buildings.
• Setting up platforms, temporary roofs and suspended scaffolding.
• Laying planks and boards to walk on.
• Loading and unloading scaffolding equipment onto/off a vehicle.
• Dismantling scaffolding.
• Fixing guard rails, safety netting and any other safety equipment.
• Ensuring scaffolding structures meet industry standards and safety regulations.
• Inspecting scaffolding structures to ensure they’re safe to use.
• Working as a team to erect/dismantle scaffolding. 
• Communicating with clients and other tradespeople.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Scaffolder?

Whilst there are no specific qualifications needed to become a scaffolder, it’s recommended that you look into a college course or apprenticeship to enter this line of work. Depending on how you learn best, you might prefer a full-time course, hands-on experience or a mix of the two.

The qualifications you need to be a scaffolder include:

Scaffolder College Courses

A college course will give you the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to become a scaffolder and will ensure you have a certificate and qualification at the end to prove what you know. Examples of relevant college courses are the Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills, Level 2 Certificate in Construction Operations, Level 2 NVQ in Accessing Operations and Rigging (Construction) – Scaffolding or a Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) course. To take a college level 2 course in scaffolding, you’ll need at least two GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent.

Scaffolding Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a great way to gain hands-on skills and experience of the scaffolding industry, as it enables you to work on-the-job alongside your studies. Local scaffolding and construction companies often offer apprenticeships to young people, so take a look at what’s on offer at businesses in your area. An example is the Level 2 Scaffolder Apprenticeship, which usually takes two years to complete. To start an apprenticeship, you’re likely to need at least two GCSEs, including English and Maths, or the equivalent.

Scaffolder Work Experience

Taking a weekend job, work experience placement or short-term voluntary role as a scaffolding labourer with an existing construction company is a great way to obtain on-site experience and learn skills from an experienced scaffolder working in the industry. The employer you do work experience for may even be able to offer you an apprenticeship or further training once your work experience period is complete. Doing some scaffolding work experience will help you to get a full-time role and will look attractive to potential employers on your CV.

Scaffolder Health and Safety Awareness Training

To be a scaffolder, you must prioritise safety at all times and understand how to carry out the role whilst following all health and safety procedures, rules and regulations.

High Speed Training has a wide range of health and safety awareness training that’s ideal for both new and experienced scaffolders. 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:

• Working at Height 
• Ladder Safety
• Health and Safety Training for Employees
• Manual Handling Awareness
• LOLER Training

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

Scaffolder Skills

As well as being able to carry out the practical tasks associated with scaffolding, like erecting scaffolding poles, laying planks and attaching guard rails (your scaffolding ‘hard skills’), a good scaffolder also needs to possess a range of interpersonal skills – known as ‘soft skills’ – to be successful.

Examples of scaffolder soft skills are:

• Knowledge of the safety risks posed by scaffolding.
• Ability to work confidently at height.
• An understanding of working at height safety legislation.
• A good level of physical fitness, dexterity and strength.
• Good hand-eye coordination.
• Good attention to detail.
• Ability to think strategically and critically.
• Knowledge of the construction industry as a whole.
• An understanding of fall protection measures.
• Knowledge of Safe Systems of Work.
• Ability to work as a part of a construction team.
• Good verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read technical drawings and plans.

Becoming a Scaffolder

If the role of scaffolder is one you’re interested in but you’re new to the industry, 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 permanent scaffolder roles.

You’ll also need a valid Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card if you plan to work as a scaffolder on a construction site. Employers in this area won’t take you on without a valid card, so keep in mind the time and costs associated with obtaining one and factor this into your scaffolder training.

Whilst training or studying to become a scaffolder, it’s also a good idea to spend some time building relationships and networking with people in the scaffolding industry, as this can help to keep you in the loop with current industry knowledge, and alert you to any potential job roles. Networking can be done online (such as on LinkedIn or by joining a trade organisation) or in-person at an industry event or trade show.

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

Once you’ve worked in the role of scaffolder for a little while and gained some valuable experience, you can then look at career progression and pursue the role of supervisor, project manager, scaffolding consultant or construction manager, for example. A scaffolder new to the role can expect to earn around £20,000 but an experienced scaffolder can easily earn double that.

Scaffolders play an important role in the construction industry. To become a scaffolder, you need to have a good mix of skills alongside a relevant college course, apprenticeship and/or work experience in the industry. Just as importantly, a good scaffolder must have a thorough understanding of safety legislation, as erecting scaffolding must be done with care to ensure the health and safety of other tradespeople who will be working on it.

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 a Construction Worker
• Careers in Construction Industry: Opportunities and Roles

The post How to Become a Scaffolder 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.

This article will discuss some examples of fall protection. It will help to aid your understanding of the methods of fall protection that employers may select to control working at height hazards.

What is Work at Height?

Work at height refers to work in any location where, if there were no precautions in place, a person, object, or material could fall a distance that is likely to cause personal injury. For example, working in areas where someone can fall off an edge, through an opening, or through a fragile surface (e.g. a skylight or fragile roof sheeting); unsafe or inappropriate use of ladders and stepladders; or working on a scaffolding platform or mobile elevating work platforms (MEWP).

Examples of work at height include: 

• Roofing work, including inspections of roofs. 
• Working on top of, or near to, roof lights or fragile roofing.
• Gutter and window cleaning.
• Shelf stacking and unloading vehicles.
• Machine and plant maintenance.
• Putting up displays.

Working at height hazards and the level of risk they pose vary from business to business and the activities that are carried out there, but all work at height can pose a risk of falling if not adequately controlled. It’s therefore crucial for the work to be planned and carried out safely. 

Why is Working at Height Safety Important?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) annual statistics state that, in 2022/23, there were 60,645 non-fatal injuries reported by employers under RIDDOR, and falls from a height accounted for 8% of these. Additionally, falls from height accounted for 40 deaths and the highest proportion of fatalities caused by accidents. As these statistics demonstrate, work at height that is not adequately controlled can have serious consequences. 

It’s important to note that, under the Work at Height (WAH) Regulations 2005, the first duty of every employer is to ensure that, where possible, work at height is avoided. Where staff must work at height, it’s essential that it has been properly planned and organised from the beginning, is properly supervised at all times, and carried out so that it is safe, so far as is reasonably practicable. In addition, every person involved in all these stages must be trained and competent in how to carry out their tasks safely.

If work at height cannot be avoided, the risk assessment will need to identify what fall protection is necessary to control the working at height hazards.

Risk Assessment

Where staff must work at height, it’s essential that a risk assessment is carried out prior to the work commencing. Risk assessments must be carried out by a competent person, who has the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to be able to safely assess the risks involved with working at height activities. They will need to consider and decide on control measures to eliminate or reduce these risks to as low as is reasonably practicable.

The WAH Regulations set out an order of effective controls for managing the risks associated with working at height. The order of controls starts with the controls that should be considered first at the top. You can read more about the hierarchy of control for work at height here: Working at Height Regulations – Hierarchy of Control Measures. 

Working at height fall protection is one effective way of controlling work at height risks, and the type selected must correspond with the hierarchy of control. 

Certain ones cannot be chosen first unless others are not reasonably practicable or they do not sufficiently reduce the risk, in which case a combination of controls may be used. For example, working at height harnesses cannot be chosen before considering safe working platforms, but they may be used in combination with them if residual risk is identified after the safe working platforms are considered.

Examples of Fall Protection Equipment

The examples of fall protection throughout this section are discussed in the order outlined by the hierarchy of control measures. Avoidance of working at height is explained first as this must be considered before fall protection equipment. 

1. Avoiding Work at Height

As previously mentioned, under the WAH Regulations, employers must always avoid the need for working at height where it’s reasonably practicable to do so. To comply with this, employers must properly plan all work activities before work begins and always consider how work at height could be avoided. 

For example, replacing ladders or low level access platforms with extension poles for window cleaning. Avoiding working at height could also be planned into the workplace, e.g. installing a light fitting that is designed to be lowered when changing the bulb, rather than having to work at height to change it.  

2. Preventing Falls

Where work at height cannot be avoided, the second step is to use an existing safe place that prevents people from falling, such as a flat roof with permanent guardrails. Where this isn’t reasonably practicable, employers must choose the most suitable work equipment to prevent falls, or if that is not reasonably practicable, to mitigate the consequences of a fall from height or the fall of materials or objects.

The individual who is responsible for selecting fall protection equipment will consider a variety of factors to ensure suitable equipment is selected. This includes, but is not limited to, considering the work environment, any space constraints, adequate clearance for the equipment, and how many people are working at height that need protection. 

Examples of types of fall protection equipment that may be used to prevent falls are listed below. 

Properly constructed working platforms

Properly constructed working platforms fitted with guardrails and toe boards are the most effective working at height equipment for preventing people or objects from falling from height. 

Examples of working platforms include scaffolding and mobile towers, and mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

Safe working platforms are an example of collective fall protective equipment. They should be considered if avoiding the work at height or using an existing safe place is not reasonably practicable. Where possible, safe working platforms should be used for work at height in preference to other methods of fall protection.

Note that, where preventing falls using collective equipment is not doable, fall restraint PPE should be considered to prevent a fall. For example, using short lanyards when working on a flat roof with no permanent guardrails to stop employees reaching areas with a fall risk. We’ll discuss PPE usage later. 

Mobile towers

Mobile towers (originally called tower scaffolds) provide a safe alternative to full scaffolding for many routine maintenance or repair activities. They should always be considered before ladders. 

All mobile towers must be assembled by formally trained and competent personnel. The manufacturer’s instructions must always be followed during erecting, dismantling, and inspecting them. Furthermore, employers must ensure that workers can get safely to and from the work platform, and that all platforms have the required edge protection. 

Low level mobile tower platforms

For low level work at height, there is a wide variety of low level mobile tower platforms available. There are also low level platforms, commonly called podium steps or platforms, that can be used. Both have a working platform and handrails, and provide safe access up to a platform height of about 1.5 – 2 metres. They should always be considered before ladders.

Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs)

The two common types of MEWPs are:

• Telescopic booms (often called ‘cherry pickers’). These can provide access to difficult or restricted areas. 
• Scissor lifts. These have a large platform and so can take greater loads than telescopic booms, and are useful for safely installing electrical and mechanical equipment.

Before using MEWPs, employers must ensure that all work involving the MEWP is properly planned, that the MEWP will never be overloaded, and that anyone using a MEWP is competent to do so.

3. Reducing the Consequences of a Fall

If falls cannot be eliminated or prevented and there is no safe place, then the use of work equipment that provides collective protection to minimise the distances or consequences of a fall are the next level of the hierarchy of control. This should only be considered when it is not reasonably practicable to avoid or prevent falls from height. 

Examples of collective protection work equipment are:

• Safety nets. In select circumstances, high fall-risk activities may be mitigated by using safety nets. Safety nets may be appropriate in situations where work is carried out on or near fragile roofing. If used, there must be adequate clearance under the nets to prevent injury. 
• Soft landing systems, including airbags. Airbags might be appropriate in situations where falls might occur from a lower height, such as when loading and unloading vehicle trailers. They should be located as close as possible to the working area to ensure they catch anyone who might fall. Airbags decrease in effectiveness as the fall distance increases, so should only be used for small fall distances.

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Once all the other steps of the hierarchy have been considered, fall arrest PPE can then be considered. Fall arrest PPE is used to stop a fall that is about to happen or is happening, either by stopping the fall entirely or stopping the fall before contact with a surface. 

There are two types of fall arrest equipment: 

• Fall restraint harnesses. This prevents a fall that could otherwise happen without it. For example, it may be used when working on a MEWP to prevent the person from being thrown out of it if the MEWP strikes an obstruction. The lanyard attached to the wearer’s safety harness must be short (less than 1 metre).
• Fall arrest harnesses. The main difference between a fall restraint and an arrest system is that the restraint system prevents the fall before it happens, whereas the arrest system stops the fall while it’s happening before contact with a surface. To be effective, they must have secure attachment points and clearance from the ground so the shock absorbing lanyard can deploy.

Fall arrest equipment should only be used when it’s not reasonably practicable to implement any of the hierarchy’s higher levels, or if the higher levels do not sufficiently control the risk. 

Furthermore, they require the wearer to receive thorough training in their use and depend on constant on-site supervision. In many cases, they are used in combination with higher levels of control where residual risk is present. A good collection of controls will ensure that the risks posed by working at height hazards are kept to an absolute minimum. 

It is an employer’s duty to assess the specific working at height activities and conditions, and select appropriate fall protection equipment for them where necessary. This may be a combination of many to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. Anyone who works at height also has legal duties in relation to fall protection equipment — to follow the instructions and training they receive, use the working at height equipment correctly and safely, and report any defects in the work equipment. All of this will help to ensure that working at height risks are minimised and everyone can stay safe at work. 

Further Resources: 

• Working at Height Training
• How to Develop a Rescue Plan for Working at Height
• Working at Height Rules and Regulations
• Safely Securing Ladders: Guidance & Procedure
• What is a Method Statement & How Do I Fill it in?
• Ten Common Construction Site Hazards
• A Ladder Inspection Checklist: Free Template
• Working at Height Quiz

The post Using Fall Protection to Control Working at Height Hazards appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

Due to the nature of the plumbing profession, there are times where health and safety can be compromised. A 2019 report undertaken by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that within the plumbing industry, 2,930 workers (per 100,000 people) experienced problems with respiratory illnesses and skin diseases. As plumbers repeatedly use their hands as their main tool, they are exposed to various chemicals and materials. Alongside this, plumbers may over wash their hands due to being exposed to numerous substances, which can cause contact dermatitis, irritation, inflammation and cracking.

This article will discuss several plumbing hazards and risks, including asbestos, confined spaces and slips, trips and falls. It will additionally detail the importance of completing a plumbing risk assessment and provide you with a downloadable template.

What are the Risks Associated with Plumbing?

Working as a plumber will expose you to a variety of plumbing hazard and risks, so it is crucial to be aware of the potential dangers you may encounter. Outlined below are a few examples of risks that can be found within the plumbing industry.

Asbestos

Plumbers are often exposed to asbestos more than other professionals as they are regularly working in places with an unknown building history. Because of its fire-resistant qualities, asbestos was historically used as pipe, pump, valve and gasket insulation for years. Inhalation of the deadly fibres can cause numerous health problems, such as pleural thickening, asbestosis, mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancers, all of which currently have no cure. Exposure to asbestos is the number one cause of respiratory death and affects many people in their workplace. The HSE estimates that 5,000 people die every year from asbestos-related diseases. Furthermore, according to figures from Cancer Research UK, there are around 2,500 deaths from mesothelioma in the UK each year.

Working at Heights

Work at height means work in any place, including a place at or below ground level, where if measures required by the Work at Height Regulations 2005 are not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. The regulations additionally include obtaining access to, or egress from, a place of work at height. It is crucial for plumbers to recognise that even being just a few feet off the ground is a risk. Working at heights can cause plumbers to slip or fall, alongside the potential of being struck by falling objects. Furthermore, working on ladders for long periods of time can cause muscle strain in the legs, foot problems and back pains.

Confined Spaces

According to HSE, a confined space is a place which is substantially enclosed, and where serious injury can occur from hazardous substances or conditions within the space, for example, a lack of oxygen. Each year, there are many unnecessary deaths from people working in confined spaces. Storage tanks, pipes, sewers, ducts and boilers can be a challenge for plumbers as the level of oxygen is not average, which can lead to breathing difficulties. Additionally, plumbers may have to repair or replace services within small cupboards, low loft spaces and under floorboards and sinks. This poses a threat of musculoskeletal injuries, head injuries, back and neck problems, as well as cuts and abrasions from slipped tools.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Within the plumbing industry, slips, trips and falls are extremely common. The HSE’s annual health and safety statistics shows that slips, trips and falls account for 30% of all non-fatal injuries at work. Due to working within wet environments, plumbers are often exposed to an increased risk of slips, trips and falls. Water is likely to get onto the floor regularly, consequently resulting in a prime slip risk. As plumbing routinely involves working in confined spaces, there is often a low level of lighting within the work area. This can lead to being unable to detect obstacles and contaminants, again, leading to slips, trips and falls. Uneven flooring or missing flooring is another recurrent occurrence for plumbers. Flooring may need to be lifted to access plumbing which poses a risk within the working environment. Some injuries that can arise from slips, trips and falls in a plumbing setting include sprains or strains, broken bones and back injuries due to the impact.

Need a Course?

Take a look at our wide range of Health & Safety Courses to ensure that you understand the most common health and safety risks in your workplace, from Asbestos Awareness to Working At Height.

Why are Risk Assessments for Plumbing Important?

It is vital that employers of plumbers, or self-employed plumbers complete a risk assessment to identify what has the potential to cause harm and the ways to minimise those risks, in order to prevent harm. Plumbers are trained to troubleshoot issues, install and maintain plumbing systems. Nevertheless, the work of plumbers goes beyond the provision of plumbing systems. They must additionally be aware of the risks associated with plumbing installations and how to follow the control measures put in place by their employer.

The HSE define risk assessments as a step-by-step process for controlling health and safety risks caused by hazards in the workplace. Accordingly, risk assessments form an integral part of an occupational health and safety management plan.

To comply with regulatory requirements, employers of plumbers, or self-employed plumbers must abide by both The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR). These acts place duties on both employers and the self-employed to ensure that they have assessed the risk to:

a) Their own health and safety at work.

b) The health and safety of other people they work with (including the client and any others in the vicinity that maybe affected by their acts or omissions)

There are several fundamental benefits of completing a plumbing risk assessment. A few examples are detailed below.

Awareness of Hazards and Risks

One of the primary advantages of a risk assessment is that it provides the capability to recognise, evaluate and control any hazards within the work setting. It additionally identifies who may be at risk, for example, the plumbers themselves, contractors, or members of the public.

Adherence to Legislation

Completing a risk assessment demonstrates to employees and external bodies such as the HSE, that ample steps have been taken to protect people from harm and comply with the appropriate legislation.

Reduction of Costs

Furthermore, carrying out a plumbing risk assessment can reduce the likelihood of incidents occurring in the workplace. This can lead to reduced costs, such as training and insurance costs, through being proactive instead of reactive.

Free Plumbing Risk Assessment Template

We have created a plumbing risk assessment template which can be downloaded by clicking the link below. The employers of plumbers, or self-employed plumbers can utilise the risk assessment to establish what has the potential to cause harm and the ways to minimise those risks, in order to prevent harm. Below are some examples of plumbing hazards that may be identified in an assessment and what measures can be implemented to minimise the level of risk.

Asbestos

Prior to breaking out wall panels or accessing service ducts, check the demolition asbestos survey before commencing any work. If any asbestos is found immediately cease work and evacuate the area.

Working at Heights

Aim to undertake as much work as possible from ground level. Ensure that the equipment used is suitable and able to withstand the job, as well well-maintained and regularly checked. Additionally, do not overload ladders – consider the equipment or materials that are being carried before working at height.

Confined Spaces

With regards to confined spaces, it is critical that the atmosphere is monitored. One key way to minimise the risks to plumbers working in confined spaces is to ventilate the space or provide breathing apparatus. This is vital if the air inside the space has any gas, fumes or vapour present. Another measure is ensuring appropriate clothing is worn, namely protective clothing and wearing shoes with a good grip. Employers of plumbers, or self-employed plumbers must also provide and/or undertake sufficient training where relevant, to ensure they know how to carry out work in a safe manner.

Slips, Trips and Falls

As water is considerably hazardous for slips, it is vital that any spillages and/or leakages are immediately addressed. Attention should also be given to the choice of footwear worn – sturdy non-slip soles and upper foot protection are suitable choices. Ensure that they fit correctly and are properly fastened. Prior to commencing work, you should make the area well-lit and free from obstacles. Furthermore, keep the work area tidy, including managing cables from power tools and be aware of loose or ripped floor coverings.

What to Read Next:

• Health & Safety Courses
• Can You Remove Asbestos Yourself?
• A Guide to the Most Common Workplace Hazards
• Risk Assessment Quiz

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

Why is it Important to Safely Secure a Ladder?

Ladders can pose serious health and safety risks, particularly if they are able to slip away from the wall or surface that they are resting on. It may be the case that some of these accidents may have been avoided if the equipment was safely secured. Therefore, it’s very important to secure the ladder appropriately to prevent the ladder from falling, or from the user falling from it.

If your work tasks involve the use of a ladder, both your employer and yourself hold responsibilities. Under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 (the HSW Act) and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR), employers are legally required to manage and supervise health and safety at work. They must do so by assessing the risk to employees and anyone else who may be affected by the work. Following this, they must provide employees with training that ensures they can competently carry out their work activities.

As an employee, it is your duty to follow procedures when completing tasks such as those that require a ladder. In doing so, you will help to protect yourself and those around you from harm.

If you want to test your existing knowledge on ladder safety, you can take our quiz, here.

How to Secure a Ladder

There are multiple methods you can use to secure and stabilise a ladder. Which one you choose will depend on the type of ladder and the conditions of the specific task. It is important that you consider which option will reduce or control the risks that have been identified. While there are many ways of securing ladders, we are going to focus on some of the most commonly used methods and devices. This includes tying the stiles, using a ladder stability device and footing the ladder.

Remember that before you secure your ladder safely in place, you must firstly carry out pre-use inspections of the ladder. You must also ensure that the environment conditions, such as weather and surface materials, are appropriate.

Tie the Stiles

You should have already checked the condition of the ladder stiles during a pre-use inspection. Never use a ladder if the stiles are bent or damaged. This could either cause it to collapse or you may lose your footing more easily.

Often, tying the stiles of the ladder is the best option to ensure it is safely secured. However, this will need to be determined by a risk assessment for the particular task. You must tie both ladder stiles with straps or rope to a suitable point, such as handrails or solid window frames. Make sure that you actually tie the stiles and not the rungs (feet) of the ladder. If you are using a ladder to reach another level, it must extend at least one metre above the surface that you are going to access. This means you should tie the ladder stiles a minimum of one metre from the top of the ladder.

Use a Ladder Stabilisation Device

You cannot always safely tie the stiles of a ladder. Alternatively, you may be able to use a ladder stabilisation device. There are many devices commercially available, including those which provide base support and stand-offs (or stand-off brackets).

Base support can be attached to the bottom of the ladder. It works by providing further support to hold and distribute the weight on the ladder. Examples you may wish to use include support (or stabiliser) legs or anti-slip boards that lock the ladder feet into place.

Stand-off devices ensure that a strong resting point at the top of the ladder can be maintained. A stand-off device should be used if the ladder would otherwise be resting against weak surfaces such as plastic gutters or glazing. The device works by holding and supporting the ladder so that it doesn’t directly rest against the weak surface.

Foot the Ladder

You should only foot the ladder if other methods of safely securing it cannot be achieved. Footing the ladder means that another person physically holds the base of the ladder in place. While the user ascends and descends it, the person footing it should maintain a secure grip of the stiles. Footing should not be used to secure a ladder that is particularly long. In addition, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advise to avoid footing ladders where ‘reasonably practicable’. In such circumstances other access equipment, such as mobile towers, should be used instead.

Securing ladders correctly is key to ensuring that they can be used safely. The method or device you use will depend on the particular task you need to complete. Remember that in some instances using a different type of working at height equipment may be a safer alternative. It is not guaranteed that you won’t experience any accidents by simply securing the ladder. You must follow the safety procedures and training that your employer will have provided you with before you use a ladder, and be confident that you can do so safely.

Further Resources:

• Ladder Safety Training
• Ladder Inspection Checklist
• Ladder Safety Quiz
• Guidance on the Ladder Angle Rule
• A Ladder Inspection Checklist: Free Template

The post Safely Securing Ladders: Guidance & Procedure appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

You may also come across risk assessment method statements (RAMS), which simply refers to the two interlinking documents of a risk assessment and a method statement.

Aside from understanding what it might be referred to, it’s crucial to know what a method statement is, when you might use it, and how to complete it. This article will clarify this information for you, so you can implement a method statement in your workplace. We also include a free method statement template so you can apply the steps given throughout the article to your own work.

What is a Method Statement?

A method statement is a type of health and safety document that people usually use for high-risk work. It describes the steps (method) that workers must take to carry out a particular job safely. Primarily, they are for the benefit of those who will physically be carrying out the work, usually those working in the construction sector.

The document should identify the potential hazards that may arise during a particular task and outline the necessary precautions that must be put in place and taken by workers. The statement must be as simple as possible to avoid any misinterpretations that could result in injury. Everyone involved in the work should read it, understand what is expected of them and follow the measures that are in place to keep them safe.

Method statements aren’t necessarily just useful for those physically working on the job. Often, clients require the documents during the tender process, particularly in the construction sector. This allows a company to understand more about an organisation and determine whether they want to enter into a business partnership for a project. A comprehensive method statement will present your company as committed to safety and able to offer a high-quality service.

Who is Responsible for Writing it?

Whoever is overseeing the team or job is typically responsible for creating the method statement, as well as ensuring that all workers have access to a copy. This person must be competent and familiar with the working procedures that will be taking place.

You may find it beneficial to carry out a method statement if you are:

• Self-employed. Being responsible for your own business means you may need to take extra precautions. It is important that you understand the risks and exactly how the work is going to be carried out.
• Carrying out work that is high-risk. For example, operations that include working at height or the use of plant.
• Carrying out work that is complex or unusual. This depends on the particular task but could include certain types of lifting operations or demolition.
• Responsible for conducting risk assessments as part of your job role. The method statement is another way of ensuring precautions are taken to reduce avoidable job-related incidents.
• Working with electrics. If your work involves connecting, cutting, fitting or running a new supply, a method statement can help you think carefully about the risks involved. Electricity can be fatal so it is always better to take precautions, regardless of the size of the project.

How Does this Differ from a Risk Assessment?

A method statement may sound the same as a risk assessment but they do differ. Most importantly, a risk assessment is a legal requirement, while a method statement is not. This means that you can’t just do a method statement instead. The abbreviation ‘RAMS’ to refer to both of these documents shows how they complement each other well. A method statement is typically completed after a risk assessment because it uses the findings, such as all the risks identified during the assessment, and outlines the control measures that are needed.

How Does this Document Relate to a Permit to Work?

As with the risk assessment, a permit to work is a document you are likely to complete if you are responsible for creating the method statement. Both method statements and permits are recommended for work that is considered to be high risk. This includes, but is not limited to, working at height, working in confined spaces, lone work, asbestos, hot work and the use of dangerous plant.

Essentially, the permit is a risk management plan that authorises particular people to do certain types of work within a specified time frame. It outlines what assessments have been carried out, the potential hazards that remain, and what procedures have been put in place to ensure worker safety. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website states that the permit to work should describe the work that will be done and how it will be done, but that the ‘how’ aspect should be expanded on in your method statement.

To see an example of how to create a permit to work, take a look at our article on What is Hot Work & Do I Need a Permit?

What Do I Need to Include in My Method Statement?

It is important that you keep your method statement as short and simple as possible. In certain cases, you may wish to also include diagrams if they would be useful for workers to follow. As your method statement is likely to be viewed by clients as well as workers, you should start your document with important general information as an introduction to the project.

Part 1: Basic Information

This is likely to include:

• The name of the project and its reference.
• A brief summary of what the work is.
• Where the work is taking place (address).
• Start and expected completion dates for the work.
• The issue date and the unique document number.
• Details about the company carrying out the activity. This should include their name, address and contact details.
• Named health and safety contacts.

Part 2: Further Information

Having outlined the basics, you can then include (where applicable):

• First aid procedures, including the qualified first aider on site.
• Work permits such as the Permit to Work and any other legal requirements.
• Staff training that may be required.
• All equipment that will be needed, such as scaffolding, plant, etc.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) needed.
• The arrangements that are in place for the disposal of waste.

Part 3: Identifying & Managing Risks

This section of the method statement should be the most thorough and detailed. It must clearly outline what hazards will be present during the work. Considering these risks, you must give step-by-step instructions as to how the task should be carried out. These control measures make sure all workplace practices are carried out safely by everyone.

For example, to minimise the risk posed by asbestos, workers should use asbestos task sheets.

Need a Course?

Take a look at our range of Health & Safety Courses where you’ll find everything from Working at Height to Asbestos Awareness.

Free Method Statement Template

We have created a method statement template that you can download and use by clicking the button below. It clearly specifies what information is required and will help you to establish the necessary steps to complete the job.

Method Statement Template

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What to Read Next:

• How to Develop a Rescue Plan for Working at Height
• Working at Height Regulations – Hierarchy of Control Measures
• Managing Occupational Health in Construction
• Working at Height Training 

The post What is a Method Statement & How Do I Fill it in? appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

Slips and Trips

Slips and trips are the most common cause of injuries to workers and are one of the most preventable types of accidents. They are usually as a result of human factors, meaning that they are caused by people, usually due to poor housekeeping or poor risk perception. Here are the most common hazards to look out for and their solutions:

You can learn more with our Slips, Trips and Falls online training course. 

Fire Safety

Workplace fires can be catastrophic for any business and can be near-impossible to fully recover from. In an office you must follow the correct fire safety procedures so that risks are minimised and you know how to safely escape should a fire ever break out. Here are the most common hazards to look out for and their solutions:

You can learn more with our Fire Safety online training course.

Electrical Safety

Electricity is a useful and necessary part of working in an office, but it can also cause major injuries or even result in death. Whilst you may not be working directly with electricity in an office, it’s likely that the majority of your equipment is powered by it, making it essential to be aware of the risks electricity can cause. Here are the most common hazards to look out for and their solutions:

You can learn more with our Electrical Safety online training course.

Falls from Height

Falls from height can happen anywhere and from any height. The trip hazard height necessary to cause an injury doesn’t need to be as high as the top of a ladder: it could even happen from head height. In an office you may be required to put up a display, access a high-up cupboard or change a light bulb: all activities that, without good working at height practices (e.g. the correct use of a ladder or stepladder) can lead to major fall injuries. Here are the most common hazards to look out for and their solutions:

You can learn more with our Working at Height online training course.

Manual Handling

Manual handling is any action involving physical effort to move or support an object or person by lifting, pushing, pulling, manoeuvring, steadying, carrying or transporting. Physical injuries are common if you don’t carry out these actions correctly and pay attention to your manual handling weight limits. Here are the most common hazards to look out for and their solutions:

You can learn more with our Manual Handling online training course.

Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

Display screen equipment (or DSE) includes equipment such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smart phones, television screens and video monitors. In an office it’s likely that you use DSE for the majority, or entirety, of your working day. However, spending too long using DSE can pose many risks to your health. Here are the most common hazards to look out for and their solutions:

You can learn more with our Display Screen Equipment (DSE) online training course.

Stress and Mental Health

Stress can be a significant cause of illness and has the ability to trigger mental, physical, behavioural and emotional problems that affect how you feel, think and act. Stress and other mental health problems often develop when the demands of work are too high or too low. Here are the most common hazards to look out for and their solutions:

You can learn more with our Mental Health Awareness online training course. 

Further Resources:

• Office Health and Safety Quiz
• DSE Workstation Assessment and Checklist
• Slips, Trips and Falls Quiz
• Health and Safety When Working with Computers: An Office Guide
• Workplace Health & Safety Quiz
• What Are the Key Differences Between Flammable and Combustible Materials?
• The Most Common Office Injuries and How To Prevent Them
• Office Health and Safety Training

The post Office Hazard Checklist for Health & Safety appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

This article will outline common construction hazards. It will provide a list of hazards on a construction site so that you are aware of the potential dangers and how to prevent them.

List of Hazards on a Construction Site

Construction hazards are heavily dependent on the type of construction work that is being carried out. For example, working on scaffolding presents entirely different hazards to working with asbestos.

The top ten risks and hazards from working on construction sites are:

• Working at height.
• Moving objects.
• Slips, trips, and falls.
• Noise.
• Hand arm vibration syndrome.
• Material and manual handling.
• Collapsing trenches.
• Asbestos.
• Electricity.
• Airborne fibres and materials.

Working at Height

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publish statistics every year that detail the most common causes of ill health and accidents – both fatal and non-fatal – to workers in the UK. Each year, approximately a quarter of worker fatalities are caused by a fall from height. This puts working at height as the most common cause of fatal injuries to workers.

Suitable training is required for all employees who work at height. Employees should be trained in working on different pieces of equipment and surfaces, such as how to work safely on scaffolding, ladders, and roofs.

The law requires that all employers must assess the risks from working at height. A plan should then be devised to ensure all work is carried out safely. The employee must have received the correct training in working at height, and must be aware of the safety procedures they should follow when doing so.

Working at height must be properly planned and supervised, and certain approaches and precautions should be adopted. These are:

• Avoid working at height where possible. For example, if something can be assembled on ground level, do it there.
• Use equipment with an extra level of safety to reduce the risk of a fatal fall. For example, a scaffold with a double guard-rail.
• Minimise the consequences of a fall, for example by providing a safety net.

High Speed Training offers a convenient, online Working at Height training course, suitable for gutter and window cleaning, solar panel installation, minor roof work and many more. Head to our course library for full details. 

Moving Objects

A construction site is an ever-changing environment, and construction hazards continue to increase as construction is underway. There are many moving objects commonly encountered on construction sites. These include overhead lifting equipment, supply vehicles, and diggers, all of which move around a usually uneven terrain.

Reducing risks should always be a priority. Workers should always:

• Avoid working close to the moving object.
• Be vigilant of their surroundings, especially if the object does not have lights or beepers.
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as a high visibility jacket, to ensure they are seen.

What should you do if an employee refuses to wear their PPE? Our guide offers advice for employers in this situation.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls can happen in almost any environment. As construction sites often have uneven terrain, buildings at various stages of completion, and unused materials on site, it is unsurprising that slips, trips, and falls are a common hazard.

HSE reports that several thousand construction workers are injured every year following a slip or trip, and that most of these could be avoided by effectively managing working areas and access routes, such as stairwells and footpaths.

Those in control of construction sites must effectively manage the site so that workers can move around it safely. Risks should always be reported and sorted to reduce the chances of injury.

Some causes of slips and trips and how to prevent them include:

• Uneven surfaces – The risk of these can be reduced by providing walkways that are clearly designated as walkways, having good conditions underfoot, and being well lit.
• Obstacles – Instances of slipping and tripping over obstacles can be dramatically reduced by everyone keeping their work and storage areas tidy and designating specific areas for waste collection.
• Trailing cables – Cordless tools should be used where possible. If this is not possible, cables should be run at high levels.
• Wet or slippery surfaces – If a surface is slippery with mud it should be treated with stone, and if it is slippery with ice it should be treated with grit. Any areas that are slippery should be signposted, and footwear with a good grip should be worn.

Want to learn more about preventing slips, trips and falls in your workplace? Our guide offers tips for each hazard. High Speed Training also offer a Slips, Trips and Falls training course to help you control the associated risks in your workplace.

Noise

Construction is noisy and, as a result, noise is a common construction hazard. Loud, repetitive, and excessive noise causes long term hearing problems, such as deafness. Noise can also be a dangerous distraction and may distract the worker from the task at hand, which can cause accidents.

It is the employer’s responsibility to carry out a comprehensive noise risk assessment, and provide appropriate PPE where necessary.

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a painful and debilitating disease of the blood vessels, nerves, and joints. It is usually caused by the prolonged use of hand-held power tools, including vibratory power tools and ground working equipment.

HAVS is preventable, however once the damage is done, it is permanent. HSE reports that nearly 2 million people are at risk of developing HAVS. Damage from the disease can include the inability to do fine work, and cold temperatures can trigger painful attacks in the fingers.

Construction workers should be given appropriate protection when using vibrating tools, and equipment should be well maintained.

High Speed Training offers a dedicated online HAVS training course to help you comply with UK health and safety legislation.

Material and Manual Handling

Materials and equipment are constantly being lifted and moved around construction sites, whether this be manually or by equipment. Either way, handling carries a degree of risk.

Where duties involve manual handling, adequate training must be provided. If an employee is required to use lifting equipment, they must be trained in how to use this and a test should be taken to check their ability to use the equipment safely.

Do you know your limits for lifting heavy boxes or equipment? Check out our guide to Manual Handling Safe Zones with handy dos & don’ts.

Collapsing Trenches

A common occurrence on construction sites is the collapsing of trenches with workers inside. Further, a building that is being demolished or under construction can suddenly and unexpectedly collapse, which can seriously injure, or even kill, those inside.

Precautions for collapse need to be taken before work starts. If the project requires a trench, site managers should:

• Consider the kind of support that is best suited for the trench.
• Ensure the trench is fully secure.
• Regularly inspect the trench both before and during the work shift.

Asbestos

Asbestos refers to a set of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals. When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, these fibres are released into the air. Inhaling these fibres can cause fatal and serious diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural thickening.

Asbestos kills around 5,000 workers per year, and an average of 20 tradespeople die every week as a result of past exposure. An estimated 500,000 public buildings in the UK are thought to contain asbestos.

If there is asbestos on the construction site, workers must be informed where it is. They must be trained in what to do should they come across suspicious materials that may contain asbestos.

Duty holders have a legal requirement to ensure building or site occupants are suitably protected from asbestos-related risks. One way to observe your duty of care is to provide awareness training to those who may come into contact with Asbestos. Take a look at our Asbestos Awareness Course for more information.

Electricity

It is harmful to be exposed to electrical live parts. Harm can occur either by touching live parts directly, or indirectly by a conducting object or material.

HSE reports that approximately 1,000 electrical accidents at work are reported every year. Most of these accidents arise from contact with overhead or underground power cables and electrical equipment/machinery. Electric shocks are a common cause for falls from ladders, scaffolds, and other work platforms. There is also a growing number of electrocutions involving workers who are not qualified electricians, but who are carrying out electrical work on construction sites.

Airborne Fibres and Materials

Unsurprisingly, a lot of dust is produced on construction sites. The dust on construction sites is often an invisible, fine, and toxic mixture of hazardous materials and fibres. This can damage the lungs and lead to diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and silicosis.

It is the duty of all employers to ensure protective equipment is used. Simply providing it is not enough.

We hope that this article has proved useful in explaining common construction hazards, and their reason for occurring. Listed below are further resources relating to hazards and safety in construction. 

What to Read Next:

• Basic Health and Safety Training
• PPE in Construction: Safety Guidance and Checklist
• Understanding the Classification of Grinding Wheels
• What are the Hazards of Grinding?
• Electrical Safety Guidance for Working on Construction Sites
• Crane Safety Hazards and Control Measures
• Slips, Trips and Falls Quiz
• Understanding the Marking System for Abrasive Wheels
• Safely Securing Ladders: Guidance & Procedure
• Toolbox Talks in Construction: Guidance on Meeting Topics and Resources
• What is Effective Communication in Construction?
• How to Become a Construction Worker
• How to Dispose of Construction Waste
• What is the Difference Between Hazard and Risk?
• Protecting the Public During Construction Projects

The post Ten Common Construction Site Hazards appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

If your business involves any working at height, it is essential that you have a well-considered and thorough rescue plan in place. You must use this in the event of a fall from height.

A rescue plan is a pre-planned strategy or procedure, designed to safely retrieve someone who has fallen from height and is suspended in a harness. It provides information about the type and location of equipment that are vital in the rescue process.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publish statistics every year regarding the causes of workplace ill health and accidents. Falls from height are often one of the most common causes of fatal injuries to workers. These statistics emphasise just how essential it is for you to take adequate measures, and have a rescue plan in place.

It is your responsibility to write up a rescue plan. Do not rely on the emergency services – it is not their duty to rescue the fallen worker. Furthermore, if there is a delay in emergency services arriving on site, it could be critical for the worker. You must act quickly.

Download Your Free Rescue Plan Template

The Work at Height Regulations 2005

The main legislation surrounding working at height is The Work at Height Regulations 2005. These regulations aim to prevent death and injury caused by a fall from height.

Those in control of any working at height activity must ensure that they plan, supervise, and carry out work safely.

Employers must assess the risks of working at height, and develop a detailed and systematic rescue plan to use in cases of emergency. The competent person must fully understand the plan.

Need a Course?

Our Working at Height Training Course helps you to comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 by providing employers and employees with the necessary information needed to be able to successfully deal with working at height risks and control measures.

The HSE Requirements

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) state that you must regularly assess and update the rescue plan, and related resources, where necessary.

Rescue equipment should always be available on site, and you must provide adequate training in how to use it.

The HSE state that all rescue plans must address:

• The safety of people carrying out the rescue.
• Any anchor points for the safety equipment.
• The suitability of the equipment.
• How to attach the individual to the rescue equipment.
• How to move the individual using the equipment.
• Any medical, or other, needs of the individual during the rescue procedure.

Risk Assessments

You need to conduct a risk assessment before starting any work at height, and must postpone work if rescue procedures are insufficient.

There are five steps to a risk assessment:

1. Identify the hazards
2. Decide who might be harmed and how
3. Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions
4. Record your findings and implement them
5. Review the risk assessment and update where necessary.

If you would like to read more about how to develop a working at height risk assessment, click here.

Rescue Training

A competent person must carry out rescues. A competent person is somebody who has sufficient training, experience, and knowledge to assist accurately.

You must inform the trained rescuer if there is a change in the rescue equipment, nature of their work, or circumstances. They should also receive refresher training at least once a year.

The rescuer should have the skills and knowledge to:

• Inspect, anchor, assemble, and use fall protection and rescue equipment safely.
• Recognise fall hazards.
• Implement fall hazard control methods.
• Conduct fall protection and rescue procedures.
• Inspect equipment and systems before use.

Download Your Free Rescue Plan Template

What to Read Next:

• Hierarchy of Control Measures – Working at Height
• Working at Height Rules and Regulations
• What is a Method Statement & How Do I Fill it in?
• Working at Height Quiz
• Working at Height Training

The post How to Develop a Rescue Plan for Working at Height appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.