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A Guide for
Steelwork Contractors
BCSA is the national organisation for the Constructional Steelwork Industry; its Member
companies undertake the design, fabrication and erection of steelwork for all forms
of construction in building and civil engineering. Associate Members are those principal
companies involved in the purchase, design or supply of components, materials,
services etc., related to the industry.
The principal objectives of the Association are to promote the use of structural
steelwork; to assist specifiers and clients; to ensure the capabilities and activities of
the industry are widely understood and to provide members with professional services
in technical, commercial, contractual and quality assurance matters.
A current list of members and a list of current publications and further membership
details can be obtained from:
The British Constructional Steelwork Association Ltd.,
4, Whitehall Court, Westminster, London SW1A 2ES
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7839 8566 Fax: +44(0)20 7976 1634
E-mail: postroom@steelconstruction.org Website: www.steelconstruction.org
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This publication has been produced with assistance from the Department of Trade
and Industry, under whose auspices the document has been drafted and published.
1. Introduction 1
2. Accidents at Work 2
3. Health and Safety Law 3
4. Company Policy 3
5. Information and Training 4
6. Abrasive Wheels 4/5
7. Access and Egress 5
8. Asbestos 6
9. Compressed Air 6
10. Conduct 7
11. Confined Spaces 7/8
12. Contractors/Visitors 8
13. Consultation 8
14. Electrical Equipment 9
15. Emergency Procedures 10
16. Environment 10
17. Falls from a Height 11/14
18. Fire Prevention 15
19. First Aid 16
20. Flammable Liquids 16
CONTENTS (Continued) PAGE
INTRODUCTION
This booklet sets out the guidelines which you should follow when
working in the workshop - please read it carefully and consult your
Supervisor or Departmental Manager if you require further information
or advice on any of the matters listed.
H.R. Stamper
MIOSH, MIIRSM, RSP.
1
HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE WORKSHOP
1. ACCIDENTS AT WORK
You must report any work related injury or ill health problem to your supervisor
and enter details in the Accident Book BI 510, which is available for this
purpose. Remember all injuries should be recorded in the book.
2
3. HEALTH AND SAFETY LAW
4. COMPANY POLICY
3
5. INFORMATION AND TRAINING
6. ABRASIVE WHEELS
Abrasive wheels are used primarily for grinding and cutting. Eye injuries and
contact with moving machinery are the main dangers so always wear
appropriate eye protection such as goggles and check that protective screens
and guards are in place and properly adjusted before using the equipment.
Also check start/stop controls are working properly before grinding and
that lighting is satisfactory.
4
Remember, only trained and appointed personnel are permitted to
change abrasive wheels and therefore, unless you have be appointed
in writing to carry out this task, you must not attempt to replace or
change a worn or damaged wheel.
Check that sparks from the process will not ignite material or injure
other personnel.
If it is necessary to leave
material in accessways for
short periods, make sure
there is alternative access
and mark the obstruction to
highlight the danger.
5
8. ASBESTOS
The term asbestos relates to certain types of material which can be harmful
to health. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre which has often been
used to provide insulation, roofing or fire protection. Breathing-in asbestos
dust can cause irreversible lung damage or greatly increase the risk of can-
cer. If you are required to work with material where asbestos dust is liable to
be released, check with your immediate supervisor before commencing work.
Work involving asbestos must only be carried out by trained and competent
personnel who are licensed to undertake this type of work.
9. COMPRESSED AIR
Do not leave hoses lying around because they may cause a tripping
hazard.
6
10. CONDUCT
Don't interfere
with electrical equipment - arrange for a
qualified person to undertake repairs.
Any place in which dangerous fumes or lack of oxygen are liable to be present,
to such an extent as to overcome personnel, must be regarded as a confined
space. If you require to work in a confined space always follow the correct
procedure which will include certifying that the space has been:
7
Effectively isolated to prevent the ingress of dangerous fumes
12. CONTRACTORS/VISITORS
13. CONSULTATION
8
14. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
9
15. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
16. ENVIRONMENT
Make sure chemicals and other harmful substances are not stored
next to drains, etc.
10
17. FALLS FROM A HEIGHT
Climbing onto trailers or steelwork may be quicker, but if you fall the
consequences could be serious. Always select the right access equipment. -
remember the scope of ladders and step ladders is limited and, depending
on the work, you may have to consider using a mobile scaffold or working
platform.
Ladders
Check the ladder is in good condition before use. Look out for cracked
or split stiles and missing, broken or loose rungs.
Use both hands as you climb - don't attempt to carry things in your
hand. If you have to carry tools put them in a shoulder bag or tool belt.
11
Don't attempt to do things from a ladder which require two hands.
Stairs
When using trestles to support a working platform make sure the span
is not excessive, the platform is fully boarded and guardrails are fitted,
where necessary.
12
Scaffolds including towers
Don't erect or alter scaffolds unless your have been properly trained.
13
Roofs
Always attach the lanyard to a suitable anchor point - if you are not
sure - check with your supervisor.
14
18. FIRE PREVENTION
Make sure you are familiar with escape routes so that you know which
route to follow in an emergency.
Always ensure that you have a clear escape route when tackling
fires to avoid being trapped.
15
19. FIRST AID
First aid equipment has been provided for treating injuries. Consult the
noticeboard about first aid arrangements within the premises.
Flammable and highly flammable liquids are liquids with a low flash point such
as petroleum spirits, thinners, some types of paints etc. and will be marked
with a warning label.
If you have to use flammable liquid, keep it in the proper storage areas
provided, and only withdraw enough liquid to carry out your immediate
task.
Do not travel with insecure loads and never overload the truck.
Make sure the forks are spaced properly and fully engaged.
Travel with the load near the ground and, where appropriate, tilt back
the forks.
Do not exceed the site speed limit and watch out for holes and slippery
surfaces.
Slow down and sound your horn at blind spots to warn personnel of
your approach.
When parking - lower the forks fully, apply the parking brake and
remove the key.
Always use the correct hand tool for the job and inspect it
before use. Don't use hammers with loose heads, chisels
with mushroom heads, worn spanners and screwdrivers.
Protect sharp edged tools when not in use.
17
Always use suitable knives for cutting and keep your hands
behind the cutting edge, wherever possible. Avoid cutting
towards the body and wear cut resistant gloves or gauntlets if
necessary.
Make sure files are fitted with the correct size of handle.
18
Always make sure lids, caps or bungs are replaced, as soon as pos-
sible, and place the container in its correct storage area.
24. HOUSEKEEPING
19
25. ISOLATION
Isolation means breaking the energy supply (electricity, gas, compressed air
etc.) in a secure manner so that it cannot be accidentally re-connected.
If special isolation procedures apply (permits) - make sure you clearly under-
stand how the system operates - if in doubt ask your supervisor or manager.
20
26. LIFTING AND CARRYING
Bad lifting techniques can lead to serious back strain and other injuries. If you
have to lift or carry something follow these simple rules:
Think about where and how you'll put the load down.
If the load is within your capability- keep your feet slightly apart with
one in front of the other and with your back straight, bend your knees,
get a firm grip, hold the item close to your body and use your legs -
not your back to straighten up.
Make sure you can see where you are going and be careful not to
crush your fingers when lowering the load.
21
27. LIFTING EQUIPMENT
Various items are provided for lifting purpose e.g. web and wire rope slings,
chains, shackles, eye bolts etc.
Items should be marked with an Identity Number and Working Load Limit
(WLL) or there should be a table nearby showing the Safe Working Load (SWL)
for various lifting configurations. Establish the SWL and make sure the item
is in good condition before use.
Never exceed the SWL of either the lifting equipment or lifting appli-
ance - if you are not sure check with your supervisor.
Never leave slings hanging from crane hooks since they may catchon
obstructions whilst the crane is travelling.
Never crawl or stand under suspended loads and warn others to keep
clear of moving loads.
Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) is the common name used to describe vari-
ous compressed gases such as Propane and Butane. Acetylene is another
compressed fuel gas that has similar industrial uses to those of LPG.
LPG is normally stored in fixed tanks or portable cylinders. LPG will ignite
easily when released and therefore the precautions listed below must be fol-
lowed when handling or using this gas.
Keep full and empty cylinders separate and store oxygen well away
from LPG.
If you need to use a crane or forklift truck, make sure cylinders are
properly positioned and secure.
23
Close valves tightly when not in use and coil up hoses to avoid
creating tripping hazards.
Always follow the correct procedure when filling cylinders from LPG
tanks.
Oxygen
Never use:
29. MACHINERY
30. NOISE
Excessive noise can affect your hearing and over a period of time will result
in noise induced deafness. The workshop has some noisy processes and
although steps have been taken to reduce noise, you may still need to take
certain precautions to avoid hearing loss.
Look out for noise warning and hearing protection signs. Wear
suitable hearing protection before entering these areas or using
noisy plant and equipment.
Make sure when using hearing protection that you position the ear cup
or insert the plug properly in order to make an effective seal.
25
Never use damaged or dirty hearing protection.
If a noise refuge has been provided - use it and make sure you close
the door to keep noise out.
Take care of your hearing protection and replace it, when necessary.
26
31. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Look out for PPE signs in the area or labels on containers, drums, etc.
which tell you what to wear.
27
36. SAFETY SIGNS
Signs may be displayed around the site to help you understand the action
which needs to be taken in particular situations. These signs now conform to
standard colours, shapes and symbols as shown below:
Symbol
Colour Shape Symbol content will vary
depending on the message
RED
means stop/prohibition
Remember red means
danger
No naked lights
GREEN
means safe condition
Slips, trips and falls result in a high number of accidents each year, and falling
from a height is the single largest cause of workplace fatalities. A great deal
can be done to prevent slips, trips and falls, but this requires your commitment
and action to reduce the risks.
Pay attention to where you are going - most accidents are caused by
people not looking out for obstructions.
Wear suitable footwear and make sure you avoid contamination from
oil, mud, water etc. which may cause you to slip.
29
Get to know what safe systems exist, e.g. Isolation procedures, work
on cranes, etc. - if you are not sure, check with your supervisor.
Read through the procedure and make sure you understand it - if you
don't, ask for help.
30
Do not operate this type of equipment unless you have been properly
trained and authorised.
31
37. WELDING AND CUTTING
Arc/gas welding and cutting can cause serious injury unless it is properly used.
Read and follow the simple precautions detailed below:
The fuel gas may be propane or acetylene used in conjunction with oxygen.
Read the section on LPG and oxygen (page 23 and 24) as well as these
precautions.
Open cylinder valves slowly using the correct spindle key or valve.
33
24. WELFARE FACILITIES
You are legally entitled to suitable and sufficient welfare facilities such as
changing rooms, washing facilities, toilets etc. However you have a
responsibility to look after these facilities.
Always use the facilities provided for eating, washing, changing etc.
Try to keep these areas clean and tidy. Simple things like wiping
surfaces, hanging up clothes, rinsing basins and flushing toilets
properly go some way to maintaining welfare standards.
34
Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study or
criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Design and Patents
Act 1988, this publication may not be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in
any form by any means without the prior permission of the publishers or in
the case of reprographic reproduction only in accordance with the terms of
the licences issued by the UK Copyright Licensing Agency , or in accordance
with the terms of licences issued by the appropriate Reproduction Rights
Organisation outside the UK.
Although care has been taken to ensure, to the best of our knowledge, that
all data and information contained herein are accurate to the extent that
they relate to either matters of fact or accepted practice or matters of
opinion at the time of publication. The British Constructional Steelwork
Association Limited, the authors and the reviewers assume no responsibility
for any errors in or misinterpretations of such data and/or information of any
loss or damage arising from or related to their use.